The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

Popperwell

All advice greatly appreciated. I wish I could "Grow" my own as I used to but I think its too much hassle now. I looked at some tomato seeds yesterday and was tempted but I'd have to buy compost, containers and only have tomatoes approx. 4mths of the year and would I use them all. I can buy 6-8 tomatoes sometimes more for £1, not as cheap over the year but...


I feel like going out but I'm wasting my time. Been looking at bus services that would get me to the coast for a peaceful sit by the sea and whether I go to Whitley Bay, Seaton Carew, Redcar or Saltburn its three changes of buses each way and each journey takes around 2-3 hours depending which is nearest. In a car I could do that in perhaps 30 mins for the nearest destination and an hour for the latter.


You don't really save much time switching to local trains either as you sometimes have to bus to a station and in my case a train journey costs money...the bus does not. Looking at this I seem to be in a moaning mood, looks worse written down than in my mind.


Perhaps I'll do some radio listening instead The Archers/Desert Island Discs and have a nice salad with haddock not a very Sunday like meal though.

[Deleted User]

Morning all, the concert last night was outstandingly good, the orchestra was composed of players with original instruments and the setting in the Cathedral was perfect We were asked not to applaud at any point in the performance particularly at the finish as it was composed as a church service and was therefore an act of worship and not entertainment We also had a short address from the Dean at the beginning of the second half of the performance as traditionally a sermon would have been delivered at that point. It was a moving experience and pin drop quiet in the Cathedral as the soloists, orchestra and choral society left the performance area at the front, certainly something I'll remember for a very long time. DD1 and I are having a quiet day today, it was a long performance last night and we didn't get home until nearly 11 after having left at 6.30 and all I had to do was sit and enjoy she did all the hard work! I think we might go out for lunch today which will be very pleasant and then I'm going to tackle the ironing pile this afternoon. Back home tomorrow late in the afternoon when I'll catch up reading what you've all been doing since Friday, Lyn xxx.

Mrs_Veg_Plot

I'm very impressed with your plumbing skills Sheila. Unfortunately I am not very good in the DIY department but I can paint and garden.

Congratulations on the new additions Burtha. Hope all goes we with the next batch.

I'm feeling very lazy sat here with my leg up. DD1 is currently doing the washing and ironing and DD2 is doing the dusting and hoovering. They are good girls and as DD1 pointed out they have been trained well. They are cooking a roast for tea tonight.

[Deleted User]

I used to take my children up to the Durham area when they were small back in the early 1980s.I loved the Cathedral and the walk along the river. are the trees with the disciples still along there We went there a couple of times and I found it really facinating to sit at one end and look down at the disciples on either side.
We stayed at a pub in Wolsingham called The Bay Tree and it was lovely .Going over the 'tops' in winter when the snow was lying was gorgeous.I also remember seeing High Force frozen back around 1982.

A long drive from Kent but well worth it I thought.I loved the local people as well they were so welcoming to my DDs and I .My late OH was working in the Sudan at the time so I'd take the two girls all over the place when they were on half term ,even in the wintertime.

Popperwell

JackieO, I am so happy that you enjoyed your visits to Durham and found "us" welcoming. I believe what you mention is still there. TBH I live 45 mins from Durham and I haven't touched on such a lot of what it has perhaps this is my year to do so. I will make a point of letting you know and perhaps post some images.

Jazee

Morning fencers. Just popping in to catch up before DH takes me for a celebratory meal out.

Had a leaflet yesterday from the theatre in Scarborough. I'm tempted to book for some of the day time matinees. Only £10 a ticket and although we'd have to take the day off work, we could visit one of our favourite places and enjoy a show at the same time without having the cost of staying over. I shall think about for the next week or so and make a decision on pay day.

I hope everyone is having a great day.

Oops just noticed its actually afternoon already.

FairyPrincessk

Afternoon all,

Very tired here today as neighbour had one of his loudest companions around all night last night. They shouted at each other. This particular companion usually brings along plenty of drugs and alcohol so we don't knock when she is around. She was banished for several blissful months, but alas I think the reprieve is over. OH finally persuaded me to try some of his earplugs (I have my own but they did nothing to drown out the noise) so I got a few hours between 4 and 8. Perhaps I can be forgiven for getting a bit of satisfaction out of using the hairdryer at 10 and that I'm looking forward to vaccing the bedroom in a bit. Petty, I suppose, but it the little things isn't it?

Pops, reading your post above made me think of that old saying 'its the journey not the destination.' I wonder if there is any information about scenic bus routes? I must admit that I'd be hard pressed to suggest any around here, although I do know of a really lovely scenic train journey that would only cost £3-4, alas it wouldn't be much help to you. It is a lovely day here, not sure about in your parts--I don't blame you for wanting to get out but can sympathize with just how difficult it can be to 'get somewhere' using public transport and mobility difficulties can't make it any easier.

Sunday food is usually easy fare for us these days. Leftovers for lunch--that courgette gratin again. I don't think I needed to increase the recipe! But that is the last of it, and a bit of salad. Tea tonight is tomato and basil soup with fresh bread, hummus, cheese and any other little bits I find in the fridge to make it seem nice. I like to take inspiration from Nella Last's little pieced together meals. There is cake for pudding. Soup on Sundays started last term when I was teaching first thing on Monday mornings, it just made life that much easier if we could have a simple tea and have the kitchen all tidy early and start the week with everything squared away.

Right, off to pay Bruce a visit and see if he is ready for a bit of mixing into dough, then it is to my 'evil' vaccing and changing bedlinins.

Nargleblast

Popperwell - other seaside places to consider, depending on where in the county you are.....Seaham? Sunderland? Hartlepool? Or a bit further afield there's Whitby, could be worth an overnight stay.

Popperwell

FairyPrincessk and Nargleblast all great suggestions. Not been too bad pottering around as the day has gone on.

Jazee

Afternoon fencers. Had lovely meal out with DH but THREE courses. Came back and had a nana nap and I'm not even a nana. About to wake up properly with a dog walk.