* Rocking around the Christmas Tree * - It's the 2018 Christmas Chatter Thread

Gettingtherequickly

Isn't today so much more pleasurable weatherwise? Got 2 cakes in oven, 1 more to go, then 2 more nearer Christmas, they don't like raisins etc, so can't make before then, so by weekend, and more importantly before I go on holidays, I will have made 18 cakes. I also have 2 full free weekends before I go, which means I can do something about the house, it is a complete bombsite, not having time to do things, and stuff building up that needs to be packed. Having to vacpac, so I can get as much as possible in cases. Thank goodness I have 2 x 32kg allowance!

Hope to go through"' and wrap, all the gifts I have before I go also, can then work out who I need to buy for. Need to go to Costco next week, hoping their Christmas cards will be in, so can make a start on those also.

On weightloss news, I finally reached the 3st 7lb mark, and am now suddenly racing towards 4, would love if I could do it before I go, but hey, still a lot lighter than I was when I went last year

Peppapig

Sorry GTQ but it’s a resounding NO from me. The heavy rain yesterday and the night before was great but the non stop drizzle and thick cloud today is just depressing. I’ve had enough rain now, bring back some sunshine!

vulpix

Hi,the fields are looking greener already after some rain.It feels much fresher today too.

GTQ I am in awe. Both for weightloss and making 18 Christmas cakes.I am crawling along with the weightloss at 1lb a week.

Well yesterdays plans all went by the wayside. It rained so much we didn't go to the open garden.DS was stuck on the motorway for 2 hours behind a very bad accident so in the end just drove near Birmingham sat for a couple of hours then turned round and went home again.At least he was going home.I did tell him before he set off that the roads would be greasy after such a dry spell then rain.

As it is cooler today I intend to give my kitchen a much needed bottoming.

Need to start writing lists for Christmas #excited.

Vx

kerri_gt

mrsinvisible wrote: »

Our hosepipe ban starts next week, but read in Martins newsletter that blue badge owners are exempt from it. wonder how that will go down locally!

I totally agree that people who need to use hosepipes for some reason should be able to, however I do still think there should be caveats to use - I can think of no actual reason anyone 'needs' to water their lawn for example (including several very green, non artificial ones in our road that are no use to man nor beast). Brown grass might not look nice but grass will come back, in times like this (which are very rare really) we should all be sensible using water where it's really needed not for aesthetic reasons.

Sorry...soap box away :rotfl:

stokiebecks our local Poundworld is closing, if I remember when I'm next in town I'll stick my head in and see if there's by any chance any white tinsel. Don't hold out hope as its like the locusts have been through (though loads of hanging baskets for some reason) but I did see some xmas stuff the other day when I went past. Failing that, have you checked fleabay?
Was this a brand they sold in PW? It looks familiar
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowflake-Effect-White-Christmas-Tinsel-2-Metres-6-5-Ft-Tree-Decoration-Garland/382524097144?epid=22021637747&hash=item5910368278:g:iCYAAOSwjNZbUi7Q

mrsinvisible

Rain seems to have stopped, good. l don't want it raining when they do the conservatory roof. Have given myself the week off housework, as l don't see the point when it is all upside down with having to move everything out of there till it's over with. Taking a friend shopping in charity shops this morning as he wants a red hearthrug. Other than that the day is unplanned and could go anywhere. Our Poundworld has some Christmas bits still, so l will look see if there is any white tinsel for you too Stokiebecks. Hope everyone is ok, and are getting the weather they prefer.
My friends DD recently took over an allotment, but so far they haven't done anything to it, lt is a big undertaking so l hope it goes well for them. Right, now, it is time to get motivated, (at least get out of bed!!)x

StokieBecks

kerri_gt wrote: »

I totally agree that people who need to use hosepipes for some reason should be able to, however I do still think there should be caveats to use - I can think of no actual reason anyone 'needs' to water their lawn for example (including several very green, non artificial ones in our road that are no use to man nor beast). Brown grass might not look nice but grass will come back, in times like this (which are very rare really) we should all be sensible using water where it's really needed not for aesthetic reasons.

Sorry...soap box away :rotfl:

stokiebecks our local Poundworld is closing, if I remember when I'm next in town I'll stick my head in and see if there's by any chance any white tinsel. Don't hold out hope as its like the locusts have been through (though loads of hanging baskets for some reason) but I did see some xmas stuff the other day when I went past. Failing that, have you checked fleabay?
Was this a brand they sold in PW? It looks familiar
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowflake-Effect-White-Christmas-Tinsel-2-Metres-6-5-Ft-Tree-Decoration-Garland/382524097144?epid=22021637747&hash=item5910368278:g:iCYAAOSwjNZbUi7Q

Ohhhh thank you for the link Kerri. I will have a look in my box and see if that is similar/same to one we have :T

Never thought of Ebay to be honest haha

freespirit66

Afternoon everyone, I don't know if you all remember about the state of my garden and all the tip rubbish in the garage saga, well its finally going to be sorted. The kids have got someone in to clear most of the garage stuff and clear the garden, so hopefully by the end of the summer I will feel as though a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders. All you gardeners do you have any advice on the best black weed control, it would need to be very robust, as I don't want the kids spending so much money to be in vain if the weeds started coming through again (its so fertile here), then I was thinking gravel on top?

MRSINVISIBLE oh I'm so sorry your trip to China has had to be postponed, hopefully they can stabilise it with medication, then you can rearrange. Haha your DGS would tower over me my legs are only 25" long

PEPPAPIG ooh I liked the tree topper as well, I liked the BELIEVE one but wasn't sure on the aeroplane, but loved the matching tree skirt too. I did enjoy it all but a lot of it just isn't Christmassy to me, I turned off when A P came on as I cant stand him. I missed the Alison Cork hour later in the evening too. I absolutely love the book ideas for the GC, the mirror card is a fab idea!

VULPIX oh that will be lovely having you on IG, what a shame your open garden trip was called off, I'm glad DD has had her offer accepted

MURIE oh wow are they both going to Tokyo? That would be fabulous to see all the blossom. I am doing money this year too for my lot, and filling up a small gift bag with favourite choc, popcorn, fizzy etc.

04624181 I have seen a lot of people have got fab bargains at the PW closing down sale

STOKIEBECKS if I get near a PW and they are still open I will look for white tinsel for you

GETTINGTHEREQUICKLY wow 18 Christmas cakes that is fab! If I don't get back on before you go, have a lovely time!

CHRISSY I hope DD is ok and that the PIP F2F went well for her

vulpix

Mr V got a GP app yesterday as he felt like he wasn't breathing very well.Bloods,ECG etc.Surgery phoned later and said go to A & E,get an ambulance if you feel unwell,possible Pulmonary embolism. Notes didn't reach A & E so they did everything again,got out at 1 : 30 am. Blood something or other too high,ECG not quite right but all just within acceptable boundaries.New pills to be taken. Those poor staff in A & E.There was a little girl there from Guide Camp with a rash.We all witnessed a drunk chap raging and wrecking stuff in the waiting room and being "helped" by security and police.

Free, do you want no vegetation at all?It would have to be weed killer (very strong one,not stuff from the garden centre)Then black weed control stuff and gravel on top.Weeds would eventually come through but if you pulled them out regularly it would be ok.It would be pricey though depending on the size of your garden.It might be a similar price to have artificial grass.Would probs be cheaper to have it all real grass and pay some one £15 a week to come and cut it.You need a teenage boy.My son used to cut a neighbours grass for a tenner and it was a massive garden.
I will try to get on Instagram,it's hard to pin down my I T support (kids).

It is our Wedding Anniversary today. 7 years.Feels like 47. A LOT has happened in the past 7 years.We have moved 4 times,I have had breast cancer,gall bladder out and massive surgery on my spine.Mr V has written off a car on black ice,his Dad has died etc etc.Lots of laughs and good times too.We have just been out for a lovely lunch at a Lebanese restaurant.

Have decided today to have a 60th birthday party next March.Mr V will do the disco (his work)Venue chosen,need to think about bar and food.
Of course you are all invited.The more the merrier.I actually would love it if any of you came.

When I was in a shopping town last week poundworld was already closed.Shame.

Vx

Peppapig

Wow VULPIX you have crammed one heck of a lot into seven years :eek: Happy Anniversary, I wish you many more happy years together although maybe slightly less eventful ones for the future! Glad Mr V is ok and good for you having the party, wouldn’t it be funny if we all came and none of us would know who the other was, we’d have to wear badges

Can’t help with the tinsel STOKIE as we didn’t have a Poundworld, we’ve got two Poundlands but no Poundworld. I’ll keep a lookout for white tinsel anyway.

MRSINVIS yay to the conservatory roof, hope the weather is fine and dry but not so hot they can’t work on it.

FREE I think VULPIX is right, a good weed killer then strong black membrane (don’t get the cheap one from Wilks) one that they use under paving/driveways would be good then your stones or gravel. Just be careful with small gravel if you have many local cats as they do like to use it as a toilet! We’ve got the 20mm stones and they leave those alone. I still get weeds through but they’re really easy to spot and I just pull them out or spray them. I was the same with QVC, I liked the believe banner but didn’t want the plane, I’d have liked the banner behind the sleigh

Been out to lunch today with the chemo girls (I use the term girls quite loosely as we’re all knocking on a bit now) which was nice, we had a good laugh and I had a smoked salmon and egg open sandwich with chips so all good, although I forgot I’m doing salmon tonight so a fishy day for me.

Still not got going properly on my Christmas crafting but my Works order came yesterday so I’m fast running out of excuses!

StokieBecks

Morning all!

Yesterday I transferred all my Christmas savings pot into my separate account so it is ready to spend as I see things. I also ordered some my first main bits towards this years gifts. I have ordered personalised slate coasters as family gifts. Think that goes with most home decor so don't need to worry about colour schemes . The adults will then get a voucher for one of the coffee shop chains as we have done that previous years and they have all enjoyed going out for a treat coffee and cake after Christmas when money maybe a bit scarce for some.

My mum has said she wants a walk in greenhouse so hopefully some of the shops will be reducing them now it is getting later in the year.

Must try so hard this year to stick to my budget. I fail most years :rotfl: