Wednesday 1 September

[Kath Mulligan]

I can't believe how fast this year is flying by - how can it possibly be September already? According to Jonathan Powell, the weather forecaster who frightened me last month by saying that northern areas could expect some snow this month, we are now in for an Indian summer with temperatures up into the low to mid seventies for much of the month, and a drier than average October and November as well. Hope he is right on both counts! It would be lovely to have a settled warm spell for our Norfolk holiday and I wouldn't mind it being dry for my Cornish trip in November too.

We should be receiving our Derek and Jeannie daffodil bulbs from Ron Scamp fairly soon too, shouldn't we? My invoice said they would be dispatched to me in September. Must be paying a visit to the garden centre too very soon to get my prepared hyacinth bulbs. I refuse to call them Christmas hyacinths because, no matter how early I have planted them in previous years I have never yet managed to get them into flower before mid January. I used to buy them at Southport Flower Show which is always the third weekend in August and planted them as soon as I got home but they still didn't flower before January. Still, it's nice to have them in bloom when all the Christmas lights and decorations have come down and the house is looking a bit bare and gloomy.

Sorry, I really shouldn't be mentioning the "C" word on 1st September, should I? Apologies, I will try not to do it again until at least mid November!

Dry and sunny here again today - typical really, isn't it? Schools go back tomorrow around here so, having been wet, chilly and miserable for most of August, we most probably shall have that Indian summer now that the kids will be back at their desks - and you too Adrian. Hope you have a much less stressful term ahead of you.

Kath

[jane jackson]

We'll let you off the "C" word Kath! Yes it is amazing to think it's already September and I do hope we do have that Indian Summer. It's lovely down here again today and much warmer during the night again. I'm looking forward to receiving the D&J daffodils too ~ a real sign of autumn when you start planting bulbs.

[Gill Bilcliffe]

But when we are in December nearing the c word September seems not so far away! Oops sorry

Kath you will be pleased to know that here in Norfolk we also have a glorious sunny warm windless day. We should/hope be in luck for your visit in a couple of weeks time.

Gill

[pauline]

Pinch, Punch, first of the Month! We have had a couple of really hot days here, too hot for weeding the borders which are badly in need of attention.

Am really looking forward to getting my bulbs which I will set on a bed of sand as this helps them not to rot if the pots get waterlogged over winter.

Pleased that the children are back to school now. Now we will visit places we've been avoiding during the school hols as they have been packed. Funny really, when our children were of school age we used to take them out of school in term time for a holiday, as did many others as it was the norm, but now it is a big NONO and everyone keeps to school holidays. I think September and October are perfect for short breaks. The weather is usually settled and prices have come down a bit.

Changing the subject, saw a documentary on Gilbert O'Sullivan last night. Do you remember him.? Have just Googled to see what he is up to. Now 63 and living in Jersey with wife and two children.

[Chris Geoffrey]

It has been lovely and warm and sunny in Reading too, keeping my fingures crossed that it lasts as I have a weeks holiday starting Friday. Not going away this time but out and about for days and as Pauline says visit the places that we have also avoided during the school holidays. Will be going to Cornwall on Tuesday, well just into it really, to Saltash to see our new Golden Retriever puppy. This will make the fourth Goldie we have, Charlie aged 11, Jay & Ollie (brothers) 19 months and now this litte chap..... are we mad??

Most of you who have replied to this thread will know that I am trying to get some pictures uploaded of my meeting with Derek in 1991... will try again later tonight but if I do not succeed I will have to call on Jeff and Linda. Determined to get them in an album so wish me luck!!!

[Gill Bilcliffe]

Good luck with the photos Chris hope you will succeed. :bounce:

With lots of luck September will be a lovely sunny month as it is such a good time to have a break with the holiday season over and children back to school - at last!!

Gill

[gloria townsin]

Enjoy your trip to see the pup........Goldies are very sweet dogs.
We returned to Herts. yesterday......the dogs were good although Trystan was car sick, on the way down he wasn't but the trip to Porthleven seemed to upset him even though it's just round the corner from Mullion and so I wasn't entirely surprised he was sick. We sorted him out at the services and only a little bit of screaming followed when I took him out of his travel crate........I think he just felt icky and decided to shout about it. But once out and with his lead on, no screaming this time, he was soon bouncing around like Tigger. He had a little drink of Goats milk and I decided not to give him any of his lunch other than a little milk bone biscuit. He was fine for the rest of the journey and had boundless energy once back in Croxley. All dogs tired today though, the journey does seem to take a day to get over for all of us, Eddie and I feel somewhat sluggish, though I had a blood test early morning so had to be up and at em!!
Went to see Patricia on Tuesday and came back via Paul hill, Newlyn. I love the view as you come down the hill - Penzance ahead........it was lovely and the sun still sparkling off the sea. Hated leaving as always.

[Chris Geoffrey]

Thanks Gloria, I will get some pictures and put them on here if I can. I have at last got my pictures on of Miniak and had lots of lovely comments, everyone is so friendly.

[Kath Mulligan]

Just about to post off my cheque for the balance of our holiday in Porth in November. The reminder that I had this morning said that "as it is now only just over eight weeks to your holiday at the Beach House" etc ...... half of me thought, yippee only eight weeks to Cornwall, the other half thought, oh heck then we shall be right into autumn and long dark evenings again.

It's another lovely sunny day here today so I am hoping to do a bit in the garden this afternoon, after I have been to the library, then a quick nip to Tesco. I had planned a gardening day yesterday but I ended up taking a friend out for lunch instead. She is a widow like me and it would have been her husband's birthday yesterday so she was feeling a bit down. We had been talking about going to this cafe called Solace in Buxton for some time, so yesterday seemed like a good time to do it. We had a really nice lunch, then went for a wander around the Pavillion Gardens enjoying the sunshine, then rounded off the afternoon in an Edwardian teashop which Sandra had never been to before. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and have decided that we should make it a fairly regular occurrence.

Kath

[Mary Young]

Enjoy your trip to see your puppy Chris. My son and family have a golden retriever puppy. Needless to say his lovely and they have been very lucky with him. He is four months old now and hasn't chewed anything his not supposed to at all. I cannot believe how quickly they grow I am sure he grows a bit every day. We wrent to see the litter when they were six weeks old - so cute. My grandson Luke is seven so he is an ideal playmate for him to grow up with.

We had a golden retriever when my son Matthew was 10 so think thats why he has gone for same breed as our Bruno was so gentle (We had him at 9 months and was already named so what could we do. ) Bruno was nearly 14 when he died so we had lots of enjoyable years with him.

I wouldnt have another dog now though because of work and holidays etc.. but am really glad we had Brune when we did.

Mary

[adesmith]

Two hot and sunny days in South Wales and yes I was back at my desk so to speak. Actually today was an INSET day and tomorrow its just Year 7s but I am not timetabled to teach them, so another quiet day. Lots to do though, getting organised and putting up displays. The inspection is only three weeks away. I enjoyed going back today because the break over the holidays has made me realise how much I enjoy teaching. I was expecting to feel a bit tired and fed up this evening so I promised myself a Jack Daniels and Coke (I rarely drink during the week) and I saved potting up some hanging baskets with violas and pansies to give me some garden therapy. Actually I didnt feel that bad but I still potted up the hanging baskets and my lovely wife brought me a Jack Daniels in the shed! I have no doubt that within a week or two I will be finding it hard going again but I am going to try and remain as positive as possible and make sure that I look after myself.

Kath, I noticed this evening how it was getting dark at 8.20pm and there has ben a decided nip in the air. This morning as I left the house (7.15am) it was cold and there was a hazy mist over the river. I have no doubt that although the weather is fine, autumn is here. Dont worry about mentioning Christmas. I enjoy the preparations, chutney (already made), pickled onions, sloe gin and of course the puddings in November. So many things to celebrate in between Michaelmas, Trafalgar, St Crispins Day, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Martinmas and all of our birthdays are in October and November (and Rachel has a big one this year!).

Kath, you must be in Cornwall just after us because we are going in half term and that is about 7 weeks away. I love our October trip to Cornwall so thats something else to look forward to.

[Kath Mulligan]

We are in Cornwall from 6 - 13 November, Adrian. It is Elizabeth's birthday on 9th November so we shall be celebrating her day down there this year, instead of mine in June as we usually do. Last time we went in November the weather was decidedly iffy but we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the real Cornwall as the locals see it, virtually empty beaches, very few tourists etc. I've got some photos of the girls at Marazion in pouring rain and a howling gale with the sea really whipping up behind them and all of us howling with laughter as we struggled to stay on our feet - yes we were cold and soaked to the skin, but oh we did enjoy ourselves.

I'm glad you have rediscovered your enthusiasm for teaching after the summer break, hope it doesn't get eroded again by stress once term gets properly underway. Have you managed to find a BP tablet that suits you better now?

Kath

[Janet Swan]

It has been lovely and warm and sunny in Reading too, keeping my fingures crossed that it lasts as I have a weeks holiday starting Friday.

Hi Chris - what area of Reading do you live in? I lived there for 10 years, in West Reading then Tilehurst, before moving back to Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Janet

[tricia2ws]

It's getting near my favourite time of year, I love the autumn, the slight chill in the mornings and evenings, yet still warm during the day, am gonna miss my trip to Cornwall, we always used to go mid sept, it was always lovely down there then, still we have a trip to Warwick Castle to look forward to in Oct for Ross's birthday, they start there halloween special on the day we go which will be good, I love halloween, we also want to go to Blenheim Palace and maybe back to Hampton if the good weather permits. x tricia :dance3:

[gloria townsin]

We had a fabulous visit to Warwick Castle a few years ago at Christmas and the year before Hampton Court. My great grandmother came from Warwickshire.......a nice county..........

[adesmith]

You wont be there long after us, Kath. We are going down on the 22nd October and coming home on the 27th. I am thoroughly looking forward to it and it is a wonderful time to be in Cornwall. Although its half term it is never as busy as the summer. I have to admit that I wouldnt really mind a stormy day or two when we can look over a crashing sea and walk along a windswept beach. It would be nice to have a sunny day or two as well! We havent made any plans yet but I think there is an autumn event on at Trengwainton on the Sunday. We did think about visiting the Mount again because we didnt have chance to see the gardens when we went in the summer (limited opening). But I had an email the other day from James St Aubyn saying that the gardens wouldnt be open on any of the days when we are there - I emailed the National Trust saying how good the new guidebook (and I asked about the garden opening times) is and they must have passed it on to him because he wrote it and he subsequently replied! He lives on the Mount now and one day will become the Lord St Levan and a Baron, when his uncle dies. Anyway, we may not bother with the Mount so soon after our last visit. I love Trerice as well but we took Rachel's Mum and Dad there last October so they may not be keen. Anyway, we have 7 weeks to plan it!

I have found more enthusiasm for teaching and was looking really forward to getting back. And it wasnt too bad, although I havent actually taught any pupils yet! I am going to work hard at trying to keep it all in perspective and make sure that I look after myself - especially over the next few weeks as they lead up to the inspection. I am not sure that Rachel thinks I am going to maintain my positive attitude because when I got home yesterday she had bought me a huge bottle of Jack Daniels. She said I will need it in a couple of weeks!!! I think she actually meant that I was running out and she knows I like a glass at the weekends and she bought it because it was £5 off.

Yes, the second lot of bp tablets seem to have done the job and I dont have any noticeable side effects. In fact I went to the doctor the day before we went on holiday and he was so pleased he said he wouldnt need to see me for another year! - Thanks for asking.

I would love to go to Hampton Court, Tricia. So much history there. I think I might have said before but Rachel and I planned a trip there to celebrate the end of some exams when I was at university. Unfortunately my last exam was about Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn and I thought I really mucked it up. I said to Rachel I couldnt face Hampton Court after that so we went somewhere else instead. As it happened I did very well in the xam so we could have gone after all! Never tried again since.

[jane jackson]

If you would like to call on us in October Adrian and see if we have any young water snails it may have to be tuesday 26th then as I'm away from 18th to 25th in Herts visiting friends where I used to live. See how your holiday plans out. Bryan will be here looking after the dogs and cats though.

[Chris Geoffrey]

Hi Janet

I live in Tilehurst - well at them moment the Tilehurst/Purley boarder. I have lived in two other houses in Tilehurst since 1996 in Pierces Hill and St Michaels Road. I now live in a little cul-de-sac off Long Lane, if you know any of these places please let me know. Where did you live Janet? When did you move back to Hertfordshire... Great to talk to you

Chris

[tricia2ws]

If you can get to Hampton Court Adrian, do go, it's a fantastic place, both house and grounds are lovely. The house is made up of 2 sections, the old tudor style, which is my favourite, and the newer part designed by Wren, to think they destroyed so much of the Tudor part, still, although I say it's newer, it's not really if you get my drift. I love being able to stand in a place that possibly Henry stood, to touch the same walls, to sit in the same window seats, fantastic. Have stuck some pics onto FB, have a look. Have never been at christmas, but I bet it looks lovely. Wouldn't mind going on a spook hunt as well, there are some eerie places there for sure. Has anyone been to Hever Castle, thats on my list of next to visit places. x tricia :pleasantry:

[Sybille Weber]

Hever Castle and gardens are lovely, or at least were lovely when we went 25 years ago. Would very much like to visit again.
I remember the year as it was one of the places we visited on our honeymoon.

[Sybille Weber]

Hi Janet
I live in Tilehurst - well at them moment the Tilehurst/Purley boarder. I have lived in two other houses in Tilehurst since 1996 in Pierces Hill and St Michaels Road. I now live in a little cul-de-sac off Long Lane, if you know any of these places please let me know. Where did you live Janet? When did you move back to Hertfordshire... Great to talk to you
Chris

We, our rather my sister Anette, had friends in Tilehurst. It was a family who had been holidaying in the Isle of Skye and their two boys had found the bottle with the message which Anette had thrown into the sea during our sea crossing from Mallaig to Skye the year before. Anette and the boys wrote to each other for quite some time but as the boys grew older with other things in mind and Anette only thinking horses, contact was lost in the course of the following years. We all visited the family in their Tilehurst home back in 1988. Wonder whether they still live there. Anette couldn't find the address anymore, only remembered it was Tilehurst, but investigating by means of my photographs and Google Maps I think it must have been Fairway Avenue.

[Janet Swan]

Hi Janet

I live in Tilehurst - well at them moment the Tilehurst/Purley boarder. I have lived in two other houses in Tilehurst since 1996 in Pierces Hill and St Michaels Road. I now live in a little cul-de-sac off Long Lane, if you know any of these places please let me know. Where did you live Janet? When did you move back to Hertfordshire... Great to talk to you

Chris

Hi Chris - sorry I've taken a while to reply, but I've been battling McAfee problems again for 2 days and (fingers crossed) now resolved but it was very stressful! I left Reading in 1986 after 10 years there. I've forgotten so many road names now, I'm afraid, but do recall that the Tilehurst/Purley boarder is a very pleasant area. I first lived in Ivydene Road in a maisonette, moved to a new estate in Tilehurst to a 4 bed town house, then to a one bed flat in Josephine Court, and finally a pretty two bed modern house in Tuscan Close. But, so sorry, I've forgotten most of the main road names.

Janet

[Sybille Weber]

Janet and Chris, I looked up all those locations on the Reading street map. Tuscan Close is just about 1/2 mile from our friends, Janet, but then, you had already left Reading by the time we visited. St. Michael's Road is almost next to Fairway Avenue, Chris, but you did not yet live there at the time. Seems we visited at the wrong time.

[Chris Geoffrey]

Hi Sybille & Janet

Sorry Janet I know Jospephine Court but not sure of the others, will check soon. Sybille I should have typed 1976 - I moved to Pierces Hill from Highworth near Swindon, Wiltshire (but was born in Reading). I lived inSt Michaels Road from 1981 - 1999 when I got divorced and now live in a lovley two bedroomed bungalow in
Apple Close, Tilehurst. What a small world!!! Thank you both for your reply

Chris

[adesmith]

If you would like to call on us in October Adrian and see if we have any young water snails it may have to be tuesday 26th then as I'm away from 18th to 25th in Herts visiting friends where I used to live. See how your holiday plans out. Bryan will be here looking after the dogs and cats though.

Thanks Jane. I am sure that we could call in on the 26th. We are staying at Crean Bottoms near St Buryan so more your direction and will certainly be passing through Penzance more than we normally do. The pond keeps going a bit grey, murky and smelly and I have to keep changing the water. It also has a film on it at times which i think must come from the barrel. Hopefully it will settle before spring. I did buy a water hyacinth which apparently helps.

[jane jackson]

I don't remember our barrel ever being smelly but it might have had something different in it originally to your one. I should just stick with it and keep to your intention of waiting until the spring before getting any fish by which time it should have settled down. We tried a water hyacinth when we were at Exmoor but it kept blowing out of the barrel ! Hope yours stays put, the barrel was in a more exposed site then.

[Kath Mulligan]

Adrian, if you are staying near St Buryan in October you will have to call to see Patricia at Bumblebee Cottage and Gerald and Jennie too.

Kath

[Sybille Weber]

..... Sybille I should have typed 1976 - I moved to Pierces Hill from Highworth near Swindon, Wiltshire (but was born in Reading). I lived inSt Michaels Road from 1981 - 1999 when I got divorced and now live in a lovley two bedroomed bungalow in Apple Close, Tilehurst. What a small world!!! ......
Chris

So you were actually just round the corner when we visited our friends - a small world indeed.

[Linda]

...and the forum and the internet makes the world smaller still....yet its love of Minack and Wavelength that brings us to finally meet up....