Lovely morning chit-chat thread- April 2025

Hi Fleabane, your welcome, I think deep down we all know what to do, its just tough at times, and  as much as I try to be positive it's not always possible, and I'm certain the long cold dark nights and grey days, affect many of us, my partner goes to Australia every winter as she has SAD, and I've lost interest in many things I used to do, for which I'm getting help from mental health, I've only just started.

Eddie xx 

Awww you've given your hens names, they are most definitely pets then, and what a lovely home they have, I miss mine, but not the dawn and dusk trips to let them out and in, my hens were kept on my allotment in the orchard, and got fresh veg every day as well as warm porridge in winter, on top of their layers pellets and mixed corn, I only had 5 girls and we never had to buy an egg.

Eddie xx 

Hi

Your animals friends are all looking very happy and contented. My cat Winston is always spoiled rotten. Still he seeks revenge on my going away for a holiday. He was taken to my parents house and spoiled there. 
Upon returning home , he decided to pee right beside me in the duvet I have just changed! 
Now he is just relaxing on the floor completely shameless! 

Good morning all,  Stella you made me laugh about Winston peeing in revenge.  Isnt it funny the way animals sulk.  Your chickens look beautiful Fleabane.  Yes I also find long car journeys impossible with the mets in spine.  Train trips sound a good idea.  I just wanted to ask.  I had a message from NHS saying because of low immune system I should have a Covid vaccine.  Has anyone else had the vaccine and is it recommended?  Hope everyone enjoys the sunshine x

Lee 2 x

Morning Lee2, I  had my covid booster last Tuesday, I've never had a bad reaction to any of my jabs, and will have them as long as that remains so, I've never had covid either, have a lovely day.

Eddie xx 

Hi Eddie,

Thank you I have had covid 4 times and havent been able to smell anything for three years.  I will book the jab.
Lee 2 x

Awww, I'm sorry to hear that, Lee2, have you ever had moments when your sense of smell has returned briefly, and has it affected your sense of taste too.

Eddie xx 

Morning Stella, what is Winston like , he is certainly a very expressive cat. They are truly like little kids throwing a good old tantrum. Lilly goes into the huffs too but thankfully has not had the urge to Pee on anything. As far as I am aware Tom cats are more prone to that. Our furry friends are by far more intelligent than we give them credit for.

hope everybody is having as good a weekend as possible. Just heading to the shops to get a nice piece to enjoy with my coffee while watching the Grand National 

love Angie and Lilly xx 

Morning Angie, I'd forgotten it was grand national day, I hope you've backed the winner my friend, and all the horses get round safely, enjoy your "nice piece",  whoever that is.

love Eddie and family xx 

Hi folks

all this chat about animals and holidays is making me smile!

I love the pics of the chickens and fluffy big ginger cat. Is Winston named after Tom Hanks football in Castaway? I watched that again recently and the raft scene made me cry. Such a good movie.

I love driving and try to do it as much as I can but I d agree that long journeys cause pain in my spine and leg. I now plan my drives with breaks every hour to stretch and walk about. I am still hankering after my drive around Wales but may have to be sensible and only do half of what I originally planned.

I recently had to go to London for a conference and decided that I would try out the train so went online to LNER and found I could book assistance which turned out to be really good. They met me at the station on both ends, took my bags, helped me onto the train and popped my bags away for me. They also did the same in reverse meeting me off the train and taking my bags right through the station to where I had a taxi booked.I also had a ride on the buggy at Kings cross and got on the train well before everyone else so wasn't embarrassed at my hobbling to my seat. 

The only down side was one of the other passengers who was telling her friend on the phone how she had to get tested before joining the team. And she wasn't wearing a mask but was coughing all over everyone. Thankfully I didn't pick up whatever she had. 

Now I am starting to dream about holidays again so thanks everyone and please share other stories of how to make these journeys possible now we are 'special'