Genealogy Chat

Bon Voyage Sylvia - Safe trip

I would love to travel Canada by train

Lovely verse Josie

Well we survived the trek "Up North" Sue you coudl have had as much snow & cold as you wanted.

Friday was a bit of a let down - it was so cold & bitter wind & the lights didn't work very well - what they didn't tell you was you got the same thing the next day. Could have saved ourselved £24 - never mind.

Enjoyed the Saturday a lot better - we did have a lovely meal on Friday evening & the time away was good for both of us .

If you ever get a chance visit Beamish its a lot of fun.

Just put our Christmas lights up & they all work - All Christmas cards done & presents.

Well loads of things to get sorrted

We will have to keep popping in & "keeping the home fires burning" while folks are away.

Will try & drop in again tomorrow.

Take care all

Happy Christmas Sylvia. Have a wonderful break away. I envy you the train journey as I love travelling by train. Is it anything like the Dick Francis story......can't remember the name.....where the action takes place on a train crossing Canada going to the races. A theatre company enact a murder for entertainment????



Josie, I love the rhyme.....very good indeed.


Looks like we are going to be in for a bad end to the week with lots of arctic weather coming our way. Sue....you can have it if you want it!! I really can't imagine what it must be like having Christmas lights up in high summer! Most odd :))



Had a busy week end what with one thing and another and then had a meeting re autism this morning. Ironing and a visit to Tesco will finish the day for me....such excitement.


When does Frank go away? I hope some of us will be able to pop in now and then over the festive period.


Take care. Love. Cx

Hi Sylvia

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

I hope you have a very safe trip ..it sounds a lot of fun ,I have not been on a train for years,used to love the smell of the steam trains as a child always had my head over the bridge to smell the smoke.

I am trying to get the rest of the outside lights up but it is too windy to get up on the roof for everyone so I just have to wait.

Oh is off to the phyio on Wednesday that will be no seven ...he is improveing all but slowly ,he is syill working so I think that is not helping either.

Opp's better get outside the OH says he is getting up on the roof while there is a lull in the wind .
Let you know how he went.
Suex

Hi all


Loved the Christmas Rhyme, Josie!




I am making short visits to GR at the moment, in between doing things like getting wash bag set up

.................. I only use soap, underarm stuff, toothpaste, and a moisturizer



so why does it take me 2 hours to set it up?????????????????


......... getting ready also includes getting stuff ready to put in the safe we have in the basement ........ things like all the bmd certs I've bought, any bits of good jewelry, etc!

......... and backing up the hard drive onto an external one "just in case"



Plus helping OH when he comes in asking "where is .....", "what shall I do with ....."



I'm spinning in little circles at the moment



Tomorrow, I have physio, and we also have to pick the last couple of items to take away ....... some very special "cooking" chocolate for making extra special desserts and some chocolates only made in Vancouver for J&M ..................... which means I'll be out of the house most of the day.


On Tuesday, we want to get the 6 pieces of baggage to be checked down to the station by noon. Then come back, have bath/shower, finish packing the carry-on bags, etc.

Train check-in is about 6:30 - 7:00 pm, and there is no dinner served, just snackies with a glass of champagne as we leave Vancouver. I can't eat the snackies ........ they always have cream or cheese in them!

so we have to eat something beforehand.

We think we'll go to our local coffee shop (where we go most afternoons) at about 4:30pm, and have an early "dinner" .......... they have just started making what is said to be a very nice chili. Then back home to get ready for the taxi which we'll order for about 6 pm



Just in case I don't get back on here after tonight



MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
xxxxxx




sylvia
xxx

Hi everyone, Thank you for your Birthday Greetings,
I had a loverly day ,
Even though I had to work, I was Thoroughly spoilt with lots of flowers, chocolates yummm. as well as Perfume and Cd's.

As today is the 12th of December I thought it appropriate to share this Christmas Rhyme.

ON THE TWELVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME
Twelve Census Searches
Eleven Printer Cartridges
Ten email contacts
Nine Headstone rubbing's
Eight birth and death dates
Seven Town clerks sighing
Six Second cousins
Five Coats of Arms
Four Gedcom files
Three old wills
Two CD ROMS
AND A BRANCH IN MY FAMILY TREE.

Yesterday was wet ,windy and humid but today has been sunny calm and a nice 24c
I am sitting here at my computer at 8.45pm and it is still daylight outside while being pleasant it can fool you in to thinking that it is early when in fact it is late.

I am probably to late but I hope your trip and Christmas celebrations go to plan Sylvia.

Frank I hope the snow eases off and that you and your wife will be able to
undertake your trip [which I think is soon]

Anyway I send lots of warm wishes to all off you freezing in the British Isles
Sorry can't send you any snow Susan.

Take care will catch you later Josie

Hi Everyone

Been a little busy the last few days,we took a run up to Perth yesterday to see Dad before the Christmas break.
We don't get together over Christmas since my Mum died as Dad met a Lady called M she is very good to him and they spend Christmas with M's side of the family ,I really don't mind to much as I am flat out with my own family.

The son is coming over late to day to put up the rest of the outside lights,the OH does not like getting on the roof at the very apex,the son is a bit more flexable for that,with the help of the Grandsons of course.

Very hot today expecting 35c,would like a bit of your snow now.

Try to pop back tonight.
Love to everyone
Suex

Hi all


the rain eased off this afternoon, so I managed to get to the hairdressers, then to the coffee shop without getting wet ......... and OH was at the coffee shop so he brought me home


Now I'm light-headed :)))


Things are coming together re packing for our trip

........... 4 boxes for J and 2 suitcases for ourselves to be checked.
........... 2 small (18" and 20") roller cases and 2 canvas bags to take on the train with us.


Good job we can check upto 3 bags free on the train!

The boxes still have to be sealed with tape, and roped, with a handle provided ........ but OH bought 2 clothes lines today to do the roping! He said the other ropes at the store, the kind you buy by the yard, were all stretchy.

There's even some room available, so we're both going to pack our winter boots ......... we don't need them on the train but we may well need them in Halifax. They usually won't fit in a suitcase so we have to wear them on and off the train, and carry another pair of shoes for wearing onboard.


Take care everyone


s
xx

Hope you had a lovely day Josie............hangover???



There's a live episode of Coronation Street on tonight but, as I don't watch it normally, I can't see the point of watching it tonight. OH is watching Jurassic Park 3. Lots of noise going on from behind the lid of my laptop.


Frank.....are you still buried in snow? I see they have brought the soldiers in to come and rescue you.



Robert - are you still okay in your shell?


How is Ron coping with that wand thing Evelyn?? Must be fascinating to watch......


Have a good time Anne.


OH had a haircut today too Sylvia. Mind you, in his case they charged a search fee......lol



The Christmas cards are beginning to come in and most of mine are in the post now. My presents are wrapped and I am trying to be organised because it is my daughter's 40th on 30th Dec and I want to be as cool, calm and collected as I can be. It is my brother-in-law's on 22nd and my daughter-in-law's on 31st!!! It was my father-in-law's on 10th and my mum's was also on 31st. For several years I was absolutely cross-eyed between Christmas and birthday cards, presents, wrapping paper etc.etc.



Love to all. Cx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSIE
xxxx



although I do realise that we are a day late for you


ooooops



Sue ........ yes it is THAT Coronation Street, and yes Ken Barlow is still in the show, and is still played by the same actor, William Roache.



Going to get get hair cut this afternoon ....... that'll see me through until January


take care everyone




sylvia
xxx

Happy birthday Josie - am I too late?

Hope you had a fantastic day

Robert - lovely to have you out & about again

Frank - thank you for your help - its great to have people all over the world.

Chefs table - It is in a room right next to the kitchin - it has a very large opening or window which looks directly on tot he kitchen so you can watch what is going on while waiting for your meal. Some chefs will even cook your meal in front of you. This one sounds nice as you can see everything going on but can't hear all the row.

Evelyn - hope you still have enough energy left to do your cards.

What is this wand thing you got Ron?

I have to admit I am at a loss - no cryptic comments about the Witches of Eastwick - how very upsetting.

Well we are all packed - off "Up North" tomorrow getting nearer to Robert - hope we can get there ok - getting quite excited now.

Won't be around for a few days - look out on the local news for two silly tourists from the south

Take care all - keep warm

Hi Everyone

Boy you lot up in Scotland are really getting it bad,I suppose to me it sounds good with all that snow that I have not seen it for 44 years.... but it must be realy terrible to get around and the Schools ,all the kids must be happy not having to go.
How do you all manage to go to work.

We have spent the day putting up the outside Christmas lights ,it is getting more and more like the US for that ,but it does make Christmas a liitle more festive.

I could not work out what you were all talking about with Corrie,does it mean Coronation street,I used to love it as a kid .
I did meet Elsie Tanner back then ,she opened our new shopping centre in Yate Gloustershire.
She was a very lovley lady,she also had her fancy man in the show with her but I can't remeber his name ,he was about the same age as her can anyone remember it is driving me mad.

I was told Ken Barlow is still in the show is that correct.

My dear mum who passed away in 1880 used to love it .

Is everyone ready for Christmas ,I suppose it is ahrd for you all to get your shopping done ,mine is still not all done but I hope to get some more done tomorrow .
Next week I am going shopping with the Dau so she can help me with her family.

My neighbour over the road is not too good ,he is back in hospitol so we are going all out with the lights this year just incase we don't have him next year,it really is so sad he is such a lovely man.

Robert is so nice to see you coming out of your shell,it can't be good for you shut up in that cave all the time and so cold too.

Going to get a drink ! white wine tonight.
Suex

Thanks for that Robert, I believe you about not working at the George in 1939 I am sure they did not employ child labour and at that time you were but a child as was I (poor old souls that we are).
Take care of yourself in this horrible weather.
Evelyn

Evelyn,
George Hotel is still quite nice although it has changed hands several times over the years.
There is a bit of history about the place in that it was originally not a Hotel but the Head Office of an Insurance Company until 1939 until that Company moved across George Street to a brand new purpose built office.
I worked for that Company and NO,I did NOT work for them in 1939!!!!

Hello All,
Guess what, I did some Xmas shopping today, whilst at the shops I spotted a very nice jacket in my size and decided to buy for myself from myself for Xmas, very kind of me dont you think. For Ron I have bought a magic wand as seen on Dragons den, heaven knows how long it will take him to work out how to use it but I thought it would keep him awake for a while.. For my rellies off island I have decided to send money as parcel post is so expensive and I dont know quite what to buy for the granddaughters so sending cash seems to make sense to me.
Frank I hope you get some nicer weather soon you must be sick of the sight of snow. We have no snow or rain yet today but it is very cold.
Did some food shopping whilst out this morning, I find that very boring but I do like eating.
Josie we should all pop over to your place for a few weeks whilst this arctic weather is around, we could have a lovely barbie to celebrate your birthday tomorrow. Just in case I dont get in tomorrow I wish you a wonderful Birthday.
Cynthia if I send my Xmas shopping over will you wrap it for me? in return you could send me your ironing.
Many years ago when we visited Edinburgh on a regular basis we often dined at The George Hotel, it was superb, but I dont know what it is like now. Last time we went to Scotland we didnt go into Edinburgh at all.
Just noticed the time so I had better start preparing food for our evening meal, looks like liver and onions will be on the menu.
Please take care everyone and watch your step in this rotton weather, love to all
Evelyn XX

Finalists for Best Customer Service of the Year

The Pompador, Edinburgh
Abode @ Michael Caine, Glasgow
Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, Glasgow


Finalists for Seafood Restaurant of the Year

Seafood Restaurant , St Andrews
Lochleven Seafood CafŽ, Fort William
Two Fat Ladies, Glasgow


I've consulted my wife as she is more in touch with the catering side of things but we've not been out anywhere like these restaurants for several years.
We spent twelve years working in Hotels and used to dine out quite often
but two weddings and two grandaughters rather affects the cash flow!

Two fat ladies certainly gets good write ups at the Buttery which has always had a good name and is set in an old building in Anderston.
Chef's table...........does that mean you have to wash up after your meal ;)

The Grill Room at the Square is in a lovely location at Royal Exchange Square just off Buchanan Street and once again gets excellent reviews

Don't know anything about Brian Maule @ Chardon d'Or although once again, it does have a good reputation, sits just off Blythswood Square.
We went to the same restaurant when it was called The Brasserie and thoroughly enjoyed it.........perhaps a bit small.

Cail Bruich is brand new to both of us, set in the west end at Great Western Road just opposite the Botanic Gardens.

Probably can't go wrong with any of them but I'd shortlist The Two Fat Ladies and The Grill Room at the Square.

With regard to our west end girl ( The old boiler hitting the bottle ), you started it............

"Cynthia

Hows the boiler - don't hit it too much."

She can't get at me for all this ice and snow ;))

Frank, you must be heartsick and so, so sad at not being able to get into work......?? Maybe not. I do hope you are keeping your ferret warm and wearing your long kilt. Hot soup??? Yeah....right. Don't believe that for a minute but will not say a word.


Well, the snow does seem to have bypassed us thank goodness but it's flippin' freezing!


Ven. Robert. Stay indoors please....we don't want you catching cold just before your special day.


On the subject of old boilers......my boiler is not old thank you - it's absolutely fine.....it's just the outside pipes which cause the problem in this weather. Icicles form almost as soon as I whoosh them off.


Josie......I'm just sooo envious of your weather.


Evelyn, you're leaving it a bit late now aren't you? Just don't go rushing around trying to get things done and slip on the ice or anything please take care.


I haven't watched Corrie for ages either for much the same reason as Josie. Fings ain't wot they used to be!!


Going to finish my present wrapping I think and then I will feel all virtuous...haha

Frank - where did the sherry come from - Broomstick yes - have to admit i didn't mention an old boiler

I do now see the connection between us all & the Witches of Eastwick

Which has livened us all up a bit - wonder where Evelyn fits in

We could of course set up 2 branches

Robert & Frank as Jack Nicholson

Me- Cynthia - Evelyn in the Uk
Susan - Josie - Sylvia outside of the UK

Could work you know

Frank - booking restaurants in your neck of the woods
Brian Maule @ Chardon d'Or
The Grill Room at the Square
Cail Bruich
Two Fat ladies at the Buttery

Which ones the best? Two Fat Ladies is so friendly & they have let me book the Chef's table

Hope you can get back to work soon Frank

Take care all - keep in the warm

Well I've got another day off as the main routes are still iced up with still no sign of gritters or ploughs but I think the government are just waiting for the thaw which is due tomorrow with temperatures rising to +5c !!
Still have -9c to come tonight and it's presently -11c so it is "warming up" but it's going to be slow.

Josie, you are quite right as it's just like something from Siberia but what is really annoying people is just the total lack of any visible gritting or ploughing.
They are certainly still trying to clear the 20 mile stretch of westbound M8 motorway which has been closed since monday night and that just sums up how crazy the situation is up here as the snow stopped falling Monday afternoon with no more snowfall at all, just -14c overnight temperatures................

We live about four miles from the city centre and even the main bus route 1/4 mile away is still packed with thick ice so I'm just cooried up in front of the fire with a nice mug of hot soup.

Hope Robert is alright as I see this snow band did wander down across his neck of the woods.

A wee joke for you Robert from Tam Cowan......

Do you think that people who live in the baltic will be saying "it's Harthill today"

Keep warm and cosy except for the antipodeans of course ;)

Oh Frank it sounds awful where you are,
at first I thought you were describing Siberia,

I wish I could bottle up our beautiful warm sunny weather and sent some of it to you.

They keep playing 'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas' on the radio which is such an incongruous Christmas song for my part of the world, the only white I will see on Christmas will be the Surf at the beach.

I stopped watching Coro Street decades ago after Elsie Tanner and Len Fairclough left. Watched it briefly while Hilda and Stan where in the street but with the demise of Annie Walker. The only original left was Ken Barlow who I never liked, thought he was a wimp.

Albert Tatlock, Ena Sharples, Minnie Cauldwell, Martha Longhurst, Annie and Jack Walker and of Course Elsie and Len where the true heart of Coronation street,
todays lot just do not cut the mustard as far as I am concerned.
Sorry if I have upset any Coro Addicts.and Jack .

Keep warm, catch you all later. Josie

We have not had any more snowfall today but we actually had -14c overnight and at 09.00 am it was still -11c with a "high" of -5c.

Tonight is to be -15c climbing to -11c during the day tomorrow..........

I live on a bus route which usually gets a little grit & salt but there's been no sign of any gritters around here (no buses either) and the roads and pavements are solid ice.

I know that in Canada you do seem to sail through the snow but our problem appeared to stem from the fact that the really heavy snow fell right on the rush hour and traffic encountered major problems with any hills, junctions etc.
Of course as soon it stopped for any reason the traffic found it very difficult to get moving again with the added problem that the snow kept coming and was rapidly compacted into ice.

Temperatures never rose above -3c and as the sun went down it dropped to that -14c which just solidified everything
What few gritters were seen appeared to be stuck in the traffic jams with everyone else and we actually ended up with the M8 motorway turning into one massive car park between Glasgow and Edinburgh with nothing moving for 40 miles.

Tonight the eastbound lanes are open and running slowly but the westbound lanes are closed as the ice is so thick, they are having to physically break it up before removing it..........snowploughs are not up to it!.