h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Jen

Hope all okay and you have a good weekend. Weather doesn't look too promising up here.

Cannot listen to that woman for more than a few minutes so haven't been on the MB. Roll on Monday week when HE's back is all I can say!

Just got back from a friend's having tried to fix her sewing machine. I think she'd got something stuck inside the thing as after I'd got it all threaded up it still wouldn't chain and smoke started to come out!! It's one of those overlockers with 4 needles so it took forever to thread. I got her sorted with her internet though (thank goodness).

Speak soon

Helen.

Hi Helen,

I am catching up on all my correspondence !
What a day today. Dog walking about 8.00, then home to shower and drove to hospital about 9.45.

They were running about 1 hour late so not so good. Eventually it was my turn and there was me, the doctor and 6 students ! They were all so lovely and pleasant. Anyway, after lights shining on my forhead examining what I have not come to fondly call my growth, and everyone touching it, it was decided to remove part or all of it for a biopsy.

Then another wait for the mini theatre. A local anaesthetic which they said would sting and hurt, but thankfully didn't, and off the doctor went doing whatever it was she was doing ! Although I felt nothing, the noise and sensation were a little odd. But to be perfectly honest, it was nothing compared to the dentist's last week.

So back home about 2.30, huge plaster and bruised brow, and I fell asleep till about 5.00. Then off with the dogs and a Chinese take away for tea.

Glad today is over. All I have to do now is await the results. But she said everything looked fine and I do believe her.
Weather hit and miss. Yesterday between showers the sun was so warm.
Today was lovely first thing, then cold and wet and again a lovely evening.
Ah, the English weather.

Speak soon !

Jen

Morning Jen,

So glad everything went okay on Thursday, had a feeling it must be then. I'm sure you're right that all will be well.

Not much happening up here, just as well as we went to the 21st yesterday and he went to the match. At least they held Arsenal to a draw which was something. Saw loads of old friends so am glad we went and received a wedding invite for the end of May. Definitely a weekend job!

Other half cut down a large conifer Friday (had visions on PP's escapades with the chainsaw, thankfully none!)will now have to find something to fill the gap.

We are going to attempt to get to B&Q for a light fitting today - we must be mad! I need one by Thursday when I've got someone to fix the hole and do some other bits.

Grey and misty here this morning, typical bank holiday!

Speak soon and enjoy the day.

Helen

Hi Helen.

Just finished writing to Fly and Rich Dee then saw I had another message. Glad Newcastle beat Arsenal. Still a very close contest for 4th place with Liverpool. They, L'pool, have the better goal difference don't they.

The sun's out here and the sky is blue ! My other half is playing golf and will be home early afternoon. Daughter is coming home from her week end away, but don't know that she will drop in and visit us.

Don't talk about chain saw massacres !! Has he done a photo of his little grand daughter yet ?
I have just been reading through his recent messages and some of them make me laugh out loud.
Plus, effers is on form with his George and Tony conversations.

Enjoy B&Q
Glad I'm not there with you. It'll be packed !

Jen

Hi Jen

I bet you thought I'd been camping at B&Q! I forgot all about here for a couple of days.

Just got back from a shopping trip to the Trafford Centre (5 hours) so am exhausted. Will now have to take a bag of things back to M&S as I prefer what I got today!

Had a quick look on the message boards but they are full of agressive folks not helped by SC being on strike of course.

Got my light fitting no problem on Monday and couldn't believe how quiet it was. Hopefully the guy may be able to fix the other one but just in case I've got a spare.

I listened to that woman for a while yesterday, to the chip and pin bit as I have just got one. Nowhere has the new equipment though so can't see it helping until then. Roll on Monday is all I can say!

I clicked on PP's website and sent a short email and received a piccy back! She's a little darling! Yes the pair have posted some corkers lately. The atmosphere's changed though.

Just noticed a post by the name of someone that I may know, it's a first post as well. The name is B Downey. There aren't any responses yet so don't know whether to reply. I'll ponder a while!

Think we've had the best of the weather for this week up here. Don't feel so bad having to do some chores if it's wet.

Am just going to pour myself a glass of wine so !

Speak soon

Helen

Hi Jen

Just noticed you were on line!

Isn't it quiet this week? I must admit I'm feeling a bit flat which was not helped by the joiner not arriving today. Electrician did so back to B&Q with the light fitting - saved £60! Not much news apart from feeling like sleeping for a week.

Don't know if you read the R2 board last night. KP says he's going to be on Question Time coming from Leeds. I wonder if he will ask a question! He also said he's moving to America. We actually had a civilised chat about Wogan the other day!

See you later.

H

Hi Helen.

Wondered where you had been hiding ! Thought B&Q had swallowed you up. You are very brave sending e mails. Fly (Catharina) and I have discussed sending them but we are both very cautious.

Fly, if you are on line join in please !!! I am just having a very very large glass of red wine. I look absolutly b. awful. All the stress of the dogs, my son and his ex and the children. I shouldn't worry I know because I cannot do anything about it. To be honest, they are not good for each other. Too alike !!
I shall go to PPs site and see if I can see little Ella. I owe him a reply as well.
Do you mean BDowney is someone you really know or you think it's a poster we all know ? I will have a look.
Do you think the atmosphere has changed on the JV board ? Saw Lucilla was back and on form. She is very droll isn't she. She makes me laugh. I am sure if I met her I would be scared of her.
My other half is at home a lot at the moment, so am unable to post on the boards as much as I would like to. I am a bit like secret squirrel when it comes to divulging who I speak to on the pc !!

A girl has to have some secrets doesn't she...

Jen

I think you and Eric the Red aka Ken have a love hate relationship going !!

I noticed one day when I replied about journalists being two faced, he actually sent a bit of a sharp reply to you !

Perhaps he thinks we're one and the same. I had to tell Briant that you were the blond and that I was the redhead as he was also replying to you !

Oh god, feelings of inadequacy setting in.... am I so insignificant.
I have not had a good couple of weeks. My other half would like us to move abroad but I don't want to. He thinks that if you move away you leave your troubles behind. Maybe men can do that.

Jen

Hi Jen

This is the 2nd time of trying to post this, don't know what happened to the first one! Have just looked at the CB message board and would you believe KP actually was on Question Time! I watched most of it but couldn't keep my eyes open so went to bed, his was the last question according to Perkins. I should have set the video but never thought. I don't remember when I last used it as there is hardly anthing I want to watch these days. Anyway I was curious to see what he looked like! I saw Lucilla had posted yesterday but somehow couldn't get in to posting. Perhaps it's me not the JV board! There are a few (normally) anti JV folks around whilst he's been away, will be interesting to see what happens when he's back.

Briant is so funny! Did you see the 'Open Day at R Reynolds'. We were down to do Abba! The next bash is on St Georges Day, isn't that PP's birthday as well?

I was a bit wary about sending the email but decided after seeing the website it looked harmless enough. I've just had the one reply back. The B Downey may be someone I know in real life but decided not to reply. I'll see if they post again it's a long time ago, and I know his wife better than him.

You seem to have had the world on your shoulders for the last week or two. I once fanced moving to the US (a long time ago) but wouldn't fancy it now at all. I think as you get older you get more stuck in your ways. I would love to move house though. Is it just because of the family or is he just itchy to move?

My other half often says who are you typing to and I just say 'oh the message board'.. He thinks I'm crazy I'm sure but why not.

Well must go and do some food shopping. Speak soon and try not to worry. Are you still on dog duties?



Helen

Hi Helen.

Been line dancing tonight so had a good time although shattered. Met a friend for lunch today, and we were out with friends on Tuesday, but basically this has been a quiet week.
We are going away on Monday for 3 days, down to Cornwall just for a break. I walked the dogs this morning, but the dogs mummy is now back home so am relieved of all duties.
Not that she can do much walking with them. She has the two children and it's not easy being on your own. I shall see her tomorrow as I have Easter eggs and money for the children from my sister and a couple of my friends. People can be very kind.
I wish I had known Ken was going to be on Question Time. I would have looked out for him. I get curious as to what people look like don't you.
I wouldn't move abroad. Mainly because I would miss the family too much. Plus my daughter would be broken hearted !
I did see the thing from Briant about Abba. I was going to do a delayed reply by pretending we had just managed to get ourselves ready. Of course, we would have looked fabulous (as usual). But I just didn't get the time to post in detail.
My husband tells people that I use chat rooms !! As if !! Makes me laugh, but god knows what people think of me down in the pub.
I must try and make an effort to go to M&S and get the freezer stocked up. What did we ever do before ready made meals ?
Saw Neil's little grand daughter. She looks a lovely little girl.
Anyway, no other news. Speak some time next week. Oh, not sure if it's his 50th on 23rd April or not. I will send greetings though. Must try to say something about St George as well.

Have you noticed that BDG and Pond Girl no longer seem to post any messages these days. I expect Penny is busy now that Spring and the better weather is here. Hope Becky is all right. She has her hands full doesn't she with looking after her daughter. Plus she always sounds so cheerful.

Jen

Hi Jen

Just a quickie. I meant to post this last night but had a call to say my Dad was going into hospital. It's not life threatening, he has had a stress fracture of his thigh for a little while but was in pain so called the emergency doc who didn't think he should be on his own. He gave him an injection which alleviated the pain and is in until his surgeon, a private one can get him re x-rayed. I may have to go up to Newcastle but won't know for a few days. I thought my weekend was going too smoothly!

Hope you have a lovely break in Cornwall. I've fond memories of childhood holidays in Bude as a great aunt lived there.

I think PP said it was 23rd, I wish the posts stayed on a bit longer as we could go back and check! I seem to recall him saying his wife would be home from Germany in time for his birthday. I might put a message on his page.

I noticed Becky wasn't around but put it down school holidays but I think she said Lucy had been poorly. I hope all is well.

It's a miserable wet Sunday so not a lot to do. I filled a charity bag with stuff yesterday and actually disposed of it so I was feeling a lot better! If I could fill another 20 or so I'd feel on top of the world, but it's a start. Found a website nomoreclutter.co.uk in an M&S magazine and had a glance. It gave a few different aspects on the task so will keep looking at it from time to time. We are both hoarders so could do with a helping hand. I'm nowhere as bad as some of those people on the TV show though.

Take care and speak when you get back

Helen

Hi Jen

Saw you were back with your post on JV. Had a good time?

It is PP's 50th tomorrow so a double celebration! Trying to think of something witty to say but brain is dead right now. It's going ot be a bit busy what with the do at Phlopp House and Briant's do for RR on the CB. He's given us a bit of a preview as to the script.

Got the hole fixed in the kitchen at long last and my Dad is home from hospital no change so nothing happening at the moment. Will see him at the weekend.

Raining here this morning but a bit milder.

speak soon.

H

Hi Helen
Many apologies for not replying sooner. I have posted on the JV and CS Boards but nothing in any detail.

We had a lovely time in Cornwall and stayed in a B & B in St Ives. Everything was superb apart from the weather.
Typical that since our return it has been glorious sunshine. But never mind, we made the best of it and got out and about. We walked the coastal path to Lands End and saw the Cornish Chough which had just been released back into the wild. Also the wreck of a ship which had got into difficulties a few months back and had discharged all its cargo of paper waste. A couple of days before we arrived a minky (?) whale had been spotted, but we never saw it.

I must have a look at the website about clutter. I am hopeless and sometimes run and retrieve things which I put out in the charity bags ! I sent some ridiculous jokes to Neil which I had pasted and copied from the net.

Sorry by the way for the stupid message I sent last night !! We had gardened all day then went out for a meal to a new restaurant close by. Unfortunately, I got a little squiffy. I blame the sun ! My husband got stung on his neck yesterday, but other than the initial pain, the swelling soon went down.

I do hope your dad is all right. I have the dentist this afternoon at 3.00. I have not yet received the results from the hospital from my biopsy. It will be 3 weeks this thursday.

Must also reply to Catharina plus some strange characters which I appear to have picked up on my travels.

Jen

Hello Jen

Sorry I'm late in getting back to you. Oh I did laugh at your other message! I'd had a difficult visit to my Dad's on Sunday and it cheered me up no end. My dad ws in a really cantankerous mood and had a go at everything I said!

How did you get on at the dentist? I think you would have heard by now if there was anything wrong at the hospital.

Had another bit of bad news from a close friend. She was mugged in Liverpool on Friday and they got away with her handbag. She does training inspections and was at one of the centres. Worst thing is she thinks it was one of the students. She was knocked over but fortunately wasn't hurt, just sore and still a bit shocked. Luckily she had her car keys in her pocket so they didn't get her car.

Sounds like you had a nice break shame about the weather. I went to St Ives as a teenager and it was lovely.

It was a great win for the lads on Sunday, not so sure JV thought that as they were playing Chelsea!

The weather is awful here, so depressing. Other half is off to Vancouver for 6 days on Saturday so not amused as it is the bank holiday.

Out to lunch tomorrow with a friend so hope it stops raining. I dried my hair yesterday twice after getting caught. Did I read somewhere that you have gone more blonde? I haven't found another hairdresser yet and my hair is driving me mad.

Oven's bleeping so must go.

Speak soon

H

PS the MB's are awful today and I haven't posted much in the last few days. Got your Jerusalem message and laughed!

Hi Helen,

As Catharina was saying, we seem to have several messages on the go at once. Oh I did enjoy Johnnie playing 'Jerusalem'. And funnily enough, that was my 'school song' and I have always loved it. Not school, hated it and couldn't wait to leave. My mother used to threaten me that if I didn't get at least 5 O levels she would make me stay on and retake them !! How times change. I wanted my daughter to stay on at school but unfortunately we moved here from Nottingham when she was 14 and she was bullied without mercy at her new school. It was a dreadful time.

However, she now has a good job, has passed financial examinations, owns 2 properties and done really well. I am so proud of her.
You would have laughed at the dentist's session. When I got there he had no idea what I was there for. So we did small talk for 5 minutes until he said that the procedure I am having is not until next month. He blamed his receptionist, but I think it was his error.
I did query his bill of £600+ but it's correct. A friend of mine said her dentist charged £400 for a crown, hygienist and inspection. Daylight robbery isn't it.
I am sorry your other half is away over the bank holiday. It can get quite lonely can't it.
Sorry about your friend getting mugged. What a viscious world we live in. I hate putting on the news these days. I just cannot stand the war in Iraq, nor Tony Blair and George Bush.
I think I am quite relaxed about immigration really, especially when I saw something on the telly yesterday about Poland being really worried about losing doctors, teachers etc to England once they become part of the Common Market. It made me realise that it works both ways, and I don't begrudge anyone trying to better their lives. It's the scroungers who get on my nerves, and there are plenty of those already !

Whew ! Get off my high horse. I switched off Jeremy and the interview with the American guy from the Embassy (?). I though J was a little harsh and trying to score points. But I couldn't say the nasty things that Nick and Red Eric said. Bet they wouldn't have said them to his face !

Jen

Hi Jen

Well he's finally on his way to Vancouver. I don't know why but I've not been able to settle this week and have got nothing done. I've done enough folding to get the best paid job in Benetton! It's been a glorious day up here so spent most of the afternoon in garden, I had to come in for a breather and a glass of wine a couple of times it was so warm.

What a carry on at your dentists! I think I paid about £550 for my crown, 2 white replacement fillings (tiny ones) plus the check up,clean and polish. I'd hoped it wouldn't be more than £600.

I feel very despondant about Iraq as I think Blair must be wearing blinkers! Can't stand him. I had to smile the other day when I was looking for birthday cards. There was one with a black/white photo of him with something about never making proimises written alongside! I must go back and look again and try to remember it. I can't imagine anyone wanting him on their birthday card.

I don't like them having a go at Jeremy either, I'd like to see them make a better job of it themselves. I think that Nick was the one who had a real go at me a while back so I decided not to reply to him directly. J was a bit harder than usual but I'm not sure the American was being totally truthful as he tripped himself up at the end. The Americans really have a thing about anything on your passport to do with the Middle East. I posted to PP about Peter's experience and that was at Manchester before even checking in.(a few years before 9/11 too) I haven't been so didn't get the grilling he got.

I was watching something last night about Poland and the EU and they were showing a garden gnome factory. No doubt we'll be flooded with Polish gnomes now! I don't mind foreigners like you say as long as they are not taking away from someone who is in need here.

I can't remember what was in your other message and I don't seem to be able to get them up in a separate window (that doesn't sound right?), I'm sure I have before so I'll reply on that one.

See you on the other message!

H

Morning Helen.

Is your husband back from Vancouver now ? Sounds an exciting life, but in reality travelling can be so tiring.

Weather is awful here. We had one good day where we gardened and I sowed 2500 seeds, some of which had passed their sell by date. Still, some of them are bound to come up. Don't ask me what they are, as the packet said 'mixed seeds' Should be interesting.

My daughter and I took her god-daughter to the Farm Zoo on Saturday. She had a great time looking at all the animals and bouncing on the trampolines. She's only two and so adorable.

Monday eventually turned into a beautiful afternoon and evening and I went to the Scout's May Fair with my son's ex and the grand children. Spent a fortune on the car boot sale for toys which they wanted, but I managed to buy a few plants for myself. Unfortunately have not had time to plant them out yet. Perhaps later today, Wednesday.

I shall find your other message that you've sent and reply to you there. I am sure I owe Catharina a reply as well as Neil. Did you ever hear what happened to Becky (BDG)? Is she all right do you know ?

Jen

Hi Jen

What a job I've had getting to this place. I was on the page when it said I needed to register... Then when I got back there were no messages at all on my page! Any way I'm here at long last. I still only found 1 message from you by the way.

Peter not back until Friday so still amusing myself or not as it felt like yesterday. Feel much better today helped along by the song on JV! I was going out today but remembered someone was coming about a new window in the bathroom so just went to the local M&S and Tesco.

Just listening to J Walker. He's talking about egg and chips and making me hungry and he's just told a joke about someone asking for Helicopter crisps and being told sorry but we only have plain...

I've planted out of date seeds and most of the time they have come up. Sowed some lettuce Sunday in creme fraiche pots with poly bags on top and some have come through already! I'll do some lettuce tubs instead of flower ones.

We were lucky with the weather up here until Monday so sat out in the afternoons. Hailstones yesterday!

I must reply to Neil and Catharina too. Not sure what is happening to Becky, her daughter was poorly but I think is ok now. Funny I was just thinking how male dominated the JV board has become then I looked last night and it was mainly female, weird! I do wish I'd seen Ken P on Question time, I noticed he mentioned me in one of his posts, the otherday. Can't remember what I'd said in the first place and had to read it twice just to be sure he wasn't being facetious, which I don't think he was!

Not much else happening here. Everything okay with you?

Well tummy rumbling so off to find something to eat in the freezer.

Speak soon.

H

Hi Helen,

What a shamble these BBC boards are. Firstly I have had that wretched virus/worm which meant I kept getting logged off, and today I have been unable to get into this board, and the other BBC boards have been so slow.

Good news this week in that I eventually had word from the hospital that the skin lesion I had on my forehead was a 'viral wart'. So we were very pleased that it wasn't the big C which naturally is one's first thought.

Not had a bad week really. We have gardened,and been out with friends for a meal. I have been swimming and line dancing.
Next weekend I am in Torquay along with about 100 others from my line dancing group. The theme is green, so there will be a hell of a lot of middle aged leprechauns about. I dashed into Next and M&S to try and find something, but bought nothing at all. Green is not really my colour. An old school friend of my husband's came to stay with us last night. I went into panic mode and bought enough food to feed the 5000 and 14 bottles of wine. (As you do !!)

Tomorrow I will be seeing the kids and hopefully on the evening we will go out for a meal. I fancy Italian. I can vaguely remember sending you a message asking how you knew about SC posting again. Perhaps it got lost in a black hole. I see Penny has complained about several of his more recent messages.

Is Peter back tonight ? Did you watch N'castle last night ? Both my husband and his friend watched it on Channel 5. I read the paper and watched intermittantly ! Not good news for 'the lads' was it ?

I did enjoy line dancing tonight. We danced to a song called 'Wave on Wave' which Johnnie played earlier this week. Plus a couple of Lionel Ritchie songs and the latest Ronan Keating duet. So I sang and danced !

Easy Jet are advertising cheap flights to Amsterdam and Berlin, however my husband's golf season is just taking off, he plays in 'friendlies' with about 6 other blokes during the summer. The games culminate in a cup for the winner ! Some of the guys are the ones he went to Spain with in March for a golfing weekend.
I have had golf lessons, but it's just not me I'm afraid. One of the girls at line dancing used to play golf at county level and her handicap is 4 or 5. She says golf is easier than line dancing, but I'm not sure.

Have a good weekend, Helen. Hope your mum and dad are all right.

Jen

Hi Jen

Just a quickie to let you know I'm still alive! Have had one of those days and a bit of a fraught weekend so a bit behind with correspondence.

Thank goodness everything's okay from the hospital. Did you have a few drinks afterwards?

I expect you are line dancing tonight, you must be so fit! Will write more tomorrow.

Bye for now

Helen.