Make those little announcements that don't need a whole thread to themselves here.... :thumbsup:

I have two little boys living with me now.....their names are Milo and Sid...I would show a photo but I can't so I wont.....

Milo is silver tan in colour and a bit bigger than Sid who unfortunately can wiggle through the bars of the cage at the moment and so they are both living in the hallway where he can't cause to much damage should he chose to explore beyond the edge of the wire.....Milo just looks peed off at the fact he can't fit through the bars and gives me a disparing look as if to say 'You've put me in with a nutter' all the time...he's very cute though as he runs up to the bars say hi everytime I walk by...Sid is still a little nervous and not quite so used to human contact yet...he's white with a broad grey stripe and grey head.

They are of course my new rats!

The first thing my brother said whne I told him about my new additions was - Freak! But I am not about to go Goth and they are fab company!

I love domestic rats. Great names, Coaster. Are you going to teach them the piano?

I love domestic rats. Great names, Coaster. Are you going to teach them the piano?

The piano has gone....another big announcement....one of the guys from work(who has recently invested in ear defenders) has taken posession of it for his son who really wants to learn and so finally it is bringing joy to someone instead of cluttering my dining room....the boys will be learning all sorts of tricks though just as soon as they are big enough...Milo already loves to sit on my shoulder and I've only had him a couple of days....that's why I bought him...straight up the arm and onto the shoulder....Sid just needs a bit of time but he'll get there!

You have been a busy bee since you have been away :w00t:

Thank the Lord Sister Cat was able to visit before you flogged it! Did you flog it, or did you give it away?

The first thing my brother said whne I told him about my new additions was - Freak!
I like your brother and would wholeheartdly agree with this sentiment.

That said I do like you very much and you make a wonderful hostess, but really R A T S!! :ohmy:

Thank the Lord Sister Cat was able to visit before you flogged it! Did you flog it, or did you give it away?

gave it away...it cost me nothing and it needed about £200 spending and it was going to a wonderful home where it would be loved and cherished!

Buzz.....their great...even my mum said they are really sweet once you get beyond the tails (she was dreading meeting them!).... :ohmy:

ILS...I also bought a new 5mm semi dry combo wetsuit and hood so I can now dive in this country..wooo! :w00t:

Oh and I went speed dating during my holiday....unfortunately I got stuck in the wrong row and wound up talking to a bunch of 17yr olds....even I wouldn't go that young.....:blush:

I also bought a new 5mm semi dry combo wetsuit and hood so I can now dive in this country..wooo! :w00t:

Oh and I went speed dating during my holiday....unfortunately I got stuck in the wrong row and wound up talking to a bunch of 17yr olds....even I wouldn't go that young.....:blush:

I knew it, I knew it, I knew we shouldn't have let you out on your own :ninja:

I met Dave and Carrie Grant from Fame academy as well....they are fantastically lovely people...really genuine and down to earth and were happy to sign numerous autograph books and chat to the kids for as long as the kids wanted to talk! :thumbsup:

One of the lads had only just left school Ils...I thought...one more year and I could be your mother...he looked terrfied bless him! :bag:

One of the lads had only just left school Ils...I thought...one more year and I could be your mother...he looked terrfied bless him! :bag:

I'm not surprised :ninja: Remind me not to let you near my 16 year old son :bag:

I'm not surprised :ninja: Remind me not to let you near my 16 year old son :bag:

I said I wouldn't go there...it was a shame as there was some serious totty in my age group and I couldn't get to em...trapped I was..... :sad: :cry:

Side note...didn't Flyo or Scoobs get a couple of rats?

Come on whoever it was that bought a couple of rats a while ago say somthing...I wanna trade stories! :sad:

I bought a roof-box for my 7-seater MPV for my holiday with the kids and both their sets of grandparents today.


I used to drive sports cars and holiday in exotic locations. :sad:


Still, I wouldn't be without all these kids! :kid: :kid: :kid: :kid:

Still, I wouldn't be without all these kids! :kid: :kid: :kid: :kid:

Dont! I'm sooo jealous.....

:kid: :kid: :kid: :kid:

Would ya look at them there kids?? Just gorge Grouchy.

Just hope there is no intention of putting either kids or grandparents into the rooftopbox??:unsure:

Can you believe on googling "Hiroshima" there are only 10 replies :ohmy:

Just been watching a program about it, and it reminds me of how little I know about history.

Coastie, you must get some piccies of your new additions. We went to a touch and feel exhibition at the zoo and we got to see rats. They were gorgeous, I was surprised at how much I liked them, as often the image of rats are the sewer ones. The lady told us that we were incredibly clean and were really easy to look after. There were some snakes and cockroaches there too but I gave them a wide berth, Katie however had the cockroach running up her arm!!

Still, I wouldn't be without all these kids!

I often wonder what I done before I had kids, it's seems like a whole life-time away! As you say though, I wouldn't be without them! :w00t: :thumbsup:

Why on earth wouldn't a new pet deserve its own thread! They deserve it just as much as anyone else!


When I get my new cat I will be posting pictures and starting threads devoted entirely to my new cat and its adventures!


....I can practically hear the clicking of the 'ignore this poster' button over my name all over the board!!!

Well I'll be interested Dol!!

Kittens - you have to love 'em!

When are you due?

I would post piccies of Milo & Sid, but I don't have the means at the mo...and I haven't got any developed from my camera (yes I still use a camera that requires film!).... My mate took some fab ones on her digital camera and I am waiting for her to send me copies...then you shall see my handsom boys :wub:

Milo is very friendly and wants constant attention and loves playing with my pony tail.....I open the cage and he straight up my arm bless him...:wub:

Sid on the other had is a little younger and either runs and hides in his bed (one of his fave places in the whole world (well hallway) or shoots out between the bars so I can't get him! :sad:

I'm looking forward to hearing about your new puss cat Dol! :w00t:

&

Grouch....you can always get the kids to make additional voom voom screech noises so you feel like your back in the sports car..even if it is by sound alone! :kid:

One of my team has just done a monster poot right behind me.... he aplogised with a big cheesy satisfied grin on his face..... I have to say I was actually quite impressed! :thumbsup:

I was going to say something else when I clicked reply in this thread but the monster poot has thrown me off and I can't remember what I was going to say now! :sad:

As I've mentioned a good few times :blush: I am suffering from a severe cold at the moment. Mr. C had the day off work so I stupidly thought I would get a bit of TLC - wrong! He decided to go and fly his model aeroplanes :sad:

Anyway, he phoned me up about 5.30-ish and told me that he wouldn't be home very early because there had been a crash. Of course, I thought he meant one of the model planes had crashed but I was horrified to learn that a real plane had crashed in the field where they fly :ohmy:

Apparently a chap was flying a banner from his little private plane and he landed in the field, chatted to one of the model flyers who had his daughter there and because she wanted to be a pilot, he took her up in the plane. He landed her safely and then took off again but turned too sharply and crash landed into the field :sad:

My hubby and his friend raced over there and could see that the pilot was unconscous and he was jammed in. They could smell the fuel dripping and they were in the middle of a corn field. Knowing that they couldn't release him and there was a danger of the plane catching light they had to watch helplessly until the services arrived. The Air Ambulance landed in the field and the fire truck and police arrived on the scene but unfortunately the pilot hadn't survived.

Mr. C arrived home at about 9-ish and, as you can imagine, he was well shaken up and distressed. They still hadn't got the poor man out as they were still concerned about the possibility of a fire with all that fuel about.

What a terrible thing to witness. :sad: I don't know if he had a wife and family but there must obviously have been someone who cared about him and who will be devastated by this.

I was only reading about this crash on the BBC News Website earlier this evening Crit.

How awful for Mr C to have to witness this, big hugs to you both :hug:

Oo I heard about this from the Police....I was telling them about a possible ditching of a hang-glider and they said they had just had a plane crash east of their patch! :sad:

Our incident turned out to be a bunch of balloons from someones 40th birthday party..... :bag:

:hug: to you both!

ooh, Crit, not a nice thing to witness
Hope Mr C. is ok :hug:

just looking on the bbc website and it seems that the shuttle is coming into land tomorrow at BST 0946, weather permitting
BBC are doing online, live coverage of the Nasa preparations until the shuttle lands.

Sam and I are off to Auckland tomorrow (My Tuesday morning - your Monday night) for his outpatients appointment at Starship Children's Hospital. Our flight leaves at 8.20 so we have to be at our local airport for 7.50. His actual appointment isn't until 12am so we have decided to go into Queen's street (main shopping drag) and visit the 'find foods' department at the big department store. 'Fine foods' there consist of such wonders as Walker's crisps, Yorkshire T-bags, Hinze Beans and golden syrup, along with a large assortment of British chocolate (all of which costs a small fortune!) Still, I might treat the boy to some Walker's cheese and onion! :w00t:

I think Milo is either incontinent or has a weak bladder when excited...he keeps peeing on me! :sad:

I don't know if this is normal as Sid never hangs around long enough to pee...he has a quick bit of loving and then runs like a nutter down the hallway! :w00t:

Oo I heard about this from the Police....I was telling them about a possible ditching of a hang-glider and they said they had just had a plane crash east of their patch! :sad:

Our incident turned out to be a bunch of balloons from someones 40th birthday party..... :bag:

:hug: to you both!

I was only reading about this crash on the BBC News Website earlier this evening Crit.

How awful for Mr C to have to witness this, big hugs to you both

ooh, Crit, not a nice thing to witness
Hope Mr C. is ok

Thanks everyone.

We had a chap here this afternoon from the Air Accident Investigation Branch taking a statement. I was surprised how emotional Mr C got when describing it - he went off to work at 6 am and had only just got home. It shook him up quite a lot more than he let on I think. I was only surprised because he has to deal with gory stuff on the trains when people jump. It's different to see a young man wiped out like that through an accident though. :sad:

Sam and I didn't get to go to Auckland today as our flight was cancelled :sad: (technical problems or summat) His appointment at Starship has been re-arranged. Shame really, we were looking forward to a day in the city.

Ooooh, sorry to post twice in a row but I lived through my first NZ earthquake today.

Apparently!

I say 'apparently' because it hit at 5am this morning and I was asleep and missed it! No one else I have spoken to felt it either, despite the epicentre being only a few km out of Gisborne :laugh: I only know about it because it was just on the news, where it was described as 'minor.'

Just as well really, though everything in the house is attached to the walls (bookcases etc) as recommended, you are even supposed to velcro the tv down, though I imagine that if the quake is strong enough to move a big tv then a bit of velcro won't really help!

Woweeee....how exciting Voice..although I bet your secretly a bit gutted to have slept through it....go on you can admit it...I know I would have been! :sad:

Photos of the kids coming soon!

Just as soon as the ruddy e-mails come thorugh on my work e-mail so i can open the attachemenst and photobucket the pictures..... :sad:

Photos of the kids coming soon!



Oooo goodie, I am looking forward to seeing your little kids Coastie :thumbsup:

Check your hotmail Ils...I am asking a huge favour...massive...bigger than J-Lo's butt! :ohmy:

Ok give me 5 minutes and I will post them for you!

Cheers hun...... :thumbsup:

This is Sid

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/ils/Other%20pictures/3cb86398.jpg

This Milo

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/ils/Other%20pictures/milo.jpg

This is both of them

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/ils/Other%20pictures/both.jpg


They are gorgeous Coastie :wub:

Very cute and very loving...even if Milo does wee on me all the time and Sid does lead me a merry chase around the bedroom.... :glare:

Awww, Coastie they are gorgeous! They are also lucky to have an equally gorgeous Mummy!! I am not comparing you to a rat btw! :ninja:

Their Nana plucked up the courage to hold Milo for the first time on Thursday evening...he weed on her..she had a moment of eeew..but still has to admit they are really cute and so much more fun than the hamsters me and my brother used to keep as kids! :cool2:

eeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! there's a rat in da kitchen!


They look errm lovely! Don't worry the wee-ing will stop once he's gained confidence. Rats are very intellient and entertaining critters ... but I personally wouldn't give one house space!

O Coastie - they are lovely - :cry: (said in best trying to be nice voice)

Coastie they are gorgeous. I love rats, very very underestimated as a pet they are. Infact only last week I as in a pet shop with Sam and we were looking at a lovely grey rat, I've said Sam can have one next year.

Shame about the piano though - where do you keep your wimple now then?

My mum was very anti rat until she met my boys now she thinks they are fab and very entertaining! :w00t:

Cat...the piano is being loved and played beautifully by a mummy, daddy & 3 kids aged 5 (twins) & 9! :thumbsup:

As for my wimple......well it's now in a secret place!

As for my wimple......well it's now in a secret place!

Not your.......... special........ secret place......?!!? :unsure:

Not your.......... special........ secret place......?!!? :unsure:

No that's reserved for really secret things...this is just my secret place....gosh do keep up woman! :glare:

Crit, what a terrible thing for Mr C to have to witness. He must have felt very helpless poor thing. I hope he has come to terms with it ok.

VOR, is the washing machine still intact after the earthquake? Would be awful if it came away from the wall and landed the right way up :)

Buzz, just think squashy ugly babies when referring to Coastie's rats and use the same tone of voice and words to compliment the mother. Like this:

Awwww, aren't the cute. They're simply adorable. Coochy coochy coo.

See?

Coastie "It don't need ITS own thread" ;)

Coastie "It don't need ITS own thread" ;)
I love you. :heart:

Yep Nox, Tumble dryer still on wall, the earth didn't really move for any of us!

I have two pieces of news to report today,

1) The optomotrist says I no longer have to wear my glasses, so I can finally go out in the rain without needing to take them off and wipe them every 5 minutes (you have no idea how bloody irritating that was!)

2) We have booked a holiday, we are off to Rarotonga (which is one of the Cook Islands) in October :w00t: I am very excited, it's been a busy couple of years so we are really looking forward to a proper rest. We are only going for a week but it will be a week spent reading, sunning, swimming and snorkling, they'll probably be some eating and drinking too :thumbsup:

We were going to go to Fiji but it was full! Apparently lots of folks are avoiding Bali this year (due to potential terrorist activity) so Fiji has become very popular all of a sudden. Still, we'll be happy on Rarotonga :)

Coastie "It don't need ITS own thread" ;)

On purpose I did that! :kid:

It would annoy Patsy I knew!


Voice...sounds fabby (the holiday that is not the rain on the specs...that's just plain annoying that is!)

Voice, one of my friends will be back today from their round the world trip, one the last visits on their tour was Rarotonga! I'll be seeing her on Wednesday when we go back to school, so I get some info for you!

Good news about the glasses! :thumbsup:

Voice, one of my friends will be back today from their round the world trip, one the last visits on their tour was Rarotonga! I'll be seeing her on Wednesday when we go back to school, so I get some info for you!

:thumbsup:

Cheers Bella! :)

Rats are ace.

I had five. Then last year, a couple of years after those five had gone, I randomly went out and bought two more. They were called Mackenzie and Bailey, and they were amazing.

However, I had failed to consider that I was leaving to go travelling, and then university. So I took them back.

cheerio!

ooh Scoobs! how did the "gaying" go the other night? regale us with all the details ... leave nothing out (said the actor to the bishop!!)!

Coastie - my two cats would loooooooooooooove your rats:bag:

Posted safe in the knowledge that I am nearly 600 miles away:whistling

2) We have booked a holiday, we are off to Rarotonga (which is one of the Cook Islands) in October :w00t: I am very excited, it's been a busy couple of years so we are really looking forward to a proper rest. We are only going for a week but it will be a week spent reading, sunning, swimming and snorkling, they'll probably be some eating and drinking too :thumbsup:

We were going to go to Fiji but it was full! Apparently lots of folks are avoiding Bali this year (due to potential terrorist activity) so Fiji has become very popular all of a sudden. Still, we'll be happy on Rarotonga :)

Ooh...that sounds like an awesome trip Voice! I've always wanted to visit that area. Have a fun and safe trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Ooh...that sounds like an awesome trip Voice! I've always wanted to visit that area. Have a fun and safe trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Thanks IM, I'll take lots of photo's to post :)

One of the most brilliant things about moving over here is how close we now are to some of the places that I have always wanted to visit. Sydney is only 3 hours away and you can get week-end packages from NZ, and the pacific Islands are a similar flight time. Then there's the rest of NZ itself to explore! we only spent a week on South Island last time we were here but I am desperate to go back as it is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been, the scenery is simply stunning (remember that lake picture Flip?)

So I reckon that'll be us sorted for holidays for a while, although we may come back to the UK for a quick visit sometime within the next 18 months or so as well (hopefully we can time it for a meet :) )

Coastie - my two cats would loooooooooooooove your rats:bag:

Posted safe in the knowledge that I am nearly 600 miles away:whistling

Good job to Rob :boxing:

Scoobs....Rats are indeed great! Sid, having gotten over his initial nervousness, is now as keen as Milo to leap into my arms of an evening and come for a cuddle in the front room... :wub: Oh and it's getting harder and harder for Sid to squeeze through the bars of the cage! :naughty:

I saw them, I held them, I let them crawl round my neck and sniff my hair ..... then i ran home and washed with carbolic soap and a wire wool brush ...

I am of course talking about Sid and Milo, Coastie's rats.

They are actually quite sweet and Milo (or is it Sid!) is very friendly and nosey. Sid wasn't quite so brave but he's only a wean. And I didn't get wee'd on once!


All in all they were very pleasant chaps and they have a mum who loves them!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_169.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYAXGB) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_4_149.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYAXGB) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_169.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYAXGB)

I didn't get wee'd on once!

I bet you're gutted :ninja:

He weed on me later though! :ohmy:

Dolores was very brave....she stood dead still (frozen with fear no doubt) and let Milo run around her arms, shoulders an the back of her neck......he told me later he thought both Dolores and her son Luke were very nice humans and he really enjoyed his treat! Sid asked me later 'Who the heck were those two and what is that weird biscuit ring thing in the corner of the cage?'

Aww, they sound cute Coastie, a girl in my year at Nursing college had a rat called Charlotte, we weren't supposed to have pets but Charl' was lovely, we used to let her out to have a run around inside the bath tub as we were too scared to let her run willy nilly round the house!

We booked another holiday today, a Christmas shopping trip in December...to Sydney! :w00t: We are going for a long weekend and it'll be summer then so it'll be fab :)

Well have to tell you that son's party seemed to go ok, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Even though we were supposed to be having it at an outdoor play area, unfortunately the rain put a stop to that.


But had it at our house, and it only "tried" to rain a little bit, so they had great fun outside with the football goals and swingball I'd fot Sean for his birthday.

And even most of the food went as well, but then again my Dad was around:w00t:

Glad it went ok Andrea. I hope your son had a good birthday :thumbsup:

I saw Pete Docherty today at Gatwick Airport. He was completely off his trolley :laugh:

BUT - in RL sans eyeliner - :shock: What.a.babe. Seriously good looking and very tall.

I saw Pete Docherty today at Gatwick Airport. He was completely off his trolley :laugh:

BUT - in RL sans eyeliner - :shock: What.a.babe. Seriously good looking and very tall.

He never looks much in any pictures does he! All pasty faced and spotty ... but he must have something to attract the likes of Kate Moss I suppose!

Did you manage to "pap" him Fee?!

I saw Pete Docherty today at Gatwick Airport. He was completely off his trolley :laugh:

BUT - in RL sans eyeliner - :shock: What.a.babe. Seriously good looking and very tall.

Really!??? :ohmy:

I always think he really does look like a junkie (plenty of them don't give it away with their appearance). It ain't an attractive look.

Mind you, he's not a media favourite is he? The rags do seem a bit "off" him, so perhaps they deliberate publish the piccies that make him look wasted.

I wanna see him now :laugh:

I went to the local RSPCA centre today cos I'm going to adopt a cat.


What some sad sights there were. I ended up blubbing :cry:getting all upset about my dead cat and thinking of these in the centre that had been neglected.

Sadly no cat caught my eye and I didn't catch the eye of any cat. I will be going up again soon as they have quite a high turnover rate. Lots of the cats were males with spraying problems, or they couldn't go to homes in my area or they didn't like children.

We also popped in to have a look at the dogs then I had to pop out again cos man, they STANK!!! I think my dad was quite taken with one of the dogs, but realises what hard work they can be and a bit of a tie. So we came home empty handed! :sad:

I went to the local RSPCA centre today cos I'm going to adopt a cat.


Aww good on you Dol. I think if either of ours died, their replacement would be a little cat that had had a hard start in life.

We've sort of "adopted" a cat like that already. Joshua (the cat) is actually one of the neightbours cats but has rather fallen in love with our two cats. The 3 of them hang about together all the time, and josh will often have his dinner at our house.

But Josh is an RSPCA cat and he has psychological problems. I don't know his exact history, but he's such a confused little thing. Most of the time he is very affectionate and friendly but he has a problem with being given affection so, when you are stroking him, very ocassionally he will get spooked by it and turn on you. Its quite sad and it means that he is not a good cat around kids.

I'm glad you're gonna adopt a poor kitty who has had a hard time Dol.

I'm sorry you didn't find a cat to adopt today Dol, but good luck in finding the right cat :hug: It is really sad world that any animal has been neglected and it is also good to hear that someone wants to offer a neglected animal a new start.

Dol, just keep looking I am sure something will catch your eye soon. Good luck with your search.

Just to say we were at the zoo today and it was so hot that we had come home!

TINKERBELLE IS ON THE SITE!!!!

Sorry to shout about it, but its great. Not seen tinkers for ages!

Tinkerbelle - good to see you girl! :D

There are currenctly 50 users online.....48 guests kina and moi! :wacko:

There are currenctly 50 users online.....48 guests kina and moi! :wacko:

You've been having secret parties with all the guests when no-one else is here, haven't you:w00t:

Dol - get Burmese! They are fab cats, sort of halfway to a dog - great with kids and really playful. You can pick one up here (http://www.burmesecatsociety.org.uk/bcsrescue.html)

Back to Pete Doherty... I was amazed as I can't stand him or his pudgy pasty look, but my God, you know when some guys just have something.

Sex on legs. Even though they were buckling as he walked :laugh:

You've been having secret parties with all the guests when no-one else is here, haven't you:w00t:

Doh...my secret is out...you have learned I would rather be online with a bunch of people who never post or say anything other than you lot...ho well! :blush:

Just been doing a bit of research (about football clubs :w00t: ) and found this brilliant and very informative site.
I've been having a quick shimmy at it and its got loads of info.

Any question you want answered, ask Answers.com ( http://www.answers.com/) :thumbsup:

Cheers Andrea :thumbsup: I have just added it to my favourites list :D

Due to the varying layers of cloud we have the most beautiful sunset in the making outside the works window at the mo.... :wub:

Also...

Forgot to mention last night but whilst on my way to work I slowed as the car in front of me turned a corner and then started to speed away only to go 'EEEK' as there was a car coming straight for me on the wrong side of the road...the idiot corrected a reasonable distance away but I just had to give him the two finger signal and an expletive past my normally pure lips.... :sad:

After visiting Lush last night we went and had a meal at this pub in town.
Fantastic it was, great food, I had a burger with loads of melted american cheese with a small bowl of chilli on the side.

And downstairs in the pub they had a band on, and they were brilliant.
Kind of jazzy/rock numbers, I could have sat there all night.

Oh to be a student again with no responsibilities.

Oh to be a student again with no responsibilities.

A mate came round the other morning to make me jealous - he is going back to being a student again - in his forties!

Lucky sod!

I love my one day a week at college, just sat there being able to concentrat on one thing, no one interupts me, I don't have to juggle 10 things at the same time, I get a whole hours lunch break :w00t:, can wear jeans and base ball cap.

I feel so relaxed after my college day - I could definately do it full time.

me and my son met our new cat this morning!


We went back to the RSPCA to see if anything took our fancy and there he was! he is mostly white with a tabby tail and a bit of tabbyness on his face. He is beautiful and I can't wait to get him home. We are awaiting a home visit before we can have him which shuold take place in the next week to ten days.

He was a lovely friendly cat who'd sadly been abandoned and was found as a stray living in a shed. He hasn't got a name so my son wants to call him Scout ...which is actually quite a sensible choice for him!

I will be taking photos as soon as he is home to show you all!

me and my son met our new cat this morning!


We went back to the RSPCA to see if anything took our fancy and there he was! he is mostly white with a tabby tail and a bit of tabbyness on his face. He is beautiful and I can't wait to get him home. We are awaiting a home visit before we can have him which shuold take place in the next week to ten days.

He was a lovely friendly cat who'd sadly been abandoned and was found as a stray living in a shed. He hasn't got a name so my son wants to call him Scout ...which is actually quite a sensible choice for him!

I will be taking photos as soon as he is home to show you all!

He sounds lovely Dol, and I can't wait to see the piccies of 'Scout' :photo:

Great news Dol :thumbsup:
Hope you get the home visit done and he will soon be with you.
What do they actually do on the home visit? Is it the obvious just to see if your home is suitable?

Fantastic Dol - can't wait for the photos!

Scout's a great name, young Master D. Will you be getting him his own woggle?

Great news Dol :thumbsup:
Hope you get the home visit done and he will soon be with you.
What do they actually do on the home visit? Is it the obvious just to see if your home is suitable?

well I'm hiding the vodka bottles and the animal porn just to be safe Andrea! :laugh:


But I think it's just to check that you have got a garden etc. and that you didn't misrepresent yuorself on the form.

I ran over some sort of furry little animal this morning whilst driving through country roads (admittedly a little too fast) - it darted out of the bushes right in front of me and just went under the car, then when I looked in the rear view mirror I could see it lying there on the road not moving. :sad:
Just thought I would share this heart-wrenching tale.

I ran over some sort of furry little animal this morning whilst driving through country roads (admittedly a little too fast) - it darted out of the bushes right in front of me and just went under the car, then when I looked in the rear view mirror I could see it lying there on the road not moving. :sad:
Just thought I would share this heart-wrenching tale.

i'm having trouble with the concept that you didn't go back and check PJ!

i'm having trouble with the concept that you didn't go back and check PJ!
I couldn't! There were cars coming behind me. So if I didn't actually kill, it's most certainly dead now.

D'you know what. I don't know if I could go back, Dol. Only because I don't think I would be able to handle seeing a dead animal or, even worse, an animal in great pain that I couldn't help. I've never had to deal with anything like that. I would feel so guilty either way.

I ran over some sort of furry little animal this morning whilst driving through country roads (admittedly a little too fast) - it darted out of the bushes right in front of me and just went under the car, then when I looked in the rear view mirror I could see it lying there on the road not moving. :sad:
Just thought I would share this heart-wrenching tale.

Makes you think of Watership Down... 'Violets Gone!':cry:

Reminded me of an incident a few months back....I was driving merrily along a main road and the van in front of me suddenly slammed his brakes on and swerved...I fortunately always allow a good safety gap (hate it when someone moves into it on the motorway) and so I slowed down and focused ahead...it wasn't until I was almost on top of it than I saw a baby bunny rabbit (no bigger than a bar of soap sat just a little to far out in the road....I confused the car behind me in the same way the van had flumoxed me! As far as I know the bunny lived!

Sam and I flew to Auckland today for his appointment with his gastroenterologist. She's very nice and only moved over to NZ in January herself, prior to that she worked at Birmingham Children's Hospital under Sam's old consultant there, which is really nice and has helped with the tranfer of medical information no end.

Anyway, Sam has been on a course of steroids in an attempt to reduce the activity of his Crohn's disease which has worked to some degree in that he has put on over a stone and a half and has been eating and feeling much better generally. However, his dose has been reducing week on week and he took his last pill today, but during the reduction phase there have been signs that the inflammation is still active and so his consultant decided today to try him on a new drug long-term.

It's a drug which requires him to be monitored closely, including weekly blood tests for the first three months, and it can take up to 6 months for it to start taking effect, so it's not a miracle cure. Still, he's decided he'd like to try it.

We'll go back to the hospital again in 3 months time.

It's a bummer really, he's looked so well recently and we all hoped that the steroids would provoke a really good remission and keep the disease down awhile, but he's not despondant and he does at least feel better than he did back in May, so it's not all bad :)

It good to hear Sam is better than he was Voice, fingers crossed the new treatment will provoke a remission for him :hug:

Hope the new treatment works well for Sam.
and how wierd is that, the doctor having worked for your old consultant, as you say, it must have helped with both you and her knowing his old consultant and Sam's treatment.

I have my fingers crossed Voice!

Go Sam...Go Sam...all the best to the man! :thumbsup:

:hug: for the family!

I'm glad he's been feeling better recently Voicey and hope this new treatment has an even better effect.

Well done on Sam's weight gain, Voice! And what luck the new doctor will know some of Sam's case history - no doubt makes things easier for both parties.

Hope he continues to improve and that the new treatment will be a huge success! :thumbsup;

Anyone know what you would use this for?

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02057a.jpg

Oooh, I wouldn't like to say Coastie! :naughty: :blush:

Well it does leave alot to the imagination doesn't it! :wacko:

VOR-good luck with Sam and his Crohn's. I don't have Crohn's but I have been having trouble from my esophagus to my back end since 2002. It is such a pain...literally. Right now, after my ERCP procedure I'm dealing with Barrett's Esophegus which according to my Gastro is one step from cancer in the esophegus. I also have to take something for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and deal with it when it flares up. So BEST OF LUCK and hang in there. XO msgirl

Thanks all :)

MSgirl, I'm sorry to hear about your health problems and I hope you feel better soon.

Coastie, that object is seriously worrying :huh: (anyone know where I can get one? :naughty: )

Tomorrow I am off to see the practice nurse at the doctors.
Got to have my second hep B jab and also a meningitis jab.
And I've got to put on a brave face because the kids are coming with me and I don't want to put them off injections for life.

Oooh Andrea be a brave girl. I am SUCH A BABY when it comes to injections!!! :wacko:

It's all totally painless Andrea and you can always treat yourself and the kids to a lolly pop afterwards! :wink2:

VOR - the object is apparently a toy that has been re-called in the sattes because the antenae produce a choking hazzard....the mind boggles! :wacko:

New lodger confirmed....eeeek....this means I shall have to sort my dad out (basically tell him to get his stuff in order)...but this also means more pennies for me! Wooohoooo! :w00t:

It's all totally painless Andrea and you can always treat yourself and the kids to a lolly pop afterwards! :wink2:


Mmmmm, I beg to differ.
The hep b jab was ok, but the meningitis jab stung as it went in and my arm is now sore.

I didn't get a lolly pop, but I did buy us all an ice cream while we were walking back from town :thumbsup:


Actually, just got to add my youngest (4 years old) asked me after the injection if it "hurt my blood" :laugh: After I told him, no, he then went on to describe how guns can hurt your blood :w00t: yes, well quite.

Glad to here he is already safety conscious towards firearms Andrea! :gunsmilie And don't worry and Ice cream is just as good a treat as a lolly pop any day - you did well! :thumbsup:

My daughter's school had a surprise visitor for lunch today...........KENNY DALGLISH! Our school is promoting the Healthy Eating Campaign and he tucked into a lunch of lentil soup, baked potato with beans and a cheese & fruit platter!

I am gutted I didn't know earlier, he was one of my favourite players when I was young, even though I could never understand a word he was saying!

He is going to send all the kids a photo!

Phew, that's enough excitement for one day for me!
__________________

Following on from all the complaining my neighbour and us have been doing regarding the house being built next door to us, this afternoon there is going to be a site visit by the councillers to have a look at the building.
They will then decide in 2 weeks time what and if they are going to do about the building.
Probably nothing, but we've caused a hell of a problem for the builder.

How on earth can a plan for a building get passed and part built that contravenes alot of the stipulations supposedly made by the council is beyond me.:wacko:

I'll be interested to hear the outcome of this Andrea, do let us know when you hear something.

My daughter's school had a surprise visitor for lunch today...........KENNY DALGLISH! Our school is promoting the Healthy Eating Campaign and he tucked into a lunch of lentil soup, baked potato with beans and a cheese & fruit platter!

I am gutted I didn't know earlier, he was one of my favourite players when I was young, even though I could never understand a word he was saying!

He is going to send all the kids a photo!

Phew, that's enough excitement for one day for me!
__________________

Oo ooo I wish I had been there! :w00t: Kenny is fab...although like you I could never understand him! :bag:

Well, I've got an interview next week for a bank job at the local hospital to do some auxilliary nurse work.

Basically just to get my foot in the door of the local hospital, get them knowing my name and the return to nursing course like it if you go in and do some agency/bank work before the course. Just to get you back into the envioronment of hospital working.

Probably won't actually do much work as hubby is working all day Monday to Friday and I've got the kids, but will be able to do some shifts at weekends.
Ooooooooh bit scarey going back into it.

Good Luck for next week Andrea :thumbsup:

Ooo excellent Andrea....all the best and if you run out of selling points (hardly likely I know) just tell them all about your affiliation to this site and they will whisk you up in a second! :cool:

I'm not mentioning here, that will scare them off:w00t:

I'm not mentioning here, that will scare them off:w00t:

Never......being an addict to an internet forum is by no means geeky or freaky in this day and age...esspecially one on which you can openly discuss things like potty training, masturbation and what you had for tea.....actually the fact you can discuss what you had for tea might cause them concern..... :unsure:

Here's some trivia.

I am so ****ing hungover. And I've got a wedding to go to. Although it's not me getting married, thank God.

cheerio!

I am all in a fluster - got my car washed by 5 rather hunky firemen - they even took their tops off! :w00t:

Plus they have invited themselves round to give me a new fabby smoke detector!

I am off for a wee lie-down to recover!

Good Luck, Mummy!!!!!!!! :wink_kiss

My wife just called me through to see something in today's episode of neighbours - Susan Kennedy in a sleeveless top - not a tattoo in sight!

Bang goes that rumour!

My wife just called me through to see something in today's episode of neighbours - Susan Kennedy in a sleeveless top - not a tattoo in sight!

Bang goes that rumour!

Not necessarily - they can do amazing things with camouflage make-up :)

By the way what rumour? :bag:

By the way what rumour?
haven't you heard the rumour that Susan kennedy is a lesbian in real life and has tattoos up her arms??

My wife just called me through to see something in today's episode of neighbours - Susan Kennedy in a sleeveless top - not a tattoo in sight!

Bang goes that rumour!
She's obviously had the lasers...

Seriously though, a few months ago I was at our university union and the guy who plays Karl kennedy was there cos apparently he's some sort of student icon now (I started a thread on this a while agop, I'm sure).
Anyway, he said she did not have butch tatoos up her arms but that she is in fact a lesbian.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/ils/Other%20pictures/milo.jpg

Milo paid his first visit to the vet last Monday....it was a bit worrying as he weed on me and there was blood in his urine...anyway dispite a slight boob on my part the vet was able to see him and said how lovely he was (cos he was very well behaved) before giving him a perscrpition for antibiotics....he had a bladder infection and has to have a squirt of drugs every day...problem is that the bottle of drugs doesn't seem to be going down...I fear I will be dosing him up till the end of time! He is just so much happier though! :thumbsup:

Sid is becoming increasinly mischevious and because he is able to give the sweetest butter wouldn't melt in my mouth, look he thinks he can get away with it....but I'm onto him I tell ya! :glare:

I have a bread maker! :thumbsup: One of the girls at work no longer wants it as she can't eat bread so instead of dumping it down the tip she has given it to me....ooooh the fun I will have!

Home made bread to go with my home made soups and pate...mmm mmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! :wub:

Coastie, you make home made pate?
I love pate.
Recipe please.

I only make home made vegetable pate at the moment but I shall put the very yummy recipe in the recipe thread for you hun....it is yum scrum on warm bread! :thumbsup:

Oh well I'll give you the basics now...

Can't remember the amounts right now but basically you will need:

Mushrooms
Celery
A lemon
Two garlic cloves (optional)
Butter
Fresh double cream
Black pepper (ground or regular works fine)

Ramakin dishes! :thumbsup:

I only make home made vegetable pate at the moment but I shall put the very yummy recipe in the recipe thread for you hun....it is yum scrum on warm bread! :thumbsup:

Oooooh, thankyou, thankyou.

Mmmmm, Coastie that pate dish sounds delish! I have some celery in the fridge, I might just do at the weekend! Can you pop it on the recipe thread so as me & Andrea know what to do? Cheers!

I have some fairy cakes in the oven, anyone want one when they are ready? :eat:

Ooo you need an medium sized onion aswell! :shocking:

Got all the ingredients, all I need to know now is what to with them...Coastie, recipe thread if you please! :w00t:

Sounds good to me too - but what do you do with all the stuff - please - I need to know!

Got all the ingredients, all I need to know now is what to with them...Coastie, recipe thread if you please! :w00t:


I have to bring the book in tommorow...I now how to do it I just can't remember the exact measures off the top of my head :wallbash:

I have been in absolute agony the last few days with my wisdom tooth again. It calmed down for ages and now Im having trouble again. So much so that I have refused to go to the pub today! Hopefully it'll be getting whipped out some time this week.
I hate teeth.

I have been in absolute agony the last few days with my wisdom tooth again. It calmed down for ages and now Im having trouble again. So much so that I have refused to go to the pub today! Hopefully it'll be getting whipped out some time this week.
I hate teeth.

Is that normal for a dentist? :ninja:

It must be bad for you to miss out on the pub PJ, I hope the pain subsides for you soon :hug:

Have I mentioned that I now have a bread maker! :w00t:

Peej...can't you sort it out yourself sweetie? I mean all those years of training an all...the least you should be able to do is yank your own teeth out once in a while!

God no! I wouldn't trust myself.

I did, however, give myself an injection before - just for fun :) We dental students are a crazy bunch.

God no! I wouldn't trust myself.

I did, however, give myself an injection before - just for fun :) We dental students are a crazy bunch.

You really should come to the Dublin meet Peej....you could bring the lip numbing cocktails...it would make drinking pints so much more of a challenge!

Peej-I got all of my wisdom teeth out at one time and havn't had near the sinus problems and pain since then. Mine were all impacted and one on the bottom kept getting infected as well as one on the top that was periously close to my sinus cavity. Get them done all at one time and you have them all gone and hardly any extra infirm time if you think about it.

Get them done all at one time and you have them all gone and hardly any extra infirm time if you think about it.
Some sound advice msgirl but I only have the one! :laugh:

So, you got the other 3 removed already??? See, I was a wisdom teeth virgin when I had all mine out, so that is why I suggested that. :blush:

So, you got the other 3 removed already??? :blush:
No, the other three are no where to be seen as of yet. Dentally, I'm a late developer... And from the look of my x-rays they may never erupt.

Mine were all going the wrong way in my gums and like I said, I had the one close to my sinus cavity and the lower one puffing up constantly, so the oral surgeon said they would all come out at once and the healing time would really be no longer. I did have to have stitches on 2 of them and I foolishly smoked back then and ruptured my stitches and got a dry socket!! That is hell on earth I tell you! Well, I hope your other 3 DON'T show up. That would be cool to not have to worry with them. Anyway, good luck with your one worrisome wisdom tooth.

I still have all four of my wisdom teeth.....they don't cause me any nausea as yet (although they do play up from time to time...a litttle inflamation here and there) and in light of this and the fact my dentists said I have a big enough mouth (charming) it looks like I get to keep mine.....for the time being anyway! :wacko:

Have I told you I have a bread maker!

Have I told you I have a bread maker!

Is it Haydon?

http://www.elmspuzzles.com/gallery/Lew/Bruno%20the%20Bakers.jpg

yeah, the oral surgeon told me in this day as opposed to the ancient days, we have no need or room for our wisdom teeth. So Coastie, if you have a 'big enough mouth'....o.k. I'm leaving that alone. Did you call me a cheeky cow??? the voices, the voices... :wacko:

My 'oh get enough beers in me' party trick is that I can fit my fist in my mouth.... :blush:

Fee...I wish... :laugh:

Well I am now officially a student:funky:

Went on my two hour pre-course information day today.
Got given a huge file with nothing in at the moment that apparently will form my student portfolio and I have to fill it with various things:wacko:

Already in the two hours there, got given loads of paperwork to read, Code of Conduct, student handbook, National Service Frameworks, blah, blah, blah.

I can see alot of trees being used up on giving us all this bumph.
I can also see how nursing has changed alot in the 6 years that I've been out.
Alot more paperwork and alot more red tape coming from the heirachy.

I can also see there is still a difference between the school of nursing (theory side) and the ward placements (practice side) which there always has been and I think always will be.
Or is that me just being cynical.

Well I am now officially a student:funky:


Congratulations Andrea :thumbsup:


Are you going to start behaving like a typical student now? :w00t:

hip, hip, hooray Andrea!! hope all goes well. soon you'll swamped with work up to the eyeballs!! :book: :shocking:

Well done Andrea! :thumbsup:

Milo fell off the window sill last night...very funny..I was watching The Bill with my lodger and the boys were having a run around the arm chairs and window sill....suddenly there was a thump and Milo was sprinting across the floor at me and then as quick as a flash he leapt back onto the arm chair and sat with me for a bit. Bless him I think it was just a incey wincey bit of a shock for him! :wub:

Are you going to start behaving like a typical student now? :w00t:

Hehe, like I've behaved any different anyway:w00t:

Hehe, like I've behaved any different anyway:w00t:

I am sure you will fit in just perfectly Andrea, you'll be leading the youngsters astray before the end of next week! :w00t:

Good Luck! :thumbsup:

Thanks for the good luck wishes guys.

The actual course doesn't start till end of October, just after half term, then I will be in the school of nursing 2 days a week, Monday/Tuesday for 4 weeks, then for the rest of the course, one day in the school of nursing(Monday) and one day on placement on a ward somewhere(Tuesday).

I was only there yesterday for 2 hours so didn't have chance to find the student bar:w00t:
Actually there probably isn't one as the school of nursing is sited on the psychiatric hospital.

I'm getting my hair cut today...but before I go i shall correct my assignemnet then I shall bimble to town...buy some big envelopes...post my assigment...trot across the ferry and go and see 'A History of Violence' at the cinema...I wil then return home and watch what I taped last night before falling asleep in the armchair no doubt! :bag:

Saddly Sidney, having suffered from respitory distress and loss of appetite, was put to rest on the 1st September.

He led a full life and caused many a human to convert from rat hater to rat lover with his distressed features and mischevious ways. :wub:

He has been greatly missed by all his friends and family and now lies at rest in a small patch of ground at the end of the garden. :(

Milo has also missed his buddy and is, today, saddly showing signs of old age and I fear he may not be there to greet me when I get home this evening...:cry:

These events conspiring with a couple of others has meant it has been a sad couple weeks in the Coastie household...:(

Oh Coastie - what a traumatic time for you and Milo. :cry: I hope Milo peps up and goes on for a bit longer. He must miss Sid terribly - as you do too. :sad:

...and I disagree with you putting this in here - Sid deserved his own RIP thread imho! I don't care what the sniffy, anti-sentimentalist lot say!

although to this day I can still raise a snigger to good old RobG saying "It's only a cat" in mock outrage at everyone's condolences to someone's departed moggy many moons and even more threads ago!! ... does that make me a bad person: :huh: :blush:

Ah Coastie, I am sorry to hear that. Hope Milo hangs on in there.

Commiserations on losing one of your much loved boys, I hope Milo makes it for a bit longer.

although to this day I can still raise a snigger to good old RobG saying "It's only a cat" in mock outrage at everyone's condolences to someone's departed moggy many moons and even more threads ago!! ... does that make me a bad person: :huh: :blush:


Who's cat was that again? Was it one of Bonnie's?

Sorry to hear about Sid, Coastie. Pets (with the exception of fish) are very much part of the family. My friend was devestated a few weeks ago when her cat of 17 years had to get put to sleep. She did say that she has probably cried more for the cat than she ever would for her husband if he croaked it!

Make sure you give him a good send-off!

Ah Coastie, how sad - tis the curse of pet owners.

I've noticed my cat has, this year, suddenly started to turn into an old boy. Maybe you should get something with more longevity? Like Bella said, they do become family.

Sid had a lovely send off with me n Mama Coastie at his grave side. I was, obviously, a bit of an emotional wreck and even my lodger, who looked after both boy's when I was away, was quite cut up. Mama Coastie was very sad but remained strong for me.

I now face the awful truth that despite Milo suviving another night and apparently getting his appetite back he seems incredibly lost. Last night we spent a few hours together in front of the TV and he barely lifted his head and from his actions I think he may have suffered a stroke. This morning he was eating a bit again but could barely move himself around. As much as I would love to let nature take it's course I can't sit and watch him suffer so I have decided to book him into the vet tomorrow and allow him, as I did Sidney, an easier passage into the afterlife.

I am welling up right now as I type this but know it is for the best.

Thank you all for your kind words :hug:

Awww, Coastie I am welling up for you here. Poor little Milo, maybe his heart has broken at the loss of his wee friend.

How old were they? I though they had a longer life-span than they have had.

My two are wanting a hamster for their Christmas and part of me wants to say yes, but the other part thinks in a few years time we'll be crying tears. We ( the girls ) want to get a cat but Mr B doesn't like cats and Abbie's answer to that was that he should leave then we could get a cat.

Coastie, the vet might be able to give you something to keep Milo going. Maybe he has picked a virus or something. Fingers crossed, things turn out ok. :good:

Milo is now at peace alongside Sid in the garden. :cry:

He led a full and fun life but saddly began to lose the strength in his back legs about 4 months ago. Eventually he couldn't move his back end around at all and following Thursday's very, very bad day he suffered a reduction in mobility in his front end to. He was 2 and a half and appeared to have suffered a stroke. Despite regaining his apetite his quality of life from Friday morning on was to be one of near immobility and confusion as he appeared lost and fearful. In light of this I decided it was only fair to have him put to rest...not an easy decision but seeing how he was I know it was for the best. :(

I have cried buckets today, as I did the day Sid left me, and can honestly say I will miss them both terribly. Sid for all his cheekiness and adventurous spirit and Milo for his absolute insistance that he gets cuddles from everyone.

I now know why every rat owner I have met says 'The only disadvantage to having rats is that they don't live long.'

2-3 yrs is sadly the average lifespan and I feel blessed to have had the company of Sid and Milo for even that short period of time. I will always remember them with great fondness. :hug:

Sorry to hear of your loss Coastie.

I've never owned a rat, but I have owned and lost other pets and its heartbreaking - except with fish, like Bella says (I can't wait for mine to die). Unless you have a Tortoise or something, you are generally destined to outlived the little creatures you have loved and cared for and it does leave a hole.

All the best.

Are you planning replacements, or is it too soon to be thinking about that? Sometimes another pet can help heal the hurt of losing the ones before.

Just read this Coastie - I'm really sorry about your loss :hug:

Just read this Coastie - I'm really sorry about your loss :hug:


just read this too Coaster - the boss asked what was wrong when he saw my reaction! :bored:

Hopefully it won't be too long before you can think of them with a smile instead of a tear......

My two broken ribs what I done in in August still haven't healed properly.


[booze, stilletoes and wet decking do not go together]...

Does that mean you have finally learnt a valuable lesson in life TE? :)

Thank-you all for you kind words. I am now smiling more at the thought of my boys...Sid and his cheekiness and Milo for his determination to get cuddles. It's still a little too soon for me to think about getting another pet but the house does seem a little empty without a ball of fluff running around in some form or another...

My two broken ribs what I done in in August still haven't healed properly.


[booze, stilletoes and wet decking do not go together]...


You are just not safe to be let out, are you? :laugh:


I hope they heal real soon hon :hug:

Does that mean you have finally learnt a valuable lesson in life TE? :)



Yes. She's had the decking removed.

Yes. She's had the decking removed.

I would have just worn trainers...much cheaper option and suitable for boozing on any terrain! :naughty:

I would have just worn trainers...much cheaper option and suitable for boozing on any terrain! :naughty:

Totally agree - you wouldn't catch me out boozing in stilletoes :ninja:

Totally agree - you wouldn't catch me out boozing in stilletoes :ninja:

Now why don't I believe that? :devil:

My two broken ribs what I done in in August still haven't healed properly.


[booze, stilletoes and wet decking do not go together]...

does that mean you can only handle your beer in half pint sizes now, TE? until you get the lifting strength back?

practice with this one :beer: and then on this one :beer: and finish up with a :beer: ... you know it makes sense!

I hope you heal good and proper soon, mate! :hug:

Right, Urk's ripped out the decking, the shoes are on ebay, and I'm off down the offey.....



2 out of three ain't bad.

Right, Urk's ripped out the decking, the shoes are on ebay, and I'm off down the offey.....



2 out of three ain't bad.

That'll be that true Irish grit...never ones to give up in the face of adversity ya! :) Well done for your ability to adapt and overcome! :smartie: