Pen pals
Watch this postI have been pen palling for a while now does anyone else do this and is there somewhere on the site for this? It would be nice to write to people on here if they were interested.
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Have you heard from Vicki a lately, watching t.v. there has been a lot of unrest in the south, and the American elections, we just don’t seem to be able to get away from them
How are you getting on with the lock down, you are same as me, living in an area with open country side, I count my blessings being able to still get out and about, as there are no people around
Take care of yourself Gillian I hope the world will look a happier place for you soon
I haven’t heard from Vicky and watching the situation in America, again I am thankful for where we live. I hope all is okay with her & we hear from her soon.
Glad you are okay too, it’s good to hear. Stay safe. Gillian x
I think that is what we have to do now, count our blessings, my husband died in February I nursed him day and night for seven years, but we were able to be together when he died, and I dread to think what it would be like caring for someone now, when doctors and nurses have so much to do, as I had so much support from them all
I used to wish there were more hours in-the day, I had so much to do, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. The days are so long and lonely now
All good wishes for your next operation Gillian
Take care
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So nice of you to respond, an act of kindness makes all the difference doesn’t it, do you have family, I know Essex fairly well, where about are you, I used to live in Northampton. We moved to the coast 25 years ago when we retired, it’s ideal for walks on the beach, the waves rolling in can be very therapeutic
As you saw my letter was to Gillian, it is lovely to have someone to keep in contact with, we used to have contact with Vicki in America, but we haven’t heard from her for quite a while
Yes the days are long, I also have trouble with the nights, my body has got so used to having to get up every two hours or so, I can’t get my body clock to sleep through the night, I’ve almost given it up as a bad job, I make a cup of tea and settle down to read a good book.
Take care of yourself Lynn, it would be nice to hear from you again if you have the time
Well, take care of yourself and be in touch again soon.
Gillian
I am very sorry for your great loss. I too am close to my brother and just the thought of him passing is heart breaking. How hard it is to get going again once a loved one passes. I know that with time and prayer the pain will get less painful. My prayers for you...God Bless...
I am at this time planning to move to Tenerife with my brother and we both hope to find a new and exciting life change than living here in Northern Virginia. I am hoping to sell my property and make the move once covid is controlled with a vaccine.
This is my first post since I am brand new on this site. I am sorry if my letter is not too long...
yours,
RoyalTern
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You have taken the first step to joining in a conversation, and that’s how I think it works, I converse with Tawny, who is Gillian, and Lynn joined in last week, as I mentioned to Lynn we used to write to Vicki in America but haven’t heard from her in a while, so do join in, all you have to do is reply to a conversation
Aren’t you planning a big move, we thought we were quite cavalier when we moved from Northampton to the coast to retire, but it was worth it as it is ideal here for retirement
I do appreciate your kind thoughts, it’s times like this you realise just how many nice people there are around
Was nice to hear from you
Have you noticed Lynn and RoyalTern ( haven’t learned her name yet) have joined in our conversation, they had just come on to the site, and it is very hard to take the first step of contacting someone
After the shortest day it is surprising just how you notice the difference those minutes make
Will have fingers crossed for you do take care
Will look forward to hearing from you when you are seeing clearly again with both eyes
Doreen
Welcome.
As Doreen2 writes, we have been writing to each other and also to Vikki in America, but haven’t heard from her in awhile. Hope she is safe.
Letters are never too long! I hope you & your brother are successful in your plans to go to Tenerife next year, let’s hope 2021 is a much better year for everyone.
As you may of seen I tragically & unexpectedly lost my brother back in August, so important to spend time together. We had a great relationship & thankfully I have the same with his three children.
Well, hope to hear from you again, take care, Gillian
I write with Doreen2 and recently introduced myself to RoyalTern.
I use to live in South London but have been on the coast in West Sussex for the last 45 years.
Hope you are keeping safe and well. Maybe hear from you in time.
Gillian
I am an animal lover, presently 2 senior dachshunds and a senior cat. As a senior myself, I can relate to them.... I have always taken in rescue animals, usually dogs, usually the older ones from shelters no one has an interest in. I prefer the large breeds, but my age and ability to lift on the older kids has gone, so I am now concentrating on the smaller breeds. I have 2 adult children, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren and 2 foster girls, which hopefully will be coming into the family formally soon.
We live near enough to Lake Michigan we can take a trip down to enjoy this beautiful force of nature. In fact, we just went down last night to watch the sunset. It is a popular venue for both my daughter, who lives with me, and myself. Often we can hit the sand, but with the winds of November coming through, best to stay in the car.... or be dressed warmly for a walk.
Hoping to find people from all over to learn about their lives and where they live.... culture they were raised with.... pets, lifestyles, anything you want to talk about... if fine with me. Hope to hear from you soon, Spense.
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Did you get a response from Meeka?
I can’t see any recent activity so maybe she gave up the idea due to lack of response.
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I love music, films and musicals.
Particularly enjoyed all the programmes and radio broadcasts relating to John Lennon being 80 years old. If only!!!
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I like gardening, short country walks , adult colouring , meeting with friends ,drives into the countryside(husband drives),and the seaside areas. I love animals ,and we have two cats.
I live in Hitchin, not far from Stevenage. Been here for over 2 years. Moved from London with my husband (I'm 64). Had pen pals as a youngster and would love to start up again, especially in these uncertain times.
I have one cat and another who we share with next door and also love meeting people and have spent a lot of time in the garden and cooking.
All the best
Sophia (The greek)
How are things with you ? I have been FaceTiming my daughter (30) and granddaughters (3) & (1) once a week, now on a Friday as the are both at childminders again now while daughter and partner work from home . Saw my son Wednesday evening to Saturday afternoon, as he was working in Watford and had to sleep in his adapted van & use our shower /toilet. My son (24) lives in Norwich with his girlfriend and rehomed dog.
My husband(60) has disablities , but can manage day to day things, and does the cooking, repairs & making things in his shed/ work shop. I do the housework, gardening (husband likes to do mowing), and washing . We have two cats (did have 2 others they went missing), which husband bought with him when he moved in , after our wedding last July.
I met my husband February 2018 ,after he found me on Facebook ,and had been searching for me since his first marriage broke down (12 years before). We had last seen each other in the early 1980's ,when we had a relationship, but his parents moved to Dorset and he broke it off. He and I went onto have other relationships, and then marriages, but he said he was still in love with me that 's why he had searched for me on the internet.
I have only my daughter & son ,as my parents have passed away over the few years, but I also have a sister (59) who dosn't want anything to do with me and has cut me off. I am not upset or unhappy about it , as I have a lovely husband and married life , and my family.
Regards
Gwyneth
Good to hear from you. Weather not so good today so can't get out to the garden. I have a cousin who lives in Watford (Leavesden near the film studios). I don't have any children but have cousins spread mainly over Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex and my husband's sister lives in Ipswich so moving here makes it easier.
My husband retired some years ago as a BT engineer and also loves pottering around in his shed/garage, and I have worked in various offices as a secretary. Since we moved here I have done some voluntary work and also typing from home, although nothing since lockdown.
My background is Greek - my mother was from Cyprus and my Dad from Greece, both sadly now passed away. Coincidentally my neighbour here is also Greek (small world)!
How is your move to Stevenage going? It would be good to carry out writing or emailing and also maybe meet one day when things are easier.
All the best for now
Sophia
How have your past weeks been? I walk in a local park every Sunday morning , I also hope to loose a bit of weight (8 stone 5 /9 stone) so I am trying to cut down on various things and I am going to try some exercises , but as I have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in one of my hands I will not be able to do some.
I have cleaned the downstairs outside windows , and had a clean through the house (dusted /polished).
Have heard nothing from our housing association ,but Stevenage Council contacted us to inform us they are ready when we are & have contacted our housing association. Yesterday I received my daily email from the Gov.UK , and there was a copy of a letter to social housing tenants re exchanges & moves . It appears we can move providing we all follow government guidelines (which our removal firm has sent us), and the Housing Associations /landlords must do so up until September & must give us 3 weeks notice that our exchanges can resume. All councils/housing associations are having meetings ,and arrangements for moves/exchanges must go ahead anytime after 6 July . The tenant who is having our house goes back to work 4 July and has to work through that month , then is having a long weekend off 7 to 10 August . So have agreed with her we can move then ,and only if the 3 rd party(Stevenage tenant)in the exchange agrees too.
We have had to rebook our summer holiday, and will be going to a caravan park in Poole in September for 7 days. At the moment we are also waiting, to see if we can still go to a private caravan park in Lincolnshire near Skegness, for a weekend in July. We will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary on the 6 July ,so its my anniversary gift to my husband.
My youngest granddaughter was one on the 15 June, and my daughter sent me some lovely photos of both granddaughters opening the birthday presents. Both are lovely little things, can't wait to hug them, when I see them face to face again, as I have not seen them all since February .
If you have an email address, we could email each other next time. Mine is [email protected] , please send yours to this email address, thank you.
Kind Regards
Gwyneth
How are you? We are both ok, we have been away for the weekend in Spilsby Lincolnshire. Had nice weather ,only rained on the Friday evening. We liked the Holiday Resort ,it was quiet & peaceful ,so we have reserved a lodge for 7 nights in early July 2021. We have 7 nights booked from 19 September this year , at a Haven Holiday Park in Poole . We are having an adapted caravan , which was booked through Disability Holidays .
Our house move is no longer on hold, and we have a house reinspection today, and gas and electric rechecked as the certificates done four months ago are no longer valid. We could be moving August , as early as the first weekend if all the paper work is done in time.
Have a good week ,and I hope all is well with you both.
Kind Regards
Gwyneth
I have mislaid /deleted your email address before we moved. Please email me again if you still have mine, thank you.
(I´m a swede )
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What are you interested in chatting about?
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Sue
You asked Gillian about “over the pond,” guess what, you are over the pond too, ........big pond I always think, my thoughts of a pond is water on the village green with ducks on it
Don't really want to talk about depressing things -- since this chit-chat the 3 of us have going is suppose to be pleasant -- but did you hear about that 35 yr old woman and her 4 yr old daughter who were murdered in South London ? I just thought that this was SUCH a coincidence -- hearing something about South London -- because you had just told me (a day or 2 ago), that you use to live in South London ! My Best to You, Vicki
Has Michele contacted you yet, she comes from York
Been meaning to ask, what is your connection with owls..
My favourite birds, specially the barn
*I see that you responded to me 5 days ago, but I was unaware of this since I never got one of those "email alerts" that SilverSurfers sends out, letting penpals know that someone's responded to them. Hope all is well, Vicki (catlady24)
I am an early morning person, if I can get onto the beach in time to see the sun rise over the horizon, my day is made, I walk through a copse on my way there and in exactly the same tree I see an owl, ( not a barn) he is so still I invariably have to stand a while to make sure I see him (I say him, could so easily be a her)
I hadn’t heard the term quartering in that context before, I still enjoy learning about new things, keeps life interesting.
Take Care, Vicki
Nice to hear from you,has someone named Michele contacted you at all, she wanted to join in a forum, so told her you and Gillian would welcome her as I did, but I haven’t seen any correspondence from her since to either you or Gillian or myself, it’s nice popping in and out and reading all the mail, it’s been interesting reading about Gillian and her owls and being able to trace her ancestry back so far
Yes we are opening up, it’s supposed to be gradual, but everyone seems to want everything to happen at once, and I am sure we will suffer for it, are things getting any better for you. Friends were coming to America like as now for 15 days, they are wondering if they will ever get there, as when things get back to “normal” I’m sure it won’t be the same normal as we once knew it.
My hairdresser is coming on Monday, if I had a red carpet would put it in the drive to welcome her, my friend has been snipping away trying to keep me looking tidy , but it will be lovely to have a good cut again
Take care and keep safe in these troubled times
Doreen
Guinness and potatoes, one always equates with Ireland, have read and seen documentaries concerning the potato famine, and the hardships it incurred, could never understand how it was allowed to happen..... utter greed I suppose...
there are so many ways to serve potatoes now, a baked potato in its jacket is my favourite, no fancy filling, just lashings of butter
And Guinness have you tries the “peaky blinders” one, very potent
Keep safe in these troubled times
I have always wanted to go to Ireland, all I know of my great great grandfather is that he was born in 1822 in Limerick and in 1850 he was marrying my great great grandmother in Oxford. Tracing the genealogy for that time in Ireland is almost impossible.
You keep safe and well too. x
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Do you still own horses?
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Tho' looking at this post, you might be forgiven in thinking not. (Not many takers on here)
I don't think there are many letter-writers anymore or at least you would be hard pushed to find any writers on this medium!
I like to revert to a gentler form of communication and 'penmanship' has noticably diminished. (In my case I had noticed)
It has taken lockdown for me to turn to writing again (with my 1970s brushed steel Parker pen than my best school friend bought for me...thank you Helen!)
I used to have a beautiful fine nibbed pen of my father's that had a burgundy barrel and silver lid but it was very old and the rubber in the ink chamber I think sadly perished. I used to dabble in calligraphic exploits (and had an art tutor, who was a 'master Illuminator'....his name was Quantrill...we called him Don Quan, which I think he secretly quite liked) but I prefer a looser freehand to my scrawl as Calligraphy is too formal for me. (I wrote certificates for a local school for 2 or 3 years at the end of terms.....perhaps that was too long!)
Do you write?
(I ask this because this being your 1st comment in 9 months?)
Perhaps you are into scribing beautiful communiqués instead?
Bees
At the top of the page where you came in to this forum, you will see a chat line opening, go into that and it is conversations back and forth, this is a little more gentle, do feel free to join in any conversation, as you will have seen I chat with tawny and cat lady, and pop into any other conversation if and when, and the you can always enter into a private pen friendship with anyone
Hope to see your name on the page again
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Much as I enjoy random chat on here and posting music links and photos and discuss anything generally....I would find great pleasure in exchanging letters with others!
I love reading, writing, music (seeing bands) growing things..(the garden is a godsend), my 2 cats, wildlife, nature, walking, socialising, having a laugh and I ride pillion.
I am 56, live in Dorset
So if you have the inclination to return to a good old-fashioned method of communication... contact me here or on 'private chat' and we can exchange addresses.
Hope to here from you soon!
Thanks for your message. Please don't fret and I will hear from you when there's time. I hope your Mother feels better soon.
Had a letter from .New York today....I had quite forgotten it might happen as the exchange was awhile ago. There's a bit of a story here, I will tell you next time.
All good now.
Take care
Bees
Letter en route to you....as we speak!
Hope all is fine!
Bees
We are.all back in synch now I should imagine ...thanks for your letter...(mine should now be reaching you soon, if not already!)
Had a good day today, taking advantage of lovely sunshine...if but a bit blowy. We went to Cerne Abbas. (Not too far from here) A lovely shady walk by the river, took pics of some of the historic houses, saw the Cerne Abbas Giant on the hillside, an exhibition of photographs the schoolchildren had taken and were reproduced and decorated the school play yard railings (great little photographers!).
A couple of shops were open and allowing one customer at a time...
Also went for a lovely walk in Minterne Parva ...beautiful land, managed tree-lined avenue surrounded by open land and lake, grazing sheep... after so much rain it was a real pleasure, summer days...more of them!!!
Bees
I remember seeing cerne giant on hillside,isn't there also a white horse in that area.
I had hair cut and coloured today,feel human again now.
Went to Trentham garden centre in week, going to Lichfield tomorrow to do bit of shopping.
Be glad when summer weather returns here again.
Hope you have a good week, take care love Ann X
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Thanks for responding and welcome to this site!
I am guessing you are possibly in the USA because of the time difference? It is 16:46pm here at the moment in the UK. (My notification of a message from you read the time as 4:37am but it hadn't 'appeared' until 4 hours later)
So tell me a bit about yourself and what you are interested in. Perhaps we have things in common.
It would be great to hear more!
Have a lovely day and get back in touch!
The-bees-knees
I live in the West Midlands where do you come from if you don't mind me asking.
It's very windy here, just came in from the garden trying to find somewhere to squeeze in the last few bedding and tomato plants.Have a good day from Ann
I have just caught up with my 'chats' I owed a few.
Also completed my letter to you, so again it is winging it's way to you now!
Perhaps we will hear from new correspondents
if they can just contact here or in the chat' section.
I find I have been writing more than anything during the lockdown and I had realised 'penmanship' is much diminished and mine needs attending to.
If anyone would like to become a 'pen to paper' correspondent I would like to hear from you.
I would like to return to this gentle method of communication and getting letter.s is always a good thing! Think on it!
Bees
Hope you have a good weekend take care love Ann X
I was watching Gardener's World too but forgot it was on and came in to see the second half.... I forgot the slot had changed to Friday.
Where was Monty Don? (Having a Sabbatical? Did he say be was coming back in 2 weeks at the end of the last show?)
Forgot to.mention my Globe Artichokes (or which 2 survived over winter) are around 5ft tall and amaze me!!!
My Mother is a great fan of Monty Don... she's 80 and she is the one in out family with the 'green fingers'. I am not good with house plants....I don't know what it is? Overwatering/underwatering, wrong position? ....there are many times my Mother has saved some of my plants and made them flourish!
Following G.W, I switched to watch a bit of original
Van Der Call for old time's sake. It's quite dated, which appeals to me and I couldn't sit through the new VDV. I remember the theme tune 'Eye Level' by the Simon Park Orchestra in 1973...It was No.1 in the charts! (I think the Sweet were at No 2 with Ballroom Blitz!) A bit of music trivia for the morning!
Hear from you soon!
Have a good weekend.
Bees
Van Der Valk......(so I ended up with Van Der Call and I had already corrected it from 'Ball'! Tsk)
I enjoyed gardeners world, think Monty is having couple of weeks off,I enjoy watching Allan frost is it? His cat makes me laugh how he always pop's up on the potting bench when the camera is on him.
We watched the new version of Van Der Call but it wasn't as good as the original I thought.
Have a good weekend love Ann X
Join in any of the conversation, you can meet some very nice people, as you can see if you read the different letters I am in contact with cat lady tawny, and answered byculla who joined yesterday I’m in my 80’s and it’s nice to have a chat and see how other people are living there lives