WEEKLY CHAT (non-osprey) SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2014

Just had to rejoin the group before I could post the above !!!

Congratulations Linda & family. What a wonderful birthday gift! Happy birthday from DownUnder.

I enjoyed another day bus trip on Sunday. Sometime I’ll post some photos. The country was covered in crops – bright emerald green and then the brilliant yellow canola. Such a cheery sight. Farmers are happy with good rains. Yesterday lunch with a friend – I’m only one month late for her birthday.

Annette – you’re right about AussieSpeak – arvo does mean afternoon.

I see that water voles have been spotted at the RSPB Strathspey preserve for the first time in 20 years!  Fab - and so cute - like little black guinea pigs.  

Brenda: I doubt you'll go back to a PC. Apple/Mac converts rarely do.

AQ; Hurray for days out and lunches with friends. Please send rain!

Good morning; where is everyone?  We have been busy indoors, but OH has now gone out for more weeding and violet-pulling (this time inside the fence) while he waits for the grass to be dry enough to mow; I think we had a heavy dew.

AQ - glad you enjoyed your bus trip on Sunday; not long now till the bigger one out west (if I remember right).

Had email from Daughter#2; there is a new loss adjuster on the case now, and they have been told they have another week in present accommodation - not ideal, but at least they know where they are for a while.  She will phone tonight with more detail when she has spoken to the new loss adjuster.

Good Morning ALL. A dull cloudy morning, after rain last night, followed by mist/ fog. OH having his hair cut and then we are off to Waitrose, when he returns. I don't buy all that I need in nearest supermarket.

AQ, Pleased to see that life has become more ' normal' for you and you enjoyed your day trip. Hope your daughter is still recovering, with the help she is now getting.

OG, Fingers crossed for your daughter, that the new loss adjuster will start things moving to her satisfaction.

I guess Linda is buying everything pink in the shops for her new granddaughter and could even be visiting the family.

Good morning all. Just popping in with some good news for a change. 

Saw consultant this morning and my blood count has increased again and now at 100. Platelets and white cells also showing an increase. What this means is that I do not require a blood transfusion this coming Saturday and after this Friday will not have to have a blood test until my next consultant visit in 4 weeks time. Not showing a thyroid problem but calcium level is going up again and I may need some treatment for this by way of a drip. They will be checking Friday's blood test and let me know if this treatment will be required. Just the chemo to contend with for now which of course will be ongoing for as long as it shows it is working. OH and I are so delighted, if the improvement carries on life expectancy will be better than we thought. I just have to contact them during the next 4 weeks if I think I need a transfusion due to being short of breath. All in all a very happy morning. So happy my sister is coming down and we are going out for a light lunch.

Have a good day and I will post again tomorrow.

Margo x 

Hi, folks. I've noticed that a couple or three people have been talking about computers and perhaps considering new purchases. I'm not advising anyone on when or what to purchase, but I wanted to make sure that you all know: Microsoft is rumored to be releasing the next version of Windows very soon -- Windows 9 (or "Threshold", or whatever they decide to call it).

Current rumors suggest that Microsoft may reveal the preview version by 30 September. The new operating system was expected to be released in the spring, but there's speculation that Microsoft may make it available sooner (by Christmas???). They're under a lot of economic pressure to get it out there.

Windows 8/8.1 was a financial disaster for Microsoft -- the general public loathed it -- so the company is rushing to get the new operating system onto the market. From what I've read, they're returning to a more traditional Windows look and feel, as well as making other major changes -- a return of the Start Menu, an end to the Charms bar, interface changes and more user choice, improved performance, advanced display, better phone integration, a return to the integrated Media Center, etc.

I'm not a techie, but I just wanted you all to have the info before you make decisions about expensive devices.

Margo - I know I don't post here very often, but your post today deserved a proper reply and not just a like.  I am so pleased that the treatment is working so well, and hope it continues.  You will be able to enjoy your lunch with your sister.  Nothing like some good news to lift the spirit.

Margo: I'm sorry. I was typing and didn't see your post until mine posted.

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL news. I'm so very, very happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best to you.