What I did today

I went to the local Friday market very early (so I could park) specifically to the ‘Egg’ man where I get enormously large eggs all with double yolks. Then I was sidelined into the antique emporium where I’d seen a wash dolly a couple of weeks ago; it was still there & I managed to get £10 knocked off it. Absolutely right for storing loo rolls in the downstairs wc. I picked up 2 GS from school at 3 and fed them toast & marmite + naughty biscuits which they’re not allowed at home. DD & SiL arrived later to fetch them so I fed them gin while we sat & discussed hedgehogs ears, red squirrel habits, the overflying Chinook and B2 Stealth bombers from Fairford, the weekend plans, SiLs golf triumph (?) and arrangements for school pickups next week...... I then drew/painted a rather pretty squash, bought in the market, very quickly before sacrificing it to the soup pot. Now wondering if it’s too early for bed ?. I’m supposed to be in Scotland for a reunion but cancelled as I just couldn’t face the journey on a Friday. Shame, but glad I made the decision. Have a lovely weekend everyone

Just been trying to get on top of all the unnecessary " stuff " I've accumulated over the years. There's nothing like a bit of workmen disruption for bringing you to your senses when making room for them to work. All I've been doing over the years is shoving things where there's a space and now the spaces are diminishing. One workman asked me how many lived here and I said just myself, so he said all I needed was 1 plate, 1 cup, and a knife fork and spoon ! He said this as he moved a pile of crockery from the cupboard, unexpectedly.

Shed outside where they can join the uncollected bags of charity clothes ! Bags are put through the letter box, but nobody picked mine up the other day. One step forward, two back---every time.

Was going to hoover but the cats are scared of it and I couldn't put them out because of the heavy rain showers we've had. A heap of bed linen and towels on my bedroom floor ( like a mountain ) will have to stay there until I've painted the tank cupboard where the tank was removed yesterday.

I feel weary just thinking of what I have to do but at least I can take my time.
Cor, what a moaning individual ! Tomorrow will be better I'm sure.

It was too wet to go out first thing so I stayed in bed and missed my swim. At 9 I went to Lidl and got a few things including a lovely polish jam.
Coffee at home then got a call to arrange a date for cataract op.
Long phone call with friend and then son rang.Walked 20 mins to paper shop but forgot my prepaid coupon so came home empty handed.
Lunch then out to meet 2 old school friends.We got caught in another heavy shower.Now a quick glass of wine before tea and I may do a quick walk on the beach later.

I have had another lovely day with my little rescue dog. We have had her for 6 days now and she is gaining confidence every day. She is a delight, such a gentle nature, wanting to please and so loving. After a life of torture it is so pleasurable to see her blossom.

Now cooking a shepherds pie for tea. The tesco Maris Piper potatoes for the mash obviously were not Maris Piper. They are a glutinous lumpy mess instead of light and fluffy. Never mind the wine takes the edge off my annoyance.

I had a trip to the Optician this morning where he told me that my eyes are very healthy. He stopped himself from adding 'for your age' Then a shop in Aldi.

I envy you the cat asleep on your legs, annsixty. We had cats for decades but now DH is so tottery with damned Parkinson’s can’t risk anything for him to fall over so have not replaced the last pair (who lived to be nearly nineteen despite a very poor start in life).

Trip to local Country Market this morning for flowers, eggs so newly laid that the chickens hadn’t missed them) and cheese scones, plus coffee and a catch up with local friends. Back to get DH ready for a pub lunch with U3A friends, then home for some admin and a leisurely evening since I won’t need to cook - boiled eggs and fresh fruit if wanted. Rather a nice day, all in all.

I had intended to post when I got to bed but was so tired I forgot.
I had a dental checkup early so was up and about before my usual time, all fine, just a clean and polish.
Came home ,did some light jobs, anything strenuous is beyond me now.
A friend took me to a local garden centre and we had a pot of tea and a large cake between us, not a matter of cost, neither of us need cake.
She was just back from a med cruise on Victoria and it was lovely to hear about it.
She then took me to M&S Simply food where I had an online delivery to collect and did a little food shop
Back home, I pottered, made some telephone calls and decided on just a san dwich as my GD was out for a meal and I couldn’t be bothered to cook.
I managed to stay up until my GD came in at 10pm, then of course she wanted to chat.
I eventually “flaked out” which is why I am now awake and can’t get back to sleep.
The other reason is that my little cat is fast asleep on my legs.

My DH was out and about from about 8am to 8pm so the day was my own. He had his guide dog with him so I only had to consider the cat (very old, arthritic and mostly toothless & spends most of the day snoozling in a warm spot).
didn't have to cook until DH returned (chilli, cheese and onion omelette with salad & a slice of freshly baked crusty wholemeal bread as I wasn't sure exactly when he'd get back). Anyway a pleasant change from my usual routine.

Took the phone off the hook
Had a lovely uninterrupted monkey bath (when you go 'ooh ooh ah ooh ooh' because it's a tad too hot when you get in).
Put phone back on the hook
Spent far too much time online.
Made bread
Pottered in the garden
Witnessed the aftermath of an arrogant man wrecking part of his car (see the Schadenfreude thread) which was highlight of the day.
Had my first PM from a lovely like-minded GNer
Poured myself a nice nightcap
And so to bed

Sleep well, one and all.

Today I went for an assessment to get a Blue Badge. I had been reluctant to apply for one as I did not think my mobility problems justified one but several friends and family have been nagging me for ages to apply.

So off I toddled and saw a young Occupational Therapist, we has a little walk up the road then a chat in a meeting room. I did not exaggerate my difficulties and answered her questions honestly, telling how I coped with daily tasks etc. I got the feeling she was surprised when I told her how many stools I use around the house to cope with housework and cooking!

The outcome was that I an entitled to a badge, initially for three years then they will contact me again to see if I have had surgery and if it has been successful. The assessor was so lovely and she told me I should have applied months ago!

Now I just need to work out the complicated rules where I can use it when parking in the streets!

Oh Gilly! what a pain. I hate it when that happens.
I have been very busy all day but have achieved very little.
I cooked a last meal before our lovely German student leaves tomorrow.

3 attempts at posting . Now giving up .....

A strange day for me. My ex H is currently in a care home - divorced over 30 years, but as our DD lives abroad it falls to me to 'fix' everything. Won't bore you with details but paying all his bills and sorting his mail and dealing with changing appointments, arranging for his boiler service took up most of the morning.

Did two loads of washing and hung them out as the sky was blue and the sun warm.

Went to buy newspapers to put in a box in the loft with papers of other significant historical events. My father started the collection years ago, so the Times and The Guardian have gone in there today.

Then I cleaned the carpet in the front entrance and the decking on my balcony outside the kitchen door, becoming effectively marooned for a couple of hours until the carpet dried and the sealant on the decking dried. Then, the heavens opened and my washing had to stay out getting wetter, as I couldn't get out of either door.

Been awake since around 2.00 a.m. last night and couldn't get back to sleep, so I'm turning in hoping to sleep tonight. Night everyone. Sleep well.

I have enjoyed reading through yesterdays and todays posts. Yes,jacq10 it is interesting reading about all the small things that make up our days, and the big things too, like the birth of a GC or the death of a friend. Congratulations GrannyGravy, how lovely, and condolences BradfordLass. Sounds as if you have been very supportive at a sad and difficult time.
Annie I am so pleased your sister has contacted you!

I had a lovely lazy morning (I am not good in the mornings, mainly because I am a bit of an insomniac, and hate rushing about) so I had my breakfast in front of the TV, watching two recorded episodes of Frasier, which I never tire of.

OH and I then drove over to the house I vacated when OH and I got a place together a few years ago. Youngest son lives there now, but we end up doing maintenance because he works long hours. I busied myself in what was the study, preparing a small part of damp wall (which has been sorted out) with mould and mildew remover, in readiness for a coating of latex paint. The whole room is being redecorated but I wanted to make sure the damage caused by damp was treated properly before we begin.

OH was in the back garden cutting down a tree which has caused problems. It is surrounded by decking and I liked the idea of a lovely old tree surrounded by decking, so I had our builder leave it in the middle. It's a beautiful tree but it sheds in spring and autumn, before it loses it's leaves in October. The deck is discoloured and permanently damp with leaves and mashed up berries unless we sweep it every week. My fault for being sentimental - I love trees. So OH went out to fell it. This was part two - he'd taken off side shoots and lower branches already, so he climbed up the ladder to take out some of the smaller branches. All was going well and he had a stack of neat logs made in no time (which we'll burn when they've dried out)

Son came home and finished off the dinner he'd made for us. He'd had a joint of beef cooking in the slow cooker all day with red wine and shallots.

Just as he was dishing up vegetables, there was a crash in the garden. The ladder had slipped on the slippery decking and OH had fallen to the ground. Fortunately all he suffered was a badly cut arm, caught on the tree as he fell, and a very sore shoulder as he hit the deck.

I cleaned up his wounds and we all ate a lovely dinner together. Tonight he is complaining of a very painful upper arm, so we may have a trip to A&E tomorrow. My knees are hurting too, after a bit of kneeling on the floor to scrub walls. I'd had a kneeling pad, plus a cushion and old towel on top of that, yet still it felt as if I was kneeling on rock! I have padding on my frame too, but my knees feel bruised.

I hope we are not a p[air of crocks tomorrow! I am just catching up on GN and enjoying a big mug of red bush tea before bed. ' Night all. Sleep well.

I have now come to my bed.
So tired but content.
My GD and I are making plans for a bedsit for her so her friends are welcome.
I started sorting but by early afternoon I was shattered.
However our plans are coming together as we had a nice meal with a couple of glasses of wine for me and just one for her.
The friend I went out with yesterday has suggested we do it weekly,hooray,a result for me.
Did three loads of washing, which is good for me, now contemplating the dentist at 9:45 tomorrow, a particular bete noir of mine.

May I ask...what age are you, SynchronisedSwimmer? 30 ..40...50. .? Surely no older than 60.

Up early with grandson this morning. We had breakfast, and he watched his favourite YouTube videos of a father and son taking things apart.
He went home before lunch, lamb curry for DH and I.
I went to Knit & Natter this afternoon and finished the hat I've been crotcheting.
This evening I've had a glass of sangria with my supper, and we've relaxed in front of the TV.

jacq10

I wouldn't worry. It's not a competition. People donate cakes for others to buy and take home, as well as have coffee and cake to eat at the venue or workplace. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Research. I will be making one or two for my local village who have a Macmillan coffee morning too.

Anniebach such brilliantly wonderful news. I'm so happy for you, alone and lonely no more.
Many more calls to come...and visits too, maybe. ????

I received my copy (Oct issue) of Good Housekeeping this morning, the first of 6 monthy issues for £6 (which I shall cancel before March) so I will enjoy ooh-ing and aah-ing over the contents over morning coffee for weeks to come.
Breakfast (after a 60 minute run - shorter than usual) was Lizi's protein granola with plain Greek yogurt, blueberries, chopped dates and a drizzle of honey + a cappuccino and 500ml water.
It started to pour with rain all morning and much of the day with 30 sec glimpses of sun before sheets of rain obscured it again.
I made a seeded loaf in the breadmaker from a Waitrose pack then write 2 birthday cards for posting tomorrow and made a blackberry jelly (which I love with evap milk.
Sorted out a pile of unworn jewellery and scarves to go on eBay, gifted to me over the years by people who never wonder why I don't wear it/them.

Raspberry flavoured water for lunch then prepped veggies for roasting this evening with fish.
Had a nap on ma bed this avo (still raining) and listened to music while I took warm loaf out of machine and put veg in oven later.
Daughter in Wales rang and was late into work because of roads which flooded overnight but managed to get home ok. SiL is working away for 2 days so she's on her tod and would chat on the phone all night if I let her.
I put a fillet of cod in oven with slices of lemon, sprigs of rosemary and chopped thyme then served it with the roasted veg. ??
Pudding was an Activia rhubarb yogurt.
I now see that Liverpool are 1-0 up...go lads, YNWA.
Hot shower next and beddy byes.
Goodnight all...???

A bit of cleaning first thing then some sewing. I am trying to make reusable bags to put supermarket produce in so that we don't bring small plastic bags home. They are made from unravelled shower scrunchies which are actually tubular. I have always kept them when they got tatty and have several. Also made covers for the garden bench cushions from rather splendid charity shop curtains.
DH cooked fish with parsley sauce and a delicious avocado for a starter.

Annie how lovely for you after all this time. I went by bus, using my pass, to our local hospital where I have applied to volunteer. I had to take all my documents to be copied so that they can do a DBS check. I was even told that a job has become available for me, admin work in the Heart/Chest ward. I feel quite excited.
It seemed to take forever to get home. An hour by bus where it would take 20 minutes by car but really hard to park and costs a fortune.

I will report on my day when I get to bed.
Mixed, so need to reprise my day and make sense of it.

Thanks for starting this thread Ann. Good to hear your news. I’ve just worked my way through all the posts while eating naughty Waitrose cottage pie and peas which I picked up on the way back from Exmouth on Monday after an exhausting weekend with DD3 & family. I’m still exhausted (they have a crazy dog & no time to look after/train him but I can’t say a word (needs to be on a Farm not in a yard) and the 7 year old boy had a 2 day sulk. Too much sugar & late nights [sigh]). So, today in anticipation of a possible further downsize (another story), I went through a wardrobe full of coats. Do I really need 17? Apparently yes I do as I only managed to ditch 2 plus 3 hats. I then had a bit of a blip which happens out of the blue occasionally, on hearing DHs fav music which set me off blubbing & cursing him in equal measure. It’s been 7 years but it still catches me unawares. So, I took myself into the garden, cut the grass, beat hell out of a load of weeds and planted some fritillary bulbs which I may not see flower if I do move .... then I ran through the Alto part of Vivaldi’s Gloria for Saturday and prepared for tomorrow’s art group which I run in the next village. We have a visiting tutor so I can relax. I may just have a bath before bed although I struggle to get out of it since slipping on the wet floor in July, ricocheting off the loo and landing up under the basin (no sniggering).
Bit of an epistle. Sorry. Will try preci-ing the next one ?

Took loads of rubbish to the tip, which is always satisfying!

Dog watching at AC's. Taught him to sit, well he could already but due to house move and other things has decided he's forgotten all of his training!

Cooked the last of the decent apples and bagged up for the freezer.

Bought a photo frame and put the last birthday card my Dad gave me, and his photo in it. He died a few years back but made me a card on the computer and printed it out. He said some very touching things in it.
So touching I've realised I cant look at it without a quiet tear. So I'll put it in a drawer until I get to the stage of not crying each time I think of him!

Now sat down with a cup of tea listening to the last of the Robin's song, bathed in the scent of sweet pea flowers!

Today I looked after my wee granddaughter, who couldn't go to nursery, due to an asthma flare up. As DH and I both have a virus, it was hard going, (and noisy with all the coughing), but we wouldn't have it any other way.

As she is a left hander, we practised cutting using left handed scissors. Now I have taught many lefthanders to write over the years, but I had a mental block and I just couldn't get my head round how to hold the left handed scissors, so I enlisted the help of DH, as he too is a 'leftie'. He was as much use as a chocolate teapot! .
He said he couldn't use left handed scissors.

My recently bereaved sister in law arrived unexpectedly. She impulsively went out and bought a new car without asking for advice or taking us with her and had got into a bit of a muddle over the paperwork.
When the dealership asked for her licence, she handed them it in six different parts. Of course they refused to take it as ID.
She had also recently lost her passport and had just got a new one the other day, so I went online and we got a new driving licence, using the photo from the new passport. Panic over!
She is someone who has always been on the ball and very organised, but her world has fallen apart. It is so sad to see her like this.
We taught beside each other and she said today was like being on a school trip with me and I haven't lost my ability to take charge in a crisis.

DGD has gone and Papa and I are going to lie down in a darkened room in preparation for the next marathon tomorrow morning.
It's hardwork this grandparenting lark! ?