What I did today

winds from the Antarctic have finally gone and it really does seem as if Spring is here
BradfordLass; Be careful of what you say! We're having our third Winter of the year this week-end after a couple of days of summer, 30C+ last week and it could well be heading your way after giving us a good pasting!
Watched the Poms give your lads a rugby lesson last evening; live on TV.
Wasn't nail-biting stuff! Let's hear it for the Taffies tonight, also live. OoRoo

BlueSapphire what's stopping it? Summat up yer pipe maybe bag full?

annsixty No, it's not awful, it's a fair comment. If someone brought a nice bottle to share with me I'd certainly enjoy it - but I couldn't reciprotate because I am no wine connoisseur. So no doubt it was a nice little treat for her.

Not a happy day for me. A friend sent me, via her lawyer's email, some affidavits to print out (no one with phones has a printer these days) and wanted me to arrange her presence before a JP to sign.

When I read them, as requested, several of the clauses were blatant lies. I rang to advise the consequences of signing on Oath and presenting these in Court. It is, in fact, perjury if you knowlingly lie.

Well, my goodness what a hysterical diatribe followed .
I sat it out and said, calmly, if she wanted to sign then it was her choice but I could not be a party to it.

I felt very sad about the whole situation. Told the barrister, whom I know, that the affidavits were not, after all, going to be Couriered to him - and why. Its a long, holiday weekend here so I have not yet heard from him.

I confided this to a friend in New York and she taught me a new phrase, 'energy vampire'.

I had to look it up and gadzooks, she's absolutely spot on; it describes exactly how my histrionic friend acts.

But it has been a beautifully sunny day; winds from the Antarctic have finally gone and it really does seem as if Spring is here.
My gorgeous purple irises are in full bloom and the house is full of of fragrant freesias.

A bath! - I wish!!! But I do shower.

Such a busy day today involved with the primary school where I am governor: appraisals, interviews for new staff, and a full governors' meeting which went on and on....and on....and on. Zzzzzzz!

Back home to a cold house - how I hate the cold months and the dark.

Just back from a catch up with a friend.
Sorry Marydoll look away now, we shared a bottle of Shiraz and very nice it was too.
I shouldn't say this but I am always pleased when it is my turn to take the wine as she doesn't appreciate a good bottle as much as I do.
Isn't that an awful thing to say?
She has many other good qualities and keeps me entertained for a couple of hours.
My GD is already in bed and I am off there now.
Sleep well everyone.

After a rather fraught couple of days in the north with sick (temporarily) DD and minding DGC and getting some insight into their remote life, we are returned to hot showers and baths and own bed. Bliss.

We are missing their bats and barn owl and the constant chatter, singing and help with the cooking from the 4 yr old.

After waiting eight days for one of my RA drugs to be dispensed, I decided this afternoon to phone and chase it up.
However, I discovered there is a shortage of it and none is available anywhere.
On doing some research, I discovered that there is a world wide shortage of it. If this is the case, why is it still being prescribed?

As I will run out soon and I'm unsure if I have to be weaned off it, I sought advice.
My afternoon was spent entertaining my wee granddaughter and at the same time phoning my consultant, the rheumatology specialist nurses, my GP and anyone I thought could help.
None of them could be contacted.

So I'm off to watch the Dublin Murders, despite not understanding it and I will start phoning all over again tomorrow.
I would love to indulge in a cheeky wee Pinot Grigio, but will have to settle for a cuppa and a BIG bar of chocolate!

Got demented at my vacuum cleaner this morning as it is just not picking up the cat fur any longer.
Had early lunch and went on a Health Walk which was great as the weather was nice and had a lovely chat as we walked round. Went for coffee with group afterwards.
Then cut the back grass when I got home, wondering if that will do now for this year. But I still have the front to do. Tomorrow maybe.
Just waiting for bathroom fitter to come and look at what I need for my new cloakroom. Having a glass of wine while I wait....

Meant to say to Annsixty, do have a go with your Karcher window cleaner, it is very easy and satisfying.

I was delighted early this morning when I looked out of the window and saw that the bin men had taken away the broken chair, and a redundant floor lamp. How silly to get excited about such a small thing.
Put away our bins and my neighbour's, who is away until tomorrow, and took in a parcel for another neighbour.
Sat and started to crochet a black cat for my DD, as they lost their old cat last Friday.
Had a telephone conversation with the Dr, about how long to stay on these new tablets, and he has sent a new prescription to the chemist for me to pick up later this week.
I had thought I may volunteer this afternoon, but I had to wait in for the Dr's call. Actually, I think I may be a bit ambitious, about returning.
So will see next week, as I miss going.
Had a tasty lunch of home made chicken soup. After lunch DH went and played with the weed killer in the front garden, and seemed to be enjoying himself.
I made some spiced apple muffins, and they look good.
Did a bit more crocheting, then we had supper, courtesy of DD and SIL, from the food they brought here on Sunday. I sat and finished the remains of a big pot of yogurt, with a long handled teaspoon, saving on the washing up!
Will watch Dublins Murders later on, meanwhile, back to my crochet.

Made with DH, another raised bed in veg plot. Dug over and planted broad beans in established bed. Made complicated low carb fish cakes for supper. Just had a shower. We do have a bath. It is very deep and I have difficulty getting out of it. ?

Love baths! Nothing beats a good wallow.

I’ve just spent nearly seven hours in a large tent talking to hundreds (if not thousands) of children and their responsible adults about our rivers. Loved it, brilliant kids, brilliant parents and grandparents - but am now rather slightly knackered. Have a large brandy to sip - medicinal, for my tired throat.

Well done, annsixty.
I haven't had a bath since well before I fell and had an injury but am tempted to have a try.

What a nasty woman, ga
Even if she didn't feel inclined to rush over to help (and why not just ask if you were OK?), there was absolutely no need to be so vicious.

I am so happy to report I have had a bath.
I know it was foolish with nobody in the house but I just really craved one.
A shower just wouldn't have done.
It was the first since last December.
I took the key from out of the door, left the bathroom door open and took my mobile into the bathroom with me, it was bliss.
I won't repeat it in a hurry, I am satisfied for now.

That person was horrible ga

I headed for the bus stop after shopping. On one of the seats at the stop there was a large see through wallet/folder. I was the only person at the stop. I looked more closely and it was obviously a student who had left it on the seat. I could see the name of a college on some of the papers so I googled and found the phone number for them. I explained what I'd found and the lady told me to look in the folder to see if there was a name in there. There wasn't. She thanked me for contacting them and told me to leave it where it was. It made me sad that someone's hard work was left in a bus stop. I hope it gets reconciled with its owner.

It seems you cannot drive anywhere lately without encountering road works and temporary lights gulligranny

I have just arrived home after a pleasant walk in the sunshine to town. Bought a couple of birthday cards, also vegetables to make homemade soup. Then ordered a birthday cake for Mums 90th in January.

Made arrangements to meet a friend for coffee tomorrow at a local garden centre.

No housework done, and the ironing is hiding in the spare bedroom There is always another day!

I think I have encountered every single set of temporary traffic lights in the area today! What should have taken no more than 20 minutes drive time (popping to JL for something pampering for stepdaughter's birthday) took half an hour going. So I thought I'd use my local knowledge of back roads coming home .... but of course they are all having things done to them and in the end it was at least 40 minutes. Who knew that "Openreach" could be such a bad word?

Auntieflo I bought a Karcher window thingy many months ago and it is still in the box?
You have encouraged me to have a go.

I went on a boat through the Blue Grotto in Malta ;)

What a lovely thread!

The weather was sunny, windless and almost warm here yesterday so OH mowed the lawns, look a lot better.

I took the dogs out twice up footpaths and gave silent thanks for living in such a beautiful, peaceful place. Saw redwings (autumn visiting thrushes) for the first time since they left in March.

Made (and ate) pheasant gougons for dinner. Should have eaten them with healthy vegetables but had chips instead! Delicious.

Very little housework done. Far too many visits to GN instead.

Yoga class in the evening. Have missed a couple of weeks so needed it. Love the candles and scents.

Tried to ring my brother for a chat but he was out and about as usual. We do not meet up often enough so I will try again later today.

As you can see, a lazy day.

I'm feeling thoroughly rejected!

Three different people were due at my house today and ALL have cancelled.
No, I don't have BO (remember that advert?) they all had good reasons, one of which was a bad case of flu if his poor voice was anything to go by when he rang me.

So I pottered, had Ricies and a banana for breakfast and looked at GN for a wee while.

Luckygirl just in case it is CFS, do some research and learn how it's managed.
You'll learn something which may benefit you and others as as well.
There's an old army saying, 'Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted" - neither is research

It's almost lunchtime so I'm assembling my old library audio books so that at 2:30pm when my other homecare lady** comes, we can go get my new ones - and the foods for Friday when my son, who is finally taking some long-postponed time off, will spend the day here.

**I must jinx my carers.

This one, after 2 years away recovering from 2 accidents, has finally returned.

She rang at 8:30am today to say, "I kicked the door frame yesterday," (I have yet to learn why) "so my foot is blue and swollen and I can hardly walk, so I may be late coming to you."
She swears she is safe to drive. I seriously doubt it but we shall see.

I may have an Epsom Salts foot soak waiting for her.
Who is caring for whom I wonder?

Sort of a mundane day but it’s been more than good enough. Came back late Saturday from spending a few days with a close friend and her daughter coping with the aftermath of our friends brain haemorrhage. Left them with a very heavy heart. Yesterday was recovery day so today was catch up. Admin this morning, lots of tidying and then after lunch a food shop. It feels good to have completed it all, simple enough though it was.

Struggles with memory are distressing for everyone grannysomerset, I’ve seen something of it and understand a little of the strain you will be under. Lucky please don’t ignore CFS if that is indeed a diagnosis, it’s not something to be trifled with but can be managed. My diagnosis came nearly 30 years ago, I soon learned ignoring it didn’t help. What a horrible experience grannya, please put it behind you, goodness knows what was behind her reaction. Good news about the carpet ann, I’m pleased for you.

Off again tomorrow visiting another friend with health issues. It makes us realise how lucky we are to be as well as we are. Goodnight everyone, sleep tight.

Had a play with my new toy. We bought a Karcher window cleaner on Saturday, and it is great. So lightweight and efficient.
My lovely cleaner lady came at one and worked hard until three.
I ordered a weed killer thing on line before I got up, and had an email a few hours later to say that it was ready to collect, so DH will do that tomorrow, when he goes out to his usual meeting.
We put out the rubbish bins for collection, early tomorrow morning and I have included the broken chair that deposited me on the floor on Saturday morning, plus a lamp that is past it's best.
Fingers crossed that the bin men take them away.
We have watched Dublin Murders, but still none the wiser ?
Off to bed now, night, night.

ga - how very bizarre - why would anyone do this? Perhaps there is some family medical history that made her so touchy and so very rude. You really did not need this. I hope that you will be feeling better soon.

GrannySomerset - so sorry to hear that your OH is struggling with memory - I do know how hard it is to remain patient in this sort of situation.

I had a GP appointment this morning; and the spectre of CFS was mentioned again. I will just try and let it wash by me.

Went to see OH in NH - he was very sleepy indeed, and absolutely convinced that it was Sunday. He had had a lovely jacuzzi bath this morning with bubbles and colours and he loved it - but I think it knocked him out.

Picked two little GC up from school and brought them home for tea, which was lovely.

Just been looking online for houses to downsize to(to raise money for NH fees) in the place I want - and there is one with a stairlift in just the right situation - I must take a look.

Spent evening round woodburner watching Only Connect and Uni Challenge - I managed a few answers in both!

Night night all.

Oh, GA that must have been awful. Did the stupid woman really think you'd come out for pleasure? Some people are so selfish - and thick!

I too have a hacking cough left over from a bad cold I had five weeks ago. I've started taking anti-histamines in case its not the cold aftereffects but the dying leaves. Apparently they give off a chemical which irritates the lungs which could be right as I don't cough at night. I think its helping, I'm certainly better for half the day, so perhaps it is the leaves.

I've had an indulgent day. A leisurely bath this morning and an at home reflexology appointment this afternoon has left me feeling very relaxed and at peace with the world.

I know that tomorrow I'll feel energised, which is lucky as I've volunteered to help at a science fair in Norwich all day and it's going to be hectic.