What I did today

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

I spent a fab 73rd birthday with different members of my family. The two young grandsons gave me their specially packed gifts by them, lots of cellotape and paper. My DS’s lovely girlfriend turned up unexpectedly with flowers and sparkling. Had a bit of retail therapy in a very big M and S in Shoreham then come back to see DS for half an hour before on my insistence he went to see his lovely lady as he had been away on tour and they were missing each other. We are going to have a birthday High Tea with all of them on Sunday.

I count myself as very lucky to have my family around me, as some many on GN for different reasons can’t be together.

It has been a very wet day here, chilly so the heating has bern on.
I went for a meds review at the GP surgery this morning, they are employing Pharmacists to do this which seemed strange ,however the young woman was very thorough and went through all my meds very comprehensively. More than the GP has ever done.
I then waited and had my flu jab, I had hoped I may need to sit and read this afternoon but as I felt absolutely fine I had to force myself to do some housework.
I just had homemade soup with shop bought croutons for supper as my GD is out for a meal again with friends.
Looking forward to Scarborough at 9:30 and then probably bed.

Busy busy day.
Did a load of washing& ironing
Hollowed out a big polystyrene devil head that a friend rescued from skipful of bashed up window display items , covered it in a layer of cement (it will be a planter) and will be given back to her for her balcony garden.
Proof-read some stuff for a friend who is dyslexic, finished it and emailed back.
Skyped a friend in Wales who has been ill
Started learning Welsh (unconnected with the above)
Cooked a lovely meal.
Off to bed, I'm shattered. The washing-up will have to wait but it is soaking.
Sweet dreams one and all

I gor two pairs of trousers, one needed taking up and the other was just right. I cut the bottoms off the just right pair.

Left work on the dot today, unusually, as I had to travel from Newcastle to Cambridge (on the train rather than driving) because this weekend I'm training to become an examiner for Cambridge University Singaporean exams. Pretty heavy duty after a full week teaching, but necessary, so I'll be able to have an income for the 7 years between giving up work and getting my pension.

Getting over lurgy, did too much yesterday and felt dreadful this morning, sinus problems making the room circle me. Shocked Mr C by announcing I was staying in bed, never do. Lots of liquid and tablets (didn’t fancy food) later I emerged at 3.30 . Pottered a bit and replied to a kind PM that’s been sitting there for a while. Cheese and some toast, a little tv and now its back to bed. Not much accomplished today but I do feel better. Hopeful for tomorrow so not really a bad day.

Oh no, that's awful Alexa! Sort of thing I do! I guess you have a pair of cropped trousers now. Didn't we used to call them capri pants?

I had to go to the hospital first thing for a heart monitor to be fitted. Went from there to do M&S food shopping for some nice things for weekend and to entertain friends tomorrow.

Discovered that my annual travel insurance will expire one day before the end of my trip to my DDs in two weeks time. Called the company and because of my tests today, they quoted over £1,000. Last one was £187. I had a mild arrythimia diagnosed last year and a check in March this year found no sign of arrythmia. This test is just to check that it has gone/is no longer a problem. I purchased cover for two weeks just for the holiday and then will decide what to do next.

Made a nice meal for myself this evening and then disaster. The control cap for the oven came off in my hand and I could not get it back. I could not turn the oven off nor could I find the switch to shut off power. Just what I needed with a heart monitor on! A neighbour managed to turn it off with pliers. Why didn't I think of that?

Hope everyone enjoyed their day.

Oh Alexa, what a pain...the most recent sewing accident I had was sewing a button onto a shirt and discovering I'd also sewn it onto my dress! Easily remedied though unlike your trousers.

My friend had a jacket in which the sleeves were too long.
She shortened the Sam one twice.
She is known for being ditsy.
One day she did a Sainsbury’s shop and put it in the boot of her car with bags for the tip.
Yes you’ve guessed, she put the whole lot in the container and didn’t even realise until she got home and went to get her shopping out.

Annie so lovely to hear that you're back in touch with your sister.

This was always one of my favourite threads as it gives us a window into people's day to day lives. Some of the threads give a pretty one dimensional view of us and it's good to know what else is going on for us in life.

My virus has ground me down to the point where I woke up this morning to a swollen eye and the knowledge that my shingles has re-activated. I genuinely have cut down on my work; I haven't visited the Care Home since I first got ill over a month ago and have had only four (very necessary) work related meetings in the same time frame. The Wonderful Man went out (kayaking) early this morning so he hasn't seen my eye and I know he'll be very upset when he does! Oh dear.

Very dear friends have a poorly little boy who is currently being monitored in hospital for a problem (ongoing, long story) with his brain. I shall spend a moment now and again praying about that, but overall I shall do very little (again!) except snooze and maybe catch up on a film (or two). My brain is addled.

We I'm slobbon around today which is not good so I'm off to get changed and go for a walk.