What I did today No.2

Highs and lows today.

OH woke me at 7.30 on the phone in the grip of paranoid delusions again. It is so hard to calm him down when he is like this - one thing that does not help at all is trying to reason with him.

In the morning my DD and I visited a potential house for me to buy to raise some capital from my existing property to pay NH fees - it is back in the village where we lived for so many years and where all my friends and activities are. Back home really. It is in the flat part of the village so easy walking for me out onto the beautiful green and common. New-build semi in a little cul-de-sac so if I moved there I would have people around and not feel so lonely.

The big downside is that if I raise this money SSD will withdraw their small contribution to OH's nursing home fees until the savings dwindled once more. They get you all ways round. Whatever you do, the authorities are waiting in the wings to dump more manure on you. Sigh.

Went to NH with a view to raising the subject of house sale with OH, but did not do so as he was so down and muddled.

So the possibility of something positive - but how to make it happen?

Went and had tea in a cafe with two people with whom I sing in my choral society and then on to a practice. These two ladies have been very kind to me; and they have asked me to join them in a singing workshop in the New Year - as I have said before, it is random acts of kindness that are keeping me going. Thank heaven for them.

A really frosty morning here, spent the morning washing up, load of washing in, tidying up, early lunch then out for a Health walk.
Walked for a good hour with the group then a coffee and chat in the local cafe. I had filled my drinks reward card so it was time for a free hot drink!
Then another 25 minute walk to pick up younger DGD from school, then another 15 minute walk home.
Made tea for DGD, helped her with her homework and got her ready for Brownies.
Had my dinner, home made turkey burger with chunky fries, (and a red wine!)
Relaxing now watching Professional Masterchef.

I left at 9am this morning to accompany my fiend and neighbour to a dermatology appointment in Malaga which necessitated a train then a short taxi ride. She’s 84y and an anxious lady at the best of times, bless.

Anyway, great news, her facial skin lesion is benign, a seborrhoea keratosis (sun damage) and her prescription for a retinoid tube of cream (50ml) was €46!! Worth it whatever for peace of mind as she said - you can’t buy that.

She will sleep well tonight from relief.

We got the train back and got off in Torremolinos. Such a nice town now, much upgraded and pedestrianised. We shared a pizza & wine to celebrate in the sunshine!

Home now, she lives in the next but one apartment to me.

I’ve my pj’s on, a cuppa and about to watch Boris -v- Corbyn debate on ITV for my sins!

Hope others here have had a good day. x

Jane10 I was quite busy yesterday, but then I knew I'd have a quieter day today - just work and my own housework.

LuckyGirl I felt really pleased to have helped him, knowing that he went home to a clean and tidy place. He lives alone, is very busy with work, and it gave me something to do

Is it that time already. What I have forgotten to do today is my mantra.
Hared off to get MiL to her doctor's appt. Very late.
I forgot the bank. I forgot the fish van. I forgot to nip into the restaurant to check they can really do vegan food for a family member who is getting anxious.
My excuse is an unannounced visit from a friend whom I hardly ever see and who does love to chat.
Your Tai Chi sounds fab Gulligranny

Got up to a frosty, misty morning, drove to my Tai Chi class in a nearby town through a lovely landscape. The class was, as ever, great fun and we are lucky to have an excellent Shifu, who has devised a learning programme suitable for the not so young. Nipped into supermarket on my way home to get ingredients for DH who is taking advantage of my trip into London tomorrow to make pasties .... I hope to come home to an unwrecked kitchen and an oven that is still working!

will do Bradfordlass although I was almost asleep by the end of that meeting so may not recall all the films we discussed

grannyactivist I'm SO glad you had a good day, I hope they continue.

Grammaretto if you have time and patience, would you PM me the list of films, including the 'overflow' ? I'm alwasy on the lookout for a good one.

I wrote to my newly-discovered cousin in the UK. She's just become a grandma, so that wee babe is, I think, my 2nd cousin twice removed? He's beautiful and very like my own son as a baby, quite remarkable. Genes will out!

Wrapped the last of the Christmas gifts and arrange for a Happy Birthday gift voucher to be sent to my daughter-in-law from this patisserie. Don't look if you're hungry
www.vaniye.com/pages/our-patisserie

It reminds me so much of being in Paris and she'll be able to treat herself to a few nice Mornng and Afternoon teas there.

My neighbours little grandaughters, probably about 8 and 6, have been laughing and happily playing with a ball all day. So nice to see sisters getting on well.

That's great news GrannyA
It has been perishing cold here. I spent a while posting a carpet on free cycle and then waiting for it to be collected. A woman came at 7pm and took it.
I pinned out my knitting ready to sew it up. All the usual cooking, eating and washing. Emails take time too.
Tonight we planned the next 3 months of films to show at our community cinema. We had to find 14. We found double that and had to leave many out.
I had to say goodbye to our lovely French helper. He will leave at 5am for his next host, in Ireland.

I've had such a good day today.
I woke up at 10am and felt properly awake and refreshed, so I got up and dressed and haven't had a nap or felt the need for one today. I feel as though I have finally turned a corner and I'm getting better at last. A one minute walk takes me to a beautiful river meadow and I may try to take a little walk there on Wednesday if I have another good day tomorrow. I so want to go outside again.

I have two caseworkers in my team, one of them is on holiday and the other is away today, so when I had a phone call this morning about a new homeless man in town I really had to think outside the box to get immediate help to him. Fortunately I was able to rally my extended team of helpers and he's now been equipped with a winter sleeping bag, a tent and a rucksack - and the amazing homeless team from the local council responded to my phone call straight away and have already paid him a visit.

It's so cold outside tonight - I keep imagining being ill and not having a bed to sleep in, which has been the case for a couple of the homeless people I've worked with in the last year.

Sunny all day today. Wonderful weather. Did some admin, had coffee and lunch with a GN friend, came home the long way to avoid an rta. Out again for a walk around and a coffee with Mr C, sorted some Christmas gifts, measured some others as I need boxes for them. Feet up and watching tv for the evening. Enjoyed today, let’s hope tomorrow is also enjoyable.

Beautiful day today. Cold but sunny and the Welsh countryside looked spectacular. We went to a favourite town about an hour away. Rummaged around the antique shops. Bought some Christmas presents and had a lovely lunch. Then home to sit by the fire. Splendid.

I think you are very noble indeed to clean your son's house!!!

I found a moment to go for a walk today - a rare event in these wet times.

Got totally engrossed in creating the photo books that I do every year as a Christmas present for each DD and family - it takes hours editing and enhancing all the photos and then laying them out in the books. But I have done it.....and I had a 50% off voucher, so I feel I have achieved something today.

Intended to go and see OH, but it all took me a very long time. But I have talked to him on the phone several times today - started at 8 am when he rang me - he was very paranoid; but that seems to have worn off a bit during the day and he was pretty with-it when I rang him to remind him to switch on Only Connect.

Picked two GC up from school and gave them their tea.

DD's birthday today - I do not like to contemplate how old she now is as she was our "afterthought".

Yikes Salsaqueen where do you find the energy?!

I showered, washed and blow-dried my hair, got dressed, put my face on , fed the cat, took the rubbish out, fed the birds and squirrels, went to work until noon.

Came home, had an omelette, loaded the dishwasher, went to my son's house (whilst he was at work), spent 3 hours thoroughly cleaning his kitchen/doing his washing-up/cleaning the toilet/vacuuming all through the house/polishing and disinfecting everywhere.

Got home, vacuumed, polished, did a load of washing, put it all on a clothes horse, then fed the cat, unloaded the dishwasher, then did dinner, packed away all the groceries that I had delivered, fed the cat (he's a greedy boy), wiped round in the kitchen, sat and watched tv for an hour, went to Zumba, and I've just got in and had a shower. Lovely.

Had coffee, cake, and a good long chat with the neighbours. Sat in neighbour's conservatory which was lovely as it was sunny, and had underfloor heating!
Then had a walk to the local shop for a couple of things, had lunch, did some washing.
Put a chilli in the slow cooker for dinner. Have now eaten half of said chilli, and the rest will go in the freezer for another day.
Now just watching tv. Thrilled to find a new series of 'Repair Shop' starting today, so got it on catch-up. Such a lovely programme.

Yes jane10 it is a lovely place to visit. A nice day out esp on this beautiful day like today.

We had a big day out today! An early start and we set off to Perth shire to House of Bruar. Its a shopping centre in the middle if nowhere but the owners have done such a magnificent job that it's become a magnet attraction. It's expensive and only seems to stock very good quality items. The food hall is packed with treats and cafeteria/restaurant is wonderful and serves beautiful home made food on a large scale. I sound like an advert!
Anyway, I bought a lovely cashmere jumper, DH found some trousers, we bought boxes of crackers, Christmas cards, toys for DGSs, presents for DD and SiL as well as my big treat to myself - a massive paradise cake.
We're home now after the long drive. The countryside in bright sunlight over sparkling frosty fields and hills was just gorgeous.
Now, where did I hide that cake...

Oh yes, thanks for the reminder QuaintIrene I shall also have a look after tea since it's the last day for 20% off in our large well known store and see what I can find - thank you

I hung some pictures today. They look nice on the staircase wall. Just the bathroom to paint now which won’t take long, it’s mainly tiled. I aim to finish by the end of the month. Decorating takes me forever with my bad back.
I keep looking at the smart meter. 2.50 so far for gas and elec. I am warm, though so that’s not so much considering.
Going to order some presents after tea. Candles for my sister and some pyjamas.
My elderly cats have slept all day. I forget what colour their eyes are in winter. They sort of hibernate. I am coming back as a cat, for sure.
National holidays brochure came this morning and I will look for some trips to book and look forward to.

Well I've had a very busy day, now sitting down relaxing reading GN. First thing was out with friend for catch up news and coffee/scone of course. We had 2 x DGS's all weekend so house was a mess. Came home had a cuppa nothing to eat after scone in the morning. DH had done all sanitary ware in shower room and bathroom - whew! what a relief it takes me a while. Chatted with DH to update him on chat with friend. Started cleaning all bedrooms sitting room, hall, have done half of my kitchen units (all marked with DGS's over weekend, cleaned cooker (me). Had a coffee with mincemeat pie, did an online grocery shop, will make tea soon scampi, chips and peas and salad. After that will finish off kitchen, hoover hall and sit down for evening for our usual soaps. That's it for Monday, busy but enjoyable and nice clean house just what I like

Usually do the cleaning on Monday, but the gasman has been joined by the electrician and there doesn't seem to be a room that isn't either cold, and/or has the contents of almost every built in cupboard in the house emptied out. The gas and electricity supply are both being moved from running along the eaves of a single storey extension to going through the loft, and the boiler is being moved from kitchen to bathroom.

I am holed up in the study with an electric heater. We managed to get some lunch while the power was connected, but we ate at our desk as the breakfast space was in chaos. DH then disappeared for the rest of the day, He has a theatrical performance this week and it is the technical rehearsal today. I had to leave the workman for an hour to do my Tai Chi class in the village hall.

The gasman has now gone home and is coming back tomorrow and 'hopes' to have everything reconnected then. The electrician is still here, but is unlikely to finish today.

I am off to make some soup for supper and to retreat back to my nice warm study and do some sewing.

I can understand that Bradfordlass. We would miss it too.

annep1 I envy you the Radio 4 programmes, I miss them and althugh some are available to me online, not really the ones I'm interested in.

BBbevan A husband with lofty ideas eh? . I too am a bit of a fidget, unless I'm very sick. Which is quite rare I'm glad to say.

Yes we were supposed to have a do nothing day yesterday. DH went to get the Sunday papers , while I made the breakfast. We only have breakfast at the weekend, so it is something of a treat. I made banana and peanut butter pancakes. After breakfast DH decided to examine the work he has done in the loft . He really is not good at doing nothing. So I put some washing on, did the ironing and then hoovered around a bit.
We did sit down after lunch and read the papers. Just a bit of television after tea. 1 Planet 7 world's and it was Australian. Beautiful photography. And so to bed.
Off out todAy for a little Christmas shopping and lunch.