BLACK DOG 8

Hi everyone hope you are all well. I,m really tired today we had the flu jab yesterday so maybe that’s a bit of a side effect. Glad we had it at last though.
Doodle-I too had a Mum who talked to everyone and listened to their stories. One time I was waiting for her to arrive at our village station to stay with us and she didn,t get off the train!! She had been chatting with someone on her train then in London helped them find their train and missed her connection!! 2 hours later she appeared none the worse.
Nonnie- I agree that family matter more than anything else but I do love the friends I have. I like meeting new people as in

the early years I moved around the country with my husbands job and on remarriage became a forces wife so I just got on with it. There are so many nice people out there.
Rememberance Day is poignant for so many - I understand why you feel so sad. All those lovely young men who gave up their lives for others. You must be very proud of your brother
Bluesky- I remember a cemetery in Crete for the German soldiers which was equally touching. They too died young and far from home. Very generous of the Cretan people considering the hardships they suffered.
Annie - sorry MT is unwell - I hope the tests come back negative. It’s lovely that her brother eats with her and her boyfriend every night -hope he stays well.
Could you attack the parcel with scissors? It really is a pain not being able to open parcels straight away. I have decided not to wash Tescos delivery any more. I know 2 nurses who don,t do it . Just clean surfaces after putting away and wash hands well . I,ll let you know if I really do it on Friday!!!!!
Chrissy- I don’t think you were at fault at the over 60,s club. The members should have made you welcome and included you in the after lesson get together. Like Doodle says maybe you could join a class with all new members when lockdown etc is over.
Time to put the roast on - it’s so lovely feeling like eating again.
Take care everyone and have a nice eveningxx

chrissy I am a bit like you. I would probably have hesitated joining a table. When this lockdown is over, perhaps you could try joining something that is just starting up or an art class for beginners where people are all new.

Hello all
Annie I’m so sorry about your MT and partner. Hopefully, it will just be a cold or something. Glad your DGS is ok so far.
I suppose that means no visit today. That’s a shame.

Could you handle the package with a tea towel or something that you could then wash?
Annie I expect you are quite like my mum. Someone with a kind face and manner that others are drawn to and that soft Welsh voice helps too ?
Nonnie it’s good you keep knitting. Keeps the hands busy. I used to knit. Never much but I got more into sewing instead. I did make knitted scarves for all the family last year.?
Bluesky I have always been a family person first and foremost. Not having any sisters, I never have had that all girls together type of relationship. I have a few friends but it’s my family that are most important.
Chrissy I just try smiling at everyone I meet. If they smile back that’s nice, if they don’t it doesn’t matter. I have had such beautiful smiles from total strangers who seem happy to have interacted with someone. Not so easy at the moment with us wearing masks.
Hope everyone has a good day.

Morning everyone
Doodle Glad you got out for a while yesterday. I think we have to keep going as best we can, making sure that we stay safe. My Mum was the opposite to yours. She really didn’t make any effort to get to know people. I’m a private person as well but not sure I wanted to be like that when I was younger.
Nonnie I’m sorry that you’re feeling sad today but totally understandable because of what happened to your brother. Christmas pud Yum.

I do try and lessen my OCD like stopping myself from checking the door is locked a second time and accepting that it was locked the first time I checked. It’s very tiring though. I understand what you’re saying about rejection but it only has to happen once to upset me. Some time ago I joined an over 60s club at the leisure centre. There were different groups going on like tai chi, yoga, badminton etc. I plucked up the courage to go and did a yoga class. After the class everyone went into the cafe with everyone else and sat at the tables in groups of 5 or 6. I couldn’t steel myself to join a table as they were all chatting. I got a cup of tea and looked around but I just couldn’t do it. I sat on my own drinking my tea and after 20 minutes or so I left. When I got in my car I started crying and decided I couldn’t go back. I know that it wasn’t anyone else’s fault it was my fault for not trying harder.

BlueSky We went on a battlefield tour in France and Belgium a few years ago. The rows and rows of headstones really brought home how many had lost their lives. I suppose I’m not as worried about not being able to make friends as I was when I was young but sometimes it does bother me.

Annie I’m so sorry to hear that your mini tornado and her partner are unwell. Hopefully the tests will come back negative. Glad your charger has arrived. I suppose you’re right about being snubbed by people is a problem on their side and not mine.

Have a good day everyone x

Hi all x

My mini tornado and her partner have been tested for the virus, both are very unwell, she told me yesterday. My grandson, her brother joins them every day for their evening meal , he messaged me this morning to say he is not ill, I await!

Charger arrived, hope it’s the right one, can’t open package yet
because can’t wear gloves.

Chrissy a fear of rejection ? If you speak to someone and
they are sniffy with you please accept they have a problem not
you x. I have never had this worry, could be because i was brought up in the South Wales valleys , and everything seemed to involve the Chapel , grandfather was the minister,
so everyone was welcome to our house, I was encouraged by
my parents to join every social club/ event. When I married
we moved to several towns and as police were regarded with some suspicion I joined in with the local events .

Sorry my post went off before I had time to wish you all a peaceful day x

Morning all x Wet here but as they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather!
Nonnie during one of my trips to Australia I came across a Remembrance garden with names of soldiers who had died in France during WW1, most so very young. Found it very moving, boys who probably had hardly left their hometown.
Not surprising you are tearful Nonnie
Doodle just like you I’m a private person and not outgoing. Like your mum my MiL was friendly and would talk to people first, getting all sort of stories from strangers who had nobody else to share their troubles with.
Chrissy in my case it doesn’t bother me whether people want to be friends or not, maybe when I was younger, but not now.

Chrissey I hope the acupuncture works for you. Please don't give up on the OCD, I don't know much about it but I do know how much things can change over time. You are capable of change, I am sure, just be kind to yourself as a start.

I understand that fear of rejection, I used to share it. It changed for me when I had to attend a meeting on behalf of my boss. I decided to go and speak to someone and he just completely rejected me! It made me realise that it didn't actually hurt and I went and spoke to someone else and it was fine. There are so many people in the world and most of them are lovely, if one rejects you go and find another. Since my son died I have decided that no one outside family matters at all, I have dropped from my life the people I found hard work and it has felt good. People you don't yet know don't matter and they may turn out to be very good friends. Look at all of us in the BDG, you didn't know us but we are here for you. What have you got to lose?

Doodle yes, I think I am a good knitter but I make more mistakes than I used to, have to go back and fix them. My hands are flexible, fine motor skills not quite as good as before but generally pretty good physically. Perhaps I never wore them out

Doodle I wonder if your mum showed interest in other people and that was why they opened up to her. I think if we are interested in others and don't talk so much about ourselves people think well of us.

Big bowl (one of those traditional ones) full of Christmas pud mixture now waiting for virtual stirring.

Feeling tearful today, think it is because Remembrance Day always reminds me of my big brother who died so far away at this time of year. He was in the forces. I expect many of you share this too.

scaredycat hope you sleep well too. Night night all ?

How are you all today?
We have been out delivering pictures and a foot pump to various family members. No actual contact and we didn’t go inside.
Nonnie you must be an exceptionally good knitter. Are your hands still quite flexible? I love Aran patterns. I have done some myself in the past but kept on getting muddled up which way the cables were going ?
Pleased you are happy in your home.
Your DIL must have had a good birthday. Bet the little ones enjoyed it too.
Chrissy some people naturally make friends and many others find it more difficult. My dear mum only had to look at someone and they would pour out their life story to her. She had a kind face. I find it much more difficult. I am quite a private person and not naturally outgoing.
Glad you had a nice walk with your cousin.
Annie hope you are ok and get your charger lead soon. Sleep well Lavender and all in the BDG x

Good night all. Hope your day has been a good one. Sleep well and take care. xx

Evening everyone
Been out for a long walk with my cousin today, was quite warm and the sun was out so it was lovely.
Doodle I’ll be happy if the acupuncture helps with my anxiety because it has such a negative impact on my life. I can live with the OCD, it’s been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Nonnie It doesn’t help that I struggle to get to know people and make friends, I think I’m afraid of rejection. I did think neighbours might wave back when we were out clapping for the NHS but no. Sounds like you found the perfect place to live which is brilliant. How nice that you had a video call for your DILs birthday. Sounds like you’ve had a busy day making Christmas puddings.
Hope everyone is ok, sleep well x

Good night everyone, have a peaceful evening. Take care, stay safe, love to all xx
Hope you are ok Annie xx

Annie good to see you back, yes get a backup plan, we all need one these days.

I didn't think that was a long post, but I wouldn't would I??

Oh Chrissy that is sad, we only ever lived in one place like that. When we moved here some came just to welcome us and then, after a couple of months, we held open house and nearly the whole close came. Most people have lived here for many years, houses very rarely come on the market. We all take in parcels for each other and I know I could call on any of them if I needed to.

I remember growing up with a front door never locked.

BlueSky very reassuring that Specsavers do that, sounds as good as our dentist. Yes, I understand the need for you to be checked. I have slow growing cataracts but they can wait for now.

Scardycat I think the difference is that I only follow a pattern but you use your skills without one.

Doodle I can remember knitting gloves when I was in hospital at the age of 7 so things like Aran are really easy and quick for me. I think knitting may be the only thing I excel at.

Yes, we do live in a lovely place, a long story but this is not the house we had planned to buy, we were led here as if we had no control and now know it was meant to be. It is so different to the master plan and yet so right for us. Couldn't have made a better choice, actually felt like there was no choice.

Yesterday we had a lovely video call for Dil's birthday. Pre-schooler must have had cake because he couldn't stop talking and bouncing at the same time as using a badminton racquet to keep a balloon in the air. His brother proudly showed us the cake with lots of sprinkles and large chocolates on top. Apart from that I mostly procrastinated.

Today I will make Christmas puddings in a variety of sizes to suit however many manage to be here. The family can keep up tradition and virtually stir them. Won't be taking in any strays this year as we have done the last few. People DS & Dil work with who would otherwise have been alone, people we had never met who just fitted in with the family. Going to be a very odd time this year.

Weird dreams again last night but at least they are not the nightmares I was having until recently.

Sun is shining here again, hope it is for you too.

Good night all x

Nonnie sounds as though you live in a lovely place and are really lucky with your neighbours. You DGC sound as though they are having great fun.
If you move onto Aran knitting it might take longer if you do cables and twists ?
Annie any news on your charger yet? Lockdown not really bothering me but I wish it hadn’t happened for my DGC. They had just got back into their clubs and things after the school holidays.
That must have been a really hard time for you Annie after you lost your husband. Moving somewhere new where there was no one else around to be with and little in the way of contact without phones etc. We are so much luckier now with iPads, mobiles and computers.
I would think another iPad would be a justifiable expense in your situation. You need one so much as it’s your lifeline with the outside world and you use it so much for your games etc.
Chrissy glad you can continue your treatment. Sounds as though it may be helping. Do you think it would help with your OCD too?
Bluesky we use Specsavers too and also have been impressed with all their gadgets. Reassuring to have your eyes checked properly.
Our neighbours in our previous homes have been types who keep to themselves. We are lucky now, living in our apartment we have some really nice neighbours who are friendly and have been kind during lockdown.
Scaredycat I am sure you are right. On reflection I may be more embarrassed by my lack of drawing skills than by the life models ?. I am glad you have found something you enjoy doing.
I think it was Nonnie’s DIL’s birthday. My girls (DIL’s) are in the summer. ?

Evening everyone
BlueSky Hope you enjoyed your walk today.
Scaredycat Yes it’s good that I can carry on with the acupuncture.
Haven’t been out today, been busy with housework. My OCD drives me mad if there are jobs to do.
Annie Doodle Nonnie lavenderzen Flutterby Joce
Hope you’re all ok.
I hope everyone gets a peaceful night’s sleep x

Hi,everyone hope your day has been as sunny as it is here.
Doodle - You soon get used to the Life Models. It was a bit disconcerting the very first time I did a “live” class but it is so absorbing you don,t think about it. I have done it for several years now and I just love drawing.
What a lovely day you had yesterday it must have done you the world of good. Hope your DIL had a lovely birthday.
Nonnie- drawing is the only creative thing I am good at but my son is a very good artist. My sister is the creative one being able to sew,make cards,draw paint etc.
It must be wonderful to make lovely things for people to use and wear as you do.
Annie - You,re back!! So good to have you here again. This lockdown has made me realise that we were doing more things than I thought!
I agree that for those older people who have not embraced the digital age it must be very difficult now as so many things depend on the internet .I think one of the problems is that they think it would be too difficult to learn when it really isn,t.
Chrissy - glad you can still have your acupuncture - you certainly sound very positive about it
Bluesky- I feel the same as you as my son is abroad and being able to see him on phone or iPad is wonderful and made such a difference.
Hope you had a nice walk.
Have a nice evening allx

Afternoon all x Another sunny day even if cold.
Nonnie I went to the opticians not just for my eyesight but having had high BP most of my adult life I like to have the health of the eye checked. Impressed with Specsavers all the safety measures in place, I guess this will be the case for the foreseeable future if we want to lead a somewhat normal life.
Annie when my DC and DGC moved abroad, I became obsessed with my computer malfunctioning as that was the only way to keep in touch. So I invested in a iPad and eventually an iPhone.
Chrissy our neighbours are similar, hardly say good morning, if they can they hurry indoors! This suits me but my DH misses a friendly chat.
We should have a pleasant walk today, hope you’ll have a nice afternoon whatever you are doing x

Morning everyone
Doodle Yes, acupuncture clinic is allowed to stay open. They weren’t allowed during the first lockdown.
Nonnie That’s strange, you and your DH having the same dream on the same night Bless your DGS for hiding mummy’s cards Glad you had a nice walk yesterday and how lovely of your neighbour to leave you some treats. You’re very lucky to have such friendly neighbours. We live in a road where nobody bothers with anyone else. When the clapping for the NHS was happening we stood on the pavement outside our house and waved to them but nobody waved back. I think this is the way now in most places. When I was little I stayed with my Nan a lot and she didn’t even lock her front door, people used to just walk in. How times have changed.
Annie That does sound very lonely especially as you had just lost your DH and not even a telephone so that you could contact people. I agree about the elderly people who can’t get out or would rather stay at home than risk going out.
My positive today is that I can carry on with the acupuncture. Made me jump a couple of times yesterday. She inserted a couple of needles and like a tingling feeling shot up my arms. She said it was a good sign
Have a good day everyone x

Hi all x

How is everyone ? Is the month lockdown troubling anyone ?

BlueSky your question about how we managed before iPads,
computers etc , my thoughts went back 44 years, when my husband was killed we had to move out of the police house, the council were building a new estate, we were given a house
there, they rushed to get a house ready for my little daughters and me, 59 houses , 58 not ready, no paving, street lights, no
telephone ! It was really lonely.

How do the older generation now manage since this virus , they can’t FaceTime etc, can’t order groceries on line, can’t
chat on forums, no surprise that mental health charities are
receiving so many more calls .

I have had little use of my iPad for just a few days, am now thinking I should buy another iPad as a backup !

Sorry long post, but thought I would share x

BlueSky well done going to the opticians, we have put it off, not going anywhere we don't have to.

Scardycat I do so admire you with the drawing. I would describe my family as creative but we are all hopeless at drawing.

I'll take that interpretation of my dream What does it mean when both DH and I dream of an old lady with dementia on the sam

Thanks Chrissey & Doodle they are. 6 year old has been hiding all the cards which arrived for his Mum's birthday today and DS has had to hunt them all out. The excitement in their house today must be wonderful. I'm sure we will get to video call them after school. We will share cake online, I have the pink candles ready on ours.

We had a lovely walk round the lake yesterday, took about an hour. When we arrived home our lovely neighbour had left us some treats she had bought for us. I am so glad we live amongst such lovely people.

Another beautiful day here, still some autumn colours to enjoy. Yesterday I finished the 3 ply knitting and have graduated to 4 ply! Maybe one day I will do something quick in Aran?

Chrissy will you still be able to keep having your acupuncture? I hope so as you seem to think it helps.
Hope you sleep well too. Sweet dreams all........and no knitting Nonnie ?

Annie hope that charger comes soon. We need you here with us.
Nonnie it’s funny what we dream sometimes. I hope you didn’t drop any stitches while you were out walking last night. ?. No need to be apologetic about being a proud gran. We all love our grandkids.
Bluesky you sound just the same as me. I am really short sighted but don’t wear glasses to read. Glad everything ok,
Scaredycat oh I don’t think I could do that. I wouldn’t know where to look ?. Have you been painting/drawing for long?
Lavender hope you are ok. A peaceful night to you too.

Evening everyone
Annie hope your charger arrives quickly.
Nonnie I thought my acupuncture appointment would be cancelled as they had to close through the first lockdown so was pleasantly surprised. It’s amazing how weird our dreams are. They reckon that all our dreams mean something although I struggle to work out what you walking down the road knitting means . How lovely that you had a video call with your DS. Don’t apologise for being such a proud Grandma, your GC sound adorable.
BlueSky Good news that you don’t have cataracts. Apparently I have very early cataracts in both eyes which will need dealing with at some stage.
Scaredycat It’s so nice that you get so much enjoyment out of your Life Classes especially as you get to chat to others. So there is a meaning to Nonnie’s dream
Hi lavenderzen Joce Flutterby Doodle Primrose hope you’re all ok
Have a nice evening and sleep well everyone x