Black Dog 30

Wyllow3 We're extremely lucky to have family close by. Our sons have always been homebodies, and we've always had a close connection with them. Why did you feel nervous about your new friend? Did you go out for lunch?

DH and I met Son1, his girls, and stepson for a lovely lunch at a pub that serves home-cooked meals. I had Caribbean chicken with rice and veg. We gave him a giftcard for Matalan so that he can get some clothes (he never spends money on himself), and a few gluten-free snacks. Afterwards, we went to a country park for a walk. GD2 is 11 and went on the zipwire thing and the climbing frame. I got the kids an ice cream, then we went our separate ways. Nice, easy day. Hope everyone is ok. It's too warm here. x

Have a lovely lunch, HVDY. It is truly nice your rellies live near to you.

I'm nervous as this is a new friend and it's different from the odd coffee at the gym.

Dear, dear, EllieAnne. Your life is so hard and complex at the moment I'm not surprised you just sort of froze up. Do go ahead with the lunch, if you can xx

Look, this is just my personal opinion, but I think you need to tell DD that because you are having to take Dh to hospital and so on

"I wanted so much to help, but I can truly not look after your cats as we arranged before, a lot has changed, I'm having to take your Dad to the hospital a lot and its unpredictable"
She will have to adjust, it's what happens when our parents get older. Don't please assume it will "turn her against you"

xx

Wyllow3 I do online quizzes sometimes. My general knowledge isn't good, and there are gaps in my memory (since the stroke). I like logical puzzles, such as on The 1% Club. I'm fairly good at those. Yes, the muggy weather is draining. It's better today and due to be 22 degrees, which is bearable. Hope you get out for lunch with your friend.

EllieAnne I hope you'll be able to relax a bit and enjoy a nice lunch. I don't envy you having to go all that way to feed the cats (I wouldn't do it, myself). I'll be feeding the 2 cats at Son1's tomorrow and for a few days, but that's only 2 miles away (and they see to Jaffa for us). I don't think you ever put your own needs first, but perhaps you should.

Up at 6, done a few bits and pieces and watched a medical programme. Out later for lunch. Hope everyone manages to have a decent day x

Our forecast today is 16 with showers and maybe a thunderstorm. So I would happily swap places.
Doodle I love the sound of your boat trip. Water is so peaceful.
I’m still struggling with the whole situation. No appetite so eating rubbish and I’m not sleeping well.
I’m meeting friends for lunch today and can’t back out because I am driving.
A couple of trips to hospital this week. One for blood test and another to get prescriptions as it wasn’t ready the day we were there. It’s only a 40 minute round trip but involves several scary roundabouts and is always busy. Then there’s the hospital parking !
I’m still full of dread about dd and cats but trying not to think about it.
In bed on I pad and drinking tea but I need to get up and get on with the day.
Sweet pea sue I hope dh has a better day.

That’s a good meal for hot weather, HVDY. I like quizzes, I just don’t get the opportunity. It gets the brain going. Your poor brother, all those years and when he was young. Its the muggy ness that rises I think not just the temperature.

I am glad you got to see your friend, Sweetpeasue - it’s so important to carry on as many ordinary activities as possible. Yes, please do ring 111 if it gets extreme. Have it up your sleeve. They have helped me in the past.

As regards the holiday…. Firstly, can you cancel it money back? Secondly, if you can, give it a few more days. I just remember that in the past you’ve got very nervous then enjoyed it, but OTOH I know you came back once. DH is right of course - do it while you can, and in the past it has relaxed you both the calm and the view just sitting and having things done for you. Enjoy cuddling fluff ball as much as you can. xxx

I really feel for you *Scaredycat *down south as it’s so very hot for you. Oh, when you have been ill, how much those simple pleasures do mean! Just being able to feel ordinary for a bit was a big gift to friend but it tired you out.

As regards your son - would it work to meet up in a holiday situation, or is it the UK?
There are some triggers one cannot overcome - and it’s so sad for you. Ginormas hugs.
Two magnums!!! 😳 both for you…..?

How nice to get a boat there and back, Doodle A breeze and the river. But tiring. You seem to really like Windsor, it sounds a good pottering around place. I hope you get a decent sleep in the heat.

It was about 23 degrees here after a cloudy morning. And a nice breeze. I like the park, it’s both lively in bits and the by the river walk and lots of people watching. I had my new hat on, its got chin ties and shades my face. It’s a bit sort of safari like but softer.

Later I had a short and peaceful Quaker Zoom. Very good for me and away from any issues left over at my own meeting.

Lunch out tomorrow I think, it depends on friend.

Thankyou ,Scaredycat * HVDY* and Doodle
Everyone here so kind.

SweetpeaSue I hope you'll manage to get a GP appointment soon, but as others have already said, ring 111 over the weekend if your husband continues to have that pain. It would be nice if you could manage to get away for a while - you both need a break.

ScaredyCat You are so kind to your friends. I bet the friend today was really grateful to have you there. No, Jaffa doesn't lie like that. One of our previous cats, Stella, used to adopt that position . My brother has had a prosthetic leg for more years than he had his own leg - 43 years (he was 36), and it must be difficult for anyone to deal with. I hope you enjoyed your Magnum. I had a Neapolitan choc ice thing from Asda. It's been cooler here (25) but still felt muggy.

Doodle Perfect weather for a relaxing boat trip.

Going to bed a bit earlier, at 10ish. Son1's birthday tomorrow, so we'll treat him and his girls and SGS for lunch somewhere. Night all x

Evening all.
Lovely trip today to Windsor and back by boat, sunny but cool breeze perfect weather. Windsor was busy but we had a nice lunch and potter about before catching the boat back. Didn’t get in till gone 7. Sorry I’m too tired to post much tonight other than to say Sweetpeasue I’m so sorry you’re with such an awful surgery. Be so much better if you could see a GP rather than phoning 111 but I get your desperation. Don’t hesitate to call if you get concerned.
Take care all.

Hi all

Another boiling hot day - it’s horrible. This morning I took my friend to the Oncology dept at the Hospital for a blood test. It’s always so busy - all those poor people. Then I took her to M and S so we,could hve a coffee and she could have a little walk round. Then she got some goodies in the Food Hall. It was so nice to see her enjoying those simple things. We were both knackered afterwards!! I hate feeling so tired but it’s nothing compared to how,she feels.
SweetPeaSue- belated Happy Anniversary- you certainly did marry a lovely kind man. What a fiasco it is for you to get an appointment at your GP. If he is unwell at weekend definitely contact 111 or A & E if not hopefully he,ll get seen next week.
Try not to worry about the holiday- it’s weeks away and would do you good if you are able to go. Fluffball will be a lovely companion for you both - dogs are quite sensitive to how people feel I think.
Doodle- we are going to melt soon if it doesn’t cool down a bit aren’t we.
Yes I miss my Son so much but he needs to be where he is - he can’t deal with memories when he,s here. Not in a poor me way but there are so many triggers.
HVDY-I won’t see my Son until after Xmas but we FaceTime quite frequently. Does Jaffa lay on his back like ours do? They have no shame just lie there with legs akimbo and front legs in a sort of begging position.
Your poor brother his leg must get so uncomfortable. Yesterday at the Mall we saw younger people both male and female with prosthetics such as hard thing to deal with.
That meal at day centre was perfect for this weather. Must be nice to sit and eat together - a good way to meet people.
Wyllow- walking is great therapy isn’t it but not so easy when it’s so hot. I expect you have lovely air con in the Gym. Yoga helps with stress too I believe.
It’s good your DGS is enjoying running with his Dad. My boys used to run with theirs.Any sport or exercise the children enjoy is so good for them,
Hope you had a good snooze and were raring to when you woke up.

Love to all- I,m now going to liberate 2 Magnums who,ve been trapped in the freezer.xxxxx

After the disappointment, picked up F and went to the woodland and cafe there. DH only got a couple of hundred yds and the pain in chest was worse so came back home. A bit concerned about going to friends but DH insisted he was OK.
Drove to friends had nice chat .
DH has the pain there continually but becomes severe if he exerts any energy .
I will ring 111 over weekend or out of hrs but we def need to see someone soon. DH even said hed see the junior 'stand in' locum Dr but hes not on tomorrow either.
We're trying to hold out for next week.
Sorry, I m so tired of it all and worst thing is we booked holiday in another 3weeks when DH said we need to do things now while we can. Wish we hadn't now.
Dont worry if I dont post much Im just exhausted.
Hope everyone koko.
Love to all.x

SweetpeaSue That's not very good. Everything seems to involve waiting nowadays. Did you see your friend?

Wyllow3 Yes, I'll be really tired soon. Glad you got out and did both things. You deserve a doze.

Nice at day centre - homemade quiche with salad, then meringue with fruit and ice cream. The usual quizzes. Hope everyone has been OK x

Need a zzz, back later all - gym and a walk.

But popped in to see if you had been lucky Sweetpeasue - sorry you have to wait, I hope you get to see your friend and it goes well....don't forget 111!

I hope you have a lovely time at the day centre, HVDY. that was an early get up!

So - no appt.
Rang dead on 8 and was told there's an 'embargo' on appts with the GP we were told a couple of dys ago would be taking appts today. Receptionist seemed a bit puzzled but def no appts today with her.
The other GP that knows about DHs case on next Tuesday I believe. Will ring later to make sure after appts time.

Going to pick up F now and text friend to say I can still see her this aft . Said Id let her know whats happening by 12 as was trying for F2F .
DH quite resigned - Im not!

Hope all have a good day.x

Wyllow3 It's great that your 14-year-old GS is interested in the gym. None of ours does that. Our 2 15-year-olds both walk a mile to school, and the 11-year-old does gymnastics. Does your little one get away with things, with being the youngest? It's going to be cooler today, thankfully. Good for a walk in the park?

Been awake since 4.30 (for a wee), and couldn't get back to sleep. Day Centre later. Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day. x

Yes I can recall them playing Roblox, and its a good game that require using your mind. Hand eye coordination etc. They would never be allowed violent ones.
I think the problem is when they don't get enough exercise etc but the 14 yr old has taken to walking down the hill to the local gym!
He was getting very withdrawn and DS started doing buddy running with him and its sort of taken off. In this weather they have a big outdoor blow up pool and a footie net int he bigger front garden. DS told me that DGD can cycle to school iirc! What I used to do at that age, cycle or walk and save the bus money. Littlest DGS is troublesome, I wish they had something like aikido or judo for the discipline locally.

I'm glad you had a nap. You'll miss LG but I hope they have a good time.

It's understandable how Brother feels about his leg really.

I need to walk as much as possible to keep going, the park is good: when it's hot it's the gym. I need to exercise for my mood really. When stuff with MrA was bad I swear it was weights at the gym and yoga that kept me going. Given the stress of that cursed has deprived me of some energy I still need to go!

Bests for first thing, Sweetpeasue.

Wyllow3 I know what you mean about children these days being on their devices a lot. Our GC (2 are step GC) are 16 (almost), 2 at 15, 11 and 3. The big kids like Roblox, a building game, and the awful TikTok. Nice that you and your friend can rearrange and meet another time. What will you do tomorrow?

ScaredyCat You must miss your son a lot. When might you see him next? It's been 31 degrees here, and is still 22 at 1/4 to 11! Jaffa has been in and out all day, flopping down on the patio, then lying down on the tiled kitchen floor.

SweetpeaSue Happy anniversary! What a lovely way to spend the day. I love those things you did. Fluffball will keep you entertained whilst her parents are away.

Doodle It's been horribly hot here all day. My brother chose to stay at home and take his leg off - I don't blame him at all. My husband kept going into the pool here. I've read a bit, and dozed off for an hour (and was dreaming). No LG until next week - they're going away this Saturday, for 5 days.

Hope everyone has a restful night - I'm going to keep the fan on all night. Nighty night, all x

Thats a long time, Sweetpeasue. I'm glad you celebrated it in - just the right way for you.

Oh, Doodle - yes far too hot today - so frustrating, this age thing..... and wilting. Yes, it's good to have that sort of arrangement, it takes so much pressure off, doesn't it, mutual acceptance of emotional or practical last minute concerns.

I find some energy comes back in the evening when it cools and often do houseworky things then. Well, inasmuch I do them at all 🙄.

Doodle The A site sounded interesting, I agree, though I can only imagine the heat there.
We have a particular GP who we now try to get but she's not here till next week so the next one, who knows our past history( certainly not the one we could get F2F with for a good yr and wouldnt listen to me) wasnt there till tomorrow so early morning ringing.
Wyllow Its good to have that flexibility in friends meeting up - so much less pressure. Have a good day tomorrow ,whether walk or gym.
Yes, I do believe aunt does think shes in a hotel. She seemed quite happy when we saw her so it was a surprise to me that she still thinks shes going home on a morning.
Thank you for your best wishes.
Its 44 yrs Doodle.

Sorry Sweetpeasue the second paragraph is for you

Been so hot today. I went to an archeological site near by., interesting but silly to go when it was so very hot. Came home and had to shower and wash my hair.
Congratulations on your wedding Anniversary. How many years. Nice to do something different for a change.
Did you get to see the GP?
Wyllow how sensible to have a no problem arrangement with your friend. I do with mine too. Sometimes things come up or you just don’t feel like it on the day. Hope you enjoy the gym but don’t overdo it.
Scaredyct you must miss seeing your son so much. FaceTime is good but not as good as seeing them in person. Good idea to go to the mall to walk. We haven’t got one here.
HVDY what have you been doing today? Have you had LG again. I think your probably needed a rest after a full in day yesterday.

Although it's very upsetting for you seeing your Aunt I guess you just have to go with the flow whatever she thinks when you come. She may think she is on a hotel now!
I can remember a lady when I worked for SSD who used to ask everyone who came, "are you my mother".

Congratulations on your Wedding Anniversary. 🥂🥂

You chose well there, didn't you? A nice tea room, some more furry creatures, and popping into your son xxx

All the best for tomorrow.

The Q friend I take out most Thursdays has cancelled, I'm quite glad too, we have a mutual no problems changing/cancelling agreement so never hard feelings, and I can either walk or go to the gym.

Wyllow I had to sleep today too. You know when you just have to rest though it can also be mental angst that wears you out too. Oh so glad the stain came out.

Wyllow Thankyou- I fear we wont get F2F as the receptionist doesnt alot then- have to wait for GP call back and beg( yes Ive begged before).
To be at garage at 9am is virtually impossible when so tired. Glad you looked after yourself there. Sorry about your lovely skirt- hope there's no stain and you had small plasters ( theyre always big ones left in our boxes.)
Doodle Thanks Doodle. Hope you had a good night's sleep after your busy day.
Scaredycat It's hard having your son live abroad like that - you will miss him so much. That heat is terrible - I never realise you lived in the south too. You and Doodle must be really suffering. Think it will gradually fall in temps but not soon enough - hope your furry friends are OK with it. The lickeys sound such a good idea.
HVDY Hope youve been OK today- still hot where you are I know. Its been overcast here but warm 23/25°.
We saw my aunt yesterday afternoon. She was delighted to see us. There was a lady with snow white hair opposite us and she thinks its her mum.😥 She told her here's (S&B) and I went up to her and asked how she was. The lady was friendly and just accepted it though later she said 'Im sure Ive seen you before'.
Left aunt going over to speak to her again . Texted cousin to tell her of our visit and she said her mum had thought other person was her mum for over a week now. Apparently aunt is still emptying all her wardrobe every morning as she thinks shes going home.
EllieAnne* Nadateturbe* Hope youve been OK.

Our wedding anniversary today. We went to a farm place that had pets and a farm shop with lovely tea- room. We'd not been before so it was a change and was very nice- then called to see son 2 who is back home for a weeks holiday. He and his wife away tomorrow to Kendal Festival for 4nights( taking tent and goodness knows what). Not Fluffball shes with us for 4nghts.

Take care everyone . Love to you all.x

Good move to head out to the Mall, Scaredycat. That is a wilting temperature. I thought it bad here at 27 today! I'm sad for you that life with DS has to be at a distance. Big hugs. xx

I had a sleep, woke with earache (my personal sign of having overdone it as in 2 days no afternoon rest - to take note of, just grateful I am able to)..Skirt OK stain wise phew.

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- What a thoughtful DH you have- but what a worry for you right now.
It doesn’t sound like a problem to ignore and really merits a F2F. It’s so awful for him to feel it’s pointless to persue.
You are so painstakingly thorough they must listen- writing it down is always sensible.
HVDY- I,m doing all those things - the boys had lickeys straight from the fridge this afternoon - they love them.
Today it’s 35 and unbearable . This morning we went to the nearest big shopping centre so we could have a walk in the cool. It’s very big so got quite a few steps in!!!
What a nice day you had yesterday- you must have needed the shade of the tree. What a good little soul LG is to enjoy fruit etc as she does.
She will remember those lovely times .Yes we are lucky to often see those 2 DGDs and even luckier they enjoy our company. There’s so many we don’t see so often and I miss my DS more than I can say. He FaceTime timed last evening and it’s been hotter than here where he lives and he hates the heat especially working all day in it.
Doodle- it’s so hot down South today isn’t it. church must have been lovely and cool.
Wyllow - that M and S is lovely . I think my DD has a white one like it.
Your DGC are lovely ages - you must be longing to be with them.
We have known SiL parents for a very long time and yes each year we all get a bit more vulnerable but KOKO.
It was a good idea to change the date of your Car work. Walking too far in this heat is not advisable.
Bet the air turned a bit blue when you bled on your skirt- Sods Law eh!!
EllieAnne- thinking of you.

Love to all - present and otherwisexxx