31st December 2020
Here we are in Tier 4 then - I bet everyone is glad to reach the end of this year. Bugger off 2020 let's get the vaccine rolled out and fingers crossed that everyone will do the right thing i.e. NOT cart the virus round the country as they have been doing. Bern had a bit of a mishap yesterday. He tootled out into the sunshine for his little walk round the block and shortly afterwards arrived home in a Police car. I saw it pull up and for a moment I wondered if he'd been arrested. Not so - he had gone head over heels on some black ice and luckily for him a passing policeman saw him and drove him home. Well done that copper! No broken bones - just damaged dignity and a few bruises. |
26th December 2020
Whew! That's Christmas done and out of the way. Bring on 2021. Don't worry I haven't taken the cards down yet but I'm always relieved to get on the "over and done with" side of it. We had a jolly little isolation day yesterday with a modest dinner of chicken, stuffing and all that goes with it. Lesley had brought us a cracker and party hat each to make it a proper do. Jay and Les did the same at their house, they'd had to cancel plans to visit Lesley's parents in Hampshire at the last minute as Hampshire leapt into Tier 4 which meant no overnight stay. The young ones worked out bubble rules, Tier matching, and counting kids for a safe get together. They involved us in lots of Facetime so things weren't so bad after all and we resigned ourselves to watching Christmas telly. |
22nd December 2020
The winter solstice is done (yesterday) and now I can watch and wait for the daylight hours to grow. I didn't manage to catch sight of Jupiter aligning with Saturn - never mind, we can see it in 800 years time when their paths will cross again. |
We're isolating this Christmas so here's
how I handled the shopping! |
Medical matters are done with for this year - blood tests yesterday and a telephone appointment with the cancer care nurse. Two letters arrived for January and March hospital visits, already the treadmill is gearing up for 2021.
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17th December 2020
I've stirred my stumps at last and our cards have hit the post box - it's up to the postman now. Bern's incorporating delivery of local ones in his weekly walk. Thank you everyone for your kind messages about my hospital news - Maggie suggests that I'm now a "happy banana". I'd never thought of the sentiment in terms of fruit - maybe I'll be a "pleased pineapple" as I'm fond of alliteration... or perhaps a "smiling satsuma". |
1st December 2020
Oh dear! Here we are on the old Chrimbo countdown. I just can't seem to tune in to Christmas this year, the only move I've made is to order cards online. Shall I end up in total panic when I finally get round to preparing for the festive hullaballoo? - maybe not, if we're all in isolation I shall be off the hook. |
26th November 2020
Oh crikey! Just had a text from Jay to say we're doomed to Tier 3. At least it will spare the general public the sight of my lock-down hair. It's been running out of control since the beginning of the year. I've blown the dust off my paints in recent days - I did a couple of daubs that turned out to be so awful I promptly magicked them away with white paint. I now have two blanks ready to start again. |
With which gender do you mostly associate? I'm unsure if that question is asking if I'm male or female or the gender of the person I live with. It was in a Marks & Spencer survey - political correctness gone mad or what?
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Ugh! I'm bracing myself to drink the necessary gloop for tomorrow's endoscopy appointment - As I said the other day, let's not talk about it. And, as if that's not enough, I have to be back there again on Saturday to visit the ophthalmology department. They've added a note to the letter, be prepared to wait for an hour or so. A jolly weekend ahead then...
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20th November 2020
Another gloomy old day. Maybe I've a cheek to moan about these dark days - there's a place in Alaska where they're on day 1 of 64 days without the sun coming over their horizon. They'll have no daylight now until 22nd January. |
I parted with an armful of blood this morning so that Rheumatology can do their monthly tests. We are tootling up to New Cross this afternoon for yet another appointment - endoscopy pre-assessment. My least favourite department UGH!! Let's not talk about it.
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18th November 2020
Oh dear, apologies if you've popped in while I've been 'missing'. Once again the days slipped by without notice. A self-inflicted boot up the bum saw me getting my writers' group homework done at last. We try to keep ourselves motivated - lockdown is stifling inspiration - no wonder my mojo is missing. |
For some weeks now I've been doing the grocery shop online. Believe it or not I frequently manage to cock it up. I click away on the little pictures - my attention must have wandered because the first week we received a bucket sized tin of tomatoes' instead of a titchy one. The other day Bern asked, "what shall we have on our lunchtime sandwich?" I told him to use the packet of ham in the fridge. He couldn't find it because the ham only existed in my head, I'd just ordered it for next weekend. Who knows? Onine groceries could prove quite an adventure in our house.
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7th November 2020
I've just read that the new J K Rowling children's book will be out on the 10th November. The Ickabog, suitable for age range 7-10, has been free to read online through the summer. JKR is donating all royalties from the book sales to a charity to help those affected by the Corona virus. She's created another fantasy world, nothing to do with Harry Potter and Co. Looks like a winner and deserving of a big THANK YOU. |
5th November 2020
Welcome back to lockdown - it's enough to make bonfire night go with a bang. Talking of which, I've always been curious as to why we've spent all these years celebrating what was an act of terrorism. We're very anti-T these days yet every year out come the old dangerous gunpowder toys to delight the kids. Nowt stranger than we Brits. |
Much attention has been focused on Guy Fawkes, and his plans for Westminster. It’s often forgotten that most of the plotters came from the West Midlands and that some of the trials and executions took place in Wolverhampton. The actual whys and wherefores of the intrigue make interesting reading - when you get to the bottom of things it's all about the Catholics and Protestants have a major spat. Religious people perpetrating deeds that are anything but Christian!
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Just a little thought: I know the election count isn't finalised yet, but I can just picture the US President having a Trump-sized tantrum and a major meltdown in the White House. Despite it being none of my business, I have fingers crossed for Biden. I haven't forgiven Mr Trump for stepping out in front of the Queen and ignoring Royal protocol when he visited Buck House.
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2nd November 2020
Halloween came and went and we weren't struck down by demons or whatever is supposed to lurk twixt the worlds of the living and the dead on 31st October. You can't beat a bit of ghoulish ghostliness now and then - I love a good rummage through our Pagan past to see how such traditions as halloween originated. People must have been terrified hundreds of years ago when they believed all this creepy folklore. |
29th October 2020
I had a lovely day last Sunday when family tipped up to mark my move to octogenarian status. I say "up yours" to old age - look out 90 here I come. I had a lovely day but in the light of Covid restrictions it reminded me of the Noah's Ark scenario and the old song we used to sing at school... "The animals came in two by two, hurrah, hurrah...." (for animals read relatives). It was two in the back door and two leave by the front to keep it to the permitted six. We dished out cake and coffee with each shuffle. Thank you Lesley and Carol for your cake baking. It was lovely to see everyone albeit briefly. Many thanks to everyone for the wonderful cards and messages. |
I was lucky enough to find a copy of Susie Dent's latest book slipped in with a birthday gift (thank you J & L). I was intending to order a copy so it's very welcome. I'm an avid fan of Susie Dent and Giles Brandreth's podcast called Something Rhymes With Purple - worth a listen if you like obscure words - it's my bedtime listening.
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21st October 2020
I've just spent time form filling ready for today's scan. The form asked for dates of previous CT scans so my nerdy habit of keeping a file of hospital appointment letters came in useful. Sometimes it's worth being an Anorak. Bern's had a good news text from the Covid testing project - "negative". I still feel like we're all pushing our luck every time we step outside these days. |
Here's a recent photo of Jay and Lesley - they took their camper van for a breath of fresh air to Long Mynd on a bright and breezy day and enjoyed a hot soup picnic. Jay had some medical stuff to do today - a telephone appointment with the Oswestry orthopaedic hospital - he has foot trouble. He was told to arrange his laptop or iPad upright at floor level and walk so the consultant could view his feet to assess his condition. He considered the exercise unsuitable for making a proper judgement.
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14th October 2020
Our witchhazel (hamamelis) is all dolled up in its autumn finery today - a welcome sight when pegging the washing. I joined Maggie and Cora for coffee at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre yesterday morning - we distanced ourselves round the table and chin-wagged big time. The "Covid Carefulness" was impressive. Loads of PPE in evidence and all tables and chairs being sprayed when vacated. I bought some bulbs which I'll stuff into pots - I included some red tulips which I hope will make a bit of a statement when spring arrives. Mondays hospital trip was a 50% success. The cancer scan went OK and I await results. The lung fluid thing: two doctors and a nurse practitioner each tried to take the sample but none of them could find a suitable area to insert the needle. They said it looked a bit risky, so I'm to go back at a later date when the fluid may have moved around and they'll be able to withdraw some without doing any damage. I've decided I don't like looking at my own insides on a screen - glad to be off the hook for the time being. |
I can't quite work out the relationship of my great grandsons and my sister's granddaughter. I think cousin will do.
The post's just arrived - wow, a letter to say I'm to get 25p per week extra pension once I hit 80. See... it pays to get old.
A letter from the hospital tells me a November appointment will now be just a telephone interview. They're scaling down appointments with Covid on the rise. I still have two "proper" appointments scheduled for next Monday - hope they are able to go ahead. One to check on my cancer, the other is to have fluid drawn from lung area for testing. All exciting stuff isn't it? The new gate and fencing is here - Bern will give them a coat of something and then when weather permits Jay said he'll give him a hand to fit them. Looks like we'll soon be all tucked up and tidy ready for winter. |
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "Cases in South Staffordshire are rising and unless people act now there is a risk of the government stepping in with additional restrictions."
"If COVID-19 cases continue to rise, there is a huge increased risk to people’s health and livelihoods. By working together, we have a great opportunity to not let the situation get out of control." Rita Heseltine, Assistant Cabinet Member Regulatory Services, South Staffordshire District Council, added: "South Staffordshire is known for its fantastic community spirit and I have no doubt that people here will rise to this challenge and do everything they can to protect their family, friends and neighbours." "By really pulling together and following the rules, we have the chance to turn this situation around and help protect the people we care about. Residents are also urged to respond to contact from NHS Test and Trace." Find out more at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus |
5th October 2020
I tackled my Cento last night (see yesterday's post). Out came a pile of poetry books. I blew the dust off them and purposely chose only 6 from my hoard and set about wading through them. I've had them so long that it's an adventure turning the pages and discovering what I've stuffed between the pages over the years - hence my reason for limiting the choice, I know I'd get more involved with treasured findings than doing the task in hand. I was tickled pink to find this little book mark. I'd forgotten all about it and I'm sure Ian and Andy have as they're now in their 30s. They presented me with this when Ian was about 5 - Ian was probably the creator with 3 year old Andy helping to stick the flowers on. Now it's photographed I'll put it back to mark a favourite poem - I wonder when and by whom it will be discovered again. |
4th October 2020
I'm finding it very brrrr at the moment and it's playing havoc with my Raynaud's. Then I saw this - I'm thinking about getting the knitting needles out. Mmm... maybe not. |
Perhaps I'd better do my writers' group homework instead. Our meetings are still postponed. We communicate via our website and homework gets posted there for reading by others. We have to write a Cento this month. I'd never heard of a Cento poem - Kara introduced us to the form. You take 1 or 2 lines (no more than 2) lines from several well known poets' work and "stitch" them together - they still have to make sense. It's difficult to come up with a rhymed poem so free verse is usual for this form. It's a sort of word collage. I'm finding it quite difficult and haven't come up with the goods yet. I hear some other members are finding it challenging too. You'd think a bit of plagiarisms would be easy - but the hardest bit is joining up several people's work and having it make sense. I'm actually a bit uncomfortable with it because when all's said done, it involves nicking someone else's words.
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1st October 2020
Here we go, headlong into autumn and already I'm moaning about the cooler temperatures. Hot water bottle and gloves are already in use. Nothing to report really, we were flu-jabbed on Saturday and I'll be at the hospital next Tuesday. Oh, and we have a Sainsbury delivery at tea-time today. That's this week's excitement noted. Traditionally this is the week for the Nottingham Goose Fair - needless to say, it's cancelled |
I smiled to myself the other day. Our three little guys popped in. Inevitably, out came the basket of toys that lives behind Pa's chair. Jai was busy with the plastic fire engine and announced, "the fireman has fallen off the ladder." Pa said, "oh dear, do you think he's broken his neck?" Jai thought for a moment and with disdain said, "No, he'll have broken his helmet." Pragmatism personified.
We recently priced replacement wrought iron gate and panels as the previous ones had been in situ 30+years and were ready for the scrap yard. Yesterday, we went to Weston Park timber yard to order a new gate and a fence panel. Quotes for wrought iron came out at £600 - £800 depending on finish and design. We weighed up how long we might be around and decided we weren't up to 30 years worth of wrought iron and so opted for a simple timber ensemble. With a bit of luck it'll outlive us for a 6th of the cost.
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25th September 2020
Bern's project for today: dig out the gate posts which he set in concrete many years ago (we reckon about 30). Our wrought iron gate recently gave up the ghost having rotted, and wrenched itself free of its hinges. Things didn't quite go to plan. In his younger years, to ensure the gate and railings stayed put, Bern applied the concrete with determination and enthusiasm. Too much compo and too heavy for an 80+ year old to shift, we had to cry for help. Jay came to the rescue and went home with sore knees, aching back and arms, but the area is cleared and ready for a new gate and fence, and there's a pile of old iron waiting for the scrap man. |
My project for today: it's totally nerdy, unnecessary, and probably verging on OCD. I've been doing it for years. Yes, it's time to concoct my next year's calendar - the one that goes on the wall in front of my eyes at my desk to dictate my doings for the day. It has all the birthdays and anniversaries typed in. Each year I just have to call up the old calendar on my laptop, change the days against the dates - job done. There's space to fill in appointments etc. Why do I do it? I don't know, maybe the thought of something for nothing and I can splash more cash on a posh Paperblanks pocket diary. I like diaries and you have to feel comfortable with the one that's accompanies you for a whole year - these are so pretty.
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24th September 2020
I've just downloaded the NHS COVID Track and Trace app. It asks for your postcode - when I put in WV8 an immediate message popped up saying: WV8 is a HIGH RISK area. We'd best keep up with BoJo's advice i.e. Hands - Face - Space. |
Brrr autumn is making its presence felt this morning. Anyone planting spring bulbs yet? I must remember to get some and stuff a few pots - spring flowers are always a joy after the dull days of winter. I've a feeling winter will be a very long haul this year with the dreaded virus never far away. Peckers up!
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Maggie has books to recommend if you're looking for lockdown reading - she says they're the best she's read for ages. "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes and "Sweet Sorrow" by David Nicholls.
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Talking of lockdown - we seem to be back at square one. I even saw an item on TV where one or two idiots were stockpiling loo paper again. Morons move in mysterious ways!
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14th September 2020
We had a bit of a do on the 5th and a few phone pics have trickled in (we await more). Actually it was a major event but carried out Covid-Carefully so we couldn't make a big splash. A very happy wedding day for Toni and Andy and the three little men. It was at Wellington Registry Office strictly social distancing and only about 10 allowed in to the ceremony. Afterwards (limited numbers) in Carol and Gary's garden. Face masks during the ceremony - I was waiting for the photographer to say "smile" but he didn't bother. Good job too as it would have made me laugh (behind mask of course). |
Here they are next to Nanna's bird bath. Toni and Andrew, Jai (having a bit of a moment) Ralfie, and Josh. Just as the camera clicked Freddie decided to hot foot it out of there. On the right: they asked me to write a poem to mark the day so here I am reading it. I was a bit shocked when I saw this picture - I thought what a strange old biddy I look.
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This one is another current favourite - it's by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson - "The Little Book of Humanism". It's a "dipping into" little volume with contributions from well known Humanists. It fits perfectly into my way of thinking and my wish to lead a secular lifestyle. It's a comprehensive collection of thoughts and inspirational quotes by famous thinkers who also happen to humanists; David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, Albert Einstein, Emma Thompson, Stevie Smith, Jim Al-Khalili et al. It makes a good companion and puts me in contemplative mood to counter the misdeeds of society that get up my nose.
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6th September 2020
Zoom meeting day - I've just been Zooming with a few folk who are lumbered with the same disease as me. Ollie, who works with SRUK, joins our meetings to offer advice. I can't make up my mind whether or not the meetings are helpful - everyone's experience of the illness is so different. |
1st September 2020
I admit these pages are crammed with useless information but having read something on the Internet this morning I thought we could indulge in even more "don't need to know" trivia: as we welcome the first of a new month you'll be thrilled to know it's the 245th day of the year, the 35th Tuesday and we have 121 days left to 2021. Now there's a thought... |
31st August 2020
I decided to go brown today because I've been thinking about conkers. No, they're not ready for collecting just yet but I read that they keep away spiders. I did a bit more reading and found that it's not scientifically proven that conkers will deter spiders but they DO keep away moths. Hah! a few conkers would be cheaper than all the stinky stuff I usually buy to keep moths at bay. |
30th August 2020
What on earth is the weather messing at? I've had to rummage in the under-stairs cupboard and dig out my hot water bottle, the one with a fluffy cover - in August! - proof that my Raynaud's is getting worse and the weather is erratic too. I've done all seven of August's hospital appointments and now they're planning to drain my left lung. Another little adventure to look forward to. |
I'm more than cheesed off with medical matters ruling my life. I was chatting with Maggie this morning (well, exchanging e-mails) and she told me she currently has ear trouble and mentioned that some time in the future she may need hearing aids. This got me thinking about how, as one gets older, you have to start hanging stuff off your head/face just to function. First come the specs, then the teeth, and hearing aids. By the time you've added earrings, a hat, and maybe some hair accessories, one's noddle is rather cluttered. In the current climate you then have to cover it all up with a mask.
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Roland has decided that art class will recommence in late September. I've opted out at this juncture and will reconsider after that 'C' word I refuse to mention yet (clue: it happens on 25th December).
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17th August 2020
Morning all... feeling fragile these past few weeks, but ticking along anyway, Only four medical appointments left to do this month and then maybe a bit of respite. They're chasing me about the fluid in my lungs now... reminds me of the famous Stevie Smith poem... Not Waving But Drowning. My mood is somewhat macabre this morning. |
The Weebly Website platform seems to have a little malfunction at the moment so if anyone has left messages on either of the three sites I'm not ignoring you, they're just not getting through for the time being. I refer to this site, Codsall Writers and Art on Thursday. (www.site name.weebly.com).
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27th July 2020
Time ticks on and here we are zooming towards August. I have nothing of interest to report - this week's social activity was a blood test and then the postman brought a fistful of further blood tests cards to be done every fortnight over the coming weeks. The Covid news alarms me and still the idiots congregate to pursue a hedonistic lifestyle. |
Writers' group members continue to chat on Facebook - more chat than writing I guess - we're all finding that the Muse is elusive right now - probably doing a bit of social distancing. According to Greek mythology there were quite a few of them so take your pick.
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22nd July 2020
Interesting news is scarce right now, I consulted my "Book of Days" to see what may have happened on this date in the past. I learned that today is the Feast Day of St Mary Magdalen who happens to be the patron saint of pharmacists, hairdressers, repentant sinners and prostitutes. I can understand that she might have some advice for anyone in the two latter categories but I'm curious about what she might say to hairdressers and pharmacists. |
The Rheumatology nurse rang yesterday to see how I'm getting on with the new medication regime. One of the questions she asked was, have you noticed any hair loss? Mmm... when that little gem sank in I began wondering which is the lesser of two evils. Bald but feeling better or hirsute and feeling horrible? That'll have to be a "back of mind" thought for now and labelled "further contemplation required."
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18th July 2020
We've had a quiet-ish week with only one hospital trip for a heart scan. There's nothing much else going on. Jay has gone off to do our shopping and Bern's making coffee. Looks like it's going to be a twiddle-your-thumbs sort of weekend with me wishing I had more energy to do something about the boredom. |
I'm usually inclined to berate people who say they're bored. I guess it's time to have a word with myself. There's lots I could be doing... writing, drawing, painting, weeding, and if in dire need of a task there's always the ironing. Mmm... maybe I'll nose round Facebook for a while or have a virtual stroll round the John Lewis store.
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Oss muck may protect you from the Corona Virus...~ Take fresh oss muck & rub your hands with it. It has the following actions:
1. It prevents you from touching your nose, eyes, mouth. 2. People will keep at least 6 feet away from you. 3. No one will want to shake your hand. 4. You will safely wash your hands well, before going to dinner. ~ We promise, it works. No one in Codsall has reported any cases of Coronavirus... |
A message from Ann - she tells me she's had a "Betty moment", one of those experiences that just happen and you don't know whether to run for it or crawl under the bed. Wearing only her undies she was gazing into the wardrobe debating what to wear. She heard a noise, turned round, and there was the window cleaner. I laughed my socks off (sorry Ann) that split second feeling of panic is so familiar. She did the very thing I would do, and sent hubby down to pay him. Take heed Ann, on window cleaner days I close all the upstairs doors so that whichever room I'm in when he pops up, I can melt away and "hide" on the landing.
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8th July 2020
Just when the roses are looking good along comes the wind and rain... you know the rest. Thank you everyone for your get well messages - much appreciated. |
I'm just about getting to grips with the new medication regime. Nine different items, but with differing amounts each day and one item has to be 5 times per week only. Lots of scope for me to cock it up so I've made a really nerdy spreadsheet to tick things off as I take them. New mantra... Paper Pen Pills. This is what life has come to! Rheumatology consultant rang me today to see how I'm getting on - and then GP rang to arrange for fortnightly blood tests to be done at the surgery instead of my usual trek to New Cross. Now I'm worrying - what's all the fuss about - I feel like an endangered species?
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5th July 2020
Home again - my two night stay stretched into 8 nights, Thank you NHS, I can now manage a whole sentence without gasping. Being a bit squeamish I found it a tad traumatic - they gave me a local anaesthetic then 6 chaps draped in space age PPE poked about, bodged a hole in my chest, inserted a long tube into the area where my heart lives, stitched the tube in place, covered it all over with a big dressing and left it to drain for a few days. Three pints of pond water later (doc called it pericardial fluid) I can breathe again. I've had ten million blood tests, ECGs, x-rays, ultra-sound scans and daily injections in my stomach (ugh), All that's left now is a small dressing which I was told, not to get wet. Desperate for a shower, this morning I wound cling film round and round my middle, showered, washed my overgrown lockdown hair, and feel a bit cleaner. I may be weird, but I don't smell. I didn't enjoy the isolation - no visitors, no fraternising with other patients, we were all in single rooms with bathroom - very civilised and staff impressively Covid-careful. Thought you might like (or maybe not) to see my bottle of stuff. Some of it has been sent to have cultures grown in it. They're trying to discover if the problem was caused by my cancer or by the terrible effects of the scleroderma (part of systemic sclerosis). Future treatment depends on the results of the cultures... as it was explained to me, if something grows in the murky depths it will provide them with clues. |
25th June 2020
Oh dear, I'm not a happy bunny today. I had a call from Professor Cotton (New Cross Cardiology) he told me to pack a bag and wait for a call. I have to go in as soon as they have a bed to sort out my heart thing. He said, it could be tomorrow or after the weekend. Now I'm worrying about what he saw on last week's scan. I imagine all sorts of horrors - very silly of course, I'm telling myself to get a grip, I should be feeling pleased that they're going to do something. |
I despair of the human race - did you see all the people who fled to the beaches, ignored social distancing and then buggered off home leaving tons of rubbish for someone else to clear up? Jay had cause to make a longish train journey a couple of days ago. He obeyed the rules: wore the compulsory facemask on public transport. He said there were lots of people NOT wearing one. I was watching the TV programme Room 101 - the one where celebs banish things that wind them up into Room 101. Chris Packham made the audience gasp when he suggested that the human race be put into Room 101 - I'll second that!
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STOP PRESS
5.30 pm. The phone just rang and I'm off to hospital tonight. I have to be there by 8 pm. Oh crikey, it's waiting for me. |
20th June 2020
SUMMER SOLSTICE... aka Litha in Pagan circles, usually falls on June 21st. This year it happens on the 20th at 5.44 pm. and marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. Matters celestial are fascinating stuff... and if I've set you yawning... well I think they are. Right: family gathering at Carol's on Saturday in honour of her 60th. I see Ralfie is missing, he must be having a nap. |
19th June 2020
Happy Birthday Carol. 60 today. There's something unsettling when you realise your kids are getting old. This event certainly places Bern and me well over the hill. She was happy when little Jai called for a birthday visit and helped Nanna to open her cards. All year there's been a big secret buzzing - an enormous surprise humdinger of a birthday bash with Jon and Zara tipping up from Rotterdam was planned and then along came Covid so it had to be cancelled... or maybe just postponed. |
17th June 2020
Good morning all. Sorry I've not been here for a day or two - good days, bad days - but better today. I've just been reading about the Xenon1T experiment which looks for black matter - I own up to not understanding it but it makes (sort of) interesting reading. Apparently they've heard a new signal indicating there is black matter the likes of which they've not come across before. And the article stated: it could also be due to neutrinos, trillions of which pass through your body, unhindered, every second. |
11th June 2020
I've had a message from Cora this morning. She's spotted a competition organised by the Newhampton Arts Centre (Wolverhampton). Visit the NAC website for details if you're brave enough to enter - it's for amateur artists and photographers. Go on, I dare you. A nice little project to do in Lockdown. Thanks for the info Cora. |
I can't stay long this morning, I'm off to Cardiology for yet another scan. I'm really running out of steam these days - my gusto has gone.
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EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 60
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5 lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10 lb potato bags. Then try 50 lb potato bags and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100 lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level). After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag. |
31st May 2020
Here we are, at another month's end and I have feelings of trepidation as lockdown restrictions are eased. Others will be rejoicing, A word of warning, "it ain't over yet!" I've bought a supply of facemasks online from Boots the Chemist. We gave them a whirl on Saturday morning in the Co-op. Despite feeling a bit of a plonker we shuffled round steaming up our own specs as we bumbled along trying to see what we were buying. (Word of advice: pull up your mask a bit and sit your specs over the edge of the mask, it helps prevent the steaming up business). I felt like Bonnie and Clyde, masked up and nothing worth pinching, besides we couldn't run fast enough to make a good getaway. |
Today, Sunday, I've been Zooming - talking to others via the Zoom app. It's become a regular Sunday morning meeting for people around the country who have Systemic Sclerosis involving Raynaud's and Scleroderma, Sjogrens Syndrome, and other associated symptoms. It's a good place to have a moan to people who understand what you're talking about. I call it my 'wailing wall'.
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23rd May 2020
I reckon this lockdown lark is rendering me brain dead, each morning I have to ask Bern what day it is. We had an outing on Friday morning for a scan and a consultation about my cancer. It was pleasing to see how careful they were at New Cross - I can allay any fears people may have about having to attend a hospital appointment. The medics who had to get close to me were well covered in PPE looking like astronauts with visors and all the gubbins. To maintain social distancing at reception, you had to yell your details across the void and three times I was pointed in the direction of the hand gel - no complaints. Outcome: my "lump" is still there but hasn't grown so it's carry on with the pills and we'll see you again in 5-6 months. |
Congratulations to Roland, our art teacher. He's just published a novel. I've viewed it on Amazon. Title: On the Other Side by Roland Twynam. Kindle download £1.77 - paperback £6.00.
More good news on the medical front. James (aka Jay) was suddenly quite ill at the beginning of last week. He was sent for a Covid test and this morning received a call at 6 a.m. to say he's in the clear. Big relief. I guess he'll go back to work now and keep trying to dodge the germs. There are others in his place of work who've had it and returned. I think we'll never know who or how many have really had it and overcome it without treatment.
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11th May 2020
There's a cruel little breeze blowing out there... come back summer. Looks like I'll be holed up with paints and canvas today, the garden will have to wait. Don't get excited when I mention paints and canvas, 99% of my daubs end up in the bin or they get re-used when I paint over them. If the painting goes belly up it'll be back to jigsaw puzzles, Karen brought me a pile of borrowed ones to go at. Riveting stuff this isn't it? (not). To enhance the excitement I've just put the washer on too... my boredom threshold is well challenged. (Presses nose to window, grinds teeth, bemoans the fact that new red car isn't getting exercise and haven't had a cup of tea with Jan for weeks.) |
8th May 2020
Happy VE Day - well done flag flyers - there's a few popped up in our street. Hilary has left us a message relating to my comment of yesterday about the 1945 VE street party. She says: I do remember junket, my Gran used to make it with rennet it slithered down the throat and didn't hold like proper blancmange. I've never aspired to recreating it! Well said Hilary, let's leave junket where it belongs - in the past, just a bad memory. Here is Lee Nuttall's photo of last night's moon - Stunning!
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7th May 2020
I've just been rummaging in the junk cupboard, and I found it somewhere behind the vacuum cleaner and some indeterminate stuff I'd rather not confront. It's our Union Jack... we thought we'd give it a wave in honour of VE Day tomorrow. I opened it up and checked it's the right way up on its little pole, displaying it the wrong way up is a mortal sin so we can't be having that. We bought it almost 30 years ago to welcome Jay back from the Gulf War - known to Brit servicemen as Operation Granby, the Americans called it Desert Storm. Anyway, little flag will see the light of day tomorrow. I remember the VE day street party we had in Homefield Road Bilbrook when I was four and a half years old. For some reason they used to come up with something called junket - anyone remember it? - it was a sort of yukky blancmange, very wobbly and I think it didn't belong on our planet. In those days the grown ups said, 'eat it up or go without.' I chose to go without. |
Tonight we shall see the last super moon of 2020. This one is known as the Flower Moon, presumably because it's springtime. They (the ubiquitious 'they' who look into these things) say it should be spectacular. Super moons occur when the moon is at its nearest possible point to Earth.
It's NHS Clap Night too - so we'll be doing it by the light of the silvery super moon. Hmm... the term clap night is a bit dubious and conjures other connotations. Maybe I should rename it.
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1st May 2020
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May... William Shakespeare hit the nail on the head when he wrote those words way back in 1609 (sonnet 18). Rough winds have seen off our cherry blossom too. If you're into folklore, it's all happening today. I didn't bother getting the Maypole out because of social distancing but Happy May Day everyone. I like to give a little nod to Beltane and remember Green Man and the May Queen. |
You may recall my difficult jigsaw puzzle (pic was library shelves). I finally finished it, well 99.999% recurring finished it. There was one piece missing. We grovelled under the sofa, searched my pockets etc etc and not a sign of it. That was about five days ago. Yesterday Bern filled up the salt thing in the dishwasher and out of the salt hole floated my missing piece of jigsaw. I reckon there's witchcraft going on in this house. Must be something to do with my now having missed two hair cut appointments and I'm looking suspiciously witchy. BUT, and there's always a BUT, I've resolved that one, and killed two birds with one stone. I had an idea for cost-free PPE. Fortuitously, it also solves the horrible hair problem. All you need is a small paper carrier bag and a pair of scissors. It made me laugh but the family were less amused, I got comments such as "Burka Betty", "Betty Barking mad", what do you think?
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27th April 2020
I lose days like a water butt with a hole. This stay-at-home isolation is getting to me, how can I have mislaid a whole week? When I logged in this morning I noticed that the visitor stats had zoomed - I think my family must have been popping in to see if I'm still breathing. I blame the jigsaw puzzles myself - I'm still battling a thousand piece one, picture is an old library with the pieces predominantly a brain numbing shade of beige. BUT a bit of good news this morning. The TV programme that went missing is rescheduled for tonight - Grayson Perry is doing an Art Club type programme to get our isolation nation making art. Sounds like a plan: I've long been a fan of his. I remember being impressed with the huge ceramic vases he created and the research he undertook at the height of the Brexit conflict - they denote the thinking of Brexiteers and Remainers. The Victoria and Albert museum acquired them - they're massive, standing over a metre tall. |
19th April 2020
I was disappointed the Grayson Perry programme didn't happen on the 16th despite Radio Times listing it. Covid 19 matters meant a rescheduling. Hope everyone I'd urged to watch it didn't think I'd lost the plot. |
No 3 Grandson, Jon who lives in Rotterdam with Zara, is being resourceful in these difficult times of lockdown, short supplies etc. He phoned a local windmill (as you do) and ordered 4 kg of organic strong white flour and 4 kg of light wholewheat bread flour (delivered to the door) - he's now making splendid sourdough loaves. Crumbs! I think he's proved himself in times of knead! Well done Jon.
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16th April 2020
No news since yesterday, I've just popped in to tell you that I found Maggie's fork biscuits on Facebook - the ones that Mary Berry has been banging on about for years. They are so easy-peasy - I've put the "how to" on the recipe page - they're quick to do, taste like shortbread but are a little lighter. Maggie is really pleased with the result and I thought it worth sharing. |
15th April 2020
I found a lovely message from Joan, one of my forever friends who moved to Leicester a few years ago. She's Doreen's friend too - let's take a moment for a group wave - hi Doreen, hi Joan. We're sorry to hear about your cabin fever Joan, and the garden centre withdrawal pains. Joan and Vic are keen veg growing gardeners so restrictions are hitting them hard. Hope the garden centre ban doesn't mean you'll have to suffer supermarket spuds and greens this year. |
My gang keep up their buzz of banter on WhatsApp. Some of us are still jigsawing (do they allow a verb form of jigsaw)? I've started on a 1000 piece one with an uninspiring picture - it's all brown floor and rows of books - I thought it would be difficult and keep me occupied longer. I now think that might be dubious logic as it could well increase my boredom level. Carol's comment was, "I would most likely chuck that up in the air!" Perhaps she has a point... or a premonition. They've also told me about Wasgijs I'd never heard of them. They're jigsaws but the picture on the box isn't what the puzzle pieces are going to make. I wonder who thought that one up. I also wonder why they bothered. Jenny has started one and Karen said she'll lend me one to try. Crikey, profuse and abject apologies for this waffle - it's as bland and pointless as my jigsaw picture. I blame Covid 19.
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13th April 2020
A bit of dusting, a quick mooch round Facebook, flick through the radio channels, eat 4 squares of chocolate, admire our cherry tree in its spring finery while a stiff breeze tugs at the petals - that's Monday morning accounted for. Now what? Such is my boredom that I bounce from one thing to another, I've even temporarily swapped my allegiance to Classic fm for a new(ish) channel called Scala - maybe I'll dodge between them both. I'm into podcasts too - the variety of choice is expanding, I found one where a chap with a soporific voice reads a boring story, it works, I fall asleep in no time. It's called "Get Sleepy" and there's a similar one called "Sleepy" - put the words "podcast sleep" into Google and it comes up with lots of them. With a bit of practise maybe we can sleep through the pandemic and wake up when it's all over. |
11th April 2020
Easter weekend in isolation - what a bummer! I'd planned to leave chocolate eggs on doorsteps in Lichfield and Shifnal (where the little people are) but the family growled and said "no, stay at home." I'd made jokey Easter Cards for them all - some were posted but for the great-grandchildren's households I'd put them in with the choccy eggs so now they won't get them until we're allowed out again. GG is waving to you all in Lichfield and Shifnal. Here's the secret picture that's inside the card you didn't get... |
9th April 2020
Must say hello to Kek (aka Karen) first. Hi there Kek - here's wishing you a happy birthday. |
It's three weeks since little red car and I ventured out together. She's self-isolating in the garage and looks as bored as me, but she smiled at me with shiny newness. I felt guilty for having forgotten her registration number so I purposely had a good look at the number plate. I never remember my own reg, it's like trying to remember your own mobile phone number. Or maybe my brain is too old to hold extra data. Anyway, I decided to work out a mnemonic as an aide memoir. BU19NSZ = Buggered Up 19 Not So Zingy... which more or less epitomises my current condition, reminding me that the flipping car is in better nick than me.
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8th April 2020
Whew... still in lockdown... is it getting to you yet? Yesterday's warm sunshine provided a little relief, we were able to shuffle round the borders and shift a few weeds. Not such an easy task these days, I have to drag a kneeler/stool thing with me, and even if I do get down on my knees I have to yell for Bern to help me back up again. |
Easter will be an odd one this year - being home alone with hot cross buns and chocolate just doesn't do it. I've invited a little fluffy chick to sit on the mantelshelf to remind me what's going on. The daffs are from the garden but I only pick ones that the wind has crippled or those with stems gnawed by snails.
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3rd April 2020
Karen and I made arrangements (social distancing of course) to swap our jig-saw puzzles to ease our current bout of boredom. Well... desperate times call for desperate measures don't they? That little phrase, for some strange reason, stuck in my head. I began wondering to whom it should be attributed. I set off on a marathon Google journey way beyond the mists of time back into pre-history. And what a trek it was all because we exchanged puzzles. I finally found the guilty chap, the one who first said "desperate times call for desperate measures," it was Socrates - the Greek philosopher. He sounds a bit old, so off I Googled again to find that he was born circa 470 BC. The article explained that the phrase was an Aphorism uttered by Socrates. By Googling a few more miles I found out that an Aphorism is " a pithy observation which contains a general truth." So there we are, Socrates hit the nail on the head for Karen and me, and I hope this pithy observation hasn't pithed you off . Even so, it's mind-blowing to think that words spoken so long ago are still meaningful today. Well said Socrates. |
1st April 2020
I haven't thought of a single April Fool joke for this year. Must be because life just ain't very funny at the moment. Although I had an e-mail from Roland (our art teacher) this morning. It was a picture of a black wheelie bin with a notice that said, "2020 the year your bin goes out more than you." |
It's a bit grim not being able to visit all the little people - they must think we've forsaken them. Young as they are, they're happy to do a bit of Facetime. What would life be without smart phones and iPads? I've spent the morning on my phone - lovely long chats with Doreen, Carol and Jan.
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The origins of All Fools Day are unclear but it's thought to derive from the French poisson d'avril (April Fish). The French term was used in the 15th century and meant a go-between in an amorous liaison and over time it came to mean anyone who was sent on a fool's errand. The poisson d'avril custom involved pinning a paper fish to the back of someone's clothing without his/her knowledge to make the person become a butt of ridicule.
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Now that April is here it's time to listen out for the cuckoo. I haven't heard one for years but remember how we always liked to hear the first cuckoo calls in early spring. Do you remember the old rhyme we used to chant... The cuckoo comes in April, he sings his song in May, and then in June he changes tune, and in July he flies away.
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31st March 2020
I've just had word to hang fire on the Houseparty App - there's some doubt about it being safe. I've deleted it from my gizmos and will stick with good old WhatsApp. It's encouraging to hear that the experts think our social distancing and stay-at-home policies are having good effect. At least the interminable boredom will not be in vain. In the meantime I'll continue crawling up walls, watching grass grow and wait for warmer weather. I've moved on to another jigsaw - the excitement is overwhelming. It's one I won ages ago in an online competition on a website where oldies gather in a chat room. I've given up visiting it as it wasn't quite my thing - each to his own. I know I'm bored because I've already eaten chocolate this morning and it isn't even coffee time yet. I think there should be a decent time lapse between breakfast and chocolate or you're a pig. So I'm a pig - bring in the chocolate police. |
Does anyone have trouble with Lloyds Chemist in Codsall? They've driven us to despair. Firstly, I gave them my repeat prescription - when I went to collect my medication they said the GP hadn't responded. They told me to contact GP I phoned him, no calls being answered so had to go to the surgery. GP said the Chemist hadn't requested my repeat. Went back to Chemist with my copy of the original prescription. No apology when they realised they'd not contacted GP. We were told to come back in three days. Went back to collect and it wasn't ready. All these visits which ended up totalling 5, involved long queues, social distancing etc. Bern went back next day, long queue etc. When he was let into the shop (only one customer at a time) they said this is a big order wait for 15 minutes outside while someone else comes in. He waited for over one hour and saw quite a few people go in and get served before they called him back in. It was one item short and he's now gone back up to Codsall to collect the final item. The whole business has taken over a week, involving 6 trips out to GP and Chemist when we're supposed to be self-isolating. My question is, why, on his final visit, didn't they serve him when first allowed in, he had waited in the queue and it was his turn? I'm baffled - unless of course, you are penalised for needing more than one or two items.
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27th March 2020
Did you do the clapping thing for NHS workers last night? We went out to clap and were surprised to hear it going on all round the village - a heart warming moment. |
I have another bit of app-iness to fill the time and brighten my day. It's a very apt app for our self-isolating days. The young ones told me to download an app called Houseparty. I've done it - it's fun. We can chat and see each other. Everyone squeezes onto the screen or, as the app announces "so and so is in the room" then you can join them in "the room" for a chat. Downside is, they can see you so I might need to comb my hair. Logo above. I wonder if there's such a thing as app overload. It's a bit of a silly word "app" but if it turns out to be rubbish you can call it a crap app.
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24th March 2020
Boredom is knocking on our self-isolating door already. I've dug out the jigsaw puzzles and I'm going to search online for a large difficult one that will hopefully keep us quiet for hours. The paints have been out too but - as yet the results are not worth boasting about. I'm still grappling with abstraction - not everyone's cup of tea but I find it exciting. We're missing the little people, Freddie, Jai, Josh, and Ralfie. Big Jay and Lesley and Carol and Gary have helped us out with shopping - we're very lucky. Hope everyone is coping. Media reports of shopping frenzies are disturbing - I found this pic on Facebook - I think it goes to prove there's truth in the old adage... "history repeats itself." It's Samuel Pepys, speaking about the great plague that hit the capital just before the Fire of London. His words could easily relate to today's happenings. |
Not only is loo roll in short supply, there's trouble getting one's hands on a jigsaw puzzle. Since my words of earlier today, I've tried to purchase said puzzle and it seems like all self-isolators are hunkered down doing jigsaw puzzles hence the delay in despatching them due to a high demand. Some sites aren't even accepting orders. My other little concern is my need for a haircut. No, I'm not going to let Bern have a go at it, I'm just going to have to stand by and become witch of the west. Which reminds me of another "funny" on Facebook, here it is...
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18th March 2020
The Corona panic continues, things are happening fast. Bern's medical appointment has been postponed, as have two of my hospital appointments. A text from Jay says he had an eerie journey to work this morning. The strangest phenomenon was having a whole railway carriage to himself when usually he can't get a seat. He said the Birmingham streets were deserted and a couple of his colleagues had buzzed off home to self isolate. |
A text from Carol says that Sainsbury's are allowing only oldies to plunder the shelves between 7 am - 8 am. Come on then... let's get our own back and have a good rampage - loo roll and hand gel here we come.
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17th March 2020
I wish you shamrocks and 4-leaf clovers if you happen to celebrate St Patrick's Day and maybe a bit of a jig with a leprechaun. |
Today we're going into hermit mode to do some self-isolating. Between us we tick all the boxes: underlying medical stuff, old, chomping on immune suppressants etc etc. Writers' group is closed for the foreseeable future (most of us are in the dreaded age bracket) and Roland is still considering art class closure. The future is looking a little bleak right now. Main pastimes will have to be housework, gardening and TV - how thrilling. I guess we'll be spending time staring through the window to see if there's life out there. I'm breaking the curfew tomorrow, I have to be at Cannock Hospital for some sort of assessment.
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16th March 2020
We've been a bit quiet this week, worn out with our hunt-the-toilet roll jaunts. I know we've already talked about the craziness of hoarding and the entire business is getting boring, we've not been able to find any for the last two shopping weekends. In the nick of time Carol managed to get us a pack today. Family hilarity ensued and this little GIF thing landed on my phone. And yes, I laughed my socks off. |
11th March 2020
Hi there... it's beginning to feel like spring. I've nipped out to prune the hydrangea this morning. It's great to see everything in the garden waking up. |
The Coronavirus is lending an air of gloom right now - all we can do is be sensible and try not to worry. We've stepped up our hand-washing but I've not joined the stock-pilers (yet). The hoarding of toilet rolls is a bit weird. I suppose people are thinking ahead in case they have to self-isolate.
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I was holed up last week and didn't manage writers' meeting or art class. I'm up and running again now and went to yesterday's writers' gathering There were only 7 of us - maybe some were avoiding public places. We spread ourselves thinly round the table and had a lovely afternoon. Got my first new £20 note today - great design, it fits in my purse more neatly than the old ones and gets my seal of approval.
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Ten thousand hospital appointments arrived during the past week which doesn't excite me. My family are always telling me I exaggerate, maybe I do, just a bit, I'm fond of hyperbole. I'll fess up and tell you it was only five appointments in the pipeline - two at Cannock and three at New Cross, they'll help top up our social calendar.
It was birthday weekend for Bern, Gary and Lesley. Toni and Andy kindly held a birthday bash for them on Saturday morning. A bacon and sausage buns plus birthday cake "do" with little ones charging round to enhance the melee. We usually have a bit of thing about funny birthday cards ( for the grown ups only of course). Ian was awarded first prize this year for the one he and Jenny sent to Bern. We had quite a crowd, ages ranging from 7 months to 85. It was a matter of taking turns to hold the baby and mind your toes when the toddlers whizzed by on something with wheels. I notice that baby gadgetry is a new science these days - even dummies have bells and whistles so they don't end up on the floor and baby cups are spill-proof when hurled actoss the room - fascinating.
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1st March 2020
Dydd San Ffolant Hapus (Happy St David's Day) a day for daffodils, leeks and red Welsh dragons. The daffs in the garden are opening up but I'm a bit short on dragons and leeks. |
Carol has sent us another book recommendation. She says "it's another good one." Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
Carol has already downloaded the three we recommended on 14th Feb. She gets the free sample chapters from Amazon before splashing the cash and reports that all three are "winners" especially the one entitled "Where the Crawdads Sing" that Ann told us about. . |
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28th February 2020
We've had a lovely morning - Carol and Jay both popped in to see how I got on with the Nuclear Imaging thingy at New Cross. We chatted forever, with coffee, lunchtime sandwich and hot cross buns to sustain us. Back to the x-ray thing. It was OK - quite do-able and nothing like what my out-of-control imagination had envisaged. When we got there we had to wait for the "stuff" to arrive from City Hospital Birmingham. Once I was topped up and strapped to the bed it was a matter of being shunted through a round thing while the machine did the biz for half an hour or so. They sent us off for a lunch break and then there was another session and I was told that in the earlier session they had spotted something untoward and so during the lunch break they'd spoken with the cardiologist. I was just getting my coat on to go home after session no 2 when we were called back and told that while I was still "nuked up" (my words - don't know the proper terminology) they would do some more x-rays to have a more in depth look at my cancer. I see this as a bonus and at long last Cardiology, Rheumatology, Cancer, and Kidney departments are talking to each other so I'm a lot happier about the situation. There was yet another bonus, we were given free coffee and biscuits. The medical staff were very kind and even offered to turn up the radio while the machinery was nosing round my old bones. The lower machine rotates like a carousel and on both machines the equipment moves in very close. only inches away. I kept my fingers crossed it didn't get too close and squash me. It was quite a lengthy photo-shoot, so I hope the stills are OK (as the film people say). |
21st February 2020
I've not yet encountered the new £20 note - anyone else acquired a pocketful? I've just been reading about how they are going to compost the old ones once they're out of circulation. They'll be tightly packed into £50,000 bundles and composted. It turns the old adage on it's head... i.e. where there's muck there's money. In a year or so it'll be a case of where there's money there's muck. Previously old notes were incinerated and the generated heat was used to help heat the building where the notes were stored. Impressively eco-friendly and economical. |
20th February 2020
We visited Bern's sister, Joyce and hubby John yesterday. Carol popped in too so we had a good old gossip (as you do) fuelled with a lunchtime sandwich, scones and jam. Very nice indeed. Thank you Joyce and John - our turn next time. I'm practising my Instagram skills this morning. The young ones have shown me how to do it and they sort me out when I've cocked it up. Anyway, I've linked up with Lisa, and looked at her interesting posts. I know there's much derision aired about posting our lives on social media but when you rummage through peoples comments and the pictures they've posted you learn a lot about the person. I think this is a good thing - Lisa lives "oop" north so we only see her on rare occasions and I've learned more about her from Instagram than I have from the occasional chats we've had in Toni and Andy's back garden. She loves the ballet, healthy food, and reads good books. She's on my wavelength. Here's waving to you Lisa - my new Instagram friend. x
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I constantly advocate that oldies should get to grips with the stuff the young ones do - it keeps the old grey matter working and keeps you in the modern world. Forget slippers and tea cosies, but hot water bottles are allowed because I do love my hotty botty. What do you call yours? Back to the matter in hand - it's this square red app that you need on your phone to do Instagram.
I think I've done technology to death this week. Oh, go on then, get your knitting out... |
18th February 2020
I've been quizzing Alexa this morning. We'd watched the programme about Amazon and how they track our every thought and click of the mouse when we're snooping round their website or talking to Alexa. When I sat down to eat my porridge with Alexa kindly playing Classic fm I began to imagine the Amazon workforce, management, and all its robots listening in to our breakfast conversation. OK so my imagination was in overdrive as usual, and Amazon are merely doing some heavy duty market research. Even so, I felt the need to interrogate Alexa. I asked her, "are the Amazon people listening to us? Her reply" "Erm, I don't understand that. Can I help you with anything else?" My response was a very firm "No! And mind your own business!" Then she ignored me and carried on playing a nice piano piece by Greig. I'm known to frequently utter "the world's gone mad" - perhaps it's me that's gone mad now that I regularly chat with an inanimate round black thing - and what is even more disturbing, why do I feel it has the upper hand? |
16th February 2020
Anyone into podcasts yet? I've been giving it a go... you download the podcast app to your phone or iPad. There's the inevitable (in my case) fiddling about trying to get the hang of things, then away you go. As I don't sleep well, I listen on and off through the night. To date I've enjoyed Jenny Eclair's podcasts, she's no holds barred and has me in stitches with her rudery (is there such a word?). I got into that one on Carol's recommendation. I've found another interesting one by Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent. She's the Dictionary Corner woman on TV Countdown. Their speciality is etymology, linguistics, dictionaries, words and stuff; if you're a tad nerdy like me you'll find it interesting. Graham Norton's podcasts are lively chats with the so-called celebs, more entertaining than I expected and in the middle of the night it's better than canned musak While I was in adventurous mode I downloaded the BBC sounds app too. You can get all the radio channels on it so it's great on your phone giving endless listening choices when the wee small hours seem extra long, or you're stuck in a hospital waiting room. |
Happy Birthday Ian We ventured out for another birthday breakfast do yesterday. We all decended on Hollybush Garden Centre for Ian's thirty-something birthday - he likes to pretend he's still early thirties despite hovering nearer to the next number with a nought (if you get my drift). A breakfast do seems to be a practical option these days with all the little ones in tow. En route it was a case of passengers do the texting to let others know which roads were flooded. Jay and Lesley got stuck on the M54 Junction 1 and warned us of one lane traffic and flooding. We were able to divert, but everyone made it in the end. |
14th February 2020
A hearts and flowers day today. St Valentine: I've looked him up and Google says he's the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers. Bit of multi-tasker wasn't he? Each to his own. |
I've had an up and down week - I didn't make it to writers' meeting but managed Thursday's art class. When I got back there was a hospital letter waiting. I'm to have a Nuclear Imaging Isotope Bone Scan. It suggested I bring a sandwich or something as it could take up to four hours. The other little gem of information is, don't go near children or pregnant women for a while after the event. Oh, and only use the loo designated for Isotope Scan patients. I'm not even going to contemplate that element of the proceedings. Flipping heck, the word nuclear has me all agog - am I going to be blasted into orbit, or merely glow in the dark?
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This is Denise's choice. Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. A best seller in America.
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Carol recommends this one: I know she thinks it's brill because she put it on her Instagram. Inheritance by Jenny Eclair
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Ann says, this is the best book she's read in a long time. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Intriguing title.
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7th February 2020
Today's hospital visit was busier than usual and I was there for a couple of hours - we had a lengthy discussion with the Rheumatology consultant and I was also sent for some unexpected x-rays, and was told there would be further x-rays and consultations in the near future. I've a suspicion that I'm back in the "all's not well" zone. No good worrying, there's worse stuff going on around the world. The Chinese flu virus thing is getting scary - hope it doesn't get to pandemic level. However, I looked round the garden this morning (yes I braved the cold) and found primroses, snowdrops, crocus, and the daffodils are on the move; maybe spring is knocking on the door - we've much to look forward to. |
The little freebie newspaper arrived today - you know the one, it's full of ads for local services. I was a bit alarmed by the chap offering to exterminate vermin such as rats and creepy things you don't like hanging about the garden, I saw a highlighted phrase "concessions for pensioners". Hope it doesn't mean he'll see off your oldies at a reduced rate, we don't want the kids getting ideas. There was a picture of a pigeon along with the rat and wasps, I suddenly felt a bit protective of the gormless ones that sit on our fence driving me mad with their one-note chorus. It doesn't seem right to have someone turn up to stuff a sack with pigeons even if they're not my favourite songsters.
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Jay and Lesley have galloped off to Hampshire this weekend to celebrate Audrey's birthday. - have a happy Birthday Audrey.
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For any family members who've not yet met little Martha Bryett - here she is at 4 months old. We have news that Daddy Phil's busted leg is mending and he's back on duty but is excused duties that involve a bit of marching. |
1st February 2020
Hi everyone, welcome to a new month and life outside the EU. Would you believe it, only hours into a new day and I've found something to moan about. Today's target is Barclays Bank. I recently had a small cheque to pay in - a rare occurrence as everything happens digitally these days so my paying in book is only used once or twice a year. I turned up with said cheque and paying in book and the girl said, "I'll get a new book sent to you." I didn't need a new one as this one had only two used slips, but I didn't want to dampen her keenness to help and it was easier to let her have her moment. This morning the postie arrived and the letter box was jammed with five new paying in books all posted separately - what's that all about? Wake up Barclays - waste not, want not! |
31st January 2020 Leaver or Remainer? Today's the day. Personally, I'm all for let's get the hell out of it and stand on our own two feet - lead the way Boris. My reasons: today's European Union is very different from the European Community arrangement we signed up for in the nineteen seventies. Maybe business matters will be difficult for a while yet, but rather that than line the pockets of the greedy Euro MPs. Have you looked at the figures they receive without having to declare anything? And, our little overcrowded country has to contribute the second largest sum to the Union coffers. The new .50p Brexit coin should be in circulation today - I expect they'll be gobbled up by those who've seen the media whispers indicating they'll be "worth a fortune". There are gold ones and silver ones up for grabs too... I think I'll pass. |
29th January 2020
Happy Birthday Jay (Big Jay, not Little Jai). We tootled round when it was time for him to come home from work - Lesley had made him a lovely cake all ready to do birthday stuff. We waited... and waited... and waited... Yes, usual story, trains, didn't turn up or were late, too full and he couldn't get on... the whole gamut. So plan B - we're all descending on Saturday morning for belated jollifications. |
20th January 2020
I've an odd little story to tell you today. Several years ago I opened a Twitter account and my user name was BettyTaylor @dufy. You have to dream up a name as an identity thing. I didn't get on with Twitter as you need to keep a constant eye on it to catch the short snippets that land none stop. I tried to delete the account but I don't think it's really gone away, maybe due to my ineptitude. And then inevitably, I forgot all about. This morning, on my Blog, is a message from a chap in Kentucky USA. He sussed that @dufy hasn't been used for ages and he says he'd like to use that name and asked if he can buy if from me. He wants to use it because it happens to be his real name - I chose it because I like the work of artist Raoul Dufy and the fact that he was a Fauvist. Must go, I'm off to see the kidney consultant. |
15th January 2020
Oh dear, it feels like we've been out of circulation for weeks. We're still battling with monster colds, sleepless nights and generally feeling sorry for ourselves - but I guess the Kleenex tissue company will be quids in and the paracetamol people, we've also made considerable contributions to the Lemsip coffers. No good moaning - lots of other people have succumbed to it too. |
We're venturing out this afternoon to attend Rene's funeral. I went for a blood test on Monday ready for the kidney consultant next week. The world and his dog must be ill, there was standing room only in the waiting area. I felt sorry for the staff who were working non-stop - indicative of the current state of things I guess.
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I haven't decided what I think about the Harry and Megan thing, but I do believe Royals and their cohorts, however much they try to touch base with us commoners, still don't have a clue how the other half live. Apologies if I've included you in this statement and you're not a commoner.
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I read an item the other day worth mentioning, apparently it was a warning given by the Police: when doing a transaction or signing official documents always write the year in full e.g. today's date 15/1/2020. If you put 15/1/20 anyone could add extra old digits to give falsify your document.
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5th January 2020
It's Twelfth Night - hope you're all busy chopping up the Christmas tree and stuffing decorations back up the loft. Everywhere seems a bit quiet, I think my family have gone underground following festivity overload and the effort of getting back to work. At least there's one good thing about getting old, I can gear up slowly and there's no dreaded "back to work" days. But we're not idle, Bern and I are busy coughing and sneezing again and the grapevine relayed that lots of other family members are too. Must be part of today's recycling culture, even the germs join in. |
3rd January 2020
Oh well, I've done it now! I've made a start on my bucket list by getting a brand new car. The little white one was in the garage and when we went to pick it up today I had a sudden whim and decided to start on my bucket list. Maybe it was not so much a whim, more an idea that had been lurking for a while. So... little white car has been swapped for a brand new bright red one. The garage offered a bit of a deal (showroom model story... you know the patter) and only 46 delivery miles on the clock. Anyway, it's mine now - no MoT for three years, warranty, blah blah. Here's hoping for some worry-free motoring (for motoring read "pootling about locally"). Are you wondering what's next on my list? I quite fancy dying my hair an outlandish colour such as purple or maybe a shade of red to match my car. |
1st January 2020
HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all. We opened the back door this morning to let 2020 creep in as we failed to stay awake until midnight - the New Year must have been hanging around on the doorstep overnight but it shuffled in this morning. We then nipped to Pattingham to catch up with Jay and Lesley - they'd made a mad dash to Prague between Christmas and New Year. They were a bit bleary eyed after their late night drive back from London. Yesterday we turned up at Andy and Toni's place - they held a New Year Eve do which went on from lunch time and into the evening. The house was bursting at the seams with loads of people and lots of little ones - there was much feeding of babies between bouts of adult conversation, drinks and nibbles and the inevitable plethora of toys to keep the toddlers happy. This morning's grapevine hinted at sore heads but luckily we'd escaped before things had got to that stage. |