Soop's comfortable, cosy, friendly kitchen...

Rest and more rest is so essential Ann........you know that without us saying so repeatedly,the bigger question is how to get it with the way life is right now.
Point again being tomorrow is another new day,but you are in desperate need NOW,and it really is awful that where ever you turn to, whether for advice or help, there is a long wait.
Waiting time really is just what you haven`t got...........your need is desperate..... and NOW.
Sadly though so many of us care and are rooting for you,our own hands are equally tied and we cannot offer much other than words of moral support.

Hope,hope,hope you recieve the call backs and help Ann ......meanwhile please know we care and just wish we could offer hands on help.X

Dear Ann The posts from your Kitchener pals say it all. I'm at a loss for words. I wish with every fibre of my being that tomorrow's news from you is positive. It's awful to read about the stress you are having to bear and not be able to lift a finger to help.

Although I have a particularly busy week ahead, I shall keep popping in for updates. My very best wishes to everyone.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201806/medium-695446-36087775-2525071420851776-3054918608812507136-n.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201806/medium-614858-35922804-2525071417518443-3790219994889977856-n.jpg

Ann, I`m so sorry that you`re still having problems, but relieved that your hubby didn`t suffer anything too grievous after his fall. I do hope that SS get back to you very soon, and give you the help that you need and deserve.
I`ve been waiting for several weeks now to hear from Adult care services, regarding help caring for my eldest daughter who lives with me. She is fairly disabled, gets about with extreme difficulty, as do I, and she can`t leave the house unless there`s at least 2 of us to help her in and out. They keep saying they will be in touch, and will send an assessment team to see us, but nothing as yet.
Kitty, so sorry, I meant to add yesterday that I hope your Bertie is alright now, bless him, he`s not having much luck is he lately?
I`m enclosing a couple of pics of Dawn yesterday, during the run and after the finish. She rang last night, I thought she`d have her feet up, but no, she was outside, gardening!

I have kept popping in today, hoping for better news from Ann. This situation is a nightmare and I just hope that coming on here and reading all the lovely, kind, supportive messages helps in some small way. I add my voice to them Ann and wish you strength and energy to see you and your DH through this most difficult chapter of your lives.

We can't help in any practical way - only be here for you.

Sending you kindest regards and hopes for a better tomorrow.

ann, if you need to, ring the out of hours social worker. I have heard that they are much more proactive. I think the number to ring is the normal one and it should be forwarded to the out of hours team.

callgirl, you should also make a nuisance of yourself and, when someone actually talks to you, demand a carers assessment too.

Sorry if I'm sounding bolshy but DD3 has had yet another run in with the Child Maintenance Service so I'm in the mood for battle.

It is often the case with government departments that she who shouts loudest and most often gets the best service. In fact, the mood I'm in, I will happily do the shouting for you all. Can I help anyone else while I'm at it?

Time for a methinks!

So desperately sorry to hear of your latest struggles ann. It makes you despair when the much needed help is not forward hcoming. How come some people seem to manage to get every aid available while some of the truly deserving get ignored?

Returned from our holiday a week ago with an unwelcome souvenir in the for of an upset tummy. It has been off and on all week causing us to cancel plans for the weekend but finally (?) things seem back to normal. Doggies were pleased to see us again though I have spent ages this afternoon picking grass seeds and other seeds from Travis’s coat. Design fault with spaniels - dogs who charge through undergrowth whorls have short coats! Thankfully he is booked in for a groom this week which should help

and [wine ] for those in need.

Whorls? That should have read ‘should’.

Just popped in to wish
Ann well.
When I was getting
no where with SS and banging my head against a brick wall.
I ended up with a doctors appointment (due to stress).

My GP intervened contacted SS on my behalf.
It resulted in a meeting with doctor, social worker, district nurse, occupational therapist myself and my sister.
A plan was drawn up.

I would hope that your GP ann could/would intervene on your behalf.
Good luck xx

I'm having a battle with BT at the moment (data breach) and have a head of steam that would fry the world I think - I know, very mixed metaphor but it sort of sums me up.

I do echo kitty's thoughts, please call out of hours ann, my understanding also is they are more proactive. I'm so sorry for your situation, also yours callgirl it infuriates me that the system is so overloaded that those in need are overlooked. Perhaps a telephone call to your GP might help as cherrytree says, if you do please be honest about the stress, lack of sleep and physical exhaustion.

I hope you are able to find moments to rest ann, all I can do is send love and a wish for help for you. We would all help in practical ways if we could.

I'm bound to sound scratchy, apologies all, I can't go into detail here but something fairly appalling has happened and promised phone calls are simply not occurring. They have another chance tomorrow and then the letter (half written, which in itself made me feel better) goes to the Chairman.

What do you think, kitty, if we shout togeher could we fix the world?

And breathe .

We did manage to escape to catch some sea breezes today and have a cuppa by the sea. I also managed to collect a parcel containing a white t-shirt that not only fits but isn't see through. A small victory but an important one, you can't know how much I have searched for this item.

Hope Bertie is better kitty and your daughter wins her battle. I sometimes wonder where common sense has gone when interacting with organisations.

Hope everyone has found a cool spot today, just for once I am happy with the constant breeze (well, often howling gale) we get here, it is actually very pleasant if I stop getting stressed and sit and enjoy it, so I'm off to do that now.

Take care everyone. Hugs to all those with worries.

corner, the best cool spot today was in the freezer aisle at W******e. Unfortunately I couldn't stay there forever without attracting the attention of the security bloke. I am now thinking about fetching my fans down from the top of the landing cupboard. I might need one overnight.

Ann I just can't find words that will help ease your situation. I strongly agree with all the sensible and caring suggestions from other grandnetters. Take care of yourself, as you need all your strength and energy to care for your H.
My best wishes and prayers

Getting an appointment with a GP at our practice is practically impossible, I haven`t seen a doctor since Adam were a lad, always end up with one of the practice nurses. Tried and failed a few weeks ago to get a home visit for Lynne, they just weren`t having it, so along with Dawn, I took her to the A&E, which culminated in being advised to contact adult social care, which is where it all came to a full stop again, or that`s how it feels. Trouble is, I`m not much good at shouting the odds, I let Rena do that for me, she`s girding her loins as we speak.
Sorry that things aren`t going well yet Corner, hope all is sorted soon.

Just an early visit to my Kitchen friends and yes another scorcher.

However reading back over the latter postings it seems problems are rife amongst us so hopefully you will get these sorted ASAP......*Callgirl*.*Corner*..........and of course my thoughts are very much with you Ann wondering if, at the very least, you managed some much needed sleep?
Point is even if your H was in a reasonable safe place, with all the hassles you are having to deal with,phone calls and the like that never arrive....they play on your mind.......so it halts the hopes of a decent sleep.
A new day....... and we can at least hope and pray there will be some forward movement.

I think I maybe coming out in sympathy with some of you for I really feel like something the cat has dragged in this morning......................however I am fortunate in that I can,if need be.......lie with it.

Sending best wishes to you all and hope this day proves to be a bit more helpful to those of you with pressing needs.

Morning all !!

Its a birthday kind of day here ! My brother and sister , the twinnies as they are known still :-) have a birthday today , and also one of my SiL ! So there have been a flurry of texts, calls and FB posts this morning. I love FB for birthdays as it allows me to post a collage of old pictures of the birthday boys and girls!

The privilege of being the older sister - I'm allowed to embarrass them :-)

How is Bertie doing Kitty? I hope he's home and feeling much better.

Glad to hear you are settled fennel , what a relief eh?

Oh Galen you ARE in the wars ! Hope this passes quickly!

Corner, Callgirl , it sounds like you have a lot on your plates right now . I hope things get resolved quickly !

As we sat in the garden late last night admiring the sunset I mentioned to Grampy that now he has the fence down there is a fairly steep ditch before the field to allow for run off . I looked at him seriously for a moment and he asked 'What are you looking at me like that for ?'

I paused then pointed to the ditch and said ' That could come in handy!'.

He simply smiled and replied ,' It would need to be deeper for bodies !!!'

Haha!!!! 42 years together and he can read my mind !!!

Happy day all !

hi everyone.

I've just popped in to see how things are going with everyone before heading off to sports day. Whilst his Ma would rather Bertie sat in the shade with a big ice lolly, Bertie is in 3 races. He is quite competitive and will go all out to win. Persie on the other hand ........! In swimming lessons she likes to lie on her back so she can wave to people - which might save her life if she was drowning but not quite as much as being able to swim!!

No word from ann - I hope she and her DH had a peaceful night - though I somehow doubt it! Sending soothing vibes to both of them. N&G is right, the things on one's mind are often as bad as the actual things.

Panache, I'm sorry you are feeling under the weather - I hope it is the weather and nothing else.

I think you have threatened grampy enough he well knew where your thoughts were going N&G. Best birthday wishes for all your family members - that needs to be a very large cake. I like being the older sister too - I can pull rank if I feel like it plus, I'm bossy!!

callgirl, I have offered to do the shouting for you but am feeling a little calmer now so your daughter will probably do a better job. You really need to get something sorted. We tell people on our carer's courses to pester. The poor social workers are really busy so, if you make a nuisance of yourself, they want to get rid of you.

cherrytrees, I echo your suggestion of getting the GP involved if you can.

Hello again Izabella! The kitchen is a good place to talk if you want to but also a place to join in as much or as little as you like.

Hope you are still better IYSWIM, nonnaW.

All please sit still, look after yourselves, drink lots of water and keep cool until I get back from a, hopefully, uneventful, sportsday.

corner, I hope you are making progress with BT - we could perhaps do a pestering/shouting relay to keep the pressure up.

Still steaming n&g. Still steaming. If someone could teach BT staff to tell the time I might get down to a simmer. Enjoy the birthday day, the fun side of it spreads doesn't it?

Still, sun is shining and I’m off for a haircut, will scare small children less then.

Thinking about ann and callgirl this morning, my issue will be over and done with today if all goes well, I’m the lucky one.

Hope no more accidents galen, there seem to be a lot about.

Right, onwards to the terror of the hairdresser. . Apologies to those I may seem to have missed, not intentional, tearing hurry this morning.

Sorry about the poor editing of my post - the penultimate paragraph should be at the bottom. I must be dehydrated!!

Morning all, very warm here already, so have made two decisions
1. I am now wearing a kaftan, coolest thing to wear in the heat.
2. No more housework until it cools down.
Had a great trip out last Friday, DDs and SiLs took us to Blackpool for the day. Really great trip, fish and chips, followed by a wander down the prom and a stroll down the pier.
We decided ages ago to seize the day. DH still recovering from the day, but sometimes we feel we have to balance the joy with the physical cost.
Wishing everyone peace and respite from their worries and trials.

Thank you all once again, we had a very good night.
We were both so shattered after Sunday night that unbelievably H was in bed at 7;45 pm and stayed there until 6; 45 this morning.
The downside ,though slight in the grand scheme, was that he was soaking wet.
His pull ups must have weighed 5lbs, his pyjamas and even his dressing gown, though I haven't yet figured out why, were wet through.
To be frank he stank.
I had to strip him and put a clean dressing gown on him until the carer came, I cannot shower him myself.
The washing machine had been on overnight so that it on the line and now it is full again

I had a laugh with the carer this morning , after he was dressed he suddenly said, I haven't blessed my wishes, she looked at me as I said ,I will get your razor for you when Denise has gone.
She asked if we have a secret language but I was able to tell her that he was rubbing his face and chin while speaking.
I have to look for clues every time he comes out with gobbledygook. Messages have already gone to the SW and the MH nurse who, to be fair had rung and left a message yesterday, while I was on the phone, but I didn't pick it up in time to return it.

It is so hot here today we will be staying indoors, for Bertie and Persie and anyone else taking part in activities, I can only say good luck but sooner you than me, I wouldn't even wast to be watching in this heat.

callgirl just keep on, it took me ages to get our SW in spite of many appeals to various bodies.
She has been of some use but gives me misleading information.
It was the duty SW who got me the respite care and she or he will be my next port of call if I don't hear today.

At least Ann thank goodness for a decent sleep although it certainly had its moments and kept you busy with the washer doing the business.
Hopefully there will be movement with the Hallowed circles this day..........fingers well crossed.
You certainly brought us some smiles this morning!!!Your sense of humour remains intact.

Whilst I can but say good luck to all still battling to get these certain issues sorted..........I am sure these things aee sent to try us mortals!

Rather too hot for Sports day so hope all taking part will be well protected from the sun and well hydrated too.........and Kitty may the best "man" win!!!

Back to my coolest corner as I am very much in need of simple peace this day............Take care all out there in this sunshine.........lets not get any sun burnt bodies or strokes brought on by the scorching rays.

It’s official. BT can’t tell the time........

Sorry your under the weather panache, hope you have found that cool spot and can rest.

A decent sleep ann, I’m so pleased, also that you will contact the duty SW if needed. I am in total awe of your coping ability.

I’m with you about the housework maybelle, no more here until the heat subsides. I do know what you mean about seizing the day, sounds as if Blackpool was worth it.

Does sports day come with some shade kitty? Its not the day to be competitive. Hope Bertie is OK and Persie has drifted through it all elegantly.

Try not to fry everyone. I’m headed for a shady spot in the garden with a cold drink.

No Sun here today , but very pleasant out .
Ann , so glad you had a better night , love the sign language ! , Oh I do remember the washing , but worth it if the night wasn't too bad . Keep on at the SWs
Good luck at the sports day and keep hydrated
I hope you get the better of BT Kitty
Panache I hope you have a cool calm spot to gather some strength
I wish everyone else a good day xxx

All that I can say is Phew! I have come in from care home visit, and have to leave shortly for ironing duties, before which, I have my own ironing to do as we're to be at the hospital in Oban early-ish tomorrow^.

Seems like Ann is a little more rested and optimistic.

corner and those of you with frustrations and buggerations galore - BREATHE

Here is last night's sunset to hopefully lift your flagging spirits. It was a stunner.

callgirl1 Big hugs for Dawn. She's a champ.

Another little gem I have just remembered.
During our very long 5 hou5r in A&E on Sunday/Monday a nurse came along to do some tests, incidentally most of these were in the waiting area, she took his blood pressure and then shone alight in his eyes, tested his reflexes and then started the standard dementia questions.

What day is It- no idea.

What year is It- 82

What month is It- March 30th ( his birthday)

Where are you now - In a Hell of a mess ,that's were I am

End of questions.

Its the way you tell `em Ann.................but do you know, sometimes when faced with overwhelming issues you really have got to hold onto those funnier moments............though most times they are far from funny at that time.

Anyway at least H was telling the truth when asked that final question!