I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 2 !

Dorset glad the job is going well and hope your daughter enjoys her new job.

NanKate sorry you have been in so much pain. Well done with the weight loss just wish it had been pain free for you. Glad you have since the consultant at least you have a pain of action. ?

Thank you for your good wishes four. They received my test just after 8pm last night. Just a waiting game now.

Take care everyone. ?

Good to hear from you again NanKate - I was beginning to wonder if all was well? So sorry to hear about your problems but sounds like your consultant is on the ball for you.
It's a drastic way of losing 4lbs though!
Poor Whiff is struggling with her health too as are a couple of others so, like you say, this thread is so supportive of all our losers which really encourages us all.
Keep safe!

Morning Girls.

Been off the grid for 3 weeks plus with a nasty bout of diverticulitis. I saw the consultant yesterday who is going to give me another colonoscopy in April when everything has settled down. The only good thing is that I have lost 4lbs.

So sorry Whiff to hear about your need for yet more antibiotics. It must be getting you down.

Thanks to all our regulars for keeping going. This must be the best support thread ever IMO ????

Every little helps Shirleyw ?. Everything is crossed for your test to be negative Whiff for obvious reasons and also so it doesnt delay your vaccination.
I have had a mild cold and cough over past 6 months which seemed quite random as hadnt come closer to anyone than 2 meters or gone into shops etc so not sure where that came from,maybe even allergy based!
I was quite lucky with my jab which was just under a 10 minute taxi ride away I have heard of people having to travel much further. In some ways it seems quite random and depends on which vaccine is available and the areas surgeries are in. I certainly was called up much earlier than I thought. I think maybe my part of Dorset wasnt delayed by bad weather. All my notification was by text and I booked online. I also wonder if as it was the ffeizer one that had spaces and so got in touch with those who were in vulnerable groups who could get there rather than waste it. When I got there it did seem a mix of those who seemed over 65 and those maybe in 50s,quite hard to tell with a mask! Either way it was such a relief. Fingers crossed for second.
Job going well Whiff thankyou. Still on training this week and next week. The amount of information is at times overwhelming but the process in general makes sense!
My daughter starts her new role with an insurance company today and has weeks of training ahead. Shes very happy to be WFH. I too am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work safely after last year. Would I want to do it forever? There certainly are advantages. The commute is short?. As someone who doesnt drive even though my office is less than a 10 minute drive away you can add a couple of hours to time getting ready for work by adding make up,walk to bus stop,journey etc. It does mean more rest time and certainly money saved on travel,clothes for work,and from previous experience impulse buys in shops.!
We are lucky in that technology makes WFH possible. Even tech difficulties can be overcome, although it can be a slower process. I'm lucky in that I have plenty of space at home and no distractions. That said if Covid disappeared completely or it became the same risk as ordinary flu would i choose to work from home? I think i would be on that bus asap! In the same way zoom calls have been brilliant to see friends and family it's just not the same!
Have a great week everyone ?

Thank you for your kind wishes. Had my letter yesterday for my jab. Went to book on line nearest centre 12 miles away. Is annoying as I now there are 2 centres within 20 mins from where I live. My daughter volunteer at one a couple of weeks ago. But they weren't on the list.

Phoned my surgery speaking to the Dr I want on the 11th as she has been the one I have had most dealings with over UTIs and kidney infection. Since September this this the 10th time on antibiotics. Sorry having a moan. I am used to pain as lived with in in my left arm and leg for 33 years. But when your private bits are sore it is wearing me down.

While booking appointment I asked about booking at the nearest centres to me. But I am not on their list yet. As the letters go out before they let GPs know. They said if I haven't booked anywhere in 2 weeks they are notified and will contact me. I phoned 911 to try and book but they only have the ones on line.

Just hope test kit comes today or tomorrow. My daughter says she will take me to the one 12 miles away. But need to have negative result. I checked with surgery what is classed as unwell as you can't have jab if you are. UTI isn't classed as unwell. So if it's negative I will book at the one 12 miles away.

One of the Gransnetter's on a different thread her nearest centre is 38 miles away.

Anno I don't have hay fever . It's funny my late husband started with hay fever and eczema when he was in his 30's. Your BMI is a lot different don't put yourself down. That's a great achievement. Hopefully before long you will be able to visit Dunham Massey .

This will be the 4th time I have taken Covid test. First time across Merseyside they where testing anyone with or without symptoms so went to walk in centre. 2nd time my daughter and family had Covid so had home kit. 3rd time I had been to walk in clinic and A&E so thought it best to leave it a few days and retest so even though my isolation was up stayed isolated just in case I picked it up.

Dorset Covid is like flu . Flu has variants . When you have the flu vaccine is contains 4 sorts. I watched an interesting programme about how they decided which ones to use each year. I was surprised how many different countries where involved in tests and then after big conference decided what to use. It's year long testing. Covid will be the same and we will need a vaccine every year same as flu. You are not a cynic but a realist. How is the job going? I hope you are enjoying it.

Shirley well done with the loss.

Have a good day everyone. Sorry to ramble on but been awake since 4.40 am.

Well done on the weight losses. Put on 1 lb exactly yesterday and today lost 1 and a quarter lol....weight does fluctuate daily dosent it.

Thankyou CocoPops and dont lose heart Fourormore we will all get there eventually! How lovely it would be to wander around a NT property and let loose in the gift shop annodomini ?. I hope all goes well Whiff, certainly fingers crossed for getting to cause of infections which must be dragging you down. Hopefully cough just ordinary one, 8 must admit this time of year I start sneezing due to different pollen!
As for the vaccine I think it's gone very well so far as those it given to are more vulnerable to virus and I view it as only way I could resume anywhere near a normal life. How I would feel if I was 40 years younger and not vulnerable I dont know. The new variants are worrying but not unexpected. I have a sneaky feeling that once the vulnerable have had both doses the government will open up regardless. That said I'm a cynic!

I hope that is an innocent cough, Whiff. I find that my pollen allergy at this time of year makes me wake up coughing, but it settles down during the day - until I open the door and go outside. It's more a throaty cough than a chesty one.
Once - must be about 5 years ago - my rheumatologist told me I was obese. Sadly, she was right. My BMI was 27.4 and I was told that it was unhealthy. I calculated my present BMI, just for interest, today and found it is now 24.4 which doesn't look like a big difference but is now 'healthy'. I used the NHS calculator on line.
I have long been a member of the Scottish National Trust but have allowed my membership to lapse. I was using it so seldom that I reckoned the entry fees wouldn't exceed my annual membership fee. What does rankle is that, considering the amount I have paid in over the years, I might as well have taken out life membership at the outset - well over 30 years ago. The garden I really love to visit is at Dunham Massey, in Cheshire - worth visiting in all seasons.
Hope the test will be OK, Whiff. My son has had a cough for about 2 months and has had 2 tests, both negative. I just hope it's nothing worse!

What did I say Nevers rains but pours. Been coughing since I woke up so have sent for a home kit. Now in isolation until midnight on 11th. Think my body is telling my something. ?

Cocopops I was surprised about the shortage of Covid vaccine in Canada. I hope you get yours soon.

Hopefully might hear this week when I can book mine. As apparently they are getting to the over 60's. Even though I have various health problems heart and neurological . Because my neurological problems hasn't got a label I am not on any lists. Luckily my neurologist has other patients like me but no one with exactly the same symptoms but they can't be labelled either. Sometimes think the last 33 years would have been easier if I was labelled that way I could just say I have X instead of having to go through the whole lot. My husband used to say I was unique his polite way of saying I am odd.

But I love the fact we humans are all different and that makes life wonderful and interesting. And no matter what life throws at us we battle through. Our experiences make us the people we are the good and bad. That's what I love about here we are all different . I love people's stories. Ok I am nosey but in a nice way.

Anno my scales flashes low when the batteries are going. You might have enjoyed the banana bread as a pud with some unsweetened yogurt. That way it would have cut the sweetness. But then again having it in the freezer you are not tempted to eat it. I love baking but only do it to give away. That way I can have a slice of cake or biscuit but only one.

Glad you are half way to your second jab. Before long you will be able to go for long drives in your new car. Are you a member of the national trust?

Did anyone see the last leg last week. Harry Hill was on and they were talking about whether the jab should be compulsory. I think it should. Some said it should be choice. Harry Hill was for complusory and said if you have it agree to have it you have it in your arm if you don't you will get it in your eye. He laughed after saying it, but that would probably work. Those who say there is no Covid will be the first ones demanding treatment if they get it. But I think they should be refused it. As they are the idiots who go round not wearing a mask , protesting and putting everyone else at risk. When you think how many families alone in this country who have lost loved ones to Covid . It makes me mad these idiots not caring. I know my brother and sister in law still haven't fully recovered from it yet . Look how many young fit healthy young people who have died . These Covid deniers make me so mad. Better get off my soap box.

Hopefully we will have sunshine again today . It's frosty here at the moment. Depends how I feel later on might go for a short walk mask on of course. Depends how long I can go between loo trips.

Have a good day everyone ?

It's been a funny week and I have finally concluded that my scales need new batteries. At the beginning of the week I was cocky about being at last under 11st and almost immediately the scales decided I was 6lbs heavier which I thought was unlikely then yesterday they were back at 10st12lb. So memo to self - buy new batteries, Diet wise I have done nothing disastrous. As I had several over-ripe bananas I made a banana loaf, but when I tried a slice, I discovered that my sweet tooth wasn't what it used to be and the loaf is now in the freezer for the time when I can ask people in for a brew.
I'm half way to my second jab as it's now 6 weeks since my first. What a life - when the best I have to look forward to is an inoculation! Last week I took possession of my new (used) car but there's really nowhere to go. On a lovely day like today has been, I'd be off with a friend to visit a National Trust property with a lovely garden. Good night all, and sweet (not sugary) dreams.

Congratulations on your weight losses Shineamae, Dorset and Sarahmob. All you "Pears" are an inspiration. Good to hear you are seeking a specialists' appointment Whiff.
Reading your comments about Hotter footwear and high heels made me realise I have a couple of pairs unworn for 8 years. Heels are a rare sight in my community as are dresses and skirts. Most seniors wear jeans and runners/trainers.
I bought a pair of Solomon waterproof trainers (bliss) last year and have worn them all winter except for wellies sometimes. Nowadays my footwear only consists of 2 pairs trainers, a pair of wellies and 2 pairs of sandals. Oh and a pair of knee high boots last worn pre-pandemic with a dress when I made a supreme effort before our theatres were shut down.
No change in my weight but finding it hard to resist evening snacks when slumped in front of Netflix. Must stop watching it! Also having just finished knitting a sweater for my GS I decided to stop knitting for good and read instead, a belated New Year Resolution perhaps.
Canada is somewhat short of Covid-19 vaccines right now but the plan is I'll get first shot between April and June.

We crossed posts four it's a blip. Hopefully Will be visiting me this week. I can but hope. ?.

Dorset and Sarah well done with weight loses. Glad you will be getting your vaccination soon Sarah. My friend works in a college had her first jab today. Once back at college with do lateral flow test twice a week at home.

I weight myself everyday and weight fluctuates 1-2lb a day ,weighted myself yesterday put 5lb. UTI kicked in last night. Weighed myself this morning stayed the same weight as last week. On the loo most of the night. And weed 5lbs of fluid?. Thank goodness for walk in centre. Spoke to nurse prescribed antibiotics my daughter has gone to fetch them . But will be booking appointment to speak to my GP . As I need to see a specialist. This has been going on since September. I am walking like the hunchback of Notre dame. The bells the bells ?.

My Hotter walking boots arrived yesterday. Was going for a walk but will go tomorrow. As by then might not need the loo so often.

Spent a lovely 2.5 hours in the garden yesterday. At least I can see what I have done.

Hope you all have the ?. Have a good week everyone ?

Another 'Ooops' week this week I am ashamed to say!
I gave in a couple of times and paid for it this morning - a rise of 0.8lb
I know it's not a lot but I must get more will power from somewhere as that is two weeks in a row now that I have put on 'just a little bit!'
The problem is that 'little bits' tend to add up, so watch this space folks - this coming week will see my friend Will (full name Will Power!) back in my life!!!
Keep up the good work everyone - lots of successes among some of us who are struggling but we will all support and encourage each other!

Brilliant news Sarahmob on both the weight loss and the up and coming vaccination ?. Even though I knew I still had to be very careful the vaccination was a game changer for me?.
Yes I've been a yoyo dieter,its so frustrating. I think that's why I now favour calorie counting, I find I dont want bigger portions and have a better idea of what a portion should be.
Have a great week everyone ?

Good morning everyone
Thank you all so much for your encouragement over my plateau of the last few weeks, this week it’s paid off and I’ve lost 3.75 pounds! Amazing!
Well done Dorset and Shinamae on your losses - Dorset I think viewing food as fuel and not as a treat is going to be what helps me not put the weight back on when I reach target. I’ve yo-yo dieted all my life and am determined not to slip into that cycle this time.
My best news this week is that both my husband and I have had our first doses of vaccine. I’d booked him in as he’s over 60 and just turned up with my nhs card and teaching pass ‘on the off chance’. (I was escorting DH as he’s a bit deaf and his hearing aids aren’t working atm). They were pleased to book me in - I know they’d have called me in a couple of weeks anyway, but the sooner the better in my opinion.

Have a lovely week everyone and stay safe.

Good afternoon everyone! Stood on the scales this morning and nearly fell off when I discovered had lost 2.25 pounds so thought I'd check in in case by tomorrow I've put on 5lb! It was quite a surprise as I havent followed a written plan as such. Looking back over the week I have increased my fluid intake. My daily menu has been more thought out. I think overall I have now organised it so that main meals,whether bought or home made are under 500 calories. Snacks am and pm are around a 100. I've been exceptionally strict with myself in that any treats I ordered are nice but tend to be high protein/fibre so more satisfying. I quite like the Graze products. Another firm favourite is a spoonful of peanut butter and apple slices.
Certainly being back at work has helped. I havent had time to bake. If I reach that just fancying something nice stage i have better choices. I've got a long way to go. I think the Sunshine we have today has helped. I've updated my supermarket order to include a large fresh chicken which will be nice over the next few days with salads etc.
It feels typical of how things can change almost regardless of motivation or lack of it. Everyone is different. For me my focus has been taken away from food/comfort eating. Almost without realising food at the moment is more viewed as fuel rather than a treat. I also think this has been combined with almost a boredom with food. I personally, and have known others,find you reach a stage where treats and goodies lose their appeal,which is where I am now. Long may it continue!
Good luck everyone, stay safe??

Shinamae I know just how you feel. I fall over in flat shoes. Dread to think what havoc I would cause in heels. ?

I do find it a bit sad that I have to go to comfort now rather than fashion but when I see some of the ridiculous heels the girls are wearing these days I am quite glad I am at my stage of life and don’t feel pressured to wear them.....??????

Shinamae I only discovered Hotter shoes about 10 years ago. Never had such comfort on my feet. Glad you got a bargain. ?

I have just received a pair of hotter boots £109 reduced to £50 absolute bargain and they are so comfortable.....?

Shinamae glad your isolation is up at midnight. Well done losing the pound.

New hotter catalogue arrived they have 25% of their walking shoes. As I am struggling to get motivated to exercise at home decided to go walking. So ordered a pair. And decided I am not going to be a fair weather walker only. As long as it's not blowing a gale I will go in the rain. To that end I have ordered a pair of waterproof women's over trousers. I have a pair of men's for gardening but have to roll them up a lot and they are but big but where only £19 last summer. I needed better fitting ones for walking. My daughter put a step counter on my phone for me. Was surprised just doing housework and walking in the bungalow I clicked up just under 2,000. Not expecting to do 10,000 a day that's to much for me but decided to go out for a hour each day and build up. Let you know how I get on.

Got someone coming to clean my oven today. Been thinking about it for a while. My daughter had her in to do the oven in the new house . It looks like new.

Have a good day everyone ?

Nearly at the end of isolating with the Covid,finishes midnight tomorrow. I have managed to lose a pound whilst having to isolate I’ve put that down to not be able to get to Tesco to buy rubbish to eat ?

That sounds like a perfect afternoon Whiff,lovely to hear??xxx