I’m a Pear/Apple - Part 5. Still going!!

Just read both your interesting posts Whiff you certainly get about and don’t let any physical problems stop you. Well done.

Went to my old home town Stratford upon Avon for a 5 day stay which we thoroughly enjoyed. Having said that Stratford is sadly not what it used to be. Many shops closed however the street where Shakespeare’s Birthplace is was very vibrant.

My two oldest friends from the Midlands met up with us for the day and you would never think we had been apart. We chatted non stop. I first met Ann when I was 16 and Andrew when I was 18. He was my boss’s son. I introduced them at my 21st and they have been together ever since.

I am off to my Thai Chi class this morning, then meeting a friend for coffee tomorrow and on Friday seeing the physio about my arthritic knee.

Haven’t weighed myself yet !

Hope everyone is ok. Its Flu and covid jab season. Also RS can't remember the other letter and pneumonia jab these you only have once. Booked my flu jab beginning of September get that free . Will book my covid jab have to pay for that. Had my pneumonia couple of years ago. If you are 65 free shingles jabs. Missed getting that one as my birthday was 5 months before the role out of free jabs. Have to wait 2 more years to get it free. I know some are anti vaccine but I have everything I can get . Even with covid jab did get covid couple of years ago but it was only like having a bad cold. Would have been worse if I hadn't had it. Also had shingles but got anti virals within 24 hours so it wasn't anymore painful than the constant pain I am in . Stopped the rash spreading after 2 days and blisters didn't get very big.

Health warning done 🤣

Made our CD on Saturday with the other 2 choirs . It was lovely meeting them. About 30 people came . A few tenor from the Manchester choirs came to boost that section. Only 6 of us Altos. We only have 3 at my choir and I was the only one go. Hopefully we have new members join next week. I will miss the first one as I go to Dundee on Monday last of my hols. But won't miss any of the other ones.

We rehearsed each song 3 times and recorded each one 3 times. We where filmed while singing . It was great fun and wouldn't have missed it for the world. One of the founders said we may do a Christmas concert . I even brought the tee shirt with The complementary chorus choir on the front and choir member on the back .

Afterwards went for Nepalese dinner with 5 from my choir it was lovely getting to know eachother better. Food was delicious excellentservice . Had already been to an Italian restaurant the evening before with a friend I made on GN . Delicious food and excellent service . I had phoned a head and asked for a table so no one could walk behind me. My choir friends sat in place so I didn't have anyone walk behind me. I was last to arrive as the other 5 got the train but that meant walking in the city and I can't walk as fast as them. So had taxi. Got bus to Italian restaurant as it was in close by.

Considering what I ate I still lost quarter of a pound . That was a nice surprise. But expect to put on next week.

I stood for over 2 hours while recording over songs having so much fun and paid the price . Haven't had chronic fatigue since I moved here 7 years ago but it hit me on Sunday didn't get out of bed until 10 . I have to wake at 5 for my first tablets so kept resetting my alarm and got hours extra sleep before the next 2 lots. Glad we didn't have sit fit on Monday teacher on holiday but still did my exercises at home . No move it or lose it yesterday teacher has flu . Still did my usual exercises at home.

My brother and sister in law renewed their marriage vows on Saturday been married 10 years and having a party . When they originally set the date it was when I had booked to go too Dundee then changed their mind . So had to change my date for Dundee . Then they changed it again but I wasn't missing recording our CD.

Once I decide to do or go somewhere its planned and booked months in and I hate changing plans. My life runs on planning and routine has done since I worked it out at junior school. I can do emergencies but rest has to be done my way . Family and friends understand that . But few years ago ended a 5 year friendship as she messed me about. I told her when she asked to be friends in 2018 how my life works . She was coming to stay like she did the year before but last minute one of her 6 cats was ill . OK couldn't be helped . But when she rebooked vist a couple of months later and cancelled for no reason. So told her I was done especially as she told me how lovely it was to be cat free for 5 days. She had still put the cats in the cattery and the owner took the ill cat to the vets. She wondered why I was angry.

I am a good loyal friend but because of my HPX my life runs my way ,its how I cope with visible and invisible disabilities. Especially since my husband died 22 years ago. Once I decide to do something I do it. Once I join a group it doesn't matter how bad my mobility or pain level is I still do it .

What the Wombles did I think they where surprised I left . Being a revengful person I can be if I choose in a way I wished they had carried on with the passive bullying and harassment plus the idiots put it in writing was looking forward to setting the Brain charity on them . Not the members but the leader and 2 lackeys.

I have meet 5 members from GN and they where just as imagined and speak to a couple on the phone. We just clicked. But I am who I am luckily that didn't and doesn't bother them .

Like here we meet as strangers but I feel you can be friends without ever meeting . Words can tell a persons character especially if its over years.

Anyway thats my weird view on the world. Have a good week pears.

Chester is lovely and because once a man and woman are 60 we are given a free bus/ local train pass can even be used on the ferry. I can go to Chester for free. I changed mine to a disabled pass when I was 66 that way if I have early appointments I go free. There is a bus stop outside the station and bus every 15 mins to take you into the shops. It was a nice day but will be my last visit. When I go on holiday I pace myself but over did it in Chester was having such a lovely time. Got the money back for my tunic it was very hard to resist buying a new one.

Talked to a lot of people. I like talking to men but my daughter hates me doing it . I know she is worried about my safety but when I was at high school it was girls who bullied me but had friends that where boys. Not going to change my ways now.

I didn't pace myself and paid the price mobility and pain wise. Had cake and tea in the cathedral and then sat in the sunshine eating ice cream listening to a husband and wife street musicians. He played electronic violin and she said rock/ folk music. I brought their CD .
I was tired when I got my train so much so one in the city got on the wrong train Luckily realised and got off at the first stop . Back to the city this time getting on the correct train but went to stop past mine because they have a car park and had a taxi home . Just couldn't face more walking to bus stop then walk home. Must have looked tried as the taxi driver offered to walk with me to my door but I thanked him and said I was fine.

Still went to my 2 exercise classes and did my exercises at home but Saturday legs not up to doing my static pedals.

I was already going to buy myself a CD player as we are recording our CD on Saturday with the 2 other choirs here. Yesterday my official tee shirt arrived. Everyone else who ordered one got theirs as well. We are going to be videoed and it will be posted on Facebook. Then some from our choir are going for a meal at a Nepalese restaurant near our homes. Looking forward to the whole afternoon and night.

Friday going to an Italian restaurant with a friend . So expect to put on Sunday.

This week lost 1.5lbs which I am happy about . Only a couple of weeks before I go to Dundee for 5 days . Luckily I don't like Dundee cake.

NanKate have a lovely break where are you going?

Have a good week pears 🍐.

I remember going to Chester once Whiff I really liked the black and white timber buildings.

Did some ironing today in readiness for my short hols. It must be the first time in 2+ years I have ironed. 😉

Have a good weekend you two. It’s going to be warm here in the south.

Well done Cocopops for resisting the popcorn. My DH had some at the cinema recently and I couldn’t resist a mouthful or two. Well they were nothing like the Butterkist (is that how it is spelt) ? They were dry so I left him to them.

CocoPops how is your son I hope is well again . You mentioning popcorn took me back to when we went to see Twister at the pictures. When we went on holiday we always went to the pictures. My husband was in charge of the popcorn. There is a scene where a cow goes flying past then another cow a character says same cow. My husband laughed that hard popcorn flew everywhere. Manged to get what we could off our clothes but when we got outside found we where all wearing some. That was my man a kultz.

Both my grandsons love Spiderman . Love Spidey and friend's a cartoon on TV. They went to see the film where Kiley coyote sues Acme for product failure to blow up road runner. Their dads choice. They all loved it lot. Lot of in jokes for adults but plenty for kids.

When they tried different tablets on me in 1988 to help . Put on steroids but they didn't help so came off them . While bit of weight gain . Still have the after effect of taking them don't laugh but they gave me a hairs on my chin and few by the side of my mouth. They used to be brown now grey. So have to shave them off if going out for the day even after all these years and I only took them for 2 months. Didn't mention in those days facial hair growth don't know if they do now as a side effect.

Hope the tablets help you and you don't get facial hair.

Well off to Chester for the day . Need to return a tunic . I love Seasalt tunics and coats and jackets. Their sizes always fit. Brought some 100% cotton tunics for the hot weather but in a size bigger than I wear so I can exercise in them . Didn't bother trying them on. Only on my hol found out one had side pockets when taking it off they hadn't been sewn up them up. I buy on line usually in the sales not always. Bet I come home with at least one new tunic to replace the faulty one .

Anyway posted this in bits so as not to lose it. Have a good week pears.

NanKate once the children got older we went to the RSC every November in Stratford upon Avon . Seen some big stars . My favourite was a Winters tale.
Have a wonderful time there and had fun with your friends . When I visit my brother and sister in law we go out to breakfast on Thursday morning and meet a friend who I was at school with. He left school at 16 while I stayed on for A levels. My brother knows him because both are bikers and meet every Thursday for breakfast half way between their homes. Gives my brother a chance ride one of his bikes especially his old Truimph. He had his first bike at 16 now 67.

The way the weeks fly by it will be your birthday hope its an extended one. Love extended birthdays because you don't always see everyone on the day.

Lost 2 and 3 quarters of a pound this week. Trying like crazy to lose more as have my last holiday 21st off to Dundee for 5 days. I will never go down south if it involves going through London. Lost track of how many emails I have sent and phone calls to complain about my treatment. Have got a replacement disabled railcard had all my details on the Northern app cost £10 for pass but paid £7.50 for next day delivery. While ticket inspectors will take tickets from your phone you have to physically show whichever pass you have . But a third of ticket prices the pass pays for itself.

Because I have to use an oestrogen cream due to vaginal atrophy I won't say what my cheeky brother calls it. I found about period pants from the Menopause uk Facebook group. As sometimes a bit of cream can come out. Wipe the cream off and dry knickers. Before had to change my knickers 2-3 times a day. I wear them for long train journeys as I am wobbly on my feet and find if a drop of wee goes on them I don't sit in wet knickers. They are very absorbent. If I still had periods I wouldn't just wear them but stick a pad on no worry about leaks.

Yes I know to much information but if just one person reads this and finds it helpful then glad I wrote it. Get mine from M&S. My daughter said I thought everyone knew about them. I am 68 after total hysterectomy nearly 30 years ago not had a period since . Plus I found panty liners and thin bladder leak pads made me itch.

Thats what I love about this thread we can talk about other things other than weight.

Did write a post yesterday but it disappeared.
NanKate my brother calls it verbal diarrhoea. I a overjoyed that you say your sister and I would get on. I always say hello to people as I know after my husband died I was worried I wouldn't want to speak. But it made my day when people responded. Also you never know if you are the only person they speak to all day. Your sister is probably like me a hello can turn into a complete conversation.

It was Lewes funny enough had to change trains at Brighton to get the Lewes train. Travel assistance allows me the freedom to go on holiday or out for the day on the train. And have meet the most fascinating people on trains . Train passengers are willing to help eachother especially if you need the loo. I ask my nearest passenger if they will keep an eye on my bag and then I do it for them and because I do other near by passengers ask me the same. Mind you going to the loo on the train is an adventure in itself . Especially if its one of those with the large curved door which is ideal for walking disabled and wheelchair users . But more space to get wiggled around.

NanKate,
Happy Birthday for the Great Day! Enjoy your party and Stratford
Whiff .. I love reading all about your adventures.
My weight is good but my Dr has prescribed prednisone tablets, probably for a year or two As you know steroids increase weight so now I have a real incentive to stick to a healthy diet.
I took my grandson to see Spider-man yesterday. Here, it's all part of the experience to eat a huge bag of popcorn but I managed to resist. For once!
Battle on ladies.

Thank you Whiff for telling us about your fun holiday. You and my sister Christine would get on so well, you are as friendly as she is, talking to lots of people.

I’ve been to Lewes as my son lives a few mikes away. Really liked the town, if it is the Lewes near Brighton.

I have been careful in what I eat and am slowly reducing my weight.

I will be 80 at the end of this month, can hardly believe it 😯. We will celebrate with the family. Before then we are going to Stratford upon Avon, where I used to live with my parents, for a 5 day hols where we are meeting up with my oldest friends who I have known since I was 16 !

I am adding green tea with lemon to my diet.

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Hope everyone is ok. Cocopops hope your son isn't in to much pain and his mobility has improved.

Had awful experience at London Euston. To much to go into . Finally made it to Lewes over 2 hours later than expected . As usual Primier inn rooms are brilliant for walking and wheelchair disabled. Because of being later than expected was exhausted so had dinner in the hotel hadn't planned to but to tired to leave once bags unpacked.

Tuesday very hot with a nice cooling breeze walked to a beautiful park with lots of sculptures. As you know I am the shy type, ha ha. Talk to lots of people and sat in the sunshine eating my 3 scoops of delicious ice cream and my new favourite drink iced peach tea. Then on my way back went into lot of shops, prices enough to make my eyes water. As usual nattered . A man was on a bench just said hello to a man on a bench he asked if we could talk . So sat down and we chatted. As my daughter would say why do these things happen to you . But talking and laughing doesn't cost anything and when I was getting to hot and need to be on the move he thanked me for talking to him.

Went to Zorba a Greek restaurant for my dinner it was delicious pictures of lot of Halloumi with tomato and aubergine sauce and veg plus rice and salad. Had sticky toffee pud and ice cream . The waiters were lovely they came and talked to me. I am used to eating alone but they all had Greek accents so I suppose they didn't want me to feel alone .

Wednesday rained all day but didn't keep me in . Went in more shops and had lunch at Bill's delicious pea and mint soup with foccicia bread with parmeasan on. The picture is of an edible white chocolate flowerpot with cheesecake and fruit inside soil was crushed up biscuit outside of Oreo cookies so wasn't sweet. I was so full from lunch didn't have dinner.

Thursday there was a tattoo and art gallery across the road from the hotel. So I went in . And no I didn't get a tattoo ,chuckle . My brother has a lot including made in England on his bum. He had it done decades ago and did ask me if I wanted to see it its high up but told him no saw enough of his bum growing up. The art work was lovely so many different styles. Big art exhibition in different venues in Lewes next month.

Meet a GNetters for lunch on Thursday she was just like I thought she would be. She has left GN for a bit but keep in touch via text,what's app and email. She told me straight lunch was her treat she had decided. After lunch went to my room to chat further before she had to go. Went for a walk by the river and brought some naughty pastry and ice cream as it was my final day for treats.

Friday took bakery items from breakfast I always have cold breakfast and took pastries to eat on the train . I had already paid for breakfast when I booked my room.

Chaios at Euston Station trains cancelled and most running hour late. But got home.
Had a wonderful time . Lewes is a beautiful place to go . But best if you drive . Never going through London ever again .

Much to my surprise only put on 3lb.

Have a good week pears .

I wonder what happened Whiff to your posts, anyway well done for the loss. I am only down marginally in weight. I will have to go back to calorie counting, that is the only way that works for me.

Give up lost 3 posts so just say lost half a pound this week.

Totalled my weight lost for the year and surprised even with the put on weeks still 20lb lighter than I was beginning of January.

Having more ice cream next week as I go away on Monday for 5 days. So l know I will put weight on. Stayed the same this week hopefully lost half a pound or even better pound by Sunday.

NanKate glad your trousers feel more comfortable and back on the eating less for life.

Shirley be careful running 🏃‍♀️ hope you do it in the cooler times of the day. Hope you feel back to your usual self soon.

Have a good week everyone .

Well done nankate & whiff, hope you’re enjoying the summer.
Been a bit off key at the weekend, weekends are definitely a problem with me atm. Keeping up the running though.

Ive cut back on screen time, I deleted instagram and don’t look at FB much now either I’m pleased to say, such a time waster scrolling…in my opinion ….refreshing.

Think a few days this week gonna be in the 30s again ☀️☀️😋

Ice-cream sounds good. Yum as my grandson would say.

Slightly down in my weight this morning definitely back on the wagon. The elastic on my trouser waist band is comfy again 👍

NanKate 4lbs isn't that bad for the summer. But at least you are back on track. Pears never give up.

Lost three quarters of a pound which surprised me as I have had ice cream more than once and been out for a meal at a Greek restaurant and you have to have a pud.

This heat does not suit me . Better have some energy as its circuits at sit fit this afternoon.

Trying to lose more weight as I go away again on the 17th for 5 days and always put weight on.

Have a good week pears

Found the scales, weighed myself and find I have put on 4lbs over the summer 😳Back on the wagon, wish me luck.

I’m cutting back on all my little sweet treats and when I can locate the scales will check myself. We have the painter here and everything is in the wrong place. 😏

Hope you are all well. Had rain off and on the last 2 days which has made the air cooler.

Made 11lb of Tom chutney on Friday . Had fan on me so was nice and cool. Lost 1.5 lbs need to keep it up as going away mid August to Lewes 5 days as usual. My only concern is I have to use the tube for 9 mins. I have prebooked my travel assistance for the trains but you can't book it for the tube. Phoned them and they told me staff will help me. No lift so will need 2 people one for my luggage one to tell me when to go to get on the escalator as I can't tell speeds of things and get me off. Then people to get me off the tube and take me up to the station to get my train to Lewes.

My daughter thinks I am mad. But I can't have a taxi between stations tall buildings and hordes of people I can't cope with plus I wouldn't beable to get in a black cab. When I brought me ticket it didn't mention the tube until I had the email and tickets confirming my booking. My first and last time going down that way. Will have to cope and keep my travel anxiety down .

Tea towel week at sit fit this afternoon. Move it or lose it tomorrow morning and squashed boob time on the afternoon. Wednesday talking to a friend, Thursday cleaner and dinner with 2 GN friends on Friday at a lovely Greek restaurant.

Think my daughter and boys coming Wednesday afternoon but not confirmed yet. Don't know what activities they are signed up for over the hol.

CocoPops hope your son is feeling lot better.

NanKate thought my trousers where tight and noticed I had tucked my top and fleece into them laugh 🤣.

Take care all.

Shirleyw I too haven’t been on the scales for a while and have noticed my new trousers feel tighter on the waist, so back to the drawing board for me. Onward and downward.

Hi all, so sorry to read about your son*cocoa*, have a lovely time with him.
I have been away to Dorset and then to Norfolk, I’ve kept up with my running but nutrition wise….to pot basically…darent go on the scales, will on Sunday.
Enjoy the ongoing hot weather

CocoPops sorry your son has suffered so much. Had sciatica once it was very pain and I am used to pain but found my electric heat pad helped. Had to sit on it part of the time to easy the pain there it was the only way to sit comfortably.

So glad he is well enough to come to you TLC from his mom is just what he needs . I assume he will keep up with the exercises the physio has taught him. Good excuse for you to do them with him .

NanKate hope you had a wonderful time in the New Forest and it wasn't to hot. Never been to the Isle of Wight but my parents liked it .

Sorry you didn't make it to the Cotswolds hopefully it didn't cost to much to have the clutch done. And you can rearrange your catch up with your friend.

Allsorts glad you are sticking to your eating plan but you may find weight will come off when you least expect it. But losing a stone is a brilliant achievement and feeling your clothes fit you better an added bonus.

Had brilliant time with my brother and gang. Aggie didn't wee on my hand this time just down her own leg. Glad to say my adopted dad looked better than I expected but he has decided go will not go into hospital again . He will be 94 next month. This heat doesn't 🥵 his COPD any good.

Didn't go through the dru through ice cream shop but they did take me to another place that made its own ice cream delicious .. Meet up for breakfast with my old class mate my brother has breakfast with everyweek. The breakfast was delicious . Went to town afterwards but the heat got to me and we had to cut our visit short. But it was getting to my sister in law too. But they brought what they went for while I sat in the shade.

Took me to Bomber command it was very interesting and got my grandsons some old plane magnets for the radiator.

We visited a garden centre but it had owls and raptors over 30 of them . I sent my daughter 30 pics . Was more but I took the photos with my distance glasses on and then couldn't find what I took pic off . Probably me taking pics 📸 of empty cages .doh !

With my brothers cooking and cakes put on 3lb but this week lost 2.5lbs so happy about that..

The hotel manager remembered me from last year and I had phone few weeks before going to ask for the window to be closed and the curtains and a fan as there was no air con. She even put me in the room I had last year. Glad I saw her when I left. Hopefully be back next July.

My journey to the station from jome didn't start off well. My taxi was 30 mins late and I had prebooked it the week before. So by the time it came my travel anxiety had kicked in and took my speech and I was upset. Thankfully he was a lovely driver and kind and made me laugh. Both trains going air con worked. Coming back the first train the air con was broken. So glad I have travel assistance as an able bodied man was sitting in my seat it was in the disabled carriage which could take wheelchairs . So there was plenty of room and it wasn't to hot. The 2nd train was over crowded as a train was missing so the travel assistance put in a priority seat in first class. Wasn't many seats there . The air con was also broken but it didn't feel to hot.

I do meet interesting people on trains . Young man sat by me he was meeting his girlfriend in Wales for a walking holiday and they where getting engaged. I did say once you are married she will break you of all your bad habits. He looked surprised and said I don't have any . Said yes all men do thats why wives have to train you 🤣. He got off. And a man who was Asian British sat by me he was standing and told him the seat was empty. Told me his uncle was the first Indian wheelchair tennis player at Wimbledon and he went all over the world but now a commentator for wheelchair tennis at Wimbledon. He showed me pictures of his uncle playing.

He got off an a young man sat on the single seat the otherside of the aisle. He was a research scientist and was working on trying to find an alternative to putting liquid paraffin in emollient. Said his boss was the one who got the flammable symbol on all emollient bottle and tubes. He said it probably sounded boring but told him it wasn't as I have to use creams as jaundice damaged my skin and my son in law has psoriasis and grandsons excema . He was going to see his parents and girlfriend hence the beautiful flowers he had, she had just qualified but hadn't got a permanent nursing job yet. I said but they need more nurses he said budgets had been cut and hospitals weren't hiring at the moment. But had money to hire nurses from private companies to fill in for staff on hols or maternity leave. So at least his girlfriend was nursing .
Why keep sending money abroad and not spending it on things and people we need in this country. Makes me so mad.

On that note better shut up. Will try and lose more weight as on my travels next month that should be interesting. Will tell you more when I have been .

Have a good week pears 🍐 and other fruits. 😃