BLACK DOG 8

Oh Chrissy don't start worrying if the letter comes early, please. I can't see any reason why they would hold back letters because they are good news, no point in that. Also, with current circumstances all history is probably irrelevant. It may be they are doing fewer mammograms so you get it early or it may be they have fewer staff and you get it late.

Annie so good that MT is coming on Thursday, something to look forward to. Also that you have shopping support if you need it.

Flutter good to see you. Family visit sounds great.

During one of my wakeful periods last night I thought of a flower which would be suitable to your name, not a favourite flower but one which made me think of you.

Woke up planning to go out to a park and then wimped out. Staying in today.

Morning all x
Annie what a lovely relationship you have with your former son in law! When I got divorced from my first husband, his father said something quite moving “BlueSky will always be my daughter in law”. We kept in touch until he passed away.
Yes lovely calming music Anne.
Wishing you all a pleasant day x

Hello all.
Just been for a lovely walk with my daughters. Has we stop for a rest for my D2 (who is pregnant) I was sat listening to there conversation, it was interesting so thought I would share some of it with you.. D no l is a beautiful day, D2 yes it really is. D1 it’s been a very surreal year don’t you think, D2 yes it’s been a strange one, horrible really, D1 well yes it’s not been the best, but do you know if we think about it we have had worse.
What do you think Mum? yes we really have had worse years than this, So I think we should be thankful for what we have been blessed with, hopefully it will get better for all...
hope everyone had had a good day..

Hi everyone
Doodle - I too love to walk and think it helps me to sleep. So I really don,t sleep badly just wake up too early.thank you for asking
Flutterby - hi. Glad you had a lovely family visit it really lifts your spirits to see the ones you love doesn,t it.
Annie - so good to hear about your SIL who isn,t. He sounds very kind and he has an understanding wife too.i,m glad you have them. Great you are going to see MT soon you must be so looking forward to seeing her.
Nonnie - what a shame you didn,t go to the park - maybe tomorrow. We,ve been to the sea today for a walk and a picnic,hardly anyone about so didn,t have to worry. Just people with their dogs which all looked very happy to be on the beach again!! It felt like a mini holiday.
Joce - you must have been so happy to be with your girls and you have a new baby to look forward to- good to hear happy news.
Wishing you all a nice evening lovex

I am going for a routine blood test tonight. I had a choice of appointments, November 2nd or 8.30 tonight. I have to sit in the car and wait to be called in. Late dinner tonight.

joce we had a wet start but it brightened up later.
I had a delivery of some felt fabric today in some nice colours. I’m going to make a bag organiser with it. Silly the things we get excited about ?
Chrissy how are you holding up? Hope you are trying to keep your mind occupied with other things. Do you watch any soaps or listen to the radio much?
Annie I’d forgotten that piece. I tend to listen to short stories on the radio while I’m doing the ironing.
I walked past some bushes this afternoon. Have no idea what they were but the smell was lovely. It was calming.

Nonnie did you have any plans for your day at home? I usually think I will do all sorts of my crafting but by the time I’ve done some ironing or housework half the day has gone.
Bluesky it is nice you had a close relationship with your FIL. Good for both of you.
joce nice for you to spend time with both your daughters. It certainly has been a strange year.
scaredycat waking up early can be a problem if you lie there ruminating on things. I envy you living by the sea. I do so love the waves and the sound of the sea. I mustn’t grumble we are lucky to live by the river, which is very nice and tranquil but I do love a good blow through at the sea side. ?

Scaredycat a walk by the sea, bliss

Doodle hope you don’t have to wait in the car too long x

nonnie hope you take your walk tomorrow x

BlueSky yes ‘Sailing By’ is calming, I have listened to it for so many years. What a lovely thing your former father in law
said x

Joyce how joyful spending time with your two daughters x

Evening everyone
Annie I’ve never heard that before, it does sound very calming.
Nonnie I know, you’re right. Sorry you didn’t get out today, maybe tomorrow.
BlueSky it’s really nice that you had such a good relationship with your ex Father in law.
Joce How lovely, a walk with your daughters.
Scaredycat sound like you had a lovely time today.
Doodle hope the blood test goes ok and also that your DH is feeling better. I’m trying to keep busy, I watch Emmerdale every day. I’m not one for listening to the radio but I enjoy listening to audio books.
Have a good evening and sleep well everyone x

Hi all x Yes I had a good relationship with my former in laws, they were all lovely people who showed me a lot of kindness when I was a young bride. Shame their son was the black sheep of the family.
Joce how lovely you spent time with your daughters and a new baby too! I don’t think I’ll have any more DGC perhaps it’s time to look forward to DGGC!
Scaredycat I used to live by the sea when younger, then I got married and moved to a country village. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else now but having said that, I can adapt quite easily.
Hope you’ll all have a restful night x

Blood test done on time. No one else about. Amazing.
Annie hope you’re ok. MT visit to look forward to.
Chrissy I used to be an Emmerdale fanatic. I liked the scenery. Have given up all soaps now, Enmerdale was the last one to go. I might pick up again sometime but I am watching the Indian Doctor on BBC iPlayer. It’s set in Wales. Have you seen it Annie
Blusky hope you are ok.
lavender and all sleep well, x

Haven’t heard from lucyanne recently. Hope she’s ok.

Hi all x

Morning all x Fed up already as our boiler decided to pack up, so frantic search of local heating engineer, apparently they are all very busy as people have money to spend in the home that they can’t spend on holidays! Don’t we just take all our mod cons for granted! Well fingers crossed we’ll source somebody.
Hope you are having a warmer day than me! x

Joce that all sounds lovely, you are so lucky to have them near enough to do this.

Scardycat you have reminded me of a day over 50 years ago when I was walking along the beach in Colwyn Bay, rain was pounding down and the wind nearly blew us over but it was brilliant. Would love to do that again.

Doodle hope the results are good. Bag organiser sounds good and will be rewarding every time you look at it.

Yes, I always have 'plans' but then lose the motivation. When my life is busy I get on with things to fit them all in but these days I simply leave them until tomorrow.

BlueSky are you old enough to be on the vulnerable list? We signed up to it via our water company which should mean that we get priority treatment if we need it. When our broadband went down I 'explained' rather pitifully that I was a little old lady cut off from the world and couldn't they send someone sooner? They came next morning. Worth a try.

No, didn't go out yesterday, didn't achieve much at all. Wet and horrible today so only taking someone for a medical appointment, will read my book in the car while waiting. However, the 'good news' sort of is that I am wearing a pair of trousers which my dead son helped me choose about 12 years ago! Now I can fit into them again I am wearing them and thinking of him.

Annie thinking of you especially today.

Afternoon everyone
BlueSky I would love to live in a village with little cottages, a village green and a pond. Sorry you’ve got boiler problems, hope you get it sorted out quickly.
Doodle I thought the Indian doctor had finished. Maybe I’m thinking of something else. Was it on at lunchtime?
Hi Annie hope you’re ok.
Nonnie I understand how you feel. Sometimes it’s so hard to find the motivation to do things. Wearing something that your son helped you choose must bring back lots of memories.
I’ve just had an hour long telephone conversation with the acupuncturist ready for my first session tomorrow.
Have a good afternoon everyone x

eilyann how kind, thank you so much , it means such a lot
that you remembered , hugs x

Good afternoon all.
Doodle - glad your blood test went off trouble free. My DH has a scan tomorrow I hope his appointment is the same. I don,t live by the sea although I would love to. We can drive there quite quickly and at the moment try to go once a week. I was born at the seaside so it must be imprinted in my brain!!!Living near a river must be lovely and nice for walking too. Hope your DH is still recovering well.
Bluesky - oh no - hope you get the boiler fixed soon. Yes I think people are spending their holiday money on home improvements etc.
Nonnie - yes it doesn,t really matter what the weather is like being by the sea is always rejuvenating. What do they say - there is no bad weather just bad clothes!! Well done with the trousers and I think your son would be pleased you are still wearing them .
Chrissy - good luck with the acupuncturist I hope it helps you.
Annie today is obviously a significant day for you sending you love. Tomorrow you will see MT hope you enjoy your time with herxx
Today has been wet and dull but still ok for a walk. Look forward to the tele this evening. We are watching a mini series on Netflix called Unorthodox which is very interesting about a young Jewish lady.
Hope you all enjoy your evenings. Sleep well xxx

Afternoon all x Annie I guess you are referring to the Aberfan disaster, even more harrowing when children are involved.
Nonnie bless you, such memories of your DS . How old do you need to be on the vulnerable list? Over 65/70 or do you need to have a disability/condition? Or household was on it when my frail MIL lived with us, now she’s no longer with us, and yesterday I was thinking whether we would qualify in our own right. Obviously I jinxed it! But I will look into into. We did find a local tradesman who’s here now, so fingers crossed. I do like my creature comforts and little luxuries, after all that’s what we worked all those years for.
We still managed our walk and we virtually had the park to ourselves, apart from a couple of other regulars with their lovely dogs.
Enjoy your evening x

Hello everyone.
My blood test took 5 minutes and my Gp had the results this morning. That is quick to my mind. I am now ok to start my medication (at least I would be if the pharmacy didn’t have to order it in)
Bluesky hope you get your boiler sorted quickly, the weather is too cold to be without heating. Have you thought of the Gas board. We have an annual contract with them and they keep it running. Ah I see you have someone with you so hope things are fixed and sorted too,
Nonnie a happy/sad link to your trousers but nice to be thinking of your son.
Hello eilyann haven’t seen you for a while. Hope your SIL is doing ok.
chrissy I am watching the Indian Doctor on catchup. I didn’t see it first time round. Hope you’re session with the acupuncturist goes well and provides some help.
scaredycat good you had a nice walk and something to look forward to on TV. Have a good evening.
Annie I was listening to the service from Canterbury Cathedral this morning and the Dean was talking about the terrible Aberfan disaster. I thought to myself, Annie won’t be having a good day today but will be remembering all those lost. I seem to remember that you usually send flowers Annie not sure if that was possible this year due to the virus but I am with you in thinking of all those lost people and their families.
Take care all.

Hello all
Sending love Annie for the memory of this day xx
Glad you have the results of your bloods Doodle and the necessary meds (when they arrive!).
Joyce glad you had time with your girls.
Good you managed a walk BlueSky it lifts the spirits and you too Scaredycat.
Chrissy hope your results appear soon.
Nonnie you fitted into the trousers and they are memories of your son, that is comforting for you.
Not done much today, the weather has been atrocious, rain, rain and more rain.
Looks as though we may well go into Tier 3 anytime soon, not that I go out or see anyone, but I just wish it would all go away.
Have a peaceful evening and sleep well all. Take care, stay safe and love to all including those I have missed xx

Evening everyone
Thank you Scaredycat I’m hoping that the acupuncture will help with my anxiety but I’m realistic about not expecting miracles straight away. Glad you got out for a walk today, we’ve had heavy rain all day. I’ve been looking at getting Netflix, do you use it a lot and do you pay for what you watch or is it a monthly subscription?
BlueSky I hope that your boiler has been fixed now. Glad you got out for a walk.
Doodle That’s very quick for results. I’m glad that you can start your medication now and hope the pharmacy can get it quickly. I really enjoyed the Indian doctor.
lavenderzen Sounds like you had the same weather as us today, it’s stopped raining now would you believe.
Annie I didn’t realise it was the anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. I’m sure that your thoughts have been focused on that today.
Sleep well everyone x

Boiler up and running! How cosy! We spend a fair amount of time at home and it’s lovely to have it comfortable.
Sleep well all goodnight x ?

From something longer which I just read. Obviously not written by AA Milne but written as if it was:

"Oh Piglet," said Pooh, between sobs, in response to his friend's gentle enquiry as to how he was doing. "I just feel so Sad. So, so, Sad, almost like I might not ever be happy again. And I know that I shouldn't be feeling like this. I know there are so many people who have it worse off than me, and so I really have no right to be crying, with my lovely house, and my lovely garden, and the lovely woods all around me. But oh, Piglet: I am just SO Sad."
Piglet was silent for a while, as Pooh's ragged sobbing filled the space between them. Then, as the sobs turned to gasps, he said, kindly: "You know, it isn't a competition."
"What isn't a competition?" asked a confused sounding Pooh.
"Sadness. Fear. Grief," said Piglet. "It's a mistake we often make, all of us. To think that, because there are people who are worse off than us, that that somehow invalidates how we are feeling. But that simply isn't true. You have as much right to feel unhappy as the next person; and, Pooh - and this is the really important bit - you also have just as much right to get the help that you need."
"Help? What help?" asked Pooh. "I don't need help, Piglet.
"Do I?"