BLACK DOG 9

Morning all x Well day three since the Oxford AZ jab, no side effects whatsoever, let’s hope that’s it. Maybe the second will be worse but still well worth it.
Nonnie Anzac biscuits I thought they were only known in Australia and NZ where I tried them when I happened to be visiting my family around Anzac Day in April. Very nice they were too!
Annie virtual wards, never heard about them but a good idea especially at the moment. Hope you will have all the help and support that you need.
Nonnie and Annie precious memories of your dear children
Lavender nice to see you, sorry you have been through a difficult time x
Sunny if very cold here at the moment so, will wrap up well and go for our usual walk later.
Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday x

Scardycat I didn't realise that anxiety had so many physical symptoms. You do brilliantly to cope with that each day. Joce too.

Glad you are enjoying the baking, I have to get 'permission' from DH to use 'his' kitchen

I too get excited about snow, probably because it doesn't last long. DS already has 30cm and I hope to watch GSs playing in it later though only online.

Happy birthday to DD. I'm planning to hug all my family so hard when we can.

Annie your reablement will be a long struggle but worth it. Don't give up on the hard days, just park it that day and come back afresh the next Going to keep you busy mentally and physically but I'm sure we are all cheering you on.

Lavender I hope your corner is turned soon. I understand the not feeling up to posting at times, it happened to me too.

BlueSky I found the recipe online so perhaps they are not well known in the UK. It's quite interesting to look in the pantry and then find a recipe for whatever I have.

I hadn't heard of virtual wards either.

Lavender- so sorry you,ve been having a difficult time. I hope the worst is behind you and that you will continue turning that corner.X
Annie- Snow has arrived!! Hope it’s not visiting you.
I do hope all this extra help coming your way will help ease your pain and you,ll gradually get some mobility back. This is really positive help at last
BlueSky- hope you were able to get out for your walk today. It isn’t often the weather puts us off but today the promised snow is belting down and the wind is really strong so it’s indoors for us? I love to see the snow but am scared of slipping over. Can’t believe how I used to ski and loved it.
Nonnie- well as you can see the snow arrived and yes I got excited but hope it goes away as quick as it has come - don’t like not going out.
Have a good Sunday everyone. Take careX

Dear Lavender I am so sorry I must have missed your post yesterday. Sorry things have been difficult for you. How are you liking your new home?
Bluesky virtual wards have been on the news a bit recently, the idea being to try and help people stay out of hospital by monitoring them daily at home. Hope you wrapped up very well for your walk. It is due to be much colder soon so keep warm.
nonnie so is your DH the cook/chef then? Mine only ventures into the kitchen to make coffee or stack the dishwasher ?
Hope your DD has a good birthday.
Scaredycat so you have snow. None here yet but it’s getting colder. I have never skied but would have loved to try it. Too old now. I like snow too but hope it avoids the area where Annie lives.
Annie hope you are doing ok today.
Take care all x

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Annie it’s so nice to hear that you have people coming in to visit you and give you some help. It’s what we have all wanted for you for such a long time. You’re right. Flowers are blooming, spring is coming.
Keep safe all and sleep well x

Yes Doodle DH took over a few years ago when I was unwell and I suggested he continue and he has gone from strength to strength. Doesn't do cakes or puds but has recently ventured into rice pud and now gets it just right. Suits us as he 'wakes up' mid-afternoon just as I am switching off. I still do special occasions and occasional baking.

Just a smattering of snow here today but enjoyed video of GS pulling DS around on a sledge yesterday and another GS hiding in a half made igloo. Not sure much home schooling will be done for a few days

Hi all x

How is every one ?

I’m ok Annie thank you. How about you, any visitors due today?
Must venture out sometime this week to collect my prescriptions from the pharmacy. It’s not that far to walk but last time I went I was surprised how tired I was through lack of exercise.
Are you still doing your cross stitch Annie? I am still battling with my painting by numbers. Trying to do a little every day.
Nonnie it must be nice to be able to share the cooking. I don’t really mind. We don’t cook much just an easy evening meal. Nothing fancy. No puddings just fresh fruit usually.
Hope all the gang are ok. If you look in lucyanne I am still praying for you. Take care all.x

Doodle yes people calling every dsy, GP telephoned this
morning. I don’t have carers I have - enablers who come every morning, they are part of a scheme - Enablement, six weeks and in those six weeks they assess my needs for making
things more comfortable for myself. Just had telephone call to
tell me I am having the vaccination tomorrow.

I have had two very difficult days, very little sleep, reason I had
one of my posts removed - I referred to a poster with the name of the enabler who had called that day, it certainly would have had posters puzzled.

Can’t cross stitch yet, still flat on sofa, I miss it so much.

Yes keep walking, think of the problems I now have x

Hello friends

Annie- I,m alright thank you and sorry to hear you are still having to lie flat. Hope you can soon sit up properly again and get on with your stitching and the things you enjoy.
It must be nice to see people every day at the moment.Hopefully they will be able to make a constructive assessment after 6 weeks.
Good news about your jab. Your MT will be happy about that I expect. XX
Doodle- even after 2 days of not walking because of this weather my legs will be a bit jellified when we go out again so I can imagine how you feel. It really is too slippy here at the moment even though this afternoon the sun has come out. DH has been out to clear a space to feed the birds on the ground and fill up the feeders. Then melted the ice on the baths - such pampered little critters. Good job our garden is the size of a postage stamp!!
Take care everyone and keep,warmX

Annie I had no idea you were still laying flat. I hope things improve soon. Glad the Gp is still phoning.
Good to hear you are going to have your jab at last.
Scardycat your garden sounds nice. A safe haven for the bird life. Must be nice to sit and watch them from the window. Be careful when you go out if it’s icy. DH slipped on the ice one Christmas and broke his ankle.
Hope everyone is ok. Sleep well x

Doodle sorry to hear the walk tired you so, does it make you want to get out more or does the idea make you feel worse? I also enjoy watching the birds in the garden. A neighbour has a tree which overhangs our garden and is full of very small birds and blue tits almost all the time, even when no berries. No idea what it is, I'm no gardener just a hacker, mower and weeder.

Annie sorry you are flat out. If your 'enablers' are only coming for 6 weeks, what happens after that? Will you then just be left to get on with it?

Scardycat thanks for the reminder, must clear the bird bath of ice.

Yesterday was one of those days when nothing much got done, didn't even come on here. Nothing to complain about though.

I have been reflecting on the effects of the pandemic and trying to find some good things which I will share with the gang.

1 My, already lovely, family have been even more in touch and more video calls than before. Obviously this is because we can't meet up.

2 I have seen so much kindness which I don't think was there before, simple consideration in the streets etc.

3 Our savings have grown because we have no social life, no theatre visits, no holidays, no shopping.

4 I have lost weight because it is the one thing I can control

5 I have realised I don't need so many clothes and pairs of shoes so I will try not to be tempted so much

I'm sure there must be others, can anyone add to my little list?

Hi all x

How is everyone today .

nonnie many positives ?

The enablers will come for six weeks, make notes on what I do
and can’t do, are there any aids which could help etc , that’s it,
If they think I need more physical support then it will mean
Social Services will be called,

No cure for arthritis and physiotherapists are not allowed to make house visits so i suppose things will be the same as usual unless I get the wheelchair.

One problem, when I was allocated this bungalow I had to move in rather a short time, bungalow painted, flooring etc

Yesterday the enabler said the tiles in my bedroom were a danger, didn’t have time to replace bedroom flooring, when I moved in no firm would lay flooring because there was furniture in the bedroom ! ! ! ! Can’t have it replaced now because of the lockdown so seems sleeping on sofa will go on for some time.

Annie I wish you could sleep on your bed, I can’t believe the sofa is doing you any good.
I hope the enablers do actually enable you to get about more. Are you still having your meal replacements or is anything more substantial being provided?
Is the Gp doing anything to help improve your health. Oh I forgot, did you have your jab?
Nonnie like you, I hope these enablers don’t just leave after 6 weeks and leave Annie as she was before.
I like your list of positives. It’s surprising how little we need if we’re not going anywhere.
I like watching the birds too.
I was sitting looking out through my patio doors this afternoon watching the gulls flying over. They land on the roof of our apartment block so are quite low. Something suddenly makes them decide to fly off and they all go in a big swoop one after the other. I could watch them for ages........and frequently do as my housework could tell you ?
Sleep well all x

Morning all I’m am still hear in the background reading how you’re all doing...

Annie at last seems you are getting a bit of help. Hope you have had your jab.. wonder how long they will let you keep sleeping on the settee.. do hope it’s not much longer. Sending you a big hug Annie.. x

Doodle I really enjoy sitting in my conservatory watching the birds we have so many different ones...
I’ve have been trying to keep busy..

Nonnie we were also saying how much more people speak when out walking ... and yes how much we have saved not going shopping just show how much we really need to live and how much we waste.

Scaredycat hope you are doing ok.

Sending my thoughts and hugs to all...

Annie you have so many hurdles to cross.

I didn't say this yesterday because I don't want to be negative but, having given it some thought, I think it is probably a good idea to warn you. I know of people who have come out of hospital and had 6 weeks of people coming in and then been told that's it, no more help. Of course these are all in England so might be different in Wales. A dear friend with PD was sent home to die, had 6 weeks of help and then her elderly DH was left to get on with it. I just want your expectations to prepare for something similar but pray your outcome is better.

Doodle I keep putting off the housework too, what's the point as long as kitchen and bathroom are clean?

Joce good you too have something to look out on, it does make a difference to see nature.

I did something positive yesterday! Put on makeup and did my hair, no not to go out, I renewed my passport. In the past I would really have cared about the photo but got fed up with the application saying my eyes were closed on the photo when they couldn't have been as they were selfies. Eventually decided I didn't care what I looked like so for the next ten years I will need to look very startled every time I go through passport control Oh, it was positive because I assume I will actually get to use my passport.

Hi all x

Joyce lovely to hear from you, how are you coping ?

I had my jab yesterday. I will have to stay on sofa for quite some time, have to wait for younger daughter and husband to
come down to fit new flooring.

nonnie thank you, I know the enablers are coming for 6 weeks then their visits will stop. My hopes are for a visit from
the physiotherapist and getting the wheelchair.

New passport is very positive. You are thinking of a holiday abroad and i am thinking of riding around the Cul de sac on
my wheelchair

Annie I’m plodding as always but I’m plodding and that’s a positive for me thank you... so pleased you got your jab, hopefully you will be back in your bed soon..I pray you will be riding around your Cul de sac soon..

Nonnie not has positive as yourself my passport has run out, hubby got it out to get it renewed, think I will hold off for now don’t think we will be going this year.. so I don’t want to pay for it if I’m not using it.. not very positive thinking I know..

Hi everyone
Doodle- seagulls are my favourite birds but my garden isn,t big enough for them- it must be lovely to watch them like you do.
Joce- good to hear from you and that you are keeping busy. It really helps if you have things to do doesn’t it.
Nonnie- that’s a huge positive renewing your passport. They are so strict now aren’t they about how you must look. Here’s to many happy holidays for you in the future.
Annie- hope you feel ok after your jab. It will be good to see your daughter and her husband when they come to do your floor. It must be so uncomfortable to spend so much time on your sofa.
I too hope that the time with the enablers will help you to gain some strength and that your GP checks that you are ok.
A ride round your Cul de Sac will seem like a holiday Annie!!!

Although the snow looks lovely it has been here long enough now! I am missing walking so much but it is too icy under the snow. The sun is shining and the snow sparkling but sooo cold.
We had to have someone come and sort out our conservatory door lock today as it wouldn’t lock. Something as small as that made me so anxious and shaky. Wish I could be braver.
Love to all BDGxx

Hello everyone and Annie xx

Glad you have had your vaccination Annie, hope all the other things that have been planned for you take shape as soon as possible.

Hope you are all coping in these strange times we find ourselves in. Thinking too much about it all brings on a headache and goodness knows what else.

Stay safe everyone, have a peaceful evening, love to all xx

P.S. I am pleased with my new home Doodle thank you, the peace and quiet, the trees in the forest and the birds together with my little dog, all help a great deal in these difficult times.

Hello Joce glad you’re still with us. Got any hobbies on the go at the moment? Are you still having problems in the mornings?
Nonnie how sad for your friend. It is an awful situation we are in if there is no help and care for people.
I’ve done the kitchen and bathrooms today. Make up on and hair tidied. Well as much as my hair can be tidy at the moment. It looks such a mess. Long, frizzy and wild. Definitely witch like.
Annie so pleased you have finally had your jab. Are you ok sleeping on the sofa, I hope it’s a comfortable one?
I too hope you get your wheelchair soon.
scaredycat I do love my gulls. They are not as big as seagulls but make the same noise.
I’ve heard the weather is supposed to be much warmer next week so hopefully that will do away with your snow and you can go walking again.
I don’t like having people coming into the house these days but if you have something that needs to be done there is no way of avoiding it.
LAvender you new home sounds lovely. I hope you’re not too isolated but the peace and quiet sounds nice. Are you close to the forest?
Sleep well all x

Morning all, Annie hope you got some sleep..

Lavender your new home sounds lovely and peaceful. When I moved in my home 42 years ago I new it was right for me then and still feel the same now...

Doodle yes morning are horrible, I do get better has the day goes on, think we have just got to keep plodding on.
Little man makes it bearable.. I have just done a new rag doll, used my first granddaughters dress, to make her dress...
I face timed her, do you like the doll her dress was yours, she said I didn’t know I was that small ???? they are such a joy.

Scaredycat how are you doing.

Hope you all have a good day...

Annie that's positive, I can picture it because I also live in a cul-de-sac. Just think that far ahead and when you achieve it you can think of the next thing.

Joce plodding is good, it is progress and could lead to so much more.

That doll is beautiful such a talent! One of our Compassionate Friends group is making memory cushions out of clothes of those who died before their time.

Good you have the little man to keep you going.

Scardycat I think you are wise not to risk the icy paths. Nothing wrong with being anxious about someone coming into your home at the moment, I think that is healthy anxiety and very sensible.

Lavender your new home sounds wonderful, glad you are happy there.

Doodle oh the hair! Yes and the dreams. You will laugh at mine last night: I went to the hairdresser on my motorbike! Me on a motorbike? No, never going to happen. Chatted to the hairdresser, played with her dogs and then said that she couldn't cut my hair because we were in lockdown. There was a lot more in this dream which was so not me.

Yesterday DS and family video called while they were sledging, such fun and so grateful to be included. Later they sent several videos and photos. So happy for them but wish I could meet up and join in.