Black Dog 10

Hello all. I think Annie is just a bit tired with all that’s been happening. Hopefully we will have her with us again soon. I know how much the thread means to her.
Ellie Anne I’m so sorry. Of course you are worried. We don’t like out children being upset or stressed. I’ve been there too. So much demand is put on the NHS at the moment.
Weight wise I think many have put in weight throughout lockdown and through not being able to go out as much as before. I hope your DD gets some time off soon and can relax a bit. I hope your son and his family are ok. I pray you get some rest from all this worry. Things can get better don’t lose heart.
Nonnie I think many have are praying their plans don’t go awry. So much is happening in the covid front.
I did all my Christmas shopping today and came back exhausted. I have cut down a lot on what I usually buy food wise as we end up eating far too much.
Bought DH an exciting pair of pyjamas (they’ve got stripes on ?) and some brandy snaps which are his favourite.
Hope your DS’s injection helps. The chocolate log sounds nice. Hope it turns out ok.
Hope all sleep well. x

Hi BlueSky thanks for popping in and happy to read that all is quiet.

Yes, Doodle all up in the air between now and Christmas, I'm preparing for the best and praying for it.

Yes, Scardycat we had a lovely time.

EllieAnne it is so hard when one of the family is ill and you can't fix it like you could when they were small, even harder when they live far away.

My positives for today- DS is getting an injection in his knee and I am making our traditional chocolate roulade for Boxing Day. If it fails I will simply go to Cook and buy one!

Hi all. Annie I hope you are ok.
Just back from a visit to my daughter and was quite upset. She seems to be really stressed and didn’t look good. Is putting on weight and not looking after herself. She’s only supposed to work 3 days because of mental health but has had to up hours because of too much work . NHS.
I took a silent migraine on the M6 coming home. Was a bit disconcerting but only lasted half an hour. By the time I got to services it was passing so I just carried on.
Feel really heavy inside worrying about my children.
Still waiting for husband to ask how his daughter is! I might wait a while.

Scaredycat yes so many are relying on seeing family this year it will be such a shame if plans go awry. My neighbour is expecting her daughter and family from abroad and is longing to see them.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Christmas jumper but I do have some Christmas bootees, red and green with bells on ?
Do you manage to Face time often? Is the connection ok. I know Skype used to be very hit and miss.
I too miss you so much Annie and am sending a special cwtch.
Hope everyone else is ok or at least plodding on. We all have our worries on our minds don’t we. Take care all x

Good evening
I do hope that whatever plans we all have for Christmas this year we will be able to carry them out. So much stress and worry is building up and the new variant is doing its best to spoil it for us.
Nonnie- I love a Christmas jumper. Hope you enjoyed your time with your DS and DiL. Your new church sounds like it will be a very joyful place.
BlueSky- good to hear from you and glad all is ok at the moment. Yes we too have no idea when we will be able to see my son and his wife who live abroad- thank heavens for FaceTime.
Doodle- do hope you can get to a Christmas service or at least maybe snatch a quiet moment to light a candle.
Annie- missing you and sending hugs
.

Well I’m not sure about the Christmas service now. Will have to wait and see what Boris says. I was hoping we could all have a relaxing Christmas this year.
I feel the local church will be fine for me when I start going again. Very small but caring community.
I think Christmas is a very emotional time for all, I can understand how it brings back happy/sad memories for you. Hope you have a good time with your family Nonnie
Hello Bluesky good to hear things are ok. You must miss your family overseas so much.
At least mine are in the same country even if I haven’t seen them for a while.
Annie hoping you are ok,
Take care all x

Morning ladies. Just saying hello, no news here, but no news is good news as they say. After months of checking various health issues for our household, it’s finally all quiet here. No idea when I’ll be able to meet my overseas family again, but that’s another story. Even if I don’t contribute often, I do follow the BDG thread. Hope you’ll all have a peaceful Sunday x

Doodle hope the steroids start working soon.

We won't make it to a Christmas service either, didn't even make it to Christingle outside yesterday.

We switched to a local church at the beginning of the pandemic but only online, looks like it might suit us when we feel ready to go out in public, lovely small choir and the service is somewhere between very traditional and happy clappy.

Annie hope all is OK and it is only that you are having tech issues.

Wearing Christmas jumper today as Father Christmas is doing his rounds this afternoon. Always part of our DSs childhood so brings mixed emotions. Meeting up with DS and DiL for it then they are feeding us.

Evening all. Hope everyone is ok.
Got wet today collecting DHs meds from pharmacy. It wasn’t cold just very drizzly.
Lots of folk getting anxious about their Christmas plans. It can cause such stress for families and now Covid might be causing plans to be cancelled.
I have always told my sons just to enjoy Christmas and that we will get together sometime. It may not be Christmas Day but sometime. I would love to go to a Christmas service but not sure if I’ll make it. I am planning to change churches to go to one more local. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been to church I would love to go soon.
Annie we miss you and hope you’re ok. All the gang, posting or otherwise are in my thoughts and prayers. x

Scaredycat DH is stable sort of. Not breathing as he should but not getting worse. Hopefully the steroids will start working soon. Thank you for asking.
Good to hear your little ones are ok.
Bit overcast and grey here today so I’ve out the tree lights on to cheer me up.
I too hope Annie is ok and just taking a little break. Hopefully she will be back with us soon as we miss her. If your reading Annie for you ?
Nonnie nothing like seeing happy children for lifting the spirits. I love seeing their little faces at Christmas. The excitement.
Children, grandchildren are lucky to be loved. Lets hope and pray they all are.

Cheered me this morning seeing a video of GS dancing around their sitting room putting up decorations. Love them to bits

Morning all on a very bright freezing cold day .
What a beautiful sunrise this morning.
Doodle- hope your DH cough is improving - many people have that cough at the moment I believe.
Our 2 little ones are fine thank you. My DGD says the youngest one hasn’t really been poorly at all so that’s good. She sent me photos to prove it?
Yes DD and her DH are both jabbed .
You are right sometimes it is hard to see the good things we have in life amidst all the terrible news. The ordinary lovely everyday happenings are definitely things we should cherish.
Nonnie - I do hope that you get to see your family at Christmas
You deserve that special time as do they.
Hope the butterfly biscuits came out well.
Annie- I hope you are ok. Thinking of you and sending love.
Wishing a good weekend to all the gang.

Router still playing up but DH is on the case.
Nonnie like you I get troubled by my own difficulties and those of others I know or read about.
Such sad things happening every day we sometimes don't get to see the joy around us.
We went to John Lewis today and I watched a young father with his little daughter trying to decide which cake she wanted. He was so patient and gentle.
Like you, we have many blessings too.
I hope Annie is ok and the rest of the gang.

Doodle good luck with the router fitting, hope it is worth it.

Things getting to me a bit, friends with such problems, cancer, dying mother, illness, stress etc but it makes me grateful for all the good things I have - loving family, warm house, enough money to know we can eat, heat etc.

Hello all. Not sure if Annie will be with us today or not but I know she will be thinking of us all.
We are fitting a new router this afternoon. If all goes well I will be back with you soon, if not ……?
Lovely sunny day here which brightens the mood a bit,
Sorry for all those where worries and anxieties loom.
Nonnie your biscuits sound lovely. No wonder they’re a favourite. Take care all x

Scardycat of course you are worried, I hope they will all

Doodle just biscuits which look like butterflies. I will of course get carried away and overdo it but I rather think they know that. Yes, I haven't been asked to make butterfly cakes but I will. It is a butterfly themed party. I'm off to buy everything I need this morning.

Press conference last evening makes me even less certain my family will be able to come for Christmas. I've found somewhere they can get tested on 25th when they arrive but doubt they will get the results back quickly enough to go out and do things whil/if they are here.

Annie hope your ok and not got iPad issues again.
DH has a bad cough. Not Covid as we’ve just had negative results. We will stay in and keep warm.
Nonnie you are good if you think about others and realise sometimes there is a reason for their behaviour.
Perhaps you multi coloured lights will look nice. We have both multi and plain but not flickering as I can’t stand that.
Hope your DHs knee will improve after the injection.
What are butterfly biscuits please? I know about butterfly cakes but what are you making?
Scaredycat oh your poor little ones. Let’s hope it stays like being a cold and is soon over. Has your DD been jabbed?
As I said we have multi lights but only on a little tree. I’m not too keen on blue because I think it looks cold.
Yes we’re very pleased to be home now especially as DH is coughing so much. No where like home when you feel I’ll.
Thinking of all the gang. Take care all x

Nonnie- no my DGGD is not vaccinated she is only 8 and her younger brother also has the virus. My poor Grandaughter now has 2 little poorly people. She is a teacher so is also vulnerable. Thankfully at the moment it is like a bad cold for them. I am still worried my daughter might catch it but so far so good.
I,m so sorry you have had to deal with so much and admire your generous heart. Pleased that you met and were able to talk with such an understanding couple. For us bereaved parents it is always comforting to find someone who is not afraid to listen.
Oh the lights - I,m not fond of coloured lights but my DH always admires the blue ones people have. I don’t like flashing ones either. But I,m like Doodle I absolutely love lights and hate it when they get packed away again.
Doodle- good weather to be locked down bet you can’t wait to escape though. Yes you got home just in time didn’t you- I,ve only once been in a Force nine storm and don’t want to do that again.?
Annie- hope you have managed to get some help today. Thinking of you.
Love to all

Annie

Christmas lights, grr, trying not to be cross with DH because he bought new ones for our tree without discussing it. We always have plain ones and he has bought multi-coloured. Breathe, Nonnie, breath, what is the point of complaining?

Doodle I'm not good, I have awful thoughts then tell myself how wrong I am but I do genuinely want this abuser to be happier because the situation means they must surely be very miserable or, perhaps, never known what it is to be happy.

Positive today - DH is having an injection in his knee next week. Also been asked to make butterfly biscuits for Christmas Eve and will thoroughly enjoy it. Already planning how to decorate.

Scaredycat I’m so sorry about your DGGD. Hope she is not feeling too poorly. Has she been vaccinated yet?
Yes I love Christmas lights and decorations. Hate taking them down though.
DH and I are in lockdown again since coming home from our holiday. We have to wait for the results of our PCR test before going out.
Nonnie you must be very good to pray for someone who caused you harm. Many would not be forgiving. It must be difficult.
I’m glad you went to your meeting and we’re able to meet others who know what you are going through.
Annie not again! Just wish you had more help.
Any news as to when your carer may be feeling up to coming back?
Been very wild and windy today. Really glad we’re not at sea but worried for those who are.
Hope everyone is ok. Take care all x.

Hi all x

Carer’s daughter been called in to work extra hours so am trying to find someone who can fill in .

How is everyone?

Scardycat So sorry about your ggd, I would be worried too. Is she vaccinated?

Annie so good of the daughter to come in and do her bit, there are some lovely people around. Let's 'kill with kindness' any of the other kind.

Last night we went to our meeting for parents of deceased 'children', didn't really want to go but felt better for going. At the end we lit candles for each of our dead children. Met a couple whose son's death mirrored our own in so many ways, even the same name. I think we formed a bond. They are now praying for the person who tried to destroy our family, as I do every night. It can't be good to hold so much hate for so many people so we pray that they may find some happiness.

Tried to post yesterday but my i pad didn’t want to play?
Ellie Anne- try to ignore the person who answers the phone if they are miserable.You,ll feel better once you have got your crown sorted. It’s never nice having to phone the dentist but always so good once you,ve been and got the problem sorted.
The choir sounds lovely- music can make many emotions rise to the surface.
I think as Nonnie says that counselling might help you unload your feelings.
Nonnie- I definitely think you have discovered a new skill. How many times do we pop into a shop for”just one thing” and come out with a carrier bag full!!!
Annie- so glad you had someone to help you out today- I expect she is as nice as her Mum.
I defy anyone not to feel grumpy with all the problems that seem to pop up daily for you.
Sending a hug
Doodle-Welcome home so glad you had a good trip.
Good idea to put up your ‘Decs’ Xmas lights never fail to cheer me up.
I,m feeling very anxious today as my eldest Great Grandaughter tested positive for Covid at the weekend. My daughter was with her for a time but at least it was outside. My mind goes straight into catstrophising mode- my DH as usual is calm and relaxed and will only worry if it’s necessary. Every time I promise myself not to over worry - it really doesn’t help does it.
Have a peaceful evening allxxx

Hello all. Home again. Good trip but glad to be home even if it is raining,
Nonnie so much sadness in the papers I agree. I can’t help thinking of that little boy either.
The weather on holiday wasn’t that great either but a bit warmer. Must try and put us some Christmas decorations today and try and get in the mood. Have bought a couple of presents but need to do some serious thinking now,
Annie I think your enablement team leaders nickname says it all. Sorry your lovely career is ill. nice of her daughter to pop in for a few minutes but I expect you really miss the friendly chat. No surprised with everything that you are feeling grumpy. Glad you finally got your new charger. iPad problems are the last thing you need. Are you still doing the lilies cross stitch?
Ellie Anne sorry about your crown. As others have said you sound low and could do with some help. A counselling group may be of help. Having the chance to talk things out with others. I hope you have a good time with your choir. Songs/ singers often make me sad too. It can be very emotional .
Scaredycat Joce how are you. Hope all the gang are doing ok. It’s a time of year when many are upset. Take care all. x

Hi all x

IPad problems, had to wait for new charger to be delivered by taxi, couldn’t get to door to receive it, taxi driver left it in the
hall so had to wait until my brother was in the area.

Carer on the sick , so kind her daughter popped in before she
went to work to fill kettles, let dogs out. I am rather grumpy
today.

Ellie Anne I think Nonnie suggestion is defiantly worth
considering, you seem to lack self confidence my love , as long as you get your dental appointment the attitude of the
receptionist is her problem x

How is everyone?