Black Dog 10

BlueSky wish I could think of something helpful to suggest but all I can think of is hang in there, we are all thinking of you.

I don't need to feel poorly to eat ice cream, one of my favourite things

Thinking of you Doodle hope you have a great time.

Yesterday DH's order for football supplies arrived, I have no idea how 2 people could eat that many crisps, chocolate etc! I might just have to help with the chocolate My weight is one of the things I have been controlling but by 8 pm I might have lost my will power.

Hi all x

Expect you are excited about the football, the thought of being
in a crowd of thousands fills me with terror

Annie I don’t like crowds either and don’t think this is the time for them. And don’t have any interest in football.
The men’s tennis this afternoon was good though.
I’ve been very lazy this afternoon. I know I should go for a walk but feel very weary.
Hope you have all had a good day and if you are football fans enjoy the game.

Ellie Anne I enjoyed the tennis too, well worth watching.

I made the effort last night and wore white trousers and a red top, DH didn't notice!! First thing DS said when I picked him up though so was worth it. Key fob on my car doesn't work so had to use the key and couldn't find it in the dark. If a policeman had been around seeing a little old lady not being able to open the car at midnight I think I would have been breathalysed!!

Don't know if this will be helpful to anyone or anyone will object to my posting. I don't suffer from anxiety, depression or have any mental health problems. All my health problems are physical.

5 years I was going through a stressful looking after my mom. I needed to do something that would relax and totally take me out of myself. So I brought a cross stitch kit. Made lot of mistakes but I was hooked. I found it so relaxing. It's a slow craft I do counted cross stitch using usually 14 count Aida. It slowed both my mind and body down and found peace doing it. I am not saying it's for everyone . But if anyone wants to try something to relax I recommend it. If you buy either Cross Stitcher or the World of cross stitching magazine they come with a free kit. Plus plenty to read and lots of charts inside.

My nephew suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. He makes models and paints them to use on fantasy board games . Which he plays with friends Covid restrictions permitting. He says it stops him thinking about his problems.

I know hobbies aren't for everyone. But have been reading about the benefits for mental health issues.

I hope I haven't butted in and offended anyone.

Hi all x

How is everyone, so much sport over the weekend!

Whiff thank you, as a cross stitch addict I can say with certainty it has and does help me. We have friends here who
do craft work . You have not butted in or caused any offence,
thank you x

Ellie Anne I have been thinking of things you can do to take
a break from the house, are you comfortable mixing with people ?

Afternoon all
Nonnie- hope your DH and DS enjoyed their footie evening and that you got your fair share of the chocs!! Very impressed you dressed the part. So sad we didn’t win but it was a great evening nevertheless.
Annie - yes what a sporty weekend . My family were beside themselves with excitement all day. So wished that they had seen an England win like ‘66. I would have loved being there but not in these Covid times.
Ellie- sometimes a lazy afternoon is just what you need and a break from walking will mean you,ll enjoy it next time. Do you enjoy any other outdoor activities?
Whiff- Hello. You are so right about hobbies helping you relax and quieten your mind. I do Life Drawing and those 2 hours a week are so relaxing and I don’t think of anything else but the drawing
Hope you are all having a pleasant dayxxx.

Whiff I am another cross stitch fan but lately my hand has gone into spasm after a bit so I can only do short spells.
Annie I am fine mixing with people but not strangers.
I’m not worried about catching COVID. I’ve been out all day today . Helped with my grandson this morning then supermarket shop.
Tomorrow I am helping deliver afternoon tea to the old folk from my church group.
So I try to keep busy. But the anxiety and dread is always lurking in the background.
Hope you are all ok.

Scardycat 'enjoyed' may not be the right word but they were fully involved . Yes, I ate too much chocolate and now have to get back onto minimal eating.

Bad day yesterday, I was a grumpy old bat and DH took the brunt of it. Not much sleep last night so today will be an effort.

Hi all x

Scaredycat I too think hobbies help relaxation, my days are taken up with cross stitching, genealogy, writing my book, what is Life Drawing ?

Ellie Anne you belong to a Church Group ? I miss my Church activities and the lovely people .

BlueSky thinking of you x

nonnie. Chocolate! I have forgotten the taste !

Doodle hope you are having a great time and relaxing x

How do you all feel about the lifting of restrictions in England ?
We will learn tomorrow what the Welsh Government have decided.

I was busy yesterday, another battle with the council ! and this
time I won, they will delay installing new central heating until
next year, yippee.

Hi all x

How is everyone?

Last week the council put ramps on my back and front doors,
yesterday I picked up the courage to go into the garden, not
to have support from the enablement team so decided to go it
alone.

Slight problem, can’t get out into the garden but can get back
indoors ! ! ! !

Annie do you do online church? Of course it is not the same but it is a small step. Its what we do at the moment.

Winning the battle must have given you a boost.

I'm not happy with lifting all the restrictions, I think we should still have to wear masks in public but it wasn't enforced. A few weeks ago I went on a bus and it appeared that those under 30 were not wearing masks and all the older ones were. They also sat in groups whereas the rest of us were sitting apart.

Can you get them back to find a solution to getting outside? Quite a big 'babystep' that you went for it.

Still grumpy yesterday but didn't take it out on DH! We are now taking the car to find different places for our walks and found a lovely one. Hope to take the GC there if they are allowed to come, not looking good despite their parents having both vaccinations, because UK doesn't recognise anything done outside UK.

Doodle if you are watching I hope you are having a good time and your weather is as good as ours.

Hi.
Ellie Anne - you have been busy! It must be so nice to do the afternoon teas and so appreciated too. How is your little Grandson doing?
Nonnie- I,m not happy either at the restrictions being lifted so drastically. I will continue to wear masks and keep my distance in the situations that I do it now.
Glad you found another nice walking place- it does lift you doesn’t it. I do hope that your GC will be allowed to come soon.
I know how “grumpy old bat “ feels- you know you,re doing it but it sort of takes over for a while .
Annie- you are sounding positive- well done for sticking out for what you wanted. Wow trying to get into the garden alone- will you have another go?Maybe the ramp needs a bit of adjustment.
Life drawing is drawing from live models usually nude(the models not me!!). I did it at Adult Ed but now some of us do it via internet with photos . It is very absorbing .
Doodle - hope you are having a good time.
Blue Sky- I hope you are ok.
Have a good afternoon all xx

Yes I am in a church group but we’ve not been able to meet since March last year . So yesterday we delivered afternoon tea to everyone in the group. Two of my people are in their 90s. They have missed the group so much and were so grateful.
We can go to church now every other week. Only 50 allowed. It’s on line too. Still have to wear masks and can’t sing.
Annie well done for getting into the garden. Do you have someone who looks after it for you?
I went walking on the beach this morning. It was lovely but didn’t calm me like it usually does.
Thanks for being there everyone.

Afternoon all x Well yesterday’s conversation with one of the GPs revealed I’ve still got low sodium so taken off diuretics. The doctor suggested an alpha blocker instead, I was willing to give it a go until I read the side effects and there is no way I’m going to take that. Still having some stomach problems which I guess it’s the gallstones they’ve seen. Also now too hot for my liking so as you can see I’m a grumbling misery.
Hope you’ll all have a nice day x

Hi all x

I am late today, one of those days ! internet down, my floor lamp only 3 months old stopped working, not even got a candle, torch in bedroom! So hot and I can’t open door or
window.

BlueSky I did google alpha blockers because you said you had read up on them, I read there are other medications, do
speak to your doctor about your concerns .

You cannot lay claim to be a grumbling misery, top of this post
gives me that title, x

Morning all
I feel very sad this morning. It is the anniversary of the accident and everything that goes on at this time brings it all back.It,s like it was yesterday.Also this weekend my lovely sister should be here for a little visit. I haven,t seen her in person for over 2 years due to her being so ill and then came Covid. Her husbands back has gone so a long drive is impossible. I was so looking forward to seeing her and the sun has finally come out here! Still we will have to rearrange for later on.
I hope the sun shines on you all this weekend.
Much love

Scardycat I do admire those who can draw or paint. I have nil ability as do DH and DSs but the next generation seems to have double the talent. 6 year old's pictures are amazing.

Bluesky moan away, that's what we are here for. I think I may have taken the 'ignore it and it will go away' too far. Now waiting for a GP call to investigate. He is not great unless he can see or simply refer to a specialist.

Looking forward to going to the cricket this evening, last time we went it was rained off.

Booked a last minute few days away with DS & Dil to take advantage of the weather. I have far too many clothes!! Weeded them out and still have too many for 4 days. Do I really need 6 pairs of shoes/sandals/pumps

Morning all x Annie you have every right to moan, how on earth are you supposed to cope? Sadly it seems we are left to our own devices if we have no family nearby.
Scaredy thinking of you on this sad day x
Covid has added untold misery to many people’s lives.
Nonnie I hate having to do investigations. I’m relieved when taken seriously by the doctors but then I don’t really want to be taken that seriously! Hope you’ll be reassured.
Glorious weather but can’t really go out in this. I don’t know how I used to manage going abroad and sightseeing in tropical temperatures!
Hope you’ll all have a peaceful day x

Hi all x

Scaredycat yes, it all comes back doesn’t it ? sending you much understanding and a cwtch x

nonnie when I spoke of Church I didn’t mean services but the social side, bible studies, prayer groups, afternoon tea for
those who seek company, flower arrangements, I was even on the PPC and a welcoming guide at the Cathedral.

Ellie Anne my list in my reply to nonnie, I know many things were cancelled because of the virus but our churches have outside meetings now the weather is warm, does your Church have any such groups ?

BlueSky thinking of you, we are here for you and each other x

Doodle hope you are so enjoying the cruise x

Hi all x

How is everyone ?

Gosh it’s so hot, stuck on sofa, no doors or windows open, would love to be on a beach, elder granddaughter lives so near
the sea, she can see it from her house, wonder how long it would take me to get there, 50 miles in a wheelchair !

Does the heat cause anyone feelings of anxiety, not strong feelings just unsettled?

Scardycat those anniversaries are so hard, they just have to be got through. Missing loved ones hurts so much, I feel for you.

BlueSky not sure it came to investigations but the doc did try to offer reassurance, she was much better than the usual ones so will try to speak to her next time. Got to take more meds so not happy about that.

Annie ah, I understand. Do any of those people still keep in touch? Do you have a virtual social life with them?

No, I find the heat good, it helps me to relax being out in the garden lying there with my radio.

Cricket was good last night, quite exciting although DH's team won. Apart from a group of young people in another stand everyone was very good about distancing, put their masks on when they left their seats. When a couple sat in front of us, behind another couple, the woman in front asked them to move and they did. All done very nicely.

Probably won't be back here for some days as going away.

Hi all x So hot and I cannot longer tolerate it! I guess medication and ageing. So instead of being out and about I’ll do what they do in the Med, darkened room with fan on till this evening. Such a shame as we wait for the sun all year.
Annie is there anybody who could see to open your windows? Hopefully you have a fan? Yes I feel unsettled more anxious and depressed in this weather, hopefully it’ll all pass.
Nonnie good you found a more understanding doctor, bedside manners are as important as anything else. Enjoy your break away.
Doodle if you can read us hope your cruise is going well, you certainly got the weather!
Have a pleasant afternoon x

I really like the hot weather but it hasn’t lifted my mood. I managed a walk today and a bit in the garden but still have a feeling of dread inside. I haven’t booked to go to church tomorrow because sitting in this heat with a mask on is so uncomfortable.
I had my granddaughters got 2 days . I took them home yesterday and son was annoyed because the older girl had red marks on her legs. I hadn’t a clue what it was but dil said right away it was from sitting on booster seat in shorts which I’m sure was right. I feel he is always looking for something to criticise. He’s always been difficult. It’s upset me though.

Hi all x

It isn’t raining in Wales, I so wish it was !

nonnie enjoy your few days away x

Ellie Anne is your son difficult with others ? If so just ignore
him and accept it’s his nature, I have one sister who has always
been so catty, I learned to accept it x

Doodle thinking of you x