Black Dog 11

ScaredyCat Take things steady, do a little each day and build on it - that's what I'm trying to do.
Doodle It's relatively early days for me after my stroke, then (I had 5 clots over 3 parts of my brain). I still haven't had the results of a chest CT scan - the hospital requested it as my lungs weren't clear from having had Covid last July. I also am too fat, so that's not helping. I've got an inhaler, which I seldom use.
Anniebach, SweetpeaSue, EllieAnnie, Joce345, Nanny, and Nonnie, hope you're all ok today.

I took 2 binliners full of clothes (some still had the price tags on, never been worn) to a couple of charity shops, bought a few things from Wilko, went to the local park and watched the geese, swans and ducks on the pond. Got chatting to a lady (never seen her before) of my age, who retired due to ill health. We said we'd contact each other via Facebook and perhaps meet some time (she's from the other side of town). Son2 here for tea tonight x

I posted last night but it seemed to have vanished.
Ellie Anne don’t ever think your family would be better off without you. That’s just the depression talking. They probably need you more than your realise. Glad your spirits have lifted a bit. Sounds like you just need some peace in your mind and a rest from worry for a while. I hope things improve for you.
HVDY it’s been 12 years since DHs stroke /tias. He found it took a while to recover from that. Have you spoken to the GP about your breathlessness? Perhaps you would benefit from an inhaler. I have one I puff on before I go out walking.
Scaredycat what has happened to us all? I think lockdown has a lot to do with it. None of us are as fit as we were.
We had the same trouble with deer in our last garden. They demolished all my newly planted pansies within 24 hours.
I can’t imagine how hard it is to be so far away from any of your family. Yes we are very lucky as both our sons live very near us.
Nice post from you.
Hope you are ok Annie and have some luck in helping MT.x

Morning all- just got back from posting a letter that’s about all I can manage walking?. Can’t believe I was walking so far less than 2 weeks ago. But if I feel fed up I just think of all the poor people suffering right now and it is nothing in comparison.

Doodle- I think the foxes like the bulbs but they are so destructive. The cayenne pepper seems to work at the moment as long as they don’t develop a taste for it!!! I,d buy them some treats if they’d leave the garden alone!
I,d forgotten about giving things up for Lent. We had to do this when at school so it was always Chocolate or sweets. Hope your son enjoyed his cake. Does he live close by? I spoke to my son on FaceTime yesterday it’s over 2 years since I,ve seen him . We are hoping to visit him in the Summer but it depends on the situation in Europe.
Annie- such a lot buzzing around in your head no wonder you feel fatigued.
It’s not so easy chosing things online is it as they don’t always look the same in real life. I,m sure though that you will pick well and it will be better for you when it’s done and easier for you to manouvre round your living room.
I feel so cross for MT- she was so young then and I too thought it would be wiped now she is an adult and an exemplary one at that. I hope they listen to you with compassion and common sense.
Dear Lottie as long as she is happy at the moment that is the main thing.
HVDY- sorry you are feeling so tired but my word you do pack a lot into your days - you are certainly not lazy. I hope you schedule some rest time too although I know for me full days make you feel better don’t they.
EllieAnne- thinking of you. I,m sure your family love you dearly. If only you could learn to love yourself a little. You sound a kind compassionate person
Hope Nonnie is having a lovely holiday .
SweetPeaSue,Joce,Nanny and all hope you are enjoying this lovely sunshinex

Doodle How long ago did your husband have his stroke? I find I can walk about 100 yards before I need to stand for a minute then carry on. The furthest I've walked was about a mile, and I had to stop and stand a few times. I still get out of breath and I wheeze - the effects of Covid still hasn't cleared from my lungs, the hospital say (but they haven't given me anything for it)
EllieAnne Those of us on here have probably all had those thoughts (I still do, several times a week) but your family would miss you terribly. I'm sure they love you a lot.

I hope everyone has a good night's sleep. I'm really tired again so I'm going to bed in a few minutes. x

Thank you everyone who has been thinking of me. I was nt good last week. All to do with family and I was convinced that they would all be better off without me. Am a bit better now. Hope you are all ok.

Prynhawn da Annie (hopefully that means good afternoon and not anything rude ?)
Yes although I was born in London I still feel a big bond with Wales because of my family connections.
You have a lot going on. I’m not surprised you have mental fatigue.
I can’t believe that incident with MT is still on police file. I thought that was supposed to be closed if it occurs before 18.
I would stress the connection with your DH and what loss you suffered. The police owe you that at the very least I would think.
Sorry the poor girl is having her hours cut. I do hope she finds a proper job soon one that takes into account her skills and talent. It’s hard at this point in her life.
New sofa and curtains sounds nice but I understand the work involved in doing everything online. I hope Lottie is ok. I’m sure dogs can suffer some form of dementia. Hope things look up for you all soon.
HVDY you don’t sound at all lazy to me. You are always busy doing things. But you’re right, the fatigue could be a result of the stroke and you just have to build yourself up again.
After DH had his he could hardly walk a few hundred yards without getting worn out. Took a while to pick up again.
Sweetpeasue Ellie Anne and Scaredycat hope you are all ok.

Anniebach So many things to trouble you. First, your Lottie - animals do sometimes get Dementia as they age. I had a cat (Stella) who got it. She used to walk into a room, miaow and then walk out again. She also used to wake me about 6 times every night, I think she used to think it was time to get up. I hope your MT manages to find another job. If she discloses whatever it is when she applies, surely any decent employer would understand?

Doodle, ScaredyCat, SweetpeaSue and the gang - hope everyone is ok x

I've been very tired lately - not sure if it's due to the stroke (it's usual to have fatigue afterwards, sometimes for a long time) or laziness. I've been to Aqua Aerobics this morning, then cafe with my friend, then got a few bits from Asda.

Hi all x

Doodle your Welsh - Bore da x

I am so tired this morning, mental fatigue ! A remote control
curtain rail being fitted this week and my curtains will not be the right width, have to change furniture in living room to have more room for wheelchair, so new sofa, my darling Lottie
.has, I am sure, doggie dementia, have to find a new gardener ,
Mini Tornado stressed, the firm where she has worked since she started university has cut her hours so need to find a way to
help her. And I hate having to shop on line for things such as
curtains and furniture. Have to ring police H.Q. re Mini Tornado, the incident when she was 17 is on file and it’s not fair
it is brought up every time she applies for a job.
Mug of tea and back to bed/sofa!

How is everyone?

Annie my mum and dad both were born into welsh mining villages. My mum went to chapel.
Contact with others can help depression.
You and your DD must have gone through so much with her failed IVF attempts. Your DD must be so brave to have had so many tries. Her pets are not the same but they do provide lots of love and companionship.
Muscles are improving. Had a weekend without walking as had things to do but back to it tomorrow.
Ah it’s time for Davids rest again. Spring is a good time. I look forward to spring flowers.
Scsredycat sorry to hear your dad had troubles too. You obviously cared for him a lot.
Hope your ankle improves soon and you’re back walking properly.
Had a nice time with DS1 today. DGD made his cake but I didn’t have any as I gave up cakes for lent. Spent a nice afternoon watching videos of when DGDs were young. Lots of laughter.
Do foxes eat daffodils then? I didn’t know that. Hope you had a good time at the christening.
HVDY 9.30 that was early. We’re you very tired? Sometimes when you get really tired it’s better to go to bed and sleep.
Yes thank you the cake was lovely even though I didn’t have any. Hope your son with the sore throat feels better soon. Also that your other son gets on well on his date.
Ellie Anne I hope you are feeling a bit better.
Sweetpeasue thinking of you too.
Take care all x

Hope everyone had a decent day today. I went to bed at 9.30 last night! The earliest since I first went home from hospital last August.

Doodle I hope your son had a happy birthday. Was the cake good?
ScaredyCat Hope the christening went well. How old is the baby?
Anniebach How have you been today?
SweetpeaSue Hope you're feeling better. Son1 has got a sore and hoarse throat, but feels ok in himself.
Nonnie, Joce345, EllieAnne, anyone else I've overlooked - hope you're all ok.

Son1 is out on a date this evening, so it's just DH and me - he's watching tv. Son2 called round this afternoon, he'd been shopping and bought new clothes. Mr Cooper is cuddled up on a cushion. Nice that everyone in my family is happy today.
Hope everyone has a relaxing evening x

Hi everybody.
HVDY- hope you feel better today. Sounds like you had a nice day though as did your GC.
SweetPeaSue- hope your cough has improved this morning- glad it’s not Covid.
Annie- you describe your childhood village with such love, if only some of our communities were like that now.
My Dad had mental troubles too which led to 2 nervous breakdowns . I remember him crying one day in our kitchen - I loved him very much.
I expect David is sitting on top of the wardrobe feeling very cheesed off still at least he learnt some new words!!
Ankle still not right but doing the exercises etc.
Yes we do share many of the same emotions from past experiences- it shapes who we are I think.
Doodle- glad you had a good time in Winchester what lovely weather it was too. Happy Birthday to your son and have a lovely cake day today.
Tried a little walk this morning - everybody passed me!!

This morning I discovered the pesky fox has been at my trough of daffodils - I felt so cross but that will teach me to be so pleased with myself at how pretty they looked. Did the cayenne pepper again so that should sort him!!???
Off to a christening this afternoon so another scary thing to be overcome. But lovely to welcome another little person into the world.
Love to all

Hi all x

My post yesterday was an attempt to explain my belief that the
things I spoke of do help with depression, anxiety, grief,
unhappiness. But I will add a mining village is not like a countryside village, 5 Chapels, 1 Anglican Church, 1 R.C Church. Population 5,000.

Scaredycat hope your ankle is healing, we share the emotions
that suicide and car accidents bring don’t we x

Sweetpeasue how are you? x

HVDY mogadon is a brand name for Nitrazepam , these drugs are still available but no longer handed out like sweeties,
like Valium , so addictive. Hope your headache has gone x

Ellie Anne you are struggling, we are here for you x

Doodle yes the failed IVF and miscarriages were so distressing , come Mothering Sunday I can not forget one
phone call from her, she did a test, positive, she said
‘Mum, I am a mother this Mothering Sunday,’ she is very close
to her nieces, the elder one is in regular contact with her.

How are the muscles? x

David will be back on the wardrobe Monday, think he will appreciate the break from my rendition of Myfanwy and a few
naughty words, well more than a few .

Right , lovely friends, it’s the first day of Spring

How is everyone?

HVDY so pleased your son has a new job. What a relief for you all. Be nice to see him get a place of his own. You must be delighted.
Your meal at the day centre sounds nice.
Yes we had a lovely time in Winchester thank you. Warm and sunny. Did lots of walking and got lost so we were exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel.
I like the fact that Mr Cooper enjoyed his cuddles. Good excuse to sit and rest.
Hope your headache has gone by now and you are feeling better.
Scaredycat yes we had a good time thank you. We had a lovely visit to the cathedral. Jane Austin was buried there. Lots to see. Beautiful place.
Hope the physio exercises help you to get walking again.
Yes, we too have had the Sahara sand. All over our car. Only had it cleaned last week.
Annie your DD has lots of land. Her animals must be well catered for.
So sorry to hear about all your DD failed IVF treatments. Must have taken a lot out of you all.
Yes gardens are a big help for people. We all need some flowers and colour in our lives. My dad liked roses too. He grew those alongside his vegetables.
Sweetpeasue sorry to hear you are still feeling rough. Your cough could be related to all the pollen coming out as the sun has started warming things up. Hope you are ok and start to feel better soon.
I’ve been thinking of you all. Ellie Anne and Joce Nonnie and Nanny. Hope everyone is ok.
Just catching up on all I’ve missed. Early night tonight and tomorrow going to see DS1 for cake. It’s his birthday today.
Sleep well all .

Seem to have developed constant cough now. Had 2 negative lateral flows so pretty sure not covid, just an unpleasant plain old virus.

Anniebach That sounds such a special place and I can tell it meant a lot to you. Sounds to me like a little scene from film How Green is my Valley. I'm sure you're right also about mental health benefiting from closer and caring communities and relatives not scattered far and wide as they often are now, often to pursue jobs. I'd have loved the choirs and poetry readings.
Oh dear, so sorry about Wales/Italy result. You must have been on edge of your seat! Poor David.
HVDY Sounds like you've had a nice quiet day with your DH. I'm sorry about that headache though. Hope it clears for you soon.

Take care everyone. Hope Doodle got back OK and had a nice break.

ScaredyCat I do hope the physio helps you. How awful about your mum, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the trauma of losing your mum like that.

SweetpeaSue I hope you're feeling a bit better today.

Anniebach Mental health wasn't known about much, and certainly not discussed, years ago. Life must have been tough for a lot of people. My mum, when we were all children, used to have "bad nerves" and was prescribed Mogadon tablets, which she took for 24 years! It was later taken off the market, of course. The gardens in the village you grew up in sound beautiful. I suppose those small communities were good - everyone knew each other and met up at church or in groups.

It's sunny and mild here today. GD1 went to town with her dad (Son1) and they went to a fair and for a pub lunch. GD2 didn't come, she was at a party at a friend's house. I went shopping with my husband, then we had lunch in a pub. Since then, though, I've had a headache and felt really cold. I've put the heating on for a while! I'm going to change my bed and then see what's for tea later.

Hope everyone is alright x

Hi all x

Have been thinking , no, not about food ! My constant rabbiting on about walking, gardening , snowdrops ,faith, my mountains.

There has always been mental health problems but only recently talked about openly .

I was brought up in a Welsh mining village, black coal tips, rows and rows of grey houses, yes gloomy. Most of the men worked in the coal mines, going to work in the dark, working all day in blackness, in winter going home in the dark.

But the gardens were so beautiful, my Grampa had a large rose garden, along the path were planted spring bulbs, veg grown in
an allotment. Women gathered together every week for sewing
group, knitting groups, held in the chapel. And Sundays meant
Chapel and always a walk after services. And yes, choirs and poetry readings.

I think I learned from a young age the importance of these without being told. Those peoples instincts told them what they needed for mental health even though they had very little
knowledge of it.

How is everyone?

Just a quick post as feeling pretty rough but wanted to respond to your asking about me. Thankyou.
*Scaredycat *I'm so terribly sorry about your mum. I can't imagine the pain and anguish of that happening. I really am so very sorry. I do hope your ankle gets better soon. What a nuisance when you enjoy walking so much.
Annie It's great that you're doing so well with the Heinz foods. Your daughter's house and garden sounds beautiful. Hope you get to spend time there occasionally.
HVDY I'm absolutely delighted that your son has got a new job. Its wonderful news. So pleased for you all.
Hope everyone else is OK and has a peaceful night.

Annie- ah your daughter has had a tough time as have you. Does she live a long way from you? One of my Grandaughters has had multiple miscarriages but thankfully she has a dear little boy And 2 cats and a dog- and a kind husband.
You are right about gardening too after Mum took her life I spent hours in the garden and it did help greatly.
Physio has given me exercises to do and will see him in 3 weeks again. I have strained a bursa and ligaments(at least I think that’s what he said)
and this should help. I can have half hour walks as long as it doesn’t hurt too much
Hope the sun is shining on you like it is here.?
HVDY- yet another busy day for you! I,m so happy the weather is nice enough to hang out the washing again - I,m easily pleased? Mr Cooper sounds a character - cats are so funny.
Don’t work too hard.
Doodle- hope you are enjoying your time in Winchester.
SweetPeaSue,EllieAnne, Joce, Nonnie and all BDG hope today is kind to youx

Doodle Hope you're having a lovely time in Winchester. The weather is certainly good for it.
ScaredyCat I hope the physio goes well.
SweetpeaSue How are things?
Anniebach Such a shame your daughter went through all that and wasn't able to have a child. Pets do help, though, I expect. How are you getting on?

It's great to see the sun shine. I've done 2 lots of washing, pegged it out. I cleaned the bathroom, microwave, and oven. I still need to do the stairs but will sweep them down then vacuum at the bottom. Mr. Cooper is being such a baby today - he wants to sit on my lap so keeps following me about and crying . I always have a half-hour cuddle with him in the morning, but he wants more! Hope everyone in the gang has a decent day x

Hi all x

Scardeycat hope physio helps you x

HVDY great news that your son has a job, I do hope things will settle soon . Your lunch yesterday was a little more appetising that my Heinz rice pudding and a Hob nob x

Sweetpeasue how are you today? Hope you had a nights sleep x

Ellie Ann. I am concerned for you, are you coping ? x

Joyce am concerned for you , x

Yes my younger daughter is kept busy with her pets and garden, she is on her own for quite some time in the year ,her
husband’s job means he has to work abroad for quite long periods. The animals fill her life thankfully, she doesn’t have
children, 14 failed IVF treatments and 5 miscarriages, this at
the same time her sister was struggling with bipolar, it was a
grim time , went on for a few years.

I have always found pets and gardening are healing and yes -
walking , as you all know.

How is everyone?

Doodle- have a great time in Winchester - it must be a lovely place and so full of history. The weather looks good for you too.

No proper walks yet - going to a physio tomorrow on the advice of my Nurse GD.
HVDY- your Mr Cooper is beautiful - love tabby cats.
So pleased you,ve had such a nice day. Lunch sounded yummy and the news of your son is wonderful, the start of better things for him. You must be so pleased.
Annie- your daughter must be a very busy person with all those lovely animals and such a big garden. It sounds heavenly.
You are doing so well with your new food regime. It will be so good to taste cheese again - what was your favourite cheese before? ? Thank you for your kind words xx
SweetPeaSue- hope you are feeling better today.
Has anyone else had the sand from the Sahara land on them? Our cars ,windows ,woodwork etc all covered with it. Amazing to think how far it has travelled but a pain to clean off!!
Love to all the gangxx

Anniebach Wow, your daughter has a lot of land - her dogs and cats must love it. I've always had at least one cat, for the past 42 years. Mr Cooper is the last one left of 3 we had. He's been my favourite of all. I'm glad you're managing little bits of foods now x

I've had a good day. Went to the day centre, where it was roast pork (I had an individual beef pie, I don't like pork), with roast potatoes, carrots and sprouts. Then lemon sponge and custard. The best news for ages - Son1 has got a new job! His current job ends in 2 weeks (being made redundant from Eon, after 10 years) so that's a huge relief. He'll be able to use his redundancy money towards a deposit on a flat or small house. Things are looking up.

Doodle, SweetpeaSue, Scaredycat and everyone else in the gang - hope you've all had a decent day. The weather's been so much better than all that rain yesterday x

Hi all x

HVDY you have a beautiful cat, we use to have cats. My younger daughter has 3 cats and 4 dogs, and a 4 acre garden ! I
am going to try savoury next week x

Scaredycat yes you were scared of going on holiday but you
didn’t allow the whatiferies stop you going, what you have now
is not ‘if only I had gone’ but memories and photographs, so
no ‘ a bit pleased ‘, but ‘ very, very pleased and proud ‘ you beat
Black Dog my love , hope the ankle is healing x

Sweerpeasue hope your throat troubles have eased x

Ellie Anne a bad week ? Do share if you wish to, we are here for you, sending you a cwtch x

Joyce I am concerned, we are here for you my love x

This morning - a rice pudding and a hob nob , next week, oh so
excited , cauliflower cheese. I had a love of cheese from a tot, my mother use to call me ‘her little mouse’

Doddle have a relaxing time , expect you will pop into the
Cathedral, it’s so beautiful isn’t it ? X

How is everyone?

Sweetpeasue I think you problems may be more common than you think. DH has to rely on Movicol daily.
You are right about coco Damon ( I left that in because I thought it was funny) What I actually typed was co codamol)
In fact I think all painkillers cause constipation.
Have you tried asking the pharmacist if they have any advice on painkillers. They know a lot about drugs.
That’s a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Oh dear. Just caught up with your second post. You don’t sound very well. I hope you are being well looked after. I would stay in bed and rest till you start to improve. Hope you sleep well tonight and don’t have any pains.

HVDY I think you’re like a human Dynamo. So much energy. Wish I had some.
Oh yes, I’ve got clothes like that. The never ending…might come in useful one day pile.
Annie I’m glad you get on with your brother. You must do to work with each other for so long. Shame he can’t come over more often but I understand people can be very busy.
I’m sure your Heinz baby food is a good way to start. Plenty of variety in small quantities. Have you tried any of the vegetable ones yet?
Oh Ellie Anne so sorry. I prayed for all the gang in church today. I wish something could be done to improve your situation. Not much I can add just a hug and being here if you feel like chatting. Take care x
Scaredycat sorry I missed the bit about your ankle yesterday. Hope the brace helps. Perhaps you need a couple of days rest before you go walking again. Do you know what caused the problem?
I’m so pleased you got the courage up to go on holiday. I hope now you have done it you will feel able to do more.
HVDY your cat is lovely. Such a sweet face.
Good your DGDs had fun with you.
I’m not bad thank you for asking. Nice to go to church today. Pretty place and small and quiet.
I might not post for a day or so as we are going to Winchester overnight tomorrow and not back till late Friday.
I will be thinking of you all. Take care x

SweetpeaSue Sorry you're not well. Have you tried gargling? TCP in the water (I love the taste) or soluble aspirin are both good. I absolutely adore my cat - he's about 19, deaf, only got 1 fang left out of the 4, he had an eye out last year. He was feral until I got him (long story) but he's always been the most gentle, special cat.

Anniebach Have you tried the savoury baby foods? Some are really tasty.

ScaredyCat Hope your ankle gets better soon.

Doodle How are you?

It's rained every part of the day here (and still is). Saw the GDs after school. Went to a play centre then pub for dinner. I'm tired now though, and will try to get to bed by 10pm. Hope everyone has a restful night x

Photo of my Mr Cooper (before he had his eye out)