Black Dog 23

Hi all
Doodle- It must have been a really emotional day for you today.Surrounded by people who have loved and lost as you have.So glad you had your dear Son with you.. So many memories for everyone and not a few tears. Bless you.
Glad you liked the swans - I took it at Abbotsbury swan sanctuary there are many hundreds there.
Wyllow- how wonderful your DGD is home already- the Hospital must have been pleased with her. Glad you got pix.
It’s so hard for you the conflict that is constantly in your head.
Your family are so important to you it comes through in your posts. But you are important to them too and so you have a great deal of meaning to them. You are a Mum,Grandma,Sister, and a very loved part of their lives . They want you to be happy too.
Great you had a walk- it’s such a good mood lifter- and your sense of achievement proves the value of getting out.
So proud of you - you are not useless- be kinder to yourself. We all care for you a great deal.
EllieAnne- try and enjoy your time with DGD- you can just do things you both enjoy. Try not to stress- DH will just have to deal with a dodgy tele. Glad UTI continues to improve.
HVDY- glad Jaffa is getting back to his old self - he’s been so good hasn’t he.
Our Grandcat is went back home later yesterday after having a wee at last. She has nothing broken- the vet said she is a force to be reckoned with!! She’s 14 with thyroid and kidney problems but must be as tough as old boots.She is a sweet little cat.
Hope you had a nice walk with DH.
SweetPeaSue- So glad you had a lovely time,yesterday- just what you needed. To love and be loved- family is so precious.
Sorry you both feel unwell today - hope you are able to rest and relax this afternoon.
Thinking of all and wishing everyone a peaceful night

No dh can’t ring virgin because they will only speak to the account holder which is me. But he’d have no chance of coping with a foreign call centre with his hearing. Dd phoned this afternoon and I was breaking down on the phone. Nearly lost it in .front of son this morning too. usually I just tell them I’m fine but today I m not able to.

Read all your posts and so much I'd like to say but DH and myself feeling not well at all today.
We had a lovely day yesterday , which is main thing, and wasn't stopped by health problems. Really good communication with son 1 and family and feel loved and love them so much.

Sorry, might feel more 'here' later. Just wanted to come in and say how valuable this place is to me and I care so much. X

Doodle Enjoy your lunch. It's always better when someone else has cooked. The afternoon service will evoke emotional feelings for everyone there (don't be afraid to cry).

Wyllow3 Congratulations on going out for a walk. I'm glad your GD is well enough to go home, and I hope the operation will improve her mobility.

EllieAnne Enjoy your time with your granddaughter. If the tv doesn't work, your husband could ring Virgin, couldn't he? (or go without). Try not to concern yourself with it.

Jaffa has been playing with his (many) new toys and seems to be feeling better. Not up to a lot today but may go for a walk with DH this afternoon. Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day x

I have managed to get the main Tv working but it’s a bit complicated. The small one is not working at all. I’ve explained to dh what to do with the main one but every time I go I he’s looking at the screen saying it’s not working.
Well I’m away today and tomorrow watching dgd2 while the rest go to a gig for dad 1 s birthday treat. Little one doesn’t like this group.
So if he can’t work it tough.
When I m back I’ll try to get a Virgin man out to help but there’s no point unless I am there.
I’m so stressed and think my Bp is up.
UTI is almost gone but still going very often.

Candy you are right “how many make it” with your DGS, footie wise, but enjoyment is the most important thing. As time goes on it will become clear, I hope it isnt hurtful if he wants to but cant get as far as he wants.

Sounds like one of those “boring but has to be done” days, HVDY. That was a good amount raised.

EllieAnne are you sorted TV wise?

Scaredycat - you find such good words for Doodle . Sorry to hear about the cat - that was a close shave!
It’s hard for you to see your friends change. You have been through so much in your life - and kept your love and humanity.

Doodle that is full on tomorrow. Extra hug for you at the service in the afternoon x

I hope today has been OK, Sweetpeasue

And best wishes for absent friends.

I did get out for a walk today - dull weather, but glad I made myself go out. I dont “enjoy” it but it is better than home alone all day. Less self hate about general uselessness by “achieving” something.

MY DGD went home to family today - earlier than expected - got pix.

Oh, the mixed feelings, as I’m not there and not well enough to go and my not coping well with loved ones…I lack "meaning"
but…still….those whatsapps are important to me - as you say, Scaredycat, “All we really want is for our families to be happy whatever they do isn’t it.”

Candy have a lovely time in your caravan. How lucky you can go whenever you feel like it. I always loved going to ours.
Good your DGS team won. I bet he was pleased.
HVDY you are lucky that where you live seems to have lots of good places to take children. It sounds like you had a fun day with them all.
That’s a good amount the care home raised. They should be pleased that their effort paid off.
Scardycat that’s nice thank you. Yes I am a very emotional person. I think about things quite deeply and can’t brush things off so lightly, I’ve had a nice walk with a friend today and we’ve done some sewing and knitting.
No I didn’t miss my stop thanks, my friend woke me up🤣
Oh I’m so sorry about your DGds cat. How awful. I hope she makes a good recovery they must be so upset.
Thanks for the picture. That’s about the number of swans we had in Windsor. There are so many it’s impossible to count them.
Ellie Anne how are you feeling is the UTI and better.?
sweetpeasue hope you managed a nice day with your son and no tummy problems.
Early night for me tonight. Full on day tomorrow. Church then lunch with DS1 and DIl then back to church for memorial service for those who’ve died this year and at any time.

ScaredyCat The poor cat. I do hope she gets on ok. Ctas often end up with a fractured pelvis when they get hit by a car. I hope it isn't that, but it sounds as though it isn't. Hope she's soon home and with the family.

Swans for Doodle

Hi all.
EllieAnne- I wouldn’t know where to start with all that techy stuff! Isn’t it embarrassing when you have to deal with somebody on the phone and you both struggle with each others accents.it makes you feel impolite. I ,m sure it was really annoying that DH legged it - not a lot of help then. Hope you,ve got it sorted so you can enjoy your weekend tele.
SweetPeaSue- I hope you are having a lovely day with your Son and his family. They are such special times and you deserve to have something nice to lift your spirits.
I think our pansies stick their fingers in their petals!!
Doodle- I think that you are someone who feels all emotion quite strongly. So let those tears flow. Don’t hold back laughter when it comes. Give a hug when you feel like it. Enjoy a glass of wine or chocs. You seem to me to be someone who has a great capacity for life but right now- so very understandably- your life is upside down and at the moment every day you have a new challenge to overcome. You have courage dear friend.
What lovely places you live near . I love swans they are so graceful on the water and a bit clumsy out of it. Hope you didn’t miss your stop on the way home.
Candy- we see our friends as often as we can. One is a widow and the others DH is in care with Alzheimer’s. So sad but we have had brilliant times with both couples and many great memories to treasure.
Great to hear your DGS loves his football and sounds like he has a great talent . Only time will tell if anything comes of it. At the moment he’s happy and that’s the main thing. Both my sons played to a high standard but my surviving DS has made another sport his living. All we really want is for our families to be happy whatever they do isn’t it.
HVDY- I bet Little Girk looked so cute though.
My eldestGD and family went trick or treating and while they were out their dear little 14 yr old cat got hit by a car and disappeared. She got home somehow the next day and is now at the vet’s. Dont think anything is broken but they need her to have a wee before she can go home- poor little love.
What a great day you all had and what a fantastic sum of money was raised at the care home. They should have a good day out with that.
Hope your hip calmed down after a sleep and you can have a comfortable weekend.
Wyllow- hope you were able to have a restorative sleep and maybe got out today for a little while. Just pleased to see your post!!
Wishing some good times to return for you - you try so hard.
Take care and a Saturday hug.
Love to all especially those we haven’t heard from for a while .
Have the best weekend possible

Candy6 The care home seems so good (Better than the one my SIL is in, which has been "in special measures"). We've got lots of parks. Your GS might well end up doing very well with playing football. He enjoys it, though, and that's the main thing. Cleaning and washing today (boring). Are you doing anything much?

Hello all
HVDY wow that’s a fantastic sum raised! The residents will have a fab day out with that amount I’m sure. It sounds like a really good care home. Looks like you had a lovely time out too. You seem to have a lot of options where you live which is nice. My grandson lives for football. He plays in defence even though he’s not that big. He plays at an academy and he’s very good and gets lots of offers to go elsewhere. You have to keep grounded with it though as there are a lot of good players out there and how many actually “make it”? We’re just happy he has a hobby he loves and makes him happy. Great that Jaffa has had his check up too. Are you doing anything today or resting after yesterday?
Wyllow I hope you are rested and have a better day today. The weather is dull here but dry. Can you get out just for a short walk today? I’m sure a bit of fresh air will do you good. Wishing you the best of days.

Sending love to everyone else too and hope all have the best day possible xx

Caught up on everyones days, medical and feelings and friends and Jaffa news.. Been very tired and out of it so will catch up tomorrow

night night dear BD's xxx

Just seen on Facebook that the care home raised £568 for the residents this evening. I'm off to bed - hips hurt and I'm so tired. Love to all for a restful night x

Wyllow3 Thank you. I bet your hair looks lovely and feels much better after the haircut. I love salmon (I like all fish except Mackerel) but DH only eats it if it's in batter . Do you treat yourself to any nice drinks? I like vodka and lemonade but haven't had one for months. Blackcurrant and soda is refreshing.

ScaredyCat I haven't got a photo of LittleGirl or I would've posted it (DIL sent it via WhatsApp). Alzheimer's is terrible. Anyone can get it, and it devastates the spouse and family. How has your day been?

EllieAnne How frustrating. Is it sorted out now? Hope the UTI has gone, and that you see someone to chat with this weekend.

SweetpeaSue I hope your husband gets the nerve conduction tests done soon - I went on a Sunday morning to have mine. Re the carotid artery problem - it may be that other specialists, not just a Vascular consultant, need to be involved with that. You and your husband cope so well with all your health troubles. A visit from your son and his family will be nice for you. Enjoy.

Doodle I expect all the "firsts" will be especially difficult. Your lovely family and friends will help you. Your day out today sounds lovely. Swans are so elegant, aren't they?

Candy6 You've had a busy time. Have you got washing to do now, after your break away? Glad your grandson's team won. Does he play in a particular position?

Jaffa was a very good boy at the vet's. Antibiotics and more anti-inflammatory liquid, got to go again in 2 weeks. DH and I picked up the 3 GC, went for a pub lunch, then to a country park (we've got lots of lovely parks nearby) for a 2 mile walk, they went on the assault course. Later to the care home where we usually take LittleGirl - they had a BBQ, disco, various stalls, tombola, raffle and silent fireworks. Monies raised to pay for a day trip for the residents. 7 hours, a lovely day.

Evening all,
HVDY ah I’ll bet little girl looked gorgeous in her outfit. My grandson went out as someone from Beetlejuice (the latest movie doing the rounds). We’re back from our caravan now and it doesn’t really shut for the winter except for one month mid Jan to mid feb. It’s nice to be able to still go but we don’t go as much as obviously weather dependent. Hope you’ve all had a nice day today whatever you decided to do and that Jaffa’s check up went well.
Wyllow well done on the haircut I’m sure it must have made you feel better. I understand why you don’t want to use volunteers, it’s not for everyone. Your treats aren’t weird at all as long as you enjoy them, that’s the main thing. I hope today has been kind to you.
Sweetpeasue sounds like you didn’t get all the answers you were looking for today but I hope the urgent appointment comes through soon so you can both move forward. I hope your IBS has settled and you are able to have a nice day with your son tomorrow.
Scaredycat such a shame about your 2 friends but it sounds like you are doing all you can to see them. I hate it when the winter stops us doing things but we can’t do a lot about it except to do what we can when we can. Sounds like you had a nice meal. The liver cake isn’t very nice to make as you have to blend the liver first - not a nice sight! Hope you have a good weekend too.
Ellie Anne poor you. A UTI is so painful. I hope the anti biotics have worked this time. Lovely picture of the polar bear. It’s a shame their habitats are in danger because of global warming. Such magnificent animals. So frustrating for you too with the virgin box. You did well to tackle it and I hope it gets sorted for you soon. Hope your weekend is ok too. Thinking of you as I know they are difficult for you.
Doodle glad you’ve been out today. The first big event like Christmas is always more difficult but I’m sure your lovely family will be there for you, as everyone on here will be. Sounds like you’ve had a busy day today so I hope you get a good rest tonight.

Just got back from watching DGS play football. His team won which was good. Hope everyone has a restful evening xx

Sweetpeasue so glad you’re going to see your son. That will be a comfort.
I’m ok. Can’t actually hold in the tears anyway. I snivel a lot and the odd one rolls down my cheek but when the real tears come, nothing will hold them back and whoever I am no matter who I’m with I cry. No one can hold those tears back.
I went out today with a friend, it was a nice day but in one of the shops we looked at Christmas decorations and then they were playing Christmas songs. Only a few tears escaped and the rest managed to be kept at bay till I got home thankfully.
I love your description of your days out with fluff ball. No wonder you’re tired all that walking and the steps too.
Sincerely hope your DH’s meeting with the surgeon goes well.
It makes such a difference when you have confidence in the doctor doesn’t it, He sounds a nice man.
HVDY how nice you can describe your SGS in such a way. The whole family sound lovely and it’s so good you all get on.
How have you been feeling?
Wyllow glad you got your haircut. It always helps a bit. Just a question, are you eating enough? What you eat sounds healthy enough but I hope you’re not becoming too thin.
Scaredycat glad the meal went well. So sorry about your friends, Alzheimer’s/ dementia is an awful disease.
Have you managed to get out at all. I went for long walk today with my friend. We went to Eton and Windsor and a walk by the river, fed dozens of swans (who wouldn’t stop following us so we had to run a bit) had a nice lunch in Costa and I fell asleep on the bus going home.
Ellie Anne hope you’re feeling a bit better,
I hate electrical things. So complicated. You are very good to tackle it yourself, Hope you get it working soon.

Oh EllieAnne Those calls to Virgin can be a nightmare . Sooo frustrating when it takes forever to understand the other person's accent and for them to understand the problem. I hope you get it sorted out soon. I know you prefer to watch TV separately and it will be awkward for you. Grrr you must have felt so mad. Hope you see some friends at church tomorrow-- also that the UTI is well and truly gone.

HVDY Hadn't realised Jaffa was managing outside with the harness- that's so good. At least he's getting some outside time.Hope the vet visit went OK today. Its been nice weather so hope you found so.ething to do with your lucky grandchildren.
Wyllow Salmon every day is good for you. Not had artichoke heart but whatever you fancy you need to have - it will make you feel that you are caring for yourself. So glad you managed the hair cut -- I've had grunge days too! I do like a bob.
What Scaredycat suggests for treats sound interesting - cashew nuts are lovely.
Scaredycat Aw you'll have to give those Pansies another talking to.
No the steps were far too steep for DH too as he's getting breathless- we should have got the lift up again but thought we'd do it and save the pricey lift fares and queue( not sure that's spelt right!)
Doodle Thinking of you and hoping it's not been too bad for you today. X

Hand consultant was lovely as usual. He remembered DH. He's arranging a nerve conduction test- not sure how long that will be but he's written 'Urgent' on top of request. He thinks maybe the poor circulation in that arm caused by the Subclavian Steal is affecting the carpal tunnel nerve so he might need to release it again. DH had xray while there too. What I'm not sure about is why Vascular can't sort out the carotid artery in neck so that blood circulation in arm is right again.
Bought some treats for son n fam coming tomorrow and both very tired. DH still has tight chest - wish they could sort it all out. IBS bad today - so glad managed.

Hoping all who read and those not personally mentioned have a peaceful night and kind weekend.


Tha

Scaredy-cat I can’t cry either. Has been a difficult day. Trying to connect a new virgin box to Tv . Lots of problems still not working properly. Long phone call to a lady in India . We had problems with each others accents.
Dh stood and watched then made a cup of tea -mine got cold- then went upstairs to watch golf on the other Tv !

Hi all.
HVDY- Hope the vet check went well this morning- it sounds like Jaffa is feeling a bit better. It’s a good sign that he’s jumping up and taking an interest in the outside world .the protein food will help build him up again. It’s wonderful how he has taken to the harness- you,re a bit of a Cat Whisperer I believe!!
Enjoy the day with your DGC - we too like our 2 SGC . They are grown up now as most of ours are. I would have loved to see Little Girl in her Elmer outfit.
SweetPeaSue- what a lovely outing with Fluffball- we would have loved that. Except I would have had to take the lift as AF and steps don’t mix too well😩
Got to say my Pansies don’t look too good but I live in hope.
I do hope the Appt today has gone well and that the Surgeon was able to give DH some answers and that there is something that can be done to ease his discomfort.
What an ordeal for that poor lady- as if she hasn’t enough to deal with. Too many stories like that are around at the moment.
Doodle- it’s so nice that you could meet up with DiL and her Mum- so good for you all for lots of reasons. It’s good for the MiL to be out and enjoying life as best she can too. You must have been so happy to see your Son too- what a lovely family.
Thank you the birthday meal was very nice- in a very old pub with nice food. Our friends memory is terrible short term and not really much better long term but somehow we chatted away as best we could. It is hard that my 2 oldest and best friends are affected by dementia/ Alzheimer’s and not near enough to see as often as we would like.
It’s a difficult time of year isn’t it with the dark nights and the prospect of really cold weather. At least the telly has better programmes in the Winter - you need treats too- maybe some
Lindt Chocs?
EllieAnne- sorry you,ve been so poorly- UTIs can be so painful can’t they. Hope you are on the mend now. As always thinking of you as the weekend approaches.
Candy- I expect you,re home now- it’s great that you are able to take advantage of your caravan quite often.
Oh you are another lovely Pet Mum- although I don’t fancy the sound of liver cake! Rather have a Lemon Drizzle😀
I have a crying problem too- just can’t do it. I used to be able to but now I just cry inside .
Have a good weekend.
Wyllow- I,m so glad your DGD has had her operation safely and all is well. What a brave little soul she must be.
Your carer seems like just the sort of person you need- intuitive and encouraging.
Hope you felt better after your haircut- it should thicken up a bit now. Nice to get a bit of a chat too. That’s a great achievement for this week.
Perhaps you could have a bit of a plan for the getting dressed bit etc. Would it help to lay out stuff before you go to bed? Maybe make a little list of places you could walk to.
I,ve never had artichoke hearts - not weird - interesting.
Do you like asparagus or avocados? Salted cashew nuts?
Hope DGD continues to recover well. KOKO.
Nadateturbe, Nanny, Whiff, AGAA4, Whywhywhy, Allsorts and any I,ve unintentionally left out also those who post or just read - wishing you a gentle weekend

HVDY the Elmer the Patchwork Elephant sounds rather sweet. I hope she enjoyed the party. I was glad to read Jaffa was well enough to jump up and take an interest in “outside”. Mmm to that dinner and nice to get your nails done. I should have done what you did with the burn, I was silly enough to ice it.
I hope it goes well with Jaffa at the vets and that you have good weather for your family outing tomorrow.

Ellie Anne nice to see you in but a big hug - a long UTI and 2 sets of antibiotics is a lot to cope with. Like the polar bear!

Yes Doodle that after someone goes - sending warmest wishes in your direction x

Oh my Sweetpeasue.- you did a lot today! Well done, I hope it doesnt rebound.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow for DH seeing the hand surgeon. What a relief that he is nice after all that’s happened. Just hope that he has some answers and a way forward.

I had a haircut at home today, it does look better in a bob than the long grunge it was. Grunge is only good on the very young. The lady was chattery but OK as it didnt feel artificial. (I wouldn’t like volunteer visitors but I do have to try to gt dressed and go out alone.)
Savoury treat news…I have salmon every day, I think my next treat might be artichoke hearts - yes weird but I like them.

Night night to BD’s, in today, and BD’s who read or come in from time to time.

SweetpeaSue You had a lot of exercise today. You should hopefully sleep a bit better tonight. Hope all goes well with your husband's appointment tomorrow.

We're taking Jaffa for a vet check-up tomorrow morning, then picking up Son1's 2 girls and his stepson, having them for the day (not sure where we'll go yet). Hope ALL BDers have a good rest tonight x

Wyllow3 So please your GD's operation went well. Hope her recovery goes well. How about having some nice cheese and crackers?

EllieAnne I love that photo . UTIs are horrible, I hope you are feeling better now.

Doodle SGS is a lovely boy, very polite and sociable. I hope your day has been alright.

ScaredyCat Jaffa goes in the garden on a harness. He's a good boy, stays in all night.

EllieAnne Thanks for that lovely photo. Pumpkins are everywhere right now- everywhere you turn- mountains of them in supermarkets. Not sure how that polarbear got his paws on one!
Hope you're feeling better after that nasty UTI. Everyone seems to react differently with a UTI but they're horrible things and can be absolute agony. Glad the right antibiotics were chosen.
Scaredycat Hope you've had a good day and have rested. Doggy people sit outside in one Costa I've come across but think it might be because it's a franchise. Just heard from manager the other day that it was a Costa new rule to accept dogs that came in 3 mths ago, but might be just certain areas. Good news-- my Pansies seem to be showing an upturn- keep me posted on yours.

Fluffball day again and think done too much. Went to nearest coastal town and got cliff lift down then walked along pier. We then had to walk up tons of steps (why didn't we get lift up instead!!) back to top and then to car. Took Fluffball home and now shattered and aching but think she's one happy dog.

Been looking forward to tomorrow when DH sees hand surgeon. Such a love gentleman ( done 4 ops on DH in past). GP referred to him but we believe, and Rheumatologist believes, it's the Subclavian Steal Syndrome that causing DHs arm/hand pain. Just needs ruling out though it will be nice to see him again.

Sleep well all and hoping you all have a peaceful night.x