Black Dog 23

SweetpeaSue Your aunt must love being taken out. I hope your aches and pains ease off, but perhaps you've overdone things in the garden?

Doodle It's good that you're getting out so much and aren't stuck at home all the time. You say an increase in your ADs causes problems - could you perhaps try a different AD, either instead of, or as well as, that one? I'm on Mirtazapine and haven't had any problems. DH and Son1 take it, too. We saw GD2 last weekend. She still lives with her mum, who got her a kitten about a month ago (she "buys" her, to keep her there). The poor thing probably won't last long - the mother is notoriously bad at keeping animals (we ended up with quite a few of them, years ago).

Wyllow3 Sorry you had a difficult day again. You must be looking forward to your carer coming back on Thursday.

Whiff What beautiful pictures. I especially like the green, leafy one, and the green/yellow one, both in frames. I think you're marvellous to do all the things you do, with all your health problems. Hope you have a great time in York. Lots to do there.

It's a grey and wet morning again. Son2 came round for a chat yesterday evening, and Jaffa came in for food and a lot of attention for about an hour! Hope ALL BDers have a better day x

Doodle you never get used to going home to an empty house you just learn over the years to cope. I put classic FM on at 5am as I don't like the silence and if home put the TV on a lunch time .

Hope those of you who are suffering at the moment feel bit better soon and any appointments help you . Will get around to reading what you are all going through . But as usual spreading myself thin. With my groups ,GN ,my HPX group and in health unlocked for heart conditions.

Take care all off you and keep fighting and posting even if's just a sentence.

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Yet more

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Tried out some of my work with frames to try and decide what to put into our exhibition at the library by me on 1st October until 12th. This is just a selection haven't really decided which 3 to put in haven't tried other pieces in frame yet. Still have time to make more .

Off to York tomorrow for 5 days holiday. I don't want to be in a hotel over a weekend. Going to a Premier Inn as they have accessible rooms for walking and wheelchair disabled. Travelling by train and it's direct from the city just over 2 hours .

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The one on the left is first print on the right finished print purple one. The green both finished prints top one on copy paper bottom on canvas . The one on canvas was done by painting straight on the canvas and using a plastic fork to make patterns .

As usual way behind on what you have all been going through.

Some one asked what gel printing was . I hadn't got a clue but the idea appealed to me been going 6 weeks now at the Brain Charity.
This is what it is. I usually use a 6" X6" block of synthetic gel it's about quarter inch thick and flexible . Our teacher has smaller and bigger sizes but I like this size. We use washable acrylic paints,a bayer which is a roller except the the first week I keep calling it a braille🤦. Copy paper , canvas ,paint brushes and anything that will give a print . I dried a lot of flowers and leaves to take in had to look up how to do it as hadn't done it since a teenager. Anything with a texture ,cut out shapes but it needs to be flat .

You put small blobs of what colour paint you want to use onto the gel and using the Bayer roll it whichever way you want to cover the gel mixing the paint as you want . Then roll the Bayer on a piece of copy paper to get the paint off. Place items you want to use as a picture or pattern on the wet paint and press down then place a piece of copy paper on top and smooth out . Remove the paper gently and set aside this is your first print . Remove the items you put on the using a clean piece of copy paper or if feeling brave a canvas and smooth out and gently peel the paper or canvas away and you have your finished print. Or

You can put paint on gel roll and using anything make patterns and then have that as your print . I am not always happy with what I produce so use the back of it to clean off my Bayer. But it's great fun and you get paint every where. Members of my class have different disabilities but the work they produce is beautiful. I have learnt from my class friends it's like being a kid again but it's fun. What makes me laugh is our teacher calls us artists 🤣 me an artist is so funny . I was always last in art.
I have to leave my home at 7.15 to catch the bus to the train station as it's easier for me to get too the city plus I don't get lost this way. Usually get to the Brain Charity between 9 -9.15. class starts at 10 but hate being late and I like to help out teacher set the room up I can't sit by and not help . 2 hours of fun . And usually get home between 2 and half past. But it's worth the journey for the fun and the social side.

Because of my HPX my life has always worked because of routine. Monday sit fit , Wednesday gel printing and Thursday craft group.

These are some of my efforts.

It was a damp and foggy start then lifted HVDY . I hope your day at home went well.

I’m sorry to hear that the exhaustion and aches came in after the morning, Sweetpeasue.

Well done for getting to the garden party Doodle.
You say, “I think part of me is afraid to put it into words”, I know that oh so well, and not being able to relax and lie in, body is set on ”anxious”. I used to write a lot, I think it's valuable when you can, sort of writing oneself into being. difficult choice on the anti-d's.

Hi Walkowl yes it is difficult!

Dressing gown and not good day

Night night all BD’s in and reading.

Walkowl I’ve been writing things about my day for a few weeks now. Sometimes just writing things down makes me cry but I’m recording how I feel and what I’m doing

I always find it hard getting feeling written down too. Do what you can, even one tiny thing a day helps.

Sweetpeasue you’re right I am very tired. I still wake up two or three times a night but can’t really lie in my mind is too active. I’ve been out today to a garden party. Nice people and nice food.
Windsor is good. Lots of shops and of course lots of tourists. The castle is beautiful. Not been in it for ages but used to go there a lot with DH when we were younger.
Nice of you to take aunt out again. Hope you haven’t caught the bug going round. My DIL had aches and pains everywhere for a few days last week.
nadateturbe sorry you’re still not feeling great. Are you able to get out at all even for a short walk?
HVDY it’s quite hard to keep going out but I’m on edge at home too. I don’t think I’ve ever drunk so many cups of coffee or met up with so many people even when I was at work.
Do you see much of your DGD 2 ? Is she still living with her mum?
Yes it was really foggy here today too. Cleared later but still overcast,
Willow i can understand how hard it is to get motivated or talk to you sister. I can’t tell anyone how I really feel either. I think part of me is afraid to put it into words. I am thinking about increasing my ADs (the Doc said I could) but for some reason increasing the dose really upsets my stomach and gives me stomach cramps.
Glad your arms and legs a bit better, also so pleased you got a walk in. Hope you sleep well too.
Scaredycat Ellie Anne and Candy hope you have a good weekend.

Wyllow So glad you managed to get out for a walk- you made a huge effort, good for you. Hope the tum day hasn't been too bad- that must be tiring. Also do hope your arm and feet improving.
HVDY Good luck with finding a class - think winter is good time to have a hobby. Art always scared me at school because I was pretty useless at it and guessed it wasn't something I ' had in me' . The third day of fog here- it usually takes its time to disappear- probably because we're on the coast.

Took aunt out this morning ,then a little general tidy up in the garden but early afternoon saw the aches and pains everywhere and felt exhausted so unable to do anything. Not sure what it's about. Sorry for the moan.
Hoping everyone has had a reasonable day and have a peaceful night. Take care all.x

Wyllow3 Glad you managed to get out for a walk yesterday. The weather was decent, wasn't it? (what's happened with it today). Hope your tum isn't too bad today. Not nice for you.

How's everyone getting on? It's foggy and damp here, very grey. Where's the so-called heatwave then? . Online shopping and listening to music today. Love to all x

Thank you for your good wishes all.

Sweetpeasue, I hope you love having lots of cuddles with your new dog.

I really wish for your tooth to hold up for as long as possible and passes the 3 month test HVDY Nice lunch and a good charity shop haul there.

Very thoughtful and kind words there nadateturbe and sending warm thoughts your way for any improvement.

Doodle glad to hear of a good day x

My arm is a bit better....I did manage a walk today...I chickened out of ringing the doc about swollen feet as they were a little bit better.

Mood is the same. I couldnt find the words for a reasonable whatsapp with sis as cant talk about the "no point" stuff.
I have to have a "tum day" tomorrow.

Love and decent sleeps for all BD's present or reading.

Doodle I'm glad you've had a couple of pleasant days, also a meal out with the family. You keep busy, and that's good (I wish my brother was the same). Like you, I love buying things for the GC. I bought Son1's girls a couple of nice tops from Asda.

SweetpeaSue Sorry your stomach is bad. Hope it settles down soon. I used to draw with the girls. I've been thinking of looking for an art class to join. I do need some hobbies.

nadateturbe Hope you are soon back to your usual self and back on here.

Wyllow3 Wishing you better days soon.

Hope ALL BDers have a restful sleep. x

Doodle it's good you feel safe, that's important.
I'm not great, just being patient, hoping to improve. Thanks for asking.x

HVDY It's always good to get dental appts out of the way. Glad you got sorted- I'm due a dentist visit too.
Wow those toys were great finds weren't they? Chubby chops will love them.
Will try and find a decent photo of 'fluff ball face' .
Nadateturbe Lovely thoughtful post to Doodle. Hope you're OK and your eyes aren't still a nuisance.
Doodle You're doing so much -I bet you're so tired on a night. The family meal last night must have been quite bittersweet but so glad you're all together . I've never been to Windsor. Such a long way from here. It is indeed good to spend time with DGS - he's so funny and he likes to draw things and we laugh at my efforts.
Tum is still playing up ,I'm back to the Laxido - the plums worked a treat but all gone now 'I froze a lot.
Wyllow Do hope today's been a little better.x
ScaredycatEllieAnne**Candy**Whiff**Allsorts and all those not mentioned wishing you all a peaceful night.

Hope everyone

HVDY sorry to hear you’re still in pain. I do hope the meds help soon. I don’t like UTIs so uncomfortable.
I bought some lovely toys for my DGC from the charity shop too. They can be good quality because they children grow out of them so quickly. Hope Chubby Chops like your purchases.
Wyllow I do wish we could lift your spirits a bit. When does your carer get back to you?
Sweetpeasue little dog sounds really cute. Hope your tums improved.
nadateturbe thank you for your kind thoughts. I try to switch off my mind as much as possible in the evening so that I can get to sleep. Living in the flat surrounded by nice neighbours that I know is a bit help because I feel reasonably safe here. I have been lucky with the art group too. Nice people.
How are you? Are you feeling any better? Nice to see you posting.
I’ve been out to Windsor today and had a good day. Bought some bits for my DGS and had lunch with my friend. Very tired now. Have a good weekend everyone and all those i haven’t mentioned too.

Sorry I missed posting last night. I will read and reply now.
Sweetpeasue your husband certainly has a talent for creativity. His work is lovely.
I had a lovely time with my art class ladies yesterday. In fact yesterday was a good day. Had a lovely mean with family in the evening so a really busy day.
Hope you had a lovely time with your DGS. Lovely to spend time with them isn’t it?
Wyllow I’m sorry you’re still having pain. That won’t help improve your spirits or encourage you to get out. Hope you feel better soon.
HVDY hope you have a good time at the day centre. Is the UTI symptoms any better. It usually improves after about 48 hours I think.
Scaredycat you holiday home sounded lovely. Not surprised you’d like to keep it. Hope your new location is just as nice.
What part of the coast are you moving to?
Ellie Anne your hygienist sounds very much in the ball. Good idea to get checked out. I haven’t been walking either I’ve been quite busy (or lazy) must do better.

Dear Doodle.
I'm not very good at expressing myself. But I thought about you last night when I had to spend a night alone, and was not looking forward to it at all. One night. And I thought of you going home to spend every night alone. I can only begin to imagine how that feels, how hard it must be and so sad foryou.
You are making such a big effort to make a life without your DH. You are brave and inspirational. And still finding time to think of others. Your DH would be proud of you.
I'm glad the art group has been so successful for you and you are making friends. Of course life will never be the same as it was with your DH. But I'm glad you are finding some moments of pleasure. You deserve to. Sending you love and hugs.
Hi 👋 Sweetpeasue HVDY Scaredycat Wyllow3 Whiff EllieAnne Candy and anyone I've forgotten.
I will try to post again soon.

Wyllow3 Sorry things are so bad for you. Try to do as much (or as little) as you can manage. We're all willing you to get back to how you used to be. You deserve to have better times.

SweetpeaSue Oh, I bet she's a cute little thing (where's a photo? ) It's sunny and warm here, 25 degrees. Had a tooth filled - the dentist wants to see me in 3 months to ensure that the tooth is ok, but said if it's not, she'd have to extract it. Had lunch and pudding at our favourite local place. Found some good-quality toys for ChubbyChops in a charity shop (all clean and working), all £3 each. Vtech and Fisher-Price. Bargains. Hope everyone is ok x

Wyllow Aw I'm so sorry you felt extra bad yesterday . Try to koko - we're with you and so wish you could get better. Just small steps will keep making a difference, even if it seems ' no point'. Hope you manage some self care today - you are worth so much more than you realise now. Sincere hug and x

DH just collected little dog. She's a needy little cute thing who seems to want lots of cuddles. My tummy not good but hoping it will improve.
Meant to be brighter here but still remnants of fog and mist.
Wishing everyone a good day.

So sorry, I wrote this last night but didnt post!

I'd followed everyone's days (and many thank for kind words) but am in a bad state mentally I just cant get it together to self care and write tonight about feelings.
Sympathies for our poorlies and glad for small achievements

See you later on today

Evening all. Just got in from meal out with family and I’m really tired. Had a good day. I will catch up tomorrow. Have a good night x

HVDY Oh sorry your bladder is so painful - I hope the tablets start having an affect soon. I sometimes have a half glass of water with teaspoon of bicarb in it if I get a UTI. Haven't had one for over a Yr now but of course makes no difference to the pain I get. I do feel for you - I'm trying to avoid painkillers right now. Glad you're day centre was nice today. They would all miss you if you couldn't go ,I'm sure. Take care and hope you sleep tonight.

SweetpeaSue Tablets not having any effect yet - bladder is very painful (I don't know how you stand it if yours is like this a lot of the time). It was a nice day at the centre - a roast pork lunch (smeone else had my meat as I don't eat pork. Glad you had such a nice time with your grandson. It's lovely to see them, but tiring, isn't it? Was the bread good? It's been drizzly and dull here all day.

ScaredyCat Will you be staying there again some time? I hope you have decent weather, although it's apparently going to be warm tomorrow and Saturday. Jaffa is short-haired. Not the prettiest of cats but seems friendly. He hasn't been today at all, yet.

EllieAnne I wouldn't worry about the GP appointment. As SweetpeaSue said, perhaps you're anaemic. I've got the dentist tomorrow - I've got a sensitive tooth, so perhaps I need a filling. Lucky to have an NS dentist these days.