BLACK DOG 25

SweetpeaSue Thanks for sharing the photos. What a pretty Fluffball, and adorable ducklings. They're so cute.

EllieAnne Is it/has it been raining a lot? Could you still go out for a drive, or just take an umbrella? Don't stay in if it makes you unhappy.

LucyD LittleGirl is a delight, so well-behaved, too. We'll have her next Friday and our eldest GD (almost 14) too, for the day, so we'll find somewhere to go. Hope your hectic weekend goes well and that you don't get too tired from it.

I haven't yet got aroud to selling anything on Vinted, but I collected 2 dresses I bought on there. Hope ALL BDers have arestful evening x

I can't believe it is actually raining! It hasn't rained for weeks here and the forecast says it is going to rain (light showers) over the next few days. I know the gardens and farms need it but I feel far more positive when the sun is shining.
Doodle - I know this week has been especially hard for you and a sending you a big hug. You miss your darling husband so very much and that I do understand. I hope your operation went well and you are on the mend.
Wyllow 3 - so glad your garden is looking good. It will be a lovely place for you to sit out in when the sun shines. It makes such a difference when you have a pleasant spot to sit out in. My old garden was lovely but sadly the same cannot be said of the one at my current place - the property had been unoccupied for over 18 months and was totally overgrown when I bought it. So many weeds... It will get there eventually. Your carer sounds lovely. She actually sounds like she cares which makes a difference.
HVDY - Littlegirl must bring you such joy. Wee ones are a tonic. I don't know what I would do without my wee grand daughter as she always brightens up my day. The way they get so much fun out of the most mundane of tasks - my wee one was so excited about watering her seeds and feeding carrots to the ponies. She made me feel excited about doing the tasks too.
SweetpeaSue - you have come such a long way and sound like you are more than ready for the next step. You know you have a number you can call if you need help.
Nadateturbe - so sorry you have had such h a tough week. Constant pain is exhausting. I hope the cold compress and gel is giving you some relief. Have you tried Forehead? It is a sort of menthol stick you can rub on your forehead/temples and it numbs the skin. I gets several migraines a month and while I am waiting for the injections to work Forehead does help. I think many years ago chemists sold a similar product and it was called a menthol cone (my Mum had migraines and I remember her using it).
I am off to bed shortly as am working tomorrow and Sunday. It will be one of the busiest weekends of the year for us (so not looking forward to it!) Hope all BDrs have a peaceful night xx

It’s raining!
I know we need it but I’m sad.
Being able to spend my days outside has felt like freedom.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-7nt0q9-1000010065.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-as7fpz-1000010113.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-88lklx-1000010106.jpg

Fluffball on the beach and you may have to widen photo to see ducklings.

HVDY Hope you liked your hair cut yesterday. Nice visit to GardenCentre today though poor lady , a decade is a long time to not be able to eat everyday things we take for granted. My aunt is 6 stone exactly and looks so frail though stronger than she looks. Sure anyone would feel big next to her. I'm trying to lose weight but it's so hard.
Scaredycat You always sound so much younger in your posts- you must have a really young outlook. I'm sure having such a close ,wide family keeps you young. Hope tonight is lovely for you all and you've saved some energy!
Wyllow Its awful that the plants withered in the Botanical Gardens, though it's been so terribly dry- we've had to keep watering my Sweetpeas and containers. Sounds like your carer is a true friend and a treasured person in your life. I'm sure she finds your 'talking politics ' interesting- I know I would( as long as it began with a very tiny p) I get extremely annoyed and upset/astounded these days about the things going on in the world. Hope you coped with early morning.
Nadateturbe Hope that terrible headache didn't return. Forgot to say- book we're reading is Mill on the Floss.
Doodle I expect by now the anaesthetic will be wearing off so I do hope the wrist isn't too painful and you have painkillers. I wonder how long you'll need the cast on for. Sending lots of love and hugs. X

Had a nice day today after guts were settled. Took Fluffball out and had lovely walk by river - well more like a stream really. She wanted to be off lead to chase the ducks but was fascinated by them. We saw 3 tiny ducklings that came right near us and further on 6 even tinier little Moorhens with their parents. So extremely tiny. Cottages covered with Wisteria in the sun- so beautiful. Will try sending photos.

Thinking of those not in and not personally mentioned and hoping you're all OK. Love to all.x

Doodle Hope you've had the operation and are now more comfortable and will be home soon.

ScaredyCat Thank you. DH and I met up with a man from the day centre place and his wife, at a garden centre, just for coffee - the poor lady hasn't been able to eat anything solid whatsoever for the last 10 or 11 years, following throat cancer. She exists on Fortisips, semolina, yoghurt and custard and is therefore very thin (6st at the most). It made me realise how incredibly lucky (and enormously fat) I am. Love to all x

Oops sorry Wyllow your reply is under Doodle with no name!!

Hi all
Got my feet up and having a rest before tonight.
Doodle- thinking of you and hope it’s not too long before you’re back from the Op and having a cuppa. 💐
It’s so heartening to hear how your carer is just that- a caring person and one who is really helping you to trust again. Glad you got your walk together and coffee was a plus. Yes everywhere is so dry isn’t it but I think there’s a bit of rain on the way soon.
Yes I,m having a rest now . My GD3 is 30 but 1 &2 are 38 and 36!!! GDI has a 12 year old daughter and 10 yr old son. Other grandchildren range from 31 to 15. The benefits of a blended family.
Hope you had a good day despite the early risings
HVDY- thank you- we are looking forward to it.
Hope you are feeling ok today and enjoy whatever you are up to.
Love to all and see you tomorrowxx

Thanks all. Waiting for op now xx

ScaredyCat Fancy having a grandchild of 30! You don't seem old enough. Hope you have a lovely get-together with the family and enjoy your evening.

Wyllow3 Glad your carer is back. She sounds very kind and friendly (as carers should be). What a shame about the plants. Money and time were wasted on that if they weren't able to keep them watered. Hope your morning doesn't start too early.

That sounds like a really good plan for today, HVDY, I hope you hair is just as you wanted and your family tea was enjoyable.

Sweetpeasue see you back in when you feel up to it.

I’m joining you in best wishes for Doodle and the .

Well done you Scaredycat for that walking and gardening. It’s hard to imagine your DGD is 30! Yes take it easy before the big family meal and I hope it’s enjoyable.

Today carer came and I got a hug - she was away last week so glad to see her. She is very patient as I talk politics (with a small P) quite a bit as I do on GN. They’ve had to take out all the small plants in the formal beds at the Botanical Gardens due to drought - they are empty, fortunately not expensive ones. Walk and coffee so a bit better today. Tomorrow morning I have to get up early for the cleaner.

Love to all, posters and readers

Night night

Hi all
HVDY- I hope you get to see somebody soon and get a definitive diagnosis. I hope your GP tries to hurry it up for you- I hope she’s wrong too.
Ah your poor SiL but I expect she,ll enjoy her birthday nevertheless. My friend is not yet like she is but she forgets within minutes what has been said and can’t remember the easiest things about her family and what she’s done. How cruel it is.
Your day sounds nice . Hope you were pleased with the hair do. Tea with DS1 and the girls will be a happy end to the day.
Nadateturbe- hope you were able to get some restorative rest today . I had another day of pushing my luck !! Walked to dental appointment then did some gardening again and finished by doing an online Tescos order.
I,m sorry your fatigue is so overpowering- you are so uncomplaining and an example to us all.
Wyllow- I really do believe that life is a gift to be treasured. It’s not an easy ride but when plagued with the mental turmoil you suffer is harder than most. But you battle on and are getting out a bit more. I hope you are beginning to benefit from being outside and moving more. Better to feel tired from walking than exhausted with the destructive thinking. You are as HVDY says kind,compassionate and I think humorous too when you are well. We all care very much for you and so want you to get better and have the life you deserve.
Doodle- thinking of you and hope if you have to have your operation tomorrow that it all goes well. Big hug on its way.
SweetPeaSue- Sorry you,re not feeling your best tonight. I hope you are able to have a peaceful sleep and feel better tomorrow. Hug coming your way too.

Tomorrow is our DGD 30th Birthday . I can’t believe it’s got here so quickly since the day I saw her come into the world. We are going out for a family meal and get together. Better not do too much tomorrow! Family means everything.
Love to all- those mentioned and all our posters who we haven’t seen for a while and those who read too.

Sorry , short post tonight .
Doodle Best wishes for tomorrow if you have wrist operated on. Know it's not the same but we're with you in spirit. Lots of love 💐 and a hug.

Will come back in tomorrow but not too good tonight.xx

nadateturbe Not really, the GP sent a referral about 2-3 weeks ago. I might be waiting a long time yet. I hope you have a better day today.

ScaredyCat How sad about your friend. My SIL is the same. It's her birthday next week so I'll take a present (even though she won't recognise or remember me). Yes, we need to try to enjoy life whilst we can.

SweetpeaSue I hope your husband gets on well with the lung function tests next week.

Wyllow3 You're right, but my brother shuns my invitations to come here or meet up - he can go to a friend's though (occasionally). Your situation is very different. You say you feel self-hate, yet you're a kind, considerate, thoughful person (my brother is none of those things). We on BD all want you to feel better.

No day centre - they've gone on a trip. I didn't fancy it so I'm meeting 3 others for coffee, then getting my hair done, then Son1 and girls are going to meet me and DH for tea. Hope all BDers manage to have a decent day x

Good to see you in nadateturbe. That was a bad week. Love back to you. Never be afriad Bd’s mind you cant post a lot.

Ah, next Tuesday, Sweetpeasue. Oh, how I hope it brings some helpful diagnosis for you. It’s the not knowing. Well done for getting out to the book group. I’m glad that Fluffball will be with you.

Yapping on the phone sounds much nicer than Vinted, HVDY. I’m so glad that the tests reassured. Yes, I am aware that there are some things about your brother that are a bit similar to me. The self imposed bit.
But you can only take the horse to the water, not make them drink.

The exercise thing is a careful balance, isnt it, Scaredycat. I’m sure all advice says little and often and all that but the people writing those exercise books dont know the fear of loss. Your comments arising from the poorly best friends are indeed a reminder.

Another grim day tho I did walk in the park again. I was very tired tho, got dizzy (bit like you Scaredycat dont want to lose it) Carer tomorrow.
I do isolate myself and tho I can say lots of stuff about lack of confidence and so on and the hurt from the abuse/Ex stuff it is partly something I cant control, which is that its part of a MH condition and a twisted self hate too…… Just bear with me x

Night night to all Bd’s KOKO, all, readers, and posters.

Sorry HVDY I really must catch up properly. It seems to be taking a very long time for you to be seen.
Scaredycat thanks. I hope you've been easier on yourself today. But I know what you mean.
Must rest. Sorry can't talk to everyone.
Just wishing you all a peaceful night. We are all thinking about you Doodle.

Doodle Oh no, you poor thing. You have had such a lot to cope with and now this. . Thinking of you x

nadateturbe I've yet to be seen by someone at the hospital (no idea when that will be) for a definite diagnosis (GP suspects Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, but she's not an expert, so I hope she's wrong). I hope your pain doesn't start up again.

Hi all Wyllow- Yep - fried up B& S - glad you like it too.
I was tired yesterday but the trouble is I keep on going until I,m knackered. I,m scared if I don’t I,ll just become unable to do it.
It would be so nice for you to have something to look forward to- seeing your DGC or your beloved countryside again. But you are trying so hard by getting out shopping and now walking more . As you say distraction provides relief from the relentless mind worms. Human contact is a vital ingredient for us all and hope tomorrow’s visit from the carer is companiable and encouraging.
Nadateturbe- what an uncomfortable week you have had but good news the scan was clear.Cervicogenic headaches are neck related aren’t they- do you have cervical spondylosis? My fingers are crossed for you for continuing respite from your pain. Thank you for the prayers and love right back to you too.
SweetPeaSue- We all believe in you and counting the days with you .
Yes this thread has helped us all not to feel so alone with our various MH problems. We have a strong bond together.
So glad you went to Book Club again and it not being so full was probably less daunting for you.
Have good times with Fluffball- she sounds delightful.
HVDY- so good to chat with your friends - you can always do Vinted. I miss so much being able to chat on the phone to both my best friends .
Good news from the respiratory nurse after a thorough testing as you,ve been so worried. Glad the readings were good too.
Doodle- oh I,m so sorry you now have to endure an operation especially without the love and support you so sorely miss. I,m sure DH will watch over you .
I wish I could comfort you but know that you are in my thoughts and a big gentle hug coming your way.
Don’t worry about posting - just take care of yourself and know we are all thinking of you.

Today we,ve been to see our other friend with dementia. Her memory is so bad and she forgets within minutes what you,ve said. She lives with her Son at the moment as her DH( our great friend) died 3 years ago. When we see my 2 best friends so poorly it really makes us feel that each day is to be treasured and lived as well as possible.
Wishing all a peaceful nightx

HVDY, glad your tests results were good. It's nice to get some good news.
I am only taking paracetamol atm. Can't take anti inflammatories. And using gel and cold compress, exercises, but it's eased a lot. Just trying to keep it at bay. I'm so scared of it getting worse again.
Sweetpeasue What book were you discussing today?

I'm feeling so sad for you Doodle. I wish I could hug you. xx

Ive been told today they are going to operate on my wrist as the fracture is not healing. Came home and cried buckets. Not because of the op but that DH isn’t here to comfort and be with me.
I think it may be Friday so might not post for a day or two
Thinking of you all and sorry I can’t write more xx

ScsredyCat I didn't end up sorting out things for Vinted last night - I yapped on the phone with one friend for an hour and then another one.

Wyllow3 I hate to think of you being so alone - my brother is, yet he chooses that. I hope you might have had a little walk today.

nadateturbe That's miserable for you. What has the GP given you (if anything) for it?

SweetpeaSue Glad you wnt to book club ok. What book/s did you discuss? Oh, lovely Fluffball tomorrow .

Had spirometry tests today (been waiting since Feb), it all took an hour. The respiratory nurse thinks I've got Asthma (I know that already), said my readings looked normal, and reckons I've got nothing to worry about. Feel much happier after that. Hope ALL BDers have a relaxing evening x

Scaredycat I'm really not brave at all but thankyou for believing in me. Yes, DHs appt can't come around quick enough- just hope it's the sort of appt to deal with his breathlessness and tight chest as DH doesn't have the Spirometry test on that day. Hope you've had sunshine today.
Wyllow You're right it was pretty grim when I first found this thread as it often is for so many here. I really feel that it all had an impact on my DHs health too and it really makes me sad and angry at the same time but I must look forward not back. I do wish things get better for you Wyllow. You are a brave lady and have been through so much. I hate to think of you being alone and the long days of loneliness without human contact. I hope your day tomorrow with carer is better and you can have a walk and chat to her.
DHs appt is next Tuesday.
Nadateturbe I've been thinking about you and wondering how things are.Sorry you've been through so much pain with your head. You have enough to contend with. Glad the headache has cleared and hope it won't come back.
Thankyou for your prayers- thats so thoughtful. Taken note of the Desert Island Disks lady- that sounds like something I'd like to listen too. Take care.

Been to book group this afternoon - was quite OK, just a handful of us there. Fluffball tomorrow and Friday.

Hope everyone's day has been OK. and wish all a peaceful night.x

Good morning everyone.
Have had a bad week, head and neck pain stiffness, CT scan clear. GP said cervicogenic headache. Had little respites then returned.
Honestly I can understand people thinking What is the point. Thankfully clearing. Fingers crossed it stays away.. Will catch up on what everyone has written since I was last on, when I'm able. Love to everyone and prayers.
If anyone is interested last weeks Desert Island Discs was very interesting. A lady Dame Ijeoma Ochegbu who is researching developing better safer pain relief.

I’m glad to read that despite doubts, DH enjoyed the coffee morning, HVDY. Good luck with Vinted. Also - so pleased Littlegirl helped lift your mood.

Sweetpeasue I remember from when we first met online how things were for you and how you went to seek help with the MH support. I’m not surprised it brought it all back.
I think having that safety net is vital I find, do keep it in mind when things get scary.
Not long now for the appointment, I’ve forgotten when it is for DH.

We care, Doodle. Thought of you today. Hugs xx….hoping your check up goes OK. How long is the plaster on for?

If the bubble and squeak yesterday was fried up Scardeycat its wonderful. Definitely living it up. Well done on the domestics and gardening, I bet you were tired today.

I’m glad to read people care. Things are grim it feels like never any let up. Its exhausting. I don’t feel anything to look forward to but I did my shop and today a walk in the sun, that was a little better for a while. Just how things are. Only relief is distraction. Sharing here.
I won’t see anyone until carer, Thursday.

Yes, wondering about absent friends.

Best nights all xx