BLACK DOG 25

ScaredyCat I'm feeding Son2's 2 cats whilst they're away (yesterday until Monday night). Theirs is a split-level house. The kitchen is upstairs, as is the back door. From the living room to the bathroom, there are about 18 steps - I rarely go to the loo there . All my clothes are loose and comfortable - like my body . They are all different - some long, some midi, some knee-length. Different colours and patterns. Glad the Grandcats are behaving. What colours/type are they?

SweetpeaSue What a great photo of the robin. It must be used to someone feeding it regularly. Hope your pain stays away today. Glad you got the Oramorph if you need it. I'm Northern (central really) but not heard of "Maffted". We say we're "sweating cobs", whatever that means .

Wyllow3 You're so busy these days! Don't go overboard with it, it's too hot. It helps a lot to have a GP you trust. I've got 2 I like and trust. Good that you feel at ease with the stand-in carer. Those things are important. My neighbour takes a LOT of medication to help with the bipolar. I fell asleep, sitting up on the settee, at 9pm, woke at 11.30 then went to bed.

Saw to Son2's cats, collected a prescription and am going to do very little today (everything was done yesterday). Hope ALL BDers have a decent day x

I'm on "loose and comfortable" too, HVDY, because it's the best option for a tum that is sometimes big and sometimes not quite so. the current fashions for loose and baggy suit me just fine. You "do" dresses far more than me atm.

Could you "See" those steps as exercise? Tum in, focus placing feet on stairs calmly...

You must have really needed that nap, you keep very busy usually. Yes, I'm not surprised re your neighbour and meds - she couldn't do what she does without them, and thats the trick if you are bi-polar - accepting the need for meds.

Glad to hear you are having a "day off". Yes I am trying hard. I have to do things v.e.r.y. s.l.o.w.l.y

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- what a lovely walk you and DH had together. Thank you for that beautiful picture of your little feathered friend. Robins are special. There is a saying” When robins are here a loved one is near” there have been times when we visit myDS and his Dad in the churchyard we,ve been joined by one and it’s magical.
Yes it’s easier to eat here as one of the cats is so in your face if you’re preparing food.
Glad the painkillers helped you . No I don’t know “maffted” either and I have spent many years in the North and Midlands although not now. I,m with HVDY and “sweating cobs” which I think are little bits of coal. 🥵
Wyllow- good you’re getting your ear sorted with an action plan from the nice GP- she sounds just who you need. The backup carer is proving to be a friend too- brilliant.
Stairs are horrible with AF as are inclines . My AF is permanent/ persistant so 24/7 so I have to pace myself all the time. As you know I continually push myself for the exercise. Can’t believe we used to walk in the Alps a lot in the Summer😩
Yes your Ex was poorly but no excuse for such unkindness. You now have a very clear understanding I think of the damage inflicted and like any bereavement peace does come with understanding.
Have a nice day with plenty of chill out breaks between all the nice things you are so enjoying. You have all day!!
HVDY-loose,and comfortable is the way to go- it’s like wearing a nightie all day! I love floppy trousers too - Summer clothes are so liberating.
DD has 3 flights - like an assault course! The cats look very much like Arabian Maus and are both white with black and multi coloured patches. Beautiful slanted green eyes. Street cats from Qatar.
Have a nice relaxed day.
Doodle- thinking of you.
EllieAnne- Friday is now,passed whatever happened so hope you can now,relax and get out in your beautiful surroundings- preferably with a friend.

Love to all- present and friends who are in our thoughts.

Just popping in as been busy hauling chairs around (remembering core strength, as I got 2 second hand nice swivel soft seat and back blue chairs, and carted out 2 chairs to the front of the house with "please help yourself" on.

This was in my mind on the way back to post here, its sung beautifully , "Tis a gift to be simple" - some of you may know it

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RPUjuraS5U&list=RD4RPUjuraS5U&start_radio=1

Back later xx

(its a traditional Shaker song, the rather unique group in the States that merged into Quakers and other religious groups there) Its child like and light.

Wyllow Slow down - I can't keep up! 🤣.
No, really it's so good to see you so much better. Good you've got the GP on board with ENT . So you'll be paying for process of ear suction and tests to get on waiting list for ear gromit thing? Sorry , I'd have to look that up. The chairs sound great and comfy while you can research stuff on computer. Must say I miss our old computer - not the same looking at a tiny screen.
Glad you had a good tidy and chat with carer , she sounds nice.
The African Xhosa choir was very joyful - and a little scary at times- but I looked up Xhosa Traditional Folklore and they seem to have many different rituals for their culture and life.
The other song Gift to be Simple I hadn't heard for ages since our school choir sang it in a concert. Nice lyrics.
It's good, I think, to be able to think of ex and see his behaviour at the time as his illness though to keep your 2 feet firmly on the ground at the same time( if that makes sense).
Scaredycat I'd never heard of 'sweating cobs' either but makes perfect sense when you mention coal cobs. Realised , when looking up 'mafted' it's spelt with one f and is a Yorkshire slang word. My aunt's DH used to say it. Oh do be careful about all those stairs . I must say the description of the cats with slanted green eyes sounded a little creepy to me but I admit to a little fear as my previous in-laws had a quite vicious cat. I'm sure your DDs aren't like that though.
I very heard that saying about Robins.

HVDY We went out shopping to supermarket and M&S ourselves this morning and without aunt. I felt a little guilty about it really ( we took her the last 2 weeks) but it can get quite difficult and didn't want to lean too hard on DH with it being hot- he just wanted to get there and back but we did have a coffee and toasted tcake when out. ( we know how to party!) Hope you've not found it too hot there. Meant to be warmer tomorrow.
EllieAnne Hope yesterday wasn't too stressful and you came through it OK.
Doodle Thinking of you and sending love as always. Might you go to church tomorrow if there's someone to take you?

Warm and v windy here. We pushed ourselves to go for a small walk beside the beach .( nearly talked ourselves out of it but we need to do something) our fitness has dropped really low. Just trying to keep a balance. DH very low and says he's depressed which I know is because of health and not being able to do anything. All house jobs are now too much. He wakes up with a tight chest .

Hope everyone is ok and love to all BDs - those not in and those who read.

ScaredyCat Those cats sound beautiful. Lean and sleek. The ones at Son2's ar different - The tabby female is very fluffy, with a big, bushy tail. The male is huge (fat), white with black markings. Both nice-natured.

SweetpeaSue No need to feel guilty about not taking your aunt out. It's probably been too hot for her, anyway. It must be lovely to be near a beach. No wonder your husband is fed-up, but not too much longer now until his appointment.

Sold 4 dresses and a pair of trousers on Vinted - 3 of the dresses and the trousers have never been worn. That's made me about £40 today. One cheeky so-snd-so offered me £2.50 for a brand new dress! Looking through a big bagful of clothes I'd forgotten about, I found 4 dresses I had last summer! I'm well stocked-up now. Hope everyone has been ok x

Evening all. Been to church garden party this afternoon. Really lovely and nice food but so hot. Home and relaxing now it’s the fan on.
Yes church tomorrow then going to hospice for the afternoon.
Wrists are aching tonight. I think I’ve overdone it today so will end here and say have a good evening all

Its good to hear of a good afternoon, Doodle - just what you needed, but its certainly a good idea to rest up now.

*Sweetpeasue,

it was at 4pm I realised to my horror I had not taken my morning meds - no wonder I was off in hyper land, nevertheless less, I did manage until just in the last 2 hours to keep it calm. Like breathing in the light, the sort of stuff in the song I posted, and it worked till I forgot.. thank yo for the comments you made, very perceptive.

But there is now really a limit what you can do with your Aunt - really "aunt-centred" visits are the thing now. I hope you got some treats at M n S - and I wish I could have magic carpeted to the beach with you. Of course poor DH is low. sigh. But you really are doing well supporting him. Roll on the appointment

I do like your Vinted tales, HVDY. It's just amazing what you are earning. And getting to choose exactly what you want for you.
Brief clothes story - at last a dress arrived I'd ordered, and the style was so me. I bought 2 sizes, and the larger one was fab. but the fabric was so stiff I washed it - as per label, cold water and so on.

the darn dress only shrunk to the size of the one below, didnt it?
I have however been doing the old trick of tugging wet cotton to shape including spraying it with extra conditioner to soften the stitches. It is now the original size, and blowing dry in the shade not heat. Cross fingers, or I will be very cross!

Oh Scaredycat - it is so hard to come to terms with losing the ability of what you used to do. the only gift I can give you is that you can get there.

I have lost so much of what I used to do over a long time now, and it is matters of the heart, be it family, be it music, be it spiritual, be it friends or a hobby that make life worthwhile.

But I truly do recommend gentle yoga. With the deep calming breaths and the stretching and strengthening muscles it's something to keep you active as long as possible - I've seen it work in others. The breathing and never over exerting should work with your AF.

This is the one I most highly recommend, it's chair yoga and I have checked it out. It's for over 65's and of course at the heart of it is calm breathing with everything. Remember, you don't have to do exactly what the teacher is, you move in the direction of doing it, ie what you can do.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6QHRS7DR3k

Def time to rest, I may even fall asleep...

Doodle Thankyou for the update. Glad you had a nice day. Hope you have a good day at church tomorrow and afternoon at hospice.
HVDY No , not too long now before DH appt. Good bargains on Vinted - I've still not looked at it but plan to do so.
Wyllow Strange about aunt but she seems more unhappy with personal visits and never phones either. I think she doesn't know how to converse easily as she can't remember her days. She seems happier taking her out so she can take things in on the moment.
I've done the same with wet clothes that appear shrunken - stretching them this way and that when wet.
Did the chair yoga 20 min thing you mentioned , much to DHs amusement. I really ,actually liked it.

Well, I didnt, but I rested then pottered gently.

Night night to all BD's, reading or coming in. x

Wyllow Crossed posts. Hope you manage sleep after pottering.

Tell DH to try too! Its a nice little undemanding stretch out...

I'm setting out to the gym. Big brave Wyllow. Report when I come back xx

Doodle Glad you had a good day yesterday. Hope you have a good company at church. I know you enjoy going to the hospice. Will that be for lunch or just tea and cake?

SweetpeaSue Your aunt might have forgotten how to use the telephone. How are you and your husband today? Although it's still warm, it doesn't appear to be as hot as yesterday.

Wyllow3 I hope the dress will have stretched enough for you to wear it. Why did you buy 2 sizes? I collected a dress this morning. Practically brand new, lined and a beautiful pattern, but too short (well above the knee and I'm only 5ft 1) ,so I'll sell it on. Sold a blouse this morning. Good luck at the gym. You're really getting your life back.

Wyllow Hope you saw some friends at
the Gym .
When it gets a bit cooler I think my DH just might try it ( chair yoga).
HVDY We're not too bad today thanks. Bladder pain eased off and went out for a coffee and toasted tcake. ( little niggle- butter so rock hard it wouldn't spread)
Spent lazy couple of hrs reading in garden and just had a bath. Sweating cobs!
You've been busy. Just looked at how Vinted works but not sure about the shipping costs and where this printed label comes from.
I'm only 5ft 3 and find maxi hemline too long and neckline too low and sleeves too long.

SweetpeaSue The postage is calculated by Vinted. They text it ema

SweetpeaSue Vinted calculate the postage. They email a label or QR code to the seller, then that can be printed (I do that) or scanned at the shop where the item is sent from. All collections go to Inpost lockers, unless the buyer pays more to have them delivered to home address. I've properly got the hang of it now. Sold 3 blouses today. I'm a dwarfish 5ft 1! Midi dresses are maxi on me, usually.

I'm giving the essay first then I'm clear to follow todays Black Dog fellow travellers.

I had a wonderful day - but did too much which did rebound so took a bit extra meds, but don’t regret it (as long as I learn from it)

*I returned to the gym and it truly was a homecoming, from the bloke who used to work out most days in the same area being there as I walked in, to -well, everything. I did all the right things most of all breathing deeply, keeping mind/body aware and going s l o w l y.

On the way home I went into a charity shop to drop off clothes, not intending to buy anything, but…I walked out for £33 with: complete set x 2 or 3 new bathroom towels in a sofa pale green: a small saucepan needed: a very pretty soft flowered summer dressing gown (it was on my list, honest miss), and a very “me” soft summer.scarf

Then I thought: I dont want to push this next idea, is it wise, but decided yes, I would go via the first house I lived in, in my town, with my first husband. I wanted to put Ex in context, ie, there was a “before” and many good things in it. Obviously lots of “thoughts’ spin off and I have to constantly let them go (which I could not in the last “high”……

on arrival home - and this is where I messed up -I -had just planned to write, eat, take meds. But I’d put so many things in train as regards my work on sorting, discarding, enlarging (by wetting and stretching), pre was he dlcotes to dye, you get the picture. This is what I have to STOP.

However, I did do one very necessary thing I had no idea about - at all.

I saw the damp on the wall in the kitchen which adjoins next doors’ drive, and decided to check the air bricks (they are useless, far too low….. and build up the draining stones in front of the air bricks, when I found above the air brick a hole that went right into the house about 1.75 “ round. I thought quickly and got some tin foil and pressed it in and in until I had a completely air tight and water proof fill.

Needless to say, when I got home instead of resting as I said I pottered far too much and tho I got comfy in bed my head had sort of gone past the point of deep breathing and music.

The whole day, btw, has been permeated by playing and singing “simple gifts, and thinking /feelign “I can live in the light” (or to pout it more mundanely, gently turn the half empty glass to half full one, tho it take much effort and trials and tribs.

Back soon.

HVDY hospice today was to meet with a friend and then to listen to other friends sing in the choir. Had toasted tea cake ice cream and a smoothie. All very nice and a good chat with friend.
Sweetpeasue so you had toasted tea cake too. My butter was frozen as well. Glad you had a nice day.
Wyllow it’s a joy to read your posts. Just take ie slowly,
Scaredycat you’re coping so well with your AF. It must be hard to work with it every day . We used to go walking in the Alps too. Nothing like that wonderful cool clear air and a view of the mountains.
Ellie Anne please let us know you’re ok. We worry about you.

Well, HVDY, its the problem for me ordering from companies where you really don’t know how accurate their sizing is - even if you read their size chart, and they dont let on abut shrinking. -so I get too sizes, and needed the bigger one, so glad I did. I rarely do order from companies I deport know, but this dress just shouted “Wyllow” and I was right. Well my tiny Docsis is 4ft 11 ins, but built to scale - but you certainly know how to dress
Aw, I’m sorry it was a near miss with this mornings’ lovely dress. But as you say, you have every chance of landing some that are spot on for you. I must say - that Vinted is super -its also given you a real (and earning more tha a bob or two) occupation beyond the everyday.

Sweetpeasue I know I go on about yoga, but at 74 I have a good figure for age, walk straight and am well balanced, I have tools to heal, I have means to calm - obvs when I am well.

Most men I find - its well known - are far more muscle bound and find yoga harder but lose patience too easily,

and in fact for him with his problems that video is spot on

In fact it's well known that footballers who take up yoga in their early or mid 30’s have a longer playing life as they remain supple. He could look up on U tube things like "yoga gentle arm exercises" or similar. and its sometimes helpful, not always to include older in the search words

Well done for spending the day like you did - relaxing, doing all the right things, (like the butter niggle)

Missing our regular BD’s, I hope your days have been reasonable ones, whatever your circumstances - see you when You are ready to come in.

HVDY Oh I see now( vinted posting)
The QR code that I've had from Shein is printed at the Evri shop I go to then just applied to parcel , so it sounds like same thing. As Wyllow says, it's earning a bob or 2 from stuff we don't need.
At 5ft 1in you are very petite. So annoying manufactures make everything for 6footers.
Doodle What a lovely day you've had. I like to hear choirs - nice company with friend too. I'm afraid hard unspreadable butter for teacakes is a bugbear of mine. Butter today was a piece in a pot- DH usually holds those wrapped portions against his t- pot. I know ' there's worse things at sea' but....
Hope you have as good a day tomorrow and your wrists are getting better.
Wyllow Love your essays. So the bloke you know and works out there regularly-- is he nice and single 😍
I had a picture of you pressing bits of tin foil in that hole in the wall Lol What a good idea.
Didn't know all that about footballers who practice yoga. Years ago there used to be a TVprogramme with someone who taught yoga - think it was a Lynne someone. Yoga has obviously been of great benefit to yourself with your MH and tum problems. I think it's a matter of being strict to lay out the time to do it with myself. I really do need to get my body out of this terrible stiffness and the tiredness that comes with Fibromyalgia. I'm really seized up.
It's so good to see you with such enthusiasm each day it really is.
Scaredycat Hope you've had a good weekend.
EllieAnne Do hope you're OK.

Thinking of those not in and hope you're all coping with your personal issues and circumstances. Love to all.
.

Wyllow3 It certainly sounds as though you were very busy - take things steady. Your charity shop buys were good! I've made about £80 this week, on Vinted (a cheeky wotsit offered me £3.50 for a brand-new, never-worn dress! I paid £25 for it and am selling it for £6!)

SweetpeaSue My mum was 5ft 1, Dad was only 5ft 6. I wish I were petite all over! This humidity is draining, isn't it?

Doodle Glad you had a nice day today.

Hope everyone else is ok. No Little Girl tomorrow - they're still away - so DH and I will go somewhere, if it's not too hot. x

Doodle Thank you for sharing your day. time at the hospice with a friend is a very special way to spend the day.

I would like to hear from Ellie Ann too, but iirc, she has said in the past she does read and follow BD's, but doesnt always want to share - wave EA.

The same goes for a number of regulars and of course those who may follow or look in but dont post.

I have come across a TV channel that is giving me what they call 1970's folk rock oh my the classics there -brings back the whole pretty rapid changes of the late 60's and early 70's when culturally and politically the old order was changed for ever.
Protest songs, passionate songs right now, its Cat Stevens (as was) about the clash between father and son in terms of the changed values, this very video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zaCV4niKk&list=RDP6zaCV4niKk&start_radio=1

night night all xx

"Wyllow Love your essays. So the bloke you know and works out there regularly-- is he nice and single 😍"

Morning all - last night was a bit of a disaster zone. I'd put on some toast for supper, and went upstairs to take my night meds.

then I forgot what I'd gone up for, after taking the meds, and was pottering as the bedroom was a mess, when I smelt.......so much burnt toast that the whole house stinked of it. so I had to go round opening windows and leave them like that. By the time enough air had circulated, of course the meds had kicked in, so I fell asleep at the desk until 3.30am and crawled up to bed!
This morning I have still had to use febreeze -not generally one for these sprays but they do help when you get a decent brand!

No, Sweetpeasue, sorry to disappoint: he used to own a Chineses restaurant and takeaway, stopped as he could afford to sell, after work that was pretty full on and Mrs is the boss on may things, and he is just one of those people who love a natter, but probably know me and I him particularly as we used to workout always in the same space, under the big windows as we both like daylight to work in where possible.

But I did get a decent sleep in bits.

Needless to say I have promised myself a more easy going day. The have to's/want to's are the gym and my nephew coming around 5.30 to help with a short techie problem.