Black Dogs 27

Oh1 I posted earlier and didn't press post!.

I did like the nativity tho it was not a surprise to see what was in the crib HVDY! I did smile.
My childhood was more comfy than yours, we had a very small semi and indoor facilities but I still recall the washing machine with a wringer and of course the coal fire, we got central heating when I was 14 and a family car when I was 13.

I'm 74 like you nadateturbe. We aren't elderly yet... I have decided for us. You've had a half decent week for once. But it's horrible some of your family dont accept ME. Its like being "cancelled".

It sounds like a reasonable day out Doodle even if not quite as expected.
I have no doubt at all that cold will affect our bodies at our ages. When it's really cold, our blood retreats to serve the vital areas inside: muscles get stiffer, injuries feel worse, healing takes longer (as it needs good blood flow). So stay extra extra warm and pampering.

So...after a boring of bizarre noise, and me getting the engineer for Tuesday, it just went OK on its own about 2 when my nephew was about to arrive to do some emergency help if possible - but it could "go" again so keeping the engineer.

My knee is a torn meniscus which is quite serious but very treatable as a sports type injury, I know what needs doing, its a 3/4 week job

Also a bit better Quaker stuff - a minute in the annual report after my insistence yet again - and one other person doing some really good thinking, it is recorded properly with out naming any names, and admitting basically there was a real mess made of it and things need to be changed as regards help for the victim, process followed, Quakers to accept police involvement, and the organisation be more aware that men and sometimes women do abuse/attack and we have to face it.

Thinking of absent BD's as ever.... Ellie Anne, not seen awhile, how are you?

Our craft fair was much too busy, crowds everywhere. I didn't like to risk so much close contact, so didn't stay . I went into the cafe my DH was playing in to tell him. I said excuse me to a lady, and she tapped the lady in front of her, and said, and I quote "Mum, this wee woman wants past "
Wee woman indeed!!
In bed now at 8pm. But I've done well this week.
Yours doesn't sound very successful either Doodle but was nice having lunch with friends and visiting the church. It's something I always loved doing when I went to England, visiting the churches..
I hope you're wrapped up warm tonight. I always find a warm bath good if I've got chilled.

Doodle That was disappointing about the craft fair. We don't go to them (DH hates things like that anyway). Nice to go for lunch afterwards. It rained just about all day here. I wrapped things for Son1's girls. I need to get more paper, as I have a different paper for each person (probably got some in the loft, so DH will have to look).

Wyllow3 My nativity thing was from Temu. My mum had 4 of us, but didn't have a washer (twin tub) until I was 14. She used the launderette a lot. They had central heating after I'd left home, but had a gas fire only when I was about 14. They never had a car. My husband's upbringing was different - his parents had their own house (detached), car, heating, etc., and yet his mum used to hit him with a stick (my parents never hit any of us), so it wasn't all good. Glad your tv came on ok. Sensible to keep the tv engineer appointed, just in case.
nadateturbe What was your husband playing? You've had a busy week, and you've done well. Rest up for a bit.

GD1 is apparently being a pain to her dad - playing truant, answering back, not going home (staying at a friend's, a girl who lives locally to them). He does't know what to do with her. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow. Hope ALL BDers have a restful sleep. x

I've been collecting little plain brown bags with handles to make into gift bags with silver spray for the ones that fit so I've just got enough paper from last year for the others.

L the disabled Dad loves sharks - yes, carries around two sharks for protection all the time out and about., the crocodile lives under the bed, so this year she has Rattle Shark to add to the collection.

There was a panic when Lemon Shark disappeared, (possibly at school) but Orange Shark was acceptable instead in a hurried purchase one day.

I've been watching nature programmes all evening, I find them relaxing and undemanding.

Oh goodness Wyllow3 your knee injury is quite bad. At least you know how to treat it. Will you have to rest it a lot?
Very good news about the annual report and well done! A change is definitely needed.
I think it's a good idea to let the tv engineer come. It could "go" again.
Yes, I have had what is for me, a really good week. My siblings don't get M.E. at all. They don't actually say that, but they think possibly I exaggerate, imagine it, could help myself. I've given up trying. As have many fellow sufferers.
I hope you sleep better tonight knowing that you have achieved something with the recording of the incident.

Lemon shark and cuddly shark.

Yes it has settled my mind quite a bit nadateturbe. Yes I will have to do better than today with legs up, if I do all sitting things with legs up and worked out a 'stair shuffle with up and down.

I wonder of some family members quite wrongly envy your resting - not understanding its hardly by choice, or how limiting it really is.

HVDY my husband was playing guitar and singing with another two people. They play every week. Fame at last! I'm still taking it very easy. I do practically nothing in the house.
I like your nativity scene, very unusual. Temu has everything.
I hope you can get through to your GD. It's difficult knowing how to handle a difficult child. I had one, I don't envy the parents.

And thanks everyone for reminding me how young we are. 😃.

Oh goodness Wyllow3 I remember the difficulty with stairs when I had bursitis. But needs must.
I'm glad you're settled a bit.
Family arent jealous, they say things like you've got to get out and enjoy life (ie pull yourself together). It's a thing many people with hidden illness are told. I know people with MS who are told the same. It can be a fluctuating condition. Sorry, I'm going on a bit.

I hope you are OK EllieAnne.

Goodnight everyone. Hope it's a peaceful one for you xx

I hasten to add Wyllow3 my siblings and I all love each other. They just don't understand.

I know.

Oh, the "pull yourself together". Thats the worst. As in said to many with depression as well, or hinted.

The point is, you would if you b well could!

Sorry haven't been in today. So difficult but not as difficult as some of you. You are all such amazing people. I need to answer some of your posts - will do so tomorrow.
I had a similar upbringing HVDY. Terraced house- no heating, outside toilet, no bathroom. Remember pulling up a couple of bricks in a back yard and sowing some seeds- night scented stock I think. Amazingly they grew in just dirt. I was about 10 but my cousins had a garden and encouraged me. It really stands out as a magical thing.
Think Nadateturbe mentioned Fluffball. She's my son's dog and we look after her 2 days a week when my son is away( Shetlands) working. He works 3 weeks away and 4 weeks home.
Took aunt out this morning to Tescos with inshore Costa. She loved talking about past play times as child- two balls, skipping with rhymes, handstands which we shared. She can't remember what she said 30 seconds ago but can remember past.
DH is always cold. He wears fleece hoodie under coat and feels cold all the time. 18 mths ago he was a fairly fit man. He now has pain going down right arm too. Must look that up as SS is only left arm ( which he has every day when he can't even close his hand now).
You are all such a great group of people. It really helps knowing others vulnerabilities as makes me realise Im not alone . Keep going all of you.
Doodle I'm sad that you feel sad every day but understand you will be with your DH again. I know not how or where but I do believe that true love can't be separated. Xxxx

Wyllow3 I love those little sharks. Your granddaughter obviously adores them. What colour is Rattle Shark?
Nadateturbe What a lovely thing to do - singing and playing an instrument. Does he play acoustic or electric? I was a difficult teenager - played truant, smoked, drank, but GD1 isn't as bad as I was. I worry about her dad's mental health more (he has depression anyway, been on ADs for years, like me). People don't truly understand things unless they've experienced them (I mean more your illness. My own mum told me to pull myself together). I think you do very well.
SweetpeaSue Nice story about you growing flowers. My dad had window boxes at the old house. Your aunt must have enjoyed talking about old times. SIL does that, too.

Will go out somewhere today, no matter what. Hope everyone has a decent day x

Its lovely for your Aunt, to be hear, to be able to remember, Sweetpeasue I notice you posted at 2am - not able to sleep a lot? Night thoughts are tough.
I'm just so glad you popped in.
Whats next on the treatment front? I've lots the trail a little bit, I'm afraid.

Rattle Shark is blue and white, HVDY, and may be accepted, or not, into he shark clan.
One never knows. its sunny here, I hope it is for you too, going out

It's not an ordinary Quakers today, which I would have preferred, it's a big one as a key quaker is moving away and it's her good bye. In the night I was thinking, suppose MrS turns up as otters will be coming form the meeting he is allowed to go to. But I'm sure they were night worries.
No walking until the knee clears up, but definitely a swim or careful exercise at the gym afterwards.

have as best days you can, BD's. xx

Hi all.
Nadateturbe- you are right. Weren’t we lucky to have been able to do all those things. Young people spend too much time on their phones instead of learning new sports and exploring different hobbies.
To me you are certainly a wee young thing.
I,m mother one who doesn’t like NYE it always feels sad . It was the worst day for me as it was the start of a year they would never see.
Glad you,ve had a nice week - you deserve it.
Doodle- pleased your back has improved - it doesn’t take much for our backs to protest does it.
Shame about the Craft Fair- I love to see what people can make.But it did sound a good day out nevertheless.
I hope your memorial service gives you comfort- I remember you going last year. The weather .should be good it’s a beautiful day today. We went for a walk yesterday and today it was FaceTime time with my Sis. Later on all the nearby family are meeting up on our village green for the big switch on of the Xmas tree lights!! Then back to
DD for mince pies.
HVDY- that nativity set is so cute- a kitten baby Jesus.
Your Son must be so worried about his daughter. Poor girl she has such a bad role model in her Mum. I guess in a way she’s crying out for attention. I,m sure she’ll listen to you - you have a good relationship.
You ar3 right - those of us who have illnesses that don’t show have many unintentionally hurtful things said to them.
We laughed when my GD3 said her little cat won’t stop chewing the artificial tree. Serve us right. Our 2 got stuck in chewing before we,d got it out properly!! So abandoned that idea and have ordered one a bit like SweetPeaSues. Hope they don’t like the taste of that one.😩
Wyllow- I think I well qualify for,elderly- but only in body as I,m as daft as I always was.
Glad the tele took a turn for the better- good idea to keep the engineer appt though.
That knee sounds bad - hope it gets better asap.
I think the Quakers have listened well to you now and there,ll be people in the future who will be grateful you fought so hard.
I love that your GD has a shark Army to protect her/ - that’s so sweet as sharks get such a bad press.
Take care of your knee but enjoy the exercise in the water.
SweetPeaSue- sounds like we all had a similar childhood. It made us tough.
Your Aunt must have loved chatting about her childhood. All those simple games we used to play that kids nowadays have probably never even heard of.
Hope your DH is a bit warmer today and that the Sun is shining on him as it is here.
EllieAnne- how are you?
La Crepescule - has the weekend been kind to you?
Love to all - missing our absent friends

Evening all. I’m off to the memorial service soon.
HVDY sorry your DGD is playing up. Hopefully a word or two from you will pit her in the right track.
Good idea about different wrapping paper for each person. Have you got all the children’s presents yet? I hardly bought a thing yet,
Scsredycat yes it was nice this morning. Jolly cold now. dS2 on his way to collect me for the service. You’re right I did go last year.
So lovely to meet with your family at the village Green for light up and then for mince pies. Sounds so jolly. I always wanted to live near a village Green but never have.
Sweetpeasue nice of you to take aunt out again. I’m sure her children appreciate your care too. I’m sorry your Dh is having pain in his other arm too now. I do hope he gets a date for his op soon.
Wyllow so pleased there is minuted report of your in ident and that you are satisfied with what was written. Sounds like people are being made aware that this shouldn’t be brushed under the carpet and they have a response to report any abuse.
Sorry about your knee. Good thing you know what to do.
I’ve got a busy week this week which is just as well as I need to be busy around Christmas. Hope you’re all coping ok. Yes Ellie Anne how are you?

I hope it's not too chilly for the lights on, Scaredycat. It's a nice thing about a small community, harder to get in a city. Now, how many mince pies did you eat with DD?

I hope your special service helps you Doodle. Probably tears, and why not? Again, your church does so many things just right.

Reassured about Quakers at last I think. probably it will come and go, but today was great, more people I dont usually see from the big Central meeting.

One recent young attender came for the share food at the end and had brought his friend and sort of introduced him, told him I would explain Quakers, and disappeared to chat else person. Apparently I'd said the right things to him when he came first, so I was handed a repeat job!
They'd made a rich fruit cake, I have a chunk I brought home in my bag, there was a lot left.

I got a longish backstroke in at the gym and I was alone in the lane for 20 mins which was nice and had a long sauna

But food for thought - it's not just Quakers getting an influx nt he last year or so, but some other churches getting new you people coming along.

Maybe in the world as it is, especially recently, a certain sort of young people are seeking other ways of thinking and being beyond the materialistic and political. For something inside? Just a guess.

HVDY I just so feel for your GD. What you are offering is very special, the best you can do is to keep on.

Me, I'm in Costa, saving heating bills.
I havent done the calculation
cost of a coffee
verus
nearly 2 hours heating at home?

Hoping to see other BD's later. Tough times, with ?? operations and Christmas coming up if you are having a bad time. So many difficult feelings where around us people are talking about cake baking and cards rising and this or that difficulty with a Christmas recipe - if the whole shebang just makes it all worse.

Wyllow3 How was Quakers today? How's your knee?
ScaredyCat What a lovely day you had planned for today. I expect you've been to the lights switch-on and are now enjoying some mince pies . We haven't got our tree up yet (bought a new artificial one last year), but Jaffa is so lazy/old/contented, he won't bother.
Doodle She's being quite silly, but she went home today and had a nice family day out - they took the dog, too. I've bought thing for the 2 GD, also presents for both couples. Nothing yet for LG (she really doesn't need anything, or either of the step-grandchildren (I'll ask them what they'd like). Hope the memorial service goes well.

DH and I went out for lunch - a day off from the diet. He had a roast, I had sweet potato curry and rice. We went to Lidl, then had a walk in the park. Hope everyone else has been ok x

Doodle Im sure there must be lots of people who wont be looking forward to Christmas for one reason or another( Im one too) and dont like to say anything unless they're seen as a Grinch. Ive not started much on presents this year either. Hope you find peace at the memorial service.
HVDY Your nativity set is sweet and so unusual. Yes we did go out today to a garden centre. We bought a few winter pansies and a fleecy, cosy throw which has woodland and.als all over it. Ive put it on sofa.
Scaredycat I remember you going to the village green for the turning on of Christmas lights last year and then back to your DDs for mincepies. Sounds such a lovely family occasion. Oh dear I hope your cats dont chew your new tree.
Wyllow Those sharks were such a good idea and you must feel so glad to see your DGD with them. Your knee must be quite painful-- a torn meniscus can be very serious.Hope its going to heal quickly. Yes, Im often up in the night lately. Poor DH finds it difficult to sleep with the pain in his arm which seems to be getting worse. Strange, when Im up on my own its difficult to hide from thoughts .Im sure you know what I mean.
EllieAnne Hope you're OK.

Wishing everyone a peaceful night.xx

Nadateturbe Nearly missed you - so sorry. I understand the situation of having an illness people can't 'see'. On the surface everything looks OK. It must be so very hard with your condition- and often you must feel lonely. xx
Oh its great that your DH can play guitar and sing. Did he play it when you first met? So romantic!

Being up on your own at night, yes it's the worst time Sweetpeasue...you cant wake Dh just as he is managing some sleep. Yes, post in here, as it will be read later. but things at night do seem bigger than they do it the day.

The knee, if I look after it well, should be 4 weeks. It's NOT the worse sort of meniscus tear or I wouldn't be able to walk a bit and drive. I'm concentrating on what I can do, I'd like the option of going to Co Durham just after c mas but it's a long drive. I need to get a high stool for cooking/wahsing up.

Mmmm sweet potato curry sounds yummy, HVDY.

Note to self - check spelling.

Thank you for your concern. I don’t cope with this time of year. I know the family don’t really want us but feel obliged to see us.
Dd has been very distant and doesn’t want me to visit so am very hurt.
Wyllow our church has grown hugely recently and we are going to have to move. This has upset me so much because I love our old building. It’s almost like a comfort zone i escape to from home. But it’s almost at capacity for safety and can’t be extended so it’s inevitable.maybe I’ll die before it happens. But there is definitely a new interest especially among young people.
So lonely just now.

Ellie Anne loneliness is awful something you can’t escape from even with friends. I truly hope you find some peace for yourself somehow.