Black Dog 30

ScaredyCat I've been in our pool once and didn't like it - the water came up to my mouth when I sat down. When it's hot weather, I'm indoors and he's outside . There are gel cooling pads for cats available on Amazon and such. I bought one for Jaffa, but he ignores it. He doesn't like the electric pad in winter, either. Glad the heat today isn't so fierce. Not done much today - hoovering, polishing and then a trip to B&M. How's your day been?

SweetpeaSue My GDs tell me I'm funny - when we had Mr Coope, I used to tell them that he'd been out to a fancy dress party and described what he'd worn. I've always been daft.

I hope today has been better for you heat wise, *Scaredycat, it’s clear it’s a “not yet” down where you are: soon soon. I’ve been turning showers to cold at the end - not icy - but how refreshing.

I imagine that F is very happy nice and shorn, just like we feel but all over, Sweetpeasue. Yes, yes, I understand, it is a “gasp…. will it be OK on holiday with the added family”

If you explain the need for time out and “me and/or DH need a quiet doze” that sets up a situation that may help? Its gives them sort of permission to say “oh we’d like a bit of just us time?”.

Aw, so sorry to hear the waking and worrying. I’m often glad morning has come and it’s been a decent enough night and online people are appearing…. my sis would take an emergency call (but only that).We cant do a lot about DH’s health in BD’s but maybe more on Wales?

Today went like a dream. I was anxious - I mean going from hardly socialising ever to a day like today meeting my friends son and granddaughter, along with two German friends who were there Wednesday. I mean - gulp! Took a couple extra tabs to get a good nights sleep.
In the end we took up my suggestion and went to my park, and all knocked out by it, spot on…boat ride, water play, coffees. I had also taken Agatha the crocodile with me just in case it would be liked in a house with few toys

And three year old grabbed it lovingly with wonder and glee at the white felt teeth..and would not be parted with it. I will now be ordering a duplicate quickly before its loss is discovered.

Thought of you HVDY as of course she is just 3 so LG age.

Then late lunch at a pub which has a cricket field …and a match going on…and a bouncy castle…

But very glad to get home to my quiet after 6 hours and I can take it easy tomorrow.

Look forward to seeing more BD’s in.

HVDY Oh you are so funny- you brighten days- the satin dressing gown! 😂
Son is back for a month. 4 weeks off and 3 weeks at work away from home. He, DIL and DGS are stopping with us at Wales for 3 nights then going back( yikes!) We usually holiday alone.
My tum was (is) actually my bowels playing up and Im sick,sore and fed up with it.
Wyllow Hope you had a nice time with your friend and the little one. Im sure whatever involved water ,play or boats would have been great. At least weather a bit cooler. You're right about older people still feeling that MH problems are a stigma. An older lady than us (90) at the MH class thing I attended hadnt even told her family members of her anxieties and fears as she felt they would think her silly.
Scaredycat Hmm Im not sure cats like being in water do they. Yes will show a pic of F after shes been done. Shes much cuddliest after being shorn. Son 2 lives in same village about a mile away. Yes its his wife who lost her mum. I think shes doing as well as can be expected though its been an awful time for her.
EllieAnne Scaredycat has such nice things to say and I agree with what she posted to you. You really have achieved a lot by going to your DDs and sticking it out .It must have been very hard. Hope you have a decent journey home.
Doodle Is it any cooler there now?
Yes I always keep chocolate in the fridge if its not winter, though my favourite is the less healthy milk choc. Oooh ,I shouldn't have mentioned it ! 🤫 Ive lost another 2lbs so 6lbs altogether and I cant see its made any difference yet but I put on just over 2stone. Hope you have a nice , thoughtful service tomorrow and see friends.

Really low today. Keep waking early and worrying . All the thoughts I try and put to back of my mind , resurface . Its all to do with DHs health stuff and also anxious about hol next Friday.
Love to everyone and those not in like Nadateturbe. X

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- Ohshow us a photo of F with her new hairdo. She should be much more comfortable.
I can’t wait for it to get cooler. I feel so sorry for our boys- no way would we cut their fur though. Wondered if they’d like a paddling pool but then there’d be little wet cat prints everywhere- that is if they’d go in one.
Hope your tum is better today - this heat affects every part of us I believe. Glad you saw your DS - does he live quite near to you? Is it his wife who lost her Mum this year- how is she doing?
Doodle- The heat down South is ridiculous isn’t it. When we went to bed last night it was 32 degrees in the bedroom🥵 There was nowhere to hide!!!
Won’t it be lovely to see and smell rain- our garden is crispy.
Hope your Church is back to normal tomorrow and you have a peaceful Sunday.
EllieAnne- You’re coming to the end of your time at DD. I think you,ve done so well and hope she will appreciate just what you have done. It wasn’t that easy a decision for you to make and you,ve played a blinder.
Wonder where those lost posts go!
HVDY- Ooh er what a mental picture of the Orange One .
You did a lot again - don’t do too much .
Do you ever get in your pool - I,m having almost cold baths as I,ve never sweated like this before.
Another lovely meal from DH - what a kind man.
Wallow- there is always a downside to those sort of discussions isn’t there but you seem to have gained more than you lost from it. Older people are more inclined to”soldier on” but things are changing and hopefully the stigma of MH will be a thing of the past.
I do hope the little one enjoys the park if that’s where you all chose. That’s a much better temperature for yo7 all.
Good idea to set a time limit rather than you feeling on edge wondering when to call time. Have a great day.
Nadateturbe- thinking of you.

Love to all - those here and those we have not seen for a long while.

I do hope that it's Pierce Brosnan HVDY. eye candy and a very decent chap. Have to admit the satin dressing gown creased me up 🙂.

Thanks for 3 yr old tips. Of course at the park there is the boating lake with the pedal swans and dragon boats, but she might just try and get in the water tho its quite magical too. I've said to the family 4 hours is my limit (set boundaries, don't like to, but necessary: but my car is needed for numbers.

Its dawned cloudy and cool, wonderful, but is predicted to heat up to a more modest 23 degrees maximum.

EllieAnne..nearly there, now, a huge well done you xx

ScaredyCat No, he wasn't wearing his cap, but had on a red satin dressing gown. It wasn't a pleasant sight . I changed both beds today, did the washing, cleaned the kitchen - I sweated so much that I had to have another shower after that. It's horrible weather, isn't it. DH made a Jalfrezi tonight! It was nice with a cold shandy, though.

SweetpeaSue Just my luck to have a dream like that and not one involving someone handsome - Johnny Depp, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy or Chris Hemsworth would be good. Sorry about your tum - is it to do with the heat, do you think? We've got leather settees, and they're not comfortable to sit on in this weather. Nice that you saw your son. How long is he back for? Fluffball will be so much more comfortable after a trim.

Doodle Chocolate is so much better when it's been in the fridge. What's your favourite? I like Green & Black's or Lindt 70% cocoa. Our back garden is south-facing, so it gets the sun all day and is very warm in the kitchen. As you say, it doesn't get cooler until later. It's still 21 degrees here, at 11pm.

Wyllow3 Our 3 year old (LG) likes Peppa Pig, Tom & Jerry, feeding ducks, playing with water, or paddling. Your friend's GC will probably love being in the park and playing with the water.

Just had my 3rd shower of the day. Off to bed soon, to hopefully have sweet dreams of cats/the GDs/someone better looking than Donald. Night all x

See you then.

Rather shaken up by the news of Jason Arday - but that was on top of the Q and A. it went well: but it was in the end a 1 2 1 for 1.25 hours and very personal partly and triggered past matters after 22 years, OTOH it was useful.

Part of the time was taken up discussing why older people were less likely to seek help at levels below very serious where its a crisis - a variety of reasons of course but a tendency to "not want to bother them" and of course, "well of course its his/her age" then unfamiliarity with MH terms that younger people are more familiar with/shame that used to be far more associated with MH stuff.

I will be so glad that the heat is dropping from tomorrow. It has been too much for me to do the things that I like, walks on the park and so on. Getting out and about.

Tomorrow I have the delights of meeting a friend whose grandchild is staying - brushing up on what 3 year olds like. -I suggested the water play at our local park...will she like Agatha the crocodile...

I hope the heat dimishes tonight for sleeping, and no more waking up with Trump...

I’ve lost 2 posts . Will try again tomorrow

Can’t believe how hot it is. I do hope we have rain soon
Sweetpeasue sorry you had an upset tum. Could be the heat. Nice you saw your son. Fluffball will feel cooler after her haircut. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Scaredycat with all the wildfires about im quite glad to live by the river, Because our flat is south facing with lots of big windows it gets very hot inside. No air movement today. I always keep chocolate in the fridge. Had some of my favourites for my birthday,
Wyllow glad you and your Ex get in so well, nice to have him to talk to. Hope the Q and A went well.
HvDY shame there isn’t another treatment you can have . Vasculitis is so painful, no I haven’t been able to sit n my balcony. It’s south facing in full sun all day. Lovely in cooler weather but it’s been too hot until about 10 at night and even then it’s still warm
Ellie Anne enjoy your wine. I’ve had mine. Hope you get home safely soon. Good classes are starting up. What’s first back?

and that was bad enough. Hope you get relief soon.
EllieAnne You are not moaning - just letting go some of your pent up feelings which you keep to yourself and that must be so hard when theres no one you can actually talk to . You couldn't have done more for your DD than you have this week. I hope you can get some pleasure in arranging to meet a friend when you get back .
Nadateturbe Thinking of you too and sending you a hug.

Saw son today as he got back a couple of dys ago. Couldn't stop long as he was going to take F to be shorn- she really needs it and will feel cooler afterwards.
Had bad tum today so not eaten much- no sacrifice anyway with it being so hot.
Take care everyone- KEEP COOL if you can. X

Wyllow Hope you enjoyed your time with your ex today. You must have had so much to talk about having just seen your son and family. It will feel good to share those things. Also that the Q&A thing went well with the psychologist. Its nice you can help others through that input of experience.
Been so tired today - the heat doesnt suit either of us.
Doodle Glad youve had a nice week meeting up with good friends but inevitably its a very sad time for you too missing the very one you would love to be with . I cant imagine what that must be like for you. Im just so pleased you have that special place the hospice which means so much for you to just be there and helps you to feel close to your dear man. I do hope this heatwave will soon be over for you too. It was 29deg here yesterday

Ive been trying to post on my phone and Ive already lost 2 posts. The keyboard keeps disappearing suddenly so Im touching something where I lose it accidentally.
Will try again.
🤣🤣HVDY you did make me laugh this morning. So funny - I thought at first you were going to name someone really romantic.
You'll be glad when this heat is over - that Vasculitus must be horrible. I remember now the carry on you had not being able to contact the consultant about the steroids not helping. Hope the cold wet compresses are helping.
Scaredycat It was funny what you said about Trump's cap- it appears to be glued to his head! This heat must be terrible for you when your meds already make your head neck and face sweat. The cars get far too hot , I agree . We have leather seats and they get red hot and burn your bum.
*

Hi all
EllieAnne- what a hard week you are having . I do hope DD will appreciate what you have been doing for her.
Telling us how it is doesn’t constitute moaning at all. Not wanting to go home is so sad for you though. But at least you won’t have the cats planning their escape and will be in your own space. Perhaps you could arrange some nice meet ups for when you get back.
SweetPeaSue- yes it was cooler in MandS yesterday. When we went back outside to get in the car the heat was ridiculous.
I bought a bag of their Giant Orange Chocolate drops and expected them to,be a puddle when we got,back.they are cooling off in the fridge.
Today it’s mega hot again - too hot to do anything.
I feel sorry for our boys they are flat out and not wanting to eat.
HVDy- - Oh that sounds so uncomfortable- hope you get respite soon.My meds and condition make my head ,face and neck sweat like a🐷- not a good look.
We like the fan on at night too. It’s so lovely how your DH makes you a meal - perhaps it wasn’t the best choice but so nice of him.
Yuk that was a proper nightmare. Was he wearing his cap?
Must have been such a relief to wake up and he wasn’t there😀
Doodle- this heat is really overdoing it isn’t it. I,m so glad you were able to have your get togethers without problems.
Must be nice to be able to see the river when it’s hot .
As the days go on I feel less and less like doing anything. My mind is full of stuff I need to do but right now my body doesnt want to cooperate.
Nadateturbe- hope the heat isn’t affecting you too much
Wyllow- your planned day sounds like a good one . Starting with your lovely cleaner friend.
It’s so nice that your first Ex has become a trusted and comfortable friend that you can enjoy spending time with. Your DS must be happy about that too.
Hope the Q and A session goes well - you certainly have a lot of experience and both you and they should benefit from your meeting.

Love to all- stay cool x

Wyllow3 Have a good day - first with your lovely cleaning friend, then with your ex for chats and park. Hope all goes well with the Q & A session.

It's going to be 31 degrees here by early afternoon. I need to do a bit of cleaning up after having the kids here recently. Will probably see my brother tomorrow.

It's an online Q and A or I wouldn't go zzzzz.

Trump! My goodness, what a fate! The Orange would have transferred giving us an Orange HVDY

May the time pass a well as it might, EllieAnne xx and no, you are not moaning.

Yes, it was so very hot Doodle and your busy week too. it was a beautiful description of the changing feelings and of course memories too, so I'm glad you did spend time at the hospice.

My cleaner is here hooray, as I am still knackered by the greatly done too much Wednesday, fun tho it was.
Today I meet my first Ex at the Botanical gardens for a catch up, a gentle walk, and then at 2pm I'm at a Q and A with a psychologist interviewing me about what sort of services are best as they move forward with looking at the structure of Older Adults MH services. A sort of "patient representative", possibly the only one maybe 2, I have the advantage of so many years getting help and can say at least what works best for me and others I have known.

Doodle When the Vasculitis was diagnosed, 3 years ago, the hospital put me on steroid tablets for 12 weeks - a month of 10 tablets daily, then a reduced amount after that. They made it so very much worse, so I won't take them again. I can put up with it until the weather cools down. This heat is draining, isn't it? Do you sit out on your balcony very often?

EllieAnne Not long until you can go home, and hopefully you'll be able to meet up with friends, go to church, etc. Funny how the schools are back where you live - they don't go back until September here, so have still got a couple of weeks off.

Woke at 6, fed Jaffa, went back to sleep - was dreaming I was lying in a man's arms in bed........it was Donald Trump! Ugh. I was glad to wake up again.

Yes Hvdy they have always had litter trays. I don’t know if they use the garden even when they are outside.
Dd arrives at Gatwick late sun night too late to drive home. Hopefully I can go back Monday.
Trouble is I don’t really want to be there either.
Anyway I will stop moaning.
Our schools are back so a lot of the regular activities will be starting up.
Going to get my wine now and read till bedtime.

Evening all. A quieter day today. Thank you for your good wishes.
So very hot here. Fan on full blast only blowing hot air around. My face is so hot. No air movement.
Hope all have had a good day, I’m really tired still
hVDY the vasculitis sounds very painful and uncomfortable. The heat must make it worse .is there any treatment for it?
Scaredycat so difficult to cope with this heat isn’t it. Glad you were able to get out with your poorly friend. Must have been good for her to have a change of scenery.
Ellie Anne must be very difficult being in someone else’s house in this heat away from your own things and home comforts. Hope you get home soon. Not surprised the cats are lethargic
Sweetpeasue so sorry your Dh has hip pain. Just one thing after another isn’t it. Maybe a visit to a physio might help.
This heat is unbearable isn’t it.
Wyllow what a thoughtful gift from your DIL. Much needed in this weather. Yes I go to the hospice on most anniversaries etc. I feel close to Dh there. It’s been a happy /sad week for me. I’ve had some lovely meet-ups with friends and lots of laughter but then lots of tears at home too. I miss my darling man so much.
nadateturbe thank you for your good wishes. I don’t imagine this heat is good for you either.
Take care all xx

ScaredyCat The Vasculitis I've got affects the skin on my arms, hands, legs and feet. My lower legs are most affected. It feels like being stung by nettles. It'll settle down when the weather gets cooler. I've cooked chicken breasts for Jaffa, and he's eaten some. I bet your boys are so hot with their long fur. I hope your family members enjoy their holidays. I've never been to Turkey or America. The forecast here, for tonight, is 25 degrees at 11pm! I'll have the ceiling fan on all night.

EllieAnne Are you keeping the cats in all day and night? Hope they've got litter trays . Your time there sounds so lonely and miserable. When are you going home?

Although it's so hot, H decided to make Cajun chicken and rice - it wasn't that nice, but I didn't tell him . Going to have another shower.

EllieAnne It sounds like you have quite miserable surroundings too , EllieAnne so it must be very depressing overall. I wonder how long you have left before you can return. I do understand the need to drink to go to sleep and not to think. Hope it wont be long before you can return home- at least should be cooler.
Scaredycat Your friend will have loved that outing with you as much as you loved to see her enjoying it. I hope it was cooler for you in M&S.
We never took a towel or anything though nobody paddles in that stream. There are also hundreds of tiny black fish - though I dare say they would scarper if disturbed!

I think I’ve hit my lowest today. The cats are very lethargic but I know if I opened the door they would be off.
I’ve done bits of tidying and cleaning but still couldn’t live in such a messy house.
I went to Tesco. Normally I would walk there but the heat hit me as soon as I stepped outside so I took the car. I did sit outside when it clouded over but she doesn’t have any comfortable garden chairs so I didn’t stay out long.
I’ve been going to bed early to make the day go away. The heat is affecting us all I think.

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- Such lovely pics of the ponies- I think I,d have had to paddle too! Today is even hotter- almost unbearable this afternoon. I took my poorly friend out for coffee and shopping in M and S though this morning. We had such a nice time . It was so good to be out with her and see her stress go away for a while.
I,m sorry your DH has bad hip pain still - I guess he just feels that he wants one thing sorted properly instead of complicating things. But very hard for you to see him trying to cope.
Doodle- A gentle but enjoyable day for you yesterday. Prosecco and eclairs what a delicious combination. You and your nice friend know just the right way to do things. Many happy returns to you.
Wyllow- that day out would have made a very amusing film. Lovely food though and great company.
We haven’t been to either of those great houses . But we went to Hardwick Hall once on the way to my sisters - is that near you. Home of the famous Beth.
What a really kind and thoughtful gift from your DiL. You have got used to not expecting Happy Things - it’s time to listen to your internal Pep talk - you deserve Happy Things.
EllieAnne- you are gradually getting through these long and difficult days.A few drinks help you relax - not easy when you are on edge as you are at the moment. Don’t beat yourself up- you are aware that it’s exceptional circumstances.
HVDY- That was a hot day for you yesterday . A noisy.funny lovely day though with your GDs.
I,m sorry your Vasculitis has flared up - is it very painful?
I hope this lazy day helps your leg calm down a bit. Poor Jaffa he must be hot as he loves to eat doesn’t he. Our boys are just lolling about and not eating much either.
Hope your Son and family have a great time in Corfu. My GD1 and family are off to Turkey today and GD2 and fam off to Vegas on Saturday. At least they should all be acclimatised shouldn’t they🥵

Love to all - wishing a cooler night for you all but not much chance of that eh!!!

SweetpeaSue Sorry to hear about your husband's hip being no better. It's hard to know what to take or do for it, I suppose. I was discharged from the Rheumatology department quite some time ago, so there isn't anything I can do about the Vasculitis (the Consultant I saw wasn't at all helpful or empathetic). For now, I'm taking Ibuprofen, sitting with my legs up, and applying cold flannels. It'll be ok when the weather is cooler (it's much too hot for me). Son1 and family are off to Corfu on Sunday for a week, and the forecast is 40 degrees!

EllieAnne What a pity you can't watch any DVDs. I'm glad you've been out. It's absolutely boiling here in Nottingham - 37 degrees. I've stayed in all day. DH has been in our pool.

Wyllow3 That was good of your DIL. Have you been getting on well with each other lately? Yes, do let me know about that pub, please. I'll also tell Son2 about Haddon Hall. I hope you find someone else to sort out the roof and mould problem.