Black Dog 30

ScaredyCat Lovely that your daughter lives close by and can call in for a chat. Who won at golf? My husband used to play, years ago. It's very good exercise without feeling as though one is doing exercises. Glad you've got some goodies to look forward to. My Son2 and family are away to Cardiff for a few days, so we'll be going to see to the 3 cats and water all the plants.

Wyllow3 I can do the cleaning but bending down to do skirting makes me dizzy. I'll have to find an easier way to do them. They need painting really, too. Your cleaning friend is a treasure.

SweetpeaSue I can understand how worried you must feel. You can't function well on so little sleep, though. A friend of mine swears by "Nytol" when she can't sleep. They're herbal, I believe.

Doodle The hospice is such a special place, isn't it? Were there many people there? Having a breeze was nice.

I didn't visit my brother yesterday as I had a bad headache all day. When I took my blood pressure, it was 190/84! It settled down a bit later but was still too high. I've got a headache now but my BP is 145/77. I'll go and see him at lunchtime. Hope everyone manages to have a decent day x

Thanks for your concern everyone.
I actually slept last night until half 9 this morning with just a couple of bathroom breaks. Feeling more myself. Still have F and just taking her out now.
Back later.

Now HVDY warning signs say, "take it easy" today. I can reach the skirting board but have no desire to....😘

That is so good to read, Sweetpeasue. One decent night does help just restore a wee bit of confidence.

I've gone the opposite way energy wise. I was all a buzz yesterday evening so I went out and did the Very Big shop at Sainsbugs, which was nice and quiet, and the shelves have been restocked, then stayed up late with music and WhatsApp chat to DS and so on...

Stupid!

....................As today I woke up dead in the water energy wise and missed going to Quaker meeting, tho I have to admit I am avoiding QuakerD: I went to a Zoom instead with a nice chat at the end, but am pretty zonked. I might even stay in all day...or later when it's cool if the park calls. Maybe.

SweetpeaSue It was "Kalms" that my neighbour takes, not Nytol. Glad you had a better night's sleep.

Wyllow3 I already take 10mg Ramipril, and the GPs and nurse keep wanting me to take an additional BP pill (I've already tried 5 and all have caused unpleasant side-effects - ercanidipine started my Vasculitis), but I'm going to record my BP for a few days and tell them I'll try something - but not a diuretic. Skirting boards - who cares .

Went to see my brother, stayed 3 hours - we chatted nonstop, mainly about school, work, holidays, but also music and films. I showed him how to do something on his laptop. It's very warm out - 28 degrees. Just got home and am going to listen to some music for a while. Love to ALL x

wyllow my cleaner comes and does everything once a month all at the same time. Then I do bits and pieces during the week to keep it tidy.
I’m our dog sitting this afternoon while family are out at a meal for DILs mums birthday.
Sweetpeasue glad you slept better. You have so much stress in your life. Hope you have a peaceful day today.
HVDY my DH used to play golf years ago too. He was treasurer at the golf club as well.
I’ve seen a gadget on Facebook like a l shaped sponge on a stick that you can use for skirting boards. Don’t know how good it is though.
The hospice is a very special place to me. It made such a difference to DH and the whole family. I will be forever grateful for his time there even though it was very short. There were about 30 to 40 people there yesterday. Apart from the indoor seating they have a large outdoor paved area by the lake which seats a lot of people. They could hold many more than that. Hope your headache is better today.
Scaredycat what have you been up to today.

Hi all

Another hot day!! It’s beautiful but an energy drainer again.
My poor little cats are sleeping nearly all the time and look fed up.. Today is Farmers Market on our Village Green and it’s heaving - lovely for families to enjoy the sun and get some nice goodies.

HVDY- yes I feel very fortunate that DD is so close now, She is at DGD2 this weekend . She lives in the midlands where she lives with her DH and DS. She is a nurse and has several health problems but always has a smile on her face. My DD misses her very much. We did cat feeding yesterday as SiL was looking after his Mum as his Dad is still in Hospital.
I shouldn’t think the hot weather helps your BP - mine is like that too😩 Glad it went down later. I have a phobia about BP machines - they freak me out. I do hope you got to see your brother this lunchtime. You have such a kind heart.
But take Wyllow advice and take it easy.

SweetPeaSue- That was a better night for you - boy did you need it.
Hope your Fluffball outing was fun and you got to the beach.

Wyllow- good idea to shop in the cool of the evening - lots of temptation with full shelves.
That was a good evening spent - not stupid but tiring. Doing what you feel like doing at the time is great - maybe a bit slower😀. Hope the Park calls but if it’s a hot as it is here leaving it til later sounds sensible. Could be an Ice cream in it too!!!
Doodle- hope you enjoyed today’s service and you’re not too hot.
Nadateturbe- have you been hot like us?
EllieAnne- thinking of you as always at the weekend.

Love to all- missing some of our old friends

Doodle Your hospice sounds so lovely. I shouldn't think many have a lake and places to sit near it. The hospice my mam was in had a nice garden and the staffe were lovely Just the new drug ( back then) retained made for a bad experience. Yes, thanks better day today.
Wyllow Perhaps just as well you didnt get to Quakers while D was there but also to rest - you sound worn out and nothing for it but a quiet day. Hope the park was enjoyable if you went and interesting people to watch or chat to. Thankyou for your concern. Im feeling a bit less stressed today though will feel better after speaking to GP. I dont think she can know the ins and outs of the stent complications though Id like her to intervene in sending more info (ie, DHs pain) to Vascular.
Scaredycat Oooh its awful for it to be so hot again ,I feel for you , poor cats too. Didnt go yo beach today but to the stream where she watches the ducks. They were very frisky and splashy today so F was alert and straining at leash. We saw a very pretty pair of , Craneflies? darting over the water.
HVDY You are being so good and helpful to your DB - oh Im so pleased he was chatting so long and on such a variety of subjects . Sounds like hes really appreciating you efforts , you could be 'bringing him out' a little.
Oh do be careful - that BP reading was very high at 190. Good idea for you to take readings for a while. Thanks for that suggestion of Kalms - Im hoping not to need anything but good to know.
Nadateturbe * EllieAnne* * Purplepixie* Hope you're all OK this weekend.

Aunt's birthday tomorrow ( and son 1's hes 50) . I wrapped some little gifts up and theyre in a gift bag- her DD is calling tomorrow morning for them and shes taking aunt out for a treat lunch with her DGC.
DH extremely tired. I have a feeling Ill not sleep tonight as hes not been great today. Roll on Tuesday.

Wishing all a peaceful night and mind. They go together dont they?
Xx

Forced myself out for a walk tonight. Been too tired most days because of bad sleep.
Not a great picture as cloudy and muggy but still warm.

Good evening everyone. I'm trying to say hello to everyone personally but it will take a lot of energy so I'm working backwards from the last post.
EllieAnne I like your photo. Its good to get out for a walk in the fresh air in nature. Very calming. I think of you often and the pressure you are under. You are so thoughtful to your family, and a good friend, but you must think of yourself too. You deserve to be happy. I hope you manage a good sleep tonight. x

Sweetpeasue I'm sorry things are still so bad with your dear husband. Ive read most of your posts. The problems with his health never seem to be taken care of properly. Its one thing after another. Poor man. So stressful for you, and you both cope so well. You managed to have a lovely anniversary celebration. (Congratulations!) And keep getting out for walks and seeing friends. Honestly you do so well.
I'm sure your aunt liked her little bag of presents.
Perhaps as you feel less stressed you'll sleep better again tonight. I do hope so. Sending hugs.x

Back soon maybe tomorrow.
Living with M.E. is just horrible. So unpredictable.
Hello to everyone else. Thinking of you all xx

EllieAnne Thankyou for that photo its really beautiful with the hills in the distance. You did well to get out for a walk despite the tiredness.
Nadateturbe Lovely to see you in - it must be so hard to live with all that ME takes away from your everyday life. Its kind of you to think of us all and read up the posts. Thankyou for the anniversary best wishes and so much for those hugs- always lovely to receive. Hugs to you too and hope your night is peaceful too.x

What a lovely day in here to come into.

nadateturbe it is lovely to hear from you. Never forgotton, as with others and you are right it is horrible living with your levels of M.E and the unpredictably makes it hard to plan.

HVDY you are certainly having to balance your meds all the time, as in more of this means that, then more of that, this happens..…you do very well. Well yes, there is no skirting board inspector in BD land Well done with your brother. That was hot out!

It is an energy drainer Scaredycat you are right. I pick up when it gets cooler too.
Farmers markets are delightful - it’s the ambience on a sunny day, children running, and all. Oh, this distance thing, when there are jobs to have to move to and many got to uni and end up somewhere or other or end up marrying someone from somewhere else…normal in my family. So glad for you DD is local. I hope.
Ah, the slowing down thing. Well the hot weather sort of forces it which is a Good Thing for me.

EllieAnne Actually that photo was delightfully atmospheric. The sort of mist glad island…the light streak across the sky, and the foreground glancing well with the sea. You have a good eye for a picture. Its hard to get going when you have been sleeping badly, but pictures like that are good to see. Soft, calming. I just wish you in such a difficult patch.

Dear Sweetpeasue - just wishing you well for getting some of the help you need this week. I’m glad Fluffball is still with you even if you had to prevent him going after ducks rather firmly . I hope you sleep as well as you might. There needs to be a gransnet overnight thread, well there was one for a bit. I have wave sounds on at night generally, I find them calming.

This one I like as its even waves and lapping not crashing and you can set a timer if you want. I think it’s a non advert one except the start, but there are some def non advert on u tube after the first ad..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ef9CAZ3OrQ

Yes, craneflies I think, as I did go for a Costa with a friend then a stroll in the park when it was cooler, good natter, and the same flies were over the river.

Oh it made such a difference, the temperature! Just people watching and the kids running round.

But today was a lesson - if I want to do something, do not do a lot in the evening and stop staying up late listening to music and poddling around (maybe as its cooler then - but has its costs).

Oh my brain, EllieAnne should read

"EllieAnne Actually that photo was delightfully atmospheric. The sort of mist clad island…

The light streak across the sky, and the foreground balancing well with the sea. You have a good eye for a picture.

It's hard to get going when you have been sleeping badly, but pictures like that are good to see. Soft, calming. I just wish you well, in such a difficult patch.

Doodel I'll have a look for one of those gadgets. Thanks for that. What a great place the hospice is. It's obviously very important to a lot of people. What type of dog have you been looking after? Son1 and family have got a Husky/Collie dog, aged about 5. She's gorgeous and very well-behaved, but for the past week or so has been reluctant to go for a walk with anyone except him. She goes a few yards then wants to go back home - she usually loves going out with the children or the gran, so they think someone or something must have frightened her. She feels safe with Son1 (perhaps as he's 6ft 2 and broad).

ScaredyCat Your GD2 must take after you for staying cheerful and not complaining about things. You've been looking after your GrandCats too, then . How's your SIL's dad getting on?

Wyllow3 A day of not doing much is fine. Did you manage to go to the park?

SweetpeaSue Thanks, I'll probably need to take an extra BP pill - the GP has tried me on 5 different ones already. The readings have been around about 155/78 today. Did you feed the ducks? We buy some pellet things that don't sink to the bottom of the water, from Amazon. Your aunt will enjoy going out, but may be unsettled again when she has to return to the home. It'll pass. I bet she'll love her presents. You've got a middle-aged son, like me . I still say daft things to mine, such as "Aren't you going to wear a coat?"

EllieAnne Lovely photo. I'm glad you're having warmer weather there.

nadateturbe Good to hear from you on here. Life must be difficult with M.E. Hope you have some better days soon.

Fed the 2 cats at Son1's, watered his plants (he grows vegetables and herbs), and am going to bed soon. Hope everyone has a restful night x

Yes HVDY when it got cooler and I had a sleep it was Costa iced coffee and a park stroll with a friend. Only snag - they close the toilets a bit early so one has to calculate drinking water and wee timing! It's rather short of suitable bushes.

I have an early start for me. Tomorrow, BD's. x

Morning - fresh here atm but it could go up to 26 or 27. I have an early MH support person (atm, its every 3 weeks, likely to get less as I get better in that department) then the gym which is aircon. Nothing after that but a siesta.

And.. all the best Sweetpeasue if there is anything you intend to do today.

Wyllow3 Iced coffee is perfect for this weather. It's 29 degrees here. Finding a toilet is a nightmare for me - I bought a Radar key (£10), and it opens all toilets. I got mine from The Blue Badge Co., but they're available on Amazon as well. Hope you haven't done too much at the gym, although it's nice and cool in there.

I fed the 2 cats at Son1's at 8.30. DH went later to fix the front door, which had dropped, and to fix some wiring in the garden. I watched "Filthy House SOS", and it spurred me on to clean up - all 3 bedrooms have been hoovered and tidied. Lots of clothes that I don't/can't wear have been bagged up for the charity shops. Too hot now x

Wyllow3 the new hat with ties sounds lovely. You sound so much more cheerful nowadays, in spite of ongoing problems at Quakers, I'm glad the zoom worked well for you.
It's good to have calming peaceful things to listen to. I usually listen to a guy called Chibs Okereke on a 20 minute vagus nerve meditation. Sometimes I drift off to sleep after five minutes, his voice is so soothing. But I'll have a listen to your waves.
I hope the chat with the MH person went well this morning. Your relationship with your cleaner sounds wonderful for you both. I'm afraid I would be like your mum, following them around, which is unfortunate, as I would love to have a cleaner.
You mentioned a Leonard Cohen song some time ago, and I just wanted to say I'm a great fan of his. I've seen him 3 times.
I hope your hip has eased, and that it's not too hot for you at the gym. Our weather in County Antrim is just nice, 17 degrees and light showers. So glad.

HVDY you made me laugh watching Filthy House SOS. . I'm sure your bedrooms look lovely now, all spick and span! As regards skirting boards, I have an extendable feather duster and I dust them every week, and thats it. The radar key sounds good, I must investigate that.
I too still talk to my children like that. My 54 year old son just went on a cruise and I sent him a reminder about packing his inhaler, and my other son is constantly told to wear a hat. We never stop being mums.
I'm glad your headache has eased, I'm sure it was worrying, it's difficult sometimes to get the medication that works for you. The readings sounded better yesterday.
I do puzzles too. The 1% Club is good. I love Nerdle. A couple of us on GN do it.
Hope you're relaxing now after all that hard work.

Scaredycat and Doodle hello. Talk soon.🙂

Thankyou Wyllow for that link to relaxing sounds- it was good of you to think of me.

Unfortunately been a very tiring day today. I wanted 3 dates from DHs NHS phone app to name the lack of responses when told of DHs chest pain ( not the angina one) . DH handed me nearly 100 pages of paperwork from last 3yrs. I waded through them , found the ones then DH went on his phone app and found them in less than a minute!! Grrrr! He keeps even the letters giving him an appt plus blank ones! Took F back ready for son 2 coming home.
Then I ruined tea. Just so very tired - cant take in anything on my senses- just have to shut down.
Be back tomorrow.
Love to all.xx

Scaredycat no service on Sunday our church was broken into so the service was cancelled. Wednesday service is taking place though.
Your DD must miss her DD being close by..nice she’s gone for a visit. Farmers market sounds fun. Not being very rural we don’t have anything like that round here.
Sweetpeasue you sound overtired and exhausted. Worry does take its toll. Glad you found the dates you wanted even if it took a long time. Hope you can get some more help for your Dh. We all ruin dinner or tea sometimes. When I think of the things I’ve dished up 😱
Big hug. Sleep well.
Ellie Anne well done for going out for a walk. It looks lovely despite being muggy. You do have some lovely places to visit.
nadateturbe lovely to hear from you. No need to mention everyone just pop in and tell us how you are, ME is such a dreadful condition to cope with. Lack of energy affects every aspect of life. I’m like you too. Always a mum checking up on our sons.
wyllow I stay up too late as well and then I’m tired all the next day. Glad you made it out for a coffee with a friend. That will do you good. Hope things went well with the MH support and gym.
HVDY that’s what I was doing over the weekend. Getting rid of all the things i won’t fit into again. The opposite of you in fact. 🤣 I was looking after (or they were looking after me! ) one large German shepherd and one large golden retriever. They were perfectly well behaved and all three of us had a good sleep til the cat came in. Dogs fine I’m scared stiff she’s feral and keeps looking at me like she’d like to eat me. 🤣

nadateturbe I don't know how some people can live in such filth - I feel so sorry for any pets that those people have. You're right, we're always going to mother our children, no matter how grown-up they are. I changed the beds, did all the washing and got it dry. I'll go and see to Son2's cats at about 10pm. You seem to be a bit brighter in yourself. I envy you having some rain. I can't remember when it last rained here (a month, I think).

SweetpeaSue That must have been so annoying. My husband not only keeps letters from anywhere, but also the empty envelopes. I can't abide lots of clutter. Sorry your tea was ruined. Best to have salad! That's all I did for our tea, with quiche for me and chicken for DH.

It's been too warm here today. Hope it'll be cooler tomorrow. Love to all x