Black Dog 30

Arrived after drive with holdups and I bet EllieAnne was the other side of the motorway at the time! but not so long, and it also was very safe, and I choose to take time out at the motorway station.

Things have been good with DiL! ☺️

Tired now, back into tomorrow, take care lovely BD's x

SweetpeaSue Thank you. GDs are 15, 11 and 3. Yes, she loves peppers, raw carrots (she'll eat 3 whole ones), cucumber and raw broccoli. We took other stuff, too, of course. The girls ran around and played with LG for 3 hours. Several people made a fuss of the dog (she's very well-behaved and lovely). I can imagine how happy Fluffball must have been to have had all that attention. Nice that you grow your own runner beans and were able to blanch them. My dad used to grow them and do that.

Doodle Thanks. The park has a play area, a lake with geese, swans and ducks (the girls fed them), a cafe/ice cream place, a skateboarding part, and a sensory garden. There's a registry office, too, and a couple was having their wedding photos taken there today. It was very warm here, too warm for walking much (although Son1 walked the dog). Did you go to a pub or restaurant for lunch? It's great that you've got so many friends.

Hope evryone else has been ok today. Lazy day tomorrow - we've got the 2 girls all day Monday, then LG on Tues, and all 3 all day on Wednesday. x

HVDY lovely photos. Looks like a great day in the park.
It was my art friends I had lunch with today, such a pleasant afternoon we all got on well and had a nice meal.
Wyllow difficult question to answer to the recently widowed lady. Nice you were able to offer comfort with poems and just being there.
Sweetpeasue the cost of a slice of cake seems to be going up and up. Our local garden centre charges £4.50.
Hope you had a nice walk. Woodland walkway sounds lovely
Scaredycat have you been out today? I went with our walking group this morning. Managed a short walk but it really was too hot to go far, we settled for coffee and chat in the end.

Ellie Anne so glad you got there safely. You must be so tired tonight. I’d try for an early night.

HVDY Oh you are blessed with lovely girls there. Bet they love being altogether. Is that a bowl of peppers LG is eating? She has beautiful coloured hair. They look so happy. What a lovely sunny day too - its actually been overcast here but it was just right for a little walk in the woods. Lots of people ,especially children, stopped to ask to stroke Fluff- she lapped it up , the little diva.
EllieAnne Oh dear ,your drive was long enough without traffic hold ups. You must be so tired now. Well done for that drive - you should be proud of yourself . Do leave the house for a while as HVDY says. We travel the A66 to the Lakes and traffic jams can be common though usually not lasting too long.

Hope everyone has had a decent day. I picked some more runner beans , blanched and frozen them . Never done them before.
Love to all.

Thats a very long drive. You must be exhausted. Leave the house for a while. Have something to eat and drink, and have a good rest.

Yes I got here. There were hold ups on A 66 and M1 so it took 1 1/2 hours extra . . House is a mess but she doesn’t like me touching anything. I will do a bit when. She is away.

EllieAnne Hope you got there with no bother

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SweetpeaSue I'd love to see a chicken doing the breaststroke . Hope you've had a nice day with your fluffy friend. It's been warm here. Met Son1, the dog, and his girls, for a picnic on the park.

HVDY Should have checked! Chicken breaststroke has to be a new one!!

Safe journeyEllieAnne
HVDY Your son is a cook too - that sounds like my type of BBQ .
Last time my son did one I took some fish and he put it in foil but chicken breaststroke are good too.
Wyllow Yes, I was shocked too at that date.
I love that poem ,its one of my favourites thankyou.
That cliff lift is very old and is powered by water.

DH just gone for F. We'll probably take her in Woodland Walkway - we just walk along a level path though DH couldn't get far last time. Theres a nice cafe there though. Last time a horse rider stopped to talk to us ( she was taken with F) We were taken with her beautiful horse , a magnificent animal, and she let DH stroke it .

Take care everyone.

Aim to set off about 8 . Will be in later,

Wyllow3 I'm not keen on BBQ stuff, but Son1 made the burgers from scratch and used a variety of herbs, as well as chillies and garlic. They were very tasty. He did some chicken breasts, too, and even corn on the cob and tenderstem broccoli on the BBQ. Love the poem. Safe driving; hope your journey goes well. How long will it take? Enjoy as much as you can with your son and his family.

SweetpeaSue I like Teskey Brothers songs, and The Revivalists, too. We never turn down family invitations, either. We'll find somewhere to go with LG today. Hope your day goes well.

It's not my top food but I'd enjoy all the children around.

HVDY I thought the man from V.E. had a decent voice too.
My son likes to do BBQs too.( whispering) cant say Im overkeen on BBQ stuff but being with family is the best thing and Id never refuse an invite)
Its so sad your son's younger DD couldn't be there and her mum blocking it.
Enjoy LG tomorrow. Meant to be nice weatherwise.

I listened to the song you gave us HVDY. Beautiful and poignant. Thank you.

Scaredycat I looked up your star sign. Here we go..”People born under this sign are known for being analytical, practical, and hardworking, with a deep desire to help others and fix broken systems”
There you go as regards helping others…you may have said before your family live in Co Durham I didn’t recall, but it’s far far further for you than S Yorks. Yes it’s a lovely city. Small, lovely Botanical Gardens, so close to lovely countryside.

I’m glad you liked the waves, nadateturbe. They are regular and gentle ones and a happy picture (which I dim at night).

I’m glad you got out to see the sea, Sweetpeasue. Well there are not many of those old cliff lifts left now but they were once everywhere!
I was really rather shocked to hear your news. “Soon”? !!!! tho your explanation makes sense. But..oh, call for help if things get too much for him and you xxx

It’s so sad it’s likely to be young people Doodle. Yet not a lot done. I had a sense that they entered, did some damage and mess and then…something happened to stop them…. something they might not even be able to define for themselves..but I’m glad you all pulled tomorrow Promise to whizz.

Have a good lunch with your friends tomorrow, are you going anywhere special?
At Quaker meeting tonight one recently widowed woman said “how do I find out who I am”? We didn’t have easy answers but a lot of poetry followed this seems most relevant its so well known

“No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
John Donne.

Yes, HVDY I always do some packing then make “Still to do lists” as last minute all the devices that need leads and so on. I never travel without my lap top. I’m getting better at not taking the kitchen sink. Not sure I would have eaten that sponge. but yes £4.

Well I am so glad GD1 came to be with family whatever Mum did. And LG tomorrow, what a treat.

Night all, best nights possible, to those in, sometimes on, or reading.

Wyllow3 Do you write lists to yourself about what to take with you? I do, and tick them off when I've packed them. Your cleaning friend sounds so caring. Sad that she's having such a rough time. She obviously feels comfortable telling you things.

ScaredyCat I had a piece of Victoria Sponge today. It wasn't that nice, to be honest, but I ate it because it was £4 a slice. Hope you've had a good day.

SweetpeaSue There are a few more obscure groups and singers I like. The man from The Vintage Explosion has got such a powerful voice, which I love. I think your husband is right about the appointment. He certainly can't wait until December.

Doodle Glad you saw friends today. Are they the ones you're seeing tomorrow? It's always nice to eat out.

Went to Son1's at 3.30 (odd time, but that's what he chose) and had the BBQ. His younger daughter wasn't there - the mother being difficult again; GD1 had a friend there, and DIL's parents were there as well (very easy to get on with). Son2 and family couldn't make it, but we've got LG tomorrow. Hope everyone has a restful night x

Yes, * Doodle* that seems the only thing to do. Can't just let it rest as it is.
Glad youve been with friends. Hate to think of you alone - though I know in your heart you feel that so much too. Sending you a heartfelt hug.

Oh Ellie Anne I’m sorry you deserve so much more, happy birthday and a hug from me too. Your DH is very selfish.
Have a safe journey and treat yourself to something nice.
Scaredycat I bet it was such a wonderful day when your son was born on your birthday.
The general feeling is the church thieves were young people. They were certainly not professionals. They took nothing of value. So much mess but the church pulled together.
In the church year between Christmas, Easter and other big events we go into ordinary time. Yes peace is to be valued.
wyllow have a safe journey too. Enjoy your time with family
Your poor cleaner N. Terminal illness is so hard to cope with, no matter how bad things are one always clings to hope.
I do hope you go to the soft play centre and have a whizz down the slide . That sounds like fun.
Sweetpeasue I woikdnt be happy with a 4 month wait either. I would give it a few weeks to see if your hear more then contact your GP to chase it up. Yes had coffee with two friends today. Washed my hair. Going to lunch with friends tomorrow.
HVDY I went to the charity shop with three bags of stuff the other day. Does you good to have a clear out doesn’t it. Have a good time at the BBQ still very warm here, hope you have a pleasant evening.

HVDY Broke off there to listen to the song that had such an impact on you. Its such a lovely one with a heartfelt need to be at rest with their loved ones. I dont mean 'at rest' as at end of life necessarily- think the singer intimates hes in a trench - so I thought of the many Ukrainian fighters( I know there are many others) who have been away from home so long .
Sorry, didn't mean to get too deep. It is a good one though, never heard of The Vintage Explosion before.
So you have the wind today- we had 40ml n hr yesterday and it was very chewy. Hope you have a good BBQ and the winds ease off. Theres always stuff to take to charity shops isnt there.
Scaredycat My mum had really white hair and her mum before her. I just think with mine being so thin it will look even more sparse , but I can see the day beckoning when Ill give up.
Yes, F got us out today. We went to the coast nearest us and walked along the top pavement looking down onto the pier and sea. We would have walked down the many steps but the really old cliff lift wasnt running and no way could DH climb back up them.
Doodle Hope youve been OK today and had company . You made me smile about Scaredycat's comment about dipping your toes in the water- so funny.
Glad theres no lasting damage to your church though , that must be a relief to the congregation. Can't understand why anyone wants to do such a thing to a church of all places.
Nadateturbe Nice to see you in again. What kind words for EllieAnne.
All BDs on here are so caring.

Had a nasty shock last night. DH had a message on his NHS app that an appt with Vascular is on 14th December! DH knew before he told me Id be upset so he reminded me that GP only sent letter to them yesterday ( the one explaining DH has had pain throughout since stent). He says they probably sent that appt out after Respiratory Dr alerted Vascular of the results ( showing stent projecting into aorta) and that they didnt know DHs pain situation at that time.
I just dont know. I hope hes right. December is 4mths away!

Take care everyone and sending love to all and those struggling.

EllieAnne Happy birthday ( wrote you a message this morning and didnt 'post' it, derr) I hope youve had an good drive to your DDs and you can have a rest once thats over with. As HVDY says ,try and treat yourself in some way- you certainly deserve it.
Wyllow There may be no gym at your son's though the soft play areas are certainly taxing if you go with L and sin. I remember those slides and hauling ones way up the ropes to get to them!
Your mind is bound to be racing ,I think, mines always the same before going away somewhere. Thank goodness for N ,shes a godsend . So good you can support each other and Im sure she'll be glad of your support, with having so much to contend with right now.
Wishing you a lovely time with family.
HVDY

Wyllow3 I fell asleep this afternoon listening to your waves.

Another birthday hug and lots of love from me too EllieAnne. Treat yourself, we all deserve a little treat on our birthday. I, too am glad you are going to your daughters. Maybe take your time returning and have some little stopovers.

Take care of yourself. You are a nice person. You are important! Never forget that. xx

Hi all
HVDY- my Son was the best Birthday present I ever had - yes extremely bittersweet.
Yes the weather is nicer today but as you say a bit windy. Your clear out was a big one. Lots of lovely stuff for the charity shop and more room for new stuff!!
Should be comfortable for your BBQ tonight.
What cake did you have?
Doodle- be careful how you dip your toes!! Sorry but I had forgotten it was a cruise. It must be soon though.
How can people have been so wicked in your Church? It’s the thoughtlessness and sheer disregard for anything those sort of people have that is so sad.
Hope the lovely GS is well on the way to recovery- what a gorgeous dog she sounds.
SweetPeaSue- yes the squirter thing is really good I think your DH would find it useful.
Yes we’re 2 Little Virgos- my elder Son is a Virgo too!!
I think just letting your hair be its natural colour would be worth a try. Really white hair is so pretty.
I expect Fluffball is keeping you on your toes today-hope you and DH have a bit more energy .
Wyllow- you are right. Ordinary unexciting days are to be enjoyed- sometimes that’s all we want just peace and normality.
That was a deep question - like any of us know!
Jaffas and Fluffballs etc are the icing on the cake of life- unconditional love and cuddles .
Poor N she is such a good woman and you both do so much good for the other. Lovely to have a tidy house to come back to as well.
Safe journey for tomorrow. 2 of My Stepchildren and families live in County Durham - what a great city that is.
EllieAnne- Sending you loving Birthday Wishes . Please treat yourself if you can.
Now I,m also glad you are helping DD instead of staying at home. Think of it as a time you can hopefully rest and recharge your batteries. Heaven knows you need a rest. It beggars belief that your DH was so thoughtless.
As Wyllow said it is not your fault- he needs a reality check.
A big Birthday hug coming your way and wishing you a safe journey tomorrow.

Love to all.

Thats busy but not over busy, HVDY - things getting down. It's cooler, isn't it, that helps. (But I hope the BBQ goes well)

My mind's so clogged up with things to do packing wise and telling son about diet: (checking on what is being offered, they do the "goustoclothes dry or not, my cleanerN has been by for an hour and had to start by getting money out for me, then whizzed and its tidy thank goodness ..not packed tho I've done my meds.

It's frustrating not to enjoy a breezy walk, but you can't do everything.
N is having a very rough time - terminal family illness. And complicated. We do talk: we have supported each other for some time: I am very fortunate - it just turned out that way.