Black Dog 30

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

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.

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.

SweetpeaSue How's your stomach today? Better, I hope. The anxiety you have is understandable, but it won't help matters. I hope you'll have a lovely holiday. Nice that your son and his wife will spend a few days with you. You can do your own thing, and of course, I expect they will, too. 6lbs is great! You're doing very much better than I am. I've had a tuna salad today, but also a Cornetto (there has to be some pleasures in life).

Wyllow3 Glad you had such a great day. How touching that the little one loves the crocodile. I'm the same - I like being with other people, but only for a few hours, and then I feel ready to go home.

Son1 and family are off to Corfu in the morning - they'll be leaving their house at 4am! DIL's mum is going to stay there for the week (she's retired from work now) and care for the dog and pet rats. Might watch a film this evening. Hope everyone has a peaceful night x

Wyllow So glad the day went well for you with your friend and son and GD. Sounds like a perfect day and really pleased the little girl liked the croc. Oh yes must replace it too but you couldn't take it back again when it was loved so much.
The weeks hol is actually at The Boathouse I spoke of recently ,the one we once stayed in 8yrs ago and thought we'd never get back to. DH saw it was free and reduced price not long ago. I always wanted my sons to see it- its so special. Other son and wife will be on hol themselves that week.
Nights can be pretty awful for worries cant they- the pits. Mind tends to run away with itself.
Pleased youve had a good though busy day. Rest and some quiet for you tomorrow.
HVDY Actually Im a bit daft too. Made all sorts of rhymes up for DGS and for DGD too during covid . I bet the DGC loved all those tales of Mr Cooper's adventures- wonderful.

Evening all, I’ve had a quiet day today. Been so busy recently.
So glad it’s been a bit cooler.
Sweetpeasue hope your stomach has settled. Be lovely to have your son and family with you for a bit in Wales.
Wow you’ve lost 6 lbs. Well done you that’s great. I’ve not lost a single thing. Mind you I have been eating out a lot recently.
I know those worrying nights when your mind can’t rest. Hope you sleep better tonight.
Wyllow what a wonderful day. Sounds like it was a big success. So nice to be with family.
HVDY I like your idea of not doing much. Hoovering and polishing.! My idea of not doing much is sitting down and reading🤣. which is what I’ve been doing today. Going for a meal with family tomorrow it’s my DILs birthdays.

Ellie Anne hope you’re ok. Are you back home now?
Scaredycat I agree the heat is unbearable. A bit cooler today thank goodness. Last night my face was so hot. Full on fan made no difference.
Yes church in the morning then out with family in the afternoon. Hope you have a good weekend.

Daft is good

(what a relief to "come out of that closet")

Well you've had a busy time HVDY a quiet catch up day sounds good. Just as well there is an animal carer to hand.

Well that does sound a special place, Sweetpeasue. Intriguing.

You have been busy, Doodle. When it's hot, is it cool in your church? BTW, isn't it your new vicar arriving around now? Have they started with you yet? How is it going?

My left leg is bothering me quite a bit, it's partly as I am waiting for inserts and partly as I have not been to the gym since Tuesday. (lots of bits added up, +sciatic nerve if I don't exercise))

Yes I know I should do more at home but....it's really not getting better and there is a super expert trainer at the gym, may shell out just to egg me on a bit.

Doodle Yes, I know you understand those nights of worry.
Much better to enjoy yourself with friends and eat what you fancy when you're invited out for your birthday. You so need that comfort.
Wyllow Sounds like that sciatica nerve might be missing the gym then- if that helps . Yes ,Daft is certainly better than completely logical , me thinks.

No doodle . Dd arrives back in Gatwick late tonight so will drive up tomorrow. I could leave before she gets home but because I worry I d rather know she was home.
The house is still a mess. I usually do more but she doesn’t like me interfering so what’s the point.
I keep the kitchen and bathroom clean.
There’s been a bit of rain overnight.
Will go to church this morning and get through the day as best I can.

SweetpeaSue Your holiday at the boat house will be lovely, particularly with your son and his wife for a while. I've always been daft - when I did care work, I used to like to make the clients smile. Hope you and your DH have a decent day today.

Doodle Eating out is great. Hope you enjoy a good meal.

EllieAnne You've done so well to help your daughter. Some people like a lot of clutter around. Hope your day goes ok.

Got up at 6 but went back to bed and didn't wake until 9. Jaffa's sneezing and very snotty, so I've started him on the medication I get from the vet. It hasn't put him off his food, anyway. Visiting my brother later. Hope ALL BDers have a nice, cool day x

EllieAnne Sure your DD will be pleased to see her kitchen and bathroom cleaned. Hope the church service was good this morning. Must be a little strange not being at your usual one.
HVDY Hope the meds sort Jaffa out. Your clients must have really looked forward to seeing you and have their days brightened. Ive been to see my aunt this morning. She was delighted to see us and I managed to keep up a conversation with light things though it strayed at times when she wanted to know where her youngest sister and BIL were ( they'd died ) . She still wasnt sure exactly where she was . When we got up to leave she was really troubled as she said she hadnt made us a cuppa. She told one of the staff too. They said maybe next time. I just gave her a hug and said Id not come for a drink ,only to see her. She was knocking on the glass door as I was signing out to wave though seemed happy enough. I so hope she stayed that way and we hadnt unsettled her. It would be nearly dinner time so that would soon distract her. Felt so sad when I came away.
Hope you have a good visit with your DB.

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- glad your Dial is bearing up - she must miss her Mum very much.
6 lbs is a lot to lose - you,ve done well.
Try not to worry too much about the Welsh holiday - it sounds a lovely place and it,ll be so nice to be in the beautiful scenery. Your Son and family will understand if you feel like a bit of a rest at times - DGS will keep them occupied.
It’s always sad leaving our loved ones after a visit but most times they are OK and it is us who have a head full of emotions.
We are seeing our friend in her care home tomorrow.
HVDY- I got our boys the cooling mats - they sometimes deign to put their heads on them but basically they’re not impressed.
Yesterday we had a walk to get our meds and a coffee on the way back. Still very hot so we just chilled all afternoon.
Today is a bit better so have done some housework ,had a chat with my Sister and then out with DD and DGD3 while DH golfed.
I had a magnum jump out of the fridge at me last night- couldn’t fight it off😀
Hope DB is happy to see you this afternoon.
Ellie Anne- I understand you wanting to see DD home safely. I hope the break has done her good. Don’t worry about the house that’s how she likes it. Well done keeping the cats safe.
Doodle- those quiet days are a tonic sometimes- especially as,that heat has depleted everyone’s energy.
Hope you have had a lovely meal with your family and that your DiL enjoyed her Birthday.
Wyllow- Daft is definitely good. My Mum was brilliant at being daft and my Sister and I have inherited her talent. In fact,we’re all a bit daft.
That was a lovely day you enjoyed. The sort you have needed for so long.
Agatha was a big hit- so sweet when little ones fall for a ,new to them, cuddly toy. Yes quick order another Agatha in case there’s a run on them🐊
You had a lot to think about in the quiet afterwards.
Sounds like a plan to get the guy at the Gym to help you with your leg.

My niece hopefully will have her Op very soon- she has been on the phone every day asking about it. Better late than never.
Tomorrow my friend sees her Oncologist - I feel very nervous for her but keeping my fingers crossed. Will see her Tuesday.

Love to all - mentioned or notxxx

SweetPeaSue- DIL not dial!!!!

Wyllow new vicar doesn’t come till September.
Sorry about your leg. My knees cause me a problem. Exercise seems to hurt them more. I’m going to try for a private physio appointment so I can find out what is should and shouldn’t do.
Sweetpeasue I still worry a lot. It’s just harder without DH here to talk to. You’ve got a lot to cope with at the moment. I’ve been out for yet another meal. My DILs birthday this time. Lovely roast. Delicious but so filling. I’m so tired tonight I must go to bed soon.
Ellie Anne your daughter will be pleased you looked after the cats. She probably wouldn’t want you tidying things. Hope you have a sav journey home
HVDY I had a lovely rolled poke with apricot roast and lots of veg and roast potatoes etc. It was really well cooked and so nice. No room for pudding but we did go home and have chocolate cake 😱. Hope you had a nice time with your brother,
Hope poor little Jaffa feels better soon .
Sweetpeasue so sad about your aunt. At least if she seems reasonably content and happy that’s all youcan ask for,
So hard to see people we love and care for age like that,
Scaredycat I hate it when I visit family and then go home. I miss them so much, Hope your friend gets on with the oncologist ok. Be good if your niece got her op soon. Can’t believe she’s been kept waiting all this time.

Scaredycat Those Magnums have a life of their own dont they? Do hope your friend gets some good news from her Oncologist tomorrow ,she must be so nervous . Its amazing how people cope with such traumatic events - puts our worries into perspective.
The holiday worries me too because of DH driving so far with his hip - he insists taking the new car which I should have learnt to drive by now but have been nervous about.
Not before time that your neice gets her op and I hope she'll be much more comfortable afterwards.
Doodle My favourite cooked dinner is a roast with ,of course, roast potatoes. Not done a 'gravy dinner' for quite a while this summer- too blooming hot . I do feel sorry for the cooks in hotels, cafes and bakeries in this hot weather.
Worries are worse kept to yourself and that must be so difficult to have no one to talk it over with when you need to, especially on evenings. Sometimes you cant tell family either.
I do hope a private physiotherapy appt can help your knees , you suffer so much with them.

Love to all and wishing a peaceful night.

SweetpeaSue My clients thought I was outgoing and happy all the time - little did they know that for the most part, I was playing a character of some kind and had depression all those years. I'm glad your aunt seems to be more settled. All the people I've ever known with dementia have asked about relatives (in later stages, they've asked about parents) - ones who had died. I used to lie and say they'd gone shopping/to work/on holiday. Anything except telling them the person was dead. I saw my brother for 4 hours, chatted nonstop about our childhoods (he was 12 when I was born, so we don't share the same memories). He seemed ok.

ScaredyCat Nice that you met your daughter and GD. Golf is quite energetic, isn't it? How's your sister now? I'm glad the weather is better. It's been 21 here today. Magnums are my husband's favourites. I prefer the soft Cornettos. Hope your niece will be able to have her operation soon. It's disgusting that she's been waiting all this time.

Doodle You've got such a great social life. Sunday roast sounds good. It's Son2's stepdaughter's birthday today (she's 16). She asked for gift vouchers for Boots or Waterstones, so I gave her one that can be used at several places, including those two.

Had long chats with my brother. He misses his wife (it's only been 5 months since she died and it may be up to another 18 months before a memorial service will be held). Jaffa was wheezing all last night, but he's been taking his medication ok - it's a powder to mix in with his food - I'll ring the vet tomorrow anyway, as his claws need trimming. It starts getting dark early now, doesn't it? Hope ALL BDers have a restful night x

Tomorrow you will go home EllieAnne and I hope things are OK with DD when she returns.
And.. stay safe on your long drive and have breaks… I hope the traffic is reasonably clear.

Its sounds like that sleep was well needed, HVDY. I hope that Jaffa responds quickly to his medication.

Ah, the characters one has built up for oneself in order to conceal depression - its necessary to a point but not if its all the time (in a way, thats what happened to me HVDY - the character just totally broke down and the real Wyllow is often teeny weeny inside. Probably true for a lot of use and many others.
Hey you did well - 4 hours with your brother. I’m glad he did talk about his wife however. You never know it might help. You are right, it is getting dark earlier, but not too much yet. Reflecting that when I go on holiday later in September it will be dark by 8pm. I will have to try and get up early to make the most of the day.

It seems as if your Aunt is settling that bit more, Sweetpeasue I think the wave goodbye was a sign that she has accepted you coming and then going, as she seems to have stopped asking you to go home. The staff seems pretty good there. I can understand the cuppa. It’s what she’s always done - made guests a cuppa. And a lovely answer. And good for the weight. Slowly does it, you’ll get there.

I guess DH really needs to feel he still can do it - he’ll have to find that out for himself? If it’s really too hard to do long long journeys then in the future hire a car when you get there (trouble is, public transport isn’t good, is it). And use the car for local stuff.

Scardeycat? It’s definitely even lower temperatures on the way, even some…rain. I’m glad it perked you up a bit. It did me. Thats more like it - a bit of housework the chat with Sis - how is she? Good for your niece, pestering them at last.

Will keep my fingers crossed with you.

Attacking magnums are a well known phenomena, you know. In my house, if they are in the fridge, the almond ones always attack first.

It looks like we have an excellent collection of daftness in here. Doc sis isn’t daft, she’s on the serious side, I have some good daftness amongst gym friends.

I think finding a good physio quickly is an excellent idea, Doodle. You need to know if its a good idea to as it were push yourself a bit or use ice or anything else they might suggest.
My personal “go to” for gentle massaging is high quality arnica ointment. Especially with wintergreen in (“deep heat” feeling).
It’s nice for your hands that apply it to your knees. It can’t do any harm - you never know it might help.
A plethora of birthdays there, this week! Yes, it’s hard not to feel “filled up” by a roast. Mmmm, the apricot roast and so on..yummy. We can draw a veil over the cake….

How is the church coping without a vicar at the moment?

Thats the trouble with going out and seeing family and feeling close then..home alone..can feel worse. Understood xxx

I had a troubled night and morning for various reasons after a latish WhatsApp (not the usual suspect, out of the blue) but it did get resolved - I was too tired for going to Quaker local meeting, that’s 3 or 4 weeks away now

- the trouble got resolved by 1ish.

Yes, crocodile Agatha is ordered and due soon. It looks just like the one before, but dear DGD L wont know the difference visually as long as it has a pink maw and white felt teeth.

I just said fatigue due to super day yesterday excuse - as indeed it was 🙂.

But hooray hooray I got to the gym at last. Sunday afternoon is quiet and chilled with the same people, there is a lady I chat to with the same name, spelt the same, as me!

The leg is thankful for the exercises, but it informed me later more would be needed and I can go Monday and Tuesday.

A quiet Quaker Zoom made my day finally, later.

The washing up is piled up but since no one else generally sees it I don’t mind ☺️.

Hi all
Doodle- my niece has started to make a noise now so hopefully the Op should materialise soon.
We had a roast too but it was a bit hot in the kitchen, it seemed ages since I,d done any real cooking.
I,ll see my friend tomorrow - so want her to have had some encouraging news.
Today we went to see my friend with dementia and Alzheimer’s . Apparently she has been quite cross lately and was happy to see us with her Brother and Sister in law. Sadly though the news came through that her DH had passed away this morning. She had no idea but we all felt so sad but also relieved as he has had a terrible last year. They have been my friends for 50 years and he was a massive part of our life.
Good idea to see a private physio - knees are quite complex aren’t they.
SweetPeaSue- yes I,m in awe of my friend she is so brave.
Maybe your DH just wants to drive his new car for himself. If push came to shove you,d be able to drive it but you won’t have to.
HVDY- you are a living example of whistling a happy tune- your clients must have loved you. You are one brave lady.
My Sister is doing OK but the Ulcer on her leg from the hospital after her Hip Op is still having to be dressed every week and often painful. Her hip is not always comfortable either. I think it must be the effects of the myeloma. But she battles on and uses a little rollator and is such a good person. Thank you for asking.
Your Brother obviously enjoys chatting with you - that’s quite something. Not all men like a good chat.
Hope Jaffa is OK.
Wyllow- I,ll watch out for those Almond Magnums- you can’t be too careful!
Glad you sorted out your Quaker worry albeit a bit late.
A quiet Gym session is a good way to calm down for you I think. Nice to have a name sake.
GDL will love Agatha just the same and I,m sure Agatha will love her too.
Take it easy Wyllow and it’s not always necessary to worry about teeny weeny you getting out sometimes- we all have a mini me inside at times.
Ellie Anne- hope you are home safe now.
Love to all.x

Wyllow3 Glad the WhatsApp thing was resolved. Is your leg any better today?

EllieAnne I expect you're home now. You did your daughter a huge favour. Hope you'll be able to do something nice for yourself now.

ScaredyCat How sad that your friend's husband died without her being aware of it. Just as well, really, that she doesn't know. He had been ill for some time, hadn't he? Your sister is a fighter and gets on as best as she can. Ulcers can take absolutely ages to heal (some never do), but I hope your sister's leg improves. Good nutrition will help. No, not all men like to talk - my husband is like that. He could go all day without saying much at all. His dad and my dad were the same, too.

How's everyone else been? I did some shopping and went to the carwash, Son1 and family have sent a lot of photos of their holiday. DH and Son2 are out for a couple of drinks this evening, which is nice. Jaffa has been sneezing and snotty all last night and today. Couldn't get an appointment at the vet's but will take him tomorrow. Listening to The Teskey Brothers (blues music). Hope ALL BDers have a restful night. x

Sweetpeasue I don’t like driving. I never had. DH used to do it all. Then when he wasn’t able to walk I had to take over. I would suggest that even though you are nervous about the new car it would be good to practice in it so you feel more comfortable. DH and I went on holiday to Norfolk one year in a brand new car I’d never driven. DH hurt his back and couldn’t drive so I had to drive all the way home.
HVDY I do have a good social life and lots of lovely friends. I am very lucky but that doesn’t stop the hurt, I’ve been crying tonight because I just want to hold DH again and be with him. It never goes away. Poor Jaffa hope he’s ok.
Wyllow thanks for the advice. I’ve been on collagen for two months now and I’m cautiously optimistic.
We have coped well at church. Only had two services when we didn’t have a vicar, One of the local curates has been covering for us most of the time as has a lovely retired lady priest.
Scaredycat I’m so sorry about your friend. So sad his wife doesn’t realise but maybe a blessing for her in a way.
Sorry about your sisters leg ulcer, they can take a long time to heal. Do so hope your niece gets treated soon.
Ellie Anne are you home now.?
Sleep well all

I got home after eight. I had to leave as soon as she got in because I was tired and didn’t want to be too late. But she sent me a nice message.
The last bit of the journey was difficult with torrential rain and water on the road.
So dh first words were about how sore his leg is and how he could hardly drive for his blood test.
And the fridge is nearly empty, no bread( he has his own gluten free supply) and the toilet is filthy.
Welcome home.

Scaredycat I'm very sorry to hear about your dear friend dying.
Doodle I feel so sad for you.
Sending you a big hug.

Ooo, late in - painful preoccupations today that were resolved well and also a peaceful quaker zoom and a swim and self pamper session (ie, bio oil, which takes forever to sink in after shower - highly recommended for wrinkly skin, but you have to wait for it to settle in)

Yes the swim helped my leg a lot thank you HVDYso will do it more often.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Scaredycat Fifty years is such a substantial part of your and DH’s lives. What ~I find harder to imagine, as it has not happened to me, is the slow loss through alzheimers/dementia. xx

Your sister is so good at bearing her trials well. She’s sounds like on of those who is gifted with “making the best” of her life as it is.

(As regards the namesake, well at least I shall remember her name. 🙄)
Agatha did not go home with little A, my friends DGD, but can stay there for future visits unless my croc does not materialise from Amazon.

Friend is good with my tiny weeny, one has few friends one can let in on the secret…

Its nice to get photos their holiday, HVDY. Is it a good place they are staying at?
It’s nice that DH goes out and - chats! - with son2. I hope you manage to get Jaffa to the vets tomorrow as Jaffa isnt getting a lot better.

I listened/watched a few Teskey Brothers songs: good rhythm, eye candy, quality blues.

I’m glad you won your struggle to drive Doodle when is became needs must.

Nothing can be the same as holding and being held when that has been an important part of your life, with another, all are different in that way. I guess I clutch a HWB partly for that contact bit and like furry comforts around. Bests with the collagen!
I’m glad your church has had to cover: not too long now, as it’s getting through August to September.

Aw EllieAnne: that message must have meant a great deal. Clearly she is happy with what you did caring for the cats (she doesnt need that scary night details!) and leaving her stuff around as she like it.

Phew, a horrible last bit of the journey tho I wish for that rain…

Well sadly it was as you expected at home. Old moaner, frankly. One shouldn’t say such things but…he really isn’t kind to you.

Hoping to see other BD’s in soon.

nadateturbe this morning I had my ECG (just a meds check one, all good) but it was a the end of the CFS/ME centre and I just wished you had a chance to attend it as its pleasant and well staffed (tho a waiting list)xx