Black Dog 30

I’m glad you are off to the Lake District again, Sweetpeasue. Yes, cross fingers date-wise. Next week looks like a rain/sum mix, so it should be fresh within to have little ventures out in the car to for coffee and lovely views
Do you cater for yourselves or is it laid on? (And who will have Fluff?). BTW, how did the knitting commitment go, that of course caused anxiety about “production”.

Yes, well the York train arrives virtually inside the train museum, which I love. I didn’t know about the art gallery! I will check that out. I like the folk museum, but last time spent all the time in the train museum.

I’m in favour of keeping the badgers out if it ruins your garden Jamesand Jon. I’d go on assuming no news is good news and that your DGD doesnt want to be focused on. I do understand your longing to know - I would be just the same.

Doodle, it was heart warming to read you say you will do it again. That emptyness on coming home is so understandable. Oh my I’d love to dance, the disco sounds so much fun. Must do something about this!

Where do you think you and your friend will go next time?

HVDY I think you’d enjoy the rail museum, but maybe the Folk museum even more. It has a. Whole street built as in Victorian times indoors, and lots of “rooms” with ordinary peoples furniture and possessions over time.
Has there been any improvement at all on the rash? I hope Jaffa didnt wake you too early with an LG day ahead. Hooray for the nappies news, and I hope it goes well. Now yes, you havent mentioned foxy for ages. Its shocking about the kitchen.

What is the Scottish 50, Scaredycat. Well it sounds wet, but presumably - lovely? Mountains?

Now I think DS was taken to the Yorvik place but when we went the queue was so very long….we went then to see the dungeons in the Castle museum and torture stuff. Family went there recently. Loved them! 😳

Nothing can beat a good tea and good old natter.

Yesterday I disappeared as I went on a bit of a manic do-everything in a day. It did include a “gym” however. I just created out for a long nights sleep and woke dead on feet.

But then I had to wake up because I got a text from the doc saying there had found blood in my urine and indeed my cystitis hasn’t quite gone away tho the anti-b’s finished

And I had to try and move sorting out the £200 I wrongly had to pay for my buildings insurance (long story, will win in the end, but pretty 😡)

The blood in urine is not too worrying as I have no other symptoms, but I had to deliver another sample to the doctors and get dressed and out so I thought I might as well pop into the gym nearby for a coffee with A

so eventually ended up doing a bit of gym and buying Chicken Kormas and salad to eat at his house (Little Sainsbugs) but relaxing free of the things to do list at home. Or the washing up .

I’ll be glad to talk it all over with CPN in the morning as I’m having to set boundaries about how much I help A who has some health issues and is older than me

- but some times in the last few years not to mention months struggle to look after myself so doing no favours etc etc if I create expectations I cannot meet. But carpe diem.

Scaredycat Yes, we are staying in the same house that had the lambs in the field next to the garden. Its so peaceful. So glad your neice is doing well.
HVDY Yes it will be just the two of us. Glad your rash is a bit better. You do so well to keep LG occupied indoors- it can be quite a difficult job.
Doodle My DH has been very distant today and its not at all easy. Hes been pessimistic for a while ( to tell you the truth- years) but, understandably, his pain in his ankles and the disability that involves is so depressing for him.
Hope you are OK and still have the support of friends.

Been a difficult day. DHs mood very bad and I feel on the outside . Wishing so much holiday not been booked . DH got message to phone surgery and book appt( 60 minute with nurse for ultrasound) . Can't get this week so has had to take one for the week after holiday. Tried to persuade him that we could come home early but he doesnt feel that would help much anyway as hes not expecting much to come of the scan anyway.
Sorry , shouldnt have come in- so low at present but tomorrow might be better.

ScaredyCat Tea, biscuits, and nattering. A perfect way to spend a few hours. Thanks about my bosom, although it's been a hindrance all these years. Son1's kitten is black and 10 weeks old, born to a feral cat (I don't know if she was taken in by RSPCA too). Your niece has lost 10lbs by having the cyst removed - wow, that's a lot. Like you, I welcome every animal that visits our garden (we haven't seen Foxy since May, though).

It's been strange weather here - dull, cloudy, no sunshine or wind. Stayed in with LG - we found lots to play with. She only started potty-training yesterday, and has been doing fantastically well. Son2's kitchen is still in a state - the assessor said the workmen must remove all the wall tiles they put on, as they're not level/haven't been done well, and that the painting all needs another coat. The work began 7 weeks ago.

HVDY country, rock, nothing sad or I start crying. It was mostly up beat music though. Glad your rash seems to be clearing up a bit. Well done LG. She’ll want some pretty undies now.
Scaredycat your Scottish trip sounds lovely. I bet the scenery is nice. A good set of warm and waterproof clothing might fit the bill. Wow your niece lost a lot of weight. Hope she’s ok.
Wyllow have you been to the gym today? When is it you go on holiday?
Sweetpeasue how has your Dh been today?
Ellie Anne thinking of you too

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- so glad your persistence has paid off and you got to see the GP you trust. Hopefully you will get some answers and the help DH needs.
You,ll be away when we are. Hope you enjoy the lovely lakes - are you staying in the same place? It’s a magical area and you could never get tired of it could you.
EllieAnne- we are doing the Scottish 500- so I guess we,ll need some warm clothes.
HVDY- my friend was doing OK thank you. Monday afternoons are when ,with our other friend we get together and drink tea and eat biscuits and natter for hours. We are taking her for a blood test tomorrow and DH will then drop us off at Mand S for a while.
Ooh a new kitten - how lovely. Cat treats just jump into the B and M trolley 😻 my DH likes going there as much as I do - thank goodness.
Well done LG - not easy for some little ones is it.
Glad the rash is fading and I am very envious of your ample bosom.
Wyllow- A is lucky to have somewhere like that so close- I expect you,ll enjoy more times there during the Winter.
Hope you had a nice quiet day today - good that you will see your CPN tomorrow and talk things through.
Yes I think the coach trip will be a marmite moment! We are doing the Scottish 500 which is a journey celebrated for its beauty and wildness I believe.
I,d love a trip to York- I want to see the Viking Museum there.
Doodle- thank you my niece is feeling much more comfortable now- she lost 10llbs in weight!!
I,m glad you’re going to do other holidays . Of course it must have been very nostalgic for you but it sounds like you made some more memories to add to your treasure trove of memories.
James&Jon3- it’s a shame the Badgers made a bit of a mess in your garden . Having said that I always feel honoured if any creature visits our little garden - would love to see Badgers.
Do hope you hear something soon - to put your mind at rest. You must be very worried.

Love to allxx

James&Jon33 I appreciate you must feel upset about your lawn. Would some onion/garlic/lemon scattered about put the badgers off? It's a shame your son isn't replying, but I hope he will, soon.
1

LG today. Not going out yet as it's raining, but she's actually using the potty now! Better late than never. My rash is faint today. Hope everyone manages to have a decent day x

There is nothing you can do about badgers… they are protected. But we have reenforced our boundaries. It is upsetting to see a lawn looking as if it has been ploughed.
Still nothing from DS’s family

James&Jon33 I'm not sure what you can do about badgers, but speaking personally, I'd feel quite privileged to see one in my garden. After all, they're just trying to survive in a changing world.

Wyllow3 What a great place. I like the idea of it all.

SweetpeaSue I love B&M. I need to go without DH next time, so that I can have a proper look at things. Ramipril is the only BP medication that hasn't caused me any problem, but it hasn't done anything to my BP. I'm going to ask about coming off it. Hope you have a lovely time next week. Is it just the 2 of you going?

Doodle I'm using the Eumovate ointment from the GP, twice daily, and am taking antihistamine tablets. Thanks for explaining about the silent disco. What a novel idea. What type of music do you like?

Hope everyone has a restful night. LG day tomorrow x

HVDY that rash looks sore. Have you tried antihistamine cream. . Hope it calms down soon. Is it painful?
A silent disco is one where everyone wears headphones. The one I went to were two DJs and depending on what headphone setting you picked you heard one of two songs played. Everyone dances to their own music but no one else can hear what they’re listening to. It was fun.
Sweetpeasue so pleased your Dh has been checked over and some action taken. Having to walk with a stick is obviously an indication something isn’t right, Hope you have a good time in the Lake District
Wyllow lovely looking place and two badgers too. I’ve not seen one either.
Scaredycat a coach trip in Scotland. That sounds lovely. Such a beautiful place to visit I imagine. Nice to be able to relax on a coach and not bother about driving

Sorry for getting confused

Scaredycat so good to hear your niece is home. Hope she is comfortable and not in pain. Yes likely to be anti blood clot.
Holiday was nice thank you. I feel a bit sad since being back. Used to love holidays with DH and the trip made me nostalgic for our crises to Norway. It was a good trip though. I think we I’ll do another.

HVDY Oh yes, I apologise, I do remember now it was the diuretic. Im sorry ,my mind isnt working well lately.
.y DH had to come off the ramipril as it caused annoying cough, but it seems everyone acts different as regards side effects. Hopefully you should be OK. I just hope your rash goes soon.
B&M have lots of stuff dont they. The coffee I like is on offer there.
EllieAnne I think you might mean Scaredycat that is going away to Scotland though you have .might have a sixth sense as we are going to Lake District again next week. Had it booked for a while so hoping we dont need to change date for DHs ultrasound appt.
Wyllow Thanks - I was so relieved DHs lower leg problem is being taken seriously at last. He can hardly walk even with a stick.
Ooh York is lovely- lots to see- nice Art gallery there if that interests but such a great place. Iove to listen to the street musicians there - usually talented music students.
JamesandJon33 Not a Badger fan then- cant say I blame you! It must be very difficult to change their nightly routes. Not sure what you could do about it - I expect youve explored all the possibilities.

No, it's actually a cafe, but very colourful, and is near new blokes. They have quite a bit of live music most Sundays and you can buy cakes coffee soft drinks etc and they let you bring a bottle but charge entrance. Apparently it's rare to have a group as good as this.

Today was incredibly busy insurance surveyors and other admin plus a very troubled Quaker friend P has at last been referred to Older Adults MH. Nice visit to charity shop, but the highlight was getting to the gym, and I expect to do very little tomorrow but a lot done. I'm glad to be seeing my CPN on Wednesday, sort of too many new things happening to make me high.

HVDY oh you poor soul, that is really horrible for you, the pictures really bring it home so I'm really glad you posted them. I hope it doesn't last too long. Good sorting there, tho. The hoarding programme seems to have galvanised you. My cousin was one such, she needed some MH help in the end.

I was just so glad to read your post, Sweetpeasue. Not only has it been taken really seriously, but hopefully show DH that it is worth "bothering" the doctor.

Ooo, a Coach trip to Scotland, Scaredycat. You'll see such lovely places. And yes instead of DH driving, (getting petrol, parking, et al) you can sit and enjoy the views together. If it works out well, it's a new way of having a break with less pressure.

My ambition in Scotland one day is to take the rail line up as far as possible. But a day trip up to York first maybe.

EllieAnne never forgotten in these really tough times xx

Thank you everyone.
And a word about badgers. They dug up or back lawn once again last night.

ScaredyCat We haven't got a local Home Bargains. The closest one is 8 miles away, near Son1's. A coach trip sounds like a good idea. It'll save your husband having to drive. Where in Scotland are you going? Hope you find your friend in good spirits today.

SweetpeaSue It's an allergic reaction to the diuretic. I've already tried 6 different BP pills and had a reaction to them all. I'm on Ramipril, but that isn't doing anything for my BP. I'm glad you saw a GP who took notice and is going to get things done. Hope things work out well for your husband this time.

Watched a programme about extreme hoarders (my husband's sister is one), then bagged up a lot of my clothes and a few of LG's toys. Took them to a charity shop. Went in B&M with DH - I walked along TWO aisles, and he asked if I'd got everything we needed! Bought cleaning and toiletry stuff, plus a couple of toys for Son1's new kitten (they got her yesterday from RSPCA) and a toy for their dog.

Where about are you going sweet pea sue?

HVDY Just seen your photos and that is a very distinctive rash you have- peculiar indeed. I wonder what it is and what can be causing it.
Ample chest excused( mine is similar these days!)

Wyllow Pub photo looked lovely and colourful . First time I saw a badger I was surprised at how big they can be.
The moon was so bright that night wasn't it.
HVDY Your rash must be driving you crazy - is the cream actually doing any good? I hope they can give you a suitable BP tablet that wont have any side effects. I dont think DHs swollen ankles ankles were caused by Amlodipine now but it was worth knowing about. Hes not going back on it anyway.
Scaredycat As HVDY says- you always seem to know what to say to us all. So glad your DS and neice are feeling better -that must be such a relief for you.
I remember how anxious youd be about travelling. Your coach trip to Scotland will be relaxing and you can sit back and admire the scenery- as well as some nice little walks. Look forward to hearing about it- we've never been on one either.
EllieAnne Keep posting to us - we might not be able to change your circumstances but we do care.
Doodle Hoping you're now settling back home. I too wondered about the 'silent' disco.

Well we got F2F appt with head of practice GP ( who we visited many times during aftermath of my botched surgery). She was wonderful. Actually LOOKED and FELT DHs ankles and is arranging for nurse to do ultrasound on right ankle and calf to observe blood flow and said she wanted a nurse to check pulse as she couldn't feel one in the calf- said it could be because of the swelling. Feel much better now someone is taking notice. DH was saying yesterday it was no use going back to Dr's so just relieved I got him to go.

Hoping everyone's day goes as well as possible.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202609/medium-2nsza3-20260925-0754102.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202609/medium-5n263z-20260925-075418.jpg

The rash is still there, but is paler. Do excuse my more than ample chest

Hi all
SweetPeaSue- hope your DH has managed to get an appointment. He can’t go on like he is not knowing what it is and whether he should be resting it or exercising etc.
Wyllow- what a truly lovely evening you had. Love the look of the pub. My Sister would have loved that it’s right up her street.
A Badger Bonus too. My DH used to work at night sometimes and the badgers used to come out to be fed. I,ve only seen the poor ones who venture on to the road and perish.
HVDY- thank you - my sister looked so much happier on FaceTime yesterday- it has beeen a very worrying time for her.
She said my niece finally has some colour back in her cheeks.
That rash sounds awful but a good idea to wait til Wednesday.
At least you saved some money not going to B and M. Do you have Home Bargains as well?
EllieAnne- make some time for yourself and never feel guilty - ever.
Nadateturbe- how are things with you?

We are going on a coach trip to Scotland on Friday- something I thought we,d never do- it’s our first one. We have loved being independent explorers but time has caught up so it will be a rest for DH not to have to drive. I had that horrible time of travel anxiety but thanks to the ADs I,m much better. Scotland is a new place for me so lots of photo opportunities hopefully. Off to see my dear friend this afternoon so a lot of chin wagging!! She has important appointments this week.

Love to all - have the best day possiblex

Wyllow3 Is that photo of your local pub? What a lovely evening you had. Seeing not one, but 2 badgers. They can be really big. Beautiful creatures.

EllieAnne It's your husband who is being thoughtless and a bit selfish, not you. ASs his blood test isn't urgent, he could go another day. Or get a taxi? You need to keep up with your own friends and church, etc. Your family will always need you, even if it doesn't always feel like it.

James&Jon33 Don't give up hope. One of my sons has regular problems with 1 of his girls (15), who plays truant, gets into bother at school, etc., but he doesn't tell us about it very often, as he doesn't want us to worry. Perhaps your son and his wife are trying to deal with their daughter without getting into a conversation about it all.

SweetpeaSue No improvement with the rash yet - it's from my neck, all the way to my midriff, and one side of my face. My BP has been better, but now I've stopped the tablets, it'll go up again. I'll ring the GP on Wednesday (the tablet will be out of my system by then). I hope your husband manages to get an appointment today, about his ankles.

Doodle Glad your holiday was good. What's a silent disco?? B&M is a large store, they sell small electrical stuff like toasters, bedding, flat-pack furniture, toiletries and cleaning items, and decorating things, it's the only shop I like to go to. I decided against it yesterday.

ScaredyCat You always know what to say to us all, and are so kind. Glad your niece is doing much better. The injections might be Heparin. (yes, anticoagulant)

Hope everyone has a decent day x

I wish you well for getting that appointment. You need to know "what" and best treatment as quickly as possible as it has been going on for some time.

Yes, it was magical, under a bright moon, like something suddenly out of Midsummer Nights dream after the singing.

Wyllow As yet I dont know for sure whats causing DHs right ankle problem( both ankles a bit swollen) . His right ankle has meant he needs a stick to walk which just isnt right at all. Trying to get appt tomorrow with lead GP for the surgery. I certainly know the right ankle isnt a back problem which previous GP thought.
Oh ,so pleased for your musical evening- sounded delightful- Id have loved that.
The badger noises - wonderful. We've heard their sounds when they've visited various holiday cottages and seen them- its magical!

JamesandJon I think yes, no new is good news.

As long as she is kept safe, and they are trying to get treatment, just keep up with little cards/warm wishes.

However................

It may be DGD does not want her parents to talk about her now she is 18, you see. there maybe no new 'news" of something to report, but if she doesnt want to be taken about "behind her back"she is old enough to ask that now. 🫶

It had been a lovely evening out - a lovely cafe and the violin, guitar and piano playing folk with an Irish rhythm mainly were very good- it was a no microphone situation.

On the way home walk a surprise - heard growly scuffly noises, and then two badgers ran down the road. There are big gardens around. I have never seen one before.

(I no longer am concerned about A family issues they are sorted)

I'm glad that your niece is at home, Scaredycat. A long haul there. You have been busy! I have an afternoon sleep most days now. I don't mind because it gives me a better evening.

I think it's the people you met that made it workable, and the change of scenes, Doodle. You are naturally very easy to be with, it's clear, and people clearly like you. Well yes the couple of idiots, I expect everyone was avoiding them. I still think you did a Big Brave thing, well done.

Oh EllieAnne Almost a row! You are being taken for granted. It's one thing caring for someone who is appreciative and values you but another in your situation.

EllieAnne, come what may, you not only deserve, but it is needful you have a life of your own.
"take a taxi".
"No I cant take you this time do you want me to re-arrange or go yourself?

You cant keep helping if you are burnt out yourself, can you? Protect certain key things as far as you can - take walks when you can, keep in contact with DS and so on xxxx hugs.

Good idea stocking up with candles, Sweetpeasue...I will also be stocking up with my twinkly battery powered lights for indoors for comfort and cheer. I do hope DH is managing to minimise the effect on his ankle - do you know what it is causing it?