Summer Solstice Sensation

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Well Carmen - had my hair cut fairly short but not as short as a Pixie - hairdresser showed me I would have to go to less than inch all over to cut out all the blonde highlights - thought that might be a bit brutal.

Anyway I'm really pleased with it - she's put some layers through it for now to make it look a bit thicker. Probably be able to cut out all the blonde next time - it grows quickly so about 6 to 8 weeks should do it.

I've saved myself £18 by not having highlights - so more for the savings pot. I think the colour may look a little strange over the next few weeks whilst I transition, but there are always hats, scarves, headbands etc if necessary.

I've decided the money from my savings pot will go towards whatever varicose vein treatment I go for eventually. It won't be cheap so come spring I'll do a few carboots and a bit of ebaying etc to help fund my treatment.

Picked up a lovely little embroidered cream silky top from CS - £3-50 -should go nicely with my brown £2 CS maxi skirt that I can nearly get into - another inch or so from waist and then I'm there:rotfl:.

Assessment went well today and I think the care plan they've come up with should help a great deal.

I know we are very fortunate here - we've received nothing but kindness and support every step of the way. I didn't mean to sound ungracious about the 4 assessments in one week - I know they are pulling out all the stops to help us. I know I said it was dragging on - it isn't - I just felt a bit overwhelmed I think.

Anyway - things are looking more settled now so hopefully onwards and upwards. OH is going to try a special day centre tomorrow where they do a bit of fun stuff. That's what he needs - he's a very clever man and it's been a problem to find something to give him the mental stimulation that he needs. He also misses male company too.

Glorious sunshine at the moment - but so deceptive - really cold - a warming sausage casserole tonight;)

Carmen - Sorry to see that you are not sleeping too well - hope things improve - nothing worse than being awake half the night - unless of course it's intentional. I can remember when I used to party till 4 then get up at 7 to go to work. Some weekends I didn't bother going to bed until Sunday night. It would kill me now.:rotfl:

maman

Great to hear you sounding so upbeat LL, but don't you ever worry about coming on here and having a moan if that's what you need! Your hair sounds really good plus the bonus of saving money on highlights. I'm delighted you're putting your 'savings' towards something definite. Hope OH has a good time at the day centre tomorrow. Will that mean another short break for you, too?

Carmen

Just a quickie before I go to bed.
LL you did not sound ungracious, even when things are done to help it can somtimes take it's toll! I'm pleased decisions are now in progress.
Hair cut sounds lovely and a big saving on the highlights
I have taken a antihistamine and I am starting to fade so will say goodnight.
I hope all goes well tomorrow for O/H.

Hi Maman :wave:


Carmen x

lessonlearned

Not much to report today. Took OH to visit the day centre (stayed with him - it was just a look round). He seems to like it but I think he's lost a lot of confidence. So we're thinking of starting with half-days rather than a full day to begin with.

Very tired today. The last week or so has been something of an emotional roller coaster and I feel quite drained. Kept dozing off on the sofa.

No exercise bike - my knee is bothering me, so just a few yoga stretches. No particular beauty treatment as such - just loads of moisturiser - my skin really doesn't like winter very much.

I think central heating is the main culprit but OH feels the cold so we have it on nearly all day. (The winter bills are huge these days compared to before he became ill).

Lovely sunny day - it was still light well after 5pm. It's lovely to see the days lengthening. Lots of bulbs showing through - I had a little splurge and bought some new ones last Autumn.

Sad news though in that my lovely little acer tree which I have been nurturing for a couple of years has had one of its low branches broken off. (Dog or fox maybe). Really spoilt the shape now.

Hope you are all well.

Bronnie

lessonlearned wrote: »

Luscious Legs?

Regretfully not any more. I used to have nice stems but for the last few years I've resolutely kept them covered up.

However, Carmen's remark about getting her tootsies ready for summer set me thinking. This year I'm going to fight back and see if can do something to improve my awful legs. I've been hit by a triple whammy - cellulite, varicose veins & spider veins.

My varicose veins require medical/professional intervention and am currently looking at my options. My GP informs me that the NHS no longer "do" veins unless they become ulcerated. So have looked at private clinics and salons but am wary - I think I will ask GP for a referral to a specialist first before I make a decision. Has anyone had the latest laser treatment, if so what do you think?


.

Excuse me butting in, but was interested in your comments re VV and tracked back to find this post.

I had my VV in one leg stripped (NHS) age 40 with (temporarily) great results. Spent a glorious summer skipping round bare legged,before they started to poke their ugly little heads out again!
Had foam schlerotherapy (NHS) again 3 years ago aged 50, once again short-lived benefits before they reappeared. GRR!

I have learned to live with them (and every winter I say thank you to God that black opaque tights are still"in"!) However, I have an appointment with the doc on Thurs as a very knobbly, close to the surface little vein has appeared by my knee. Absent-minded itching of it has broken the skin and made the area quite sore, so will be interested to see what is said.

Personally, I would be wary about spending a lot of money on having them done privately, in view of the fact that my benefits have been extremely short-lived. I'm otherwise healthy and fit, non smoker and watch my weight, so it's quite disappointing really.

Sorry!

Will let you know my doc's comments if you like.

maman

Thanks for calling in Bronnie, do stay and chat any time.

I've been very lazy the last couple of days. I've done all the usual pottering jobs around the house but nothing really specific. I find that I look forward to 'clear' days in my diary and then get cross with myself if I don't do much that's constructive. When I first gave up work I felt like this every day for over a year. I think the protestant work ethic must be far too highly developed in me.:)

Glad the day centre visit went OK LL, I'm sure a half day will be a gentle introduction so that DH can see if it might be enjoyable. Sorry about your sore knee, hope it feels better soon.

I agree about the dry skin problem. I think the cold winds are bad too not just central heating. Even though I moisturise very regularly I had sore patches on my eyelids at the weekend.

Enough moaning, DH and I have booked up to take our DGDs (14 and 9) to Paris for a few days at half term. I'll be wishing for a lazy day when that's over.:rotfl:

lessonlearned

Hi Bronnie

Of course you're not butting in. It's great to hear from you.

Thank you for sharing your experience re your vv's. Yes please, I would be very interested to hear how you get on with your next consultation.

My sister had the foamy thing done when she was in her twenties and yes she developed new ones. I think that is one of the problems, sort out one vein and some other little blighters pop up to take their place.

The foamy thing terrifies me (I have a real fear of needles) and really don't fancy getting them stripped either (my dad has had it done twice) which is why I was interested in the new laser treatments.

BTW my home made potion isn't very nice to use, the consistency is all wrong so I might try one of the commercial preparations, they don't cost much. (You need to use Vodka in my home made one which is not that cheap anyway).

Thanks again for posting Bronnie.

lessonlearned

Hi Maman

Great idea going to Paris. 0h, La, la, la. Bet you'll have a great time, especially now you are slim and getting more fab by the day. Go give those chic Parisienne women a run for their money.;)

Your DGD's are lucky girls - I bet you spoil them something rotten, which is of course, exactly what grandchildren are for. I haven't go any yet so I like to spoil my 10 year old niece (and my boys of course).

I have been really lazy the last few days, my nice clean house of last week is starting to look a little unloved so I need to get my a** in gear, as my DS2 would say.

Still a few lazy days won't kill us, I've always felt the Protestant Work Ethic is a bit over-rated.:D

Manana and Ke Sara (sp) is the way I roll.:rotfl:

lessonlearned

Hi everyone

Just a quickie before bed - I'm done for tonight.

Nothing new today - managed 3kms on bike, knee ok but decided not to risk more just yet. Just a few yoga stretches. Booked chiropodists for Friday. Did a supermaket shop - hopefully that will last most of February now apart from a few bits and bobs. Going to try and shop locally, less diesel, less time, keeping it local and (hopefully) spending less.

Intended to have a manicure but fell by the wayside:o

Sorted out some old broken/cs bargain necklaces to start jewellery making again. I thought I'd copy you Maman, you knit whilst watching TV so I'll make some jewellery.

Hope you are all well.

maman

:hello: LL

Glad to hear your knee is bearing up to cycling again. It's strange that since I've been doing some knitting I find it strange to sit and just watch TV. I've finished off the wool I bought (finished it off by copying some covered coat hangers I saw in Cath Kidston) so next I'm going to do a bit of patchwork or embroidery. Good luck with the jewellery.

Today I have been busy but doing things for other people. A friend came round for tea and to pick up some paperwork I'd been typing up for her. And I volunteered to cut out some (or rather loads:)) of fabric strips for her class to do weaving. I have blisters on my hand from my rather stiff pinking shears!

I went to my SW weigh-in tonight (as I'm busy tomorrow) and I've lost another 1.5lbs taking me to exactly 2 stone lost!:j

So a good day but none of the planned things done:o mañana!