Summer Solstice Sensation

lessonlearned

Hi everyone

Bit of a "medical" kind of day. Popped into chiropodist for a quick blitz on my verruca/wart. Rushed breakfast - museli, dashed home for a quick snack - croissant and coffee. Took OH to phsyio - back home for a quick lunch - sandwich and cup of tea, then off to GP for myself.

Notice a pattern here - rushed snacks - wheat based - now feel uncomfortable and bloated. No real nutritional value in those meals, just empty carbs. Not the way to eat is it.

Must plan better for those rushed snacks - soup, salad, cold meat such as chicken etc. Any other ideas anyone? - avoiding wheat based foods such as bread, pasta etc Will make up for it tonight, fish and veggies for dinner. Going to try red snapper as part of my "must get out of the same old meals rut and try something different".

New GP seems quite nice. (Still prefer our old favourite family GP but you have to move with the times).:D

She has referred me to NHS physio so hopefully can get some of these aches and pains sorted out (without having to break the bank). Took her advice and decided to go back to HRT for a little while longer - give myself another few months whilst I build up the soya/sage/alternative therapies route.

It's a lower dosage and I will only take it every other day, gradually decreasing frequency until the supply runs out. By which time I will be over 60 and it will be time to call it a day for HRT.

Took my jewellery to the chiropodist and it now sits there proudly in her nice glass display case. She was delighted with it, said the prices were great (she has displays of another jeweller and a photographer too).

I had included some jewellery with magnetic clasps as an experiment. I love them they are much easier than most of the fiddly fastenings you often get. She said they were perfect for her clientele - many of whom have arthritis type conditions. Fingers crossed for me to sell some.

Off to doze my way through an antiques show on the TV and then cook dinner.

Hope you all well and still tackling the elephant;)

Carmen

Hello again,

Maman, great news about your biopsy results :j Don't worry about your weigh in at SW, if we cannot veer of the path to fabness once in a while then we start to feel deprived which in turn makes us resent what we are trying to achieve. This attempt for far has had it's highs and low's but the difference is this time I don't feel I have failed after a bad day, I just start fresh again the next day, upwards and onwards and think of all the lovely memories of Paris with your Gd's.
LL, you have been busy, I pleased you got around to taking your jewelery to the chiropodist lets hope you makes loadsmoney
Did the Dr say the HRT was the answer to you feeling tearful?
Good luck with the SS on Monday.
I am still feeling awful, not sure it is flu but it seems to be affecting a lot of people. It is the sore throat and cough that are dragging me down which can apparently take up to 3 weeks to clear (thank goodness for tena lady):rotfl::rotfl: I think I had better take honey and lemon instead of so much cough syrup, not sure which contain to more calories!!
It is a beautiful day again I may take a little walk later.
I am going to do a vegetable bake for tonight with roasted endive....again!
Chin up and keep well
Carmen xx

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Don't know what we've done to upset the weather gods here but it is absolutely awful, cold, wet, dark, foggy - urgh.

How come you get the sunshine Carmen, is it true the sun shines on the righteous? If that's the case, given the unending gloom here I must have been rather naughty:o Anyway enjoy your walk in the sunshine.

You're dead right about the path to fabness not being an easy one.

For the past couple of weeks although I've managed to make a tolerable fist of skin care routines etc and dressing a bit better, apart from a few half hearted physio stretches, the exercise regime and healthy eating programme have flown right out of the window. (Still suffering for my fall from grace - eating wheat - yesterday).

However, I've just managed 2kms on the bike - with a few groans and huffs and puffs - going to have to build up the distance again bit by bit. Will do some yoga stretches in a minute - after I've made OH his afternoon cup of tea.

You are right though Carmen, in the past if I fell off the wagon I would consider myself as failing and would give up completely until I felt guilty enough to try again. A real cycle of hope, loathing and guilt.

This time I have been far more successful at getting back on track. If I slip for a few days (or even a couple of weeks) I just get back to it. If I'm having difficulties I just do what I can until I feel better (ie a few phsyio stretches or a bit of yoga).

Something feels different this time and I'm confident that I will get there in the end. (Maybe it's posting here that's helping - I certainly appreciate the supportive comments - and silent nods from the lurkers) .... If I don't get back to it I feel that I'm letting you all down - and myself of course.

Carmen, I hope you feel better soon - it sounds a lot like DS2's lurgy - he has the same awful cough. Take care of yourself.

Re The Dr and HRT - I didn't actually discuss the tearfulness, just the night sweats etc. I think balancing the hormones, which of course is what HRT does, will help though.

When I was peri-meno I had awful PMT and my mood swings were horrendous - it was a wonder my poor sons didn't run away from home and OH didn't either divorce or murder me. :eek:HRT definitely helped me through that.:D

Anyway about those yoga stretches .....

maman

What a lovely message Carmen. You're right, of course, I don't need to obsess over SW and a little celebration was definitely in order.

Good luck with the jewellery LL. I must admit I don't really do costume jewellery, just loads (11) of gold bangles which I wear every day and also rings when I remember. I need to have a sort through and wear some of the pins and chains in my jewellery box more often. I did venture a bit into 'fun' jewellery when I treated myself to some Troll beads earlier in the year. I only have about 6 beads on a bracelet but OH says he will get me 'some' for my birthday in a week's time. I don't know if he realises how much each bead costs!:rotfl:

Linking to the jewellery chat, have any of you had your 'colours' done? I was out to lunch with a friend earlier in the week and she had a deep turquoise shirt and matching choker thing on. The colour really lifted her face. I didn't ask as DHs were there. My problem is I only ever fancy creams, fawns and greys (plus black of course:D) probably because I don't want to get tired of things.

Hope you feel better soon Carmen. Several people I know have had that cough and been through 2/3 lots of antibiotics before clearing it. Are you sure it's not a chest infection? Do take care.

lessonlearned

Hi Maman et all

I had my colours done several years ago when my hair was auburn. It had been very dark when I was younger, my eyes also changed from brown to hazel as well. (Weird or what). When it changed to auburn I made a lot of mistakes with my clothes.

Anyway had them done and it was one of the best things I ever did, beauty and clothes wise - especially as I had won the consultation in a competition, so it didn't cost me anything.:D

I already knew that black and navy were no good for me but once she had explained that I was "deep Autumn" and showed me the appropriate colours - basically think autumn leaves, olivey greens, russet reds, golds, heathery purples etc. it was fantastic. I never made a mistake with my clothes again. Oddly enough I always loved those colours anyway, and Autumn is my favourite time of the year.

I've been thinking about having another consultation because now that my hair is mainly white I'm not sure what colours suit me - my skin tones have changed too.

I did look on a couple of websites - the one nearest to me also included a make up lesson which made it quite expensive. I might give her a ring and see if she would consider doing colours only.

I've been wearing quite a lot of lavender/pale heather which is ok but a bit bland sometimes. I love rich caramel/camel colours - I always think they look quite luxurious and I do like scarlet. I think mid/silver grey might work. I notice Helen Mirren wears those kind of colours and my hair is a very similar colour to hers.

I think creams, fawns and greys are very classic - they never really go out of style and you can ring the changes with accessories, little tops, scarves, etc

Rather than wear black I can get away with mid grey/charcoal or a black/white tweedy mix, like a herringbone or Donegal tweed. Sorry I know that sounds a bit pedantic but I'm a real textile freak - I love natural fabrics, cotton, silk, wool, tweeds, velvets etc. I loathe all this cheap nasty polyester stuff.

"Fabrics are my one weakness":rotfl:

Made a nice chunky bead bracelet today - not Troll beads I'm afraid. Would make it too expensive to sell. I'm deliberately keeping the prices down. Although I enjoy making the fun jewellery and ethnic styles still seem to be very popular I too have become a bit more discerning and have started wearing my "good" pieces more often.

G'night all, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

lessonlearned

Good morning ladies

Didn't post yesterday - problems with computer.

Good (ish) day yesterday - apart from the fact that DS2 had a car crash. Thankfully he was not hurt which is more than can be said for his poor little car ....

Managed half an a hour pottering in the garden. Harvested the last of the brussels.

Had a lovely pampering session - depiltation, eyebrows, face-pack, nails and toenails painted and a good slathering!!

Today it looks like a lovely day here - blue skies and a nice yellow orb beaming at us.:T Such a simple pleasure.

Carer here so I'm off to physio in a minute and a bit of shopping.

Have a good day everyone.

lessonlearned

Well today (yesterday) was good. Beautiful weather - at last:D

Now for the good news.

SS were here and everything signed, sealed etc. New regime starts next week:j Sounds awful - but at long last I can get part of my life back. OH can have his own PA for 25 hours per week.

It will also be good for OH too - he can have some variety and different people around. I have to confess I've become quite stale and bereft of new ideas on how best to keep him amused and entertained. TBH I hate sport and get bored with quizzes etc.

I will have more time to devote to some of my interests - join SW for a start:o And later, once we get into the swing of things, maybe look for a little job (jobette) - just a few hours a week and also get cracking with some antique fairs etc. And the decorating, and the garden, and the sewing and the furniture restoration ......... I'm going to be busy!!

Physio (the one I pay for at our local David LLoyds gym) went well, feel a lot better. I noticed they now offer hydrotherapy - going to see about this for OH. Going to arrange an assessment.

Have been trying to get hydrotherapy for OH with the NHS physio he sees and SS. We've got a fantastic hydro pool at our brand spanking new NHS hospital but can I get him treatment there ....... well, you know the answer to that one. I've given up - I'll just find the money and pay for him privately.

Actually, I'm quite pleased with myself regarding money - I've been a bit more canny with the housekeeping recently and the money I'm saving will just about pay for gym membership for OH. Mind you I think it's going to be bank of mum & dad time again to help DS2 after his car crash - I've a nasty feeling it's going to be expensive for him.:eek:

Did 2kms on the bike and a few stretches. Bought some silver enhancing shampoo from Sainsbury's today - 25% off. Will give it a whirl then report back.

Time for my beauty sleep.

maman

That's great news LL. Will that be 'school' hours during the week or will it be flexible?

It's so good to hear you so full of plans and ideas for your respite time. :T

Also, well done on managing your money so well. When you do try SW I think you need to talk to the consultant about the way you like to eat. They tend only to explain the Extra Easy route but there are alternatives to fit in with your preferences for veg and fish. You'll automatically have to cut down on bread so that'll be a plus. Extra Easy doesn't have to include pasta as potatoes (cooked correctly) are plentiful too.

I'm feeling that I'm just hanging on in there at the moment. I'm expecting to have put on something at WI on Thursday or at very best maintained. I seem to be lurching between 'good' days and then those that are sabotaged with meals out, drinks etc. After school my DGD1 is coming round, hoping for pancakes. I can't let her down but I'm hoping to get away with just one tiny one myself and then a big walk (to football) afterwards to use up the cals. I love them, but I'm trying to lose weight here remember.:rotfl:

Another beautiful, sunny day here. Roll on spring.

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

A lovely day here. Managed to line dry the washing today - first time this year.

Been very busy but don't seem to have achieved very much today. Also been very tired. Took OH for an eye test - prescription unchanged so saved a couple of hundred pounds there.;) Bought a few bits from Costco. Avoided the croissants and danish pastries.:D

Maman, try not to worry too much about gaining a little weight. You've done so well with your overall weight loss. I know you're scared you've put some back on but I'm sure you'll get it back off quite quickly. You've proved you can do it. I'm sure it's just a temporary blip.

With regard to the PA's hours - we can please ourselves. We are opting to have two PA's- one 4 days a week and the other one or two days a week. They are both quite flexible and the main one is happy to do some Saturdays.

In addition, we've also been allocated 4 hours agency care so that will be morning calls at the weekend and any top-ups needed at any time.

The main PA will do a minimum of 16 hours (in order to comply with Tax Credit rules), the other lady already has a part time job and only wants 6 to 8 hours, so between them it should be ok. There is a third lady who may or may not share hours with PA no 2 or who may just do the odd weekend if I want to do an antiques fair.

Basically as long as everyone is flexible (including OH) I think it should be ok. I'm sure some fine tuning will be needed as and when, however, you can't plan ahead for every thing. The agency will also be on hand for holidays, illness etc. - although I may consider changing the agency at some point - they aren't exactly efficient!!!

DS2 has had a rough estimate for his car's damage - not looking good - probably a write off. Still he got off lightly - saw a programme today where a young driver who had a similar accident had to be airlifted to hospital. (DS2 skidded off the road, through a hedge and into a field - probably going too fast - he's a lucky boy).

No exercise today:( Will do better tomorrow. Promise.:rotfl:

Carmen

Good morning ladies,
Just a quickie before I try to get some sleep.
I have had a quick read of your posts and I am pleased all is going well for you. So pleased the t's and i's have been crossed and dotted for your care package LL. I sounds as if you are going to keep yourself busy with all that extra time on your hands good for you, I would love to see some of your pieces maybe you could post them here?
I agree that people need there own space sometimes otherwise one tends to get complacent, I'm sure you and O/H will benefit from the change, they say it is as good as a rest And I'm sure your neck and shoulder will also feel the benefit.
Maman, how did you get on at SW, I'm sure you are back in the saddle now, upwards and onwards.

After a week of this awful cough I went to see the Dr, I have some kind of viral infection! He put me on antibiotics but did not sound/look hopeful that it would work :lipsrseal if it stops the cough I will be over the moon :j One certainly become aware of the parts of the body that contract when one coughs...ouch!
Not a lot of sleep to be had at the moment so feel very low, I hate not being in control of this thing. I am very rarely poorly so when it does happen I hate it Grrr! My threshold of pain is very low but if I know that in a few days I will be on the mend I can cope, it is the unknown that bothers me.
Enough about my ails, I hope you all have a good day (a beautiful one again)
By the way, I lost 2lbs this week, amazing considering the amount of cough mixture and honey I have consumed :rotfl::rotfl:
Off to bed now.

Carmen xx