Summer Solstice Sensation

lessonlearned

Right Carmen consider yourself well and truly kicked up the derriere:rotfl: Back to it girl, that elephant won't go away by itself you know:rotfl::rotfl:.

To be serious for a minute - actually, you are probably right about your lurgy dragging you down, three weeks is a long time to feel under the weather. DS2 is still coughing away too.

I'm sure that once you pick up a bit -you'll feel more motivated. This sunshine should definitely help a bit, my advice is wrap up warm and get out in the fresh air - if you can manage it but don't push yourself too hard. Tomorrow is another day as Scarlett O'Hara was wont to say. .

What are you eating - is it junk/sweet stuff/bread etc. Can you snack on fruit, nuts etc.

By treatment do you mean anti-biotics - they always make me feel awful. They upset my stomach and more often than not give me thrush too! I try and avoid them if possible, though of course sometimes you do have to take them.

You may find that after Wednesday, once the meds are finished you will start to feel better. Hope so, big hugs anyway.

Have you ever tried any of the "tonics" you can get from the chemist, i.e. borroca, minodex (think that's what it's called). Don't know if they are any good. The tonic I take has gin in it - but that's another story.:rotfl:

Like you I feel very lethargic and uncomfortable at the moment. Bought some probiotic yogurt and yogurt drinks today. Have had a 3 day headache - only stress I know but it's very wearing. Neck and back sore too.

I am so bored with food (ok my cooking) but I'm not sure what I want to eat instead. Fed up with stews, casseroles and "winter" food. Went to Aldi today and bought loads of fruit and veg - going to try and eat "lighter" - more spring/summer type foods.

OH has problems with swallowing and his diet is becoming quite bland and boring. In the past I've tended to eat the same as he does but I really can't face it now. Will just have to continue stews etc for him and eat separate meals sometimes.

Tonight DS2 and I will have pizza. I know it's not "healthy" but I fancy one - I'll have a small piece and salad and DS2 can have the lions share. OH will have macaroni cheese. Poor thing would choke to death on pizza.

OH's Carers/PA's start their thing this week - I feel a bit guilty saying this but I'm so relieved to have someone else share the caring duties. I don't think I could have taken much more.

I am ashamed to say it but I was starting to feel quite resentful at times. I feel like a ten ton weight has been lifted from me. I'm hoping that I will be able to be my old patient and sweet natured self again.

Right the exercise bike beckons.

Chin up Carmen - it's just a blip, be kind to yourself and it will be alright.

By the way someone once told me that pampas grass in the front garden was secret code for the residents of that property were "swingers". Probably a load of old tosh.

lessonlearned

Hi everyone, hope you are all well and keeping up the fab quest.

I recently ordered four mini orchard trees - apple, pear, plum & cherry. Planted them up today, hope they fruit this year. Last year was the first time I really grew any vegetables and I am keen to add lots of fruit now.

Bought a little pop-up strawberry planter the other day - still a bit cold here for seeds but might have a go on the kitchen window cill soon.

After my gardening my nails were wrecked so gave myself a manicure. Other than that not much happening here - nice afternoon nap on the sofa;)

No bike today, just a few yoga stretches.

G'night all. Hope you're feeling better today Carmen. Maman, you're very quiet - hope you are alright.

maman

:wave: I've been keeping up with my reading but not posting. Sorry:o everything is fine here.

My birthday was good. DH and I went out in the day (rarely known to shop together) and he treated me to two more Trollbeads for my bracelet. DDs came round late afternoon and we had cake and champagne. I had more lovely presents including a small olive tree in a pot from DD1. In the evening DH and I walked to a local pub/restaurant for a meal (wouldn't have been first choice but couldn't drive because of champagne;)).

I've been quite busy with my voluntary job and generally keeping things ticking over. Yesterday was the first time I actually did a little walking and a bit of housework that wasn't essential . Nothing major, just walked a few extra stops for the bus and cleaned some kitchen cupboards but it made me realise that I've been doing a minimum since the surgery on my ankle.

Busy next few days here as DGD1 staying for a couple of nights (hardly babysitting as she's 14) and then my brother and SIL come Monday to stay to attend aunt's funeral next Tuesday. You may remember back in November I went to France with them and realised just what fussy eaters they are. Already doing mental meal plans!

Sorry this has been all me, me. Hope you are all well, especially Carmen recovering from her chest infection/lurgy. I'll be back soonest!

Carmen

Good evening ladies,
Well I had the last of my treatment today:j I do feel better, apart from the cotton wool head :rotfl: I have managed to sleep fairly well for the last two nights which has helped. Going for blood tests Friday, maybe that will reveal what happening to my body!
My quest is still a bit rocky,will persevere. Maybe if I can get out a bit more it may help?
Bad news about your purse LL, still it could have been worse :eek: It is just the inconvenience of it all!!

How is the hunt for your son's car coming along?
Fruit tree choices sound lovely, I love cherries but don't have a tree! Last year we did not have a good crop of fruit and nuts (walnuts) but the year before...wow. All the neighbours share their crops so works out quite nicely
You have made me think twice about the pampas grass I have met one or two swingers over the years :eek: I really cannot see the point in getting married if you need that kind of enjoyment, still each to his own!
Maman, pleased to hear you are well.

Another lovely day, although a little chilly. I have a lone hyacinth popped up in the flower bed, I must have planted it at some point and just forgot.

Eating salads and actually enjoying them now (don't like them when it is cold) Yes still eating endives, I must find out the caloric content I could be going the wrong way...:rotfl::rotfl:


Take care, post soon.
Carmen xx

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit brighter today Carmen, sleeping better will be a help too. Like you I've started eating some salads etc - makes a nice change.

Don't worry too much about the dip - this fab quest is bound to have it's difficult days. Think of it as a marathon rather than a sprint - or is that too much to contemplate Maybe we should just take it as it comes.

I've not been doing too well at all this last few days, just coasting along really. Hardly any exercise and only the most basic of skin care routines etc. As for my clothes - let's not go there. I will smarten up honest. I just keep falling asleep at every opportunity. I really feel so tired at the moment - still, nothing that a fortnight in the Bahamas wouldn't cure.:rotfl: I wish.

Maman, your birthday week sounds very busy and lots of fun. Good that you are managing to walk a bit again, nice and easy does it to start with.

Have been really busy here today, builders coming tomorrow to replaster the lounge and dining room ceilings so had to strip the rooms in readiness. Took up most of the day off and on. I didn't think I had much clutter, but removing paintings, curtains, ornaments and bits and bobs make you realise just how much we surround ourselves with. I feel so sorry for those people in Japan, the lucky ones that survived "just" lost their homes, poor souls.

We have an old family friend in Tokyo, she's ok - she had to spend a few days living at her office because she couldn't get home. Luckily her house sustained only minor damage.

We also have family in New Zealand, again luckily they live on north island and it was south island that was hit or is that vice-versa - can never remember which is which. Anyway they are ok too. The world can be a scary place sometimes.

DS2 insurance company has settled his claim, but he has decided to wait a while before getting a replacement. His next insurance will probably be astronomical so he's decided to just use buses to and from work - at least over the summer, so that he can save up a bit more money. He can borrow my car as and when.

The permanent Carers/PA's are working out well. Carer 1 is going to take OH out for the day tomorrow to get him away from the mess and noise of the builders. Carer 2 is actually my sister - she is going to do one day a week, Carer 1 the other 4. OH gets on really well with both of them and I can relax and know he's in safe and caring hands.

Now that they are settling in I'm hoping to start walking next week and perhaps a dance class if I can find a daytime one. Fancy something Latino but probably need to get a bit fitter first. Was doing really well for a while but lack of exercise is making me stiffen up again.

The remedy is in my own hands .....:rotfl:

lessonlearned

Hi everyone

A really busy full on day today, plasterers came as arranged and although they were very good clean workers there was a massive clean-up afterwards. DS2 helped but still it took some doing. Need to let it dry for a few days and then hopefully get the paintbrushes out. Carer 1 took OH to Woburn Safari Park for the day to escape the confusion and mess. He had a lovely time but was absolutely exhausted tonight.

Managed to get to the library. Had a nice chat with my lovely new neighbour (they only moved in a few months ago and we are still getting to know each other). Anyway it transpires that she is a trained masseur and has devoted a room for treatments.

I explained that I was a trained beauty therapist and had fully intended to open a home salon but couldn't do it now because of OH's illness. She then said her daughter was training at a local hair and beauty college - what a co-incidence. I do hope she (the daughter) needs volunteers for her case studies:D

Knowing how I struggle with aches and pains through helping OH my neighbour offered to give me a trial massage on Sunday and, if it helps ease things, mates rates for any subsequent treatments. I thought that was so nice.

We are really lucky here - we have such lovely neighbours - friends really. Everyone has been really good to OH since his illness. In the summer we have lovely BBQ's when we all get together - definitely no swingers here though - not a blade of pampas grass to be seen:rotfl:

Bedtime now I think and then Scope tomorrow. OH will stay with carer tomorrow instead of coming to Scope - he needs a quiet day to recover from his jaunt today.

BTW - the silver enhancing shampoo is definitely starting to show some results now - the dingy blonde end bits look much better - I might not need to go for a really short crop after all.

lessonlearned

Hi there

Beautiful sunny day here, nice and warm at last:D

Didn't help at Scope today, they are a bit quiet just now and there wasn't much need for me today. OH very tired after his day out yesterday so he stayed with carer whilst DS2 and I had some one to one time whilst he is on holiday.

We visited some posh galleries and craft workshops for a mooch and to see what's what and to get lots of ideas - a nice lunch was involved too;). Had a lovely time - I do enjoy a culture fix every so often:rotfl:

Called in at a nice farm shop for some cake and OH's favourite home-made orange curd on the way home.

I don't normally buy anything from posh galleries because I find them horrendously expensive. However, I had a little splurge today and spent my Christmas present money from my parents on a beautiful (my opinion of course) ceramic pot. It was handmade by a local craftsman so is a one off, surprisingly inexpensive too.

In the past, especially when we've been very hard up, I have been very guilty of not buying anything with my parent's gift money and have just let it get swallowed up in day to day expenses.

They are not getting any younger (85 & 86) and no longer shop for gifts for Christmas and birthdays, so I have decided that in future I will buy something special, an artwork or special piece of jewellery, or a good handbag that I can keep and treasure. They will get a lot of pleasure knowing that I will have something from them as momentos.

Builders here today and again tomorrow - just doing a few maintenance jobs outside - busy times ....

Good night all - have a fab weekend.

Carmen

Hi Ladies,
I was dreading my weigh-in as I have been very erratic with my eating recently, I have put on 3lbs :eek: still it maybe the shock I needed?
Today has been a good day and tomorrow I am going to start taking some excercise, must be a month since I had a any
I managed to do some ironing today (exciting ) at least I have made a start...lol.
One of the neighbours kindly gave us a huge clump of iris's which will need to be planted tomorrow, job for O/H I will supervise :rotfl::rotfl: I love this time of the year, everyone is pottering in their gardens so see much more of them than in the winter months (I tend to hibernate)
Windsor Safari Park, long time since I have been there LL. How nice for your O/H to go there, I'm so pleased all is going well for you and yours LL
I have never been a great lover of lettuce but since I have been adding chopped coriander to my salads it really adds a wonderful flavour..yum!
Anyone else tried this?
Maman, how are you getting on with your book, enjoying it?
Goodnight all.
Carmen xx
Goodnight all

lessonlearned

Hi everyone

Lovely day here today. I agree Carmen it's so nice to see everyone out and about in their gardens - it's been such a long winter - the best thing you can do is hibernate.

Wouldn't it be lovely to have a real good feast over Christmas and New Year, go to sleep on Jan 2nd and then wake up in early April, having lost all the excess weight. Bears certainly know best.

Sorry to hear about your weight gain Carmen, still 3lbs isn't so bad really. I am sure it will come off quickly once you are back on track.

As for not exercising - you've probably noticed I've been suspiciously quiet on that subject. Like you I've not done any real exercise for a few weeks now. Yes, I've done a few half-hearted stretches and the odd km on the bike, but nothing like I was doing a month ago. I'm really seizing up and I must get back to it. I really have to start walking too - as we get older it really is a case of use it or lose it. I do enjoy walking it's just that it's been so long since I had the opportunity to do any and I feel really stiff and unfit. Still I could start small and gradually build up.

Your chopped coriander on salads sounds nice. I am always keen to try out different salads. I will give that a try. I bought one of those cut and come again lettuces from Aldi the other day. I am the only one in this house who eats lettuce so it's quite good, no waste - not very "crisp" though. I shall plant some lettuce of my own soon - and spinach - love it and so easy to grow.

I've only got a postage stamp for a back garden so I shall do what I did last year and plant "pretty" salads and vegetables in among the flowers in the front garden. Green beans have lovely flowers:rotfl:

Off to bed now, reading a great book called "1000 years of Annoying the French" by Stephen Clarke - lighthearted history. Perhaps a bit non PC. However, as I am half-Belgian, I'm allowed.

You should hear what my Belgian relatives say about the French, The Dutch, in fact anyone in Europe for that matter - they are much ruder about "Foreigners" than we Brits are. They (The Belgians I've met) love us Brits though.

A little story.

When my Belgian cousin married, he took the British contingent of the family to meet his future bride's family, who live at the edge of the Ardennes.

When we got there the locals were so excited to meet some English people the whole village turned out to greet us, ply us with wine, feed us and generally party with us.

Apparently, during the war they were literally starving and when the British Army liberated them, the soldiers shared their own food with them. They had never forgotten the kindness of the soldiers.

My father was a British soldier, although not stationed in the Ardennes.

Speaking of gardens - the people in the village where my mother grew up in Belguim only grew vegetables, they just didn't "do" flowers - they bought them from the florists. (Perhaps an after effect of the war).

After visiting England and falling in love with flower gardens my uncle started growing flowers. Pretty soon the whole street where they lived started their own flower gardens:rotfl:

Oo-er missus, I do rattle on sometimes.

Carmen

Just a quickie before I go to bed (only two hours sleep last night!)
Thank you for sharing that lovely story LL. It is interesting how things sometimes change with the generations.
Excuse me while I feed the neighbours cat....his owners are in the process of moving and I feel he will be left behind :mad:

Today was a good day for me I put lamb in the slow cooker (for the carnivores *sp) so I could relax and do my own thing which was very little in terms of housework I did manage a lovely walk in the sunshine.
I finished my book TTW which I did enjoy once I got the gist of time travel :rotfl::rotfl: Lovely love story.
Your book sounds interesting LL, my O/H read the Merde books (cannot remember the author) and laughed all the way through.
I am reading an old Dennis Wheatly book, scary bedtime reading no wonder I cannot sleep :rotfl: first published in 1953 so very unpc!

Yawn...need to sleep
Goodnight.
Carmen xx

LL, don't worry your exercise regime will soon return.