The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

Pooky

Morning all

Not been able to keep up to date with you all so hope everyone is ok.

Mrs LW - I love this time of year normally but I must admit I'm yearning for a bit of warm spring sunshine. Fed up of the gloom.

We have Dad staying with us at the moment - he had a bit of a breakdown, so sad to witness. My Dad is a very strong and independent person but this has all been to much for him. He's feeling better for some decent sleep, decent food and for someone to talk to - you know what it's like, you just need to talk things through when you've had a major shock, it's all part of the healing process.

Mum is doing well, we managed to speak to her this morning and will be going into London this afternoon to see her. Her short term memory is very hit and miss, as is her speech but the long term stuff is in there, a bit confused but she can pull it out given a bit of time. It's going to be a long, slow progress but there's plenty of us here willing her on.

DD's and DH have been amazing - DH is making all the phone calls, speaking to all the Drs and keeping Dad occupied and DD's are cleaning and cooking for us all.

Have sussed the train tickets/deals now so only paying £24 a day instead of the £50 it was costing....that's a huge improvement and means we can treat her to a bag of chocolate buttons (the only thing she's asking for at the moment)

Possession

Your poor parents Pooky. I'm glad they've got you and your sis to look after them.
Camelot there hasn't been much packing going on here, I had DS off school all last week and DD for much of this week, and have spent today making phone calls regarding insurance, broadband connection etc etc. Virgin M ended up taking up 2 hrs of my life today that I'll never get back. I'll get on to it a bit more at the weekend.

ivyleaf

Sending huge ((HUGS)) to you all Pooky. Such a long way to go to visit your poor mum too, though at least you're not having to fight to park at William Harvey. It sounds as if she's being well looked after xx

I got off lightly with the grandchildren's shoes; DGS didn't need any yet, and DD told DGD firmly that she wasn't having Lelly Kellies this time, so the assistant tactfully didn't bring out any of those

nursemaggie

Pooky glad your mum is holding her own and your father is better for being with you. You mum has got through the most difficult part.

Possession you have my sympathy this time last year we ere sorting things out and it was BT not virgin m took up the time. After two hours of someone insisting we had to pay for over another year, I put the phone down and redialed, The young man I then got admitted that 3meg was not keeping there side of the contract and of course I did not have to pay until the end. I spent days and days calling everyone when I should have been packing.

One bonus was I saved us a lot of money while changing our address for things like insurance. Removal men took up the most time.

I am not ill, just have side effects that come and go. I am never 100% far from it because I have to take a form of Chemo for the rest of my life. As I said I have tablets for most symptoms. I have learned to pace myself.

Thank you for all of your well wishes. No matter how low the stocks get I can usually mange to make us a meal. We did go 11 days without shopping but that was mainly because of DS's arthritis. He is still suffering and Bolton is a difficult place to find anywhere flat apart from the town centre. It hurts him to walk downhill or down stairs. I get the same when my knees are playing up.

We do like to get about 3 weeks shopping when we go to Ald! and just top up at Mr M in between. Mr M is a bit too painful for him at the moment. I did manage a top up on my own in the three weeks since DS has been further than the corner shop.

Only one side effect today and that is there every day for all who take the medication I take. If you see someone with really puffy eyes ( sacks of fluid all round) you will know they probably take the same as me, unless it is a serious allergy.

Take care everyone and roll on spring.

[Deleted User]

Morning Toughies, cloudy,damp and cool again here this morning, in fact a bit dismal and the weather forecast for next week doesn't offer any improvement. I'm making Mattar Paneer in the slow cooker for supper as the picture in the book is bright and vibrant looking and we need a boost. He Who Knows and Docky are out for morning walkies all wrapped up in hats and gloves and I'm intent on stripping beds and processing bedding today along with sorting out the girls bedrooms ready for a swap round as the smaller back room that was DD2s has the airing cupboard in it and will be much better for Zebra and any siblings so the double bed will go into the cooler front room and the back room will take the single and the cot easily. We're giving the walls a lick of paint to freshen them and also the woodwork will be glossed and the carpet replaced as the one in there now is ancient. Busy busy busy!!!

My little toughie primrose on the front lawn has one flower open, is a thing of beauty and inspiration and says to me to keep trying and never give up which is a very good thing to take on board isn't it? Have yourselves a good day and stay warm, Lyn xxx.

mardatha

Horrible raw grey day here, we are bored. Snow still lying behind the dykes and the lambing has started - that always gets more snow.

[Deleted User]

Lambs? How wonderful!!!

mardatha

Judging by the amount of swearing that floats over the back fence MrsL, the shepherd and/or the dog maybe isn't quite sharing your view there... LOL

[Deleted User]

I guess there is always room for an alternative view point, shall I send some mint sauce to cheer them up?

savingqueen

Just waving hello and sending hugs x