5 OS pleasures in your day today - part 3

LaineyT

Fingers crossed the op goes ahead TopsyT

For yesterday,

A great podcast from M Robbins got me through cleaning the bathrooms and other chores. Forwarded to the younger women in my life.

Sunny but windy day so washing pegged down well to dry outside.

Mini clear out of shed and found a storage box which will be handy to keep girlie’s rugs in. Over to yard and madam had a real spring in her step, it was like trying to bring in a very excitable kite!

A one pan chicken and couscous type tea.

Still enjoying the new Bergerac.

ampersand

Oh no!
Whole post and pics gone again.
Can't re-do now.
#
Can repeat 'All blessings' and belated birthday wishes, plus many congratulations to Frith's son.
Also hoped that shoulder op. went ahead and that you are doing well subsequently, tt.

Purple_kitten

What a day yesterday was, Bandit became very ill not taking food or water, so started various phone calls early in the morning to our now previous vet who answered saying we have no vets onsite at all today, I mean seriously. Thankfully almost I knew of a local vet who helped previously, who sent us to the specialist in the next town, he was immediately admitted for the whole day onto oxygen, an x-ray revealed pneumonia, they gave him meds and pain relief and sent us home with both.

We took out their health plan, which immediately saved on the consult, however bear in mind we needed to pay for bloods, x-ray, meds, and reading the x-ray, safe to say we are on the 20p bread stashed from rtc’s. It was fascinating for us to be walked through the x-rays, we’ve never had the opportunity before, it’s a talent.

Today. Bandit is at the gate and is back to threatening again, amazing the things you miss.

I spent time portioning up bacon, marinading chops, portioning pizza and grating up a block of cheese, all now snaffled in the freezer.

Wash loads bought in and hung out.

While tidying, I got down some summer clothes and dug out the in-person interview clothes and funeral clothes..

A whole chicken has been cooking through, trying to stimulate Bandit's appetite, he is now sort of eating again with help, but he has a bit to go yet.

So far this week we’ve had 2 very large unplanned expenses, I’m hoping things don’t come in threes.

LaineyT

What a rollercoaster PK

For yesterday,

Had a very rough night so decided on an easy kind of day.

Popped into horsey town and saw a very young racehorse being led in hand across the lights, heading up to the gallops. The stable hand was grey haired and perhaps too old to ride out now but he was chatting away to the youngster, capturing its attention so it took no notice of the traffic, it can be a brutal industry but there was a glimpse of tender care.

Over to see my own girl and took treats out to the field, we did a few carrot stretches and then I left her to the sunshine.

A much needed nap after lunch.

The picturesque Marlow Murder Club, cosycrime.

mhagster

Good morning! I feel I’ve so much to write to catch up! 

From Wednesday. I was working in the morning. And the ultimate compliment…‘it’s exactly what Mum would have wanted’ 
I had been kindly invited to the the tea…I knew some people who were going so I would go. So that was nice to be asked and nice to catch up and have a chat. 

Then it was home to get out of work clothes and into painty clothes. Pack my bags and off I went to CP. 
DD2 popped in for an hour or so. We walked the dogs and then started painting the front steps ( tiny wee platform at door with steps down either side and a side railing ( that I intend to have hanging baskets on) 
She had literally just left and a I saw another familiar car come down the drive…friend…so not only did she get Tuesday Tea she had Wednesday Tea too! She had been passing the main road end after a meeting and thought I’ll just pop in! So that nicely passed a couple of hours! Luckily I had eneough to share! We had chicken in a white sauce ( M&S…core childhood memory!) with rice and green beans and the wee serve of leftover cauliflower cheese from the night before. And we even had pudding as had kept a few wee traybakes from my birthday in the fridge! 
Quick doggy walk then bed…tucked up with a hot water bottle! 

Didn’t sleep great…but I don’t anyway! 

Woke up and was out walking at sunrise which is just amazing. Just us and all the birds! Such a cacophony of song! Jumped back into bed and then up and at em! Which was just as well as the pressure washer guy came round! So I now have a clean van!…unfortunately some of the paint was washed off the steps. So that’s a today job. It needed another coat anyway.
DD2 and The Chap came down and we took dogs a walk/run. Was very breezy! But so bright and sunny. They left  and I tidied up and packed up to come home. Hoovered and washed floors before I left. 

Then home. Such a beautiful drive through countryside. 

And hello house where I have wifi! 😆
Washing on and out! Such a windy day! 

Had some work emails/texts printing to do for my next jobs. 

Back doors open, just nice to have fresh air coming in. 

Had a RTC chicken thingy for tea with some rice, sprouts and peas.
And then went round to visit Mum’s NDN and had a lovely blether.
Nice walk home as the sun was setting. Sky was gorgeous.
Hello doggy! 

And woke up to good news this morning from DD1 that she has got a proper job! ( for her qualifications) so that was lovely and had a quick chat with her! ,

DundeeDoll

another 'fun' day at the office - the vice principal research is leaving and the vice principal education is retiring. So that will leave us with interim principal interim secretary interim chair of court interim finance director interim VPI interim VPR interim VPE newish VPEE newish Director HR. that said, i do feel positive so maybe my first should be...
1) feeling positive - i work with an amazing team
2) the sun shone all day
3) running meeting at lunch time with one colleague followed by a walking meeting with another
4) phoenix friday followed by a kebab (my turn so not so mse but very tasty)
5) met lovely couple up doing the 500 route and we went onto mennies for another pint - what a lovely evening

topsyturphy

Pleasures for today

1. shoulder op done - painkillers are good.
2. Sunshine
3. a little walk
4. tea cooked by dmum.
5. Nap this afternoon 

Highdays

Good morning.

Popped on to check if any news from topsyturphy so delighted to see it was third time lucky and you had your op - yippee. Hope your recovery goes well, all heading in the right direction now.

Recent pleasures:

1) Starting to slowly feel a bit better, still a dreadful cough and sore ribs but starting to get a bit of 'headspace' to think about other things and making plans for when we feel better. 

2) Sat in the lovely sunshine a bit yesterday, glorious weather and set for the weekend too.

3) Walked slowly down the garden twice, weak as a kitten and glad to sit down afterwards but a measure of progress, will aim for three times today.

4) Antibiotics are finished, hooray! Hate the side effects but can now top up with probiotic drinks and yogurt and replenish the good bugs.

5) In memory of my dad who loved a bet on the Grand National, the family 'syndicate' has got bets on all races this afternoon including the GN. Will settle down to watch this afternoon.

Hope you have some sunshine and can enjoy it today. Happy Saturday.

mhagster

Hello from my back garden sofa! Tis breezy but the sun is gently warm! DD2 and Pup just
 away so enjoying the peace. 

Friday was spent in caravan land. 

A few things to do yesterday morning and then off we went. Nice walk when we got there. Niece popped over for a cuppa and a child free chatter! 

I’d had a reminder on my lidl app that I had a day left of my free birthday doughnut and a free in store bakery loaf of bread so I’d went different way to CP to get those. 

Did some step painting. Still got half to do the second coat! A work in progress as I need the steps😆 🐾🐾🐾

DD2 came down for a wee while and we walked the dogs.

Had macaroni for tea with some toasted loaf ( note to self take a bread knife down 😆) 

Quick evening walk and met NDN! So had a chat with them and then time for bed!


Usual kind of sleep! I’d set my alarm to be up for a sunrise walk. Was an alright sunrise! Obviously last Saturday was a special birthday one! 

But just being out, just us and the birds is lovely 

Went back to bed. And dozed. Then had toasted big bread ( and again remember to take a bread knife 😆) and the last of the bacon I’d taken down with me! 

And tidied up and came home! Just as DD2 arrived at the same time. So we’ve sat on the garden sofas for the first time this year. ( was a couple of weeks earlier last year) 

Did a small washing which included a schnooky duck which a dog forlornly sat under the washing line looking upwards! 

Waiting for the sun to move round a bit so I can sort some Belfast sinks. DD2 said she’d pick me up some compost so want to half empty them and tidy them and then replant.

I also need to start painting garden fences this coming week. Sigh! But I know it will look better once it’s done. Just need the oomph to start! 

So not much else planned for rest of the day. Just going to try and relax ( I’ll try!) 

DigForVictory

DundeeDoll - I hadn’t quite realised just how eccentric that plan is until I wrote it down, at which point I could hear Humph reading it… All strength with the coming changes.

LaineyT - yes indeed mum is taking after Pepys in the between sleeps meals. We’ve tried plating up an assortment of things & leaving it front & centre of the fridge, but she seems to prefer a bowl of cereal!

Topsyt - delighted surgery has happened at last 

Mhagster - I can ‘see’ the expression as schnooky duck swings on the line!

OS pleasures recently 

Saw a card that had me smiling “This is a card from someone who admires & respects you” & thought impressive, novel, tempting. Inside, it read “Just kidding, it’s from me”. Mum & I giggling together rather a lot. I am not a fan of Mother’s Day stuff but I may try to get that for her.

Care team member crooning at first year university student who gives up a Friday & weekend each month to come & cook for his grandmother. I see it both as normal & amazing (but also if he didn’t chose to do it, mum would be enduring my cooking).

Not sure what the rules are for when hostess walks into a guest’s bedroom without knocking to retrieve shopping trolley but I copped an enquiry from mum if I had Any pyjamas & could only say yes but you walked in before I could put them on….

Early morning chats about the cat & finding his hunt victories - yesterday mum’s bedroom floor, today the cat didn’t bother with the stairs but left it in the hall. So thoughtful… (And how we communicate that, without mum’s hearing aids in, is via gestures & jottings on the phone!)

Service station door held for me by by a kindly chap, and I saw him seconds later hand in hand with an abundant lady, both absolutely content with each other, & I could have burst into tears, I was so aware of Himself not beside me.

At a busy services I tried to add milk to my coffee & threw the lot over me & the floor. Bless ‘em they had it mopped & a replacement in my hands in seconds! Awed & planning fulsome email of aww & delight. Really good customer service needs a well written email.

Youngest seeing me struggling to pack my work bag reminds me of the coffee sachets still in the car. He’s not the Fat Accomplice, but has the same useful memory at times.

I like the sound of Marlow Murder Club & a brief Google indicates a vicar’s wife - now that can go either way but the vicar’s wives I know are great fun as well as intelligent & loyal. Should I hunt the book, or leap into the tv series?!  

Primroses (or small yellow flowered things) glowing in the sunlight. (Local civic gardening volunteers planted recently & stunning!)

Youngest has “subtly” added hot cross buns to the shop & then left a clue of butter, to remind me he thinks my habit (of eating them cold & un-buttered with strong cheese) uncivilised.

 

Dryly amused by colleague who has not got a store cupboard & is getting a pointed lesson in why I refill storage as soon as I’m paid - I get a better percentage on cheese & eggs than I do on my current account. 

Dawns on me, Good Housekeeping is a bank package perk that Mum adores. Staying loyal as that plus AA membership less faff so far…

A colleague whom I’ve not seen in too long is to be father to another baby girl this year. He’s delighted & (to his credit) planning to take a 6 month career break to support his wife.

Dear me. All this “sleep better with your phone in another room” is making sense this morning. The front door thudding I can drop back off from. The phone beeping, not so much - years of it being a siren still spike my neurochemistry & yet it’s a sibling feeling happy & determined to share it.

I’m remembering why I don’t wear my hair down. It’s all washed & nutured but ye gods gets in my eyes nose mouth etc (Youngest cheered me hugely by observing I looked like Katherine Hepburn but that was all in how I had my hair up.) Back in usual braid now.

Teaching online was strangely quiet. At a tipping point, where the data could go either way, no one had an opinion! Ok it was Friday, Ramadan, people had other things on their minds but 10 trainees all in neutral?! Frustrating! Still, the next class should still be a bit more brighteyed. Relative toddlers not teens…

Lovely yoga class helped unkink “sat at computer” knots. 

Middleson getting rid of plant pots & so my Mother’s Day fun costs him nothing & may even be delivered by a policeman! (Startling what your schoolmates grow up into.)

Sis newly redundant stressed by lack of work & I’m googling agencies & t’other sis is helping her sort universal credit. [And she’s got a job! And is happier than her Labradors.]

Awaiting a new tyre, I heard “even if it were swollen nuts it shouldn’t take two hours”. My imagination is getting something a workout. (My Google history is near cross eyed as this is a known thing [with Fords inititally] & the fora stay factual whilst blistering.)

QI ‘most terrifying noise’ & without thinking my hindbrain suggested “the silence of the toddlers”. (Infrasound, seemingly.)

Sis planning on having her hedge removed [still not a euphemism] has been urged to reconsider as (on her estate) the hedges help stop cars bumping into houses in snow. I can’t quite see marjoram having the same bouncy barrier effect. [Too late - so much bare earth now, so onwards with the herbs & hope.]

Another batch of apricot kernels tucked into germination pods. More hope!

There’s a blackbird going over the weeds by the washing line, turning over clumps in search of something wriggly & I feel honoured the bird will accept me, stood there with a cup of tea likewise in communion. Then I sip & listen to other birds chittering.

Had a reminder about impulse control - bought a decanter online to find it’s too big for my hand. I need to go back car booting!

And it is Mother’s Day & I must now go have words with various clocks. If a man’s not dead while his name is spoken, can he similarly be dead if someone keeps his clock set correctly?

Autocorrect just gave me “NUS yak” & I’m trying to imagine students on yaks, yak racks, where do you fit the padlock, “sorry I’m late sir, the chain came off” & so forth…

Aw, Youngest thinks there is a place for “ambient” music, whereas I am robust even lifts have “the girl from Ipanema” & music should have a beginning, a middle & an end. Otherwise I am being fed “keep calm” pap & played down to “don’t worry your pretty little head” muzak which, as I negotiate a familiar (but still full of potential) bend, just irritates me. (Poor lamb, he has a lot to put up with.)

Yeay Mother’s Day gardening! (My lads have been carefully taught I love mud pies Much more than bouquets.) I’m three blueberry plants in new pots in Ericaceous compost & 4 other plants reported into fresh soil & plans for both lemons & the currant outside which has cracked its pot. Now slumped indoors hoping sunshine will ease the transplant shock.

Youngest has a beaming smile. He found my jammy dodger “stash”. (Clubcard discount, it would have been rude not to. That & Youngest was looking so hopeful.)

Middleson has dropped off pots - back into the garden dragging compost sack & watering can! [Now currant in glossy new pot, with fresh compost & sunlight & getting a “jam future?” look every time I pass it.] {Policeman couldn’t deliver as was in class. Fair enough, so was I.}

Odd flashback to a peanuts cartoon of snoopy seeing Lucy with flowers “ah, kinde auf blumenwise” & after a frame of her ferocious glare “ah, crabby kinde auf blumenwise”.  How that German sticks over these decades I’ve no idea but my gardeners backache may have some trigger…

 Pondering the minefield of gift giving & remembering the Christmas present armoured machine gun (vintage, deactivated) & it being too much to get home on the bus (wrapped & innocuous but heavy) with three boys & a pushchair, & the second phone call, & the “I told you were should have got Silver Cross” which had the vendors weak with laughter & me too, both then & years later. 

Oh gods ISIHAC - “Low-key: Norse god of understatement” Miles Jupp’s definitions leave me whimpering on a frequency that distresses local dogs.

Loving the poisson d’Avril of the pyramids bring upheld by Toblerone. The wry twist of Youngest’s lip suggests he rather wishes it was true…

Babysis trying to chivvy me into podcasting.  Frankly anyone who’ll outsource bedtime storytelling to a podcast strikes me as a bit odd (& not in a good way), plus all the family jokes & references would be lost on not-family.

Colleague struggling with grief at work today & me really feeling that I should do more office days as you just can’t hug people over teams. Thus wrangling with Google translate to get a reasonable translation of grief is the price of love. And Google translate made a complete teakettle of it! Ended up with amavi ergo nunc laedo which still isn’t right but is a step onwards.

Scouts, brilliantly illiterate with the parts of a plane, gleefully dying noisily extravagant deaths in winking murder & demanding to know if that’s Venus by the Moon. (Actually, Jupiter. Still beautiful. Partly explaining why we set gems in precious metals - the spaces, the shapes, the beauty.)

Colleague asked how do you get a wireless headset & I suggested they beseech a specific colleague, & there was gurgling at my vocabulary. I suppose I could have said ‘ask’ but ‘beseech’ makes it more fun for both players.

Just seen a Booths bag “Morecambe and Pies” (truly our Waitrose of the North has a lovely sense of humour!)

Visit & we did get data, after over an hour wrangling a machine we’d seen remotely wiped. Still, the staff were friendly in the absence of management & the cameraderie eased aching feet. Colleague got to his prayers, charmed that I respected the need.

There’s a new idea, “cosycrime”…. Contemplates how one cosily commits a murder - a series of accumulative poison iced cakes?

This Friday I am attending a dementia clinic. With mum. Meanwhile I am hustling a sister into a Photo Booth so we can renew her passport before the price goes up. The things we do for love are many & varied.

An unexpected good night: “God knows what you’re planning, I don’t need to.”

Photobucket emails are irritating. I’ve told them he’s dead but they want him to sign in to confirm he wants to close his account. Aye well. In a few more years they may believe me.

The satisfaction of changing the bed for fresh linen & planning pegging the newly washed stuff! Makes up for the aching back getting there.

Grand National day! I shall leave the afternoon sunshine to watch the beautiful horses. Leaning on the parade ring rail, watching them all turned out glorious & the air thick with hope, one of the best spots in a racecourse. Love some of the adjectives “mudlover”, “another grey!”, “athletic”(?!) Yeay Nick Rockett & ye gods the celebrations!

Ah, the voices in my head. This time an Aunt who was clear she did “not run a hospital for sick plants”. So I’ve gathered up the dead that were last years hopes, & am clearing space & pots & light for new hopes. Wonder beyond words, Youngest is hauling the remains to the compost heap. I am unspeakably blessed.

Ye gods. I was told to go buy a new car flap & asked had we changed the batteries on the existing one. (Very MS, troubleshoot first!) Now cat has hidden so cannot be shoved through to test. I’ve booked up on which button to press first for how long before you expose cat to flap sensor to read the microchip…

Huzzah! Sister cheered through getting old passport into the post so she can get an up to date passport before the price goes up. (Checked, mine’s got another couple of years. So, where to go, then?! The lads hop out & about and I cheer them to the rafters but me? Not so much.) 

Health strength love & courage to all as have need, and it is forecast to be a stunning line drying weekend. Ever trusting, I have my waterproof nearby.