Frump to Fab 2021

maman

I think what's hugely worrying in the world at the moment is the rise of populism. We've seen what's happened in the US and the rise of our PM following the Brexit vote has brought it here. Trump only survived impeachment because of a constitutional technicality and because so many Republicans wanted to save their own jobs. We're seeing it creeping here with the government abusing the law on many occasions.  Sadly the divisiveness that Brexit brought has continued into the handling of the pandemic. We have a government chosen to deliver Brexit and they're using the same tactics (slogans, photoshoots, leaking to the media to bypass parliament, nationalist stuff  about being world beating, manipulating information etc) to handle the pandemic because that's all they know. 

I know politicians have always put a spin on things , manipulated statistics and  stretched the truth but the current divisiveness and contempt alarms me. I was no fan of  the policies of Thatcher or even Teresa May but both did seem to have a sense of honour and integrity and a statesmanlike quality even on a superficial level  in the way they dressed.  I still have that hideous image in my head of Johnson and Frost bursting out of their creased suits in the Brexit negotiations compared with the European leaders.  I think it matters because it conveys attitude.

I admire my local MP (Tory, woman) because she's had the guts and integrity  to speak up when she thinks something's not right. It cost her the whip and a ministerial position in the last government alongside people like Kenneth Clarke and Winston Churchill's grandson but she did it and she's still doing it.  

I'm sorry for jumping on my soap box (again😉) but politics affects  all our lives, probably more so now than ever. 

maman

To lighten the subject. 😊

Today's main fashion feature in my paper was  suggesting that we can soon  'Ditch the Coat!' as we head into spring. I had to identify with the comment that we can soon  stop looking like a 'sleeping bag on legs'  and start wearing jackets. There seemed to be a whole range of styles recommended so I think anything goes. I'd be surprised if all of us don't have something suitable in the wardrobe whether that's a blazer or a denim jacket or even a smart fleece. 

Personally I'd replace/add to my short quilted jacket if I found something I liked or perhaps buy a denim/cord jacket but neither is essential. Whatever happens, it won't be until the shops reopen. Like LL said yesterday, I like to see and feel things before buying. The look and  especially the feel of a fabric is high on my priority list when shopping. 

Yesterday, I managed to cull just  one magazine!  Must try harder. 😉

Wednesday2000

I did order some compression gloves PP, they are arriving tonight before 10. They are worth a try.

My brother said my Mum does not have arthritis. I read online it could be quite a few things, my thyroid, diabetes, carpal tunnel or I am getting fibro back. I probably need to get a routine blood test soon to see what might be causing the tingling.

I went out for a 45 minute walk this morning and thought it felt like Spring. I just went out again to buy brown sauce for my vegan sausage sandwich for lunch and I took off my jumper on the way back and just wore my short sleeved dress. It's really warm and almost felt too warm for my tights and boots. I hope this is the end of winter now.

candygirl

WEDNESDAY, my 48 year old Bro has really painful hands .His Doc says it's definitely not arthritis, but overuse of his phone that's caused it!! 😲
I sometimes get really bad neck ache,  n use my phone a lot, so LL might be onto something there 😉

thepurplepixie

The compression gloves are definitely worth a try.  My problem is that with the gloves/crochet the pain stops and I forget about it and a few weeks later the cycle starts again.  I must be more disciplined about it.

Feels like spring here, went to see my doctor today and it really was bright, sunny and quite warm.   I've got a skin problem, trouble with being a freckled red head is that skin can't cope with sun and I get lesions which can lead to skin cancer.  I recognise them now and get treatment early but the cream that treats them is expensive and very strong so you have to see the doctor to get it, then your skin gets red like a bad burn and then heals and the lesion is gone.  Better than leaving it and ending up having to have it cut out.  Anyway got my prescription so I will look like I've got the lurgy for a couple of weeks.

I drove past the local testing centre and it looked empty and no cars in the car park so hopefully that is a good sign.

Maman I couldn't agree more about the state of Johnson and Frost.  I know some foreign leaders have the advantage of age/build like Macron or Trudeau but look at Biden, old enough to be Johnson's father and he always looks smart and professional.  If an office junior turned up at work looking that scruffy they'd get a bit of advice if they were lucky or a telling off if they weren't.

helensbiggestfan

I get painful hands (and feet too). My podiatrist told me to keep them warm.  I find warmth helps a lot.  And I'm another one who uses compression gloves sometimes. I also use Tiger Balm, the white one, I get a sore rash if I use the red one.  I've read that capiscain cream is helpful but I've not tried that. 

I'm still struggling with my shoulder and upper right arm, it's been going on for months and it's getting worse.  Now that I've had my jab and the three weeks has elapsed I think I need to get it sorted.  

Hey ho.  Bette Davis was right "Aging ain't for cissies". 😂

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

I had my 1st Covid vaccination this afternoon. It was a very efficient experience. I had to sit in a room with other people who had been vaccinated for 15 minutes before I was allowed to leave the building. I was a little anxious about getting vaccinated, but I had such a terrible time when I had Covid-19 last March, that I was satisfied that I was making the correct decision for me and my family. I will be invited to have my 2nd vaccination in 8 to 12 weeks time. I am hoping that I do not suffer any side effects, but I will just have to wait and see. 

My older brother who does not have a smartphone, broadband or a laptop in his home, got his text invite for his Covid vaccination and had no means to book it. It was fortunate that I called him yesterday and he asked me to help him book his Covid vaccination. I got him to read out his unique number to me on the phone and I tried to book his vaccination only to get a message online saying there was no availability. I tried again this morning and I was able to book his vaccination at a local NHS health centre for Monday 1st March.   

I got lots of written information from the Government about the measures I should put in place because I am now in the 'Clinically Extremely Vulnerable' group. A lot of it was a repeat of the information that Lambeth Council had provided. I have spent a year staying at home apart from trips to local shops to do top up shopping I only visited my daughter and her family because of the death of my granddaughter and to attend her funeral. I have been a bit paranoid about not getting Covid-19 again, so I have always been willing to adhere to the guidelines and to the Lockdowns. Lucky for me I have been very content to amuse myself at home even though I had a very active social life before this pandemic. 

I personally feel that Boris Johnson and this Government have largely done a terrible job in this pandemic. The almost 122,000 deaths to date are horrifying and harrowing. Those with long Covid may find their lives forever changed and their health outcomes for a healthy life and/or long life drastically reduced. Yet, it has been far too much of trying to close the stable door after the horse has long bolted by Boris Johnson and his Government. 

savingmore

help!   I suddenly realised I never found the new champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget thread......could anyone give me a link?  tried to find it and unable....very puzzled.   many thanks!

savingfortomorrow

I am getting my vaccine tomorrow. I am a much higher risk occupationally. It's a three-week interval here and honestly, it will make a difference. I feel that once I am vaccinated I will feel more protected. My covid anxiety has reduced- it is inversely proportional to the number of masks I wear. I wear at least two masks; usually a kn95 and a surgical mask. It makes me feel safer.  I have chosen a more cheerful colour dress tomorrow- to celebrate, I guess. 

I have given up meat for lent. I just wanted a challenge and 40 days of reducing meat and creating new meals. I cut out processed meats before Christmas and dramatically increased the creativity and lentils. 

I feel history will not judge leaders of this time with admiration. Only Jacinda Ardern will be viewed with some esteem. The distance from expert advice and disinformation is vast. How it can be bridged is something I don't know. Politics has always been tending small national events; while keeping an eye on the larger picture. I feel populism is a race to the lowest depravities of humanity- intolerance, indifference, sectarianism and racism. It fails to raise humanity to listen to our better angels; it makes the world a worse place. I truly hope that we are on the cusp of a change for the better and things improve.  

Wednesday2000

PP - I tried the compression gloves on last night and read in bed with my kindle for a while. My fingers weren't clicking or as painful with them on. They don't look too bad either as they look like light purple fingerless gloves so I could wear them out in winter.

CG - I don't think it is to do with the kindle as I'm getting the pain and stiffness in my toes again too.

I got up early as I had such an early night (8.30) and had a hot bath, shaved my legs and put on body oil afterwards. I tried the new enzyme berry face mask and it said that it could cause redness (which it did!) so I put on serum and spf after. I am going to order Sainsbury's groceries for the weekend and then go out for a walk. I have a mental health phone appointment this morning and then my husband has his first Covid jab this afternoon. I put on earrings, a necklace and perfume today.