NST JULY

DawnW

NSD # 5 here today.

Very hot here, and the temperature is forecast to reach 33 degrees tomorrow 

Work today, and it actually wasn't too bad in the shop, with 2 fans running. Nice and cool here in the lounge at home too.

I managed to get most of the watering done this morning before work, but will need to do some once the sun starts to go down. The dog will want walking too, as it was far too hot to take him at the usual time.

Dinner was easy, as I made a big chilli yesterday. We simply had some of that with some rice.

Work again tomorrow.

apple_muncher

You are often saying how cold it is at work, DawnW - this must be one of the few times the cold is good!

grandmanerd

Mrs Builder came on Wednesday. We made good progress. Did the most important cleaning bits (things I struggle with) then went back to the front room reset. Worked across the front of the couch from the wall to the window, picking out the things to save and sweeping the rubbish. Small items on trays so I can sit and sort through them. I have several empty boxes and bags now, some already designated - diy/ garden/ craft. Lots of small bits (pens, cutlery, money, stray packs of pills). My new packs of pills (only one item) arrived and I took one straight away as I ran out over the weekend and it wasn't helping me feel okay.

We also worked out that I'd missed my grand-daughter's birthday. Whilst I've been 'ill' I kept saying it was at the beginning of the following month while doing the most urgent task each week. I hadn't realised next month was now this month. This is one of the worst aspects of being 'vaguely unwell' - time loses all meaning other than the bill that needs paying, the need for more food or not having medical items. Problems with my phone and general mobility haven't helped - not having my proper ankle support and insoles means I can't get around and tire very easily, so less gets done.

The phone saga is ongoing. I took the new phone with me when I went out last Thursday. On Friday, unpacking the remnants at the bottom of the bags, I found the back of my phone. Two days later I found the front but then couldn't find the back. I had seen an old phone upstairs in a drawer so asked DS3 to bring me that downstairs. On Wednesday I found both parts of the phone and set it up to charge. Since I bought 2 new pairs of insoles I found 2 single insoles and both halves of the old worn pair. I'd taken them out so my trainers could go in the WM and then could only find one. They don't have a lot of life left in them, that is one of 3 appointments I need to book (when I've worked out whether I have the latest COVID strain or whether it's just the same panoply of symptoms I've had all winter (possibly exacerbated by hayfever season and/ or proximity to the chinchillas).

At some point last week, the bank declined several payments. They may have tried to call me to check, but only had my old number. I put the new number in and order has been restored (mostly).

I'm mostly fine, this may be my new reality but I'm struggling with the 'brain fog'

Mrs Builder is going on holiday today and won't be back until a week on Monday so I have a week and a half to sort through piles of bulky stuff and all the tiny things. yesterday I finally took back the 2 library books I've had since before the start of the year and offered to pay for them as I've damaged them. One assistant took me through the online form as they no longer deal with cash. They rejected my suggestion that I stop getting books - I must keep getting books from them. I sat on one of the club chairs to rest and one of the assistants came to ask if I could afford to pay for the books as they could write them off if I was having money problems. I said it was fine. I carried on to the cs and left a bag of donations and then bought a sandwich with my points.

I've kept up with the washing, Mrs Builder did the sinkful of pots and put everything away, I've dealt with a few 'niggles' and done a couple of extra grooming items. I had a food delivery yesterday morning (not all I need because I'm trying to reduce my spending and any food waste). The rubbish/ recycling is by the back door and I have started the weeding in the backyard jungle.

I would like to go to the Community shop but it depends on my ankle. Other than that, it's ticking off some of the urgent items and working through the trays of tiny items before I upset a tray and end up with bits on the floor again. Once again, I am fine just not performing at my best.

I am grateful for Mrs Builder, building up routines (listened to a clutter fairy episode yesterday - much better than doom scrolling), plodding (need to add more purpose)

beanielou

@grandmanerd. Are there any services local to you that help with shopping? Volunteer drivers to help with lifts to make life easier? 

Any progress on DS3 & beloved moving on? 

Keep plodding 🤗

DawnW

Shattered here. Work yesterday and I had agreed to have little GS for the night to give DD a break. Unfortunately it coincided with this horrible hot weather. The spare bedroom is in the loft conversion and terribly hot in the current conditions. We played for a while and read stories, then he wanted a shower in the new-ish ensuite, but I ended up putting him to bed in our bed on the first floor, and then taking him upstairs again after the sun went down and it had cooled down a bit. I always spend the night up there with him so he isn't on his own. The twin beds up there aren't too bad. He was very good but woke up ready for action at 5.15 am. I'd had very little sleep due to the heat. He 'helped' with lots of chores, which he loves to do. He helped with pegging the washing on the line (with the aid of a stool), lots of washing up, watering the garden, cutting courgettes, cucumbers and picking beans, dead heading the flowers, tidying the spare bedroom (we stripped off the beds and washed the towels), and he gave the basil plants a haircut (under supervision). and we made pesto. His mum came to pick him up at about 11.30. We gave them both lunch before they went off for his swimming lesson, and they took away shredded paper and loo roll middles for the gerbils, some lettuces gone to seed for their chickens, some cucumbers from my pile, and some of the pesto for their dinner. He was enthusiastically tasting it while we were making it so hopefully he will like it on his pasta. He was very good, ate all his dinner last night, of home made quiche, potatoes and salad. He only left the spring onions 

After he went, I pegged out more washing, gave the neighbour another cucumber, made slow cooker ratatouille and did the ironing. I now need to put it away. Dinner was leftover chilli with broad and French beans, griddled courgettes and a couple of fried potatoes. More washing up also now needed.

Really looking forward to cooler weather! @apple_muncher yes, it is freezing cold at work in winter and ridiculously hot in the hottest bit of the summer. It is an 18th century building with very little insulation and is poorly maintained by the landlord. 

Right, washing up it is, then I will put the ironing away. When it gets cooler I will water again. Dreading the hose pipe ban which is sure to come, but OH will help me carry watering cans to keep everything alive.

Dog will need to go out after about 9pm,  OH will do that. Looking forward to bed and hoping it isn't too hot to sleep.

grandmanerd

Beanie they have some boxes packed. She has perked up considerably since her friend arrived. Most days they have been out for several hours (round at the friends) Today she came down at lunchtime with a weekend bag and said she was going to stay at a friend's for a couple of days. Not sure if it is the American friend or a different one. I think Beloved moving in when her friends get a larger house would have a greater chance of success but that would leave me with DS3. Will wait and see.

I've been concentrating on 'finishing things off'. I often run out of steam before completing eg pegging out the washing, so tackled the half dozen items still to go out and similar tasks. One new habit - taking all the shopping through to the kitchen and putting it away. Need to get out to weed but the heat is oppressive (it was about 6 pm before there was more than a strip of shade in the yard and the air was still hot and dry.

Sorting through the small items clutter (most needed) is going well - I have rearranged the trolley with all the additional medicinal/ stationery/ toiletries and other items added in (pill foils were cut down, bits went in full packets and extras went in the box on the second tray). I decided not to buy more food but have come up with things to do with what I have (mostly simple items with little or no cooking).

Grateful for progress, the series of books I am reading (taken a break from the previous, nearly completed series), sorted the grand-daughter's present, to be delivered.

Thrifty_Taylor

Sorry I've been AWOL a few days. Great news though, I've finally got a date for my cataracts op 😀🎉 it's been a long wait 2.25 years, but I'm getting it done on the 23rd. Yippee!

Been doing lots of walking, today's was 6.4 miles, in 27°C, maybe wasn't the best plan. My childhood neighbour saw on FB that I was looking for a bed for DS2, not only did she offer it free of charge, but her partner even delivered it today 😀 I gave them some sweets for their little ones, in return.

Yesterday I met up with a lady I've worked with, & her husband, who have set up a charity in memory of their son, to help young people & their mental health. I donated the money DS1's colleagues had collected for his leaving present. Had a good chat & a cry with them too. It helped to speak to them.

Also received a lovely card from the Air Ambulance, as we'd sent them the collection money from DS's funeral.

Grateful for kindness, words of wisdom, helping others

grandmanerd

Sunday 13th July 2025

JUST Do IT
The right task to do is the one you feel capable of (especially when overwhelmed). It doesn't matter it it's not a high priority, you need a task that is within your current capabilities. Completing a task gives a sense of accomplishment and releases 'feel good' hormones. You may feel okay to continue with more tasks. If not, you have taken one small step to improving your surroundings. If you pick a difficult complex task like paperwork, you will achieve nothing and get discouraged.

in_need_of_direction

Grandmanrd your post was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you

Thrifty_Taylor

Great post @grandmanerd. That was the way I was feeling today.

Went to the cemetery & removed all the faded wreaths. Left some lovely orange flowers from our garden in a jamjar, it looked pretty. Felt quite sick on the way home, put all the flowers on the compost heap, & the bases ready to be dumped, then sat in the shade in the garden for half an hour, followed by an hour on the bed. Think I slept a little.

After an early dinner (only fancied fruit for breakfast), I picked more currants. It was so much easier, now the big high nettles, etc had been removed! DH didn't want to go for a walk, so I decided to go to the beach. Asked a friend to join me, but she had a few things to do first. I had a long paddle, bumped into a parent with a son from DS1's class, she was swimming, but stopped to give me a hug & chat. Whilst chatting a large wave came over my shorts & I got damp pants 🤣, I'd only been mid-shin deep! Sat on a stone to dry out a bit til my friend arrived. Walked along the sand to the furthest place & sat & chatted. I had a cry too. Think I was at the beach for 4 hours! Most I've ever been, especially on my own, which never happens. Going to go more often. Having me time is good.

Pottered about after tea, then some Sunday night pampering in the bath 😊

Grateful for friends, time at the beach, that I felt better by dinnertime

NSD