Morning everyone

Thank you all for your comments about the ironing pile. It seems that most of you manage without having to resort to ironing. It is only a few things that I do. I do iron the bedding because like csarina I do like the feel of crisp ironed sheets, and I have a couple of pairs of trousers that however I wash them they always come out crumpled and I have some tops, that always look a mess unless they are ironed.

My plans for a walk yesterday were aborted because of the rain that persisted for most of the day. Hopefully it will be a bit better today and I will be out.
Have a good day everyone whatever you are doing.

The spaghetti Bolognese I made yesterday was nice and there is now a spare portion in the freezer. I’m going to make a beef bourguignon today with a couple of portions to freeze.

I had the pleasant surprise of bumping into someone who I hadn’t seen for a long time yesterday when I was going to the surgery for a blood test. She waited for me and we went and had a coffee and sandwich as it was lunchtime at Waitrose. It was really nice to see her again and I don’t think that there was any reason we stopped seeing each other, other than the pressures of life, so we are going out for dinner next week for a proper catch up, so I have that to look forward to.

The Home Treatment Team workers have been coming between 9.00 and 10.30am as I asked for which is good because it tends to be during the morning when I have a whole day spanning ahead of me that I feel at my lowest, and I need the support.

TA I hope that the op went well yesterday and Mr TA is ok and recovering at home. You are both in my thoughts.
Csarina that was good news about the dresser.
Mrs Salad Dodger reading your post yesterday evening tired me out! I don’t know where you got all that energy from, but if you have some going spare I’ll have some!
Lainey it’s good to read how Lulu has settled in so well with you, it sounds like an ideal partnership.
LameWolf that was a good reason for Mr LW to iron a shirt.
Silver-oldie plum chutney does sound like a good idea, it’s not something I would have thought of but it sounds really good.

Anyhow, have a good day everyone whatever you are doing.

Morning everyone

Hollyharvey - thanks for starting us off x

Hugs to those that want/need one x

Happy birthday to those with a birthday x

DH up and gone to work stupid early, DS1 now getting ready for work and DS2 still in his pit, will wake him soon as he may want a lift as far as my work so he can walk from there to the gym.

Now light, raining heavily and has been doing since some time during the night, laying water everywhere, arc will soon be needed. Forecast is much the same all week.

Dinner last night gammon, egg, chips/jacket potato, beans/veg, and a choice of jam & cream donuts, cornetto type ice cream or ice from a tub. Dinner tonight will be similar fish, chips/jacket potato, beans/veg - as it will be a late one due to hairdresser coming.

Yesterday work was slow to start off with but then became busy, the telephones were ringing off the hooks, just calls stacked all day - so the customers have been holding for ages and are in a bad mood (quite rightly) before they speak to anyone. I was dealing with people yesterday that had been on hold for up to an hour. One of my colleagues said to me "when has it become acceptable for the us to be sworn at and called all the names under the sun before saying hello when we answer the calls?" Certainly doesn't make the job any easier, as you can imagine the stress levels are through the roof. Back to it today, we'll see wait today brings. Earlier finish today so shouldn't been too bad.

On a brighter note a savings plan that I've been paying into matured and I had a letter telling me approx how much it would be and that money has hit my bank a/c this am.

Keep safe and well x

nmlc x

Morning folks and thanks HOLLY for starting off. Bleurgh it's damp and miserable outside and set to stay with us most of the day.

Yesterday was a long and tiring day as expected. We got Mr TA checked in about 7.15 and he didn't go down to theatre till 12.30. I was glad I had DS with me as this time I wasn't allowed to wait with him. We spent the day waiting and worrying, drinking Costa dry and eating sandwiches and goodies from the M & S food store. We both had a book but couldn't put our minds to reading. I was relieved when I got the call to say Mr TA was ready to be picked up. The op went ok and, apart from needing the loo every half an hour, he has recovered well. I wasn't very happy though about having to pay £16.40 for the day's hospital parking fee. It's scandalous when you have to pay for the privilege of being ill.

I must put my financiers head on next as I need to move some money between accounts and also pay the Visa bill. It only came yesterday but I like to get it paid and out of the way.

Then I will swap heads to my OS one. I want to make various things for the freezer that can be pinged in the mw when we are kitchen and cookerless next week. I have pastry (made and frozen last week) defrosting to make a couple of minced beef and onion pies which can be warmed in slices. Then some Bolognese to freeze in tubs to warm with jacket spuds and some Chilli to have with packet cooked rice. Lots of stuff in the freezer already too so we won't starve through lack of a kitchen I'm sure!

DS is coming this morning to use our garage to do some jobs on his car. No doubt he will be staying for lunch too.

Have a good day folks and thank you to the lovely people who thought of us yesterday. It means such a lot to know people can find the time in their busy lives and with their own worries and problems. ((HUGS)) for all in need/want of them and take care all xx

Good morning and thank you for starting today's thread Hollyharvey.

It rained all evening and it is still persisting down so am not hugely looking forward to going to work. Still, once I get there, I should be out of the rain until mid-afternoon, and perhaps it will have ceased and desisted by then.

Holly how nice to reconnect with an old friend, hope today is good for you.

TA hope all has gone well.

I seem to have gone back into my poor sleep pattern and it is difficult to work effectively when I'm tired. My manager pointed out that I looked really washed out last week, she was being kind but it wasn't helpful. I am not sure if I'll have to do the London/Kent job now, unless I can plan it more or less immediately, time will not be on my side as it is a big job.

Less than 3 months to go now, in effect it is only 2, given that I will be taking some leave at the end.

I spent yesterday furtling and pootling, both of which are activities at which I excel. Holly I had to iron my clothes for work, I have had most of my work clothes for ages, they are still in good nick but have lost their ability to dry without creases. I only iron those plus pillowcases but in summer I mostly wear linen and cotton and those do have to be ironed.

I have eaten my toast, need to get in the shower and disguise myself as a real human now.

Hope this is a good day for everyone

Morning all


Damp and drizzly here again and set in for the day I think, the Easter Holidays has been a wash out for the kids this year.


Off to work for me and a work friend returns today after being off with stress so I hope that goes well. I had the Dr yesterday for my official results as said before they are all fine and he said I am very healthy ! He is going to test me for sleep apnea next and if its not that he thinks it might be stress due to work !


Not sure what we are having for dinner tonight will go and rummage in the freezer after this there is plenty in there.


Must do a wash tonight and have a sweep through, must also chase the builder re the quote for putting the kitchen right.


Right must get on have good days all xx

Morning All

Damp and drizzly out, not very spring like at all. Yesterday's bedding didn't survive the washing line, had to bring it in as the rain was torrential for a while. The last few evenings have been lovely but not until about 6.30 when it's too late to do anything outside. All I managed yesterday was a quick sweep of twigs, etc from under the hedge at the front. I don't think I'll ever get to plant anything outside at this rate!

Glad Mr TAs op went well yesterday, hope he has a speedy recovery.
Sounds like meeting your friend turned out well Holly, it will be good for you to have something to look forward to next week.
Good news that there's nothing underlying RR, it's probably the stress from work as it sounds full on for you with long days and too many shifts in a row. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm going to help DD with some decorating this morning then lunch with a friend later so had better get moving. Have a good day, take care. XX

Morning all

Thanks for the thread Holly, hugs to all those in need, glad yesterday went ok TA.

Raining here and has done for a few days, the river bank is very muddy.

I could do with finishing a laundry bag I've started making but it's too dull to sew by hand and there isn't enough in the batteries to run my sewing machine. I may cut out some card bags instead.

I need to sweep up the mud I walked in and then I may read for a while. The WiFi signal is very weak here too so I need to make my book last as I cannot download another one until I babysit for dd tomorrow.

Have a good day everyone.
Hugs Hester

Morning all. It's raining heavily here, I think it's set for the day. I know we need rain, but need we have quite so much - it's a wonder we haven't rotted away with all this water!!
Thanks Holly for starting off.
You sound as if you are progressing well Holly - keep on going.
Glad you and Mr TA got through yesterday Mrs TA - it must have been exhausting. I'm pleased you had Ds for support,

Usual Tuesday ahead - Tai chi,this morning, quiz tonight. Will pop and see Dgd and family.

Lainey, was it you who thought your posts were boring - I only ever think mine are !!
I like to read about everyone's doings, ok we do the same things, more or less every day, interspersed with big events, happy or sad,but it's life.
Dear me, philosophising at this time of the morning, I usually need half a bottle of wine to get to this stage, and I promise I have had nothing stronger than coffee.
Enough of this waffling - thoughts and hugs to those that need them.
Take care folks.

Damp and drizzly here today too. Yesterday I got my regular B12 jab and had my hair cut and coloured had 2 colours of highlights put in which should disguise the grey growing through better. I let it go grey when I moved 6 years ago and for ages it looked lovely, then I got poorly and have been so pale and washed out that I had colour put on again, whilst I can afford it, I keep thinking of other things I could spend the money on.

Check up at doctors this morning, learned yesterday that my GP retires at the end of this month, have sort of been expecting it, but very sad as she has seen me through all this complicated stuff (4 forever conditions, 4 consultants, 3 hospitals etc. Fingers crossed I can move to someone that can "keep everything pulled together"

Getting ready for a few days away to check out the 'van after the man has been to service it today then just 12 days to prepare for our long jaunt around Dumfries and Galloway.

Pleased that you had your son with you for all the waiting about TA, hope that Mr TA is good this morning,
Holly great news about bumping into your friend.
RR good that nothing major is wrong, but hope that you pick up soon.
nmlc hope that you have a better day today.

Hugs and spoon all, hope that you can keep dry.

Good morning everyone.

It's looking very watery outside, no rain just thin skies. We didn't have the torrential rain which inflicted camelot.

It's lovely to read such positive news from Holly and TA.
AOD - three months will fly by, and then you'll be enjoying yourself more.

One of my neighbour's moved out two weeks without giving the keys to her landlord. Her only response to texts and calls was to send somebody to remove her numerous plant pots (leaving loads of broken rubbish behind) and open the house. Keys left inside the house but no communication for her at all. A full wheelie bin was left in an outbuilding so attracted vermin. Stupid woman! I can't understand why someone would behave that way.

Work on my front 'garden' starts tomorrow. A friend is bringing his mini digger to turn over and level the ground. Another friend will be making fencing and raised beds for it. He's already made a lovely long wooden planter which will go in front of the house and which I'll fill with herbs.

Right, I've watched the tide go out long enough!

Happy Tuesday to everyone.

Morning all Rain has stopped here thank goodness as with the two dogs the house floors are like a hairy mud bath i have given up mopping continuously and am just hoovering four times a day once the floors have dried i will have a good floor wash at the weekend when Kas goes home and its just 1 small dog . Walked both girls for about a mile off lead this am and i have to say Dolly is so much better behaved with Kas so i think she is bored on her own . Despite a good walk they are both bowling around with a tennis ball indoors ;(
TA glad it all went well yesterday hopefully you can relax today with your book.
HH be careful getting on and off the boat its so slippery everywhere
Dinner tonight is sausage n mash lets hope DS comes home for his as i have his dinner for lunch today so will only be cooking for DH and DS
Right better have a cuppa then sort these 2 out hopefully they will have a lay down in a bit
Have a great day whatever you are up to x

MADDIEMAY I think you and Mr TA came from the same mould! He is just like you with 4 forevers, 4 consultants (Oncologist, Neurologist, Urologist & Gastroenterologist) and 3 hospitals (but currently 4 with another problem which will hopefully soon be cured) I worry more than he does about all his problems. My main worry is that I keep well enough myself to keep him on track with where he is going, who he is seeing and when his appointments are! Sorry you are losing your trusted GP MM and I hope your new one will prove as helpful xx

Morning all,

up at the crack of dawn (well 7 oclock really) because i wanted to fit in my jobs before the Grandchildren arrive. Ive got them both for the day whilst Mummy is at work. We are going to play snakes and ladders at some point (probably when Diva is asleep).

Blackun is a bit wobbly still on her feet but she is fine apart from that. All medication given.

Hope the rain eases sometime today (preferably this evening) cause i need to take the hounds for a walk.

Onwards and forwards,

Have a great day all.

Morning everyone,

Very cloudy and wet here, my DOH heard Carol K say this morning that the temps are meant to hit 20 degrees next week, can’t wait!
I will be riding Lu later this morning and then we will take advantage of the no parking fees after 3pm in BuryStEd to pick up a few bits. We are off to Cornwall at the end of this month so I want to trawl the CS’s for some books to take and DOH could do with a couple of new t-shirts etc.

Good to hear that things went well for you all yesterday TA, take it easy today.
Hugs to Holly and RR plus anyone else coping with illness at the moment.

Have a good day folks x

Good morning everyone,

Wasn't able to pop in yesterday as I was down in London all of yesterday. Flight delayed there and flight delayed back, due to fog.

So I'm shattered. I'll keep it short.

Hope everyone is well.

Morning all
My goodness what is this unearthly hour ! It's been hammering down all night but it's just grey and damp now.
Had a terrible night last night as I have developed a painful left arm, well shoulder and wrist, so I tossed and turned most of the time and not much sleep. I think it's a bit of arthritis brought on by stress, probably from having the windows done. Stupid really as the man is a bit of alright er......... is very nice . Steady Nelski because he's about 6'6 and wearing shorts . He's just arrived and been supplied with a coffee and biscuits.
We had a phone call from Joan next door yesterday, crying that there was a man in her bathroom, there wasn't as it was our window man making a noise taking the windows out. It took 10 mins to convince her that he was in our house and so we are expecting another call today. We had explained last weekend that he was coming and there would be some noise, but I think she had forgotten. She seems to be getting worse lately as we have had calls about a stolen WM, someone had put up a fence across her windows etc.. it's such an awful disease . She was also banging doors at 2am for about half an hour.
Anyway nothing much for me to do again today, I don't want to get in the man's way now do I ?
TA I hope Mr TA has a speedy recovery. about the parking fee. We are lucky that it's free here but spaces are few and far between, big hospital, small car park.
Holly you sound quite upbeat at the moment, long may it last and I hope that you can enjoy some good times with your friend.
Gers I hope your man manages to do your garden with all this wet weather we've had.
MaddieMay are you on countdown till your holidays ? We are hoping to get over to our van next week to put the cushions etc back in as we bring them home over the winter.
ScarletR philosopp... ing ! I can't even say or spell it, let alone do it !
Hope everyone has a good Tuesday, hugs to all.

Morning everyone,

After a lovely day yesterday we are back to heavy rain too.I even managed to get some towels to dry outside,and a bit of tidying up in the back.The woman at the back who accused (falsely I might add!) DH of poisoning her privet and conifers has had a fence panel put up to fill the gap but left the dead bits on our side of it. They are now full of ivy,& probably why they died in the 1st place.So our problem now is-has she abandoned them and we can cut them down or will she make a fuss again I've got to admit it's nice not to have her peering down at us from her garden,she's much higher than us.I'd be sat here at the dining table typing at the laptop and suddenly become conscious of her presence ...

I might as well carry on with emulsioning the rest of the kitchen/dining room.I can't go out on the bus as it's been diverted due to roadworks at the top of our road and the nearest stop is too far.My muscles have recovered a bit now so I'll keep going!When our friends came on Sat night they liked the living room, & Mrs said ' oh it's much nicer than before ' and kept saying it .I felt like saying 'ok I get the picture,you didn't like how we had it before' but managed to restrain myself.We had a patterned wallpaper on the chimney wall which we loved but felt ready for a change,and its now plain ,which is more to her taste

Something with mince tonight,will decide later.I had a smoothie for breakfast to use up a mango that was getting too ripe.
TA glad yesterdays op went well for DH,what a long wait for you all x
Holly, glad the home visits are going ok, & at least the Daily OSers like to chat most in the mornings
Hope the dumplings are ok .
Ruby glad you are healthy,but sometimes the shifts you do seem very long without a rest day,so perhaps it's something to do with that,shame the bosses can't see it.
Hugs to anyone who needs one xx

We're back in Bedfordshire, the further south we drove the worse the rain got and it's still very damp and drizzly. DH is waiting for a delivery of a security camera for the front of the house so that will probably be his project for the next few days.

I want to get a bit more organised with my sewing because I've got a couple of projects on the go and I also want to sort out some cushion covers. I want to go to IKEA to get some fabric.

I also need to go grocery shopping, probably to Sainsbury's today because I got a book of coupons from them giving me 6p off a litre of fuel if I spend £20 on groceries.

TA glad to hear that yesterday went ok.
Dumpling, I hope you're ok, let us know.

Rant Alert!
Well, I should have known that things were going too well and that I was managing fairly well considering it is only my 5th whole day at home.

One of the nurses from the Home Treatment Team has just been to visit with my Care Coordinator/CPN.

There were two purposes to the visit. The first was for the Home Treatment Team to hand me transfer my care back to the local Community Mental Health Team, the second was for my care coordinator to tell me I am being discharged from their services.

You really couldn’t make this up.

I was told on my day of discharge from hospital that the home treatment team would visit daily for two weeks to make sure I was ok and so that I knew that there was support by way of telephone calls and extra visits from them if I needed it.

The only thing that I can think of with the Home Treatment Team is that their Consultant initially refused to increase my medication that I was put on in hospital as part of a plan agreed before I went in there and the hospital consultant was following. This needs increasing weekly for the next 5 weeks. I understand that it is a rarely used drug, but even though he doesn’t know anything about it he only has to follow the plan. I did get quite upset over this and there were a number of phone calls about it yesterday but it was resolved in the end. They have not given me a reason just that ‘they always hand back to the care coordinator at some point’.

I am being discharged from all Mental Health Services unless I can think of a specific short term treatment they provide that I want! I need what I have been getting, the support of a care coordinator/cpn and to see a consultant psychiatrist every three months or so.

I am such a complicated medication regime that it is more than a GP could be expected to manage. I just put this to the care coordinator and she said that the GP can always refer me back for a medication review. That takes 10 weeks for someone to come out to assess you, then would be a further three months to get to see a consultant.

I asked to continue to see my consultant psychiatrist every 3 months. The reply ‘you scare him, he is frightened of you’. I asked what she meant from that because I have never harmed anyone, and she said ‘doctors are only human you know, and it’s the risk with you’. When I pushed her on this she said ‘you are a very high suicide risk and this scares him’. So it looks like a psychiatrist won’t continue to see me because I’m clearly a worry to him because I am one of the more poorly patients he has.

The care coordinator won’t continue to come monthly because she has too high a case load to just ‘pop in for a chat’. I do agree that their case loads are at silly levels and that the mental health services are struggling like all of the NHS.

I feel so let down and left alone now. They turned up here just over 4 weeks ago, sectioned me; put me in hospital miles away from home turning my life upside down. Upsetting and frightening me. I’m now scared in my own home because I’m scared that someone will turn up and force me out again and won’t answer the door even. Although I am doing things and trying to carry on as best I can I am finding it difficult to settle at home again.

Unfortunately my GP is on leave this week and the only other GP who knows me isn’t in until Thursday. Talk about bad timing!