Thursday, February 05, 2009
Another day - another scan - another hospital.
There was an achievement this morning - I completed the hundredth, and final, round of Cradle of Rome.
Now I shall have to find another game on Ashley's disc.
There was another achievement when the postman called - a payment I have been waiting 3 weeks for had arrived.
But of course the main activity of my day has been to visit hospital - two different hospitals as it turned out.
It would be easy to have blamed this on hospital administrators - but it was my fault.
I arrived at Crawley hospital and was seen at the reception desk - now, I could blame the receptionist for failing to spot a problem.
Bill and I sat down and waited - and waited.
Where was my litre of foul drink?
Sensibly I didn't wait too long to ask if there were problems.
And yes - there were problems because the CT scanner had broken down..... "Didn't you pick up the message?" I was asked.
They had phoned on Tuesday and left a message on the answer phone, which we had obviously failed to check.
I was asked if I could get to the East Surrey straight away and Bill and I set off for the 10 mile journey.
I had a pleasant surprise when I sat in the waiting room. A litre of drink was brought to me and it was ...... plain water!
The first scan, out of at least 12, when I haven't felt sick.
But then came the needle problem.
The radiographer tried on the left arm, then another came and took the right arm - they both seemed to be trying to gain an entrance.
But the right arm came out on top.
The scan itself is no bother.
But I hate the time when dye is inserted into the veins through the needle in the arm. It feels so unlike anything else. I burn and squirm from mouth to the base of my torso.
But it was soon over and we were driving back home on a miserable murky evening.
Yes, the snow caused problems earlier in the week - and is still causing lots of problems in other parts of the country. But I enjoyed it. It sparkles and is bright. People tend to work and play together, helping each other if there are difficulties. It feels sad to be back to the grey.
I had made a huge casserole this morning, using German rissoles from Lidl. I was really hungry, because I had been fasting since breakfast.
And that was our day. I am glad the CT scan is out of the way now and I shall be exceedingly glad when I see the doctor on March 3rd to discuss what can be seen.
I don't feel like there is anything new wrong with me.
So, for the next 4 weeks I must assume that all will be well - with just a few lapses into worry I guess.
Hope some of you have enjoyed a good day playing in the snow - I have seen pictures from Derbyshire. Mind you, they promise us a little more tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Now I shall have to find another game on Ashley's disc.
There was another achievement when the postman called - a payment I have been waiting 3 weeks for had arrived.
But of course the main activity of my day has been to visit hospital - two different hospitals as it turned out.
It would be easy to have blamed this on hospital administrators - but it was my fault.
I arrived at Crawley hospital and was seen at the reception desk - now, I could blame the receptionist for failing to spot a problem.
Bill and I sat down and waited - and waited.
Where was my litre of foul drink?
Sensibly I didn't wait too long to ask if there were problems.
And yes - there were problems because the CT scanner had broken down..... "Didn't you pick up the message?" I was asked.
They had phoned on Tuesday and left a message on the answer phone, which we had obviously failed to check.
I was asked if I could get to the East Surrey straight away and Bill and I set off for the 10 mile journey.
I had a pleasant surprise when I sat in the waiting room. A litre of drink was brought to me and it was ...... plain water!
The first scan, out of at least 12, when I haven't felt sick.
But then came the needle problem.
The radiographer tried on the left arm, then another came and took the right arm - they both seemed to be trying to gain an entrance.
But the right arm came out on top.
The scan itself is no bother.
But I hate the time when dye is inserted into the veins through the needle in the arm. It feels so unlike anything else. I burn and squirm from mouth to the base of my torso.
But it was soon over and we were driving back home on a miserable murky evening.
Yes, the snow caused problems earlier in the week - and is still causing lots of problems in other parts of the country. But I enjoyed it. It sparkles and is bright. People tend to work and play together, helping each other if there are difficulties. It feels sad to be back to the grey.
I had made a huge casserole this morning, using German rissoles from Lidl. I was really hungry, because I had been fasting since breakfast.
And that was our day. I am glad the CT scan is out of the way now and I shall be exceedingly glad when I see the doctor on March 3rd to discuss what can be seen.
I don't feel like there is anything new wrong with me.
So, for the next 4 weeks I must assume that all will be well - with just a few lapses into worry I guess.
Hope some of you have enjoyed a good day playing in the snow - I have seen pictures from Derbyshire. Mind you, they promise us a little more tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Flat Wednesday.
Not much to say about today.
I haven't really got going at all.
I have sold some more postcards, and a very pleasant buyer, who has bought from me before, called in this afternoon to collect his purchase.
Bill has been to B&Q to buy a few bits to do little jobs - finishing off sorts of jobs round the kitchen; they would be hardly noticeable, but important.
I have been on the phone a while. Jo phoned because she has heard that the shop won't even be opening tomorrow! Neither of us knew if it had opened today - I doubt it.
There is a different philosophy amongst some of the people who are connected with the shop than we have ever been used to.
Some of the people who do duties don't actually have things to sell. They do it for other people - some even getting paid for it. Another couple do have a space within Jonathan's area and take any money from items sold there, which are Jonathan's cast offs. This does mean that they lose nothing really if the shop doesn't open because they are not paying rent.
It makes me nostalgic for Rocking Horse - Joy and Peter would never have allowed the shop to be closed - they would cover the duty if somebody couldn't make it.
I spent a while chatting with Mam. We talked about Jamie! Yes, Jamie you really should do something about your increasing weight - its not good for your health or your prospects for a fit old age. But mothers have to back off a bit - the decision is yours!
Tomorrow I have a CT scan. This should not alarm me; its a bit of a bother drinking down the contrast fluid and then having a needle stuck in for the contrast dye. But it is over in an afternoon and tomorrow will change nothing.
There are almost 4 weeks before I am due to return to the urology clinic.
From somewhere in my brain some "What ifs" have crept into my thoughts. I believe that I am as fit as I can be and there will be no changes showing up - but what do I really know? I shall be glad to get this period out of my life.
News came through today to remind me of how cancer can so often recur.
Bill's second cousin in Canada, who has shared so much family history with us, has learned that her cancer has spread to her liver and is growing fast. She has months to live.
Joyce is now over 80, but what she is facing reminds me again of things I have faced and might have to again.
Sorry - too much for some people to want to think about.
I must keep my spirits up somehow. I have enjoyed lots of Facebook banter today and welcomed another niece, who contacted, into the facebook family. That's now 8 Monk cousins united and in contact through this medium.
I shall go and watch Masterchef in a minute.
And so, Goodnight.
I haven't really got going at all.
I have sold some more postcards, and a very pleasant buyer, who has bought from me before, called in this afternoon to collect his purchase.
Bill has been to B&Q to buy a few bits to do little jobs - finishing off sorts of jobs round the kitchen; they would be hardly noticeable, but important.
I have been on the phone a while. Jo phoned because she has heard that the shop won't even be opening tomorrow! Neither of us knew if it had opened today - I doubt it.
There is a different philosophy amongst some of the people who are connected with the shop than we have ever been used to.
Some of the people who do duties don't actually have things to sell. They do it for other people - some even getting paid for it. Another couple do have a space within Jonathan's area and take any money from items sold there, which are Jonathan's cast offs. This does mean that they lose nothing really if the shop doesn't open because they are not paying rent.
It makes me nostalgic for Rocking Horse - Joy and Peter would never have allowed the shop to be closed - they would cover the duty if somebody couldn't make it.
I spent a while chatting with Mam. We talked about Jamie! Yes, Jamie you really should do something about your increasing weight - its not good for your health or your prospects for a fit old age. But mothers have to back off a bit - the decision is yours!
Tomorrow I have a CT scan. This should not alarm me; its a bit of a bother drinking down the contrast fluid and then having a needle stuck in for the contrast dye. But it is over in an afternoon and tomorrow will change nothing.
There are almost 4 weeks before I am due to return to the urology clinic.
From somewhere in my brain some "What ifs" have crept into my thoughts. I believe that I am as fit as I can be and there will be no changes showing up - but what do I really know? I shall be glad to get this period out of my life.
News came through today to remind me of how cancer can so often recur.
Bill's second cousin in Canada, who has shared so much family history with us, has learned that her cancer has spread to her liver and is growing fast. She has months to live.
Joyce is now over 80, but what she is facing reminds me again of things I have faced and might have to again.
Sorry - too much for some people to want to think about.
I must keep my spirits up somehow. I have enjoyed lots of Facebook banter today and welcomed another niece, who contacted, into the facebook family. That's now 8 Monk cousins united and in contact through this medium.
I shall go and watch Masterchef in a minute.
And so, Goodnight.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Another day of snow fun.
It has been a good day - but we are tired now.
I woke early - which often happens, but this time I was roused by a horrendous cramp. Nothing worked to ease it, except time.
Bill helped with hot flannels and massage. I rubbed the cold spoon on it, which MGoo had recommended.
It lasted for about half an hour and I felt shattered.
As it eased a bit I rubbed on Counterpain, bought in Thailand.
I did sleep after that - not sure how much more Bill slept.
Poor Bill - he wants to help and starts to wonder about the causes. Honestly Bill, as far as I know there is no known cause really and seemingly no known cure either.
Anyway when we did get up the sun was trying to shine - and it was bright all morning, making the snow glow and sparkle.
We should have walked in the forest or at Tilgate Lake maybe, but there were things to do.
I had parcels to post and some food shopping to do.
I have been waiting almost 3 weeks for one payment. He claims to have sent 2 cheques already! Said he would post another today. Somehow I don't believe him - he is one of the very few EBay buyers who play games.
I shall issue a non paying bidder alert tomorrow.
Shopping was most pleasant. There were things I wanted in Lidl. And we got all we needed for the week there this time. It was quiet and unrushed and I am happy with the quality and the prices.
Perhaps I should go online and do the BBC Watchdog questionnaire about one's favourite supermarkets. Vote for Lidl, say I...... and once again the BBC insist that it should be pronounced Leedle. OK, that's how it is pronounced in the German headquarters no doubt, but it would be as pretentious calling it that as people insisting on calling Paris, Paree.
If I were in Germany, no doubt I would use the German pronunciation.
This afternoon, Bill continued to work in the bathroom. The floor covering is up - leaving us to debate what will go back down. I think cork tiles are now at the top of the list.
I prepared some postcards (non sellers on EBay) ready for the shop.
People (dealers) might be glad of very cheap bundles of cards.
The shop was not open again today.
Profits will be slumping badly - I shall be part of the 3 billion pound cost of the snow disruption!
This evening we ate yellow fin sole bought in Lidl. It was delicious.
Now for some snow fun.
Snowmen and huge snowballs have appeared.
This snowman was in the next door front garden - the house is occupied by 4 women in their 30's. They obviously wanted to have some fun.
You can see how the snow has melted in the morning sunshine.
There was a whole family of snowmen out the back - made by children this time, though I wouldn't mind betting their parents were happy to be involved too.
Can you see the baby snowman sitting on the snow wall in front of the one with arms outstretched?
Click on it to make it bigger.
As explained yesterday, our back garden is a place to expand our collection of junk. If we no longer really want something or a pretty plate has a chip, then it finds a home decorating the garden.
I love this big basket - but we have no need of it indoors.
Bill has a small collection of cuckoo clocks and other similar Swiss style clocks. This one no longer works - so it got nailed to the fence.
It hasn't got much snow because it is in the shelter of the house.
Pots beneath the raised garden along the path.
Monday, February 02, 2009
The big snow situation
The day of the big snow storm.
I didn't sleep well last night. I was listening to local radio and maybe anxious about making the decision about whether to go to Dorking today or not.
People were having such a bad time, caught for hours in traffic jams and all very much in the Dorking area.
By morning I thought that we would be able to get through - unless yet another lorry jack knifed or too many cars slid out of control. But with more snow forecast I wondered about the journey home.
And then of course we had to consider whether a day in the cold shop would be worthwhile on a day when people were being told to go out on the roads only if absolutely necessary.
Finally we decided that we wouldn't go.
I know it means that the shop was shut today - but maybe in the scheme of things that was hardly noticed.
When the snow stopped this morning we donned our thick hats and scarves and coats - and in my case, my nice cheap wellington boots from Lidls. I had 2 post cards that had been bought on EBay to post and we needed milk - and maybe something tasty for lunch.
We got the something tasty - I had a vegetable samosa. Milk was more of a problem - the local shop was still waiting for a delivery.
Finally to save having to find some other shop Bill bough a pint of full fat milk. It is no bother to me - because I have none of it.
By the time we got home the snow had begun to fall again - and for a while, this afternoon, it was like a blizzard out there.
Bill got busy in the bathroom - removing the shelves and re varnishing the pine cladding round the bath.
Phew! The heater picked up the fumes and made me feel queasy. But it had to be done.
Photographs from the day are sorted - and some appear below.
I am looking forward to the new series of Who Do You Think You Are - it is like a sort of biography, which I always enjoy and shows how genealogy can open all sorts of new ways of thinking about one's family.
It is not snowing now. It has warmed to a fraction above freezing. The roads are very wet. And of course the temperature is due to drop quite a lot overnight, leaving cars to deal with skating rink conditions in the morning.
Now for some pictures.
I like the snow on this large spiky plant. The leaves almost prevent people from coming down the front path!
This was taken on the way back from our trip to Southgate Parade.
It is what I would call the upper level old Brighton Road - the slope leads down to The Half Moon pub.
Here we are back at home - monkland 119.
The numbers were bought in Sorrento.
Bill is sorting out the taking of a funny photo.
This is a bit like the picture I took from the front door before yesterday's bedtime.
In the back garden. A collection of bits of wood and 2 bricks.
This is what he did to the snow on the bird bath in the front garden.
Bird footprints.
Red and white.
More red and white. We were just back from our shopping trip - hence the shopping bag.
I didn't sleep well last night. I was listening to local radio and maybe anxious about making the decision about whether to go to Dorking today or not.
People were having such a bad time, caught for hours in traffic jams and all very much in the Dorking area.
By morning I thought that we would be able to get through - unless yet another lorry jack knifed or too many cars slid out of control. But with more snow forecast I wondered about the journey home.
And then of course we had to consider whether a day in the cold shop would be worthwhile on a day when people were being told to go out on the roads only if absolutely necessary.
Finally we decided that we wouldn't go.
I know it means that the shop was shut today - but maybe in the scheme of things that was hardly noticed.
When the snow stopped this morning we donned our thick hats and scarves and coats - and in my case, my nice cheap wellington boots from Lidls. I had 2 post cards that had been bought on EBay to post and we needed milk - and maybe something tasty for lunch.
We got the something tasty - I had a vegetable samosa. Milk was more of a problem - the local shop was still waiting for a delivery.
Finally to save having to find some other shop Bill bough a pint of full fat milk. It is no bother to me - because I have none of it.
By the time we got home the snow had begun to fall again - and for a while, this afternoon, it was like a blizzard out there.
Bill got busy in the bathroom - removing the shelves and re varnishing the pine cladding round the bath.
Phew! The heater picked up the fumes and made me feel queasy. But it had to be done.
Photographs from the day are sorted - and some appear below.
I am looking forward to the new series of Who Do You Think You Are - it is like a sort of biography, which I always enjoy and shows how genealogy can open all sorts of new ways of thinking about one's family.
It is not snowing now. It has warmed to a fraction above freezing. The roads are very wet. And of course the temperature is due to drop quite a lot overnight, leaving cars to deal with skating rink conditions in the morning.
Now for some pictures.
I like the snow on this large spiky plant. The leaves almost prevent people from coming down the front path!
This was taken on the way back from our trip to Southgate Parade.
It is what I would call the upper level old Brighton Road - the slope leads down to The Half Moon pub.
Here we are back at home - monkland 119.
The numbers were bought in Sorrento.
Bill is sorting out the taking of a funny photo.
This is a bit like the picture I took from the front door before yesterday's bedtime.
In the back garden. A collection of bits of wood and 2 bricks.
It shows the depth of the snow.
One of those bricks we bought just yesterday morning at Stable Antiques.
Years ago I found a brick commemorating the birth of Prince William at a car boot sale and thought it a novel souvenir. Yesterday I found one commemorating his parent's wedding.
I now have 2 commemorative bricks - am I a collector?
Maybe if you click on this you will see the snow flakes as they fall.
The raised bed in the back garden.
Now for 4 pictures taken by Bill which are much more fun.
The raised bed in the back garden.
Now for 4 pictures taken by Bill which are much more fun.
This is what he did to the snow on the bird bath in the front garden.
Bird footprints.
Red and white.
More red and white. We were just back from our shopping trip - hence the shopping bag.
The road looks pretty empty.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Snow at bedtime
Just a quick picture of the front garden at bedtime.
The story of the day appears below.
Wonder how much more snow there will be morning.
The story of the day appears below.
Wonder how much more snow there will be morning.
Hunting today was a cold experience.
We were promised snow and it now covers the world about us - and is still falling.
It has been very cold today.
The icy wind from the east can cut like a knife.
We opted not to be up early for the boot sale at Dorking.
But later we both felt deprived of a hunting day and so we drove down to Stable Antiques again to see if there was more to find.
Flurries of snow fell as we reached the villages below the South Downs.
As ever it was cold in the Stables - but we enjoyed a rummage.
We bought less than last time, but we have a little collection of things to take to Pilgrims.
I like the bentwood coat and hat hooks to be hung on the hall wall - somebody else's hall I hasten to add.
We chatted a while to a woman just moving into a space there - who comes from South London.
By the time we have driven to Storrington we are actually half way to Chichester and, with a few doubts, we decided to carry on to see what was happening at the lunchtime car boot sale.
There were many more stalls than I thought; maybe they were not selling things we wanted or maybe the cold was not allowing us to find the deeper concentration and imagination needed to make positive choices. I bought a few books and a pile of Batholomew's maps for £1.
Bill did buy a rare sort of model van - not mint and boxed of course, but he got it for £20 which is enough to give him some profit.
Soon we were eager for warmth and we hurried along towards the cathedral - opposite is a Wetherspoon's pub.
There was a nice touch, for we heard the voice of a seeming angel coming from the cathedral end of town - a brilliant soprano. In fact she was a dumpy older lady, dressed in black, busking at the market cross. She had backing music taped and sang for the shoppers and for her supper. She had some CDs for sale and I gleaned as I popped 50p in her box that she was called something like Siciliano.
We ate cheaply in Wetherspoons - 2 meals for £7.69 - actually that offer has increased in price since we first started using Wetherspoons. But it was warm and bustling and the chilli con carne (me) and the meatballs and pasta (Bill) were good and tasty.
As we walked back to the car the snow was falling fast.
When we reached home we realised that Crawley had already had enough snow to make a covering.
I had the sale of 3 postcards on EBay to deal with. The one I listed 10 days ago of the ironmongers in Horsham, which I claimed would be a £40 card in good condition, sold for just over £10. Very pleasing considering that it is tatty.
Then I cleaned and wrote up the few purchases of the day - polishing the coat hooks til they gleamed.
We have rested this evening in front of the TV.
Tomorrow will be a cold day at Pilgrims. I suspect that Julie will not come at all - at her age she is entitled to feel nervous of the nasty weather.
I am not sure that many people will come - but oh please let us not have as poor a day for sales as last week.
We are already planning, not just what we can take in for the shelves, but also what we should wear to keep warm. I think Bill will have pyjama trousers under his proper trousers. I have leggings that I can wear. We will take in an extra electric heater and some tasty soup.
I wonder how much snow there will be by morning. The BBC report suggests about 6 inches.
Our journey to Dorking should be fine because the roads we use are main roads.
Well, time for a cuppa - catch up with some ice dancing which we recorded and then to snuggled down in bed with a hot water bottle.
Good night.
It has been very cold today.
The icy wind from the east can cut like a knife.
We opted not to be up early for the boot sale at Dorking.
But later we both felt deprived of a hunting day and so we drove down to Stable Antiques again to see if there was more to find.
Flurries of snow fell as we reached the villages below the South Downs.
As ever it was cold in the Stables - but we enjoyed a rummage.
We bought less than last time, but we have a little collection of things to take to Pilgrims.
I like the bentwood coat and hat hooks to be hung on the hall wall - somebody else's hall I hasten to add.
We chatted a while to a woman just moving into a space there - who comes from South London.
By the time we have driven to Storrington we are actually half way to Chichester and, with a few doubts, we decided to carry on to see what was happening at the lunchtime car boot sale.
There were many more stalls than I thought; maybe they were not selling things we wanted or maybe the cold was not allowing us to find the deeper concentration and imagination needed to make positive choices. I bought a few books and a pile of Batholomew's maps for £1.
Bill did buy a rare sort of model van - not mint and boxed of course, but he got it for £20 which is enough to give him some profit.
Soon we were eager for warmth and we hurried along towards the cathedral - opposite is a Wetherspoon's pub.
There was a nice touch, for we heard the voice of a seeming angel coming from the cathedral end of town - a brilliant soprano. In fact she was a dumpy older lady, dressed in black, busking at the market cross. She had backing music taped and sang for the shoppers and for her supper. She had some CDs for sale and I gleaned as I popped 50p in her box that she was called something like Siciliano.
We ate cheaply in Wetherspoons - 2 meals for £7.69 - actually that offer has increased in price since we first started using Wetherspoons. But it was warm and bustling and the chilli con carne (me) and the meatballs and pasta (Bill) were good and tasty.
As we walked back to the car the snow was falling fast.
When we reached home we realised that Crawley had already had enough snow to make a covering.
I had the sale of 3 postcards on EBay to deal with. The one I listed 10 days ago of the ironmongers in Horsham, which I claimed would be a £40 card in good condition, sold for just over £10. Very pleasing considering that it is tatty.
Then I cleaned and wrote up the few purchases of the day - polishing the coat hooks til they gleamed.
We have rested this evening in front of the TV.
Tomorrow will be a cold day at Pilgrims. I suspect that Julie will not come at all - at her age she is entitled to feel nervous of the nasty weather.
I am not sure that many people will come - but oh please let us not have as poor a day for sales as last week.
We are already planning, not just what we can take in for the shelves, but also what we should wear to keep warm. I think Bill will have pyjama trousers under his proper trousers. I have leggings that I can wear. We will take in an extra electric heater and some tasty soup.
I wonder how much snow there will be by morning. The BBC report suggests about 6 inches.
Our journey to Dorking should be fine because the roads we use are main roads.
Well, time for a cuppa - catch up with some ice dancing which we recorded and then to snuggled down in bed with a hot water bottle.
Good night.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The new living room floor.
One of us is quite tired this evening and the other one is utterly exhausted!
I think you might be able to guess who is aching and weary tonight.
Bill has completed (well almost) the living room floor; he knows of a tiny little addition he wants to make, but you would not know of it by looking at his work.
As I said yesterday evening, I am just so delighted with the room, now finished and looking just as I had hoped and planned.
Poor Bill has had a trip to the dump with the old carpet and a trip to B &Q for more tiles - we hadn't calculated quite enough.
But worse than all of that was a day on his fragile knees and lots of standing up and kneeling down and stretching and bending.
Thank you Bill for the hard work and your skills - it really has been worth it.
This morning I photographed 8 more things for EBay and got them described; interesting things I think. I have an AA map of Northern India. It is a printed map - but from a hand drawn original. It dates from the 1930s.
This evening we had a small pork joint and roast potatoes and all the trimmings. The pork was half price when I bought it in Asda on Thursday because it was at its sell by date.
Now for a few photos.
First we see the kitchen end of the room with the new carpet tiles and the mat which has been down since last November.
The flash has turned the cupboards white - they are actually cream - like the top cupboards look.
And now for the other end - the dining room table and the computer. The computer turns the dining room table into a desk for much of the time.
And the table is also a place for George to recline.
He spends a lot of time there, especially when I am at the computer, which is often.
He loves to roll my pens and pencils onto the floor or to nudge me if I have ignored him for too long.
When I took the pictures it was the cat's tea time and they were prowling around wondering when one of us would feed them.
This is Harry.
Both cats have been most suspicious of all the upheaval and changes in their world.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Good things on Friday.
Hooray!
The living room is beginning to look as I saw it in my mind way back last October.
I think the "living room" should be the name of the kitchen/diningroom/office.
Bill has done about a third of the floor now in the carpet tiles - a straw coloured cord carpet - and so now by the front window, where the dining room table is it is beginning to look really good.
Tomorrow I will take some photographs.
The day began with dealing with a few EBay sales - bundles of postcards that I have had for ages and I am not sure where they came from. Well some of them came from Ashley.
Ashley I think I owe you £1.25 - that's the amount left after charges for the Fylde coast postcards, which have been posted today to Cleveleys.
I just had time to send off the invoices before Ruth arrived for our trip to Horsham.
Felix has been going to a toddlers music club for some time.
It is hard for Ruth to be Felix's companion with the singing and actions etc if Otto is restless. So it was my job to keep Otto amused.
The leader is excellent.
Ruth is not sure that Felix really sees the point of it all and may not continue.
The highlight of Felix's morning is seeing a big lorry, or a bus ... or a train of course. Excitement built as we neared Horsham station.... would there be a train at the platform? Yes! Hooray!
And on the way home we stopped at a level crossing and a train passed either way.
This afternoon I dealt with payments and walked to the post office.
After a winter with an addled brain this seemed like an achievement!
There was no dithering, I put on my coat and went - and I even decided to buy a local paper without any difficulty.
That this was an achievement just shows how bad I have been feeling.
The SAD lamp is helping already.
Later Jane and Geoff came round. They brought a beautiful flowering plant to thank us for the 2 trips to Guildford. We hadn't wanted any petrol money - when somebody is in need you just do something.
The plant is lovely and looks very fine on the dining room table - on the new floor covering.
And right now I am watching a great TV programme on BBC 4. The computer is in the sitting room right now, so I can write and watch at the same time. We are watching a concert by Bruce Springsteen - I didn't realise that I liked him that much before. He is singing songs from an album - We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Days. It is very folk and country (even jazz) - indeed We Shall Overcome is the song right now and its very moving.
Looks like there might be a CD purchase some time. It is just inspiring music. We must have it.
So lots of good things today.
Tomorrow we will stay at home. Bill will continue with the floor. It doesn't matter if he doesn't finish it - I don't want him hurting his body.
The living room is beginning to look as I saw it in my mind way back last October.
I think the "living room" should be the name of the kitchen/diningroom/office.
Bill has done about a third of the floor now in the carpet tiles - a straw coloured cord carpet - and so now by the front window, where the dining room table is it is beginning to look really good.
Tomorrow I will take some photographs.
The day began with dealing with a few EBay sales - bundles of postcards that I have had for ages and I am not sure where they came from. Well some of them came from Ashley.
Ashley I think I owe you £1.25 - that's the amount left after charges for the Fylde coast postcards, which have been posted today to Cleveleys.
I just had time to send off the invoices before Ruth arrived for our trip to Horsham.
Felix has been going to a toddlers music club for some time.
It is hard for Ruth to be Felix's companion with the singing and actions etc if Otto is restless. So it was my job to keep Otto amused.
The leader is excellent.
Ruth is not sure that Felix really sees the point of it all and may not continue.
The highlight of Felix's morning is seeing a big lorry, or a bus ... or a train of course. Excitement built as we neared Horsham station.... would there be a train at the platform? Yes! Hooray!
And on the way home we stopped at a level crossing and a train passed either way.
This afternoon I dealt with payments and walked to the post office.
After a winter with an addled brain this seemed like an achievement!
There was no dithering, I put on my coat and went - and I even decided to buy a local paper without any difficulty.
That this was an achievement just shows how bad I have been feeling.
The SAD lamp is helping already.
Later Jane and Geoff came round. They brought a beautiful flowering plant to thank us for the 2 trips to Guildford. We hadn't wanted any petrol money - when somebody is in need you just do something.
The plant is lovely and looks very fine on the dining room table - on the new floor covering.
And right now I am watching a great TV programme on BBC 4. The computer is in the sitting room right now, so I can write and watch at the same time. We are watching a concert by Bruce Springsteen - I didn't realise that I liked him that much before. He is singing songs from an album - We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Days. It is very folk and country (even jazz) - indeed We Shall Overcome is the song right now and its very moving.
Looks like there might be a CD purchase some time. It is just inspiring music. We must have it.
So lots of good things today.
Tomorrow we will stay at home. Bill will continue with the floor. It doesn't matter if he doesn't finish it - I don't want him hurting his body.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Athletics in the tube.
It was cold in the tube tonight.
That's what we call the indoor sprint track.
The sprint evenings in the winter give anybody who chooses the chance of 3 races.
After the first round, athletes are graded so that they run with others of almost the same standard. This makes it more challenging for the officials to sort out the finishing order.
There were 5 timekeepers and Bill took over the job of chief.
We were "blessed" with the presence of Gerry this evening - one silly wise crack after another!
We have been doing these evenings for many years and I have still not seen the 50 metres covered in less than 6 seconds, though it has been done.
I must have been ill when a British international sprinter took part.
Tonight's fastest was 6.2 seconds - just as it was 3 weeks ago.
What else today?
Bill has sorted out the repairs to the kitchen floor. Tomorrow he will take all the old carpet up.. And he wants to get the washing machine out to deal with the floor underneath.
We have shopped in Asda - a few more bargain meals from the sell by date bay.
I relisted all the January EBay unsold items, in hopes that second time around they will catch somebody's eye.
And as it is now nearly 11 o'clock I will pack up and fill a hot water bottle and get to bed. It's cold again this evening as an icy wind blows in from the east.
That's what we call the indoor sprint track.
The sprint evenings in the winter give anybody who chooses the chance of 3 races.
After the first round, athletes are graded so that they run with others of almost the same standard. This makes it more challenging for the officials to sort out the finishing order.
There were 5 timekeepers and Bill took over the job of chief.
We were "blessed" with the presence of Gerry this evening - one silly wise crack after another!
We have been doing these evenings for many years and I have still not seen the 50 metres covered in less than 6 seconds, though it has been done.
I must have been ill when a British international sprinter took part.
Tonight's fastest was 6.2 seconds - just as it was 3 weeks ago.
What else today?
Bill has sorted out the repairs to the kitchen floor. Tomorrow he will take all the old carpet up.. And he wants to get the washing machine out to deal with the floor underneath.
We have shopped in Asda - a few more bargain meals from the sell by date bay.
I relisted all the January EBay unsold items, in hopes that second time around they will catch somebody's eye.
And as it is now nearly 11 o'clock I will pack up and fill a hot water bottle and get to bed. It's cold again this evening as an icy wind blows in from the east.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nothing much - as I used to reply to What did you do at school today!
I just haven't got on top of things today.
My daily list of "Things to Do" has slipped away and so I haven't done anything much.
This morning we took Jane to Guildford for her radiotherapy. There are just 3 more treatments to go and then an appraisal of what might be needed next.
It was a grey gloomy wet morning and I found the Guildford road tensing me up.
Last week I sat and looked out of the window with my present day eyes. This morning I think the eyes of 1991 -92 had taken over and the familiar landmarks of that journey took me back to my own times at St Lukes.
We stopped for no cups of tea today - we all felt a bit down because of the weather and I was trying to think of the many things that Bill wanted to get done.
He has paid for the bathroom fittings now and they will be delivered tomorrow.
I don't know when Jim will do the work. We'll chat to him tomorrow at an athletics meeting.
Bill bought tiles and glue and bits ready to build up the level of the kitchen floor, ready to lay the carpet tiles.
Tomorrow we (he) will take up the old carpet - so there will be a trip to the dump.
I do offer to help - but either I am not clever enough or I get in the way or maybe Bill is trying to spare me from hard physical work.
Bill has now booked our seats on the flight to Bangkok. We wanted to be sure of being in the best possible place for us. And although we love the window seats, these days aisle seats might be better and we have opted for seats close to the disabled loo, just in case there could be a bag problem.
The woman at the airline said that we would have to collect our baggage at Bangkok and then book in again for the flight to Phuket - and then said that there wouldn't actually be time to do that.
So Bill has been on to Dial a Flight who booked the seats for us and the guy had never heard of such a thing and of course our luggage will be transferred for us.
I hope he is right.
Anyway I shall have a vast amount of medication and stoma equipment in my hand luggage and very little else.
The afternoon and evening rather drifted away from me.
I must do better - write it out 100 times! Did writing lines at school ever actually do any good?
Right I will make a drink, watch some TV and get to bed.
Goodnight.
My daily list of "Things to Do" has slipped away and so I haven't done anything much.
This morning we took Jane to Guildford for her radiotherapy. There are just 3 more treatments to go and then an appraisal of what might be needed next.
It was a grey gloomy wet morning and I found the Guildford road tensing me up.
Last week I sat and looked out of the window with my present day eyes. This morning I think the eyes of 1991 -92 had taken over and the familiar landmarks of that journey took me back to my own times at St Lukes.
We stopped for no cups of tea today - we all felt a bit down because of the weather and I was trying to think of the many things that Bill wanted to get done.
He has paid for the bathroom fittings now and they will be delivered tomorrow.
I don't know when Jim will do the work. We'll chat to him tomorrow at an athletics meeting.
Bill bought tiles and glue and bits ready to build up the level of the kitchen floor, ready to lay the carpet tiles.
Tomorrow we (he) will take up the old carpet - so there will be a trip to the dump.
I do offer to help - but either I am not clever enough or I get in the way or maybe Bill is trying to spare me from hard physical work.
Bill has now booked our seats on the flight to Bangkok. We wanted to be sure of being in the best possible place for us. And although we love the window seats, these days aisle seats might be better and we have opted for seats close to the disabled loo, just in case there could be a bag problem.
The woman at the airline said that we would have to collect our baggage at Bangkok and then book in again for the flight to Phuket - and then said that there wouldn't actually be time to do that.
So Bill has been on to Dial a Flight who booked the seats for us and the guy had never heard of such a thing and of course our luggage will be transferred for us.
I hope he is right.
Anyway I shall have a vast amount of medication and stoma equipment in my hand luggage and very little else.
The afternoon and evening rather drifted away from me.
I must do better - write it out 100 times! Did writing lines at school ever actually do any good?
Right I will make a drink, watch some TV and get to bed.
Goodnight.
