How Spooky!! ...

... only a few days ago I was saying about my holiday to Malta that the National Lottery's 15th birthday reminded me of and today Mr Bing has Malta on his home page. To be exact he has a picture of Valletta, Malta's capitol, as his home page. Now that is spooky! If you click on the link for Mr Bing today you will see Valletta but if you click on it any other day you will see a different picture as it's changed daily. Hover over whichever picture is there and little boxes pop up with an informative sentence and then a link. Click on the links and soak up the info. I've started using Mr Bing a lot as my search engine. I'm afraid I seem to be changing my allegiance a bit so guess I'm now two-timing dear Mr Google ... or could it be I've become polygamous??? *LOL*

Thanks for dropping by .....

Will it ever stop? I can't recall the last time we had so much rain for such a prolonged period of time. We get brief respites with some sun - as we have today - but they have been few and far between and the rain is battering the window yet again! It seems to be blowing a permanent gale at the same time, which doesn't help. Some areas of the country have been having an horrendous time of it. I'm so lucky where I live. I've had to empty some of the water out of the fish pond as it was in danger of overflowing. I dropped the level by around 6 inches on Saturday and I've got to do it again soon. Unbelievable!!

What else is unbelievable is Dad. Last week the flats lost the digi signal for all the TVs. The day I was there they were hoping to get it back up and running again. I assumed that they would sort Dad out knowing that he could only see one channel (just) until it was repaired. I called to see him yesterday and he was still watching that same one channel. He'd been complaining that he was bored and was missing his favourite programmes and they'd noted the fact as well. He told me that it still wasn't working properly but the picture he had on this one channel was so much more watchable I couldn't believe it. Got his remote and pushed the digital button on it and, hey presto - there were his programmes. I flicked back to the analogue side he'd been watching and he could have seen the terrestial channels had he thought to try changing channel! Nobody had thought to do what I did for him so, for the past week since the signal was repaired, he's been sitting watching a channel he doesn't like because nobody thought to change it from analogue to digital and he never thought to try changing channel to see what would happen! It is easier for me now that I don't have the twice a day call and all the household stuff to do but there are different concerns now like this and also his shopping, which they do but why would they buy a 2 person meal for an senior citizen who finds a single serving meal a blowout? If they're not doing that they're buying 'snack' size. What's difficult about buying a 'serves one'?

Drawing up his shopping list is a nightmare - it's more instruction than items to buy! I've started getting him bits in our shopping and carting it over to him but he's not got the freezer storage he used to have so I can't buy bulk any more. His shopping has to be done weekly because of the restricted refrigeration he's now got.

I'm beginning to feel that my left arm is a pin cushion. A week or so ago I had my seasonal flu jab. Friday afternoon I had the swine flu one. Wasn't looking forward to that as nurse had told me it gave a painful arm for a few days - more so than the seasonal flu one. Anyway, I bit the bullet and off I went to the conveyor belt of the 'walk-in' clinic. Booked in, "join that queue and get your left arm ready while you're waiting" Hmmmm - I think not, as was wearing a pully and to do so would have meant exposing myself to a waiting room full of strangers *LOL* One out, one in and while nurse prepped my jab I slipped my arm out of sleeve, jabbed, done and out again ... next one in. I started to feel 'the pain' that evening but it was no worse than the seasonal and, in all honesty, the pain never became more than an ache. The only difference I found was that the seasonal was only bothersome if pressure was bought to bear on it for a few days and with this one I felt it all day on Saturday without any pressure but it was worse with. Sunday it started to ease and Sunday night I was able to lie on it to sleep. In all, less bother than the seasonal.

Today I've been to the surgery again ... for a visit with Dracula. A proper Dracula this time, not her apprentice. Mind you, she got it first time with no problem other than it had to be my left arm again as right wouldn't even present a vein!

Now I've got to arrange for a Yellow Fever innoculation and I've the other 'travellers' ones to have on 14th December - *JOY!* .... not! - but come February I'll be enjoying the benefits of those ones!

Thanks for dropping by .....

National Lottery ...

... was 15 years old on 19th November. Although I couldn't remember the year I can remember the event well. It was the year that I ventured out into the world on my own. Yep, it was the very first time I holidayed solo and the very first Lottery draw took place the day after I came home.

At that time there was only the Saturday draw and the jackpots were very high (averaging £8m a draw) - as were the winnings for matching more than 3 numbers. It's always been £10 for matching 3 but for matching more - well, it was a worthwhile win. I used to run a works syndicate of 10 and I can remember that the week before the Wednesday draw started we won by matching 5 numbers. Real excitement as we collected £4,423. A couple of weeks later, after the Wednesday draw had started, the family syndicate matched 5 numbers and won a paltry £600/800-ish (can't remember the exact amount it was so memorable - NOT! *lol*). The difference was due to people not buying extra but by dividing their spend over the 2 weekly draws. If the idea was that there would be more added to the charitable coffers by having 2 draws they were wrong and the reduced jackpots (now averaging around £4m on a Saturdday, less on a Wednesday) and prizes for the Saturday draw shows that. To this day I have never taken part in the Wednesday draw and spend no more than £2 a week - £1 as an individual and £1 in the family syndicate .... They sure don't get rich from me!

Anyway, my holiday? 10 days in Malta and I really enjoyed it. I met some lovely people and Christmas cards are still being sent between some of us but things move on and unfortunately one of the ladies I met - a dear, sweet lady - died a couple of years ago. She was my dinner table companion and she drew me into the group that she'd made friends with. We all did our own thing through the day but met up in the evenings. We certainly had some escapades, including ending up in a gay bar in the middle of St Julian's (don't ask!) but it was fun. The island was fascinating, steeped in so much history. I went back 5 years later to take more of it in.

Funny what things can jog a memory ...

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Children in Need 2009 ...

... was last night and here's a video of the Children in Need charity single for this year. There are a few memories there - *lol*

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Take my hand ...

... and lead me! Why don't men use their eyes or think beyond what they see in front of them?

I've just had to come to hubby's rescue .... again! He's not at all technically minded where the PC is concerned. He's been trying to print something for the past half hour. I've heard him struggling, cussing and cursing. The pain of it, for me, got too much to bear and once the cussing and cursing started to get louder I thought I'd try to find out what the problem was.

Him: "I'm trying to print an email but the stupid printer isn't working!"
Me: "Are you sure it's actually installed?" (He's recently had the PC cleared and Windows 7 installed)
Him: "Yes, look, it's all there ....." (Shows me files on the Program menu)
Me: "Yes, but they're only files. Where is the printer?"
Him: "It's there ...."
Taking the mouse from him I open the Printer folder and .... no printer!
Me: "Helps if you install the printer to have it work" Gave him the printer disc and left him to install it!

I wouldn't mind too much but it's not the first time recently that he's blamed the PC for not working properly, only for me to find that it's been something he's done or not done. I know he's 70 in 3 months time but he's been using a blooming PC for years so you'd have thought he would have gained a bit more knowledge by now - or at least have a less blinkered view on why things might not be working as they 'should' .... *doh*

In a similar vein ... I'm fast coming to the conclusion - nope, I came to it a while ago but it keeps being confirmed - that there's some that definitely think it's easier to use somebody else's brain than to tax their own too much *LOL* Mind you, can't say that that's just men. I've worked with a good few people, male and female, who've not thought to use their own brain to work things out for themselves (or been too lazy to try) but would rather call on somebody else's as the first port of call. I don't have a problem helping anybody ... as long as they're seen to help themselves as well.

There's not much people can't find out for themselves anymore. Not with that mega resource - the Internet and Mr Google! There's now a new-ish man on the block as well and I'm finding him as good, if not better in some ways, to Mr Google. His name? Mr Bing! (click here to find him) and I'm loving him - *LOL* Anyways peoples ... if you've got a query/problem whatever, ask the question of Messrs Google and/or Bing and soak up the information they give you. You might not get the answers you're looking for (unlikely) but you'll learn a lot on the path and you'll be taken down many different avenues. You'll likely end up being a mine of useless information but it'll be a fun journey getting there. ☺

Thanks for dropping by .....

A week ...

... and no posts! Been busy but not that busy, although I don't seem to have been home much ... but I have! To be honest, just haven't felt much like blogging. Haven't felt like doing much at all really. I've become very lethargic and don't know why. Not much enthusiasm for anything and it's not good 'cos I've lots that needs doing and lots I want to do but can't get going to do any of it.

Weather has been atrocious so that's not helped. Gale force winds since last Thursday/Friday with a short respite on Tuesday. There's been heavy rain at times and now it looks as though we've got the opposite problem with the fish pond to what we've been having. Reckon we now need to empty it a bit - lol! Makes a change from having to refill every few days.

I had a day of workshops at the Glitterpot on Saturday. Workshops with Francoise Reed using some of her stamps (she designs for Woodware) and Copic Ciao pens. Not sure they've hit me but the workshop has given me the confidence to have a go with my Promarkers - or rather, I'm prepared to give them a go when I'm in the mood to do so! We made 4 lovely cards but I've not even had the mojo to photograph them but I will ... one day.

Monday would have been the day that I would have gone into hospital for my hip op, had I not deferred it. Instead I was delivering hubby to the Orthopedic clinic for the MRI results on his hand. Xray didn't show anything but MRI has. He's stretched the ligament at the base of his thumb joint and the joint is slightly out of alignment. It's not dislocated but it's certainly not as it should be. Choices? Steroid injection which may give relief for around 6 months (possible if he didn't need his hands for his mobility, unlikely as he does) or surgery to reconstruct the joint. He's opted for the latter but it will see him in plaster for 2 months. Can see him wheeling round in circles until plaster comes off - *hehe*. Mind, he managed OK (just) after he had a carpel tunnel op on the same wrist and when he had a rotator cuff op on his opposite shoulder. The joys of having to use your upper body in ways that most of us don't have to. Should be fun, especially if we both end up incapacitated at the same time *LOL*

Tuesday was spent with Dad. He had a couple of appointments so had to run him around. He's decided to spend out on some new hearing aids - which may help improve his hearing to what he's got now but I'm not holding my breath. His current aids are nearly 5 years old and worked well-ish when he first had them and, although they've been adjusted several times since, they're now not working as well as they were ......... or Dad doesn't concentrate so much but whatever, we're all having to talk a lot louder for him to hear. He suggested he had new ones so it's being put in motion.

Wasn't too pleased with the way I was greeted when I arrived at his flat though. Said 'hello' and the response? 'Don't say hello to me - I've not had any telly for a week!' Somehow, although I'd not been near, it had become my fault. Further investigation found that the wind had damaged the receiving equipment on the roof of the flats on Friday/Saturday (he really has no concept of time) and he wasn't alone in not having any TV. Unfortunately it was so windy that nobody had been able to do anything about it but they were hoping to have it sorted out on Tuesday afternoon. Don't know if they did but there's nowt I could do about it and he now knows that he has to be patient. Told him to pick up a book and read if he was bored. Shame he hasn't got to know any of the other residents and is unlikely to. He won't go to the next fish and chip supper because me and hubby can't go (I'm at the Glitterpot for the day and hubby isn't going anywhere unless it's urgent until hand is sorted). I've decided to give up trying to get him to socialise! He's even thinking of stopping the Day Centre ....

One good thing, from my point of view. A few weeks ago I applied for a Blue Badge to try to make life easier when I'm out and about. It's fine if I've got Dad with me or I'm with hubby as they've both got one but this one was for me, in my own right. I never expected to get one but I was wrong and it landed on my doormat at the end of last week. It will most certainly make life easier for me and hopefully so will the stronger inhaler that I was prescribed today. If it gives me a bit more lung power I shall be a happy bunny 'cos I may be able to get a bit more done, even allowing for the hip (which isn't too bad at the moment)! Should have had a blood test today but it seems my body wasn't prepared to give any up - again! It's becoming a habit .. and I'd fasted as well - doh! Will be trying again next week .....

Think that's just about caught up on the week ... except, eldest has date for his decree nisi and eldest grandson bought a car and smashed it up all on the same evening .... Now there's a surprise!

Thanks for dropping by .....

Lest we forget ...

I've seen the following poem a few times recently and it is never more relevant than today .....

A Daddy's Poem (author unknown)



Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favourite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school
And she couldn't wait to go.

Her Mummy tried to tell her
That she should probably stay home.
Why the kids might not understand
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Why he wasn't there today.

But still her Mother worried
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why she tried
To keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school,
Eager to tell them all
About a dad she never sees,
A dad who never calls.

There were Dads along the wall at back
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious, in their seats

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their Daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for
A man who wasn't there.

'Where's her Daddy at today?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another pupil dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back
She heard a Daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat Dad,
Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mum
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And, with hands behind her back,
Slowly she did speak.
Out of the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here
Because he lives so far away
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know
All about my Daddy
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories,
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes
And ice cream in a cone
And though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my Daddy's always with me,
Even though we are apart.
I know because he told me,
He'll be forever in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat
Beneath her favorite dress.

Somewhere here in the crowd of Dads,
Her Mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd,
She finished with a voice so soft
But its message clear and loud.

'I love my Daddy very much,
He's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see, he's a British soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught Britons how to fear..

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes
And saw him there that day.

And to her Mother's amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of Daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them.
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second
They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed
But, there on the desk beside her
Was a fragrant, long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, in that moment,
By the love of her shining star
And given the gift of believing
That heaven is never too far.

Thanks for dropping by .....

Underhill Lane updated ...

... There's been Winter and Summer and now here's Autumn! Taken on Wednesday morning on my way to the Glitterpot for a workshop with Kay Webb. It was a lovely bright, crisp autumn morning and this time I had my camera so no rubbish picture taken on the phone camera. Now have to wait for Spring to get the last in the series of seasons ... and Summer again to get a decent photograph - *lol*!! I've had people comment on the road sign. Have to say it's not the norm in the UK but a legacy of times long past. It does, however, add a certain quaintness to the picture and I love it!

Had a lovely day of workshops with Kay. A small, friendly and sooo relaxed couple of workshops. Just what the doctor ordered. Full 'doings' are over on 'Bits' here. We made 4 cards and I made a 'bit'. The planned afternoon cards were finished a lot earlier than anticipated so we were given the chance to make another card with the scraps and left over bits. I started but didn't finish and unlikely to ... but then again - *LOL* Not impressed with what I've done so far so, unless I can rescue it ...

Thanks for dropping by .....

Remembrance Sunday ...

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them...

Here we go ...

... again! More wildlife but of a different ilk! Opened the patio door this morning and got rained on. Thing is, sun is shining - although it's pretty chilly (proper autumn morning - *lol*!). What did I get rained on with? Ladybirds! Yep, those pretty red things with black spots except they're not so pretty when they fall on you, into your hair, and in large numbers - *LOL* Our patio doors haven't been opened for a couple of days. Not a mega amount of time but long enough for a group of ladybirds (what's a group of ladybirds called?) to decide that the upper track of the patio doors was a good place to hunker down for the winter. I've got news for them ...... it's not! Looks as though we'll have to make sure we open the door at least once a day for a while.

Bit of research on my good friend Google shows that they were Harlequin ladybirds - not one of the native British varieties. I'm afraid a good few of them are now dead as there was no avoiding it when clearing out the ones that didn't rain down on me but ... it seems that these Harlequins are a real threat to the native British ones so a few less won't come amiss. Took some photos but they're not brilliant. My little point and shoot didn't do too well on these but there were at least 3 different types of Harlequin and could have been more ...














Seems a group of ladybirds is called a 'loveliness'. Not too sure of that when you get rained on but hey, in normal circumstances I won't argue - *LOL*

Thanks for dropping by .....

Bonfire night ...

... or Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night, was last night and it must have been the quietest one in years. Apart from a few 'fizz, bangs' there was hardly any noise at all! Could be different tomorrow night though as there's bound to be a few 'parties' around. Youngest son's family went to a big display put on by Brighton's Lions Club. They take over the local County Cricket ground but son has a friend who lives in a 5th floor flat overlooking the ground so that's where they went. I looked after little Zac as he's not old enough to appreciate the fireworks yet and it would have been far too late for him anyway.

I can remember years ago that Guy Fawkes night was only ever held on the 5th November, unless weather was bad on the night, then everybody had their fireworks on the next suitable night. Nowadays (although not this year in this area) people let off fireworks for a couple of weeks leading up to and a couple of weeks after ....

How naive we were all those years ago regarding the dangers of fireworks ... or were we just more careful? Could it be that they're now no longer made as suitable for private gardens? I certainly remember a 'jumping jack' chasing me around a neighbour's garden when I was little. Scared the living daylights out of me and hated them ever since!

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow.

By God's mercy he was catch'd
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.

And what shall we do with him?
Burn him!

Bonfire Night/Fireworks Night/Guy Fawkes night? It's the night Brits celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, as it became known, back in 1605. Some people think that we celebrate Guy Fawkes' treason. In fact we celebrate on the edict of King James 1st, to celebrate his survival and the failure of the Plot, as the plot was to blow up the Houses of Parliament with him in it! The plotters were a group of men led by Robert Catesby but it was Guy Fawkes that was found, leading to the discovery of the plot. Since then, every November 5th, Brits have celebrated by burning bonfires, traditionally topped with a 'guy' (effigy) and setting off fireworks. It used to be a real family celebration but as years have gone on there's a move away from private parties to big, organised displays which enables much more extravagant pyrotechnics than could ever be displayed in private gardens.

We had a bit of sad news this week. One of our neighbours who lives opposite died at the weekend. She was a lovely lady but had been suffering from early stage dementia for a while then, earlier this year, she suddenly lost the use of her legs. She was taken to hospital but they couldn't find out why she'd become immobile - she just couldn't walk or carry her weight. She came back home but her husband couldn't care for her very well so she went into a home and he visited her daily, even though she got to the stage that she didn't really know he was there. The last few weeks she stopped eating and drinking and she slipped away over the weekend. She was nearly a year older than my Dad - her husband is a little younger. We've known them for 21 years - well, I've known them longer really 'cos they remember me, as a little girl, helping Dad with gardening jobs on his days off when he was in the Fire Service so, reckon they've really seen me grow up! It's sad and she was so sweet. R.I.P Ruby. You will be missed.

Thanks for dropping by .....

Seems I'm ...

... not the only one feeling 'old' - *LOL* Difference is I'm not that old .... yet, although some might disagree .... whereas the other person is! Yep, it's Dad ... my nearly 88 year old Dad. Asked him how he's getting on at his weekly visit to the Day Centre and he says it's OK. He says that sometimes he thinks he won't go again but then always does. He likes some of the games they play, the meals and he's starting to chat to people. Seems the only complaint he has are the women - or some of them. He says the 'old women' make him feel old. These 'old women' are probably his age or younger but he doesn't see himself as old ... not in his head. Guess it must be pretty common 'cos I still feel like I did in my early 20s, in my head. Problem is the body and mirror tell me differently but I understand totally about feeling younger than you are so it does seem as though that's an ageless thing.

Off for a day of crafting tomorrow at the Glitterpot, which I'm looking forward to then I really must sort out some travel insurance .... only 91 days to go .... *YAY*!! Spoke to the nurse at the surgery yesterday re vaccinations. Not looking forward to them but they are a necessity really so won't take the chance of not having them. I'm now catching up with all my basic health checks, most of which have been put on hold over the past few months. Perhaps I should now do the same with my dental treatment. Get it all over and done with while I'm doing the round of needles - *urghh*

Need to go shopping for beachwear and lightweight clothing but may be better to wait until after Christmas when new season stuff starting to come in shops. Don't really have anything in my wardrobe suitable for the tropics *hehe*. Not something I've had a need for in well over 10 years ....

Thanks for dropping by .....

How old ...

... do I feel? Yep, feeling a tad sorry for self right now - LOL! Oldest grandchild is 18 today. Officially an adult and that's scary! So glad he's not repeating history though, otherwise in 5 days time we would have been going to a wedding. Yep, his Mum and Dad married just 5 days after his 18th birthday and his Mum was just a month past hers. Kieran arrived nearly 11 months later. Happy birthday and congratulations Kieran ... here's to many more, with love. I'll get used to feeling old from here on in - LOLOL!

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Decision made ...

... for now!

I had a good chat with the nurse who was going to do my pre-op assessment. Note - was going to do! I've 'deferred' it - or, as she put it ... paused it. She was as surprised as me at how quickly it's all happened. Bit like a steam train really and hasn't given me much time to think about it (as consultant suggested) or even come to terms with it and accept that I might need the op! She said that I could be OK in around 10 weeks after the op ... when I'm due to go on holiday ... as most people are, but there is no guarantee and I could also have a fair bit of post-op pain. She sort of advised, if I wasn't in any pain, that I paused it and had holiday first. It will give me a bit more 'thinking' time and also time to get my head round it all and I can put it in motion again by contacting GP just before I go away in February so I could have it in March, which is when I expected if I'm honest.

It seems that there isn't a 3-4 month waiting list, it's more weeks, although she says mine did come through extremely quickly. She did suggest that perhaps I could talk to GP with a view to having a 2nd opinion because of my doubts, as I've no pain (but she said that could change in a matter of days or weeks) and there's been no other alternative treatment suggested or tried. What she did say was that the problem with seeing a surgeon is that they want to cut straight away - lol! She said, even if pain starts to come in again, there are other treatments available like injections. After I'd made decision nice nurse said she thought I'd made the right one for now ...

I've been looking up what type of exercise is recommended and it's all the usual - swimming, cycling, walking, aquarobics and the one I'm leaning towards starting with, because of my breathing, pilates - to strengthen the core muscles and increase flexibility. I've got to consciously keep a straight back as well 'cos I've started leaning badly when I walk and that doesn't help the lower back or knee. I've decided I ain't having any operation just yet, not before I've had my holiday and I've tried other things to get me walking properly! It will also give me more time to get my head round it all.

As I said before, it's gone like a steam train and I've not really had time to really believe I need an op .... if I do! There's a lot of people a lot worse off than me who do and don't get it.

Next time I'm down the Leisure centre for a massage or facial I'm going to see if they do any pilates classes... ☺

Thanks for dropping by .....

Oooops! ...

... poor Dad. Went to see him today and he seemed proper down. Couldn't get him talking much and he was very confused. I asked him if he was having a bad day and he said he 'supposed he was'. A little pressing and it seems he'd been told off by the care staff. I'm sure they haven't been nasty because, from what he tells me, one has been trying to explain to him but .... they've told him to stop pushing his emergency button when there's no emergency! Seems he's waking up and waiting. Gets fed up of waiting so pushes the button to ask where they are - lol! Never been known for his patience has Dad - he just doesn't do waiting - but, because he's got no sense of time 2 seconds can seem like 20 minutes or more to him when he's waiting for something. Anyway, he thinks waiting too long (or his idea of too long) constitutes an emergency so is pushing his button, more in the way he did while in rehab when he needed to go to the bathroom or similar ... because that's what they told him to do there so that somebody was with him. He had one of these buttons before he moved and didn't use it once (although I expected him to) but now it seems he thinks it's there for his beck and call ... exactly as it was in rehab so, once again, he's living on his memories from those few weeks. I tried explaining to him again as to what would constitute an emergency to warrant him pressing the button. One day it will go in.

Strange thing is, when he does have a genuine reason to push it, he doesn't! On my visit last week I had reason to ask him if he'd had a bad fall since I last called on him. He admitted to having a fall but 'not a bad one'. Then he asked me how I knew. Think the large hole in the kitchen wall gave me a clue! It was large enough I could put my hand through into the cavity and the wall was cracked over a 2 to 3 square foot area with the hole towards the top, as if his head had gone through it. He had no idea the hole was there ... he said! Now got to get builders in to replace the whole panel of wallboard, replaster and paint! Just as well it wasn't the bricks & mortar solid walls he had before he moved .... dread to think.

Had a lovely day at The Craft Barn yesterday, with friend Greta, at a watercolouring class in the morning and another for using Derwent Coloursoft - UK version of Prisma Colors - in the afternoon. Learnt I'm still rubbish at watercolouring (and beginning to think I shall remain so) and that I'm happy with my own interpretation of using my Prismas (Coloursoft). Didn't pick up any extra tips on the Coloursoft as it seems the tutor hadn't used them as much as me (and I haven't used them much) but enjoyed the class anyway. Finished projects are on Bits ...

Thanks for dropping by .....

I've made a ...

... decision! When I go to the pre-op appointment on Friday I'm gonna tell 'em about my now booked holiday and, if there's no guarantee of recovery well within 3 months then I'm gonna wait until after I come back. I'd rather go as I am than risk having to cancel 'cos cancelling the holiday isn't an option as far as I'm concerned - LOL! It's not an energetic holiday and reckon I can cope for another few months. I wasn't expecting anything to happen until after it anyway. Guess it all depends on what type of hip replacement it's going to be ...

I'm certainly having a few 'senior moments' just now. Think things have thrown me a bit over the last few weeks (well, that's my excuse - lol!) Went to post office this morning and as I left car and was walking along I looked down at my feet .... Guess what's wrong! Oooops! Couldn't get back to car, and the safety of home, quick enough - LOLOL! Teach me to check my feet before I go out of front door. I've done this once before when I was working. On that occasion I made a hasty retreat to the nearest shoe shop as soon as it was open.

Took hubby for the MRI on his hand today and .... the hospital was empty! Car parking was easy-peasy so a Saturday appointment was well worth it. Seems they do scans that don't need clothing removed on a Saturday as there were no staff other than the technicians and a receptionist. We were in and out within the hour so I've had plenty of time to finish my projects from the crafty day yesterday and photograph them. Check out Bits ....

Looking forward to another crafty day tomorrow ... the Craft Barn for colouring techniques. Watercolour in morning, Coloursoft in afternoon and the company of another good friend ... Greta!

Thanks for dropping by .....