Yay! ...

... don't yer just love it when a plan goes to plan - *lol*  Kitchen is at the stage I wanted so will be finished Friday/Saturday.  I've 4 boxes of breakables for the Dogs Trust shop along with 3 big bags of unbreakables.  The worktops are no longer buried - in fact, the kitchen looks decidedly empty and everything is now better organised although that's taking some getting used to *hehe*  I think the endorphins and adrenalin are kicking in and, apart from the breathing problem, I'm feeling good right now.  Can't wait to get on to the next major project, house-wise.  Would love to finish the kitchen off tomorrow but there's important business to be had at the hospital.  It's Paul's appointment with the Urologist so hopefully we'll know what the problem is with the kidney - or not!

I've finished sorting the year book photos and they've been saved to a disc.  Wallet to make to go in the back of the year book and that's another project finished :0)  I'm on a roll and don't it feel good ... *grin!*  Pity the weather has decided to turn nasty after all the sun we've had lately but guess we need a bit of rain as well.  Just wish it wasn't all or nothing.

Quick question.  Where would you wear a corn plaster?  Your feet, right?  Well, not Paul,  He's wearing them at the base of his thumb.  Yeah, I know he's getting on now but he's not quite senile.  His hand surgeon suggested he try them to protect the screw that's in his thumb 'joint' and that has to be there for another couple of months.  We can feel it and it moves sometimes.  If he catches it he jumps through the roof with the pain it gives him so surgeon thought that if he could have the raised felt ring around the screw it would help prevent it from being knocked.  Works to a point but it's not allowing him to try different things like they wanted.  He hasn't yet tried to hold his shotgun as it would be resting right on the end of the screw.  He still can't attempt to wheel himself properly and has to use the side of his hand instead of gripping the wheel.  He can't use his crutches so can't attempt to drive yet as he uses them to move from the back of the car to the front and he can't transfer because of putting pressure on the hand.  There's lots of things he's finding difficult because of this damned screw but hopefully it won't cause a lasting problem when it's removed.  This op has been far more successful than last year's.  He's definitely got a grip (when the screw allows) which he didn't have after the last op and he's not getting the same type of pain - only that from the screw - so, all in all we think it's worked.  We'll know, for sure, when that screw is removed ...

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Missing in Action ...

  ... again! Not through illness, thank goodness, but just busy, busy. So glad that I'm back to where I was before the illness and up for doing things. I've made a few cards using the novelty of my new craft area. Can't show them to anyone yet but it was great to have the space to do them.

Then there's been a couple of days doing my most favourite job ... NOT! Ironing! Especially NOT as the weather has been wonderful.  It's been my ideal of a happy medium but now it's getting hotter so perhaps summer has finally arrived! 

   

Anyhow, haven't done any ironing for so long I had to spread it over 2 days but it's done. I've also had to start sorting out my wardrobe again. There's no space for the new stuff I've bought 'cos wardrobe is full of clothes I can't get into any more. Dogs Trust trip coming up again methinks - *LOL*! Reckon I should open my own secondhand clothes shop. I've certainly got enough, including items that still have their tags on that I bought 3 years or more ago! To think, I recall commenting on all the items Mum had with labels on when I sorted her clothes after she died. Hmmmmm!

I've also sorted out what I'm taking, craft-wise, for my week in Spain, although I have thoughts of adding some bits. I've nearly decided what I'm taking clothes-wise. Need to make final decisions as have to pack. Flight is Thursday morning .... Yessssssssssssss! 

 

Continuing catchup (think it might be nearing an end - lol!) -

Moving towards midweek, pain started coming back.  Couldn't do anything about it as Dad took up early part of week with meetings at the apartments and chiropodist visit but I didn't linger longer than I needed to with either.

By Thursday night I was in agony and could barely breath.  Friday morning appointment made with a female GP - a face to face appointment!  Consult over and diagnosis ... pleurisy!  Antibiotics, heavy duty painkillers and rest (not that I could actually do anything else)  Somewhat different to heartburn/indigestion.  If only doc had listened to what I was telling him the week before 'cos it weren't any different to what I told doc this time!  Anyways, a week later the pain was gone and I could breath again - well, as well as I can breathe normally, which isn't always too good.  Absolutely blasted though and no energy at all but ... I'm now back to full health - yeah, right!  Apart from my long term, permanent health problem I'm back to full health ... and strength and actually feel as though I want to do things which, in my book, is all good.

While all this was going on the pond had a visitor ............. a large red damsel fly (yep, that is it's common name).  Beautiful!

Doesn't the waterlily look amazing?  They flowered for the first time last year.  This year they're back in more numbers and even bigger than last year.  Stunning flowers.

 

Thanks for dropping by .....

 

Lovely weekend ...

... quite busy and thoroughly enjoyed it. Started with a trip out to the Dogs Trust at Shoreham to leave some bits for their shop. Arrived as some of the volunteer dog walkers were returning their charges. Oh dear, so nearly came away with an appointment to take hubby Paul out for one specific little pooch. 6 months old bitsa who looked just like our old girl did but a quarter of her size. She wasn't big by any means but this one was about the size of a Jack Russell (could have been crossed with one I guess) and she was sooo friendly. I had to stop to make a fuss of her but had to put hard heart on and walk away. So difficult but our life at the moment just wouldn't allow for a little addition. I wish I could walk as I used to 'cos I'd join the ranks of the volunteers but there's no way I could do it.

Left there and made my way to pick up my good friend  Cally as we were booked for an afternoon of crafting at the Glitterpot, with Jane Gill. Just sorry we couldn't get in on morning class but saw what they did and took photos so can play at a later date. It's been a while since I did a class with Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as well as seeing others I'd not seen for a long time.  The retirees group of the job I retired from 4 years ago asked for us to take a photo that represented a day in our life on Saturday.  This is the photo I took to send in ... in the process of putting my card together at the workshop.

Yesterday afternoon I was babysitting (although Amy apparently objects having it called babysitting 'cos she's not a baby - bless!). Emma had a dance show to perform in so I had Zac and Amy while Mum and Dad went to watch and support. By the time they got home both of the youngsters were in bed and fast asleep, both having gone just before 6pm. They'd played and eaten so much there was no argument when it came time to turn in *hehe*. Emma came home in one of her dance dresses, full make-up and hair gelled to the max! Shower before bed methinks which meant that she actually had a late night and they were home just after 7 - *LOL* This is one family that keeps decent bed times for the children.

This morning, postie arrived with a note saying I owed the Royal Mail £14.33! Damnation! Customs! I'd been caught! Not usual but it does happen sometimes and it could have been a lot worse. I'd ordered goods totalling $110 from the US but the retailer had put the value as $54, so saving me the duty - well VAT - on $56. VAT charge £6.33, handling fee £8 (that's the one that bugs me). The goods were still a bargain. I'd bought them reduced, saving $330 on original prices, so reckon an additional £15 to pay was peanuts! Now need to find the time, or more, the reason to use them. 3 sets of alphabet dies!

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I've made a start ...

... on sorting out my home as planned while I was sorting out Dad! I've spent the last couple of days going through my wardrobe. It was pretty obvious which stuff I was not going to keep for one reason or another but a lot needed to be tried on and, if fitting, then needed to be seen in front of a mirror. (How come what didn't fit was too small and not too big????) It's been so hot here the last few days that I couldn't be bothered to keep dressing and undressing so the job has been done in undies! Not a good sight but at least I was comfortable...

Very little has made it through to the 'keep' pile and the currently remaining clothes can now move on the rail - lol! Still more to go through before it's finished though but, looks like the Dogs Trust will be coming in for some more goodies. With what I've found, well - let's say like mother, like daughter - lol!! Seems Mum wasn't the only person who had stuff in her wardrobe still with the shop labels on, totally unworn and never will be, by me, now. Mind you, don't think any of mine have been in my wardrobe as long as some of hers were -lol! Some of it (the new, unworn stuff) I will try on eBay but what doesn't go on first listing will be passed on.

I think I've decided what shrubs to plant in the new bed. I went on t'internet (what did we do before it???) and got lists of plants that grew well in coastal regions on chalk soil, or at least, didn't mind it. I then researched each one, making a shortlist of those that were evergreen. I've made my selection from those, based on how little upkeep they needed once established so - I shall be doing some plant shopping shortly, along with a bit of compost to improve the soil and to raise the level in the bed a little. I was going to plant bamboo as a screen from our rear neighbours but not sure now as there are other plants I've found that would work as well but for a lot less dosh! Still, no rush.

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Oh Wow!!

I've had a comment from the Dogs Trust on one of my posts (here). :o)) No idea how they found me but I'm sooo pleased! Mum would be over the moon, especially if people have been kind enough to make donations to them as well. There were no flowers at her funeral (other than from the great-grandchildren) but we requested donations to the Dogs Trust, Shoreham. I've not heard from the Funeral Director yet, as to whether anyone did donate but, would expect to hear sometime soon as it's now a month and a day since her funeral. Reckon she's stocked the Shoreham shop for a good while with what Dad & me have taken out there in the last 4 weeks. Coming to an end now though but there could still be the odd thing to go.

Ollie - their dog - came from the Dogs Trust at Shoreham, in 1996, as a 6 week old puppy called Dallas. His name was changed to Ollie as my hubby was representing Great Britain in the Paralympics, held in Atlanta, USA, that year.

Over the years Mum supported the Trust in many ways but we regularly made trips to Shoreham with bedding, food and shop donations - at least 3 or 4 times a year. I have no idea where she got the stuff that we took out there or, more to the point, why she bought most of it in the first place! The majority of it seemed to go as totally unused or hardly used - lol! I sometimes thought she bought stuff deliberately with a view to it going to 'the dogs home'! We didn't have to think twice about what to do with her stuff when she died - LOL!

Aww Bless!!

Got to Dad's this afternoon and loaded car for yet another trip to the Dogs Trust (losing count of how many times we've done this 30mile round trip now -lol!). Asked me if I'd like a cuppa and, as he went to make it, a silly grin crossed his face, which lit his whole face and eyes up, as he said "while I'm doing that you can take a look at the Veteran's medal I got in the post today" What he'd actually received was a UK Armed Forces Veteran's Lapel Badge I'd applied for a couple of weeks ago after he'd remembered his service number. I hadn't told him I'd applied for it so it came as a surprise to him .... completely. His face was a picture and I just wish I'd had my camera to hand! I'll take my camera tomorrow and take a piccie of the badge. I'm now wondering what his reaction will be if he receives the medals I think he's entitled to because of his WWII service. I've applied for any he may be due as he's never had any so, it's wait and see time on that one - lol!
Click here for the UK Veterans site.

Busy few days -

- on top of getting excited about my balloon flight and having the class at the Glitterpot.

Thursday was a funny day. Funny odd, that is! My brother had said he wanted to scatter Mum's ashes in a certain place. I was happy to leave them for the Crematorium to deal with. That is, for them to be scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance, but I agreed that we'd scatter them as per my brother's wishes. Cutting the story a bit short, Mum is now sharing space with her first born, her brother and her Mum but not without taking a trip to the Garden Centre first so, she did make that final trip, even if she had to spend it waiting for us in the car! Not sure Mum would approve of what we've done as she never said it's what she wanted and she hadn't visited my sister's grave in 40 years but, it's done now. Apart from Dad, and he wouldn't remember now, I was the only person alive who knew where the grave was. As we were leaving we realised it was exactly a month from the day she died.

Thursday evening Dad and myself, or rather I, with Dad coming along for the ride, delivered his unwanted music centre (old style with deck etc) to a young man after we advertised it on Freecycle (he not only wants Mum's stuff cleared but a lot of his own as well) and Friday Mum's mobility scooter went. Today somebody collected an old portable TV we advertised as 'free to collector'. It was so old it was manual working - no remote - lol!! It still works though so will do somebody a turn and it's better than dumping it.

Saturday morning saw me cleaning the area that the scooter had used as a garage! That looks a lot brighter and fresher and Dad's pleased he has the space back. It's now the wheelchair's home but that doesn't take up anywhere near the amount of room the scooter did.

Yesterday I spent at an archery tournament that eldest was competing in. He won it last year but he came 2nd this year. Weather was superb although it meant I was chasing the shade but it was a lovely relaxing day for me! The year before last I won the ladies competition at this event but I haven't shot there since because of my frozen shoulder. I'm hoping to start up again with the nicer weather coming along.

Today! Well, today I did some more packing up and there's another bag fully packed and ready to go to the Dogs Trust and another 1/2 full. May yet have another trip out there this week - lol! I also had to take a trip out to the Glitterpot to take back one of the Woodware Flower Maker punches I bought on Friday. It didn't cut cleanly and it jammed. They had another so we opened it to test it before I brought it away and it's just as well we did 'cos that one did the same thing and the cut was awful! They tried the demo one from the workshop and that wouldn't even cut ordinary paper cleanly. I came away with 2 stamps instead and will steer clear of this particular punch I think. It's the Daisy Banque punch. Would make a brilliant flower if it worked!!

Anyway, that's my last few days, quickly. Could lengthen the story of the ashes but perhaps most is better left unsaid however, there's yet another spooky thing. For anyone that watches Emmerdale and has followed the story re Daniel. His cross has 'died 21st February 2008, Aged 6 months' inscribed. My sister's headstone has 'died 21st February 1950, Aged 6 months' ...............

Meet .....

.... my Dad and his pal, Ollie.........
I took this photo a couple of days ago (before it got as hot as it now, hence the pullover - hottest day of the year today and likely to be 25c tomorrow, phew!) but hopefully I'll get a better one soon as this one isn't really in too sharp a focus. Thought I'd take the opportunity of updating my photo's of him as the last one was taken a couple of years ago and we're starting a new era now, with Mum gone. Ollie seems to still be going strong - so much so that I keep forgetting to ring the vet to find out where we go from here now that his medication has run out. Perhaps the vet got the diagnosis wrong and it was nothing more than a bug, even if he has got an enlarged stomach!

Anyway, I had the camera with me 'cos I had to photograph stuff to try and sell - electrical's that the charity shop won't take but that are just too good to dump. There's also a small wheelchair and a mobility scooter that the shop it was bought from won't take back :o(( Dad refuses to use it, or even try, which is probably not a bad thing 'cos he'd more than likely get lost nowadays if he went out of his street - bless! He used to hate Mum using it and worried all the while when she went out on it - not that that had happened for a while! A new wheelchair, that we had bought for Mum to use just this February, is going to come in handy for him though, as he has great difficulty walking so we've adjusted everything for his use. Just looking forward to being able to take him out to use it now. Trips to the Dogs Trust don't really hack it for wheelchair use as he only comes for the ride and doesn't get out of the car - lol!

Oooooeerrrr!!

I'll have to take look at the local newspaper tomorrow. Dad & I were on our way out to the Dogs Trust with yet another car load of stuff when we passed a couple of road closures not 3 miles from home - manned by police. One to North Falmer village and the other to Brighton University, Falmer Campus. As we passed a Bomb Disposal unit was arriving. On the way home, an hour later, we passed the same Bomb Disposal unit leaving and the roads were open. Have no idea what was going on but may have some light shed tomorrow! Have to say that this is exactly the place that the Brighton & Hove Albion football club will be having their new stadium built - if it actually ever gets off the ground - LOL!! Perhaps somebody had other ideas!!

You'd have to see it

Started clearing Mum's clothes. I thought I had a fair few and I knew she had stuff she'd never worn and a lot still with price labels on but - I didn't expect to find around 60 skirts, 45 blouses, 20 jackets, coats and macs, 30 pairs of shoes, 10 pairs of trousers (from somebody who didn't wear trousers until recently) and I've still to see to jumpers (whole wardrobe full on their own - lol!), nightwear and general bits and pieces that Dad wants to go. So far I've taken 4 dustbin bags of skirts, 1 of shoes, 2 of jackets & coats and 1 of blouses to the Dogs Trust, Shoreham, for their shop. I reckon that, by the time I finish sorting everything out, they could stock the shop with just what has been supplied by her - lol! Mum rarely bought cheap and most is very high quality so, if the items are priced sensibly, the Dogs Trust should make a good bit out of the donation. I do hope so as she would be over the moon to see the dogs benefit.

Dad has joined me on the trips to the homing centre, just for the ride out. Did the first trip on Monday, yesterday he was asking when we were going again so off we went again today. Weather has been good - bright and sunny - and, with the centre being about 15 miles away it's made quite a nice afternoon out.

It's a new day.

Phew!! Ollie is a lot brighter this morning and has decided to start eating. Perhaps it's not such gloomy news after all. Spoke to vet and he seemed relieved. Now I've to take Ollie to the surgery tomorrow to be checked over more thoroughly. Keeping fingers crossed as don't think we can take much more bad news in the family at the moment - and the year started off quite well - LOL!!
He's 12 years old this year. Mum & Dad got him from the Dogs Trust, ,as a 6 week old puppy. They changed his name from Dallas.