Eclectic Wanderings

More chilling out!

2012-01-29T20:38:00.001Z

Son 1 came down this afternoon. He ate me out of house and home, despite having just had a roast dinner! We watched 'The Inbetweeners' film. I downloaded it from BT Vision. Dead easy and only £4, which I thought was good value, as you get it for two days and I've already watched it once properly and once while doing other things. I'm bound to watch it at least once more. It's a brilliant film, really funny. I'm also working my way through the three series of 'The Inbetweeners' for the third time in about as many weeks!
I've just had a really long bath which helped with the pain in my back, hips and legs which I've had all day. On my left side it's sciatica which is a hangover from when I herniated a disc, but I don't know what's wrong with the right side. I realised just now that all I've eaten today is one pear. I'm not terrifically hungry now really. I have been drinking Lucozade like it's going out of fashion so I don't think I'll have lost any weight, not that I was trying to! Well, time to find some food I suppose, then off to bed with a book.

Chilling out

2012-01-29T11:10:00.001Z

Had another long lie-in, despite the street cleaning lorry going past my window at 6.30ish! Off to the shops shortly. Not for anything exciting, loo rolls and Lucozade as far as I know at the moment. I don't have anything planned for the rest of the day, apart from reading and maybe a bit of tv. I found another Ann Rule book in one of the charity shops yesterday and I had two sent from Amazon.co.uk in the week. I've read about two thirds of one so far so I've got plenty of reading left there. I like her books. They are about true crimes but they are written so that they are much more interesting to read than just the bare facts, whilst keeping to the truth.

Unconscious Mutterings

2012-01-29T11:03:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Every day :: daily
Rinsed :: washed
Funeral :: service
Whitening :: toothpaste
I am :: I think therefore
Co-operate :: help
Blazer :: school
Valley :: South Wales
Difficult :: tricky
Service :: bus

Nice day

2012-01-28T10:53:00.000Z

I had a nice long lie-in this morning. I'm meeting Mum in town shortly to do some shopping. Then I'm going up to Mum and Dad's to have my hair cut. I get to see Jemima too! After which I think a long hot bath and a good read. Nice day today!

The 'tooth'

2012-01-27T11:30:00.001Z

The 'tooth' is just an ulcer on a bumpy bit of bone, so I think that's good. I have to go back and have a filling replaced in a few weeks time so she'll check it again then and refer me to the hospital if necessary, but she's done an x-ray so she's pretty sure it's nothing ominous. I'm very relieved.

Friday already!

2012-01-27T00:23:00.001Z

Funny how an hour's sleep in the early evening makes me feel that I can stay up all night! It's just as well that I'm not trying to sleep as there has been a lot of door banging, loud voices, and even my doorbell being pressed a couple of times. It's my fellow tenant and his mates. He's only in his twenties so he's not a sedate old soul like me.
I'm worrying about going to the dentist's tomorrow. I'm not worried about what she will do, but I'm worried about this lump/tooth. I'm hoping it's just a bit of bone or tooth left from when I had three teeth out last year, that is working it's way out. I suppose the worst case scenario is that there is a tooth growing through the roof of my mouth. Actually the very worst case scenario is that there is something else growing there, a sarcoidosis related growth maybe? Hopefully she'll be able to allay some of my fears.
I'm looking forward to going to do the big shop tomorrow (today) - sad aren't I? Mum and I are going to catch the bus to 'Morrison's' and Son 1 is going to pick us up from there on his way home from work. Mum and I went there and back on the bus last week and we saw quite a few bargains but we couldn't carry very much. I do like shopping, even grocery shopping!

Friday Fill-Ins

2012-01-26T23:57:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to put on make up for the Muppet Show tonight!
2. Go now... and don't forget [to shut] the door behind you!
3. I'm trying to see the funny side of the situation.
4. What was the last funny comment I received? I don't receive funny comments!
5. Please send reinforcements, we're going to advance. Or, please sent three and fourpence, we're going to a dance.
6. Don't stop me now, 'cause I'm in it for the long haul.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

Done and dusted

2012-01-26T08:44:00.001Z

I'm feeling quite industrious this morning. I got up early to put my bin bag out and I've stripped my bed and remade it bar the duvet cover, cleaned the kitchen and dusted right through. Mum is coming down this afternoon to clean the bathroom, hoover, and help me put my duvet cover on. I'm meeting my friend for coffee in the coffee shop next door, and before that I want to go into town and do a bit of shopping if the rain eases off a bit. Busy day.
I enjoyed the film last night but Mum had to keep nudging me bacause I kept falling asleep and snoring. How embarrassing! It was a good film, but very sad. I thought that it was a bit off depicting Mrs Thatcher with dementia since she is still alive. It seems a bit cruel to have made it now. Although, if she is suffering from dementia I doubt that she will know anything about it.

Wednesday wanderings

2012-01-25T08:45:00.002Z

Got on ok with the physiotherapist. She manipulated my upper back and did some ultrasound on it and She has given me an exercise to do to help. She was well impressed with my flexibility in my lower back. I can more than touch my toes. I can't quite put my palms on the floor but I can put part of my fingers down.
I spent the afternoon looking through books of old photos of the town where I live, but couldn't even find any of my street, never mind the building my flat is in, which used to be a pub. Then I spent the evening pottering online until I got so tired that I dropped off to sleep and headbutted my laptop keyboard!
The plan for this morning is to go into town, return some library books and buy a few groceries. I'm going to take my shopping trolley, because the number of times I haven't taken it and then have bought too much to carry comfortably you wouldn't believe. I feel a bit like somebody's granny using a shopping trolley, but I just have to try and forget that and remember how much easier it makes things. It's bright red tartan, and it's one of the ones that goes up steps and pavements. I got it from Freegle, so it didn't cost me anything and it's hardly used.
I'm planning on a quiet afternoon, probably reading, and then I'm meeting Mum late afternoon to go to the pictures. We're going to see 'The Iron Lady'. I've seen a couple of documentaries about it and it looks good. I wouldn't usually bother to go to the cinema to see anything, but apparently Mum wanted to go to see 'The King's Speech' and no-one wanted to go with her, so when she told me that I thought I'd offer to go and see this one. She's a staunch Conservative so I think she'll enjoy it.

Tuesday thoughts

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000Z

Off for physio this morning *sigh*. As so often happens the bit that I'm going about, my upper back, has been a lot better recently, so I feel a bit of a fraud. I have to trail up the big hill to the health park, which is a pain. I don't have much shopping to do today. I'll get my 'Radio Times' and check to see if there are any new detective magazines out, maybe pick up a couple of grocery items and that's about it I think.
I took out seven library books yesterday, so I'm planning on doing a bit of reading over the next couple of weeks! Some of the books are archive photos of the town where I live and I want to look through and see if there are any pictures of the area I live in. This building was built in 1839 so there must be some photos of it somewhere. My flat is newly converted so all the fittings are new, but I still have the big sash windows, and the high ceilings, and the lounge floor slopes. Also the lounge is two steps down from the rest of the flat.
On Friday I have to see the dentist. I've chipped a tooth, but the main reason for going is that I have a lump (feels like a tooth?) on the inside of my gum. It's felt odd for ages but it's been a bit sore the last couple of days so I investigated. It really feels like another tooth growing alongside and on the inside of, the gum where I had three teeth out last year. Please don't tell me I have a tooth coming through the roof of my mouth! That would be just great - not!

Monday mutterings

2012-01-23T08:14:00.000Z

A grey and gloomy morning. I feel like going back to bed! I had to get up at 6am to get the recycling out. I don't know why they insist it's out by 7am, I'm pretty sure they don't collect it then! I'm off into town for a few groceries first thing, then I'm meeting my friend for coffee in the coffee shop next door. After that I'm going to have a quiet day I hope, mainly reading or watching tv I think, but I might manage to have a little nap. Mum is out for the day with a friend so I won't be seeing her today. I'm glad I'm meeting my friend this morning otherwise it would be a long day on my own.
Tomorrow I have physio for my back, my upper back in this case, sort of between the bottom of my shoulder blades, or thereabouts. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, and I don't have much faith in it either, but my doctor has referred me so I don't have much choice except to get on with it. I haven't been taking the painkillers because I've been able to cope with the pain and I really don't want to get a painkiller addiction.

Sunday stuff

2012-01-22T10:39:00.000Z

Got woken up in the middle of the night by people outside, presumably on their way home from the nightclubs. Then my neighbour from the other flat came in/went out. Why, at 3.30am, I have no idea. Anyway I got back to sleep and actually had a bit of a lie-in. I'm going to pop into town in a bit for a few groceries, then I'm going up to my parents' house for lunch (roast dinner - yum). Then I'll have a quiet afternoon, and Son 1 is coming down this evening to do a job for me.

Unconscious Mutterings

2012-01-22T10:07:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Rivals :: friends
Automatically :: instantly
Bathroom :: toilet
Jerk :: wrench
Preference :: choice
Parenting :: children
Helmet :: hat
Wave :: sea
Judo :: karate
Flat tyre :: puncture

On my travels again - lol!

2012-01-21T16:38:00.001Z

Been to another nearby town with Mum today, on the bus. Not the same place as the last two weeks, thankfully! Good job we've both got free bus passes, Mum because of her age, and mine because I'm disabled. I had a 9"(!) sausage roll from the bakers and a large peach cooler from 'Costa' - burp. I bought some pink sparkly bobble slipper socks - slightly more exciting than last week's clothes airer, but only just! My evening includes a hot shower, into my jammies and watching 'The Inbetweeners' all over again. It's not something I would normally watch but the boys watched a couple of episodes down here and I got hooked. I know it's a bit rude, but I prefer that to loads of violence.

Up before sparrow fart - again!

2012-01-20T07:09:00.000Z

Didn't sleep very well last night and have been awake since about 4.30 am. My surge-protection gadget arrived yesterday, but it was so late by the time I got home and showered that it didn't seem worth the effort of moving the computer. Tonight I'll try and have an early bath/shower, and then I'll have lots of time to watch a dvd or something on iPlayer or one of the other channels' equivalent.
I'm going to 'Morrison's' on the bus with Mum this morning. It's a fair way away but it's a pleasant bus ride and the bus stops are handy for the shop. We can't get much because we can only carry about two bags each, but then I did my big shop yesterday evening so I don't want much anyway. Then a quiet 'rest of the day' I hope. Mum and I did the housework between us yesterday so at least that's out of the way. I still haven't heard anything from this cleaner I'm hoping to get.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2012-01-19T08:52:00.000Z

Today is my Dad's 73rd birthday. I can't believe that he's that old, until I remember that I will be 47 this year! I'm going up to my parents' house for tea, and we're having a mixed grill, which is my Dad's favourite. After that Son 1 is going to take me to 'Tesco's' to do a bit of grocery shopping.
Before all that, I've got some shopping to do in town, I'm meeting my friend for coffee this morning, and Mum is coming down at some point today to hoover. I might do some housework but it depends how I feel. My back is still giving me gyp, and I'm feeling abit tired and achey.

Cruise ship disaster bringing back memories

2012-01-18T19:59:00.001Z

The Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster reminded me of something that happened back in 1987, 6th March to be precise. 'The Herald Of Free Enterprise' ferry capsized just after starting it's journey back from Zeebrugge. It was tragic that 193 people died, especially when the accident was caused by the bow doors not being closed, something entirely preventable.
That year 'The Sun' newspaper had a deal where you could go to France or Belgium for £1, and £5 for your car, or something like that. My fiance and I decided to take up the offer, along with my brother and a friend of my fiance's. We thought seriously about going to Belgium but my fiance's friend had never been to France so we went there instead for his benefit. It was one of the best decisions we ever made.
To cut a long story short, we got to France, checked out a few sights - I think we went to Rouen, or it could have been Rennes, & stocked up in the hypermarket - mainly booze! We were on our way back, and I forget what the others were doing, but I went and sat on the observation deck. As I sat there I thought about how or if I would get out if the ferry capsized. For some reason I looked at my watch, and it turned out later to have been the exact time that the 'Herald Of Free Enterprise' capsized. What an incredible co-incidence! I did hear a couple of crew members mention the 'Herald Of Free Enterprise', but we weren't aware of the disaster until we were off the ferry.
Anyway, we got home without incident, much to the relief of family and friends who knew that we were going on a 'Sun' trip but weren't sure where to. I haven't been on a British ferry since, although I did go on some Greek ones when on holiday in 1999. They were possibly less seaworthy than the British ones, but they were a lot smaller.

Wet Wednesday

2012-01-18T08:42:00.000Z

Not such a nice day today, damp and horrible. Not that it bothers me much as I'm only going shopping. I'm meeting Mum later and we're going to get a mirror for my bathroom. It doesn't have any windows so a mirror will open it up a bit. Only a small one though - I don't want to see more than my face! My back is still giving me gyp. I wonder when I'll get an appointment for physiotherapy, and if it will help at all.

Flummoxed!

2012-01-17T21:59:00.000Z

I'm flummoxed. My 2 cordless phones say 'No Line'. I don't understand it because my BT Vision TV and BT Broadband are both working fine. The phones are brand new so I'm presuming it isn't them, but I can't discount the possibility. Mum rang me and was able to leave a message on 1571, but I can't get anything on the phones, no dialling tone, nothing, just silence. The only thing I can think of is to buy a cheap 'ordinary' phone in the morning and try it and at least that would show me if it's the phones at fault. Anyone got any ideas? I'm at a loss when it comes to technical stuff.
I fell asleep in the bath earlier, then fell asleep again when I was sitting in my chair getting dressed. I think the stress relief bubble bath must have worked - lol!! I could fall asleep on a clothes line at the moment! I think the baths are helping with the joint and muscle pain, but I'm worrying that they may be pushing up my water and energy bills. I'm consoling myself with the fact that since I'm quite big I'm not using as much water as if I was thin!

Ouch!

2012-01-17T09:06:00.000Z

Feeling under the weather again. Have a headache and pain all down the back of my neck and my back. Trying not to take any extra painkillers. I'm going to 'Sainsburys' this morning. A bit of distraction might help, and staying in all day isn't going to make me feel any better. When I get back I will be in for the rest of the day and Mum is going to pop in this afternoon.

Back hurts

2012-01-16T22:12:00.000Z

My back hurts in various places from the back of my head down to my lower back. I think I'll have to be off to bed shortly to rest it. I've ordered a surge-protected socket for my bedroom from Amazon.co.uk. It will mean that I can transfer my laptop into the bedroom without having to trail the surge-protected extension lead from the lounge around with me. That will mean that I'll be able to watch dvds or programmes on iPlayer etc. from my bed, and rest my back at the same time. I'm hoping it will arrive quickly as all I can do in bed at the moment is read because I don't have a tv in there.

Monday mutterings

2012-01-16T09:05:00.001Z

This morning I'm meeting my friend for coffee. I've also got some shopping to do. I'm looking for a bath pillow so that I can soak in the bath in comfort. Can't think where to get one. I expect I'll see Mum sometime today too. My back was really bad yesterday evening. I went to bed at quarter to nine last night because it was hurting so much and I didn't want to take extra painkillers, so I'm going to try not to overdo things today. Shifting loads of shopping yesterday probably didn't help, but Son 2 did most of it. Got my computer chair replaced ok yesterday.

Sunny Sunday

2012-01-15T10:37:00.002Z

What a beautiful day! The sunshine is glorious and the huge windows in the flat make the most of it. I had a bit of a lie-in this morning, which was nice. I could really manage without the street cleaning lorry going past my flat at 6.30am on a Sunday though! I'm just doing some washing and pottering a bit this morning.
This afternoon Son 2 is taking me to 'Staples' to exchange my computer chair which has gone very wonky. I only bought it on 3rd January so I don't think I can have worn it out already! After that he's taking me to 'Tesco's', which is just across the road. I've got some recycling to get rid of. I can't fit in all that much here. I also need a few groceries. Apart from the shopping I'm just hoping to chill out for the rest of the day.

Unconscious Mutterings

2012-01-15T10:23:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Red tape :: bureaucracy
Crush :: ice
Magical :: mystery tour
Sticky :: fixers
Tile :: floor
Doubt :: indecision
Inconsistent :: changeable
Kiss :: lips
Inspiration :: enlightenment
Thanks :: gratitude

Saturday stuff

2012-01-14T08:14:00.002Z

Managed to get the housework done yesterday, with a long break in between cleaning the kitchen and bathroom and doing the dusting. It really is too much though. I hope I can get a cleaning lady soon. Mum is trying to get hold of someone she knows to see if she could do it.
Today Mum wants to go off on the bus again to the town we went to last week. I think she wants to look at furniture again. I don't mind, I'm quite happy to go along for the bus ride. We've been somewhere on the bus the last two Saturdays so I wonder if this is going to be a regular thing.
Other than that I don't have much planned for today. I need to buy a couple of things but I might be able to get them where we're going rather than having to go into town here. Apart from that I shall just be reading, watching tv, and pottering online, with a nice hot bath fitted in somewhere amongst that. Having not had a bath for so long I'm addicted to them now!

Hospital appointment

2012-01-13T12:21:00.002Z

Well, that was a bit of a waste of time. My breathing tests were ok. He told me the swollen glands are due to the sarcoidosis, which I obviously already knew. He also said that next time he'll see me at another clinic where they will do more involved breathing tests, and an x-ray. I can't understand why they didn't do that this time. They were sending other patients for x-rays.
I've been in a couple of shops but I didn't buy anything. I'm just having some lunch and then I'm going to crack on with the housework. I'm knackered already but it has to be done *sigh*. Can't wait until I get a cleaning lady!

Friday Fill-Ins

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. When I looked out the window this morning I saw the road cleaning lorry.
2. War doesn't make sense to me.
3. Remind me again, what isit that politiciansactually do?
4. Reading is something I love to do!
5. TP is telephone.
6. I cleaned the refrigerator recently and I found some stuff that was out of date.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want tohave a lie-in!

Getting things over with

2012-01-13T08:15:00.006Z

I had a phone call from the hospital yesterday. I had an appointment with the chest specialist booked for 3rd February. I thought they were going to put it back but they asked me if I'd like to bring it forward and see him today! Being someone who always likes to get the not so nice things out of the way I said yes.
Talking of getting things I don't like doing out of the way, I suppose I ought to get some housework done today. I'm still trying to get a cleaner sorted. Mum kindly hoovered yesterday but I need to do the rest of it. I should have cracked on with it when I got up this morning but I just wasn't in the mood.
I have a couple of things to get when I get back into town, and then my afternoon is free, so hopefully I can get the housework done then. I really need to learn to pace myself a bit better, rather than doing the whole thing in one fell swoop and wearing myself out and getting more pain. I'm a great one for getting things over with though, which sort of brings me back to the start of this post!

Early bird - yet again!

2012-01-12T08:11:00.002Z

Up at sparrow fart again to get the bin bags put out. I daren't put them out the night before because of the seagulls, and the odd idiot walking home from the pub, so I have to get up at six o'clock and get them put out before seven o'clock. The plan for today is to go into town and do some shopping, then meet my friend in the coffee shop downstairs for a drink and a chat. Mum is probably going to pop in at some point too, to take my bedding home to wash as I don't have anywhere to dry it here. Other than that I'm going to read, watch tv, and potter online. I read a whole book yesterday - 'Talk To The Hand' by Nicole Dryburgh. It was a good read and very thought-provoking. I recommend that you read her first book before you read that one. It's called 'The Way I See It'. I also read part of a handy hints book and about half of a detective magazine. I love reading - I sometimes forget how much.

All quiet on the Western Front

2012-01-11T09:09:00.003Z

I like living on my own, but it's amazing how long you can go without speaking to anyone. I said goodbye to my Mum just before 12 noon yesterday, and apart from answering the phone to an automated call I hadn't spoken to anyone since until I spoke to her a few minutes ago. Mum is coming here after her stint at the church coffee bar this morning and we're going to 'Iceland' this afternoon. Other than that I haven't got anything planned today, a bit of shopping maybe. I'm toying with the idea of going into town and doing some grocery shopping this morning, maybe even with my shopping trolley - gasp! It's a bit sad that that's at the top of my list of things to do - lol!!

Tuesday thoughts

2012-01-10T08:07:00.001Z

Decided to go up to my parents' house after I met my friend for coffee yesterday. Had a yummy lunch and played with Jemima (my cat), then did some shopping, then did some typing for my Mum who popped in to collect it. I'm meeting her in town this morning for a little wander around the shops. She's got her church house group this afternoon, so I'm glad she can fit me in this morning. It's a very long day if you don't see anyone. I like my own company but you can have too much of it!
My back, hips, bottom, & legs were really hurting yesterday afternoon. but a hot bath helped. Unfortunately I fell asleep in the chair after that. I must have been sleeping at a funny angle because I was in a lot more pain when I got up. It's still hurting this morning. A hot shower didn't help at all. I think I'll try to lie down and read or nap this afternoon, and see if that helps.

Early bird!

2012-01-09T08:27:00.000Z

Had to get up early to get the recycling out before 7am. I don't know why they say that it has to be out by then, they never pick it up that early! I'm meeting my friend for coffee this morning, and I have a bit of shopping to do before that. I'm not sure what I'll be doing for the rest of the day, but probably not anything very energetic. I'm pretty tired already, and I haven't done much yet!
Mum hoovered for me on Saturday, and I did the rest of the housework after that. No news on the cleaner front yet, but hopefully I'll get someone soon. It is too much for me doing the kitchen and bathroom as well as the dusting, and hoovering used to give me backache before I ever had a bad back, so I'm not about to do it now that I have back problems!
I'm getting used to my desk. It's nice having the choice of using the laptop keyboard or a seperate keyboard. I love having so much space and having my printer permanently connected to the laptop. I've got so much drawer and cupboard space I haven't anywhere near filled it yet. I've got the essentials handy so far, and that's it. Anyway, time to go and do my shopping. TTFN!

Unconscious Mutterings

2012-01-08T22:12:00.001Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Compute :: -r
Irritable :: grumpy
Unacceptable :: not on
Joy :: hope
Noisy :: neighbours
Paid in full :: up-to-date account
Desire :: wish
One word :: life
Huge :: enormous
Motorcycle :: courier

The cleaning problem

2012-01-07T08:45:00.001Z

My current problem is trying to find a cleaner. My Mum rightly says that she can't manage to clean my place as well as hers and do her garden etc. A friend of mine recommended her cleaning lady but she's tied up at the moment. Mum has thought of someone she knows who cleans who might be able to do it, so I'm hoping that will work out. It took me most of last Sunday to clean through and that was without the hoovering, and I was not feeling good by the time I finished.
My younger son's girlfriend offered to clean for me, bless her, but she's already doing three jobs as well as being at college full time. Also, apart from my Mum or the boys, I'd be embarrassed at having someone I know clean up after me.
I've had various offers from a friend and a friend of my Mum's but since they are both over seventy I would feel guilty having them run around after me. Oh well, hopefully things will work out with this lady that Mum knows. I need to find someone soon. I can see me having to spend tomorrow cleaning if I haven't got someone lined up for next week.
I'm going off on the bus with my Mum this morning. She wants to go to a furniture shop in another town. We'll only be there for about an hour but I'm only really going for the ride anyway. I certainly don't want or need any more furniture! I can't think of anything I do want to buy today actually, and I have a disabled person's free bus pass, so it might be a cheap day out - lol!

Friday Fill-Ins

2012-01-06T10:37:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Discussions & repercussions.
2. Hello! Goodbye!
3. I think it's time for all good men to come to the aid of the party.
4. My cat puts a smile on my face.
5. Maybe sometime soon.
6. My faith gives me strength.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a nice hot bath, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

Friday feelings

2012-01-06T10:33:00.000Z

Three new bruises yesterday. At least the lithium blood tests will show if there's anything wrong. I doubt it, but it's good to have it checked out. I've drunk plenty this morning so hopefully there won't be any concerns about my kidney function this time.
Dad popped down this morning. I'm off to the doctor's in a little while for my blood tests, and then into town to do my shopping. Then Mum is going to call in this afternoon. Busy day. I have quite a few things to do in town.
I'm feeling much the same as usual, tired and achey, and I still have the itchy bumps. My back has been complaining a bit, I think because I've stripped my bed. I'm trying to get a cleaning lady sorted to do my kitchen and bathroom and hoover on a weekly basis, but it's easier said than done. Anyhow, I'm off. Toodles!

Seeing the doctor and stuff

2012-01-05T16:25:00.000Z

My latest culinary creation is a microwave sausage and mint sauce sandwich! Sounds horrible I know, but it actually tastes quite nice. Just had one - yummy! Makes a change from microwave chip butties!
Went to see my doctor this morning. He said it's very unusual to have pain in the back where I've got it - in my thoracic vertebrae I think he said - unless it's a jolt or injury. I also told him about the horrible crunching sensation I've been getting in my back. He's referring me for physio and has given me some painkillers. He says the walking that I do is good for everything else but not for this back problem as it jolts it.
I showed the doctor my itchy bumps and he says they look like bites of some description. I can't understand what has bitten me. Jemima has stayed at my parents' house and she doesn't have fleas at the moment anyway. The flat is in an old house (1839), but it's been newly converted and the carpets and even some of the floors are new.
While I was there I also mentioned the amount of bruises I've had recently and he said that my lithium blood tests will show if there's anything causing that. I managed to get an appointment for the lithium blood tests tomorrow morning. It's a pain to have to trek up to the health park again, but it will be good to get it out of the way.
Anyway, I'm going to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening reading and watching tv, and probably having a nap at some point. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it - lol!

Excited!

2012-01-04T07:49:00.000Z

I'm all excited about my desk being delivered this morning. Son 1 took me to buy the computer chair yesterday afternoon and put it together for me. The desk is a solid piece of furniture, not a flat pack. I'm just hoping they can get it in ok. This is the same shop that I got the sofa and chair from, which had to go back because the sofa wouldn't go up the stairs. I'm looking forward to putting all my things in and on my desk and getting it just the way I want it. I'm not planning much else today, but I might pop out to the Co-op at some point.

Monday mutterings

2012-01-02T10:33:00.001Z

Had the best night's sleep last night that I've had since moving into the flat. About nine hours altogether, just broken up with a couple of toilet stops. I'm just pottering this morning. I might pop over to the Co-op in a bit for a bag of ice, if the rain holds off, but that's about it.
I'm trying to organise all my stationery, pens, paper, and other office bits for when I get my desk delivered on Wednesday. I'm so excited about it. I've been using my laptop on a small table next to an armchair for the last five years, and it's just not the same as having a proper desk.
One of the best things about having a desk will be having the space to have an ordinary keyboard attached to my laptop, and also having my printer permanently set up so I don't have to manoeuvre it around and plug leads in every time I want to use it.
This afternoon I'm going into town with Mum to have a wander around the shops. I don't actually need anything, but you never know, I might find a bargain, or at least something for my tea - lol!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:20:00.000Z

Hope you have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I am feeling quite industrious having done the ironing, & the dusting, and cleaned the bathroom and kitchen. I've also been out shopping and Mum called in on her way home from church. Then Son 1 came over for a while, and Son 2 too after a while. I'm pooped now. I'm planning on a nap, a bath, and something to eat. I'm not sure in what order.
I managed to fall asleep in my chair last night and woke up at 12.05am, so I missed out on seeing the New Year in. I have made my resolutions though. They are much the same as last year, and I'll probably have much the same success rate!
I'm looking forward to getting my new desk on Wednesday. I've been sorting through pens and stationery and stuff in preparation. I'm going to have my printer permanently connected up so that I don't have a load of hassle every time I want to use it. I'm also going to borrow one of Son 1's old keyboards and run it off my laptop. I'm just going to try it out but I think it will be easier on my hands. It's a five foot wide desk with drawers and/or cupboards on both sides, so I should have plenty of room in and on it. As Mum says it's big enough to be a complete office!

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-12-31T00:10:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Wait, wait for me!
2. New Year's Eve is a little different.
3. In addition and subtraction I can cope, multiplication and division are beyond me!
4. Haphazardly is the way we do it here!
5. At the end of the year, I like to make some New Year's resolutions.
6. Watching the London Olympics is one of the things I'm looking forward to in 2012.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping, and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

Ouchie!

2011-12-30T08:26:00.000Z

Meeting my friend for coffee this morning. Going to 'Staples' and 'Tesco's' with Son 1 and possibly Mum this afternoon. Not feeling too great. Tired and in pain etc. Trying not to take any more painkillers than I absolutely have to.

Catch up

2011-12-27T21:22:00.004Z

I saw a gorgeous desk today. Just what I wanted. It's a proper big one with drawers and/or cupboards on both sides. It will fit across the chimney breast in my lounge. It's being delivered next Wednesday. I can't wait! I just hope it fits up the stairs, unlike the sofa which had to go back!
I took all my Christmas decorations down this morning. Well, at least I thought I had! Why is it that you always seem to leave one or two behind? I went to 'Sainsbury's' with Son 1 this afternoon instead of 'Tesco's' with Mum.
I'm going to 'Dunelm Mill' with Mum and Dad tomorrow morning. Not that I need anything but I do like that shop. Then I'm going to their house for lunch. I'm looking forward to seeing Jemima too. In the afternoon Mum and I are taking back the things that didn't fit - lol!

Tuesday thoughts

2011-12-27T10:57:00.000Z

Got up at the crack of dawn today to put my recycling out. Aren't I good? I just hope I've got the right day! Since then I've mainly been faffing about online. I've got a new email address due to changing broadband provider so I've been changing that, setting things up for email to be forwarded, lots of fun stuff - lol!!
I'm going shopping with Mum later. I want to return some leggings that I bought in 'Tesco' last week, and just buy a few grocery bits, nothing terribly exciting. I'm trying to decide whether to take my Christmas decorations down. I usually take them down quite soon after Christmas, and I suppose there's only me to look at them, so I suppose I can please myself really.
I used a bath bomb, part of a bubble bar and my shampoo bar last night. I'm really impressed with the shampoo bar. My hair is feeling a lot less flyaway and has a bit of body to it, but it's soft too. I often find that even with gentle shampoos they tend to make my hair feel lank, because it's very fine, but I've got a lot of it.

Boxing day blurb

2011-12-26T12:59:00.001Z

Christmas Day was nice. Quite quiet, but that's the way I like it. I had some nice presents, including a jacket, t-shirts, some boots (which were unfortunately too big), stuff for my kitchen (including a padded notice board), chocolate, stationery, mulled wine, and bubble bath. I was also thrilled that Jemima sat on my lap. She's turning into a bit of a lap cat since I moved out.
This morning I went shopping with Son 1. I had a 'Lush' voucher which I was desperate to spend. I've got enough bath bombs and bubble bars to last me quite a while now. Apart from that I bought a couple of blue glass bottles, and some food and drink.
I don't know if I shall have any visitors for the rest of the day. I'm going to get some lunch and then chill out a bit. I bought a small piece of beef earlier so I think that will do me for a couple of meals. I think I'll sling something in the oven for lunch, being as it's on anyway. The main production today will be having a bath with my Christmas bath bomb and washing my hair with my shampoo bar. I'm easily pleased!

So here it is - Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:17:00.001Z

Guess who spent half the evening sleeping in a chair and woke up cold and achey? It wasn't even my new relaxing recliner! Just had some hot mince pies and cream to celebrate it being Christmas Day, and I'm off to bed shortly to read for a while before I go to sleep. Happy Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:41:00.000Z

Fell asleep in my new recliner yesterday evening, and slept for hours. It was 9pm before I got in the bath, and nearly midnight by the time I made myself something to eat. Still I clocked up a good night's sleep, even though it was a bit fragmented. And it's not raining today so that's a good start.
I'm looking forward to meeting Mum in town today. We aren't going shopping to get anything in particular, just have a wander around and soak up any atmosphere there might be, if everyone isn't already hitting the sales - lol! Other than that I don't have anything much planned for today. Just relaxing, reading, watching tv, pottering online and maybe a nap in the recliner!
I'm coughing well and it seems like it's gone to my chest. I hope not as my friend was coughing all over the place at the beginning of the week and she was sure she had a chest infection. I'd better start using my asthma inhalers because whatever it is I don't want it setting that off. My back isn't good either. I think I'll be going to see the doctor about that after Christmas.

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-12-24T09:29:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, "Do you see what I see?"
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.
3. Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old.
5. When I was small I believed in Santa Claus, though I knew it was my Dad.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to open my Christmas presents!

Phone sorted, broadband sorted, TV sorted - yay!!!

2011-12-23T08:05:00.001Z

The engineer fixed my phone line - yay!! He also set up the BT Home Hub, and I was able to figure out the BT Broadband myself. It took Dad and I, well mainly Dad, most of the afternoon setting up the BT Vision, but we did it in the end! I'm still getting the hang of it, and the broadband. I've got 5 bars of reception, and it goes from 1-5 on my computer. I've never had 5 before! The speed is quite unheard of for me.
Mum is feeling better, in fact she was feeling better later on in the day she was feeling odd. It's labyrinthitis and I can certainly sympathise as I get it myself. Anyway,she's started taking her tablets again so hopefully that will keep things under control. All being well Dad is taking Mum and me to 'Tesco's' this morning. I don't have an awful lot to get, but I decided it was probably better to go with them than to drag my shopping trolley around the town amongst the crowds.

Telephone troubles over - I hope!

2011-12-22T07:45:00.000Z

The plan for today is that the BT man is coming to sort out my phone line between 8am and 1pm. If he gets it sorted we've got someone coming sometime today or tomorrow to set up the BT Broadband and BT Vision. I will be glad when the phone line is finished and the broadband and tv are set up, then I've finished with all the deliveries and engineers. I'd obviously like my tv to be set up before Christmas. I'm not as worried about the broadband as I can access the wifi of the coffee shop.
I'm seeing my friend this morning. She's either coming up here or we'll go to the coffee shop downstairs. I'm hoping to get out to do a bit of shopping today too. Nothing major, just some more radiator hangers for drying clothes, and some grocery bits. I'm well impressed with my washing machine, and I'm managing to get my clothes dry in a surprisingly short time, despite the fact that I don't have the heating on that much, mostly just in the evenings.

Recliner day

2011-12-21T09:16:00.000Z

My recliner is being delivered today, then I've got the BT man coming (again!!) tomorrow. Then I'll be sorted. I may cry if my land line doesn't get set up tomorrow, because it's three weeks since it was meant to be done. At least the delivery today is going to be at a certain time (within an hour) so I don't have to stay in all day like I did for the washing machine man yesterday.
I'm hoping to go shopping with Mum sometime today. I really ought to do some housework between now and Christmas Day, but I'm putting it off at the moment! Once I get my new recliner I may not want to get out of it! Seriously though, I'm hoping it will do wonders for my back. It has been so 'crunchy' the last few days, which can't be a good thing. I'll maybe get it checked out after Christmas if it's still like this.
I enjoyed doing my first wash in my new washing machine yesterday. Sounds daft I know but having had to send my washing up to my Mum for the last (almost) three weeks it's nice to be doing my own. Haven't done any baking recently but I've been under the weather with a cold. I'll get going properly after Christmas.

Washing machine - sorted!

2011-12-20T22:18:00.000Z

Well, the washing machine turned up eventually, almost at the end of it's estimated time of arrival - of course. I've used it once so far. I'd wash more but I've only got a limited area to dry stuff in. I managed to pop out for a few grocery bits after the washing machine had been delivered, and then Mum popped in for a while. So it didn't turn out to be such a disappointing day after all, and I'm really looking forward to getting the sofa delivered tomorrow, after which I'm going shopping with Mum, and possibly my niece.
I weakened in my resolve not to buy any more Christmas presents and went online at 'T K Maxx' yesterday and bought the boys some Calvin Klein underwear. Ten pounds for a pair of pants seems a bit extortionate to me, but that's what they like these days, and after all, it is Christmas! I'm definitely not going to buy anything else though. That's the lot! I gave them both money for their main present and I've bought a few other odds and ends, so they're not going without!

Fed up

2011-12-20T12:27:00.002Z

As one of my ancestors is supposed to have frequently said "life brings you used to disappointments". Today it has. Firstly Son 1 didn't come down because he overslept, and then was really stroppy and put the phone down on me. Then the chair didn't arrive and I've just had a phone call to say that the delivery of the chair is booked for tomorrow. It's a real disappointment and it's also a pain because I had to stay in today anyway for the washing machine, and now I'll have to stay in tomorrow. Still they've given me a one hour window when it will be delivered so I can't complain too much.
I'm just hoping that the washing machine arrives in time for me to hit the shops and get something nice for my tea! Having said that, I'm not going out if the weather's grotty. I think I might treat myself to a bottle of cider this evening, or a nice bath, or both, but not together! Mind you, my bath is so small (and/or I'm so big) I think I'd have a job falling asleep in it!

Washing machine and recliner day!

2011-12-20T09:24:00.001Z

I'm expecting the men from 'Currys' to deliver my new washing machine and install it sometime today, and also the man/men from the local furniture store to deliver my new 'Stressless' recliner. I'm looking forward to trying both of them out, but unsurprisingly the recliner wins! It's a pain having to stay in all day, but it will be worth it. I've tracked my washing machine delivery on knowhow.com, and the estimated time of arrival is between 12.28pm and 4.28pm. Goodness knows why they say .28 instead of rounding it off to .30, but there we go!
Hopefully Son 1 is coming down to see me this morning. If everything has arrived and been fitted by four-ish or earlier I might pop into town, but I can manage without if I have to. On Thursday BT are coming back to sort out my phone line - hopefully they'll manage it this time. I'm thinking about getting someone in to set up the BT Vision and BT Broadband to save the hassle of trying to set it up myself. I think it would be worth it.

Chilly chilling

2011-12-19T08:29:00.001Z

I'm sooooo cooooold! I'm trying to avoid putting the heating on this morning so that I can put it on when I get in this afternoon. I'm meeting my friend for coffee, possibly with a bit of shopping beforehand, though I don't really have to get anything. Then I'm going up to my parents' house early in the afternoon to see my Godmother and her daughter and her children. After that I'll be chilling out. Quite appropriate here 'chilling' out - still, it will be nice and cool in the summer!

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-12-18T10:52:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Sleepy :: bedtime
Find :: seek
Scrutinize :: check
Attempt :: try
Playing :: dvds
Stupendous :: amazing
Charity :: box
Frozen :: water
Turn around :: spin
Urge :: longing

Sunday stuff

2011-12-18T10:45:00.000Z

The cleaning lorry did go past again this morning, but a couple of hours later, so that's something I suppose! The plan for today is to go up to my parents' house for a roast beef Sunday lunch - yummy. It will be nice to see Jemima too. I really miss her. Then after lunch Son 1 is going to take me to 'Matalan' and 'Sainsbury's' to get a few bits. After that I shall be chillaxing - I love that word!
It's freezing today. Well, it seems that way in here! I haven't quite got the hang of the central heating yet. It's more like central freezing around here. I'm also trying to economise on the central heating so I'm a bit chilly. I'll have to warm up in 'Sainsbury's freezer department - lol! Never mind, by not having it on now I can crank it up when I get home later. And maybe treat myself to a hot bath. It's nice being able to have a bath whenever I want one. It's a bit of a struggle getting in and out of the bath and shower but I've had grab rails put up and I'm developing my own techniques!

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-12-17T19:47:00.001Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
2. It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees, they're putting up reindeer, and singing songs of joy and peace.
3. You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, you really are a heel, you're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel.
4. I believe in Father Christmas.
5. Silent night. Holy night.
6. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

Up before sparrow fart - again!

2011-12-17T09:36:00.003Z

There is a road cleaning truck that goes past my flat between 6.20am and 6.30am every morning. I'm getting fed up with it waking me up! I suppose I'll get used to it eventually. I just hope it doesn't do Sundays, so I might get a lie-in! One good thing though is that I'm not hearing much noise from people to and fro-ing from pubs and clubs as I thought I would. There is a pub next door,which fortunately is a fairly quiet one, but there's a busy and popular bar literally a minute's walk away, and a couple of night clubs just five minutes away. If you want the convenience of living in town you have to put up with that though, and it's not the first flat I've had which has been near a pub.
I'm meeting Mum in town in a little while. I don't know what I really want in town, apart from a few groceries. Not sure what I'll do for the rest of the day. I usually find something though! I'm rarely bored, mainly because I love reading so much. I also like watching tv & pottering online, so I'll probably do one or the other of those things. Don't think I'll be doing any baking today. I'm not really in the mood, and seeing as how I don't actually like cake myself I'd rather do it for someone else. I've made a couple of disasters, which has put me off a bit too.
I think I've about finished getting stuff for the flat now. The washing machine is coming on Tuesday, the phone line is being set up on Thursday, and my parents are getting me a 'Stressless' recliner and stool, but I don't know if that will arrive before Christmas now. That will be my third chair and that will be enough for the room then. I'm looking forward to getting the phone line and washing machine, but I'm really looking forward to getting the new recliner. Mum says it's really comfortable. I think I'll save that one for me and let visitors sit in the other two!

Cold and bruised

2011-12-16T09:28:00.000Z

I am pickled in bruises, and I don't know where I got most of them. Every time I undress I find a few more. Odd. I fell asleep in front of the tv last night and woke up feeling cold and achey. It doesn't do my muscles and joints any good at all. I must stop doing it.
I've been sleeping with my pyjamas, a nightshirt or robe over the top, and often my socks on. It seems to get cold late at night however long I leave the central heating on for. I've got a little electric heat pad, meant for applying heat to aches and pains. It cuts out after 90 minutes so I've been going to sleep snuggled up on that.
This place is going to be wonderfully cool in the summer, but it's a bit parky this time of year! I don't want to be running up a huge gas bill so I'm very conscious of how much and how often I have the heating on. I've rediscovered the joys of bathing, rather than showering, so I'm a bit conscious of water usage too.
Anyway, I've just discovered that I'll probably see my parents,separately or together, this afternoon, so I'm going to pop into town shortly. Not that I actually need anything, but I'm not about to sit here all day - anyway it's probably warmer out - joke! I do like to get out and about most days. Sometimes I stay in on Sundays but that's not as likely now I live right in the town.

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-15T08:17:00.004Z

This morning I'm going shopping for a few bits for my Christmas tree (weather permitting) then I'm meeting my friend in the coffee shop downstairs. After that I'm going to have lunch and chill for a bit then I'm going up to my parents' house. Son 1 is going to get the Christmas decorations down from the loft and I'm going to pick mine out, and then bring them (and a Christmas tree) back here and decorate my lounge. I'm all excited about it!

Wednesday wanderings

2011-12-14T11:49:00.003Z

I went to the dental hygienist earlier on, which is all of about three minutes walk away from where I live now! My big recliner has been brought down from my Mum & Dad's house this morning. At least I won't have to sit on the bean bag when I have visitors now! The recliner wouldn't have fitted in if I'd had the sofa and chair, but as the sofa wouldn't come up the stairs that was the end of that. I'd like to get another chair and then I think that will be enough. I'm disappointed about not have a big sofa to crash out on though.
This afternoon Son 1 is taking me to 'Morrison's' to do some shopping. I'm looking forward to that. I don't go there very often. Otherwise I'm not planning to do very much today, just mooch around, potter online, read, watch tv etc.

Early bird!

2011-12-13T09:01:00.004Z

Slept well last night, which is amazing considering how upset I was after the trouble with BT yesterday. I've noticed that a road sweeper comes past here at 6am so I'm quite an early riser - lol! I had a bottle of cider (a small one!) last night, so maybe that's why I slept well. Dad is going to try to get BT sorted. I'm glad about that because I'm getting nowhere with them - nowhere at all.
One good thing about yesterday is that I found out I get the severe disability premium on my income support after all. That was a relief, especially as they told me last week that I wouldn't get it. It makes a big difference. Without it I would be really strapped for cash. I have to pay some of my rent out of my other benefits because I don't get enough housing benefit to cover all the rent, although I get as much as they are able to give.
Today's plan is to go up to Mum and Dad's for an hour or so this morning, have a chat, play with Jemima, etc. Then I'm going to do a bit of shopping, then come home and just potter I think. Yesterday was so stressful I want to try and relax a bit today, and there are various things I can amuse myself with. At least I've got tv, and broadband, and a mobile phone. Things could be worse.

Aargh!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-12T13:16:00.001Z

Now it turns out that the other tenant's keys were with the landlord all along, and access would have been fine. Shame no-one thought to tell me, even though I emailed my landlord about it yesterday and left notes for the other tenant yesterday. I got in touch with the BT engineer and the job has to be-reappointed. Hopefully it won't take another 11 days. I'm really upset by all this fuss that could have been avoided, and obviously that I still haven't got my phone line.
On the bright side, Mum and I have given the flat a good 'do', I'm hopefully meeting my friend in the coffee shop downstairs later and then bringing her up to see the flat, and then Mum and I are going to 'Tesco's' later on so I can get myself some comfort food then.

Telephone troubles

2011-12-12T08:33:00.002Z

I'm a bit fed up. BT are supposed to be coming today for their second attempt at setting up a phone line for me. They may need access to the roof, for which they would have to go through my neighbour's flat, which he has denied. Well, he hasn't agreed to it anyway, which is the same thing.
I have slipped three notes under his door over the last week, knocked the door a couple of times yesterday, and stuck a note on his door yesterday afternoon. I know he saw that because when I looked he had taken it down. I don't understand what the problem is. If it was the other way around I would give permission, even if I wouldn't be here (he's gone to work).
So, I don't know what's going to happen. If the BT engineer needs access to the roof to set the line up, then I'm snookered. Plus there is the fact that if I don't get the BT line then I won't be able to get BT Broadband and BT Vision TV, both of which I have paid for. I also don't understand why my neighbour wouldn't give permission. What have I done to annoy him? I'm quiet and mind my own business.
Whilst writing this I have had a phone call from the engineer. He is on his way over. He says that the job would only take a few minutes on my neighbour's property, but since he hasn't given permission he probably won't be able to do anything. I'm nearly in tears I'm so upset and fed up. I really need that phone line.

Sunday stuff

2011-12-11T14:28:00.003Z

Had a lie-in, then went shopping for a couple of things I needed and ended up buying some Christmas decorations too. I'm waiting for Mum to get all her decorations out because mine are all in with hers. Hopefully she'll do that sometime in the next few days. I think I'll put up the ones I bought now anyway. The boys came down with a chair for my bedroom and some other stuff I'd left behind at my parents' house. I'm hoping Son 2 might come down again later. I probably won't see him for another ten days or so. Son 1 is on holiday next week so I expect I'll see him a bit.
Tomorrow I've got the BT man coming to set up my landline. This is the second one that's been out, and I'm worried that if they don't sort it soon I'll have to wait until the other side of Christmas. I've got my mobile phone but it's too expensive to use that all the time, and I do like to ring my parents at least once a day. He's supposed to come between 8am and 1pm. What's the betting that I'm ready for him to come at 8am and he doesn't arrive until 12pm or something like it?

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-12-11T14:12:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Dedication :: effort
Dream destination :: London
Games :: computer
Hard as :: nails
Convict :: release
Submit :: retract
Alcohol :: cider
Clippers :: nails
Hormonal :: mood swings
Diet :: no thank you!

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-12-09T22:27:00.000Z

Friday Fill-ins

1. As I neared the church I could hear the sound of voices singing.
2. A detective magazine is what I'm reading right now. It's very interesting.
3. I didn't start out this way, I used to be well.
4. It's always best to tell the truth.
5. The best way to get a good night's sleep is to go to bed early!
6. This is the reason I am tired!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include shopping (yay!!!) and Sunday, I want to have lie-in!

Money, cats, etc.

2011-12-08T22:40:00.001Z

Spent the afternoon finishing off watching my 'Are You Being Served?' dvds. Didn't feel like doing anything much so I didn't. I've arranged to see my other friend for coffee tomorrow, then bring her up to see the flat. Then in the afternoon I'm going up to Mum and Dad's to have my hair cut. I wonder if Jemima will ignore me again! I really miss her even though she obviously doesn't miss me! To be honest I'm feeling a bit homesick, probably because I'm spending so much time on my own.
I have emailed my landlord to ask him if I would be allowed to have a cat. In the tenancy agreement it just says that I mustn't get a pet without asking permission. It would have to be a house cat as the roads are too busy here. I don't relish the thought of a litter tray to clean out,but it would be worth it for the companionship. I've been in touch with the lady who runs the cat shelter and she reckons that it would be possible to keep a cat as a house cat. Cats aren't cheap though, so I need to take that into consideration,
I got a bit of a shock yesterday when I got a letter from the Income Support people telling me that I won't get the severe disability premium, which was a major blow. I can just about afford to live here without getting that, but I would be really skint all the time. And I wouldn't be able to afford a cat. Anyway, then I realised that the letter was dated 1st December, and the last form they sent me to fill in didn't get posted back until the 4th! It's all based on whether I am living on my own or not, which I obviously am. So I'm waiting, hoping, and praying for another letter telling me that I've got it, in which case I'm going to complain about the previous letter.
Anyhow, I think it's time I spent a whole night in my bed instead of the chair, so I'm off to bed to read for a while. I've got quite a busy day tomorrow and a good night's sleep will help.

Thursday thoughts

2011-12-08T12:32:00.001Z

Settling in ok but wish I could stop falling asleep in the chair and waking up cold and achey at four in the morning. Missing my family and my cat. Lived there for so long that I'm not used to being on my own as much. I enjoy my own company, after all that's one of the reasons why I moved, but I have to admit to feeling a little bit lonely now and then. Even my cat was good company.
Went to get my recycling box and bag this morning, then met my friend for coffee and we came back here afterwards. I'm not planning on doing much this afternoon. I might read for a while. I've now actually got television so that's an improvement. I have to wait until 12th December for BT to sort out my phone line, then if I decide to have it I have to sort out BT Vision television and also BT Broadband. Anyway, time for something to eat. TTFN!

Tuesday thoughts

2011-12-06T09:44:00.001Z

Well, the tv aerial man didn't come last night, probably because of the weather, which isn't looking too great today either as it's grey and raining. I fell asleep in my chair last night and woke up at 5am, freezing cold and achey, so I allowed myself a lie-in until around eight.
I'm not seeing Mum today, but Dad just called in and will be popping in again later. In the meantime I'll probably go into town for a little while. I don't need much but the fresh air and exercise will do me good. I'm having a bit of trouble with my internet connection but I'm hoping that it's not going to be a common occurrence.

Early bird

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000Z

I was up before six this morning and had made a cake for my parents which was in the oven by about ten to seven! It came out a bit flat but I put cherry jam and buttercream icing in the middle and buttercream icing and glace cherries on top so it should taste alright.
I'm meeting Mum later on this morning to look for a smaller sofa or another chair, because it's not really practical having just one chair. Let's hope that whatever I like they have in stock and I don't have to wait weeks for it.
I'm hoping the tv aerial man will come back this evening to finish sorting out the aerial, but he has to go up on the roof to do it and he can't do that in the rain,so let's hope it doesn't rain for the rest of the day. I will really appreciate having tv again,whenever I get it!

Sunday stuff

2011-12-04T09:39:00.000Z

Well, I'm gradually getting the flat straight, with a lot of help from my parents. Everything that's going to be unpacked has been unpacked, and the only things left to do are putting someboxes in one of the high cupboards in the bedroom, and putting up a clock in the kitchen. Hopefully Son 2 will do that for me today. Mum was here for ages yesterday. We unpacked the china and put it in the china cabinet, and she put up the net curtains, the big clock and big mirror in the lounge.
Tried the washing machine yesterday and it doesn't work, so the landlord is going to get that and the tumble-dryer taken away and I'm going to get a new washing machine. I don't want a tumble- dryer, they're too expensive to run. My cooker is sitting there waiting for me to get on with all this baking I've said I'm going to do. I'm not starting that for a few days though. I'm very tired, physically tired, not sleepy, and I'm achey and sore.
It looks like I might have tv tomorrow night - yay!!! The man is here fixing the tv aerial. He will have to come back again tomorrow, which is a pain, but I think I can probably manage another day without tv! I'm hoping he won't be too long as I'm supposed to be going to Mum and Dad's place later, for lunch. And to see Jemima! I'm also hoping that Son 2 will take me to Sainsbury's some time today to get the things I forgot on Friday, as well as doing the jobs I want him to do. He's just got another car after his crash, so hopefully he won't mind ferrying me about a bit.

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-12-04T08:52:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Flannel :: underwear
Chairs :: seats
Sporadic :: now and again
Difficult :: complicated
Amusing :: funny
Collapse :: tent
Hurtful :: nasty
Thump :: -er
Frugal :: thrifty
Collectables :: antiques

Clouds and silver linings

2011-12-03T09:06:00.000Z

So far since I moved in I have had the following problems:

There is no TV signal here.
There is no land line phone line.
The new sofa and chair had to go back because the sofa wouldn't fit up the stairs, so I now have only one easy chair.
I haven't been able to set up my BT Vision, so I don't have my own broadband etc.
The shower rail came out of the wall the first time I tried to hang a towel on it.
There was an old tumble dryer hanging around and it was left in the lounge.
I trod on my glasses yesterday morning.
And to top it all off, the washing machine which was left for me and I was told was working, isn't, and I have a pile of unspun clothes in varying degrees of wetness.

Looking on the bright side:

The man came about the tv signal yesterday and he's coming back either tomorrow or Monday to fix it.
The lady in 'Specsavers' fixed my glasses in no time, and even gave me a case to bring my other ones, the ones that I was wearing, home in.
I've been able to use the wifi broadband from the cafe next door.
I can still play dvds so I've been playing old comedy shows.
My parents live just up the road so hopefully they can sort the washing out for me.
I can get another chair for my lounge and at least I have one to sit on in the meantime. The removal men had to take the door off to get this one in! I think I'll be buying something rather more slimline this time!
I really love the flat. It's so convenient for town and it's fantastic having my own space.

Sorted - sort of!

2011-12-02T10:06:00.000Z

Well, I'm all moved in, but with quite a bit of unpacking and sorting out yet to be done. yesterday could have been a bit fraught, but I managed not to get too stressed. The new sofa couldn't get up the stairs, so I am a sofa and a chair down. Luckily I have one easy chair but the removalmen had to take the lounge door off to get it in!
I have no tv signal and no landline phone line, so that is a bit of a pain. I am using the wifi from the cafe downstairs at the moment. I can get it in my lounge. It would be nice to watch tv, but at least I have dvds I can watch.
I managed to stand on my glasses this morning and they are a bit wonky, so I shall be off to 'Specsavers' shortly to see if they can bend them back for me. I might go and get myself a bag of ice as well as I prefer my cold drinks with ice. Son 1 is taking me to do a big big shop sometime this afternoon or evening. I need loads of stuff. Other than that I will be sorting little bits out and resting. Yesterday didn't do my back much good.

Blogging break

2011-11-29T08:19:00.000Z

I really am going to be taking a blogging break now. I'll be back as soon as I can get my broadband set up in the new flat. In the meantime lots of packing and moving!

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-11-27T09:50:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Program :: programme
Business :: call
Nerve :: s of steel
Pipes :: plumber
Man :: woman
System :: mechanic
Roses :: round the door
Gong :: medal
Heartfelt :: genuine
Strolling :: through thepark

Five sleeps to go!!!

2011-11-26T13:23:00.000Z

Only five sleeps until I move. I'm really excited and it's been giving me a funny tummy so I popped a valium last night to see if it would help and it seems to have. Went down to the flat this morning to see the tiles. The kitchen tiles are a mottled brown colour which goes with the wood effect units, so that's ok. Maybe not what I would have chosen but ok. The bathroom tiles are white, quite large tiles, with little blue mosaic tile inserts in some of them. I have some blue bathroomy stuff so that's ok. I just have to figure out where it is - lol!
We did a bit of shopping afterwards and I bought a blue bath mat to stop me falling over in the bath - dead exciting! Can't see the point myself, but Mum and Dad were insistent! It's a long time since I had to get into the bath to shower, and my balance isn't as good these days - not that it was that good then!
I'm generally not feeling great. Son 1 seems to have brought a cold home from work with him. He's a nursery nurse and little kids are germy things! He's passed it on to me - very generous of him! I'm not feeling too horrible, just a bit under the weather. Snotty and tired and achey, well I'm tired and achey usually, so just snotty! I had a bad headache the other day and that's still hovering a bit. I might have a rest later and I'm certainly not doing anything any more strenuous than reading or watching tv!

Friday feelings

2011-11-25T07:34:00.000Z

This time next week I'll be waking up in my new flat for the first time! I'm so excited! It will be wonderful to get moved in and have all that stress out of the way. It's going to be weird having so much independence again after living with my parents for five years.
This morning I'm going to 'Homebase', 'The Range', and 'Aldi' with my parents. Other than that and packing a few boxes, I don't plan to do much today. I had a rotten headache yesterday and it's still hovering, but I don't want to take any tablets just yet in case it's a 'hangover headache' from the painkillers I took yesterday.
I wrapped up my Christmas presents yesterday evening. I'm quite pleased about that. There's only one outstanding which I'm waiting to arrive from one of the eBay shops. I've done about 60% of my shopping from various eBay shops. It's all new to me and I love it! I'll have to be a bit more careful with my money though and not go just buying things willy nilly like I did for the Christmas presents. There are so many nice things though!
Jemima was a very naughty girl last night. She woke me up at 3.10am and 5.20am. She didn't go out yesterday evening so that's probably why. She's going out this evening no matter what! I am really going to miss her when I move but my parents will look after her well.

Wednesday wanderings

2011-11-23T10:03:00.000Z

I'm using my laptop in the dining area this morning. It's wonderful to have a decent connection. Son 1 has moved the router to his room from my Dad's study, so it will be more difficult for me to get a connection. To be honest I've been struggling with my connection for weeks, so it doesn't make a lot of difference. This afternoon we're going to do the big shop, so I'm not going to do anything very energetic this morning. Just chillax I hope.

Shopped out once again!

2011-11-22T13:53:00.000Z

Sure enough Mum and I did find something else to buy for the flat. It's a beautiful metalwork table/magazine rack. I bought a magazine rack from an eBay shop last night, but that one will do for my catalogues and I'll use the pretty one for magazines. We also bought a frying pan with a lid this morning - useful but not nearly so exciting! I'm feeling pretty knackered after changing my bed today, the shopping, and carrying the table up the road. I'm going to leave the present wrapping for another day and chill out and read or watch tv or potter online instead. I'm pooped and my back is bothering me.

Tuesday thoughts

2011-11-22T09:20:00.000Z

Off into town with Mum this morning. There must be something that I still need to buy for the flat! Lol! Then Mum's got her church house group here this afternoon so I shall stay in my room and probably read. I might wrap up my Christmas presents sometime today. Most of the ones I ordered have arrived. I *heart* eBay shops!

Rush, rush, busy, busy......

2011-11-21T08:13:00.001Z

So much for taking a blogging break! Ever since I blogged about that I've found lots of things I just have to blog about! Today is going to be a bit hectic, this morning at least. I have to take my signed tenancy agreement in to the council offices as soon as they open, then I'm meeting my SIL to show her the flat and we're going for a drink in the coffee shop downstairs. Then I'm meeting my friend there for another drink, and after that I need to get my shopping done because I won't manage to get it all done in between times. After that I'm going to come home and collapse!
I want to wrap my Christmas presents sometime this week, but not today. I am just waiting for a couple of things from eBay shops. Then I'm all but finished. Maybe the odd thing for the boys if I come across anything between now and Christmas, but I wanted to get most of my Christmas shopping done before the move.

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-11-20T20:00:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Thanks :: for everything
Steam :: train
Bulletin :: board
Budget :: ticket
Value :: offer
Aquarium :: sea
Logo :: identity
Information :: bureau
Lend :: library

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-11-18T21:42:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

1. As you can see I am still blogging despite my blogging break.
2. See you soon!
3. I love to buy things for my new flat.
4. I love receiving gift(s).
5. What's up with the weather?
6. I have all my Christmas shopping done, and most of what I need is at my fingertips.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv, tomorrow my plans include going to look at my new flat again, and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

All shopped out!

2011-11-18T21:27:00.000Z

Yes, I just had to blog about this. Mum & I went shopping this morning, in a local furniture shop. I bought an oak nest of tables, an oak coffee table, and a pine blanket box. It was buy two get one free! I went out looking for a magazine rack - lol!
This afternoon Mum and I went through a blanket box in the shed which wasfull of old china. I went through a stage of collecting it, especially ~Thirties and Fifties stuff. Most of the Thirties stuff is in my china cabinet, but I'm going to use the Fifties stuff. It will go with the theme of my kitchen very well.
Tomorrow we are getting a table down from the shed so that I can have my pine table back that Son 1 has been using as a desk. Well, I say 'we' - the boys are going to do it. Son 2 did a good job of putting my hat and coat stand together the other day, and he mended one of my bathroom units too. He's quite handy like that.
Tomorrow I'm going down to check on the flat and what progress the builders have made. I'm also going to meet up with the landlord to get the tenancy agreement signed. Then it's full steam ahead for the move on 1st December. I'm having so much delivered, quite apart from the removal van, that if they all come at once the town will be gridlocked! It's going to be weird living actually in the town. It will be very convenient for me though.
Not only am I getting on really well with getting things sorted for the move, but I've also almost finished my Christmas shopping and written my cards. I've done a lot of my Christmas shopping on eBay shops. I'd never used them before. I'm cutting back this Christmas. Moving is expensive! And stressful. I am trying not to worry though! Anyway I'm off to hunt for contents insurance. Toodle oo!

Blog break

2011-11-17T18:30:00.000Z

I think my blog posts may be a bit fewer and further between over the next three weeks or so. I found out today that my moving date is definitely 1st December. I've got a lot of stuff arranged but there is still a lot of packing to do and people to advise. You know what it's like. Anyhow, my days are going to be pretty much full up with moving stuff. I move in two weeks today, but I'll need to get settled and I may have to wait to have my internet set up. So, I'm taking a break from blogging, unless something comes up that I just have to blog about!

Shopping and packing

2011-11-16T11:21:00.000Z

Not much has happened over the last couple of days. I did a bit of shopping yesterday morning then met my friend for coffee, and Mum and I packed up some more boxes in the afternoon. We're trying to do a few boxes each day, when we can.
This morning I had a lie-in after waking up early with the cat. I've just been into town again, to get the paper and some string to tie up more boxes. Of course I managed to come back with much more than that!
This afternoon we're doing the big shop, at our nearest 'Tesco's', and I have some vouchers to spend so I'm looking forward to that. I'm planning on putting one towards socks for the boys for Christmas, and the other I'm going to use to get something for the flat. Not sure what yet.

Monday mutterings

2011-11-14T08:31:00.000Z

I'm going shopping, meeting my friend for coffee, then going to the dentist. Dreading the dentist but at least it will soon be over! It's taking my mind off moving anyway - lol!

I heart eBay, and other unrelated facts

2011-11-13T22:12:00.000Z

I'm now addicted to eBay shops! I've been buying decorative bits for the new flat. It actually is a new flat, because it's been newly converted from part of the upstairs of an old pub. There are now two new flats upstairs. Mine is the front one which is the biggest, and I think the best. The building dates from around 1839.
I'm trying really hard not to stress out about the move. It just feels so overwhelming at the moment. Apart from the physical moving of my belongings, there are various things that have to be delivered and/or set up. Then there are the utilities to be sorted out, and various people to advise of my new address, once I can get the info off my new landlord. I need the tenancy agreement from him too, but I can't hassle him about it. He'll be fed up with me before I even get into the flat! And I need to get a TV licence. Just little things but they all mount up to something that seems insurmountable, to me at least.
My 'uncle' (actually my Dad's cousin) kindly sent me some money which I am using to buy a nest of tables and a hallstand (sorry if I've mentioned this before). It was so kind of him. I have my eye on an oak nest of tables from a nearby shop, and I've ordered the hallstand (hat and coat stand) from an eBay shop. Bidding on items doesn't do much for me, but I've ordered some nice bits from the shops. Mainly little plaques and hanging signs, that sort of thing. Little decorative touches.
I suddenly discovered earlier on that I have a dentist's appointment tomorrow. Fortunately I was moving the marker in my health diary when I saw it, otherwise I would have forgotten. It's for a filling unfortunately. I hate going to the dentist's, but at least I'm meeting my friend for coffee beforehand so that should take my mind off it a bit. And it's sort of on my way home. I suppose I could notify them of my new address. That would be one thing out of the way!

Preparing for the move

2011-11-13T09:51:00.000Z

Preparations for the move are going on well. This week I've got the kitchen curtains sorted and nets for all the windows. I've also ordered a hat and coat stand from an eBay shop. Almost everything is bought and/or ordered now. Apart from that the phone, tv, and broadband is sorted, and the main thing to do is to sort out the utilities. I need some more information to do that though. As for the packing, well, you don't realise how much stuff you've got until you come to move it - lol!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

2011-11-13T09:14:00.000Z

Unconscious Mutterings

Help :: home
Close :: door
Start over :: again
Dirt :: track
Kilometer :: mile
Speedy :: Gonzalez
Shop :: assistant
Trumpet :: voluntary
Dog :: biscuit
Canoe :: kayak

Flat etc.

2011-11-12T19:38:00.000Z

I was a bit shocked when I saw the safety bars they had put on the windows at the flat. I expected just a couple of horizontal bars, but they've put vertical bars as well. It looks like they've stuck part of a baby's cot on the window! I'm not best pleased but the landlord was told to put them up by the planning department, so he can't do much about it. I really hope they paint them white to make them blend in a bit with the windows themselves.
We bought all the net curtains yesterday so I just hope they fit the windows now the bars are up. Still, I'm not going to worry about it. I've given up worrying, at least that's the theory. If I let myself worry there are so many things to worry about I'll be a permanent bag of nerves. I do have a valium stash in case of emergencies, but hopefully I won't need to resort to it! I'm trying to chillax as much as possible - lol!

Saturday stuff

2011-11-12T11:18:00.000Z

Went and bought the nets for the new flat yesterday. I was going to have jardiniere nets but they have had to put safety bars on the windows and I didn't think they would look right. Anyway, I'm pleased with the ones I've got. We bought the chandelier yesterday. I ended up getting one that just fits on an ordinary light fitting, so it will be more economical that the three or five light ones, and easier to fit too. We've got enough to do without having to get an electrician in for that as well!
My Mum has decided that we shouldn't do the move on a Sunday, for religious reasons, so it's being re-scheduled on the day I actually take over the flat, which is a Thursday. Traffic may be a problem, but the removal firm are just around the corner from the flat, so they can park in their drive and walk the stuff around if they have to. I'm taking Son 2 to see the flat this afternoon. He hasn't seen it yet. I want to take some photos of the work that has been done there too. Afterwards I'll take Son 2 for a drink in the coffee shop downstairs and then we might do a bit of shopping.
Son 1 is busy this afternoon as he's a sergeant with the Royal Marines Cadets (on the staff) and he has to give the cadets some extra training in their drill for the parades tomorrow. I'll go and watch him in the afternoon parade tomorrow as I've never seen him march as staff before, let alone with his new stripes and sash. I think the camera will be at the ready again tomorrow!

Friday Fill-Ins

2011-11-12T10:10:00.000Z

Friday Fill-Ins

Better late than never!

1. Turkey is good for helping you sleep.
2. Cottage pie.
3. On and on and on we go, where we're going no-one knows.
4. The last time I saw Eastenders it was as dreary as ever.
5. Can you believe FIFA's attitude over the English team wanting to wear poppies?
6. I need a hug.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv and pottering online, tomorrow my plans include taking my youngest son to see my new flat, and Sunday, I want to have a lie-in!

All shopped out - nearly!

2011-11-10T08:55:00.000Z

After going half way around the county looking for one, I found a bread bin that I liked in the 'Argos' catalogue last night so I reserved it to pick up today. I also found a coat and hat stand on an 'eBay' shop, so hopefully that will be arriving in the next few days. It looks like exactly what I want but it's always difficult to tell online. It was a lot cheaper than the ones I've seen so I hope that doesn't mean it's going to be inferior quality.
I'm going to do some shopping this morning, then show my friend the flat. After that we'll go for a coffee. I don't have anything much planned for the rest of the day, other than a bit of 'chillaxing'! I love that word!

Wet Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:27:00.000Z

I'm supposed to be going to 'Asda' this morning but my Dad thinks the weather is too bad to drive. It is raining heavily but I can't see the problem myself. Oh well, Son 1 is taking me, so hopefully by the time he gets up the weather will improve. Either that or wait until this afternoon and see if the weather improves then.
I'm feeling a bit icky this morning. Nothing new, just the usual stuff. I've got this horrible cough which makes me physically sick. Not nice. I gather it's to do with the sarcoidosis, which can cause a chronic cough. I don't suppose those swollen glands in my chest are helping much.

Moving stuff

2011-11-08T08:15:00.000Z

Had an email from my new landlord yesterday, saying that they are still planning for me to move in on 1st December, which was nice to know. As I said in my previous post, I took my friend up to see the flat after we'd had our drinks in the coffee shop. She loved it. I can't imagine anyone not liking it to be honest. It's amazingly light and airy for a one bedroom flat. The windows are enormous!
I was very pleased that the builders were in yesterday, as nothing seemed to have been done in the last couple of weeks. Apart from all the making good, there is still tiling to be done and carpet laid in the most part of the flat, and vinyl flooring in the bathroom and kitchen. I think the flat can still be finished by the 1st though, if the builders crack on and get the work done.
Today's plan is to go and do our big shop at 'Tesco's' this morning, calling in at 'Currys' on the way to order the cooker. Then this afternoon I think I'll probably read a bit, as Mum has her church house group here and I'll be staying in my room. I've got a couple of 'home' magazines to read, as well as my detective ones.

Monday mutterings

2011-11-07T17:14:00.000Z

I woke up early then fell asleep again so I was all behind like a dog's tail this morning! I did some shopping then met my friend for coffee. Then I took her up to see the flat. The builders were there today, so that was cheering. Dad ran me up to 'Dunelm Mill' as I'd decided to get red curtains for the kitchen. I also bought a couple of seat cushions, a huge clock (20" wide), and some blocks spelling 'home'.
I've been helping Mum pack up my stuff this afternoon. I seem to have so much 'stuff'. You only realise how much stuff you have when you go to move! I mustn't buy anything else for the flat. To be honest, there isn't much else I can think of. I want to leave it a while before I buy any pictures, as they need to be big enough. It's a big room with high ceilings, and anything small will look silly. Hence the huge clock. One thing I do want for the lounge is a chandelier, or something in that line, but hopefully that will be it.