Better night

very thankful,, after a week of bad nights I managed almost 8 hours last night. Woke up this morning feeling quite a bit better,

Put DB in the car and went down to the Post Office to draw some cash to pay the cleaner and gardener next month, so solvent for a short while.

Another very warm day, I have windows open all over the house, not sure how long it will last.

Nothing much to report, still struggling to decide where to move our savings to......... might end up putting it in the same scheme updated for the next 12 months. I do not want to tie it up so I have no access to it if I need it in the future.

Gammon and salad for supper tonight, have done mandarin oranges in jelly for a dessert.

Freedom

Last evening the lady called in from the adult care. I have been signed off, no more carers for me, just for DB. I am mostly doing everything I used to inspite of the pain from the arthritis in my knees, just take longer to do it!! I am so pleased that we had a cleaner and a gardener already working.........I am trying to do one job a day, i.e. laundry, and hanging it out. Its a very warm day but there is a breeze, so the washing will dry. Yhats my job for today.

Trevor did his usual great job in the garden, it looks really good just now, a lot of pots are starting to show growth. He did not do the grass yesterday, its been so dry its not grown yet.

Supper tonight sweet and sour chicken and rice.........

Despite taking the pills I only had 5 hours sleep, I am not sure my inspire is working properly. DB said I was asleep before 10.30 last night........I was awake briefly but not for 3 hours.

Oh dear

another bad night, thats a week of not sleeping. I am going to try taking my last dose of medication before I go to bed........not taking any more during the day, I can manage, but with DB's condition I need sleep.

Went and collected Trevor this morning, I have also potted up the hydrangea plants, they are in the tomato house until they start growing, hopefully it will protect them from frost. The clematis on the arch has 4 flowers out on it, with plenty more to come.I bought it reduced late last year, the flowers are huge.

Mince for supper tonight, with mash and veg, there is also enough to put a shepherds pie, minus the potato topping in the fridge, will use it up later in the week.

No sewing done, no more clearing our either......need to get my mindset sorted. DD2 is coming this afternoon, might get her to help me. 

Woo hoo

the sun is back, expected to reach 15c today, very light breeze. Had melon and crossiant for breakfast, DB go up too soon, ended up going back to sleep for an hour in his chair. My carer came about 9am, I got in the shower and washed, dreid and dressed myself. Knees do not seem so bad today, may be its the change in the weather??

DB is increasingly not being able to chew meat, so I got some pork medalions, going to sear tham in the ninja with onions and then finish cooking them in gravy, will have roast spuds, cauliflower and carrots. He can have ice cream for dessert.

Need to fetch Trevor tomorrow, I really much pot up the hydrangeas, they are really growing, will put them in the tomato hose for a few days before I put them out. Doubt if they will flower......will have to wait and see.

cooler

DB's carer was here early, mine came around 9.30. It was just a quick wash and dress this morning.

Step son called in to see his Dad, he had some news for us, he is a bit between a rock and a hard place really, will see how it all pans out, time will tell.

It was sunny first thing but has clouded over now, a cool wind.

We watched part of the ceremony from Rome, hope they all had suncream on it was very sunny there with little breeze to cool it down.

DB was late going for his siesta, I decided to get my head down for half an hour as well.

Chicken kiev for supper with a small salad.

Thought it was summer

forecast was for sun today, the start of a heatwave, its very dull and overcast.

Carer here this mornong, shower again, managed evrythting myself, carer thinks they will stop all care next week, we will see. DB spent a lot of time maoning about belly ache yesterday, I ended up giving him imodium, which seems to have calmed things down. My sleeping is getting worse, just 4 hours last night, not sure if its because I have stopped the pain killers, will have to wait and see if it improves over the next few days. My knees are painful but not unduly so.

Plans to make involve me being able to stay in the bungalow once I am on my own. I need to lock away at least 6 months bill money, rent etc. I will qualify for housing and council tax benefit, but I still have other bills to pay. At that point the car will have to go and I will also possibly be selling one of my machines, very loath to let the Lumi go, but may not have a choice. So lots to think about. Our invested savings account finishes next month, so at that point I may be able to lock some money away long term........will have to see.

Supper tonight I think will be fish and chips, need to email DD2 and find out what is going on, she is going out with friends.

Thursday

sorry I missed yesterday, no idea why, just did not get round to it. My new carer came just after 9am, I had a shower!!! Managed fine.

My carer was first in this morning, I just had a strip wash and cleaned my teeth. DB followed me more or less straight away, he had his breakfast and then had a dizzy, so has spent part of the morning asleep.

We had words last night about his eating, he cannot cut things up, moans the knives are blunt, they are not, I cut his meal up, he then announced there was too much for him to eat, there was too much on the plate...........I had to shut myself in the bathroom whilst I had a quiet scream...........He seems to want to eat slop all the time, complains he cannot chew, his teeth are not sharp enough, should I get the dental techie to file them all to points????? So today I am doing sausage. mash and veggies, he had better eat it!! If it was fish and chips it would be gone in a trice.................

My right knee seems to  be responding to the cream I am using, the last couple of days it has been quite comfortable for a change, I use the cream 3 times a day.

I am going to nip to Aldi whilst he has his siesta, I need some baking spuds, something else he will eat, but wants the skin soft, so I do them in the microwave, finish mine off with 10 minutes in the pressure cooker.

I need to do some serious thinking about the future..........watch this space. It does not involve moving either!!

Tuesday

it started to rain at lunchtime yesterday and  stopped after supper. Trevor managed to get everything done in the garden plus a bit extra. The ivy which was rampant has died back, so is easy to pull off, exposing more of the garden. There are 2 or 4 clematis hidden in there, will have to try and sort something out so they continue to grow.

Fine, fairly warm morning, have the sheets etc from yesterday on the whirly, they should dry, they are being collected next week to be ironed.

DB is now walking with his stick, although he needs the walker first thing and once he is tired at night, walking through to bed.

My new carer was supposed to come this morning, but the usual lady said that I was down on her list, so she sorted me out. Just about 10am the carer from HART appeared......obviously a breakdown in communication somewhere. If she is going to come at that time each day I am going to have to swan round in my dressing gown. If thats the case, they will not be coming for long.

We wated a very interesting programme on Pope Francis last night, quite a bit that did not seem to have been in the public interest.......

Supper tonight beef casserole with rice.

Gardener

I was up early to go over to Hose and collect Trevor for his weekly stint in the garden. 11am it started to rain.......brilliant. we need it but it could have waited till later.

My fitbit watch seems to have stopped working, it has not reginstered last nights sleep, although I know I did not get off until after 1a, and was awake just after 6am.

Another financial form to fill in for the council..... printer started acting up, I HATE printers, wish I could find a simple one that just prints what I want to print without messing with this and that. Good job the cleaner was here, a couple of ticks and she had sorted it. I am getting to the stage where I just cannot be bothered!! She did her usual great job cleaning up. She did remark things had improved along with the improvement in my mobility. 

No idea whats for supper tonight, it might just have to be chicken!!

Tired

after yesterdays visit to the library I did not sleep well, no idea why, so I am very tired this morning, could easily go back to bed and sleep!!

Its cooler this morning, the sun keeps trying to break through without much success, so I am pleased I have books to read..........

Yesterdays laundry is still in the porch, will have to bring it in and fold it. Cleaner is due tomorrow so its bed change day. I have some financial details to sort out for the council re my care........hope to get most of it done this afternoon so I can send it off.

Supper is roast pork and veggies, have fresh fruit for dessert.

We made it

decided we would try and get to the library this morning to take our books back and get new books out.

DB managed to walk to the car, I parked as close as I could to the library and we walked in. The lady on the desk was very helpful, she booked on the books from the library van and then booked out our new books and used a trolly to get them to the car and put the bags in for us, so helpful.

I was so grateful, was crckered by the time we got home.

Its not so warm today and quite a strong breeze blowing, washing is drying on the airer in the porch.

Spag bol for supper tonight. My knee is misbehaving today, it must be the weather.

So

after a successful day with DB yesterday, I refined him getting from the porch door to the car by moving the car back almost level to the door, he can manage the few steps into the car from there. So this morning we went to Aldi, big mistake money wise!! but DB stayed in the car, we now have supplies of our favourite sweets etc, it has been a very dry 3 months for me without my favourite fruit pastilles!! I bought 2 packets so will have to ration myself.

I have also decided that DB can manage to walk with the walker up the road and back again, he did well yesterday going to the optitians, he now seems to grasp the context I was going on about recently, that if he goes for a short walk, he will eventually can get back to as near as normal as is possible, so when he gets up after his siesta we are going out for a short walk.

I am shattered, still have some of the shopping to put away, I do miss the big built in cupboard that was in my sewing room, I was able to keep a stock of tinned and dry goods in there. I still need to shed some stuff from the kitchen cupboards, but as it involves selling my chrystal glasses etc I am very reluctant. Cannot store it under the bed, the boxes to the Luminaire are under there. I might be able to rearrange a shelf in one of the bookcases in the sewing room, but not today.

Will see what tomorrow brings.

DD2 is bringing fish and chips tonight, our treat for the week!!

Busy day

Well a quiet morning, I had just 4 hours sleep last night, so I am bushed.

We had appointments to get our eyes tested, DB did very well walking from the car to the optitions and back again. I had to put the car on the car park by the library so DD2 walked DB to and from the shop. Good news, neither of us need new glasses, DB had wipes he has bleparitis and also dry eyes. More for me to do. As for me I am well within the parameters to continue driving, which was great news. 

My legs held up quite well, although I was shattered by the time we got back.

Beef and dumplings with potato slices and peas and sweetcorn, we have raspberry trifle for dessert.

Late today

so we managed out to the coffee morning, the first one we had been to since January. We did not stay too lonh, just enough to have coffee and a chat. DB managed quite well in and out of the house and car etc.

I was shattered by the time we got home. So a quiet afternoon doing jig saws on my tablet.

I made some potato salad and we had cooked gammon and salad, finished off the rest of the jelly and ice cream.

I have an order coming tomorrow from Morrison ready for Easter We have an appointment at the optitians tomorrow. DB is going to have to walk from the bottom of the road up to the shop.DD2 will walk down to meet him. We are certainly putting the walkers to use just now.

 

No sun

today, its farther overcast and quite a bit cooler.

Spoke to the Dr yesterday re my medication, told me to stop the co-cocodamol and double up on the other dihyracodiene which I did last night, I was promptly sick...... the last time I took them during the day I felt nauseous all day. So will have to ring and report. Think they may change everything......will have to wait and see. I did manage almost 9 hours sleep last night though, better that the previous 4 1/2hours.

I have put the walker in the car for DB tomorrow, going to the coffee morning for an hour to see how we get on.........

I have another load of paper work for the council, this time for me. I can copy a lot of it from DB's must make sure I reverse it though. I am hoping to try the shower, if I can get in and out, I will cancel my carer, and just keep DB's on, he really needs it, I can manage without, I am washing ecerything except my back and legs, preparing all the meals and managing to sort the dishwasher and also the laundry.

Sausage, chips and beans tonight, raspberry jelly and ice cream jelly for dessert.

Not a good nights sleep

just managed 4.30 hours, was awake at 7am got up and dressed just after 8, got the breakfast, carer came just about 8.20.

I set off to collect Trevor, he is busy weeding the back garden, has put sulphate of potash on the rhubarb and covered it with a black bucket. We should get a small crop this year. I am starting to use up the fruit in the freezer, will make a raspberry jelly for tonight.

I made lentil soup yesterday Will finish it off with some toast at lunch time, will make Trevor a bacon roll for his lunch. I have chicken for tonight with salad and a small baked potato.

Am struggling through setting up my new tablet, although it is the same make things have changed from when I bought the old one. Still have quite a few uploads to do.

Cooler today

The temperature is slowly going down, we had grey clouds a while ago, but they passed and the sun is out again. The cherry tree has come into bloom......we are forcast frost......that will kill it!!

Yesterday was delivery day, I had ordered a rub for my knee, its based on herbs, and I must say that I woke twice in the night..... no pain in my right knee. Have put some on this morning and the discomfort is definately less.

I also had ordered a new tablet, mine is ancient and as I use it more than the lap top, I decided to buy a SamsungA10FE. It is very different to my present one, much lighter for a start. I have started it up and transferred stuff I need from my old one.

I cooked a gammon joint yesterday so made lentil soup for lunch today, there is enough left for tomorrow. I have a chicken joint out to cook for supper, am gradually getting to grips with cooking again, I have to admit though,that ready meals still feature quite a bit. We had a beef lasagne last night, it was delicious.

So supper tonight roast chicken, roast potatoes, done in the air fryer, cauliflower cheese and sweet corn. There is an individual treacle sponge if DB wants it.

Another scorcher

its up to 23c in the living room already, heat off, a few more pennies saved.

We went for our covid top up yesterday, all done quickly, but my arm is sore this morning.

Towels in the washer, they will dry on the line.

Nothing much else to report. 

Not happy

I got up early this morning, the library van was due up the road.......it did not turn up!! stayed till 9.15am and then drove home. Phoned the library who told me the van had gone out, no idea where it was. I have decided we will go and put the books in at the main library and then choose new ones. Its a pain, we have been using the van for over 10 years.......

Another sunny day, the sun broke through yesterday lunchtime......its forecast to be 14c today.

Just downloaded an update for my sewing machine, I now have to go and install it. Its a big update, so fingers crossed it works ok.

Fish and chips tonight so no supper to cook.........

A dull morning

There appears to have been fog in various places this morning, its quite cool as well, the heating is still on low.

Laundry dreid outside yesterday, so another job jobbed, all folded and put away.

Grocery delivery coming this morning, also expecting a busy body from the council, I am going to have to start paying for my care as well. I have not attempted to get into the shower yet. So still need help with washing. My knee was dancing the fandango again last night, did manage just over 7 hours though.

No idea whats for supper tonight.........passibly something with salad...

As expected

Visit to the Physio was 1 1/2 hours, my left leg is quite strong, the break does not seems to have affected my muscle power a lot but I have some exercises to do each day. Some will have to be done in bed, as there is no way I can get down on the floor. Not even going to try.

DB stayed in bed till I got home, so he was ok, an extra long siesta.

Laundry done this morning and out on the whirly, it is not quite so warm today abd there is a bit of a breeze so it should dry. Carer was a bit later this morning, she parked her car across the road in our neighbours gateway, I had mentioned to L that with her permission, it would happen.

I am a bit sore this morning, but not too bad, need to do the exercises twice a day. Still taking the pain killers, have an appointment to go back in 3 weeks. My goodness that will be May, this year seems to be going by at a rate of knots.

Supper tonight is the remains of the chicken pie with some new potatoes, peas and white sauce. 

Physio

good weather continues, I have an appointment with the physio this afternoon, interested to see what she has to say, especially regarding my right knee and also my back.

Laundry out on the whirly, It seems we have got a couple of sets of linen mixed up, will have to sort them out before the next lot goes for ironing. I will wash the rest tomorrow, hopefully I will get them dry as well. I need to switch off the dryer at the plug as its not being used just now. The warm weather is due continue a bit longer. I also plan to empty the garage freezer and wash it out, will leave it switched off for a few weeks until I have enough cash to refill it. I have a lot of frozen fruit to use upI

There have been reports of wild fires in the county, one of the  local hills is peat which has been smoldering for days, the suuny weather has really dried things out.

Trevor did a double cut on the grass yesterday and also weeded the front, the back looks good apart from all the pots on the terrace which will be emptied next week and we will decide what to do with them, especially the stone ones. I would really like to keep them if I can, would have to plant them up for the summer.......also need to cut the dead flowers off the hydranga thats in the front and water the rose. The lavender we planted is doing well.....we should get a small crop this year for lavender bags.

I found driving ok, it was when I went to get out it hit!!

I have a chicken, leek and ham pie for supper, will do small small potatoes and some cauliflower with it. Our next door neighbour brought round some strawberries yesterday, we had some last night, will finish them off with a scoop of ice cream tonight.

Early Doors

 I was up early this morning, needed to leave at 8.45 to pick up Trevor for his first stine in the garden this year. Carer came in time to wash and dress me, I then shot off to Hose. First time driving the car any distance.......OK driving, a different story when I got out......I did not take my pain killers before I went out in case they affected me, was soon at the packet when I got back.

Trevor is giving the lawn its first cut. Clare is cleaning, we have an inpection this afternoon. The estate agent doing the rounds to make sure we are not trashing the place.

The sewing room is looking so much better now I have got rid of all the excess wadding and fabric. The Linus lady has kept the little machine for herself. She is going to use it for workshops.

No idea whats for supper tonight, will have to do a freezer rummage and see what there is. Cooking a full meal is exhausting at the best of times.

Another suuny day

Quite a bit warmer than yesterday.

Thankfully DB was ok this morning. I managed almost 9 hours sleep last night, some sort of record.

A friend asked me to make 6 of the tissue holders, So I started them yesterday. I have altered the pattern made the lining a bit bigger. I am aware that I have not used the new machine much, could not remember how to make the stitches bigger, has to search for the insturction book!! Once I have sorted out my next project I will be back to using the big machine, There is an update I have to sort out first

Was going to do laundry today, but changed my mind, I ache all over, so have decided to have an easy day. Think we will have a ding dinner, sweet and sour chicken. DB had lemon sponge after his supper yesterday.

DB is moaning at me to get some work done for the council to sort out how much we have to pay for his carer. He has no idea how much paper work is involved, I have to send 3 months copies of bank and savings accounts as well as copies of both the POA's I hold for him. The printer is in a really awkward place to get to. Must try and get it done or they will start charging us. I am very reluctant to start it in case I manage to mess it up, especially if DB starts asking spurious questions instead of leaving me to get on with it.

The new pensions kick in tomorrow, not that thats going to affect us much, its pennies per week when you work it out.

AARRGGHHHH

DB spent most of the morning out of it with a dizzy, first time for ages, I hope we are not in for a serious spell.

Carer was later this morning, I was exhausted last night managed 8.44 hours so quite good.

Its been another warm and sunnt day, its starting to cool down a bit now. I have started on the tissue covers, gave up, I just was not in the right mood........ managed to have to chuck 2 away.

Lady from Linus came yesterday and took all the stuff away, she also bought the small machine I bought 2 years ago. Took a bit of a hit on it but at least its gone., the cash is in the bank. I am looking at having to get a new Samsung tablet, I have had mine quite a few years and the battery its not really holding its charge. I dread having to set up a new one, it drives me nuts every time, and also having to get to grips with a different way of operation.

Trevor will be back on Monday, apparently the phone I gave him has stopped working, E, phoned me last week to let me know, I told her to pass the message on that I would pick him up on Monday about 9.15.

My right knee has really been giving me gypp for the last couple of days, will be interested to hear what the Phyiso  on Tuesday.

DB has requested mac and cheese with sausages for his supper, I have a lemon sponge if he wants a dessert.

 

And again

Early visit by carer, the chap turned up just before 9am, all work done, so now we have  both gas and electric on the smart meter, fingers crossed all goes well, it has onlt taken me 14 months to get it sorted.

I am very tired, did not sleep last night, so need a nana nap........ right knee is really giving me what for just now, they say to keep exercising, but there is only so much I can do before I have to sit and rest. Hope the Physio sorts something out next week.

Fish and chips tonight DD2 visit. Its DD1's 44th wedding anniversay today, its a better day than it was in 1981!! Brrr it was cold.

Early call

 carer arrived at 7.15 this morning, so early doors, DB does not cope will with an early call, so had a nap during the morning and has now goone for his siesta. We will have another early call tomorrow as they are due to change the meters.......

Another lovely sunny day, its due to last at least another week, snow in May? Who knows. Sewing room clearing up still going on, have stuff packed up, now deciding how I am going to sort the room.

Supper tonight home cooked cottage pie with beans.

So

 I suffered a bit after yesterday, my knees are both rather sore this morning, however I am battling along. Its another lovely day 15c so warm out of the breeze.

I have almost finished sorting the stuff in my sewing room, had a roll of heavy duty bags delivered yesterday, so the last lot can go in there, and I will tidy the room up so Clare can hoover the carpet on Monday. Just need to decide how I am going to switch stuff round now.small sewing machine and also the  I also need to get my act together and list the iron on the stand. I am getting the bed linen ironed for me.

Carer was late, she could not park on the road, so had to drive round a couple of times, maybe I need to see if I can move the car back a bit so they can get on our drive. Alternatively they can park on my neighbour across the roads front if there is a space.

Supper tonight gammon, tomato, eggs and fried bread, DB's favourite, we call it all day breakfast!!

Busy Day

I spent an hour sorting out fabric this morning, now have to decide how to tidy up the room before the inspection next Monday.

I cooked supper for the first time since I broke my leg, sausage, beans and mash, with gravy. We finished off the creme caramel.

Its been another nice day, the carer was very early this morning, 7.15, I was still asleep, so a slow start.