General Chat

Hi again, first time sitting down in hours, I've managed to stay awake most of the day today, but am missing the cough syrup, - I was coughing at supper - one of those coughing spells where you don't dare stand up without crossing your legs. LOL. My grandson, who has only recently learned to put 2 words together, looked at me, dead serious, and said "are you OK?" This was the little man, whom most folks think can't communicate, and here we have a breakthrough, as far as I'm concerned. Of course he has no problem now, saying words like "pizza, pancakes, chicken chips, cereal milk". But this was concern, appropriately expressed, about someone other than himself. I am thrilled.

The kids are all off school next week for their 'March break'. We must plan some fun activities for all of us. Top of the list is a visit to the 'sugar bush', where Gareth can have a feast of pancakes (and we'll pay for them not being gluten-free for the rest of the day). Another day it will be 'wimming Y'
(Gareths form of swimming at the YMCA). Dog walking by the canal, breakfast out, we'll be busy apparently. MiniMary wants me to teach her how to set up the sewing machine as she plans to make a quilt patch blanket next week!! No concept of the time involved.
I'm working Friday through Monday,another full week. I'm glad I wasn't at work last evening, apparently within a 5-minute time span, someone fell and broke arm and shoulder, (which brought ambulance,paramedics and firemen), someone else had a meltdown - shouting bloody murder because their supper wasn't first served, and another patient died, and his family were understandably upset. Five minutes. I was relieved I'd missed the excitement. Not sure how one person could cope.

We ended up with takeout southern fried chicken and chips, with salad for our evening meal tonight. On the way home my car was making an awful lot of noise, except when turning right, and the fuel gauge is wonky, filled yesterday, today it reads 'empty' and I've only travelled 65 Km. Sounds like another big repair bill, but I have to take it in, in the morning, in order to go to work in the afternoon.

The temperature has climbed over 30 degrees since yesterday morning, when it was minus 29 and windy. This morning we're at plus 3 degrees. Hopefully it will stay above zero now, as I have tulips, daffs, crocus, iris and scilla leaves all poking through the soil, and we are all ready for spring.

Re hearing aids, we are not covered for a hearing aid, I would have been had I continued full-time work, now I can take advantage of a government plan which covers approx 70% of the cost, this is available for any "assistive devices" including aids, walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen etc. if one has coverage, the insurance picks up the difference, I would have to pay the balance. But if I need one, I need it and will follow through. I know my mother was not fond of the first2 aids she had, there was just too much extraneous noise picked up, now they are much more compact, the filtering has greatly improved, batteries are about $6 a pack of 5, not too bad, I must start making a list of repairs I will need done once I retire, foot, bladder, knee again, hand, etc etc. That should keep me busy and out of trouble. Temporarily.

I am envious of Tony's visit to Egypt, have a fascination for the pyramids, a psychic told me once that I was living in Egypt in a previous life and that's why I like soft, satiny fabric, and long skirts. Love scarabs too, have had a scarb bracelet for years, inherited from my grandmother, with actual scarab beetle dust inside the turquoise shell. Another made of gemstones. Don't intend offence to anyone, by a suggestion of another life, when my father was dying, (a minister) I was horrified to hear my mother tell him that, when he reached the pearly gates, he should put in an order for her to have a second life, as she simply didn't have time in this one, for everything she wanted to do. 35 years on, I understand. They still had time for a bit of humour, despite the circumstances.
She was still sorting (and re-sorting) her stamp collection, the day before she died at nearly 96. Had the audacity to tell me she'd be leaving me an awful mess, one day. That day arrived within 24 hours. And a mess it was LOL. I doubt I'll have time either, to do all I'd like to do, time seems more of a precious commodity now than it did at age 30. My granddaughter Emlyn asked me today if, when I was a child, I was a pioneer LOL

ClaireJo I am not envious of the dog training, we'll be getting back to that shortly when the 2 pups which are destined to be service dogs for Sarah and Gareth, arrive. Another thing I thought was in my past experiences, apparently I'll find myself involved yet again!! Perhaps that's when I should travel over the pond and leave them all to it.

Whoops, coughing again, have to run (not literally I hope).
have a good night, Group hug,
Mary

Good evening everyone.
Eileen I was specially pleased to see you have posted, and not just a quick line! Well done, you are reaching to the top of that hole and getting your fingers over the edge. :o)

Deanna!! You too are writing so much! Your memory is getting better all the time.xx Hope Tony has a lovely time in Egypt. Sure he will

Paula lovely to see you here. How are you ? xx

Kathy, long time no see. How sad it will be if the allergy to cats is back. Hope it's a cold and you are soon better.xx Mine has been lingering for ages still a bit wet nosed! I wondered if I might be allergic to our dog. Just have to put up with the runny nose cos Coco is going nowhere!! xx

Clairejo. How is the dog training going? Are you having trouble with him, is that why the training classes? Lovely to see you here.xx

Caz Y pleased you had such a lot of birthday wishes and yes you are well liked! You sounded suprised.xx

Betty hope you are back with us now. What a shock you had.

I'd be interested to hear how your family tree work is going if you have time xxx

Gail how are your bruises healing? xx

Dutch hope you are trying to relax a bit and get yourself feeling better xxx

Rach sending you a huggle (its a cross between a hug and a cuddle) xx

Allison hope you are ok. Hows life treating you? xx

Been to CBT today. Goodness he seems to ask some stupid questions. I feel like answering them !!! But I just sit and say somthing more lady like!! What would happen if I didn't get to a toilet in time? How would I feel? FGS. Do I think others would notice? If they are in a car with me I know they would soon notice if I had an accident with my bowels!!!!
I stopped my citalopram, I cut it down to 20mg, then 20mg every other day, then when I remembered, now I have stopped it. Keep meaning to see doctor and let him know. But I hate going there even though he is very nice.

Daughter went out for tea tonight with three girls, she had a nice evening. I'm pleased she was invited, and went.

Saturday she is having a make up lesson in Debenhams, before we go to a ballet. Hope they don't trowel it on!

Good night xxx

Thanks deanna and everyone

He is doing fine at the mo.
nephew isnt too good,
and my my daugther in law who is almost 6mts gone with her first baby is in hospital and may lose it.

I just dont know what else is going to happen this year.

((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))to all that need them as well as myself

I have to admit that when I first had my hearing aid I only wore it for meetings, that was an analogue one, two years ago I got the digital one, actually despite me saying I didn't want it they insisted on me having two. After a while I realised that if I wore the aid (I still usually only wear one), I could actually hear a lot better!!!! Once i got used to the discomfort of having something stuck in my ear (and It is uncomfortable at first), I wore it all the time. Put it in when I get up and take it out when I go to bed. (In fact sometimes I suddenly realise I haven't removed it!!). I am lucky in that the one I have has adjustable volume control, I know some don't, it seems to depend on the County you live in.

Hi Clare, good to see you, hope you enjoy the puppy training classes, should be fun. As I have said before I so envy you the beach.

Ann
Glos

Well girls Allan has a hearing aid and it was a waste of good money.
He says that he cannot wear it as he hears EVERYTHING.... and it gets on his nerves.
He was told to take it back if he could not get used to it and they would adjust it.
NO..... it is still in the box.
Goodnight all
Deanna XXXX

Mary, do you get any help if you have to have a hearing aid? Or do you have to buy one? I don't think we appreciate how lucky we are getting ours free. OK I know we paid National insurance stamps all those years but these aids are so clever and so expensive, and we also get free batteries.

sounds as if the medication is keeping you awake which is counter productive.

Deanna, glad that you eventually heard from Tony anyway.

Ann
glos

AnnG, if you're not using your hearing aid, may I borrow it please? Seems I will need one soon, my family are complaining about how high the volume is on the TV, when I am watching it. Can't hear the speakers on my PC either. Been "off" the last couple of days, was given Rx for acute sinusitis, consisting of penicillin, an antihistamine, & a codeine type cough syrup, and I've been taking both before going to bed. Tossed and turned for 2 nights, then falling asleep during the day. I get so frightened when I am drowsy in the daytime as that was my Dad's first symptom when he had cancer of the bowel. Together with IBS symptoms, I work myself into a sweat as soon as something isn't "right". Last night I took nothing and slept, so perhaps there's a stimulant in the syrup . . . When I'm awake I feel fine for a while, then suddenly feel overwhelmed with the need for sleep. I suppose when one drives oneself hard for years, the effects will eventually show themselves. I'm too young to feel old, right?
Can anyone suggest something for supper which will require NO effort, I've run out of the supply of prepared meals in the freezer, and have no imagination today.
Deanna I have to second the comments about your Tony, his updates to us while you were hospitalised were so caring.
Eileen sending you hugs, I'm out of the hole, just teetering on the edge today, but have an extra hug for you.
betty I hope the shock has waned a bit for you, I can't imagine being woken that way in the night.
Dutch have pm'd you.
Hugs to all,
mary.

Eileen it is so lovely to see you on here again.
You must be feeling better... I am so glad about that.
Yes you did chat to my Tony while I was in hospital, a few of you did... and thank you for it. He would come in and tell me bits of news from you and it was lovely.

well I have been in a bad state really because Tony did not phone me until after 5....
You know what we mothers are like and as he has been so very ill I give my imagination free rein...
The reason for the *long delay*, was that the plane had a fault and it had to be fixed before they could take off.
Can you imagine if I had been there?
I would have argued with them to keep my son off the plane! ha ha ha
I know how to embarrass a man ... remind him that you are his mummy.... He did laugh when I said that I would not let him on the plane.
He will have to phone Karen next and it costs a fortune on the mobiles from over the waters.
Still he does not have to 'clock in' every day... on departure and arrival.... ;-0)

I treated myself to ANCESTRY and have been keeping my mind busy all day, quite helpful.
I managed to do some of my tree but I think I have done it back to front.... but I think it is right.
Does that mean I really am an eejit??

Done no work other than making the bed and tidying the kitchen ... a little bit... but it did keep my mind 'happy' which is what I needed.


Mary I saw a programme once about the ladies who had the fissures you are treating at the hospital just now. Bless them what a dreadful thing to happen to them.

Carole Hope you are feeling okay.
Gail how is your pain today?
Sharron are you feeling a little better?
Eileen I love talking to you... no thanks needed, just chat back that is how to keep me happy. X
CAZ.... dropping food down the side of the cooker is a sign of a a GREAT COOK... well that is what I think anyway. ;-0)
Liz when we moved into our little bungalow we picked a lovely forest green carpet, put it all through the house. It was lovely... and it showed up every tiny bit of dirt!!Still does and we need a new one now. That is the problem when you have to buy cheap. Never mind eh??
And I forgot Eileen that you called yourself CLADDAGH... Allan and I were so impressed with that name when I first met you. Easily impressed me!!

Well folks better go now as I really am noticing how much I have done today.
Must remind myself that that is a great improvement .
Goodnight to all of you and all those that I did not mention
It is just because I don't remember too well these days.
Not because I don't care.
Lots of love to all.
We all seem top be a bit better these days, don't you agree?
Lots of love
Deanna XXXX

Kathy, good to see you but sorry you have been unwell, sinus is miserable isn't it? Here's a big positive thought hoping you will get a good nights sleep tonight. Do you use Olbas oil on your pillow? helps you breath.

Ann
Glos

Hello EB good to see you.

ann
Glos

hugs to everyone xxxx

Deanna, I am sure that Tony will have a wonderful time and will come back refreshed by the warm sunshine. Nothing will stop you worrying but wont it be lovely when you see him again all glowing from the sunshine?

Eileen, you WILL climb back out of that hole. A few more sunny days will do it I am sure. keep believing that, and know thatw e are all here for you.

Couldn't work out why I couldn't hear the keys of my keyboard, realised that I took my hearing ad out at the hairdressers and have not put it back in!!!!! Yet another senior moment!

Ann
Glos xx

Forgot to add this. Deanna,those that had contact with Tony when you were in hospital, know what an absolutely lovely young man he is.It is very touching what he wrote.
Caz. Am sooo pleased to see you 'buzzing' again, as it were.

Eileen xx

Afternoon all,

Yesterday was such a sunny one that it cheered me up no end. Today it is grey, miserable and chilly, suits the mood.No, to be honest, I AM 'getting there', in other words, I dare to stand on something (It is the support and kind thoughts of some of you one this thread that is the 'something') to peep over the top of the deep black hole, so now it looks as if I may be able to climb out fairly soon. Thank you all for the kind support, especially Betty, Ann, Carole and Liz. Betty, what a terrible shock you must have had, FGS, WHY did the Garda ask you so many questions, do they think you killed that young man? Did this take place near where you live? My daughter Fiona, the one that has some really wierd things happen to her, went out one morning to find a dea man lying on the pavement outside the appartment where she used to live about 16 years or so ago.Have probably said this before...Age is definitely catching up when you start repeating yourself!!
Liz, what a lovely card, thank you so much. It arrived today.It is one of the prettiest cards I have ever received. So kind of you to do this.!!!
Deanna, thank you for all your p.m's. They not only cheer my up, they make me smile. You seem to write as you would speak.
Gail, I saw your thread asking about the film where that beautiful, moving song called Liverpool Lullaby is sung by Cilla Black. Only recently have I managed to find it on youtube. Have mistakenly though it was called Coventary Lullaby, which is more a Christmas carol. Am pleased you loved it too.
Must go to see about the evening meal.

Love to all. Eileen x

Yes Liz they do seem to be alike... aren't we lucky? ;-0)
My son does not believe in cards and has always says that they are an absolute 'rip off', which they are but he does buy us them.
He sends us cards when he is on holiday and addresses them yo *mine mummee and daddee*.... I could tell you more but you would be convinced that my son is an idiot!! ha ha ha
So best not.

I have been on tenterhooks all day. He phoned at about 8.20 (at my request) to say that they were about to board the plane and I have been in a state ever since.
Allan must have been worried too as when Tony phoned he was not here. He had gone out to the shops!!
You do know why we are so worried don't you?
It is because of his massive illness which he is still recovering from.
I could have stopped him going... if he thought that we were so worried about him that we might have become ill.... he would have stayed to save us the worry.
BUT... life is for enjoying so I pray that he does.
Hope you are all well and happy. * Not just the beautiful people who deserve it.* We ordinary folks deserve it too don't we? ;-0)
Well back to my tree.
It is keeping my brain away from flights and worrying about my son.
I asked my SIL years ago.... when do you stop worrying about them? She eased my mind not one little bit when she said... Never! How wise she was.
See you all later.
Love Deanna XXX

Deanna, that was wonderful, and what do you know, it's made me all weepy!
We must have lads from the same mould, mine is younger than yours but writes the loveliest things in cards to me, he knows how much store I set by nice words in cards rather than the picture on the front, altho both together is a bonus, and he has written things like You are my best friend and Thanks for always listening and similar words, has me in tears everytime! Last Mother's Day he didn't have a lot of money to spare so I had hinted that Tesco had tulips on special offer, he asked me round to his and cooked his first roast dinner (with a little help from me) - he said it would hopefully mean more than taking me to an expensive restaurant where you never get enough to eat lol - our roast dinners and Christmas dinners are legendary, and most years I have taken a pic of him with a piled up plateful in front of him, took one of Mother's Day dinner last year too. He also got me a lovely card and bought an armful of tulips, twice as many as I expected, all pinks and purples, they were beautiful and I have photos of them too to look at when I am down and they instantly lift me.

And my lad too, always had secondhand things or the cheaper version altho I did get him a GameBoy when they came out, he wanted one so much and I scraped the money together and others gave me his birthday money early to help towards it, he was so pleased when he opened the parcel.

Hope everyone is ok, am late on again as aol kept losing the connection, so annoying.

Lizxx

Gail that must have been so sore....
Cabbage leaves? I would just fill myself with pain killers.
Are you okay now?

Mary your uncle must have been a 'love'... bless him, he must have been so shocked to see his bread *destroyed* like that.
Made me laugh like a drain.

Sharron you may have plenty of time for one of those to turn up.
Yes Ann we do have a good son.
Please don't think that we are *the brady bunch* because we are your average family.
Whatever you are we are.
And We know how easy it is to lose it.
I just pray that we don't it would kill me I'm sure.
Well Goodnight all, I am late tonight.
My son is off to Egypt tomorrow and I am so worried about him.
He has been so ill and I just hope that this is going to be good for him.
love to all,
Deanna XXX

Gail, sorry to read about the fall, i hope the aches and pains will soon ease for you, best take more water with it love!!

Deanna, that is so lovely, how wonderful of him to write it all down, how perceptive of him to know how much better that will make you feel. What a lovely son you have. Bless him.

Ann
glos xx

OMG Deanna how wonderful x