getting better by degrees.

This last week has been slightly better for me, as after Saturday night the night time coughing lessened. Whether it was due to two spoonsful of Meltus, I am not sure, but I felt better for it. Nevertheless I still kept falling asleep in the daytime, if I wasn't going somewhere. My voice also gradually returned. We made it to parent and toddler's on Wednesday, they had the musical instruments out, and it was quite noisy. Even Nathaniel joined in with some bells which he kept on dropping. I didn't attempt the singing.
Thankfully, we have had some sunny days this week. The constant greyness is beginning to really get me down. It is quite uplifting to see the daffs in the garden, and to see a female blackbird taking dead stuff from our garden to line her nest. I don't know what happened to the lovely blackbird who used to sing on next door's shed last year, it would be lovely if he came back.
I made it to the women's hour on Thursday, the pastor was speaking on Esther. I did attempt the singing, much to the amusement of the lady sitting next to me, as my voice wasn't quite up to it. I went into town afterwards to transfer some money into a savings account, then wandered round the town centre.Some of the empty shops are filling up, one annoyingly a Tesco Express. that is the 4th Tesco Express in this town, not to mention the huge one on the dual carriageway, for which they have been trying to get permission to expand. We already had 3 food shops in the town centre.
Another thing that has proliferated  is the pound shops. Still St Albans is quite a 'posh' city, and I noticed last week that even St Albans has its share of el cheapo shops. In our town two bookshops have gone, one a chain which overstretched it self, the other a Waterstones. I reckon that they were waiting for the lease to run out before transferring all business to the other, newer shop. It is a shame, because it has been there for years, it wasn't originally a Waterstones, but there have been so many takeovers in  bookshops, I can't remember what it started out as.
Friday was a busy morning for me, I went to the physio at 10.30, she does not seem very hopeful, and keeps saying I should decide what to do next, whether to have an injection at the GP, or see a shoulder specialist, who would give a correct diagnosis, and perhaps a shoulder injection. I really do not know which to say. If  I see a specialist I may have to wait months, unless it is covered by the insurance that husband pays through work  It would be nice to get it sorted  before September, when I should be starting looking after Nathaniel whilst his mum works. Lifting him aggravates the shoulder, as he is so heavy, and it is all Daughter's own work, (with the exception of the occasional bottle of formula). I digress, the physio was running late, and I had to rush to get husband's car to Ford's for its MOT at 11. I wasn't too pleased when someone in front of me started pootling along at 20 mph. However I got there in time but was unable to find a parking space, so gave up and parked in front of the MOT area. They didn't mind. I sat and read my way through 2 newspapers, and was well into the Sudoku, when the chap said the car was done. Exactly one hour as promised .It had passed, which is just as well considering the amount we spent on it for the service. Soon the tyres will have to be replaced, but we go elsewhere for that.
Later that day I called round to see Daughter, I was feeling a bit low, tiredness, grey skies, worry about my Mum in law etc. We couldn't get hold of Mum in law Monday evening, which was a worry, but she was there on Tuesday and explained she had been to a Lent talk by the local Bishop. I keep asking her when she is coming up, as she didn't come at Christmas, and we have been waiting for her to decide ever since. Maybe we should go down there, but if she does come here she can see the Baby as well. We must pray for wisdom. I have said one of us could collect her. Her sight seems to have deteriorated since the pressure release 'op', but she still can't get a date for a cataract 'op'. It was all so much simpler when they were just 12 miles away.
Yesterday evening Daughter and Son in law went to to an engagement party in London, all old uni friends. Baby was fractious when we arrived, he has just cut his first tooth. However he soon settled down and showed us how much he loves his bath. I got him to sleep with no trouble, and cooked our M&S ready meal, We then settled down, me with the papers and husband playing with his new toy trying out his new phone. He also flicked through iplayer, but rejected one programme after about 15 minutes.He had settled into Billy the Kid, (Black and white), when there was shout from upstairs. Baby had  rolled over and got himself stuck. I quickly turned him, but he didn't want to go to sleep, so I brought him downstairs and gave him some formula. He was still wide awake and grizzly, so I gave him a small dose of Calpol in case it was his teeth. He would not settle, but was happiest chewing on a bit of kitchen roll that I had used to wipe Calpol from his chin. He was still up when the wanderers returned at 11.30pm

Who, me?

whaddya mean?

Hooray bathtime

I'm zonked out

We left them to it, came home and fell into bed. A good Sunday so far, a third sermon on Psalm 33 this morning, the home to roast chicken. This time next week the clocks will have gone forward , so we will all be out of kilter again. Oh well must go nearly time for the evening service.

Just bobbing along

This hasn't been a very good week for me one way and another. The sinus problem continued to take hold, and it became a full blown infection. On Monday and Tuesday just walking to Sainsbury's exhausted me, and I fell asleep after lunch. I was not sleeping well at night, coughing for hours before sleep came. I has a slightly raised temperature and a 'cotton wool filled head'. To add to the problems we received yet another set of credit cards, which bore the number of the blocked cards, so I had to ring MBNA and struggle to maker myself understood. My voice was very croaky and prone to disappear mid-sentence.
On Wednesday I felt slightly better, so did the Sainsbury's run, then ventured to parent and toddler's where I was to do craft. I was greeted with 'Should you be here?' To which I mumbled 'well I feel better than I did, and I don't think that I am infectious' 'No, we meant should you be here for your sake?' I must have looked a lot worse than I felt. They explained the craft to me, which was so complicated I joked 'I think I will go home'.
The lady who planned it was not there, so after a short discussion we  took a committee decision to simplify it.
Daughter wasn't there, I had rung her and she sounded almost as bad as me.
I left before the singing, as all I could do was croak. Due to being away part of last week and being unwell, my ironing pile had grown again, so I bundled several shirts, pyjamas and bed linen into a bag and took them to the ironer's. He was pleased to see me as trade has dropped off due to the recession. He promised they would be ready for the next day. I rang Daughter to see if there was anything she needed, and she said 'No, but come round'
She had a sinus headache and was lying on the sofa, whilst Baby sat on the carpet and played. He seems less frustrated now that he can sit and play, and now he can roll over and pivot on his stomach so he can reach things. He shows the same determination as his mother did at that age, not very interested in cuddles, more interested in reaching whatever has caught his eye. He has a delightful laugh, and is just full of the joy of simply being alive. Oh what it is not to have a care in the world.
Thursday was pretty routine. I am still trying to get rid of the Spanish bluebells in the back garden, so did some pulling up and weeding. Facebook friends will remember the picture I posted recently of the bee in the crocus. He/she seemed to have woken to soon and was too drunk or sluggish to move. We fashioned a shelter from a plastic tray, to keep off the rain, and every day checked on it. It was still valiantly holding on.
On Thursday it was lovely and sunny, so I moved the plastic tray and placed the basket in the sun. The bee was fluttering its wings in a feeble way. I got some manuka honey, put a bit on my finger and held it near the bee's face.I think it ate some, so I did it again. When I left, it was wobbling its way along a crocus leaf. Later when I checked, it had. flown away. We must look after our bees they help us by pollinating.
Unfortunately, after lunch I fell asleep, waking at 1.50pm, too late to get to the Women's hour anniversary. I went out later to collect my ironing, then called in on Daughter again. She was feeling a lot better.
Friday was physio, an earlier appointment, but parking was easier. The treatment was slightly different, but I'm not sure how much progress we are making. I have to think about whether I would prefer an injection, or to see a shoulder specialist.
I managed to get a Doctor's appointment for Friday afternoon, and now have an antibiotic. I collected Daughter's prescription too and popped round with it. They were getting ready to go to her in-laws for the weekend for  a family Birthday. Baby had been weighed and is now 20lb 11 oz, having gone from the 70th percentile at birth, to the 91st, in just over 28 weeks. When he gets more active he will gain less. By the way he is behaving crawling will not be too far off.
Yesterday we went to the big garden centre, had lunch and bought a few things, then went into St Albans for a look round and a trip to M&S food dept. Husband's supply of YumYums had run low. I also got fruit and veg in the market there. My coughing was so bad last night that husband came downstairs to sleep.
We were pleased to hear that someone whom we know who is with OMF in Japan is safe along with his family. There certainly seems to be a lot going on in this old world of ours at present. Japan has certainly knocked Gaddaffi off the front page.
It was good to be back in church this morning even though I can't sing. Well I'd better close as my shoulder is beginning to ache. I may try and upload a few pictures.

First
flowering of our prunus

Some of the tulips I planted

some well established polyanthus

March meanderings

Well this week certainly began differently from a normal week. Husband had taken 2 days leave for our anniversary, and we left home just before lunchtime on Monday. We drove along the A41 through Aylesbury and then towards Bicester. Feeling peckish we decided to stop at the Bicester shopping village for lunch. It was quite cold wet and windy, but we soon found ourselves in Pret a Manger tucking into sandwiches, and a yoghurt for me, and a croissant for husband. Afterwards, he thought we should at least look around the place, but I found it quite disappointing. Mostly designer labels, and as I am neither young nor svelte, nothing appealed to me. There is a Le Creuset shop, with plenty of coloured pans, but I didn't even venture in. Even the shoe shop, usually a magnet for me in my quest for comfort failed to impress. Husband did however buy a pair of shoes.
We went on our way, and the satnav directed us via country lanes to our destination -Woodstock. I had looked at hotels in the Cotswolds, but needed an attraction for the next day. However this is on the edge of the Cotswolds, so would do. We drove through some very 'Midsomer' villages, all thatched cottages, village greens and ponds.
Soon we had booked in to the Bear Hotel and were shown to our room, which overlooked the churchyard. Husband commented that there would be no problems with the neighbours. It was actually a courtyard room, presumably an old stables or Coach house. The bed was enormous and dominated the room. We decided to go out for walk, and wandered round the streets. There were a few antique shops, but we did not venture in. We wandered around gift shops, and I found a nice Anniversary card that was not too soppy, or indeed expensive. I also bought one to post for my sister whose anniversary is the day after ours. She however has many more years under her belt, as unlike me she married quite young

Bear Hotel

View from room

 We walked to the end of the main Street, and turned the corner, and unexpectedly found ourselves right outside Blenheim Park, our destination for the next day. We could not find a tea shop that was not about to close, but returned to the hotel, went into the bar and ordered tea and coffee. It was very pleasant sitting with a roaring fire, listening to the other occupants discussing playing the stock market and losing, and discussing the Civil War. Apparently Cromwell had a house in the town.
On returning to our room we browsed the papers and channel hopped with the enormous TV till dinner time. The meal did not disappoint, although the dining room was a bit chilly. It was modern English, where the food is artistically  arranged on the plate. There doesn't seem much till one comes to eat it. We chose the same starter, a pressed ham, and unusually I had the bread, which was home made and looked so good.
They brought us a sorbet afterwards, then our mains, pork for him and fish for me. I usually go for the fish as I feel it is less calorific. This had a parsnip risotto, and the sole was rolled into a sausage shape. We shared a side of new potatoes and veg. For desert however, I could not resist the chocolate marquise with chocolate jelly, which undid all the good that the fish had done. Husband chose pineapple and chili foam, with apple doughnuts, tiny doughnuts, but he declared the 'Foam' interesting.
After coffee we returned to our room, a bit chilly crossing the Courtyard. As usual there was nothing worth watching on the enormous TV, so we turned it off and turned in.  The bed was quite firm however, and regular readers of this blog know that I prefer a medium bed. I tossed and turned; the church clock struck twelve then one. I may have dozed , but I didn't hear two and three, but was wide awake for four. Needless to say husband slept and was up long before me muttering about 7 am breakfasts. The papers ordered at reception were outside the door, so he had something to keep him occupied whilst I showered and dressed. Breakfast was up to standard, and we booked out later and bought tickets for Blenheim, and a Bear with a sweater advertising the hotel. that is for a certain young man when he stops putting everything in his mouth.
We drove through the gates after showing our tickets, and along the drive past the lake. It was impressive, but would have been better in the sunshine. Once parked we explored part of the lake and the bridge but decided it was too cold to stay outside.
 We discovered that the Duke's apartment was open as he is away, so we handed over some more cash for a half hour tour. It was very interesting.  We saw all the old bells, about 48 of them, and some of the living quarters but not the bedrooms. After lunch in the cafe there we did the downstairs tour. The last time I was there I was 14 and am sure I remember a wooden cradle in the room where  Winston Churchill was born. That is no longer there, but there is a very ornate cradle in another room all gilded. Sadly no indoor photography allowed. We finished the tour, then back in for the upstairs 'hidden history', which was quite interesting. We explored some of the gardens, but as it was so cold decided to go back when the sun is shining, having converted our tickets free of charge to an annual pass.

water garden

main gates

water garden

some of the many statues

We reached Bicester town in time for a Tea stop, and were home in plenty of time for me to defrost sausages for dinner, what a come down!
After parent and toddlers on Wednesday daughter and I went to the surgery, me for the asthma clinic, and she for a repeat prescription. The nurse insisted in taking my BP despite only having it done last week.She pronounced it perfect, so that just proves the white coat syndrome. Due to my lack of sleep on Monday I fell asleep after lunch Thursday and again missed women's hour. Friday I went back to physio, and had more treatment, and was 'taped' for support. however the shoulder began to itch, so yesterday took it off only to discover a blister. This must have been caused by the wheat bag I had been told to use before exercise. Friday evening I babysat, taking a book with me: ' The deafening sound of Silent tears,' which is the story of Caring for Life, a Christian charity set up in Leeds for the homeless. It is quite harrowing in parts, but shows God's provision in wonderful ways when they were about to run out of funds. We know a  young man who works there, he did a voluntary year after uni, but decided to stay on.
After I had finished the book, I started to watch   Question Time on i player. At 10.30 there came a shout form upstairs. It was obvious someone was awake, but he would not settle, so I took him down and gave him some formula, so I got some extra cuddles.
Yesterday evening my sinuses began to play up, I wonder if using Dyson Zorb on the carpet had sparked a reaction?. I  had a bad night with poor breathing but could not get up and get an inhaler, it felt like too much effort. I have been resting today, no church for me, lots of inhaler use and a nasal washout. I hope it doesn't go to my chest as I've seen enough Doctors to last me for a while. I have slept a lot today too, I hope this week is good one.One good thing, after trawling the internet for hours I have at last booked a summer holiday. Roll on Sunshine.

Final February Footnotes

Well that week passed quickly. Daughter called in on Monday afternoon, she had walked into town, almost  twice as far for her as for me, as she was meeting the ladies from her ante natal class. She broke her all uphill journey here for a couple of hours and we chatted and watched baby playing. A welcome distraction for me.
On Tuesday I managed to get a Doctor's appointment, time for my annual review. I saw the Doctor with whom we are actually registered, and I told him about my shoulder problems. He said that I needed to see a physio, but there is a 4 month waiting list. I told him that last time I went to a local clinic, and he said 'We aren't sending patients there any more because of the cost'. I told him that HSA had reimbursed me, so he said 'Well if they still will, go ahead'. I was fortunate to get a cancellation. The doctor also sent me for my annual blood tests but I didn't have to have cholesterol this year, so I went straight to pathology.
There was a poor little chap there whose Nan had to have some sort of test or consultation in a private room and he ran out in terror. It transpired that he had had an op himself a while ago, and had been traumatised. The staff tried to placate him till his Nan reappeared. He obviously thought that the appointment was for him. I walked back through town having walked down, and then got the bus by Debenhams.
Wednesday was quite a quiet day, no parent and toddlers as it was half term. For some reason I was running late for Sainsbury's. I also popped into Dunelm Mill for a couple of cushions, and some everyday tablecloths. Husband thinks we need to keep the new table unmarked as we paid a lot for it.
Th replacement drawer front for my washing machine arrived, so I cleaned out the area around the drawer, and then fixed it on. We live in such a hard water area that if it isn't cleaned regularly it gets full of gunk and sticks, then the handle pulls off. The fitting is a bit flimsy too.
I have been trying to sort out our summer holiday, but the properties in the St Ives Holidays brochure seem to be getting fewer, in the part where we usually stay. The rest either are too expensive, i e £900 a week or more, or have no parking or are really pokey. So I started looking elsewhere.I had contacted the lady whose flat we used to stay in when we first went as a family, and which we outgrew when the family got older, but she rang this week to say that their flat is now a permanent let. I have been looking at Yorkshire and have found a promising looking cottage inland from Whitby, which is very reasonable. Must send off an enquiry.
I am sleeping better at nights, but am still catching up in the daytime too, so missed Women's hour again. I have however started spring cleaning the kitchen cupboards.
I visited the physio on Friday, and she thinks my shoulder has become a bit frozen, so I have got exercises and an appointment next week. She checked that there was no referred pain from my spine, but most of my spine is tender, so I suffered a bit from that. I bumped into Son's best friend's Mum, from when he was at primary school. They were born about 5 hours apart, so had known J since then.  I wasn't 100% happy with the friendship at the time as B was quite naughty and a dominant character, and Son was quite happy to follow him. Fortunately the primary head split them up in year 5, so the mischief was confined to the playground. J is doing what I once did, working for the hospital clerical Bank, but in the complaints dept at Watford, so I suspect she is rather busy.
I went to collect my repeat prescription later and also got my blood test results. Everything is ok, which is good. I also bumped into C&C, my old friends and we stopped for a chat. I must arrange a date for taking Daughter and Baby to see them. On Friday evening we watched a DVD called 'From time to time', a family DVD, with Alex Etel and some of the cast from Downton Abbey. I counted at least 4. The story is based on The Chimneys of Green Knowe, and is a bit spooky in parts. It is set in wartime England and as in The Waterhorse, the boy has a father who is missing. It was quite enjoyable. I usually enjoy stuff with Maggie Smith.
On Saturday I received a letter form a company from whom I had ordered online to say my credit card had been declined. I was puzzled but sent off a cheque. We went into town and husband disappeared into geeks paradise  our new Maplin store. I had plenty of time to browse for an anniversary card, but found that they were
a)too expensive, ie £5.99,or
b) unsuitable pictures on the front, or
c) the verses were so soppy you would need the sick bucket.
How unromantic you might say, but I have been married long enough to know that love is not just about soppy sentimentality that ignores the other person's faults, but more to do with sticking together through good times and bad, and caring for that person whatever comes our way.
When I met husband he told me that his credit card had been refused in Maplin, much to his embarrassment.
We went in Marks for lunch and Daughter and Son in Law had the same idea, so we all got round two small tables and Baby sat in a baby chair and sucked on bits of bread  roll and butter from those of us who had soup. So we had a happy family time.
When We got home I phoned MBNA and they checked and  they said our card had been blocked. I asked why, and was told. It may have been compromised in a fraud, we were not the only ones and this happens from time to time. I said 'It would have been nice to have been informed' and he said ' There is a letter on its way with a new card and explanation which you should get by Tuesday'  Great!! For two pins I would look elsewhere, but it does have a small money back, so am reluctant to lose that. He was however apologetic.
A while ago I bought some Seville oranges to  make marmalade, but had almost forgotten them, and had borrowed the lemons for other things. I checked them and found 2 oranges had gone mouldy. I scrubbed the rest and after going out after dinner to Sainsbury's for more lemons, set out to make the marmalade. Sainsbury's  still have Seville oranges in stock. I used the pressure cooker to speed things up, and was late to bed. The set looks a bit soft, but I did use a thermometer, and the 'Drip test'. My last batch 2 years ago was a bit disastrous.  I boiled it and boiled it and it would not set.I ended  up using pectin, and it was so dark it looks like Olde English, however it tastes ok.
This time last year we were in the Lake District, a pity we can't afford it every year, but I don't think the scales would look too good after the lovely meals we have there.

Some of the finished product

Big Sister is watching you

I am a little late blogging this week, partly due to having the family round yesterday, partly due to having had 3 bad nights in a row and feeling like nothing on earth last evening. I didn't make it to the evening service which is just as well as I spent part of the time dozing.
It hasn't been a very exciting week, we did go to the dentist me for a checkup, husband for a check up and a replacement filling. I spent most of one morning trying to order 2 items online, eventually succeeded, and have had one item delivered very quickly, (a new chimney for the lamp). I found one on eBay eventually,  A few sites had them but ordering proved difficult.
Daughter came round on Tuesday afternoon as her water was off again. Baby has started having tastes of solid food, so tried out his new high chair. Also on Tuesday I picked up a very nice bunch of a dozen red roses at half the price they were on Monday. Unromantic? Perhaps, but Valentine's day is just a money spinner, and we have never really bothered much with it. I do sometimes top up husband's chocolate store, as it is slightly down since Christmas.

I made it to our ladies' meeting, we had students from EMF in Welwyn. these people often apologise for their poor English, but hey I have no knowledge whatsoever of  Slovenian, Romanian, Hungarian etc. I took our German friend home again, so decided to pop in on Daughter to collect my small set of steps which she borrowed. I spent some time playing with Grandson, whilst she flitted around doing little jobs. She had a friend coming round who has a 5 week old.  She said she had got more done in that short space of time than she had all day. I said that if ever she needed time I would always look after Nathaniel.
On Friday morning I visited my friends at the dance class. They are getting very good and use canes for some routines now. I think I would be hazard with a cane. Baby's photo's were much admired.
That afternoon I went to Daughter's and took Baby out for a walk whilst Daughter sorted the study. I soon realised that the pavements in our town are not buggy friendly. We walked down the hill  across the canal bridge round to Sainsbury's. I walked around Sainsbury's but only saw one person that I know. Baby was very solemn, and hardly took his eyes off my face. I showed him a cat and a dog, but he was nonplussed. He fell asleep as we walked round to my house, I managed to get him down the front steps and into the house without waking him. I nipped up to the bathroom, then managed to get him out again and up the steps whilst he still slept. As I pushed him up the hill, I reflected that I used to push Son up there when Daughter first started school. That must have been about 25 years ago. I must admit I wasn't as fast as  used to be. We arrived back at Daughter's, Baby had woken about halfway up the hill, still very solemn, but soon after arriving home  and taking off his coat he was wreathed in smiles and indeed chuckling. He seems to have quiet periods like this. Last evening he was really shouting, trying out his voice range.
I seem to have some sort of a cold, but not one that involves lots of sneezing. I am due for a meds review this week, I always hate going for those. A while ago one GP said I don't need a cholesterol test every year, but a different GP organised the blood test and insisted on one. I hate making appointments, we have to make them at 8 am.
The week before last I was somewhat annoyed to have 2 callers, both wanting to us to change our energy suppliers. Both in red fleeces, but according to the second one not from the same company. Husband was home when the second one arrived and quickly joined me at the door to endorse the 'We are not interested'. I know that we should never change on the doorstep anyway, and have heard of people getting in a real muddle. As I closed the door I sighed, 'I wish I had some way of seeing who is at the door before going into the hall'. A spy hole isn't feasible with our UPVC door.

 Natahaniel tries some food

Nathaniel tries out his voice range

My new Amaryllis

Nathaniel tries cream cheese

Husband was soon on my case. We now have an infra red camera. with a screen to be installed in the dining room so that I can check who is there before I answer. Hopefully it will be installed next weekend when our new Maplin store opens and husband can buy the necessary cable. So if you come to my front door, beware I may not let you in ;>)

Futher into February, forecast fickle

As I write this blog it is raining. Huge drops sit defiantly on the windows, and a large lone drop shakes on our denuded prunus, but clings on with no intention of falling. There are signs of spring coming; lots of bulbs shooting in the garden, one seems to have survived out at the front where we had the wall built 15 months ago.
This week we have had lots of wind, some drizzly days, the usual grey skies, but also some beautiful warm  sunshine. A mixture with frost thrown in for good measure.
I do get a bit tired of living in artificial light, but one has to actually be able to see what one is doing, not that I seem to have achieved much in the way of housework. I did however manage to dry some clothes on the line one day, or partially dry at least.  I am trying to cut down on tumble drying as our electricity bills are quite high. I visited my hairdresser on Tuesday, just for a cut. I walked down there as parking is so poor in that area. The lady who cut my hair is expecting her second baby, so there was no lack of subject matter, she was telling me all about her IVF. Like me she is an older mum, but because of her age had to pay for her treatment. I am pleased for her, she sounds a good Mum. She is Greek Orthodox.
Feeling much lighter, and pleased to have gone on the 'concession' day, I walked into town and bought a couple of things in M&S. Daughter rang and said she had been to a meeting in St Albans and was meeting a friend for lunch, but would be round later.  I had thought she was coming round the next day, as her water was to be off.  She had actually sent the text Monday evening, but I got it on Tuesday morning. When they eventually arrived I showed the Nathaniel the toys I had bought so that he has something to play with whilst here. He seemed to approve of my choice. I built a cup tower and he immediately demolished it, I did so again with the same result. He much preferred to chew on one of the plastic cups. They stayed till Husband came home as their water was off till 8 pm. Baby didn't get a bath that evening.
I'd had a phone call asking me to swap duties at parent and toddlers, and Daughter was to come and join the fun. However she didn't turn up and wasn't answering her phone. I called in afterwards to check on them and discovered that Baby had changed his nap time and she had her phone on silent so as not to wake him. He woke up just after I arrived so I got some fun time with him. He's not quite got the hang of rolling over, and was really surprised when I got down on the floor to show him how.
On Thursday I set off for Watford to look for a folding high chair. I had got an Argos catalogue, but wasn't impressed with their selection. I need one that folds, so that it is not in the way all of the time. The John Lewis selection was, I thought, poor. I had a look round M&S, and bought some undies, and bought lunch in their cafe. After a trip to Clements, and advice on how to stop a dining chair wobbling, our floor apparently, I set off for Toys R Us. I hadn't been in there for long when I spotted just the high chair I wanted, cheap and cheerful, but also safe. Afterwards I popped in to Hobbycraft as I was so near, I find that there is a dearth of card toppers for men. I didn't spend too much, they have a massive display of Easter stuff.  Home again, and I managed to put the high chair together.Brilliant!
I decided to visit the folk at my old dance class on Friday, but they were not there. I took a stroll round the old High street, of Midsomer Murders sword of Guillaume fame, and found a globe for our brass imitation oil lamp. The previous one got broken recently. I needed to measure the size however. When I got home I phoned one of the ladies from the class and discovered that it was cancelled as the leader J has a bad back. Her son who had the brain tumour is much better. I went to Sainsburys and met a lady whom I have known since our Daughter was at nursery. Then she seemed to have an enviable life. She had a huge house, a husband with a job which involved travelling abroad a lot, and she often went with him. They sent their Daughter to a local private school. I have met M several times since and she has been very up and down. Her husband tried working in England but could not settle. M is Nigerian. He started leaving her at home when he went abroad, understandable perhaps in view of school terms.
'Then he seemed to be drinking a lot. Now  she is getting divorced, he has revealed a new family in Thailand,but the woman wants nothing to do with his Daughter.  He has been a serial adulterer too. The big house will have to be sold.
I have often found that people whose lives I am tempted to envy turn out to be things which turn to ashes. I may have a quiet husband and a small home but there is laughter and love in our home. I thank God for my blessings.
We went to the garden centre yesterday initially for weed killer, but bought snowdrop, aconite, and tulip ready growing bulbs Our snowdrops and aconites had disappeared over the years, and I never have much success with tulips. I also bought bird food. They had childrens' books on offer, so I bought a couple. Later we drove back down the High Street parked and went in the antiques shop. I was armed with a tape measure
and decide that the  globe would fit. However, I need to buy a new chimney as the one I have is shaped and doesn't fit. Oh well Google will help I suppose.

The new folding high chair

First February folio

daffs on my windowsill

Well February is here, can't say I am sorry that January has gone We have only really seen the sun once this week, most days it is grey and /or windy / drizzly. If I sit opposite the window in the mornings I can vaguely make out a bright shape desperately trying to peer through scudding clouds. Needless to say my lightbox has been much in use, and I am feeling better for it.
On Monday I decided to attack the pile of filing again. I filed, shredded, recycled and when I had finished I had filled the shredder twice,but there still seems to be a whole heap of paper to sort. I still come across the odd bank statement belonging to our offspring, but fortunately UCCF now seem to have realised that son is no longer a student as we haven't received post for him from them for a few months.The afternoon was spent ironing, and I did a huge pile, but soon added to it again as I did more washing.
Tuesday must have been quite unremarkable as I cannot remember what I did. Actually, I remember now having a bit of an upset tummy, reminder to self, don't eat prawns that have been opened for more than a day. Housework and washing probably took up the rest of the time.
I come from rather a complicated family, both parents having been widowed and remarried to each other, so I have a varying selection of half and step relatives as Dad married a widow with 5 children the first time too. He was about 22 years older than Mum  (Come on. Keep up!)  Most of the generation that were the same age as us I have lost touch with and their parents are mostly dead. I do have two half sisters still alive as well as the real sister in North Wales. One is 8 years older than me, the other many years older. We always send cards at Christmas and for the last few years haven't heard from E. The last time I phoned her quite a few years ago she didn't seem too sure who I was, so I have been reluctant to phone. Anyway this week Sister and I both received letters from E's Son. Apparently her husband , also E, died in June 2008,  and she has become a bit of a recluse. She fell in November, and broke a bone in the same place as husband's aunt did almost 2 years ago. She is at present in a respite home, so her Son had opened her post at Christmas, realised we didn't know about his Dad, so sent us a catch up letter.What did amuse us was that his Mum is not socialising very well, she says she 'can't be doing with these oldies'.
Wednesday was spent at Sainsbury's, parent and toddler's, then Daughter's. She hadn't brought Baby as she had been staying in with him hoping to get his cold and cough better so he could have his jabs which had been delayed because of said cold. She was glad I went as she was beginning to get a touch of cabin fever.
On Thursday I made it to ladies' meeting and then gave a lift home to our German lady. Once again she talked non-stop. I think she is very lonely, her son lives at home, but he hardly talks to her and never remembers her Birthday, she gets nothing from him for Christmas either, She asked me in to see her new fridge freezer, and her 'new' 3 piece suite. I have to help her down the steps anyway as she had a mild stroke last year and needs a bit of help. I must have said or done something right as I got a kiss on the cheek.
I did a lot of walking on  Friday, out to Sainsbury's first then into town for my scan. I'd had a bacon and egg sarnie, healthily cooked, for breakfast, as I wasn't allowed to eat for 6 hours. I arrived early, but there is no receptionist on a Friday afternoon. There seemed to be staff there, but by the conversation they were using the internet to look up house prices.
The sonographers soon came out for me and I wasn't required to undress. One was a trainee, so it was a bit slow, but the other did all the difficult bits. They scanned stomach, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, gall bladder and liver, and presumably any bits in between. There is just a slight problem with the liver, but nothing to worry about and probably caused by medication. Soon I was gel free, and setting off to walk to the bus stop at the end of town. I broke my fast with a flapjack from H&B, but regretted it as it was too big.
Not long after husband arrived home we set off  for our Daughter's home and spent some time playing with Baby. His Dad came home and put him to bed and then we had a lovely meal, then spent the evening chatting. all very relaxing. Saturday was a slow start and we took the car to town as I was fed up with being buffeted by the wind. Today has been a fairly normal quiet Sunday, but the state of the roast when we got back from church has convinced me that I really do need to start looking for a new cooker. Cremated pork anyone? It was on a very low setting too. Actually it wasn't too bad inside but the outer bits looked grim.
My shoulder has been pretty bad this week, I carried my card making box downstairs on Monday evening and it is quite heavy. I've been using frozen peas on it and cooling pads, and it didn't hep that I  had to raise my arms above my head for the scan. Even getting dressed is painful, as is tying on an apron. Must pray for wisdom about what to do, resting it seems impossible. Will see how this week goes.