General Chat

Good morning AnnG and all

It’s cold but bright and sunny today. A bit of sun makes everything look a bit more cheerful.

I hope you are still OK Ann and that OH doesn’t feel too bad.

Enjoy your walk to the hairdresser AnnG. I need to ring and make an appointment soon as my hair is getting long again. I’ll look out for those propagators when we next go to a garden centre. As to back scans/xrays - xrays only show bones so are not usually suggested for muscle problems. I’m not sure about scans. The doc did examine every bit of my spine and checked for movement and numbness, particularly in my lower body, and also checked the pain hadn’t moved to the chest area. I’ll see what physio have to say later.

Better get moving and get showered as I’m off to chiropody later. I hope I’ll find out why she is leaving and whether she will be replaced at the centre where she rents a room.

Good morning all, quite bright here at the moment so I am hoping it stays dry for my walk to the hairdressers. It is only one degree but can't see any frost. After the hairdresser it is hopefully coffee at our local garden centre.

Ann hope OH is on the mend and can shake the cough. Also hoping you are staying negative. (well you know what I mean, positive about being negative I think!)

Vera, yes the propagators look interesting a tray and four individual blocks of 'cells' - quite deep) for seeds so you can sew different varieties in one tray this part is all green clear plastic then the lid is clear plastic. They are see through so you can check the roots. they are made by Gro-Sure and sell for £3.99 each at the till with my Blue diamond card they came up at £6.95 for the 2. I just have to find a windowsill to put them on where they won't get forgotten.

A nuisance that the GP could not be more helpful. I imagine back pain is one of the most common things they see and one of the hardest to diagnose. Might be a good idea to see the physio again but, to me, exercise is all very well if the person setting the exercise knows what sort of back pain they are treating. And all very well to say keep taking the pain killers, not wonder people get addicted to them. The thing is you want to know the cause. Have you ever had your back scanned/Xrayed?

Mel, you can get the test kits from chemists and sometimes from places like libraries. But the easiest thing is probably to order them online. Go to
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
They are easy to order and get delivered through your letterbox. If you think you will want some I should order them soon as they will not be free after the end of April.

I hope your OH’s cough doesn’t hang around for too long Ann and you stay free of it. What a shame you had Covid in the house just when your electrician could have come to fix your fan for you. Never mind, he sounds a good chap and is sure to fit you in when you are virus free.

You got some nice buys today AnnG. I like the sound of the windowsill propagators.

Well, I didn’t get on brilliantly at the surgery today. I can’t fault the doctor who was very thorough and at least he has confirmed that it is almost certainly muscular and my spine and other bits seem OK. He thinks the muscles keep going into spasm and there are several areas of muscle weakness. The problem is I am reasonably flexible and could bend and stretch and lay on his bed waving my legs in the air so I don’t think I really got over to him how constant the pain is. I did try and explain that I haven’t been able to go for a proper walk or do any gardening much for weeks and weeks. He asked when I got from physio the exercises that I am trying to do. It was a long while ago so he has suggested I ring, tell them he has seen me and get them to reassess me as it is possible the exercises are not right for the current problem. Take my strong prescribed co-codomol when I need them. But I can’t live on painkillers and I can’t go on never doing anything too active so I am not sure where we go next. At the moment I feel a bit down and feel this is never going to get any better but I’m sure I’ll be more cheerful after a night’s sleep and I’ll ring physio tomorrow and see what they say.

I have a chiropody appointment tomorrow and OH is going to drive me as I am concerned that I might not be able to move quickly enough to swerve in an emergency or do an emergency stop. I probably would do it automatically but I don’t want to take the chance.

I have just finished my Sainsbury order for delivery on Wednesday. I haven’t ordered any more than usual but the bill is a lot more expensive. I feel sorry for those on a low income and a family to feed. It must be so hard to manage.

I am feeling quite tired now so I am off to bed with my book. I hope you all sleep well.

For anyone who may watch it Granchester is on again on Friday.

Iv'e got the big wipe down tomorrow Anng but will have another go in the afternoon.

Where do you get the test from cos we've never had any.

OH still can't understand where he caught it as he says he never sat close to anyone or was even facing anyone and windows were open. I suppose anyone can be unsymptomatic though and no masks means breath and coughing reach further, you just don't know. After all this time of being so careful and us staying in as well!! I ordered some more tests yesterday and they were pushed through the door by lunchtime so that was quick! I might get some more next week as they aren't free after this month.

Mel it sounds like you have your jobs done except for the chickens so may be able to do some crafting tomorrow. Is your back any better?

You found a few buys while you were out then AnnG and the propagators sound like a bargain. They will keep plants cosy and bring them on.

Did'nt do the chcikens in the end because a fearful wind came up and it was bitterly cold but the washing dried well as it was a wind from the east and it all in now and ironed.

Hav'nt managed any craft today really.

Shame your man could'nt come to fit the new fan Ann but its best to be on the safe side. Lets hope you are both clear next time he comes. I hope you stay free of it and oh dos'nt suffer too much with it.

Had a really good day out it was dry but a bit of a cold wind however the sun came out this afternoon. We left here at 10am and got back at 3.15pm. Just called in the loval tesco so I could get the 3 items missing from my on line order.

Yes had a nice lunch in the garden centre and spent a few pennies, bought two windowsill propgators made from plastic bottle 2 for £7. Also bought a few bits for Inara and Senua fro Easter. Looked round the craft shop but didn't really want anything just got two different types of glue and a couple of other bits,
Tried on some Sketcher trainers but the girl wanted to help and I hate someone hovering while I try things on so I gave up. Bought a reduced top in Fatface doesn't seem like a lot but all the little bits were good and what I liked. did have a look round
leading labels but didn't see anything in there.

Hope you continue to avoid the virus Ann but you sound as if it might be developing so take it easy. Hope OH's cough doesn't last too long.

Afternoon All,

OH now has the 'cough' too AnnG and has spent most of the day resting, apart from posting some letters at the end of the close when none of the neighbours were outside. It's like a bad cold at the moment. I had lost my voice by the time I went to bed, so this morning I was convinced I would test positive, but no, not yet anyway, and my voice is back now. I need a Drs appointment anyway, but will wait as I could not have spoken on the phone this morning. lol.

The electrician rang to say he'd sourced a more powerful fan for us and wanted to squeeze in fitting it today for us as we wanted it doing urgently which was brilliant, but I had to put him off till next week when hopefully we won't be infectious anymore. He told me he'd been rushed off his feet since the pandemic as those working at home had wanted garden offices to work in and others were having lit barbeque areas and others were upgrading their houses. Some businesses have really flourished during the pandemic but we tend to hear most about the ones who haven't.

With getting lunch and with the running around doing OH's jobs as well as mine and fielding his work phone calls my bones and head feel achey now so I'm having a sit down.

I bet the chickens like their nice clean bedding when they are cleaned out Mel. You got quite a few jobs done this morning, even putting the duvet cover on so it will be nice to relax with some craft now. I hope your back feels better soon and you are right, by the time we have done what's necessary most of the day can be gone!

The sun's out here now AnnG so I hope it isn't too chilly at Evesham and that you find some more plants!

I must see if I can sort an ISA now.

Changed the bed all on my own today and oh told me off when he came in but he was having trouble with the mower cutting out so I managed but it always takes me a long while to do. Washed the bathroom towels and cleaned the bathroom so a good mornings work I think. I only have to hoover the bedroom and then get lunch and then I can go and play.

I forgot to say I hope oh is not suffering too much this morning Ann. Give him my love and wishes for a speedy recovery from this horrid virus. <3

Washings on the line and blowing so ell I had to double peg it.

Morning Anng Vera and all,

We have bright sunshine here today so the washing machine is on with the first wash.

Have a lovely day in Evesham Anng and have a good spend up.

Vera I hope you get some answers from the doc today and that the back eases up so you cna get on with whatever you want to do.

If its not too windy out I need to clean the chickens out first thing and then I can play. I shouldhave done it yesterday but it was so bitter out there in not too much wind I thiught I would leave it. I am going to post this now incase it disappears.

Good morning AnnG and all

There was some sun when I first got up just after 7 but it has clouded over now. It’s supposed to stay dry which will be good. When we were out yesterday afternoon we could see that in places the water meadows by the river were heavily flooded. Thank goodness they have been kept as flood plains and not built on.

Sorry to hear your back is sore Mel. You have my sympathy. I hope it recovers quickly. My back feels easier this morning . I should be pleased but it is a bit annoying as I’d like the doctor to see it when it’s bad.

I hope your OH doesn’t feel too bad today and you are still OK Ann.

Have a good day at Evesham AnnG.

Good morning all, another grey looking day and only 1 degree at the moment. I don't think it is going to rain here today, not sure about Evesham though it is a bit further north. Last time we went it poured with rain. The shops are not under cover but the garden centre is a large one so plenty of cover there. guess we will need warm coats though.

Mandy I look forward to seeing a photo of the pigs in blankets. sounds like you could make quite a few by the time of the Christmas fayre.

Ann hope OH is not feeling too poorly, has he got it fairly mildly. Hope he doesn't develop a cough, that seems to last people way after they are not infectious.

Mel glad you got on well with your craft, sounds as if it is going well.

Vera, that sounded like a lovely celebratory get together and the pens were an unusual, nice touch. I would have loved to have had a party for our diamond wedding in 2020 but Covid cancelled any idea of that. Still we did at least have a small family get together so I have that to remember.

Gwyn, hopefully the time will come when it is safe to return to the classsroom, it must be frustrating for you, and for all the schools who have lost the help they had from the older age group.

Have a good day everyone probably BBL

O no I hope you manage to stay clear of covid if G has it Ann. He must have picked it up at one of his schools. I hope he is not too bad with it and soon recovers and dos'nt pass it on to you.

Did get on quite well today but there is always meals to do and washing up to clear away afterwards which all takes time and then there's the chickekns to feed and then shut in so more time wasted. Not nearly finished yet though but getting there. I am having fun with it.

I must have been sitting funny or something as I have a pain in my back on the left hand side up high.

Sounds like you had a lovely time at the party today Vera but a shame to painkillers did'nt last quite long enough and I bet you were glad to get home. The pens were a lovely idea and when you use it you will think of the nice afternoon you had with your friends.

Thank you Gwyn and Vera. We are used to using different bedrooms so that will help and I will use the ensuite and he can shower in the bathroom which may also help and he is keeping away from me and wearing a mask when he is in the lounge or kitchen and we've had windows open and put fleeces on today.

He loves his work as a clerk to governors Gwyn and was looking forward to being back in the schools again, although I was concerned about the relaxing of things, but at least covid numbers have been dropping here. One of his quick visits to the 2 schools on Friday was only to take proof of ID and his birth cert so he wasn't there for long at all.

It sounds like you had another nice time with your friends at their do Vera. The pens were a nice idea for you all, I've not heard that done before. I do love a buffet too where you can pick and choose what you have and go back for seconds!!
It's a pity about your back, but the painkillers just about lasted for you. Good luck at the doctor's tomorrow and I hope he can suggest something helpful for you.

Sorry to hear OH has got Covid, Ann. I hope he has a mild dose and you manage to avoid it, though that may be difficult when you are living in the same house. I think it’s odd that we are only “advised” to stay home now but I suppose the plan is to build up some herd immunity. We tested this morning as we were going to the diamond wedding do this afternoon and we would hate to think we had Covid without knowing it and had been responsible for spreading it round. Of course not everyone feels the same.

We had a lovely afternoon. Our friends had booked a private room in a hotel and there were several round tables beautifully laid and decorated. Each place had a gift of a pen printed with the names of the anniversary couple and the date and the words “Thank you for coming”. There was a buffet with lots of delicious hot and cold food, then a break while the couple’s son made a short speech and the cake was cut and we toasted the couple with bubbly. Then, after another short break for chat, the staff brought to each table plates of scones with jam and cream, slices of the cake and pots of tea and coffee. By the time we left the painkillers I had taken to get me through the afternoon had worn off so I was very glad to get home.

I feel I’ve done nothing but eat, drink and party for the last couple of weeks and life feels much more normal, even with masks, sanitizer and test kits.

It’ll definitely be back to a more boring normal tomorrow as I’ll be doing the washing, sorting a Sainsbury order and visiting the doctor.

Annx, Sorry to read that OH has tested positive.
I do hope he soon recovers and in the meantime does not feel too unwell.

I'd love to go back to volunteering at school. I really miss working with the children and it gives more purpose to my weeks, which have become a bit same-y.
I am willing to go out and about a little, but it doesn't seem prudent for me to go back into a classroom, until infection numbers are a bit better.

Mandy
Your crochet project sounds fun. You have so many good ideas.
Good luck with more work on your wall. It was a bitter wind from the east here today, so I can imagine how glad you would have been to have delicious warming soup.

Thanks Mandy. It's good DIL's father has had his 4th jab now. They have soon started them which is good. Those pigs in blankets you are crocheting sound good. I look forward to seeing them when you have finished a few. :-D At least you got a section of the wall done before you had to come in and warm up with some parsnip soup. I think I read somewhere that the Midlands are due some snow in the middle of next week, but maybe it will be warmer where you are. :-)

I didn't go for a walk after all as it went dull and looked cold again. I seem to have followed in OH's footsteps a lot sanitising things, but at least he stayed in the spare bedroom watching tv this afternoon.

I have to be up early tomorrow to undo the gate for the windowcleaner so an early night for me.