The long dark tea-time of the soul day 20.

Thursday. 

Not a lot to report really. I spent most of  the day in my chair, prepping April's dyalog. Doing borders and doodling mainly as this a black page dyalog. I will bring the colour to it with stamps and collage. 

We watched a couple of things on tv, one being that Matt Baker Travels with Mum and Dad which this week was going to the castle we should have visited while we were up there. Perhaps I should stick to seeing places on tv in future! I don't know whether I actually fancy going back when I'm fit to, because now I only think of Durham and shudder. It might pass as I recover. We will see, at the moment it has the same feeling that you get when you remember something you used to drink that you were sick on once ( in my case Pernod) I can't stand the smell of it now, Durham has that sort of link now... 

The other thing we watched was a programme on Hugh Hefner and the Playboy bunnies. Quite interesting as we used to watch The girls next door when it was on. 

This is obviously a sort of tell all by his "girlfriends" and while I can believe that most of what they say is true, I dislike the fact that they have waited until he is dead to drag it all up. The "woke" generation again I guess, which gets on my nerves a bit. Everyone has a moral compass in hindsight, and none of them looked like they were living in poverty or doing badly. It's ok to take a dirty old man's money at the time, but claiming after he is safely dead that he forced you into sex etc, just makes me think it's another cash cow they are milking. 

The long dark tea -time of the soul day 19.

Wednesday. 

Kev didn't have much washing ( one bag) because he has been doing a little and often wash when he can. Plus as you can imagine I'm only wearing nightshirts. Albeit a clean one every day. 

I've had a bit of an upset tum which is down to the meds. I've stopped taking all but the antibiotics. Ibuprofen and codiene are aggressive with my diverticulitis. 

Louise rang from work today to see if we needed anything and to remind me to check my online training as some of it is now due. I basically just had to repeat what Kev had told them already last Friday. She said I sounded upbeat and chipper. It is how I deal, yes, I do have low points but I try not to project that. And surely how I sound is not perhaps how I feel. In any case I've told them all I can for now, I'll know more Friday. 

Long dark tea-time of the soul day 18.

Tuesday.

The Occupational Health nurse came this morning. She was quite happy to sign me off as being looked after well enough. She has ordered me a pressure relief cushion to sit on and lie on. And a grab bar for the side of the bed, taught Kev how to look for pressure sores. Told me not to stay in all the time, to get out and about in the wheelchair. She was intrigued by my dyalog and my attitude. She says I'm coping well. 

DWP paperwork filled in. We will see what they say. Given them all the information we have at present, so they can't say they I haven't told them of any changes. Including my diagnosis status. So all in all things are going well.

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 17.

Monday. 

My foot is driving me mad itching... I know itching is a good sign as that means healing. But you still want to scratch the skin you can't get to. You are told absolutely no poking or sticking knitting needles down your cast because you could snag the stitches... So, I just grit my teeth and imagine someone spreading moisturising cream on it soothing the itch. 

I sat up for a large part of the day doing pages in my dyaog and I took part in a live class too. 

Also I started reading a book on my kindle and pre-ordered the new Rivers of London one that comes out next week. 

So I'm keeping busy. Yes, there is a lot of rubbish tv on in the background, but I am watching some good documentaries on Eygpt and of course serial killers. Essential viewing in my eyes. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 16.

Sunday.

Another glorious shower this morning. It takes us approximately 3/4 of an hour in all, but it's worth it. I feel amazing afterwards. A lot of work for Kev bless him, but he doesn't mind. I've been home 7 days today and we have our routine down pat now... I think it's amazing how we have adapted. We do have a laugh too, I have said Kev should wear his swim shorts, but if he gets wet he just changes... 

After that we just had a quiet day recharging our batteries we watched a movie The Dark Tower ( Stephen King) which was quite good. 

I've been doing some research on my condition and it has been very illuminating for years I've been staring at a picture of a candlestick and now suddenly I can see the faces too... A lot of the "symptoms" are scarily accurate to my own story, including the mental health aspects. But, I'm a great believer in things happen for a reason. At least this ankle break has given me the information I needed to be able to help myself, which explains a lot too. So I can only take positives from this. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 15.

Saturday.

Kev had to go into work today to take my sick note in and of course sort out that he needs to be off in order to look after me. So because Charlotte was off she kindly came and kept me company while he went. That gave him peace of mind while he went that I was ok. 

I'm hoping when they remove the stitches next week that I can start moving a little more independently by using the knee scooter I've bought. If you have ( like me) never heard of one look them up. 

They always say that dark times reveal stars. I'm so lucky with the people around me. 

Anyway Kev got back much more settled than he was before so at least we can concentrate on the task at hand which is getting me through all this which we will, we come through a lot together and we will get through this challenge too. And hopefully without having too much help from anyone else. Now that we know how easy it is for me to get about on the bus/ tram for hospital in my wheelchair that's great. I'm feeling much more positive about things in general. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 15.

Friday.

Up early, Kev showered and got himself ready first then he helped me, washed, dressed and into the wheelchair, made sure I went to the loo to cut down the chance of needing it while out, because it is a faff. 

Getting to and from the hospital was easy enough. Saw Cheryl at the bus stop, which was nice to catch up. 

I was on edge a bit before my appointment. But after it, it felt like a weight had been lifted. As I said in the post after the hospital visit the consultant was lovely. She said Durham had done a good job on the top, but now they had the job of getting me back on that leg. And they'll do it without barking at me because I really can't use my left side. Such a relief to have someone who understands for once. She even told me something about my childhood, that what I had then was a mild form of cerebral palsy. I had no idea, after 58 years that was what it was. It really explains a lot, and shows you how bloody hard I worked to be "normal" I don't mind admitting that made me pretty proud of what I have achieved. 

When we got back into town as it was a gorgeous day, we went for lunch ( a treat after the trauma) to "Slim Chickens" It... Very nice it was too we sat outside rather than manoeuvre the chair inside. 

The bus driver on the bus home was a bit unhelpful and wasn't very keen on putting the ramp down, but Kev gave him one of his care bear stares and he relented. 

Got back and let my sister know how it went. 

That was it for the day then I was knackered. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 14.

Thursday

Quite a nice day. Sue and Pete came to see me and bought me a lovely wrap to put over my legs when I'm in the wheelchair. 

Queens med rang and they have a follow-up post-op one tomorrow at 10.50 am. So it looks like that's where tomorrow will be based. I should imagine it will be more X-rays etc, but who knows. I get a bit worried about all the hassle, the explaining why I'm not on crutches which they seem to love putting you straight on to, but, I haven't the strength on my left leg to cope with my right, and my left arm is weaker. They have my notes, but rarely seem to read them. The only one in Durham who read and understood the problem was the consultant. I shouldn't have to sit and explain. Even the DWP who are notoriously hard to convince get it. Everyone who knows me gets it. I just don't think they want to. It's like a one size fits all solution and they aren't prepared to deviate. 

Oh well, that's me overthinking again as always. I'll just go and see... Xx

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 13

Wednesday. Kev had done the washing over the last few days, so there was no need to do the washing. I sat up a while again to get me out of bed and ease my back. Although During the night I had managed to move onto my side. So I'd slept better.

I did my pages and then I prepped some more ready for the next week. 

My idea is apart from using my dyalog as record of these events in my life also as a place to put quotes in that inspire me when sometimes I might feel low. Which given the situation will be now and then. This situation isn't forever and I know this, so I don't need that pep talk. What I need to focus on is the one day at a time, one small win at a time. 

I'm not perfect so there will be days when I'm angry, frustrated, and just disappointed, with myself and others, but I'm going to stop glossing over it. Those of you who will find that annoying, self absorbing or boring you have had your warning. You never "have" to read my blog, you never "have" to comment. So, the choice is yours. 

Today I was mainly just grateful for the pain and discomfort levelling out to point that I can knock off the codeine. It doesn't suit my gut and gives me reflux, so as soon as I can I knock it on the head. Doesn't mean it's not hurting it means it is hurting to a level I can deal with without strong pain relief. And I was just happy to be home to cuddle Willow and chat to Kev. Charlotte nipped round before tea, and that was nice to see a familiar face after a week of seeing no one I knew. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 12.

Tuesday.

Sue's birthday, gutted not to be spending it with her, but I'm sure everyone else will make a fuss of her. 

Woke up early, had quite a bad night, just my brain overthinking everything as I always do. Strip wash while Kev changed the bedding. He is trying to keep it fresher more often now I'm stuck in here. 

OH rang, Kev had a message to say someone would be out tomorrow to look at what equipment they can help us with. 

Then a delivery came.  Flowers and a card from Jackie and Phil. How lovely... 

I sat up in the chair a while with my leg raised. Gives my back a rest from being in one position too long.

Just a normal day all in all, I'm happier to be at home. I feel the tension of the last week and a bit lifting. I'm not saying it's easy and Kev is having to do all the heavy lifting, working out what works and what doesn't.

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 11.

Monday.

We got up in the early hours  needed the loo. Kev always wakes up around 3/4 am does his stuff on the Xbox, then comes back. We did eventually come back to bed and slept through to 8.30 am.

We had the idea to sit me up on the commode chair and Kev gave me the table so I could do my dyalog and prep more pages. While I did that I rang the DWP. You have to let them know of any changes to your physical circumstances. It took me two half hour calls in all to get through. I'm sure they do it as some form of a test. 

Anyhow, I got through and told them what had happened and how long I was in hospital for etc. So that's done. 

Next, I had a phone call from Durham to check I had a follow-up appointment. When I said I hadn't she promptly said she was going to email everything over to Queen's Med for them to start the ball rolling for them to take over my care.

I had a wash and change and then transferred back to bed. I had lunch with Kev then Willow snuggled down on my knee and we both dozed off. I think things will settle into a pattern. But that's good and already I feel more at ease than I was in the hospital. Occasionally there is the odd frustrated word between us, but, I love being home. Even if a scene out Whatever happened to baby Jane comes to mind ( although which one of us is Bette Davis and which one is Joan Crawford I couldn't say!) 

The long dark tea- time of the soul day 10

Sunday. 

I slept so well, only waking when I felt a very loud purring kitty snuggled up on my knee. That made me so happy. She lay there ages purring and sniffing me as much as to say, that's my Mummy under all that weird smell. I have missed her so much. 

Kev got up about 7.30 am and started changing things around to make things easier. 

He made breakfast and we had a phone call from Nottingham Occupational Safety and Health. Nice bloke, asking was there anything we needed apart from they had already provided. And could they come and assess how we were both coping. Kev mentioned the thing he isn't confident in giving me my daily jabs. So he has spoken to a district nurse who will come and teach him how to do it properly. 

The only thing I think we are short of is a bar (similar to a monkey bar so I can scooch myself up the bed. 

Once all that was dealt with we went to get me in the shower. It wasn't as hard as we thought. Obviously it won't be an everyday thing, but even if I can strip wash daily and every three days or so shower I'll be happy. 

Kev made tofu stir fry for lunch, just so nice to have fresh veg and less stodge. The food wasn't bad just not what I would consider healthy. But you are also aware that the budget is low and they do the best they can. I've lost weight I can tell because I only picked at my food jumping on any chance of salad or veggies. I went with the soup more often than not. 

Charlotte and Ian came round to bring me a bed table which was his uncles, so I can sit up in bed and do my dyalog etc. Which was very good of them. They also bought me a shower seat which will come in handy when I'm more mobile. The transfers between bed and commode are getting easier, which is giving me more confidence. Obviously I wouldn't risk it alone but Kev is really only there in a supervisory role. Bless him, he has worked his socks off today. Loo provider, Shower provider, he washed the clothes and cooked food. The guy needs a medal. 

That's day one at home and in the bag....

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 9

Saturday.

I had a decent nights sleep woke for observations checks but then woke fully about 6. They bought me a bowl etc so I could have a wash etc and I dug out my dress so that I was fully covered. Then it was a case of hurry up and wait again.  just gone 11 Kev came in and I was able to get into my chair. They gave me the big bag of drugs and paperwork and off we went. 

The drive home was lovely. The guy Kev found to taxi me home was very helpful getting in and out the people mover. Be drove home carefully and made decent time Kev gave him extra for his trouble. 

I was expecting an audience when we got home, thankfully there wasn't, 

Then the fun began trying to figure out how to get round things. In the end we have decided that my two main rooms of manoeuvre are the bedroom and bathroom. I'm best on or in the bed where I can raise my leg and keep it pretty stable, As you know we got the tv in there a while back. So with a bit of juggling, we have it fairly sussed for now. I have thanks to one of my online friends Suzanne ordered a knee scooter. Never heard of one but it looks interesting worth a try. If I can take the weight of my leg in plaster away from the equation perhaps they'll just be enough power in my left leg to move the thing forward. Giving me the ability to move more independently. We can give it a go if not I can always send it back.

It is lovely to be home and Willow has come snuggled down on me. I didn't get my shower as I was too knackered come to it, but that will be an aim for tomorrow. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 8

Friday. 

I woke up around six and used the commode. 

Just as they bought my toast ( always) the Consultant came and said once I had my X-rays and my leg was replastered I could arrange from transport home on Saturday. He was pleased with the operation. My foot certainly feels different. 

Physio came down and got me to do a transfer from the bed to the commode. You almost feel as if they want you to fail. She was surprised as I did it on my own. After going through what I should have at home before I am let go. She then said Nottingham OH will visit my home. That's ok I said they'll be able to see what we have set up. Eventually she gave in and signed me off from her care. 

My parcel came a little late to be of much help but it meant I could gift the cleaner the books as she was the one who constantly chatted to me and charged my phone for me. 

Anyway Kev has sorted transport because the insurance couldn't send anything until Sunday or Monday. Bugger that we will have a taxi and they can pay us back later. Insurance is a bloody pain. What they say they'll do and what they actually do are two different things. 

The long dark tea time of the soul day 7

Thursday. 

So the op was on. It was a case of hurry up and wait. I eventually went down to theatre at around 11.30. 

This time it wasn't so easy. One it was different anaesthetists. One Scotish one who didn't really do much just passed the actual job to ( what I assume was his deputy) Last time I felt nothing with the spinal jab. This time the guy had to keep looking for a good place to put it and hit a nerve. I nearly shot off the trolley. And before I could stop myself I shouted out "You Bastard" all the theatre team burst out laughing and Scotish guy had to take over. 

Once the spinal anaesthesia took hold Everthing was fine. No one offered me music this time and Scotish guy buggered off. Two nice Asian ladies were trying to keep me talking. But half the time I couldn't hear them clearly,  Durham accents with masks on are really hard to understand. 

So eventually we were done and I was sent back to the ward. 

This time I wasn't sick. It is more painful this time but if you think it has been broken, dislocated and reset three times you can expect it. 

Proof of if it's worked will be in the X-rays. Please pray because I don't think I can cope with another op yet. 

Overnight as the pain blockers wore off I experienced the worst pain I've known (and believe me I live with a level of pain every day and always have done) but this was next level.  I can only liken it to having my ankle trapped in a vise with every bone in my foot exposed and someone hitting said bones with a hammer, like a glockenspiel!.I very rarely give in to pain relief meds but I was ready for every dose they oramorph they bought me. 

The long dark tea time of the soul day 6

Wednesday.

So the surgery was postponed today due to a couple of emergencies. It is what it is. Should be tomorrow fingers crossed. I've had a bit of a bad tummy all day. I thought I was stressed and that kicked it off but it's lasted all day and I had to give in and ask for something for it. 

Other than that today was ok. I did a couple of dyalog pages. Kept myself busy. 

Kev put a parcel together to send with some nighties and toiletries I need. Hopefully I will get it Friday. I'm guessing I might be here another week. Any sooner than that will be a bonus. Depends. If I get that in my head I won't get worked up. However, I know they need beds so therefore the sooner they sort me the sooner I can be on m

y way. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 5.

Tuesday.

I didn't sleep well. Because of the further X-ray, I had an inkling something wasn't quite right. Plus I did hear the consultant talking outside my room ( just so happens is the Sisters work area). I couldn't hear it all but I had an idea something was afoot( no pun intended) I'm no Sherlock and no names were mentioned but some of what I did hear was relevant to me. So they knew then. He told me at around 8.30 am which was a lot later, that he wanted me back in surgery. He did explain what he wanted to do, but it went over my head. I waited until he'd gone and I balled my eyes out. A mixture of anger, fear and sadness. I wanted to go home. I'm miles away with some of the most hard working but less tolerant nurses I've come across. They haven't got time for me and my emotions. The only contact I have with those I love is my phone and the only plug is across the room near the window. They flatly refuse to charge it for me, they aren't my skivvys ( I know this) it's bad enough I take ages to transfer from bed to to commode, let alone anything else. Some of the orderlies sneakily charge it for me when Sister isn't about. And this morning when I had a cry, I heard the staff nurse say to a nurse you deal with her. Oh well, I guess I have one of those faces that people think is trying to get away with something. Like certain people who think I put it on at work. I know the truth. That's all that matters. But I do know they are over worked and under paid, so I forgive the surly ones and there are nice ones. I've had ice on my leg all day and night and slept with my leg raised above my head. Which is rather comfy, I was shattered by about nine and slept well. See you all on the other side.

The long dark tea time of the soul day 5

Monday. 

I didn't sleep much. I overthink at the best of times and this sort of thing will make me lie awake thinking all sorts. 

Consultant popped by and was concerned about my limited mobility with my left leg. I said I was sure with the right gear at home which we can get from OH in Nottingham and the fact that our bungalow is ready geared up with pull cords, grab bars and wet room. He agreed and said providing OH gets the gear we will need I can go home tomorrow (Tuesday). Then the rush was on to find a way to get me home. Kev must have used his whole battery life finding a taxi that could accommodate and kindly Anne has lent us her Wheelchair until the one comes from OH. The penny finally dropped with the staff that I have real problems and not just not wanting to do stuff. I had to be replastered and taken for more X-rays ( the same surgeon who did the op came down and plastered it again) and this time they sent a trolley for me instead of chair so I could slide/ roll off one bed on to the trolley. I think it's because I broke down talking to the Ocupational Health Kelly. I explained exactly why I wasn't just being awkward I want to move but can't. I know the risk of being too sedentary but surely sliding into a wheelchair etc for four weeks until I can put some weight back on the right leg is better than undoing all the hard repair work they've done. Maybe as she passed me tissues she saw his devastated I was. And the fact that I was willing to try and move to some extent. People are wheelchair-bound for life as I was as a kid so four weeks isn't that long and if I try and move a little more each day that's enough... 

The long dark tea-time of the soul. day 4

Sunday. 

Slept ok for saying. They took me for another X ray. Probably to see if things are as they should be. The Physio team came after that I tried to get me out of bed with a walker, no chance. I can stand with my right leg up, but I have no power in my left leg to propel me forward. Ditto the crutches. I could with the help of a slide board and wheelchair get onto that. They got a bit cross with me and said that they'd try again tomorrow when I might be in a mood to try. I know they want me gone, I want to be gone too... It's not I am not trying just that my mobility is poor on my left side and I knew this would be a problem once I had damaged my "good" leg. Apparently they don't want me to be in bed for four weeks.  So I've been sitting on the edge of the bed practicing standing on one leg. I'll ask them for a frame and see if I can make it to the loo on my own. I heard a couple of them say isn't she walking yet. I will be.

I did make it onto the commode seat. Struggled to get off but with a little help did that.

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 3

Saturday.

After a very poor nights sleep, fear of the unknown combined with pain and strange surroundings, They gave me a bedbath at six, I was nil by mouth and the food truck came and parked right outside my door! 

The consultant came at 8 am and explained all they were going to do, and I signed my life away even down to organs should I not make it. I told them not to use my eyes unless they were healing a bat. That all done I spent a nervous two hours as I waited for the butchers block to fetch me. Let me tell you the NHS are amazing and since my days being an almost permanent resident as a kid the technology is astounding. 

They don't put you under. You are awake throughout. They give you a spinal anaesthetic instead. The guys in charge of that were fantastic funny and very caring. With you all the way. They give you the option of watching ( I declined) so a screen went up from my waist. Paul and Danny (anaesthetists) got me some ear buds and a sound system after a quick chat while I was hooked up to various monitors they found some 80's goth, The Cure, The Cult etc. Once all that was done I lay there waiting for them to start, and waited. I signalled to Paul and said when are they starting, he laughed and said they were almost done! Didn't hear or see ( or more importantly feel a bloody thing!) Not long after that they removed all the monitors and wires and ear buds. Paul and Danny told me not to apply for any singing contests and who the bloody hell was Japan ( no music education these days, shocking) The guy who did the actual sawing/ screwing and super glue came over and he reminded me of Rouhl from Bake Off, just to tell me it was easier than they thought. And that the walking plate they had inserted was developed by NASA good old never a straight answer, it's probably a bit left over from the space shuttle. Nice bloke though, apparently had to check that the noise I was making wasn't down to me feeling anything and was in fact my singing. Lol.

Within fifteen minutes I was back on the ward. Half an hour after that I projectile vomited. No warning it just pebble dashed the wall. They were cool about it and said they take bets on how long it will be! They could have warned me! 

Funny thing is they've been monitoring my blood sugar and came and said it's a bit high. Really? That might be the white toast, the meat pie and potatoes and jam doughnut you fed me when I came back! When I pointed that out she said, oops, and promptly put a sign on my bed that said low carb no sugar! Bless. Hourly checks on my vitals and my ability to feel from the waist down. Mr Morphine and Mr Codine patches to control the pain. All the fun. But all in all amazing work, from a great team. Oh and obligatory covid tests positive on Lateral Flow but Negative on PCR. Just in case you snuff it and they can put it down on your death certificate... Not that I'm cynical at all. 

As I said they only have council telly so I turned it off about ten and went to sleep. The window is open and there are woods in front, I had the company of an owl hooting as I went to dreamland. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul day 1 and 2

Thursday. Hair cut time and top up on my colour, Amanda made a stunning job of it as always and took the undercut higher up. It was the first time we had ventured out. We went to The Navigation for food as Kev didn't fancy cooking and it was a good way to kick off the holiday. Cases packed and ready for the off. Good news the bus stop is back open on Bramble way. 

Friday.

And hereby hangs the tale. Everything went smoothly first thing. We went for a cooked breakfast at 'Spoons, avoiding to need to buy motorway rubbish. 

Got to Durham and started exploring. We found the Cathedral and Castle, including the Sanctuary door knocker. My friend Trish did a free motion embroidery hoop of it a while back and cards too, so I was intrigued to see it up close and personal like. 

After that tragedy struck ( well it would be me wouldn't it?) We went for a drink in a local pub The Shakespeare I do believe. All was well until I went to the loo. 

Then I fell up a step that was just inside the doorway. As soon as I went down I knew something was badly wrong. My foot was the wrong way round and the pain was immense. I had to carried out by some of the locals and put on a chair. As is the norm these days the ambulance was going to be 3-4 hours. So we got a taxi and with a bit of help we got to the A&E. Obviously Kev could not come in and I was left in the waiting room for my turn to come. It took a while but once they saw the ankle I was taken straight to Xray then Resuscitation. They gave me zippy juice that was taken by breathing it is similar to a kazoo, after that they tried putting it back in place twice ( even with the zippy juice I could feel it). After that, they decided it was too bigger a job and I would need a plate and screws to hold it together. This bearing in mind is on my good leg, trust me. There was talk of if the toes went black overnight an amputation. But the specialist was convinced that they could rebuild me with a rachet and clank operation. 

So here I am in hospital in Durham on my own waiting on screw fix direct to come up with the goods. Only I could bugger up a holiday by going to the loo... Catch you later on the other side of this morphine fantasia If Mickey Mouse comes in with mops to the sorcerers apprentice I'll try and get his autograph...

Under House Arrest day 683

Wednesday. We got up early as it was wash day, both of us much better even if we still have sniffles. Kev didn't have any problems getting the stuff washed, and even managed to peg some of it outside. 

The post came and it was a box from Heart From the Art, I haven't ordered anything so I was a bit puzzled.  When we got it open it was a lovely Emma Bridgewater mug and card from Dyan Reaveley! How nice is that? I was really touched and it made me cry, happy tears don't get me wrong, but it was totally unexpected and such a nice gesture. 

She had sent Lauren a box of goodies last week as well as gifting her a class. Just goes to show that there are some very thoughtful people out there. 

We started the packing ready for Friday. I had a sort out of my take away toiletry bag and made sure we both have all we need for our few days away. I've also put what I can in my back pack for now, as that will be my "handbag" while we are away. A lot of what I'm taking can't be packed until the morning we go. 

Under House Arrest 682

Tuesday.

Finally both of us are feeling better. Not 100% by any means but as in having energy and feeling like we could actually breathe normally through our noses. 

Still glad that we decided to stay in until Thursday to give us that extra time to bounce back fully. 

The food order came from JS, to cut a long story short we weren't happy. Things were missing and in the trip over here three bottles of water went all over the washing powder and so they weren't there either. No wonder people get annoyed with online shopping. Good job we are away at the weekend. But it does mean we will have to drag them back from town with us next week. 

Under House Arrest day 681

Monday.

Well I at least am starting to feel more human again. Still congested but not as bad.Kev not so much but better than he was, Even though we are on holiday this week we aren't going out until Thursday when I have my hair done ready for the weekend away. Give us both chance to be ok for that. 

We did an online food shop at JS. We do the heavier stuff online in any case ( soap powder, cat litter, water etc) and then we will top-up when we go out, but this time we've done a full shop. Hopeful that we've covered everything food-wise so that we don't have to go out. It's coming Tuesday night.

I did manage my revitive and about half my biking, but was knackered afterwards. I did sit at the desk long enough to do my pages and construct a different style of card. That I can blame on watching YouTube videos over the weekend. Even when I'm poorly I still try and learn new techniques for when I'm feeling better. 

Willow is quite happy, she has both of us to fuss her and a knee to climb on when she wants, especially as I'm reading more and watching movies and not moving as much. 

We did watch Soul on Disney plus, trying to get our money out of the months trial. It was good actually, very deep and as often with Disney not really aimed at kids. These are all movies I wanted to watch but, because we hadn't access to Disney wasn't prepared to rent at stupid prices. 

We had another relatively early night after Kev had watched the Forest game. See how we both feel tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 680

Sunday. 

Feeling a little better. Had a nose bleed ( too much nose-blowing) which sort of relieved the pressure. Now it's Kev's turn. He actually rang in sick, which if you know Kev is an absolute first. Without constant nagging from me. 

He spent most of the day in bed, bless him. Willow is trying to work out what's going on, having both of us at home has completely thrown her. 

So it was a case of both of us muddling through. Luckily Kev made a huge batch of soup on Friday which is in the slow cooker and we can just help ourselves to when we want it. Personally, I can't taste anything at the moment which is putting me off eating much, but I have had some. The only TV we watched was Pottery Throw Down which winner came as no surprise, she was the most consistent overall, but you could see the huge strides the other two had made during the series. 

I had a lovely surprise today, while I was charging my Kindle I dug a book off the shelf to read.I only have a few these days. Mainly books signed to me, or ones that are not on Kindle. The one I grabbed was "Blood and Chrysanthemums" by Nancy Baker. I hadn't read it for ages it is one that wasn't available on kindle like "Sunshine" or so I thought. Just out of curiosity I put in a search on Kindle on my phone, and low and behold both of her books in this series are now available on Kindle, which means I can now retire these two battered old veterans from my shelf now. Good news. 

Under House Arrest days 678/679

Friday.

The next couple of blogs will be quite short as I haven't done much. I got up at around 6.30 am on Friday because I couldn't breathe properly through my nose. I spent most of the day on the sofa trying to drain my sinuses by massage. It helped a little but not much. 

I did watch Cruella later on ( the live action one ) on Disney plus. Not as bad as I thought if I'm honest, and it does give the Villains a whole new angle, when you see why they are bad. 

Saturday. 

Not well enough to go to work, I rang in sick. I hadn't slept much overnight again due to congested sinuses. 

I managed to ease it a little and slept on the sofa with Willow. 

Kev went to work and got back around 6pm. 

Bless him he was knackered. Hard day at work combined with that walk back from the bus stop. 

Under House Arrest day 677

Thursday. 

Well the cold that threatened yesterday was full blown overnight and I'm so bunged up I

can hardly breathe out of my nose. So I've had a pjs day and taken every cure- all I can think of.

I've done my pages and some stamping. I didn't exercise today for once and although it goes against the grain I hadn't the energy. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow and will do extra then. 

Under House Arrest day 676

Wednesday.

Woke up with a sore throat and the sniffles. Kev did the washing early as he was awake. I cleaned the bathroom and Kev did the kitchen floor. 

After lunch Charlotte picked us up and took us to the Riverside Retail park where they've just opened a huge Poundland. We got a few bits but apart from being huge I didn't really think it was any better than the ones in town. But it was nice to walk around. The weather was awful. It didn't stop pouring down. I got home and the bottoms of my trousers were soaked from the unavoidable puddles. By this time I was feeling pretty crap so I put on my pjs and snuggled down with Willow while Kev watched the football in the bedroom. 

Honey, lemon and paras it is then, for the next few days. 

Under House Arrest day 675

Tuesday.

We walked to the bus stop in the village and caught the bus into town. Lauren had offered to drop us down but I wanted to get my steps in as I knew we wouldn't have much shopping to do, so it wasn't as bad as the week before.

We met Sue and Pete for lunch and went to The Loxley. It was quite nice. Food was on par with Spoons and the prices to be fair. I was having a clumsy moment trying to show Sue my article in a magazine. I wished I hadn't bothered. I knocked over my drink ( it was only diet coke) but thankfully she helped me clean it up. The way some people reacted you'd think I was Russia and I'd just dropped a bomb on Ukraine! 

Apart from that it was nice to see them as always, the next time we see them is when we go away. 

We text Lauren when we got to the bus stop and she picked us up at The Rose and Crown. Very kind of her even though she is full of cold bless her...