The long dark tea-time of the soul

Wednesday.

Wash day so up early. It took me a while to come to, I'd slept heavy. I was waiting on a parcel from #afth my new stencils, they came after Sue and Pete had been, they kindly dropped me some meds for indigestion that Sue had spare saving me dreaded battle with the doctors reception desk for a repeat prescription. I only need them because of the ibuprofen I'm taking. 

Then they came to fetch some of the equipment back, the commode I no longer need, the bed rail and the walker.

Tomorrow I'm going to have a rearrange of the bedroom now we can. 

Not a major rejig but little bits that I had to move in order to reach them when I was stuck in bed... 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Tuesday. 

We got up and got ready to go into town to meet Sue and Pete for lunch. 

It was cloudy but warm and windy. We were looking to get Kev some mens sandals from Doc Martens but Kev ended up ordering them online as they were £20 quid cheaper online. It did give us chance to look at them though, so he was able to see if they would be what he wanted. 

We had a lovely lunch as always and a good catch up with Sue and Pete. 

We didn't need a lot of shopping so after we left them we got the bus home. Bloody bus driver thought he was Lewis Hamilton and couldn't be arsed to lower the ramp so Kev had to struggle to get the chair off the bus... 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Sunday.

We were going to go out for Sunday lunch but obviously that was no go as the buses to and from Cotgrave were pulled after 11.30 am.

So we went down to Sainsburys in the village and got stuff to make one. Kev pushed me in the chair there and back with no buses running there was no other option. Poor bugger it was hard work with the shopping, me and the chair up those hills. 

So we had roast pork and all the trimmings and a quiet afternoon of watching Glastonbury and chilling out. 

In the evening we played some quizzes and Monopoly because there was bugger all on the box.

Monday.

We got up late for us 9.30 ish... We got ready and went to take my sick note for the month into work, the weather was miserable and rainy but it needed doing. We got off the bus and onto the tram so that Kev didn't have to push me up the hill. Then we got the bus to Arnold. 

We got into work and found Adam on the shop floor and were able to give him my note and an update on my progress. Saw a couple of my workmates and had a chat. Then started the reverse trip back on the two buses, we didn't get the tram down to the square as it was just as easy to walk down ( easier for Kev to push)

We got home around three. 

After that I had my exercises etc to do and we watched Sherwood. That is possibly the best thing on since The Rising. Well written and well acted. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Saturday.

Up and showered because we were going out there was Proms on in the Park. 

Kev just checked the bus times and found that some of the buses were going to be pulled, so we wouldn't be able to go. We had made arrangements with others to meet up and had to let them know... 

I was so angry, I sent two emails and although nothing will get done about it, it made me feel better. I feel trapped in our home... It isn't like I can just get in a car. I can't transfer from my chair to a car... so a taxi isn't a viable option. 

It put me in a stinking mood all day, it's not like we get the chance to go out. 

Charlotte has just text me this morning to say that the buses are pulled again after 1pm Sunday... so that's Sunday lunch out buggered too... I think we will end up with no bus service at all... Trent Barton the not good at all bus service... 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Friday.

 A bit grey and overcast but, we still went out.

First though the Doctor rang. Locum. So I had to go through the whole sorry tale. Usual questions, could work make changes for you to help you get back to work sooner. Sure they already do, I can sit for the big majority of the day, the sticking point is at the moment I'm on no walking outside. We haven't a car for me to just hop into, I have two buses and a tram to negotiate. There would be the walk to the bus this end, the walk from the bus to the tram and the walk from tram to the bus. Then there's the small matter of it again on the way home. I'm only just weight baring, no outdoor walking! There would also the walk down to Clocking in machine and locker room, which is no small distance. Physio and I have sat and discussed this. He says at the moment that would be too much.

So phone call inquisition over Charlotte came round and we went out. We had coffee and then went for lunch at the TBI. It was a lovely relaxing day. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Thursday.

It was lovely again so rather than stay in we went to Bridgeford Park. It's easy to get to on the bus with the wheelchair and it was busy with families thinking the same. We grabbed some drinks and picnic food and found a shady spot under a tree... Just chilling out and people watching. It was very relaxing. 

We stayed out until it started raining late afternoon.

It got us out the house and gave us a chance to enjoy the weather. Its certainly made me feel better in myself. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Wednesday.

Another beautiful day. So, because I was feeling out of sorts and stir crazy, Kev suggested taking me into the village to go to Heron to get some food and while we were there go sit outside Strezza because it looks out on to the the play area and park surrounding the precinct. They do coffees and after 12 serve alcohol. So that's what we did, we sat in the sunshine under the brolly shades had a coffee and then a pint of lager. It got us out of the house and we had chance to be outside without being bothered. 

Kev had washed and hung outside to dry so he was done by about 10.30 am which meant we had nothing to rush home for. 

We got home and put the a/c on, I sat reading The Five, I'm halfway through and I love it. Hallie has done some amazing research on the five women who were Jack the Rippers victims and the backgrounds of Annie

Chapman Polly Nicolls and Liz Stride ( the ones I've read so far!) Are harrowing and far more than just being prostitutes, indeed in the reading of the women's stories it isn't clear that the first two were prostitutes at all, just forced out onto the streets "in the wrong place at the right time" for the Ripper to do his work. Liz Stride was perhaps the first one actually who was a prostitute, and even then it wasn't as straight forward as we would deem it these days. Being a fallen or lost woman in those days was just having no fixed abode or regular income. 

It's a fascinating book, which helps you see these women in the actual way they were, somebody's wife, daughter, mother or sister. Not a butchered lump of meat on a coroners slab un worthy of a proper investigation of their murders. 

Later on I watched Sewing Bee and while I think that the sewers left are talented, I do think the challenges this week were geared to play in to one of the contestants hands. It didn't quite work, but I still think Brogan dodged yet another bullet. I think overall Annie will win. She sort of coasted for the main part and has come good in the last three weeks. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Tuesday.

Gorgeous day, so we went into town. I'm slightly gutted as we should be in Bournemouth this week, so we did our best to enjoy ourselves in the city. We had lunch and an ice cream in the square and got a few bits and bobs. 

I know we can go after I'm well again, I know all of that, but it's not often we get a good weather week when we are off last year in Brighton being the exception. Typical we are stuck home when we are having a heatwave. Can't sit out because of the bloody nosey gits being back. And yes, I'm being a mardy moaning git and guess what, I don't care. I'm allowed to be pissed off. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Monday. 

I had set my alarm in order to ring the doctors at 8am, ot took me exactly 25 minutes to get through for a telephone appointment on Friday... it gets worse, I havent even inquired about a physical in person appointment. God knows how you get one of those.

After that I showered with Kev's help, hopefully it won't be too long that I'll gain the confidence to stand and shower on my own. Kev must be fed up of having to help me by now. 

Anyway we had a relaxed day, Kev rang them up to fetch the equipment back like the commode and bed rail. They'll come pick it up next Wednesday and then we can start to get the bungalow back to how it was before. Another step forward to some kind of normality. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Sunday. 

Nice quiet day, doing the exercises, biking for five minutes ( which at this point feels like an hour) prepping the images in my dyalog for the next week while listening to audible. I had sushi for lunch and pottered about until Kev got home. 

We did have a laugh during the day me and Charlotte as I'd given her the wrong card, a birthday one instead of the fathers day one for Ian... I think my brain has gone as wobbly as my walking... lol

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Saturday.

First day of toddling around the bungalow without a walker. And toddle is the right word, I'm a bit unsteady and my steps are a bit uneven, but wow the difference from not walking at all is amazing. I sort of waddle at the moment, and I'm trying to stay barefoot for much of the day. 

Monday we are going to ring up and get them to fetch back some of the equipment which will make a lot more room in the place and it will feel less like a hospital ward. I don't need the commode chair now, or the transfer board, the grip on the side of the bed or the walker. 

I still need the wheelchair at the moment and the loo seat riser/ come shower stool. Although it will now perhaps be in the shower mainly as I do not have the  confidence as yet to stand on my own in there yet. That'll come the less I waddle-walk I've been assured. Done all my exercises and my five minutes on the static bike. Kev is at work tomorrow but he shouldn't be, we should have been heading to Bournemouth on Monday, but hey ho next year maybe. 

The sky went a weird orange colour tonight we took some pictures as it was so unusual. I've heard of red sky at night but never orange. We had a laugh though as a few years back I had a very vivid dream, nightmare really, that the world was ending and the sky went a swirling orange colour. So we made a joke about it on the post of the pictures that Ian and Kev had taken. A few people didn't understand we were being flippant, but we also forget it was an "in" joke so nobody would understand really... 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Friday.

Physio day. We went to the hospital for 12. Busier than last time but still seen on time by Jack. Who was very pleased ly that it was obvious that I had been working hard on my exercises. Also was pleased the OT had been and given some strengthening and balance exercises to do. He added to these and got me to walk without my walker. I can now fully weight bear, but only for short periods. Walking around the housey without my walker is allowed, no walking outdoors yet but that will be next phase. Barefoot when possible to stretch the ligaments in my foot. Balance has improved but isn't perfect, but to be fair it never was, so that needs work. Kev has massage duties to perform on the scar areas in order the break down the scar tissue which will obviously loosen that area up even more. I'm OK to use the static bike but only five minutes per day. Revitive too is fine and I still need to elevate and ice. He isn't worried about the ankle now at all. I just need to build confidence and time spent on my feet, but slowly, and to pay attention to when my body when it's says enough it means it. All in all positive news back in four weeks to move me onto walking outside. 

We got back into the city and grabbed some lunch. While Kev had gone to get it he parked me by the shade of the tree not far from the church again. He wasn't gone long but in that time a group of lads went past and threw a McDonald's cup at me, hitting me on the back of the head and covering me in God knows what. They ran off laughing, and possibly videoed it on their phones. I hope they are proud of themselves and they get the lives they deserve. I cleaned myself up as much as I could and Kev helped when he got back. We eat and got some food for the weekend, stuff for me and for when he gets in Saturday and Sunday. Then we went for the bus. We ended up waiting for the next bus because the wheelchair bay had two pushchairs parked there so we couldn't get on. So we got the next one. By the time we got home we were both shattered from the heat and after Ian had dropped the heavy shopping he had done for us, we went and had a snooze in the bedroom where it was a bit cooler. We had an early night too as Kev has an early start in the morning

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Thursday. 

Before it got too warm Kev went out and tidied the borders of the garden. Cutting back the ivy that had crept near the window, and the foxgloves that were overgrown or dying back. I sat out in wheelchair and chatted to Denise at no.3 and Anne from no.5. No.4 are away, so that's why Kev chose to do it, it's amazing how when they are away people sit out. When they are here everyone goes about their business and hurries back inside. That done we went inside.  Good job too because I had a phone call from Blu. Apparently my payment hadnt gone through the day before ( I thought it was odd as it shows up on my phone normally and didn't  this time) anyway we tried again and this time it went through straight away. I checked my account online and all was well. I perhaps I took it off the reader too quick, knowing me. 

I've started doing five minutes on the static bike, to loosen up my ankle muscles. That along with the exercises that they gave me and the ones OT gave me and my revitive. I'm hoping that this all combined will bring the next phase of my recovery forward and I can start to do more for myself. Without damaging what they've repaired. We will see what  physio says on Friday

 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Wednesday.

As usual wash day. Warm and sunny so Kev put the washing outside on the line and took the risk that the gardeners might come. 

With not having to wait for the dryer he was able to get done fairly quick. It was all done in more than enough time for my hair appointment. 

I got in my wheelchair and we headed down to the village in plenty of time, as Kev was pushing me we didn't want the pressure of him having to rush in the heat. It isn't the lightest or easiest chair to push, it's only a basic one, if they'd said I was back in a chair permanently ( which I had thought might happen, especially when they said that at Durham if the second operation hadn't worked they'd have to amputate!) I would have upgraded. 

We got to the hairdressers and Kev helped me to leave the chair and go to the wash area. That's why I couldn't go before because the wash area chairs are permanent so I needed to be able to move from mine.

Three hours later Amanda had worked her magic and I emerged more like me for the first time since my fall. Her and the Salon owner were lovely and really helpful, which put me at ease. 

There was a lady in her 80's in there with a walking stick going at a faster pace than me, and I made her laugh because I said "slow down you're showing me up Mrs!"

We got chatting and she said what drives her mad about being in a chair is people's attitude, they ask her daughter if she'd like a drink, or give her change to her daughter instead of her even though she's paid. Shops they give points to or deduct out of ten for accessibility and how they treat her. It's quite interesting to hear exactly what we've been saying from someone else. It just proving we weren't moaning for the sake of it. She says her daughter now runs into people who are looking at their phones rather than where they are going and step in front of her chair. We had a laugh anyway.

We went into Heron after and got a few bits and then came home. Kev pushed me back and again took his time as it was quite warm still if overcast. 

Charlotte popped round later and we watched Sewing Bee together. Brogan was a very lucky girl because she turned out some right dodgy items (says me who can't sew a button on!) 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Tuesday. 

Warm and sunny start to the day I got up and showered with Kevs help and got dressed and ready to out. But we had to wait as the covid study mob were coming to do our monthly tests. 

Those done, we went for the bus which was late because of the cricket traffic at Trent Bridge. So when we got off the bus we went straight to The Roebuck to meet Sue and Pete. It was quiet when we got there so we had out pick of tables. Good job we did because in the time that Sue arrived it had filled up and was quite noisy. We had a lovely lunch catching up and chatting about all and sundry. We both look forward to our get togethers and it's a welcome break from home for me. As we hadn't chance to shop beforehand we did our shopping after we had parted company with them both. We didn't need much, but it's nice to have a wider choice of things in town compared to the meagre offerings in the village. After we got what we needed (and some we didn't) we sat and had an ice cream in the sunshine round by the church ( I think it's St Pauls, but don't quote me)

Eventually, after people watching and getting some much needed vitamin D we went for the bus. It was Matt, so he lowered the step and we were able to get on and off quite easily for a change. 

We got home just in time, as Charlotte wasn't far behind ready for a coffee and chat, and to catch up on the "Bridge" building contest thingy we have got hooked on. 

Once she went home for tea we got settled for the evening and I did my revitive. We watched the second part of that Sherwood. Blimey, the ending of this episode was a shock. The next one isn't until next week, I'm dying to know what happens next. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Monday.

Chill out day for both of us, much needed for Kev. Even so he still cleaned and scrubbed the kitchen and floor. I had a better day with my mobility it hinges on my left leg being able to cope. 

I did a bit of prep on my dyalog and then settled down to do some reading. 

In the evening we started watching that new drama on BBC 1 called Sherwood. Its based on real events I'm the Nottingham area, all linked to the miners strike in the 1980's jump forward 40 years and feelings are still raw in some of the old mining communities. Very well done and acted, second part tonight and I must admit I am hooked just as much as I was with the Rising. Its set up nicely with multiple suspects for the murder. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Sunday.

Another quiet day on my own. I finished a journal page I've been working on and some more painted collage for my dyalog. I chatted online to Karen who had kindly sent me another little gift of some little worry dolls to help me sleep. 

And then I read my book. 

Kev came home and was not as bad as he was yesterday. He at least had a 15 minute break today so was not as shattered as he had been the day before. Cheeky gits asked him to go in again Monday! He refused, not only because of how he was left on Saturday but because it would mean leaving me another day on my own. And while I can cope, without warning we wouldn't have stuff prepared like grab and go food for me to be able to have, I'm still not able to stand long enough to prepare anything myself. 

Long dark tea-time of the soul

Saturday.

Quiet day for me as Kev was at work I spent the day doing my dyalog, in which I did some painted collage after watching one of the Dandelion club videos where Dyan took you through a full page from start to finish. It's a useful resource the Dandelion club. And I for one get great value out of it being stuck at home,  there are plenty of videos, tutorials and flip through of her old journals. It's kept me busy these last few months. 

I did start my book, and I'm on about chapter four. I'm enjoying it a lot, ( I do keep pressing the corner of the page waiting for it to turn over!) LOL. Years of reading on kindle will do that to you. 

Poor Kev got home tired, thirsty and starving. He was on his own in the bakery after the bakers had gone, so he hadn't got anyone to work with him or take him off for a break. It's so wrong, but it's happened to me years gone by so I know he is telling it how it is. He was that shattered he went to bed around nine. I did too, but I sat watching a movie with my headphones on so as not wake him. Bless him he is 65 this year and he is a hard worker always has been but sometimes they take the pee... I hope he has a better day today with some help.

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Friday.

 I showered and changed ready to go out. I can't wait to get my hair cut and coloured next Wednesday. I haven't been since March and it looks like it did after lockdown. I haven't been able to go as I couldn't transfer to the chairs, but now I can. 

Charlotte came round and after a coffee we headed for the bus. We were going to get the 33 and go into Gamston and The Goose pub. The bus didn't show so we went and got on the Cotgrave and went to the Lock instead. No good going into Bridgeford as the cricket was on and everywhere would be busy. 

It was very quiet in the Lock, but you could see why, the service was very slow, we waited an age for drinks and each course. The food was good, but, you do get fed up of waiting. They might be short staffed as it looked like there was only two serving, but when there's only three tables it can't be that hard. We won't go again. There was a table next to ours with pots and glasses on it waiting to be cleared and it was still like it when we left! God knows how long our plates etc would be waiting... God help them if it did get busy. 

The only good thing was it was easy to get in and out of with a wheelchair.  

Sometimes all it takes is someone to say what the next hurdle will be in my recovery to send me into worrying about how I will cope. I do try and keep a lid on the emotional side of  all this, putting on my stiff upper lip, but like everyone else, doubts and lack of confidence  can creep in. Instead of taking things one step ( excuse the pun) at a time, my thoughts start racing and I spend the night tossing and turning overthinking stuff. That is my own fault in a way too, allowing other people to bring me down to their pessimistic level. I'm sure if I can come this far in this short span of time I will beat the next phase too... My glass is half full not half empty. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Thursday.

I need to start by thanking Karen Smurthwaite for the lovely envelope stuffed full of Dy-cuts she sent me. It was lovely to receive something nice in the post for a change.

Also the other good thing was that I got my tax back from buying my walker. I didn't know but as a now registered Cerebral Palsy sufferer any items I buy that helps my mobility I get my tax back. Better than a kick in the teeth. 

Other than that a quiet day Ian bought the shopping round ( thank you Mr Ian) and Charlotte came round for a visit later on and we planned our trip out tomorrow for lunch. Going in to Gamston on the new 33 bus so we can go to the Goose.  That book came I ordered ready to start reading over the weekend. Photos are of my scar on the right side of my leg and the actual book.

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Wednesday. 

Wash day. And Physio at home day. The nurse came at just gone half ten to check my progress. She was very pleased, she got me doing strength tests and balance checks, both were good enough for her to see I'm trying to improve slightly each day. She gave me a new set of exercises to add to my others as my thigh muscles need a bit of a workout as they've lost some strength due to being quite immobile for a while. Luckily we had the resistance bands from when we used to do the exercise class over at the centre, which she said will help do that. She will also pass on my progress and other info on to the gp as they are still not getting the up to date picture of the pace and place I'm at in my recovery. She said it will be at least another two months before I'm walking outside even with a walker as this was a complex break made even more complex with my existing disability. The problem is because the phone appointments with the doctor are just conversations they aren't up to speed on how slow this process is in this instance. Most people would up and moving fully by now, but I will need  extra time to regain my mobility to the range it was before. 

After she had gone I did another round of the exercises she had given me and Kev went to the village. Not for much, but now the corner shop isn't as good he is refusing to use it as he used to and prefers to get stuff from the precinct. 

I did manage to do my dyalog pages, and prep a couple of others. 

Later on I watched the BBC 2 book programme "Between the Covers" I do like watching it but it isn't very often they bring anything that grabs me enough to do more than check it out on Amazon. Tonight however, that Vicar from Gogglebox Kate was on and she bought one along called The Five. It grabbed my attention straight away because its about Jack the Ripper. So a quick look on Amazon and I ordered it. Unusually it was cheaper in paperback rather than kindle, so I've ordered an actual book! It should come tomorrow... So that's my weekend while Kev is at work sorted then! 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Monday.

A relaxed day. We like to do this on a Monday after Kev has been to work. He usually gets home aching and knackered. So, we try not to plan to do much as a rule. He watched highlights of the pagent so he could see the puppets and floats I'd been banging on about. 

Tuesday.

Shower first, so much easier now I can walk in and out of the cubicle. The only time I was a bit apprehensive was when the floor of the shower was still wet and I could feel my feet slip a little. That's just confidence on my part. I just had to take a deep breath and take that step forward. Luckily Kev was there and has the patience to stand and wait while I pull myself together and deal with it. 

I got changed while Kev showered and when he was ready we went out. Still in my chair, it was a nice morning so we went round town and stopped for Maccy's for lunch at the one just outside Vic Centre. It's easy to sit outside there and has plenty of room between tables for the chair to be parked. 

We got what we wanted and sat in the sun for a little while. It's nice to do this as we can't sit out at home in peace. Especially at the moment. 

We got home to find the walker I've ordered had come, no warning it was on its way ( was due on Friday 10th) sitting on the porch. Kev bought it in and put the handles on it. Ready for the next phase of my recovery. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Sunday. 

Grotty day weather wise Kev went to work and had to wear one of the waterproof jackets we bought recently. I got up about 8.30 am and got dressed etc. 

I pottered about and even managed to stand long enough to wash the pots. 

In the afternoon I watched the pagent which made up for the majority of the entertainment on the night before. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Saturday.

Kev went to work he left here at 6ish and although he tries hard not to wake me, I was awake as usual. This time though I stayed put. Now I can potter around a little and can dress myself I can do all that after he has gone take my time and use my walker to get into the living room. He still leaves me everything I need drinks, food etc. I haven't yet got the strength to stand and wash the pots or mess about in the kitchen, so I just grab and go. It's a slow process of taking one thing in at a time as I still need my walker to move about, but there is improvement every day. Just little things like being able to stand a little more, for longer, hold the position for the exercises a little better. Not great strides but little gains. The one I'm trying to improve at the moment is being able to brush my teeth standing up. At the moment I'm having to sit on the shower stool in front of the sink, as my balance is a bit off, so, I have to hold on to my walker with at least one hand. I'm trying to increase how long I can let go for. Like I said little wins. 

I spent the day chatting online to a friend, stamping and colouring some images and doing a journal page and listening to audible. I bought a few in the sale so I have a few to go at. It's quite nice to be read to, and it means I can still be crafting at the same time. Daytime TV is even worse at weekends so I kept it off until the Jubilee stuff was on after Kev got home. We watched it with Charlotte and had a laugh, I loved the Paddington bit with the Queen, thought quite a few of the acts were OK but quite a few left me scratching my head. Rod Stewart shouldn't be singing now, Adam Lambert is a poor parody of himself, and don't get me started on Elton bloody John. I've never liked him, and it's embarrassing that he is bought out like slightly chipped china everytime there's a royal gig. And who that girl was that murdered "Wonderful World" was I have no idea. Or the six wives of Henry the 8th?!! Kev's response was well we now know why he killed them. Classic. Diana Ross was OKish in a cast off from Ru Paul it looked like ( or was it a duvet) it did not flatter her, and her wig needed putting on properly. It was the kids I felt sorry for they looked bored out of their minds bless em and it must have been way past their bedtimes. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Friday.

We watched the Royals turn up at the church ( St Pauls) just to nosy and see what they all wore and who was there. Surprised that Meghan was allowed in. After the shameful way she accused the "firm" of racist treatment and other rubbish I wouldn't dare show my face if I were her. But, then again a dodgy actress who thinks we've all forgotten by now. Judging by the boos we heard, not many of the public had. 

Still I suppose its a family thing and sometimes you have to let things go in order to move on. 

Charlotte nipped round with Ian to bring the shopping, which is so helpful, it saves Kev lugging water back from the shop. Especially now he won't be using the top shop anymore. They've been taken over and the prices have gone up, plus what they sell has gone down in amount and quality. He'll be going to the Co-op in the precinct more now. 

I did try my revitive today to see how it felt. I have to be careful not to have it up too high right now so it doesn't put too much pressure on the healing area. But I think with nightly gentle use it will do some good for my circulation. 

The scars are healing well, itching loads bit they look neat and are flattening. It's just the stiffness and swelling to combat now. I'm hoping the revitive will help. I'm doing my exercises daily and walking as instructed, not too much and certainly only indoors. I sold my knee stroller and ordered a walker ready for the next phase. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul.

Thursday.

We got up and ready to go to West Bridgeford to the park. The buses are only running Sunday timetables. So we got the 10.50am. We went to get picnic food etc from M&S. We went to a bench on Central Avenue and waited for Charlotte. When she arrived she got coffee's from the cafe in the park and found seats near Bridgeford Hall. It was a excellent place for people watching. The weather was kind to us, and we had our picnic and alcohol free fizzy wine and toasted the Queen. 

We saw a gathering by the Hall and it became apparent that it was a wedding party. 

Charlotte and I had a fit of the giggles as we observed a couple of ladies in what looked like duvets... 

We had ice creams again from the cafe and then made our way to the bus stop. 

It was busy on the bus, and as usual no one moved so Kev could easily park me and the wheelchair properly. He got me in eventually and off again. 

It was lovely for me to have an outing and be able to sit and relax and have a laugh. 

In the evening we watched the beacons being lit and caught up on all the pomp and pageantry of the day. 

The long dark tea-time of the soul

Wednesday.

Wash day so Kev was up early. He was going to put the washing outside, but the gardeners came, and as they make a right mess and the grass cuttings would end up all over it He decided to just dry it over at the laundry room. 

We should in fact be grateful we get gardeners. My friend Karen who lives in similar accommodation has to do her own despite being severely disabled. Ours have broken several ornaments and chopped down plants we were growing, but at least it gets cut for us.

We watched Morbius the Marvel comic Vampire movie with Jared Leto playing the main character. We'd been waiting for it come out for ages. It was released late due to the post pandemic chaos. Its a shame it won't get the turnout at the cinema because it is for its type a good movie. 

Talking of movies I am torn about Fantastic Beasts 3, I like the stories, but the shameful way they ( WB) treated Johnny Depp because of the Amber Heard lies makes me not want to give them the money. 

Which has all been proven as a bunch of vindictive lies in court. He deserves a full apology from both WB and Disney. And before anyone jumps down my throat, I'm not saying he was/is an angel, but he didn't deserve to be branded a wife beater by someone who was basically pissed off because he wanted a divorce and she'd signed a prenuptial and wouldn't get any of his money. Plus she has repeatedly accused previous exes of beating her up. Women like her really get my hackles up. It makes it harder for women who are really being abused both mentally and physically to get justice because of women like her that falsely accuse. I never doubted for a minute that he wasn't like that. There is just something about him that says he hadn't

. Yes, he has his problems but don't we all... Wife beater isn't one of them. Everybody else will jump on board the #justiceforjohnny bandwagon now, but I know what I believed from the get go, and that's all that matters. All the sheeple who believed her and kicked him when he was down will no doubt jump the other side. It's funny to watch them.