In Between Days.

Thursday.

Spent 38 mins ringing the DWP because I had a letter saying they hadn't received my assessment form. Apparently there is a problem  at the moment, so they might have to send me out another. Fantastic. Why the hell you can't fill it out online is beyond me. You could update it more often then, and keep them informed of any changes. Anyway, I've got to ring them back next week if I've not heard anything. 

Kev took a couple of bags of clothes to the recycling bins as we have both had a bit of a cull. I've put a few more bits on Vinted. I'm trying to stick yo my one in one out policy. Anything I've not worn for 12 months I get rid of. 

It's still very warm and muggy here, so we still have the chillers on in both rooms and have both slept on top of the bedclothes constantly. 

I've prepped next month's dyalog, and cut ( with help from Kev while he watched the cricket) loads of collage... Its amazing how much time can disappear when you do stuff like that but it is relaxing. Obviously I still did my exercises this morning. I'm going to do my revitive again in the morning to keep my legs from aching as much as they have lately. 

I've heard no more from Trent Barton, but I'm presuming I won't, they said it would take anything up to ten days. Let's hope the next time he is driving our bus, He will think twice before making any stupid sarcastic remarks again. We shall see. 

In Between Days

I sometimes wonder if those of you that read my blog on a regular basis, believe half of what I write. Reading it back myself, even though I know it's true, some entries sound far fetched... 

Today is one of those days. I had a letter from the hospital saying that I had cancelled my last two appointments at the lipids clinic so they were referring me back to the surgery. 

One, THEY cancelled the first appointment due to the nurses strike, TWO, I was advised by the clinic not to attend as I had a stomach bug... Grrr... I of course rang the doctors, who bless them were OK with it and amended my notes accordingly. Upshot is I now have to donate a bit more of the red sticky stuff at the surgery. Then they'll be able to see if the pills I'm taking are having the right effect. Then

They will decide if the dosage can come down or not. 

This was the unbelievable bit, I was talking to the head nurse at the surgery right? In order to make a blood test appointment I had to put the phone down, ring the surgery again ( join the queue again!) To book the appointment!

Which I did, the receptionist couldn't make me an appointment as the head nurse had my notes, would I hold while she went and fetched them? Lol... was it below the head nurses pay grade to book me an appointment? Unbelievable...

We had lunch out in Bridgeford with Charlotte at Cafe Nero. It was very warm but stormy looking, still waiting for it to happen. 

On the way back the bus driver was again the one we call Richard, and, once again he started to make jokes about me not carrying any bags. Well it was one time too many for Kev, who said basically if you haven't got anything nice to say say nothing. The bus driver said he was only kidding and Charlotte told him to find something funny.

The thing is,  I feel awful enough that I can't manage to help Kev carry the bags when we shop. I struggle to carry myself, keeping my balance is why I now use my stick. While it might only seem a harmless bit of fun to say Kev is a pack horse, it makes me feel worse than I already do. 

So finally after many months I've made a formal complaint to Trent Barton. I've just asked them to have a quiet word with him, not to say anything anymore. I'm not a natural complainer, but today was the straw that broke the camels back. 

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

It should have been our day to meet Sue and Pete but unfortunately that wasn't to be as poor old Sue has more problems with her teeth. 

Anyway, we headed to town as we needed some bits and bobs from Holland and Barrett. I always buy my glucosamine and calcium from them as well as the green cola ( made with stevia, not sugar, and doesn't make your blood sugar spike like aspartame)  while I was in there I noticed the skincare was on offer so I'm giving that a try this time. I normally buy Liz Earle, but unless you get a bumper offer from QVC it can be eye wateringly expensive. So, for the price of a cleanse and polish tube I got an eye serum and moisturiser. We will see how it compares. 

On the bus on the way home it was Richard driving, he got off at Broadmarsh to swap with another driver. As he did so, a couple approached him and asked if he knew where they caught the number 50. He said no flatly, and walked off to the drivers area. Couldn't even be bothered to find out for them. What a twat waffle! It's exactly why we call him Richard instead of Dave ( his real name). Because he is a right Dick. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Early start for a Monday as we for the ten to ten bus to Trent Bridge for the women's ashes last day. 

We heard someone singing and looked up above the music bar inside the ground and it was Steve McGill, Rona's husband performing. Very well I hasten to add. We waved and headed to the Rushcliffe road stand and got settled. 

It started out looking like England had a slight chance of at least drawing level, but that soon disappeared as more wickets fell. Shame, and it was a quick game, with us being out the ground by 12.40, Steve bought us his lunch voucher which was lovely of him, as he wouldn't need it, we have stashed that for another game when we shall stay longer. We decided to go to the William Gunn for lunch. Having heard about it opening, but hadn't got chance to try it out.

Glad we did too, as it was lovely. Food was excellent, I had the fish and chips and Kev had a Panini with brie and bacon. They do lunch specials for £8.50, well worth it, I had a couple of their mocktails too, a maiden mule with ginger ale, rosemary and lime. Very refreshing  on what was a cloudy but warm day. I think you can safely say we will go back. Not as expensive as Larwood and Voce, but the food was on par quality wise. It means we have a couple of nice pubs to visit in that vicinity. 

The TBI is OK but, can get too busy and you feel as if you need to rush if you go for food in there, whereas in both William Gunn and The Navigation you feel comfortable and welcome to stay as long as you like. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Another hot sunny day. I didn't take a jacket, so it was a busy day, which is good as time goes faster. Most people seemed in a good mood. There was a couple it must be said, but then there always are. Kev had a nasty one, and by all accounts did well to hold his temper. 

I was expecting a storm as we were coming home, but one didn't materialise. 

As the Cricket hasn't finished there might be a half day left to go, Kev got tickets for tomorrow. So out chill day will be sat at Trent Bridge, which will make a nice change. 

Glastonbury was on and we watched Rick Astley and some of the Lightning Seeds. Obviously if you know me, you'll know that I can't stand Elton John. Never have, don't know why, his voice grates on my every nerve. Kev watched a bit, and said that he was good, still some life in the old lady yet. Unpopular opinion, mine but I've never been a sheeple. Only song I liked was Candle in the Wind, sung by someone else, and not the butchered England's Rose which he dredged up to make money on the back of his "friend' Diana. It guaranteed him a slot at every Royal bash like, so I suppose you have to give him kudos for business savvy. 

Now Freddie I could listen to for hours and he was taken too soon. But thems the breaks as they say, we get left with that. Give me Robert Smith, Freddie Mercury, David Sylvian George Michael or Myles Kennedy any day, thank you very much, even Rod Stewart ( not as he sings now, back in his heyday) but just bloody retire Elton for gods sake... 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Another hot but clammy day. 

I put the fan on at the table and set to and did my pages. Kev nipped to fetch my meds. I was resting up, my leg was giving me grief. Everyone said the cold would be painful where the metal is, but I'm having more pain when it's hot, almost as if it expanding and contracting with the heat. I've upped my pain meds for now. As for my left one, I think I might have to resort to the compression sock again to try and stop the bloody thing from turning inward. Oh well, nothing new. 

So resting seems to be the best option at the moment, a session on the bike and my exercises from physio I'm still doing obviously. But no long walks.

Friday.

We went to Bridgeford briefly after Ian had dropped off the stuff he got us from Aldi. 

We got food for the weekend and I had something to post. 

We weren't long just a quick pop in and out. The M&S in Bridgeford drives us bonkers, customers wander round there like they are the only people in the shop. M&S Zombies. They stop dead in front of you, walk in front of you. Or stand staring at the shelves waiting for divine inspiration to make the food they want jump into their baskets... So we grab and go and get the heck out of dodge ASAP. 

I had a bit of a card making session realising that I haven't made many Halloween cards yet and a few goth mates with Birthdays on the horizon. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

We got up to full on heavy rain and decided to skip our usual trip out. No point going out to get soaked. 

We did need some food though so got the bus into the village to Sainsbury's and got what we needed. 

Kev waited until late afternoon when the world and his wife had done with the laundry to take ours over, with the intention of getting ours done, giving us the chance to go out if it was a decent day the next day instead.

He got finished early evening. 

Charlotte popped over for coffee and being as she was off the next day we arranged to go out together.

Wednesday.

A much better day if cloudy, and we got the bus to the rail station and began the walk down to Castle Marina. Steady and slow, with plenty of sits for us both, ( Charlotte has a bad knee, and my obvious limitations with walking) we had a rest stop at Costa first and then went round B&M, we then went to Sainsbury's. We got a few items and then walked back to Station Street and Industry where we had lunch and some drinks. We caught the bus home from Broadmarsh bus station and then had a chilled out afternoon. My feet ached, but it was worth it as we had all had a lovely day in the sunshine at our own pace... 

In Between Days

Monday.

Rest day, much needed after a busy first weekend back at work. 

I spent the day cutting collage sheets, doing doodling and borders in next months dyalog, giving Willow some much deserved fuss. 

Kev watched the Cricket, and I must admit to watching a bit during my breaks crafting. I don't mind now I understand a bit of the game, which wasn't always the case, having gone to a few games I get the gist of it now. I prefer the 100 or 20/20 being honest, but the Ashes are played quicker than some games of red ball Cricket, so it isn't boring. 

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Dull but warm start, took my raincoat, but put it in my bag. But you could tell it was brewing for a storm or heavy rain. Both legs were heavy and achy, I now have two weather vanes lol... 

Really busy day. I thought it might be quieter with people visiting and taking their Dad's out, but no. A lot buying last minute cards, gifts, and bottles of booze. Some really big orders, luckily they left the shop in a fairly timely manner. I was able to go help Kev by taking his handset back for him and then went to the bus stop. 

We were just leaving Bridgeford when the heavens opened and we stood at the bus stop in order to zip up our macs. 

It continued all night, by the looks of it, but it isn't any cooler, the thunderstorm never happened, and the one the night before only freshened the air for a short while. 

In Between Days.

Friday.

A chill out day before we head back to work after what's been a lovely break. 

I have a blister on my big toe, by way of a change -NOT

I must have the world record for blisters, I never go a summer or winter without at least one. 

So, Kev made my favourite dinner to cheer me up, new potatoes, broad beans and bacon with mint sauce. The bacon must be crispy as in cremated. If it doesn't shatter when you put your fork in it, it isn't done enough. I used to say send it to Bretby ( crematorium) now it's Rushcliffe Oaks as in the one opposite The Shepherds... 

I got Kev to dig me a sleepy tee out of the vacuum bags in the airing cupboard as I think it stands a chance of being cooler to sleep in. 

Saturday.

Hot and sunny on the way into work, I left my jacket at home and wore sunglasses. Hay-fever is playing havoc with my lenses and Kev has a sore throat, again pollen related. Mind you, they cut the grass here Friday so, you can imagine it made both of us worse. 

It was busy, and a lot of Fathers day cards and booze were going through the tills. 

I was surprised how busy town was on the way home, despite the events earlier on in the week, I had thought it would put people off, but it looked just as busy as normal. We hardly ever go out of a nighttime anymore, and never into the city. So it won't change what we do. Time will tell if it impacts the student population in the coming terms. To be fair, it could happen in any town/city. Perhaps the best thing to do is not change anything. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Another beautiful day. We went on the bus to town, I needed a few bits, top up of the travel gear we had used up, I wanted a couple of T shirts, blister plasters ( always!) And those tablets I couldn't get Wednesday. We had a impromptu picnic in Trinity Square avoiding the Market Square as they were setting up for the vigil later on. We had a lovely ice cream each from Creams, just round the corner from Son of Steak. 

I really struggled to find plain black T shirts in the end I found two perfect ones from of all places Bon Marche a place I rarely think of. Exactly what I was after and they didn't cost an arm and a leg!

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Washing done early as Kev was able to hang it all out. 

Charlotte came over and we headed to Bridgeford for a coffee. I had post to drop off at the post office, we nipped round Peacocks which is inside the Co-op, and I got a lovely sleeveless jumpsuit,  I needed tablets from Boots, well, I did, but as the pharmacist had left the building, I couldn't buy any... Bloody ridiculous, when I was in the pharmacy, the on duty pharmacist couldn't leave the building for more than 10 minutes. Even if they were doing a 12 hour shift. 

We had iced coffees in the sunshine at Cafe Nero before heading back home. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We had planned to meet Sue and Pete in the city. Charlotte text us and said to be careful as most of the city was closed because of a major incident. We weren't aware then how awful the incident was. We watched the news trickled through about three people being murdered and another three being seriously injured by what seems like the same maniac. 

Shocking. Absolutely horrific.

We contacted Sue so we could save them getting stuck in town.

They picked us and took us to The Willow Tree for lunch. It was lovely to see them. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Up early to pack and get the case on the coach. Breakfast had, we set off against glooming skies, The air hot and humid. Sweaty conditions even with the air con on the coach. Not feeling overly wellI tried to sleep, I don't sleep well traveling.

We had our first stop and I bought some food for us both, perhaps not a good idea, as I was already feeling a bit dodgy. 

I didn't have much of an appetite so, Having had just a little, I realised I just should have bought drinks for me. We were about half an hour from home, when I became really nauseous and had to concentrate on not being sick. That said the minute I crossed the road after leaving the coach I headed for the vegetation in the crossing and puked my guts up twice. I hate being sick. 

We went for the Cotgrave, Kev bought me some lucasade as that helps. 

The Cotgrave came and I felt OK, so we got on. A storm rolled right over us, with really nasty lightning, and rowdy and loud thunder straight after the flashes. You might know that I am scared of storms if you know me well enough. Not a good place to be outside for me. I go to pieces so fast people get hit by the shrapnel! Joking aside, having a fear phobia is very debilitating I can see logically that it's probably not going to hurt me, but logic goes out the window when you fear something. No amount of pulling my big girl panties on will help. I did manage to reign it in a little, as me being scared was making a little kid scared. Bless. Luckily by the time we hit Cotgrave village it had blown over a little. 

We got in, and my guts emptied again, lucky I made it to the bathroom... I got changed and lay on the bed. Kev bless him unpacked as I dozed fitfully. After a nap, I started to feel better a little. Even now my stomach is sore.

I have no idea what caused it, the heat, the coach journey, the impeding storm ( I do usually get a bad gut before one) so I have no idea. I'll see how I feel after a good night's sleep.

In other news it was lovely to see Willow and Charlotte, we bought a little gift for Charlotte for looking after Willow as we wouldn't get a break without her looking after her. She always looks after her so well because she loves her as much as we do. 

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Woke up to beautiful birdsong. A lovely little bird on our terrace was singing his heart out... The sun was already warm as we went for breakfast. We sauntered off after eating to the marina, downhill about 10 mins, but with me probably 15, we sat watching the boats with a coffee until the land train came. 

We got on that and started the 50 minute round trip. It took you to Torre Abbey. You could jump off there if you wanted, or continue to the beach which we did. 

The beach was lovely, and we sat with a lovely cool breeze for a while. Then we crossed the road to look round the Abbey Park. We had water and an ice cream from the kiosk and sat people watching. Witnessed a young Mum have a go at a bloke because he went to the baby change loo in front of her ( no kid, obviously didn't care) while she was managing a toddler and a baby who both needed changing. Bloke couldn't care less, and she gave him a mouthful. 

He turned to me ( I was sat on the wall waiting for Kev who was using the pay loos round the other side) and said to me I have every right to use a loo that's open right? I turned round and said, no, that's free for mothers and babies, the ones round the other side are 20p for everyone else. He carried on muttering and said something about us slags sticking together. I just called him a cockwomble. That shut him up and made the young Mum laugh at least. 

Typically the husband/boyfriend of the Mum turned up just as she'd struggled both kids inside. He didn't even offer to help. Useful twonk obviously. 

We found the bus stop after about 3pm, just outside the park and headed back to the hotel. Kev had a snooze and a shower while I sat out on the little sun trap enjoying the sun and reading. As it was the last night we couldn't be bothered to go back to the harbour and opted to sit on the pool/bar terrace. We were there till the entertainment was on and then took our wine inside watching the live version of Neptune's bar once more. One thing I do have to say is the bar in the hotel is very cheap. The pints were £3 and shorts were £2 with mixer, I opted for a bottle of rose at £10, with lemonade to spritz it which was a £1 a can. Compared to the harbour the night before a bargain. I think that's why most people hung around there to be fair. Kev said they probably do it to keep the trade from the groups they get in from companies like National Holidays. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Grey and overcast with some rain to start with, but warm enough to sweat in a jacket, we set out for a wander and explore of the harbour, shops and beach. Its pretty, and even prettier when the sun came out early afternoon. Its a typical English seaside resort somewhere between the commercial Brighton and the sleepy almost dead Morecambe. The hills are a bit steep, so we soon discovered that buses only charge £1.50 ( or free on a bus pass! Yay) so that became our favourite mode of transport. There's a little train that chugs you from the various little sightseeing areas for £2.99  a day ticket which you hop on/off when ever you fancy. A good way to get to the beach. 

We found a Spoons ( we always find a Spoons) but it was heaving so we had a little potter round some shops. The usual stuff mostly, but the odd independent ones with one alternative shop that had insence sticks, burners, and crystals. Nothing we could buy back home. But it was nice to see it thriving. We had a bite to eat because Kev spotted a Cornish Pastie shop. I couldn't finish mine as I don't really eat pastry or pies often but Kev took the challenge on of mine as well as his. 

Our room has a little garden attached with French doors, and when we eventually made it back to hotel it made a perfect place to have coffee and read before getting ready for the evening. We will venture down to Harbour tonight and maybe go back to the little bar we found this morning. Two for one cocktails and pitchers sound an excellent idea to me. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Early start we went on the bus with Charlotte ( who poor sod was going into work!) I'm sure the bus driver used to work for a funeral directors. If he'd gone any slower we could've walked quicker. 

When we got there we had time to grab a maccys breakfast ( in my case, a mcmuffin)

Then we went to the pick up point. We met a nice family who were waiting for the same coach and we chatted. The coach was running late. I rang to check it was in fact still coming, and there was an accident on the motorway which made it 30 minutes late. 

When he picked us up we got settled for a long drive. Because of further pick ups and traffic we eventually got into Torquay at 7pm. We got unpacked, showered etc and had dinner. As it was the first night we stayed in the hotel. 

There is a cheap bar and entertainment laid on. Very Neptune's ( Benidorm watchers will get the reference) but we won the quiz thanks to limited imput from me and Kev the music oracle. Lol. A box of chocs, which we shared round the room.

I was by turn, highly amused and horrified at was a typical British experience. Memories of 18-30's holidays abroad were extremely acute. 

We went to the room about 12ish and slept quite well. Only downside to the hotel was no lifts, but it's clean and comfortable. Ready for a day exploring tomorrow.

In Between Days.

Thursday.

Hair day. Up and showered and then walked down to Blu for a cut and colour with Amanda. As always she's sorted me out lovely. It was only a two hour visit today as she didn't need to bleach my highlights. I went for the copper as it shines lovely in the sun. So we came out in enough time to grab a chippy lunch before they shut at two and had them on the seats in the precinct. Very nice they were too. If that doesn't get us in the mood for the seaside nothing will. The afternoon was very warm and we walked to Colston Gate to get the bus back. We sat enjoying the sunshine waiting for the bus, and almost missed the bloody thing, so wrapped up in the glorious weather it nearly went past us. 

We got home and packed one case between us will be enough. A far cry from the Whitby days when we needed a Eddie Stobart lorry to carry all our gear, those were the days, planning each outfit right down to the jewellery. Packing was a military exercise back then. Now, any excess packing is to cover for all weather possibilities that holidaying in England can throw at you. 

I hopefully broke in my new sandals, without a problem but I'll wear my Doc Martens to travel in. Never leave home without one pair at least. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Kev took everything we might need for the weekend away. I cleaned the bathroom and went through the bedroom drawers sorting stuff out. We are going into the village tomorrow for the hairdressers so, we can dump some stuff in the recycling banks. 

We might stay out after and have lunch somewhere after. Then come back and pack. I also got some more sandals from Amazon to try out for 7 days. They are by Fly London and are lighter than my doc sandals so I might get rid of a pair of those if these are OK. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into town had breakfast at The Roebuck. Sadly they no longer do my favourites avocado on toast or pancakes. I had a toasted muffin with egg and cheese similar to a mc muffin, but not as good. Won't be having breakfast there again in a hurry, back to Maccy's on Friday before we go on the coach methinks. 

I've found out the hotel we are staying at has a pool. So I treated myself to a new swimming costume. And Kev bought some swimming shorts. Just in case we fancy a swim 🏊‍♀️. Good for both my legs and less impact than most other forms of exercise.

I also bought a new backpack to take with me, as my work one isn't big enough and if I've learned anything from the accident in Durham I need to have "just in case" items with me. Lense gear, basic toiletries, even a night shirt. I'm not planning on needing them, but you learn the hard way. Plus I'm a great believer in if you have them with you, you won't need them. Daft I know, but it's like taking a brolly out with you just in case it rains, nine times out of ten it doesn't, but that one time you don't it pees it down. Better to be a girl guide and be prepared. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Last day for nearly a fortnight. Yay! So ready for a break. It was dull and quite cold first off, but as the day went on it got sunny and warm. It was on the turn by the time we got home. It was a busy day, and it was hard getting people out in time. We got the buses ok came home with Charlotte on the bus and the strange little guy that chats to Kev about music or about the buses ( or lack of mainly)

In Between Days

Friday gorgeous morning so we went to Bridgeford to get the food for the weekend. It was so nice we went for a coffee at Cafe Nero. The avenue was packed as was the little green cafe so it was where they had room. We finished off the shopping and headed home.

Charlotte came over and we watched Renfield again as Kev has bought it on buy and keep on Sky. 

Saturday.

Busy first thing with the weather being nice, and the FA Cup final being on in the afternoon. Once the coverage had started it went quiet. It had just picked up again as I was heading home. 

Early night for us both as we were knackered. I'm ready for our week off. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

I go ages without dreaming anything vividly, but then I have the odd one that sticks in my head long after I wake up. Usually weird, and I know that it is just your brains way of sorting through your subconscious. Some disturb me as they contain my parents and are usually warnings of impending trouble. 

This one was vivid, like a sort of steampunk/ cyberpunk theme to it. Everyone in it had body modifications that were mechanical and visibly so, open cogworks and some of the buildings did too... I was working in what was a tattoo parlor of sorts, but they tweaked the mechanical body parts... I haven't watched anything remotely Sci-fi so it wasn't a reworking of a series or movie, and I'm not a fan of that genre of books, preferring paranormal and preternatural books. I suppose it might be influenced by the Dr Hunter books a little but he is a forensic anthropologist, and these were live people not dead. 

But basically weird. I'll let you know if it relates to anything in the future, lol. The really odd thing was I woke up really calm and peaceful. Instead of agitated, like something had been resolved. The only other time I'd woken up calm like that was when Kev's Dad came to me in a dream to say he was OK. It was about a fortnight after he died, I was very upset as I was very fond of his Dad, and I wasn't dealing with it well. After that dream I felt calm and and began treating it as a blessing he had gone, rather than something to be sad about. The brain is a complex machine and it's ways of healing and dealing are a mystery that I don't ever think will be fully understood. I did try keeping a dream diary once, but I find it more useful to add it in my blog then I can always pull it back up without having to search through paperwork. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day and delivery day. I was waiting for my tiki to totem to come from The Range. I ordered it last Tuesday after we had seen it, it was too bulky to carry and they do home delivery. I was also waiting for my underwear that I'd ordered from Amazon. So a day to stay in and do my dyalog after all the other stuff I do. The weather was quite cold and damp, a million miles away from last week. 

Wanted to tidy up the garden a bit and make room for Zuma ( short for Montezuma) but it was raining so we will put him out when it clears up a little and we can chop back some of the ivy. We can hardly see Abbaddon the gargoyle because it's grown so much. Kev will chop it back a bit and then he can sit with Dum Dum, Mud Mud and Um Um the Easter Island statues.