In Between Days

Friday.

A better night for me. I slept until 7.30am from 10pm the night before, I only really woke because Willow was crying and she wanted company. I got up and cuddled her, fed her before it got too warm. I finished my tag for the group and did my walk on the treadmill. Kev went down to the village. 

We had a day in. The heat rose again hitting 26° at it's highest today, not as bad as it has been, but it makes the bungalow hot because ours is in full sun all day. We are on the end so the walls soak up all that heat from all angles. Thank goodness for the fan. 

Kev ordered a new freezer drawer door as the other one broke. That came and Kev managed to install it. So that's fixed now. I think he wants to get most of what we need while we still can. 

 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Early morning thunderstorm woke me around 4ish. As you know I am scared of lighting, and this one was quite bad, did some damage locally, a tree down and in Cropwell too somewhere was struck. 

But, I hung in there and stayed in bed, albeit awake, ( I can't sleep) it upsets my system I get a headache, a bad gut, and I get really anxious. Kev slept through but I did stay put, I'm getting better. I covered my eyes with my hand to see less of the lighting, and I had an idea of buying an eye mask to wear when we get another storm which should help hopefully. 

We went to the city with Charlotte to have iced coffee at Black Sheep, and get a few bits including lunch before heading home before the real heat hit.

We got back home and chilled out. Not wanting to do much after getting our steps in during our trip in to the city. 

The Dexcom trial came, but I don't really like how it attaches to your body. Not a fan of needles you have to inflict on yourself. So that's not happening. I'll just wait and see what my numbers are in August at my review. 

The heat got unbearable later on, and I suspect that'll mean more storms are on the way. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

A little cooler with a breeze, but by midday it was back up to 30°, we did go out, a little trip to Bingham centre. Just something a little bit different. Didn't buy much. It was mainly a wander round. 

We came home for lunch. As we got off we saw Ian who had just finished work, as he was accompanying Lauren to a hospital appointment. 

He showed us a picture Dorothy had painted. It looks like she is enjoying herself and settling in well at Fosse View. 

Kev has bought some expresso iced coffees and we've tried a couple. Very good and even during this hot spell it means we get our caffeine fix. 

I finished that second book in the Lost Souls series, so I've downloaded the next one, The Moon Drinks Moijitos. Let's hope is as enjoyable as the others. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Another really warm 34° day humid too, storms predicted for late afternoon, giving me a heavy pre headache feeling. 

Drained too. 

We couldnt go out, mainly because they were down to paint externally and wash down pvc. They didn't come, so we have no choice but to go out tomorrow as Kev has an eye scan. 

So, we didnt do a lot, the vacuum bags came from Amazon and we both used them to put clothing in and squish them down to give us more room in the drawers. 

My new shorts came, and they fit great. Very similar to the Halarah ones but longer. 

The storms came in earnest around 7pm and continued to roll around until 8pm. It didn't cool it down much, thank goodness for the fan. 

We had a fairly early night, as both of us were done in, the lost sleep over the weekend catching up with both of us. 

In Between Days

Bank Holiday Monday.

We had a better night, carrying the fan into the bedroom was the answer. The bed, stripped of the duvet was cooler and we both benefited from it.

We went into the city because we can't go out tomorrow, workmen are coming to our area to do external painting and cleaning, they need windows and doors opening and we don't want them accidentally scaring Willow. So, we went on the early bus and had breakfast at Black Sheep Coffee shop. Kev had a bacon cob and I had an Acai bowl. We both had cold brews, at one point the heat hit 36° which is unheard of in May. After that we nipped to Holland and Barrett, Tesco and Sainsbury's and eventually M&S. I was looking for shorts, but Bermuda style ones, all I could find were denim ones, not what I wanted for warmer weather. I gave up and ordered some online when I got home. I am too old to be trotting around in bum grazing shorts, great in my 20s, not my 60s! 

We came home after that, walking down to Broadmarsh to get the bus, and were back home by midday and the hotter part of the day. 

I spent the afternoon going through my drawers in the bedroom, looking for shorts I already own, and found them buried at the bottom of my never ending t-shirt collection. So we ordered some more vacuum bags so I can store them in those and find them easier with the bags being see through. 

Kev watched the football while I started my tag for the group, and read. 

We had salads for tea ( I didn't want lunch as that breakfast acai bowl filled me) 

Sadly, my watch broke, or rather the pin area snapped, so you can't put a strap on it any more. Again Amazon to the rescue and I've ordered a new one. 

The vacuum bags were supposed to arrive tonight but didnt come. The amount of times this happens just lately, Why they say they'll be here the same day is beyond me. They reckon they'll be here by the 28th now. We'll see. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Very warm 28° at lunchtime. We stripped the bed and put just a throw on it, as neither of us had a good night it was very warm and still, so, off came the duvet and I went over to the laundry room at the centre with that and the other washing. We put the duvet in a vacuum bag and used the handy dandy air ram hand held squashed it down so it could go back in the linen cupboard. We did the same with the bedding once it was dry. It smelled so much better for being outside. 

Kev did a bit of shifting around as we discovered that the photo frame in direct sun couldn't be seen properly, so he moved it to the side of the TV unit, shifting Marvin and the girls over a tad. The air purifier is now next to Patricia on the bookshelf. You never know it might work more efficiently up there. 

He also moved the bat and cat buckets to above the window as when he feels up to it,  he wants to hang the bird cage over the tree light in the corner. By the way, instead of a bird, inside it we have a resin bat attached to the perch. It's a cage we bought years ago on an outing with Cathy and Jason. 

It was way too warm to do the treadmill walk, but walking to and from the centre to do the washing, earned me enough steps to count as a rest day. Ive hit my target 6 out of 7, and I always remember the physio when she used to come out, say that it was best to take a day rest when the temperature goes above 27°

In Between Days

Saturday. 

Another beautiful day. We went into Bridgeford to enjoy the weather in the park. Got iced coffees from the Little Green cafe. 

We sat in the park,where we often do. There was another wedding, its quite a good place to sit. If you like seeing people tie the knot. And people watching is your favourite pastime.

We then went to get food for today and tomorrow. Lamb burgers for today and Steak for tomorrow. 

I finished that book last night and downloaded the second in the series to start today. 

I realised a while back that I'm at the most peaceful stage in my life that I've ever known. I love this for me. The glow of candles ( faux ones these days, just as pretty, but safer) scents wafting around from the candle warmer,  favourite one has definitely got to be the American Hut French Quarter lobby smell. Its clover and sage mixed with something sweet like powdered sugar, evoking the beignets straight from the fryers. I love the cosy late evenings with Willow on my knee, reading, while we have one of the calming backdrops on YouTube on the TV. 

Sometimes if I'm struggling to sleep, Kev will go to bed leaving me up. It's so quiet and relaxing round this cul-de-sac and long before 11pm, the neighbours stop moving around, allowing you to hear the roof settle and creak. It used to be I couldn't sleep because overthinking, just lately it's simply because my energy levels have risen. Many years ago at Grafton Road I needed the noise of the TV on to help me sleep and I would often pull out the futon sofas into a bed and nod off downstairs. That was back when Kev worked nights and it was like living on my own for chunks of the time. Even if he was off, he would be so knackered bless him he would spend most of his time off asleep. I am so glad those days are gone. 

In Between Days

Friday.

A lovely day, so we headed to the park in Bridgeford, got drinks from Co-op and sat round the area near the registery office watching a wedding and people for a good while getting some much needed vitamin D, and a little walk daily helps Kev, and me. The beauty is we both need regular sits. 

I am very pleased to say Ive now lost 8kg. I was 78.9 kg in October and this morning I weighed in at 70.9 kg! 

All from finding an app on my phone that helps me keep track of carbs, fat, fibre and protein. It means I have to log everything I eat, but you do any plan you follow. But it's worked, I still have another 4kg to go, and I know it will take longer now I'm almost there, but I'm over the moon with the results so far. And this is for health reasons not vanity, so hopefully when I go again for my diabetes checks in August everything will be stable and they'll be pleased at my progress. 

We sold the other room chiller today, for £20. We weren't bothered about making money, just wanted it gone. But it was too good to just give away. The fan we have now is much better at cooling the bungalow and on the higher settings can and does cool all the rooms if the doors to them all are left open. We might have looked crazy buying it in the depths of winter, but then it was half the price they would be now and the black option is no longer available. It is more portable than the old ones, not having water in it helps and so on a hot sticky night can go in the bedroom when we do.

In Between Days

Thursday.

It was supposed to be nice today but, it was cloudy and a little muggy. We took the phone to the Post Office in Bridgeford, had a coffee and nipped to M&S to get the ingredients for a lentil and coconut curry, a recipe from My Diabetes app. It turned out very nice, and certainly will stay in our recipe stash. 

Once home Kev put the new shelving unit up in the kitchen. Just to get some of the stuff up of the counter tops. 

He is moving a little better, but still has to go steady. He is never going to be better as such, he will have to learn pain management like me. It's remembering not to do certain things, no long periods of standing, walking, or turning to quickly. 

Other than that, a more settled day, waiting for my new card to come from the bank, waiting on confirmation that the phone has gone back to Sky and on emails telling me my changes to various businesses have gone through. Hardest part was setting up a new email. That done, it was just the initial faff. 

Thank goodness for the new fan! So much better than the chillers, no messing with water, frozen blocks etc. It's quiet too, so if it does heat up we can cart it into the bedroom at night to cool that down when it comes to sticky nights. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Another day of making phone calls changing sites to reflect that my email is now defunct. A phone call from Sky to say they've sent the packaging to return that damn iPhone. I didn't like them before, now I positively hate them. 

But, it wasn't all a waste of a day. We met Tracey Milano and her lovely Mum for lunch at The Shepherds. It was great to catch up and meet her Mum.

Charlotte did us a big favour to help Kev, by picking us up from there, thereby saving us having to get a  bus to Bridgeford. Meaning he would have to walk less. 

We got back and the packaging had come. We will send it tomorrow. 

A couple of weeks ago I bought a candle that smells the same as the French Quarter lobby and I put it on in the bed room. It smells gorgeous. It takes me right back to walking in that first night we arrived and how fragrant and welcoming it was. I will never tire of that scent. Pair that with tonight, Kev watching football while I sat reading. A cosy witchy tale called Hexes go well with Tequila. I'm really enjoying it after the disappointing Marble Hall Murders, which I've put on the back burner for now to be picked up again when I'm in the mood for a challenge. This one is an easy read, its not perfect, Ive spotted  couple of mistakes ( its possibly A.I written) but its a bit of fluff like Maya's Blogs, to coax me gently into something more gritty afterwards. Nothing wrong with a gentle book in the evening, when there's bugger all on the box apart from grown men kicking a bag of wind around some AstroTurf, in a room scented like the best holiday destination. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

I woke with what felt like a hangover, even though I had only one gin after all that stress yesterday. I've got used to not really having any anxiety since finishing work, so it did feel like I had been punched in the gut after a night out partying. 

But, I was fetching my new specs and meeting Sue and Pete for lunch. So we got ready and went out for the early bus, as usual it was late, 

I didn't want Kev to have to walk far so he went to Sainsbury's across from Specsavers while I collected my new glasses. We nipped into Poundland after just to get ibuprofen and batteries. 

Those got we saw Pete and Sue heading towards us. We all walked to O'Neil's for lunch. We had a lovely catch up, Sue is still suffering with her shingles. Bless her. We gave her the skull ice cream, as I have a smaller one that fits on my tray. 

We got the bus home, and the driver was a bit erratic, by the time I got off I was feeling sick. I really need to keep some Lucosade in! 

I took my lenses out and wore my new specs on. I am pleased with them I wear glasses more now I'm at home or local now. So these have reactions lenses in so they will save me squinting when it gets sunny. I prefer these frames as they are darker and smaller as my face is smaller now I've lost weight. 

In Between Days.

Monday.

What a bloody day. As usual it was a do eff all Monday, all well and good. I got up treadmill done exercises done, showered before Charlotte came round. Then it all went tit's up. 

First off we had a DHL delivery we weren't expecting... Turned out to be a phone I hadn't ordered from O2. Haven't even got an account with them. So, Kev found me their customer service phone number and I rang. She looked and found an account set up in my name, which she promptly deleted. And put me on to their fraud department. Who were very helpful. The guy told me it's a new scam. They get your details on the dark Web, then order something like a phone using your details. Send it to your address with a note inside saying if you didn't order this, please ring this number. Luckily, I didn't, I knew enough to get Kev to check the details of O2 which were different to the number in the box. They apparently get the phone and sell it leaving you the bill for the phone. Evil bustards. The fraud officer said its not my fault. O2 and Sky have their call centres in India, and unfortunately some of the operatives are in his own words not honest, and arent above selling your details on the dark web. Scary. 

After we sorted out how to return the phone securely, we then ( just to be safe, contacted the bank to cancel my card, even though they didn't have my card details) The fraud officer said it was the safest route. He also said not to feel bad, I'd not done anything wrong, and the fact that we had contacted O2 straight away was to my credit. 

So this is a lesson to all of us. Something arrives you didn't order, be very, very aware that it is part of a plan to rob you of your identity, money, and reputation. Always contact the offical companies that stuff has come from in this case O2, not the number provided in the parcel... 

It's made me completely paranoid now and you best believe I will only buy a new phone from a physical shop in future. Doesn't stop them getting your details, but at least I will know I have it in my hands and not coming from a courier. Just be aware folks. 

In Between Days.

The Weekend.

Its been a quiet one, letting Kev rest as much as we can. He's doing what he can, the exercises, using the ibuprofen gel, and even doing a short walk on the treadmill. The rest of the time not staying off his feet. 

Ive done my walks on the treadmill. And eaten well both days, stayed the same weight wise, to be expected as I near target, but not put on.

Ive read quite a bit, still not sure about that Marble Hall Murders, its still a well written novel, I'm just finding it a bit samey. I might pop it on hold a bit, perhaps I just need a break from his books, and maybe dig up something else for a while. I find that helps now and then. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Kev was in too much pain to go anywhere. So we had a quiet day in. Luckily we have food in for days, back up stuff in the freezer. 

I got my steps in on the treadmill. 

Friday.

No better, Kev contacted work to let them know he won't  be able to work this weekend. After which he contacted the Dr's by email to ask for an appointment. We were stunned when they rang him not long after and said he could have an appointment at 3.10pm that day! Unheard of really, shows how often he goes to the Dr! 

Before that we got on the bus to Bridgeford to get fresh stuff for the weekend. We had coffee first at Caffè Nero and then went to M&S. 

We went to the bus stop straight after as Kev couldn't walk much further. 

The buses were haywire because there was a major crash on the A52  which shut the road from one junction to the other. The buses and all other traffic was diverted through Tollerton. So it took a good while to come home. Once back he rested up before he had to go to the hub and see the Doctor. He got in to see her around 3.50 pm. I went with him to the surgery and waited for him.

The Doctor is sending him for physio and has told him to take some time off from work to give it proper rest. Being on his legs for 14 hours this weekend will do more damage. She has told him to use ibuprofen gel three times a day, do the exercises Ive shown to do for now, and only walk as much as he can manage. Which right now isn't far. Let's see if a weekend not on his legs helps. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

Hairdressers appointment at 10 am with Amanda. It was a top up appointment not the full works, just a good cut and roots one. I was out for about 11.45 am so Kev met me and we got the bus opposite the hub to Bridgeford. 

We had lunch in Portello Lounge ( I had avocado toast brunch) and then afterwards we nipped to M&S and Grape Tree. Kev is still suffering with his legs, so he did want to go far. We came home and chilled afterwards. I think if he doesnt improve he should make an appointment with the Dr. I have shown him the knee exercises I do, I know they hurt and aren't comfortable to do, but they do pay off if you stick with them. Hopefully they will help him enough for him to carry on with them. I do them regularly and I find they help me. CP is basically muscles tightening, making moving difficult and painful. So anything that loosens some of my leg muscles should help. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went to the city. Going to Black Sheep Coffee shop first before shopping. We went to Waitrose and TKMAXX before going to Victoria Centre to Tesco and Holland and Barrett. We got all the makings for a copy of a favourite recipe in Sat'ulli Canteen in Animal Kingdom. Pandorian Sunrise. It's a breakfast bowl, but I like to have it for lunch or dinner. It's fresh fruit, granola yogurt and compote ( we use chia jam in place of that) its healthy ( the granola we use is sugar free and low carb) and filling. 

We picked up sugar free biscuits and some pots for Kev to make overnight oats for his breakfast. So those got we make our way to O'Neil's for lunch. We then got the bus home. Poor Kev is suffering with his legs, it did him in over the weekend being on his feet all day both days, so we got home as soon as we could so he could rest up. 

We'd had three power cuts the night before, and it looks like we'd had another while were out, the TV had reset, and the photo frame was off. I'd guess it's from the new builds, either they are tripping something while installing power cables. It's becoming regular. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

It was a lovely day so we headed off to the park in Bridgeford, we got coffees from the Little Green cafe just to the side entrance of that part of the park. We couldnt sit too close to the centre circle ( where the crown is) as they were replanting that whole bed. It was very overgrown, so it was nice to see it getting some TLC. We sat there for quite a while. We made the most of being able to sit outdoors. Then we got the shopping from M&S. I had veg sushi for a change. I do get a bit bored with salads now and then.

We got the bus back and were having a laugh at the chirpy bus driver, bless him, he is trying too hard. He will get that out of him on this route. We were saying how long it'll be before he just grunts at you when you get on. At the moment everyone is his mate or love. I give it three weeks max, or they'll move him to another route and we will get a new trainee...

In Between Days

Thursday.

I had an appointment at Specsavers to get some more glasses. I'm wearing my glasses more now I've finished work. I wanted another extra pair, with reactions lenses so I can wear them outside more, say if we nip to Bridgeford for a coffee. 

So, we started off at Black Sheep, then walked to Savers, then M&S to get salads. Lastly we went to buy my new specs. Those ordered and bought we headed back home. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Washing done on Monday , so we had no reason not to go out. We went to Portello Lounge in Bridgeford. They have a good selection of food to choose from. 

We had lunch and then Kev wanted to nip into Iceland so after that we had a  coffee in Caffè Nero before Co-op and the bus home. One bus sailed right past us, he wasn't watching. So I rang Trent Barton and complained. She said that there was on 10 mins away, and they'd have a word with him. Our buses are bad enough without them sailing straight past stops without looking. 

The sheet I ordered yesterday, came. We put it on the bed, it feels good, it's a soft microfiber/cotton mixed one with deep sides. We chucked the one on away as it is shallow and pings off the bed. One thing new in, one out.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Up and out to the city. We did the shopping first before meeting Sue and Pete. 

The Market Square was cordoned off with crime scene tape. Apparently, there was an altercation there late night yesterday and an 18 year old has been arrested. Great, another reason to be nervous going into the city. 

We went for coffee at Black Sheep, before going into Lush to buy wax melts. We then went into Boyes to get paint for the wardrobe doors. The white paint looks so yellow, so we are going to change them to a nice olive green to tone with the curtains and bedding. 

We wanted a deep fitted sheet for the bed, but couldnt find one. I ended up ordering one online. 

We met Sue and Pete ( in Poundland of all places!) And went to O'Neil's together. Poor Sue has shingles and is really suffering. She doesn't seem to catch a break with her health lately. Having got rid of her Kidney stones, she now has this bout of shingles, and also has to have a chest x-ray as she already has COPD from years of working cutting fabric and sewing for a living. Bless her, I just wish she could have a break from not having something...

Nevertheless, we had a lovely catch up as she never let's it get her down. 

We managed to get a bus ( we missed one, but there was another 10 minutes later!) 

Unfortunately, the bus driver was one of the newer ones and he was a bit of a jerky driver. I ended up coming off the ride home feeling sick. Kev had to nip to the corner shop and get me some Lucosade to help settle my stomach. It really works for me. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Bank Holiday.

Not such of a holiday for us today, a busy one in fact. Changed the bedding which, is a job in itself. Then we went down to the shops in the village to get food. Then we walked back, that was the steps done for the day. 

Once home we had a rather large Amazon delivery. A digital photo frame, we had liked the one Dorothy has in her apartment at Fosse View and we thought it was a good idea, as we never see our photos of Disney or special events. So that set up I spent most of the late afternoon uploading some of our favourite photos. 

Kev also had an armchair tray for his chair as its the furthest from the coffee table. Gives him somewhere to put drink and tv remote/phone. Also a storage unit for the cleaning stuff in the bathroom. It just tucks away under the sink area. So all that to sort out meant we were busy, busy... Really happy with all three things, but so happy with the photo frame. There is a lot of storage space on it and its a lovely way to relive our fantastic adventures. 

In Between Days

Friday.

A beautiful warm ( you might say hot) day. We needed food for the weekend, and Charlotte was off, so we went into Bridgeford for a coffee and to shop. 

It almost didn't happen as the bus wasn't even on the app. But, eventually it turned up. We had to nip in Co-op for Charlotte. Then we walked back to the park and grabbed a coffee. We went back to the area near the register office and the crown which I'm happy to say has been put back upright. I forgot to take a photo, will rectify that soon.

We got weekend food shop from M&S. 

At the bus stop we bumped into Jo and Ray Harris. Jo is waiting for an operation and is in a wheelchair while she waits. As always she bears with her hardships with good grace and always is full of fun. Her wheelchair is funky purple and she still maintains her multi coloured mohawk... 

Our new driver on the bus is Australian. Nice lad actually, he was explaining about the diversion because of Colston Gardens building works. I was feeling in a flippant mood and said " Gooday, we have a walabee in the middle of the road and we are driving round it!," lol...