Chandlers Ford Connect

Since before Christmas I have been plagued with a tiresome cough which wouldn’t go away.  It even stopped me singing carols. I wasn’t too concerned because almost everyone I knew had got a cough.

Finally I had enough and last week I filled in an e consult form and sent it on its way.

It seemed that within a short time I had an appointment at the docs. How I hate going to the docs. However I did go because this tickly cough was really annoying especially when it was worse the moment you went to bed, when all you wanted to do was sleep.

Long story short.A course of acid reflux medication, a blood test, appointment with the asthma nurse and a chest x ray. This week my calendar is pretty much filled with medical assignations.

I enjoyed last weekend. Popped up to see my favourite florist for a chat. Wonderful flowers and she had delivered to her a large bunch of peonies. Gorgeous and then off to do a bit of sorting out at the charity shop.

The manager there is considering putting together packs of children’s clothes all sizes to help those in need alongside women’s clothing. I think we have all been touched by a post asking for clothes for the homeless, reminding us that homeless is not defined by just living on the streets.

Last Friday when it was pouring I could not help thinking of those outside. Being  wet is so much worse than the cold I should think.

This week the weather is looking up and I might even go for a walk later.

As some of you are possibly aware we in the south have had a deluge of the white stuff. Not so bad ìn Chandlers Ford but the pavements are a no go area as is our car park. It makes a grand skating rink if you are so inclined. So again housebound. I’ve just spoken to my neighbour who is hoping to visit a friend in the hospice. I wish she wouldn’t go but she won’t take any notice of me. She said she wobbles even without the snow and ice.

I read on Chandlers Ford neighbours that a very kind person was collecting coats,sleeping bags, and warm clothing for the homeless. I was so touched to read about this persons commitment in helping those less fortunate.

Another post was from Ade offering to do shopping for those unable to get out. How very kind. I feel I do very little now which makes me feel Sad and slightly inadequate.

I have started going for a walk again. The phrase “use it or lose it” springs to mind and I really don’t want to lose it. Keep telling myself it really doesn’t matter how long I take just get on with it.

I was really hoping to get away for a week or so but it’s proving difficult. I just want an Hotel almost on the beach where I can sit and relax with Trudy but the beach has to be accessible as I no longer can clamber over stones or indeed steps. It’s awful advancing years.

On my walk on Tuesday I met a pleasant lady walking her westie. Trudy loves little dogs. Perhaps it stirs something in her as she had a couple of litters. The lady was obviously hoping to have a chat and I knew that Trudy would have me over if I stayed talking on the path. Looked frantically around for a tree or something similar, but all I could see was a red poo bin. I suggested we go there, and although the conversation was interesting the smell being emitted was not conducive to hanging about,  so regretfully I left.

Will try and get out today. It very much depends on the state of the car park outside the flats. When it rains it floods and often wellies are needed to reach your car if it’s parked away from the front door. Considering mine is parked in the far corner I have to negotiate a lot of icy surfaces.

Take care.

I have decided after many years to write my story about living with an alcoholic although I think for many years I was in denial.

He was smart,looked good and worked, but behind the scenes there was the driving force to have another drink. Holidays were the worst time. He had to make sure there was enough booze to carry on over the holiday period,

He was kind though but weak.

From collapsing over the Christmas dinner table (he had visited the pub before hand) to burning a hole in one of my best tablecloths. He lost his licence and I had to get up every morning to drive to the train station,  because he was paranoid he would smell before he got to the station. He was certainly a strange guy.

And then one day he stopped drinking. I didn’t recognise him and in a strange way didn’t know him anymore. He ate loads and loads of sweets and unfortunately the relationship didn’t survive. I did discover later that he got married and was back drinking, and then the devastating news he had died. Don’t know how. Such a stupid waste.

I have suffered with back pain for many years and have tried just about everything to get some relief. From chiropractors to osteopaths the list is endless, but this is in part not the reason I’m writing this blog. It’s the dropping of things.

Don’t you find that dropping items on the floor increases when you certainly don’t want to bend, it certainly does for me. Not just once but several times during the day. Must remember how to bend the right way,  but it’s easier said than done.

On a lighter note Luna my daughter’s German shepherd has been accepted by a doggy agency, and it would be very exciting if she were chosen for any modelling assignments.

So cold here today. I have a tee shirt, jumper and a cardigan on and still feeling chilly. Good old storage heaters. Even Trudy has declined going in the garden for her morning wee.

If you are out and about take good care.

It has been a while since my last post, mainly because there hasn’t been much to say until the last week.

For some time my shower hasn’t been working well. In fact most of the water was coming from everywhere bar the holes so I decided I had to sort it out.

Finally I found a plumber who actually came to look and he replaced the whole lot. It’s much better now and my bathroom floor remains dry. Why did I not do something earlier?

The next worrying thing was my car. Difficult to start and belching out grey fumes. After a visit to the garage I was told it was probable that I needed the injectors looking at. This was going to cost approximately one thousand pounds. I did however manage to find a garage who could do the job a few hundred pounds cheaper. I’m picking it up today and hope that all is well.

Just before Christmas I had information that a trained optician with all the equipment that was needed could make a home visit for those who find things a little difficult so an appointment was made. He came last week and a new pair of specs is on the way to me. Much nicer than having to get the car out and find a car parking space, and the cost was much the same that I would expect to pay. The name of the company is The Outside Clinic.

However before I lost my car for a while,Trudy and I went walking to our place Hocombe Woods. There were a group of volunteers working there clearing a patch of ground. Very happy and jolly. Out came the thermos and a cup of tea was handed out.

It felt good. What would we do without all these volunteers?