Chandlers Ford Connect

You might think that I’m on holiday in lovely Tuscany but I’m not. I’m currently sat in my lounge listening to a child crying and saying “I want to go to the barbecue”and would you think any the less of me if I said “please hurry up and go to the BBQ”.

I’m a little concerned because they rolled up to the front door in a move your own vehicle, and it is likely they are moving into one of the empty flats.

My family left the UK in the early hours of Friday morning to spend a week in Tuscany. I was dismayed to learn that the accommodation was not suitable for me. All steps, so I’m left behind. That sounds sad doesn’t it but I’m not sad.

My daughter phones each evening. Evidently it is extremely hot there so I feel they are struggling with the heat.

It has been several years since she had a gastric band fitted, but if she’s not careful it really makes her feel wretched. Case in point. She woke up and felt very thirsty and gulped down the water, then she couldn’t keep anything down,so yesterday she couldn’t eat or drink anything. It seems very unhealthy to me, but she insists she can handle it because she doesn’t want to be fat again.  Those who have had the band I take my hat off to you all, not an easy choice by any means.

My lovely Trudy had a bath,  hair cut, nails and ears done on Thursday. I wanted it off short so she would be more comfortable.

She is currently out on her Sunday hike with Anne and Derek and the grandchildren.

No plans for the rest of the day.  Reading the papers I think.

Morning I’m writing this sat up in bed. So warm and clammy it’s difficult to get any rest, and my eyes feel as if they are full of grit.

I’ve been having a few issues with a back tooth so I decided that it was time to get to see the dentist. She practices a few miles away but as I am happy to have her poking in my mouth, I have decided that I will continue to travel to see her. It’s so important to like and trust your dentist. It seems very intimate and personal to have someone peering  into your mouth.

I explained the problem opened my mouth and immediately the question was answered. It was a lose tooth. She handed me a mirror caught hold of the tooth and wobbled it, and yes it moved.  I asked if it would fall out. No. Could it be cemented in. Again no. The answer it appears is to keep it as clean as possible around the gum line, and I have to attend the hygienist for this purpose next week. The dentist herself usually does the scale and polish, but as I now have a pacemaker she cannot use the electric drill with the attachment for cleaning teeth, as it can upset the pacemaker. I had no idea that cleaning your teeth could be a problem. She even asked if I used an electric toothbrush which I don’t, but not sure if these are disallowed as well.

After leaving the dentist called into the pet shop and picked up a large bag of bird food, and a couple of tins of dog food. A very kindly man asked if I could manage this. I assured him I was fine. Next thing was “mind that step” and I felt really old at this point. Tooth falling out and I obviously looked to him as if I was very unstable on my pins. Made it to the car and popped into Thrive cafe to buy myself a piece of flan for lunch. A gorgeous little cafe where everyone is welcome including dogs.

A friend unexpectedly turned up and I gave her half of my piece of flan. Wasn’t that kind. It was soo good.

Enjoy your day and keep an eye on your teeth. Funnily enough I was telling a friend I was off to the dentist, and as you would expect she asked what the problem was. I said I was pretty old in the tooth and probably my teeth were worn out to. How did I know. Physic perhaps.

Trudy and I were picked up yesterday as promised for a cup of tea at a friends house. We were joined  by another lady and we settled down for a chat.

What a lovely afternoon. We sorted the world out pretty much. Everything from Barack Obama, to animals, to food. You get my drift.

The hostess asked what we would like to eat and drink. Earl Grey tea or Yorkshire. Crumpets, fresh fruit salad and a strudel made with filo pastry.

We decided on the Yorkshire tea and she presented it in a lovely china teapot, and botanical cups and saucers on the side. My mum would have loved it.  She had no time for mugs at all.

The fruit salad was simply delicious and the strudel equally so. We declined the crumpets.

One of the ladies had just joined Slimming World so was keen to keep an eye on what she ate, although I believe that she was allowed a crumpet.

We had such an enjoyable afternoon,  I suggested we do it at my house next time.

Today I’m cooking lunch for Anne from the Cinnamon Trust. Her husband is away at present walking round one of the Scottish Islands. I’m going to cook Cajun chicken with sweet potato wedges, from Waitrose Food, because its easy. Easy is my middle name in all things.

Watered the garden and now considering pushing a hoover round.

No plans for anything else at the present time,

I know that much of the time we do not keep in contact with some of our friends, and I’m aware how upsetting that can be. When I arrived in Chandlers Ford l heard the usual. Don’t lose touch, but they seem to decide that it’s up to you to keep in touch. In the end if I’m totally  honest, enough is enough, and I don’t try anymore. I’ve been let down enough.

Today as is usual I opened up Facebook,  and there I read a story about a friend’s husband who was diagnosed with some form of dementia, and her story of her husband’s downhill slide.

As you can guess I was one of those who kept in lose contact and I was so upset to realise how much pain she was suffering. She was always upbeat and played down everything. I picked up the phone to have a chat.  I cannot understand or believe what she was telling me. It’s like a story from a Dickens novel.

I first met them when we attended a group session at a hospital prior to a hip replacement. He was tall,good looking, happy, loved his golf and dancing, and his wife. I cannot imagine how he is today,  and even his wife, in the worst times, no longer recognised him. Thin, aggressive and frightened.

I suggested she write her story on Facebook, as a cathartic exercise and  possibly help others who find themselves in the same position.

On a lighter note I’m off out to tea along with Trudy of course, Being picked up just after three.

Can’t get her story out of my head.

This little chap is the latest addition to the family.