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Hello all.
MITM, you've shown how venting and a dose of humour go a long way to dealing with a situation without resorting to mindless eating.
I definitely sympathize as I have done a lot of painting myself and it is tiring, often frustrating work, and it requires a lot of focus. You've really thrown yourself into your project and have taken on a huge amount. The last big painting I did was four years ago when I got new kitchen cupboards. Because of them a lot of the kitchen needed to be repainted but as I got started I realized because the kitchen and dining area run together and the livingroom is only separated by an archway, the whole area were best done. It was a major job and I have said that next time I will hire someone to do it. The problem, however, is that it is very hard to find highly competent painters who work on individual houses. Most painters seem to like to work on new housing projects where they can make more money than taking on individual jobs. If one can find a good painter, the person is usually older and many of them are getting close to retirement. Anyway I hope my paint job lasts for awhile. I did laugh at your husband's reaction and regrettably saw myself in his shoes. I can recall in the past when my sister has helped me with difficult painting or wallpapering pointing out some minor flaw, after she has been the one to dangle perilously over a banister! Love your revenge plot- and low cal at that. Seriously though, a hearty congratulations on 25 years of marriage, a considerable achievement now- I think people like hearing of such as it brings a touch of hopefulness into a day.
Here, the forecasters were correct and we have had a significant storm today, snowing and blustery cold all day, leaving a good foot of new snow on the ground. Tomorrow, no new snow forecast but very cold with high winds giving a temp with the wind chill factor of
-26C. Worst winter in decades.
I didn't do exercise today ( had a bit of a bad stomach) but was fairly pleased that I was able to keep to a moderate eating plan, in terms of calories, although a little higher in carbs than I ideally want. I seem to be feeling some muscles from my pilates yesterday and plan to do exercise tomorrow. I spent a lot of time reading a book that a friend has lent me. I am well into "The Unlikely Journey of Harold Fry" and would recommend it- not particularly hard but very engaging. The premise is an retired man who is dissatisfied with his life gets a letter from a friend in his past who is in a hospice in Scotland; he lives in the Devon area. For reasons I won't go into he decides he will walk to see his friend and along the way he meets people and has experiences that change how he sees his life. He also goes into the memories of his life as he journeys.
Take care all.0 -
Quick correction : the book's title is Pilgrimage not journey of Harold Fry.0
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I read the Pilgrimage of Harold Fry some time ago. I too would heartily recommend it. Not at all a difficult read but a lovely story with a good ending. Off to do my exam today. Feeling somewhat nervous and under prepared but doesn't really matter if I don't pass as it makes no real difference as I can continue to judge at the level I'm at now.
take care all - and Bracken - the spring is coming I promise!
PB0 -
Good Evening Crackers!
Well firstly I must report the husband is still alive and kicking! This morning I spent on my knees with my 'little' brush, touching up my otherwise very nifty paintwork! I have now completed painting all of my stripped door frames and tomorrow I'm purchasing the paint for the 6 doors - but the end for this floor at least is in sight!
Then I spent a very enjoyable afternoon in my nearest town Lienz meeting with my daughter's previous and now retired English teacher, who wanted to know how she was getting on in England. For my outing I 'slipped' into my smart skinny jeans. I bought these trousers back in October and have only felt confident enough to wear them 2 times since but today I was shocked - were those really my legs I was looking at in the mirror?! Those 'fast feet' exercises are working wonders!! It was 16°c today (sorry Bracken!) or as I heard on the Sky ski weather report 'stunning' so I wore my fifties style, short swing jacket grey with large blue spots and my grey ankle boots and off I swanned.
There was a parents' evening last week at my daughter's new school, which my brother and sister-in-law attended and her new English teacher is forecasting for both English and English Literature an A in her GCSEs next year (really?!) which her old teacher was thrilled but not unsurprised - I was I should add! I then returned home to find the husband admiring my paintwork!!! So a very good day from start to finish.0 -
Morning Crackers
That's annoying. I'd written quite a long note in here then I suddenly managed to chuck myself out - never know how or why! It must be the way I hover over the keyboard/mouse on my laptop!!
Anyway, thankfully, I had written some of it on the other thread and then realised it wasn't appropriate for that so have a copy of at least part of it!
Here it is!
I've had rather a busy week this week - but next week should be a lot less rushed. I've also had contact from a couple of work colleagues and an old friend which is nice. Its hard though to talk to people about my situation as I feel so embarrassed about it - I know I shouldn't but for example, Hilda, who I rode with on Wednesday has never worked in an office/factory or any where with lots of other people - her daughter has a serious physical illness and she really doesn't understand why, when I appear perfectly normal out with her why I am having so much difficulty going to work - to her it looks like I'm 'swinging the lead'. She is trying to understand but it is hard. Maria was very kind when I rode with her last Sunday - she made understand that she doesn't see my mental health as being less important than her physical health - she really helped - then I met with a lady who does coaching and mediation on Monday and she helped me further. Saw GP on Tuesday and managed to stay calm and in control so I think I'm finally starting to move forward. The anxiety is still there a lot of the time but I can distract myself from it.
Its a busy news morning this morning with a helicopter crash killing 4 about 30 miles north of me and Tony Benn (formerly Anthony Wedgewood Benn) who's only redeeming feature as far as I'm concerned was that he did at least see through Tony Blair.
Well that's about it for now. I'll let you know if I pass my exam!
PB0 -
Hello all.
Just a quick check-in but want to say to you, PB, that I'm glad you have some friends and colleagues who are supporting you.
I can understand your feelings of embarrassment and although there is no need or reason for it, any kind of mental health issue seems harder for people to grasp. Mental health is increasingly in the public's awareness and we have major campaigns here to de-stigmatize it. At the moment, one of our most decorated Olympic athletes, Clara Hughes, who won medals in both winter speed skating and summer cycling, is on a 12,000 k bike ride to increase awareness of mental health issues. For many years now she has talked openly about her bouts of depression and in an article in yesterday's Globe, she talked about how people would say to her,
"but you are always smiling" and how they found it hard to believe she had problems. I personally have had bouts of severe anxiety, especially during one very stressful period when I was teaching. However, I masked it even though I was often in agony inside. So I do realize how hard it is to make people understand what you are going through. However, you do not need to feel embarrassed but simply feel gratitude that you have people who are concerned for you. I may have mentioned this before, however, I'll do so again. I've recently read a book called, My Age of Anxiety by Scott Stossel; it is enlightening and fascinating, almost horrifying at times. His whole life he has suffered from the most debilitating depressions and anxiety one could imagine yet he is a very successful writer and editor of the Atlantic magazine. His account of the many famous people who have had anxiety/ depression is very interesting ranging from Darwin to Hugh Grant. The book made me realize that this is common and that anything I have felt has been felt many times worse by others which is oddly comforting!
I've lingered here longer than intended and need to get to some exercise and jobs. Yesterday I only did a short bout on the treadmill and today I've a lot to do so it will be hard to get the exercise in but must make some effort. Regards all.0 -
Evening Crackers!
Well I was reading up on that book you recommended Bracken - most interesting, but not out in paperback in the UK until October I believe. I've suffered from anxiety in the past; the first time when my daughter was about to start school. I think it was being abroad and out of my comfort zone and worrying about how she would cope, and with her at school what would I do with myself as in what was my purpose... Of course nothing really changed as school started so early it was all over for the day by lunchtime and then I was supervising homework all afternoon! The second bout was whilst looking after my late mother-in-law when she was terminally ill and being in charge literally; getting her to appointments for chemotherapy, talking to the doctors and agreeing to her wishes to die at home with carers coming in several times a day. It was all too much for me the responsibility combined with the sadness of it all. Just writing about it is being it all back. On both occasions I hid it from my family until of course I hit a wall and couldn't cope any longer so I agree with Bracken, it's good PB that you have friends who know and you can discuss your issues with. I now try not to supress or bottle anything no matter how small.
Busy, busy weekend working, working plus I've painted 3 doors now and I like the colour!! I'm going up a floor tomorrow! However unfortunately I've had no time to exercise at all so that is my main priority tomorrow a meeting with the lovely Jillian.
Be good Crackers!0 -
Hi All
Well the good news is that I am fairly certain that I am on the right road now. I do feel I am getting better each day and the thought of work no longer makes me want to crawl into a corner and cry - I know it will still be a struggle - but as today I got up and felt quite focused, energised and enthusiastic about the things I need to do - that feels like a good thing.
One of the difficult things about anxiety is the attack on trust - you begin to worry about everyone's motives and of course that colours your interactions. Recognising that paranoia and being able to dismiss it for the nonsense it is is definitely part of my recovery. so much so, that I have agreed to organise mothers day lunch for my family - its very late this year - 30th March which is also the day the clocks go forward!
I don't have any news about my exam yet - it could be a week or two before that gets done by all accounts but I remain quite positive and confident about my knowledge and ability so hopefully it won't be bad news.
Have also got a plan for eating today so hoping that will help me - I need to cut out dairy as far as possible for the next couple of weeks to ensure that my singing voice is in tip top condition as it will be my first solo performance a week on Friday (eeek).
Thank you Crackers for your support - I really do find it helpful to 'talk' to you on here as part of managing my condition and making progress on improving it.
PB0 -
PB - did you successfully achieve a day in control yesterday? And how was today?0
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Hello all.
PB, I am glad to read of your feeling that you are improving. It is certainly positive that you are getting involved in things and have not let your problems take you from your swimming or singing commitments.
MITM, I look at the picture of your house and imagine that marathon painting you are doing. You say you were pleased with the door colours. Can you tell us what colours you are doing? I think how people relate to colours and what they choose is very interesting.
I am still struggling and think it is because that virus or whatever I had has in fact returned. I saw my Dr. last Friday but did not mention it because I thought it was resolving and I was seeing her for something else. However the past three days I have felt under the weather, have little energy, and some of the same symptoms again. I phoned the Dr's office this afternoon but of course, she is booked up two weeks ahead. I was referred to an after hours clinic but it was booked for this evening and doesn't take bookings again until tomorrow afternoon so I'm not sure what to do. I may try to find another walk-in clinic in the daytime tomorrow or book the after hours clinic in the evening if possible. It is frustrating feeling that you just can't get going. It is not laziness! Today was a somewhat better day and I forced myself to take Nellie for a mile walk- fairly slow and doing just the minimum.
Another Nellie anecdote. A couple of mornings ago, I let Nellie into my back yard. Just after I had released her, to my horror I saw a large skunk beside the fence, not more than a dozen feet from Nellie. I was certain she would be sprayed. I yelled at her to come but she kept running wildly. Amazingly, she did not see the skunk and luckily after a couple of moments she came to me and I was able to grab her and bring her back in. Skunks are usually nocturnal so I don't know what that one was doing out in broad daylight. Now, of course, I have to worry about her getting sprayed. I don't mind skunks as they are not at all a harmful animal but I definitely don't want to deal with a sprayed dog!
Regards all.0 -
Oh Bracken, you poor thing. You've been so active through this horrible winter - I'm so sorry you are feeling under the weather. I'm surprised that you have the same problems in Canada in regard to seeing a GP as we do here! We are always being told that everyone else in the world can get an appointment whenever they want! The best thing is to give yourself time and a bit of love. Let the illness take its course - drink plenty of water! Take painkillers for the discomfort - don't suffer any more than you have to!
I'm still doing OK. no news on my exam as yet - but I feel quite confident. Yesterday I went on the second of my 'stress control' course sessions. It was quite good - unfortunately, on the way back to the car, I managed to fall over and I've sprained my right ankle and my left knee. I think that means I can't ride tomorrow unless things improve. Getting down the stairs was an interesting experience this morning! Thankfully, several people came to help me up and a gallery owner invited me in to sit on his sofa to recover. I must admit I felt quite light headed for a few minutes. I was hurrying because it was starting to rain - but to be honest I can fall over at the drop of a hat!
The story about the skunk made me laugh. when I last visited my cousins in BC we were coming home after an evening at another cousins house when a smell pervaded the vehicle. My mother remarked on the strong smell of coffee!!! My cousin who was in the car with us laughed uproariously - it was definitely skunk! He was then telling us how his dog Merki had been sprayed a couple of times and had to be washed in tomato juice! Not funny at all so sorry I couldn't help laughing!
Had a better couple of days food wise but obviously now exercise is going to be a bit tricky for a couple of days - not good as I'm doing the swimathon on Sunday!
take care all
Hope the snow is finally going for those of you in colder climes
PB0 -
Hello fellow crackers.
I have been reading through the posts, still have a few to catch up so will hopefully do that tomorrow. My time in the UK was interesting to say the least. I had a chest infection for the first 10days, (no surprises there) and then had a flare up of an injury to my hip which meant I could not move/stand/sit without pain. It is slowly clearing up but what a nightmare and dreadful journey back to Singapore. Still, it feels like it wouldn't be my life without a bit of drama and crises! Reading all our posts is humbling though, it makes me realise everyone has their own problems and I thank God I found the crackers to share all this with!
Bracken, please look after yourself. I would not even do a mile on the treadmill if you are not up to it. If it makes you feel a bit better, go for it. Otherwise just plenty of fluids and rest until you are completely well. Had to smile at Nellie's near encounter with the skunk! You must have been very relieved. It seems like you having been having a harsh winter forever, I hope and pray it will all be soon behind you, take care x x
MITM, when you described your hubby's reaction and comment on your lovely painting I thought you were talking about mine! That is EXACTLY the kind of thing he would say and we have had many a "discussion" over it, lol x My OH is a pedantic perfectionist who sometimes drives me nuts. Just wondered if your hubby has a similar nature? Hope you had a lovely time in the UK. You have certainly been full of energy since you have been home!! x x
PB, you have been through the mill and now a fall on top of it! It does sound like you need to slow down and take good care of yourself, and I say that with empathy.It does sound as if you have good people in your corner. The best advice I was ever given when I was receiving mental health care was to write lists, and to share a problem before it became a burden. I usually have so many thoughts spinning around in my head even now that I sometimes feel it is like a merry go round I cannot switch off.( I am sure you know the feeling!). Writing lists and sharing is supposed to relieve some of the pressure and thoughts in your head. It certainly did seem to work for me. I now carry a notebook and pen with me at all times, so if something pops in my head I can write it straight down and then not mull it over and over in my head. I hope this is making sense to you, but it did help me. My thoughts are with you as any mental health issues are still regarded as taboo by many. Even more so when you are in the medical profession yourself. x x
LMV, Look forward to hearing all about your travels soon. I am so sorry we did not meet up (again). I seem to have spent rather a lot of my hols staring at various ceilings with my various illnesses! lol x
Saffy, hope you and your family are doing Ok x x
I am looking forward tomorrow to sitting down with a cup of tea and reading through more posts. Hope you all have a lovely day, (or as lovely as possible), BM x x0 -
Hello Crackers,
Sorry I have been away for so long. I'm not sure where the time goes. I was travelling around the U K quite a lot and have been completely out of my usual routine. It was difficult to check in whilst on the road and there seemed to be so much to catch up on when I got home that I never quite got around to logging on.
My Father in law and his partner are not doing too well at the moment and my husband is very worried about his Father. We think his partner is suffering from Alzheimer's although she has not yet been formally diagnosed, but caring for her is taking its toll on his Father. We are trying to sort out a care package to help them but it isn't easy. It's taking up quite a lot of our time at the moment.
It was also my birthday last week and we had a lovely relaxing day. We got home from London late the night before so didn't feel like doing too much. We went to a lovely new cafe which had opened near us for breakfast then went for a lovely walk on the beach in the sunshine as it was a glorious day. I pootled about in the kitchen in the afternoon making birthday cupcakes to take to my cookery class that evening. The class is from 6 - 8pm normally but it was a demonstration week so we were away by 7.30pm. We came home and had some champagne to celebrate and my husband cooked me dinner. It was lovely to have a quiet relaxed day to ourselves!
We had a day to get ready for our trip to Prague for the wedding and then we were off. I love Prague and was was absolutely certain it is the type of place my husband would like too. He did, and is really keen to go back. The wedding was fabulous, the bride looked gorgeous and everyone had a wonderful time. We got home late on Sunday evening, had Monday to recover and then it was off to hospital with my husband as he was having a minor op to remove his ingrowing toenails. Unfortunately they seem to have bled quite a lot so it wasn't easy to change the dressings today and he's gone down with a horrible cold, poor thing. He's needing lots of tea and cwtching (BM will know what that is)
Weight wise things haven't been good. Zero exercise because of the neck and shoulders and no set eating routine with all the travelling around. The neck and shoulders are improving and I'm hoping the Physio will clear me for exercise again tomorrow. I have now braved the scales for the first time in 3 or 4 weeks and it isn't quite as bad as I thought. I already knew that I had put on 4lbs over Christmas and my Australia holiday and I've put on a further 3 lbs in the six weeks I've been back. My figure has ballooned more than that though so some of it must just be the flab spreading through lack of exercise. I've started a fresh eating plan and am cutting out sugar (except that naturally occurring in fruit) and alcohol for a week to get me started again. I'm still eating mainly vegetarian food so am also cutting down my cheese intake to a single slice a day for this week. After this "detox" then I'll get back to tracking my food properly and organising my meals for the week ahead. This is the second day of my detox and so far so good.
I haven't caught up with all the posts but loved your rant about the husband MITM. Like BM, I can totally empathise as I too am married to a perfectionist and it is extremely annoying and exhausting at times. I find it very difficult to work with him on jobs in the house as what starts out as a simple, straightforward job to me turns into a major production once the perfectionist gets his hands on it and everything has be done to his standards which always means about 20x more work and I get overwhelmed by the size of the job! I do think being a perfectionist is a bit of a curse. I remember reading somewhere that an icicle is the perfect murder weapon as it melts away after the job is done. No shortage of those in Austria MITM lol. Like Bracken I want to know what colour you chose. Was it pink just to annoy him??!!
BM - sorry to hear your trip to the UK was marred by ill health. Such a shame. I hope you are recovering now that you are safely back home
PB - hope your health continues to improve too
Bracken - I'm sure the end of the winter must be in sight soon and whatever your accident was I hope you are OK.
Right must go
Lots of love to all
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LMV!! So lovely to hear from you, I saw the length of your post and made myself a cup of tea to sit down and enjoy reading it, ( I often do that with Bracken's too
x x). It sounds like you have had a fab time, you are so right in that time just passes by so quickly. The wonderful thing about the crackers is once you have written your first post after "a leave of absence" it's like you have never been away and are back in the comfort of the circle again!
What is it with us ladies who are with these perfectionists of men?! Again your description of a simple household job erupting is exactly what goes on in our house. I dread asking to put a picture on the wall as it goes on to involve hours of planning, many, many tools and measurements, for goodness sake! I could get it done in 5 mins with a drill and a screw!
I think you have done well to have only put ?7lb on in such a length of time. I put more than that on in 3 weeks in the UK. I am not going to stress about it like I used to. I just cut back when I got here and only yesterday started logging again. Exercise, like yourself, is out of the question at the moment (Phew!). I think at the moment if I am remembering correctly, MITM is at or below goal weight, (yay!). Bracken is a pound or two from her best summer weight (Yay!) in spite of the weather and being poorly. PB is getting right back on track too after a difficult period (yay). Not too sure re Saffy and New8, but hope they are both OK.
So I hope I got that right but suffice to say we are all back to business:happy:
I have to go shower now as I have my first GP appointment here with my "hip" problem. Here we go again! Have to say though, I rang yesterday and have an appointment today (could have seen him then but was not ready). So although it is an excellent service here compared to other countries, I now have to pay the debt of a small country to be seen!
Take care all, BM x x0 -
PS.......Forgot to say Belated Happy Birthday LMV!!! x x x0
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Good Morning Ladies, hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and is ready to start the week refreshed(!!).
I had made so many plans for this week, starting today.....out with the dog by 8am, be in the pool by 11am. etc. What has really happened is yet again it was light when I was dropping off to sleep, so I have only just woken at 11:30am! I have tried all the usual remedies, insomnia is no stranger to me, but combined with the jet lag it seems to be so much worse. On the plus side I used my sewing machine for the first time yesterday. I cut and sewed the hems up of trousers for my OH. I was really pleased with the result, It may not have been perfect, but I was quite proud of it! Hopefully I won't be afraid to do other things I have waiting here now.
I just have to have another cup of tea and then Harry and I are off for our walk. Thankfully OH walks him before he leaves for work in the morning, so his 8am walk with me was not missed! I often wonder how on earth I used to do full time Nursing, have 3 children, horses, dogs, cats and guinea pigs to look after. Plus a huge 4 bed house to clean, and garden to maintain as a one parent family. I was obviously far more organised then than I am now....
We have just signed on for another two years here. Not too sure how I feel about that at the moment. It's another 2 years from my family, but I suppose with employment as it is in the UK and most everywhere it would be difficult to walk away from my OH's career here. I had over 20 years in a career I loved so maybe I am being a tad selfish in feeling like this?
Anyhow, enough maudlin, I am going to finish my tea and start the day, albeit almost the afternoon!
Take care all,
Love BM x x0 -
Hello everyone. I'm back after several days absence and it may take me a couple of posts to feel that I have caught up. Whatever I had, it really knocked me down diet/exercise wise for the past week. I was so lethargic. However, I think the antibiotic has really helped and I am finally starting to feel normal again. I am quite prone to sinus-type infections and other respiratory 'bugs' and although I take a flu shot and have never had a knock down bout of the flu, I seem to have several smaller episodes every winter. I typically do not seek an antibiotic until I am quite desperate and have an intractable infection. We are told a lot here about not getting unnecessary antibiotics but I had to do something last week and I definitely feel better now. I have had a chance to read through recent posts and my general thought would be: You, Bracken, have little to cope with compared with your fellow Crackers so please let me extend a general note of commiseration. LMV, you seem to have had extremes for sure- a fabulous time in Prague but what a worry about your father-in-law and his partner. With such a prolonged period of being about, your weight gains seem quite modest in the circumstances. BM, your challenges of living in the Far East have certainly disabused me of any romantic notions of such an exotic local - the travel home alone is enough to be daunted. PB, I recall that on top of everything you have recently suffered a nasty fall. I had a bit of a fall yesterday that upset me a lot at the time but I am now putting it into better perspective. In fact, it was not a real fall but a nasty slip on ice as I was letting Nellie out but what was upsetting was I immediately felt a pull in my knee and when I came inside it was painful to bend it as I sat down. I think it bothered me more because I seemed to be getting better from the viral thing and then felt "now this." I could not exercise yesterday and I am leaving it again today but realistically I think it is considerably better today and I hope to treadmill some tomorrow. I'm sure I am a bit of a broken record on the weather, but it is still very cold, lots of snow on ground and worse, lots of ice from short melts and rapid freezes. Thankfully there has not been major snow lately but temps are well below zero - -8C yesterday, cold today and -7C forecast for Wednesday. It has now been three months since I have been riding.
Today I have been able to go for some 'hair therapy' and coming home with a nice cut again has been a boost. (I think I'll start a new post for fear of losing this!)0 -
(a continuation from below)
LMV, I was interested to see that you are resetting your diet plans with a clean eating week. I have been trying to rethink some of my eating plan since I have been stuck, going up and down a 5 pound ladder a lot, for awhile. One day last week, I went to a nearby bookstore and looked through the latest diet books and read one pretty much cover to cover (the store provides nice chairs!) as it had got a lot of press recently. It is by a Canadian MD who runs a bariatric clinic and is a professor at Ottawa University so his credentials are quite respectable. The book is called, The Diet Fix : Why diets fail and how to fix yours. A lot of the advice was certainly not new, and a good bit of it is in my Beck book, but it was useful to get me thinking again. He does not promote any particular diet and does not believe in very restrictive diets. He evaluates and comments on most of the popular diets. A few things stuck with me, particularly his comment that "you can't outrun a fork." He says that weight loss is 70-80% diet and 20-30% exercise and thinks that people would do better to spend more time on the planning and preparation and monitoring etc. of their eating. Not that he is against exercise, he is completely for it. He is very big on keeping a food diary and monitoring calories precisely but he believes the actual food plans should be varied and flexible and always be about feeling good about what you are doing. For myself, it made me reflect on how sloppy my diary had become, not at all the kind of tool he says it could be. I did not buy the book but I do think I got some advice that will be helpful. If anyone is interested there are some good reviews at scientificamerican.com and www. science based medicine.
Perhaps because I have been thinking about goal setting and refocusing etc., I have also been enjoying a book my sister lent me. It is a memoir by Chris Hatfield, the Canadian astronaut who commanded the final Space Shuttle mission and lived on the space station for six months. It is called An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth ( I know that sounds like a rather arrogant title but he does not come across like that to me, in fact, often self-deprecating ). It is a fascinating account of his life and passion to become an astronaut from the age of 9, growing up as a farm boy in rural Ontario. The book is not overtly a guide at all but one can reflect and generalize on his account of why he does 'sweat the small stuff', finds the value of negative thinking, believes in over-preparation, deals with anxiety about going into space, etc., and has had a 30 plus year marriage and raised three children.
For me, his book strangely has a lot in common with Beck's Diet Solution book.
When I returned from the hairdressers, I was surprised to see that my next door neighbours have apparently returned from Florida, a week before they told me they would be back. I phoned another neighbour who has been looking after their cat to find out if some problem had led to the early return. Fortunately not, the wife has said she had had enough of Florida and just wanted to be back in her own house. Human nature is funny because she could not wait to go 3 1/2 weeks ago and she has chosen to come back to this cold spring. Anyway, when it warms up I'll have someone to do some walking with again as she also has a dog.
Regards all.0 -
Hello Crackers,
Bracken, I'm very pleased to hear that you are on the mend and feeling a bit more yourself. I am currently fighting off a cold which my husband has kindly shared with me. I don't think I'm going to have it anywhere as near as badly as him though. I hope I don't anyway as he had been really poorly.
I've been really good with the eating this week and stuck to my no alcohol, no sugar and limited cheese intake. I lost 4lbs and am absolutely thrilled with that. It has motivated me to get planning my food for the next week so that I stick to a lower calorie intake. My parents are coming to stay this week-end as it is Mothering Sunday so I am sorting out now what we will eat so I can prepare as much of it ahead as I can and hopefully not get ambushed into extra calories which I don't need. Now that they are older my parents don't eat as much as they used to so on Sunday I'm going to do a simple roast chicken with some vegetable patties and lovely fresh broccoli. Simple but tasty and not too heavy on the stomach or calories!
I was interested in your thoughts on the book you read Bracken. The physio gave me the all clear to start exercising again on Friday but as yet I haven't actually done any and I still list 4lbs. It is really important for toning and losing inches, but weight can be lost without it.
I also watched a very interesting documentary called Fat vs Sugar. In the States, no sugar, low card diets are pushed very heavily and in the UK low fat diets are pushed so a pair of identical twins who therefore have identical metabolisms tried an experiment. One went on a low fat, high sugar diet, and the other went on a low sugar, high fat diet to see what impact it had on their weight. Interestingly, the amount of weight they lost was pretty similar and it seems that neither sugar (carbohydrates) or fat were bad for you weight wise on their own. What is bad is if you mix them as many processed foods do. Apparently, the brain can't process this combination of food as it doesn't exist in nature so it can't tell you you are full and have eaten enough. The example they used was a big bowl of cream - you only really want a couple of spoons of it on its own because it's quite bland and rich. Similarly, a teaspoon of sugar on it's own is enough as the sweetness is overpowering. BUT, mix them together (ice-cream!) and you can eat loads of it! The brain doesn't register that you are full. I thought particularly of you MITM during that bit! I know you like ice-cream as well Bracken. There were other health issues too. The twin on the high fat diet had lost more muscle rather than fat because the body can turn muscle into an energy source if it is not getting enough carbohydrate to provide fuel for the body. Losing muscle is not good as it reduces life expectancy. Cholesterol levels were similar. There were some issues about insulin levels which I can't quite remember. So in conclusion, it seems there is no one saint or sinner food wise, the enemy is fat and sugar combined - ice-cream, cheesecake etc. I don't know if the programme is available on iplayer or the internet anywhere, but I found it really interesting.
I'm still enjoying trying out new vegetarian dishes and had a delicious aubergine parmigiana tonight. Will definitely make that again.
BM - hope your energy levels are increasing and that you have adjusted back to Singaporean time. It's horrible when you don't get enough sleep so I feel for you. I know you miss your family in the UK, but another two years will fly by even though it seems like an eternity now. If you manage half a pound a week off during that two years, you'll be 3 stone 10lbs lighter! You can manage that!!
Hope everyone is keeping well and being good
Lots of love
xx0 -
Hello Crackers.
A big congrats to you, LMV, on your 4 pound loss. That will surely inspire you to keep going and it has, in fact, inspired me with your example of being more attentive to some particular problem foods. Your explanation of the documentary was most interesting, especially the effect of fats and sugar together because I always think of myself as having a sugar problem because I don't seek out foods that are just high fat like French fries but, of course, the sugar foods I would overdo also have a lot of fat in them like ice cream. My week has been going quite well with eating as I have planned. I have decided I need to monitor my calorie intake more closely and am also trying to keep aware of eating enough protein and limiting carbs, though not in the drastic way of some plans. I have been using memo cards to put a number of my meals on with the calculations of the calories, carbs and protein with the idea that this will make it easier to keep monitoring. This week it has been somewhat time consuming but I think it is worthwhile as I often eat a lot of the same basic meals especially at breakfast and lunch. I have also done some cards that give counts for the usual fruits, vegs, meats, dairy, etc. I typically eat which makes it easier than constantly consulting a nutrition book. I don't use the food diary on the MFP site (I tried the one on TD) but my computer skills are such that I found it not efficient. Anyway, this week has been a good one to work at that as it has remained cold as predicted (-8 today, 3" of snow yesterday) though I am glad to not live in Nova Scotia where there is a very severe winter storm and 40 cm of snow predicted.
I finally got back to a spot of exercise today and did two miles on the treadmill. My sore knee seemed to cope well so I think taking the time off was good. Good luck to you, LMV, as you resume exercise.
I have just seen a film which I thought was terrific though not the happiest of films. It is a small British film called The Selfish Giant
and has been well received at many film festivals. It revolves around two young boys, about 14, who have very difficult lives and who live in Bradford. The boys are played by two boys from Bradford who had never acted before but their acting left me stunned. The boys become involved in scrapping for metal to make money and rent a horse drawn cart to do so (the time period seems to be present and I wondered if this is factual that people do drive cart horses there for such purposes. Perhaps PB, you might be able to enlighten me about this.) I will add that I am always drawn to any movie with horses but this is definitely not a horse movie. But it is a powerful, gritty movie that is well worth seeing. And a last note, the movie may set a new record for the use of the "f" word! I imagine that since it is here it has perhaps been out in Britain for some time.
Hope all are well.0 -
I have no time to write at present but I've just read through the posts and I'm wondering how many cups of tea BM will be making!!!!!0
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Hi All
First of all - BIG CONGRATULATIONS LMV on your loss! Well Done. Its good to know you are doing so well. I sadly am still struggling with poor eating and as my ankle is still quite painful, I'm not getting the exercise either (definitely no riding at present). It is getting better but the bruising is coming out now.
Bracken - I haven't come across the film you mention but I can confirm that there are still one or two 'rag and bone' men who use horse drawn carts - although most use trucks now - and of course, a lot of them just steal stuff - but as metal is very valuable these days there is a market for them. Its rare though as obviously driving a cart on our roads in towns and cities now would be pretty scary.
I can't believe it is still so cold in Canada Bracken - its been such a long winter for you. I hope it does improve soon. the weather here is due to improve over the weekend - although to be honest its not been too bad and, bizarrely a few days of dry weather has dried out the ground very quickly. I'm starting to gather my vegetable seedlings etc ready for planting. potatoes, carrots, onions, sweetcorn, tomatoes and strawberries! yum.
My parents are coming for the weekend - it being mothering sunday and I have a very busy weekend planned. This evening will be my first solo performance. I'm feeling quite worried as I always seem to make a mess of it the first time we rehearse and then get it right the second - this time I need to get it right first time. The rehearsal on Monday evening was not good at all and I must admit I was very tired at the end of it. thankfully, my solo comes in the first half before we do the Hummel - as the latter has a couple of very high sustained top A's which are quite hard work and I always struggle to do the rehearsal of the solo after that. Tomorrow evening, Mum, Dad and I are going to a 'one man show' at the local church - its a local man who is often on the radio - he is apparently very funny. Sunday, we are meeting my brother and his family for lunch in Felixstowe - which is just down the road. If its a nice day, hopefully we can go for a nice long walk on the sea front.
Later this morning two of the partners are coming to see me again. I can't say I'm looking forward to it - but I am definitely much stronger and more ready for them this time. I'm also in the process of applying for another job that has come up. Its working for a trade organisation so quite different in some ways - but well within my capability and, I suspect, rather less stressful - although a lot more travelling. Bizarrely too, a job that closely matches my previous job (before the practice) has come up and I must admit I'm considering it too. I think in reality that it is unlikely that I will be able to continue at the surgery in the long term - they aren't going to change and they have no insight. I've done well to manage as long as I have and keep the show on the road.
Well I think that's all for now - take care all - and keep up the exercise and healthy eating!
PB xx0 -
Good morning Crackers!!
Well after 20 seemingly never ending days, I've finally completed my paint job and my day didn't start with a paintbrush in hand! Instead I too had a nice cup of tea and a good catch up on the blogs!
So in answer to your question Bracken what colour have I painted my hallways and many doors.... Well my late father-in-law built our house himself aged 25, as he was a builder and it's designed just like young children draw houses; square with a door in the middle and 4 windows one in each corner (so every corner room has 2 windows),only difference we also have a door out to the balcony above the front door. As you walk into the house there is immediately a staircase in front of you and again there's another same position (but an enclosed one) on the floor above leading to a guest bedroom in the roof. In total there are 3 staircases, the last leads to the ground floor/basement where again the lay out is 4 rooms which are gardening and workshops and one which houses 3 freezes for my schlipfkrapfen and there is a door which leads out to the terrace and garden. It looks a small house from my photo but it's built into the slope and from the front view you can see 2 balconies as the guest room also has one and 4 floors. All the hallways throughout are tiled which I chose; a light brown, beige and rust splattering pattern because of the weather; snow in the winter months for cleaning and for coolness in the hot summers. The ceilings are all wooden panelled, the staircases are wooden and all the rooms off have exposed wooden floor boards - and as I've moaned previously the doors (7 on each floor) have these deep wooden frames so there's a lot of wood everywhere....
Now I'm mentioning all of this so you can picture if all the doors are closed which in winter when it's cold they most certainly are the only natural sunlight in the hallways comes from the glass panels in the front and balcony doors, which if it's sunny is adequate and when the rooms are open it's wonderfully bright - however if it's cold and snowing and grey and the doors are shut... oh doom and gloom... The walls when I first arrived were white everywhere which over the years had turned grey in parts and the doors on my mother-in-laws floor all the deep frames were painted chocolate brown which has long since chipped and the doors were stencilled! Our floor all the doors and frames we had made by a carpenter and I use to just close my eyes when I was downstairs!
So to find a colour to fit all of this wood and my beautiful John Lewis rust and gold heavy door curtains on both floors and huge draft excluders made of the same material - it had to be CREAM!!!! Which sounds so boring but it says everything about the 'house' not 'ME' Bracken!! Otherwise the house would be navy and grey!!! And if I tell you it took me 3 months to find the exact right shade of cream, do you know how many there are and how many were not right for our house!! Forget the husband being the perfectionist I know what I do and don't like! The colour was eventually mixed to my liking and the doors downstairs I've painted a shade or 2 darker it's called chalk but it's a dirty cream. And after 20, 5 hour shifts painting continuously I'm happy as is the husband with the result. In fact he says he will tell his family he had the painters in I've done such a good job!! I'm now awaiting the finishing touches 7 gold coloured handles to match my door handles, my mother-in-laws ghastly miserable pictures are not going back up (they've been removed to his office!) I have some artwork of the daughter's which won prizes when she was 9 & 10 up in the laundry area and I'm having framed 6 prints in walnut veneer which I found on my trip and loved of Bath where my husband and I lived during our first year of marriage. I hasten to add he did view them first! So the end is in sight - the only decision left is what colour to paint the inside of the front door....
When the daughter arrives for Easter I'll get her to post a photo of my hard work and no doubt the cream walls will appear white!!! But it's a clean, warm shade of whatever and not a drop of milk chocolate paint in sight - now had it been dark chocolate....0 -
I thought I'd better post what I had written in case like BM I lost it! However I have a P.S. to my last post. I've still yet to see in this village a coloured painted wall! When my father painted my daughter's room when I was expecting her a pale blue (the paint came with him from England!) family and friends came to view it. I thought they wanted to admire my lovely nursery and border but no it was to see with their own eyes the coloured walls which were going to kill the baby!! Times have moved on but alas not in this village!! The daughter's room is now a bright yellow
Well Crackers things are moving within the circle which is great news!
Well done LMV on your whopper 4lb loss which is an excellent start. All most interesting your report on fat/sugar and exercise. I can't believe I'm about to write this but I'm losing my desire for shop bought ice-cream which I believe is down to all these new fancy flavours which are too rich for me! I will put this to the test properly when I have my first Italian ice-cream from the local ice-cream parlour very soon!! I'm a firm believer of the saying 'more in than out and you're stout' and so for the amount of calories I eat and I am a creature of habit, I know I have to exercise energetically to burn any further fat off. So for the past few weeks I've done very little but lift a paint brush which I can certainly see has toned my arm muscles and legs with all the getting up and down.
BM glad to hear you are back on your feet again and walking. May I ask what does your OH do in Singapore? I'm still 2 pounds from my target weight and you will hear me from there shrieking when I reach target again! But the last 1/2 pounds lost have made a massive difference which sounds crazy!
PB good to know you didn't sink during your sport relief effort! Good luck for tonight with the solo hope it's a success, I think you're very brave!!
Bracken firstly glad to hear that you are on the mend and have no fear your recent record is safe! I'm off to England again tomorrow and unless I'm with the daughter I've no access to a computer. Everything you wrote makes perfect sense to me and I know Becks works after all I'm walking proof!! I shall be wearing my skinny jeans to the airport with no fear of the pat down!!
I'm taking my trusty pedometer with me as I've no desire to gain any weight with my birthday, wedding anniversary and Easter just around the next corner. I'm not going for long as I'm bringing the daughter back to Austria for her school Easter holidays which start on Friday. With all the snow (we too had a fresh dollop last weekend) she is looking forward to going cross country skiing and no doubt will be dragging me out walking up a steep hill or two!
So be good Crackers in my absence!0 -
Hello Crackers.
LMV, I really enjoyed the verbal tour of your house. All that lovely wood really appeals to me. I also understand your choice of cream and know that there are many different colours that are called such. I have "cream' throughout the kitchen, dining and living room of my house, partly because the rooms all face north and don't get the best sunlight and partly because the areas all flow into each other and I didn't want to break them up, let alone get into the hassels of changing paint colours and figuring out what colour to put on linking archways and baseboards etc. The cream I have is, I think, very warm and at certain times when the sun hits the living room wall has a pale peachy cast to it. When I first moved in the house this area was painted a stark white, a real snow white. When I moved in I found the white very cold.I mention here that my house was owned formerly by a younger brother and his wife. She always had a lot of bright red accessories and it always felt really cheerful and completely suited her as she is a natural brunette who tans easily and these are colours she could wear too. I am definitely an autumn and always gravitate towards those more mellow colours and could not live with bright white and red. (I am also thinking about how much I love the colours of the dresses on Downton Abbey- all those pearly greys, russet reds, soft mossy greens, and oyster neutrals.) It is interesting the customs that grow up about houses and colours. You mention the prevalence of white interiors where you live. In most of Ontario houses are very neutral in exterior colouring- brick is muted red or beige yellow and siding is white or grey or some other neutral shade of taupe or brown. However, in the East Coast, perhaps because they often have such bleak weather and most houses are wood clad, bright colours- turquoises, bright blue, buttercup yellows, apple greens are common.
On a food related comment you made, LMV, I totally agree with you about the fancy flavoured ice-creams and I also am surprised to find that I don't really like then either. They seem to have more and more of them, often with the same names/branding as chocolate bars, and ridiculous amounts of sugar. I am far more likely now to have frozen yoghurt though that is not without its problems as although it is very low fat, it often is quite high in sugar too though nothing like some ice-creams. But of course, the whole sugar bar seems to have been lowered hasn't it with that recent report from the UN about sugar being so unhealthy and the recommended intake being only 25 or less grams per day.
PB, I hope your singing went well. I certainly envy you that talent. I 'm glad to see on the other thread that you are feeling improved.
Well Crackers, last night I made a last minute decision and went to a small theatre in London to see two touring actors from Coronation Street! ( yes, I am a fairly long term watcher). It turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable. The actors were the men who play Gary and Owen (I remember their first names are Mikey and Ian, but not their last names). The presentation basically involved them chatting, partly prompted by a host/interviewer. I presume they basically follow to same pattern of presentation but
they managed to seem remarkably spontaneous and genuine. Mikey/Gary was particularly impressive but both of them told many anecdotes very well. Interestingly, Owen/Ian spoke about how he has OCD which was not diagnosed until he was 35 and how it affects him and how he has learned to compensate and how now he is very public about it because of his past silent suffering. Mikey/Gary spoke quite a lot about how his plot line with post traumatic stress as an Afghan veteran has led to his involvement with raising money for PTS veterans- it has been a big issue here as there have been a large number of Canadian Afghan veterans who have committed suicide. After a break, they took questions for a hour. "Corrie" is popular here and the theatre was full. Some paid a premium to have after show tea and photos with the actors but I did not nor did I buy a frig magnet, mug, or other memorabilia. So I remain a loyal fan but not fanatic!
LMV, thinking of you as you have indicated that you have a lot of pressing family commitments at the moment. Hope you yourself are able to keep well. BM, good to see you through checking in with food dairy/exercise reporting. Regards all.0 -
Hello All,
Lovely to read your long posts MITM and Bracken. I too am of the cream brigade when it comes to internal decoration of the house. I too have a warm cream Bracken and then I accessorise the rooms with accent colours. The only rooms which aren't cream are the kitchen which is a very pale peach (a peachy cream really) and I have window blinds and tablecloth in a soft sage green, and our bedroom which is a very pale yellow. To be honest, they are probably variations on cream! I know how many different shades and tones there are MITM and have had loads of tester pots myself in the past. It really is important to get the right white or cream for each room.
MITM - I hope you are having a good time in the UK and that your daughter is more settled and less homesick now. It doesn't sound as if her academic work is suffering. You must be feeling so proud of her. Congratulations on the whoppers you have lost recently as well. You are obviously putting in sterling work. Well done.
It sounds like you had an interesting evening Bracken. I did watch Corrie for a period of about 10 years but probably haven't watched it in the last 12 years so I have lost track of the characters and don't know who you are referring to. My friend in Australia still watches it and I think they are about 6 weeks behind the UK. I know I read somewhere that you felt you needed antibiotics to get over an infection, did you get them and are you improving now?
I had a lovely week-end with my parents for Mothering Sunday. Unfortunately I was a bit naughty with the wine and that lead to an attack on the cheese board! It's always the same old culprits! Anyway, after the excesses (there was also a hot cross bun WITH butter and a walnut whip!) I only lost .5lb this week. But at least I nipped the over indulgence in the bud and did register a loss, all be it a very small one.
My parents went home on Monday, but tonight I am back with them in their home in Hertfordshire. My husband had a strange conversation with his father. Apparently someone is coming to see him at 9 tomorrow morning, but he can't remember who it is or why they are coming. My husband rang all the agencies he has been dealing with in relation to his father and none of them have an appointment with him tomorrow. We have therefore hotfooted it up here so that my husband can be with him at 9 tomorrow to see what's going on. He's especially concerned as his father gave out his partner's bank details to whoever it is. He simply doesn't understand identity theft and that you have to be careful about that sort of thing. Hopefully it will be something legitimate but we couldn't afford to ignore it. His Father has a social services assessment on Monday as well to look at their care needs so we will stay with my parents until Monday and go home after the assessment. It's unfortunate that just as I've got my eating habits under control I'm away for five days and not completely in charge of what I eat. I'll just have to do my best. I had lots of fruit and veg in for the week at home so yesterday when I knew we were coming I used them up by making and freezing five different soups, a vegetarian chill and a chachouka with the peppers. I also made aubergine parmigiana which I brought with me. I was shattered by the end of it but at least I have plenty of meals in the freezer.
I managed to get out in the garden this week and have tomatoes and cucumbers planted and broad bean, carrot and leek seeds grown. I've got all the canes up ready for the runner and French beans so the veg patch is taking shape. All the beds were dug over and manured in the Autumn so the soil is in lovely condition and ready for the seeds. The daffodils in the garden are an absolute picture so everywhere is looking a lot more cheerful.
PB - I was thinking about you the morning you had the partners from the practice coming round. I hope that wasn't too much of an ordeal for you. It sounds as if you are certain you need to change job, so good luck with the search. I'm sure an exciting opportunity will turn up at the right time for you.
BM - how are you doing? It doesn't sound as if you are in the best of health at the moment, so sending a very big cwtch to you and I hope things are improving. How are you getting on with the sewing machine? The second series of The Great British Sewing Bee is just reaching its conclusion here with the final next Tuesday. Some people are just so clever and imaginative. I haven't been to my sewing class since I got back from Australia but I plan to go back after Easter and have some lovely fabric to make a summer dress with. I am looking forward to getting started on it.
Right, enough rambling. I hope everyone is doing well
Lots of love
xx0 -
Oh Dear LMV that sounds really worrying. I do hope its OK and that the bank are prepared in case somebody has taken bank details inappropriately. Hopefully, your husband has a POA that he can use to prevent anything too horrible. Its really worrying and I know as parents get more frail you want to prevent them from being taken advantage of, but they have to be willing to let you take the reins and lose some independence - very tricky time.
BM I hope you are feeling better now and that your health issues are under control. It must be so difficult to live with such conditions. It makes me very glad that I am generally, physically very healthy and well. (sprained ankles notwithstanding!)
I rode yesterday morning and ended up having a really lovely day - we went to Saxmundham in the afternoon (Maria - my friend with the pituitary tumour - who's currently having a brain fluid leak and I). We went to just two shops but it was such fun. I'm riding again this morning which is fabulous. I shall miss this when I go back to work - but hopefully, now the summer is coming, the long light evenings mean I will be able to ride after work. We shall see. A lot depends on how soon I am able to find an alternative job. Made 2 applications so far.
I am going back to work after Easter - and am popping in a bit before that just to get used to it. Unfortunately, the senior partner has had some terrible news - his 25 year old son, who is a qualified lawyer in London, has just had an operation for cancer of the tongue. This is quite a serious cancer and it will be another week before they will know if it has spread elsewhere - part of his tongue was removed which means he now has difficulty with swallowing and his speech will be affected. The partner (and his wife who also works as a GP with us) is completely devastated. Just goes to show that cancer does not care who you are - it attacks indiscriminately and without fear or favour. They are a close and loving family though so I'm hopeful that they will come through this.
I'm definitely on the way back to being myself - although I'm still struggling on the food front - a large quantity of full fat cheese was eaten last night. I bought it for my Dad when he was here and he didn't eat any of it and then I forgot to say take it home. As a result I have made no progress - but I plan to get some exercise in this week - above and beyond riding. I've been helping out with mucking out and doing up though so getting some strenuous activity!
My solo went pretty well - I know someone did record but I haven't heard the recording and I'm not sure I want to! Its a bit weird listening to yourself - as you don't sound like you think you do...... The conductor decided that he would like to try the piece with all 1st sops doing the solo line - but he wasn't happy with the result. We were, however, all shattered as it was the end of the rehearsal. I'll see whether he wants to try it again on Monday.
I still haven't heard anything about my show jumping judging exam - which is a bit frustrating as I'd like to get it out of the way if at all possible now I've got round to doing it! I will be writing to the association later today if I hear nothing to ask how much longer.
Its the Grand National tomorrow - I can never watch it - I hate it when the horses fall - although its nothing like as bad as it was when I was a child. Then the boat race in the afternoon - this is all further sign that spring is on the way. Its been very polluted here the last few days which is very unusual but hopefully it will be clearing today.
Well that's all from me for the moment - need to get ready to ride and just had a text asking for a favour this morning by another friend so need to find out what.
take care all!
PB0 -
Oh, The absolute joy of all these lovely long mails, cups of tea all around I think!:drinker:
The posts are just wonderful, obviously LMV I sincerely hope your Father in law has not been taken advantage of. It really is a sad world. Thank goodness he has you and your Hubby to be there for him. Such a difficult time for all concerned though. I will be thinking of you x x
I have been loving the" virtual reality" tours of your homes. I too am a massive fan of cream, MITM your home sounds so wonderful and such a lovely place to live. I would imagine it has been very difficult to put your own personality on your mother-in-laws (and husbands) home. I have had similar but not to the degree maybe you have had. When I met my OH is house was so old fashioned and unloved (He just used it as a base as he travels a lot). Unfortunately it had also been his marital home many years ago, so I had to use a lot of tact and diplomacy to make it more comfortable and homely for him. (It really needed doing, for his sake. He knows I will never live in it). You described the layout of your house so well, I hope you will love the results of your hard work for many years x
Bracken, Another home in a different country. You too have had the difficulty of decorating a home where the previous occupants are family, never easy! I live with those stark white walls you describe. After so many years of working in sterile environments I now feel like I am living in one! Unfortunately our apartment faces south and west (we are in a corner one), we would have loved a North facing one because the sun in here all day is stifling! You mentioned you are a fan of the Downton Abbey colours, I also remember you saying you are a fan of the show? We don't get it here but I am hoping to buy the box set when I return to the UK in July. If you do get a chance to check out Leslie Sansome could you please let me know what you think of it? I am hoping to try it when I am over this bout of grottiness!
LMV. Another cream convert! Isn't it weird that the four of us who have mentioned house colours have all chosen cream. I think it is such a soothing restful colour. LIke yourself I just change the accessories. I used to have pale greens cushions, rugs etc for the summer and then swop it all over to reds and darker greens to cosy up for winter! I so miss having my own home. I would love to be living in your beautiful part of the world. Many years ago I was told I would be living by the ocean. I so hope it is to be Wales and not to remain living by the ocean here!
PB, It is so lovely to hear you upbeat and enjoying yourself again! I wish you all the very best with you applications for the new posts.I would have loved to share that block of cheese with you, obviously washed down with a wonderful Chardonnay! My mouth is watering at the thought! Glad you enjoyed your singing. It all sounds very exhausting though! I HATE, HATE, HATE the Grand National and long for the day it will be banned. It is a farce to say those horses enjoy it. 2 of my cousins (one male, one female) are jockeys, and both have said they have been disgusted by some of the techniques those horses are put through to instil enough fear in them to jump when they cannot see the other side. So many needless deaths of those beautiful, trusting animals. I am not saying every horse is mistreated, but I cannot help finding the whole thing abhorrent. (Sorry, rant over!).
Well, our siren has just gone off which means another bad storm. So I will say bye as we are supposed to close down electricals.
OH is off on his travels in a day or two for just over a week so I hope I will be a whole lot better by then as Harry will only have me to walk him, and at the moment I am as shaky as Bambi on my pins so that will be a challenge! lol x x
Wishing you all a good and safe weekend. LMV, please let us know if all is well with your FIL. MITM, safe journey back and hope you and your daughter have a lovely time both in the UK and home. Bracken and PB, enjoy your weekends and hope you both get to ride, I envy you!.
Love BM x x0 -
Hello Crackers and to start I'll second your comment BM on the pleasure of these mails today, especially as it is rainy and dreary (but at least not snow).
I just skimmed through my last post and see I attributed the ice cream comments to you, LMV when in fact they were made by MITM who shares my liking of ice cream while for you it is cheese. And, well done on adding a .5 loss to your recent achievement despite again being away from home base for a lot of eating. I'm very sorry to hear of more difficulties for you and your husband with his father. You are quite right to be concerned and to hasten to that appointment. I hope it turns out well. We have a great deal on our media about elder abuse and the elderly being taken advantage of. Just this week a 94 year old woman was revealed to have had her life savings defrauded by a woman whom she had employed as a house keeper and who had recently moved her whole family into the house and forced the woman to live in a small back bedroom. Fortunately, a driver delivering her medications felt something was wrong when she was not at the door to receive them and the police were called. I saw her on the news and she seemed like such a lovely elderly person. She spoke very well of her ordeal and warned other seniors to exercise caution. What a world when someone like that can be forced to live in such fear and be controlled. LMV, I did get an antibiotic finally for my infection and I have felt so much better thanks. I am quite prone to respiratory infections and usually wait until I am quite miserable before getting treated. I generally do not like taking medications but if I could have a prescription on hand for that antibiotic I would jump at it in a heartbeat. How fortunate you are to be so far ahead with your gardening. What a lot you have done already. We are usually behind the UK anyway but this year will be even more so. It is very brown here and I have not seen even a shoot of plants yet. I am however going to see tomorrow if I can find any pots of pansies in a garden centre. Because they are quite frost resistant, they are usually the first outdoor plants I buy and having a big pot of pansies on the front steps says I am believing in spring.
PB, good to see you feeling so well and getting in some good riding too. I have finally got back on Briar this week and had short rides on Sun, Mon, Wed, and Thurs. On the first two days I just walked and trotted but by Wed. I started a short canter (all this in the indoor arena as too hard/icy/ wet/ muddy in the outdoor ring) so it has been a good week. We do not have steeple chases here though I am familiar with the Grand National but rather agree with you and BM about it. It all looks so exciting until there is a fall and these, of course, seem to happen quite frequently. I also think that equestrian events have become better over the years in terms of trying to make things safer for the horses, and riders too. I did enjoy that movie about the Grand National, however, that came out some time ago called Champion about Bill Champion (I believe that was his name) and his horse, Aldanate (spelling?). John Hurt played the main character and Aldanate himself was featured in the film. Did you see it? Some of my English relatives who are not at all 'horsey' nevertheless knew his story and/or had seen him when he made public appearances.
BM, I'll try to check out the Sansome video this weekend. I feel fortunate that I have been able to get a few outdoor walks in this week after the confinement of the winter. I am a Downton Abbey fan and have now watched all four seasons. I did not have it on my tv subscription channels so I have bought all four seasons. Recently my next door neighbour who had not watched it said she would like to. I lent her my dvds and the first night we watched three episodes together. I enjoyed it as much the second time around so I highly recommend it. My neighbour is hooked now too. In one episode of season two, there is a beautiful hunting scene- riders galloping through lush green fields and over natural jumps. Lady Mary (or her double in parts), a main character, is
shown riding side saddle, so elegant. I have seen a number of Brit movies with hunting scenes. I can't imagine that all the riding is done just by doubles. Not just the riding, but when you see someone working the hounds, I have often wondered if local hunting packs are used in these scenes and thought what a 'gig' that would be. To me, the ultimate bit part. Do you know about this, PB? BM, I hope you continue to improve and that you'll be able to enjoy some walks with Harry.
Must off now. regards to all Crackers wherever you find yourselves this weekend.0 -
Good morning Crackers!
Yes I'm back and today is my birthday and the first chance I've had to get on here since returning late Friday. I've had a lovely cup of tea and caught up on all the long posts what a birthday treat! I'm now going to ganache my chocolate cake ready for afternoon tea!! Will post properly in the next few days.0
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