Why am I not surprised? The builders returned after lunch to grout the tiles only to find the cement hadn't set and would slide if anything done to them. Off they went again saying they will be with me early in the morning so long as a delivery expected elsewhere doesn't arrive until after 9! No Lin, I can't see the stove going in much before the weekend, just as the temperature rises!
One good piece of news is a neighbour just popped round with my missing shoes, apparently left in the porch of a rather shady character living round the corner. She had gone looking for a missing parcel of hers and found mine instead! He'd obviously taken a look and decided size 6.5 female shoes weren't much good to him as they feel damp and a hole has been made in one corner of the box so they're sitting under a wall heater but my problem now is having received a refund, do I tell Amazon, after all they feel 2nd hand now. If I can find out the courier had to pay for the loss I'll keep this to myself! Feel free to tell me if I'm wrong or being dishonest.

Sandy, such patience lovey with both ex's. Do you ask what this money hubby #1wants to borrow is for? You don't have to tell me but it would be my first question and unless an absolute emergency I don't think I could because it's called making a rod for your own back. We now know about Babe so this is just a continuation of a pattern isn't it.... make a bad decision then get depressed and regret it. Nothing you can do but listen. I say "you" because I'd probably be yelling at him by now and getting nothing back but high blood pressure.... mine!!

Anne, raw meat dog food is all the rage at the moment but rather than buy from a butcher we have vacuum sealed bags for sale in farm shops and similar establishments. Of course George gets his raw meat from the occasional still warm dead mouse that Brady brings him which I find disgusting but have decided it's too much hassle to try to retrieve them from him. Certainly I wouldn't feed raw supermarket meat to him or the cats because there are too many bug issues and I feel if I won't eat it myself I can hardly dish it up for them. All sorts of hormones injected into the North American food chain, I assume in Canada too so maybe be careful with Jilly's.

Just gone 5pm and already getting dark now the clocks have gone back so I'll plug in the heater and get a meal organised.

Jackie

Just to let you know, Jilly only gets organic chicken USUALLY which is expensive but the good news, although I couldn't afford it for a big dog, she's weighs just over 8 lb so she doesn't eat very much. However the last batch which she wouldn't eat was from the delivery grocery which certainly tells me something because it wasn't organic although "prime" whatever that means. An emergency visit to the Organic Garage and a cook up last night has her back to eating cooked with the usual scattering of discarded rice and peas on the floor. I feel like Queen Anne with a royal food taster because the delivery grocer batch is now in the trash can and I'm back to grocery shopping at Organics with my personal shopper Michael, lol. Mike said he would eat the discarded chicken but if Jilly turns her nose up, he's not getting to eat it either! I'll never be a rich woman girls, not with this dog and her discerning taste buds. We think something must be done to the grocery chain meat for Bean to refuse to eat for three days! Bleach? Salt? Yet to us it seemed normal. I tried it seeing I cooked it!
One word JACKIE, if you can manage it, don't let Brady or George eat the mice. Why, because the only time English Thelly got worms was from eating mice. He never caught them in Canada being an aging cat when we brought him over here.
Nope, you aren't wrong or dishonest. The couriers fault and it's a miracle you got the shoes. Pennies from Heaven as it were. Ignorance is bliss on amazons part and they should choose their staff, or couriers more wisely. Lesson learned all round.
Think I'd better shut up for the day and take the full Bean for an amble to walk her brekky off.
Anne.

Hello dear ones! Sunny day but a bit chilly. I think it will be an errand kind of day. Not my favorite but things must get done.

Katie goes through times of being bored with her usual food. I keep a good quality dry kibble out for her all the time and she gets two meals a day. These are a mixture of veggies and chicken. There are days when she is just not interested in any of it. I think really domesticated doggies like ours take on some of our habits and peculiarities. We get bored with the same food all the time. However doggies do have tender tummies. They can eat bugs and sticks and grass but different food causes them to throw up? Don’t you just love them?

Our son always says he should have been a builder. They have a great life. They are constantly in demand. They give you a price for the work they are to do but it always ends up costing more. They give you a date they will start work, but they don’t show up. They give you a completion date, but they are never finished by that date. Our son said in his work, there are no sloppy deadlines. Do it for what you signed on for, on the deadline or you will never get any more contracts. The film industry is unforgiving!

I feel like one of those old Cajun fortune tellers we used to see as a kid. I feel big changes are in the wind. Things seem so unstable worldwide. Bad? Maybe! Good? Possibly! We are like leaves in the river of life. The current and tide carries us along no matter what we do. We can only cling to high hopes.
Patsy

SANDY, Well done. It can't hurt to have a chat and your mind will be eased whatever the outcome. Be sure to tell your lawyer the full facts about any down the road future fears you have. You are not being disloyal to Babe just protecting yourself if there is cause from a third party, the son.
By the way your advice about the parcel was good, but why open up another can of worms? The onus is on these companies to provide good service. By contrast to JACKIES experience I've nothing but praise for M&S and the courier they use. I've just completed a survey they always send on the couriers performance, and thus have my name added to their monthly draw. Not that I will ever win a shopping spree but this way M&S keep the courier service on its toes and themselves on the quality of the clothes they sell. Incidentally I presume my parcel won't be left if I'm not here to sign for it. The courier gives plenty of warning on this via email and I can choose my own time/day etc.
Anne

Just a quick note. I am up on time this morning and ready to blast off for a morning of Tai Chi, a stop by the grocery store on lovely discount day and then an afternoon Tai Chi class before crawling home.

Buzz, we can only try. I know it is difficult. It is a world of daily outrage. Sigh.

Sandy, cannot hurt to discuss it. We love you, Babe loves you but we all know Babe’s family would do you wrong in a heartbeat. Hugs.

Patsy, if big changes are in the wind, I pray they are positive and peaceful changes. And yes, your son is spot on! For builders and handymen for certain.

Good morning everyone. Many good thoughts flying to all of you.

Hugs.

Lin

So the builder sent me a text yesterday to say he would be here around 9.30 and I took George out for a very early cold walk. Here we are midday and no sign of said builder and George is doing his bark, bark, bark like a dripping Chinese torture because he senses someone might visit us!! Patsy's son has got builders sussed completely which is why in the past I did so many DIY jobs myself and am sure in half a day I would have completed laying a few tiles on the hearth without all this hassle, just needs a bit of common sense. Removing the electric fan heater from in front of the hearth this morning I accidentally knocked the corner of the new tiles and whoops, one moved so if ever he does arrive I'm thinking there's more drama to come!
I appreciate everyone's input and last night I came to the same conclusion as Anne about these now damp shoes. If I am sent a label to return them, for starters I'd be waiting a long time for the courier to find me to pick them up since twice they went to the wrong address so more wasted time hanging around. Amazon goes out of its way to avoid paying any sort of business taxes in the UK by setting up bogus addresses in Southern Ireland so I don't feel in the least beholden to them or concerned about their financial loss from this transaction so that's it, decision made and as Lin commented, leave them where they are for a day or two then probably throw out!!

Sandy, all I'll say is I'm relieved for you because Phil seems to get away with bullying his father and influences his decisions so as much as you trust Babe things could get worse once they are under the same roof. It's a terribly sad situation but you're getting on with your life enjoying time with family and friends which is so important.

Anne, both Brady and George are wormed monthly and get a quarterly flea treatment so hopefully no after affects for them although I do worry because Brady catches so many mice he could get a blocked bowel full of fur but nothing I can do to stop him, just hope now he's an adult he won't feel the need to hunt quite as much.......I know, dreaming!!

A phone call from the builder to say he won't be here for a couple of hours so I've told him to leave it until tomorrow since I have an appointment this afternoon. It's my pedicure and foot massage which is just what I need to calm me down! At least it gives another 24 hours for the tiles to cement hard!! George still grumbling of course although quieter mutterings now.

Should I watch any news today? I'm not sure I can take much more of here today, gone tomorrow politicians whichever area of the world they are messing with.

Hugs to everyone.
Jackie

You are So right LIN, garlic it is! Aren't the kids at school? Our trick or treaters only show up after dark. I don't answer the door either anymore. Not since that late teenager dressed as Dracula leapt out of the side shadows and nearly gave me a heart attack. He thought it enormously funny! No, I only put one small lamp on, have the TV turned low, and let the kids go by. It's not just about being cheap though, my deck at the front is iffy. I only use the back door at the moment. It's such a miserable day here I don't think many ghosts and witches will be venturing far afield.

Jilly refuses to wear ANY clothes SANDY. It has to be an extremely plunging temperature to get her to wear her padded winter coat. This is just as well because I hate to see the poor dogs in frothy skirts and tiaras!

I've just ordered a bunch of socks and warm leather gloves from M&S. Hope I haven't tempted fate with my earlier glowing tribute to them and their courier! Don't chuck the shoes out JACKIE! At the very least wear them to muck the chickens out, but I feel they will dry out just fine. I haven't ventured into ordering shoes online as of yet. Worried about getting a comfortable fit.

Well I've just eaten my mashed root vegetables with a few pinched pieces of the Beans chicken. Stew actually and very tasty it was.

Today is a good day to snuggle up with a book,
Anne.

There's going to be a lot of dogs with sore throats tonight, including mine. Anne. 🎃🎃🎃

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry that controlling, bullying man would have the nerve to phone you and lay down rules. Occasionally I received similar calls from my step mother and got to a point where I found it best to tell her I was going to hang up and did just that. If you can, tell Babe that is what you'll do if Phil phones again so he can pass it on. Controlling people are devious, or think they are, putting the onus back on their "victim" and in effect he's trying to say it's all your fault Babe is upset so he'll do you a favour even if you are hostile. You know none of it's true Sandy so don't be pushed about, please! Yes, tell your attorney everything he said because it proves you have good reason to be concerned.

My day began with me heading for the shops for early supplies but as I reversed out of the garage the builders arrived to grout my hearth.... hooray! We were all relaxed as I made them coffee and we chatted about one of them wanting to live in Canada although France was a good alternative and before they left (my purse a lot lighter!!) I asked if they would consider tiling the garden room too. They are busy but will put me on their worksheet for about 5 weeks time and strange as it may seem, I trust them! I was just getting cranky when it was cold and the job seemed to be dragging! When they did leave I took George on to the moors in the sunshine for a walk then stopped on the way home for groceries. The outside of the garden room needed a wash down because dust from the tile cutter had stuck everywhere during yesterday's heavy rain so I did that before cutting and chopping wood for kindling. Now I just need the stove to be installed, hopefully Saturday or Monday.

Buzz, are you still using CBD to help control pain? It has finally been legalised in the UK after some heartbreaking stories about children suffering epileptic fits whose parents took them abroad to access CBD and it had a profound affect. Finally our government listened! I hate to read you are suffering!

Anne, over time I learnt ordering shoes online could be precarious at the best of times, usually because they were smaller than they should be, probably because they were sold out of China but now I order a half size up and am extremely careful to check who is selling them. Before I went out the first time this morning I tried on the now only musty shoes and found them extremely comfy so considered popping them in the washing machine except they look suede and are Pumas so silly to ruin them now they've finally arrived at my door! For now I will just keep airing them!!

Time for my cup of tea so I'll wish Patsy and Lin a good day and go pop the kettle on.
Jackie

Hello peeps. The fog is rolling in but I guess that is to be expected. Halloween was very quiet here. One lovely thing about this small town is that all the downtown merchants give out treats to the kids in costumes. Even the parents are in costume as they usher the kids along. We were at the post office and were charmed at the scene. The town was full of Halloween costumed people also some walking doggies in costume. The local dentist gave out toothbrushes and tiny tubes of toothpaste as well as a little toy stuffed happy tooth. A great time was had by all.

Sandy: as expected this arrangement with Babe isn’t going to go well for anyone. I hope some alternative living situation can be worked out for him. This is a heartbreaker. I am so glad you are checking in with your attorney. Be well and try to stay calm. Go to an extra meeting to help soothe the nerves.

Jackie: you deserve a metal my friend. I am amazed at your patience and stalwart spirit. Living in a cold house takes a special effort. I would be grumpy and yelling at the workmen. You can imagine how that would expedite the situation. Great that the shoes fit and might someday air out.

Buzz: so sorry to hear about your hands. I understand exactly. Mine just go numb at times. I use everything...aspercream, CBD oil in a lotion, special arthritis gloves. There seems to be no magic bullet for this. You are in our thoughts and we love and miss you words of wisdom.

Lin and Anne...have a good day.

Getting ready for a day of cooking. Veggie soup and herb bread.
Patsy

Making hay while the sun shines! It's glorious and George and I walked for an hour over the moors before I headed for the farm supply store for a fresh bale of bedding material for the hens. A brew of coffee is on the go which I will enjoy outside on the patio with seagulls crying overhead. When I lived in London as a child I was told it was a sign of bad weather coming in off the sea and those noisy birds could be right because the weather over the weekend looks pretty wet.
My weight is up again reminding why I only used to get on my scales once a month rather than weekly because it does fluctuate so much. I was good though because driving back from the farm store I was tempted to do a left turn into a local post office that also sells pasties thinking oh well, what the heck but steeled myself and drove on!

Have a good Friday everyone.
Jackie

Looks beautiful out this morning but chilly. This is trash day so I was up rummaging through the refrigerator for “items that are past due!” Still feel very sleepy because I haven’t had coffee yet. Katie is still lounging in her bed, not sure why we are having such a slow morning.

There is a golden light this morning. I love that kind of sunlight. I guess it is sunlight coming through the fall leaves. They are falling fast now. Katie tracks in a lot all day long. There is an enormous spider hanging outside the living room window. I keep watching it. I made a mistake by naming it Charlotte and we are watching her build a significant web! I want to spray her with bug spray but John keeps saying there are millions more so what’s the point. The point is, I am afraid of spiders.

Sandy, great advice from your attorney. From what you've told us Phil continues to behave true to form and sadly, Babe too. Stay strong lovey and look after your future whatever that bully tells you. We're all family here so believe me it's only concern and love we feel for you so you can tell us whatever you like... or not!
Hopefully you can find out what's happening with your hand and get relief.

Patsy, dear Charlotte is on the outside of your window looking in so harmless enough so long as she's not allowed access! If you didn't live far away you could borrow Brady the pummeller of spiders big and small.

My feet are blocks of ice so time for a hot meal.
Jackie