Yesterday I would class as a crummy day over here as well. But first to say LIN welcome to the Blood Pressure Club. You sound like me busy jotting down readings. I was horrified at first but you do get used to the morning pill when one first gets up. It took ages for my doctor to find a pill I wasn’t allergic to. At the moment I am on a daily half pill. Anyway, I realize now that it’s best to be aware and not in denial which is my usual head in the sand way of dealing with things I don’t wish to know.

PATSY, I was worried when you didn’t post but of course realize now you must be worried stiff about John. I think Alzheimer’s can be slowed down considerably when caught early. That goes for a stroke as well if he had a warning sign? That’s why my doctor Tim gave me quite a lecture when I was put on pills rather than be trusted with diet alone. I know you are extremely worried love, but maybe it was actually a good sign to catch things early?

Yesterday was a day of rain here, and cold. The sort of cold that isnt extreme but creeps into one’s bones and makes them creak and crunch. No matter what one puts on, it still feels shivery. So that didn’t help when I read all the awful news in the world, everywhere it seems. Alas, the wonderful country I grew up in is no longer that wonderful place it seems, the terrible, terrible school shootings in the USA make my eyes fill with water when I think of the poor parents and even here in Toronto the once good, deranged people stabbing bystanders at random on our transit system. The latest a 16 year old boy sitting on a seat waiting for his bus home. His poor, poor distraught mother who heard the news and didn’t think for a moment it was her child murdered. He joins quite a few women who previously died. I think the police and the city councillors are at a loss how to deal with these random stranger attacks. Not sure but didn’t the mental hospitals get closed down?

I had one glimmer of hope on such a miserable day. I haven’t written on the pound a week club because SANDY was in the middle of her recent trauma. BUT, I have tried very hard to keep to the diet and record daily all I eat on MFP. SO, big drum roll! I appear to have lost a little over 2lb on a half a pound a week diet. Jumped on the scales this morning.
All is forgiven MFP on my recent Sneaker post losses. Your calorie count appears to work.

So, in a better, or more normal frame of mind today I’m off to the shower to wash a little less of me. You are all constantly in my mind dear sneakers, I wish us all a beautiful peaceful day.
ANNE.

Hello friends, well that didn’t last long, the sunny mild weather I mean. Rain poured heavily until about 4pm so very little has been achieved. I did phone friends to find out if they know any more about Les being in hospital and apparently he contracted Covid while at an indoor bowling event. Although blind he is able to play when a friend stands with him and describes where the Jack is (ball they aim to get closest to) and because Les has played for over 60 years he knows weight and direction needed and often wins. It’s great exercise and a way of socialising, otherwise he is quite isolated during the day, but unfortunately Covid is still with us, even if mild for most. The rest of my day has been relaxing to get over a few aches from yesterday’s gardening and taking George and Betty out once the rain stopped. The pets have loved their lazy day too, especially George now that he can sleep on his fluffy bed in the spare bedroom while Brady and Betty snuggled by the fire!


Patsy, your concern for John must be overwhelming because our brains are scary but if you met my friend Pat who suffered a stroke before lockdown you wouldn’t know. I’m aware she is slower towards the end of the day but several of what she calls symptoms, I’m beginning to deal with myself just from getting older. So much research is now being made into Alzheimers and how best to care for sufferers. Support organisations you can talk to if that turns out to be John’s diagnosis might be another option but as Sandy commented, you can go mad imagining the worst scenario. ❤️

Sandy, I’m delighted to read you are staying in your Jim-jams today. Someone once said if you don’t look after yourself you can’t look after others. It could have been the Dalai Lama, Confucius or Socrates but there again it was probably a long forgotten celebrity!! 🤪

Oh dear Lin, not the best news from your doctor and lots to think about but at least you are being monitored so a few adjustments will hopefully be all that’s required.

Anyone would think we are all getting older but good news, Sandy and Anne both happy with readings from their weigh scales. I, on the other hand….!!

Gosh, 6pm and I only just finished my afternoon cuppa. Clocks springing forward has completely thrown me. 🫤
Jackie

Hi LIN, my problem was I got good results on my home machine for BP, but it shot to high heaven a couple of hours later on the Doctors machine. This went on for ages with me scribbling the numbers daily. Doctor Tim finally said he wasn’t a great believer in “white coat syndrome” but after taking my machine to the office and it matching his figures there, he finally conceded it might be true. That’s what is probably happening to you as well. I really like Dr Tim as a person but have a true mistrust of doctors in general and avoid them like the plague.

My Jilly is at the front window barking her head off but I can’t see anything outside.

Anne.

Miserable day here. First pouring with rain and now mixed with snow flurries. Mark popped in to pick up an empty paint can to go and buy more matching. He still has to go to physio with his back but fewer sessions now because he finally has some relief after suffering for over three years. I personally think the time with Corvid finally allowed his back to heal a little. My personal opinion of course on health practitioners and doctors. again!!!!

Watching the new “all creatures great and small” had me slightly watery eyed as I remembered the similar Christmas’s we had long ago. Not quite so many people in the old house of course but oh so similar in the decorations, relatives full of good humour, the mistletoe in the hall and the holly decorating the grandfather clock top and the Venetian wall clock, both now over at Marks house. Midnight carols at the Norman church and exactly the same Christmas dinner next day with cracker pulling. But….. here we are in 2023 with “hoity toity April” and Easter just around the corner.

Sorry this is boring, but it’s very quiet here with the rain and snow and Jilly on her back next to me, and slightly “talking” in her sleep.

Anne.

Patsy, so good to see you. I am sorry the doctors are not pinpointing what might be John’s problem(s). Very frustrating. Having a nice weather day is wonderful. I am hoping for some around here soon. Very cold again today. We are still in the target for severe weather in the next few days as temperatures rise and storms form.

I wasted time looking at 2 other Honda dealerships. One has a car I would like to see. Would you believe you need to make an appointment to come and see this demo model?

A friend called this afternoon. She was having phone problems and called to talk a while and to see if she had everything straightened out again. She did. 👍🏻👍🏻

Jackie, too wet! But your potatoes are growing—fabulous. I hope you are able to get petrol tomorrow.

Anne, I hope Mark’s back is healed. I didn’t know he was still doing therapy.

Sandy, I did look around on the Internet and multiple sources did say heavy coughing could produce higher blood pressure. I had never really thought about it. Thanks for putting me in the know.

Be safe everyone. And may we all have good health.

Lin 🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

This morning was Betty’s nail cutting appointment but first I walked them round the block. We bumped into a friend of my nice neighbours who has bought a property about half a mile along this route since meeting an American online and deciding on living for 6 months in each country. Probably both in their 60’s and seem well suited. Betty was very good as her nails were clipped, probably because she was fed lots of freshly cooked liver treats! Pugs nails are black, even the quick, so it’s frightening to cut them in case there’s a bleed but the nurse was very patient and Betty only squirmed when her back feet were held. My monthly pet insurance allows as many visits as needed so it was suggested we go back in about 6 weeks for another trim.
A little shopping afterwards but I forgot to fill up my car so that will have to be another day.

So Patsy, you have heard me across the thousands of miles, shouting at the sky? 😤 A few naughty words too! As I walked from my car to the entrance of a store this morning, the heavens opened and a lady walking from another direction laughed as her shoulders, hair and glasses became soaked in seconds so I must have looked exactly the same. We agreed we had never experienced such a wet month of March and we’re looking forward to April showers because they should at least be warmer!

Oh dear Lin, your search for a new vehicle continues. Hopefully you will be in the right place at the right time one day soon to nab the one you want.

I hope you are feeling more rested Sandy. Another day in Jim-jams!

Anne, the BBC is showing a series called Race Across the World when couples compete to travel thousands of miles with very little money and no phone or transport. They set off from Vancouver on foot with a first goal in the Yukon where the scenery is stunning and the final destination is Halifax on the east coast so I’m guessing Canada will be a popular holiday destination next year!

A letter has arrived from the mobile clinic that arranged my CT scan a couple of weeks ago to advise they have picked up a nodule on my lung but I do not currently have lung cancer. They will arrange for another scan in 3 months to check if there are any changes so once again I seem to be in the best hands for preventative treatment. It’s a reminder to get on and live life!

It doesn’t look like it will be dry enough to be outside this afternoon so instead I will do a small DIY job that’s been looking at me for weeks.
Happy Thursday
Jackie 🥰

Hello, I have been busy with chores, washing clothes, cleaning, paying bills, addressing Easter cards, putting birthday cards in the mail, a long phone conversation, cooking, etc., etc., etc.

It has warmed up and did get quite windy today as forecast. Tomorrow is expected to be a very rocky weather day. Hope things don’t turn out badly.

Sandy, glad you are doing better. ❤️❤️ I have been watching “Call the Midwife” each Sunday evening so am caught up. Same with “All Creatures Great and Small” which often brings tears to my eyes. I don’t normally watch many shows that do that. But I do enjoy these.

Jackie, I am glad your scan discovered this nodule early. I hope it does not turn into anything. Eons ago, I had an X-ray that found a nodule in my lung. After frightening me, it was evaluated and found to be an encapsulated nodule. No worries. No one has every brought it up again.

Barbie, wonderful to hear you had some decent weather. Good job. Working bit by bit! 👍🏻👍🏻

Anne, what are you watching or reading these days? How’s the Bean?

Patsy, did you have good weather again today? Thinking of you. ❤️❤️

Must get back to addressing envelopes.

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

Morning all. The Ms rolled up and proceeded to paint the second coat on the basement LR and one bedroom walls. It looks lovely and airy. They then shocked me by saying they will continue and do ALL the rooms which means the second bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, the furnace come washroom and a room with no heating which contains a sink and I’ve always used as a cold room for storing vegetables and odds and ends like the window air conditioners and summer fans. All to be the same shade of paint throughout. It’s difficult to describe this colour but it’s very springlike and pretty. Sort of a very very pale grey but with the faintest hint of pale, pale green. Prettier than the description. Should (and does ) look great against the new dark wood staircase and eventually same colour flooring throughout). Michael asked me suspiciously WHY and I have no idea except my suspicions of course. The two Ms are reaching retirement age for a start and why not do it now whilst both are active. The basement is beginning to look much bigger now that left over building materials and empty paint cans are being removed as well.

So of course LIN I don’t have much time for hobbies with all this activity going on. I do the simple stuff like wash the sheet dust covers on the Ercol sofa and chairs etc. The cleaner upper lady!
So in the evening it’s mainly finding murder mysteries on the tv with me and Bean collapsed on the sofa. I’m watching “all creatures” and can get a bit watery eyed as I look at the beautiful scenery of those hills I once, years ago, explored. The lovely down to earth people as well. I’m happy here, but I’m so glad the brain is still full of memories.

Enough of me. I’m hoping every one is feeling so much better with Aprils arrival tomorrow. I’m imagining the new wall colour downstairs with a jug full of daffodils on the coffee table! Meanwhile we’ve got flurries!

Years ago in the old country JACKIE I took a Tubercolosis test at work and I had a shadow. This was followed by weeks of worry and especially by my dad. Then suddenly it had gone. Probably leftover symptoms from a cold I was blithely told. I’m praying that your nodule turns out to be a similar vanishing problem.

Well must away and do something upstairs before the busy bees arrive again to spoil Beans and my once peaceful existence! Michael is safely tucked away at work avoiding all THIS work.

I suspect the new people in Maria’s old house will arrive tomorrow to add to Jilly Beans excitement.

Anne.

Ladies I am now being scammed it would seem by some little toe rag pretending to be my phone company.
Please take care. Three messages so far. The first arrived at 6am.
Anne.

Happy Friday. We have the same warnings here Sandy. Early school dismissals, some events canceled and others hanging by a thread.

Wishing everyone the best. 🤞🏻❤️🤞🏻

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

Hello dear ones! We have sunshine again. It is breezy and a bit chilly but spring-like,

My big news is that I think i may have found a good helper for housecleaning. She is perfect. Just enough complications that makes her my kind of person. First of all…she really doesn’t speak English. We have a few words we use and lots of hand waving and and demonstrations. And she must bring her 9 year old boy! He will play games on my iPad while his mom cleans. Complicated enough? John is falling down laughing. As I hired her, John is laughing and telling me that this is really my kind of house cleaner. No one can talk to each other and no one knows what the other needs! Perfect!

The doctors adjusted John’s meds and it helped tremendously. Not sure what will happen long term but he is back to his same self today. Good day here!

I am making chicken chili. Instead of cornbread I am making a sort of Mexican zucchini bread. It has cornmeal and spices and zucchini of course.

These storms are so scary. I am so grateful everyone is safe. Lin and Sandy, I am sure you have plans when these crazy storms hit us. I guests no one has storm cellars any more.

Patsy☘️

Good morning friends! Things are picking up here in Cornwall too with no sign of rain. We’ve a cool northerly wind which is unheard of this time of year but then that’s nothing compared to others around the world. I’m going to test the terrain on the moors with George and Betty and then hopefully enjoy a busy day because I’ve spent too many days on my rear watching the rain so now my muscles are complaining loudly.

Gosh Sandy and Lin, another nasty storm out of the way and I’m so relieved you are both safe. Life has become interesting with these precarious weather systems but it’s nothing we weren’t warned about years ago.
The bunny napkins are adorable Lin and reminded me of Home Economics lessons at school when we were taught how to create such wonders. Of course that was an era when we women were expected to entertain on a grand scale even if we lived in a tiny middle class home. 😄😆
I’m pleased you are shaking off that nasty bug Sandy. We never quite get over losing loved ones and I’m sure you will always miss Babe but your faith and loved ones will offer peace. ❤️

Dear Patsy, I’ve laughed out loud while eating my porridge and reading your post. What a perfect, fun cleaning arrangement you’ve made and I can see you spending time with the 9 year old reading stories while performing with your puppets! Great news for John as well and just goes to show what scary cocktails of drugs doctors can ply us with.

Anne, great news for you too with Maria making contact. She seems to have made a sensible decision to maintain her independence and how lovely to have a local friend you can hopefully meet up with. Age doesn’t come into it so long as you get on and Maria obviously doesn’t care. Who knows, there could be opportunities to get out of the house for coffee and cake while the renovators crack on!

Time to get going. I think I will need to wrap up and also wear my wellies because Cornwall is saturated.
Happy Sunday.
Jackie 🥰🌤️☀️