Had terrible night last night - throat agony, kept me awake nearly all night, temperature up again. Been in bed most of today. No New Year party for me - again.
So goodbye 2013 you've had some good bits and some bad bits but through it all God has been with me, at work in my life. Praise Him!
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Monday, 30 December 2013
Sad news
At the coffee morning I have a favourite old lady, a wonderful character with the answer "Well parts of me are ok" when asked how she is. I've just seen in the local paper that she has died. She was 90 and died peacefully so that's a lot to be thankful for but I'm going to miss her. Can't quite believe I'll never chat to her again.
Sore throat
Woke up yesterday with a sore throat and as day went on I developed a temperature. My throat is sooo painful right now. J a bit under the weather but managing to do some Art coursework. Yesterday P squashed his thumb with a ladder - swollen and nail turned black. Ouch.
Another storm in the night but doesn't seem to have been any damage.
Terrible news about Michael Schumacher's accident. Praying he'll recover.
Another storm in the night but doesn't seem to have been any damage.
Terrible news about Michael Schumacher's accident. Praying he'll recover.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
A Quiet One
Feel so sorry for all those people who've had floods/power cuts over Christmas. Must have been awful and still is for some people. We've had several storms here and some of the rivers have burst their banks but no houses have been flooded, thankfully. They say there will be more rain next week.
We have had a quiet Christmas. We went to 'old church' on Christmas morning then we had two ladies for lunch - Mavis and Joanne, who would have been on their own otherwise. P, with J's help, cooked some wonderful food. The goose was delicious, P cooked it with pears and onions. J wouldn't eat it but had turkey instead.
It was a bit tiring and bordering on stressful at times but all in all went ok.
Disappointingly the camera J got for Christmas didn't work but we went in on Boxing Day and the lady in Boots was happy to change it. I got a camera as well - a nice little slim one to fit easily into my pocket or handbag.
Yesterday and today I've just dossed around really, well apart from reading.
We have had a quiet Christmas. We went to 'old church' on Christmas morning then we had two ladies for lunch - Mavis and Joanne, who would have been on their own otherwise. P, with J's help, cooked some wonderful food. The goose was delicious, P cooked it with pears and onions. J wouldn't eat it but had turkey instead.
It was a bit tiring and bordering on stressful at times but all in all went ok.
Disappointingly the camera J got for Christmas didn't work but we went in on Boxing Day and the lady in Boots was happy to change it. I got a camera as well - a nice little slim one to fit easily into my pocket or handbag.
Yesterday and today I've just dossed around really, well apart from reading.
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Good few days
Mocks seem to be going well.
Have had good few days. Have joined new housegroup at church - enjoying it and making new friends. Last night was Christmas party with family housegroup - had good time. P made salad and sponge cake which was very nice. Just sat around eating and talking which was fine. Church very good this morning then picked up J and had lunch at pub with a few of the others. Roast turkey again - yum.
Have to go - Strictly results about to come on.
Have had good few days. Have joined new housegroup at church - enjoying it and making new friends. Last night was Christmas party with family housegroup - had good time. P made salad and sponge cake which was very nice. Just sat around eating and talking which was fine. Church very good this morning then picked up J and had lunch at pub with a few of the others. Roast turkey again - yum.
Have to go - Strictly results about to come on.
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Study leave
J is doing mock GCSEs at the moment, says so far they've 'gone ok' but then he always says that and usually they have but just occasionally ... I on the other hand always used to say I'd done terribly. This rebounded on me the first time I did my Chemistry A-level. I had managed to spend 2 years of Chemistry lessons not getting to grips with the subject at all. In fact I could pretty much be said to have learnt nothing except that if you accidentally added sodium carbonate instead of sodium hydroxide to the test tube during a certain test it would violently react and the tube contents would shoot into the bottle turning the contents bright green. Also if, while heating a test tube it boiled over and the contents shot across the room and hit the teacher in his beard, he too would violently react.Also that the super-calm, slightly creepy, my-one-ambition-in-life-is-to-be-head-boy (who actually became a lot nicer once he realised he never would be head boy) was not at all super calm when he set the bench on fire. Anyway on Paper 1 of my A-level exam there were 20 questions. I answered 3. All complete guesses. 'I've failed Chemistry,' I said to my Dad. 'You always say that, you've done fine,' he replied.
So yes I failed abysmally, retook it and spent most of the next year still not understanding it. Then one evening just a few weeks before the exam I was poring over a text book and suddenly it clicked. Just like that I understood Chemistry and to everyone's astonishment got a really good grade.
Of course J is a natural super whiz at Chemistry. Doesn't get it from me. At parents' evening though, when the teacher addresses all his comments to P and ignores me I get this urge to say 'I have got an A-level you know, I do know what an alkane is, or even an alkene or alkyne and unlike you I was alive back there in those days when they were just beginning to talk about spd orbitals and electron clouds'. But I don't. I just sit there in my wheelchair trying to look intelligent.
Anyway it's a funny sort of fortnight, taking J into school at strange times of day. On Tuesday we took pity on him doing 2 English exams & went and took him for lunch in a cafe between Eng Lang and Eng Lit. Today he's been home all day 'revising' although for a break we did go and do a bit of Christmas shopping. He's got a 'real' German GCSE exam tomorrow, really hope he does know it as well as he says. Of course he'll say it 'went ok'.
So yes I failed abysmally, retook it and spent most of the next year still not understanding it. Then one evening just a few weeks before the exam I was poring over a text book and suddenly it clicked. Just like that I understood Chemistry and to everyone's astonishment got a really good grade.
Of course J is a natural super whiz at Chemistry. Doesn't get it from me. At parents' evening though, when the teacher addresses all his comments to P and ignores me I get this urge to say 'I have got an A-level you know, I do know what an alkane is, or even an alkene or alkyne and unlike you I was alive back there in those days when they were just beginning to talk about spd orbitals and electron clouds'. But I don't. I just sit there in my wheelchair trying to look intelligent.
Anyway it's a funny sort of fortnight, taking J into school at strange times of day. On Tuesday we took pity on him doing 2 English exams & went and took him for lunch in a cafe between Eng Lang and Eng Lit. Today he's been home all day 'revising' although for a break we did go and do a bit of Christmas shopping. He's got a 'real' German GCSE exam tomorrow, really hope he does know it as well as he says. Of course he'll say it 'went ok'.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Good news part 2
Bit of good news 2):
After 2 years of trying to lose weight so I can get back into my dark blue embroidered jeans I'VE DONE IT!!! Only thing is they look a bit old-fashioned now. Never mind I'm going to wear them. Can also get into Next green skinny jeans I bought to cheer me up after hospital appointment in April when had steroid injection in my finger (Youch!!!) then found they were too tight and into jeggings bought last year and into denim skirt got on ebay a couple of years ago. Life is sweet.
Must make sure I'm disciplined over Christmas & don't put weight back on again. Today went out for lunch with coffee morning crowd. Had prawn cocktail in a tortilla cup, turkey & trimmings then sorbet (Becky next to me had same starter, hunter's chicken with chips, cheesecake with cream and ice-cream then a mince-pie, not sure her weight-loss program going quite to plan). Woman opposite me had a bag of crisps just before her lunch, not sure why. Had a nice time. P and new associate minister from old church seem to be hitting it off which is good.
Saturday, 30 November 2013
English shock
J went back to school on Weds. Thurs was parents' evening. Boy who bullied J in Year 9 was going round just ahead of us. A lot of earnest discussions going on with teachers and he didn't look all that happy. His parents looked like they wanted him to get on better. Forced myself to pray for him. 'Love your enemies' not always easy (or ever easy??).
Anyway as for J - in most subjects teachers very happy - aiming for As. We were just quite shocked (and I actually felt like crying) after seeing the English teacher. I was expecting that after J's not very good exam result last summer she would be able to tell us what she's done to bring him on where he's at now and what she expects in his mock. However she didn't know. She hardly seems to know him very well at all, looking quite stressed she just said 'Try and do your best J'. She really has no idea how he's going to do in the mock. She also told us that whereas last parents evening in June the exam was worth 40% of the total marks it's now worth 60%. Yikes! She told us several others did just as badly in the summer exam like it was reassuring. It wasn't.
Ok I don't blame her, she has a lot of pupils and the government has messed around with English GCSE so much they don't know whether they're coming or going. I wouldn't be surprised if half way through the exam they're interrupted and told some more changes have been made. It must be incredibly difficult for the teachers. But I've no confidence at all that my son is going to be ok in this exam. When I ask him what level he's working at he doesn't know.
Sooo... I got in the car, texted J's German tutor and asked if she knew anyone who did English. She put me in touch with an agency and J starts lessons with someone next week, much to his disgust. I just want him to give it a try, if he gets an A* in his mock (or even an A or B) and his tutor says he's so brilliant that she can't help him then we'll give up, ok.
If he's tutored up until the exam it'll cost us £500, on top of already paying for German, piano and skating lessons. Kids don't come cheap. He has to pass English though.
Anyway as for J - in most subjects teachers very happy - aiming for As. We were just quite shocked (and I actually felt like crying) after seeing the English teacher. I was expecting that after J's not very good exam result last summer she would be able to tell us what she's done to bring him on where he's at now and what she expects in his mock. However she didn't know. She hardly seems to know him very well at all, looking quite stressed she just said 'Try and do your best J'. She really has no idea how he's going to do in the mock. She also told us that whereas last parents evening in June the exam was worth 40% of the total marks it's now worth 60%. Yikes! She told us several others did just as badly in the summer exam like it was reassuring. It wasn't.
Ok I don't blame her, she has a lot of pupils and the government has messed around with English GCSE so much they don't know whether they're coming or going. I wouldn't be surprised if half way through the exam they're interrupted and told some more changes have been made. It must be incredibly difficult for the teachers. But I've no confidence at all that my son is going to be ok in this exam. When I ask him what level he's working at he doesn't know.
Sooo... I got in the car, texted J's German tutor and asked if she knew anyone who did English. She put me in touch with an agency and J starts lessons with someone next week, much to his disgust. I just want him to give it a try, if he gets an A* in his mock (or even an A or B) and his tutor says he's so brilliant that she can't help him then we'll give up, ok.
If he's tutored up until the exam it'll cost us £500, on top of already paying for German, piano and skating lessons. Kids don't come cheap. He has to pass English though.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Not again
J is ill again. Really can't believe it. Has a temperature, headache and tummy ache. Why does he get ill so often? Not good at all with his mock exams coming up.
Just had his report and what was his worse subject? RE!!!
Dinner went well the other night. Guests (who were the associate minister of old church and his wife) said it was a 'delightful evening'. P cooked an amazing meal: apple and parsnip soup and ravioli, turkey casserole (with a Middle Eastern flavour), mango sorbet, fruit salad and chocolate marzipans. Yum. Who shall we ask round next?
Had 6th Form open evening at J's school on Weds. Very crowded and got a bit wet waiting outside hall for talk but quite interesting and J got quite enthusiastic about it. The days when he can abandon, English, RE and PE and do Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics seem very attractive to him. They have to do an 'extended project' and he is thinking of building a robot. When we went into the Maths Dept. a teacher none of us knew seemed to know all about J. Hmm.
The thing is though originally when we turned down a grammar school place (shock, horror) the plan was to go to grammar school for 6th Form. We were going to go to the grammar school open evening but J was sick then. Suppose we could phone and ask if he could look round if he wants. Difficult to know what to do. His current school 6th form seems very nice, they help a lot with uni applications, he knows teachers and they know him, he'd be with his friends but what if he didn't get quite the grades he could have got at grammar and doesn't quite get where he wants to go. Need to pray about this and not get stressed like I did about senior school application.
Yesterday P and I went to a large shopping centre where I didn't actually buy much (have already done most of Christmas shopping - when you do it on wheels you have to get ahead of the game). P got a new hand blender as old one started making strange noise. Back in the days when I was able to lift it I couldn't get to grips with it really - tended to spray the kitchen with whatever I was blending. New one is amazing - not only blends but chops, mashes and whisks complete with a handy jug.
Just had his report and what was his worse subject? RE!!!
Dinner went well the other night. Guests (who were the associate minister of old church and his wife) said it was a 'delightful evening'. P cooked an amazing meal: apple and parsnip soup and ravioli, turkey casserole (with a Middle Eastern flavour), mango sorbet, fruit salad and chocolate marzipans. Yum. Who shall we ask round next?
Had 6th Form open evening at J's school on Weds. Very crowded and got a bit wet waiting outside hall for talk but quite interesting and J got quite enthusiastic about it. The days when he can abandon, English, RE and PE and do Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics seem very attractive to him. They have to do an 'extended project' and he is thinking of building a robot. When we went into the Maths Dept. a teacher none of us knew seemed to know all about J. Hmm.
The thing is though originally when we turned down a grammar school place (shock, horror) the plan was to go to grammar school for 6th Form. We were going to go to the grammar school open evening but J was sick then. Suppose we could phone and ask if he could look round if he wants. Difficult to know what to do. His current school 6th form seems very nice, they help a lot with uni applications, he knows teachers and they know him, he'd be with his friends but what if he didn't get quite the grades he could have got at grammar and doesn't quite get where he wants to go. Need to pray about this and not get stressed like I did about senior school application.
Yesterday P and I went to a large shopping centre where I didn't actually buy much (have already done most of Christmas shopping - when you do it on wheels you have to get ahead of the game). P got a new hand blender as old one started making strange noise. Back in the days when I was able to lift it I couldn't get to grips with it really - tended to spray the kitchen with whatever I was blending. New one is amazing - not only blends but chops, mashes and whisks complete with a handy jug.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
A busy week
J had viral gastroenteritis and was unwell for most of the week but is better now. He has his mock GCSEs soon and I sort of feel he should be doing some revision but he doesn't seem keen. Sigh.
I was anxious about him being ill not just for his sake ( I hate my boy being sick) but also I was due to go on a healing retreat from Tuesday to Thursday last week. He was better but on Monday morning I fell getting out of the bath and I thought that was it I wasn't going but it seemed like nothing was broken (although my hip is still painful).
The retreat was awesome - a real encounter with God but very challenging as well. Dealing with the whole issue of loving myself, not easy.
Time seems to have flown by since I got back and we're expecting people for dinner. It's one of those really frustrating moments - asked P to light candle and he spent 20 mins looking for hs lighter and I'm thinking 'Just use a match'. Ah it's lit now, table looks quite good - red roses, red napkins, flickering candle-light.
Just praying evening goes well.
I was anxious about him being ill not just for his sake ( I hate my boy being sick) but also I was due to go on a healing retreat from Tuesday to Thursday last week. He was better but on Monday morning I fell getting out of the bath and I thought that was it I wasn't going but it seemed like nothing was broken (although my hip is still painful).
The retreat was awesome - a real encounter with God but very challenging as well. Dealing with the whole issue of loving myself, not easy.
Time seems to have flown by since I got back and we're expecting people for dinner. It's one of those really frustrating moments - asked P to light candle and he spent 20 mins looking for hs lighter and I'm thinking 'Just use a match'. Ah it's lit now, table looks quite good - red roses, red napkins, flickering candle-light.
Just praying evening goes well.
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Sea lions can't do piano exams
Today was meant to be a busy day: P take J to school, P go to Primary school Eucharist service, pick up J at start of his lunch break & take him to piano exam, afterwards go into town centre for bit of shopping & possibly treat for J, go home, piano lesson, dinner, go to 6th form Open Evening at Grammar school.
Instead we're doing none of that. J is asleep on sofa and P and I are propping our eyes open.
Yesterday J said he felt a bit ill but he often does. He went to school and had an early night. About 1.30 am there was a strange sound from his room, a bit like a sea-lion in labour. He was being copiously sick over his bunk. This is a high-level bed which means if you feel queasy a rapid exit is not possible. Various items of clothing and bedding were removed and J had a shower. We tucked him into his sleeping bag on his futon with a bowl and towel next to him.Twenty minutes later he appeared at our door asking for something to help his tummy pain. The next thing we knew he sank to his knees and was violently ill in our doorway - all over the floor and there was nothing we could do except watch. Good job P happened to buy new mop-head yesterday.
There followed several more episodes of sea-lion noises and requests for bowl emptying, all of which P coped with heroically, broken nights not being his forte.
It was obvious this morning that the piano exam wasn't going to happen but P phoned the exam headquarters and they had a vacant slot later in the month so it's been rearranged. Phew.
Hope he soon feels better.
Instead we're doing none of that. J is asleep on sofa and P and I are propping our eyes open.
Yesterday J said he felt a bit ill but he often does. He went to school and had an early night. About 1.30 am there was a strange sound from his room, a bit like a sea-lion in labour. He was being copiously sick over his bunk. This is a high-level bed which means if you feel queasy a rapid exit is not possible. Various items of clothing and bedding were removed and J had a shower. We tucked him into his sleeping bag on his futon with a bowl and towel next to him.Twenty minutes later he appeared at our door asking for something to help his tummy pain. The next thing we knew he sank to his knees and was violently ill in our doorway - all over the floor and there was nothing we could do except watch. Good job P happened to buy new mop-head yesterday.
There followed several more episodes of sea-lion noises and requests for bowl emptying, all of which P coped with heroically, broken nights not being his forte.
It was obvious this morning that the piano exam wasn't going to happen but P phoned the exam headquarters and they had a vacant slot later in the month so it's been rearranged. Phew.
Hope he soon feels better.
Monday, 4 November 2013
Wales
Spent half term in Wales with my brother. My dad was also visiting him so it was an opportunity to see him. All went well. Had good but tiring journeys. Bit concerned about Dad's shortness of breath but he wouldn't let us take him to doctor. Kept getting bad then better again. Said he'll go to doctor when gets home. Storm escaped us in Wales. A few trees damaged at home but not too bad and house still standing.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Autumn
It was so lovely yesterday afternoon we decided to go out. Went to lake and found they've made a new footpath, had a really nice time. I just love Autumn.
I should mention that during my latest blogging interlude we had our 25th wedding anniversary and we went to Scotland - revisiting where we went on honeymoon. Had lovely time. Will post some photos sometime. J stayed with Becky. Realised mobile phones have some disadvantages as without them we would have been blissfully ignorant of fact that he missed the bus twice and thought he was going down with a serious illness. Still he survived.
When I'm feeling low I just think of that beautiful Galloway coastline looking across the Solway - dappled shades of muted turquoise and dusky pink with the purple mounds of the Lake District on the other side.
I should mention that during my latest blogging interlude we had our 25th wedding anniversary and we went to Scotland - revisiting where we went on honeymoon. Had lovely time. Will post some photos sometime. J stayed with Becky. Realised mobile phones have some disadvantages as without them we would have been blissfully ignorant of fact that he missed the bus twice and thought he was going down with a serious illness. Still he survived.
When I'm feeling low I just think of that beautiful Galloway coastline looking across the Solway - dappled shades of muted turquoise and dusky pink with the purple mounds of the Lake District on the other side.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Latvian food
Well dinner went very well on Tuesday. It was a young man from our previous church and his girlfriend (who's Latvian). He's feeling he's got a call to the ministry and wanted to chat with P about it. Girlfriend was really lovely and they were both easy to talk to. P made starter of buckwheat pancakes with salmon filling with pickled onions and capers and mushrooms with garlic. Apparently it's a Latvian dish but she said she'd never had it before but she did live near the Russian border so had more of a Russian cuisine. (If Natasha's (piano teacher) car hadn't broken down we'd have had two Russian speakers in our house on same day). Anyway it was delicious. Then we had stuffed chicken (homemade stuffing) and chocolate steamed pudding. Yum. Had an email from him saying they'd like to come again sometime!
J was helpful in tidying up and I got him to work with the Dyson although he did say 'What's the point of hoovering up dust you can't see?'
'Just get on with it!'
All my tidying efforts have made my feet hurt so can hardly walk today. Never mind.
P is working on our floor as in sanding it and filling in gaps (long story). Horrible noise and dust everywhere but really good to get it done.
Lovely sunny day today but weather warning of storms coming.
I've been the same weight for 4 weeks despite trying to be 'good' but today had lost a pound! Yay!
P out planting daffodils in our drive. Neighbour's cat whom I call 'Patch' sitting sunning himself outside our window.
So much to be thankful for.
J was helpful in tidying up and I got him to work with the Dyson although he did say 'What's the point of hoovering up dust you can't see?'
'Just get on with it!'
All my tidying efforts have made my feet hurt so can hardly walk today. Never mind.
P is working on our floor as in sanding it and filling in gaps (long story). Horrible noise and dust everywhere but really good to get it done.
Lovely sunny day today but weather warning of storms coming.
I've been the same weight for 4 weeks despite trying to be 'good' but today had lost a pound! Yay!
P out planting daffodils in our drive. Neighbour's cat whom I call 'Patch' sitting sunning himself outside our window.
So much to be thankful for.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Rain!
Just had torrential downpour. Our drive flooded in just a few minutes.
Not getting very far with someone's coming to dinner tidy-up. I hardly know these people, I taught him in Sunday school years ago but his girlfriend I've only smiled at. Help!
Not getting very far with someone's coming to dinner tidy-up. I hardly know these people, I taught him in Sunday school years ago but his girlfriend I've only smiled at. Help!
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Saturday
Pouring with rain. Trying to tidy up because some people coming to dinner on Tuesday but now too tired. Making progress with long term project of sorting out our bedroom but just haven't got energy to do very much in one go. Have given P and J a 'to do list'. Time for a snooze I think
Friday, 18 October 2013
Growing up
Apparently the English assessment is going ok despite the last minute preparations.
J got an A* in his German oral exam which is really good. He has made huge progress with his German speaking over the last year. Has one more oral to go plus several writing, reading and listening exams.
He's a prefect this year so has been showing prospective new parents round the school. He was a bit nervous about it but said it went ok.
My boy is growing up so fast.
My nieces too are getting so grown up - one has been doing work experience and the other is applying to uni.
Seems like five minutes ago they were toddlers.
J got an A* in his German oral exam which is really good. He has made huge progress with his German speaking over the last year. Has one more oral to go plus several writing, reading and listening exams.
He's a prefect this year so has been showing prospective new parents round the school. He was a bit nervous about it but said it went ok.
My boy is growing up so fast.
My nieces too are getting so grown up - one has been doing work experience and the other is applying to uni.
Seems like five minutes ago they were toddlers.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
My brother
The thing with my brother is that he would do no work (I'm not talking about revision I'm talking about work) until the very last minute and then get an A! Literally with his Chemistry A level he did. The night before he said 'Hmm, perhaps I should do a bit of work now.' I gave him a few pointers and he spent a couple of hours learning a bit of Chemistry, he took the exam and got an A.
English assessment!
Here I am back after not blogging for ages and feeling a teensy bit stressed. Why? Because today J has an English assessment. Repeatedly over the last few weeks I've asked him if he had everything prepared for it and he's grunted 'yes'. This morning at 7.15 I was woken by him coming into my room saying 'I forgot to do my planning sheet' (the sheet they're allowed to take in with them).
"Why don't you look at that English Revision Guide I got you, it's on the trolley in your room, it might help you do it," I said.
J went into his room, looked on the trolley, not there he said.
P went and looked, not there he said. With a deep sigh I got out of bed and looked - there on the bottom shelf was a book entitled 'GCSE English Revision Guide'.
'Didn't know you meant that one,'said J.
'Didn't think you meant the bottom shelf,' said P.
There followed an interlude during which it emerged J didn't even know if it was an English Language or Literature assessment. Having ascertained it was Language there were several minutes of him scouring the web to find tips on doing his planning sheet and me going through the Revision Guide and the books on 'Mice and Men' I got him which I don't think he's ever read. I found a couple of pages that were relevant to him.
He read them and said "Ok I've just learnt something I didn't know, that's useful. "
"Don't you want to take it in the car to read it again?"
"No, I've read it once I've remembered it." (???)
I think I'm going to be doing some frantic praying this morning but I get the feeling he'll probably do ok.
This whole scene really reminds me of someone. My brother.
"Why don't you look at that English Revision Guide I got you, it's on the trolley in your room, it might help you do it," I said.
J went into his room, looked on the trolley, not there he said.
P went and looked, not there he said. With a deep sigh I got out of bed and looked - there on the bottom shelf was a book entitled 'GCSE English Revision Guide'.
'Didn't know you meant that one,'said J.
'Didn't think you meant the bottom shelf,' said P.
There followed an interlude during which it emerged J didn't even know if it was an English Language or Literature assessment. Having ascertained it was Language there were several minutes of him scouring the web to find tips on doing his planning sheet and me going through the Revision Guide and the books on 'Mice and Men' I got him which I don't think he's ever read. I found a couple of pages that were relevant to him.
He read them and said "Ok I've just learnt something I didn't know, that's useful. "
"Don't you want to take it in the car to read it again?"
"No, I've read it once I've remembered it." (???)
I think I'm going to be doing some frantic praying this morning but I get the feeling he'll probably do ok.
This whole scene really reminds me of someone. My brother.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Back to school
It's been a hot and busy summer. We've been camping, I've been on a healing course and we've been to Ireland for a week where we had a lovely time. The best bit was meeting up with my family. My brother came over for a few days to stay in the cottage with us. We were on the same farm as last year but in a smaller cottage. It was all just so relaxing.
Now J's back at school and so far seems happy although beginning to realise Year 11 means work. (How can my baby be doing his GCSEs already?) He's really pleased with PE as they've been given a choice of what they do - he's chosen badminton and basketball, not due to a fascination with the letter b but because they're indoors. No more almost getting hypothermia as he plods round the cross-country course (and he really nearly did get hypothermia). I must say this school is actually really good with pupils who lack natural sporting ability andd still manage, mostly, to make it enjoyable for them instead of totally humiliating.
The other good thing is the Maths teacher he didn't like doesn't teach him any more (apparently due to all the complaints about her). Head of Science who's a Chemistry teacher is teaching Physics.
Only a few weeks until the Sixth Form open evenings start. Yikes.
Now J's back at school and so far seems happy although beginning to realise Year 11 means work. (How can my baby be doing his GCSEs already?) He's really pleased with PE as they've been given a choice of what they do - he's chosen badminton and basketball, not due to a fascination with the letter b but because they're indoors. No more almost getting hypothermia as he plods round the cross-country course (and he really nearly did get hypothermia). I must say this school is actually really good with pupils who lack natural sporting ability andd still manage, mostly, to make it enjoyable for them instead of totally humiliating.
The other good thing is the Maths teacher he didn't like doesn't teach him any more (apparently due to all the complaints about her). Head of Science who's a Chemistry teacher is teaching Physics.
Only a few weeks until the Sixth Form open evenings start. Yikes.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Swimming
Actually I'll just mention cos it's a nice memory for myself: J and Tim and Tim's sisters and cousins and Becky all swimming yesterday. Played piggy in the middle. Lady who owns pool sitting in shade in her wheelchair watching and enjoying it. She's getting very frail, had had another fall.
Very hot.
Very hot.
Welcome to our world
Welcome little Prince George.
P gloating cos he said name would be George. George was my grandad's name. In J's class at primary school there were 4 Georges so obviously popular again.
Fingers quite painful so will have a little blogging break.
P gloating cos he said name would be George. George was my grandad's name. In J's class at primary school there were 4 Georges so obviously popular again.
Fingers quite painful so will have a little blogging break.
Monday, 22 July 2013
Exciting
So excited about news of Royal baby's imminent arrival. Feel for poor Kate though. Hopefully will soon be over.
Our future king or queen is about to be born. Wow.
J says it won't be my king or queen cos I'll be too old. I suppose he's right.
Our future king or queen is about to be born. Wow.
J says it won't be my king or queen cos I'll be too old. I suppose he's right.
Day out
Went round stately home and gardens today but we only lasted a few hours because so HOT. There was a whole line of people standing in shade by hedge eating ice creams so we joined them. We've joined English Heritage so can go back another time to finish looking round.
J still a bit under the weather. Don't suppose heat helps.
Had a break from heat yesterday - was quite cloudy and cool.
A couple from our old church turned up at new church. Were quite impacted by service and were telling me about their (very difficult) family problems. Prayed with them a bit. Poor things.
J still a bit under the weather. Don't suppose heat helps.
Had a break from heat yesterday - was quite cloudy and cool.
A couple from our old church turned up at new church. Were quite impacted by service and were telling me about their (very difficult) family problems. Prayed with them a bit. Poor things.
Friday, 19 July 2013
Still hot
Still HOT and they say will get hotter. Really haven't done much today except be slaughtered at Risk by J. He always wins.
J and I had a bit of a squabble last night. He thought I wasn't appreciating his help with the computer + he thinks I'm a bit deliberately obtuse when it comes to the computer + he doesn't understand why I don't 'have a life' and do things other people do like go out to work, meet friends etc + he's still feeling under the weather + pressure of school getting to him a bit + he's a teenager.
He and P went to the cinema this afternoon - time to myself, bliss (not that I don't enjoy their company).
Ate a fig from our tree this morning - seriously yum.
J and I had a bit of a squabble last night. He thought I wasn't appreciating his help with the computer + he thinks I'm a bit deliberately obtuse when it comes to the computer + he doesn't understand why I don't 'have a life' and do things other people do like go out to work, meet friends etc + he's still feeling under the weather + pressure of school getting to him a bit + he's a teenager.
He and P went to the cinema this afternoon - time to myself, bliss (not that I don't enjoy their company).
Ate a fig from our tree this morning - seriously yum.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Sweltering
Still sweltering. last night in bed was lying there trying to expose as much of me as possible to cool air when 'neeoweeeee...' That's meant to be the sound of a gnat. Woke P up to kill it but he couldn't find it so had to sleep with sheet pulled up round my ears. (Talking of ears did you read in the paper about that woman who went to Peru and got a fly in her ear but thought nothing of it then got back to UK and had pain and a strange scratching noise in her ear. Maggots. She had maggots in her ear, threatening to eat through to her brain. Doctors managed to get them out which must have been a relief really). Anyway I wasn't being totally selfish by waking P up as, while gnat bites are annoying for me, he and J are quite allergic to them and their bites can swell up like eggs.
Just took Mavis and Blackie to vet. Three cats yowling and a dog barking all at once but also a box of really cute puppies. Blackie did ok. I sat with him in car with windows open while P and M went into Co-op.
Getting all blankets, throws and sleeping bags washed. There's a lot to be said for this weather.
Can't believe it's the end of term already. J actually went to school today, said felt a bit better.
Still no sign of Royal baby. Don't envy Kate, being pregnant in this heat.
Just took Mavis and Blackie to vet. Three cats yowling and a dog barking all at once but also a box of really cute puppies. Blackie did ok. I sat with him in car with windows open while P and M went into Co-op.
Getting all blankets, throws and sleeping bags washed. There's a lot to be said for this weather.
Can't believe it's the end of term already. J actually went to school today, said felt a bit better.
Still no sign of Royal baby. Don't envy Kate, being pregnant in this heat.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Still sooo hot
Soooo hot. Our house tends to be cool but at the moment it's getting quite warm in here.
P arranged tables for coffee morning in quite an artistic horse-shoe. There were flowers on each table (left over from a funeral but we weren't to tell anyone). It looked really nice. Some of the roses were interesting - white with purple edges.
Problem at coffee morning is it tends to split into 3 groups: elderly ladies, elderly men and those who don't fit into either. Mavis goes in the latter because she doesn't really do social skills (can't help it she's had a terrible life). I sit next to her as I don 't want her to sit on her own. It's fine when Becky comes but if not it can be just me and Mavis in the corner which isn't ideal for either of us. Village agent was there this morning who gets on well with Mavis.
This is probably all a bit boring to read.
So what's happening that's exciting? Dunno. J still ill. Hope to get him back to school tomorrow. P fixing trailer. Vegetables growing well. Have got loads of washing done and dry. Got some nice new feet-supporting sandals on ebay (brand new). Really comfy.
Took J for heart scan yesterday - nothing to worry about, just follow up from funny turn after cross country last year. In and out in under half an hour. Said it made him feel more ill.
Last night in bed felt really close to God. Feel like He's about to do something in my life.
P arranged tables for coffee morning in quite an artistic horse-shoe. There were flowers on each table (left over from a funeral but we weren't to tell anyone). It looked really nice. Some of the roses were interesting - white with purple edges.
Problem at coffee morning is it tends to split into 3 groups: elderly ladies, elderly men and those who don't fit into either. Mavis goes in the latter because she doesn't really do social skills (can't help it she's had a terrible life). I sit next to her as I don 't want her to sit on her own. It's fine when Becky comes but if not it can be just me and Mavis in the corner which isn't ideal for either of us. Village agent was there this morning who gets on well with Mavis.
This is probably all a bit boring to read.
So what's happening that's exciting? Dunno. J still ill. Hope to get him back to school tomorrow. P fixing trailer. Vegetables growing well. Have got loads of washing done and dry. Got some nice new feet-supporting sandals on ebay (brand new). Really comfy.
Took J for heart scan yesterday - nothing to worry about, just follow up from funny turn after cross country last year. In and out in under half an hour. Said it made him feel more ill.
Last night in bed felt really close to God. Feel like He's about to do something in my life.
Monday, 15 July 2013
J sick again
Hot, hot, hot.
J says he's got labyrinthitis symptoms again so back in bed. Was hoping he'd make it to end of term, only 3 days to go :(
J says he's got labyrinthitis symptoms again so back in bed. Was hoping he'd make it to end of term, only 3 days to go :(
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Saturday
Yesterday afternoon went to Gardening Society Show which we didn't enter this year. Fewer entries than normal, perhaps because of poor spring weather. Some of cookery entries didn't look very appetising - a couple of the judges' comments said 'pastry raw and filling raw'.
In evening went to Family House Group. Good time. Resident dog very boisterous - nearly knocked me over, kept trying to mate with people's legs (not mine thankfully) and several times put nose in food on table. He will be better once he's 'been done' apparently.
In evening went to Family House Group. Good time. Resident dog very boisterous - nearly knocked me over, kept trying to mate with people's legs (not mine thankfully) and several times put nose in food on table. He will be better once he's 'been done' apparently.
HOT!
Seriously HOT today. Church had stall at a fair so was helping as in scooting around giving out leaflets to people (not really my sort of thing). Went ok and loads of interest in stall but around midday the heat really got too much for me. We went home then P went back later but I didn't. This evening went swimming (as in me sitting in water) with J and Tim. Water lovely.
Wasn't sure pool would be open this year as lady who owns it has been quite ill. She phoned up the other day and said it was available. She was sitting in wheelchair in garden today. Had had another fall yesterday. Problem is her bathroom is quite narrow so when she falls in there it's hard to get her out.
It's been so wonderful being able to use the pool. Don't know how would have got J through childhood without it.
Wasn't sure pool would be open this year as lady who owns it has been quite ill. She phoned up the other day and said it was available. She was sitting in wheelchair in garden today. Had had another fall yesterday. Problem is her bathroom is quite narrow so when she falls in there it's hard to get her out.
It's been so wonderful being able to use the pool. Don't know how would have got J through childhood without it.
Friday, 12 July 2013
Baby names
Ok this is my guess for the royal baby.
I think it's a girl and will be called Elizabeth or possibly Charlotte.
Wonder what a boy would be called. Henry? Richard? George? Dunno.
I'm probably completely wrong.
Must be a hard decision for them, choosing a name. It will after all go down in history.
Exciting.
I think it's a girl and will be called Elizabeth or possibly Charlotte.
Wonder what a boy would be called. Henry? Richard? George? Dunno.
I'm probably completely wrong.
Must be a hard decision for them, choosing a name. It will after all go down in history.
Exciting.
New game
There is this new game on the internet that J and I have been playing: GeoGuessr, which is actually a really good game. You get put somewhere in the world, can be anywhere (as long as it's been google street-viewed) and have to work out where you are. It's very educational especially for someone like me who's a bit rubbishy at Geography. Last night my guess was only 9000 km away from where it should have been, probably as bad as you can get I suppose. Did have one which was 0.01 though.
A few health issues
I have this problem at the moment, well ok I have several problems:
Sooo...when people ask 'How are you?' what am I supposed to say?
Still, crazy as it may seem to some people, I believe God is going to heal me.
- M.E. not any better.
- Arthritis in fingers not any better.
- Arthritis in toes getting worse - ouch.
- Bone scan showed osteoporosis in spine worse, actually really quite bad. Hips haven't got any worse over last 4 years which is something I suppose. Which would I rather have: hips or a spine? I'm going to see a consultant anyway. Think I'd like a spine really. A nice intact healthy one.
Sooo...when people ask 'How are you?' what am I supposed to say?
Still, crazy as it may seem to some people, I believe God is going to heal me.
A huff in skates
Son got in a huff because I put a bit on facebook about him putting the laptop on his head. What I think is: if you don't want your mum posting on fb about you putting a laptop on your head then don't put a laptop on your head.
Actually, huff occurred while he was wearing ice-skates and resulted (accidentally) in P's shoe getting cut. Oh dear. P not very happy.
J doing well at skating by the way.
As for the washing up bowl, birds can carry Campylobacter and other diseases? Doesn't he know that?
Actually, huff occurred while he was wearing ice-skates and resulted (accidentally) in P's shoe getting cut. Oh dear. P not very happy.
J doing well at skating by the way.
As for the washing up bowl, birds can carry Campylobacter and other diseases? Doesn't he know that?
Give me strength
Sometimes I wonder about the people with whom I live (as in husband and son).
Son: the other morning when I was still in bed I asked him to bring me the laptop. He returned carrying it on his head.
Hubs: thinks the bowl he uses to wash bird droppings off the car is ok to use as a washing up bowl when we go camping. No it's not!
Son: the other morning when I was still in bed I asked him to bring me the laptop. He returned carrying it on his head.
Hubs: thinks the bowl he uses to wash bird droppings off the car is ok to use as a washing up bowl when we go camping. No it's not!
Summer hols?
This morning was a lot cooler and quite cloudy but now (3 pm) it's hot again.
School holidays just around the corner. J has already accepted that he will have to work at English during hols. Just had email from head of languages saying she expects Year 10s to be doing three lots of 30 minute revision sessions each week over the summer. What? They have a speaking assessment a couple of weeks after going back in September so I supposed she's worried they'll have forgotten everything.
Honestly though I never did any work during the school summer holidays and I got a degree and had a career and all that. Suppose things are different now.
School holidays just around the corner. J has already accepted that he will have to work at English during hols. Just had email from head of languages saying she expects Year 10s to be doing three lots of 30 minute revision sessions each week over the summer. What? They have a speaking assessment a couple of weeks after going back in September so I supposed she's worried they'll have forgotten everything.
Honestly though I never did any work during the school summer holidays and I got a degree and had a career and all that. Suppose things are different now.
Monday, 8 July 2013
A hot day and a dead snake
There seems to be something missing in the afternoon now.
Today it's HOT. Great for catching up on our backlog of washing. Almost too hot though. Actually must make some juice lollies.
Was just scooting up our drive with P when I said 'Is that a plastic snake?' No it wasn't, it was a real one but dead.An adder. A grass snake. Looked like it had been dropped by a bird. He's brought it into the house and photographed it. I'm a bit nervous about having it indoors cos what if it wasn't really dead, just unconscious and it wakes up and slithers off and hides somehwhere? He says don't be silly, if it was alive it's tongue would keep shooting in and out. Oh, ok.
Today it's HOT. Great for catching up on our backlog of washing. Almost too hot though. Actually must make some juice lollies.
Was just scooting up our drive with P when I said 'Is that a plastic snake?' No it wasn't, it was a real one but dead.
Sunday, 7 July 2013
And another thing
At weigh-in yesterday I'd lost two pounds. Slowly and steadily it's shifting.
Have just had one chocolate because I'm celebrating but honestly it's the first in ages.
Have just had one chocolate because I'm celebrating but honestly it's the first in ages.
What I did on a day that will go down in sporting history
This morning did the pre-Communion talk at church. Seriously scared but went ok. Then had monthly church lunch at pub up the road. About 20 of us there. Couple who got married back from honeymoon - in Egypt. Glad they left before trouble started.
Then popped in to 'old church' picnic. Chatted to quite a lot of people. Two new babies there. Aaah.
Then watched tennis...
Then popped in to 'old church' picnic. Chatted to quite a lot of people. Two new babies there. Aaah.
Then watched tennis...
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Trip to the vet and more tennis
This morning we took Mavis and her cat to the vet as it was time for Blackie's annual check-up. Now to some extent I like animals - I had a cat Mitzi, a dog Rusty and a large number of rodents (due to our inability to tell boy gerbils from girl gerbils it was actually a very large number of rodents) including dear Digger and Nibble my white bunny who sadly died in childbirth. I loved them all. The trouble is that since becoming a microbiologist I know too much about animals and germs.
I went into the vet's and said: 'I can't sit on those chairs they've got hair all over them.' and everyone looked at me like 'What is wrong with you?' I gingerly sat down and we waited.
Then this woman came in with a Yorkshire terrier puppy on her shoulder and everyone was oohing and aahing over it. Then she kissed it. On the lips.
Seriously, grossly, YUK.
Turned out Blackie should have fasted for his blood test so we'll have to go back. Can't wait.
Afterwards we popped into the Co-Op quickly while Blackie filled the car with the stench of warm cat.
'That took all morning,' I said as we got home.
The phone rang. 'I left my credit card in the Co-Op,' said Mavis.
After lunch which included our own lettuces and radishes P sorted out Mavis and I watched the ladies' semi-finals. Poor Flipkens. Second match between Lisicki and Radwanska brilliant.
The question is now: can Andy do it?
I went into the vet's and said: 'I can't sit on those chairs they've got hair all over them.' and everyone looked at me like 'What is wrong with you?' I gingerly sat down and we waited.
Then this woman came in with a Yorkshire terrier puppy on her shoulder and everyone was oohing and aahing over it. Then she kissed it. On the lips.
Seriously, grossly, YUK.
Turned out Blackie should have fasted for his blood test so we'll have to go back. Can't wait.
Afterwards we popped into the Co-Op quickly while Blackie filled the car with the stench of warm cat.
'That took all morning,' I said as we got home.
The phone rang. 'I left my credit card in the Co-Op,' said Mavis.
After lunch which included our own lettuces and radishes P sorted out Mavis and I watched the ladies' semi-finals. Poor Flipkens. Second match between Lisicki and Radwanska brilliant.
The question is now: can Andy do it?
Quick Wash to the rescue
Our trusty Dyson washing machine gave up the ghost a few weeks ago and they no longer make the part we needed. We got a new Siemens and P and I have been debating which is better. He said the Dyson because, being the person who loads and unloads, he appreciated the larger door. I prefer the range of programmes on the Siemens. Anyway tonight, 20 minutes before we had to leave for his school concert, J announced:
'I've run out of school shirts.'
15 minute Quick Wash to the rescue - shirts washed and drying in the evening sun and we still got to concert on time. Ha!
Concert really good. J playing steel pans. Several brilliant performances. Sad thing is may be J's last concert as the Head of Music is leaving and not sure if anyone will take over steel pans. Also this time next year he'll have officially left (although will be back for 6th form).
Where does the time go?
'I've run out of school shirts.'
15 minute Quick Wash to the rescue - shirts washed and drying in the evening sun and we still got to concert on time. Ha!
Concert really good. J playing steel pans. Several brilliant performances. Sad thing is may be J's last concert as the Head of Music is leaving and not sure if anyone will take over steel pans. Also this time next year he'll have officially left (although will be back for 6th form).
Where does the time go?
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Family visit
My brother came to visit for a few days. Also my niece and her sort-of-cousin popped in. Nice to see them all.
Wimbledon excitement
Back to the subject of Wimbledon I turned it on last Wednesday afternoon to watch Blake versus Tomic and there were our friends Louise and Steve sitting in the front row! Could see them really well. They made a last minute decision to go so I didn't know they'd be there. Exciting.
Just for the record for when I read this in future years this has been a really strange Wimbledon: Nadal, Federer, Sharapova and Serena Williams all out before the quarter finals. A lot of the players slipped and fell.
Just for the record for when I read this in future years this has been a really strange Wimbledon: Nadal, Federer, Sharapova and Serena Williams all out before the quarter finals. A lot of the players slipped and fell.
Today
Haven't been able to type recently as fingers achey and had eye-strain; latter probably due to spending last week and this simultaneously watching one tennis match on TV and one on the laptop.
So relieved Andy got through this evening. Phew!
At coffee morning today. A bit sad as one lady who regularly attended died last week. She had been at 'old church' for years and years, since before my time. She had a liver transplant over 20 years ago and was amazing - doing loads of charity work, gardening, painting, holidays abroad etc. She had a hip replacement a few weeks ago and there were some complications but she had recovered well and was back home when she collapsed - her liver just gave up. Still I don't think she would have felt any pain.
This morning one of the ladies at coffee had a funny turn - got a pain in her back, went clammy and a bit confused. A bit scary really. They called a paramedic but we went home and left them to it and haven't heard outcome yet.
Man who runs it was back for a visit. Recovering well after his stroke but not back to his usual self.
So relieved Andy got through this evening. Phew!
At coffee morning today. A bit sad as one lady who regularly attended died last week. She had been at 'old church' for years and years, since before my time. She had a liver transplant over 20 years ago and was amazing - doing loads of charity work, gardening, painting, holidays abroad etc. She had a hip replacement a few weeks ago and there were some complications but she had recovered well and was back home when she collapsed - her liver just gave up. Still I don't think she would have felt any pain.
This morning one of the ladies at coffee had a funny turn - got a pain in her back, went clammy and a bit confused. A bit scary really. They called a paramedic but we went home and left them to it and haven't heard outcome yet.
Man who runs it was back for a visit. Recovering well after his stroke but not back to his usual self.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Good match
Just been watching Dustin Brown beating Leyton Hewitt. Amazing match. Wanted them both to win.
Miracles
Talking of church a few weeks ago we had a special healing meeting and this woman was healed of a degenerative nerve condition she'd had for 19 years. Really she was. I saw it happen in front of my eyes. She could hardly walk when she came in and was all hunched and miserable looking and she went out running and jumping and smiling. Praise the Lord!
Ok this is a strange thing - how long have I been ill? 19 years. So people are thinking why was she healed and I wasn't? But I was prayed for that day and I felt I made a tiny step forwards. A mini-miracle is as much of a miracle as a major miracle.
Some of us crawl up the mountain and some go up in the cable car.
God has His plans and purposes for all of us and I'm trusting Him.
Ok this is a strange thing - how long have I been ill? 19 years. So people are thinking why was she healed and I wasn't? But I was prayed for that day and I felt I made a tiny step forwards. A mini-miracle is as much of a miracle as a major miracle.
Some of us crawl up the mountain and some go up in the cable car.
God has His plans and purposes for all of us and I'm trusting Him.
Fix your eyes...
I keep asking myself: could I have done more to try and get on with Dad's wife? Almost certainly yes.
In the end would it have made much difference? Almost certainly no.
There are a lot of issues here to do with grief, pain and rejection and no quick or easy answers.
Life just doesn't always work out how you want.
Do you know what I feel God's been saying to me in this? That the enemy is using it as a distraction to keep me from what I should be doing. So in spite of how upset I feel I need to keep my gaze fixed on Him and what He's doing in my life and in our new church.
In the end would it have made much difference? Almost certainly no.
There are a lot of issues here to do with grief, pain and rejection and no quick or easy answers.
Life just doesn't always work out how you want.
Do you know what I feel God's been saying to me in this? That the enemy is using it as a distraction to keep me from what I should be doing. So in spite of how upset I feel I need to keep my gaze fixed on Him and what He's doing in my life and in our new church.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Stressful situation
I've been unsure whether to blog about this but nobody will read it who will take offence and it's a major issue in my life right now.
This really difficult situation has arisen at the root of which is the fact that Dad's wife really dislikes me. (I'm reluctant to use the word 'hate' but it would probably be appropriate). This may suggest that we've had unpleasant words but the truth is we haven't. She's always been perfectly pleasant to my face. Last time we visited, in April last year, we chatted about her new steam-mop as we left. That was possibly the last conversation we'll ever have.
A few months ago Dad phoned and said if we visited again she and her children would go out.
Some massive rows between various family members ensued as a result of which Dad and I actually came to a better place in our relationship but his wife refused to budge. In April, on the way to visit my brother, he stayed here a night and took us out for a meal which all went very well.
Last night he phoned and said much as he enjoyed it he was exhausted afterwards and he's not very well at the moment. Really now we have no option but to go to his house. He said his wife has said she'll make us a meal then go out before we get there. Er, think we'll bring our own food thanks.
What's shocked me is the realisation that she's never wanted our relationship to work. For various reasons (like Mum had only been dead 6 months when they got engaged) things didn't get off to an easy start but I've really tried to be nice to her and felt we'd come a long way. Now it's obvious she simply wishes that I didn't exist. I've said I'm prepared to sit down and discuss any issues she has but she doesn't want to know.
What's making me angry is that Dad's being hurt by her attitude. All she had to do was once or twice a year be polite and friendly to us. In order to save hurting someone she loves was it really too much to ask?
Inside she must be a really damaged and hurting person to behave like this and I can forgive her and pray for her but it's all been really horrible.
My family really took it on board when I told them the doctor said I should avoid stress.
This really difficult situation has arisen at the root of which is the fact that Dad's wife really dislikes me. (I'm reluctant to use the word 'hate' but it would probably be appropriate). This may suggest that we've had unpleasant words but the truth is we haven't. She's always been perfectly pleasant to my face. Last time we visited, in April last year, we chatted about her new steam-mop as we left. That was possibly the last conversation we'll ever have.
A few months ago Dad phoned and said if we visited again she and her children would go out.
Some massive rows between various family members ensued as a result of which Dad and I actually came to a better place in our relationship but his wife refused to budge. In April, on the way to visit my brother, he stayed here a night and took us out for a meal which all went very well.
Last night he phoned and said much as he enjoyed it he was exhausted afterwards and he's not very well at the moment. Really now we have no option but to go to his house. He said his wife has said she'll make us a meal then go out before we get there. Er, think we'll bring our own food thanks.
What's shocked me is the realisation that she's never wanted our relationship to work. For various reasons (like Mum had only been dead 6 months when they got engaged) things didn't get off to an easy start but I've really tried to be nice to her and felt we'd come a long way. Now it's obvious she simply wishes that I didn't exist. I've said I'm prepared to sit down and discuss any issues she has but she doesn't want to know.
What's making me angry is that Dad's being hurt by her attitude. All she had to do was once or twice a year be polite and friendly to us. In order to save hurting someone she loves was it really too much to ask?
Inside she must be a really damaged and hurting person to behave like this and I can forgive her and pray for her but it's all been really horrible.
My family really took it on board when I told them the doctor said I should avoid stress.
Punctual awakening
Slept badly last night. Was woken by J telling me he has been doing research into the use of the semicolon and do I know there are three types of irony?
Spent the day at the maze sitting in the car while P mapped it out. Lovely sunny day and nice view but got a bit bored.
Very tired this evening.
Spent the day at the maze sitting in the car while P mapped it out. Lovely sunny day and nice view but got a bit bored.
Very tired this evening.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Are my front teeth getting longer?
Ok not doing so well at blogging. Must try harder.
Have been watching Wimbledon. Poor Nadal. His knee's obviously troubling him.
Fingers not too good so can't type too much.
Last Saturday went to wedding. Really lovely. Bride beautiful. Her sister managed to be bridesmaid despite having second baby 7 days before. Vows very moving. Groom cried on way out. Good time at reception. All very nice. Think my jacket's a bit too bright.
On Friday had friend from church to dinner, went very well.
Yesterday went crabbing with 'family housegroup' or rather kids and men crabbed. Women sat shivering. Men and kids enjoyed it. Not sure about women. Or crabs. They did get thrown back in though.
I'm trying to help J with English. Better I don't mention what he got in his English mock. Trouble is he's now pointing out all my grammar and punctuation errors.
P has been busy planting lots of vegetables. We're eating lots of lettuce. Feel like a rabbit.
Have been watching Wimbledon. Poor Nadal. His knee's obviously troubling him.
Fingers not too good so can't type too much.
Last Saturday went to wedding. Really lovely. Bride beautiful. Her sister managed to be bridesmaid despite having second baby 7 days before. Vows very moving. Groom cried on way out. Good time at reception. All very nice. Think my jacket's a bit too bright.
On Friday had friend from church to dinner, went very well.
Yesterday went crabbing with 'family housegroup' or rather kids and men crabbed. Women sat shivering. Men and kids enjoyed it. Not sure about women. Or crabs. They did get thrown back in though.
I'm trying to help J with English. Better I don't mention what he got in his English mock. Trouble is he's now pointing out all my grammar and punctuation errors.
P has been busy planting lots of vegetables. We're eating lots of lettuce. Feel like a rabbit.
Friday, 31 May 2013
New scooter, nice dress and sore lips
On Wednesday we went to a town a few hundred miles away to pick up another mobility scooter for me, my blue one Scootie, having died. My new one is red, I need a new name for it.
While we were there we went to a quite expensive clothes shop. This is because we've been invited to a wedding evening reception and when I showed P the dress I was going to wear he said the colour was drab, the front drooped and it looked like something his grandmother would have worn (so you like it then?). Anyway in this shop I tried on a dress which was quite a bright green with a red, blue and white pattern and it fitted really well. Then the shop assistant said they'd got a jacket which would look really good with it -bright red (!) but she was right it did look good and actually made me look like I've got a waist. So I ended up buying them and hoping this bright red thing is going to work.
Yesterday we were shopping and I thought I should get some lipstick to go with this dress. Normally I don't wear lipstick much. P suggested a colour which I wasn't sure about but I went along with it. When I tried it on at home it obviously wasn't right - a metallic bluey pinky red and looked awful. Trouble was it's what they call 24 hour lipstick and I couldn't get it off. I kept rubbing in cleansing cream like they said but it wouldn't budge and my lips got sore and blistered. Bit by bit it's been flaking off but I've spent 24 hours looking stupid. Never buying that brand again. Have to try another one. Now which shoes should I wear?...
While we were there we went to a quite expensive clothes shop. This is because we've been invited to a wedding evening reception and when I showed P the dress I was going to wear he said the colour was drab, the front drooped and it looked like something his grandmother would have worn (so you like it then?). Anyway in this shop I tried on a dress which was quite a bright green with a red, blue and white pattern and it fitted really well. Then the shop assistant said they'd got a jacket which would look really good with it -bright red (!) but she was right it did look good and actually made me look like I've got a waist. So I ended up buying them and hoping this bright red thing is going to work.
Yesterday we were shopping and I thought I should get some lipstick to go with this dress. Normally I don't wear lipstick much. P suggested a colour which I wasn't sure about but I went along with it. When I tried it on at home it obviously wasn't right - a metallic bluey pinky red and looked awful. Trouble was it's what they call 24 hour lipstick and I couldn't get it off. I kept rubbing in cleansing cream like they said but it wouldn't budge and my lips got sore and blistered. Bit by bit it's been flaking off but I've spent 24 hours looking stupid. Never buying that brand again. Have to try another one. Now which shoes should I wear?...
Spotty tummy and exams
This is a break from updating to talk about now as in the end of May.
This strange thing happened at the weekend - I think it's called sunshine. Anyway it's so long since we've had any that I'd kind of forgotten about the dangers and I sat out in it on Sunday afternoon which was lovely but I got sunburnt. Thankfully I'd got a high SPF moisturiser on my face but there was a bright red streak along the top of my chest. I also, and this is embarrassing, had bared my tummy to the sun in order to up my vitamin D levels and that too got sizzled and is still red and spotty. How silly of me.
This week is half term and we're at home. J has quite a lot of schoolwork to do. He did mock GCSEs a few weeks ago. The marks he's had so far are: Maths A*, Chemistry A*, Graphics A*, Biology A, German B and also B for his 'real thing' German assessment, Art C+ but apparently they marked it as they would the real thing but only gave them half the time to do it so that's a good mark really. In Year 10 they mark them really strictly in Art as they're meant to show improvement over the two years, has come as a bit of a shock to J. Anyway that's it so far I think. They've had a truly awful supply teacher in Physics this half term as the other teacher suddenly left, don't know why. J said the supply teacher would turn up without having prepared anything and would sit down at the laptop and make up some questions which were sometimes impossible. When they couldn't do them he'd show them how to do them wrong. When J queried something he basically told him to get lost. Anyway we complained and apparently nearly everyone else did too, some of the pupils even criticised him because when they messed around he didn't stop them (I suppose not messing around wasn't an option). When he turned up for the last lesson 3 girls got up and walked out and went to the Head of Year and said they weren't prepared to be taught by him any more. Last week the Head of Physics phoned and said he was going and she and the Head of Science would share teaching J's class next half term. They're going to have a lot to catch up. Anyway whether anyone has marked their Physics exam papers I don't know.
This strange thing happened at the weekend - I think it's called sunshine. Anyway it's so long since we've had any that I'd kind of forgotten about the dangers and I sat out in it on Sunday afternoon which was lovely but I got sunburnt. Thankfully I'd got a high SPF moisturiser on my face but there was a bright red streak along the top of my chest. I also, and this is embarrassing, had bared my tummy to the sun in order to up my vitamin D levels and that too got sizzled and is still red and spotty. How silly of me.
This week is half term and we're at home. J has quite a lot of schoolwork to do. He did mock GCSEs a few weeks ago. The marks he's had so far are: Maths A*, Chemistry A*, Graphics A*, Biology A, German B and also B for his 'real thing' German assessment, Art C+ but apparently they marked it as they would the real thing but only gave them half the time to do it so that's a good mark really. In Year 10 they mark them really strictly in Art as they're meant to show improvement over the two years, has come as a bit of a shock to J. Anyway that's it so far I think. They've had a truly awful supply teacher in Physics this half term as the other teacher suddenly left, don't know why. J said the supply teacher would turn up without having prepared anything and would sit down at the laptop and make up some questions which were sometimes impossible. When they couldn't do them he'd show them how to do them wrong. When J queried something he basically told him to get lost. Anyway we complained and apparently nearly everyone else did too, some of the pupils even criticised him because when they messed around he didn't stop them (I suppose not messing around wasn't an option). When he turned up for the last lesson 3 girls got up and walked out and went to the Head of Year and said they weren't prepared to be taught by him any more. Last week the Head of Physics phoned and said he was going and she and the Head of Science would share teaching J's class next half term. They're going to have a lot to catch up. Anyway whether anyone has marked their Physics exam papers I don't know.
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Monk in a wheelchair in the Roman ruins
We had a pleasant evening in the hotel and a very nice meal. The next morning we looked round the Roman city at Wroxeter. The monk-like person in the wheelchair is me!
Journey to Shropshire
It was actually quite a rush to get to Shropshire as we left straight from the Good Friday service. J's school didn't break up until Maundy Thursday and this was the only way we could manage to go to church on the Friday. Sorry friends we sometimes call to see on the way, we didn't have time to call in on you, will another time.
The Good Friday service was a united one for the whole town and was very good. It was preceded by a march of witness which we didn't join.
Anyway we had a good journey apart from getting a bit lost on a snowy hill/mountain (?) where we also encountered a flood:
This was caused by all the melting snow. We decided reversing out of the situation was the best option. What was slightly scary was that as we went back the way we'd come the road in front (that had been behind if you see what I mean) was beginning to flood:
so it was good that we didn't dither too long.
The Good Friday service was a united one for the whole town and was very good. It was preceded by a march of witness which we didn't join.
Anyway we had a good journey apart from getting a bit lost on a snowy hill/mountain (?) where we also encountered a flood:
Here I am again
Ok bad, bad blogger, haven't blogged for ages, catch up time.
This was a photo taken on the way to wales where we went for Easter.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Ouch
Today for a while the sun shone! Some of today did not go well however.
P and I zoomed into town this morning for a bit of shopping - some clothes for J and some stuff from the health food stall where I (probably unreasonably) got a bit upset by the way people pushed in front of me when I was sitting in the wheelchair waiting to be served. This often happens after all. Just part of life.
Then we picked up J from school. He was given two awards at end ot term assembly - for Maths and Chemistry.
Then we went to Waitrose to buy some Easter eggs and went into Costa where J had a chocolate cooler. I was restrained and just had peppermint tea whereas P went for his usual mocha.
Then this bad thing happened. As I got into the car I somehow sat on my bent fingers. The pain was so bad I started crying which was awful in front of J. Several hours later they still really hurt and I think it is possible I have caused real damage, my fingers being like they are.
P and I zoomed into town this morning for a bit of shopping - some clothes for J and some stuff from the health food stall where I (probably unreasonably) got a bit upset by the way people pushed in front of me when I was sitting in the wheelchair waiting to be served. This often happens after all. Just part of life.
Then we picked up J from school. He was given two awards at end ot term assembly - for Maths and Chemistry.
Then we went to Waitrose to buy some Easter eggs and went into Costa where J had a chocolate cooler. I was restrained and just had peppermint tea whereas P went for his usual mocha.
Then this bad thing happened. As I got into the car I somehow sat on my bent fingers. The pain was so bad I started crying which was awful in front of J. Several hours later they still really hurt and I think it is possible I have caused real damage, my fingers being like they are.
A shock
Yesterday I was getting ready for coffee morning and thought I would just phone the couple who run it to check it was on in view of the snow. This couple are the parents of our minister's wife at our former church. The wife answered the phone sounding really flustered and said her husband was ill and the ambulance had just arrived and she had to go. Yikes! When I got to coffee morning someone had had a message asking if they could rush in and help but that was all anyone knew. Last night I got a message saying he'd had a stroke and today I heard it was a 'slight stroke'. Just hope he's ok.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Very cold
Went to London today for bit of shopping. Bitterly cold. Went into St Martin in the Fields where musicians practising. All round edges of church were shadowy figures of homeless men sleeping. Feel so sorry for them. We do support Shelter, don't know what more we can do. Said a prayer for each of them.
At 12.45 went into cafe and prayed re J's German oral. Didn't know had been changed to 12.00. Can prayer work backwards? He said it went ok anyway.
One of fingers became very painful. Taking lots of painkillers.
Afterwards went round National gallery for a while.
At 12.45 went into cafe and prayed re J's German oral. Didn't know had been changed to 12.00. Can prayer work backwards? He said it went ok anyway.
One of fingers became very painful. Taking lots of painkillers.
Afterwards went round National gallery for a while.
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Snow
Suppose I should just mention for the record that we've got snow. Not too bad though. definitely not enough to cause German exam to be cancelled.
Need new bones
Hello. I haven't been blogging because I keep not being able to remember my password.
Life has been busyish of late. Friday before last P and I went to the Ideal Home Exhibition having got free tickets from freecycle. By coincidence J was at a Science Exhibition at Excel on the same day. We managed to time getting the train home really well, getting to his school 5 minutes before his coach arrived. He had a good time and so did we. We bought a slow cooker (which we really needed), I got 3 scarves (would have got 15 if had my way), a device you put on your chair to make you sit in the right position, a great big bag of honey coated nuts (very nice but suspect might be really sugar coated nuts), some Welsh venison pate and mackerel pate and some sugru which is this plastic stuff which is soft when you take it out of the packet then hardens so you can make/mennd things with it. P has mended J's headphones and made a grip for my stylus.
Can't remember last weekend apart from church, must have done something.
On Monday had ultrasound of hands. Doctorsaid he thinks is osteoarthritis with just a bit of inflammation. Then he gave me a steroid injection right in the joint of my most painful finger. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Not only was it really painful for days but it seemed to make me quite ill for days. I'm trying to decide if there's any improvement. Possibly. A bit. Apparently benefits can last for several months, by which time I suppose you've forgotten how painful injection was so you have another.
Talking of bones on Wednesday was having pre-German-tutor-coming tidy up and bent down to pick something off floor when I felt a rib crack. Stupid, horrid, hateful osteoporosis. I'm praying for a new bone miracle I really am. Still crack isn't too bad, bones aren't actually grinding together which is the pits.
Talking of German a) tutor got horribly stuck in mud and had to call out AA to tow car out b) poor J is swotting hard for his oral exam on Tuesday.
Had physio appt Thurs, more exercises plus she suggested splints.
On Friday took J, Tim and Adam to town for youth group trip to Nandos. We went to Nepalese restaurant while they were there. Yum, yum. Several of P's former colleagues there. Had to swap main courses with P as mine was too (spicy) hot for me and his too mild for him.
Have had Mavis here today as it's her birthday. P cooked venison casserole for lunch. Very nice. This afternoon Mavis and I went to a memorial service for a woman who used to sit next to me at old church and also came to coffee morning. She died of a brain tumour. Sad sort of service - sang 'Abide With Me' and 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and 'The Lord's My Shepherd'.
Mavis came back here afterwards. Has been contentedly watching Songs of Praise (doesn't Justin Welby seem nice) and now Antiques Roadshow and listening to J babbling to himself in German.
I hope all this tutoring has been worth it.
Life has been busyish of late. Friday before last P and I went to the Ideal Home Exhibition having got free tickets from freecycle. By coincidence J was at a Science Exhibition at Excel on the same day. We managed to time getting the train home really well, getting to his school 5 minutes before his coach arrived. He had a good time and so did we. We bought a slow cooker (which we really needed), I got 3 scarves (would have got 15 if had my way), a device you put on your chair to make you sit in the right position, a great big bag of honey coated nuts (very nice but suspect might be really sugar coated nuts), some Welsh venison pate and mackerel pate and some sugru which is this plastic stuff which is soft when you take it out of the packet then hardens so you can make/mennd things with it. P has mended J's headphones and made a grip for my stylus.
Can't remember last weekend apart from church, must have done something.
On Monday had ultrasound of hands. Doctorsaid he thinks is osteoarthritis with just a bit of inflammation. Then he gave me a steroid injection right in the joint of my most painful finger. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Not only was it really painful for days but it seemed to make me quite ill for days. I'm trying to decide if there's any improvement. Possibly. A bit. Apparently benefits can last for several months, by which time I suppose you've forgotten how painful injection was so you have another.
Talking of bones on Wednesday was having pre-German-tutor-coming tidy up and bent down to pick something off floor when I felt a rib crack. Stupid, horrid, hateful osteoporosis. I'm praying for a new bone miracle I really am. Still crack isn't too bad, bones aren't actually grinding together which is the pits.
Talking of German a) tutor got horribly stuck in mud and had to call out AA to tow car out b) poor J is swotting hard for his oral exam on Tuesday.
Had physio appt Thurs, more exercises plus she suggested splints.
On Friday took J, Tim and Adam to town for youth group trip to Nandos. We went to Nepalese restaurant while they were there. Yum, yum. Several of P's former colleagues there. Had to swap main courses with P as mine was too (spicy) hot for me and his too mild for him.
Have had Mavis here today as it's her birthday. P cooked venison casserole for lunch. Very nice. This afternoon Mavis and I went to a memorial service for a woman who used to sit next to me at old church and also came to coffee morning. She died of a brain tumour. Sad sort of service - sang 'Abide With Me' and 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and 'The Lord's My Shepherd'.
Mavis came back here afterwards. Has been contentedly watching Songs of Praise (doesn't Justin Welby seem nice) and now Antiques Roadshow and listening to J babbling to himself in German.
I hope all this tutoring has been worth it.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Brrr it's cold
Brief update:
Has been bitterly cold with a bit of snow.
J been off school with virus.
I had more hot wax treatment on paws. Fine until physio thought broken nail was bit of wax and tried to peel it off. Ouch.
Seriously difficult family situation showing hope of improvement.
Have been eating too much chocolate. Thinking that people with gallstones shouldn't eat lots of chocolate.
Has been bitterly cold with a bit of snow.
J been off school with virus.
I had more hot wax treatment on paws. Fine until physio thought broken nail was bit of wax and tried to peel it off. Ouch.
Seriously difficult family situation showing hope of improvement.
Have been eating too much chocolate. Thinking that people with gallstones shouldn't eat lots of chocolate.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Water, wasteland and washing machine
Yesterday we had a lot of rain. This morning P and I went to the Farmer's Market (where we got venison and rabbit) and we kept saying 'Look at that!' as we passed flooded fields.
P is outside clearing the wasteland and tending a fire.
J is slumped on the sofa saying he's got a headache.
I feel I've done nothing particularly productive so far today.
Washing machine gone wrong, hopefully P can sort it or else we'll have to call out that really nice Dyson engineer. I like him because he said that unlike most of the machines he deals with mine was clean (should have seen it 10 mins before he arrived). Also he has this really strange tendency to arrive when he said he would and one time he called in when he was passing because he'd just had inspiration about what the problem might be. Wow!
P is outside clearing the wasteland and tending a fire.
J is slumped on the sofa saying he's got a headache.
I feel I've done nothing particularly productive so far today.
Washing machine gone wrong, hopefully P can sort it or else we'll have to call out that really nice Dyson engineer. I like him because he said that unlike most of the machines he deals with mine was clean (should have seen it 10 mins before he arrived). Also he has this really strange tendency to arrive when he said he would and one time he called in when he was passing because he'd just had inspiration about what the problem might be. Wow!
Friday, 8 March 2013
Good and bad times
Life has been sort of a bit crazy recently. I've had several hospital appointments. I started physio on my hands & have been doing exercises which seemed to make them worse. I went back on Monday and they said I'd been overdoing it and with arthritis you don't push through the pain you stop when it hurts. I also had hot wax treatment which is weird. You dip our hands several times into a bath of very hot molten wax so they're coated with several layers. Then they're put in a plastic bag and wrapped in a towel. When it's cooled down the wax just peels off like a pair of gloves. It did help a bit but the effect is temporary.
On Tuesday I had my tummy scanned. It was a bit frustrating as I couldn't see the screen and P could and I was thinking why should he see my internal organs when I couldn't so I kept twisting my neck to get a look until the doctor said 'Stay still.' Anyway he said my liver looked normal (Yay!) but I've got a few gallstones which should come out. I'm sort of thinking do they have to come out when they're not causing any major problems? See what the consultant says when I see him, which was meant to be in 2 weeks but they cancelled it so it's now in 9 weeks.
Anyway enough about health.
Fingers a bit tired so brief summary: had good half term, bought another car - a Skoda Superb which is very roomy for us long-legged types, went on another healing course, church going well, went out to lunch with them on Sunday, weather wet but did have few sunny days, P has been clearing 'garden' currently looks like a wasteland but much bigger wasteland since cut rhododendron back by about 4 feet, went to London to see my sister in law collect another poetry prize, we have really, really awfully incredibly difficult situation in our extended family which has resulted in the whole family being to some extent shocked/hurt/angry/really upset but much as most of us want resolution the one person who could bring that about simply won't.
On to some better news. As J was a bit bored with Maths his school let him study for an A level module and we got the result yesterday and he'd done really well. Well done J. If he was reading this he'd say 'Stop going on about it Mum.' My niece also got very good results for her AS exams. Think we need to go out and eat food to celebrate sometime.
On Tuesday I had my tummy scanned. It was a bit frustrating as I couldn't see the screen and P could and I was thinking why should he see my internal organs when I couldn't so I kept twisting my neck to get a look until the doctor said 'Stay still.' Anyway he said my liver looked normal (Yay!) but I've got a few gallstones which should come out. I'm sort of thinking do they have to come out when they're not causing any major problems? See what the consultant says when I see him, which was meant to be in 2 weeks but they cancelled it so it's now in 9 weeks.
Anyway enough about health.
Fingers a bit tired so brief summary: had good half term, bought another car - a Skoda Superb which is very roomy for us long-legged types, went on another healing course, church going well, went out to lunch with them on Sunday, weather wet but did have few sunny days, P has been clearing 'garden' currently looks like a wasteland but much bigger wasteland since cut rhododendron back by about 4 feet, went to London to see my sister in law collect another poetry prize, we have really, really awfully incredibly difficult situation in our extended family which has resulted in the whole family being to some extent shocked/hurt/angry/really upset but much as most of us want resolution the one person who could bring that about simply won't.
On to some better news. As J was a bit bored with Maths his school let him study for an A level module and we got the result yesterday and he'd done really well. Well done J. If he was reading this he'd say 'Stop going on about it Mum.' My niece also got very good results for her AS exams. Think we need to go out and eat food to celebrate sometime.
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