Sore Feet and A New Start.

What can I say, to say I am worried is an understatement with this governments plans for starting to come out of lock-down here in the UK, all the sacrifices the front liners have made, leaving their families to serve us to save us, I hope it has not all been for nothing.

I know my colleagues, are dumb founded, I believe those that saved my life twice,  I trust them not any government so in my heart it feels wrong....enough now of political views, but not asking anyone to agree these are my views and mine alone.

I come from a strong line of women, I am proud of that and it is that gave me the strength to face awful periods in my life, it doesn't make me hard far from it, I can just disguise it better than most.

Yesterday I walked over 16,500 steps, all in the wrong shoes so feet were  very sore, so a shorter walk maybe today and weather permitting tin pan alley calls again, I have been on parole from it because it was too cold but so need to finish it.

Have now a lodger called Woody  a beautiful black cat his brother Jesse will be joining him shortly, I have wanted a cat for a while, but Mel always said no. I did have my daughters cats living with me for about 6 months, I cried when they left,  so hopefully we bond so you may see a lot of woody in future blogs is that sad..... a sign of things to come, a person who's cat becomes the focus of getting up in the morning..(.Hope not don't let me will you).

Well the walk today that was only going to be a short walk turned out to be I think 13.500 steps, My walking partner Steve has put the app on my new phone, I am not really Techi it just evades me so I am not stressed about not being savvy, but give me a chance to barter for a good deal I am your man RUTHLESS.

We walked into town along to the canal after a pit stop at Tesco's . and passed our old friends place where we have spent many a good night celebrating Weddings, funerals, birthdays, and Christmas's. There have been some good times there and maybe can have a few more again, who knows. We also spent many a happy weeks away in their Villa in Spain good memories, and perhaps a trip their again.

The  Pink building of student accommodation stands out in the Basin where the canal starts and a loan duck isolating bless. Soon the Basin restaurant may well be open again and life of meeting greeting and just enjoying this pleasure will not be taken for granted by all of us.

Viv started her Radiotherapy on Monday, its a 3 wk stint so fingers crossed will start some recovery time waiting with bated breath for our adventures to begin and I will invite you to join us on every step of the Twidow's  memory making life events and maybe we will take these walks together, and remembering that just making a decision to go any where or do anything should be treasured after these times.

Folks the walk today I took pictures of wild flowers that we never notice when in a rush, Steve yesterday found a stone perched in a tree, that maybe a child had left to find , how sweet in this oh so crazy times. We also came across a whole bed of Yellow Iris's I am sure these will look absolutely beautiful and so tempted to pull some up.....well I tried bad I know but these flowers do multiply loads when split. but no  little trow with me,...mmm next time.

Wednesday, not a lot done today, Steve laid the old slabs down, not really bought  new slabs made do with what I had, but its not much as make do, but make the best of what I had and it will look better I'm sure. 

I safe distance my friend, Lynda who had to return back from her place in Marbella, I would have probably have been there now enjoying the sun with Lynda, and Viv. It was  lovely catching up we couldn't do are usual hug and kisses which we always do, I took some plants for her so she can enjoy them whilst marooned back here, normally she would be  over in there, she is really a good dressmaker and she made me some masks they are so sweet. 

Yesterday  cooked home made chips without the frying and chicken sausages again with mushy peas, and I really enjoyed it, think afters  will be jelly and yoghurt and that's going to be sugar free. This attempt at trying to loose some pounds, stems from a video of me dancing on VE day, it was not a pretty sight and not something I can even share, it was a stark wake up call so will try peeps to engage in to some healthy eating habits that I've been ignored with the crips, crap and cake so no more, no more i say, Avanti Satan!

A Right Old Lock-down Knees Up - Almost

Yesterday was an absolutely fabulous day, the whole street and honoury Duncan Way members   turned out in full. The close was decked out and every one was eager to party even if it meant staying in your area but mingling from  a short distance.

I can honestly say not a lover of shots, but after 4 glasses of bubbly which is quite normal for a nice night out, the home made shots whom courtesy of the neighbor rendered me and practically all the street senseless. I can't remember getting back in doors neither can Steve, he had crashed out and doesn't remember much neither did I. All our chairs the kind neighbours bought back and then they were all checking up on each other to see if we were all alive..... But hey ho we needed a good up lift and we got one, so well done we're in it together Watsapp group.

Not had much thoughts this morning about doing things, took my son some deck chairs and a giant Maralyn Monroe painting made up of thousands well that may be a slight exaggeration but there are lots of little people in black and lips in red people love the picture but no longer have room for it, as my house is full of mirrors which i love, no not vain just adore light reflected. 

Its the Saturday Eyes down again tonight Bingo session, Dan is so good keeping this going for us all, in between time he organized a lucky number drawer for a little boy desperate for a spinal operation, so well done Dan, we all are grateful to you.

Had to turn down a trip to Santorin mainly work related constraints and Viv still being poorly, but hopefully Croatia may be on the cards and who knows where ever next I think it will be Hisaronu in Marmaris Turkey. Its so tranquil and lovely chalets its gorgeous and just the place for Viv to recuperate. Can recommend to anyone who just wants to chill.

Tomorrow maybe a bagging up soil day and depositing as and where I can around the garden to lay back some of the slate and Jet wash slabs well that will be interesting and surely a few photo's will emerge of the water deluge of a drown rat, unless some kind spirit grabs the nozzle and squirts away. Going to get my tea now had a large brecky of beans egg and tried some chicken and paprika sausages that are quite tasty and not many calories, ( say's she with a jam do nut to follow) who am I trying to kid it's hilarious Ha Ha Ha Ha.....

self control if only I had a switch, or a chef I would be that size again, you know the size when us girls were size zero before it was invented and we still thought must wear a panty girdle WHY no one told us why, was it to prepare us for spanx  bloody spanx, you roll em up and peel them down, I tell you girls if you  have no need for spanx  you are my enemy, not really just  very very jealous that you knew where the stop eating and drinking switch was but and this is crucial you didn't share it, SHAME ON YOU.


just a short blog but will start a new one after I have published this one, and of course it will include all thoughts of boris  j  edition of how we are all ok and yes we can get through this.....

Going Bananas - Maybe

Back now peeps, been in double lockdown Tin Pan Alley kept me prisoner, and I was seriously doing hard time.
I can't really say I enjoy this gardening malarkey, I am not  one of the natural green finger brigade it's alien to me, a lovely garden is to look at, sit in, and laze on a sunny day in a funny stripy deckchair with a glass of wine and chatting with my favorite people  laughing and just being with people you so  like, me  I am  missing like mad.

Not been for many walks this last week so that's made me a bit feel like house bound, so will get back on that as soon as the big clear up operation starts with Tin Pan Alley. The bingo took place last night but bit of a disaster marked different colored tickets but they were the same numbers stupid me with the fuzzy head with hair that is looking like an inmate of cell block H, hence the Tin Pan Alley prison look.

Cut my own hair, in a some what fashion but can't swivel my head round to see the back ,I really think if I was a bloke I would have a comb over. I have been experiencing high and low days but am trying to stay positive, and chatting with people which I tend to do now, there aren't that many of us on our own and its nice to share with others that they know how you feel. I wonder how we will all come out of the wash after this, Daz white or Fairy softness, me think its going to be Jif, removes all grime and stains leaves a bright shine fingers crossed, people this is my dream and who else would be a Jif candidate, Meeeeeeeeeeeee.

My friend Carol she is on her own and in the beginning had her grandson with her during lockdown, but he has elected to live in the care home to protect the elderly which is so commendable for a young lad respect to him. Claire also is on her own and finding it challenging so Clair being Claire is on it like a flash chink of light for a flight and  booked it in anticipation of escape.

Started again with my VPN so I can connect with my patients, I miss them and I know that they are struggling too in these times, so my chats to them over the phone are sometimes challenging to help keep them from relapsing, so sometimes it can be more exhausting for me, because nothing better than sitting having a cuppa with them, giving a hug or just holding their hands even having their dogs jump all over you even though they are smellie, but they are their only comfort their life savers, so you endure the humping round your leg, licking of the face and thinking oh no please don't get excited and pee on me I have more calls to do.

Ruby Tuesday( We rocked it but not with the Rolling Stones)
It was really cold yesterday and slabs needed to be moved or should I say heaved and torturously removed it was achieved rolling, puffing, Mick would have been proud of my pout as the oh so blue language poured out, so now clearing and hopefully final lap is in sight or for me light at the end of the tunnel.

Steve did a grand job putting edgings around the area, was thinking of sleepers but in the end settled for a cheaper version which I have to say looks really good (thanks to Steve). Sometimes have guilty thoughts that use some friends for this or that because not able to do it myself or need a hand, and feel rather bad about it,  but like to think in the past I have been able to help them in other ways so maybe not think too much in these times (eh)

Wednesday and all is well
Sun is really bright and looks like its going to be lovely day not sure what my plans are  does anybody know day to day what there plans are, and  are we all rocking up to anything that pops into our heads or silently sinking into oblivion WHO KNOWS, has my friend says well we  will see and be back later to the blog, after I have descrambled the Fuz in my head and think of a plan for today.....see's ya later.

OOH lovely neighbor has just bought me some warm homemade Banana cake she has just baked, how lovely people thinking about others. Whilst chatting safe distance ( why are we all quoting that every time we say anything I don't know......justifying contact) well digressing she as asked us all to decorate are doors up for VE day celebrations, moving are chairs and tables to front of garden and enjoy with a bottle or two or even tea cakes, will be nice and uplifting for us all I can't wait a little mingling yes please I will take some of that any day.

This is how it felt.

Back peeps after a long break its 12.30 am and still awake. Plan of today or yesterday , went as follows. Hands and knees collecting slate area of my new sitting area, arse up in the air but back breaking stuff, a little break to visit Bestie Viv out from hospital but feeling ok. Lovely catching up and so wanted to hug, cus that's what I do lots of hugging and kissing, folks I'm starving for some I have  not gone so long without this and this Butterfly needs her blooms as I have said before.

Carried on with the humping and shoveling and eventually got it done. I am guilty of fly tipping cus as I walked to Vivs deposited 2 bags of gods own earth in the bushes, is that fly tipping I don't know. but surely not bad when its soil.

Worked hard today but it will be worth it, I can't wait to have some mingling parties either at mine or Vivs. we  have it all planned , peeps who we know they will be there, and strangers that are  friends we  have yet to meet. Think there will be some that through joint friends have maybe befriended by proxy, the lovely Pam whom I know briefly but feel the links we made will surely be nice people to maybe mingle with hope so, plus she likes my blog so I will name Pam a critique and can say oh I contributed to that blog and shown direction, thank you Pam for my first, accolade  of its ok I enjoy reading it. So thanks Pam.

Bit late for me to Blog but hey a friend came round and just left' who has been isolated for weeks, and you know we drank Gin and Prosecco at a safe distance and we reminisced about days gone by, the laughs with Mel Steve Me and Him, they were the best of  times and I miss them times so much. I seem to be getting these days a little distracted blame it on this social Butterfly not having lovely flower blooms of friends to flutter over, please don't let me become a Crysalis.

Any way having put away some Gin and Prosecco I realize things will be ok. I will continue on this adventure turning the next chapter in my library of life, I will turn  the chapters and it  will be the best of a bad job, or the most exciting paragraphs of all. So hang in there folks are you in for the long haul, or just day tripping, cus this bus is rocking into where ever and no bus stops insight there will be bumps and traffic jams so pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery of my journey. 
                                      Good night sleep tight.

  

Hoorah for Hero's, we love you Colonel Tom.

Today was Tom's birthday, I think I speak for most and say he is family now, he is the nations Grandpa, or as my children called theirs Glangie.

How wonderful and how amazing that this man could achieve bringing a nation together, a knighthood would not be enough for this unassuming hero. But he is a giant amongst us all, and so deserves all our thoughts and prayers.

Its been a very dull and dismal day, and really all week, we have all been spoilt with the lovely weather, and Tin Pan Alley project is on hold for a while but will be proceeding ASAP.
Went for the 3.5 mile walk, a stop off at the bank to get my home insurance ref number. Before Melvin died had steps put in with rail at the back, and low and behold something went wrong with the locking device to the door.
So eventually getting round to sort this if I can, as I am getting around to doing all the jobs that do need attention so me thinks I will be busy for some time with one thing or another.

Nipped to see Viv today who says she feels a little better, hope she will start to pick up and have a few days respite and is able to eat a little better and be able to enjoy the Sunday lunch that I have ordered for the 3 of us a nice treat for all of us, we have said after this we are going to splash out on a lovely time out all together with our Bingo wins.
The evening looks a little brighter so we can all be clapping our little hearts out, if Tom can raise 30.000000, we can surely raise a bit of a ding dong.

Well clapping done and good turnout again, it has been agreed during clapping we are wasting time by not making the most of the CLAP, we will take a chairs and a bottle of wine or any other beverage and sit safe distancing on our fronts and have some group time. I think this is a good idea of Claire and Joes, who have just done the drink a pint challenge to raise money for the NHS.
 Whilst round Viv's she let me help myself to some lovely blooms from her garden, I have some Rhododendrums  but they are only small bush's but hers is a beauty, so now a few sitting in my lounge.

Had a really long walk today along the canal past the lovely swans, its always nice but not as many people along the toe path today, weather I am afraid won with showers every now and again, never the less still nice and always more pleasant walking with someone, not sure Steve would agree as I do talk dribble and touch on subjects that create debates or pure embarrassment to him.....which makes me smile.

Steve is the streets count down to the clapping so we all start together, I did rope him into that too, but I think if left at home not sure he would pop out to do any clapping, so he can't get out of it. Steve is one of the people that this lock down has not affected him too much, as he is a loner of ways and means, choosing when and where he goes and marches to his own drum beat, I do admire that but could not be one cat in a fish net like that, me its all bells and whistles as and when the opportunity raises its head I'm in there.

That's not to say I'm a in your face person I just enjoy people and company, I can be quite sensitive to my own admission and sometimes flaws me and renders me a wreck, if that's bad well could be but like to think all my family and friends know that's what makes me, and they know I am totally aware of any problems or mood that may be making them either uncomfortable or unhappy, they know I'm in there helping or just a shoulder for them, as we all may need someone or people at any one time  if life throws us a curb ball.

Watched the serial of After Life well binge watched every episode, Phil Claire Steve and myself watched this in Altea on my escape from all the sadness of Mel dying and demise of all the years gone by and waste, but  my family and friends just shipped me off and went ahead clearing all the equipment that was in the house for Mel they totally took control which was so endearing to me.

Well watched it the second series, I cried I laughed , I identified with the nurse, the main character (Ricky Gervais) his brother-in law, and even the ruddy dog what does that tell you, I just don't know. All I do know that its hard to face life some times, and takes guts, stamina, and a lot of faking that you are ok that everything is fine, and starting a new life is great, buts its scary not knowing if things in the end will be ok. I lie in bed and think is this it, is this going to be the last chapters in my life, wishing that I will be able to keep smiling and not loose my sense of YES better things will happen. Moving on or you will be identifying with the bloody lap top next and that will never doooooooooo.

All done for today so will bid you Buenos Dias