On the road again….

Neither of us slept well, so we were both bleary-eyed this morning. Me, literally slightly more so, from the fact that I have an eye infection. However, we were up and at ’em early on as it was an ‘immunoglobulin’ day. A trip across to Heartlands this morning where John was attached to yet another drippy something or another for three hours to help him feel a little better – or, at least, to prevent him getting more infections than he might otherwise do so.

I dropped John off and shot back home to set this evening’s quiz but, before I did, I thought I’d nip into the garden centre to see if there was a cure for those ‘orrible little grubs I found in amongst the primulas yesterday. Sure enough, there is a specific treatment. They are clearly notorious. Vine weevils apparently…. I bought some rather vile pest control.

Once home, rather than immediately get on with the quiz, I thought I’d have a little potter in the garden, which was lovely. It was still warm and the sun was shining, and I thought I’d better sort a few things out before Steve, the milkman, who does our lawns, came round. I was very happy with my bit of planting and hanging up of little lanterns that I’d impulse-bought at the garden centre. Didn’t quite have the guts to deal with the vine weevils though….maybe tomorrow?

Next, it was time for a trip to the opticians to check out the eye infection. Doctors, apparently, no longer deal with eyes. Yes, said the optician, you have infection in your eyes. Do this, this, and this – and if that doesn’t work we’ll have to refer to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Blimey!! From optician to ENT ….there really is no such thing as ‘general practice’ any more, is there? Or is that a bit harsh?

I did a little bit on the quiz before it was time to shoot back to Heartlands to collect John, and then we were back home and it was lunchtime. John hoovered up the leftovers from yesterday’s picnic – French stick, ham, mustard, millionaire shortbread, scones, clotted cream and jam and so on, while I tucked into a delicious salad….. chalk and cheese we are….. Jack Spratt and his wife…. or maybe Joan Spratt and her husband.

Soon afterwards it was time to whizz over to Solihull for John to undergo yet more treatment – this time, antifungal – and an hour or so hooked up to another drippy thing. I went home to wait for him to call to say he was finished and ready for collection. In the meantime, I spent a bit more time finalising the quiz.

I was waiting for the doctor to phone me about Mum today as well and, having had a bit of a battle this morning to get a telephone appointment today (the original offer being: How about 21st April?), the receptionist had finally slotted me in for this afternoon. I explained that I was doing journeys back and fro to collect John so could they fit it in between times, please? Yes – OK – about half past four? Right – that’ll fit in – thank you.

Of course, half past four came and went, and I had to shoot off to collect John again before the call came in, so I wasn’t hopeful that I’d speak to a doctor today. However, just as I settled down to sit on the sofa for the first time today just before our evening meal, in came the call…..well, that was a good thing, after all – even if I didn’t get my sit-down.

This evening, John wasn’t sure that he’d want to join in with our get-together but, fortified by a full bottle of white wine, he was game and he sat alongside me as I read out the quiz questions. It transpired, though, that the quiz I’d prepared was hard. Lots of questions that no-one knew the answer to – even ones we’d had before in a ‘revision’ round….. Oh, dear. I did feel bad about that. The scores on the doors are tumbling….. ah, well, got to keep everyone on their toes… tee-hee.

So, there passes another day – lots of miles travelled; lots of drips dripped; and a wonderful friendship shared.

  • 4,052 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 43 people died with the virus in the community in the last 24 hours
  • 15 people died in hospitals with the virus on 29 & 30 March
  • And it’s Day 3 of the lifting of Lockdown 3; Day 373 since Lockdown 1; Day 378 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless. 

A Garden Party

Today was a momentous day for the Kenilworth Sleaths. They took possession of their new home to great excitement in our household, as we looked at some photos of them having a mosey round it before they move in at the weekend. Can’t wait to go over – perhaps we’ll do a garden visit this week if time, medical appointments and weather permits. *Does an excited dance*

One thing that particularly touched us were photos of items that the previous owners had left behind. One was a map of Jersey – well, we have the Jersey connection through Danielle, so that felt good; and the other was what looks to be an original drawing of a Tawny Owl by Trevor Boult – a dear friend I met at church in his later years – so that felt good, too. I do hope the whole family will be very happy there.

And so to the ‘garden party’…… just before we went to bed last night, I had a message from Danielle, wondering what we were doing today. The weather was going to be nice. So nice, in fact, that we could have a picnic in the garden, couldn’t we? Well, that sounded like a jolly good idea to me!! That would lighten our mood.

So, we planned for lovely food at lunchtime, and then John & I would nip over to Solihull to drop him off for his treatment; I’d come back for a little while longer before it would be time to collect the ol’ man again and it would be time for Danielle to go home. And, do you now what? The plan worked! *Does another little dance*

We had the most scrumptilicious picnic with all the things John is not supposed to have, as a treat – including scones with clotted cream and jam. Mind you, scones/cream/jam is such a worry isn’t it? Do you put the jam on first? Or do you put the cream on first? And which of the ‘cream tea police’ will come nee-nawing up the road after you? Will it be the Devon or Cornish ones? We were nervous wrecks…..

Thomas was delightful, too – although he was fast asleep in the pram when I took the ‘Post-Lockdown Picnic’ photo. He was a happy, smiley boy, pulling himself up on absolutely anything he could, and trying to wobble-walk. And if he couldn’t do that, just crawl over anything and everything and then dibble his fingers into whatever he could find. He is such a grand character and so lovely, and my heart was full.

Because it was such a nice day, we even put the roof down on the car for our journey across to Solihull to let the breeze blow through our hair. That was lovely too and we ‘apricated’ as we drove along. What? You don’t know what ‘apricate’ means? Well, Susie Dent tells us that it’s a 17th century word meaning ‘to revel in the warmth of the sun on your back.’ She recommended it today – so we did.

John’s treatment went fairly smoothly, as well, this afternoon, with the nurse only having to have one go at getting the cannular in. That’s a bonus, isn’t it?

John was worn out, though, once he was back home, so we sat outside for a little while, drinking tea, before he went to sit in his favourite chair and have a snooze. I stayed outdoors and planted up some of the pots that have been waiting for the ‘fair weather gardener’ to get outside and do them. Had a lovely potter about. Although I wasn’t too happy with one of the pots I had a rummage in. It was full of little white maggot-y things which had clearly enjoyed munching on the primulas in there and had been busy killing them off. Had a look on a gardening site on-line and I think they are weevils. Might have to pop to the garden centre tomorrow to see what dastardly trick I can find to get rid of them. Pesky things!! Anyone got any gardening tips?

This evening, I had planned to do a little bit more on the quiz that I’d started this morning, but I felt tired and so sat and watched a bit of MasterChef instead, and then amused myself with the ‘Dogs Behaving Badly’ programme, which I always find very funny if I ever watch it. And then I went and tucked Mum into bed.

We had a bit of a laugh as I cajoled Mum into bed. She really didn’t want to be in bed as early as ten o’clock, but I gently explained that I couldn’t be calling round at midnight. She wrinkled her nose up, and then said, “I feel as if I’m being shepherded to bed.” I had to agree. Yes, she was being shepherded but it was all in a good cause.

I suggested she read a book before she went to sleep, which she thought was a good idea – until she remembered that all of the print in her favourite books was too small. I had to go on a hunt, then, to see if I could find any large print books. I eventually found one, and left her ostensibly reading it.

So, although John is still feeling in the doldrums, we have had a better day today. Phew! Didn’t want to face another one like yesterday!

With regard to the COVID figures, they are still looking fairly stable so I continue to be ever-hopeful….

  • 4,040 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 56 people died with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 15 people died in hospitals with the virus on 28 & 29 March
  • And it’s Day 2 of the lifting of Lockdown 3; Day 372 since Lockdown 1; Day 377 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless. 

Medics for most of the day….

I was looking forward to the day. John was home, and all was right with the world. Other than the fact that we were going to nip over to Solihull Hospital this afternoon for John to have a little top-up of the anti-fungal medication, there was nothing really on the horizon.

I hopped out of bed early to allow the G-Plan man in to have a look at the armchair that John sits in. The arm of the chair is very indented and, although a G-Plan man came to inspect it before, the problem has not been resolved. Inspection complete, the G-Plan man said he’d order a new piece of foam for inside the arm of the chair, so I was happy.

Clang! The bubble burst as the phone went. “Hello, Anne. It’s only Mandy from Michael Blanning – your Mum isn’t feeling very well…..” It transpired that Mum wasn’t able to speak. Mandy had phoned the doctor and not got much joy from them so had phoned 999. When I arrived, the paramedics were there and the crisis was diminishing. Mum was now able to speak and, although a little bit confused, she managed to mobilise (Ha! Medics ‘speak’….walk, to you and me) and get to the bathroom.

The upshot was that the paramedics thought that Mum may have had a TIA but, as the situation was now resolved, there was no need for acute treatment at hospital. The GP would phone me tomorrow. And off they went.

I came home, prepped some lunch and then we clambered in the car to take John over to Solihull for his treatment. “The treatment lasts an hour,” he said, as he made his way into the haematology unit. “Ok, I’ll just wait in the car,” I replied, and settled down with my book.

Another phone call. “Hello, Anne. It’s only Mandy from Michael Blanning – your Mum isn’t feeling very well….” With regret, I told her, I am at the hospital and I can’t get over just now. Apparently, there wasn’t any joy from the GP again, so…….. “I’ve called 999.” Right, keep me posted.

The paramedic, James, phoned me. Is your Mum usually confused? Does she recognise people in the photographs she’s got dotted around? Does she normally remember things? Has she had an official diagnosis of dementia? Oh, and by the way, has she got a ‘ReSPECT’ form so we know her wishes…….

The paramedics again decided she wasn’t priority to take across to the hospital, so left her at home – with an instruction for me to visit her this evening….. right, OK – got nothing else to do…..

John emerged from the treatment room two hours after he went in. “Well, it took her half an hour to get a cannular in – had three goes in the back of my left hand – and then it took her half an hour to take the canular out and finalise the treatment.” Ah. That’ll just be the two hours as standard for this treatment then, will it? With a repeat again tomorrow, and the next day…… “How was your afternoon?” he wondered. I hardly knew what to tell him really.

Once we were home, John fell into a feeling of despair. The anti-fungal treatment that he’d been told was a five-day series when he was in hospital, now turns out to be another thirteen days. Hecky thump – that boots out any plans for the next fortnight then, doesn’t it? No wonder he’s feeling fed up.

We ate our evening meal, but with a forced cheerfulness that neither of us were feeling, and an underlying current of irritation between us. Oh, Lordy, Lordy – this isn’t what we hoped for just now. Maybe we’ll feel better tomorrow. Please?

In the meantime, the COVID situation seems to still be under a bit more control with the figures still stable.

  • 4,654 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 23 people died with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 9 people died in hospitals with the virus on 27 & 28 March
  • And it’s Day 1 of the lifting of Lockdown 3; Day 371 since Lockdown 1; Day 376 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless. Am off to tuck me Mum into bed now.

Palm Sunday

My plan this morning was to at least ‘go to church’ via the internet if nothing else, it being Palm Sunday an’ all. But look what happened…….

….I got meself a handyman today…..

I knew yesterday, of course, that the ol’ man was likely to be home today and he thought it would be early on. I wasn’t so sure, but I was surprised that I was hardly out of bed when he phoned to say ‘come and get me’. I promised to be there between ten-thirty and eleven, as I was still in the middle of changing sheets on the bed, making up the fire to be cosy, and baking my pains aux raisins for breakfast.

I was amazed when I arrived at the hospital that John managed to totter out under his own steam, carrying his own bags. True to form, we had an immediate spat, when I said, “Why didn’t you wait inside for me?’ The intention had been positive i.e. I’d have helped with the bags, but John was miffed. “Huh! As soon as I am out of hospital, you’re criticising….” Oops. Been back-pedalling all day ever since. Bless.

It was lucky, too, when we got home, to find the Marlows on the doorstep. They had been and bought a paper for John, as they very often do, and brought a Palm Cross for me, because they had been to actual church. It was very nice to have a doorstep chat with them before John came indoors, and I was grateful for the symbolic cross.

Once he was in, John saw that the lamp from the computer room was on the table and immediately set on to mend it. Lucky that, cos I hadn’t got a clue. Good to have a handyman in the house, isn’t it?

“What are your plans for the day?” John asked, as we drank our cups of tea. I shrugged. I really had no plans. Just mooch about, read the paper perhaps? We did a bit of mooching and reading the paper, when the phone rang. It was Paul. A socially distanced meeting was proposed. Well, that suits us, thank you very much.

It was lovely. I, of course, spent most of time messing about with Freddie, while John and Paul held a manly chat. Lovely to see them and we were pleased that the weather held out. It got a bit breezy however, and John thought he’d better call it a day before he got too cold, so we said our goodbyes and we’re now praying for the soon-to-be wonderful garden parties in decent weather……

This afternoon, John was spoilt for choice. Watch the cricket or the Grand Prix? Both of which were recorded or recording. In the end, he watched a bit of the cricket and then plumped for the Grand Prix – which he promptly slept through. I am not surprised. He’d had an extremely busy day, one way and another.

The diagnosis from the hospital is COPD, with the instruction to go to Solihull tomorrow for more treatment of the anti-fungal medication. The wobbliness is much improved, but there was a caution on the discharge notes, saying that John is at risk of a fall. He hasn’t done too badly all day, but he did get tangled up with the wires of his laptop this evening and, for a moment there, he was all arms and legs flailing before finally plopping onto the sofa. Phew…..

So, there we are – he’s home, much to my relief. Let the bickering commence!!

And tomorrow? Tomorrow – a little more freedom beckons. We can meet in our garden!! We’re gonna get the gazebo out!! How wonderful is that going to be?? Especially as they reckon that there’s going to be warm weather on its way this week. *Does a little dance*. Come on everyone! You’re all invited!! Well, 4 at a time, anyway….. and from one other household…. ah, well, better than nowt.

The COVID figures continue to look promising, so I am hopeful that we may have some good times ahead.

  • 3,862 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 19 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 11 people died in hospitals with the virus on 26 & 27 March
  • And it’s Day 81 for Lockdown 3; Day 370 since Lockdown 1; Day 375 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Fun and games

So the ol’ man seemed much better today and was on top of asking the right questions. Questions like: ‘When am I going home?’ The nurse had a look at the notes and said, encouragingly, “The proposal is to send you home on Sunday.” Well, that’s welcome news, isn’t it? Might have to take the car out for a spin tomorrow then.

We didn’t chat long this morning because I decided to colour my hair. I have been putting it off in the spirit of ‘I can’t be bothered’ and, ‘You can hardly see the grey’, but I began to think I ought to smarten myself up for when John comes home. The stars must be aligning, because that was my thought before he told me that he might be home tomorrow.

I had also decided to take myself a walk over to Lavender Hall Park this morning where I might, just might see Michael and the children, and Christiana and Gloria with Alexander, who thought they may be passing through the village today and visiting said same park.

The plan was for Christiana to park on our drive and walk to the park, but Gloria’s hip was giving her jip so she baulked at the idea of walking and drove to the park while Christiana, Alexander and I set off, using Shanks’s pony. Alexander (nearly two) said, “Hello,” very brightly to me on arrival, but after that, every other bit of conversation was met with a “No!” I wondered if he’d like to hold my hand? Christiana wondered, after she’d picked him up, whether he’d like to walk some more? At lunch, she wondered if he’d like some more hummus and sweet pepper? I think ‘No’ must be his favourite word – it is said extremely firmly. I think we know who’s boss.

We had a wonderful time at the park – saw lots of people I knew and chatted to them along the way, and we finally made it to the playground, where we had the best time. I played on the swing, played Tig, see-sawed, crawled into a hidey-hole under the climbing frame as an adventure and looked for bears in the woods…….oh, pardon? You were expecting to hear about the children playing in the park? Well, yes, they did, too….. all of the above and more…..in fact, they even had a picnic and were quite busy wearing their lunch at times…..

After our goodbyes to Christiana and Gloria, whom it had been a delight to see after such a long time, I walked with Michael and the boys to La Delicia for a hot chocolate and a Cornish pasty. It was yum. And then it was home time. Once I got in, I collapsed in a heap. All that running about is exhausting. But, I have to say that, all in all, it was an amazing day with fun and games throughout, and I wouldn’t have wanted anything less.

Exhaustion though, is something else and, as it happens, I haven’t felt awfully well myself this week – exceedingly tired and clearly run down, one way or another. Not only that, I didn’t sleep very well last night – probably got about four hours sleep. So, instead of preparing and eating my tea at tea-time, I found myself fast asleep at that time for two and a half hours, and was then eating my tea at eight o’clock this evening. Ah, well, perhaps I’ll feel better tomorrow?

And in that spirit, I am hoping lots of people will feel better tomorrow. Certainly the COVID figures are looking a bit healthier – although it is the weekend and figures are never quite that reliable on a weekend.

  • 4,715 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 58 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 26 people died in hospitals with the virus on 24 & 25 March
  • And it’s Day 80 for Lockdown 3; Day 369 since Lockdown 1; Day 374 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Friday

It’s the end of the week…… Friday. Anyone got that Friday feeling? No, me neither. It was grey and very overcast first thing this morning, and then it thundered down with rain, battering against the window panes. It was chilly, too, and then this afternoon there was a hailstorm. I decided enough was enough and lit a roaring fire.

Not long after I’d lit the fire, the hailstorm passed and the sunshine came out. I tottered up to the shops to discover that the air temperature was actually quite mild this afternoon and, once I was back home, found it was rather sweltering in the lounge….. never mind, it was lovely, just the same – especially as I still had a flake to eat.

I was awake early again this morning, but as usual, couldn’t winkle myself out of bed until ten o’clock. John phoned (or did I phone him?) and we had a bit of a chat, but we neither of us had much to say, so it was fairly short-lived.

I tootled about in the kitchen and did a bit of washing before I decided I would read my book for a while. The back cover has this to say about it: ‘….a novel where you think, “Just one more page and then I’ll go to bed” and an hour later you’re still avidly reading.” Well, that was me all day. Just one more chapter, I thought, and then I’ll get lunch/go to the shops/put the tumble dryer on/phone John…… I started the book this morning and had finished it by evening. As you can imagine, I didn’t get a lot done today.

I did chat to John again this evening, and he had news. It transpires that the doctor had told him he could have his anti-fungal medication at Solihull hospital as an outpatient. Ah… OK….. and then a little later on, someone from Solihull hospital phoned him to say he had an appointment booked for 3 o’clock on Monday afternoon. Sounds like he’s coming home then. Maybe tomorrow? Or Sunday?

So that’s about it, folks – not a lot else to report. Looks like I shall have to start practising keeping to my side of the bed ready for the ol’ man coming home, shan’t I?

I’m looking forward to next week when we can have friends and family in the garden again. Keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will be good and we can really enjoy our time outdoors. As long as it’s not howling gales and torrential rain, it’ll be fine, cos we’re all prepared: the gazebo is ready and waiting; John has his heated blanket to wrap around him; we have the patio heater at the ready; the chimenea is in situ; the wood store is full; and I’ve got my running legs on ready for chasing about with the children. Can’t be bad, eh?

On the COVID front, the figures remain stable, so let’s try and keep it that way, shall we? I have to confess, the yoyo effect of the lockdown situation is taking its toll on me and my nerves are jangled.

  • 6,187 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 70 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 21 people died in hospitals with the virus on 24 & 25 March
  • And it’s Day 79 for Lockdown 3; Day 368 since Lockdown 1; Day 375 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Bin day again?

Thursday – always a memorable day. It’s bin day – and even with John in hospital he remembered to remind me to put the bins out tonight. So I’ve done it.

Other than that, not a great deal of anything happening here at Sleath Towers. John is still mouldering in hospital and waiting on a decision as to when he can come home. They are treating him for the chest situation and seem to have ruled out most everything else. Although they scanned his kidneys again today, just to check there’s no blockages or anything untoward like that.

We had our hopes up that he might be home at the weekend, but it doesn’t look like it, with a new treatment for a fungal infection in the lungs just starting this evening. Poor John is ever more frustrated – and I am as sorry as sorry can be that I can do very little to alleviate his misery.

My day has been one of pottering about and trying to get through the list of things to do, punctuated by a couple of doorstep chats. One from Margaret who called in this morning with a bunch my favourite flowers – tulips – and a few minutes of wonderful company and some sage advice. Then, later on this afternoon, Harriet popped round to collect a parcel that had been delivered here. We had a great doorstep chat and, just as she was leaving, she said Lily was in the car. Oh! How nice. I nipped out into the cold air and stood for a few minutes saying hello to Lily. Lovely.

I’d also had a lovely chat to Danielle, William and Thomas on WhatsApp, who have all caught colds from one of the little girls at nursery. Snuffles all round and Danielle wanting to ‘phone in sick’. The trouble is, of course, there’s no such thing when you’re a Mum, and you just have to plough on, don’t you? My advice was to use that great babysitter – the television – this afternoon. I hope they all recover very soon.

In addition to the pottering and chatting, I did my yoga class this morning and really enjoyed it. At the end of the session, we always do about ten minutes relaxation, called shavasana, and Jaime suggests that if we want to carry on a bit longer with it after the class has finished, then to do so. So I decided I’d do that today. The only trouble was, I was in danger of falling asleep as I lay there on the mat and had to rouse myself quickly, as my singing lesson was looming.

Singing was good today, and Melissa said I have made progress. Well, that can’t be bad, can it? Although I had recorded the lesson today, so that I could remind myself of all the pointers she offers, and when I listened to it back I wasn’t so sure….

I was not quite so tired today as I had been earlier on in the week, so am beginning to look longingly at my paintbrushes again. I shall be back at it when I find a bit more energy. This time, the new utility room is going to get it!

The COVID figures are still relatively stable but cases are slightly raised today – possibly linked to the children returning to school – but the alert level has been reduced from 4 to 3 as the pressure on the NHS eases.

  • 6,397 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 63 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 30 people died in hospitals with the virus on 23 & 24 March
  • And it’s Day 78 for Lockdown 3; Day 367 since Lockdown 1; Day 374 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Middling

Wednesday – the middle of the week. I was a bit confused this morning, however, when one of my Twitter acquaintances claimed it was Thursday. I know I am tired but that’s ridiculous! To have lost a day? Fortunately, it was she who was muddled and not me.

I slept well and didn’t feel quite so tired this morning but was more and more tired as the day wore on. A bit middling today, but cracked on as best I could. I pottered about doing a few jobs first thing, and then realised I hadn’t heard from John, so was just about to phone him when he phoned me. And it was big news! The brain scan revealed that he has a brain after all….. tee-hee. Nothing untoward reported, his brain looks just like you’d expect as ‘part of the aging process’. Oh, I see.

The medics are waiting now for the reports to come back from the various cultures they are growing in the lab from the samples taken from John’s lungs. It seems to be fast coming to the conclusion that the vertigo is related to the infections. Well, that’s good news, because it means that if they can sort the infections out, he won’t be so wobbly, perhaps. We’ll see.

John has been directed to a YouTube video of lung exercises. He said he’d have a look at them. I wonder if they are expecting him to do them?

After I’d chatted to John for a while, I pottered some more and then thought I’d pop out for a walk. Just before I got my coat on though, the doorbell rang, and it was dear Chris standing on the doorstep, just to say ‘hello’. Gosh, she was a sight for sore eyes. I haven’t seen her for ages, so it was lovely to have a doorstep chat for a few minutes. She was soon on her way, though, as it began to rain. Oh, bother! Just when I was about to go out for a walk.

Despite the rain, I decided that I would go out anyway. Just then, Michael rang and I told him what I was planning to do. “Good idea,” he said, “there is no such thing as bad weather, is there? Just the wrong clothes.” So I put my waterproof on and set off.

Had a lovely walk. Wildlife galore, so I was happy. Newts in the pond, flowers on the trees, birds in the bushes. Glorious. And the rain held off the whole time I was out.

On my way back, I called into the Co-op to gather some supplies to take over to John this afternoon. I picked up the essentials he’d asked for, but I was mindful that he really doesn’t get any treats, so I bought one or two nice things, too, in the hope of cheering him up.

When I arrived at the hospital, there was no faffing about this time with the reception/volunteers desk/security guard, and I sailed through to the lifts. Floated up to the 6th floor, only to look at my phone at that point and see that John had asked me to go into Costa to get him a coffee. Oh. Right. So I pressed the button and sank to the bottom again. Had to explain to the security guard why I was back and that I’d be repeating the journey again shortly.

Coffee in hand, I was once more into the breach and ready for some waiting outside the ward. But what’s this? I pressed the buzzer and someone answered. “I’ll be there in a minute.” Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather. The transaction of clean clothes and dirty washing was soon exchanged and I was quickly drifting down to the ground floor again – only to see that John had sent another text: ‘And chocolate cake.’ Oh, crumbs. I didn’t think I ought to go the through the whole rigmarole with security again, so I told him he’d have to make do with the chocolate chip cookies I’d bought. And, actually, he was very happy with that. He was wolfing them down.

The journey home was a bit tortuous. Lots of traffic and I spent some time waiting in queues of cars trying to escape from Birmingham. On a WhatsApp conversation, Danielle said ‘I thought we were still in lockdown?’ So did I, but half of Birmingham was definitely out and about.

This evening I had another chat to John and he had thoroughly enjoyed his coffee. Savoured every drop. He had also enjoyed his cookies, so I was pleased that the treats had cheered him up a bit. And, let’s face it, if the results to the tests come back tomorrow, they might have had enough of him in hospital and want to send him home soon. Let’s hope so anyway. It’s his turn to do the washing, cleaning the bathrooms, changing the sheets and doing the cooking – because I’m still a bit tired. Middling, in fact. Perhaps I’ll feel better tomorrow.

COVID news remains stable, I see, so that’s hopeful.

  • 5,605 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 98 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 30 people die in hospitals with the virus on 21 & 22 March
  • And it’s Day 77 for Lockdown 3; Day 366 since Lockdown 1; Day 373 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Just Tuesday

Having got up with the lark yesterday, I had been tired towards the end of the day, so had gone to bed early. Therefore, I’d had the requisite 8 hours sleep by seven o’clock this morning and was promptly awake and wide-eyed. Regrettably, I still felt very tired, so I stayed in bed and read my book, played e-games on my phone and had a chat to John, all before I got up.

John had just waved the consultant out of the door as I phoned, but he promised to let me in on the conversations tomorrow, via a WhatsApp link if he can. The doctors had had a discussion about John’s case yesterday but come to no solid conclusion. They decided, however, that they would put him on a nebuliser to try and clear some of the gunk in his lungs and get him off the daily oxygen, and they would do the scan on his brain. “They won’t find one,” I teased. He grinned, “No probably not,” he replied.

I pottered around the kitchen, clearing up the debris from yesterday’s fun and games with the food and present prep for Mum’s birthday tea and then sat down again on the sofa, still feeling tired. I thought I’d read my book some more. I think I did read a bit, but the next thing I knew, it was nearly half past two. I’d been asleep for over an hour. Crikey! I’d only just got up!

I swiftly got myself ready to take a walk up to the shops and to nip round to Pete and Dawn’s for a socially-distanced outdoor chat to extend my condolences. It was so good to see them and so nice to be able to talk face-to-face for a little while rather than through a screen. I really can’t wait until we’re allowed to get together properly.

I phoned John when I got back and he had been for the brain scan. Nothing else exciting had happened today and he hadn’t been bothered to watch the cricket. “Have you been playing any poker?” I asked. “A bit,” he said, “but I’ve been reading about it mostly.” He’d found a decent website that is quite informative, so he’d been concentrating on that.

At six-fifteen, I tuned in to the ‘Couch to Chorus’ workshop run by Opera North. Tonight was the finale from Leeds, where some of the professionals were gathered to join in with us plebs to sing a real rousing chorus of the music we’d been learning. They also sang some solos, which was great to hear too. What was lovely is that Sue W had been to the workshops, too, and so there we both were, on finale night, singing our hearts out together – her in the Lake District and me in Balsall Common. Great stuff.

After the workshop I finally grabbed a bite to eat and thought I’d watch a spot of TV. The trouble is, I really can’t concentrate on the programmes, so I switched it off and finished my book. There’s a first. The book was recommended last light for our next read of the Bibliophiles group, and boom! I’ve read it already.

So there we are. Another early night planned, folks, and hope I feel less tired tomorrow.

News on the COVID front is much the same, as we reach the year anniversary of lockdown. I think I have miscounted and think today is Day 364 not Day 365. Ah, well. A minute’s silence was held at noon today for all those souls lost to the virus – all 126k of them. That’s a lot of people isn’t it? And it doesn’t bring them back.

  • 5,379 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 112 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 33 people die in hospitals with the virus on 21 & 22 March
  • And it’s Day 76 for Lockdown 3; Day 365 since Lockdown 1; Day 372 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.

Busy Birthday Day

Up with the lark this morning to get things organised for Mum’s birthday treat. Graham had sent her a lovely food hamper and had mooted the idea of an afternoon tea. Regrettably, Haigs don’t deliver on a Monday, and no other establishment was explored for such a treat, so I thought I’d nip to Waitrose first thing before there were many people there and buy a few cakes ‘n things.

John had to take a bit of a back seat as I was going to be busy, although we did have a chat over breakfast. His news? He had broken a back tooth. Honestly, you can’t make it up, can you? It’s all the grinding of his teeth he’s been doing wot’s done it…….

All went well round Waitrose and I was back in reasonable time. I’d had a text from Danielle who was making a pebble art piece for me to give Mum for her birthday. It was ready. OK, let me gather up the few bits of washing I’d got to take over to Michael and Danielle’s and we’re off.

Michael took a break from his work when I got there and we walked round the park a couple of times, Michael pushing Thomas in the buggy (refusing to sleep), to get some fresh air. It was lovely and just what I needed. I collected the parcel and came home.

Had a natter to John at lunchtime, but not for long, as again, he had to take a back seat. “I’m just going to prepare some sandwiches for Mum’s afternoon tea.” I said. He was very good about it and genuinely happy for me to spare a day for Mum today.

He had seen the consultant this morning but there was nothing much to report. The medics involved were planning to have a case conference at lunchtime. Maybe we’ll know more tomorrow. John ventured to ask who was overseeing his care. The consultant said, “Well, that would be us,” i.e. the transplant team, “The GVHD has affected your lungs so we feel some responsibility.” Ah… OK, then. That’s good to know. Glad I emailed Paneesha now.

I went over to Mum’s this afternoon and helped her open all her cards and parcels. She was delighted with everything. “Aren’t they thoughtful?” she said, as she perused the contents of Graham and Gail’s parcel. “Aren’t those pink flowers just beautiful?” she repeated several times throughout the afternoon about Michael’s bouquet. And she was pretty speechless with wonder over the pebble art that Danielle had done. She kept tracing her finger over all the people, reading out their names and, with eyes misting over as she read the header, “Know that you are loved,” she said softly, “It’s lovely.”

After all the parcel opening and the excitement that that had generated, Mum was exhausted, so she sat back in the chair. “Have a snooze,” I suggested. Like that awkward child who refuses to go to sleep, her eyes stayed wide open. “I think I might go home, Mum, and come back at five o’clock to make the afternoon tea. Unless you’d rather I stay?” Silly question really. Her eyes did eventually droop and I spent a good half hour enjoying all the photo albums we’d given to Mum over the years, starting with Graham’s 60th birthday and our first trip to OZ through the weddings and onto the latest, Lockdown albums. Reminisced a bit.

I prepped the tea, and Mum said she felt thoroughly spoiled. Even though I say it myself, it was a lovely tea.

I finally said my good byes and came home well past sunset. As soon as I was in, I made a cuppa and phoned John. He was grinding his teeth. Nothing doing today at all and, of course, no distractions really. He’s exhausted everything he can possibly be interested in and is very frustrated. I suspect that, as there’s no deterioration in health and a little bit of improvement, they’ll probably decide to send the ol’ man home and see how he goes. I shall be interested to hear what advice they have to give though. Poor John. It’s so painful to witness his distress and know there is nothing I can do to make anything better. Oh, Lordy, Lordy.

Just as I was about to crash out and settle onto the sofa for a while and kick off my shoes, a text pinged in. It was one of the ‘Bibliophiles’ saying she wouldn’t make the reading group meeting on Zoom tonight. Oh, crikey!! Not only had I forgotten all about that but was it half past seven already?

I shot upstairs and logged in. I wasn’t expecting to contribute much or even to enjoy the group discussion tonight as I felt tired. But, actually, I was very surprised how uplifting it was to talk to people who had an opinion on the book and to share our thoughts. Felt better afterwards.

I felt so much better that I felt able to reply, in kind, to Freddie who had WhatsApped me yesterday thus:

Grandchildren. They make your heart sing.

So, that’s all, folks. COVID numbers? Interesting. Very interesting. What do you think?

  • 5,342 people tested positive for the virus today
  • 17 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 22 people died in hospitals with the virus on 20 & 21 March
  • And it’s Day 75 for Lockdown 3; Day 363 since Lockdown 1; Day 371 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.