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John has succumbed to a chest infection*. We got back from our lovely weekend away and he was coughing a bit. By Monday morning, it was a full-on bark and by evening he was struggling to breathe and had a bit of a raised temperature. So, yesterday morning, I phoned the doctor’s surgery. I expected the third degree from the receptionist and then the offer of a telephone consultation. However, I only had to phone three times to join the queue of eight, and then the receptionist said, “Yes, can John come down at 9.50 this morning?” Well, blow me down with a feather! Yep – that’ll do.

John is still struggling to breathe and he’s coughing very well, but he has antibiotics and some steroids, so fingers crossed he’ll be out of the woods shortly.

Meanwhile, despite struggling with his health, the ol’ man has been having a go at the classic car in the garage. Not only has he been having a little tinker with it but…. drum roll, please….. he’s started it up and driven it out of the garage and back in again. Boom! Howzat??

Honestly, I was so excited when I walked home from the shops to see it parked on the drive! Marvellous! The only thing is, though, that John had forgotten how hard it is to steer a car without power steering……. he’s going to have to build his muscles up to drive it. Get out the weights and start lifting!! Hehe.

Having got the car to the point it is now, John thought he might clear up the garage a bit. There’s bits and pieces everywhere. So that’s what he’s been doing the last day or two in fits and starts.

I, on the other hand, have generally been faffing about. Both John and Michael asked me the other day what I was going to do to change my mood. “If you keep doing the same things, you’ll get the same results,” they grinned. Hah! They are right of course, so I set to thinking about it.

The result was a slight change of direction today. Not much, but hopefully a bit of different steer.

It started with a visit to church this morning. One of our former parishioners, Claire, has now been ordained and had returned to take the mid-week service this morning. I was so glad I went. It was lovely to see her and people whose company I enjoy. Claire and I spent ages chatting after the service, exchanging anecdotes about our families. One piece of information I was particularly interested in was that Claire’s son is doing an apprenticeship in classic cars. Now there’s someone it’ll be useful to keep in touch with!!!

When I came back from church I took the bull by the horns and popped into the carpet shop to order some new carpet for our bedroom. We’d had samples the other week, but not made the order. So I went and did it. Decisive. For a change.

Home again and chores loomed. Oh, bother! Didn’t fancy it. So I picked up my book by Linda Stratmann, which had been recommended to me ages and ages ago, went into the garden and lay on the swinging chair in the warmth of the day and read for nearly an hour. In the middle of the day. I mean, that’s unheard of these days. But I didn’t half enjoy myself.

After lunch, I popped over to see Mum. She was dozing in the lounge when I got there, but she soon came trotting through to her room where she sat on the bed to watch me arrange the flowers I’d taken. “Where do you want them, Mum?” I asked. “Put them with those flowers there,” she said, “you know, the everlasting flowers…….” Ah…..I see – and here they all are. A selection of real, plastic, silk and paper flowers. Nice.

Mum was very well but rather tired today. I think maybe the heat had an effect and, half-way through looking at the latest batch of family photos (there really weren’t that many), she suddenly said, “I’ve had enough of looking at those now. I’m tired.” And she snuggled into bed and promptly fell asleep. Well, I suppose I had interrupted her doze in the lounge, hadn’t I?

Before I left though, she was awake and wanting the tightest hug as we said our goodbyes. “Another one,” she said, drawing me in close to her once more. So we hugged some more.

Take care everyone. Hold your loved ones close. God bless.

*The Lateral Flow Tests are clear…....

During our wonderful reunion weekend, Ren took a few photos – as did one or two others, so here’s a selection and cheers to old friends….

The Gang’s all here! Well, nearly all of us anyway!! I think Heather was taking the photo and Rob was still in the kitchen pouring champagne, or was it the other way round? But what a sight for sore eyes, eh? All these lovely, lovely people.

And here’s us – not long arrived, glasses full and Rick doing the honours for new arrivals. We were very happy to be drinking Moet and Chandon, I can tell you!

And Kelv, looking very happy at his barbecue, cooking some very tasty chicken which we all devoured the minute it was served.

Later on in the evening, we were delighted with the offer of muffins – a cake and candle for each of us. All of us 70 or due-to-be 70 this year…. Oh yes, 1952 was a vintage year!

Needless to say, we had a good time! Take care everyone. God bless.

We were invited to Kelv and Ren’s for the weekend and what a wonderful time we had. The purpose of the weekend was to invite all of John’s Uni friends for a get-together to celebrate our birthdays. Most of the group were born in 1952, and we are all now 70, or going-to-be-70, this year.

What was especially exciting was that almost everyone was there – even the divorcés, who managed to chat to each other without any difficulty. We were delighted to see those who’d flown in from the USA; driven up from Cornwall; or travelled down from Scotland, as well as all those who mill about the London area, of course.

Who was there? Well, there was John and me, and Kelv and Ren, of course; Pete and Fran; George and Val; Nev and Jane; Ann and Nigel; Dave and Alison; Mike and Heather; Rick and Caroline; Andy and his wife (whose name escapes me) and Rob, who came on his own.

We spent a wonderful evening in everyone’s company, chatting over old times and reminiscing about student days. Kelv and Ren were brilliant hosts, with excellent food and drink over the whole weekend. We had an absolutely cracking time and a photo will follow shortly!

The weather was balmy, so we were able to sit outside all evening, only coming indoors for a whisky-sampling competition. We were all agreed that the English whisky was best…..

Today, we went out for a Roast Beef Dinner at a local pub which was also good. For a good long while, we were the only people in our part of the pub, so we were able to relax. Smashing.

Ah, yes…. old friends. Such a blessing.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Every day is filled with something isn’t it? Amid the excitement and the fascinated horror of watching government ministers depart one by one and Boris lying to his back teeth, we get on with every day stuff.

I was struck by Susie Dent’s Word of the Day, though, which is ‘filipendulous’ (19th century): hanging by a thread. Love it.

So, yesterday morning was like many other and we pottered about at home. We were so engrossed in our jobs though – John tinkering with his car and me faffing about with washing – that John had to rush his lunch so that we could get to the dental hospital in Birmingham in time in the afternoon.

Typical, of course, we had left with just enough time to get there at the appointed time – what we hadn’t catered for were hold-ups on the M6. Doggone it!! We were sat in the middle of a traffic jam, stationary, with no obvious reason for the stoppage.

I suggested to John that he phone ahead to let the clinic know we’d be late. “How long are you going to be?” asked the girl on the other end of the phone. John shrugged. Who knew? We didn’t. “About half an hour?” he offered, hopefully. “That’ll be too late,” she said. “Shall I re-book your appointment?” Yes, OK then, re-book……

As soon as the words were out of John’s mouth, the traffic started moving. And moving….. and then flowing beautifully. No sign of what had caused us all to stop at all. “Do you want to phone her back, John? To let her know we’re actually on our way will be only ten minutes late?” He shook his head. It wouldn’t matter, we’d be there.

Hahahahaha……… the efficiency of the NHS, eh? When we arrived, there was no record of John’s appointment. “Which clinic are you going to?” the receptionist wondered. Well, it should be dentistry – John has got a wonky tooth. The receptionist looked some more and there was clearly a problem. “Sorry, you’ve been discharged.”

‘Scuse me? I explained that I’d emailed to flag up the issue John had. Perhaps they could find the email? No. I paced up and down for a bit and was invited to sit down while they tried to sort it out.

In fact, they were very good. There had been a mix-up. John had been booked into the oral medicine clinic, not dentistry. And it was true, he had been discharged from that specific clinic. However, they had a doctor who would see him and then we could take it from there.

A jolly good inspection of John’s tooth suggested a root canal filling or extraction would be needed, and a promise on offer that it would be dealt with one way or another next week. So all’s well that ends well. Except that we were a lot longer than we expected and came away with things to follow up, like asking John’s own dentist to send the x-rays they’d done and contact the GP for blood test results. But we’re on our way.

We went straight over to Michael’s for tea afterwards which was lovely. We were both tired, so to have our tea cooked for us was a real treat. I played with the children of course, and helped put them to bed, which always fills my heart.

Today, being a Friday, I was due to go to yoga. However, my addled brain can’t quite cope with following instructions at the moment, so I decided to stay at home. I pottered into the garden to water some of the plants – and that was it then. I was there for the rest of the morning, dead-heading, pruning, weeding and generally enjoying the lovely flowers I’ve got growing in the garden at the moment. Picked a few:

For some reason, I popped back indoors….where I could hear something very exciting. I made my way into the garage and yes, I could believe my ears! John had got the Lotus running. “Sorry about the exhaust fumes,” he said. “I don’t care!” I replied. “I am just so excited that you’ve got the car going!” Did a little dance.

This afternoon we went to visit Pete and Dawn, which was a welcome respite. We had a smashing time, chatting away in the garden for a couple of hours. Pete, mind you, wasn’t best. He is suffering from a bad back, having put it out earlier in the week. Eeeeh, we didn’t all half feel like we were crocks, with all our aches and pains.

In other news, Covid is now infecting 1 in 25 people. The news suggests this isn’t too bad because all those hospitalised are generally suffering with other conditions…….. well, that’s OK then.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is ‘whifflery’ – a 19th century word, meaning evasive talk or action to avoid ever getting to the point.

A very apt description of current affairs – not only in public life but also chez nous. That is what I am currently doing: not getting to the point.

We used to be amused when some acquaintances of ours responded to our question of ‘How’s it going?’ with ‘We’re getting there’. We were never sure where ‘there’ was or how their journey was going, and it feels a bit like that at our house at the moment. Admittedly, we have some major projects going on and we are working towards finishing them but, every so often, we step back and wonder what the heck we’re doing it for. What’s the point, eh? Answers, on a postcard, please……..

Anyway, we continue to plough on every day and we usually get something done. John is still working on his car and fitting radiators, for which I am ever grateful. He is an amazing man. Never gives up. And I am sure that the car is going to be finished soon.

Meanwhile, I have sought to try and unpick my addled brain. Watched a fair bit of tennis, of course, and had a lovely walk with my friend, Kaye, yesterday. We took ourselves over the fields and stopped off for refreshments at the Saracen’s Head before continuing on our way. I did feel a bit better for the walk and the chat.

I am not sure whether that’s what it’s all for, but family and friendship are the two things that make our lives all worthwhile. We were blessed to see George and Sue on Sunday, and then, on Monday, our dear friends, Sue and Rod, called in on their way home from Warwick, travelling up to the Lake District.

We had a lovely day, just sitting chatting and sharing our stories of what is currently going on in our lives. Relaxed, talking about anything and everything, the time just zipped by.

Today was a hospital day. A monitoring check-up on John’s lungs. The chap we saw was very nice, explained things well and offered a follow-up test, but John felt that it was a bit of a non-event. The drugs that John is on is as much as they can do, so nothing new there. But yes, advised the consultant, you can take the nebuliser up to four times a day if that will help. Oh, and we’ll check on your oxygen levels to see if you need oxygen at home…… again, nothing new there.

This evening we had our Quiz Night, which was very nice. It’s a while since we quizzed, what with different couples having holidays, or other commitments and unable to join in. I was amazed that we actually knew some of the answers….. there’s always a buzz when you get something right, isn’t there?

We had some sad news though this morning, with Christiana telling us that her Grandad had died. He was a fabulous man, Cornish through and through, and with as big a heart as you could want. Our thoughts, naturally, are with Gloria and Christiana and all the family as they mourn his passing.

Take care everyone. God bless.

We pottered about yesterday, dealing with dining room-related things. John cut holes in the floorboards to investigate where the pipes went for the newly-sited radiator, while I nipped off to the carpet shop and to B & Q to see what I could find.

We have decided on the wallpaper and possibly the paint colour but, when I brought the paint samples home, none of them seemed right. I took all bar one back again and brought more samples home. I have yet to splash any of them on the wall though to see whether we like them. Maybe tomorrow.

Today has been a very lovely day with George and Sue. They came for lunch and to watch the Grand Prix with us. We did have a good time. It was a very exciting race one way and another. And, after all these years of knowing George, I found out something new: he likes to watch tennis. Well, that went down well with me!! So, we watched a bit of Wimbledon, too – that is, until our conversation took over and we switched the TV off. We do like a bit of a debate……

The weather has been brooding all day and the sun has played hide and seek. Plans for a barbecue were shelved and we stayed indoors to keep warm to eat our roast chicken but, with the windows open, it was a bit breezy, even indoors!

It was great to have company today. Ever grateful for such good friends.

Take care everyone. God bless.

1 in 24 people are catching COVID now, I hear – it’s still on the up. Mask up when you can.

Yesterday was a ‘nothing-very-much’ day for me. John was in fine fettle however, feeling the relief from having got through the biopsy on Wednesday with no trauma. So, John got his skates on and started the heavy job of fitting a new radiator in the dining room.

I have been dragging my feet a bit on the dining room, unable to make any decisions about anything. But, spurred on by John sorting out the radiator, I toddled off to B & Q to see if there was any wallpaper or paint I fancied.

I am awfully old-fashioned, of course, and expected to see wallpaper books to browse through. Hahahaha. Not a chance. A few rolls of wallpaper to choose from on the stands and that was it. As it happened, I did find one or two I quite liked, so brought them home for John’s opinion.

This morning I felt lousy – it was difficult to get going on anything much and I was fighting my demons all morning. I couldn’t get myself suited and booted for yoga, so texted Jaime at the last minute to say I wasn’t going to class.

John, meanwhile, was having a bit of a snooze in bed. I wafted about a bit and then, in the end, I decided to do that ‘displacement activity’ exercise whereby you are so busy you haven’t any time or space to acknowledge the demons, let alone fight them.

I ploughed through the lounge vacuuming and floor-mopping, before tackling the same again in the hall and then the kitchen. John was busy trying to find where the pipes went in the dining room ready to plumb the radiator in, before giving his attention to the Lotus again, bending a piece of metal for a window-fitting. That job initially went well – until he welded something to wrong side and had to start all over again.

Tomorrow, I aim to actually start painting the dining room. Get ready for the huffs and puffs as I bemoan all the prep required, folks……..

At tea-time, we had the unexpected pleasure of the Kenilworth Newbies descending on us. They have bought a new car and we were keen to see it, so they brought it round. The children were high with excitement, showing us the inside of the car and chattering away the whole time about all the nooks and crannies there were to see. Delightful.

Thomas, mind you, is obsessed with cars and would spend all his living moments in them at the moment. He hates having to leave the car and wails loudly, imploring to get back in. I mean, he couldn’t walk past the Lotus without exploring it…….. Bless him.

I had cooked our tea, so Michael nipped up to the shops to buy pizza for the family and we had a chaotic, but enjoyable tea together. The boys and I sat up at the breakfast bar, while the grown-ups sat at the table. The breakfast bar holds a particular allure for the boys as the bar stools swivel round… and round…. and round….. great fun.

All too soon it was time for them to go. We waved and waved and waved them goodbye, blowing kisses to the boys as Danielle drove off the drive. Lovely. Their visit had cheered me up no end. Fingers crossed that my cheered-up mood lasts, and the demons take a back seat tomorrow.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Yesterday was Day 28 of my Yoga Challenge raising funds for Cancer Research – phew! Nearly there!! And in my little group just three stalwarts remain….. here’s us and our teacher, looking pretty pleased with ourselves.

After the early morning session at 7.30 a.m. I toddled off to my normal yoga somatics session at 9.15 with Jaime, so it felt like wall-to-wall yoga yesterday.

I was tired though and by lunchtime I fell asleep on the sofa. Someone at the door woke me up – a ring-a-ding-a-ling – but I felt so lousy that I thought I’d just have another hour laying on the bed…. hahahaha……I came back downstairs just after five o’clock, having been asleep all afternoon.

John, on the other hand, was busy in the garage once more, tinkering with his car. He is very pleased with what he’s done and came in to say, “It’s ready for viewing!” It’s not actually working yet though, with the engine stubbornly refusing to fire up, but I think it’s beginning to look pretty. When it’s pretty enough, I’ll post a photo.

We were up early this morning but not for early yoga; John had to be at the hospital for 7.30 ready for his prostate biopsy. We got there on time and he was welcomed in.

My blood pressure was raised however, by the nurses telling John to remove his Covid-killing mask and put on one of their flimsy blue ones. I tried to explain that the ones we’d got were definitely safer, being FPP2s and antiviral, but their response was, “We don’t know where they’ve been.”

Ha! They’ve been in a just-opened, individually sealed, cellophane wrap in a box…… unlike the blue ones they had that were generally milling about in an open-to-the-air box at the entrance to the unit. John told me not to argue…… but I wasn’t half cross.

We expected John to be in hospital overnight, having had a general anaesthetic. By lunchtime, I thought I ought to try and find out what was happening so that I could take his overnight case in to him. I had no luck getting hold of anyone though and was just about to try phoning for a third time when John phoned me. He sounded very bright and cheerful.

“All done,” he said, “and I didn’t have a general anaesthetic. I had an epidural instead. So you can bring my things now.” Righty-ho! And off I went.

I wasn’t allowed to visit, however. “I’ll take his bag to him,” said the nurse, “but I think he might be discharged today.” Well, I had wondered whether that might the case, being as he sounded so good. “I’ll find out.” she went on. And sure enough, yes, John would be discharged – but not until later on. Ah….. you mean I’ll have to go home and come back again? She nodded.

Anyway – the ol’ man is home and seemingly none the worse for having been poked and prodded today. Phew…..we are both relieved it went well. Just got wait and see what they say about the results now.

I know the fund-raising may not help John’s situation, but I am pleased to be doing something towards cancer research. There’s too much of it about, with news almost every day of someone we know, or know of, dealing with this pernicious disease.

If you are so inclined, please consider prayers or positive vibes for all those who are suffering with this illness right now. Just knowing that someone is thinking of you helps.

Take care everyone. God bless.

You may recall that John was making cake. Well, he finished it…….

We had a whale of a time yesterday at Thomas’s birthday party. In addition to James and Ruth, Danielle’s brother and sister-in-law, the Sleaths were out in full force, including Andrew, who had said when asked if he was coming, “Of course I’m coming. I’m not missing my godson’s birthday!”

Christiana couldn’t make it at the last minute though, as she had been struck down with a tummy bug…….. maybe next time.

The weather was very kind to us and we were able to get out into the garden for some fun. So much fun in fact, that Thomas had me captured in the play house for hours (well, it seemed like hours anyway) with the command: “Stay there….”

Danielle had prepared an amazing table of food and there were plenty of drinks to go round. It was just such a relaxed and enjoyable party – everyone really getting into the celebrations. Thomas, being two, just went with the flow and was quite happy to play, or sit on someone’s lap, or eat the party food and, of course, blow his candles out on the cake – mind you, it was a bit of a race to see who might get there first, him or William!

Everyone had fun bashing the piñata too, at the end of the party, with Danielle being particularly fierce on her go and Thomas coming a close second in intensity. And for a two-year old his aim wasn’t bad at all!

I think it was Freddie who gave the piñata the killer blow and then the children all scrambled to retrieve the sweets. Great entertainment.

The party went on into the evening with the ‘boys’ all trundling off to the pub, but John and I were worn out by seven-thirty and had to come home. We just can’t keep up with the pace these days!! Exhausted, but very happy to have had such a lovely day and feeling very, very blessed.

One happy day was followed by another today. Our dearest friends, Carol and John and Pete and Dawn came for lunch. We threw the windows open, did our Lateral Flows and then relaxed into the day.

I prepped food this morning and set about laying the table. I had to smile to myself though, we had taken the party plates and some glasses over to Michael and Danielle’s yesterday, so I had dive into our stores to see what else I could retrieve. We really do have everything here, even if it doesn’t match…….

We had a really lovely time. As ever, the conversation just flows, the laughter follows and the friendship blossoms. Lucky, lucky us.

Paul brought Andrew home after the ‘night before’ and so we managed to snatch a few minutes chat with them before Paul had to go back to parenting duties and Andrew had to go back to Cambridge. But we were, as always, delighted to have had all three boys together at the weekend. Happy days.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Lily: ready for her Prom. Our sensational granddaughter. Sweet sixteen.

💖💖💖

Lily said she had an amazing time at her Prom. “What time did you get in?” I asked. “Five o’clock in the morning!” she exclaimed, excitedly. Fantastic. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t? Making memories. We are absolutely delighted for her and love her very much indeed.

She was still on top form today when we saw her this afternoon. Paul invited us round for a barbecue, which was an unexpected treat, so we were able to chat to Lily. She was glowing and had clearly really enjoyed herself. There was an inner confidence about her which I was thrilled to see after all the angst of the exams. Marvellous.

We really enjoyed our time at Paul and Harriet’s this evening. I had missed Paul’s text and phone call in the afternoon, having left my phone in another room, but he finally got hold of John to invite us over. We were hardly going to say ‘no’ to seeing them, were we? Lovely to chat and chew the cud a bit, and lovely to spend time with the grandchildren. How blessed we are.

We had been working through our list of jobs when Paul phoned. I was a bit lacklustre about my list – especially as I couldn’t seem to find the box of decorating equipment. I was sure I had brought it home from Michael’s after the decorating stint there. But can I find it? No. I will have to have a better look tomorrow.

John ploughed on with decorating Thomas’s birthday cake, creating nearly as much mess as yesterday – but boy, it’s worth it! I think the cake is finished. It had better be – we will need to take it to the birthday party tomorrow ……

We had a toddle up to the carpet shop just after lunch and browsed the stands for hard flooring for the dining room and carpet for the bedroom. Mostly what is in vogue right now is any shade of grey……. might go for grey then……..

Paul and Harriet had a good few ideas for the dining room, so we’ll see how the ideas firm up and come together over the next few days. The most difficult part of decorating is making a decision – which I am not awfully good at. Ah, well, I am sure inspiration will come along soon. But will the plan come together just at the right time? That’s the question. Deadline: Monday 1 August. Gotta get on with it!!

Take care in this tumultuous world everyone. Change, and not for the better, seems to sweeping the globe – unless it’s just doom and gloom reporting? God bless.