leukaemia-limbo-dance

Despite the fact that we put the clocks forward overnight and missed an hour of sleep, I didn’t feel too bad this morning. I got up, popped up to the shops to buy one or two bits and pieces, then came home and cooked us a lovely breakfast.

What was particularly delightful was that John joined me downstairs in the dining room to eat, too. It gave me a proper ‘feelgood’ factor.

After we’d eaten, I watched the church service online. I had thought I may go to church in person this morning, as the Bishop was in attendance, but I decided not to rush about in the end. It was a lovely service and I enjoyed it, singing my heart out to myself on my own in the computer room.

Meanwhile, John was beavering away in the kitchen trying create some kind of order in it. It was marvellous to come down to some clear work surfaces!

While I was upstairs, I took a call from Paul who said that he and Freddie would call in. Nice. I went downstairs to tell John, who told me that he’d been talking to Michael and had promised we’d go over to give advice on some DIY that he was doing. Ah…….

In the end, we stayed at home, for which I was grateful. I am still trying to pace myself and we seem to have had a very hectic week!

Paul arrived, with a purpose in mind. Hehehe. John now has a fitness regime to follow, with a personal video of Paul doing a demo, to boot.

Freddie and I messed about, but quietly, which suited me just fine. In the talk of exercises, Grandpa happened to mention that I’d got some ‘exercise putty’ to use for my arthritic hands. “Please can I see it Grandma?” asked Freddie. I brought it down and he promptly had great fun with it….. even creating an elephant in the room! Honestly, he is such a joker. Makes us giggle all the time.

After Paul and Freddie left, we spent a very happy hour reading the newspaper that I’d bought as a treat, and watching the Boat Race. Great excitement in both the men’s and the women’s races, wasn’t it? The right crews won, in my opinion…..

It’s been a relaxing day and I think we have both enjoyed it. Looking forward to another relaxing one tomorrow.

Take care everyone. God bless.

45 years ago today, Peter and Dawn said ‘I do’. So, what should we do but celebrate??

We were invited for a piece of cake and a glass of prosecco this morning, with Alison and Peter and Sally and Leigh. And it worked out just right. We all arrived together at a house that had been beautifully garlanded with streamers and balloons, and with a fabulous balloon arrangement in the hall.

Before we did anything else, we thought we ought to have a photograph or two, so we gathered together alongside the wonderful balloon arrangement and the celebratory cake for an informal photoshoot. So here we all are…. grinning like Cheshire Cats…..

Naturally, we had a lovely time. We sat and ate the cake, which was extremely well-made and tasty, downed a couple of glasses of Prosecco, and chatted to our hearts content. “I’ll drive home,” said John, as I took my second glass of pop from Peter. Hehe. What a lovely morning, though.

Once we were home, we sat in front of the box for the remainder of the day. A day of rest…. just what was needed.

And that was us today.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Yesterday, we had arranged to spend some time with the Kenilworth Newbies, as Michael has the week off work. Maybe a little walk and a spot of lunch somewhere? In the end, we mooched about at their house for a while while we inspected various DIY jobs that Michael has got on the go, and offered our meagre advice.

We messed about in the garden, reviewing the plants and deciding whether or not they should stay or go, given the plan to re-arrange the landscape. I was floored by the rose bushes that I thought I could snip, snip, snip, but I didn’t get on very well with the secateurs. A new pair is needed, methinks! Not only that, but I need to consult my friend and neighbour, Livia, who is an expert on these things!! I mean, this just looks like a lot of twigs, doesn’t it? Where to start?

We had lunch at the Virgin and Castle in Kenilworth, which was very nice. We really enjoyed it because it was very quiet, we were served quickly and the waitress really looked after us. The boys behaved impeccably and the cider was good…..

Back at Michael and Danielle’s I rocked the baby to sleep while Danielle collected William from school; John closed his eyes and slumbered for an hour; Thomas watched a spot of TV and Michael tried to get some shuteye but was disturbed by Thomas wanting a different programme every so often.

We left all three boys on the sofa with their Mum and the goggle-box just after 4.30. We had gone tired…… oh, dear, that’s a sign of our age isn’t it?

Our plan for today was to get up early-ish (but not rush) and set off for the NEC where the Classic Car Show is being held. And I do love it when a plan comes together!! That’s exactly what we did!!

I got up and made a cuppa, taking one up to John. We sat in bed for a while, chatting. John was feeling pretty low this morning, so we talked through our situation and, although it still feels sh*t, the agony eased off a bit and we got ready to make the most of the day.

We had a great time at the show, enjoying all the cars we had known and loved in our youth and beyond; marvelling at the brilliant job of restoration some people do; and checking out the side stalls, where I bought myself some Gorilla tape. Don’t ask…..

My enjoyment came from a chat with a chap involved with Triumph Dolomites and Toledos. I used to own a Toledo and loved that car, and have been looking for one on display ever since. Regrettably, there were only Dolomites on display, but the chap we were talking to owned three Toledos. It was a very interesting chat.

John was on the hunt for someone to talk to about the problem he is currently experiencing with the Lotus. We wandered from Hall 5 to Hall 4, grabbing a Cornish Pasty lunch on the way, where we found a Lotus Elan on display. Its owner was there too, and so we had a good chat to her. “My husband, Adrian, might be able to give you some advice on your car,” she said, “come back in ten minutes or so and he should be back by then.”

We had a little tour round the rest of the hall and then went back where, sure enough, there was Adrian all ready and waiting to talk to John. Marvellous. He had some good suggestions which John will look into, I have no doubt, but one of the best suggestions was to join in with the PubLotus club where there may be someone who could physically help carry out the work. So, fingers crossed, we will get to sort it out!

We had promised to call in to Kenilworth on the way back, to collect a parcel from Michael and Danielle’s. When we arrived there was no-one home. We had an inkling where they might be, so drove round to the Green Man and had a pint with all the Kenilworth contingent – originals and newbies…… a lovely way to round off the day.

We left them all to have their evening meal together chez les Kenilworth Newbies and came home to put our feet up after a tiring day.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Oooh, we were busy yesterday! It was Mum’s birthday, so I went to see her in the morning to take her a gift and a card, and to join in any celebrations that might be happening.

“How old you are you, Hazel?” asked one of the carers, as she brought in some beribboned and spangled stars for her to hold and enjoy. Mum shrugged her shoulders, grinning. “21, again, are you?” Mum laughed. Yes, she thought she might be 21 again and, with a twinkle in her eye and giggling delightedly, shook her stars at the carer.

Of course, she’s ninety-seven, and she can hardly believe she’s lived so long. Well, neither can we! And she was on top form – all ‘with it’ and thoroughly enjoying the attention of a photoshoot and people coming in and out of her room.

She was delighted with the necklaces I had taken in for her, too – so she put them both on! It was good job I’d taken a few more beads for her to wear as I found a couple of her necklaces were broken, when I went to put them with her other jewellery. The broken ones come home to the ‘Repair Shop’. Hmm, I wonder when I’ll get time to do those?

It transpired that Mum’s confusion on Sunday had been due to a urine infection, so she’s on the mend and right as rain again now that she’s taking some antibiotics. “She’s going to reach a hundred, you know,” said John, when I got home. Yes, I expect she will.

Once I was home, we got ready for more celebrations as we waited for Carol and John, and Pete and Dawn, to come round. It’s going to be Carol’s 70th birthday next week, and we were beginning the celebrations early.

Michael had phoned to say he’d call in to collect one or two tools that he needed for the DIY work he’s got going on at home. “Yes, no worries,” said John. So, for a few minutes the house was chaos as everyone arrived, greetings were exchanged, drinks were made or poured, and food prepared for the table. It was fabulous.

After the family left, the rest of us sat to the table for a wonderful Ploughman’s Lunch, to which we had all contributed. Oh, it was so lovely to be together, sharing a meal and memories.

Carol had made her own birthday cake, a really lovely lemon cake – gluten free and dairy free – which she served in the lounge. This was accompanied by champagne, courtesy of Pete and Dawn. It was lush. And here’s the darling birthday girl herself, looking lovely, as always:

As the afternoon was drawing to a close, Paul phoned. Ah….. it was Wednesday, of course – the day when they come and cook at our house. “Alright if we come over?” he asked. Yes, it was alright. Pete and Dawn just missed them, having left about four o’clock, but they had time to chat to Carol and John for a little while before they, too, went home.

By the time the evening meal was ready though, John was exhausted and had gone to bed for a rest. He didn’t want anything to eat. He was still full from the lunch and, in any case, was far too knackered to come downstairs.

We waved goodbye to Paul, Harriet and Freddie at seven o’clock, which gave me just enough time to put together the two quiz rounds I’d been tasked with for the evening. John got up and thought he’d try and join in the quiz and see how he got on. In the end, he stayed up for all of it and I think he enjoyed it.

And then there’s today……about which I shall write tomorrow, but I can’t help including this lovely thing today. William was so delighted to see Mummy and Daddy at the ‘Award Ceremony’ at school this morning!

Take care everyone. God bless.

Are we pacing ourselves, or are we gathering pace? Looking at our packed schedule for today and the next few days, we think it’s all gathering pace!! In a very nice way, of course, seeing friends and family and getting out and about.

We were both up early this morning – me, because yoga was scheduled for 8.30; and John, because Richard was coming to visit at 10.30. I hadn’t realised Richard was arriving mid-morning, so I was just nicely back from yoga – eating a piece of toast, drinking a cup of tea, sitting in the rocking chair looking out at the flora and fauna of our garden – when the doorbell rang.

I was delighted to see Richard, but my initial reaction was that he was here early. “I’m ten minutes late actually,” he said. Ah….. it was then that I realised the visit had been set for mid-morning. John was just finishing his shower and getting ready.

We had a lovely time with Richard, mulling over the world’s events, our own ailments, telling amusing stories and so on. I declined lunch and sent the boys on their way to Oakes’ to have a bite to eat. I thought John would relish the man-on-man talk, which he did.

The boys were back just before three o’clock, having been for a little walk in the Katharine’s Wood park. They sat back in the armchairs and settled in to enjoy a bit more chat, before Richard thought he ought to go home. We were all relaxing and enjoying each other’s company when we had to say our goodbyes.

To round off the day, I wondered if John would like to pop over to the Kenilworth Newbies for an hour or two at tea-time, as we hadn’t seen them for a little while. He was up for the treat but, in the end, they came to us and enjoyed a fish ‘n chip supper. The children were excited to be at our house and we had a wonderful playtime.

Ah… what a lovely, lovely day! Full again, but worth it. And I have to confess that I was secretly pleased that our prayer group meeting was cancelled this evening – I needed to put my feet up!!!

Take care everyone. God bless.

Well, what a weekend! It was full.

I hadn’t expected anything much on Mothering Sunday because I’d suggested to the boys that they concentrate on their own wives and families. Michael took Danielle out for the day to the Cotswolds, which sounded like it was going to be lovely; and Andrew was working. Paul, however, suggested that he come and collect me to go to church in the morning.

Yep. All good. And then I thought to myself that the Kenilworth Originals are struggling with their catering arrangements, because of building work and having no proper kitchen, so how about they come over and cook chez nous? That idea went down well, so I went and killed the fatted lamb (rather than the calf) this week.

As it turned out, we spent pretty much all day together. Just as I was leaving for church, John wondered if I’d like him to come along, too? Would I? Of course I would! We met up with Paul and Freddie at church and had a lovely time together, remembering all those who care for us and also for all those who care for others in the far-flung corners of the world where there may be disaster – war-torn, cyclone-hit, flooded, and so on.

We had a cuppa at our house, then I went over to Paul’s. Our plan was to go for a walk in the woods and say goodbye to Mac, who had loved to play there and splash in the river. Harriet waded the river in honour of his memory and got a wet leg and foot for her trouble, as the water tipped over the top of her boot!

The walk was great fun and somewhat chaotic which, as I said to Paul, was typical of how Mac liked to live and so very apt. Naturally, we were all a bit sad, but we remembered his boisterousness and happiness in the open air, so it all went very well.

I left the family to get ready to come over to our house for Paul to cook, while I drove over to visit Mum. She was delighted to see me as usual, and kept exclaiming, “I can’t believe you’re here! How long is it since I saw you last?” When I told her it was only two weeks ago that I visited, she was very surprised.

“It’s Mothering Sunday, Mum!” I explained. Of course, she didn’t know, but she was delighted with her flowers and chocolates and, like a naughty schoolgirl, said, “Shall we have a chocolate now?” as if it was the cheekiest thing ever.

I had taken a pair of scissors with me, thinking I might cut Mum’s hair as it is getting quite long. Before I had the chance to suggest it though, she patted and stroked her hair lovingly. “It’s getting long, Mum!” I observed. “It is, ” she replied proudly. “I’m letting it grow….” Oh! That scuppered my little plan, didn’t it?

As the visit went on though, I thought she didn’t seem quite so well, becoming more and more confused, not recognising her own room even, nor remembering that I was her daughter. Her ankles were rather swollen, too, so I flagged my concerns up to the staff who immediately went off to do her observations and ask the nurse to check her ankles. We’ll see how she goes.

When I got back home, the feast was well under way under Paul’s expert eye, and we sat up to the table right on time. It was smashing to all sit together and enjoy roast lamb and mint sauce for the first time this year. Lush, eh? How lucky we are !

Today was a day of clearing up and taking the car for its MOT and service. Once again, Paul helped out, giving us lifts to and from the garage in Coventry and taking John to his exercise class in Solihull. “Are you sure you want to go, John?” I wondered, as he wheezed his way downstairs. “I don’t want to go, but I’ve got to do something to get stronger, so I’m going,” replied Mr Determined.

We eased off the pedal this evening and agreed we both need an early night. I wonder if we’ll sleep? I do hope so……

Take care everyone. God bless.

Gosh, today has been so warm, hasn’t it? It’s felt very Spring-like all day. In fact, the daylight was calling us quite early this morning!! And, of course, so was Freddie.

Although, to give Freddie his due, as I put him to bed last night, we had had a conversation to establish just what time he might get up. “About 7 o’clock?” I suggested. “8 o’clock,” he said. “I usually get up, go to the loo and then get in with Mummy and Daddy.” That sounded just right to me. And, as forecast, he came wandering through just before seven and snuggled into bed. He snoozed on until eight o’clock, and I think I was ready to get up before he was.

It was pancakes for breakfast and even Grandpa came downstairs to join in the fun. Smashing. We didn’t have much time, though. Paul was due to come about ten o’clock to collect Freddie for swimming. “Get dressed, Freddie,” I urged, “and then we can plant up a pot with seeds for Mummy for Mother’s Day.”

We had just put the finishing flourish to the plant pot with a label that said ‘Mommy’, when Paul arrived and – whoosh, just like that, Freddie was on his way and the house was quiet again. It had been lovely to have such good company overnight and we had thoroughly enjoyed it.

“What now?” said John. I shrugged. The impetus had walked out of the door with Freddie and we were now both hanging about like loose ends. We sat on the sofa, waiting for inspiration. “Right!” I said, “I’m going to get on and plant up my dahlias.” John got up, too. “I’m going to have a look at the Lotus,” he declared, “to see if it’ll start.”

We were both successful. With the spring sunshine and showers inspiring us, we achieved what we set out to do. I made an almighty mess in the utility room though, and had to spend an hour scrubbing everywhere down. I had decided to put the dahlias into pots and used the utility room as my potting shed.

John was a bit more successful in that he didn’t make a mess. He drove the car out of the garage onto the drive, tinkered about with it for a bit, nattered to one of the neighbours, then drove the car back in again, before settling in front of the TV for an afternoon of rugby.

I interspersed rugby viewing with a bit of grocery shopping, but in essence, we had a lazy afternoon and evening. Is that’s what called pacing yourself? I think so…..

Take care everyone. God bless.

A propos of pacing ourselves, we did absolutely nothing yesterday. We spent the morning in the style of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, following their example of a ‘bed-in‘ for peace. Our peace, that is. In the afternoon, we did ‘not a lot‘, followed by ‘busy doing nothing‘ in the evening.

We felt a bit more refreshed this morning, therefore, to face the world. Well, I use the word ‘morning’ loosely because I am not sure that John was out of bed much before twelve. I had toddled off to yoga by 11.30 and left him in bed. By the time I was back though, he wasn’t in. Slippers were by the front door, shoes, coat and walking sticks were all missing, so I presumed he’d gone for a walk.

I was right. He’d decided to take himself round the ‘Yellow Brick Road’. He laughed when he got back, “Last March I did a mile a day! This year, I’m doing a mile a week….” If he could do that, he’d be doing some good, so well done to John.

We had a bite to eat and then I set on to sort out the open fire. I found the ash pan full, so emptied it before collecting some wood and coal and laying the fire. Now why, you might wonder, was I going to light a fire on the warmest day of the year so far? Hmmmm……

The answer, of course, is that Freddie has come for a sleepover. And a sleepover is not complete unless there are toasted marshmallows over a roaring fire. It’s a ritual, any time of the year. And, despite the warmth outside, both John and I felt comforted by the glow of the fire so we were pleased we’d lit it.

And, oh, how we love to have Freddie for a sleepover! Here’s Grandpa looking as pleased punch that he’s allowed a Freddie-cuddle! Mind you, Freddie looks as pleased as punch, too, doesn’t he?

We have had a lovely time so far. Grandpa got his scooter out so that we could all go up to the shops for some sweets, and Freddie hopped on the front for a ride. Honestly, those boys had a whale of a time! “Go faster, Grandpa!” encouraged Freddie. Grandpa didn’t need any encouragement at all and whizzed along to both their delight. My little legs could hardly keep up!

On a totally different note, we breathed a sigh of relief today. Over the last few years, Chester, Michael and Danielle’s dog, has been growing a warty thing on his eyelid. It never bothered him so there was no need to have anything done about it. However, recently, the growth has been interfering with his vision and, at one point, he thought he’d lost Michael altogether on a dog walk the other day. So the decision was made. Remove the growth.

Bless him – today was the day and here he is, recovering well, but wearing the dreaded cone for a few days. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but those cones always make me giggle……

Take care everyone. God bless.

Ha! Ha! It’s been one of those days!! A merry-go-round of fun and frolics and not knowing what we’re doing!!

This morning, we were up reasonably early as we had arranged for Pete to come and have coffee with John at our house, while I went and had coffee at theirs, with Dawn, Alison and Sally. All went very smoothly and we all enjoyed our coffee, cake and chats. I think, for a change, it was nice for John to have some man-on-man talk. And I certainly enjoyed the girly chat.

“What time will you be back?” John had asked as I went out of the door. “Probably about half twelve,” I replied, “I’m going to pick Freddie up at one o’clock.” Ah… yes! John remembered we had arranged to have Freddie for tea.

The arrangements had changed at the last minute though, because the teachers were on strike and Freddie needed looking after from 11 o’clock in the morning instead. I texted Paul: ‘I’m not sure I can help all day……. I can still do the afternoon though. 1 o’clock?‘ He gave me the thumbs up. Danielle said she’d look after Freddie until then.

When I got home after the coffee morning, John reminded me that he had a dental appointment in Kenilworth at 3 o’clock. “Oh….” I said doubtfully, “I’m not sure how we’re going to time that.” Peter offered to give John a lift. Lovely.

In the end, we didn’t have Freddie at all. I had made an assumption that William would be off school too, and had planned to invite all of the children to come to ours. However, when I arrived at the Kenilworth Newbies, I found that William’s teacher wasn’t on strike, after all.

Ah…… hmm….. I was just mulling over what we might do – stick to Plan A? Or shall we try Plan B? Or even Plan C? – when John rang. “My appointment’s at two o’clock, not three o’clock,” he said. Right. Oh, crikey, did that make a difference to the plan?

Well, anyway, if you’re lost by now, I’m not surprised. I was in a dither. Michael and Danielle said they were happy to keep Freddie all day, and for me not to worry but to go and get John, sort out the dentist and then come back for a cup of tea. So we stood Peter down, toddled to the dentist and then, with Danielle, looked after a variety of children at the Kenilworth Newbies’ house for a couple of hours instead.

John was very tired all afternoon though, so by about 4.15, we said our goodbyes and I took him home for a bit of a rest.

The ol’ man perked up sufficiently to be on top form at Quiz Night, however, cracking a few jokes and knowing answers to a fair few of the questions. What makes us all smile ruefully, though, is the realisation that we can’t remember anything really. Our ‘revision’ round was very testing……

So, there’s another day done. Very enjoyable for most of it, but John would like to feel a bit better. I’d like him to feel a bit better, too, so it’s time to pace ourselves, I think! Now, which wise person put that idea into my head, I wonder?

Take care everyone. God bless.

We have tried to have a ‘doing’ day today. Instead of sitting, curled up on the sofa, goggle-eyed, we have been out.

This morning, it is true that I left John in bed while I went to yoga, but he was more or less up when I got home. My yoga class was very gentle, being all about somatics – the mind-body connection survey. We mostly lay down on the floor to check ourselves out, and I was conscious, at one point, that I might drift off……

I did feel better for the exercise though and felt ready for a trip out when I got home. “Shall we go for a bit of lunch and a walk at Baddesley Clinton?” I asked John. Yes, he was up for that.

In the end, we didn’t leave home until about one o’clock what with faffing about with one thing and another. Soup in the café, therefore, was orf……Ah, well, never mind, I had a lovely hot chocolate instead and John had a panini. Here he is, enjoying it!

We didn’t manage the walk though. John felt a bit wobbly after lunch, so we tottered to the National Trust shop, bought a bird bath, and came home.

The member of staff serving us was kindness itself. I had enquired as to whether the bird baths were available on line as I didn’t think I’d be able to carry it to the car. Not only did he carry it out for us, but he allowed me to bring car right up to the door so that John had a simple hop, skip and jump to get into the passenger seat.

We thought we might go over to the Kenilworth Newbies to drop their ‘left behinds’ in this afternoon but, in the end, we didn’t do that either. Oliver has a bit of a cold and it looks like I’m going over there tomorrow anyway. Not only that, but the afternoon slump overtook us and we ended up comfy on the sofa.

I managed a walk to the shops, however, in the pouring rain, to buy a few bits for tea. And then this evening I’ve finished the quiz. So it’s definitely been a ‘doing’ day, today. Go us!

Take care everyone. God bless.