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[Jim]

Welcome back Kelly :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning, yesterday wasn't too bad, although I was shattered by the time we got home, between the emotions, driving somewhere new (although the car did come from Holmfirth), and two kids. Not sure I've ever had to stop to let a pheasant cross the road! Did manage to get a dress and jacket from a charity shop, but failed on getting a Stephen King book - went in a lovely second hand bookshop that had a ginger cat. Today is the first weekend day that I don't have plans, not much housework, the weather is rubbish and don't have neighbour for company.

[Kelly]

Thanks, Jim.

Desley, if I'm at a loose end, there is nothing I like better than re-reading an old favourite, something I know I can fall into and lose myself. For me, these are JD Robb's first three books in the In Death series, a bit of Wyrd Sisters from Terry Pratchett or a historical novel (have loads of re-read favourites). I hope your day goes well, whatever you do.

Still not feeling great from my cold. Going up and down the stairs is enough to exhaust me! So, a day of editing for me, interspersed with the odd nap (although I now have a craving for a read of Wyrd Sisters.) Let's see what happens!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Thanks Kelly - between hundreds of books, streaming channels, my games and music, I shouldn't actually ever get bored, it's just the human interaction I've got used to. I rarely re-read due the amount of books I have to read - I am hoping to finish a book today actually. Me and my sister ended up swapping some wax melts yesterday, so I have 6 new ones, plus I know I have some for my birthday, better start using more!

Sorry you still aren't 100%, I think maybe a re-read will make you feel better :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning, day didn't start off too well, was supposed to be going out with ex colleagues on 13th Nov, one has had to re-arrange again, so we are now going for 20th - this is the third time, I was on the verge of swearing at them this morning, but have decided if one double books themselves a third time, I just give up with them! Luckily a colleague had wanted to go out on 13th for my birthday, so it wasn't that my plans were cancelled and I would be sat home alone. So looks like we are going for afternoon tea - ironically what my bro is doing for me, but you can never have enough afternoon tea in my book, especially not after the last year, when I got none!

[Alicia]

It is a sad workplace fact that office friendships don't have the same weight when you no longer work together.

Hope you enjoyed your tea, Desley.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, well after 3 days of deliberating, I opted to go to the place that did my favourite pizza even though there is little vegan option, so now vegan friend is rather annoyed with me, although I did say we could meet for drinks after. I do understand why, but I was so fed up of trying to pick somewhere that my alternative was to cancel it all. A colleague and ex colleague wanted to go out, checked with them both yesterday they were free and booked it at lunch today, so it seems that the third weekend I've tried to organise went smoothly. Weather has been wet and windy, and supposed to be worse tomorrow.

Yes, you are quite right Alicia, and worse that we are trying to fit round 4 diaries, and obviously this year is worse as some people have things that have been rescheduled due to last year.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, had a disappointing thunderstorm earlier, heard noise but didn't see any lightning. Went to my sis's after work as it's my niece's birthday tomorrow but I can't go tomorrow, so went with her card and present tonight instead, but they are exhausting!

[Jim]

My lady wife made the same comment about a thunderstorm, disappointing with noise but no lightning

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, well after 3 days of deliberating, I opted to go to the place that did my favourite pizza even though there is little vegan option, so now vegan friend is rather annoyed with me, although ..."

Easy to say yes, but then not to follow through.

Next time suggest that each person take a turn at the arranging - so each time it falls through, it's a different person's job to find a new arrangement. You shouldn't be doing all the work. Not fair.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Lovely bright day, but cold, don't think we've got to double figures today. Went to a consultation event with friend after work, was quite interesting, then I went to hers after for a chat - she used to be really houseproud and I was wondering if I was going to have enough time to blitz parts of my house for her to cat sit, but seems she's a lot more relaxed about housework these days, so maybe I won't need to do as much! ETA - the event had some local leaflets, I picked one up and there were details for a walking club and an exercise group that do online quizzes, so I might send them an e-mail to get more info.


Well, on Mon, both friend's response was 'you pick, it's your birthday' - I told them I was fed up of thinking of places! Ironically once I knew they were both happy with afternoon tea, I found that really easy to choose, although neither of them have any dietary requirements, so it was only me that needed catering for. As for the ex colleagues who keep letting me down, it's always up to me to suggest something, they are even rubbish at remembering birthdays, if I don't start the wishes they don't, and for my birthday the other year, I think they remembered 5 days late!

[Alicia]

Best birthday parties are the ones you arrange for yourself. Before I moved to California, I had all my friends come to my annual birthday picnic and grill. Most of my good friends managed to put in an appearance every year.

I got tired of waiting to be celebrated, and had a lot more fun after that.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, horrible weather today but a fun day in the office. Did manage to leave my kindle at home though, will have to remember that, or start reading paperbacks again!

Well, I tried arranging this one myself Alicia and have upset a friend! The weather in Nov isn't ideal for a birthday picnic unfortunately.

[Alicia]

It's always something, Desley.

At least you tried: not everyone makes the effort, and you do, all the time.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Aww, bless you Alicia

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, had a lovely day, I did wake up at 5am, but got back to sleep about 7.30 and got up at 10.30. Got another coat this week, a purple fluffy coat, pretty much what I had in mind, cheaper than last week's coat too! Got two new dresses, I thought one was going to be a bit shapeless, but it's a tad too small, and the other fits, but a bit snug, so will have to keep my cardigan on for that. Also, in the last charity shop, I finally got a Stephen King book, and the one I really wanted, Mr Mercedes, as I got the second on kindle for 99p, but wanted to read the first. As friend said, might have been fate we had to re-arrange, I might not have got them the original date we had in mind. We had tea out too, a burger each, ate at an unlicenced cafe, so just had a hot choc, friend ordered us a luxury hot choc, didn't have the heart to point out i couldn't have the marshmallows, so just ate them.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, had a lovely day, I did wake up at 5am, but got back to sleep about 7.30 and got up at 10.30. Got another coat this week, a purple fluffy coat, pretty much what I had in mind, cheaper than..."

intrigued, why couldn't you have marshmallows?

But yes, I do think you might have drifted into the position of being the sensible organised one, and they're letting you organise

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Most marshmallows (and jelly type sweets) aren't vegetarian because of gelatine - people just think of meat and don't think of byproducts, which affect things like sweets, chocolate, crisps and cheese.

I have been told in the past that they let me organise things as I'm the best at it! Sometimes it is easier to make sure I can eat at the place, although once I was that busy getting the decorations organised (it was a combined leaving and hen do) that I forgot to order a vegetarian main - luckily it was a greek buffet, so had enough food to eat.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, well, it's been two weeks since I spoke to neighbour, and I've only seen her through the window in that time. I've now realised I put up with more than I should out of fear of being lonely without her, yet I feel quite free without her, it's so nice to be without the constant negativity, I hadn't realised how much it was dragging me down. A few people have told me to do less or give up on her this year and I was too concerned about being lonely, but while it isn't the way I would have wanted to cut ties, it has actually been a blessing, just hope I'm still saying that over the winter! I haven't left my house again today, and it hasn't bothered me. I should have been seeing a friend today, but the plan was for a walk, and as the weather was rubbish, I didn't bother chasing her, she remembered at 4 and rang apologising, I pointed out if I had been that keen on walking in the rain, I'd have messaged her asking what time!

[Alicia]

You did a lot of the friendship work. Maybe she'll come back and apologize. If not, not.

Our part of California is getting rain - a huge blessing. I still don't want to go out and ride Maggie in it - not sure her electronics would be happy.

Pray it lasts. Pray it dumps snowmass in the mountains. Pray the mudslides from the fire-denuded hillsides aren't too bad. Pray it doesn't all get wasted into the Pacific.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, well, it's been two weeks since I spoke to neighbour, and I've only seen her through the window in that time. I've now realised I put up with more than I should out of fear of being lonely..."

I think you're better off without your neighbour

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, forgot to mention yesterday, I forgot a couple of days of my magnesium gel and yesterday was hobbling to the bathroom when I got up, put it on last night and was walking more normally today, so it is definitely helping, shame I won't be able to take it to Jersey with me though.

At the moment, if neighbour apologises, I will accept it, but it doesn't change anything, not only am I not sure I can forgive her for accusing me of something and not believing my denial, but I've realised that I don't need her as much as I thought I did.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, what a day! Morning was fairly quiet, then I was set a task on the new software I'll be using that took nearly an hour and then the afternoon just went to pot! Went to co-op at lunch, and as I left my house, neighbour had just left hers, she must have heard my door, and was bending over stroking her cat, so we didn't actually face each other, which is probably the best meeting we could have had. Booked my flu jab at lunch, going tomorrow lunch to the chemist for it, that'll be 3 different locations for jabs this year! Friend kindly offered to print my boarding passes so I didn't have to go back in the office, we went to candle shop after work, but they had to shut early, so we sat at one of the public benches and I introduced her sons to Uno. We are hoping next month that I'll go and have a board game day. And the friend that is left for my birthday meal on Sat has a really bad cold, negative on an LFT test, but boss is making her have a PCR test, that should be back on Thu, so hopefully it will be negative, but nothing would surprise me with how those plans have gone!

[Alicia]

Sometimes you just have to laugh and accept that the universe is out to get you!

There are still days before Saturday - maybe your friend will get over the cold.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, had my flu jab at lunch, it's getting very windy here now, but at least no rain.

I hope so Alicia, my main concern is her PCR test being negative, at least if it is, I will feel safe spending time with her on Sat!

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

Desley I agree with Jim tbh, I think you're better off without your neighbour who was, apparently, endlessly needy. And unappreciative. Which is ungracious at best and downright rude at worst.

Husband has now been registered blind (or seriously sight impaired as it's called now) which means we can get a blue badge for the car. That would be great if we ever went anywhere! And a half price tv licence. Don't watch that much either. So he's winding up work over the next few months which is a kind of early retiral. I hope he manages to find something to keep himself occupied as he hasn't had much other than his practice over the last few years.

Weather has been weirdly mild but really windy. We've also had a bit of rain. I think i'd really prefer some cooler still days

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Thanks R, I feel better off without her, which I never thought I'd say! Do hope hubby can find something to do with his time.

[Jim]

Sorry about your husband, it could be difficult for him to find his next role :-(

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Thanks R, I feel better off without her, which I never thought I'd say! ."

In all candour I think you are

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Only downside is the cat sitter, but luckily I don't like to go away much! And I feel sorry for her eldest cat, who keeps wondering why I don't let him in his house anymore, as I always have done.

[Michael]

The latest and greatest Kindle Paperwhite was released today! And I got one!

Quick review. Comparisons are with the Paperwhite I got in 2015:

It's got USB-C charging rather than micro-USB, which is great.
There's a new 'warmth' option alongside the brightness setting, which is almost like a colour option.
It's got bluetooth, which is useless for me.
It's slightly faster to change pages/menus than before.
It's a bit wider/taller, with more screen available.
It feels fractionally thinner.
The screen is flat/flush with the rest of the front, rather than dipped.

All in all, a marginal upgrade that manages to both pointless and essential at the same time.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, arm is a bit sore and red from my flu jab yesterday, but no other issues. Weather has been wet and windy here today, luckily I've only had to put the bin at the top of the street.

Ooh, don't know if there is enough there to warrant getting a new one Michael.

[Jim]

Michael Cargill wrote: "The latest and greatest Kindle Paperwhite was released today! And I got one!

Quick review. Comparisons are with the Paperwhite I got in 2015:

It's got USB-C charging rather than micro-USB, which ..."

thanks for the update

[Anna]

This is such a great, supportive thread!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, horrible weather again today. Cleaner has been, she is still struggling with long covid, felt really sorry for her. Rang vets at lunch to see whether Lucy's meds were ready and they forgot to order them! So had to get her the tablet form to manage till I get back, and just hope that she will take it, as she might not eat as well without me here anyway. Then decided to pop to the garden centre near the vets, not been for a while, didn't come back with much, but felt nice having a mooch in a place where pretty much everyone was wearing a mask, even the staff, don't see many staff in shops wearing them now.

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, horrible weather again today. Cleaner has been, she is still struggling with long covid, felt really sorry for her. Rang vets at lunch to see whether Lucy's meds were ready and they forgot..."

Sorry about Lucy's meds - that is not cool.

[M.T.]

Hello all, just back from Portugal which was wonderful. Desley I'm with Jim on the neighbour front and I've been using Magnesium gel too and it does seem to help a bit - mainly with my itchy feet!
Ro, really sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he finds things to do. I was a bit worried about mine retiring but I think it'll be OK, indeed, I think it will be fun. I might write less books but that'll be nothing new!
Michael, glad you're enjoying the new kindle. I'm still using my 2008 kindle keyboard!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning, we actually made it out last night, there was one more drama though, I got to the hairdresser and they didn't quite have enough of the colour I have, so they had to mix something up, fortunately I like it. Friends hubby had been taking cold tablets so he could make it out, so he opted to drive, so I didn't need taxi's either. Meal was lovely, I had a dessert cocktail rather than a pudding, which was nice, then we went to the pub across the road for a drink, before going back to their house, as her dad (babysitter) wanted to have a birthday drink with me, didn't get home till 1.40, so much for it not being a late one! Need to pack today and got a couple of chores to do, trying to leave some things like the litter trays till tomorrow so they will last until I get back

[M.T.]

Sounds great Desley. Have been feeling a bit rough this last couple of days but it seems to be wearing off now. McMini has a friend round and they are playing thrash metal together very loudly. It's hilarious. They aren't that bad, they are more or less in time now.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Sorry, forgot to say, glad you had a good hol, you deserve it, and glad you are feeling better now. My original kindle isn't quite as old as yours, but it is 10 next week.

[Kelly]

Desley, so glad you're managing ok without the neighbour.

Rosemary, sorry to hear about hubby. When my in-laws retired they couldn't figure how they'd managed to work and do everything else that always needs to be done. My mother-in-law started painting at about 70 (she is 83 now) and now sells her work at local galleries. My father-in-law waits patiently until something breaks, then happily has a go at fixing it.

I haven't used my actual kindle in ages. I use the kindle app on my phone.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, bit of a mixed shopping trip, good job we were only going to a couple of shops, as the weather was horrendous. Didn't get much I wanted from Primark unfortunately, so still got some of my gift card to use. While we were out, got a text from one of my friends saying she had double booked herself again - I would like to rant at her, but she has been asked to go out by a friend who lost her 2 year old daughter a couple of months ago, so feel like I can't rant, without coming across insensitive. she suggested the other 3 still go out and do a catch up in the new year, so that just wipes this year out completely. Pretty much ready for tomorrow now, just the last minute washing up and packing, friend is coming at 7 for the key, then I'll have to go to bed, got to be up at 4.30, taxi is booked for 5.15. I've had quite a lot of presents, but keeping them till after I get back, although I've opened some as I was told I might want to wear them when I go away, a nice necklace and scarf (the scarf is from the bird!), I've had an amazon voucher with the message 'for your book fund', so I'm going to treat myself to some I want to read but they are more expensive than I normally pay, will be odd spending £10 and only getting 4 books, I normally get 10!! Just been interrupted by my old boss dropping a present off, that was nice of him.

MT, meant to ask, someone on here mentioned about magnesium being used to help you sleep, so I use my gel at bedtime, what time of day do you use yours?

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, am in wet Jersey, had a couple of issues on the journey, but made it. We have been to my favourite garden centre, which I have fallen out with for playing Christmas music at the beginning of Nov, had a lovely lunch, then we did the food shopping and chilled. Have felt very lucky today with all thd birthday wishes, even one of our directors, never realised he knew my birthday!

[Alicia]

Hope it is the best birthday ever - so far!

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

Glad you are having a nice birthday (if a little damp!). Totally agree about the Christmas music though - it seems that as soon as Hallowe'en is over it's instantly Christmas.
Although I have to say it's certainly felt cold enough here today

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Thanks

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Afternoon, we've had nice weather today, which wasn't forecast! Had lunch with Kelly, it was really nice food and lovely to have a catch up in person. It does still feel strange not wearing a mask though. Was glimg to do some shopping after, but realised i was too cull to want to do that, then got horrendously lost! Did stumble across some charity shops and a charity book cafe, so going back on Fri

[Alicia]

I hate that feeling of getting lost, Desley! I hadn't learned how to use my phone for guidance when I went out here in Davis for a bike ride soon after we got here - and hadn't realized how the streets twisted. Not a good place when you know how little energy you have to get back. I didn't know I had to turn my tracking on. Some passing young adults got me pointed in the right direction - but they must have wondered about me.

First decent night's sleep in days - it definitely helps to lower the net stress and get the accountant started on taxes.

Hoping to get back to writing and let someone else do the paperwork.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Yes, and unfortunately I don't have mobile internet over here, couldn't ask anyone as i couldn't remember the name of the bank i use as a landmark! I got a decent amount of sleep, unusual as I don't normally on the first night somewhere new

[Jim]

Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "Although I have to say it's certainly felt cold enough here today.."

Have to say, we lit the fire tonight