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[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning, had a nice day yesterday, despite getting drenched. Went to the shop to get some treats for my friend who lost her dog, and popped them through the letterbox, as I knew she wouldn't answer the door, went for my blondie and the coffee shop was quiet, so I sat in and had a white mocha, while reading, it was lovely. Decided against looking for a steam train, but we both needed a few bits from Lidl, so we walked there and back, and then got thanked after for getting her out of the house, so pleased I made two people's day. Friend suggested going out today, I don't actually like getting dressed on a Sun, but figured she might need company again (divorce issues), so have agreed - at least it is sunny. Had a rubbish night sleep though, so hoping the fresh air and exercise will do more good than housework and lying on the sofa.

[Jim]

Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "That's not so good Jim, I hope it all heals well and quickly.

There was one poor chap at the Ophthalmology dept when my husband was in, who was having to spend as much time as possible with his he..."

I had that for 24hrs after the operation then it was a bit more relaxed

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "Jim wrote: "A good time for audiobooks?..."

The only thing I have to play them on is the desktop machine and given our broadband, we cannot download them, I'd have to get CDs
So they don't figure at all in my life

[Alicia]

Darn, Jim. Maybe the family can pick some up for you at the local library and get you an inexpensive CD player (sometimes libraries even lend them out here). Hope you're not too bored, then.

[Kath]

Yowzers! I've been missing in action for a while, I see. Been snowed under with pre-publication reads for people, at one time with a queue of seven. I've also been primping my next book although, because I need a mate to format and upload it, it won't see the light of day till early next year.
Hope all keeping well. I see Jim's had an eye op. Hope you're coming along well, Jim. Our cousin's husband had one. He had to spend five days in hospital, flat on his back, one eye covered up. Second day, they served him spaghetti! Someone had to sit with him and thread it in.
Take it steady, friends.

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "Darn, Jim. Maybe the family can pick some up for you at the local library and get you an inexpensive CD player (sometimes libraries even lend them out here). Hope you're not too bored, then."

I'm allowed to read :-)

[Jim]

Kath wrote: "Yowzers! I've been missing in action for a while, I see. Been snowed under with pre-publication reads for people, at one time with a queue of seven. I've also been primping my next book although, b..."

Glad you're keeping busy. At least I don't feel too guilty as I don't think any of the pre-publication reads are me :-)

Eye ops seem to demand very different conditions for the patients. I think surgeons have a table and roll a d6 to get the appropriate instructions :-)

Retinal work seems to be 'lie on the front, look down' and if it was major then the period you have to do this is longer, and they even add things like 'don't read'
Actually having to look down isn't too bad when you're eating :-)

[Alicia]

I know, from husband's surgery, that the whole point is to use a tiny bubble of gas they inject into your eye (it reabsorbs eventually by itself) to press, by buoyancy, on the repair spot - they don't put stitches in that they'd have to remove.

So your body position depends on a straight line up from the center of the earth, through the bubble, to the repaired spot. No dice.

It was a pain - he didn't cooperate long even though I tried to make it comfortable. I hope I never have to do it.

Public Service Announcement: if you keep seeing flashes in your eye, get yourself to a doctor - it's an emergency, and means your retina may be detaching. The sooner you get it reattached, the smaller the job. Husband kept insisting the doctor pay attention, and got himself referred to the surgeon.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, started the week off well, we secured a job we really wanted. Weather is horrible though, supposed to have another storm this week.

Glad you are still able to read Jim

[M.T.]

Blimey Jim, hope you're feeling better soon and glad you can read.
Desley, congrats on the award.
Kath! Helloouo nice to see you back.
Ro yeh, it's blowing a gale here too.
Alicia, thanks for the heads up on that one.

I, too have been missing in action a bit. I did NaNo and won and now trying to do some more when I suddenly realised I had to do a mailing for Thursday so just finishing that now and ordering Mum's batches of smoked salmon for all her nephews and nieces. Nearly missed the boat with ordering my calendars but have just squeaked in.

Cheers

MTM

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, horrendous weather the last couple of days, have been glad to be working from home. Listened to the announcement, so will see if work keep us with blended working or tell us to work from home as much as we like - if they do, think I'll do more than the half day I was doing, that was more because of neighbour, I have enjoyed being back in the office, so maybe I'll do Mon and Fri. Think I'm glad to have no plans for the rest of the year, and finally happy with chilling in the house.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, so glad it is Friday and I have no plans, very tired. Started the day with a 1.5 hour meeting and started the afternoon with a 30min meeting! Then went to the retail park to stock up on stuff so I don't need to go back this side of Christmas. We are doing the Mission Christmas appeal again, there are so many things under the tree, not sure we normally have that much. We did get an e-mail this morning telling us we could work from home if we can, have agreed with my boss that I'll go in two days a week, pref Mon and Fri, which is what I have wanted to do all year, but let my neighbour influence me. I even got my first Christmas present today!

[Kath]

Morning. I've become that lockdown cliche, the sourdough baker, and have a batch on the go this morning. I'll have to stretch and fold the dough every half hour for the next 2 hours, then it more or less looks after itself till it's doubled. We really love it. Although I always baked our bread, we've changed to exclusively sourdough now.

This aft, I'm making chocolate truffles for the village Christmas meal on Tuesday. A little poke of three or four per person to take home. I'm doing the orange zest ones this afternoon. Different ones tomorrow,

Still keeping my hand in with the writing. A novel to be published in early spring, and a couple of stories in an anthology which was published for Kindle yesterday, It's in aid for Help for Heroes. Paperback due out any minute so I'm waiting for that to go live before I publicise it.

Keep warm if you can.

[Alicia]

Now I wish I lived in your village!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning. took advantage of dry weather yesterday to have a little walk and go to the coffee shop, threw them by having my drink in again, he automatically got a takeaway cup when I ordered! Even finished my book, which was good, and means I've finished my book challenge for the year, don't think I can increase it again. Just Sunday chores today, unless friend rings.

Glad to hear from you Kath, sounds like you are keeping yourself busy.

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "Now I wish I lived in your village!"

You and me both :-)

[Jim]

Kath wrote: "Morning. I've become that lockdown cliche, the sourdough baker, and have a batch on the go this morning. I'll have to stretch and fold the dough every half hour for the next 2 hours, then it more o..."

Glad the writing continues.
I must admit that lockdown hasn't really had an impact, I always work from home. The big chance has been fewer people wanting me to travel to meetings so I get more time for myself that way :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

When I was in the local coffee shop yesterday, I asked how their week was as I always do, they said that it has been a weird week, since the announcement, most people have been coming in just for takeaway drinks

[Jim]

I feel genuinely sorry for people in that trade. It must be grim

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

That's why I keep going every week, I did say I was going to try different places, but then I feel for these, especially as the staff are lovely and on first name basis with most of the customers.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, had a very weird morning, I left the house at the usual time and it was very dark, and the neighbours who normally leave before me hadn't, I did check my watch! Then I got to the office and walked up the stairs in the dark, it was quiet till about 11. Colleague was glad I was there, he'd have been on his own otherwise, and was sat in the dark when I arrived (most of our lights are on motion sensors). Got another present and card today (actually got my first card on Sat), appears to be a bottle of Archers, glad they found some alcohol I don't already have!

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "That's why I keep going every week, I did say I was going to try different places, but then I feel for these, especially as the staff are lovely and on first name basis with most of the customers."

That is important. I think people like to feel supported as well.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, had a very weird morning, I left the house at the usual time and it was very dark, and the neighbours who normally leave before me hadn't, I did check my watch! Then I got to the office an..."

I can see the problem with motion sensors :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Yes, it is important to support local businesses, especially with these difficult times, people working from home does have a knock on effect (although ironically for me, its easier to support them when I can go through the week and not just at the weekend!). Our motion sensors go off after 20 mins and there are only 2 in the wing, one for each side. The bloke sat on the left hand side was fine, he was near one, me and other colleague weren't, so I got plenty of steps having to walk round regularly putting them on!

[Pam]

Jim wrote: "I'm back. I had to go into hospital to have a torn retina mended so I'm having to stay clean and dust free, look down a lot and sleep on my right side so I don't have a lot of screen time. :-)"

Hope you are still healing OK Jim, only just seen this.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, boring day at work, but thanks to working from home, got some appointments sorted in my lunch break. Tried rearranging the dental app they cancelled by text to be told they are short staffed so only dealing with emergencies and to ring back in the new year. Had an ophthalmology app through on Sat, I wasn't expecting one so rang today, it is with the retinal clinic, so likely the scan they've finally realised I should have annually. However its two days after we go back to work at a different hospital, so as I'm due for an eye test, I said to cancel it and I'll pay specsavers £10 so I can have it at a convenient time and location! I actually booked my eye test online.

[Jim]

Pam wrote: "Jim wrote: "I'm back. I had to go into hospital to have a torn retina mended so I'm having to stay clean and dust free, look down a lot and sleep on my right side so I don't have a lot of screen ti..."

yes, I'm been lucky. It was sorted and the surgeon did a brilliant job and I was discharged yesterday :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, we had a successful day at work and won more work. Went for a walk with friend at lunch and missed my parcel delivery by 10 mins, luckily ratty neighbour took it in, so I had to explain to her why other neighbour hadn't been asked, she was unaware we haven't spoken for 2 months, we had an interesting chat. Then friend came after work for her Amazon stuff, had a nice chat with her, and she has agreed to let me go round on Christmas Day - I did offer to go on her day off on 22nd, so at least I will see someone on the day, but did think yesterday that I have no 'special' food for the day, not sure I can be bothered actually.

[Pam]

Jim wrote: "yes, I'm been lucky. It was sorted and the surgeon did a brilliant job and I was discharged yesterday :-)*"

That's great news Jim!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another boring day today, glad we only have a week left! Took something round for ratty neighbour, and she'd had her last rat pts this evening, so felt obliged to stay and have a chat with her, was there a while, have a lot more patience for her too!

[Jim]

Pam wrote: "Jim wrote: "yes, I'm been lucky. It was sorted and the surgeon did a brilliant job and I was discharged yesterday :-)*"

That's great news Jim!"

I was well chuffed :-)

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening, another boring day today, glad we only have a week left! Took something round for ratty neighbour, and she'd had her last rat pts this evening, so felt obliged to stay and have a chat with..."

rat pts?

[Alicia]

Patients?

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another weird start to the day, was woken up at 6 by Lucy being sick, she did at least jump off the bed. nice day in the office though, a few people in and some nice banter. Then had to brave big Asda, the actual supermarket was fine, the traffic to get there wasn't - I still may not have anything special for the day, but got more mince pies, cheese and cream. And at least the cats have something special. Then had to drop stuff off at my sister's, and got roped into helping her with a bill. Was supposed to drop off the last Amazon delivery, but had frozen food in the car so will do that on Mon.

Sorry, pts = put to sleep.

[Alicia]

How sad for your friend. Glad you were there for her.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Yeah, turns out she's had a really miserable year, so me turning up with some food made her day, even if I had no idea (although i knew the rat was very poorly), she's another person my neighbour fell out with this year, for no real reason

[Alicia]

It's amazing what a small kindness can do - you do so many.

We can never know what a boost that will be to someone's day.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Thanks Alicia, I have a couple of friends who tell me I'm too nice, although that is more towards the errands I do for people. It's clearly inbuilt though, a primary school report from when I was 10/11 said I was caring and thoughtful toward the needs of others.

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Thanks Alicia, I have a couple of friends who tell me I'm too nice, although that is more towards the errands I do for people. It's clearly inbuilt though, a primary school report from when I was 1..."

Don't change! We need more people like you, not fewer.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Aww, thank you Alicia. I've been and bought more party food today, decided that I'm having an alternative Christmas with just party food and sweet treats - ironic as that's what neighbour was going to do and I didn't like the sound of it! Had a nice time with friend, even though we didn't see the steam train as it was running 2 hours late, one of her acquaintances was there, she seemed nice too. I do feel like I am talking to friends more without my neighbour in my life monopolising my time.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Thanks Alicia, I have a couple of friends who tell me I'm too nice, although that is more towards the errands I do for people. It's clearly inbuilt though, a primary school report from when I was 1..."

These are good points, not as common as they should be, but still worth cherishing. Stick with it :-)

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Aww, thank you Alicia. I've been and bought more party food today, decided that I'm having an alternative Christmas with just party food and sweet treats - ironic as that's what neighbour was going..."

It strikes me that without her you are getting your life back

[M.T.]

Totally agree with Jim Desley, you seem to be blossoming without the neighbour.

Jim, glad to hear your eye is on the mend.

Kath you sound busy.

Have been running round like a blue arsed fly. Also attempting less social on the screen and more writing which is why you aren’t seeing as much of me. Have now 65k on the next book but have stopped to do the Christmas story for the mailing list. Getting there with that one! Discovered a lovely friend and husband have had a bit of a shit time as he has a brain tumour. However, he had an op yesterday and so far things are looking good. Fingers crossed. It’s benign. Otherwise, all is dandy. Christmas prep is coming along ok so that’s good, just a couple more weeks and it’ll all be over. Looking forward to seeing everyone, just not the travel and slightly daunted at the prospect of potentially doing full-on nursing care for Mum. Depends how badly the others knacker her out as they’re coming down first. I can do chatty care but once it gets beyond a certain level of full on I find it really difficult.

So yeh, hands up who’s looking forward to Christmas … MTM’s hands go very much down.

[Jim]

Christmas starts on the 25th and lasts 12 days :-)

[Jason]

Jim wrote: "Christmas starts on the 25th and lasts 12 days :-)"
I was shouting at the radio on Friday morning because the presenter kept saying it was "8 geese a laying"

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Morning, was up a few times in the night being sick, so won't be going for a walk with friend and might not do all the housework on the list. Hopefully it's over now, as I actually do want to go in the office tomorrow! Shame, as its a nice bright day.

Hope that you can get through the festivities fairly easily MT.

[Jim]

Jason wrote: "Jim wrote: "Christmas starts on the 25th and lasts 12 days :-)"
I was shouting at the radio on Friday morning because the presenter kept saying it was "8 geese a laying""

Thank the Lord for Remembrance Sunday or Christmas would start in October :-(

[M.T.]

Thanks Desley and Jim, yeh, I do the church version which is decs and tree up on christmas eve and down again at Epiphany. I can't be doing with all this spangly shite for months and months. I'm a miserable fucker!

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

The Cancer Relief shop here puts their Christmas cards out in August. Before the end of the summer holidays.

Not sure I'm going to bother with decorations much, firstly because I'm not sure that elder daughter is going to get home from London -the other three in her team have Covid and there are only 8 kids left in her class (rest off isolating). She's working till Tuesday. Plus the house is so full from the contents of younger daughter's flat (she's had to move out from her place in Edinburgh because her flatmate got married and their lease finished) so there isn't actually any room for a tree anyway. Plus I'm really really not feeling it this year. We shall revel in our miserable fuckery together Mary.

Hope you're feeling better Desley!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, tummy still doesn't feel 100%, but I feel much better than yesterday, I was so drained, and kept feeling lightheaded if I tried to do much - I think my body realises it's the only way to make me rest - Lucy of course was thrilled at lying on the sofa for a while, and she's even happier that we get 2 weeks of it soon! Nice day in the office, we had cake for the meeting. I haven't put any decorations up, and don't think I'll bother now

Oh no R, hope your daughter does make it home. It certainly doesn't feel like Christmas is less than a week away!