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[M.T.]

Cold here. That's a long wait Desley! Glad they're on it though. Alicia yes the rain must be wonderful after there's been none for so long. Off to Sussex this morning. Had a crap night. The 'good' it, non fixed knee was agony last night and I couldn't sleep.

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "...telephone consult with rheumatology, clearly to go over the results from yesterday, but it's not till Apr!..."

That's the best they can do? I hope they would do better if there were a problem, so maybe that means it's just a formality? Any expectations that you'd still be in the same place four months from now are ridiculous if there's anything wrong.

I know the medical systems are all stressed out, but problems tend to get worse if not dealt with in a timely manner, and what if you needed to see someone else, but can't even call to schedule it until after April? Especially if it means you'll be in any discomfort or pain.

[Alicia]

M.T. wrote: "Cold here. That's a long wait Desley! Glad they're on it though. Alicia yes the rain must be wonderful after there's been none for so long. Off to Sussex this morning. Had a crap night. The 'good' ..."

I hate bad nights; which is most of them lately. Pain keeps you from sleeping which increases the pain, and round and round we go.

Does this mean you need a second knee operation?

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, had to scrape the car a lot this morning, so was a bit surprised to see the car said -2, as it said that on Mon and didn't have to scrape so much! Was -3 when I left work, supposed to be -6 when I wake up in the morning!! We went for a little walk at lunch, it was interesting, the lodge was completely frozen, but access to it was too icy to risk. HR meeting went better than expected and I managed not to cry. Treated myself to an extra chocolate.

At least I have an appointment Alicia, I'm still waiting for my eye follow up appointment that he said I'd hopefully have this year. Luckily things are relatively controlled and it gives me chance to decide if I really want to change meds - she did say she'd have to apply for funding, so maybe that is why there is such a delay. Hope it's nothing serious with your 'good' knee MT

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, bit of an interesting day. Woke up and Alexa said it was -8, phone only said -7, but an hour later said -8 and felt like -11! My boss said her car said -9. Went to make a mid morning drink and discovered there was no water, rang ratty neighbour who'd been told that there was a burst pipe they were fixing, luckily it came back after an hour. Did have to do an extra spin on the washing that got stopped mid cycle! Car passed it's MOT, went to collect it and walking up a steep hill at -3 wasn't good for my asthma.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another freezing day, although apparently it got above freezing for a couple of hours. Nice day at work (feels like a change!), had to go and get Lucy's meds from the vets after work, and went to Aldi (although turns out I'll have to go to Lidl tomorrow for 2 things I forgot that I need tomorrow/Sunday!), it was -2 when I set off just before 4 and -3 when I got home just after 5!

[Alicia]

Stay warm! The last thing you need is a winter cold - we're being warned here about all kinds of non-covid viruses circulating in the environment, closed space, and small children. Including the flu.

We're back to the masking recommendation, with an old perennial: washing your hands. And not touching your face. I got out of the extra-hand-washing habit when it turned out covid wasn't spread much that way - but all the other viruses ARE.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, long day, woke up to snow!! But then I was wondering if we'd still be able to go out today as I certainly wouldn't have driven in it, luckily friend wasn't bothered. We were going to Salford Quays, she had tickets to a Banksy exhibition with her friends, and while she knew I wouldn't be keen, was happy for me to go with and go shopping while they did that, and have Nando's. When we drove past the canal and the lake, they were actually frozen with snow on top of the ice, which I'm not sure I've seen before. Really enjoyed my Nando's, it's taken 3 attempts to finally try the new vegan option! Shopping was a bit disappointing, as it was cold and wet I did rush round the makers market a bit as it was outdoors, got a wax melt bar and a cheesecake bar, both of them commented on my cat bag/purse and both owned cats!! Then went round the shopping centre which has really gone downhill since Covid, only came back with nail varnishes and sweets, and my friend bought me some PJ's for Christmas. Only took an hour to do both the market and the shopping centre, was glad I had my kindle to tide me over for my friend being ready! Then we went to Aldi on the way home for the things I forgot yesterday, and something she needed, then had a brew at hers. Paths are quite treacherous though, the slush is turning icy.

I've been very sensible this week Alicia (well, apart from today!), as I know cold weather is an asthma trigger, so even though it's looked sunny and dry, which is the kind of weather I wanted to walk in, it's been way too cold to do enough to hit my step count in. There is definitely cold things going round at work, I've just got a bit of a post nasal drip thing still going on.

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "I've been very sensible this week Alicia (well, apart from today!)..."

Exercising outside in the cold months requires that you BE sensible - if you have a quick exit strategy, you can leave quickly if you get too cold when you didn't expect to be.

But getting outside is still something I wish I could do when it's cold, and I don't dare risk it - if something happened to Maggie, I wouldn't be able to get home safely. That's what happens when you can depend on your own legs.
(Maggie - the thing I ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTnUZ...) I haven't tried in really cold weather yet, and probably won't.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, got the results of my latest energy saving session, best one yet, reduced my consumption by 85%!! Woke up this morning and the bits of the street I could see from the bedroom window looked like sheet ice, so I haven't left my house today! Have been a bit frustrated this week, as I realised how close it was to Christmas/end of the year and I haven't done things I would normally do by this point, but then I saw an article that gave a really good explanation - basically none of us started the year with a 'full tank' and then this year has been a hurricane of a year, so rather than question why we feel depleted, to pause and remind ourselves of what we have endured and overcome and that despite it, we are still going. I think I need to take that on board, so rather than my usual Christmas to do list to keep busy, I have 3 things on it, and am going to just allow myself to relax and try and recoup ready for next year (which is in 2 weeks!!)

My issue with walking in this weather is my asthma Alicia, I was walking for barely 10 mins to collect the car, chatted with them for about 5 mins, then a 2 min drive home and I was wheezing worse than I have for a long time!

[Alicia]

One of my daughters has asthma - she hates the cold! Her solution is up to four dance classes a week, inside where it's warm.

You don't need to challenge your lungs - stay warm. Does a nice woolly scarf help?

It's always something!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

I had a nice woolly scarf on Thu, downside was I was snuggling into it so much my glasses kept steaming up!!

[Stuart]

Hi all!

Hope everybody is good and fine.

Just returned from an incredible two months in Canada. Back here until 29th December, then off for a four month trip through Jordan, Java, Bali and Sumatra. Half way through the final version of my Truth About Trees book which I hope to pick up on my return and finish it at last.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, didn't get time to post yesterday, but we got into double figures temperature wise!! Had to collect a parcel after work, and sis had decided on Sun to send me pics of presents to buy the kids, pushing a bit close!! Luckily I managed to get them and have wrapped them today - can't decide if I'm being environmentally friendly or lazy by using the brown paper Amazon stuffed one of my parcels with last week to wrap some of the presents! I'm now feeling a bit stressed again as there doesn't seem to be enough days left to do things, got things after work for the rest of the week. and I still can't focus enough to finish my book challenge, hopefully that will change at the weekend.

Wow, your next trip sounds amazing Stuart, enjoy Christmas in the UK!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, crazy busy day, getting to the time of week you might not see colleagues again till next year. We got our bonus today, which is a frozen turkey, I give mine to a friend, and I also get a hamper for fulfilling a role at work, they look nice, about 15 items, I'm keeping 3, and the rest is going to my sis and the kids!! Some I can't eat, some I could but I know they'd get more pleasure , like a box of matchmakers.

[Alicia]

I think I'd prefer any bonuses to be in the form of completely discretionary items - ie, cash. So you don't have to figure out what to do with things you would never have bought.

Different systems, obviously.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

So would I really Alicia, at least I know people who will have the things I can't eat!

[Alicia]

Since you probably can't change the system, enjoy the things you can, make someone else happy with the rest, and promise yourself you won't do the same thing when you're the boss.

Not worth worrying about!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

That was a long day, really busy at work, no winding down! Whereas Nov felt like Oct, Dec feels like 'oh **** I haven't done enough'! Had a message from my bro this morning, he'd posted parcels last Thu that haven't arrived yet, and now Royal Mail are on strike the rest of the week, so looks like we are getting New Year presents instead. Went out with my friend at lunch, which was nice, then really busy after work, had to go for my smear test, and she was late, then I decided to cheer myself up by going buying some Christmas votives, they were doing lucky bags at practically half price, went to post my key for the cleaner and she was just going out on her bike, so had a chat with her and made her feel a bit better. Then got home to find friend's cousin had posted me a Christmas present - a Christmas box of wax melts!! I'm sure I've said this before, but my relationships have improved so much since Carol fell out with me and I feel much more loved. Even having to walk past her when I went to the docs didn't bother me.

Yep - although no plans of being the boss!! At least I can make people happy with the things I can't eat.

[Alicia]

Don't you just love unexpected presents?

[Pam]

That's great that you got something unexpected for Christmas even if not everything turned up. I was lucky yesterday as a huge backlog of stuff arrived, though some cards are still missing in action at present.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Alicia wrote: "Don't you just love unexpected presents?"

Yeah, I was so touched

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, that's work kind of done for the year (I do have to have a quick check of e-mails, and didn't get through enough stuff this week, so might do a couple of bits), we are officially off till 9th Jan now! I agreed to take my sis and the kids shopping when I finished work, I eventually got out of the building at 12.25, they weren't fully ready and the kids were hyper showing me things, we went to Asda and ended up spending an hour queuing for the till - in fact, we realised how long the till is, sis stood in it and I run round a few aisles getting the rest! Then we had another 4 shops, although we were running out of space, so I did Lidl by myself after I dropped them off, finally got home at 5.30! Glad I'd had a sandwich at 11.30, but forgot to take a drink. Glad the cleaner came so I came home to a nice tidy house, and glad I got a ready meal from Asda for tea.

[Alicia]

Sounds as if you're READY for whatever comes! Good for you. Enjoy the break - you've definitely earned it.

[Jim]

Hope everybody's OK, lost broadband for over a week, now back on improvised dongle arrangement

https://jandbvwebster.wordpress.com/2...

But anyway it gives me a chance to wish everybody Merry Christmas :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Yes, Alicia, apart from fresh or anything I fancy that I didn't buy, I'm good, and sis got chance to get some heavy/bulky things with being in the car, so they should be good too.

I did wonder what had happened to you Jim, glad you've got some kind of internet, and hope you have a good Christmas.

[Pam]

Jim wrote: "Hope everybody's OK, lost broadband for over a week, now back on improvised dongle arrangement

https://jandbvwebster.wordpress.com/2...

But anyway it gives me a chance to ..."

Good grief, what a saga Jim. Glad you have managed to get some connectivity at least.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Merry Christmas Eve! Weather started off dismal, then went bright, so after doing my chores, I went for a canal walk, not much wildlife, just a heron, moorhen and a mallard! Got chatting to the fisherman, then another couple he talks to stopped, so got involved in that conversation, was quite interesting. Have chilled since then, am going to friends in a bit to swap presents and watch a film.

[Alicia]

Season's greetings to all - whatever you celebrate, may it bring you joy!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Merry Christmas! Had quite a nice day, despite the rain, we still went for a walk and it was nice to see that the bridge at the reservoir is finally back under water, even though the levels are still low. Was so wet though, glad I was coming home and having a shower, also felt like I needed a bailey's hot choc too. Have had a chilled afternoon, did a foot and face mask, did my nails (got myself a nail varnish advent calendar) and have just eaten when I felt like it, going to have Christmas pudding and Bailey's ice cream soon.

[Alicia]

Merry Christmas, Desley and all!

May 2023 be better in all directions.

[Jim]

Merry Christmas all
We drove to one Daughter's, another daughter joined us there, and the third daughter and her husband joined us on skype :-)
As my lady wife said, any dinner you don't have to make is a good one :-)

[Alicia]

Happy boxing day! Is that a thing? I still don't understand boxing day. But it's enough to know that you celebrate it.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Merry Boxing Day! Nice chilled morning before going seeing sis and kids, called in a friends first, so plenty of interaction today, including hyperactive children! Weather has been shocking today though, lots of hail stone, street is currently white, and not for the first time today.

Glad you had some good family time Jim

[Jim]

Yes it was good.
Boxing day is the day you celebrate being able to do what You want :-)

[Alicia]

Creative non-answer. Moot now - it's the 27th here.

I actually got started doing something I didn't want to do yesterday, but is hanging over me, and felt good about being able to finally start.

So I guess that counts.

[Pam]

Alicia wrote: "Happy boxing day! Is that a thing? I still don't understand boxing day. But it's enough to know that you celebrate it."

It dates back to the olden days - when the well off gave 'Christmas boxes' to their servants - I would have linked to an article but Goodreads won't allow it. There's one on the BBC website under newsround called "Why is it called Boxing Day?"

Anyway these days it is another Bank Holiday, that workers receive as a paid day off.

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

Hi all, I hope that you have enjoyed the festivities
I have driven to the borders and back with family through some interesting weather, over the top of Soutra it looked like a winter wonderland with the snow on the pine trees. None of that here it is just wet - it seems we are in the wet season now, after six months of virtually no rain.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another wet and miserable day here, but as I needed to wash my hair, decided to go and see what bargains there were in the local shops, and trying to get some more of the food I left at my sis's yesterday, not many bargains and didn't get to replace food, only advantage was I got some reduced tealights in the candle shop to go with my new tealight burner.

I clearly do mine the wrong way round Jim!! Hope you enjoyed your family time R

[Alicia]

Pam wrote: "Alicia wrote: "Happy boxing day! Is that a thing? I still don't understand boxing day. But it's enough to know that you celebrate it."

It dates back to the olden days - when the well off gave 'Chr..."

Thanks. The Wikipedia article elaborated on that, gave substitute dates, explained how formerly British colonies may celebrate, talks about shopping, a holiday, and a possible small cash offering. Omnibus term everyone thinks they understand, sort of like almost anything else merchandisers have got their hands on.

I probably got my general 'celebration' and gifts idea from reading Dickens and similar literature without any grownup to ask about such things.

Hope it was a good one!

[Jim]

The thing about Christmas Day is that you have obligations. Have to meet family, there's a meal to cook, there's a lot of organisation and stuff.
Boxing Day you don't have to cook because there's so much food left over. My contribution is to remember to get in pickles and chutney to go with all the cold meat :-)
You can watch sport if you want, go for a walk if you want, slouch around and read if you want. It's your day

We always regarded it as the real day off because obviously the 27th would be really busy as you caught up with all the stuff you didn't get done 25th and 26th (and had probably 'pre-done' on the 23rd and 24th :-) )

[Alicia]

Goof off day sounds fine - except you still have to feed the livestock.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Jim wrote: "The thing about Christmas Day is that you have obligations. Have to meet family, there's a meal to cook, there's a lot of organisation and stuff.
Boxing Day you don't have to cook because there's ..."

Yes, I definitely do mine the other way round!!

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "Goof off day sounds fine - except you still have to feed the livestock."

but I always have to feed livestock so that's the one constant. It's like somebody else being reminded that they have to breathe :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another wet and miserable day, so I haven't left the house! I was supposed to be doing an organised walk with friend, but we cancelled, and are hopefully going on our own tomorrow, weather permitting. Did find it hard to get off the sofa this morning though, then Lucy has wanted cuddles most of the afternoon! I have managed to achieve a couple of things, including saving money on my phone contract, so am happy now to see if I can finish my book!

[Pam]

Alicia wrote: "Pam wrote: "Alicia wrote: "Happy boxing day! Is that a thing? I still don't understand boxing day. But it's enough to know that you celebrate it."

It dates back to the olden days - when the well o..."

Another thing is traditionally we had the Boxing Day sales - these days, Black Friday rather overshadows that.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, despite being woken up at 6.10 by the wind and rain, it turned into a lovely day, so me and friend got out for a lovely walk to somewhere I've never been, although seen pics of. Unfortunately the cafe was only serving drinks and cakes, so didn't get lunch. And it's round the corner from a decent size Sainsbury's that normally does really good sales (although again, not this year!), then had to go to 2 B & M's trying to get something for my sis, so have done over 13k steps, feel much better for it, even if I have just realised I forgot to buy milk!

[Alicia]

You would have churned that milk into butter if you had carried it home.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Afternoon, had a parcel from Royal Mail this morning, ironically was the thing I ordered on 28th, still nothing from my bro or the stuff I ordered on 26th! Weather was nicer than forecast so decided to go for a walk before getting milk, friend ended up coming with me, so we were out longer than planned, it started spitting as we were coming back, so we decided to go in the car to Lidl, good job as it was bouncing down when we left, plus I thought the veganuary food was coming out next week, so bought more than what I planned! Now just chilling with a foot mask on and decided to get round to posting pics I've promised.

Boxing Day rainbow: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Bridge not quite under water: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Christmas Tree: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Tealight holder: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Lake covered in snow and ice: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

The storm warning on our weather station went off at 5am this morning and was followed by an absolute deluge. So much rain! Lucky it wasn't cold enough for snow. The weather forecast app said there would be sun by 1pm - which I didn't entirely believe - but it turned out to be accurate. Currently blowing an absolute hoolie though. NIce to be indoors if I'm honest!