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[Alicia]

Hugs for Lucy. It's so frustrating not to be able to communicate when they're not completely well. And hugs for you, too - not easy to be the worrier.

[Alicia]

Jay-me (Janet) wrote: "where do orcs come from..."

I think there's an actual scene somewhere in the Peter Jackson LoTR movies where orcs are seen developing in transparent egg sacs.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, my sis came round again, she really bottomed the kitchen while i did a slightly better than galf hearted clean of bathroom and front room, and hoovered stairs- remembered the hoover has a lift away function, was way easier! Went to take her to place we went on Sat, but it was so busy there was no tables left! Went to one i haven't tried yet, they don't take card, we just had enough cash between us for two drinks, food was quite expensive, cake's looked good, but no prices, so not in a rush to go back. Car wanted petrol on the way back from dropping sis off, hust got to the dentist on time! Went to shops for bargains, got part of my tea, dessert and lunch for tomorrow. Candle shop people were working on new shop, hoping to be open for easter, and will be having white and ruby hot choc and syrups, so might be my new favourite place! Came back and had a nice soak and did my nails

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "Jay-me (Janet) wrote: "where do orcs come from..."

I think there's an actual scene somewhere in the Peter Jackson LoTR movies where orcs are seen developing in transparent egg sacs."

You are right, I remember seeing it.
That being said, I suspect JRR in the books was a lot less certain, as has characters ask but there are never definitive answers. Which is how it should be :-)

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

Jay-me (Janet) wrote: "where do orcs come from..."

Well, when a daddy orc and a mummy orc love each other very much, daddy orc wants to give the mummy orc a special gift...

The main road out of town is completely shut due to emergency gas repairs. It's pretty wild along our wee residential street with double deckers, lorries and many, many impatient drivers all trying to thread their way though the parked cars. Lots of horn honking! This is day three - I hope it's sorted soon

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, was 1 degree when I left and had to scrape the car, was 13 when I left and was a bit warm when i got back to the car! Colleague had a busy couple of days without me, i was supposed to be shadowing someone today, they didn't have much to show me so went on one visit, they had 4 dogs from chihuahua to German shepherd, all wanted a fuss! Not had Lucy's blood test results, was glad not to get them in the office. Was planning on going to Aldi, but traffic was too bad.

Good luck with your roadworks R.

[Jim]

Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote:The main road out of town is completely shut due to emergency gas repairs. It's pretty wild along our wee residential street with double deckers, lorries and many, many impatient drivers all trying to thread their way though the parked cars. Lots of horn honking! This is day three - I hope it's sorted soon
..."

We have a lot of roads round here apparently being closed at random for small amounts of work. It's as if suddenly they've found money down the back of the sofa and have to spend it before the end of the financial year

[Alicia]

Our renovation/construction job/expansion has been going on for months, making noise outside my window every day, and still has many months to go.

Since I consider it unnecessary, too expensive, and it is going to add people to our community I think will entirely change its character, it is a constant irritant.

But there is NOTHING I can do about it except, when it gets egregious, stuff the earplugs in, I have learned to ALMOST ignore it.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, another nice day so got a washload done and pegged out. Bit of a frustrating day at work. Went to take hairdressers order at lunch, one was very excited, which is lovely to see. Went to shops after work, only got a large reduced pizza, but realised i could have some of that for my lunch tomorrow. Rang vets, Lucy's blood tests are back, but the vet hasn't read them yet, she thought it might be tomorrow but have said I'm in the office tomorrow so don't want the call then, so she's going to ask her to leave me a message instead.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, had a 2 hour meeting this morning, but nothing urgent so got the emails down to 104! Aim was 100, but refused to stay late to manage it! Manager finished early and praised me for tackling so many this week. Went to coffee shop at lunch, favourite barista was back, she was on her own so didn't get much chance to chat. Went to Aldi after work, may have accidentally bought the new limited edition mint choc chip bailey's style drink. Did forget milk though. Vets rang this pm, but was in office, got home just after the branch closed, receptionist at main clinic has asked her to ring me Mon, said I didn't want the call while I was in the office, so she said 'fine, she starts at 7.30, I'll ask her to ring you before 8!', thought your not getting the point here! Hoping that as my voicemail said 'nothing to worry about, just ringing with Lucy's results that it's not too bad

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, woke up about 5.30 hot and thirsty, didn't want to get up, but Lucy started fussing around 6 so hot up, made a drink, put the washing machine on, watched a bit of TV then had a nap. Got up again, pegged washing out and put another load on, then took stuff to the tip, and went for a walk on the way home, went to a reservoir i don't go to often, found the bird hide there, there is a list of what has been seen this year, i just saw some ducks, they were either tufted or crested. Chatted to some women in there who then showed me some bird feeders, saw things like gold finches, chaffinch and she mentioned tree creepers. Went to shop on way home got a reduced trifle and a salad for lunch, was a bit late for coffee ahop. Did a bit more organising and nearly read half a book. Lovely day, got up to 16 and supposed to be similar tomorrow.

[Jay-me (Janet)]

I’ve had a mixed week, managed to bang my leg again - my shin this time not the knee. I washed towels overnight and the washing line broke when I went to hang them out. But I managed to get rid of stuff including a mattress and broken drawers to the council recycling, plus the hospice will be collecting some more items on Tuesday morning. I also cut back some ivy and honeysuckle and have filled the green bin.
The spa at the gym has an open day and is offering free sample treatments. It starts just after the yoga class finishes so I might see if I can get my nails trimmed neatly!

I’ve not managed a nice walk this week but do have plenty of steps in by going from home to shops -mostly for cat stuff although I have ingredients for 3 or 4 slow cooker meals or soups to restock the freezer- and home to old house to declutter. I did manage to meet up with a friend and had a hot chocolate while she had a coffee and cake.

[Alicia]

Find myself getting dragged more into politics than I like and than is good for me - given I can't do much.

I hope our allies will be patient with us for the next four years or so - it seems a new embarrassment comes up daily with the bunch 'in charge.'

[M.T.]

Woah, well it’s a long time since I’ve posted here so I’m just catching up. Sorry about that. My alerts are on the fritz so it never tells me when somebody’s posted. It’s been a bit of an adventure since I was last here. Had a rinse and repeat of last Christmas but with McOther’s mum this time, lovely service but dad still up in Melrose so McOther goes up there every few weeks to make sure he’s OK and I look after McMini here.

I’ve suddenly started sharing political stuff on my feed. I’m fed up with people spouting fascist bollocks and telling me it’s their ‘free speech’ so I’ve started making a point of telling them that if their free speech frightens others into silence it’s something else; oppression.

Also sharing the ads in London trolling Elon Musk which are very funny.

Janet, it sounds like you’re doing really well.
Alicia, I hear you, it exhausts me too.
Rosemary and Jim, we have a lot of road closures round us too but they never tell you where so often you can get to where you’re going with no sign of works even though they say the road is closed. It’s fecking irritating isn’t it, although at least the one in Melrose when we were last there did list the towns and villages before the closure so you know how far you could get. Wish Suffolk would do that.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, another sunny day, got a sore throat which did start yesterday but seems a bit worse today. Coffee brand has a new flavour and a deal, so bought some, might have to hide those upstairs when my sis comes! Did most of Sunday chores, then went for a sjort walk, interrupted a toad hopping across the path, it then wouldnt move (it was very cold when i touched its legs), but there was people coming from both directions so stood close enough to stop it being trampled on, then left and hoped it moved. Stopped at a cafe who had posted passionfruit curd cheesecakes, very nice! I had a nice bath and finished my book, plus painted my nails

Lovely to see you back MT, need to read the blog post

[Alicia]

Sweet of you to care about the toad's welfare, Desley.

Wildlife can sometimes use the help - after all, we put those paths in its way, in its environment.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, vet rang just after 7.20, she's really pleased with her blood results, everything is within normal limits! Even her SDMA which was the highest it's been last year has come down to top end of normal! No explanation for the weight loss, but at least she has put on, and she is fine with her having small amounts of chicken, just being careful to make sure she eats some cat food, going to try her painkillers again. I was speechless at times. She was hiding this morning, refused to come out for dreamies, didn't want to entertain me after work, came down about 8.15 and sat in front of the fridge! Throat is really sore today and don't feel 100%, colleague has a cold too. Got through a decent amount of work though.

[Alicia]

Hope you feel better soon, Desley. Be sure to get enough rest to heal.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, interesting day at work, went to another office to be shown the training i missed out on, as they want me to learn it, was a very intense 3 hours and can't tell you that much of what I learned! The hardesr thing is that it is hands on, so a lot of standing, and while there are a couple of chairs, they made my hips hurt too! Managed to end the day by getting the emails less than 100, dont think ive seen that since Oct! Unfortunately the price increase letters went out today, and last year, that created a lot of work (ironically, i struggled keeping the emails under 100 then!). My friend has got us tickets to see 5ive in concert in Nov, will be my first ever concert, and first one she has invited me too. Coffee arrived this evening, very excited to try new flavour

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "... in Nov, will be my first ever concert."

Exciting! May I make a small suggestion? Take several pairs of foam ear plugs - enough for everyone in your party - concerts can be very loud. You can hear them just fine through the earplugs, and not get a headache - if they ARE loud.

I remember a Kenny Rogers (I loved him) concert - but he was getting older, and probably deafer, because the concert was SO LOUD. Earplugs in - for me and husband - and we really loved the rest of it.

For what it's worth - you can take them and not use them if it's a cozier venue.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, saw pretty much every hour last night, tracker says less than 6 hours sleep. They put some emergency roadworks up last night, so was late to work, then realised I'd made my travel mug of tea but left it at home, then found I'd left my medication at home too! At least i remembered my lunch. Had a few meetings including a one to one which was interesting. Got some decent bargains in Sainsbury's though.

Thanks for the advice Alicia

[Jim]

The ear plug advice is good. After all you don't have to use them, but you've got them if you need them

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, slept better. Cold seems to be going on my chest. Full on day at work and no light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Had set off early and did a different route, was still 10 mins late. Nipped to m and s for a change, got a reduced sandwich for tomorrow's lunch and some cheesy hot cross buns for Sat.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, had another rubbish night sleep and cold seems worse. Frustrating day at work, at least i got pulled out of a meeting. Had an early finish for a hospital appointment for an eye scan which meant i couldn't drive, and due to roadworks, manager suggested i got the train, just made it on time. Was there for over an hour even though there didn't seem that many people. Got a couple of bargains on the way home.

[Alicia]

It's always something, isn't it? New med - and my ankles swell up like balloons. I already cut most of the salt out of my diet, so there's not much to try there.

Getting older isn't for the faint of heart!

Rubbish sleep here, too. But at least I'm getting over 7 hours most nights, even if it is in 9 pieces.

When will you know your eye scan results?

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, had a craft fair at a new venue today, nice church and quite a few people, but didn't translate to sales, didn't take enough to pay for the table. Unfortunately I'm tempted with some of the new spring scents. Did get a cherry bakewell blondie and chatted to some stallholders we know but don't see often, one said i was a really good friend for going to all these craft fairs. We will do it again, i took lunch but they did cheap food, so know for future. Went to shops on the way home and got bargains for tea.

Well, he said that if i hear nothing, its good news and just wait for my letter next year, laughed and explained how infrequently I've had them, his suggestion was to mention it to rheumatology, i only realised on the way back that they send letters to opthalmology reminding them, but nothing happens

[Alicia]

You're worried. You go to a HOSPITAL to get your scan. And they can't be bothered to send you a form letter that says you're okay?

How are you supposed to tell the difference between something with a problem but lost in the mail, and 'everything is fine - see you some time in the future'?

And has the nerve to laugh at you?

The proper response is a polite, "Well, that may work for you, but I need an official After Visit Summary." We get ours online from a patient portal; sometimes we have to nag them a bit. But in general we will know the result as soon as it's available, AND again when it has been checked by the proper medical practitioner. Both without and with checking reports are posted to our account as soon as available.

[Jim]

It does seem to be standard, you have to chase up test results

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, felt drained this morning so had a lazy morning and have only done the essential housework. Went to shop after lunch to leave the house, got something reduced for tomorrow's lunch. Forgot to say yesterday, there was a random pet food stall at the fair yesterday, he gave me a sample of adult and senior dry foods, and urinary treats, the dry food were 100g and treats 60g (which is the same as dreamies), very generous!

Sorry Alicia, it was me who laughed, supposed to have had these annually for about 8 years, this is my 4th, ahd last one was only because I was there for something else and nice doctor got them to squeeze me in.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, still a bit snotty and bit short of breath. One of those frustrating days where things kept coming up so didn't get to do what I wanted. Nipped into Iceland for yogurts and got a few other bits including something for tomorrow's lunch so didnt go to Sainsbury's.

[Jim]

The problem is, if you're know as somebody who can cope, the world gives you stuff to cope with. So yes, things keep coming up

[Jay-me (Janet)]

I’m still struggling through the decluttering- one thing about moving is that there are less cupboards that can be filled with stuff. Although I do need to sell my house so that I can move.
The cats have started to turn their noses up at the cat food that they have been scoffing happily, and telling me with very loud meows that they are starving, so I have got a few different types for them to try.

This morning I had a long walk- down to the supermarket, then along the canal where I saw lots of ducks, two swans(one possibly a cygnet from last year) several pairs of Canada geese and a few moorhens- all solitary. So far today I have walked 10,000 steps.

[Jay-me (Janet)]

And my kindle fire has started playing up. It switches off and restarts without warning- and not when the battery is low. The battery does seem to be on the way out though, as it needs recharging every day, sometimes twice if I have been listening to a long audiobook.
And it recharges to full in a quicker time than previously.
I’ve just upgraded my laptop so the kindle will have to wait for a while before I upgrade it.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, rubbish night sleep and got stuck in traffic despite leaving earlier. Been very sniffly and tight chest today. Had to do my least favourite task at work, felt very drained by 4. Then heard just after i logged off that traffic was really bad, could have worked a bit later if I'd known. Went to m and s and got bargains then b and m. Car was asking for petrol so went to petrol station too. Luckily traffic wasn't too bad, quicker getting home than getting to work.

Yes, that is a good point Jim, i need to shout more rather thsn just get on with it. Typical cats Janet! Sounds a nice walk

[Jim]

Jay-me (Janet) wrote: This morning I had a long walk- down to the supermarket, then along the canal where I saw lots of ducks, two swans(one possibly a cygnet from last year) several pairs of Canada geese and a few moorhens- all solitary. So far today I have walked 10,000 steps...."

I must admit because I don't have any devices I always try and convert steps into miles.
If a step is two feet then it looks as if a mile is about 2600 steps. If it's two and a half feet (30 inches, the standard military pace probably since the Romans.) then it's about 2000 to the mile.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, slept a bit better. Chest still isn't good, have been coughing after pretty much every conversation, had a lot of them today! Then was sinusy and headachy after lunch. Got a washload done though. Rang booking today, there is a ridiculously long waiting list for the glaucoma clinic, she found me a cancellation appointment for 30th April! Went to shops after work, very disappointing and no bargains in either

[Alicia]

New med was a total disaster - no real results and side effects galore - so I got off it after 3 days.

Fast forward a couple of days to today: husband comes in, he's on the SAME medication. It causes him not a side effect or bother!

People are so different.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Evening all, slept a bit better. Chest still isn't good, have been coughing after pretty much every conversation, had a lot of them today! Then was sinusy and headachy after lunch. Got a washload d..."

Glad you at least got an appointment!

[Jim]

Alicia wrote: "New med was a total disaster - no real results and side effects galore - so I got off it after 3 days.

Fast forward a couple of days to today: husband comes in, he's on the SAME medication. It causes him not a side effect or bother!

People are so different..."

That is one problem with population medicine. In the UK at the moment they are trying to get everybody over a certain age to take statins. My Cholesterol is low naturally so they're no use to me. They tried them on my lady wife and after a few days she gets such severe muscle pains continuing to take them would cripple her, she would have absolutely no quality of life
Yet I know many others who take them without side effects.

That's the issue with vaccines. If you vaccinate ten million people, some will react, the the medium the vaccine is in even if not to the vaccine. And that handful get all the coverage.

[Alicia]

I read that there's some kind of organization here in the States that has funds from the vaccine manufacturers that is used to support those who DO have a bad reaction.

It's going to happen - like it does with everything - that a small proportion have bad reactions.

I was put on a statin years ago, and had to stop for the same reason. I have also read that the people who live the longest are old white women with high cholesterol, so I have joined that group. It also depends on what KIND of cholesterol profile you have - mine is good, genetically.

Of course, husband's is low now because of all the medications he takes AND he has no side effects from them.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, woke up at 5ish with a headache, left a bit early and finally got to work on time. Work was ok in the morning, cleared some emails that made me feel better. Afternoon was a bit more frustrating though though headache finally cleared, still quite tight chest though. Got tea and lunch reduced in m and s, and as it was such a glorious day, went to both shops just to get some fresh air.

Sorry to hear you couldn't tolerate medication Alicia, os there an alternative you can try?

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, woke up at 5ish with a headache again. Chest still isnt great. Quite a few urgent things at work, but got through a week where we are short staffed and coped. Got a nice pistachio latte, went to get my loyalty card stamped and realised i was due a free drink. Went to m and s after work and paid full price for a ready meal as couldnt be bothered to cook.

[Jim]

I think this is the weekend to chill a bit :-)

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Sorry to hear you couldn't tolerate medication Alicia, os there an alternative you can try?..."

I don't know yet. I'm still recovering from the medication I took for three days March 11-13! Ridiculous - but not uncommon for people with ME.

The effort to try something else will probably end up taking as much time away from writing and as little result as this one, so it is hard to make the effort.

We're going on vacation with the kids for a week - get to hug my very large and grownup young - then I'll see if I can dare try something else again.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, tossed and turned a lot, got up about 6ish, made a drink, fed the cats and tried to get back to sleep, eventually dropped off again till 9.30. Took my sis and the kids to a Toby Carvery for an early mothers day treat, they just offer carvery with no meat, was torn between that and a Yorkie wrap filled with mac and cheese, but like some of the veg and they had mac and cheese on. Then we went to b and m, followed by a trip to cheap shop i used to go to with neighbour, got a card through work but had to go in person to collect. Its hit and miss being a surplus store, but we both did well. Then nipped to Aldi to see if they had rhubarb and custard hot cross buns, so very tired! Didn't have tra, just a hot cross bun and some chocolate.

Ooh, hope you enjoy your family trip, I'd definitely wait till after that

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, didn't want to get up this morning. Weather was better than forecast, so managed to get sheet washed, dried and back on the bed, though towels didn't fully dry. Did some Sunday chores, went for milk, and then did a bit of housework, though not enough. Finished abother book, 4 books ahead on my challenge.

[Jim]

I suspect the problem with housework is that nobody can ever do enough. And importantly you got a book finished :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, slept better, though had to take my inhaler when i got to work, i could hear myself breathing! Been coughing a lot, but it is more asthma/tight chest rather than phlegm. Had a boring staff briefing this morning, and an interesting training course on Safeguarding this afternoon.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening all, had another training course this morning, learning about our equipment, something they want me to get more involved with, but am paying for it now, too much standing. Realised this morning i needed sugar, had to drive past Aldi on the way home, so called in for some. Then loads of people wanted to ask questions this afternoon and had an occupational health chat, partly for suggestions on how to help with the training, she did ask some random non work related questions. Went to shops after work, not because I needed anything, just because I was stiff and needed to get out, it turned into a nice day.

[Alicia]

We're on vacation. House developed two leaks last night, one a toilet and one an outdoor gushing pipe of some kind. They were reported to management this morning - the guy just came by after 9pm to tell us they'll fix the gusher tomorrow.

No word on the toilet, but we have the water turned off at the base unless we need to use it.

It's always something!