Wednesday 30 October 2019

Another Day of Sunshine.

It is still cold, maybe a slight frost this morning, but fear not - it is set to warm up in the next few days so we shall get a bit of respite before winter sets in.   On the TV weather map that blue cold seems to be receding Northwards and a pleasant orange surging up from the South so let's make the most of it.

I have changed my vet and now go to one whose Surgery is ten miles away through the lovely countryside of Wensleydale.   This morning I had to be there with her for ten o'clock for her annual injections - we just made it by the skin of our teeth.   The Autumn colours on the journey were exquisite - especially the Horse Chestnuts.   I rather think the Autumn colour is a little later this year - it is my birthday tomorrow and usually it seems to fall when the colours are at their height.   This year they seem a little late.   Is it the same where you live?

This afternoon friend S came to take Tess for a walk and I am certain Tess heard her car come in the end of the road because she got up and went and sat by the door.   Over the past few weeks I have especially noticed just how acute her hearing is.    L also came to point up round the base of my bungalow - where it meets the path.   Especially where the bungalow faces South the concrete had cracked.   Now L has tidied it up nicely.   I have this need to get these jobs done before Winter sets in - I can imagine that if I had lived during hunter/gatherer days this is the time when I would have been stocking my larder with game I had caught (can't imagine it would be much; I am not any good at catching a mouse in a trap).

Well, when I rise in the morning I shall be another year older ( 87 ) -sometimes it all gets a bit depressing (especially when winter is near) but as we say - the alternative is worse.

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Tuesday

What started out as an easy day turned out to be quite a busy one.   Lots of little jobs to do in town meant that I was on my feet a lot after my coffee with friends.   Then it was home to find that Tess had gone early for her walk today - the lady who takes her had promised to come early because Tess's Hair Appointment was for one o'clock (her usual walk time).   And dead on 1pm the lady arrived to give Tess a cut, shampoo and blow dry.   And how smart she looks now.   I will try and get a photograph to put on tomorrow.

As soon as the hair was done I rang the vet to get Tess's vaccinations up to date but there wasn't an appointment until late this afternoon and I can't drive in the dark.   So we are going at ten in the morning.   On the way back we intend to call at the Pet Shop for a new harness instead of a collar - and then Tess will be completely modernised. 

So now it is a General Election just before Christmas - as far as I am concerned that is all we need and I am sure that most of the country feels the same.   It must be rather nice to be a pampered dog who has  no idea about such things and can go through life with one's head in the clouds.

But at least it has been a bright, sunny Autumn day and everywhere has dried up nicely.   A nice drive through the Dale to the vet in the morning, when the forecast is still for a pleasant day.   This morning the weather forecaster was at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire where the Japanese Maples and Acers are at their very finest at the moment.   It is many years since I was there but once seen never forgotten.

Monday 28 October 2019

Seems like a liffetime

I love my blog and the way it keeps me in touch with 'old friends'.   Yes I do think of my readers as old friends - most of us have been communicating for so long that although most of us have never met we have still formed a friendship.   And a couple of days away seems quite a long time.   But I am back now.

The two days I have been away have not been particularly busy but they have been full and it has been quite late in the evening before I have had a chance to think about posting - and by then it has seemed too late. 

Saturday it was lunch at friend W's with her friends from West Yorkshire.   Delicious roast ham as usual (and we won't mention the sticky toffee pudding) and a lovely afternoon of chatting.   The sun finally shone after pouring wet morning and friend N very kindly took Tess on a nice long walk round the village.  Strictly Come Dancing in the evening finished the day off nicely.    Things are getting tougher on the programme as the ones who are not making good progress are slowly being weeded out.   The standard of dance seems to improve each year, as does the standard of judging - very tough this year.

Yesterday my Grand-daughter, her husband and their (almost) three year old daughter  U called for the afternoon and for a bowl of Main Meal Farmhouse Vegetable Soup, which was a great success.   They are Vegan but as all the content was vegetable it fitted in well with their diet.

Now it is back to 'normal' today - my cleaner J this morning, a couple of walks with Tess, one straight after breakfast and another after lunch and just a general tidy round.   All that remains to be done is to empty the dishwasher - never a job I enjoy.   But the sun has shone into my kitchen and sitting room non stop all day so there has been no need for central heating.   The sky is a clear blue and similar weather is forecast for tomorrow - how much better I feel when the weather is like this - I don't know about you.

Tess is to have a general tidy up, wash and blow dry tomorrow - the last before winter arrives.  What with that and her smart new coat she should look the bees knees.

Friday 25 October 2019

Friday

It is absolutely pouring with rain here in The Dales and has been doing since just before lunchtime.  So soon after the catastrophic floods of July 30th means that every time it rains like this there is fear around here.   Many of the houses in our village are still being repaired after that day.

As usual I went into town for coffee with friends before coming home in good time for my dog walker J to arrive (Tuesdays and Fridays).   This time she came armed with a present.   Usually she gives all of her dogs a present at Christmas but as Tess is not a 'toy' dog -( she hasn't played with toys since she was a puppy ) J has bought her a lovely fleecy coat in a very bright red.  Off she trotted wearing it and obviously adoring it.   She came back equally excited about it and was not happy about having it taken off.   So sincere thanks to J for the lovely present.   She has now promised to source a new harness for me and let me have details when she calls for Tess next Tuesday.

Once Tess had gone off for a walk I returned the dehumidifier to the  place where I hired it (£39 for the week) - I just hope I had it working for long enough.   The man in the shop thought I had had it on long enough so I shall have to wait and see.

On the way there I drove through our Market Place and the tempting smell of Fish and Chips wafted into the car as I waiting at the pedestrian crossing.   There was a parking space right next to it and I decided that if the space was still there on my return I would pull in and buy myself fish and chips for my lunch.   Lo and behold it was still there - I had to wait for the fish to be cooked which meant my meal was piping hot - I drove the mile home and was eating it in no time at all and it was delicious. 

At just after three in the afternoon it is still pouring with no sign of it easing up at all.   I think I shall shut up shop early tonight , close the curtains and turn up the heating - it is a very dismal day.   Out to lunch tomorrow to friend W's where her friends, who are now also my friends, are staying for the week-end.   I always enjoy seeing them and also eating Wendy's roast ham which she always serves when they come - nobody cooks roast ham as well as W - it is out of this world.

Thursday 24 October 2019

What's the weather like out there?

As am I, my mother was crippled up with Arthritis.   Her condition was much more severe than mine (she was dead before she reached my age in any case) and, of course, treatment was of little or no help.   Her arthritis was mainly in her knees and the only treatment was to be taken once a week by ambulance to a Spa town to sit in a mud bath for hours.  She complained rarely and was very stoic.   But she was a good predicter of the weather.

She would start telling us it was going to rain or there were going to be gales about three days before either arrived.   Of course we never believed her - thinking it was 'an old wives tale'.
I go to the Physio every six weeks to try and keep my body as supple as possible and she has been telling me for years that air pressure has an effect on arthritis and similar conditions.   Now I see in today's paper that some group has done a study on weather and its effect on conditions such  as arthritis and has come to the conclusion that such conditions are indeed affected by both wet weather and windy weather.   Seems my dear old Mum could have told them that years ago.   They only studied 2,500 people with the condition, which seems a small group to me, but it does confirm what many sufferers of arthritis know and have known for years - our aches and pains are very good at predicting forthcoming weather - certainly better than your average pine cone.

Wednesday 23 October 2019

Poetry

Nine of us today for our Poetry afternoon.   We always meet in friend W's conservatory and take it in turns to read a poem.   When we are all there (only one missing today) we usually manage three or sometimes four poems each and they are always a good mixture of old ones (I read 'On a favourite cat drowned in a tub of goldfishes' by Thomas Gray) and more up to date ones (Wendy Cope usually features well).   Similarly we usually have some sad ones ( Rosetti ) and some funny ones.  It really is a favourite afternoon for all of us I am sure.

We have at last had three 'good' days - by that I mean days when the sun has shone (particularly today) and there has been no rain.   Looking at the weather forecast I think this is set to alter tomorrow.

Listening to the News I have just heard the appalling story of the immigrants trying to enter the UK illegally and being found dead in a container on the back of a lorry today.   We complain about conditions here and all these people are trying to get into our country which is being sold to them as such a wonderful place to live.   I think it is evident that we have no idea just how lucky we are in so many ways.   I think of the teenager amongst them who presumably has a Mum and a Dad somewhere who may well think he has managed to get to a better life.   It is all so very sad.   And at the back of it all - as always - is money and lots of it.

Tuesday 22 October 2019

An Anniversary

It is two years today since I moved into my bungalow - assisted by dear friends W,C and J - and because C comes from a service family and has moved about regularly to various married quarters - my bungalow was reorganised and everything put away in no time at all.   I remember sitting down in the evening on that first day and feeling at home immediately thanks to their help.   They will never know just how much they helped me.

Now, two years on and two years older (eighty seven next week) I do feel really settled here in spite of various set-backs with things going wrong.   And Tess has settled much more easily than I expected and seems to have forgotten all about the farm and the fields and running about with no lead on.   Although, having said that, I was here today when J, my dog-walker, returned with her and told me that she can now let Tess off the lead and she runs round the field with the other dogs and really enjoys it - and comes back when called.   Not bad for almost thirteen I feel. 

Into town this morning, as every Tuesday morning, to go to the Bank, do a bit of shopping (not much this week as my Grand-daughter and her husband and my Great Grand-daughter are calling in on Sunday and as they are vegan I have taken the precaution of having an order delivered from Tesco, so little or no shopping to do today.)
After that it was into the cafe where we meet each Tuesday morning for coffee with E,C, and L - and then down to discuss my de humdifier with the man in the rental place and then a call into the best shop in town for buying little presents for little people.   I chose a set of 'doggie dominoes' and a sticker book about animals under the sea - hope they are both enjoyed.

As they are vegan I have arranged to make a hearty Farmhouse Soup with pasta added and will serve it with Garlic Bread which they will bring as it needs to be made with garlic and olive oil rather than butter and then a vegan tray bake which they will also bring.   So very little for me to do as the soup is best made the day before anyway.

It is now half past two in the afternoon and, although fine,it is breezy and quite chilly so shall not venture out again today as Tess has had a long walk with her dog walker.

Monday 21 October 2019

Monday

Perhaps our first completely dry day for many weeks - although the sky was often quite cloudy there was no rain about.    My replacement gardener (my usual one has damaged his back) came and mowed my lawn for the last time at the end of last week and also replanted my two front-door-side tubs with violas, dwarf daffodils and polyanthus.   Today he returned to water my Mares Tail weed with strong weed killer - we can but try.   I must say it is pleasing to see everywhere looking a bit tidier again for the Winter.

Indoors my humidifier (or is it a de-humidifier?) is still going in the bedroom although it doesn't seem to be gathering much water any more and when I went into the bedroom to check on it this evening it had switched itself on to Auto.   Does anyone out there know anything about the workings of such things?

Until tomorrow.

Sunday 20 October 2019

Over the past few weeks/days the papers and the television have shown us image after image of elderly men and a smattering of women sitting around tables discussing the whys and wherefores of staying in/leaving the European Union.  This throws up two questions:   first of all is there an optimum age beyond which people should be considered too old to take part in these debates?   Yes, I know we are all of differing intellects, but surely - apart from the few who are wise until their dying day - as we age our mental capacity does lessen, our thinking is not as quick, our ability to keep abreast of a sub ject which moves at considerable speed wears a bit thin.   Secondly are women so behind in the thinking stakes that only one or two make it through to the stage of appearing on select committees and the like?

Let's face it - the age group trying to deal with the problems surround our leaving the E U seems to be doing their best to complicate things (and I do realise how very complicated things are even if I don' understand them).   If I was a young person now I would feel a huge sense of frustration about the state of play.  Every day I turn on Breakfast Television to hear hour after hour devoted to talking about Brexit.   I feel like never switching the TV on again (and yes, Derek I did say I would stop mentioning it, but it is becoming too important to ignore)

Another question which arises in my mind is did we ever know enough about the nitty-gritty of life in the E U - its gains and its losses - to be in a position to pass judgement on whether it is wise to leave or stay in?   The idea that now should have another Referendum appals me  - another hold up, more thousands spent on it all, - to get a result which may or not be more or less the same and in any case is more or less based on what people who really don't know what they are talking about.

This has been troubling me today as I went out to my usual Sunday lunch and now I switch on to put my worries on line and find that I really can't stay awake long enough to make sure I have recorded my thoughts sufficiently well I do despair that we shall ever be able to find a complete answer to our problems - and in the meantime  the N H S, Education, The Police Force and the rest just have to stand and wait.

Friday 18 October 2019

Busy day

One of those days when everything happens - pretty shattered by now.  My builder recommended I get a humidifier and put in the bedroom now that the new soakaway is finished, so I did that and as I type this I hear it buzzing away.

My replacement gardener (my usual one is ill) M came (he cut the lawn yesterday) and replanted my pots by the front door with violas, polyanthus and daffodil bulbs for winter and also planted the last forty or so dwarf daffodils in my front shrubbery.
Two jobs which I am pleased to get done. 

Then at tea time my decorator came to look at the damp in the bedroom (my new soakaway is just outside) and was very positive about it all (thus taking the weight off my shoulders).

Now it is almost time for Gardeners' World - just time to go and check on my humidifier.   See you all tomorrow.

Thursday 17 October 2019

The Camera does not lie!

My friend has just sent me a photograph of me with the Orange Trio so that you can see what it (and I) looks like.   Sadly I can't get it to download - perhaps it is as well.   They say the camera doesn't lie - well all I can say is that I look about a hundred (and I am only eighty seven next week).

My builders have finished, left everywhere neat and tidy and gone away.   Now we wait to see if it will work and if the wall will  dry out.   I am keeping the room well aired during the day and then, when the heating comes on around tea time I am  closing the bedroom door so that the room gets nice and warm.   We shall see, but fingers crossed. 

I have found a replacement gardener to finish the pre-winter jobs as my gardener is laid up with a back injury.   At the moment he is mowing the front lawn and then he is going to plant some bulbs for me.   When I was such a keen gardener it is very irritating not being able to do it myself.   At least we are having a fine day again today - two in a row is almost unheard of for the last month.
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More to add later hopefully but busy right now.  I shall return

Wednesday 16 October 2019

Wednesday


The builders arrived this morning to tackle the issue of the damp wall in my bedroom and the blocked soakaway.   When they dug down through the concrete by the drainpipe from the roof they found that the pipes to the soakaway were all cracked and that water was constantly seeping out.  They have laid new pipes, built a new soakaway and will be back tomorrow to concrete over it.  Then we shall have to wait and see if the wall dries out and the matter is cured.   So fingers crossed.

Friend S very kindly called and took Tess for her Wednesday walk even though I was out lunching with friend G.   The outing did me a lot of good, not least because the journey to Grantley (a village between Ripon and Pateley Bridge) was so beautiful with Autumn colours in the trees and the day  one of bright sunshine.   As we stopped at The Grantley Arms (our venue for lunch) children were frolicking in the playground opposite and the noise of childrens' voices rang through the air.

It is a lovely pub and the lunchtime menu delicious.   G had a piece of roast lamb and a tiny shepherd's pie and I had a fish pie - both served with a variety of vegetables nicely cooked (ie not overcooked).   We both had the same sweet - inventive and certainly one to try at home - an orange trio:  a slim wine glass filled with orange jelly and topped with whipped cream, a scoop of home made orange ice cream and a pavlova filled with cream and fresh pieces of sweet orange.   I intend to try it sometime.  It was delicious. 

Then we had coffee and, as time was getting on, we came home as I wanted to catch the builders before they went.   Tess was pleased to see me.

Tuesday 15 October 2019

Strugglers

It was the morning for our Strugglers meeting this morning.   We meet once a month - have a period of Silence and then discuss whatever comes up.  This morning our main topic sprang from a Lecture one of our group had heard on radio - a talk about Joy and Happiness.   Of how Joy is a momentary thing - a sudden burst - whereas happiness is a state of being which might last much longer if we are lucky enough. 

We could think of all kind of examples of joy - up here in The Dales it is often something as simple as a sudden burst of sunlight across the Dale, lighting up a beautiful tree or view;  or it might be the first view of a new grandchild;  the list is endless.   Happiness, on the other hand, is more of a state maybe when things go right for us and we are going through a good patch in our lives, or when someone whom we love has been ill and is suddenly much better and we are able to pick up the pieces and resume our lives.    We all have our own interpretations - all I can say is the more we have the luckier we are in these dark days.

Real warm sunshine on and off today -not all day but now and then.   Out for lunch to our group lunch at The Old School House (where our U3A meetings are held) - held every fortnight.   Today it was Toad in the Hole with mash and peas, followed by rice pudding - and a nice chat (we never run out of things to talk about).

Time now to take Tess for her last walk - she has been on a long walk with her dog-walker today so will only need a short walk now.   See you tomorrow.

Monday 14 October 2019

Wettish Monday

The day began with pale sunshine and only a gentle breeze - it was quite warm.   Then the fog descended, disappeared and it began to rain - again.   Really Otober is getting so depressing that it is really getting me down.   The damp is slowly spreading along the wall in my bedroom, which is not helping - hopefully the builders are coming to try and deal with the problem later this week.   I find myself really 'on edge' today - something to do with age and with living alone and having no-one with whom to share one's problems I suppose.
But I am not alone in that I know. 

 In a brief interval I managed to plant thirty dwarf daffodil bulbs - I still have a lot more to plant.   My gardener is not well and will not come again this year, so the lawn will miss its last cut and I shall have to plant my bulbs myself.   I can only manage around thirty at a time without hurting my back, so I plough on a few at a time.   Hopefully just poking them into a swiftly dug hole will result in a fine show in the Spring - no time for any fancy planting I'm afraid.

Because it was a dismal day  ,like Tom I watched the State Opening of Parliament this morning.   I don't apologise for enjoying the Pomp and Ceremony - I love the split second organisation - if anything ever does go wrong it is never noticeable - everything seems to go like clockwork and men seem to stand for ages holding swords up in the air or balancing for a good half hour when they are not young by any means (five minutes would be my limit for standing up).   I was pleased to see that the Queen had a helping hand from Prince Charles - that heavy brocade dress and train at her age defies the imagination.    At least the Imperial State Crown is now carried on a cushion.

I was reflecting earlier this evening on how, when one lives alone, it is important to chat to people every day rather than shut oneself away.   I worked out my 'speaking' today:   my cleaning lady here for an hour and a half;  two people I know from my dog-walking - first J with Sammy with whom Tess is madly in love (10 minute chat) then A and S who were married last Saturday and were just about to set out on a 5 day 'minimoon' to Wales when I saw them.   I chatted long enough to see a photograph of the bride and groom with their two labradors who had a starring role in the marriage ceremony in that they were the 'ring bearers'.  Later, when I was planting my bulbs, I chatted with my neighbour M and finally late afternoon the Chiropodist came - so now I am walking on air.   Busy(ish) day tomorrow so hopefully I shall be a bit more cheerful.   See you then.

Saturday 12 October 2019

Life on hold.

Everything stopped this morning - I sat in my dressing gown, I had quick rounds of toast so that I could sit down quickly with my toast and coffee, and all because of Eliud Kipchoge - the fantastic Kenyan who this morning ran the marathon in Vienna in just under two hours (1.59.40).   If you go to Gwil's site you will see that as it was in Vienna he was able to be there and to witness it.  Kipchoge didn't even look tired at the end of the race.   It was good to be able to witness it - not as good as being there but the next best thing.

Friday 11 October 2019

A Lovely Day Out

To Kirby Lonsdale today with friend W to meet our friends P and D in Avanti, the super Italian restaurant which takes dogs too, so happily Tess can come with us - lots of lovely new smells and experiences for her.

The weather was changeable but the heavy overnight rain seemed to have totally cleansed the air so that there was a clarity and brightness which made the hills so very beautiful.   The river (Ure) was in flood and many of the fields were flooded so we went the 'top way' missing the flooded roads and able to look down on the scene from the safety of the high up road. 

Going over the tops, past the Three Peaks which were hidden in angry cloud, and then down into the valley of the River Lune and along to the little town for lunch - altogether different scenery but equally beautiful.  As usual we came back round by Sedbergh - an altogether different road but equally beautiful.   This time, as we neared Hawes, the water had been over the road.   Luckily, by the time we arrived it had receded  and only the fields were flooded.   It was altogether a very enjoyable day - as it always is.   Meeting 
P and D and getting up to date with all their news - good lunch - lovely journey - what's not to enjoy.

Thursday 10 October 2019

Feeble.

Yes, I will admit it.   Where anything practical is concerned I am absolutely useless.   One marriage of   thirty nine years and one of  twenty three - in both cases to wonderful and very practical men - has left me entirely hopeless at any practical job which needs attention.

Now a situation has occurred where I need to apply some thinking at least - and it is beyond me.
The damp patch on my bedroom wall is spreading along the top of the skirting board and has now surrounded the electric socket.   Until an hour ago, in spite of frantic phone calls, I had been unable to rouse a builder or an electrician.   At last the builder has contacted me and is going to try to get over to look at things later today.   I spoke to the electrician on the telephone and he says unplug the plugs and switch the whole thing off and it should be alright.   (OK he did suggest trying the trip switches in the fuse box to see if I can isolate this particular socket - but - see above - quite beyond my capabilities) 

The builder has been, isolated the problem (which  involves digging up part of the concrete patio) and put me on his list of jobs.   He has drained off the excess water and says the wall should begin to dry out.   My saviour.
Tess has returned from her walk with her dog walker - she watched another of the dogs have her treatment in the Hydro Therapy Pool but kept her distance.   Henry (the airedale) got too close and fell in which I think put Tess off for ever.

Wednesday 9 October 2019

Will he won't he?

Is it just me or is more or less everyone fed up with the whole Brexit thing?    Unless we are a top financial brain do we any of us really understand what effect it will have on our lives?   And after all these months or wrangling, of neglecting the serious issues in our society, of promising the earth if and/or when all this is behind us, can any of us really understand what is going on?   I doubt it.    In fact (and I am ashamed to say it) I don't really care any more - I have almost lost the will to live and have certainly lost the will to even try to understand the machinations let loose in Whitehall and Brussels.

I look out of the window as I sit here typing.   There are still a few flowers giving their best in the garden - the Achillea has been out for months and is still glowing its golden flowers which tower over the border;    the white Cosmos shows here and there and brightens things up no end;  the Michaelmas Daisies - some tall and stately and some quite small and tidy - shout out that this is their season and they will enjoy it come what may in Brussels.   It would be rather nice to be a plant, or an animal or any kind of inanimate object at the moment rather than live through this period in our history  which others in the future will look back on with astonishment at our politicians (they really don't deserve a capital letter either singly or collectively).

Right, that has got that off my chest.   It is a lovely breezy day - the odd quick shower  but that's all.
I inadvertently mentioned to Tess that friend S would be here shortly (it is the day she often takes Tess for a walk) and now she is sitting by the front door waiting and there is still an hour to go.

I have just eaten a lunch of Turkey Lasagne made by a Church lady and sold on the first Saturday of each month at the Church Coffee Morning (and delicious it is too), followed by a delicious ripe pear.   Shall now endeavour to not think about B***** again today.

Tuesday 8 October 2019

a Fine Day!

So far, here in North Yorkshire, it has been a completely fine day - the first for what seems like a very long time.   There is a strong wind blowing, so strong that I had to ask for assistance from the shop where I do my Tuesday morning shop in crossing the road to my car.   When the wind is in a certain direction it is nigh on impossible to stand up crossing the road in the market square.

I was here in time to see my dog return from her  walk with the Dog-walker and to see how she returns in utter bliss.   The lady is a real dog lover, returns the dog to its home and spends ten minutes making a fuss of it and talking to it.   Tess already idolises her and I have no qualms at all about entrusting Tess to her.   That is a relief.

The afternoon has been spent catching up on jobs like preparing the recycling 'rubbish' for collection, emptying and folding and putting away stuff from the tumble drier, little, fiddly jobs which somehow stretch to the whole afternoon.   Now it is almost time for tea.  These days I do seem to spend an awful lot of time thinking about doing a job before I actually get round to getting up and doing it.   Then, when it takes only a few minutes, thinking why didn't I do it at once and get it over with.

I am now going to go over to one or two shopping outlets to have a look at Winter jumpers.   How easy it is to do this from the comfort of one's arm chair - and ultimately how easy it is to type one's credit card number on to a site and buy something - something you would not otherwise have bought if it had meant going to the nearest town (in my case twenty five miles away) and trailing round the shops looking for it.   Oh dear, the wonders of modern living.

Monday 7 October 2019

Lovely week end.

No posts over the week-end; my God-daughter has been here since Saturday lunchtime and we have had a lovely relaxed 'girlie' week-end.   I have enjoyed it tremendously - sad to say goodbye to her this morning very early as she drove back through Wensleydale to be at work on time.
At the moment everywhere is so wet that it is always a worry having to drive through Wensleydale in case the River Ure is over and the roads are flooded.

Today, after a wet start, it has cleared considerably and apart from a few showers it has been cloudy and sunny at intervals. 

This morning the first happening was that the lady who cleans for me found that there is a damp patch on the corner of my bedroom.   I have rung somebody who I think might be able to deal with it, so am now waiting for him to contact me.

Then it was off to Book Group to discuss 'The Diary of a Bookseller' a lovely, funny book which we all enjoyed tremendously.   This afternoon was spent reading The Times and doing the Mind Games, walking the dog and having a doze.   During the week-end I tripped up and fell into the hall from the kitchen (I have fallen in exactly the same place before) -throwing a full cup of tea up the wall.   Luckily I like my tea weak and take neither sugar nor milk so my God daughter managed to remove the stains and today it is impossible to see where the accident happened.   But it did shake me up somewhat and I am finding it rather painful to walk.   Still Tess had to be walked three times and together we managed it, albeit slowly.   I did read an article in The Times last week which recommended we walk at least once a day with our dog with the dog's wishes in mind - in other words a slow walk allowing maximum sniffing, weeing and investigations - which a dog would do if taking itself for the walk.
Well that suits me fine.

Back tomorrow.

Friday 4 October 2019

Making someone happy.

When I returned from morning coffee with friends this morning a giant surprise awaited me.   There on the doorstep was this lovely bouquet of flowers and a lovely card from Gayle, Winston and Agatha (Two Little Square Black Dogs) - I have my God daughter coming to stay in the morning - how cheery my bungalow will look now with these pretty flowers on the table.    I don't know what I have done to deserve them Gayle but I cannot tell you just how much pleasure they have given me - and I thank you most sincerely.   Maybe she has mistaken the date of my birthday (Oct 31st) - if so then I am pleased - I am inundated with flowers usually on that day - and how lovely to get this early present.   It has cheered up my week end already.

Thursday 3 October 2019

A Crumpet Day

Just eaten two thickly buttered crumpets with butter seeping into each hole for my tea.   Well, it is a 'crumpet day'- after yesterday, when the sun shone all day and it was quite warm, today the temperature when I came back from town was eight degrees, there is a biting wind and there is no sign at all of the sun.   That's my excuse and I am sticking to it.

After returning from the hairdresser, taking Tess round the block and cooking some lunch for myself, I decided to nip into town and do some last minute shopping to save trailing around in the morning.   My God-daughter is coming for the week end and I intend to make an Irish Stew in my slow cooker tomorrow afternoon when I return from lunch out.   These days I find it so very tiring going round food shops and carrying stuff back to my car.   My 'big' shop on Tuesdays is always aided by a nice young man who pushes my trolley across from the shop to my car and unloads the stuff into my boot.   I do find people are really very helpful.

Isn't it wonderful news about Dina Asher-Smith becoming our first world champion sprinter?   The work, the dedication, the joy of winning after all that - it showed on her face as she crossed the finishing line.   And her mother was so proud of her.    I do so admire anyone who puts that amount of dedication and perseverance into what they are doing.

All blinds are drawn, central heating is on, I am all shut up for the night and it is only seven o'clock - how very quickly Autumn has descended this year somehow, hasn't it?

Wednesday 2 October 2019

Wednesday morning

Yesterday was a thoroughly wet and miserable day here but not cold.   This morning there is a clear blue sky, a brilliant sunshine and it is ten degrees colder.   So you takes your pick.

I never got round to putting a post on yesterday - apologies for that - time just caught up with me.   I did think of putting one on later in the evening but my son called and we say chatting (arguing?) about deprivation.   After moving up here from a large town in the Midlands where poverty and deprivation were evident, especially as I worked in a Comprehensive School in a deprived area, I suddenly found myself in a small town where there appears to be no deprivation at all.   Everyone seems to be well dressed, well fed, in employment, no problems etc.   This, of course, is not necessarily true - it is just that such things are hidden and it is easy to think that problems don't exist up here. 

Tess had a very wet walk with her walker yesterday.   I was out - having coffee with friends and then doing some shopping ready for my God daughter coming for the week-end (I am really looking forward to that).   I usually go out for lunch every other Tuesday but by the time I had reached home,  struggled in through the rain with my shopping, unpacked it onto the work top and towelled the dog dry after her walk it was almost half past twelve when the lunch starts, so I gave it a miss.   I sat down with a coffee for an hour and regained my strength ready to wash out the fridge and store food in the freezer.   Later friend W called to let me listen to her blue tooth ear pieces - marvellous clarity - I find listening to the radio impossible because of my hearing loss, but having ear pieces concentrated the words so well that I shall now seriously consider getting this facility.

And what does Wednesday bring.   Well this is the day that friend S takes Tess for her afternoon walk - there will be great joy and tail wagging when S arrives!