Really hope you make it your church tonight and I get totally the fact that you don’t want anyone to talk to you…I am the same but purely cause I’m an anti social twat who doesn’t like people that much x
Your sister just seems to want to be the centre of everyone’s attention and apologies if that’s not the case but everytime you seem to be even a bit more settled she wants to move or something that disrupts you again. For a lady who hasn’t spoken to you for months she doesn’t know how lucky she is to have a sister who still cares about her so much and I would tell her that too lol x
Did your niece go swimming with you? Or haven’t you been yet? x
I’m meant to be on holiday this week but have had to work partially three and maybe four days of it cause the boss is now in hospital and there aren’t enough managers/keyholders x
It’s colder tonight but I am determined not to put the heating on so got the cat sleeping on me so at least my lap is toasty. What is the weather like down by you?
Also woke up this morning and the whole village has no water and it still isn’t fixed and I need desperately to wash my hair cause it looks like a greasy mess!
Going to go make my tea so will wish you luck for tonight and look forward to hearing about it if you decide to go.
Hi Christine and Neil.
Did you both go to the All Soul’s Day service. Thinking of you as it’s absolutely pouring down with rain here and it would be very easy to stay at home.
Sending love
Debbie
Hi Suzanne,
Lovely to hear from you but can’t believe you’ve had to go in during your week off. What would they do without you? You could always bank your good deeds and have long weekends off instead of another week. The animals will appreciate you!
I didn’t get to church tonight but had every intention on doing so. I started taking away the decking boards near the house and had to secure / rebuild the pillars on which the legs of the pergola stand and simply ran out of time. Looks fab though and I just have the step area to do and have my eye on a massive paving stone at my sisters if I can get it in the car. I had to get my lamp out and didn’t finish until 6pm. Didn’t know I was doing as much work as I did but really pleased with how it’s turned out. Here’s some pics.
It’s lashing down again now but not as cold as last night. I’m having to put the heating on for a couple of hours just to get the clothes dry every night. You are lucky that your cat still sits on your knee. Porsch refuses to get out of her bed by the radiator, except to go get chicken. She likes being hand fed now. Such a princess!
I’m back on track again with swimming. Been a few times but my niece hasn’t bothered and seems to be avoiding me. I’ve given up trying with her now. I can only be mugged off so many times. But I have pinned her down to getting some more bits from the garden tomorrow. Still need to do lots of trips, mostly for plants. Be great lined up along the bit I’ve just cleared, with large planters at intervals.
You are totally right about my sister wanting to be the centre of drama (that she creates and then sits back and watches the chaos unfold). Now I’m getting the bits from the garden I’ve accepted they will move away and I will continue as I am. When I saw her she didn’t say why she had not spoken to me since Feb. and I was so gobsmacked at the state of the garden and upset for mam and dads things that I didn’t bring it up. She watched me struggle with the heavy rocks etc and didn’t lift a finger to help. I think there’s such a distance now between us that I have stopped trying with her. I have to accept I don’t understand her and being around her is extremely stressful and I just don’t need it. When I’ve finished getting bits over and sorted my garden I’ll probably not see her again. I’ve always supported her and the kids (I’m 10 years older) and she doesn’t appreciate it at all. Rather resents me I think. So I have to learn to let go and stop being so affected by her drama’s.
OMG! Are you able to flush the loo? You need to get some of that dry hair shampoo. Mam used it when she couldn’t get her hair done because she couldn’t do it herself. Worth having it in. I have hair down to my bum so when it needs a wash I get a really itchy head. That would really set my ocd off. Hope it’s sorted soon. Didn’t realise you were in a village.
Did you ever get your weeds sorted or your fence painted? I’m very aware of the small window I have in getting my trellises up. When winter hits I’ll not get much done out there.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Debbie,
Happy ‘All Saints Day’. I was just saying to Suzanne, I couldn’t leave my job in the garden without securing the pillar so didn’t get to the service at 7 because I didn’t come in until 6 (and I was filthy!) Very pleased with what I got done as it was a huge job. It’s lashing down here too but that wouldn’t have stopped me going. Just ran out iof time. But I know my auntie (mam’s siter) would have added mams name to their church service so I know she won’t be left out.
Hope you saw the link to my updated garden. I have some flowers to, just to make you smile!
Going over to get more pots tomorrow and mam and dads bench from the old garden. I’d forgotten about it. Will pop it by the big pond so I can enjoy mams fairy dell when it’s done.
Lots of love xxx
Hi everyone
Had a very good afternoon in London and dir everything I wanted . Will post all the pics tomorrow as I wont have time this evening.
Hope everyone is well
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Morning to everyone
Had a great afternoon , obviously tinged with some sadness but did everything I wanted. Started off with an exhibition at the Barbican, then Postmans Park, lovely visit to the Museum of London and the highlight being the All Souls Day Requiem Eucharist at St Paul’s Cathedral. I had Mum and Dads names placed at the altar for the service, had a few nerves but came forward and lit a candle for them both and was seated right under the dome where I wanted to be. Hundreds of people there. Really was an amazing experience in an iconic setting, although obviously I wish I didn’t need to do it
Posted a few pics for you all
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi Neil,
So pleased you had a good day and that you ‘enjoyed’ the service (if that’s the right phrase to use?) Your mam and dad will be honoured to have been included in the service. You did so well. That took a huge amount of courage. You should be proud of yourself. You must be exhausted today. I know when I’m faced with a challenge I’m always wiped out afterwards.
I didn’t get to my church because I’d been busy in the garden and couldn’t leave it so ran out of time. But I’ll go again. It wasn’t mams church and she didn’t live here so it was a choice to go rather than needing to. I will go again. Mam’s sister would have included mam in her service as they regularly go to church. So I know she has been ‘named’. It’s strange not knowing what it all means and mam not being here to ask.
Lovely pics. It was sad reading about Sarah Smith in her inflammable dress. But I’m glad she was acknowledged for her bravery.
It’s never stopped raining here and I’ve arranged to get more plants from my sisters garden. It took a lot to get my niece to say she’d be there. Not looking forward to lugging pots in the rain and mam and dads bench. Might get a cheeky swim in first and see if she wants to join. I have high cholesterol so need to exercise and swimming is a great all rounder, even if it is quite chilly getting in. I do half an hour of none stop swimming so it’s a good workout without exhausting me so I can’t do anything else.
You’ll see from the pics I got a huge job done yesterday. Very pleased with it. Was easier than I thought and quicker.
What do you have planned today? I love watching the garden in the rain. It takes on a new colour and light. I stand doing my dishes with the door open, mulling over what I have done and the jobs still to tackle. It helps me plan my day and encourage me to keep going. Whatever you do today enjoy your achievement of yesterday. It was huge!
Lots of love xxx
Hi Christine
Sorry that you didnt make it to church but that’s OK. Churches are there for us all year round , just do what you feel is right. Must admit I was a little nervous yesterday but looking up into St Paul’s dome I could feel Mum and Dad there and it’s a safe, comforting place and just had to light those candles. Not allowed to take pics inside for a service only for a tour.
Bit knackered today and didnt actually sleep all that well last night. Probably all the emotions of yesterday. Still raining although the wind has died down thankfully. I got there really early yesterday so had a little walk across the Millennium Bridge and back to use up some time. Museum was great and even though its closing soon and moving they still have their docklands museum open so will definitely go there at some point.
Sorry to hear you have high cholesterol. Mum had that for years and was finally brought under control and was then normal for a long time thanks to her medication.
Having a quiet day today, my friend phoning today instead of yesterday as I got back quite late so will chat to him later.
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi Neil,
Glad you enjoyed yesterday. It must have felt very overwhelming being in such a beautiful setting. I was thinking about you as I was chiseling away at the decking boards. It’s not surprising that you feel knackered today with all the energy dealing with all the emotional turmoil. I’m glad you have your chat tonight with your friend. He’s such a good and loyal mate. My niece has dropped me like a hot stone. Every time I try to arrange getting things from the garden there’s an excuse as to why I can’t go. This morning it’s that her boyfriends dad has covid. I’ve said that’s fine because I just need her to open the door and I’ll be wearing a mask. Don’t know why she’s avoiding me like this. She’s angry and defiant and I’m not putting up with it. I’ll get the stuff and never see her again if that’s what she wants. But I’m not going to be messed around. I’ve always been very kind and generous to her. Her very expensive bike has been left to rust in the garden. It was her birthday pressie last summer. Can’t believe she has so little regard for things. Very hurtful.
Have a swim now so must dash. Just hope she opens the door to me so I can get bits on the way back. Will catch up later.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Neil,
Got my bits and had a chat with my niece. She’s still not willing to accept that she kept cancelling swimming but we seem to have made up and will go swimming when she has time. Going over again tomorrow and will do a couple of trips to bring potted plants back over. I’m so very tired. My hands are sore and cut with all the work I’ve been doing. Will be nice just to rest and not do anything.
I meant to ask about your mams meds for her high cholesterol. My sister takes statins and I was offered it but its not high enough to need anything yet. Don’t want to if I don’t need to. Seems it runs in the family. I’m healthy and quite fit with all the swimming so doesn’t make sense. Will set up the wii so I can start jogging again and do something every day. Will also start getting out on the bike.
Just enjoying some Judge Judy. Just having a quiet night. Hope there’s something good on later.
Lots of love xxx
I’m so behind with everyone’s chitchat that I’m going to have to start anew I think. Clean sheet.
I do remember though Christine you talking about your head-the-ball neighbours. Every area has a few it seems. If you are lucky they let you keep yourself to yourself. I’m so envious you’ve got flowering shrubs at this time of the year. I may have said that before (because I think my memory isn’t right) but I’ve just seen your most recent photos and they are lovely. I admire the determination and your motivation. You don’t let the rubbish days linger for long.
It’s good you’ve found a new pathway with your Niece. It may lead to more regular contact. It would be good if things settled with your Sister too. For all of you. I’d be a nervous wreck, I don’t know how you keep grounded as you do with all the indecision. I’ve heard that there are some that keep others in the dark to disadvantage them but with your sister I don’t think she does that, she just sounds like she doesn’t know what she wants really and the chaos might even be a “security blanket”. Hope you aren’t offended as I don’t mean to speak negatively, just a bit of a thought.
I can imagine your hands have got a bit battered. Autumn garden work can be quite unforgiving can’t it. At least it’s not lingering on if you have done most of it. You’d definitely not be wanting to be doing anything once it gets December! Weather is so unpredictable though isn’t it. Yesterday it was like the tropics in the back garden yet the day before it was like some wild monsoon overhead.
Sorry I’ve nothing exciting to talk about. Been feeling very down and hopeless recently but don’t feel like seeing a doctor or engaging with counsellors. He/she would probably just say he’s got a waiting room full of depressed people which would be true I guess.
At least I don’t need to stress about Xmas because it was always just another day really. Obviously as a Christian always respectful of the religious aspect but we didn’t have a big family so their isn’t anything to miss from a social point of view. Plus of course this December will be very different anyway. I can’t believe so much time has passed. How have we managed to get to this point in the year is a mystery.
Well I’ll leave you in peace hope you’ve something nice to do tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll have a productive day too.
Was just saying to Christine that I seem to lost the thread a bit with everyone and am a bit behind. I hope after the special day that you are ok. It was a lovely gesture to have your Mum and Dad included in the service. It sounded a really moving experience.
As always you’ve got some fascinating photos. It’s always a pleasure to see them. You certainly get around.
Hi Tina
Was quite a moving day and thought of Mum and Dad all throughout the service. Managed to catch St Paul’s just right with the photo when I came out all lit up against the night sky.
Job search is going slowly , probably because I am picky with what I am looking for. Paid my energy bills and worked out what I will be spending up to the New Year. That’s when I will really go all out for a job due to the finances but anything comes up before that I really want to do then I will go for that too. It’s the grief that gets into your mind and the up and down days. Need to get past Mums anniversary and Xmas and hopefully will be able to get my mind straighter.
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi everyone
It’s been very, very quiet on here for a few days. Hope you are all doing as best as you can. Thinking of you all
Love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi Tina,
Sorry I didn’t get back to you straight away. Was very busy ferry potted plants and a bench over from my sisters garden. The move fell through so I have more time. There’s lots of plants now and my plan is to get them all together where I
Was popping on her to say the same thing and wondered if everyone was coping ok.
Have you been out and about at all the last couple of days? I was up at the Loch as usual on Sat and it’s now Autumn/Winter hours so we close an hour earlier so not as many visitors but still plenty to do.
I was meant to be off on holiday last week but due to my manager being off again after his weeks holiday I had to go in four of my days off as there is no cover. However I did still get to go to my show on Friday night which was a chat show type event with the cast of Still Game which was so funny.
Then of course on Saturday night we had bonfire night so myself and my nieces went to our local fireworks display and although it wasn’t too long it was nice. Mum loved fireworks so was thinking of her throughout the whole event which was comforting rather than upsetting.
Did you go to any fireworks displays? After we have had riots in Dundee and Edinburgh lately with fireworks I don’t think we’ll be sold them in Scotland next year x
I’ll post some photos of the fireworks for you to see x
How have you been doing lately? x anything planned for this week? x how are you coping with the longer nights? x
Look forward to hearing from you and catching up x
@christine51
How are you doing lately?
Is this the same move that has fallen through for your sister or a different one? If it’s another one then she is very unfortunate indeed to have so many fall through but as you said gives you more time to get your plants etc and a bit more time with your niece and nephews.
Have you been in your garden at all lately? Even when the weather hasn’t been too bad up here it’s dark when I leave for work usually and dark now when I get home and as I was saying to Neil I’m having to go to work on my days off partial days and my holiday cause my boss is off yet again. Not sure when he’ll return but all I know is I don’t get paid his lofty salary for dealing with stuff he should be.
Anyway enough of my whines anything more from Creep or is he behaving himself a bit better?
Are you swimming this week or is it too cold? x
I am back up the Loch at the weekend but am meant to be helping a friend move her now ex into his new home and that I will do gladly as anything to help get that dick out of her house lol x
Look forward to catching up and hope you are having a bit too bad night/days x
@NEILB72
Knew there was something to tell you but myself and my friend have booked to come down to London again in June and going to go see the Lion King (again!! lol) and although it’s roughly the same time of year and same hotel the cost of the hotel has doubled in price!! And even at double the price it’s still the cheapest in the area. Then I find my niece has booked a four day holiday to somewhere in Europe (she told me but I have forgotten) and it’s cheaper than what my hotel is…:absolutely mental and they wonder why folk still go abroad x
Also not sure if you like Peter Kay but I am so excited he is touring again next year and will be so sad if I can’t get tickets x
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