Hi Suzanne30, stunning photos. I am looking at them on a big TV screen. I have been waiting for over 10 minutes now but the sun is not going down. (Just a joke.) I will record the some bird sounds and then look at the photos again. - Nick
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Hi christine51, I have been looking at you photos on my Laptop, and they look even better on a big TV. It feels as if I am sitting in your garden. - Nick
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Hi Debbie57, thanks for asking. I have had some problems with my back for several years now L4&L5. I will get another MRI again soon and they will also take some fluid form my spine for testing. (Does not sound so good.) - I have a new doctor now and he is better than all the others together. My knee is getting better now. Still a bit swollen but hardly any pain now. I walk about 1KM a day, but slowly (old age 70). I also have to remember to keep my knee slightly bent. - How are your knees doing Debbie? Do you take some medication? I am on some medication called Etodolac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) but they are not the best for the stomach. I also have to take some other tablets (Omeprozole) first or I have problems. - I too loved to walk, but now, it is more like a must to keep mobile. But, I also walk in the park and spoil the dogs with some treats. - All the best. - Nick
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Hi Nick,
How wonderful! My garden is always a work in progress and never neat with perfect borders like the gardens featured in Gardeners World. I hope you can feel the energy as youāre immersed in it all. I am so aching with hands like sandpaper but I will sleep well tonight. Itās when Iām not busy pushing myself that I canāt sleep and the mind wanders to darker places. It will be nice though to sit with a puzzle in summer and enjoy my efforts with a logic puzzle book (mam loved them and so I do too now).
It has certainly turned wintry again with rain and low temperatures so not sure if Iāll get much done in the next week. Will be swimming with my niece / nephew on Sat. so looking forward to that. Will try to finish some textiles if I canāt get outdoors.
My friend loved the print I got of Robin and I gave him a climber to plant as he loved lolling in the pergola (Robin, not my friend!) Still need to trawl through all my garden pics to create a folder of his cats. They love my garden and as long as thereās no fighting with Porsch theyāre very welcome. Itās lovely to have a visit when Iām making coffee with the door open. I like the start to my day, once Iāve got over the hurdle of realising mam isnāt here (happens every day). It really is like de ja vu. I always tell her I miss her but it makes no difference. Iām wondering about seeing a spiritualist to see if mam is content where she is now. Iām quite skeptical but do believe in a spiritual world. Itās not having heard from mam that is driving me mad. Not hearing from her makes me feel like she has left me behind. If she is happy and I know I will see her again I can accept that. Itās so hard isnāt it, being left to live in a void where the person made life special. While Iām busy Iām focused on the doing but when it stops, like now, I just feel so lost. Getting upset now so Iāll stop. But it was lovely to see you.
Lots of love xxx
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Hi Nick,
Very sorry to hear of your health problems. I have an issue with iron being stored and not transferring around the body so I get extremely exhausted and have to ābankā sleep to keep going every so often. Have been referred to haematology to see if they can find out why. Itās annoying because Iām healthy and try to stay active with my swimming. Must get back into that next week.
Love that you do all that walking and have treats on hand for any pooches along the way. Doing my garden is certainly a form of exercise for me with all my big jobs. Itās very cold and raining here (London) and Iām waiting for the gas man to check the boiler so canāt even pop the heating on. Mam always used to come over and be with me for visits like this. Always makes me anxious waiting.
Just been sifting through photos online to sort pics of cats for my friend. I only have 2 of Robin but lots of the other two. Heāll be chuffed I have so many. They are always mooching about the pergola and popping in to see me.
Catch up later. Looking forward to Gardeners World tonight and Gogglebox.
Lots of love xxx
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Hi @Nick22
Not very pleasant having fluid taken from your spine. Doug had two bone biopsy procedures he said they were very painful. He also took Omeprozole for the cocktail of medication he took everyday.
Due to see my consultant in May for my knees, definitely can feel bone on bone when Iām walking. I only take ibuprofen painkillers or gel for my knees canāt get by without it. Iām hoping they might prescribe hydrocortisone injections. My right is far more of a problem, that why I donāt walk for pleasure. Had physio, still do exercises occasionally but I have found my exercise bike more helpful, it allows the joint to move without putting pressure on my knees.
Sometimes I wish I had kept Dougās mobility scooter 
There is no joy in getting older, everything aches or is worn out.
Have a good weekend, enjoy your park walks. I am sure the dogs all look out for you for their treats.
Love Debbie xx
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Hi Debbie57, are you thinking about getting a knee replacement? - My neighbour was waiting for his hip replacement, but just a week before, he fell and broke the good hip. His new hip is OK but has to wait again to get the bad hip to be replaced. - You are right, the dogs love me. I just have to put on an old pair of blue jeans and protect my bad leg. - Good luck with the consultant in May. - All the best and good luck with the appointment, Nick.
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Hi Nick.
What bad luck to break the wrong hip. Consultant said knee replacement will be the last option, I know they donāt like to do it to soon, because of of wearing out and needing to do it again.
Debbie xx
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Hi Nick,
Thank you for your kind words about the photos x
I too am sorry to hear about all your health issues ans hope the pain etc is at least manageable for you x
Is the weather been ok down with you? Weāve had pretty good weather up here lately but hear itās meant to change next week to being cooler again so kinda like Christine I wish I hadnāt been so cocky and put all my warmer clothes away yet lol x
Are you up to much in the next few days? After a lively couple of days off Iām back to work tomorrow and this stupid alarm thing thatās meant to go off tomorrow at 3pm is just going to cause chaosā¦I switch my alerts off as whatever itās trying to warm me bout Iād rather not know lol x
Anyway I hope you have some good days and will check in soon.
Take care x
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Hi Christine,
I too have never heard of a honey bush but even though I donāt eat honey I just love the smell of itā¦pretty sure Iām part Winnie The Pooh lol x so thank you very much for the cuttings when they arriveā¦you said to water them well but pardon my ignorance but so I need to put them in water first to grow roots or what lol?
This week has been pretty crappy at work but I was in the groom room so not sure what exactly went on but a āsenior store managerā ie brown nosing wankstain (sorry but they are the polite words for him lol) came in as a mystery shopper (off his own back as we donāt do them) and basically the team ballsed up as it was only the junior manager in so were taking the mick so he hauled him in the office to go through him and came face to face with me eating my lunchā¦āoh I thought you were off todayā and then he started to try be niceā¦.anyway he demoralised the whole team and Iām putting in a grievance lol x I just hate liars and deceitful people lol x. This all came on the back of my best friend being told she has multiple sclerosis but she says sheāll tell me if/when I need to worry x
Anyway itās another week so will start again and today was lovely up at the Loch x
So glad that Creep has eventually realised that you are a strong woman who wonāt put up with 
ā¦.took him long enough lol x
BTW how high is that bamboo stuff?? It looks mental high!!
Glad your friend appreciated Robinās memorial stuff x
Anyway Iāll post a couple of photos from this morningā¦nothing great but hopefully youāll see my ospreys x
Lots of love 
x
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Hi Neil,
I am so glad you managed to spend a voucher and what an awesome play to spend it onā¦I dunno why the realisation that some tickets are Ā£100 should shock me as I know how expensive it is but it still did. As you said limited viewing can be very hit and miss so hopefully it wonāt impact too muchā¦when do you see it?
How did the football go? All I hear is how St Johnstone is doing on the local radio and itās usually badly lol x
I am getting fed up going into supermarkets and seeing how much everything has increased on a weekly basis. And I actually found products in M&S cheaper than Aldiā¦never thought Iād say that lol x
What do you have planned for the next few days? Apart from work think my next night out is taking the cat to the vet on Tuesday for his last vaccination lol x Pay day is next week thank heavens as I am skint but itās my own fault as I need to stop wasting money on rubbish.
Is your friend still phoning midweek? how are you finding the historically tougher days? Majority of time I feel ok but one day last week I really had the longing to phone her on my lunch break like I used to do and it kinda broke my stride for a split second but then it vanished againā¦just a wee reminder I guess x
Anyway Iām going to get a cuppa before bed so will bid you a nice night and next few days and check in soon.
Take care and much love 
x
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My usual sunrise photo lol, a couple of the ospreys (not the best but hope you get the drift and a wee grebe)
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Hi all
Christine, as always I have enjoyed your photos. Some parts look like another garden altogether and must be due to the camera angle I guess. Is that a eucalyptus tree you have? The little white flags are really ethereal looking. I like the bamboo fencing. Are they ready made or did you do them yourself. Really effective. Iāve spent a lot of time in the garden tidying it to a state Mum would like. I wish it could have been nicer when she was able to appreciate it and that does upset me but Iām trying. Iāve been so upset and distressed these last few days with this and and that. Iām trying not to bring anyoneās spirits down so Iāll move away from that topic. I have been watching a video on propagating roses on TikTok so may see if I can have a go. The shrubs from the council give away day are doing ok now and so it the Medlar Tree so Iām pleased about those. Iām trying to not go to plant shops etc as I know how hard it is when you see them, you just want to buy them all up donāt you. Might see if I can make a mobile kind of thing. Thereās plenty of things for inspiration Iāve seen in your garden!
Depends what Iām āallowedā to do I suppose. Porsche must enjoy herself with all those dangly things to think about playing with!
The motivation though is the hardest part, like a kid Iād do things for Mum and be pleased when she liked them but noone gives a toss now. Iāll see what today brings and at least Iāll try to take a few pictures.
Nick. Hi, Iām sorry youāve been dealing with those physical conditions. Thereās a saying isnāt there that only wine gets better with age and how true that is. I have pain in both knees which prevents me from sleeping sometimes. Canāt take ibuprofen either for pain relief so tend to use a hot water bottle on them at night time. I can walk ok but mobility is something I donāt think is truly appreciated til we are struggling with it. I hope the procedure you are having is as comfortable as it can be and any possible following treatment is minimal. Hope you have a peaceful day today, looks like an imminent downpour is looming here but you never know.
Neil. Hi, hope the weekend has been treating you as well as can be. Iām astounded that the price of some of these theatre tickets can be so shockingly expensive. Iām guessing that such a hefty price as that is probably an exception to the norm and most are reasonable but goodness me!
I can see you have a match on tonight, hope you enjoy it and get a favourable outcome.
Suzanne, Debbie. Loving the photos youāve both posted and the dusky sunset is gorgeous. OMG Suzanne that work situation sounds like a sitcom scene with you sat there having your lunch. Iāve never heard that expression you mentioned earlier, is it a Suzanne-special! Sorry to have read about your friends diagnosis. There seems to be such a lot of bad news around. Hope you get a bit enjoyment from the last day of the weekend. You must be so pleased the garden and pond is taking shape now. I know a gardeners work is never done (often by choice)! but it seems everything is falling into place at the right time now.
Have a good day all. Knowing me Iāll forget about this alarm and jump out of my skin!
Much love to all xx
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Hi Suzanne
First up the football was brilliant midweek as we won 4-1 and in a Euro Semi Final once more. Hope we can play like that again today!
Yes tickets are riduculously expensive so I have to find other sources to get cheaper ones but that sacrifices the good views sometimes. Usually I get quite lucky though.
My friend still phones regularly, was Thurs this week as he had a problem with his car and had to pay out Ā£1500 to get it fixed!
Looking forward to a nice lemon meringue cheesecake for my Sunday lunch dessert today which will go down well.
Also Happy St Georgeās Day , Shakespeareās birthday and Turnerās birthday!
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
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Hi Suzanne30, we are suppose to get 11Āŗ for the next 4 days with a bit of sunshine on Tuesday. The best day will be the second of May with 14Āŗ and sunny. I just hope we get a good summer this year.
You asked what I am up to the next few days. Well, I guess I will do the same as most other days (Groundhog Days). - Have not been in the park the last 5 days. I bet the dogs miss me. But, my neighbour M has invited me to meal again today. She also writes me an e-mail from time to ask me how I am doing. She also reminds me of important things I have to do (Foggy Brain). - She was over the moon the other day when I gave her a sowing machine (have not used to for years) and replaced some light bulbs the other day.
I hope you have someone to talk to when you feel lonely. - I do not remember if I have told any one before. I am in contact with an old friend of my brother. He lost his wife about 4 years ago and my brother used talk to him probably every other day. This friend and I talk to each other every day now, using a web conferencing website called āJitsi meetā. We often leave it running all day long. Even if we do not talk, it still feels as if there is someone just next door. There are also days when we watch a YouTube video via Jitsi together.
I hope you are well as can be. Take care, - Nick
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Hi Suzanne,
Love your pics, as always. Fabulous sunrise ! (cannot imagine getting up soon enough for me to be there unless itās a no sleep all night out partying scenario). Donāt know why but Iāve always been fascinated with nests of any creature and that one is certainly amazing. Love the head poking out the top. Iām sure my hutch has a fox in it as so much of the hay is out to make it a comfy bed space. Seen it a few times now at tea time, just a baby. Would love to hand feed it like Nick. It always devours the cat food and dog treats I pop out so it will be very well maintained. Havenāt seen any hedgehogs knocking about. I miss them. Thought of you on your adventures when I was flicking channels and came across a massive ant eater being freed in the wild. Thought it was a huge badger being naughty trying to fight the man. Made me laugh.
Just ordered my pond plants so hopefully they wonāt take too long to start thriving. Was out yester placing my big pots at the old shed area trying to work out where Iāll plant everything (trees and bushes). Not looking forward to that in this mud. I was sliding everywhere! Will chop some roots off of the honey bush for you and send in a plastic sealed bag to keep moist (hideous word!) and just pop in a bit of water to recover before popping in compost and leave to let it grow. It is delicious in the summer when you walk into the sweet scent. Always reminds me of arriving at the old house. Miss going there.
Babe so sorry to hear about your friend. Sheās lucky to have and knows when the time comes youāll be there to support and love her through it. Life is shit! Iām so very conscious now of health and well being that Iām always waiting for old age to start slowing me down. I want to be an old battle axe, out in the garden whatever the weather (like yester when I was determined to finish repotting the strawberries into hanging baskets in the lashing rain). Wish I had a fab greenhouse or potting shed like Monty. So tricky growing seeds when the weather is so all over the place. Have such limited room on the windowsills and itās a buggar watering them.
Another fab day in the garden yester. Managed to get the last spike and post in and fixed to the fence between rain showers, filled water butts and topped up ponds, sowed my lawn seed (h ad to order another packet as only did half) and cover with compost so the pigeons donāt eat it all. Lugged pots around and will look again to see if happy before planting in. Potted up two large climbers at the top garden. Hanging baskets for strawberries so the slugs donāt get them as easily. Hereās some pics from day before yesterday.
Dredging big pond of old grass debris.
Delighted to see new growth.
Scavenged garden for more rocks to build a more natural contouring at the back of pond (need to get more)and veryb annoyed that I lost two massive ones to the pond and couldnāt get them back out (too heavy).
Got the Diana fountain working
and set up a new working electric box for pond electrics
(lucky the lead went through the existing hole to the house)
.
Filtration box set up and working
to create a second pump and water flow back into pond
so two lots in total.
Cleared the area and added two thick boards as a sitting area to fiddle with the pipes.
Planning on creating a new seat at the top of garden using flagstones (with a cushion).
Last post is in now and all fixings done. Just waiting for metal fixes to arrive to add last 2 trellises.
New electric box set up for lights and I have 4 new lights to do.
Potted up climbers for the back wall
and plan to do pots for ferns, hostas, foxgloves etc at the small top pond
where it is very shady in summer but lovely and cool in the heatwave under cover of the trees.
Little pond is clear and ready to be planted.
Delighted by the colour combo of these little guys
and the honey bush is flowering.
New buds on the daffs about to open
and the strawberries are out of their weird shaped winter pots and into hanging baskets.
I do have to update with pics from yesterday of the top area. Not looking forward to digging in the clay. The upside of planting in the ground is that you donāt have to water as often as pots but then it bakes into solid mud in the heat so hit and miss as to what survives anyway. Just want to get rid of the mudbath when it rains.
I am so very tired today. Hard graft is catching up with me but Iād rather do it before it turns hot (heard weāre going to have a heatwave soon) and not everyone is out in their gardens.
Creep and his mate with the dogs have been very quiet since Iāve put the trellises up. Heard chat about him watching me and this being my response. Iām glad peeps are so bloody nosy because they know what I am doing is because of what he has been doing to me. I felt so less anxious being in the garden knowing I can only be seen by upstairs windows looking down. Iāll be able to see them watching me then. Isnāt it awful that I have to live like this. I was telling the gas boiler blokes all about the creep because they mentioned the cameras being the wrong way. They were shocked and said how lovely it was to have met me. People can be so nice. Iām still bloody furious that I have to live with that creep but at least he canāt see me now. Iāve even repositioned my cameras so I have a better view of him. It always shocks me when Iām telling people what he has done. That it is actually real. And that the council didnāt do anything to protect me from him. Anyway, enough of my rant!
That was a very sneaky thing to do, turning up in the shop, basically spying on staff. Theyāll all feel very unnerved now. What a twat!
Think Iāll get more bamboo. That one isnāt massive. Wish it was. I have offcuts to plant out from my friend. Might get climbing roses for the fence along the back of the pond. Something that will tear the creep to shreds if he dares getting in my garden. I have heard comments about people underestimating me. He might have complained about the height of my trellises right after I put them up because the next day I heard him saying āshe must have friends at the councilā. Maybe theyāve taken pity on me!
Be lovely when I get the fences completely finished and can relax and pop about the garden knowing I canāt be seen. It will be such a relief. How is your garden coming along? Any thoughts on doing pots for summer? Itās always a chore having to water everything in the heat. But it does look very pretty.
Iāll be getting a new neighbour on the other side of me. Just found out the hoarder isnāt coming back (thank goodness as thatās where the rat nesting was created). Hope sheās nice and not another oddball!
Right, Iāll have to make it up to Porsch after shouting at her to be quiet because she wouldnāt leave me alone to do this. She has a different cry for different things. Sheās a buggar for treats and has already had lots today. Sheāll be in a massive huff with me now.
Wish I had some toast for marmite or cheese but all I have is my veg soup for tea. Sick of it!
Keep working hard pet. The chooches will love you for it.
Lots of love xxx
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Hi Tina,
Just had a massive catch up with Suzanne so have posted all my garden pics from the day before yesterday as rained heavy yester and I couldnāt do any more. Iām driven to get these big jobs finished before it turns hot (heatwave warning but not sure when) and am quite thrilled to be nearly finished with the fencing. Last of the posts fixed now and am waiting for fixings for the last 2 trellises. The bamboo roll fixed to the trellis tops was painted green last year and I ran out of time and energy. It is very effective, Think I got it on Amazon or Wickes. There are different types. Still have to paint the back trellises to match as they went up before being painted. That will be rather tricky balancing on a ladder with paint trying not to get it everywhere. I really do feel more enclosed and safer knowing I canāt be seen by the creep and his mate (unless she watches from her upstairs window). Theyāve been very quiet since Iāve done all this work and thereās been chat about why Iām doing it (in response to me being watched). So neighbours know what is going on and what he has done. Iāve also repositioned my cameras so they are blatantly angled to watch him. Heās picked on the wrong person. I tell everyone I meet about him, including the lovely gas man and his trainee. They noticed the camera facing away from the door. Iām always really shocked hearing myself telling people about the loft and getting in my house through the ceiling. It is like living in a creepy film. Iām not glued to my cameras but he knows he has to be careful because Iāll report him asap).
It is strange seeing my garden through my pics. I was showing the gas blokes and explaining what Iām doing (a work in progress) and they were amazed I do it all myself (digging the ponds, laying the patio etc). I suppose it isnāt ānormalā. Striving to achieve is in my DNA but doing stuff āfor mamā became the most important thing after she left me, which is strange because she wonāt see it but it is a coping strategy. Otherwise I would sit and cry all day, as I do when I become overwhelmed and canāt cope. Getting out and having goals planned gets me going and I feel so much healthier mentally. GPās recommend gardening as itās so therapeutic. Thatās why I get so annoyed when your brother is so controlling of you with the garden, even though heās at work. I canāt understand why he wouldnāt want to come home in the summer and chill with a beer in a lovely tranquil setting, without doing any of the work. Is it out of spite do you think? I know how you love to garden and care for that space which meant so much to our mam. Whatever you do she will approve of and be pleased that you are still trying, however hard your bro makes things. Soo pleased my garden pics give you inspiration. I was pleased when I found my plastic garlands in the loft, and finally got my little xmas lanterns strung up after much faffing about. Will have to reposition the flags so they are in line with the lanterns creating a ceiling effect of dancing angels rather than them being low and blocking off the patio area from the rest of the garden. Whatever little trinkets you have grouping them together in odds of 3, 5, 7 etc works well. I temd to create something, live with it a bit and change it if it doesnāt feel right. A lot of the things I have are from car booties and charity shops. Havenāt been for years. Itās strange that ānormalā things become special because we stopped doing them. Since mam my whole life has collapsed. Sheād be so upset if she knew.
I often think of you all as Iām wandering around. Your chimney pot sprang to mind and made me smile when I spotted a stack of water butt āfeetā and I wondered if you had planted it up yet or have thoughts on what to do.
Would you like some honey bush root when I plant it out of itās tub? Debbie and Suzanne are having some. I know you said you arenāt doing a lot in the garden (fingers crossed that changes) but you could keep it in a sunny spot on the windowsill. It has the most beautiful smell of honey from itās pink flowers and will fill the room with itās heavy scent. Always think of arriving at mams old house. That makes me want to cry now, that sense of being back at home. I miss her so much.
Thereās so many things I wish I had done better, been better, made more effort, not done my own things that were important to me. They still haunt me but less often when Iām kept busy. But I know that this feeling of being in control wonāt last and Iāll become overpowered again with needing mam, pleading that Iāll do anything to make her come back etc . My heaviest heart is on waking up and facing another day knowing I am alone and that I just want to know she is ok where she is. People who keep busy and have no time to think must have an easier day and less time to ponder on the things that hurt us. All we can do is keep going and on the bleak days know that they can only get better. I should really appreciate the good days for what they are.
I am looking forward to your pics and pleased that the Medlar is doing well. I know I have trees or shrubs in pots but not sure what they are and where to put them so Iāll have to see over summer and then dig them in in Autumn. I have mams huge brolly (rescued from my sisters garden before the move)at the top where it is really exposed to the sun and my plan is to cover it in lace curtains to make it a bit prettier. The brolly is old and torn but it is mams and so I want it.
Raining again. I havenāt been outside today as I was changing the fishtank water. Itās always a 2 hour job with a bathroom clean after so lots of work. I sat with a hot choc looking out over the garden with a logic puzzle but it wasnāt the same as being out there. Iāve just had a mass of pigeons flapping about (about 20) looking for seed. They must be hungry. Itās lovely being in the loft and having them cooing on the tiles above. Iāll do some new seed and treats in a mo.
Good luck with the propagating. I was wondering about roses again after losing so many last year. They do well in clay and if I get them in before it turns hot they could survive, or I might pot them in compost and dig them in in Autumn. J Parkers do lost label roses cheaply (not as cheap as your bargain finds!) so I might do that and get ferns, hostaās, foxgloves etc for tubs at the top pond because everything Iāve tried to plant there just dies because the clay is too compact. Thinking of climbing roses for the fence by the big pond.
If you can get to the pound shop they do fabulous bargains (or used to years ago) on all sorts of plants. Some of those are still thriving now. I want to go but not sure if I can on my own.
Some good news though is that my niece is starting a teacher training assistant thing close by and we can start swimming after work so Iāll get to see more of her. Havenāt been swimming for a while now. Find it hard starting again after a long pause.
Is it rainy where you are? I do love the rain, reminds me of camping. If you want something soothing to watch on youtube have a look at camping in the rain. My fave is survival shelters. Iām such a tomboy!
Keep going and remember that whatever you can do is better than if you didnāt do it. I told my friend (who drinks) that he should appreciate even the small things he does and doing a small thing with the biggest impact will have a profound effect in spurring him on to do more. He had to find a box in a bedroom full of boxes but he wouldnāt get rid of the ones he sorted out, just made a pile in a corner. Getting things done keeps me going otherwise I just get stuck.
Lots of love to you and post even if you need to rant like I do. I always feel so much better for being heard.
Such pretty pigeons. Iāll try to get some pics again when I feed them.
Lots of love xxx
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Hi Neil,
Lovely to see you and I am jel of your lemon meringue pie! I thought of you when you won with the footie as it was on the news. I randomly think of you all when things pop up.
Your poor friend having to pay that for his car. Was it worth it? Iāve always been lucky with used cars as my dad would take me and knew what to look for. I run them for a few years until itās not worth getting the repairs done. I was surprised that old faithful will be ok for the London low emissions thing coming to outer London in August. People have been up in arms about it, refusing to pay, breaking cameras, blacking cameras out. People canāt afford to go to work, taxis wonāt pick up in a different zone, small shops wonāt get their deliveries etc. Ā£12.50 a DAY ! if not compliant. I know its all about the air quality but it will break people with cost of living crises, food, heating etc.
I love that you know when Shakespeare and Turners birthdays are. I forgot it was St Georges Day and knew it was the London Marathon but didnāt watch it as I was scrummaging about the garden. Also, I didnāt get the alarm alert on my phone for terrorist attacks / alien invasions! etc. If it happens and I know nothing about it I hope Iām doing what I love - faffing in the garden. Putin is mad enough, or ill enough, to do it but Iām sure thereās too many around him who would stop him. Iāve stopped following the war news like I did but have seen the pits theyāre keeping Russian soldiers in who refuse to fight or are injured and canāt fight. Unbelievable!
My little robin still watches me when Iām in the house and comes close to the window if I donāt go out. I chat to it and think of mam. Still lots of nesting going on and I have just had an order of treats for the birds so thatās what Iāll do now before my tea.
Lots of love Neil,
xxx
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Hi Nick,
I heard weāll be having a heatwave soon and thatās why Iām trying to get my big gardening jobs done. Canāt bear the heat but lolling in the garden doing puzzles with Porsch keeps me going.
Like you with your park I havenāt been swimming in a while. I run out of energy and have to rest and sleep. Itās hard starting again after a long pause. All the pooches will miss you with your treats.
I can imagine how thrilled your neighbour was with your lovely sewing machine. I have mams ancient one in my bedroom. I used to machine stitch my textiles years ago, having learned at school, but now enjoy the rhythm of hand stitching. It is soothing and easier I find than mechanical stitching. I have batches of work to finish from the winter but when Spring arrived the garden took over again. Iāll have to finish my work though in order to photograph when the light is good in summer as I do it all at the side of the house against the brick as a ratio size guide.
I know how hard it is to get up every day and each one feeling the same struggle as the last and it being a relief to get to the end of the day. That is why I force myself to be busy. If not I just sit and cry for mam. Iām pleased you have a friend in your neighbour, someone to check on you and watch out for you. And this āJitsi meetā sounds wonderful, a real sense of being with that person. Having that connection to your brother is brilliant. And your friend must feel that connection too. When Iām not able to push myself and feel like Iām drowning in sadness I feel so alone because I am alone. But I also know that however hopeless I feel it will get better and that is what I hang onto. Posting here helps me voice whatever Iām feeling and to be heard and to have love and friendship come back to me is invaluable. So keep posting because we are all here for you and each other. We are all hurting and just trying to get through each day. But I do know how hard it is for me to post when Iām so upset.
What do you enjoy watching on youtube? I was just telling Tina about my love of camping in the rain and building survival shelters. Nothing nicer when Iām snug in bed with a hot choc and Porsch snoozing in her drawer (my pjās).
Have you been watching Great Expectations on a Sunday with Olivia Coleman. Just brilliant. I do love it when thereās things to look forward to on an evening.
I havenāt been in the garden today as I was changing the fishtank water and itās a 2 hour job with the garden hose and a filter hose emptying the debris out the window. But it is good to get it done for the week. Not looking forward to cleaning the bathroom though which is what Iāll be doing after my tea.
Lots of love Nick and I hope you enjoy my garden adventures, posted to Suzanne (because she was top of the list in posts, itās whoever is there first).
Hope you get out to the park again. I always feel better for getting some fresh air and especially sunshine.
Lots of love xxx
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Hello christine51, I have been in the park again today but we had not much Sun, and yes, the dogs did get some treats again.
My neighbour loves the sewing machine. It is a small unit and it is in a basket about 35cm wide and is not heavy as some bigger machines. She has it on the floor of her living room at the moment and waiting for her sister in law to come over to try it out.
YouTube: I like watching animal videos, especially cats and dogs. I also watch technical videos, how things work. Also funny videos.
No, I missed Great Expectations. Donāt watch much TV at the moment. Strange, because I am actually a telly addict.
I am looking forward to your garden photos again.
I have noticed your electricity in your garden and I hope you have a RCD unit in your fuse box. It looks like a modern fuse and it shuts down the electricity if it detects electricity flowing to the ground. (When someone gets an electric shock.)
If you have one of the modern fuse boxes but you do not have a RCD in your fuse box inside the house, you can have one added if you have space in your fuse box. Or, you can fit an outside mains socket with a built in RCD unit. You can get one from Amazon. āBG Electrical WP22RCD-01 Double Weatherproof Outdoor Switched Power Socket with Latching RCD, IP66 Rated, 13 Ampā. - It is just too dangerous without one outside the house, especially near water. - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-wp22rcd-Weatherproof-Outdoor-Latching-Multi/dp/B006GAETZU/ref=asc_df_B006GAETZU/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=218081924305&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4466482094407589928&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045078&hvtargid=pla-382493992280&th=1
Give Porsche a hug from me and a hello from my cat Tammy - Nick
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