General Chat

Oh dear Linda, life is never dull in your house. Hope the rest of the family can avoid Covid but it must be difficult. do hope especially though that Esme avoids it. And that she is soon more comfortable from the bump and her collar bone. :-) <3

Good morning, I didn’t get to wish you a happy anniversary Joan, I hope you enjoyed your day.
It is very fraught here. My eldest granddaughter who is eleven, so not jabbed came down with Covid on Thursday morning, she has had two days of bad headaches and high temperatures, but seems to be better this morning. The youngest one has had one jab about three weeks ago because of her disability, so we hope it will protect her.
The youngest one fell over in the school playground yesterday and got a huge lump on the back of her head, so my daughter had to rush there and take her to hospital as the ambulance would be two to four hours. Eventually they decided that her head was OK, but they also thought that she might have broken her collar bone because she wouldn’t use her right arm and it hurt when they pressed it. They couldn’t see a break on the X-ray, but it could be a green stick. My poor daughter didn’t get any sleep last night because the bump is on the back of Esme’s head, so she was crying all night.
I can hear her shouting “ ow” now, so today will be fun

good morning all a beautiful sunny morning here and already at 0730 6 degrees. A gardening day I think. I did give the greenhouse a bit of a clean yesterday but it is a wooden one and starting to get rotten (after 30 years) so will never look smart.

The rise in Covid cases is probably a mix of reasons. In England I thought it was because we have been able to leave masks off (although not all of us do) but that is disproved by the fact that in Scotland you still have to wear masks. (I have read that cloth masks are not very efficient at keeping the virus out). But it could be that we, if we wish can go to events like sport matches (Cheltenham Races), theatres, night clubs etc., people are back into work, not many working from home so more on public transport. And, as Florence says it is too far from our vaccinations for our immunity to protect us. I wish they had brought in the next booster but even that will just be for six months immunity I suppose so then we will be back full circle. It does seem we are not going to get rid of it any time soon.

JustGinnie, my knee problem is wear & tear of the joints as shown on a recent xray at the local hospital here. My leg problem was last july when i woke one morning to find i was completely numb from hip to knee and 2 days later i went numb from knee to toes. I have no feeling at all in my toes or anywhere on the front of my leg. Bending it is extremely painful. Its freezing cold and my toes are purple due to lack of oxygen.

When I waddle with my stick, i just almost drag my left leg and it just does its own thing, kicking out sometimes.In MS that is exactly what you would expect. However its only 1 episode but its left me now paralysed and very immobile.

Of course im glad they didn't find me Epileptic, or a clot but now Im just left in limbo with no solution.

Joan, I think myself what's happening re Covid is the 1st jags are now wearing off and peoples immunity to Covid is now lower hence the rising of cases.
The cases in England especially in care homes are also on the rise again. There is a new strain called BA.2 and this is another variant that transmits very fast from person to person.

The 50p coin with a green heart sounds lovely. What a wonderfully thoughtful gift.

Still blowing a hooley here but no thunder or lightening like yesterday!

Off to watch me soaps now.

Oh I made a rhubarb crumble today and it was soo delicious, been ages since we had one.

Florence in the hebrides

Hello everyone , hope all is well .

Happy Anniversary Joan and OH.

Florence sorry to hear that your knee problem may not be sorted out. I damaged my knee many years ago and now am in constant pain and like you find even a small step
up painful and have to be very careful on stairs up and down.
One of my other problems is Sudden onset Vertigo which is horrible when it happens but goes away fairly quickly but makes me very wary of going out on my own.

Sunny day here so things are seeming a bit better and at least the washing is done and dried.

Have a good weekend everyone. :-D

Good afternoon peeps.
Happy Anniversary to Joan who is 55 years married today <3
That's true love Joan. Did he buy you anything Emerald green?

Well I got my results. The consultant rang to explain he had been away and there was also a delay in processing the results.
Anyway, I have def 1 characteristic of MS and that is the covering of my spine, the Myelin sheath has all been destroyed. However the spinal and brain fluid did not contain any cells related to MS that they were looking for. The 3rd test was the brain and neck MRI. It showed spots on the white matter of the brain but some of these are age related, some are not, so he could not definitely diagnose looking at that.

In short i'm labelled with Clinically Isolated Syndrome because I have 1 out of the 3 symptoms to diagnose with MS.

He has referred me to a MS specialist for further diagnosis and a repeat of the tests in the near future. He cannot tell me why i have the dizzy turns at all or if my leg will ever regain feeling. But he said that given its been nearly 8 months, its highly unlikely I will ever regain the feeling in my left leg so will be left paralysed permanently.

In one way I dont have any terminal ill ness, no cancerous cells etc so that is a relief and a blessing but the uncertainty of not having a concrete diagnosis has left me deflated and no nothing more than i did at the beginning!!

I can only hope that if I can have the steroid injections in May for my knee, that may just alleviate the pain enough for me to be able to mount a small step. That would give me more mobility.

I am waiting on hearing from the Community Nurse either today or early next week as I am now due my 2nd jag. I tel the clinic yesterday and I am on their list for a home visit.

The cases of Covid here are the worst in Scotland. A ward in the local hospital is closed to new admission and visitors are very restricted. Last night there were 144 cases. These are the numbers almost on a daily basis just now which is worrying.

Sun is shining today but yesterday we had thunder, lightening and hailstones, was pretty awful and bitterly cold. The gale put the ferries off and again later so the supermarkets have no deliveries and shelves will be empty once again.

Oh well, Island life is such and we just have to get on with it as we always do!

Hope everyone else having a good day

Florence in the hebrides

Evening ladies.
Was a bit more productive today as slept well and through til nearly 9am! Started off bright but was showery and its very cold here tonight.

Ironed the bedding I kept putting to the bottom of the pile but its all done now.
Tidied the hall cupboard....again. Not sure how it gets so untidy!

We had chicken pieces in breadcrumbs that daughter bought in the coop yesterday, haven't had them in ages. Had some chicken savoury rice with it and was quite tasty.

Joan your shepherds pie sounded delicious, hope you & hubby enjoyed it.

What a shame about the warm home discount but it will open again later in the year so keep an eye and apply when it opens again.

Hope you enjoyed your film.

Ann I remember when i lived down south back in the 80's I think, my car was covered in red sand one morning. It came from the Sahara and I was living 30 miles from the nearest coast.

Nothing much on tv tonight, just Emmerdale and Corrie but tomorrow The Apprentice is on and Question time.

Well coffee time and then soon my wed eve chat with Dad to exchange our news etc.

Have a good evening all

Florence in the hebrides

Hello Joan, if you were nearer I would invite myself to your house as your Shepherds pie sounds delicious.

It is a horrible wet, gloomy day here. I have dusted through upstairs and cleaned the bathroom but it is difficult to clean when everything is dark indoors and out. Still at least I have not got the Sahara sand that my sister in Hampshire has, all over her car and windows. We have had it here before but hopefully it may not get this far this time. It is not cold, 10 degrees just gloomy..

Oh Joan, how frustrating for you & hubby!! My daughter signed a new agreement when we moved. I typed out something to the effect, that N gives me full authority to discuss anything with medical staff when required etc...

So glad your daughter has sorted that. Well can she now request a nurse to come & check his bloods asap? All I seem to be doing is waiting & waiting.
Actually felt quite bored this afternoon yet couldn't be bothered to do much either. The weather makes us feel like this im sure.

I think the best pics of the Northern lights were along the coast from Inverness, Elgin, Forres and in Orkney on Monday evening.

Nevermind, there will be other times to see them.

Right I'm off for a cuppa before Emmerdale comes on.

Joan did you apply for the warm home discount of £140?

Florence in the hebrides

Oh what a very wet and cold dismal day!! I did not get up until 9am as haven't been sleeping well last 2 days. I showered and washed hair but my hair had other ideas today.
Blow dried it as normal but its just sticking up all over, fringe wouldn't settle, looks so untidy.
Unfortunately, i haven't managed out to a hairdresser in over a year and my lady's salon is up a huge flight of stairs above a shop. She's gone part time/semi retired too . I really hate it when you have to find someone new who doesn't know how you like your hair!

I trim it at the front myself so will carry on for now.

No post or phone calls from consultant and have to say, I am getting rather irritated by the delay in getting my results.

Hope everyone else is keeping ok.

Feel like making a rhubarb crumble today....but im supposed to be on a diet!!

Florence in the hebrides

Well I decided to have salmon fillets cooked in a little soy sauce and sesame oil baked in the oven. A few baby pots with left over salad from yesterday. Im actually feeling rather full now!

Tonight the Northern Lights are supposed to be out and will be visible in the west but not just in Scotland. I have seen them a few times but always think they are amazing.
The mist came down and it's rather wet outside now after a dry day albeit breezy.
But here's hoping there will be a good display.

If anyone is lucky to see them, come on here and share and tell us which area you are in.

Florence in the hebrides

Amokavid -
re Care & Repair.

It's a pity you've had such a bad experience.

Yes, as I said earlier, you have to be 65+, or disabled of any age.

Some aspects may vary from one area to another.
Here in Lochaber, anyone in those groups can get help - homeowners and both private and housing association tenants (although not anything which is the landlord's responsibility.)

It's basically free, but a contribution is requested if materials have to be supplied.
They don't do things which need a qualified tradesperson - which would include roof repairs.

It's not a general repairs service - it's for little DIY type jobs which a younger person might be expected to manage, but which an older or disabled person might find difficult or impossible, impacting their quality of life.

Like Florence, I live out in the country - I'm 20 miles from their base - but they've been very helpful.
Perhaps I'm just lucky to be in the Lochaber area!

Good morning peeps from a breezy place out west! Bin lorry came and was glad there was no shower but it is very windy. Stayed outside for 15 minutes to get some fresh air and feel better for that. Briefly chatted with my neighbour as she was getting her bin in which was nice.

Met my new next door neighbour on Sat eve as it was him who delivered my Tesco order lol. He said if ever I need something, just to let him know the day before like bread or milk and he would get it. How very kind. Think he is late 30's and on his own. Anyway he has a job and was smartly dressed so thats counts for something in my books.

Daughter away to town today so just usual chores tidying up and laundry etc. My seeds are growing well by the day, so i'm really chuffed with them.

Covid cases are rife here still and no sign of decreasing and flu cases are rising too.
I guess the first lot of Covid jags have worn off now and so peoples' immune system will be lower.

Oh well back to it, hoover is calling me

Florence in the hebrides

Thanks Argyllgran
Im out in a village some distance from the town but thanks for the info. I do know of them from others who have used them. My daughter managed to stand on the chair to change the lightbulb so we are all sorted now.

I do have a local community development company who do things for pensioners/disabled so if i need something, i could ask them for help. To be honest, I almost feel Im not old enough to access some of these services as I am only 60 but im getting my grass cut 2 weekly for £10 each cut as I am registered disabled so that in itself is very good of them. They are also giving each household in this area £150 towards their fuel or food bill, how generous is that? They are a registered charity and make money from the wind turbine they installed. The income from the electricity generated provides grants and facilities for the area.

I tel the hospital and spoke with a secretary as the one I wanted wasnt answering the phone so i rang another. She could only say that no letters or reports have been sent yet and she would email the person asking her to contact me. I haven't heard anything yet and it's now Friday afternoon and the lady in question finished at 1pm!

I varnished one dining chair this morning but shall leave it until next week before I start another as daughter complaining about the smell of the varnish!

It's still a dry day but freezing cold and quite windy so the heating may have to go on about 4pm today.

No idea what to make for tea. Daughter away in town and out for lunch so no big meal for her. Think pizza and chips with peas will do, yummy.

Florence in the hebrides

I'm not sure where in the Hebrides you are, Florence, but maybe Care & Repair Scotland can help you with small jobs around the house.

28 local authorities in Scotland have branches, including in Stornoway, and on South Uist and Skye:

13-15 Francis Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2NB
Tel: 01851 706121 (option2)
tighean.co.uk

Cothrom Offices
Ormiciate
South Uist
HS8 5SB
Tel: 01878 710200


Morrison House
Bayfield
Portree
Isle of Skye
IV51 9EW
Tel: 01478 612035
https://www.lsha.co.uk/handyperson

The services provided vary from one area to another, but it might be worth asking.

Here in Lochaber we have the Lochaber Handyperson Service, which is a subsidiary of Lochaber Housing Association, and they'll do all sorts of small jobs -
including changing light bulbs! - for anyone over 65 (home-owners and private renters, as well as Housing Association tenants), and disabled people of any age.
The service is free, although a contribution towards parts or materials may be asked for.

They won't do anything requiring a skilled tradesperson, so it 's really just DIY type jobs - but SO useful.

https://lcr.org.uk/our-services/handyperson-small-repairs-service/

I'm about to ask them to clear out my roof guttering, which overflows when it rains -
so it's done that a lot in the last couple of months!

Good morning peeps.
Its a bright sunny day but it is very windy and extremely chilly outside.

The seeds I planted on the 4th March have nearly all sprouted!! Im so surprised as its only just a week but very pleased with the results.
I finished daughters table with the correct oil based varnish. The water based one was dreadful and gave no shine. So I re-sanded the top and re-varnished and now it looks lovely and shiny. I have already sanded a kitchen pine chair and that's ready to varnish later.

Only trouble is, I found after about 1/2 hour my finger joints were aching when sanding. I think it's the arthritis in my joints so will have to do short bursts rather than 2 hours say all at once.

Still waiting on hospital results! I telephoned on Wednesday as it was 3 weeks since I was away, left a message but nobody tel back. Going to ring again at 9.30 today and see what the situation is. My anxiety levels are bad with the waiting and worrying!!

Hope everyone ok. Joan if you are looking in, hope all is well in your corner?

JustGinnie, I have been waiting for a 3 seater recliner we ordered last year but it was out of stock and has never appeared yet. My local sofa man said he had chased and chased but nothing coming. We have a 2 seater recliner and my leather office chair but if I was to get visitors, I dont have a large comfy sofa for them.

All these discount shops DFS, SCS etc look good until you look at delivery charges and for us folk so far north, it's as much as £150 between 2 delivery companies so for now, we shall leave it and carry on as we are.

Right off to telephone hospital.
Have a good day all

Florence in the hebrides

Morning all,
Chilly and breezy here but dry. Did the beds yesterday and managed to get all the washing dry out on the line. Ironing also done and put away. Having a cuppa and nosy on here before I get the vac out . Our neighbours are drilling again, nice people but love DIY at least they keep it to the day time. :-)

At the moment I am looking for 2 sofas, ones that aren't too big for our small room some of the ones I have seen are much bigger than the ones we have now more like a 3 seater than a 2. There seem to be a lot of these 'snuggle' sofas around which are really just xl armchairs. Will just have to keep looking.

Ginnie

Evening peeps.
Well its was very bright day but oh my soooo cold. The grasscutters came to look at my back lawn & front just to estimate the time it will take. The local community company will do it for me for £10 as im over 60 and disabled. Really good of them and a very cheap rate too.

I stripped my bed again today and cant wait to get into fresh linen. Always love the first night.

Son has tested negative so all being well if its the same tomorrow, daughter is coming on Wednesday. Made a lovely smoked pepper mackerel pate for my tea with a side salad, was very tasty.

Hope all is well with everyone

Florence in the hebrides

Morning all
Ann If a friend could take me to town with them I cant stand for any length of time with my leg the way it is. Last time, daughter was with me & we took a taxi there & back...£80 no less on a Saturday but I had been standing too long and in the supermarket near the end of our shop, i took a big dizzy turn. Was awful with people looking. They did get me a chair and water and eventually it passed.
The turns are so random! Im still waiting on test results from consultant!

I have pots just outside my front door so can take 1 in at a time and transfer plants once they are big enough. To be honest, probably only half will take. Many were free packets from the gardening magazines bought last year. But we shall see.

Post been & gone and nothing for me today but my friend will get the white spirit in town this afternoon and then pop it round later so I shall have the evening and tomorrow to varnish.
Not sure when daughter coming back as her brother has the virus!!! Shes not feeling so well today but tested negative.I dont mind the peace and place is tidy with just me here.


Its actually quite a nice sunny day with little wind and not too cold. I ventured outside earlier for fresh air and was quite pleasant.

Joan I'm sure the broth will be very tasty...the chef always gets a taste before anyone else lol.

I do struggle at times now wondering what my future holds.
In 2 years I have gone from working everyday and totally independent, driving etc and helping others to total dependency on others for getting out etc.Its hard to get my head around how quickly my life has changed in such a short space of time and Im only 60.

It just goes to show how things can change when you are least expecting it.

However, I can do quite a lot for myself, shower, wash, dress etc and cook & clean in my own time so I am grateful for that.

Well my stomach is rumbling so lunch is calling, a smoked salmon salad sandwich to finish up whats left and a coffee.

Haven't decided on my evening meal yet but fish & chips from the freezer sounds a great idea.

Enjoy the rest of the day peeps.

Florence in the hebrides

Good morning all
Florence, the trouble with planting all those seeds is when it comes to time to pot them on as they will soon outgrow the seed trays. Hope daughter will be there to help you when you reach that stage.

Are there no community groups in the area with, maybe, somebody who could give you a lift to town and help you shop. We found, due to lockdowns and Covid, several of these type of groups were formed with volunteers happy to help. Maybe they have all gone back to work now though.