2023 Diary - Page 35

25 August

Yoga first - it was really nice this morning because Kevin had overheard somebody saying how stiff they felt so we spent a bit of time at the beginning getting less stiff - really good stretching.

EDF came and fit a check-meter - it's a device that checks tat our meter is reading our usage properly. It will be interesting to see the result.

I tested out part of the walk for Sunday so I could work out joining places for anyone who didn't want to walk the whole way.

As we hadn't been able to have our takeaway last night, we went to Xi'an for lunch - very tasty!

Park Watch was my next job for the day. All nice and quiet in the park with a few people enjoying the afternoon sun and the birdlife.

Knoll Open Air Cinema was today's final event. I was a steward and, as expected, some people went to Broomhill instead of Broxbourne so I spent 10 minutes over there in case of strays! The film was "Mamma Mia" - really good once the sound was sorted out. I guess around 120 people or so were there so a really good turnout.

26 August

Gym (weights today) then I'd promised Netta I'd take Miro for a walk. He was really keen to get out and about. Unfortunately, it started raining and I know Netta was concerned about him getting wet and taking any germs etc. back into the house (she's just had an operation) so we turned round and went back home. Miro was dried as best we could before he was allowed into the house. The cacti type plants are at Netta's front gate - I always like to see them.

I went to pick a courgette for lunch and no sooner had I turned my back on the shed than Oli was inside so I couldn't lock it up. No gardening this afternoon because of the wet weather.

Jonathon took two loads of garden rubbish to the tip - making the most of the last Saturday we can take Shaun out without paying the ULEZ charge.

The outdoor cinema film today was "Top Gun - Maverick" - full of adventure and very enjoyable. Despite the pouring rain up to half an hour before opening, about 100 people turned up.

27 August

Gym then church. Johnstone and Angela led the service so it went on a bit longer than normal but it was very upbeat.

Bob had given me some cooking apples so, having had pork with apple yesterday, we had chicken and apple curry today! Thankfully, Gilda will take some home with her tomorrow so we don't have too many left to eat up.

I dug up some self-seeded Sisyrinchium and potted them up. A few people admired them when they came round for the Open Garden earlier in the year and when I'd offered some plants on Knoll Sharing they were snapped up. They have all been potted up and three of the five people who wanted them have already collected their share.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. She was tired because she'd been to Carole's for dinner so hadn't had time for her usual sleep.

I led a Knoll Active Walk in the evening. We went to Petts Wood and did the Green Circular Walk. There were 10 of us altogether (Steve's not in the photo).

The reason I'd chosen Petts Wood was to see the heather in bloom. It was a lovely evening and, although the walk was longer than we usually do, I think they all enjoyed it.

28 August

Gym (no class because it's a Bank Holiday) then Gilda came and we tried the Bear Hunt, Part 2 for the third time. This time it was successful and I now have a walk for next Sunday! I didn't take any photos of the bears today but did take one of Simba, hiding away in a tree and a potential refreshement stop on the route.

Jonathon met us at Aqua for lunch. It was lovely but I was very full so had to have a good sit down when I got home to let it settle.

I got some gardening done (grass edged and a bag load of weeding) and J cut the grass cross so it's looking a bit tidier.

29 August

Gym and work today. Work was deadly quiet with hardly anyone in the office (Bank Holiday weeks are often quiet). Hopefully there'll be more to do tomorrow.

Went for a wander at lunch time and came back through Leadenhall Market - lookedlovely with the light shining through.

Met Nicola for dinner at Thai Square. I had Pad Si-ew for a change - really tasty. Nicola was in good form, having just come back from holiday.

30 August

Gym to start today then I decided I should pick the tomatoes while it was daylight (knowing I'd be late home from work). I don't remember having anywhere near as many tomatoes in earlier years and we've only got 4 plants this year - they've gone mad.

Work wasn't quite as quiet today so the time went a bit faster. I spoke to Pete to find out what had happened re the change in my contract and, apparently, there's an unwritten agreement that I'll support both Workout and Credit as needed regardless of who my line manager is. That's what I've been doing anyway so no real change!

I walked past the Tower of London and round St. Katharine's Dock at lunchtime for a change. It was a bit dull, grey and drizzly but better than sitting at my desk.

I met Mark at Caravaggio for dinner - lovely.

The sunset as I walked over London Bridge to go home was lovely. I spotted a Lloyds Visa card on the bridge so picked it up and called Lloyds so they could cancel it.

Jonathon was a busy bee - two photo shoots this evening - one in Docklands and one in Balham so nowhere near each other.

31 August

Today is Jonathon's birthday so we went to Whitstable for the day. We'd not been there before but really liked it so will, no doubt, venture over there again.

We had a lovely time walking on the pebble beach. We called in to Grain and Hearth for the most amazing pastries and coffee first. We had ice cream at Morelli's, lunch at The Rose in Bloom (fish and chips for me!) and more coffee at Amadea (a Croatian bar) on the way back to the car.

I'd been to the gym before all that so I should sleep well tonight!

1 September

Yoga with Kevin this morning and we never know what he's going to do with us from one week to the next - definitely keeps it interesting.

I helped Jonathon get Oli into his travelling basket so he could go to the vet because his tummy is still a bit upset. They think he might have feline irritable bowel syndrome so we have to give him some tablets twice a day for five days

Carol and I played tennis. I think we are improving slightly week by week but we certainly enjoy ourselves and it runs off some energy.

I cut the first batch of hydrangea heads for Linda - they are now in the shed drying our a bit.

I did Park Watch today because we were out yesterday. One of the Canadian Geese was poorly. Alicia and Lizzie had spotted it and contacted Greenwich Wildlife Network. Thankfully Paige and Liz were available so they came to rescue it and take it away for assessment.

The rest of my "shift" was pretty quiet - just one or two "characters" wanting a chat but perfectly harmless.

We finished Bob's apples off for tea - baked with sultanas and doused in custard - very yummy!

2 September

Only a short stint at the gym this morning because I had a few household chores to do and I knew I'd be going on a long walk in the afternoon / early evening.

We had lunch outside today - so nice after the rubbish weather we've had for a lot of this Summer. Oli has had his flea treatment and seemed quite happy to munch his cat yoghurt with the first of his tablets in it. He now has a new collar as well so hopefully he'll forgive us before too long.

3 September

I took it easy in the gym this morning. My knee was a lot better than last night but still not 100% so decided not to push it, knowing we were going on Bear Hunt Phase 2.

Only 5 of us were on the walk but my fellow walkers were very enthusiastic and interested in what I showed them so all good! We started hunting for bears on Belmont Open Space, walked down a lovely street called Kemnal Road (some amazing houses) and across Chislehurst Common.

We called in to the Ramblers Rest for a well-earned drink then walked down to Chislehurst Station to see Commuter Bear and Ticket Master Bear before coming home.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. She seemed to be on really good form today so we had a good chat.

Christine called. They'd been to a wedding yesterday and had a good time. It's Gordon's birthday tomorrow - he will be 74 and still full-time farming.

4 September

Did Circuits this morning, with adjustments as required so I didn't mess up my knee again. It seems to be about 95% OK now so not concerned about it.

Gilda came and we tested out a walk for Sunday. Elmstead Woods and Chinbrook Meadows for a complete change (but we still saw some bears). We agreed that it would be too much for the Sunday walkers so will start at the far end (Grove Park) and walk back to Elmstead Woods, taking in the Peace Garden, Totem Poles etc. en route.

We met up with Jonathon at Masala Dabbas for lunch. The food was as good as usual but the service was a bit haphazard! We never did get the poppadoms we'd ordered.

Jonathon went to Bromley to pick up some gadget or other he'd bought while I stayed inside away from the heat (why does it always warm up when the children go back to school??)

Alice from Stephenson emailed to let me know nobody else was getting close to the offer from Mr. Rennie so we have now accepted his offer and it's all systems go on the land sale. I messaged Dean to let him know. Coincidentally, he was silaging the field at the time.

I went to Priory Gardens early evening to collect my calendar for next year from Jacqui. I decided that Mum might like one as well so Jacqui went to get a second one from her car. By the time she got back, a few of the younger yobs had come into the park so I stayed with her until they looked like they weren't going to cause any trouble. By that time, Steve had arrived so we had a chat with him.

I called into Lesley's on the way home because she'd message me to say that my certificate was ready. I'm not sure I need a certificate but, apparently, some people like such things!

5 September

Back to normal in the gym today because my leg seems to be recovered so I'm happy about that.

Walking over London Bridge in the sunny weather on the way to work was really nice but there were loads of people going into the City today - not sure where they'd all come from but it was almost like pre-pandemic times.

Work was a bit chaotic as Chris told me what he wanted me to do but some of the others hadn't been told the same. I think we got it sorted out in the end.

I went out for a walk at lunchtime but stayed in the shade as much as possible. It seems strange that it can be so warm this week when only 2 weeks ago, we were putting jumpers on.

I had my appraisal with Ulrike this afternoon - all OK as expected.

I met Mark for dinner at Cote. We had a table outside but it was complete chaos - far too many tables and customers with not very organised waiting staff. The food was good.

I bumped into Shreena on the way home so caught up with her news - Amelie goes back to school tomorrow after her long summer break.

I dropped Raworths a line to let them know about the land sale.

6 September

Gym and work - usual Wednesday.

The St. Mungo's charity garden has really settled in well and it's lovely to walk past it on my way to work.

We have plants in the office now and it looks a lot better, even if they are typical office plants (low maintenance). We are still waiting for the art work to arrive - goodness knows when that will arrive.

We had the front drive cleaned today. Alan has done a really good job and it looks amazing. there are some gaps where the mortar stuff has come out so he's coming back in October to sort that out.

7 September

It was really misty when I went to circuits this morning but that soon burnt off and it was an amazingly warm and sunny day. Despite that, there are lots of signs of Autumn coming along with leaves changing colour and the Autumn Crocuses in flower.

Carol and I played tennis. We still think we're improving each time we play which is encouraging. Either way, we still really enjoy knocking the ball around.

I heard back from Jakub at Larchfield re Dad's care fees. He's not had anything from North Yorkshire Council despite chasing so we're back in limbo again. The council is so inefficient - I'm surprised they survive.

We had dinner outside and I enjoyed the warm weather, sitting outside (in the shade of the large umbrella) with my paper, crossword etc. until it was time to go to Priory Gardens for my Park Watch and litter picking shift.

It was really quiet in the park - perhaps too hot for people to do much. I bumped into Alicia, Lizzie and Michael who were looking for Tango (a hawk who's escaped from his home!). They had seen him up a tall tree earlier but he'd moved off into some pretty dense vegetation so much harder to find.

Sonia and her two children came round because she wanted to talk to Jonathon about IT back up etc. I took the kids to feed the fish and pick raspberries and tomatoes while they talked tech.

I watered everything that needed to be watered. Tomorrow we'll need to top up the pond because it looks really low. Hopefully, it's only evaporation rather than a leak!

Jonathon went up to London to shoot a gig. He initially thought he was just taking photos of one of the acts but seems to have been coerced into doing the whole thing.

8 September

Yoga first - it was incredibly hot in the studio so quite unpleasant and not conducive to doing any form of exercise at all. I had a good chat with Gregg and a couple of visitors at his market stall on the way home. One of them was telling me how much Shaun is going up in value - he's a Japanese classic apparently!

Nicola phoned Jonathon to ask about a new camera (hers got damaged on her recent cruise) while I went to John Castle's to deliver the Agenda and other papers for the next Worship Team meeting.

My next errand (after I'd got the washing in which had dried beautifully on such a warm day!) was a Boots run for various bit and pieces.

We just about emptied the water butts near the garage by filling up the pond so then had to top those up using water from the large back up butts. The pond definitely looks a lot better now and the water is where it needs to be.

I hid under the umbrella for the rest of the afternoon until the heat had died down a bit then pruned the Cotinus and did some other bits of gardening, including watering the veg beds (again).

Jonathon went to London to shoot a gig at the Saatchi Gallery.

9 September

Another scorcher of a day with the recorded temperature in our back yard at 17.36 reading at 34.4C - ridiculous weather, especially for September. There was a "high pollution" warning issued because of a Sahara dust cloud that was heading our way but, up until now, it doesn't seem to have arrived. I hope it stays away otherwise everything will get covered in fine, scratchy sand and the pollution levels will rocket.

Gym to start the day then I sweltered on a bus to go and join Kirsty, Marcia and others for a Well-being walk at Scadbury Park. I thought we'd be walking round the circular route as normal but that wasn't the plan apparently. Instead, we wandered through Chislehurst Common for a while (until I asked them it they realised we weren't in Scadbury any more and the Common would come to an end soon!), turned around and wandered a small bit of the circular route before deciding it was too hot and going home.

I let Jonathon know I was on my way home - he was heading down to Sainsbury's - so we agreed to have a drink and ice cream at The Orpington as we were both in the High Street.

The rest of the afternoon was spent hiding under the umbrella until it was time to water everything. Once that was done it was time to come inside to the relative cool of the house, albeit that the temperature inside was still far too warm!

Today is supposed to be the hottest day of this hot spell so, hopefully, it will start to cool down now.

10 September

Gym the church today (back to normal for a Sunday).

It was another hot day but didn't feel anywhere near as unbearable as yesterday and I even managed some gardening (pruning) before Skype with Mum. I didn't get the first bush finished because the bees were loving the Sedum and I didn't want to disturb them so I moved on to start the Corylus - that takes a few days!

Mum said she's not been well but feeling better today and she was going to have some tea which is a good sign.

We went on our usual Sunday evening walk. It's never quite the same group although there are overlaps. They're a friendly bunch and quite happy to chat with whoever turns up!

As planned, we went to Chinbrook Meadows and Elmstead Woods - they are an easy bunch to please and show interest in everything we see so it's no hardship to lead a walk!

11 September

Circuits with Ela to start today. It was a different set up and Jo and I agreed it wasn't as much fun so, hopefully, Ela will go back to "normal" next week.

Jonathon went to Devon to stay with Mervyn and Anne for a few days. The garage door decided to stop working just before he went but Hayes Doors didn't phone back so I had to manually shut it as much as I could but allow a gap so I could still get out!

The weather was perfect for drying washing - not quite as hot and with a lovely breeze - so I got a load dried in a couple of hours.

I spoke to Raworths about the land sale and have now gone through the process of ID using an app - very advanced compared to what we do at work!

I spoke to YBS re Mum's house insurance but there was no movement on the premium and they couldn't deal with me because it's a different part of the organisation to the one that's already cleared me as Dad's Attorney - Hmmm. I've sent them a copy of the POA so hopefully that will get that sorted.

Jo and I tested a walk for Sunday (no Gilda today because she's on holiday). It's a walk we've done quite a few times but I've not measured how far it is before so that was today's main task (6.31 km). With the reent dry weather, my feet were filthy by the time I got home.

I spoke to Sainsbury's house insurance team when I got back (I couldn't get through this morning). Their premium quote was quite a bit lower than the renewal quote from YBS but they won't cover Dad's hearing aid because he lives in Larchfield rather than with Mum in the insured property (not helpful). Back to the drawing board.

I had two sessions with the Corylus today so I can now see progress is being made. I only allow myself 30 minutes at a time so I don't overwork my shoulders. I'm almost at the point where I need Jonathon's long arms!

Caught up with Christine. She didn't have any real news but we had a good chat.

12 September

It was raining when I got up this morning. The dampness really brought out the colours of the setts on the drive - lovely!

Gym was followed by work then home so not a particularly interesting day.

My trip to Munich was cancelled - apparently it will be very busy towards the end of this month and I need to be in the London office! Let's see.

I didn't see Oli before I went to work but he greeted me when I got home and had his tea and a bit of a groom before he went back out but at least I know he's OK.

13 September

Had a chat with Irene while I was pounding on the treadmill then she went off to join the Flamingos gym session with Jo and Dawn and I came home to get ready for work.

The trains were to pot when I got to the station. My normal one was "delayed" with no indication of a likely time but the one before it was also running late so I caught that. Surprisingly I got a seat (fast train so quite unusual to get a seat in Orpington) so all good. As I arrived in London Bridge a bit earlier than I wanted to go into the office I walked over Tower Bridge to enjoy the morning sunshine.

14 September

No Circuits this morning because Ela wasn't working today. It gave me a chance for a bit of a sleep in before I went and worked with some weights instead. The sun rise was lovely as I walked out of the front door.

Next on the agenda was tennis with Carol. Unfortunately, it didn't go quite to plan because I went for a shot and lost my balance, damaging my head (plenty of blood!) and my left hand and wrist. Thankfully, my head was fine and Boots mended my glasses while I waited. My hand and wrist swelled up nicely. If it's no better tomorrow I'll go to A&E and try and get it X-rayed to make sure nothing's broken.

Teresa came to do the cleaning. She was still here when I went off to do Park Watch. I didn't take my litter picker with me today because of my poorly hand. Good to see that the drake mallards are back (ducklings grown up so they've come back in!)

Had a quiet night in.

15 September

My hand isn't quite as bad today but I'm glad I cancelled yoga - there's no way I could manage cat and cow let alone downward dog! I had a gentle walk on the treadmill instead then caught up with Jo who was very concerned that I'd broken my wrist (I'm sure I haven't). One of her friends, an international squash player, won an award in Hamburg recently, tripped on the way back from collecting her prize and broke her wrist in two places. Mine is nowhere near that bad!

Pacey's called to say the strimmer was ready so I went to collect it but I took it easy other than that during the day. Thankfully, it was a lovely sunny day and the sedum are making the garden look bright and colourful so it was no hardship to sit in outside under the umbrella.

Gilda messaged to say she's come home from her cruise with Covid so wasn't able to join us at Sadlers Wells. Her friend, Alison, had Covid during the cruise so no real surprise Gilda caught it as well.

Alvin Ailey was our treat at Sadlers for the evening. When I got up this morning, there were seven of us scheduled to attend. Obviously Gilda had to drop out but then I got a call from Derek to say that he and Maureen had got to the station only to find that they had no trains so they weren't able to join us. They missed a treat - the show was spectacular - this is definitely one of my very favourite dance companies.

16 September

Did some treadmill in the gym. My hand/wrist are slightly better but definitely not up to weights yet!

Measured a route for a future Knoll Active walk because I won't have time to do it next week. It was a nice walk until a couple of very noisy trail bikes came through the wood and scared me half to death!

Jonathon came home from Devon, having popped in to see his Mum and Dad. I'm sure they were surprised but very pleased to see him.

I phoned Sadlers Wells to change our tickets from the 4th October because ASLEF have called another strike date that means we wouldn't be able to get there. I managed to get tickets but we had to pay a few pounds extra because we are now going on a Friday.

17 September

Gym and church. I'm not sure why but my hand hurts more today than it did yesterday! Perhaps it's a sign of it getting better?

Church was chaos because not many of the uniformed organisation youngsters turned up but the service was duly done with various people roped in to help.

Jonathon stimmed the long grass and it's now going to lay there for a week until we get back. By then it will be time to rake it all up and mow what's left. Luckily, he got that done before the rain came but we got wet applying the nematodes. Jonathon somehow managed to fall so he's got a cut on his arm now.

He went off to Vauxhall to do a photo shoot while I spoke to Mum on Skype. No real news, just planning some logistics for while we're up there.

I led a Knoll Active walk - 10 of us today. We stayed local because the nights are drawing in. Next week will be the last one where we can set off at 5 p.m. so I've run a poll to check what alternative times would work for people - seems Sunday after dinner is the most popular.

Had a chat with Christine. She was having electricity problems but we'll catch up with news when we see each other on Wednesday.

18 September

A quick visit to the gym (still no circuits because of my hand and wrist) then finished the packing before we headed north. The journey wasn't too bad traffic-wise but the weather was quite wet in parts with lots of surface spray. We called in at the OK Diner for something to eat and arrived safe and sound at The Knaresborough Inn (formerly The Dower House) for a 5 night stay. It's hard to believe it's the same place that we've stayed at before. It's had a complete refurbishment and the room we were allocated (Number 20) was in the area that the gym and pool used to be. It all feels very new and spacious.

I popped up to see Mum for a cuppa then met Jonathon in the Market Place and we went to Six Poor Folk for crumble, custard and a drink before heading back to the hotel for the night.

19 September

Got up and went for a walk before breakfast. It was chilly and very wet but I got a few steps done (no gym to go to while we're in Knaresborough so outside walking is required!)

Breakfast was OK but not brilliant. The flow of people going to get their food wasn't very organised and the fruit selection not great but what we had was OK.

Spent the morning and early afternoon at Mum's sorting out the direct debits (moving from joint account to her sole account) and catching up with filing etc. We made really good progress and all the suppliers were very helpful.

Went to see Dad in the afternoon. He wasn't well at all today. Still in bed because the hoist had broken which wouldn't have helped. Apparently the hoist was mended while I was there so, hopefully, he'll be able to get up tomorrow and join in a bit more.

Treated ourselves to tea at our favourite Knaresborough restaurant but didn't have room for pudding so we'll have to go back tomorrow for that!

20 September

Not as wet today (only light showers) and a lot milder. I went to Jacob Smith Park for my walk and watched the sun try to peep out from behind the grey clouds.

Drove over to see Christine and Gordon, having bought cheese, bisuits, pate etc. on the way so we could have a indoor picnic with them. It was good to see them after such a long time (and also good to get rid of all the jars I've been collecting for Christine!).

Next stop was Angela's to catch up with their news. John was working in his office upstairs (with the dogs) but we saw both Jess and Grace, as well as Angie.

21 September

I found a new alley way or two to wander along this morning and ended up at Water Lane. I heard the cow before I saw it - it was moo-ing quite plaintively so perhaps one of its friends was missing??

Breakfast was more organised so they'd clearly taken on board comments about the flow of guests etc.

Our main event for today was visiting RHS Harlow Carr - it was as lovely as always. We spent quite a bit of time in the bird hide watching the small birds flit to and fro from feeder to feeder.

Jonathon drove back to the hotel and I walked to Harrogate Town Centre (he joined me later on the bus). I found a new dress for winter wear so very pleased with myself!

Jonathon went to YBS and identified himself (again), did a trawl of the charity shops then we both went to Rohan where I got a new waterproof coat for winter.

Dinner was at Vivido (very tasty!) then back to base for a rest.

22 September

Up and out early this morning so walked about 7 km before breakfast. Went along the River Nidd the called in at Mum's on the return part of the route to collect some papers and a box to save me bringing them back later when I had my bag etc.

I went back to Mum's after breakfast and did some more admin and a bit of gardening (filled the brown bin!). I was just about to leave when the LifeLine lady arrived so I helped Mum with the form while the lady did the test call and that meant all the calls etc. for the change of account to Mum's sole account were done!

Jonathon was planning to go to Long Preston to the main Rohan shop but he called first and they didn't have what he was looking for so he stayed local. We met in Knaresborough Market Place and went to the Lavender Rooms for lunch - very tasty.

I went to see Dad in the afternoon. He was in much better fettle today and managed a few games of dominoes before he wanted to go back to the dining room where the other residents were gathered. I left him there then realised I'd been with him about 1.5 hours so no wonder he was starting to get tired.

23 September

I got up early and went for a similar (but slightly longer) walk to the one I did yesterday. It was cold and dark when I set off and not much lighter when I got back!

Jonathon went to get the "thank you" cheese while I did the packing then we set off for the long drive home. There were warning signs for delays on the M11 so we drove down the A1 to the M25 for a change and got home in good time.

Unpacking done, two loads of washing done and a bit of shopping bought then we settled down to watch TV. It was so nice to be back in our comfy chairs! Oli put in a brief appearance but doesn't seem to be perturbed by the fact we've been away at all!

24 September

Gym and church so (kind of) back to normal). I had a go at the weights this morning but didn't use the upstairs ones (too hard for my wrist). The downstairs ones tested me enough! I was pounding away on the treadmill when, all of a sudden, it stopped. It was quite a shock. Apparently the plug had got so hot that it had melted a bit and there was smoke coming out of it. I didn't realise I'd been making it work so hard!

The lady who was supposed to lead the service at church wasn't able to get there - stuck up in Hartlepool with a broken car. Margaret stepped in (she was going to lead the baptism part anyway) and all went well.

I raked the long grass up and Jonathon cut the grass so it looks nice and tidy. I edged the grass and got about two thirds of it gathered up before I ran out of time. Also did a bit of pruning just to tidy the roses and grape vine up.

Led the Knoll Active Group on a walk. This is the last week we'll set off at 5 p.m. because we're losing the light towards the end of the walks now.

Spoke to Christine but we didn't have much to chat about, having only seen each other on Wednesday.

25 September

Today started with a lovely sunrise.

I went to Circuits and did what I could without hurting my wrist / hand too much - didn't do too bad.

Carole messaged to say Larchfield had let her know that Dad had tried to get up in the night and fallen. He's not hurt becasue he has a mattress at the side of his bed but they thought they should let us know.

Oli "helped" me with the gardening in the afternoon - mainly by getting in the way and wanting a fuss!

I went to St. John's Worship Team meeting in the evening (I act as the secretary). It was a fairly lively discussion so all good.

The day ended with a lovely sunset!

26 September

Gym and work today - back to a normal Tuesday.

There are some new art works near London Bridge and Riverside - promoting animal welfare and making people aware of the danger / risk of extinction. Each of them has a story on a plaque to explain what they mean.

Mum was quite poorly in the night. Carole went round to see her - she's a little bit better but still not right. Carole will call the GP if Mum is still poorly tomorrow.

Hayes Doors came so we now (finally) have a garage door that works - long may that last!

27 September

Mum is seriously poorly. Carole messaged this morning to say she was really worried about her so got the GP to call for an ambulance. It arrived within 30 minutes and Mum was whizzed into hospital. The medics think she has had a "heart episode" rather than a full blown heart attack but she is a very poorly person. Thank goodness Carole was there when she had the "episode" and knew what to do. The alternative doesn't bear thinking about. At least she is now in the right place to be helped and hooked up to rehydration and oxygen machines. We are all on tenterhooks while we see how she gets on.

Pauline phoned in the evening. She'd been to see Dad - he was doing OK - then on to see Mum so both she and Carole had had a very busy day.

In other news, I went to the gym and work then to Sadlers to see English National Ballet. Two of the pieces were lovely, the middle one - well, I'm not sure what to say about that but if it had been the first I doubt I would have stayed for more!

To 2023 Diary (Page 36)