2023 Diary - Page 36

28 September

Usual busy Thursday with circuits, tennis, Teresa and Park Watch.

I had a long chat with Carole this morning. Mum is marginally better today. Both Carole and Pauline went to see Mum at different times. Mum was aware enough to tell the medics that she wouldn't want to be resuscitated should it come to that (no surprise to us because she's always said that). Medics have agreed that it's a sensible decision but they still don't know what the root cause of the problem is so yet more tests required etc. Early indications are that she's had an ischemic attack (minor heart attack).

Mum has confirmed she would prefer me to stay here for now and go see her when she gets home - that could be a while yet!

29 September

Yoga to start today. I had a word with Kevin about my wrist before class and he gave me some alternatives for when the wrist based exercises cropped up so I could still join in.

I went down to get my hair cut (10 a.m. appointment) but they'd double booked so I got to The Orpington earlier than planned for brunch. Thankfully, J wasn't that long in joining me. I had the special today - spiced black bean, guacamole, tomatoes, creme fraiche on a tortilla. J had my poached egg with his toast! On the way home I popped to the market and picked up nine cyclamen for Jo's birthday present from the Flamingos. I just need to keep them alive and healthy until Wednesday.

Jess and Michelle at the YMCA had asked Jonathon for some pampas fronds - more than last year if possible. Last year they got 12, this year 40. I'm sure I can find them some more if needed. It will be interesting to see what they do with them.

My hair appointment was rearranged for 1 p.m. and I am much happier with it this time (it will look better once it's been washed!). I don't think my lovely Turkish lady (still don't know her name) could believe how short some of it still was, even 6 weeks after the other man had cut it.

I took advantage of the lovely, sunny day and walked to John's to deliver the Worship Team minutes. I'd done my steps by the time I got there so hopped on a bus to come home.

Carole messaged to say Mum is a bit better. She is managing to drink and has even had a tiny bit to eat today. She's still got pains in her chest so will be x-ray'd to find out what's causing those. There's an awful long way to go before we can be sure she'll make a good recovery but at least she's going in the right directon.

Jonathon went out to Toulouse Lautrec for a photo shoot.

30 September

It's hard to believe it's the last day of September - such a lovely, warm, sunny day. The sky looked spectacular after last night's Harvest Moon.

Went to the gym (as usual) but that's when "normal" stopped because there were a lot more flamingos there than normal! Judy had rounded us all up for a surprise birthday party for Janet and Jo had agreed to host it at her flat.

It was great fun and lasted a lot longer than I expected but that's probably because we were all chattering. It's ages since we were all together. Lisa was missing because she has a poorly back and Vivienne is on holiday but everyone else was there.

Nick and Judy had made a cake - three-layered sponge with a flamingo theme to the decoration.

Jonathon disappeared to Tunbridge Wells to photograph Think Floyd soon after (a late) dinner. He had a choice of three gigs tonight but ASLEF (train drivers) went on strike so he couldn't get to two of them so the decision was made for him - he drove!

Pauline went to see Mum who was a lot perkier so seems to be on the mend. Mum now has her phone again so I'll be able to call her tomorrow.

I finished my steps for the day with a trip to the High Street. Called in to see Michelle and Jess at YMCA to check they'd got enough pampas but they'd like another 10 if available. I'll cut them tomorrow so J can take them down.

1 October

This month's challenge is to walk 14.6 km for 14 days of the month so I did a lot of "walking" in the gym on both the cross trainer and treadmill so I could make a start.

I phoned Mum when I got home. Our first phone call was cut short because a nurse came in to see her and our second because it was time for her to get washed but at least I've now spoken to her. She didn't sound too bad and is clearly making progress towards getting better but is still poorly.

No gardening today. I think I overdid it a bit yesterday because my wrist is hurting today so I took it a bit easier. The only thing I did was cut more pampas so J could take it to the YMCA shop.

Our Knoll Active walk started at 2.30 p.m. and we went to Keston. There was a good crowd and two dogs but I still struggle to understand how they can take so long to walk such a short distance! Interesting to see there was an ice cream van (Shirley's Super Whip) so most of us took advantage of that.

Had a chat with Christine - no real news.

2 October

Went to the gym as usual then did quite a bit of work on the treadmill to get plenty of steps done. Judy messaged to say she'd tested positive for Covid and asked me to change the Badminton court booked for Wednesday from her name to mine so I went back to the gym to do that. One of our neighbours stopped me for a chat so what should have taken about 15 minutes ended up taking about 40! Tina, from church, also stopped me for a couple of minutes to let me know her mother-in-law had died (it was expected because she's been poorly for a while).

Had a chat with Pauline after she'd been to see Mum. Mum seems to be coming along really well so hopefully she won't be in hospital too much longer (and also not booted out before she's ready!)

Gilda came for lunch at 2 p.m. (we went to A Mano) then we walked around Goddington Park, Lilly's Wood and various streets to make a circular walk for Sunday. It came in at 7 km so quite a bit longer than last week's walk.

Gilda and I went to the Churchill Theatre in the evening to see "Everybody's Talking about Jamie" It was very well done (touring from the West End).

3 October

Popped Jo's birthday card near her door on the way to the gym.

Work was not too busy. Liba was in the office so I could have a catch up with her. I had time to go for a wander at lunchtime and decided to look for some "pretty things" to photograph. There were a few flowers here and there, particularly outside the Coppa Club near The Tower of London.

Carole went to see Mum. Mum is much better and has been signed off medically now but still isn't that strong on her legs. The physio will assess her tomorrow to see if she's able to go home, move to Station View (convalescent) or stay put for a day or two.

Mark and I went to Haz for dinner. I came home to find out that Jonathon had been at hospital all afternoon with Bob, next door neighbour. Bob had an appointment and was intending to drive himself there but his car wouldn't start and he had no way of getting to Beckenham. Jane, Bob's daughter, met him at the hospital then went back to work while Jonathon brought Bob home.

4 October

We had Jo's surprise birthday breakfast today and it went really well. Sharon had bought some French flags, Dawn brought a birthday balloon and Janet had baked cupcakes. Together with the cyclamen, the table looked very colourful! We played badminton before breakfast and I was pleased that I could still hit the shuttlecock, not having played for about 50 years! I helped Jo carry her goodies over to her flat and got a bonus snuggle with Coco who's staying with her.

Alan, the drive cleaner, was already at our house when I got home. His job for today was refilling some of the cracks between the paving sets with Geofix. It took him all day because he was really careful.

Mum messaged to say she thought she would be leaving hospital today. Carole is satisfied that Mum should be able to manage at home on her own and the physio / occupation therapist is visiting tomorrow to help Mum with the steps to the back door etc. She should get a new three wheel walker within a few days which should also help. I spoke to Carole about heading north - she's happy for me to stick to the original plan of going up at the end of October so we've booked the hotel.

We had lunch outside, even if it was a bit chilly but it's amazing to eat outside here in October so we made the most of it. The garden is looking pretty as the colours change. The birds are starting to eat the grapes and autumn is definitely here.

I mapped out a potential route for a Knoll 5k and sent it to Carol and Steve. I have no idea if it will go ahead what with insurance and regulations but they now have a route to work with. While I was doing that, Jonathon took Bob for his Covid jab because the AA came but couldn't fix his car.

Jonathon and I finished pruning the hazelnut tree so that's done for another year.

Carole messaged about 7.30 pm. to say Mum had arrived home.

5 October

Gym to start today then had my Health Assessment with Ela. It wasn't booked but someone cancelled at the last minute so she slotted me in. All OK albeit not quite as good as last time but I was forgiven because my porrly wrist doesn't allow me to do as much with weights as I should! Ela told me I should wear a wrist support in bed so I bought one from Boots. By the time I'd had my assessment and done a bit extra on the treadmill then got home I didn't have a lot of time to do much before dinner!

Teresa came and did the cleaning while I was out walking / doing Park Watch.

Pauline went to see both Dad and Mum. She managed to set up a video call between Mum and Dad so they could at least see each other. Mum seems to be doing fine.

Jonathon went to Toulouse Lautrec for the evening.

I haven't been feeling 100% the last couple of days so did a Covid test - it was negative so perhaps I'm just a bit run down.

6 October

Gym but no yoga because I had to go to work today. I spent most of the day doing on-line training (sooo boring!).

I went for a walk at lunchtime to enjoy the unseasonally, lovely weather.

Six of us went to see "Message in a Bottle" - music based on Sting's / The Police's songs with ZooNation (Kate Prince's dance company) doing their amazing hip hop moves. Jonathon managed to get there on time despite some idiot on the train pulling the cord and getting off the train so the lines had to be closed. It had been sorted out by the time we went home (thank goodness).

7 October

Gym first but I couldn't stay very long today because Irene and I had booked to go to a presentation by Bromley Demetia Hub at church. I wanted to go because of Dad and Irene because of Veronica. It was really interesting and, although most of it was common sense, Irene picked up some useful tips about how to speak to Veronica on her "fuzzy" days.

I spent some time sitting in the garden, enjoying the sunshine after lunch. Clearly the starlings thought they'd join me. We estimated there were between 80 and 100 at one point!

Had a Skype call with Mum. She seemed OK and was pleased that Pauline had visited today so she could have a shower and hair wash (P didn't help her, she was just there in case of need!)

Finished my steps with a trip to Sainsbury's.

8 October

Gym then church. It was Harvest Festival today and loads of people had brought breakfast food (as requested). It will go to the Orpington Food Hub tomorrow to be provided to people who need it. I donated money rather than buy yet another box of cereal.

The weather is still really lovely with the temperature up at 24C this afternoon. It's no wonder that some of the plants are confused. The Alstromaerias and Ceanothus are both in flower - the bees and butterflies are still around and enjoying the warm sunshine.

The Knoll Active Group walk was through Goddington Park, round Lilly's Wood, along a couple of country lanes then back into Orpington town centre. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we had a couple of new people join us which is always good.

Had a chat with Christine after I'd caught up with the ironing. Jonathon also had a chat with her about the quote she'd received for solar panels - basically it doesn't look promising! I shortened the sleeves on my new dress ready for Thursday. The weather looks cooler for Thurday which is good because it's a dress for Autumn rather than Summer!

9 October

Circuits to start the day then I phoned Harry (Raworths) to find out if there was any news on the sale of the field. He's had some initial comments from the buyer's solicitors but not much. Alice (Stephenson) heard from the buyer that their solicitors haven't had any info so something's gone awry. I've asked both Alice and Harry to follow up.

Gilda, Mark and I went to Scadbury Park and went round the circular route then wandered over to Ole Kyiv in Chislehurst to meet Jonathon for lunch.

By the time we got back to Orpington I only had about 25 minutes before it was time to head off to Park Watch. There was loads of litter to collect but it was quiet and there was no trouble so all OK.

Jonathon went to Holborn for a photo shoot and I had an early night!

10 October

Gym and work today. I came across another of the animal sculptures on the way to work and spotted Proteas moored alongside HMS Belfast at lunchtime. Apparently Proteas is the newest ship in the Royal Navy - I wondered why there were so many RN bigwigs around in posh uniforms as I walked past Belfast on the way to the office!

Gilda, Jo and I went to see Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet at Bromley - it transferred out of Sadlers really well.

11 October

Gym and work again today. I spoke to Alice at Stephenson and we agreed the changes to the Basic Payments Scheme clauses in the sales contract so I could go back to Raworths. Once done, I sent an update to C&P to let them know what's happening. Thankfully, the buyers still seem very keen so I'm hoping it will all go through.

Nicola came to see Jonathon to talk about cameras while I was at work. Hopefully he was able to help her but he's not sure how much of the advice she took in.

It was pub quiz night so the Flamingos flocked in to The Cricketers and we won by three clear points!

12 October

Circuits and treadmill to start the day then back home to get ready to go out for lunch. We went to The Ritz with Derek and Maureen. Before lockdown we went about every 12-18 months but haven't been since until today. It was just as good as we remembered (albeit that the prices had gone up!). The food was delicious, the service first rate - they certainly know how to make their guests well cared for.

Maureen and I chose from the fixed price 3 course menu - sea bream, duck and raspberry souffle for me. Same for Maureen except the starter. Jonathon and Derek shared a Beef Wellington and declared it amazing. Jonathon was too full for pudding which is almost unheard of!

I did nothing much for the rest of the day but Jonathon went back into London for a photo shoot (venue no good) then on to Toulouse Lautrec (definitely good).

13 October

Started the day with yoga - it was good to be back but I still can't put any weight on my left wrist.

I got wet going to tennis but Carol and I had a good run around chasing the ball.

The weather dried up so we had dinner outside and then I spent the afternoon gardening. My main job was to plant out wallflowers but I had to dig the irises out first. Hope the new plants do well in their new home but I'm concerned that the soil might be too acidic being under the fir tree. Time will tell.

Jonathon went back to Toulouse Lautrec (I've suggested Nolan should give him a bed there!)

14 October

Gym the brunch at the Orpington before Jonathon had to go back to TL for a double bill today. One act this afternoon then Georgia Crandon in the evening.

I led a walk for Knoll Active. There were eleven of us today and we were very pleased that the rain stopped before we set off.

Part way round we found a knife so Allison took that to Bromley Police Station after we got back home. Other than that, the walk was very pleasant and uneventful.

It was much cooler today and we can't switch the heating on because the thermostat is away for repair so I lit the fire for the first time this season.

15 October

Gym and church as usual for a Sunday. The church was really full with a large Christening party. I don't think many of them were church-goers but they coped quite well with following the rest of us standing up and sitting down!

The Nerine are adding a lovely splash of pink on the left hand side of the garden. The acer is in that area as well, together with most of the Sedum which are now a deep pink. Very pretty part of the garden.

Had a Skype call with Mum. She had her Covid and Flu jabs yesterday then went to see Dad - no wonder she was feeling tired today.

16 October

Circuits and treadmill before Gilda came for our Monday walk. I'd been challenged to work out some walks to find the 18 local coal posts (old tax posts) so I'd conjured four walks up and we tried the first one today. It was about 7 km but some of the hills (both up and down) were very steep and long so I'm not convinced that all the Knoll Active walkers would cope. It was still a good walk along country lanes around Downe. The cat notice is near Romney House Cat Rescue.

Jonathon joined us at The Queen's Head in Downe for lunch. It was OK but I'm pretty sure we won't be going back there.

Jonathon programmed in the new thermostat so we have central heating. As it was only 3C when I went to the gym this morning I am delighted that the radiators are now working!!

I did some gardening in the afternoon so there are now four sacks ready for the tip. Shaun passed his MOT but will need a couple of rear tyres before long.

Covid test was negative.

17 October

Gym, work and back home today so nice and quiet.

I went for a walk in the sunshine at lunchtime and came across the Halloween decorations at The Tower of London.

The back door handle decided to stick when I got home so Jonathon will be on the phone to repair people tomorrow to try and get it mended before we head north.

18 October

The sunrise was lovely this morning - caught on the way back from the gym - good to tell the nights are getting longer!

Work was back to back calls from lunchtime onwards so I didn't get out for a walk. That said, we were on security lockdown anyway because there were some protestors at the north side of our building (not sure what they were protesting about).

19 October

Only one bit of real news and that is that I tested positive for Covid this morning. I only tested to be careful (again) and was shocked to see the line against the "T". I spent the next while cancelling all the appointments and arrangements for the next couple of days!

Jonathon picked up the photos for Mum's birthday present so I could put that together and get it wrapped up.

Oli had the best idea and hid upstairs most of the day despite it being very mild outside (he doesn't like damp very much).

Jonathon went to Woodturning Connect, Master's Exhibition at Pewterer's Hall. He didn't buy anything - most of the pieces he liked already had red dots against them - but he took a few photos so I could see what I'd missed. I had to stay home so the kitchen got a really good clean (Teresa obviously didn't come).

By the end of the day, I'd only done about 5k steps - can't remember the last time I did so few!

20 October

I can't remember the last time I slept in for two days in a row but that's what Covid does for you! Still no nasty symptoms - just feel like I've got a cold.

Cleaned the bathrooms today and did more admin (I think I'm about caught up now).

Jo said she'd "take me for a socially-distanced walk" this afternoon. Unfortunately, Coco is on enforced rest at the moment to help her knee recover so she wasn't able to join us.

I think Jo thought I'd be quite poorly instead of up for a 5 km walk, testing out a slightly revised route for a potential KRA 5km run. The route now works at 5km so I think I've done my bit. It was good to be out and about and to get 10k steps under my belt. I should be OK to go for a walk by myself tomorrow all being well. No point in doing another Covid test today - I'll wait and do one on Sunday.

21 October

Another day, another sleep in. I was going to get up a bit earlier for a walk but it was pouring down so I took a drink back to bed and read my book for a while. I did go for a damp walk after breakfast and went home after 10 km so a good start!

Had a Skype call with Mum. She was on good form and said she was feeling a lot better and less tired.

Jonathon went up to town to Cecil Sharp House to do some photo work and I took advantage of the drier weather to go for a shorter walk. I just went to the River Cray and by the time I was coming home it was getting dark. The nights are really drawing in.

22 October

I got up a bit earlier today, did a load of washing and another Covid test - still positive so still no gym etc. I went for a long walk instead - 13 km today. I had a vague idea where I might go but also kind of made up the route as I went along. It was a lovely, frosty, crispy, sunny autumn morning - perfect weather for a long walk.

I contacted Gilda to let her know that I wouldn't be able to go to the Churchill Theatre with her tomorrow. Her usual theatre friends weren't availble but Marcia said she'd love to go (and she knows Gilda from last week) so they are going to meet up and, hopefully, enjoy Tony Blackburn's Sound of the 60s. It's a shame I won't be able to go as I was really looking forward to it

I spent the afternoon gardening - weeding the vegetable beds and watering in the final slug nematode treatment for this year.

Had a chat with Christine and arranged to go over for Sunday dinner while we're in Yorkshire next weekend.

23 October

Did another 13 km walk this morning and finished my steps later in the day so I've now completed this month's fitness challenge (14.6 km for 14 days in October). Today's walk took me through Crofton and Newstead Woods, along loads of alleyways, through Green Street Green and Goddington Park so it was a good variety of walking, scenery etc.

Jo messaged to say she was worried about Coco (she seemed very sad) so I suggested she should come and see us to see if it would cheer her up a bit. She's a very sociable dog so is not enjoying being grounded while her leg gets better. She seemed very pleased to see us. Jo also took her for a bus ride to give her a change of scenery so, hopefully, she's a bit happier now.

Gilda gave us some lemon drizzle cake when she dropped her car off to go to the theatre. Once she'd left, I tested for Covid (needed for work tomorrow) and, hurrah, it was negative. Whilst that meant I could have gone to the theatre after all, it makes sense to give myself another evening to recover. I'm sure I'll hear all about the show!

24 October

It was dark when I set off for the gym and still dark when I got back home! It didn't help that it was drizzling as well.

Work was work with lots of Webex calls so the day didn't drag too badly.

Gilda, Jo and I went to The Churchill to see The Merchant of Venice. It was a really great production and very poignant, particuarly with what's happening in Israel and Gaza just now.

25 October

Gym and work. Yet more Webex calls, mainly training for our new system.

The best news for today was that one of my photos is in the local paper this week - a nice surprise!

Harry from Raworths returned my call from Monday and I think the sale contract for the 3-cornered field is now in agreed form, subject to any questions / amendments the buyer side has.

Spoke to Alice at Stephensons. She followed up with Mr. Rennie (buyer) who was going to chase his solicitor to find out what they delay wasas he was hoping to have exchanged by now (I suspect it's the local searches taking a while to come through).

Exchanged messages with Dean re a deed confirming that his tenancy would be terminated on completion. He was really helpful (as usual).

Did the packing ready for heading north tomorrow.

26 October

With the packing all done last night, I had a bit of a sleep in this morning then went to the gym for a run around. Did some bits of shopping on the way back (some of which I should have done on Thursday last week or Monday but Covid got in the way) so I'm about up to date again.

By the time we'd got the car packed up, Oli brought down from upstairs and the alarm set it was after 11 a.m. so later than we usually set off but there was no deadline to get to Knaresborough.

We had jacket potatoes for dinner at Sacrewell Farm. It had good write-ups on a website that Jonathon had looked at (just to make a change from OK Diner) but it wasn't what we were expecting when we got there. Half term probably didn't help because the centre was having a Halloween special all week so there were loads of kids there. The JPs were tasty but I don't really like eating with small wooden cutlery!

28 October

Although it was an hour or so later today when I set off it was still dark. I didn't go far, knowing that I'd be walking in Harrogate in the afternoon.

I went into Knaresborough town centre after breakfast and did some bits of shopping then had a nice cuppa at the Lavender Tea Rooms.

I headed up to Harrogate early afternoon. I treated myself to a scone and cuppa at Harrogate Tea Rooms - don't often get the chance to go there but I prefer it to Betty's and there are no queues - before heading over to Larchfield.

The main purpose for this trip north was to help Mum and Dad celebrate their birthdays. Carole and Pauline had prepared a birthday tea and we all met up at Larchfield where Carole had commandeered the library room for the five of us so Dad wasn't overwhelmed.

We had a lovely time. Dad was a bit unsure at first but got into it and seemed to enjoy himself with the Pass the Parcel and the country music sound track that Carole had found.

Apparently he was scheduled to have a birthday tea with the other residents after we'd left but I suspect he wouldn't want to eat much at all.

Jonathon tried (in vain) to go to Long Preston to the main Rohan shop but the road was closed so he gave up. He went to Harrogate mid-afternoon and visited the Rohan shop there then trailed round the charity shops so had a nice few hours. I joined him at Vivido for dinner - delicious as always.

It rained on and off all day so we were glad to get back to the hotel and put our feet up.

29 October

The extra hour in bed with putting the clocks back was very welcome but it was still dark when I set off for my morning walk. I went a bit further today because I knew there'd be no real time to do walking later on.

The sunrise was brief but beautiful and it was lovely to see the Autumn colours from the crag top.

The hotel was fully booked so we went to breakfast as soon as I got back to avoid the rush - I'm glad we did because it was very busy.

Carole and I met Mum at Gracious Street Chapel. It was interesting to see a different style of service with Ken from LICC giving a presentation and a special thank you from Gordon (the minister) for the people in the church who are involved in family ministry.

I even knew 3 of the 5 songs today which makes a nice change at Mum's church.

Jonathon and I went over to see Christine and Gordon to have lunch at their local pub. It was really busy so we had a while to wait but it was good to catch up with them.

We called in at Monks Cross on the way back so so Jonathon could have a look around the supersized charity shop then a quick visit to Mum's to put her photo montage on the wall for her (it wasn't there because she'd taken it to Carole's with her!) and leave a couple of books.

J went back to the hotel while I spent a while at Carole's with Mum, Carole, Gareth, Marie, Andy, George and Henry. Graeme wasn't well enough to join us but he says he's starting to feel a bit better.

There were a few Halloween scarecrows scattered around Knaresborough - this one was my favourite!

Jonathon went to get something to eat for tea at Two Brothers (I'd had scones etc. at Carole's so didn't join him but started the packing instead).

30 October

Didn't get up as early today because all we had to do was get home and there was no deadline! Wandered down to Jacob Smith Park for a stroll round (very damp and muddy). Thankfully, I took a wrong turn on the way there and saw this lovely pumpkin.

Stocked up on fruit to bring home so we could have some for tea, had breakfast, checked out and started the long drive home. We got stuck in South Yorkshire because of roadworks but the journey wasn't too bad after that.

We picked up milk when we filled up with diesel and got the first load of washing done as soon as we got home. Oli and Whitelegs were both pleased to see us.

Steve had dropped off the newsletters for me to deliver so I trotted round and did those to finish my steps. He had created a verse about a witch for Halloween (the first three verses) so I added a couple of my own and sent them to him (what a team!)

Beneath the witch's crooked tree, On Halloween's dark eve so free
She danced with the sinister moon, A wicked waltz, a haunting tune

Her cackles echoed through the night, A spellbound sky, an eerie sight
With bony fingers and gleaming eye, She conjured magic, raised the high

The moon a withness, cold and pale, In its ghostly light, her secrets unveiled,
With spells and curses, in shadows she'd swoon, On that unholy eve, under the cursed moon

And with her cat, as black as night, She surely is a fearsome sight.
They soar up high upon her broom, Casting doubt, despair and gloom

And if, by chance, they fly your way, A heavy price you'll have to pay.
Her spells are dark, she gives no joy, She terrifies each girl and boy.

To 2023 Diary (Page 37)