Eternal Refuge

As most of you know Auntie Joyce caused me a lot of stress much of my life, but especially over the last couple of years ... finishing with her telling me (and the nurse present) that I was not family.  Anyway I ended up going up on Wednesday, later than originally planned, as Claire had said she would come with me.  So although it made a late night on day 1 it did give me company ... and a navigator on a couple of occasions.

We went to the Care Home on the following morning, and emptied the room, with most of the stuff being pack for a Charity Shop.

We then went to our Grandparents grave, which is where Auntie Joyce was planning to be buried (they bought a triple plot in 1975), and then onto the bungalow.  Claire wandered round and took photos, of both the property and meters etc.  I spoke to a friend opposite, and then we packed up a few items that looked OK, as most are more Charity shop style ... but there were a few books of my grandparents, a couple of glass bowls that were also belonging to them.  Just as we were leaving Tim phoned to say that he had just heard from the solicitor to say that we weren't allowed in the house, as everything would be sold ... as it turns out that the will leaves most of the assets to Charity.

So I drove to where I had to register the death and phoned the lady to apologise ... she was fine.  I was careful to not mention the books/bowls, but there again, she didn't ask.  The sad thing is that Auntie Joyce wore a ring that had been her Aunts, a present from my great-grandmother to my great-aunt ... and I will have to buy it to keep it in the family.  So frustrating.  Also there is a picture that Mum had painted for her mother-in-law, which again I will have to buy!

Anyway add horrific weather, a closed motorway, and an on-coming cold ... and it was close to 1am before I got home again. 

Friday I worked in the morning and evening ... during the afternoon I had a call from the undertakers to say that the town council say there isn't space for Auntie Joyce in the arranged plot!  So I have to wait for the solicitor to be in work tomorrow (she only works 3 days a week) to be able to get her to try and sort things out.

So sad that we can't just organise our Aunt's funeral without all the tension.

But, the good news is, that other than the funeral I won't need to keep going up and back like I expected ... a 500 mile round trip this time of year isn't fun!

Sorry to grumble ... but ...!!!!!!




So I worked Friday, although I really felt poorly by the end.

Sadly when I woke up Saturday I felt even worse, so I had to pull out of going to our family get-together.  I had made some cheese straws on the Friday afternoon, so dropped them over with apologies, and spent the day in bed.

I had promised to work on Sunday, which I don't often do, and again it was a struggle to get through the shift.  For both those shifts I was by myself, speaking to people on the phone, or across a desk, and amking sure I didn't cough at the wrong time!

Today, and tomorrow, is a day off ... but I have to make phone-calls about Auntie Joyce ... so at least I will be resting.

I hope all is going well with you all, I will try and catch up tomorrow.

But ...





11 – Stretching Day: How flexible are you? Do you do any stretching or flexibility exercises regularly?
Sorry, never been a great one for doing stretching exercises, unless I am recovering from an injury




I will post the photos from last Monday, as well in a minute x

Actually I can tell you!

I didn't get my Well photos finished, but will do, I promise .. at some point. They are mostly sorted, but as ever the days get away from me.

I spoke to Brenda on Thursday afternoon and she said that she still hadn't got Nick to make a decision about the visit to Auntie Joyce. Then Friday, when I got back from work it was to a text from her saying that she would take me up on my offer. So I grabbed lunch, threw a change of clothes in a bag and headed up to N&B's. I got there in time to have a nice chat with Tom, who is in the process of moving out, as he is going to do a house share with 3 friends. They have been friends since aged 5, and all work in Bristol, so are going to see how that works out. So it was good to see him and catch up.

I had dinner with N&B, and Joe and his girlfriend, so again, nice to catch up with them.

And Saturday morning was early ... Brenda drove and I bought all the food. Auntie Joyce is certainly frail, as you can see, but as my other granddad would say "creaking gates swing the longest". She was fine, and although Brenda tried getting her to see that she either needs to go back home, or to sell the bungalow, but she went round in circles. I did assure her that whatever she wanted the family would help/support etc, but all I got was an "ok" ... so it was good to see her, and with Brenda there I felt cushioned from her negativity. So, all in all, a long day, but we were both glad we did the trip.








Then yesterday, being Sunday, and I was tired, I didn't turn on the pc ... so now I have catching up to do ...



14 – Look Up At The Sky Day: go and have a look out the window at the sky and tell us what you see (if anything!)
Ad Mum would say, today it's a "concrete sky" ... in other words just flat grey.

15 – World Art Day: what is your favourite piece of art? Have you ever seen it or only admired it in pictures?
I do like Canaletto's works of Venice, and have seen some. I like John Constable's "The Hay Wain" and yes, I have seen that as well.
But sometimes a picture really grabs me, and one that did was The Monarch of the Glen when I saw it

16 – Garden Month: Do you have a garden, or access to a community garden? Is your garden all flowers, or do you grow herbs, vegetables, berries, etc.? If you live in an apartment, do you have a balcony garden?
My garden is 100% patio, but it is surrounded by tubs of flowers ... I have tried tomatoes, and also mint, but didn't work out ... so stick to flowers. I do miss mowing, as I always did Mum & Dad's grass.

17 – International Bat Appreciation Day: Have you ever seen a bat in the flesh? Real bat or Batman, which is better?
Sorry, the oly bat I appreciate is Batman!


Right, let's try & get photos sorted ... will hope to catch up with you soon x

As I did last year I am meeting up with Brenda and Claire.  Last year it was to go shopping for our dresses for Andrew's wedding.  This year it is just to meet up for lunch ... and we are meeting in Exeter, so that means I can have a glass of "water" as well, seeing as I am not driving.

Work today was OK - last shadow shift, so really fairly quiet.  Sue knows the hospital well, so I am hoping that she can cope when she has a busy morning, and no volunteers around.

Anyway, before I go to do some cleaning (my kitchen floor is really screaming at me) ... here are 2 days as I won't be around tomorrow -



15 – World Hippo Day: How much do you know about hippos? Have you seen one outside a zoo?
Umm, not much - and no, only in zoos.

16 – Innovation Day: Are you the creative sort who can easily come up with new innovations, or are you better at following-up with developing other people's ideas?
Actually, I am better at followiing orders ... too nervous I think to work out my own inventions.



Right - let's get on. See you Friday x

#6

In your own space, post the results of your fandom scavenger hunt. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.


1. A favorite character
2. Something that makes you laugh
3. A bookshelf
4. A game or hobby you enjoy
5. Something you find comforting
6. A TV show or movie you hope more people will watch
7. A piece of clothing you love
8. A thing from an old fandom
9. A thing from a new fandom


1. Come on, look at my name. It may be the name I chose years ago, but the character of Spike (from BtVS) is still amazing ... love his story, his highs & lows ... and a great actor to portray it!

2. This is a Christmas card made by a friend. I loved the Val Kilmer version of Batman, and love Ewoks (neither of which Chis likes), but she drew this card of Val Kilmer as an Ewok ... but, didn't realise till she saw me open it, that he has 2 sets of ears ... But that just makes the card more special, and gives me a smile.

I realised that Auntie Joyce has affected my health ... her comments (added to past history) has really taken a toll.  This last week although I have been able to work, I have not had the focus or energy to do anything in the evenings or on my afternoon off.  I am also colder in general ... yes, I know the weather is colder, but it's that deep body cold that I can't seem to shake.

So I have been a good girl and not LJ'd (sorry), I have pulled out of playing my clarinet at Church over Christmas, and a couple of people who should have had letters with their Christmas cards have had a "I'll write in the New Year" in the card instead.

Today we have the family get-together ... it's at Tim & Claire's, with both families.  However, for me, it won't be a late night, as England is playing tonight so all the arrangements got changed to fit in with that.  Once it starts I shall head home.  I have made a rice salad (as requested), and made some mince pies for myself this morning ... so that is a positive day (so far)

Now I am going to get organised, and have a rest before I walk to my brother (see, I do listen to my body).  I am working Monday, so hope to pop back in Tuesday afternoon.  However sadly I will admit I doubt I will catch up with any of you before that ... sorry.

But, before I go -





9. Have you ever actually punched someone (not counting a friendly jab to the shoulder)? Have you ever been punched?
No ... and No (although I have thought about it😉)

10. What product’s packaging do you find excessive or inadequate? What sort of packaging do you hate the most?
I hate when some things are wrapped in something, and then wrapped in something else ... when it's not a case of a fragile item. It is good that a lot of things are now being wrapped in paper, or cardboard, rather than plastic

11. In terms of personal care products (shampoo, toothpaste, skin care products, deodorants, etc.) do you mostly stick with the same brands, or do you like to try new ones? Are you influenced by price, e.g. buying what's on sale, even if it's not your usual brand?
Deodorants & body Spray (I like the smell) ... yes.
Toothpaste/shampoo/shower gel ... whatever is on special
Make-up etc ... don't wear it!!

12. Is there an ingredient you put into almost everything you cook, even if the recipe doesn't call for it? Is there an ingredient that most recipes call for, but that you tend to leave out?
Don't tell the cardiac people ... salt.
I am not a fan of garlic, so never buy that.




See you Tuesday x

Oe of the main reasons I go to London is to commemorate Remembrance Weeken.  So, as I posted a couple of days ago I was at the actual Cenotaph.  However the other place I visit is that of the Field of Remembrance at St Margaret's Westminster.  I plant a cross of remembrance for Dad in The Home Guard (that he served in during WWII), one in The Coldstream Guards (that his father served in during the 1920's).  I then plant 2 crosses in the Northamptonshire Regiment (one for my Granddad who server 1915 - 1918, and one for 2 friends who I used to meet there every year , who were WWII veterans).  This year I also planted a cross on behalf of Claire and her family as Richard had served in The Royal Corps of Signals for 22 years (he had a standard on his coffin at his funeral)







This year, there was also a plot to commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth II



I also spotted a couple of popular London sights







... and as it was November, the Christmas lights were up -

... so here I am today, then will dissappear for another couple of days as I have another week of extra shifts.

On a very positive note I am doing well tiredness wise.  Yes, I am getting tired, but mostly not until evening times, so it's good that I can do this extra work ... and with a holiday, and 2 weddings (one of which abroard), as well as the additional trip for the funeral, then my Bank balance is also thankful!!

Anyway, yes, I had a great birthday.  I went to Newton Abbot and round the museum before Christine treated me to lunch, and then we had a 5 mile walk.  I will be posting photos, but they are going to be delayed.  As I type this I am uploading photos from my day in Exeter to share with you all.  So I will catch up ... but it will be gradually over the coming week(s).  However I suppose that means I won't be spamming you!.

Anyway after a good day I drove home and then to Tim & Claire's (remembering to take Tim's pressie with me), and Claire cooked a lovely steak dinner, and she had made me a birthday cake ... so I was truly stuffed, but felt very lucky in my family & friends for my birthday.


Then the following day Tim pucked me up late morning and we drove, via McDonald's(!!), to Brenda's dad's funeral.  The weather was awful, with a couple of super major, but short, hail storms.  It was lovely to see all the family, as well as some distant family and people I know from the Church I used to go to.  Geoffry was 98 and had been a missionary in Nigeria (where Brenda was born), so it was a "Thanksgiving service" in it's true meaning. 

Then Sunday was Church and work, as I think I had already said.  I never book a Sunday, but wouldn't want to leave a hospital short-staffed either, so will do an emergency cover.

On Monday I drove towards London, getting stuck in traffic for about an hour around Stonehenge.  I actually spent a couple of hours in Winchester, the ancient capital of England, on my way (again, photos to follow).

The following day was Claire's dads funeral.  I got lost due to roadworks on the last couple of miles of the trip, but was still there in good time and met up with Nick & Andrew who had also done the cross-country trip.  Richard was only 75, and his death had been a huge shock.  His wife had spent a long time doing CPR before the paramedics came, but despite them working for an hour sadly it was too late.  The family were "military" and when they came back to England, Claire was 17 with her sisters 15 & 13 ... and sadly the transition wasn't easy, so there had been quite a gap in the family relationship for many years, which was repaired, but then lockdown had pulled them apart again.  So the 3 goirls did have some real sadness t work through for so many reasons.  They dai all do the eulogy though.  On Richard's coffin was his regimental colours ... 24 years in the Royal Corps of Signallers, and they had a standard bearer from The Royal British Legion.  So in the end the service was a good representataion of the man.

Then the last 3 days have been work, work & work.

So now I am here to post, do some photo editing ... but then aiming for a lazy-ish afternoon, although I do need to go and buy some fruit & veg.

As I said, Monday & Tuesday are full work days, so doubt I will have time to post ... see I am trying to be a good girl, and although I miss being here, I don't want to over-do things even more ... so ...



1. We're halfway through the year (give or take a few days). What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
As I said I have 2 weddings coming up ... and then a trip to Turkey in September.

2. What do you want to remember about today? What would you like to forget?
Seeing as it's only lunchtime ... it was nice to have a lie-in. Sadly it's raining, so my plan had been to have a nice walk.

3. If you could wish for one thing to happen tomorrow, what would that be?
Nice weather (especially as Tim is on holiday this week)

4. What colours are you wearing?
Mostly black and white ... but the skirt has a panel from knee to mid calf in almost every colour! And my t-shirt has red, as well as white, writing. (Oh, and yellow flip-flops)

5. What is a political issue that interests you?

No comment ... I have always kept this politically free.



Right that's m until Wednesday.

However I do hope I can catch up with your LJ's this evening. I also will be hoping to post some photos of historical Exeter, soon.

Hope you are all well x

Yes, work went well on Thursday ... and then I spent the evening catching up with "Trooping the Colour" ... then yesterday I had a later start and was able to watch much of the Thanksgiving Service at St Pauls before heading out to my brothers house for a Jubilee day.

It was a great day at Tim & Claire's ... and everyone was there.  And, even better we had lunch outside and I ended up sitting with Nick and we actually chatted, which I think is the first time that has happened since I used to see him at Dad's back in 2016 ... so that was lovely.  The boys were all relaxed and chatty, and the 2 girlfriends/1 fiancee were "OK" ... Jesse can be odd about being around the family, so do wonder how she will cope with the wedding when we are all there from both sides of the family!  Dan's girlfriend is lovely and "normal" whereas Joe's girlfriend tends to just want to chat to Joe (but they are both 18/19, so I can understand that).  My thoughts on her tend to be like Mum & Dad as when I saw her at Christmas I did wonder if she was actually wearing a skirt, or if it was a wide belt; and yesterday I can assure you eh wasn't wearing a bra as her top was non-existant this time (no wonder Nick has problems with his blood pressure!!)  Still it was a lovely time ... and even managed to get Claire to open up about her dad, complete with tears, which actually were healing for her (and us all).



I ended up being later home than planned, but that was good as it meant we were having a nice time. Tim & Claire had some friends call round about an hour before I left and were opening up the alcohol, but I knew the tiredness was kicking in and I had a mile's walk home, so was a good girl and called it "quits" at that point.

Now I have had a lazy-ish morning, although I actually spent some time writing up my holiday journal as that is still a job to be done.

Now I am here, and am going to sort out my photos, and make some icons before switching off the pc, although will try and catch up with you later.




3. Do you have a go-to band or artist when you can't decide on something to listen to?
James is usually high on my list ... but so is Elvis, The Beach Boys or a compilation CD of music by Cole Porter

4. Is there a TV show or movie that you just refuse to watch?
Love Island
I'm a Celebrity (get me out of here)
Animal and/or pet documentaries

5. What are you interested in that most people haven't heard of?
Commonwealth War Graves Commission



Have a super Sunday ... see you Monday x

I had a really good Easter weekend.

Yes, I went to Nick & Brenda's and Tim & Claire were able to come as well so it was lovely to all sit down to Easter Day lunch together ... and to be at Church with my 2 brothers & their wives as well as one of my nephews.  Soa  special day.  In the afternoon most of us went for a walk, which was lovely but ended up being 6 miles and as I was not in flat shoes I have sore calves, still!  (Photos to come)

Then yesterday I picked Christine up and we went to a Stately Home again ... and, yes, photos to follow.

Now I worked this morning in a busy clinic, but mostly nice people.

Well, I want to get the photos sorted so I can post them tomorrow ... and will try & catch up with you later.  But, before I go -


19. What still makes you cringe when you think back on it?
I was a teenager in the 1970's ... so, yes, some of the outfits !!!!!!!!!!!!!



I'll catch up later x

Well I did sit up to watch the New Year in ... it was always a tradition with Mum & Dad we would watch a favourite film, and then chat until seeing in the New Year with a drink (they always had a liqueur), then Mum & I would sing Auld Lang Sine (Dad always said he didn't know the words) ... then they would speak to both Nick & Tim. So I watched a Christmas film I had yet to see this (last) year, did some of my jigsaw, some crosswords, text a few friends, and watched the fireworks on TV ... Maybe I even washed my evening with a glass or two of "water"

I enjoyed the fireworks/lasers but do wonder if any in London enjoyed it as much as seeing it on TV, as there were poetry readings etc. I was amused to hear the choir sing Swedish pop songs (I love ABBA, but was amused we didn't have an English pop group tribute). And, yes, I did sing along with Auld Lang Sine.

I then read for about an hour or so as I had "woken up" again from my normal sleep ... but was a good girl and got up this morning at a decent time.

I have pottered through LJ while waiting for the rain to finish .. then I am off for my Saturday supermarket walk, as I need milk, fruit & veg

Now, last year I managed to keep up with LJ with the help of being positive, as well as the daily questions. In my "travel" through LJ I have managed to find the new list, and as it's Saturday, as well as New Year I shall do my normal 2 day post ...



1. After roughly two years now of living with various changes and restrictions brought about by the Covid pandemic, which, if any, measures do you think you will continue to do all the time?
Nothing I can think of - although I hope others remember personal space, as that is something that has been missing in shops etc for some time, so the 2m space has been a great reminder.

2. When you are old(er), what do you think children will ask you to tell stories about?
LOL - I already am older!
When I was in London I was looking at somme WWI displays and someone from a school group commented about the weird clothes and I actually commentedd that my Grandmother was a "Canary", so the teacher asked me to say a few things that she had told me.  But I think the only thing I have ever been asked to explain is where the phrase "to spend a penny" comes from ... I remember pre-decimilisation (just)


For anyone interested in doing one of those "Question of the Day" memes this year( Daily Questions for 2022 )


So, I have started my lj life in 2022 as I mean to go on ... Hope that the coming year will be a truly special one for you all x