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Yesterday it was pretty nice, and so spent some time in the garden reading, before walking into the city to meet Tim & Claire for a meal.  We meet at a Wetherspoons which is a converted Chapel, and usually eat upstaires in the gallery, where we can see the pulpit with the lovely stained glass window behind it.  I do have mixed feelings about using a Church as a pub, but there again, the building is being used, and hopefully people will actually look at the "Church" and remember it's first use.

This pub is the former George’s Meeting and is ‘listed’ as having special interest as an unaltered 18th-century chapel. It was built as a Unitarian chapel in 1760 and named after King George III, who came to the throne the same year. George’s Meeting closed as a chapel in 1983 ... is the information off their web site. Will admit I hadn't realised it was eighteenth century.

Anyway ... we made the most of it as we actually had our meal outside in the sunshine.

We also commented how nice it was to actually walk home while still sunny ... and especially while dry.

And, all in all it was a good thing we did as today is overcast again.

Still, as well as enjoying the sunshine it was a lovely relaxed evening ... catching up with them.  They are still planning their 35th anniversary party for next year ... so add that to the news about their holiday there was lots to talk about.

A nice evening out, in great company ... and a lovely meal added to it.  What more could I want!

Now it's Friday ... and yes in the end I managed an early-ish night last night, and really have pottering things I want to do today.

I have to walk out a  bit later to post a letter - as I now technically own the grave site of Grandma, Granddad and Auntie Joyce I have to confirm the new wording on the stone.  They had suggested something earlier, but the 3 of us changed the wording so that it fit in more with the rest of the wording on the stone, as well as with Auntie Joyce herself.

Well, that looks like it will be the highlight of the day ... so will post today's question, and get this up






12. Josiah Wedgwood was born today in 1730 - have you ever owned any Wedgwood items?
When I first qualified, back in 1983, I worked 2 days a week, for 2 years, for the person who had been the principal of the college I went to. When I left he gave me a pair of candlesticks
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Then when I moved from Essex to the West Country one of my patients, who I had known all my life, gave me a ring.  I had never charged her anywhere near full price, so she gave me the gift.
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Right, now I really do need to get something to eat

Hope you are all well ... catch up later x

Catch-Up Photo Time

Saturday, January 27th, 2024 02:28 pm
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Here are the catch-up daily photos

Tuesday 23rd, I met up with Toni to wish her a Happy Birthday ... spotted this amazing mural on the side of the house near where we met-
23rd January

Wednesday 24th ... when I got home from work, I did a  bit of my ongoing jigsaw -
24th January

Thursday 25th, before I drove to Clacton, I went to my doctors to have a couple of innoculations pre my upcoming holiday -
25th January

Friday 26th ... Auntie Joyce
26th January

Saturday 27th January - spotted on my walk this morning
27th January (1)

27th January (2)



And, as I said I took a few photos on our walk along the sea front at Clacton ... lovely

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The wreath from the family -
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Yes, I'm Back

Saturday, January 27th, 2024 12:09 pm
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It was a very long 2 days, compounded by the fact I ended up doing an 11 hour shift on Wednesday.

In the end Auntie Joyce's funeral went well .. and I was able to focus on the fact that she was family.  Tim wasn't able to go due to work (aggrevated with some health issues).  So I took Claire up the day before and we stayed overnight near the sea, so had a nice walk on the morning, and then went to the soliciters to pick up my great-aunts ring, and so to the chapel in the cemetery.  The chapel caretaker was there to meet us and he was great.  We then met Nick & Brenda, and Andrew, so it was lovely that there was another generation of the family to be there to commemorate our aunt's life.  Claire didn't want to do anything, but Brenda did the Bible reading, I did the eulogy, Andrew led the service and Nick took the sermon and the committal.  Auntie Jooyce had chosen her reading and hymns, so that bit was nice to know we were honouring her wishes.  We walked from the Chapel through the cemetery as it was such a lovely day.  The undertaker & team, were lovely, and so respectful.  They also stepped back and let us do what we wanted, in timing ... so a massive thumbs-up, and thanks to everyone.

From there we went to the chapel that Auntie Joyce had attended for 35 years ... we didn't have the service there as the last 3 years, when she needed the help, they weren't supportive of her.  But we had a nice "bun-fight", and left about 3.30pm.

It was a good journey home, but tiring.

This morning I woke at normal time, so have sat and watched some "old" TV, and then had a long walk to the shop to get some groceries.

As I type this I have "Traitors" on in the background.  The TV in my hotel didn't work, so I am 2 episodes to the final, although sadly I have noticed who won (although not really suprised)

Let me catch up with the missing questions -




24. National Peanut Butter Day - have you ever made your own peanut butter? If not, which type do you prefer?
I have never tried to make it, why bother? I like crunchy, but don't always eat it ... I tend to open a jar to make biscuits, then use it up in sarnies!

25. It's Burns Night - will you be raising a small dram?
No ... I'm not Scottish ... and I was working

26. International Customs Day - have you ever been stopped at Customs when travelling?
No

27. Are you a fan of chocolate cake? Have you ever made one?
Yes, and yes. My grandmother (auntie Joyce's mum) used ot make the most stunning Chocolate Cake possible

28. Lego has been around since 1932, have you ever made things with Lego?
Yes - loved it, and won a competition when I was 11. I love watching Australian LegoMasters when it was on.




Right - photos to follow

Hope that you are all doing well ... will try and catch up soon x
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At least I managed to get to Church and back yesterday in the dry, and just walked out to post a letter and pick up a couple of groceries in the dry ... so that's a win!

I feel like I am going round in circles ... at least everything (I think) is organised for Auntie Joyce's funeral on Friday.  However I am sure there will be something else crop up that we haven't thought about.  But for all the problems she has, and still continues to, cause she is Dad's sister ... she is family, and that's what's important.

Anyway, I did the photos, so ...

Yesterday, as ever, the first rule of getting back into the house is to make tea, so when I got in from Church -
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Today I walked a slightly longer way to the shops, and went via this road.  Jiffy used to like this way, because as you can see, that are lots of assorted routes to choose -
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So let's get on.

I am working later today, and tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow I am going to meet up with Toni in the afternoon to wish her a Happy Birthday so ...



22. Have you any snow where you live? When was the last time it snowed in your area?
It doesn't snow much here ... but 5 years ago we had snow ... it was lovely (as I didn't need to drive anywhere).

23. What is your preferred type of writing implement - fountain pen, ballpoint, pencil or something else?
I have a lovely Parker fountain pen that I use to write letters, cards, etc.
If I am using a biro I like a Bic one



Right, see you Wednesday x

A Bit Hi & Bye Day

Saturday, January 20th, 2024 11:57 am
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Still trying to get details of the funeral sorted ... and decided to also have a lazy start to the day.  I have work later, so all in all not a great morning to be lazy, but just wanted to "switch off" for an hour.

Anyway ... lets catch some photos up!

Yesterday's and today's just show "what a difference a day makes" .... as these were both taken at sunrise (and yes, I went back to bed for a short time this morning!)

Yesterday -
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And, today ... sadly that means worse weather is arriving ... I do love the cold and sun, but looks like that's gone now.
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Nick is doing the hymn sheets for the funeral and asked if I had a "baby" photo.  Sadly Auntie Joyce , like Grandma, was not a hoarder ... so this is the only one I have, I suppose she is 3 1/2 in the photo (as it's the summer), and yes, that's Dad
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This was taken in Lincolnshire in the mid 30's ... my Great Aunt  and her husband, lived, and worked, in the windmill
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So thought I would share them here.

Right, I really have to get on as I have a load of things to do before I head to work and as ever, won't be here tomorrow ... so ...





20. What is your favourite cheese on Cheese Lovers Day?
Strong Cheddar

21. It's National Hug Day - who did you last hug?
A work colleague on Tuesday ... we had a patient with severe dementia, and sadly it turned out that her gran had died the previous night (of dementia)



Right, sorry I can't catch up - I aim to on Monday x

At Long Last

Thursday, January 18th, 2024 11:19 am
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For those who remember, Auntie Joyce was called Home at the beginning of December ... and, at long last, we are allowed to book the funeral. For those who have known me some time know that she caused me some problems ... and even in death it continues!

As she left most of her money to charity we have to do everything through the solicitor. Then to make matters worse, the plot she was planning to be buried in had been purchased in 1975 by her mother. There was enough space, and the family all knew ... but, Grandma died without leaving a will. So I had to get the land deeded to Auntie Joyce, as in English law it was Dad's, then mine & my brothers. So that has delayed things, although land registry moved rapidly in the end.

So, next week we have her funeral ... now to sort out what details we can. Even those have to go through the solicitor, but at least we have an amazing helpful undertaker.

So, plans for this morning are now a bit changed ... for one I was late logging on here.

Still, I have had a short walk, as I had to post a birthday card to Andrew's wife, and so extended it a bit (so I could take some photos). I am working this afternoon, and all day tomorrow.

So, as I wasn't around yesterday there are 2 days of photos, and 2 days of questions (to cover tomorrow).



Here are yesterdays photos.    The hospital, like all of them, have chapels, and this is part of ours.  In actual fact where I was working yesterday this was the view I had each time I walked back down through the department
17th January (1)
The cross is special  Some years ago a sapling was brought from the olive tree in Kos (I have seen it, it's huge), that is meant to have been the tree Hippocrates sat by when he tended people.  So, as the father of modern medicine, a few place have done this.  Sadly about 15 - 20 years ago the tree was killed in a winter storm, and this was made of the main trunk -
17th January (2)



As I said I have had a short, but nice walk this morning ... and look at the lovely frosty "statues"
18th January (1)

18th January (2)



Right, so as I said, I'm not here tomorrow ...



18. Do you like Chinese food - what would your ideal meal consist of and would you eat in a restaurant, get a takeout/delivery or cook your own?
I love, love, love Chinese food ... my favourite being Chicken & Cashew Nut with Egg-Fried Rice.
Yes, I have made it, but tend to go for take-away on the rare occasions I buy food that way.
And, yes, I eat with chop-sticks

19. National Popcorn Day? What would be your favourite flavour of popcorn?
I like it salted ... but can't really eat it as it is buttered, and being allergic to butter maeans that doesn't work with me!




Right, see you Saturday
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This morning I walked into Exeter early and met up with Tim ... we then went to another solicitors ... so I could "swear" .... Now, Mum & Dad brought us up not to swear, so they won't be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually it was to get the deed of Grandma & Granddad's grave transferred into Aunti Joyce's name. So I had to sign, and swear, that I am the next legal next-of-kin, and that our half of the family do not want to claim the empty part of the plot, and that Auntie Joyce was the person who had planned to be resting there.

So, maybe after all, Mum & Dad will accept my need to swear this morning!

On my way home I went via the shops for milk and some salad bits, now I am trying to do a few icons before heading off to work in a short while ... so ...





22 – Mathematics Day: Were you good at mathematics in school? How much of the math/s you learned in school do you use in your everyday life now?
Maths was my favourite subject at school, and an additional A Level that I di, even though I didn’t need it for the university course I was aiming for. But there again, Nick was a maths teacher, and Dad taught statistics within his Engineering/Management courses … so it must be in the family.



See you tomorrow x
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Yes, it's odd to think we are now on the way back up to Summer ... especially as I have a light on as I type this, and i's only about 3pm!  Oh well ... as I worked this morning and trying to get bak up to date here, I am not too worried as to what the weather is doing.

Yesterday was a busy day ... which was great as I worked in the afternoon, but in the morning I met up with Toni, and family ... we each did about a 40 min drive, and it's a lovely garden centre (so tea/coffee & akes were available).

The previous evening I had Tim & Claire over for the evening ... and it was a lovely time (I am going there next week), so we really spread out the celebrations.

For those who wondered, we still haven't been able to book Auntie Joyce's funeral ... most of the money is left to charity, so the solicitor has to clear everything.  The real delay was that the cemetery owners said that it was only a double grave, which iit wan't ... we have now managed to sort that out.  However it turned out that the plot is in Grandma's name and she didn't leave a will ... so the 3 of us are going to have to see solicitors about a dead of transfer ... and, now, we are running into Christmas.  So frustrating, but at least with this delay it will mean that she is able to be buried with her parents, which was always as it was planned.

Tomorrow I m working most of the day, but am going to try and sort out this deed of transfer, if I can ... although very few solicitors work the last Friday before Christmas (although Tim does!)

So the days are rapidly running towards Christmas ... I do hope that you are all getting organised ... or are you leaving the final details to Father Christmas himself????






19 – Look for an Evergreen Day: Are there many species of evergreens where you live?
I am lucky that most of the tree areas where I live are a mixture ... so we have evergreen, but also get the older English ones, such as Oak.

20 – Go Caroling Day: Have you ever been caroling? Are there any groups in your neighbourhood who go caroling at this time of year?
I am not great at singign, although I love singing in Church ... but with carol singers there are usually less numbers.

21 – Don't Make Your Bed Day: Were you brought up to make your bed every day? Do you make your bed every day?
Oh, yes ... although on days when I change my sheets, I tend to strip the bed in the morning, and leave the bed un-made for a few hours before putting on the new sheets.




Right, let's get on x
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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
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Yes, I aimed to meet up with Christine yesterday, Ana & Lily today, go on a WWII tour of Exeter Cemetery on Wednesday and go visit Toni on Thursday, before going to music practice at Church ... and, no, those plans are gone.

No, I can't blame the weather, or illness ... but, Auntie Joyce passed away suddenly on Sunday evening.  She had a small fall and had been in hospital getting checked over, and all was OK.  They were just getting ready to send her back to her Home when she passed ... apparently really shocked the nurse she was chatting to!

So, yes I had a very wet day out yesterday with Christine (photos will come at some point), today I have loads to do, and then tomorrow I am going to drive up to Essex.  Claire has decided to come with me, so it will be good to have company as with all the errands it will be just under 600 miles, but as she is working in the morning it means I will be doing all my driving in the dark, which is certainly not great for my damaged eye ... but I am positive about having company for the drive.

I will have to empty the room at the Home she has been in for the year, and go to her home to see what a state she is in (I think I am glad I have company for that trip!), and then have to register her death.  I will have to go up next week to make sure all personal items are out of the house, and to arrange the final details on the funeral, and speak to an estate agent.

Oh well - end of an era.

RIP Auntie Joyce .... 27/1/1927 - 3/12/2023




So will post a few days, but don't know when I shall be back as I actually have work this Friday, and we have our family get-together on Saturday.  So, if you don't see me until next week don't be suprised ... and apologies in advance -


5 – National Repeal Day: December 5th marks the end of prohibition in the United States (back in 1933). If you're not American, did your country ever prohibit the sale of alcohol (or maybe it still does)? Does it make sense that alcohol is legal, but other substances aren't?
Never been banned here
The trouble with making it illegal is where do you make the cut? Some foods have alcohl basis, etc

6 – Put on Your Own Shoes Day: How old were you when you learned to put on your own shoes? How about when you learned to tie your own shoelaces?
When I started school at 5 I had to be able to put on shoes ... so pre-then.
Time never learnt how to tie a lace correctly, so Mum taught him a different way to do it ... and it's the way he still does his laces!

7 – Cotton Candy Day: Do you like cotton candy? (Also known as Fairy Floss.)
I love Candyfloss ... when we were kids, whenever we went to the beach Mum & Dad would buy be some candyfloss on a stick (it's not the same now it's sold in a bag)

8 – Lost and Found Day: Have you ever lost something important to you and thought you would never get it back, but then you found it or someone returned it to you?
No sadly the one or two special things I have lost have gone.
Mum had a gold wrist watch that Dad bought her for their 1st wedding anniversary. About 15 years later (she wore it every day) she lost it in a large shopping centre. About a week later she got a call from the police , and ... yes, I wore it to Andrew & Jess's wedding last year. Brilliant

9 – Christmas Card Day: Do you send Christmas/holiday cards? How many do you send? Do you receive many cards?
That's one of the jobs I have to do today - finish writing my Christmas cards to post

10 – World Choral Day: Have you ever sung in a choir?

Do you want the choir shut down? I can't hold a tune, although love singing in a Church service



Right, see you ... whenever x
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This morning I drove down to Meadow Wood Cemetery to wish Jiffy a happy birthday. I am away on Friday, and not working today was ideal timing for me.

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I met a father & daughter visiting their pet for her birthday as well ... so it was nice to share the moments with another family.

As I was driving down I had a call to say Auntie Joyce had a fall this morning and would be going to hospital as they suspect a broken hip.  I have just spoken to Colchester A&E and they say they are running tests, but no mention of hip problems ... so we shall have to wait & see.

Typical though, as I am working tomorrow, then early Friday I am going on holiday for a week to Sicily ... so trust her to chose a time to be injured when it is going to affect my relaxation!

Anyway, I am going to pack my case in a minute, and sadly not for a trip to Essex, but for a trip to Italy.  But before I go to do that ...


17 – World Baking Day: Do you bake or are you more of a fan of watching others baking, for example, watching the Great British Bake Off or other shows of that type? If you do bake, what are some of your favourite things to bake?
I do enjoy watching bake-off.
I love baking ... especially biscuits/tray bakes.


I know I still have photos to share from Monday, so hopefully will get them posted later x
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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.

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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

Monday Again ...

Monday, March 6th, 2023 11:27 am
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... Although this week the washing is up on my indoor airer. I am lucky with a 3 story house so have an airer to hang over the stairwell which means they dry fairly quickly, and still smell fresh (& no electric for a tumble drier).

I realised over the weekend that I forgot an addition to my daily meme question about the history/age of our names. Deborah was early early history, my surname early 17th century ... but the nickname was the early 1990's ... Debris is such an appropriate name for me, especially seeing as the question was on Friday when I had bumps and bruises everywhere!

Weekend shifts went well. In fact I am so thankful that I wasn't on duty on the reverse shifts as Mel who did the other 2 shifts had a couple of heart-attack patients arrive at the entrance rather than A&E ... and sadly one was a baby, who even sadder passed away. We all "talk" about the possibilities, but I don't suppose you can ever come to terms with it. Well maybe it shows we are still human if we find it hard to come to terms with such events.

Now I have a couple of days off. I had aimed to go to see Auntie Joyce to see if she had made any decisions, but seeing as the knee and wrists still ache I had cancelled the trip. On the bad side that means I have no excuse not to clean out that large kitchen cupboard.

Still I am sure I can think of some great excuses! After all I do want to have a walk, and am running low on milk so need to get that anyway. Since my trip to Turkey I do like black tea ... but drink it weak that way, and much prefer strong "builder's" tea with milk.

So ... let's get on ...



6 – Start of the British Pie Week! What is your favourite savoury pie? How about your favourite sweet pie? Is a pasty lid on top of a casserole really a pie?

Mum used to make the most amazing chicken pie. I used to watch her do it at least every other week, and can't remember what she did. And, guess whta, I never got her to write down what she added.
She also made a raspberry pie (as well as apple) to die for ... Dad's favourite.
Most of her fruit pies had a "empty" bottom, but still had pastry sides and top ... her chicken one had a top & bottom.
Now having typed that it makes me wish for a slice of both those pies again.


Right now I am hungry! I shall get myself a cup of tea before I do anything else. I am trying to be a good girl this week, as over the weekend I end up having quite a few biscuits, so I am sure the calories were a bit high!

So, will catch up with you soon x
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I really couldn't think what to entitle my scribble today ... sorry.

I think I am in a bit of a quandry over a few things ...

  • I want to get back to my spring-cleaning, but can't push myself back to my kitchen as it's a large floor to ceiling cupboard that is next on my list.  I know I shall be happy once it's done, but as ever it's a case of getting started.

  • Spoke to Auntie Joyce yesterday ... she is fed up (although not with me).  She is angry at the home as she hasn't been allowed out of her room for the last few days while she has been Covid positive ... but as she has never accepted that Covid even existed, and she was Covid positive but symptom free, she couldn't accept there was a problem.

  • I really want to get back to walking ... and like the spring cleaning it is just a case of getting focused again.  Still, although cold, we have sun forecast all day, so after lunch that is a plan (I hope)

  • Can't decide if to make peanut biscuits or gingerbread "men" ... but another aim for this afternoon.  Maybe I shall decide while I walk.

Right, that's my non-news up to date ... lets close with today's question ...




2 – World Book Day: What are you reading at the moment or what have you just finished reading?
My morning Bible reading was a chapter of the book of Micah (in the Old Testament)
I am half way through reading Hedy's War ... a WWII true story from the island of Jersey
Also half way through re-reading a nger Star Trek Voyager fan-fic Filling The Void



Right - let's try and catch up with you all x
debris4spike: (Default)
As I said on Wednesday yesterday was another day out ... we saw the world (as I have just posted) ... and also Tucker's hall ... it was originally built in 1471 as a chapel ... but after the dissolution of the monestaries in the 1530's it was converted to 2 rooms, one above the other ... and used as a school and a meeting placee for the Guild ... and is still used for that to this day -

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So all in all we had a good day out.

Work this morning went well ... although I have been asked to work this weekend, as well, so I have already popped down to the shops to pick up a few things, as that is my normal Sat am task.

Right, I need to phone Auntie Joyce and see how she is.  There is Covid in the home, and I heard late last night that she is symptom free, but has tested positive.  She could never see what the fuss was all about, so this will prove the point to her!

But before I go -


24 – International I Hate Coriander Day: Do you love or hate coriander? If you don't like it, what don't you like about it?
That's a great day - I hate coriander! I just don't like the flavour (simple as that)

25 – Real Bread Week: Real bread refers to any type of bread that has been made without the use of processing aids or any other additives and includes any type of additive-free bread (e.g. pita, paratha, tortilla, oatcakes, roti, bagels, etc.). Do you, or have you ever, made bread? Do you use a bread maker? If you always buy rather than make bread, do you look for bread that at least claims to be additive-free, made from organic flour, etc.?

I do like homemade bread ... was brought up on it. But don't look for additive-free stuff ... just go for nice flavour and texture.

26 – Carpe Diem Day: Are you good at seizing the day? If not, what holds you back?

Not really ... just scared about making a fool of myself


Right, see you Monday x
debris4spike: (Default)
... Yes, I spoke to her friend, who was also concerned about Auntie Joyce, but even though I had got things beginning to be sorted out, when I spoke to her she has changed her mind and didn't want to go home this week.  So have re-booked the work shifts, cancelled the provisional carers, etc, etc ... So, yet again Auntie Joyce has changed my life around again.  Watch this space!

Work this morning was totally hectic.  Normally during a morning shift on reception there are 2 volunteers to help - both were off sick this morning, so it was certainly busy.  Mind you, on a positive note, the 5 hours dissappeared rapidly.

As I said yesterday I wanted to make some icons, and as you can see I completed this set, for round 32 of icons10in20 over at DW [community profile] icons10in20... and as the title says, they are from season 2 of BtVS

Enjoy




Adorable Colour splash Dapper Full body Heart(s)
1.  Adorable 2.  Colour Splash 3.  Dapper 4.  Full Body 5.  Heart
Icy Scenery Triangle(s) Two people Vibrant
6.  Icy 7.  Scenery 8.  Triangles 9.  Two People 10.  Vibrant




As ever, the credits are at [livejournal.com profile] d4s_icons, and all can be snagged.

Well I think that's about me up to date, such as it is ... but before I go -




2 – Optimist Day: Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?
I am truly an optimist



Hope you are having a good day - will catch up with you all in a moment x
debris4spike: (Default)
... As you know one of my jobs is working at the main enquiry/reception desk at a large hospital.  Well this morning I certainly had the classic question .... "Where is the hospital?"  Yes, I actually got asked that question this morning.  Where he thought he was, I don't really know.

I still haven't sorted out when I am going to see Auntie Joyce, but need to.  She wants to go home - but has no concept of the logistics.  Food is the least of my worries ... just having to get her medicine sorted out really makes me worry.  However she is one stubborn lady, so I need to speak to her and see what can be done.

So, before I make that call, I am going to relax & make a couple of icons, but as ever -


1 – Serpent Day: How do you feel about snakes? Would you ever keep a snake as a pet?
For me a pet is something you can cuddle ... thus I have owned dogs, and even a horse, but I can't see why you would have a reptile. Although nephew #2 owns one



Right, I must get on x
debris4spike: (Default)
I certainly clocked up some hours at work last week, and in the end when I got in from work yesterday lunchtime I was feeling vert tired ... so decided to actually have a lazy & "nothing" afternoon. All my work shifts went well, although as ever there were a few odd-ball questions I had to answer. Where I work when on reception there are often volunteers around, and they have all been given polo shirts to wear, but that has caused problems ... some don't want to wear theem, some hate the colour, etc etc ... so what seemed a good idea is not working out that way in the end.

The family are all keeping well ... although Auntie Joyce wants to go back home, and has threatened to get a taxi to take her. So that is something I need to sort out in the near future, one way or the other. Nephew #3 has let me know that he is now a qualified accountant ... I am very proud of him, as he passed all his exams first time. He decided to not go to Uni, but to do this while working ... so it means he doesn't have huge bills now to pay back. Claire & Nick have birthdays this week, so all in all lots of family events.

Right, I want to make a cake this afternoon, so will get on with that. But before I head downstairs -



27 – Fun at Work Day: Do you think work should be fun? How much fun do you expect to have at work?
I work in a hospital ... but most shifts manage to have a great laugh over something.

28 – Global Community Engagement Day: Do you feel engaged with your community? How important do you think it is to feel that you belong in your community?
No - but there again, I never have, so don't worry about that at all.

29 – Curmudgeons' Day: What is a curmudgeon? Do you know any curmudgeons? What do you think of them? Today is also Freethinkers' Day. Do you think a curmudgeon might be just a freethinker?
I don't think I know any curmudgeons, although a few people I know have a bit of curmudgeon in them! To me, freethinkers are more relaxed, so no I don't think curmudgeons are freethinkers.

30 – Bubble Wrap Day: Does bubble wrap deserve its own day? Why or why not?
Eveything has it's own day ... so, why not. It is useful.

31 – Backward Day: National Backward Day is a fun day that encourages us to do things in an order that we would not usually do them in! Have you ever taken part in a backward day? How did it go?

I didn't even know there was a backward day ... but I suppose like most people I am a creature of habit.



Right - Mum's cookery book is calling me.

I will try & catch up with you all a bit later x
debris4spike: (Default)
In the end I left Auntie Joyce in the home she was in, as she is not really well at present. She picked up a bug a couple of weeks ago, and it's really drained her. So, although she is not happy there it is the safest place for her, and even she realises that. So I told her that I would come back in a couple of weeks, and hopefully she would have picked up in health and then could go home. I have spent some of last week looking into feals-on-wheels and P/T carers etc, so at least if that works out I know where I am heading. However I can also be homest and realise that her age is really against her now.

So, watch this space!

It is my month to post the challenges over on photo_scavenger, and in looking into what prompt I could pick I found out that today in 1839 the Daguerreotype photo process announced at French Academy of Science. Some years ago I went to Lackock Abbey and saw the first the first positive/negative photograph ... in fact, this is the picture I took of the window that was the object of that first "photograph"

August 1835 – first photographic negative (1)

So, although cameras have come a long way since those first days, it is great to remember the people of invented something ... a thing that we all take for granted now, but is a hobby I still love.

This morning I had a walk and didsome grocery shopping ... now I have ironing to do, and maybe I will even make a start on Spring Cleaning. But, before I start doing other things -



4 – World Hypnotism Day: Have you ever been hypnotised? If so, how was the experience?
No

5 – Whipped Cream Day: Do you like whipped cream? Have you ever made whipped cream from scratch?

I have whipped double and whipping cream to make it thicker. I do love cream

6 – Take Down the Christmas Tree Day: If you celebrate Christmas, when do you put up your tree and when do you take it down?

Normally on 12th night - however this year I had to take it down early. I like to have the decs up a couple of weeks before Christmas.

7 – I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore Day: What gets you to the point of saying you're not going to take it anymore?
Anything that pushes at my faith

8 – Winter Skin Relief Day: What is the best skin moisturizer you've tried? Do you use different moisturizers for your face and body? Other than moisturizers, do you have any other tips for keeping your skin feeling and looking healthy during the winter months?
I don't use moisturizer ... maybe something during the summer as I like the sun.

9 – Coming of Age Day: What does coming of age mean to you? What, if any, coming of age ceremonies or rituals are practiced where you live?

Don't know what teens do nowadays. I had a small party for my 18th, then a meal with friends for my 21st.



Right, I must get on ... will catch up with you all later.
debris4spike: (Default)



opportunities-new-year-quotes-pin



I do hope that 2022 ends on a positive note, and that 2023 is an amazing year.


I have managed to get my kitchen cleaned, so, yes I am finishing on a positive note (well, Mum would be pleased with me anyway!).  I aim to have a lazy afternoon as I am working tomorrow.  I had hoped to go to Exeter to sort out my mobile phone contract, but as the weather is bad I have decided to be chicken instead ... especially as I am back off to Essex again at the end of the coming week.  See, I do try to listen to what my health needs.

Still haven't sorted the photos, but will do and post some point today ... promise, so before I go off to do that -



31. As the year comes to a close, what are you looking back upon most fondly?
My holidays ... I loved seeing the Deborah tabk, loved my tour of Turkey ... and although for a sad reason, the trip to the Lying in State was amazing.
I also went to 2 weddings, and celebrated a friend's baby being born.
So some lovely fond memories ... and on a positive note, my health is much better than it was.


So, Happy New Year ... with love and thanks for yoour friendship over this last year xx

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