Eternal Refuge

I did manage to get most of the housework done ... and even had a walk ... all despite really struggling with the pain in my calf.

It is so frustrating that it's flared up again, for no reason at all. However the original injury happened for no reason at all, either. I suppose I should be thankful that it's a muscle injury, not spontaneous combustion!!

I really need to get your comments answered this morning ... and hopefully get the ironing done, before going into work. So -








5. How many local birds can you name?
Remembering names is something I am terrible at ... in general.
So, other than birds like a robin, I don't remember their names. I do love spotting them (when I can)



Right, lets get organised

Yesterday I didn't get on-line, but I did manage to get a lot of things done before work.  Washing, cleaning & shopping.  So although I didn't get here, I was being busy.

Today I am here, although I do have the ironing to do, and hope to get it done this morning.  As ever I am at work later.  Yesterday was an odd day, it was actually fairly non-busy, which considering it was a Wednesday that was odd.

Tomorrow I am also working, but am leaving early to catch a bus to the city centre, to catch a bus to Bristol, to catch a bus to Bath, to get Brenda to pick me up.  Bus was a third of the price of train and actually not much different in the timings.  I had left it a bit late to book as I had hoped, initially, that I would be able to drive ... but then wondered whether Tim would offer me a lift.  Actually, in many ways, I am happier travelling by myself.

Anyway I am going to Nick & Brenda's for the weekend ... as are Tim & Claire.  Last Monday it was Nick's 60th, and his boys helped him celebrate last weekend, it's the siblings turn this weekend!

I remember thenight he was born ... Dad had taken Mum to the hospital in the late afternoon and by the time he got home, I was in bed (my neighbours had come round to sit with me).  He then phoned the hospital and they said Mum was in late stage labour, so if he wanted to drive back he would be allowed to see mother & baby  (neither he, nor mum, were able to see me until I was 2 days old ... so he returned.  I then got up and sat with Auntie Doreen on the landing, looking out of the window waiting for Dad to return.  I had prayed for a brother, so I needed to know whether it was a boy or a girl  ... Nick!

So, it's good to remember 60 years ago ... and to celebrate 60 years on.

I hope that you have a good weekend - will look forward to reading about it when I am back on-line on Monday.  But, before that -






4. How old is the oldest book you own?
I have a couple of Bibles from the mid 19th century ... and some other books, such as Pilgrim's Progress, from the late 19th century.  The oldest is a small novel called "The Little Christian Hero" with a handwritten inscription of "Christmas 1835"

5. It’s the 60th anniversary of the game ‘Twister’ – have you ever played it?
No
Maybe we should play it this weekend!!!!!

6. In 1869, Harper's Weekly published the first picture of Uncle Sam with chin whiskers. Do you know anyone with a beard or a moustache?
Nick ... a shaggy beard

7. Is there a subject at school which you disliked, but you would consider learning now?
Geography - I hated it then because we seemed to spend a lot of time debating rift vallies etc ... I want to learn about locations etc

8. How often do you read fiction?
I read fan-fiction all the time




Right, Iwill try and catch up with you all ... then see you Monday!

I ended up having a lazy Sunday ... and felt better for it. The trouble then was that I ended up doing extra cleaning in the kitchen ... and payed for it!

So the rest of the day was lazy, and so was Tuesday morning ... then yesterday afternoon I had my physio appointment.

She was very pleased with progress ... but said I still have a way to go before I can either drive, or start to get rid of the crutches. I am frustrated, but there again she pointed out that the haematoma is still there, and reminded me that I came very close to needing surgical repair of the muscle. So, overall good news, but still a way to go. I am still walking every day, and really need to get Christmas organised ... I can only do bits at a time, so it means that I shall need to do a bit every week ... so that helps me with my walking exercise, as well as with Christmas. We have our family get-together in 10 days time ... I need to get someone to collect me on their way to Tim & Claires. I might be able to walk there OK, as it's only about a mile away, but, I can't walk and carry Nick & family's pressies (when I get them bought!).

As well as getting some Christmas letters written (I have ordered Christmas cards), I am doing some knitting ... and made some icons. The icons are something I love doing, but I can't sit too long without the leg raised, so not something I can do at my computer in my study.

This set were made for "favourite musician" and it has been an easy choice of favourites.

The first 2 are of James Marsters, and if you don't know, he played Spike in BtVS. I took these photos back in 2009.

The other 2 are of the original Glenn Miller Orchestra, taken in the 1940's. I love the music (although find it really hard to play!). However I had to share these early images, as one of Mum's memories was of hearing him play with the USAAF Band in Northamptonshire, not long before his final flight. So a favourite musician ... and a family memory.


. . .

I do find life so, so frustrating at present. However, when I look back on a couple of weeks ago life is so much more easier.

I have managed to have a walk each day, without the splint, and using the crutches. It's slow going, but I am managing it, so that's the main thing.

I have also managed to get a bit of housework done ... so another positive tick. Today my car is being serviced and MOT'd ... I was slightly worried as it was running out, and I am unable to drive. However the car company have collected it, so hopefully they won't find any major problems, and it will get returned OK.

Last Friday I managed to catch up with someone who used to go to the same Church as me. It was lovely to see her, and just have a couple of hours of gentle chat.

Well other than that, the highlight of the missing few days was a visit to the doctor to sort out the painkillers ... so nothing super-exciting.

I am going to gt some more icons made in a moment. Before that -





13. Have you ever played card games? Do you have a favourite?
When I was at school there used to be a group of us who played Solo Whist, a lot. I loved it.
I have enjoyed other card games when I have had a chance.


14. It’s National American Teddy Bear Day! Do you have any teddy bears?
I have loads! Including the first bear I ever had … and on my bed is the teddy that was my first Christmas present, and the one that’s my first birthday present.
But downstairs I also have the bear that Mum had as a kid
And, as I say, loads more.

15. Do you give names to inanimate objects such as your car, your computer or other items?
No

16. Are you a fan of ‘fast food’? When was the last time you visited a fast food restaurant?
When I am out by myself then I pick fast-food, as it's cheep and quick. Normally when I am in London that's my lunch for the day.

17. Do you use placemats when you eat at the dining table?
Yes.
Although Mum & Dad had a proper protective cover, as they preferred that with the tablecloth. I suppose it means you can move things around easily that way.



Right, let's see what you are all doing?

As ever the days dissappear ... shopping, housework, work, repeat!

However as you have just seen I managed to finish a set of icons, so really am pleased about that.

As ever the frustrating thing is that today autumn has really hit ... yesterday morning I had a lovely walk for a short time before work ... the sun was shining, and even better as there was a wedding at the local Church so the bells were peeling ... a lovely half hour.

Today I am going to swap my summer clothes to my winter clothes. I have a large case, so it works really well, and actually doesn't take too long to do.

But for now -







25. ‘Rotomontade’ is a bragging speech or rant. When was the last time you had a really good rant about something?
A small rant, with a collegue, about the useless independant car-park company. I get ranted & sworn at, but as part of the job I have to keep the reply rant silent.

26. Have you ever been fruit-picking? What kind of fruit did you pick, and what did you do with them?
Blackberries - most years.
Until I was 25 we lived near strawberry fields, so that was a summer task. Also, our neighbours had a plum tree, that Dad & I used to "scrump"

27. Do you know how to change a tyre/tire on a car? Have you ever had to do it?
Before I even learned to drive Dad got me to change a tyre. He said it was an essential gift ... and yes, I am pleased he did, as the first time I had to do that, it was after dark on a country lane. I have changed about 5 tyres overall.

28. Have you ever eaten caviar?
I am not a fish fan, so have never attempted it ... but, maybe one day??




Right, I must get something to eat

I have actually been overall better - but in feeling mostly better I have tried to (slowly) get caught up with a few really outstanding housework tasks, and get things like a hair-cut ... you know ... Life!!!

Those boring everyday things that need to be done, yet really are totally boring, both to do and to talk about!

While I have been working on some slower shifts I have been busy and completed a set of 10 icons, following 2 lines on a bingo card. I am not 100% happy with half of them as they weren't done on my normal program, but at least I was able to get a set completed, so am giving myself a tick for that!

The first 5 are season 1, the other 5 are season 3 ... all BtVS though.

1 - Peridot	2 - Frozen	3 - Raspberry	4 - Kiss	5 - Youth
6 - Friendship	7 - Frozen	8 - Bow-tie	9 - Family	10 - Warm Colours

As ever, all are snaggable, but credit would be appreciated. The credits are available over at my icon journal - d4s_icons


I had hoped to have tomorrow off, but both shifts had the people call in sick yesterday ... so am working all day, but had my Monday shift cancelled ... so have managed to make plans to go out and enjoy myself. So, the earliest I shall be back is Tuesday, so here's a catch-up, and ahead planning ....





19. Do people shorten your given name, and if they do, do you mind?
Unfortunately, yes. I love my name and most people at work are good at keeping it correct ... but all the family shorten it (except Dad), and some people at work think it's frienlier to shorten my name. But, by choice, I am Deborah.

20. Are you left-handed or right-handed? Would you like to be ambidextrous?
Mostly right-handed, although can slowly write left handed as I had to when I broke my right wrist last year..
However when I was an osteopath I preferred working left-handed.
I did judo left-handed, could not get my head around right-handed holds.
With fencing I learned my techniques right handed, but could fight either left or right ... my teacher actually said my technique was cleaner on my left hand!

21. Do you live near any trees? What’s the tallest tree nearby?
Yes ... most are similar heights, about the height of a 3 or 4 story house.

22. Do you have many lamps in your home, or do you rely on overhead lighting?
I have both. I have a spotlight where I sit, so when I am jigsawing then I have good light.

23. Do you own any clothing you only wear for a specific activity?
Not now ... although a coule of dresses (like the one I am wearing) I tend to keep for work, but not for any specific reason.

24. Are you good at packing when you go away, or do you pack all the things ‘just in case’?
I do pack "just in case" however much I say I wont!!

25. If you ended up on a deserted desert island, what luxury would you want to have with you?
My camera ... or my Kindle.








Right, I will try and catch up somewhat before heading off to work!

... And another few days missed.

As ever time got away from me.  I ended up working over the weekend, so life was hectic.  Add to that how hot it was I ended up being lazier than I should have been.  So, yesterday when I got up, I decided housework needed to be done before I went into work.  Yes I was going to drop in here, but really thought I should be a "good girl" and at least now my lounge is clean.

One thing I did manage to do over the weekend was make a couple of icons.  I only have a basic art program on the work pc, so not great, but still I had fun.  These are from the 1952 version of "The Importance of Being Ernest" and are with a theme of "Victorians".

    . . .

I have some more icons to make in the next couple of days ... and I also have the final post of my birthday trips, so am going to get on.

Before that -





11. Have you ever used an old-fashioned typewriter? Can you touch type (type without looking at the keys?)
All my patient’s notes (when I was an osteopath) were written on A4 by hand … but were all in envelopes, that I typed the name & address on the top right-hand quarter.
No, I tried learning to touch-type when I was between jobs … but couldn’t get it at all. Ironically, of my parents, my Dad was the one who could touch-type! He taught himself when he was studying for his exams pre-Theological College. He then re-trained when he was doing his PhD.

12. Do you like sushi?
No (I don’t like fish at all anyway!!)

13. Have you ever tried Tai Chi?
No – certainly not for me.

14. Do you enjoy mocktails/cocktails? What’s your favourite?
Love them. There are very few I don’t like, although would prefer not to have a Mahato. My favourites are Aperol Spritz and Moscow Mule.

15. When was the last time you saw any bees?
Yesterday – I walked into my back garden to hang out a towel to air, and they were around the flowers.





Right, I will try and keep up ... But there again, I have said that before!!

See you soon.

I had a really lovely weekend ... very busy on Saturday as I did some housework, then Toni came for some treatment as she has hurt her back again.  I actually first met her almost 30 years ago as a patient, and we rapidly became good friends.  Her treatment continued over the years, and she taught me to ride ... we used to laugh that if she had a bad treatment, she would give me a tough lesson (and vice versa!!)

Then Saturday afternoon I worked, and spent the evening chatting to a friend.

Sunday was Church, then a nice lazy day.

Yesterday ... umm, well the morning must have happened but I can't for the life of me remember anything special!  In the afternoon I worked.

This morning I have done some shopping, and just posted this weeks challenge in photo_scavenger already.  Now here, and working later.

So, before I get some icons made ....





7. When was the last time you thoroughly dusted and polished your furniture?
I do a thorough clean at least twice a year - everything out of cabinets, etc. But I do the surfaces of all the cabinets (and I have a lot) every week.

8. Have you ever been fishing?
No

9. Is there something that someone close to you does which really irritates you, but you’ve never said anything to them about it?
Lots!
Having been bullied for years you learn to not push yourself into a possible problem.

10. Have you ever made mayonnaise from scratch?
No - hee, I have better things to do with my time!



Right, I will try and catch up with you all tomorrow x

Sorry

Yes, I know I keep saying that I am going to catch up with you all - but the last couple of mornings I have been busy with housework ... how can dust arrive quicker than the polish gets rid of it!! So, as I had a couple of lazy weeks, I am all behind.

So yesterday was cleaning, washing, shopping ... this morning more cleaning and some banking as well. So I am gradually catching up.

Had aimed to have the Bank Holiday weekend off work but one of the ladies who usually works has had a sudden bereavement and so needs to take time to come to terms with the shock.

So hopefully I will catch up with you all before I head into work tomorrow ... but until then ...




22. Have you ever lived or worked in a skyscraper or high-rise building? Which floor?
No

23. Have you ever tried non-alcoholic beer or wine?
NO!!!! Why would I??





Right, I also have some icons to post then I must get on to work

See you tomorrow (I promise)

Work continues ... and so does the sunshine!

I have also done some housework ... as well as having a shortish walk each day ... so all in all a good girl!

I can't believe May starts tomorrow - how can a third of the year have gone.

I am back in work later.  I was due to work till 7, but the lady who is due to cover my evening tomorrow asked for a swap.  That works out brilliantly, as I have just had a message from Tim & Claire suggesting we meet up this evening.  So, that's going to be a good afternoon & evening.  Hopefully I shall find out what's happening about their roof ... but if there's no news, it will just be good to meet up anyway.

So, I want to get on ... will try and catch up with you all tomorrow, but until then -






29. What’s the largest animal you’ve ever seen in person?
In a zoo, an elephant.
I have ridden horses, and also a camel.

30. In the UK, it’s the end of the school half-term holiday break. What did you do in the school holidays when you were at school?
We always went away for summer holidays … 2 or 3 small trips if we stayed in England, or when I was a teen we used to spend 3 or 4 weeks in Europe … either in a caravan, or a tent.
Christmas was always family at our house … but Easter was often Mum trying to get us all involved in getting the garden ready for the coming summer season.





Right ... I will be aroung more, soon, I promise x