Eternal Refuge

Well, let me start by saying the chest infection is doing OK ... much better than it was - Yay, good news.

However I work up Wednesday with a raging sore throat - Boo, bad news!

So the last couple of days I have slept, and rested, and drunk lots of water and eaten fruit ... so I am slowly getting better, but still getting tired easily.

So frustrating.

So it really is a case of a quick catch up with the questions ... and then off to rest more. So, sorry I haven't been around, and won't be until the beginning of next week.

So -






6. Do you sit at a dining table when you eat a meal at home?
Dinner, always.
Breakfast & tea, occasionally.

7. Are you usually early or late to meetings/appointments?
Always early.

8. Do you know how to find the North Star (Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere) or the Southern Pole Star (Sigma Octantis in the Southern Hemisphere) in the night sky?
No -about the only thing I can recognise if I really, really focus, is Orion's belt.

9. What was the first fandom you were ever involved in?
I was a member of something as a 4 or 5 year old, but can't remember that. My first active fandom was Blake's 7, where I joined Horizon (the club) and participated in the 6-monthly magazine.

10. Ellen Ochoa was born today in 1958 and was the first Hispanic woman to travel to space in 1993. Would you like to travel to space?
No! Even though I am a fan of sci fi. I don't really enjoy flying ... just enjoy getting to the other end.

11. What’s your favourite way to eat eggs?
Fried, scrambled, hard boiled ... in fact I like most traditional ways.




Right, I will catch up soon x

Yesterday I ended up spending most of the morning asleep. The chest infection is trying to fight back ... just wish I could actually get some treatment for it. However 100+ years ago I wouldn't even know that treatments were possible, so that's possibly why I find it frustrating.

Work went well yesterday, although I did have the supreme oddest conversation with someone ... I often think I have heard the oddest, but it would be hard to beat this one ........

I speak to people face to face, but also answer a phone, but in the hospital, also to the police & social services ... and to members of the general public.

External calls come via a switchboard and I answer the phone with Good morning/afternoon/evening, General Enquiries.

This was an external call who politely replied Good afternoon.

So I asked how could I help.

She said "Could you tell me the time, please?"

I said that it was one minute to six ... she replied "Thank you, very much" and hung up.

Huh!!!!!!!

So, so I think that this is one of the oddest calls I will ever make.

The joys of working with the general public ... can't be totally fascinating!

I am heading back into work later ... so wonder what the day will hold. It's a shorter shift, as I finish a couple of hours earlier, then going into Exeter to meet up with Tim & Claire, so it will be good to see them and catch up properly.

So, I want to get on ... so ...






9. Do you set an alarm on an alarm clock or a phone to get up in the morning?
An alarm clock on an old phone, that I keep for bits & Pieces like that.

10. Are you a minimalist or a maximalist regarding home décor?
I am a hoarder ... I love my family history & souvenirs.





Right, I have a few icons to post and then I am going to try and catch up with you all.

Having survived the storm ... and the family party (!) ... I thought that yesterday would be a "nice day".

I had a 3 1/2 hour clinic shift in the morning, a chest x-ray in the afternoon, and then in the evning I was meeting Tim & Claire for a Christmas Concert at the Cathedral.

The clinic lasted an hour longer ... and we had 2 patients booked to the same appointment time.  To add to the fun, we had 2 teenage boys (who were actually OK, in the end), a 5 year old (who was great, but his mum was bored, so that was a problem), and our last patient had dementia (so every other word was German) but luckily had a carer, because it turned out he was disabled, as well (he should never have been booked for the appointment).  So it was a mixed group of gentlemen ... the only advantage was that the time disappeared rapidly.

Anyway, an hour late home, so I had to grab something to eat before heading out for my X-ray.  It was done at one of the outlying hospitals, and it meant I got there, was checked in, and done ... all within 10 minutes.  Walked back to the car ... and .... nothing!  As I don't drive much these days I no longer have breakdown cover.  The great thing was that I almost didn't pick up the phone or purse, as I was meant to be in and out quickly.  So ... Mr Google saved the day.  A very nice local company arrived about 40 mins later, complete with tow-truck, in case.  But it turned out to be the battery.  However when I finish typing this I must start looking to get a new one, as he thinks the problem is it's age (8+ years).

So I was later home than planned ... and due to the ongoing bugs I wanted a snooze, so that was more of a 40-winks cat-nap ... then food, and back out.

Normally I walk into Exeter, but decided to catch the bi=us for most of the journey ... but it was then nice to walk down the high street and see the lights -








And, so to the Cathedral ... as you can see we have a Christmas Market.

Just in front of the Cathedral  .... it's actually life-sized.

The newly opened cloisters (on my way to the loo!)






It was a really good time - 4 carols that we all sang ... one, Ding Dong Merrily On High, the conductor split the Cathedral in 2 to see which side sung better ... I was on the winning side (I think Tim was a great help here!!)

The choir sang a collection of carols, old & new ... and we also had a couple of organ solos.  So, yes, after my fraught day, it was a lovely evening.

Then walked home.

Once home I was glad to receive a mesage from a friend of mine who lives in Malibu ... I had been super worried as I saw that much of the area is being evacuated for wild fires (not something I would expect this time of year). So the day certainly finished on a high.

Great evening.

This morning I tried to book another doctor's appointment, but as there were only a couple of doctors in I couldn't get an appointment ... when I had a call-back I don't think the doctor had actually looked at my notes. She just said that I needed an appointment and to try tomorrow ... and that Dr H was in so I could continue with him ... so I pointed out that I hadn't seen Dr H for 9 years! She just said "oh". Luckily I am pretty stable - if not, I would have gone to the hospital, which would have been annoying, but necessary. So i will try tomorrow.

Right - let's get on ...






11. In 1913 the "Mona Lisa" was recovered two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum – have you ever seen the Mona Lisa painting in Paris?
I went to Paris when I was 15 ... art galleries were not top of the agenda!!! It's on the bucket list, though.




Right, let me try and catch up with you all x

I heard this morning that Queen Camilla is unable to attend an official function ... as she was in November.  Both of which were due to an ongoing chest infection ... I know exactly what she feels like!  I feel the bugs are chasing me round in circles ... I am going to try one more day of the cold/flu remedy and then if needed, will go back on the penicillin.

I felt pretty wiped out over the weekend, and basically worked Saturday evening and slept much of the rest of the time.

I ended up working for a few hours yesterday as a favour.  Although when the carpark machines broke I did wonder why I had offered to do it!  Normally in 4 hours I would clear about 50 cars for those with disabled badges, carers cards etc  .... The last hour I was in I had to sort out over 100 cars ... I do wonder what everyone else did.  It is an independent company, and as I usually say, they are not "user friendly"!!

As ever Christmas is even more muddled than normal.  I haven't started writing cards etc ... but I am pretty sure I end up with a bit of a melt-down about this time every year and get myself organised in time.




30 Have you ever participated in a ‘Secret Santa’ (either at work or with your friends/family)?
N0 -never really been in a situation of knowing other workers well enough as I move around from shift to shift

1. Are you good at wrapping presents?
No - I can even argue with a book or a box!

2. Is there anything you don’t like but can’t bear to part with in your house?
There isn't enough space to list everything - I am a hoarder and have so much sentimental stuff.
For example - Granddad's (and my Great Uncle's) medal, Mum & Dad's wedding photos, clocks belonging to 2 of my great-grandfathers ... the list goes on.
I am wearing a ring that was first worn by my great-grandmother and I am the 4th generation.

3. In 1961 Dutchman Anton Geesink became the first non-Japanese judo world champion. Have you ever studied any martial arts?
I did Judo for 7 years ... Jack, my teacher, worked with the British #1's at the time. One great thing I did learn was how to fall correctly ... when I was run over at 21, and then falling off horses, including once when at gallop, I walked away without too serious an injury. Thanks Jack.




Right, let's get this posted ... will try and catch up with you all a bit later x

... Or, is it "Happy Tie-Spike-To-A-Chair" Day.  Maybe I should do a re-watch.

I do hope that all of you who celebrate, however that happens, have a really lovely day.

Yesterday evening I had a lovely evening with Tim & Claire. As ever I won't share photos of them, at their request, but -


I have a day "off" although I want to get some baking done.  I am meant to be going to a Carol Service rehearsal this evening, although I am still debating that as my chest infection has come back with a vengeance today.  Really struggling to breath again ... talk about frustrating!






28. It’s Thanksgiving Day in the US – what are you thankful for (even if you don’t celebrate today)?
I am thankful for a lot ... especially my faith and my family.
I am thankful that LJ still exists, as well!




Hope you are having a fun day ... catch up with you soon x

Only here briefly today … my week has certainly been odd.

I worked Monday morning which went well, and did some bits and pieces in the afternoon, planning to be on-line Tuesday.

Tuesday, am I had an appointment first thing for my annual identity check at the hospital. Having worked in checking similar back in the Spring I took the things I needed so that was over quickly. I walked home the long way as I went round to Tim & Claire’s to check on their garden furniture due to the bad overnight weather (they are on holiday)

First thing in the afternoon I had an appointment at the doctors as my chest infection is being stubborn. So the doctor gave me steroids and a different antibiotic.

I got home took one of the tablets … and withing an hour I was in trouble … chest pain and a huge rash. I know I am allergic to one antibiotic, but not this one. I got up to get something to drink and ended up so so dizzy that I headed back to my seat, and didn’t make it. I lay on the kitchen floor for about 20 mins just re-focussing myself … before I could get to me seat, and my phone. As I was sure it was an allergy, I phoned the non-emergency number … but after speaking to someone I was transferred to the emergency number. To cut a long, scary story short, within the hour an ambulance and paramedics were with me. They had actually phoned in the intervening time.

So they did tests, and actually gave me an anti-histamine injection (which certainly helped the rash), and then said that they wanted to admit me to the hospital. I questioned them until I had to stand up to have my chest listened to, and I was still very dizzy.

So, I ended up in the hospital on heart monitors overnight … blood tests, etc.

The following morning, I had a chest X-ray … and doctors came and asked a lot of questions … and then some more.

They were relatively happy with how I was, and say that it was (probably) the tablet. They want me to have more blood tests next month, and have made a note that any further heart problems then the tests would increase rapidly.

Yesterday I was totally shattered for the rest of the day.

This morning, I had to take my car in for it’s MOT and service. I had planned to catch the bus into the city to do Christmas shopping, but Exeter was under a layer of snow, so ended up sitting in the can showroom reading all morning. So not good for my plans, but probably better for my health.

So, I am still struggling with the bugs, and still tired. The hospital gave me antibiotics but told me to wait a couple of days to see how I was doing, and also make sure my body has “recovered”.

Hopefully, I will be back tomorrow properly, but until then -






18. Do you like having a routine or spend most days just ‘winging it’?
Either!
I do like having something organised … but there again, once in a while, it’s nice to have a day that just “happens”

19. Do you ever travel by bus? When is the last time you did?
Yes …. Was due to this morning, but the weather had other plans.
So, my last bus trip was actually the one to and from London.

20. In 1958 American puppeteers Jim and Jane Henson established Muppets, Inc. (now known as The Jim Henson Company). Have you a favourite Muppet character?
Not a fan of the Muppets, at all (sorry!!)

21. Today, in 1787 Samuel Cunard, Canadian-British shipping magnate and founder was born. Have you ever been on a cruise?
I had 4 days on The Nile in my Egyptian holiday earlier this year. I like the idea, but wouldn’t want to have ship days … but to move from place to place without having to pack every morning/night would be nice.





Hope you are all doing well … will try and catch up with you tomorrow x

Life just got a bit hectic ... I had a couple of shifts at work (hoorah for the Bank balance!) ... but I think I am still kicking off the "flu/covid" bugs from a couple of weeks ago, as I was tired. Luckily wok were afternoon shifts, so I could have lazy mornings.

I am working later today, as well, so wanted to just pop in briefly beefore heading off to get a couple of bits of essential shopping, and then off to work againn.

I promise I will catch up properly early next week ... honest.

But, until then -






17. What’s your favourite type of pasta shape, or do you find the perfect shape to suit the sauce you've made?
I’m not really a great fan of pasta


18. In 1957 Elvis starred in the movie Jailhouse Rock - have you seen it?
I am an Elvis fan – but haven’t seen this for many, many years.


19. It’s National Album Day - do you own any vinyl albums?
Yes – still got quite a few. I also have all of Mum & Dad’s … so a lot of classical music!


20. Did you ever own a black and white TV? When did you first watch a colour TV?
Yes, I’m old enough.
I remember when the reporters used to say what colour the Queen was wearing on an outing!





Right - hope that you are all doing OK ... catch up soon x

This is my one full day off this week and I really planned to get a few jobs done ... packing away pressies, writing a couple of thank-you letters, sorting out some details for my February holiday, etc

However the bugs that I picked up at the beginning of the month are fighting back ... so with work yesterday (& tomorrow), I am going to have a super lazy day ... sleep, read, & TV ... and other than eat & drink, that's the new plan.

As I am working tomorrow, then coming home just to change before heading to Tim & Claires I will not be back to Saturday ... so ....




28 – Card Playing Day: Do you play card games?
Used to play a lot … a couple of the boys I was at school with & I loved Whist, and if we could find a fourth that was a great way to spend a lunch-break.
Mum, Dad & I used to play, although Mum preferred it to Dad.
I love patience … and play both via the computer, and a couple of games with actual cards.

29 – Tick Tock Day: Tick Tock Day reminds you that the year is almost at an end, and there are things still left to be doing, and in fact, only two days left to do them in. What do you need to get done so that you don't let the year end with regret?
I always have things that I need to do – “procrastination” is my middle name!




See you Saturday x

Sorry, I did aim to post a couple of times last week ... However on the first of my 2 days I couldn't get on the internet ... some local problem with the internet.  Then on my next possible chance I had developed an ear infection and was feeling "very sorry for myself" ... especially as I still had the house to clean before Brenda arrived.

So ear is getting better.

Brenda has been and gone ... as have Tim & Claire.

Now I have some of this morning off, as I am working later.  But in my planned morning to sort photos Toni has phoned to say that she has hurt her back and can I possibly look at it for her.  (For those who don't know, that is how we met, about 25 years ago).

So, as ever, plans are thrown out.  Anyway, I will have loads of photos to share at some point as, despite the weather, Brenda and I went to 2 National Trust properties (and I still have photos from my museum visit to share), but until then ...



20 – International Chess Day: Do you play, or have you ever played, chess?
Yes, I can play, but not one of those people who can plan moves ahead ... just "reply" to my opponants moves.

21 – Junk Food Day: What is your favourite junk food? Is this something you eat regularly, or is it something you turn to when you're stressed, or that you reserve as a special treat or reward for yourself?
Roast Chicken crisps.
A Big Mac
I will eat the crisps usually once a week ... a McD's is if I am travelling and busy.

22 – Day Of the Cowboy: Do you like Westerns (either books, movies, or TV shows)? What about country and western music?
Traditional country music is fine ... as are the great westerns ... John Waine in Stagecoach is a winner.

23 – Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day: Match made in heaven or something to be avoided at all costs?
Never tried it ... but I do like a Snickers/Marathon bar

24 – Everybody Deserves a Massage Week: The third week of July is Everybody Deserves a Massage Week. Do you go for regular (or occasional) massages? Have you tried different types of massage: Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue, etc.? Do you have a favourite?
Never had a massage just to relax, but have regular Sports Massages for injuries.

25 – Hot Fudge Sundae Day OR Wine and Cheese Day: Which would you go for?
Something else I have never had.
I do like some cheeses, although have to be aware of my partial dairy injury ... but, white wine, yes please.

26 – All or Nothing Day: If it was your last day on Earth, what would you do?
I think I would want to contact family and friends.  But really, I don't know, as there would be too many variables.



Right, won't catch up with you as I want to get some photos sorted before Toni comes ... so will see you tomorrow xx

I have no work today, so after a couple of lazy days it is nice to have a day to try to bothcatch up with a couple of missing tasks, do some other important jobs (like order money for next week's holiday) and catch up here .. and also plan to not overwork, as I am still struggling with the virus.  So much so I actually saw my GP today and she said it is just a virus, so good to know that I haven't missed something obvious.

When I saw my GP I did point out the old phrase that Mum always said ... a virus is
        "3 days coming, 3 days here & 3 days going."
But she said that we also have to add that it then takes 3 weeks to heal ... but I did add that mummy was never wrong!

Sadly the leg is slow in healing ... and as I sadi I have a holiday coming up.  I am going to Sicily for a week, so looks like i will be hobbling round the island at this rate.

But on to good news ... Tim & Claire ....
They heard last Friday that their neighbours planning had been completely rejected.  And it is in such a way that if they want to do anything on the back they are going to actually have to knock down a pre-existing extention as it is too close to the border under new rules.  So Tim & Claire were totally amazed that it was good news, and in fact much better than could have been expected.

Yesterday as one of my rexations I made some icons for comps running over at DW ....

From Your_Favourites ... Challenge #171 - TV Show by Genre: Comedy
These 4 icons are from my favourite comedy TV show ... a real easy choice. I loved M*A*S*H the first time around, and still love to catch an episode -

     

And, from Perioddrama_ic challenge 59 - Face off
Pride & Prejudice .... Sense & Sensibility

     


So now I think you are all up to date ... I want to try and give my conservatory a really good clean, but before I post this -



9 – Sleepover Day: Did you do sleepovers when you were young?
No, as I was a victim of bullying by the age that they would have occurred.


Right, let's get on x