Eternal Refuge

Much of England has had a smattering of snow, but we don't have any here.  As I am surviving on crutches, I am truly thankful.  That will be super scary if it does freeze here.

I had a nice lazy day yesterday ... and, yes, I did manage to get 2 short walks done.  However the cold bugs are back again, and I am working later, so won't do an extra walk this morning.

My decorations will stay up over the weekend ... but come Monday things will get "naked" again.  I know a lot of people strip the decs on Boxing Day, but I love having them up, so nice to keep them until almost 12th night.

It's not a phrase I usually use, but as  have yet again been poor at keeping up to date, then it's something I can wish you (seeing as I didn't wish you all a Happy Christmas ... sorry!)

I also know I didn't post any proof that I decorated my house.  I don't do a theme, but there again my hand is not decorated in that way.  My decorations are more about "Christmas", and about family memories ... after all 2 of the ornaments on the tree were from 1930, as they were given to Mum that Christmas, and have been on a tree every year since then.  The angel on the tree was given to ne Christmas 1962 by Mum's cousin ... and, again, has always been on a tree since then.





I worked Christmas Eve and Boxing Day ... but Christmas Day was off.  I was picked up by friends from work and we went to a short Church service.  I don't like missing Church , but until I am allowed to drive, that's how it has to be.  So Amma & Stephen took me to a Church, where we sang some carols ... and then it was time to get home and get dinner on.  In the end I didn't manage to eat until 2pm, but in the interim I was able to have a lovely walk ... and even read a bit of my book.  After dinner & cleaning up, I watched King Charles, and then opened my pressies ... yes, Father Christmas decided I had been a good girl!  Then, TV, snacks, chocolate, etc, etc

As I said, Boxing Day was work ... and then relax & rest.  Sadly Saturday I really wasn't feeling well - just tired etc, etc.  I think that some of the residual stresses of the last few months were still catching up with me.

Sunday I had Tim & Claire round for dinner ... we had a really lovely time.  Chatting, relaxing, and playing a poplar family game (that I lost!)

Now we are back to Monday.  I am here but soon going into work.  This week I am doing 2 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on.  So, we shall see how that goes.

Let me catch up to date -





24. What are your plans for today?
I worked on Christmas Eve for 6 hours … the in the morning I got housework done, and prepared veg etc for my Christmas Day dinner.

25. Are you having a fancy lunch/dinner today? What’s on the menu?
I cooked – turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing, onion sauce, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots & brussel sprouts … plus white wine.

26. It’s National Pear Month – do you have a favourite variety of pear?
I like Conference Pears best

27. Do you have a favourite way of using up leftovers?
Not really … as it’s just me, they get heated up in a microwave, or frying pan … sometimes with an odd selection to use everything up.

28. How much exercise have you had over the last few days?
I have had my walk every day. Not really far at present, but getting the leg repaired (so, yes, I am doing my basic muscle building exercise, as well)

29. In 1886, the dishwasher was patented. It was invented by Josephine Cochran, who lived in Shelbyville, Illinois. She constructed the first one and won a prize at the Chicago World Fair (and was used by the restaurant industry). Do you own a dishwasher or wash your dishes by hand?
I do use a dishwasher, but it get’s slowly filled over a number of das (luckily I have loads of plates, mugs etc, I wash up fancy stuff … posh glasses, serving dishes, as well as saucepans.






Right, lets get this posted, and then get sorted out for work (I have something to eat before I go in, but because it's early I always take a sandwich with me)

I will try and do better, I promise!!

Well, I survived work. Even though it was shorter than my normal shift, I realise I am out of the habit of being focussed for a specific time ... and, I can't just play solitaire on the phone when I want! However, it was good to be back, and nice that quite a few people welcomed me back, just people who walk past the desk on a daily basis. So that was nice.

I had a check-up with my doctor this morning ... and apparently there is nothing wrong, and yes, I still have a long road ahead of me. Still, it's good news that there is no reason why things are still week and painful.

I want to get some artwork done later ... I have signed up for 3 challenges this month, so I need to get on with that!

I have already had an extra walk today, as the weather is lovely ... and later I need to get some shopping done, so all in all a busy day ... but hopefully a good one.

Before I get on -





16. Do you still use post-it notes to remind you of things?
No – but maybe I should get back in the habit, as that would save me forgetting things!! (Thanks for the reminder!!)



I will try and catch up with you all later, I promise

Wednesday was a day for getting some parcels packed up ready to post ... I then walked up to the post office, only to find they were closed for the day!

Yesterday Christine and I went to Killerton, our local National Trust Property. It is not far from a bus route, so although I am really paying for it today I was able to get there - to see the Christmas Decorations. However their big display was Red Dress Project  It's not something I had heard about, but in hearing the DVD nearby, and looking at the assorted internet links, I have learned about it. Some of the individul pieces are truly spectacular ... and the overall effect is stunning.



So, this morning started with a walk back to the Post Office ... and this time they have gone (hoorah!!).

My leg is not sore, but certainly feeling very week today, after all the walking yesterday.

Sadly, later, I have to walk up to the hospital as I have to do my annual "police" check ... I have filled all the forms in & sent all the photos in, online, but they still all have to be verified. So I don't know why I bothered, I should have just taken everything in, and saved myself the bother of the internet forms.

So that's a task for after lunch ... I want to get photos sorted by then, so hopefully will post some more photos, if not, tomorrow.

Until then ....





10. Do you have a blanket you can snuggle under on your couch/sofa?
I have 2 on my settee at present - one a crochetted one, that someone gave me as a gift ... the other, also a gift, is a yellow fleece covered with images of giraffes.

11. How often do you chew gum (or bubble gum)?
Never do

12. Do you have a range of different glasses for different types of drinks or just one type?
I have loads of types of glasses, and use 3 or 4 assorted ones when it's just me ... but if I have guests then always use different ones.

My regular one is a pint glass that I use to drink water from ... but any alcohol is in assorted galsses!!




Right, let's get some photos sorted out!

Will try and catch up with you all, as well.

Yes, that was what my yesterday was!

I walked into work, and really realised how far my leg still has to go in it's healing ... but it was good to get there. I spoke to a few people I work with, a few people I know vaguely, as well.

I also battled my employers ... although I work at the hospital, staff bank was taken over by an independant company, who give new meaning to the word "unhelpful". I phoned them 3 times while in hospital trying to get them to register that I was ill ... but each time got nowhere. Eventually someone said I needed to take my sick-note/hospital paperwork in to the office on site. So, yesterday I went ... and said that I had brought it, and they said "why"???????? Oh yes! Eventually they agreed to send a scan of the papers to the head office. Great ... except this morning I hear that they didn't get me to fill in the sick-note!! So, I shall wait and see what that brings.

I then went and visited the volunteer who was taken into hospital about a month before me ... he is very slowly progressing, so that's good news, as week 1 no one knew if he would make it.

I then did a load of ironing in the afternoon. The day before I was injured I had a load of washing ... and then did some the day I came back from the hospital, and again yesterday morning ... so I watched TV, and ironed the afternoon away.

Now I want to try and get some housework done.

Yes, I am hobbling around in my splint in the house, so it's slow going, but at least I can get some things sorted out.

So ... I am going to get on while I feel motivated!! And, before that -





6. Have you ever listened to a play on the radio?
No – don’t think so.
I never enjoyed reading plays at school, so I suppose that doesn’t help me.


7. How long can you stand on one leg – is it easier on your left leg, or your right leg?
Hee – at present I can’t take weight through my right leg at all!!!!!!!!!!
But normally, yes, I can stand on one leg … it’s a good exercise. Actually.




Right, let's catch up with you all, then grab the clening stuff.

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

Wow, that has been a super long fortnight.

I normally do 6 hours in the afternoon ... but over the last 2 weeks I have been doing mornings, as well.  I was meant to get the weekends off, otherwise I was over the top of legal working hours.  Week 1, the weather was lovely and I was given a ticket on a local-ish tram ... so I took advantage of the sunshine.  Last Saturday someone pulled out at the last moment, so I worked.

Now it's today, and I am exhausted, but OK.

I had a slow start for the day, and although I have housework that needs to be done, I probably won't do much.  I am really pleased with how I managed to cope with the excissive hours, but I am really aware of how my Chronic Fatigue is "bubbling" ... so I am going to be a good girl.

Ironically I celebrate my Monday morning off, by having a dental appointment to get a couple of fillings done ... so much for not having to set the alarm clock!

Work was basically good.  We have had one of the volunteers rushed into hospital overnight, and air-lifted to another hospital for major surgery.  He is, at long last, out of Intensive Care.  Although we see this type of situation all the time working at a hospital, it really strikes hard when it's someone you know.  (It was the gentleman who gave me the plums last month)

So i have a lot of questions to catch up on ... and photos to sort, and hopefully post today.  However I am away tomorrow (as normal), and Monday at the dentist ... so ...






6. What’s the last book you read – did you enjoy it/would you recommend it?
The Bible, this morning, before I had breakfast.
I read loads of fan-fiction on my Kindle.
Am reading a couple of books of short stories, one is about people's remembrances of WWII, the other stories written around "The Empire Strikes Back"

7. Is there anything you know is an extravagance, but you still pay for it regularly because you want to treat yourself?
No ... never had money to spare, so always keep an eye on the bills.

8. Can you take a nap and still sleep well that night, or are naps just for when you are unwell?
Yes - Chronic Fatigue is good that way!

9. When you look outside, what do you see right now?
Rain clouds ... I am sitting, so the window next to me catches the tops of rooves, and grey clouds.

10. Are there any confectionary bars they don’t make any more that you miss (describe them)?
Can'r remember any - but probably something.

11. Do you like the taste of fresh basil? What other fresh herbs do you like or dislike?
I love fresh garden mint ... that's the best.

12. Have you ever kept a paper journal? What about a bullet journal?
No.

13. Did you have a baby doll when you were growing up? How about a Barbie (or equivalent fashion doll)?
Had quite a few dolls (and still have them). No Barbie, but a Sindy, but not my favourite of my dolls.

14. When was the last time you had to dress up for a special occasion? What did you wear?
Tim & Claire's 35th wedding anniversary ... I did share photos!

15. Do you enjoy driving a car, or is it just a way to get from one place to another?
Yes, I enjoy driving ... but not into a setting, or rising sun!

16. Do you have pierced ears? If not, do you still wear earrings?
Yes.
Today's are silver flowers.

17. Do you own a smart speaker (Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Apple HomePod). If so, what do you use it for?
No ... I don't have, or want, a Smart Phone.

18. Did you have colouring books as a child? Have you tried any adult colouring books?
Have done ... and still occasioonally do.

19. Are you adventurous with your menus, or do you stick to tried and tested ideas for meals?
I tend to be pretty boring.
But if I were having someone for a meal I do enjoy looking into the cookery books.
I do enjoy trying assorted cake & biscuit recipes.

20. Do you have a favourite quiz show that you regularly watch on TV?
Quite lie Pointless, of Richard Osman's House of Games.

21. How is Autumn treating you? What’s the weather like?
It turned cool & wet almost overnight.

22. Are you good at managing your time, or would you love to be better organised?
I am hopeless.




Right, I am going to post this, and will try and get the photos sorted and posted later.

Sorry I wasn't around - any major news, please link me to those posts as I won't have a chance to skim back.

.

Yes, I was amazed to get an email from them saying they have extended my membership until the New Year.  I genuinely tried 4 different credit cards and a bank account.  So I get to keep my icon selection for another few months! 

I must take the time to download them all so that if I do end up losing this come next year, at least I can choose the icons I keep.

But - Thank You LJ

Work went well, again.

This morning I have actually got some of the "normal" housework done ... honestly how that much dust can appear that quickly, always amazes me.

Right, I want to get some icons made before work ... I have a couple of sets that need some serious work ... and I really need to get back to the on-going "50's" set.




2. Festa do Vinho, the Wine Festival, this festival transforms the Island of Madeira into a vibrant showcase of its cultural heritage. Have you ever used Madeira wine in a recipe?
Never used it in a recipe, but have drunk it as a wine.




Right ... your comments, and icons ... Hope you are all well

Yesterday was one of those days that was "nice"

Although an early start to get to the opticians I was told that, although I have lost some of my field of vision on my bad eye, my overall vision is un-changed.  Also the catarct on my good eye has not changed at all.  He also gave me some advice about "dry-eyes" and computer use, so all in all, a good appointment.  So I don't need to have another appointment until next year.

Work was a short shift, and really went well.  No real problems ... no-one swearing at me, the volunteers were both in a good mood ... so all in all OK

The evening was nice and relaxing ... the jigsaw began to pull together after a long struggle, and I watched an old favourite film on DVD

I also heard that nephew #2 & partner had got their house, finally, so I am happy that things are working out for him, as he previous girlfriend really screwed up his life a few years ago.

So, yes, a nice day

Now I have got to get some shopping done, before heading off to work, so ....






28. When was the last time you spent a night (or more than one night) away from home?
My birthday weekend ... I stayed at Nick & Brenda's for the weekend.




See you tomorrow.

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!