General Chat

Oh Mel what a worry for you and I think I would have been in tears as well. We started having similar problems a long while ago because OH was not taking our scripts in till we nearly ran out. What I did (and you could try) was put the scripts into the surgery a few days earlier than it says they are due. The next one will give a due date for the next ones a few days sooner as well. Do the same the next few times till you have a couple of weeks tablets in hand. If anyone tells you they aren't due yet you can always say you are hoping to go away for a few days and will run out.

AnnG OH met his wife a few times in his other work about 10 years ago and at that time he did have children, but they may be grown up now. Yes, it does help if a man has hobbies and interests. OH always had his footie. I had mixed feelings when I finished work and it was the status with me too once I became an Inspector. I had a warrant I could enter premises with, could do police interviews under caution and went to court. I missed my pinstripe suit I would wear to visit accountants, solicitors, court and bigger companies etc and felt I suddenly became a nobody. Then you remember the tough targets to meet that affected your pay rises, having to write reports for your staff, the difficult customers and days you wished you could be outside in the nice weather. I still find it amazing that I get paid without having to work and really appreciate it still. I missed the people but am still in touch with 3 of my colleagues.

Vera it was good to see that poor lady didn't have serious injuries. It must have been a shock for her though.

We have had several snow showers and a blizzard a while ago, but it is sunny now although the temperature has gone back down to 2 degrees.

The blind man came at the start of the 3 hour slot which was good. Much more helpful this time and he has turned the blind slats round how I wanted. He even suggested and ordered longer sticks for the blinds in the bay window to make it easier for me to reach over the window seat. He said that the 2 blinds joining in the middle won't lie as flat, but when I checked it is much better than it was. He did the ensuite blind so the pullcord is back on the right again, so that's good. I decided as I'd got what I wanted, and his attitude was so much better, not to raise the matter of the missing blind which his employer now knows about.

OH is out at more meetings and won't be back till about 8.00pm and I can't decide what to do next.

Gosh Mel...Youve really had the run around today. I'm sorry to hear that.

You seem to often be chasing or collecting scripts.
If the medical condition is stable, is there any chance of them doubling up the prescription, so that you only have to once every 2 months for example?

That's what I do and I know several of my friends do the same.
The system here is that the chemist encloses a printout prescription when we pick up an order for medication. About the beginning of the 3rd week after that, I pop the prescription into the collection box at the GP's surgery, having ringed the chemist where I want to collect. The GP signs it off and I collect medication for 8 weeks, about 5 days later from the chemist.
This halves the time the doctor and the chemist has to spend writing and dispensing for each person.

It snowed a bit while we were having lunch but the sun wasstill out over the back of the bungalow.

I have spent all morning chasing out script and then had to wait at the surgery for them ttoo do them and when I got home they hav'nt put one of oh's pills in the bag. I also have to go up there again this afternoon to collect one of mine as they did'nt have it!!!!! I can't ring them and it all ended in me in tears this morning after doing all his pills for the week only to find the one he ran out of two days ago was the one thats missing. I am at the end of my tether.

Afternoon everyone.
I thought it was Spring earlier, when I saw the first of the local baby lambs in a field a few miles from here. They were very young, only a matter of a day or so old, I would say. Most of the ewes in the field hadn't had their lambs yet, so they will be born this week, I expect.
Within the hour they were in for a shock, when the brilliant sunshine had turned to heavy hail, then a watery snowstorm.

I thought that you or at least your OH might know him through his voluntary work with various things. So sad, does he have a young family? I suppose we never know what people are facing in their private lives. Despite having a high powered job T adapted to retirement fairly easily although he did take on contract work for a couple of years after officially retiring. But he also had his golf and was treasurer of the Senior golfers division for a few years. I found it odd when I retired, I didn't miss working but missed the people and strangely had a problem working out what my status was in my life after having quite a responsible job. I can imagine the more 'power' you have the higher you are in your organisation, the more difficult it is to adjust.

Lol!! Slippers!! Good job it was not raining. :-D

Morning All,

It's only 2 degrees here at the moment and the car had a thin layer of snow on it when I went for my walk earlier. It was bitterly cold where it was windy and made my face ache.

AnnG I couldn't believe it when I read about our newly retired Chief Constable being found dead at his home. OH knew him quite well from doing voluntary police custody work when he first retired and we both attended talks he gave at the Police HQ just down the road from here. We both instantly liked him. He was enthusiastic, personable, approachable and had no sense of his importance, smiley, keen to do a good job, was fit and smart too. Apparently when he first tried to join the Police force here they turned him down due to some kind cf colour blindness, but they accepted him elswhere and he rose through the ranks. I do hope it wasn't suicide, but I know he was off work for health reasons a while ago but that could have been for any reason. He had only retired 12 days ago. I agree AnnG and think it can be a tricky time for some at first when they retire from a job of importance and prestige and with much pressure. It's such a loss of a good man, whatever the reason, and he could have continued using his skills and experience in so many other organisations had he wished to as you say. I was a bit concerned about OH when he retired early, but so much change in his work life seemed to make him very adaptable and positive and finding other things is what he did and is still doing.

OH just walked to the post box at the end of the close to post a letter for me. He said it was a bit awkward walking and he noticed when he got there that he still had his slippers on!! What am I to do with him! He often frowns when he looks at me and I am always telling him he looks grumpy when he does it, but he waves away my comments (as nonsense no doubt) and tells me no-one else has ever commented. Well at last night's meeting, someone asked him why he was frowning at them and asked what the matter was!! Ha ha, it made him burst out laughing and he had to confess his wife must be right as she was always telling him the same!

Well it's warmed up one degree to 3 degrees now. I'd better clear some space near the windows the blind man will hopefully sort out next.

Morning ll,

Bright and sunny here this morningbut its only 5 degrees out there. Snow Mandy?? and snowfall paint for the kitchen? is it a light grey of a creamy colour?

Morning all,

We woke to snow this morning it was quite heavy and has laid on the roof and top of the wall but the paths and the roads are clear as it was very wet before it snowed ,I looked on the camera and it was snowing about 2 o'clock.

Vera it does shake you up when you see an accident, your OH was good to think of getting the first aider out there it was his good deed of the day ,I hope the poor lady makes a good recovery .

Colins brother had somebody step out in front of him years ago and the poor chap died it took a while for him to get over it .

We're off to homebase in a while to get some emulsion to decorate the kitchen in a few weeks time they have crown paint on offer so we thought we'd get some now I think we're going for one called Snowfall as it's nice and light ,we also need to get a new blind .

How sad to read of the death of the 55 year old just retired Chief constable of Leicestershire. Of course we don't know the facts but suicide is mentioned. so many people who retire from high profile, active jobs before they are ready find it difficult to cope with. such a pity as he must have had a lot to offer in other areas of work or voluntary work.

good morning Vera and everyone. 0 degree here but no frost. forecast for the weekend is worrying. Anyone who has planted out tender plants because of the good weather last week should be concerned. I am a bit concerned for my plants in the unheated greenhouse I am hoping the very low temperatures don't get down this far but I may just cover them. Forecast for North East is a potential -8. A lot of plants won't survive that.

Good morning all

Brrr. There was a heavy frost last night and a few flakes of snow this morning. Weather app says it is 2 degrees but feels like -3.

I didn’t sleep much last night. I got up again at 1 am as I wasn’t sleeping, made some tea and stayed downstairs for a while, then went back to bed and read till 3 am. Eventually I fell asleep and woke again at 7 am.

I’m not sure what I’ll be doing today. I’m going to put the towels in to wash now but have no plans after that but I expect I’ll fill my day somehow. I hope you all enjoy your day whatever you are doing.

Oh that is good I hope she recovers well. Sleep well Vera.

I have just seen something online about that accident today. There were no real details but it did say she was taken to hospital with head and leg injuries. It then said her injuries are not believed to be life threatening so that’s a relief.

I watched it yesterday Mel and wondered where they were with their kale and other veg. Yes, I wonder where the cart was parked!

What a shame a lady got knocked down on the crossing Vera. It does shake you up and stick in your mind as you say, but it was quick thinking of your OH to go in the shop to find a first aider. Your scones sounded delicious and it's good to go back to somewhere you know will have nice food.

We will fight any planning application, like we did when the 3 properties were built at the end of our close, but I don't hold out much hope. The local council refused planning for those, but the builder appealed and the district inspector overuled them and allowed it, even though we highlighted the problems there would be that have now happened eg like lorries getting stuck. The localism act they brought in is just not working if we can't influence what happens in our neighbourhoods.

Gwyn our village isn't huge but at the other end of the village they have used the land from 11 farms to start building 4,500 houses and no change to the narrow road through the village. They are building a school there as well, but only allowing 2 parking spaces per house, so where will their children park their cars? Every time we drive into the villages around here we see new building developments. Will the whole country be as dense as London in another 100 years. We can't keep expanding at this rate for ever. It is a shock when you look at old maps of where you live on line from the early 1900s and see how little is built up.

It sounds like the children really enjoyed their outing with you and the trip back on the bus too.

I went up the greenhouse before it got dark and it was really cold. The PC says 1 degree now. I have covered my plants including the geraniums with bubblewrap I'd saved, to help protect them. It would be annoying to lose some now after getting them through the winter this far.

I was so into my craft this afternoon I forgot to go and pick up oh and my scripts. He only had 5 to take tonight instead of 8.

That was'nt nice seeing that accident Vera and it shakes you up even though you don't know the person. I do hope she is ok and her injuries were'nt too bad. Poor women.

If anyone is watching the Simpler Life they tried to sell there veg at the cross roads at New Inn yesterday thats just down the road from me onthe way to Holsworthy and they were in Holsworthy Market and thats about 9 miles from here and I wondered where they left the horse and cart???

That was a sad end to your nice morning out Vera. You have to feel for the driver if it is governed by traffic lights and they were green. I wonder if she forgot to wait for the signal to cross. Yes it would shake you up. People do tend to stand and watch, some out of concern and some curious/nosy.

Yes I did see that on the wine thread. I suppose (being generous) quite interesting info. If you wanted to know. But not necessary.

It came over very black a while ago and then we had some sleet. Now it is just grey, cold and miserable. The computer is saying it's 15 degrees and there is light rain but the computer appears to believe I live in Ottery St Mary. Goodness knows where that's come from; I don't think I have ever been there.

As OH buys his wines by the case from a merchant I don't often buy individual bottles from the supermarket but I might try a bottle of that Chardonnay AnnG, just to see if I like it more than I usually do. I do occasionally use some Tesco vouchers to treat myself to a bottle of their Sancerre, sometimes I get the Sancerre Rose. It's about £12 a bottle but it doesn't seem expensive if I'm using vouchers :-D Have you kept up with that wine thread? If not, have a read of the latest. We've had another lecture to which Florence and I have responded.

I'm glad your OH is feeling a little better Ann. I hope you get to see the plans for the field behind you soon and that there is a proper consultation process. I fully understand what Gwyn is saying. Big new estates have gone up all around our area, there's one of 1200 homes in progress now but there are very few in the price range for a first time buyer. There is no new infrastructure. The doctors are overwhelmed, there are insufficient school places and the town centre is often choc-a-bloc full of traffic as the roads are narrow and there is no town by-pass, even though it has been talked about to my knowledge for 30 years.

Well, we had a delicious scone and an excellent coffee in our favourite French owned restaurant. The scones always taste just cooked and all the jams are home-made and you get a very generous portion. Then we went to the bank and had a satisfactory chat with the advisor there. Unfortunately walking back to the car park we saw an elderly lady knocked down on a pedestrian crossing. We were just approaching the crossing and didn't hear the beeping noise to say it was safe to cross so I think she had stepped out in front of the traffic. A couple of ladies rushed to help her, a young man phoned for an ambulance straight away and told them very clearly what had happened and exactly where and as it was outside Roys my OH ran into the shop for their trained first aider. As we couldn't help further we thought it better to move away and I tried to encourage a few others to do the same and give those who could help some room but people will rubberneck. It looked quite bad, there was a lot of blood and I think it was from a head wound. It did shake us up and I've been thinking of that poor lady for the rest of the day, and the poor driver too.

Have to say, I can’t eat too many peanuts so that probably contributed to the problem good you got the tests you wanted and also managed the walk. I bet they hope people will be put off by the posted saying they have not got any. Bit unfair really though. Good job you had phoned.

I don’t think I would be brave enough to take an untried vaccine. Either. But anyway you didn’t have a choice as you have had Covid.

I went out in the garden and checked if the lawn was dry but it is still wet from yesterday so I didn’t cut it. The edges need doing now so will have to see what it is like tomorrow. It was very cold out there. I did walk down to take some books back and I actually put a few pieces into the jigsaw.

I wouldn't have got the covid tests if I'd taken any notice of the sign in the shop saying they were out of stock. I ignored it and asked about them, as I'd phoned to check they had some just before they closed last night and yes they did have them. I haven't undone the sealed plastic bag they are in yet, but it feels like 1 box of lateral flows and she did say there is a PCR test as well. I did my walk afterwards and managed 2 laps today. So many people have cockerpoos and french bulldogs nowadays and there was a nice little black and tan Chihuahua, which despite it's small size was racing about. It hadn't been fed too many titbits like some though and was as sleek as a Whippet!

I think OH does suffer from IBS to some degree AnnG. His tummy really bloats if he eats most white bread. It seems It seems today may have been self inflicted as he was hungry when he got home after I'd gone to bed last night and ate cereal then a lot of peanuts .......too much fibre!! He had some Dairy Box chocs as well and they certainly have that effect on me!! He does seem alright again now though. I thought at first he might have picked up a bug from his visit to the doctor's on Monday as his appointment was over half an hour late as someone had been sick in the nurse's room and they had to disinfect. The training brief he should have gone to won't be a problem as they are sending him a video recording of it. His meeting tonight is quite a way to travel, but I think he will go if he's still ok this afternoon.

The hospital research unit sent an email today inviting me to a trial testing a new covid vaccine. I fit all the criteria except you musn't have had covid, but I'm not sure I would want to be a guinea pig anyway. It's a good job some people will though.

I wondered if the chap had a place in mind for the missing blind Mandy! I expect he will say he left it with the other old blinds as he would be in trouble if he admits it. I see you are getting things together ready for planting your seedlings. The coloured light on the wind chime sounds nice.

That's just what I thought Mel, the blind that matters most is the dodgy one! I shall think about you enjoying your F&C! Your plastering and casting sound interesting.

I think while our immunity has had a boost from getting covid I might book a belated birthday meal for OH at Pesto. We last went 2 years ago for his birthday and there wasn't anyone else there at 12.00pm and they put us in a corner away from other tables with a view of the garden.

Well I seem to have done nothing but jobs the last few days so I am getting my paints out next.