Goodbye 2020!

What year it has been.I havn't been a supermarket since March.Our house is up for sale but Covid has more or less scuppered that.When looking for a new house(nearer to our daughter)we said we would need to be able to walk to the shops.Well,this last nine months has shown us that that is not a requirement.It is funny how your ideas change.We were looking at houses but having had two knee replacements in the past and one is now playing up,should we looking for a bungalow or a flat.Have any of you done that?Advice welcome. Although we have hardly seen our family this year I am just thankful that our son and daughter in law recovered from Covid with no lasting effects.The rest of the family have escaped so far and long may it last. We started the year with our son in law having a brain tumour removed.He recovered well and has some lingering problems which need to be solved.He still can't drive but none of us can go anywhere anyway. Both families have really made the best of Christmas just on their own,walks,games,family tv evenings etc.Tonight Matt is doing a cocktail evening for his family having been boughht all the gear for Xmas.Alcoholic and non alcoholic,I assume.Sarah is doing a family dinner party for her Mike and Emily(15) and Ruby (13). We are just having pizza!I cant be bothered making an effort today but I will tomorrow. So Goodbye 2020.Thankful that we have survived and hopeful for better things in 2021 Love to you all Barbaraxxx

Today is our wedding anniversary!

Usually on our wedding anniversary we drive from home through Snowdonia and doen to the coast.As long as there is no cloud the views of the mountains with snow on the peaks is spectacular.This year no.We are in Tier 4 and cannot even drive from home.Because we have not been in shops we didn't even have cards for each other. However ,we did have cards from both our children.Our son had written"you continue to be an inspiration to J and I in all sorts of ways but especially in what being partners really means".Our daughter wrote "happy anniversary ,lovely couple.Boo you can't goout". When C brought me my cup of tea in bed this morning. I said "we have each other and that is the most important thing". We never watch TV in the afternoon normally but we sat and watched a DVD of Cats ,the 1998 version.At the end I said that is what we do on our wedding anniversary from now on,watch Cats.If there is only one of us left it will mark the occasion and remember our happy marriage. We have been married for 54 years.I can't believe it. Long may it last. Barbaraxx

Feeling a bit flat today.

Yes.I am feeling a bit flat today.We are in tier 4 so cannot go out in the car unless it is essential.How long this lockdown is going to last we have no idea.There are only so many hobbies to pursue and frank.y after nine months of this it is wearing a bit thin.TV is rubbish. I speak to friends on the phone but we have done nothing so nothing to talk about( only why are we not getting the Pfizer vaccine in Wales). Moan over.I have discovered a cross stitch kit I bought way back in March,set it up but havnt started it. Tomorrow onwards and upwards.I will be fine.Honest. I will start my cross stitch I will start my new jigsaw. I will start a new book. Finally I will stop feeling sorry for myself. Stay safe . Barbarax

Christmas Day is nearly over.

It has been different this year.The day started with a WhatsApp chat with our son in Cambridge,then with our daughter in Cheshire. After that we decided,as we were allowed to drive today,to get some sea air.Twenty five minutes in the car got us to Abergele(Gwyrch castle of Im a Celebrity fame just a mile or so away).The sun was shining but it was cold so a brisk walk was what we did.Then back home to open some presents.A Zoom call with our son,daughter in law and three of our grandchildren was great.We then made other family and friend calls .Some were on their own.Another has a husband with dementia.At four o'clock it wastime to chat to our daughter and two granchildren.It was great chatting to them but it is just not the same as actually being with them..Still we made the best of it.I have had some super presents.We sat down to eat at 6pm.C had made the full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings but we were too full to eat the trifle I had made!!! Tomorrow we are back in our tier 4 lockdown,no driving anywhere.We are staying in as the infection rate here is very high.We have enough food for weeks,new books to read,a new hobby to start(macrame),a new jigsaw and lots of treats to eat. I think it is time now for a glass of wine and some tv. Hope you have all had a good year in these difficult and unprecedented times. Barbarax

Merry Christmas to one and all.

I am wishing you all a happy Christmas.It is not the same this year,not for anyone. We are on our own.We will have a zoom meeting with the rest of the family but it is not the same.Here in Wales there is no signof us getting the vaccine.It is said they are waiting for the Oxford one. We are allowed to travel tomorrow so will go beside the sea somewhere and have a stroll and take in some sea air. I am just thankful we are all well and long may it last. So have as good a day as is possible and for those of you who can see family savour every moment and enjoy.Share it with us ,please. Lots of love Barbaraxxx HERE'S TO A BETTER AND HEALTHIER 2021!!!!!!!!!

Lockdown.

As from midnight tonight we are in lockdown here in Wales.We had planned on meeting up with our daughter who lives across the border in England on Monday for lunch outdoors at a pub with heaters.That has had to be cancelled but we will meet up to swap presents.Such frustrating times.I feel really sorry for families who had made plans to spend xmas together and now cant.People will have booked train tickets,accomodation etc.If you had planned on doing shopping next week the shops ,non essential,will be shut.At least we knew we would be on our own.Staying healthy and Covid free is the most important so close to us having a vaccination. Stay safe and have as good a time as is possible. Barbarax

I have seen four out of my five grandchildren today.

Matt was coming up to Manchester from Cambridge to pick up Ella from Uni.We met in a pub car park where the M6 and M 56 cross.On the way to meet them we called at Sarah's ,outside, to pick up her presents for Matt etc.Matt also had Jude,his wife, with him and Angus(14) our youngest grandson.We havn't seen him for a year.He is now almost as tall as me and his voice has broken.We stood outside under a covered area all masked up and socially distanced but it was so cold and pouring down.However,it was lovely to see them.We should have been at their house for Xmas but common sense it prevailing,We swapped presents and then called at Sarahs on the way back.We were so cold she insisted we had a hot drink in the conservatory with the doors open and metres apart.It was so good to see our two granddaughters.Such a laugh and such a boost for us in these dreadful times.I have no idea when we will next see them.So frustrating not being able to hug and all wearing masks. Roll on 2021 and us getting the vaccination .

He is home.

Phew .It wasn't a heart attack but he does have a heart abnormality which will be investigated but not life threatening.What a relief.

My husband has been rushed into hospital

with a suspected heart attack.I made him contact the surgery because he had had chest pains in the night.He just thought it was indigestion.They did an ECG and thought he had had a heart attack.They phoned for an ambulance ,Priority One and we waited two and a half hours for it to come..The latest news is that he is sat in the ambulance,outside the hospital,with three paramedics with him. I am a nervous wreck.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Hope you have a super day but stay safe. Barbara

Can you believe it.?

As I have posted previously we had sold our house to move nearer to our daughter.When the second surge of Covid started we decided to put the move on hold,told our buyer it was hers when we decided we could move safely.Over the last couple of weeks we have been viewing properties and today decided on one.Offers had to be in this afternoon.So we came home checked with our agent that the lady was ready to proceed.He phoned her and she said she has bought another house weeks ago.She hadnt the decency to let us know or the agent.So we are back to square one.I just can't understand people like this and feel totally let down to addto how fed up I was anyway. The next big decision is do we go to Cambridge ,four hours away,for Xmas to see our son ,daughter in law and three grandchildren.

Some sea air...

C has been saying for days he wanted some sea air.After three weeks of having to stay in our county and then two weeks of lockdown and then loads of rainy days we finally made it.

I don’t normally watch I’m a celebrity but this year...

it is taking place about a thirty minute drive from here.It is pouring down here at the moment and only 8 degrees.It is avery grand looking castle built in the 18 hundreds so not a typical Welsh castle.A young man has raised loads of money to take it from a ruin and still has a long way to go.I think the ,reprtedly,£300,000 that ITV are paying to use it might help.I shall watch with interest .

Any news about Weaver of Grass.

Has anyone been in contact with Pat?

Seeing the grandchildren.Not.

Our son organised a family zoom quiz last night.It was the first time I had used zoom.It was a lot of fun.We could see all the grandchildren.Ella in Manchester(at Uni),Emily and Ruby in Cheshire,Angus and Fin in Cambridge and us in North Wales.We thoroughly enjoyed but I have felt so flat since.Look but can't touch.I so need some grandkids hugs but not at least for another four weeks and will we get to Cambridge at Christmas. I have given myself a good talking to and counted my blessings. The sun is shining,we are all well and it will be over soon. Stay safe Barbaraxx P.S. I can hear the children playing out at the nearby school.What a lovely sound.Probably wouldn't understand what they are saying as it is a Welsh medium school!!!

A lot of wine but not much food!

OH did the Sainsburs delivery order last week.Lots of wine but some vital items missing.We have run out of veg so decided we would go to our local outdoor market.We havnt been in a supermarket since March.We decided outdoor shopping would be fine. What a treat to actually see fresh produce and select our own.All very safe. Then as we were getting out of the car back home a friend happened to be passing and we had a socially distanced chat. Then I went to Specsavers for an eyesight checkup.It seems I havnt had new glasses for three years.I thought it was last year.Is that my age that time is gallopping past.So ,I came home £188.00 lighter. What an exciting day!!!!!!! It just shows the t8mes we are in.Stay safe . love all my bloggy friends. Barbaraxxx

Letter Box flowers

These flowers came through the letter box.They come carefully wrapped with instructions.Three days later they look like this.Amazing.

One week of lockdown done.

At the start of the week we both felt really down.We couldn't get in the car,have change of scene and a walk.Also, the weather has been awful this week.I think I have only managed two walks from our house.Any way, we are one week down and ten more days to go.It looks,at the moment,that our First Minister here in Wales made the right decision.Only time will tell. I am pleased to say that our daughter in law is much better.She is still very tired but able to get out and walk the dog. Our 21 year old granddaughter phoned us this morning.She is in Uni but being very careful.She has turned into such a lovely young woman and chatting to her is so easy and a real tonic for us.She did say in the chat that she has been wearing the socks I knitted for her for her time in Wisconsin(cut short by Covid). Our highlight of the day yesterday was a chat with the Sainsbury's delivery van.A real face to face conversation,socially distanced and masked up.He asked my OH what his accent was.We have lived here in Wales for 48 years but stillhave our Lancashire( Bolton) accents.It turned out his daughter and family are living very close to the first house we bough when we got married.Small world. Strictly tonight.I don't seem to be able to upload photos at the moment. Stay safe everyone and if you go into lockdown it does pass......slowly but if it saves Xmas it will be worth it. Barbarax

Pat aka weaver of grass.

I understand Pat has had a fall and broken her hip.Has anyone got an update on how she is? She is such an inspiration to me.I feel really sad that this has happened.

We are in lockdown from Friday.

Here in Wales we are in strict lockdown from 6 pm on Friday.This means all non essential shops,pubs,gyms etc will be shut for 17 days covering three weekends.I just hope everyone complies.I have ordered some wool this afternoon from Wool Warehouse and a little Xmas cross stitch.I think everyone will be getting something knitted this Xmas. Our daughter in law has been very poorly with Covid,totally fatigued and dizzy.Our 17 year old grandson came to the rescue and cooked some super family meals.He doesnt use cook books just his head. I have had a walk today.I managed 25 minutes.I am trying to build up a bit of stamina.C had his hair cut today.He asked me to do it but I suggested the barber probably needed his money! Has anyone watched the two new book discussion programmes.The one on Sky Arts(now on Freeview) was two hours long.I just listened as I did my jigsaw. Last Friday Tesco click and collect did not turn up .We were not informed in advance and ended up driving 20 minutes to another store( where they pack it).I had to go and queue in the store amongst masses of people.I havnt been in a supermarket since March so I was not a happy bunny.Shame on Tesco.

My daughter in law now has coronavirus!

She had a test last Friday but did not get the result until Monday.She has been quite poorly and today feels achy,tired and dizzy.Angus was negative .Fin did not get tested.It means that Matt has to start again on self isolation for two weeks from when Jude started with it eeven though he has had Covid.The boys also have to do the extended isolation.Fin is in the Upper Sixth and has A levels next summer.He is missing so much school.They all live in Cambridge. Meanwhile in Northwich,Cheshire our granddaughter Emily has been in contact with someone who tested positive so she is in self isolation for two weeks.The has GCSEs next summer. Our granddaughter ,Ella, who is in her final year at Manchester university has also been contacted by Track and Trace and has to self isolate.Three different locations and Coronavirus is rife.Just a snapshot of the whole of the UK. Our concern is that Sarah,our daughter,who is a Type 1 diabetic catches it from Emily. Worries,worries, worries. We are hibernating .Not going in any shops.Going out in car and then having a walk in the countryside.We discovered a super new walk yesterday along an old railway line,walking in dappled sunshine beneath the trees with not another soul in sight.It did our souls good. Hope you are all keeping safe. Barbara

My son has coronavirus.

My son had a test for coronavirus on Monday and it came back positive.He works from home and rarely goes out except to walk the dog or go for a run.He lives in Cambridge and on a whim went into London on the train to meet two friends last Tuesday.He had his hair cut on Friday.He took allthe precautions,mask,social distancing ,hand sanitising etc.Sunday he started feeling achy,coughing ,temperature so decided on Monday he had better get tested.No tests were available in Cambridge so he had to drive to Norwich,a three hour round trip.Not good when you are feeling rotten.Tuesday lunchtime he gotvthe positive result.He ,his wife and our two grandsons are now isolating for two weeks.Also friends they were out with on Saturday night and probably others.Test and trace worked and these friends were notified via the app.He is feeling a bitcbetter today and we wait to see if Jude,Fin or Angus get it.
It just shows how easily it can spread.What dread ful times we are in.

A visit to Flint Castle

We have lived here in North Wales for 40 plus years and have never been to Flint Castle which is only 6 miles away.We tend to go further afield but we are in lockdown and cannot go out of our county so we went local.

How do I load photos?

Flint  Castle was built in the thirteenth century as part of Edwards the first campaign against Llywelyn the Last.

It is also famous as the location of the fateful meeting in 1399 between Richard the Second and his rival to the crown Henry Bolingbroke later Henry the Fourth.What a treat to discover this castle.

I have photos but don't know how to load them with this new blogger.Help.

Is it really 5 weeks since I did a post?

We are in strange times.We have sold our house(hopefully) and are moving to be nearer our daughter and family.We feel we are in limbo.We are moving from a four bedroomed house to a two bedroom bungalow with fitted wardrobes.We have so much furniture toget rid of but daren't do it until everything is completed.We are giving it away hopefully a young person will have it.Yesterday we cleaned all the kitchen cupboards and lined them so less cleaning when moving day comes. We have lived in our market town for 48 years so the move ,although only 40 minutes away ,will be a big thing for us.We hope we will be able to help Sarah out as her husband cannot drive until next April following his brain tumour operation.As we get older it will be good to be closer. Never used this new Blogger before so no photos.

Freedom.

From last Monday here in Wales we were allowed to travel more than 5 miles and also National Trust gardens were opened .We had to pre book which we did for Tuesday afternoon.Tuesday afternoon came and it was raining!!! but we still went.It was amazing to get out into the real world and we really enjoyed our wet afternoon at Erddig.

Problems.Help needed .

I cannot load any photos onto my blog.I don't seem to be able to upload them from my phone.Can anyone help me please?Barbarax

We have made a big decision.

We have decided to put our house on the market and if we can sell move nearer to our daughter and family.You will maybe remember about our son in law having a brain tumour removed in February.He seemed to be doing so well and then developed post operative epilepsy.His right arm goes numb for a few minutes then it passes.We hope his future is good but do not know.They live forty minutes away from us which isn't a long way but as we get older and need more help it would be easier for Sarah if we were closer.Everyone round here seems to have family very close.We used to have a great social life.Eleven of us going out eating together.Two years ago two of the couples moved south to be near their families.One of the group has dementia.It is a really tough call to make.We have lived in our little market town for 48 years.We belong to lots of u3a groups ,have good neighbours and friends.Should we move while we are still fit enough and join a new u3a and make new friends.All the above is churning in our minds.
Anyway, the house will be on the market next week.The agents reckon it is a good time to sell( they would) and there will be a depressed market in Sept /Oct when we hear of more closures and redundancies.Since we made the decision Airbus have announced 1,600 plus job losses with the knock on effect making even more closures so the chances of selling are probably zilch.

What would you do in our situation?Move near to Sarah so if there are more problems with Mike we are there or are we giving up too much.We need a crystal ball.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

I can recommend this book by Christy Lefteri.Nuri is a beekeeper,his wife an artist.They live in Aleppo until they are forced to flee.
Did anyone see the series Unprecedented on BBC 4?There are 3 x10 minutes playlets filmed during lockdown.Some funny,some poignant.I think there are three episodes.

Common sense prevailed and we did not meet up with the family.Since March 13th I have been in two garden centres and two garage shops to get a paper.All masked and gloved.I have not been in a supermarket or pharmacy or anywhere else.My OH has not been in any .

Yesterday I had a "down" day.It was cold and wet and seemed to go on forever.I am much better today.We have had What's App chats with two of our granddaughters and our daughter..The girls who are 12 and 15!have really got into cooking and baking during lockdown and have really become much closer.We then had a chat with our son in Cambridge and one of his sons.These family chats really perk me up.

Over the last week our county  has only had two or three cases every day.Surely that is easy to track and trace.
A new week coming up .If it warms up friends can visit in the garden.That will be good.
Stay safe.Barbarax

I am a little bit worried....

The last two years I have paid for a private health check up.This year they are not doing it because their nurses are involved with Covid 19 but they did offer a package of tests.They send you a package which contains three phials plus lancets to prick your finger,wipes etc.It arrived yesterday so after lunch we decided to give it a go.I just could not get the blood to flow.Eventually I think I got enough?The instructions were not clear at all.Now I have to wait for the results.Do I really want to know that I have got Type 2 diabetes,liver failure(drinking far too much wine at the moment and the odd g&t),kidney problems and a host of other things.
What do you think?Is it better to know or better to be ignorant when I could die of Covid anyway.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Results in three days,
Barbaraxxxx

Two interesting sites to visit or maybe three!

I know a lots of you are readers.Do you know that the Hay on Wye Literary Festival is on line this year.I have always wanted to go and this year I can.Earlier this afternoon I watched an interview with Maggie O'Farrell.Fascinating.She was talking about her latest book Hamnet which is about Shakespeare's own son Hamnet who died aged 11.Following his death Shakespeare wrote Hamlet.Lots of interesting talks ,readings,interviews etc coming up.People from all over the world were watching.Australia,Peru ,Kenya to name but a few.Have a look.

Another site I have enjoyed visiting is National Gardens Scheme.Virtual tours of many gardens.
It all helps to pass the time.

The third possible visit is to Encyclopedia Britannia which is doing a day by day of what happened in the past on that day.I haven't actually tried it but it has been recommended.

What have I been up to.I am plodding on with my Elizabeth Bradley Bell Pull.I dread doing the background but found I could do it watching TV so I am nearly at the bottom.Another week and it should be finished.I have finished a pair of socks and started another pair using KnitsPots Summer Fun pattern.I got the yarn from Folkstone Habour yarn shop,on Etsy ,and it is lovely.I have read two books by Mike Gayle which I enjoyed.I have read Redhead by the side of the road by Anne Tyler which was ok but not brilliant and I am now reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.

Gardening in small doses.I have just had another delivery from J.Parkers with geraniums,Crocosmia and a couple of little shrubs so I need to get busy planting but not until the wind dies down!!!
Hope you are all keeping safe.If you read this just give me a thumbs up please.
Bye for now.Barbaraxx

At long last it is finished.

This has been quite tricky!As you are going round doing petals you just hope they meet up.They did .Phew.The gold metallic bit was hard because the thread kept splitting and knotting. Very frustrating. I have a cross stitch kit to start now.It has been very pleasant sitting in the conservatory stitching,reading,doing crosswords and listening to the radio but I long to get out and meet people.
Our son in law who had a brain tumour removed in February has now been diagnosed with post operative epilepsy and ended back in hospital last Monday,a worry in itself at the moment.He spent one night there and came out with more medication.Good news for him was that he can still have a pint.
Are you finding that situations in the past you coped with are now very stressful?
Stay safe.
Anyone heard from Briony?
Bye Barbaraxxx

Happy Easter?

 I put a question mark by Happy Easter because there will be many sad,bereaved and lonely people today.
I finished this jigsaw last night.Rubbish picture ,I know .It was quite tricky as there are lots of churches.A friend has loaned me two more and I have bought two.It was amazing how many were out of stock.The country has gone jigsaw mad.I finished The Beekeeper of Aleppo and have started Half a World Away by Mike Gayle.I have never read anything by him before .Have you? Any recommendations?

 A photo of my garden and below my shed with bunting and three mandalas on the garage wall. I need to do more.I should have moved the hose pipe!

Keep safe everyone.Barbarax

Greetings from North Wales.

How are you managing?I have certainly settled into this isolation more and trying to have a structure to the day.
Slow start.
Listen to Woman's Hour on Radio 4.
Do Joe Wicks exercises for seniors.(on you tube).
Cup of tea
Lunch.
Watch the daily Welsh update.
Afternoon.Gardening.
Read The Beekeeper of Aleppo at the moment.
Craft.Maybe Blackwork,crochet,knit listening to a cd or the radio.
Tea.
Richard Osmans House of Games.
Maybe Coronation Street.
Jigsaw ( out of stock everywhere now).
TV at 9pm with a glass of wine.

Obviously not every day is the same but the above is a general idea.We have only been out to post things.Printing and paying on line for the postage is easy.
We have sent both our families a Virustatic Shield.This is something new and has been developed on Anglesey in conjunction with Manchester University and protects against viruses.It is like a snood that you pull over your head to cover your nose and mouth and ears.
I also sent them some surgical masks which I bought a month ago.
We also have FFP3 face masks bought in the hardware shop.
I have sent my two granddaughters two cross stitch kits each.I also included some yarn and three crochet hooks and hope they and Sarah will give it a go.Home school finished today for the Easter break so they will have time on their hands.Their dog has had so many walks(an excuse to get out) that he is now refusing to budge!!!

Take care one and all.

I had a blip yesterday...

I felt really sad yesterday and couldn't settle to anything.Anyway I have picked myself up and am feeling more positive.I think I was down because we had had a long phone call with our son.His wife has a coffee shop and a bakery.The coffee shop is obviously shut but the bakery is run off its feet.They are delivering bread etc but the logistics are hard.He was very tired as he had been delivering bread etc and then had to set up an online ordering system.Back to his day job on Monday where he was told his salary will be cut by 20%.So all in all he wasn't very jolly.I take all this on board.OH just takes it on board and says it will pass.
So,I have got up today feeling better.I stayed a bit longer in bed and then listened to Woman's Hour.Then we did the Joe Wicks workout for seniors.It is ten minutes but very good.This afternoon will be pottering in the garden,reading.Amazon have delivered two books which is good.
Hope you are all ok and don't worry if you have a "down" day.I think we will all have them.
Stay safe.Barbarax

What have you been up to?

 I do not know what has happened to my photos ,some are ok,some are sideways and the socks are upside down.I did them all the same way.Yesterday we had a letter,through the post,from our youngest granddaughter.Such a lovely surprise.
I have been doing some puzzles.Some I just don't understand.
Now blogger will not let me move down.
I have finished a pair of socks.
I made another mandala last night,a quick project and very satisfying.This one is for my sister in law.She has a seashore themed conservatory so I chose the colours accordingly.
I am reading Dear Life by Rachel Clarke.Not really the book to be reading in these troubled times.Any suggestions for a good read welcomed.
I am doing a 1,000 piece jigsaw.
We have done loads in the garden with this beautiful weather but suddenly I have become terrified of falling.Our garden is very uneven with lots of roots.

Would love to hear how you are getting on particularly those of you who live alone.

 

Please try and be positive.

It is going to be a hard and long slog but if we are feeling negative it will seem even longer.I have missed seeing my daughter and granddaughters today but we could not risk contact.
We are setting up a WhatsApp group for our family.All 11 of us ranging in age from 12 to 78!!
China seems to have got on top of this and is emerging the other side.
Use this time to finish projects and start new ones.
We have to get
into a mindset that it is ok to read for an hour in the morning.
Learn a new skill.
Do a free course.I have just looked on the Open University site and there are loads of courses.
My daughter has got a timetable for her girls 12 and 14.She has to do work as well.Structure to the day is important.
Our U3A is setting up contact groups for those on their own.
We all need to build some exercise into our day.
Etc etc

But IT WILL PASS.

Love and hugs to everyone.
Barbarax

Some good news.

Our son in law had his post brain tumour removal consultation today.By phone.It was good news that the tumour was benign and he has healed amazingly well.There is the possibility of further tumours but they are going to monitor him closely.Phew!
Our eldest granddaughter who was spending a semester at Madison University in Wisconsin USA decided to come home as all the American students had been sent home and she was there on her own.She travelled three hours by bus to Chicago,plane to Dublin and then plane to Heathrow and onto Cambridge and home.I think she got out in the nick of time.Phew again!
My OH is "vulnerable" having no spleen and rheumatoid arthritis.He is as fit as a fiddle really but we are being very careful.We live where there is lots of empty countryside so we can go for walks and not meet anyone.I was lucky enough last Friday to buy in a local hardware shop two face masks.FFP3 .These are what the doctors are using and were used in the Ebola epidemic .I got the last two.

I have a 1,000 piece jigsaw on the go and two more were delivered today from Hobbycraft.
I have started to learn macrame.
I have lots of knitting and crochet(Some for charity).
I have loads of books ,magazines and puzzle books.
Radio 4 to listen to.

I just can't settle to anything at the moment


And finally I have ordered some wine.We should be ok!!!!

Take care everyone and stay safe.
Love to you all.
Barbarax

Three interesting talks.

On Monday it was U 3 A Social History and the talk was by the Tallest Town Crier in the world.He is town crier for Shrewsbury(about an hour away) and is seven foot two inches tall.!!!! He told us how he got the job,about his regalia and his bell and of course we had a demonstration.It was really interesting and he was a good speaker.Informative and funny.150 attend this group
Yesterday was U3A AGM followed by music from a violinist.Philip Chiddell was educated at Chethams Music School in Manchester.He began studying the violin aged 6 and plays a violin made in 1750.He plays in concerts and also busks.What an inspirational young man and his playing was amazing.
Today we have been to the Gardening Group for a talk on The Gardens of Singapore.Again interesting.
Tonight we are at the theatre to see The Kite Runner.

Just reading through the above and spellchecker had replaced busks with buses.No he doesn't play on buses.Made me chuckle.

My first go at a hoop mandala.

This is my first attempt at a hooped mandala.Curtesy of Attic 24.I found it very satisfying to do.I bought some more cotton yarn from Abakhan this morning so I am on a roll.Watch this space!Barbara

Are you stocking up ....

Are you stocking up in case the coronavirus spreads?I must admit we have done a bit.We have a spare freezer in the garage and we have filled it with bread and meat and fish.We have also stocked up on toilet rolls!!!!Some long life milk too.
My OH has a compromised immune system in that he has no spleen and is on daily antibiotics for life.So we have a bit of a worry there and I would rather be safe than sorry.When I told my daughter I thought she would say I was fussing but,no,she tells me she has enough food to feed the four of them for three weeks.She is a Type 1 diabetic and four weeks ago her OH had a brain tumour removed so they are vulnerable.
Have you made any preparations or do you think it is all a big fuss?
Look forward to hearing your views.

We ended up in a heap and very muddy!!!

Yesterday afternoon we decided to get some sea air and have a little.walk.We headed off to Parkgate on the Wirral and parked by the Old Baths.Off we set but it was quite a long way to a gap in the fence to get through to the footpath.C managed to get over  the fence.I got one leg over this 18 inch high fence but needed him to steady me but before he could I lost my balance and toppled to the ground taking him with me.We are both in our 70s and had to crawl to the fence to get up.There were a lot younger couple about twenty yards away but they did not come to help.Once we were upright we set off on the walk feeling very shaken but we were beaten by floods.You should have seen the state we were in.Mud everywhere.We were very lucky we didn't break anything.Imagine adding that to Mike's brain tumour and Ruby's broken shoulder.We live to tell the tale and see it as quite funny now but have learned our lesson about climbing over fences!!!!

It never rains but it pours

I have just had a phone call from our daughter ,who is coping with Mike post brain op,that our granddaughter has fallen and broken her shoulder bone!!!When we just thought things were on the up.

Two weeks on....

Two weeks on from his brain tumour removal and Mike(son in law) is doing well.It is still early days but there is progress every day and no apparent brain damage.Our daughter has been amazing coping with everything but had a meltdown on Sunday as did I.We all felt relief it was over but it has been a very stressful few months which started with one of our grandsons being very poorly with appendicitis.Fingers crossed we are on the"up".
It is a busy week for us.I met a friend for coffee yesterday.Isn't it great to have a friend you can tell everything and they understand.This morning was U3A Art Appreciation.The talk from one of our members was on Banksy.Very interesting with lots of unanswered questions.Tomorrow is lunch club.14 of us go out for lunch taking it in turns to choose a venue.A very pleasant couple of hours.Thursday morning is my reading group.The book is Entry Isla d by Peter May.I still have 200 plus pages to read!!Thursday evening we are going to the theatre to see a live screening from the National Theatre of Cyrano de Bergerac.Friday I meet another friend for coffee and then we are off early afternoon to see Sarah,Mike and family.Saturday morning we meet a different set of friends for coffee and then in the afternoon we are going seeing Little Women at the film theatre.
Phew.I may need to sleep all day Sunday.

Last Saturday we saw the film 1917 and were underwhelmed by it.Has anyone seen it and what did you think?

Mike is home!!!

Mikewent home yesterday just 48 hours after a six hour op on his brain.He is still very poorly and in a lot of pain but everyone was pleased to have him back at home and it saves Sarah driving back and forth up the motorway to Manchester.Hope fully each day he will feels little bit better.He has strict instructions to do nothing for three weeks,nothing at all.Sarah has been signed off for next week and then it is half term.She( and us) are absolutely exhausted.Hopefully it is now onwards and upwards.Thank you for all your messages.

Mike now in recovery.

Mike is now in recovery waiting for a bed on the High Dependency Unit.The operation lasted 6 hours and they did not manage to remove all the tumour.Taking the last bit would have paralysed his eye.They will monitor it.It has been a very stressful time but hopefully he does not have any bleeds and is on the up.
Thanks for all your messages of support.It means a lot.Barbarax

My son in law is in the operating theatre.

Mike went down to theatre at 9am and is going to be there most of the day having his brain tumour removed.It is going to be a very loooooong day.Fingers crossed he comes out of it with no brain damage.He is in the Christie Hospital in Manchester so in a place of excellence.

Frankenstein.

Last night we went to see Frankinstein at the theatre.We both borough lay enjoyed it.I have never read the book but when we got home I read some reviews of this particular production and they were very critical.I loved the interpretation and the person who played Mary Shelley was outstanding. It is touring in the UK.Catch it if you can or has someone already seen it.
We have just had a lovely FaceTime chat with our eldest granddaughter Ella who is at Madison University in Wisconsin for a semester.She seems to have settled in really well.
Tension is mounting here as our son in law goes into hospital on Tuesday to have his brain tumour removed.Please send positive vibes our way
Back soon.

I bought one of these today.

 It looks like an electric toothbrush but is actually for use in the kitchen.It cleans in hard to reach places eg hobs,around taps.I have tried it out and it is brilliant.It takes away all the "elbow grease".It comes with four different heads for different places and one is pointed.I don't usually get excited about cleaning but if this makes life easier it will be moneywellspent.I got it from Lakeland in Chester.£18.99.I also bought a te bag squeezer saving all those drips.Isn't life exciting!!!

We haven't been to Chester for ages so it was lovely to wander round this beautiful city.Then it was out tolunch(no cooking tonight,yay.
This afternoon we have spent a bit of time in the garden.We have a gravel drive which needs keeping tidy and weed free.Hopefully it burned off some of the calories eaten at lunchtime.

A trip to Conwy

                                          Conway castle (North Wales) from the back.From the front it is on a main road across the river so tricky.

 On the quayside with the castle in the background.

Below the town walls and the smallest house in Uk.

It takes us about fifty minutes to drive here.I was saying to OH today that I a so glad we are close to the sea and mountains.We are very lucky.
Lunch was mussels at the Mulberry pub on Conwy Marina.It was cold but sunny.A lovely way to spend a January Saturday.Iforgot we also went to the Cambrian Art Gallery inConwy to see the 2020 Open Exhibition.

I have to confess that I came back and had a nap.Allthat fresh air!!!!!

It is my birthday today!

 We started the day at Dunham Massey which is a National Trust property with a winter garden.We didn't expect there to be much out but were pleasantly surprised

 This is the house which is closed at the moment for winter.

                                           Winter aconites.

   
                                      Wonderful silver birches.

                                          Daphne.I can't remember which variety but wonderfully scented.

                                          This is a shrub which was new to me but again a lovely perfume.

                                          Snowdrops.

                                          Hellebores.

                                          Even daffodils.

                                          Witch hazel.

                                         Witch hazel again.Beautifully scented.


From here we moved on to Salford Museum and Art Gallery.They have recreated a Victorian street with about 12 shops.Fascinating.We had lunch here and a good look round.We then navigated our way through Manchester (lots of traffic and traffic lights.Not used to that here in North Wales!!!) to our daughter's in Northwich.Sarah and the girls cooked tea .We had pro secco and birthday cake.Lots of love and laughter.
We are back home now and have just had a phone call from our son and granddaughter who have just arrived in Wisconsin.Sunny but minus 12 degrees.
I have had lots of cards and presents and am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful day.

A walk by the River Dee .

We had a walk this morning by the River Dee.This is a stretch which has been canalised and is between Chester and the coast.The wings for the Airbus 380 are made just a few miles upstream from here and are transported by barge to the port of Mostyn where they are loaded on a larger boat and taken to Toulouse in France to be assembled.It was so peaceful today with the winter sunshine and just a few cyclists around.I like this walk because it is flat,somethings very difficult to find round here!!!

I was really disappointed on Monday.The talk on the BayeuxTapestry was postponed.Instead we heard a a talk from someone who had converted his drive into a garden.Not really social history.There were 150 there so it was good for a catch up with friends.

I am back and need to blog more!!!

It was our wedding anniversary last week and this is the card I got for C.Inside it said "together through thick and thin".It is by Quentin Blake ,a very famous British illustrator.I thought it was very apt in two ways.We are both a lot heavier than we used to be but we have been through a lot together as well.
I am going to adopt a new personal mantra of "live each day to the full and enjoy it." Who knows what is round the corner.O ver the last month we have received lots of bad news about friends who are ill.We have Mike's op hanging over us,due onFeb 4th but apart from that we are fine.We had a great Xmas.Sarah ,Mike,Emily and Ruby came to us .We catered and all went well.We patted ourselves on the back that we had pulled it off.We played lots of games and laughed a lot.They stayed for three days.We were exhausted when they went but it was really good.
I am looking forward to getting back to a normal routine.I have been so confused about what day it is!!!
Tomorrow morning it is our U3A Social History Group and a talk on the BayeuxTapestry.We are hoping to go to Normandy in July(fingers crossed all goes well with M's op) and would go and see it.We went years ago but I would like to go again.
Aren't the fires inAustralia terrible.Many years ago we were on holiday in the south of France and we were evacuated in the middle of the night because a fire
was rapidly approaching our campsite.I can honestly say it is most frightened I have been in my life.The sky was orange and the air thick with smoke making our eyes sting.It stopped 50 yards from our mobile home.Scary.