Three early visitors!

 Dh and I are usually up, drinking tea at about 8:30 am most mornings, unless we have an early appointment or agree to meet someone or SW. So someone knocking on our front door earlier yesterday morning was a surprise. It was some one looking for an Ann Cooper? We didn't know anyone of that name.. so Dh came back into the lounge to drink his tea.. then knock, knock again. I could hear the man saying, 'I'm the decorator come to paint the outside walls' I nearly choked on my tea! I've had that decorator book since the beginning of the month, he was to let us know when he could start. 

He said he'd sent a text to me? I quickly got my phone. I only look at it to use as a phone, I don't use it for the internet so I don't look at it all that often. He had sent  a text at 8:10 am to say I can start today!!LOL

We were still in bed then, anyway as it was all outside painting, he and his crew started while we carried on in our dressings gowns, with another cup of tea, as that first one was cold! I can cope with cold tea, but not my first morning cuppa! 

Dh said we might as well carry on and have our breakfast, so we did, inside the lounge with the curtains closed. As we started to eat, knock, knock again! It was our grocery order from Tesco being delivered early!

Once we had showered and dressed later, we sat with our coffees and Dh said.. hope we can drink this in peace!!

Chrisxx

Living for 'Manna'

 I did not sleep well and was awake for a couple of hours on Tuesday night,  ugh! So when Dh gave me a little tap to say it was already 8:30 am, I did not want to leave my comfy bed.. I'd got back to sleep about 5 and woke again for the loo at 7, so it seemed as though I'd only just gone to sleep. Why did he wake me? Because we'd arranged to go for a coffee with an old school friend.

We meet her now and then, because she lives alone, and her son died 18 years ago, so I do feel sorry for her, but we don't really have anything in common. She spent a long time recounting her story of her part time job. She had been offered extra days, because some one was taking extra holiday time. She was complaining about the extra time, and when I said 'well you'll have the extra money,' she was quick to say, 'it wasn't worth it because she'd be taxed! And didn't like to say 'no''.

It made me realise how really blessed I am and was, because in the last six years of my teaching job, I worked three days a week and when I was asked to do an extra day, I nearly always said no, because I didn't need the money. Not that I had loads, but I enjoyed my four days at home and what money I earned was good. I tried to explain to the secretary of the school, who used to ask me to work extra, that I was working for 'manna' like the Israelites, who only were given food for that day, except for the Sabbath.. So I only needed enough money to live, so no need for extras. When I did work the extra days, it was when the Head Teacher asked me. She was very good to me and so  it was hard to say no to her. 

Does that seem odd to you? I had sold my big house I bought after my divorce and down sized to get rid of my mortgage. and the house I bought, needed to have quite a lot done to it, well actually a lot! 

I never went without and had jobs done on my house as and when I earned the money. The front windows were replaced in the lounge first, then French doors in the dining room.. and so I had things done every now and then. I did have my youngest son move in with me in my second year there. He had a bit of an upset in his life, and he did all the electrics, as he was doing a college course. That was an enormous help and I'll always be grateful to him for all his help. (He's the son who no longer speaks to anyone in the family) He lived with me for just over 18mths.

Then when all of downstairs was more or less done, (not the kitchen) I had a real 'Billy bonus' A tax rebate and I bought something I'd always wanted, a raspberry pink carpet through out the lounge/ dining room and the hall, stairs and landing from Alders, an expensive quality store! I loved that carpet and it always looked good. It was still there looking good when I sold the house 14 years later. And amazingly all I'd had done to that house increased its value and when it sold, it went for three times what I had paid for it!!

So having seen my friend, we won't again for a while, she has some days booked out with work colleagues in the next few weeks, so she's happy.. and we had a lovely coffee!

Chrisxx

A Beautiful Grand daughter.

 My beautiful grand daughter spent last month in India working for her firm. I look at her and can't believe she is 30 this year, a qualified Chartered Accountant and a very confident young lady. 

I remember her being born, my daughter had asked me to go to her when she was in labour, as her husband was making too much fuss! I drove the 65 miles as fast as was allowed.. and stayed with my daughter rubbing her back, till late at night, when a midwife suggested I should leave as it was 10:00pm and all the husbands had left at 8:30pm!

My daughter was very tired and had agreed to have an epidural, so knowing she would be ok I left.. drove home and my grand daughter was born 6:20am.. I drove back right away and was delighted to see my grand daughter, a bit red in the face as they are, but beautiful.. and name?? Saskia Christine Amelia!

She is such a beautiful  young woman, and a very lovely.

Chrisxx

What is a weed?

Where ever we've lived we have had a particular difficult weed. Here in Porthcawl, it's this, ' Cuckoo Pint' It pops up under our hedges and in our flower beds. It is really difficult to dig up, as the stems are quite delicate, so when you yank them out, the little bulb is left behind. So careful digging and wiggling of your trowel to get them right up!

It develops into these.. bright red and poisonous, we've dig a few up this afternoon.. but I'm sure there will soon be more.

These we had in Billericay,  but as we drive around we see them everywhere.. 'Three Cornered Leek' We're keeping a watchful eye out for any in our garden,  because they are very difficult to eradicate.

The RHS gardens at Hyde Hall, Essex, had dug out a flower bed down to sub-soil and left it fallow for three years plus, in an effort to get rid of it. It's a plant that is against the country side law to plant in the county side.. called Three Cornered Leek because the leaves have three edges! Pretty? Yes but smells like an  onion and is a thug./

And here is Alkanet, which we had in our Suffolk garden. The previous owners thought it pretty and had allowed it to grow. It had underground runners, so a horrid one to get rid of, I dug it up as fast as I saw it, but it wasn't easy.

And of course there's the dandelion, here it is rife in our lawns. But reduced in the front after a weed and feed treatment.. once it seeds they blow every where and the long tap root snaps to allow a new plant to grow before you've turned around! I know people say they are food for the bees rousing from winter. So they can be, but in someone else's garden!

Of course we  have daises in our grass as well, but they show where Dh has missed when he's cutting the grass!

So flowers in the wrong place or a weed, what do you think?

Chrisxx

The Next Epidemic?

 I thought it was just me, although friends my age have said they thought the same. We all think we suffered in lockdown, because of less physical activity, through lack of walking and getting about and the lack of interaction with other people, that also caused feelings of anxiety.

But it seems, we are not alone and the latest figures show there is 16% more older people reporting falls, than before covid. Experts reported in a paper published last week, the enforced isolation had taken its toll on mobility, confidence, and the capacity of millions of older people to live independently without extra support. Specialists in older people's health had warned that this was likely to happen because of the lack of stimulation and lack of physical activity.

Furthermore, routine heath and social care services aimed at maintaining or improving physical mobility among older adults in the prevention of falls, had been suspended during the epidemic. Re-engaging with these services have proved to be a challenge for some elderly people, due to lack of confidence in every day activities or loss of physical activity.

Reading this report brought home to me how much it reflected my own reduction in physical activities, it also spoke about increases in weight, increases in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety. So its not just me. Its a blessing that I don't have any of these illnesses. Medical people are saying our next epidemic will be the lack of care for the elderly and that care services will be stretched beyond their resources, because of the number of people needing care. Did we need to be told this? I thought it was already a problem, but what I didn't realise was that, lockdown was the cause in some instances of some elderly people no longer confident enough to live independently!

I'm very thankful that I had Dh and that we didn't succumb to covid. However moving house 294 miles away from Leiston Suffolk in June  2021, didn't help us. At our age it was hard and completed floored us. We were months recovering and took our time, not rushing to unpack our 'hundreds' of boxes for the first 2 years! 

I think this was a much better idea than I realised, to buy my Rhet Butler! Lots of people have stopped me enquiring about it and remarking on how sturdy it looks.

I use my wheels all the time now and it allows me to walk confidently and quite far.. 1 or 2 miles daily depending where we walk.

Did lockdown have an adverse effect on you? But I must admit I do feel a little bit like my old self lately and walking doesn't have that 'ugh' feel any more!

Chrisxx

Like a summer's day.

It was a sweltering hot day yesterday and our town was full, the main street was bustling and the car parks full. Lots of people were down on the front beach looking at that drift wood!

These were out taking older people for a ride up and down  the prom.   I'm not sure what this charity is but its free. I prefer to walk myself!

We were in town as Dh had volunteered us to man the U3a gardening  table for an hour, as the U3a were having a sort of advertising session to make it known in the town. I chatted to the Welsh Speaking group leader and she assured me that beginners were very welcome, but I don't feel confident enough, although I'm improving all the time. And we watch 'Popol y Cwm,'  ( People of the Valley.) on Sc4 We understand some of it and sometimes we get up the Welsh sub-titles, so that makes it much easier.

Dh chatted to the walking group leader and going to that would be super for him. I walk fairly well but only with my wheels, and 3 or 4 miles would be too much for me.

So a pleasant day and very summery.. I walked through town without my jacket it was that hot!

Chrisxx

 

Some answers!

 Shwmae bawb,

Lots of comments on Meghan's jam.. I not a fan of hers and while I agree strawberry jam is made and eaten in US as well as other countries, it is a very  English jam. Why did she have them numbered and if they want a life completely away from the Royal Family, why hang on to the title of Duchess of Sussex. Just seems contrary to their wishes.. but I 'm happy to live and let live just NIMBY!.

My cousin, no she is not and I won't have her to stay. I think she only wants a nosy look and I 'm not prepared to listen to her condescending sayings. Her posh friends wouldn't have her in their 'bubble' in the covid lockdown, neither would her brother! I didn't like her when I was little either, she was always hitting me! And something I remember was the incident of my 'School Girls' comic. My Aunty Glad, who with my grand mother brought me up, used to buy me  comics, I was reading it and my cousin asked could she have it and I said no, as I was reading it, she snatched it from me and ripped it to pieces. We must have been 7-ish and I remember it well!! Am I bearing a grudge? I suppose so!

My dips in moods all stem from my weight and failure to lose big chunks of weight! The present SW consultant said I'm probably eating too much food, even though in the SW food plan some foods are classed as free, in that you can eat lots of them. However over the years, she explained SW has evolved to eating less carbs and more veg and fruit and protein! Why didn't someone say this years ago, saved me some £ s.. Although I have lost weight consistently in the last 4 weeks and I have increased my walking and yesterday walked a mile along the front prom.. probably not brilliant in some peoples exercise program, but brilliant for me!

My Dh is very patient with me and does do the lion's share of work. This last week was the ninth anniversary of my breaking my right arm, which changed my life in a big way. However I still do a lot in our home and while I can't dig in the garden, I sow all the seeds, transplant them all and water them each day. That's some commitment and needs good pouring skills to keep the water off the floor. That's why Dh is not encouraged to water in the house! LOL And I weed, for 10 mins, sit and then weed some more!  And I do my 'tiara' job every day! I make the bed, dust and polish and tidy, picking up and putting stuff away. So I'm not idle, just don't cook, but I do clear up after Dh and load the dish washer.

So I am settled and happy here in my own home town, but I do miss some aspects of my life in Billericay, mainly my Church there. I attended that church from 1974 to 2005, apart from the 4 years when I lived in Coventry,  but attended a church there too and became a big part of the congregation.  I miss the Billericay, church dreadfully. I knew the people, the pastors, there were 5 in my time there and I suppose I was a cog in the church life.. so I must make the effort to put down church roots here!

But all said and done, we are very blessed and live a comfortable life. I do have worries about what would we do if Dh couldn't drive anymore, so in the next few months, once the weather is settled we're going to bus into town. The bus stop is 3 mins up the side path and it runs every 25 mins.. so that's my next challenge!

Chrisxx

My town

Some people asked what my town was like, this is the sea parts of it. 

This photo appears on all the weather news when the weather is bad!

But we do have days of calm and sunshine, honest.

Rest Bay is very popular for water sports

Some where we sometimes sit and watch the sea.

When we walk along the promenade this is where we walk.

                         The look out along Sandy beach

 

Men do fish here.

The light house when its fine weather, I used to play around this when I was a child.

Long sandy beaches.

Main street in town, no cars allowed after 11:00 am

We have some very pretty shops and also being a seaside town, nik nack shops with buckets and spades. And a lot of cafes all selling ice cream!

The photos are not mine, but taken off face book pages.

Just a selection of some views of Porthcawl. Where we live is just 10 mins from one of the five beaches and also within walking distance there are fields and woodlands, filled with the blue of bluebells in spring time. 

A lovely place to live.

Chrisxx

Would you buy this?

 The latest venture by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is Strawberry jam, the label reads  America Riviera Orchard displayed in a basket of lemons.

I'm  perplexed as to why its strawberry jam, to me strawberry jam is essentially English, or should I say British as I'm Welsh. Just seems a strange thing to do. Is she trying to impress someone? 

Why did people think she and Catherine would be bosom friends. Its not as though they were seven year olds, who met and asked,' 'Would you like to be my friend?' 

They were grown women with established lives, Catherine already the wife of the future King and the mother of another.

While Meghan was a professional actor, and a person in her own right. So why oh why was it thought they'd be best friends? 

I'm very much in awe of Catherine, she is beautiful, gracious and at this moment in time fighting a horrible disease. And the King has an obvious affection for her, giving her a peck on the cheek, when they've met in public view.

So America Riviera Strawberry Jam can go west as far as I'm concerned and stay there!

Chrisxx

I didn't want to like this book but.....

                                                          

This was our book group read

 for April. When I read the blurb that it was about the aftermath of the 'A' bomb on Nagasaki I did not want to read it.. I was convinced I wouldn't like it. How wrong I was, I loved it!

Each chapter is introduced with an explanation of a Japanese culture and history and is worth reading to get the 'flavour' of the story.

The story revolves around the life of Amaterasu, a mother and grandmother affected by the dreadful atom bombing of Nagasaki. She spends her life grieving the death of her daughter Yuko and grandson Hideo. 

One of the best books I've read. An engaging story,  exquisite writing, and characters whose emotions you could actually feel. The author has a poetic quality of writing and really makes you feel about the choices of love and trust.

Years after the bomb Amaterasu, now a widow and living in America, opens her door one day to see a disfigured man there, claiming to be her lost grandson, Hideo.

He has with him a parcel of letters from Sato, a Dr who had loved her daughter. Sato had never sent them, but declares his love for Yoko in the letters and with Yoko's diary, Amaterasu relives her own past. 

The story  tells of her own love, and her daughter's love. It weaves back and forth across generations and changing cultural attitudes. It is a challenging read in some instances but ultimately rewarding and I found it difficult to put down, wanting to know what happens next.

It is a very emotional book with a deep romantic story at its core. The author actually lived and worked in Nagasaki and Sapporo for three years and researched the cultural references, so the explanations and terms of Japanese history at the beginning of each chapter are correct They were an education to me who knew little or nothing about Japanese culture and history, and as an introduction to each chapter, they were a nice touch too. 

This is  a thought provoking, beautifully written book that I highly recommend. 

Chrisxx