Heather woke me about 4.00 to say Jane's waters had broken and she was going to hospital. We later learned she had been sent home until the pains became more regular. We kept in contact with text for all day but nothing.
Jon left to go to France. I knew it would happen the day he was going away! He arrived early at the station and went on an earlier shuttle so was in Le Harve early. I had a text but nothing else since.
Gareth came and got on with all the finishing touches in the kitchen all the fiddly bits that seem to take forever.
I spent the morning going up and down the loft ladder putting things away to clear the bedroom as a lady wants to come for the single bed this afternoon.
Gareth had to go and pick up some parts so I took the opportunity of getting my car out and went and took a load of things to the charity shop.
I popped round to see Mary and we sat in the garden and had a cuppa and a chat which was very nice and relaxing when I had so much going on in my head.
Back home I started to sand the paintwork down in the spare room and the carpet man is bringing samples for me to look at tomorrow.
I did my ironing and watched a bit of tennis and Neighbours.
I noticed Rene's niece was across at Rene's house but thought she was collecting some things. I had a call from Edna who has the key to say that Rene had been discharged and her niece had brought her home! Edna had 12 messages on her phone when she came back after caring for her sick grandson, all from the hospital to say Rene was coming home! Just as well she did not stay the night. Rene went in to another neighbour to wait.
I can't believe the hospital did that. The house has been empty for nearly three weeks and no food or anything for her. I spoke to the hospital at 1.30 to pass a message to her to say Jane was in labour and I would not be in. The doctor I spoke to told me he thought it had been decided to let her come home without a care package but he would check. No sooner said than done! Amazing she can hardly walk and once on the loo could not get off again. Watch this space. Poor Edna who checks on her first thing!
The lady came for the bed which I had managed to get the mattress down but the man was able to take the bed apart and got it down. They also asked if they could have the carpet Gareth put in the skip for me. Lucky they came tonight as the skip is being collected tomorrow. They are Polish and probably don't have much. He wanted it to put in his van.
Still nothing from Jane but I spoke to her and she is now having strong contractions and said it was horrible. I have never messaged so much in my life!
Sharon brought me some fresh eggs from her chickens to say thank you for all the scraps I pass to her.
I made myself some dinner and then finished my ironing.
I had a call from Jason at about 9.30 to say they were going into the hospital and Jane was in a lot of pain. I hope it won't be too much longer.
She is now in one of the suites but have been given no indication as to how much longer it will be.
WEATHER
Warm and sunny 21 degrees
Monday, 30 June 2014
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Sunday
Really tired tonight so this will be short and sweet!
It has been such a busy day. We did intend to go to the motor show but it started to rain and I had so many other things to do anyway so we decided not to go.
We went for a coffee and did some shopping. I got back and did some washing and hung it on the dryer and did some in the tumble dryer. I started to clear away some of the rubbish we seem to have accumulated over the last couple of weeks. I am not sure where I am going to put everything in the kitchen as there are no as many cupboards and the food cupboard for oil bottles and things is already full. We have too much!
Heather invited us out to lunch so we popped down to the pantry for a quick snack. Heather had to go to do some work in Cambridge so we did not stay long.
It was pouring with rain and I had to go and visit Rene so I set off. She was very surprised and happy to see me. She thought nobody would visit in such bad weather. She is very upset about her sister and worries how she will live without her, very sad. I just wish they would get on with the care package and let her get home. I think it will be difficult but keeping here there all this time is awful and we could all pop in and see her much easier if she was home. I don't know how she is still sane being in that ward which is supposed to be rehabilitation. I can't see any of them being able to go home apart from Rene. poor old dear who has the cuddly toy decided to take off with her zimmer frame this afternoon to tell the police she was being kept there! They calmed her down and took her to the loo but not until she agreed to leave the fluffy dog outside with one of the nurses 'keeping and eye on him'. Very scary to think any one of us could end up like that.
I came home and started more sorting and trying to fit things into cupboards. I am sorting stuff out to go to the charity shop and stuff to pack away that is Heather's and there is still more.
Jon was in a bad mood when I got home as he had spent the afternoon trying to put together a sofa, two chairs and a table which is to go outside or in the conservatory. He had had a terrible job getting it together and was not happy. He had a lot of papers he had to sort to go to France tomorrow so he had a lot on, too.
I decided it would be a good idea to lift the carpet in the spare bedroom and get the skirting painted and hopefully get carpet fitted before Friday when our things arrive. I will have to paint the walls later but it would be difficult to move all the furniture out to fit carpet.
First of all I had to go up to the loft and make space to put Kirsty's wedding dress and a couple of dinner suits belonging to James that they have no room for at the moment. That took ages but I did clear out a lot of things to take to the charity shop.
I then started on the room and all that happened is I moved all the things from one spare room to another. At least it was clear and I was able to cut the carpet in half and lift it and put it outside. Not much room in the skip now so I think we will have to pay to get it taken. I then took out all the wall plugs from where Jon had built a wardrobe and which he removed the other day. Jon later took all the gripper bars off so hopefully I can get the skirting painted next week and I will speak to the carpet man to see if he can fit a carpet before Friday. I am not sure where all the stuff in the spare bedroom will go. How have we allowed these girls to accumulate so much?
In the middle of all this I was trying to cook roast pork for dinner with all the veg and apple crumble. Fortunately, I had a pot of crumble in the freezer so that saved me some time.
I had to load up my car with all the things for the charity shop - I am being ruthless now - I will take it all in the morning.
We finally sat down to dinner and watched Coronation Street. After dinner and the clear up I started to sort out things in the garage which are all covered in dust from all the bricks and plaster. I think it is going to be a long time before I can sit down and relax.
I had a message from Jane to say she was still waiting but I haven't had time to call her. I will be so happy when we are straight, it is getting me down now. Jane and Jason are coming to dinner tomorrow night which will be nice as Jon is away and Heather has a work dinner.
Right off to bed now and I don't think it will belong before I am asleep.
WEATHER
Fine start but then lots of rain and fine end to the day 16 degrees
It has been such a busy day. We did intend to go to the motor show but it started to rain and I had so many other things to do anyway so we decided not to go.
We went for a coffee and did some shopping. I got back and did some washing and hung it on the dryer and did some in the tumble dryer. I started to clear away some of the rubbish we seem to have accumulated over the last couple of weeks. I am not sure where I am going to put everything in the kitchen as there are no as many cupboards and the food cupboard for oil bottles and things is already full. We have too much!
Heather invited us out to lunch so we popped down to the pantry for a quick snack. Heather had to go to do some work in Cambridge so we did not stay long.
It was pouring with rain and I had to go and visit Rene so I set off. She was very surprised and happy to see me. She thought nobody would visit in such bad weather. She is very upset about her sister and worries how she will live without her, very sad. I just wish they would get on with the care package and let her get home. I think it will be difficult but keeping here there all this time is awful and we could all pop in and see her much easier if she was home. I don't know how she is still sane being in that ward which is supposed to be rehabilitation. I can't see any of them being able to go home apart from Rene. poor old dear who has the cuddly toy decided to take off with her zimmer frame this afternoon to tell the police she was being kept there! They calmed her down and took her to the loo but not until she agreed to leave the fluffy dog outside with one of the nurses 'keeping and eye on him'. Very scary to think any one of us could end up like that.
I came home and started more sorting and trying to fit things into cupboards. I am sorting stuff out to go to the charity shop and stuff to pack away that is Heather's and there is still more.
Jon was in a bad mood when I got home as he had spent the afternoon trying to put together a sofa, two chairs and a table which is to go outside or in the conservatory. He had had a terrible job getting it together and was not happy. He had a lot of papers he had to sort to go to France tomorrow so he had a lot on, too.
I decided it would be a good idea to lift the carpet in the spare bedroom and get the skirting painted and hopefully get carpet fitted before Friday when our things arrive. I will have to paint the walls later but it would be difficult to move all the furniture out to fit carpet.
First of all I had to go up to the loft and make space to put Kirsty's wedding dress and a couple of dinner suits belonging to James that they have no room for at the moment. That took ages but I did clear out a lot of things to take to the charity shop.
I then started on the room and all that happened is I moved all the things from one spare room to another. At least it was clear and I was able to cut the carpet in half and lift it and put it outside. Not much room in the skip now so I think we will have to pay to get it taken. I then took out all the wall plugs from where Jon had built a wardrobe and which he removed the other day. Jon later took all the gripper bars off so hopefully I can get the skirting painted next week and I will speak to the carpet man to see if he can fit a carpet before Friday. I am not sure where all the stuff in the spare bedroom will go. How have we allowed these girls to accumulate so much?
In the middle of all this I was trying to cook roast pork for dinner with all the veg and apple crumble. Fortunately, I had a pot of crumble in the freezer so that saved me some time.
I had to load up my car with all the things for the charity shop - I am being ruthless now - I will take it all in the morning.
We finally sat down to dinner and watched Coronation Street. After dinner and the clear up I started to sort out things in the garage which are all covered in dust from all the bricks and plaster. I think it is going to be a long time before I can sit down and relax.
I had a message from Jane to say she was still waiting but I haven't had time to call her. I will be so happy when we are straight, it is getting me down now. Jane and Jason are coming to dinner tomorrow night which will be nice as Jon is away and Heather has a work dinner.
Right off to bed now and I don't think it will belong before I am asleep.
WEATHER
Fine start but then lots of rain and fine end to the day 16 degrees
Saturday, 28 June 2014
Saturday
It was lovely to have a lie in this morning. It was only till 7.45 but it was the thought of not having to rush as we had no builders. We did have the Sean in to finish the family bathroom floor but he did not arrive until 9.30.
Heather arrived home with her breakfast and Jon and I went out for a coffee and to Homebase to buy some things Jon needed to put the shed up today.
I was going to my cousins house for her granddaughter's first birthday party so got ready and just as I was leaving Jason arrived to give Jon a hand with the shed. I doubt Jason will have any further weekends free as baby is due tomorrow fingers crossed it is not too much longer!
I drove over to Haverhill and arrived just in time for the first of many showers. The rain did stop long enough to cook the sausages and burgers and we kept dry under a gazebo until the rain, thunder and lightening became too much! Typical English summer weather!
It was lovely to catch up with my cousin, who I have not seen for over 20 years, and to meet two of her daughters and their partners.
It was a lovely afternoon with lots of little ones around and Evie, the birthday girl was very well behaved.
I left during a dry spell but as I arrived back in Newmarket some of the roads were flooded and by the time I reached home it was pouring down again.
I had a quick watch of the Nadal match and made a cup of tea.
Jon and Heather went out to Waitrose to buy dinner and I set to and sorted out the kitchen bringing all the things I had taken upstairs back down again. Although this kitchen looks bigger I don't have as many cupboards and I miss my larder unit. It is taking some thinking to try and sort things out. Jon was looking for something and when he found it I told him not to get used to that place as it is all subject to change!
We had some lovely tapas for dinner, courtesy of Waitrose but Jon heated them all so I had a night off.
We watched some TV and that was it another day over.
WEATHER
Bright start then storms and humid 21 degrees
Heather arrived home with her breakfast and Jon and I went out for a coffee and to Homebase to buy some things Jon needed to put the shed up today.
I was going to my cousins house for her granddaughter's first birthday party so got ready and just as I was leaving Jason arrived to give Jon a hand with the shed. I doubt Jason will have any further weekends free as baby is due tomorrow fingers crossed it is not too much longer!
I drove over to Haverhill and arrived just in time for the first of many showers. The rain did stop long enough to cook the sausages and burgers and we kept dry under a gazebo until the rain, thunder and lightening became too much! Typical English summer weather!
It was lovely to catch up with my cousin, who I have not seen for over 20 years, and to meet two of her daughters and their partners.
It was a lovely afternoon with lots of little ones around and Evie, the birthday girl was very well behaved.
I left during a dry spell but as I arrived back in Newmarket some of the roads were flooded and by the time I reached home it was pouring down again.
I had a quick watch of the Nadal match and made a cup of tea.
Jon and Heather went out to Waitrose to buy dinner and I set to and sorted out the kitchen bringing all the things I had taken upstairs back down again. Although this kitchen looks bigger I don't have as many cupboards and I miss my larder unit. It is taking some thinking to try and sort things out. Jon was looking for something and when he found it I told him not to get used to that place as it is all subject to change!
We had some lovely tapas for dinner, courtesy of Waitrose but Jon heated them all so I had a night off.
We watched some TV and that was it another day over.
WEATHER
Bright start then storms and humid 21 degrees
Thursday, 26 June 2014
Friday
We were a bit slow getting going this morning, we have had enough of early starts and it will be so nice to get up and not have an army of workmen, however nice they are, walking through the house.
Sean arrived and started on the conservatory and Gareth carried on in the kitchen after putting all the skirting on.
Sean said he would come and do the floors in the bathroom and en suite on Saturday, much to Heather's disgust as she would need to be up and showered by 9.00! However, he started them this morning and did the en suite first and then put the boards down in the main bathroom ready to do once he has finished downstairs. It is all looking very nice and really big.
I rang the hospital to see if Rene was back from visiting her sister and I asked how she was. The person who answered the phone said she was back but nurse was at lunch so they couldn't say how she was. Her bed is nearly opposite the phone! Could they not look and see?
I rang my neighbour and she told me Rene's nephew had just left. She said he took Rene to see Fran and while they were signing in and getting a wheelchair for Rene a nurse had come down to say Fran had just passed! How awful is that? She missed saying goodbye by five minutes, so very sad
Kevin said Rene had been very angry with him for not taking her sooner and I have to agree and just wish I had been more of a busybody and just taken her to the home myself yesterday. I couldn't get in this afternoon and maybe it is best to leave her to grieve. Marie, the lady who cleans for her is going in tonight.
I sat in Heather's bedroom for part of the afternoon knitting and watching tennis. I didn't go out as the dog had nowhere to stay and all the doors were open. She is getting very naughty when I am not around and barks all the time. I think it is just because she has to be locked into rooms she is not used to as normally she just goes and sleeps if we are out.
It all went a little crazy here this afternoon as Gareth was supposed to take his little girl swimming at 5.00 but wanted to get as much done here as possible so I think his wife might be a bit cross with him later as it was gone five when he left. His dad and brother came round to help him clear away and there is not much left in the garage now just a very full skip!
The kitchen is looking really good. Willy, the electrician, was having trouble fitting the lights under the wall units as they are LED and have more cables than he allowed room for. I told him I was not bothered what type of lights they were and we had not chosen them they were what the kitchen company had sent. He was very relieved and said he would find some that would suit and come and fit them on Monday. Apart from the lights and the hood everything else is working so I can cook tonight.
Gareth told me the dust on the units was due to static and I said I would clean them and he should get off so he gave me a huge roll of paper and some professional window cleaning fluid as that is what he uses. I got stuck in and cleaned them and they don't streak and come up a treat. I also cleaned the windows and it is the first time I have been able to see out of them for about four weeks!
Jason called round as he had been to have his hair cut and he said if no baby arrives tonight he will come and give Jon a hand to put up the shed tomorrow. We were supposed to be going to my cousin's granddaughter's first birthday tomorrow but I have explained that Jon can't do the shed on his own and has to make the most of offers of help. She is fine with it and I will go on my own. My other cousin is down from Liverpool so it will be nice to catch up with them both as it has been many years since I saw them. Of course, it does mean that I won't get in to see Rene till Sunday :-(
I cooked dinner tonight and we used up the leftover ham from last night and had oven chips and salad and Jon finally had his long awaited for fried egg and he really enjoyed it. From now on sensible meals and one shop a week I am fed up going back and forth to the supermarket.
I have put a few things into the fridge in the kitchen but I keep forgetting it is there and walk out to the garage but I am sure I will soon get used to it. I must try and sort out the kitchen cupboards tomorrow and get as much painting as I can done next week when Jon goes to France and with a bit of luck we can have the furniture delivered on Friday.
Heather went to Cambridge to stay with her friend tonight and see the new puppy. Our shower is now working so when Shane comes in the morning he will just have to finish the main bathroom.
Jon and I pulled the washing machine back as it had been moved to the office for the new floor to be put down. Not sure if we have scratched the floor or it is glue but there is a mark. If it is a scratch it does not bode well as our three piece suit is very heavy and I used to be able to pull it out to clean under it and it never marked the laminate floor so, watch this space!
I think I may have pulled a muscle under my right arm into my breast as it is really, really sore and I have been on Nurofen every six hours today. I have no lumps or bumps so it is nothing sinister just very painful right down my arm into my little finger and into my back.
Nice and early tonight so I am off to bed for a good sleep and a bit of a lie in as no builders tomorrow!
WEATHER
Overcast with sunny spells and showers 21 degrees
Sean arrived and started on the conservatory and Gareth carried on in the kitchen after putting all the skirting on.
Sean said he would come and do the floors in the bathroom and en suite on Saturday, much to Heather's disgust as she would need to be up and showered by 9.00! However, he started them this morning and did the en suite first and then put the boards down in the main bathroom ready to do once he has finished downstairs. It is all looking very nice and really big.
I rang the hospital to see if Rene was back from visiting her sister and I asked how she was. The person who answered the phone said she was back but nurse was at lunch so they couldn't say how she was. Her bed is nearly opposite the phone! Could they not look and see?
I rang my neighbour and she told me Rene's nephew had just left. She said he took Rene to see Fran and while they were signing in and getting a wheelchair for Rene a nurse had come down to say Fran had just passed! How awful is that? She missed saying goodbye by five minutes, so very sad
Kevin said Rene had been very angry with him for not taking her sooner and I have to agree and just wish I had been more of a busybody and just taken her to the home myself yesterday. I couldn't get in this afternoon and maybe it is best to leave her to grieve. Marie, the lady who cleans for her is going in tonight.
I sat in Heather's bedroom for part of the afternoon knitting and watching tennis. I didn't go out as the dog had nowhere to stay and all the doors were open. She is getting very naughty when I am not around and barks all the time. I think it is just because she has to be locked into rooms she is not used to as normally she just goes and sleeps if we are out.
It all went a little crazy here this afternoon as Gareth was supposed to take his little girl swimming at 5.00 but wanted to get as much done here as possible so I think his wife might be a bit cross with him later as it was gone five when he left. His dad and brother came round to help him clear away and there is not much left in the garage now just a very full skip!
The kitchen is looking really good. Willy, the electrician, was having trouble fitting the lights under the wall units as they are LED and have more cables than he allowed room for. I told him I was not bothered what type of lights they were and we had not chosen them they were what the kitchen company had sent. He was very relieved and said he would find some that would suit and come and fit them on Monday. Apart from the lights and the hood everything else is working so I can cook tonight.
Gareth told me the dust on the units was due to static and I said I would clean them and he should get off so he gave me a huge roll of paper and some professional window cleaning fluid as that is what he uses. I got stuck in and cleaned them and they don't streak and come up a treat. I also cleaned the windows and it is the first time I have been able to see out of them for about four weeks!
Jason called round as he had been to have his hair cut and he said if no baby arrives tonight he will come and give Jon a hand to put up the shed tomorrow. We were supposed to be going to my cousin's granddaughter's first birthday tomorrow but I have explained that Jon can't do the shed on his own and has to make the most of offers of help. She is fine with it and I will go on my own. My other cousin is down from Liverpool so it will be nice to catch up with them both as it has been many years since I saw them. Of course, it does mean that I won't get in to see Rene till Sunday :-(
I cooked dinner tonight and we used up the leftover ham from last night and had oven chips and salad and Jon finally had his long awaited for fried egg and he really enjoyed it. From now on sensible meals and one shop a week I am fed up going back and forth to the supermarket.
I have put a few things into the fridge in the kitchen but I keep forgetting it is there and walk out to the garage but I am sure I will soon get used to it. I must try and sort out the kitchen cupboards tomorrow and get as much painting as I can done next week when Jon goes to France and with a bit of luck we can have the furniture delivered on Friday.
Heather went to Cambridge to stay with her friend tonight and see the new puppy. Our shower is now working so when Shane comes in the morning he will just have to finish the main bathroom.
Jon and I pulled the washing machine back as it had been moved to the office for the new floor to be put down. Not sure if we have scratched the floor or it is glue but there is a mark. If it is a scratch it does not bode well as our three piece suit is very heavy and I used to be able to pull it out to clean under it and it never marked the laminate floor so, watch this space!
I think I may have pulled a muscle under my right arm into my breast as it is really, really sore and I have been on Nurofen every six hours today. I have no lumps or bumps so it is nothing sinister just very painful right down my arm into my little finger and into my back.
Nice and early tonight so I am off to bed for a good sleep and a bit of a lie in as no builders tomorrow!
WEATHER
Overcast with sunny spells and showers 21 degrees
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Thursday
Another early start to the day up and showered and still not liking the hair colour I put on yesterday!
Gareth came and got stuck in to putting the splash backs on and Sean arrived and started on the floor. Jon, Totty and I were stuck upstairs in the bedroom, again!
We took Totty out for a walk and then I sat in Heather's room and finished the baby bear comforter I knitted for Baby Meddows. My neighbour is going to let me have some black wool for his face.
I wasn't hungry at lunch time but Jon managed to find the space to make a sandwich for his lunch.
I spoke to Rene's sister as I thought she ought to be taken to see her sister Fran as I heard she was very poorly and I think Rene needs to see her. I was happy to take her but she told me her son was going to take her tomorrow, I just hope it won't be too late!
I went to the hospital in the afternoon to see Rene and she was very distressed about Fran and really wanted to see her. The have been so close as sisters and did everything together. I feel so bad for her as she could be at home now if they had got the carers sorted out.
I took her some prunes in as she has been having problems. She really tucked into them but I had to tell her not to eat too many!
I think if you weren't doodle alley when you went in that ward it would not be long before you were. One old dear sits stroking a fluffy stuffed dog and wants to go home. She says the gardener can look after her as he is a millionaire!
Another old dear keeps saying she has lost her wedding ring and they keep counting the rings on her fingers and showing her the wedding ring. She tells them they don't understand what she is saying.
The lady in the bed next to Rene, Isobel, is definitely away with the fairies. She asks me every few minutes when it is dinner time. The made her get up and sit in the chair today but all she wanted to do was get back into bed and sleep and kept falling asleep in the chair. She just kept saying 'when can I go to bed?'
Rene and Isobel had a sing song the other day! It is so sad as Isobel can't remember who her family are all the time and panics when she can't remember their names. Rene told her she liked her husband and she smiled and said yes he is a very nice man and I love him. It is heart-breaking to see.
I got back and it was lovely to see the floor done with just the conservatory and about a quarter of the living room left to do.
Jane popped in as she was doing something in Newmarket. She stayed for a while as Jason was going to be home late.
Still no sockets in the kitchen but I managed to cook a gammon joint in my halogen oven and we had that with salad, Heather had a sandwich as she had been out to a lunch and there is plenty left for tomorrow.
We put half the table in the conservatory for our diner but we didn't have anywhere to sit after dinner and could not watch TV so Jon went to bed about 9.30 and I read the paper online.
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 21 degrees
Gareth came and got stuck in to putting the splash backs on and Sean arrived and started on the floor. Jon, Totty and I were stuck upstairs in the bedroom, again!
We took Totty out for a walk and then I sat in Heather's room and finished the baby bear comforter I knitted for Baby Meddows. My neighbour is going to let me have some black wool for his face.
I wasn't hungry at lunch time but Jon managed to find the space to make a sandwich for his lunch.
I spoke to Rene's sister as I thought she ought to be taken to see her sister Fran as I heard she was very poorly and I think Rene needs to see her. I was happy to take her but she told me her son was going to take her tomorrow, I just hope it won't be too late!
I went to the hospital in the afternoon to see Rene and she was very distressed about Fran and really wanted to see her. The have been so close as sisters and did everything together. I feel so bad for her as she could be at home now if they had got the carers sorted out.
I took her some prunes in as she has been having problems. She really tucked into them but I had to tell her not to eat too many!
I think if you weren't doodle alley when you went in that ward it would not be long before you were. One old dear sits stroking a fluffy stuffed dog and wants to go home. She says the gardener can look after her as he is a millionaire!
Another old dear keeps saying she has lost her wedding ring and they keep counting the rings on her fingers and showing her the wedding ring. She tells them they don't understand what she is saying.
The lady in the bed next to Rene, Isobel, is definitely away with the fairies. She asks me every few minutes when it is dinner time. The made her get up and sit in the chair today but all she wanted to do was get back into bed and sleep and kept falling asleep in the chair. She just kept saying 'when can I go to bed?'
Rene and Isobel had a sing song the other day! It is so sad as Isobel can't remember who her family are all the time and panics when she can't remember their names. Rene told her she liked her husband and she smiled and said yes he is a very nice man and I love him. It is heart-breaking to see.
I got back and it was lovely to see the floor done with just the conservatory and about a quarter of the living room left to do.
Jane popped in as she was doing something in Newmarket. She stayed for a while as Jason was going to be home late.
Still no sockets in the kitchen but I managed to cook a gammon joint in my halogen oven and we had that with salad, Heather had a sandwich as she had been out to a lunch and there is plenty left for tomorrow.
We put half the table in the conservatory for our diner but we didn't have anywhere to sit after dinner and could not watch TV so Jon went to bed about 9.30 and I read the paper online.
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 21 degrees
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Wednesday
Well another crazy day began! A rushed breakfast and shower and before I knew it the builder was here and the man to do the floors. They got straight to it and once again it felt like a hurricane was going through the house.
Jon and I took totty out for a walk and once back we could see our day was going to be spent in the bedroom or the garden. Not so bad for us but the dog is so unsettled and wants to be with me all the time so I end up carrying her around as there is too much for her to put her feet into and being deaf she does not hear when I tell her to stop!
Jon had to go to Ely to collect his hearing aids - finally and he was to meet up with a guy he worked with for a chat so I was left with Totty.
I decided my hair colour was long overdue so I did that which took up an hour or so but at least the dog was quiet.
I then braved the downstairs and made all the men a coffee, by this time Willy, the electrician ha arrived to do whatever!!!!!
I then went and sat in Heather's bedroom as the sun was shinning in there and it was warmer. The house feels cold due to the drying plaster in the hall, stairs and landing.
I spent the rest of the morning finishing a knitted bear comforter for Jane's baby, just need some black wool for mouth, eyes and nose to finish it off. I then started a new cardigan for the baby while watching the tennis.
Jon came home and had lunch and I got ready to go and visit Rene.
The kitchen, family room and utility are now being covered with latex and we can't walk on them until this evening - hmmm!
Rene was looking very well and seemed much brighter but wants to come home and is very upset at not being able to see her sister. I think I will need to call her other sister and see if we can arrange to get her over to see Fran as things are not looking good and Rene would be heartbroken if anything happened to Fran and she had not seen her. Such a problem.
I got home and did some shopping on the way but it will have to be takeaway tonight as we can't use anything.
Heather came home and once the builder had finished I was able to put the wash coat on the new plaster in the conservatory so tomorrow the floor can go down and hopefully there will just be the third part of the livening room to shift the furniture and do the rest. Hopefully, it will all be done by Friday then it will just be the kitchen to finish and a few small tidy up jobs and then the patio. The decorator will not be in to do the hall till July so we are still some way off but getting better by the day.
The fish and chips were very good and thankfully the weather is still being kind so we were able to eat outside. We had to wash the dishes though as the dishwasher is not working as all the electric sockets are out waiting for the splash boards to be fitted. One Day!
Off for a nice sleep now.
WEATHER
Dry and bright with some warm sunny spells 21 degrees.
Jon and I took totty out for a walk and once back we could see our day was going to be spent in the bedroom or the garden. Not so bad for us but the dog is so unsettled and wants to be with me all the time so I end up carrying her around as there is too much for her to put her feet into and being deaf she does not hear when I tell her to stop!
Jon had to go to Ely to collect his hearing aids - finally and he was to meet up with a guy he worked with for a chat so I was left with Totty.
I decided my hair colour was long overdue so I did that which took up an hour or so but at least the dog was quiet.
I then braved the downstairs and made all the men a coffee, by this time Willy, the electrician ha arrived to do whatever!!!!!
I then went and sat in Heather's bedroom as the sun was shinning in there and it was warmer. The house feels cold due to the drying plaster in the hall, stairs and landing.
I spent the rest of the morning finishing a knitted bear comforter for Jane's baby, just need some black wool for mouth, eyes and nose to finish it off. I then started a new cardigan for the baby while watching the tennis.
Jon came home and had lunch and I got ready to go and visit Rene.
The kitchen, family room and utility are now being covered with latex and we can't walk on them until this evening - hmmm!
Rene was looking very well and seemed much brighter but wants to come home and is very upset at not being able to see her sister. I think I will need to call her other sister and see if we can arrange to get her over to see Fran as things are not looking good and Rene would be heartbroken if anything happened to Fran and she had not seen her. Such a problem.
I got home and did some shopping on the way but it will have to be takeaway tonight as we can't use anything.
Heather came home and once the builder had finished I was able to put the wash coat on the new plaster in the conservatory so tomorrow the floor can go down and hopefully there will just be the third part of the livening room to shift the furniture and do the rest. Hopefully, it will all be done by Friday then it will just be the kitchen to finish and a few small tidy up jobs and then the patio. The decorator will not be in to do the hall till July so we are still some way off but getting better by the day.
The fish and chips were very good and thankfully the weather is still being kind so we were able to eat outside. We had to wash the dishes though as the dishwasher is not working as all the electric sockets are out waiting for the splash boards to be fitted. One Day!
Off for a nice sleep now.
WEATHER
Dry and bright with some warm sunny spells 21 degrees.
Monday, 23 June 2014
Tuesday
It was quite mad here this morning at 7.30 when the builder arrived and a team of four men to do the plastering, I didn't know where to go for the best. Jon had wanted to paint the skirting in the living room but with all the plaster dust it was not a good idea.
The table with all the wet plaster was in the living room so I ended up in one corner and did all my ironing with the dog sitting in her bed at the side of me. Jon went into the office.
I finished my ironing and then we took Totty out for a walk and at the time it was lovely and sunny and it was good to be away from all the chaos.
When we got back Jane was there but Jon wanted a coffee and as we couldn't leave the dog he went off to get one and Jane and I waited in the garden.
Once he was back Jane and I left for our day in Cambridge. We started at Starbucks with coffee and a sausage sandwich to share.
We then went into Dunelm Mill and browsed for over two hours. There are so many pretty things in there and we did buy a few things one being a new kitchen bin to go in my cupboard!
We then had lunch before going on to Next Furniture shop to see if they had anything that would suit the new dinning end of the kitchen. I did find a table but I think I like the one online that I have seen.
We went into Asda for something for dinner as I was not sure what I was going to have in my kitchen.
We arrived home and Jon was out at the front painting the skirting ready for Gareth to put on tomorrow before the man does the latex preparation on the floors. The plumber was also there fitting the shower door but the know is broken so he will need to get a new one but we can use the shower tomorrow night! The plumber had also had to fix the valve on a radiator which had broken when the plasterers had taken it off the wall to plaster behind so a rather wet floor in the hall!
The hall looked like a dark cave with all the wet plaster and all the windows were wide open to get it dried out. The conservatory is looking very nice now and more like a room than it was beforehand.
All the work tops are in and look very nice and the hob is in but not connected. The electrician is coming tomorrow to do all the connecting oven, fridge, hob and under unit lights. We are getting there but today the house was in the worst state ever. Totty was in a state as I had been out all day and she did not know what to do with herself. Jon found her sitting with the plasterers every time they stopped for a cuppa.
Jane left and I got stuck in and tried to restore some order and then cooked our dinner.
We watched a bit of TV and then we had to shift all the furniture down to one end of the living room ready for the floor man tomorrow.
Such a difference in one day!
WEATHER
Cooler today with cloud and a few showers 19 degrees
The table with all the wet plaster was in the living room so I ended up in one corner and did all my ironing with the dog sitting in her bed at the side of me. Jon went into the office.
I finished my ironing and then we took Totty out for a walk and at the time it was lovely and sunny and it was good to be away from all the chaos.
When we got back Jane was there but Jon wanted a coffee and as we couldn't leave the dog he went off to get one and Jane and I waited in the garden.
Once he was back Jane and I left for our day in Cambridge. We started at Starbucks with coffee and a sausage sandwich to share.
We then went into Dunelm Mill and browsed for over two hours. There are so many pretty things in there and we did buy a few things one being a new kitchen bin to go in my cupboard!
We then had lunch before going on to Next Furniture shop to see if they had anything that would suit the new dinning end of the kitchen. I did find a table but I think I like the one online that I have seen.
We went into Asda for something for dinner as I was not sure what I was going to have in my kitchen.
We arrived home and Jon was out at the front painting the skirting ready for Gareth to put on tomorrow before the man does the latex preparation on the floors. The plumber was also there fitting the shower door but the know is broken so he will need to get a new one but we can use the shower tomorrow night! The plumber had also had to fix the valve on a radiator which had broken when the plasterers had taken it off the wall to plaster behind so a rather wet floor in the hall!
The hall looked like a dark cave with all the wet plaster and all the windows were wide open to get it dried out. The conservatory is looking very nice now and more like a room than it was beforehand.
All the work tops are in and look very nice and the hob is in but not connected. The electrician is coming tomorrow to do all the connecting oven, fridge, hob and under unit lights. We are getting there but today the house was in the worst state ever. Totty was in a state as I had been out all day and she did not know what to do with herself. Jon found her sitting with the plasterers every time they stopped for a cuppa.
Jane left and I got stuck in and tried to restore some order and then cooked our dinner.
We watched a bit of TV and then we had to shift all the furniture down to one end of the living room ready for the floor man tomorrow.
Such a difference in one day!
WEATHER
Cooler today with cloud and a few showers 19 degrees
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Monday
I had a really bad night last night and just could not sleep. I was just nodding off about 3.00 when I heard someone walking up the drive as the gravel makes such a noise. I then realised it was our neighbour going out but it gave me a fright. He works odd hours doing horse transport. I was then awake for a long time before finally falling asleep and really didn't want to get out of bed at 7.00 this morning.
The builder arrived and we thought he was going to finish the kitchen but he said the plaster is coming in tomorrow so he needed to board up the walls in the conservatory ready to plaster. He said he was pushed for time and asked if we could paint the adhesive stuff on the hall stairs and landing ready for skimming so we said that would be fine. It took Jon and I two hours to do but it is ready now. So glad James took the paper off yesterday!
I then started on the painting and Jon went into the garden. We stopped for lunch about 2.00 and then carried on. We need to get the skirting painted by Wednesday as the man is coming to put the latex on the floor and then on Thursday he will fit it. Hopefully, by next week we should be able to have our furniture delivered.
The weather changed this afternoon and we could hear thunder so I quickly brought my washing in and carried on painting. We had the most terrific storm with hailstones and then it stopped.
Jason drove my car home last night and took it for an MOT today and brought it back this afternoon. He was lucky he missed all the rain and he would have been home by the time it all started.
Gareth, builder, was fitting the window boards around the conservatory and noticed that there was a mark in them and he had them all measured and cut ready to stick down. He was not a happy chappy. He had to phone his brother to collect more boards on his way from another job and bring them round.
Ben arrived with their dad and the three of them got stuck in trying to get it finished so that it would be dry for tomorrow. We then had another amazing thunderstorm and the water gushed down the drive like a river and the gutters were pouring water over the tops like a waterfall.
I had been upstairs making the bed and came down just as Ben ran to close the back door where the rain had blown in it was completely awash - an amazing amount of rain in such a short space of time.
Heather came home in the middle of all this drama and rang to ask me to ask the builder to move his van. I said that was not possible as they were trying to get things finished and moving the vans was not an option and it would be better for her to wait in her car till the rain stopped which she did and the builders finished at the same time. Bothe Heather and Kirsty had horrible drives home from work this evening.
We went over for dinner to Kirsty and James this evening and as it was so warm we ate outside all timed very well as it started to rain just as we finished. We had a lovely risotto for dinner and a lemon torte.
We had one last look at her two baby rabbits as they go to a new home on Wednesday. They are very cute and one is particularly pretty and looks like she is wearing eye liner!
We came home early as Jon and I are completely shattered and need an early night and hopefully I will sleep.
WEATHER
Mixed day sun, cloud and terrific thunderstorm 21 degrees
The builder arrived and we thought he was going to finish the kitchen but he said the plaster is coming in tomorrow so he needed to board up the walls in the conservatory ready to plaster. He said he was pushed for time and asked if we could paint the adhesive stuff on the hall stairs and landing ready for skimming so we said that would be fine. It took Jon and I two hours to do but it is ready now. So glad James took the paper off yesterday!
I then started on the painting and Jon went into the garden. We stopped for lunch about 2.00 and then carried on. We need to get the skirting painted by Wednesday as the man is coming to put the latex on the floor and then on Thursday he will fit it. Hopefully, by next week we should be able to have our furniture delivered.
The weather changed this afternoon and we could hear thunder so I quickly brought my washing in and carried on painting. We had the most terrific storm with hailstones and then it stopped.
Jason drove my car home last night and took it for an MOT today and brought it back this afternoon. He was lucky he missed all the rain and he would have been home by the time it all started.
Gareth, builder, was fitting the window boards around the conservatory and noticed that there was a mark in them and he had them all measured and cut ready to stick down. He was not a happy chappy. He had to phone his brother to collect more boards on his way from another job and bring them round.
Ben arrived with their dad and the three of them got stuck in trying to get it finished so that it would be dry for tomorrow. We then had another amazing thunderstorm and the water gushed down the drive like a river and the gutters were pouring water over the tops like a waterfall.
I had been upstairs making the bed and came down just as Ben ran to close the back door where the rain had blown in it was completely awash - an amazing amount of rain in such a short space of time.
Heather came home in the middle of all this drama and rang to ask me to ask the builder to move his van. I said that was not possible as they were trying to get things finished and moving the vans was not an option and it would be better for her to wait in her car till the rain stopped which she did and the builders finished at the same time. Bothe Heather and Kirsty had horrible drives home from work this evening.
We went over for dinner to Kirsty and James this evening and as it was so warm we ate outside all timed very well as it started to rain just as we finished. We had a lovely risotto for dinner and a lemon torte.
We had one last look at her two baby rabbits as they go to a new home on Wednesday. They are very cute and one is particularly pretty and looks like she is wearing eye liner!
We came home early as Jon and I are completely shattered and need an early night and hopefully I will sleep.
WEATHER
Mixed day sun, cloud and terrific thunderstorm 21 degrees
Saturday, 21 June 2014
Sunday
What a lovely day! I really could get used to this here.
We went out to The Pantry for breakfast which was very nice. On our way back we went to Argos and bought the new folding washing line. Our rotary line is down the garden under the shade of a tree and I get my feet wet from the grass when I hang out the washing not to mention seeing the washing line take centre stage in the garden is not what it should be. I had a lovely fold down line at the side of the house in NZ so Jon did some research and found one that is a rotary line but fixed to the wall and folds down. We can put it at the top by the office and it is in full sun so should get the clothes dry in next to no time.
We got home and Jon put it up and it did look small but I managed to get two full loads out. I am not sure about sheets though.
I then started on the painting and did pretty well with it. It is such hard work doing the top near the coving and takes such a long time.
Jane and Jason came over. Jane to sit and Jason to help Jon move the greenhouse so all go here. Jane brought lunch with her and we sat in the garden in the sun.
Kirsty and James came over a bit later and James stripped all the paper off the stairwell that I had not been able to reach. All in all it was a very productive e day and we are very grateful to James and Jason for all their help.
I bought a crown roast of chicken with garlic butter for our dinner and put it in the halogen oven and they were all wishing they could stay for dinner, but I just cant cope with so many at the moment, soon though!
Dinner was very nice and once again we ate outside!
We both felt very tired after all the work so it was a relatively early night.
WEATHER
Sunny again 24 degrees
We went out to The Pantry for breakfast which was very nice. On our way back we went to Argos and bought the new folding washing line. Our rotary line is down the garden under the shade of a tree and I get my feet wet from the grass when I hang out the washing not to mention seeing the washing line take centre stage in the garden is not what it should be. I had a lovely fold down line at the side of the house in NZ so Jon did some research and found one that is a rotary line but fixed to the wall and folds down. We can put it at the top by the office and it is in full sun so should get the clothes dry in next to no time.
We got home and Jon put it up and it did look small but I managed to get two full loads out. I am not sure about sheets though.
I then started on the painting and did pretty well with it. It is such hard work doing the top near the coving and takes such a long time.
Jane and Jason came over. Jane to sit and Jason to help Jon move the greenhouse so all go here. Jane brought lunch with her and we sat in the garden in the sun.
Kirsty and James came over a bit later and James stripped all the paper off the stairwell that I had not been able to reach. All in all it was a very productive e day and we are very grateful to James and Jason for all their help.
I bought a crown roast of chicken with garlic butter for our dinner and put it in the halogen oven and they were all wishing they could stay for dinner, but I just cant cope with so many at the moment, soon though!
Dinner was very nice and once again we ate outside!
We both felt very tired after all the work so it was a relatively early night.
WEATHER
Sunny again 24 degrees
Friday, 20 June 2014
Saturday 21 June
I had a little lie in this morning, no builders today!
We went along to Costa at Tesco and I had a bacon roll with my coffee, just to help mop up some of the wine from last night!!
We did some shopping before going home and I just did some clearing away of things, so much mess about the place it drives me mad.
I went to see Rene this afternoon and arrived at 2.00 only to find the new ward she is in has different visiting hours so had to wait half an hour outside as the doors are kept locked!
I finally got in to see her in what is a much brighter ward and there is a window with the sun shinning in. She is still very low and upset at not being able to see or talk to her sister. She does not seem to understand that Fran does not have a phone in her room and is too poorly to get to a phone. Edna told me that Fran is not doing too well and I just hope we can get Rene to see her before too long or it might be too late and she would be so upset.
We sat chatting and she told me all about her 'old' granny who she only ever remembers being in bed due to a broken back. she told me they used to go and visit her in a horse and cart. It is amazing what she can remember from such a long time ago. Rene had bought the wrong newspaper this morning she bought one of those 'posh' ones and she had given it away and was now worried that she would not know what was on TV not that she watches it. When I left I bought her a paper and took it back to her. Must be horrible sitting in a chair all day like that.
I didn't do much once I got home apart from start doing my blog again which took some time but I managed to get a week done but not sure how much further back I can remember as the building work seems to merge and I can't remember when we had what done!
Heather went off to a friend in Cambridge and stayed the night and is going to London to an open show in Trafalgar Square tomorrow.
It was still very warm and I cooked us a couple of steaks and we sat out and had dinner.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 23 degrees
We went along to Costa at Tesco and I had a bacon roll with my coffee, just to help mop up some of the wine from last night!!
We did some shopping before going home and I just did some clearing away of things, so much mess about the place it drives me mad.
I went to see Rene this afternoon and arrived at 2.00 only to find the new ward she is in has different visiting hours so had to wait half an hour outside as the doors are kept locked!
I finally got in to see her in what is a much brighter ward and there is a window with the sun shinning in. She is still very low and upset at not being able to see or talk to her sister. She does not seem to understand that Fran does not have a phone in her room and is too poorly to get to a phone. Edna told me that Fran is not doing too well and I just hope we can get Rene to see her before too long or it might be too late and she would be so upset.
We sat chatting and she told me all about her 'old' granny who she only ever remembers being in bed due to a broken back. she told me they used to go and visit her in a horse and cart. It is amazing what she can remember from such a long time ago. Rene had bought the wrong newspaper this morning she bought one of those 'posh' ones and she had given it away and was now worried that she would not know what was on TV not that she watches it. When I left I bought her a paper and took it back to her. Must be horrible sitting in a chair all day like that.
I didn't do much once I got home apart from start doing my blog again which took some time but I managed to get a week done but not sure how much further back I can remember as the building work seems to merge and I can't remember when we had what done!
Heather went off to a friend in Cambridge and stayed the night and is going to London to an open show in Trafalgar Square tomorrow.
It was still very warm and I cooked us a couple of steaks and we sat out and had dinner.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 23 degrees
Thursday, 19 June 2014
My Birthday
It is over a month since I posted on my blog and apologies to those of you who have missed it!
I don't think I will be able to remember everything that we have done since the last post so I will start from now and try and make the time to type up a daily post and if I remember anything that has happened I will add the posts as I remember.
I had a really lovely birthday this year and enjoyed being back with the family.
When I got up I opened up all my cards and there were quite a few and some nice presents from my sisters. Jon bought me a book and a lovely silver photo frame with 'grandson' engraved on it. I was pleased he didn't buy me more jewellery as I really have enough.
The plumber came in to fit the electric shower in the family bathroom. He fitted the new shower in our en suite yesterday but could not fit the door as it has not arrived so he will be back on Tuesday to do that but we have only had the one shower to use since we got back so a few more days will not matter.
We went out to Costa Coffee and had a coffee and I met some neighbours who used to live near me and had a chat with them.
We went back home and got ready to go out to lunch with Jane. The plumber said he would lock up after he had finished and would also plumb in the new dishwasher.
We picked Jane up and drove to Ely and went to Peacocks which is a lovely little place down by the river. We were able to sit in the lovely garden there and have lunch which was delicious. It is a place I would go to again and have afternoon tea, lovely china cups and saucers and very pretty teapots.
We then bought an ice cream and had a walk along the river and sat on a bench in the sun and watched the boats sail by, such a pretty spot.
We took Jane home and then drove home to Newmarket.
I rang my friend, Mary, and she came over for a cuppa and brought me some lovely flowers and a card and we sat out on the patio and had a chat. Jon went off to the supermarket to get a few things for dinner.
Mary left and then Heather came home and then Jane, Jason, Kirsty and James arrived and we got stuck in to our Italian takeaway which was very good but far too much to eat.
As it was such a lovely evening we were able to sit out in the garden and we could hear the music quite clearly from the first summer concert at the racecourse.
Jon had bought a birthday cake for me and the girls managed to find some candles, not sure how in all the boxes but they did and so they sang Happy Birthday to me and James managed to take a photo of my just as I was about to blow out the candles and it is not the most flattering photo!!
Jane and Jason left as Jane is feeling the heat and gets tired, Heather went to bed and the rest of us stayed out on the patio till 1.00. A very late night for us!
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 24 degrees
I don't think I will be able to remember everything that we have done since the last post so I will start from now and try and make the time to type up a daily post and if I remember anything that has happened I will add the posts as I remember.
I had a really lovely birthday this year and enjoyed being back with the family.
When I got up I opened up all my cards and there were quite a few and some nice presents from my sisters. Jon bought me a book and a lovely silver photo frame with 'grandson' engraved on it. I was pleased he didn't buy me more jewellery as I really have enough.
The plumber came in to fit the electric shower in the family bathroom. He fitted the new shower in our en suite yesterday but could not fit the door as it has not arrived so he will be back on Tuesday to do that but we have only had the one shower to use since we got back so a few more days will not matter.
We went out to Costa Coffee and had a coffee and I met some neighbours who used to live near me and had a chat with them.
We went back home and got ready to go out to lunch with Jane. The plumber said he would lock up after he had finished and would also plumb in the new dishwasher.
We picked Jane up and drove to Ely and went to Peacocks which is a lovely little place down by the river. We were able to sit in the lovely garden there and have lunch which was delicious. It is a place I would go to again and have afternoon tea, lovely china cups and saucers and very pretty teapots.
We then bought an ice cream and had a walk along the river and sat on a bench in the sun and watched the boats sail by, such a pretty spot.
We took Jane home and then drove home to Newmarket.
I rang my friend, Mary, and she came over for a cuppa and brought me some lovely flowers and a card and we sat out on the patio and had a chat. Jon went off to the supermarket to get a few things for dinner.
Mary left and then Heather came home and then Jane, Jason, Kirsty and James arrived and we got stuck in to our Italian takeaway which was very good but far too much to eat.
As it was such a lovely evening we were able to sit out in the garden and we could hear the music quite clearly from the first summer concert at the racecourse.
Jon had bought a birthday cake for me and the girls managed to find some candles, not sure how in all the boxes but they did and so they sang Happy Birthday to me and James managed to take a photo of my just as I was about to blow out the candles and it is not the most flattering photo!!
Jane and Jason left as Jane is feeling the heat and gets tired, Heather went to bed and the rest of us stayed out on the patio till 1.00. A very late night for us!
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 24 degrees
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Thursday
Jon went to meet someone he used to work with in Ipswich last night and stayed over but rang to say he was on his way home but stopping off to see if he could find me a birthday present but I hadn't been able to help him with any suggestions so now sure what he will come up with.
The plumber came in to fit the new en suite shower so he was upstairs and I got all the furniture covered and got stuck into painting again! I finally did three coast on the ceilings. As it was new plaster it took some covering. In total I painted for eleven hours today as I also had to paint the new bits in the kitchen and family room and it is hard painting around units. There is so much to do.
Part of the ceiling in the family room has been patched where they put the steel beams in and I am not very happy with it so they will need to sort that out. Also, around the lights in the living room are not very good as they did not plaster up to the holes despite the electrician taking down the lights. Jon tried to fill it but has not done a good job so it will need to be sorted as the rest of the ceiling is now lovely and smooth.
Jon came home and brought me a coffee and then he went into the garden with the new shredder and cleared all the cutting down debris and once chopped up it all fitted in the green bin so it is well worth having. Hopefully, we can now keep on top of it and not get a huge build up.
I must admit I was pretty tired but the time I finished at 7.00 and made a very quick dinner from the freezer.
WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees
The plumber came in to fit the new en suite shower so he was upstairs and I got all the furniture covered and got stuck into painting again! I finally did three coast on the ceilings. As it was new plaster it took some covering. In total I painted for eleven hours today as I also had to paint the new bits in the kitchen and family room and it is hard painting around units. There is so much to do.
Part of the ceiling in the family room has been patched where they put the steel beams in and I am not very happy with it so they will need to sort that out. Also, around the lights in the living room are not very good as they did not plaster up to the holes despite the electrician taking down the lights. Jon tried to fill it but has not done a good job so it will need to be sorted as the rest of the ceiling is now lovely and smooth.
Jon came home and brought me a coffee and then he went into the garden with the new shredder and cleared all the cutting down debris and once chopped up it all fitted in the green bin so it is well worth having. Hopefully, we can now keep on top of it and not get a huge build up.
I must admit I was pretty tired but the time I finished at 7.00 and made a very quick dinner from the freezer.
WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
Wednesday 18 June
We need to get moving with the decorating now as our furniture will be moving into storage on Friday so the sooner we are finished the sooner we stop having to pay storage.
We started with the preparation of the living room but as it is not straight forward an very bitty I was finding it hard to get my head around it. I like to be organised and the place to be tidy but Jon starts a job and tends to leave tools lying around and then move on to something else so I was not in the best frame of mind.
Jon went out to buy some coffee and I decided to trim a border from the carpet around the room so that we could sand the skirting as, in the past, it has been painted while the carpet is down so needed a lot of attention as we are having laminate floor so it will all be on show and needs to look nice.
Jon came back and took up all the horrible gripper bars which are lethal on you feet and fingers! He was then able to sand the skirting properly and I started on the painting. Once I felt more organised I could get on better and we put in a good day's work.
I had promised to go and see my elderly neighbour in hospital but could really have done without going. It takes a good half hour to get there and then an hour to visit and then half an hour home with the sun very low and blinding while I drive back.
She is pretty low and hates being in the ward and told me that she would be home soon. Marie, a lady who she pays to help out in the house came in to see her and we were both surprised when she told us that the Occupational Therapy lady had been to see her to discuss what she would need in the house.
Rene has always been a difficult lady to please and Cyril, her husband, was so good to her but it was never good enough. She is probably worse now than ever. She hates the ward and says it is like a circus and they are not trained properly. It is a pretty dismal ward and sitting looking at the walls must be horrible and no window to look out of either.
When we left I spoke to the sister and she told me that she was going to be discharged as soon as they could get her house organised with some equipment. She said Rene has a agreed to carers and she has but once she is home she is going to tell them not to come anymore! The sister said she knew this but there is nothing they can do. She has a nephew and a niece but they can't help out so it is down to us, another neighbour and Marie to do what we can.
Rene's sister went into a home this week, she is 94 and very frail. Rene is upset that she can't speak to her but can't grasp that there is no phone in Fran's room and she can't get out of bed. Such a sorry state of affairs. I just wish Rene would agree to go into the same home as Fran but she won't so watch this space.
I didn't get home till 8.30 so we had a very late dinner.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees
We started with the preparation of the living room but as it is not straight forward an very bitty I was finding it hard to get my head around it. I like to be organised and the place to be tidy but Jon starts a job and tends to leave tools lying around and then move on to something else so I was not in the best frame of mind.
Jon went out to buy some coffee and I decided to trim a border from the carpet around the room so that we could sand the skirting as, in the past, it has been painted while the carpet is down so needed a lot of attention as we are having laminate floor so it will all be on show and needs to look nice.
Jon came back and took up all the horrible gripper bars which are lethal on you feet and fingers! He was then able to sand the skirting properly and I started on the painting. Once I felt more organised I could get on better and we put in a good day's work.
I had promised to go and see my elderly neighbour in hospital but could really have done without going. It takes a good half hour to get there and then an hour to visit and then half an hour home with the sun very low and blinding while I drive back.
She is pretty low and hates being in the ward and told me that she would be home soon. Marie, a lady who she pays to help out in the house came in to see her and we were both surprised when she told us that the Occupational Therapy lady had been to see her to discuss what she would need in the house.
Rene has always been a difficult lady to please and Cyril, her husband, was so good to her but it was never good enough. She is probably worse now than ever. She hates the ward and says it is like a circus and they are not trained properly. It is a pretty dismal ward and sitting looking at the walls must be horrible and no window to look out of either.
When we left I spoke to the sister and she told me that she was going to be discharged as soon as they could get her house organised with some equipment. She said Rene has a agreed to carers and she has but once she is home she is going to tell them not to come anymore! The sister said she knew this but there is nothing they can do. She has a nephew and a niece but they can't help out so it is down to us, another neighbour and Marie to do what we can.
Rene's sister went into a home this week, she is 94 and very frail. Rene is upset that she can't speak to her but can't grasp that there is no phone in Fran's room and she can't get out of bed. Such a sorry state of affairs. I just wish Rene would agree to go into the same home as Fran but she won't so watch this space.
I didn't get home till 8.30 so we had a very late dinner.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees
Monday, 16 June 2014
Jon's first NHS Appointment
Our first appointment this morning was to the kitchen showroom to choose yet another work top. They rang the order through and we are assured it is in stock and they will deliver it on Thursday ready for the builder to finish the kitchen next week.
We then had to go to the bank for a meeting with the Business Manager. Jon has set up a limited company called J T Consultancy as he needs things to be in order for any work he does and the accountant says this is the best way to do it. They were very helpful and got things sorted for us so he is all set to go now with his first work at the beginning of July in France.
We then went to have some breakfast as we didn't have time before we left the house.
We did a few things around the house before leaving to go to Addenbrooke's Hospital to meet Mr Miller the bowel surgeon. The hospital is huge and the car park enormous. We finally found our way to the clinic with a little help from some nurses. The surgeon was running late but the delay is all displayed on a TV screen so you know what is going on.
We finally went in and he examined Jon and told him the hernia was back but it is not so big and not causing any problems. He did say it is a problem with stomas and the next option, if it becomes a problem, would be to re locate the bag if it would stretch across but he would not know until he opened him up so we will leave well alone for now.
Jon is due for scans in Sept but apart from that he will not have any other appointments. We will be sent the name and number of a colorectal nurse and we can contact her 24/7 and she will decide if he needs to be seen so any problems she is our first port of call which all sound good.
I asked Mr Miller why Jon was not allowed fried eggs, mushrooms, pineapple and sweet corn and he said that was 'tosh' and he could eat what he liked. He said if he was prone to blockages or had adhesions in the bowel it would be different. He told him to go away and eat what he wants and just live his life as he was a 'young man'. Jon liked that as he was 60 yesterday!
Once I get a kitchen back I can see me making some very interesting meals in the future to make up for not being able to eat sweet corn etc. for the last 2.5 years!
I was due to go and see Rene this evening but Edna, my neighbour rang to say she had been in this afternoon and Rene's niece and nephew had also been in so she thought she had had enough for one day which was a relief so I had a night home.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud
We then had to go to the bank for a meeting with the Business Manager. Jon has set up a limited company called J T Consultancy as he needs things to be in order for any work he does and the accountant says this is the best way to do it. They were very helpful and got things sorted for us so he is all set to go now with his first work at the beginning of July in France.
We then went to have some breakfast as we didn't have time before we left the house.
We did a few things around the house before leaving to go to Addenbrooke's Hospital to meet Mr Miller the bowel surgeon. The hospital is huge and the car park enormous. We finally found our way to the clinic with a little help from some nurses. The surgeon was running late but the delay is all displayed on a TV screen so you know what is going on.
We finally went in and he examined Jon and told him the hernia was back but it is not so big and not causing any problems. He did say it is a problem with stomas and the next option, if it becomes a problem, would be to re locate the bag if it would stretch across but he would not know until he opened him up so we will leave well alone for now.
Jon is due for scans in Sept but apart from that he will not have any other appointments. We will be sent the name and number of a colorectal nurse and we can contact her 24/7 and she will decide if he needs to be seen so any problems she is our first port of call which all sound good.
I asked Mr Miller why Jon was not allowed fried eggs, mushrooms, pineapple and sweet corn and he said that was 'tosh' and he could eat what he liked. He said if he was prone to blockages or had adhesions in the bowel it would be different. He told him to go away and eat what he wants and just live his life as he was a 'young man'. Jon liked that as he was 60 yesterday!
Once I get a kitchen back I can see me making some very interesting meals in the future to make up for not being able to eat sweet corn etc. for the last 2.5 years!
I was due to go and see Rene this evening but Edna, my neighbour rang to say she had been in this afternoon and Rene's niece and nephew had also been in so she thought she had had enough for one day which was a relief so I had a night home.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Jon's 60th
What a day to have rain! I had arranged, as a surprise, to meet the girls in the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge for a picnic for Jon Grrrrr!
He had no idea where he was going but knew something was happening. Heather had told me about a Kiwi café in Mill Road in Cambridge so I drove him into Cambridge and we parked and went and had a coffee.
We then drove down to where Heather works and she had arranged for us to park in heer office car park as she is right next-door to the gardens.
Jon had joked that he wanted to go into the garden when he was 60 as it was cheaper so that is where we went. Unfortunately, it was not the best weather and we wandered around the gardens and time passes so slowly and I was running out of things to talk about and keep him there. We went into the glass houses where at least it was warm and dry but we still had ten minutes before the girls were due so I had to tell him we had to wait and we found a bench under a tree in the dry and waited like Derby and Joan!!
The girls and James arrived and it was a nice surprise as he though it would only be Heather as we were near her office. Kirsty had bought all the food in the morning and so we enjoyed our picnic under the tree!
We got home and Roger and Mary came over to bring him a lovely plant pot and a beautiful rose which smells lovely.
He knew he was going out to dinner but did not know where. I drove him into Newmarket with Heather and we went to the Pantry Kirsty and James were already there and we had bought big balloons for him. Then Roger and Mary arrived and Jane and Jason.
We had a lovely meal and I had forgotten I had ordered a cake for him and we were waiting for the waitress to bring out the menu when she appeared with the cake and candles and we all sang happy birthday. It was a really lovely night.
It was not the same as going to Phuket like we did for mine but I think he enjoyed his day.
WEATHER
Wet and cold!
He had no idea where he was going but knew something was happening. Heather had told me about a Kiwi café in Mill Road in Cambridge so I drove him into Cambridge and we parked and went and had a coffee.
We then drove down to where Heather works and she had arranged for us to park in heer office car park as she is right next-door to the gardens.
Jon had joked that he wanted to go into the garden when he was 60 as it was cheaper so that is where we went. Unfortunately, it was not the best weather and we wandered around the gardens and time passes so slowly and I was running out of things to talk about and keep him there. We went into the glass houses where at least it was warm and dry but we still had ten minutes before the girls were due so I had to tell him we had to wait and we found a bench under a tree in the dry and waited like Derby and Joan!!
The girls and James arrived and it was a nice surprise as he though it would only be Heather as we were near her office. Kirsty had bought all the food in the morning and so we enjoyed our picnic under the tree!
We got home and Roger and Mary came over to bring him a lovely plant pot and a beautiful rose which smells lovely.
He knew he was going out to dinner but did not know where. I drove him into Newmarket with Heather and we went to the Pantry Kirsty and James were already there and we had bought big balloons for him. Then Roger and Mary arrived and Jane and Jason.
We had a lovely meal and I had forgotten I had ordered a cake for him and we were waiting for the waitress to bring out the menu when she appeared with the cake and candles and we all sang happy birthday. It was a really lovely night.
It was not the same as going to Phuket like we did for mine but I think he enjoyed his day.
WEATHER
Wet and cold!
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