30 April

[Mick]

Re: 30 April

Hello everyone and how are we today then? Hope everyone is doing well. A lovely the overhead again today, 16 degrees at the moment it's absolutely gorgeous slight breeze but nothing to write home about. Julie has just got up to see her dad in the hospital, they don't know what to do with him I'm pretty sure. There seems to be some sort of miscommunication between the nurses as well, Julie went to see the sister on the ward yesterday and she didn't even know that Julie's dad had previously had covid, in fact the tested him again yesterday and he still has it. Julie has a very tidy mind betting in mind previous haroccupation was contractual for the prison service, she is very neat and ordered. Looking at Her dad's notes yesterday she could not make head nor tail of some of it, and the wear some questionable comments on it as well for instance one of the comments was that the had given him a laxative come on this is to a guy that had diarrhea for over a week and still had it when he went into hospital! I think she's going to speak to the doctor today about it all. I feel a lot better than I did, though still tired at the slightest thing. I was in the garden this morning planting flowers and doing some weeding about six am, it was absolutely brilliant.

Hiya pie, hope all is well with you. I wish you all the best today on your quit, you can do it!

I have just come out for a quick drive, and guess what a nice sunny day and some idiot has set the moors on fire exclamation mark are these people for real.

Hiya lav how are things with you and the blind hippo? Just thought I'd mix the words up haha. Yes like you, I put a lot of work into covert drinking! Best move I ever made stopping though I don't expect that either the vodka or whiskey companies would agree! There is flags and bunting getting put up everywhere over here for the coronation this weekend full stop as I say we have the sunshine so it should be on its way to you pretty soon take care have a great day

Hiya ppqp and how's you then today?hope all is well with you. How is your work doing ? The reason I asked about your boss as to whether he had said anything or not was the fact him and the other co-worker seemed to be in cahoots and then he's talking out loud etc etc even the dimmest light bulb would know that giving you work that wasn't on your job specim talking out loud him and the other person sharing the holidays between them and various other things he could not really think he was working as a team a flat kind of makes sense. I remember a heatwave in the late 70s when we were out on the Prairie. Canada was one of the only few places where you could Fire live ammunition, and on that particular exercise they would not allow it, so for about two or three weeks everyone was making bang bang noises and stuff like that. Enjoy the weather while you can take care and have a great day


Hiya teegee how are you doing?yes I think it was that variant I had .it seems pretty rife overhead atm being totally honest with you, I really couldn't get my head around studying at this time of life comma especially on a subject like that. Utmost respect to you keep at it. Take care have a great day

Hiya slo hope everything is well with you.how is Huxley doing?

Good people tis time to go..take care everyone..and pie.....you can do it!!

[Pie]

Re: 30 April

Great choice on the window valance, Lav! Fabric adds interest, and doesn’t block your view.

PQ, a heatwave in Alberta?! Glad you’ve got AC for when you need it.

What kind of flowers you planting, Mick? Thought my bougainvillea was a goner after the dogs mistook it for a pee target. Seems to be coming back though. Fingers crossed.

TG, you know what they say about school grades. If you score higher than a 70, you worked too hard.

Hello, Slo!

I’m feeling good. Hopeful. Dug out my remaining stash of Antabuse. Doesn’t matter to me that it’s 10 years old; just the possibility of getting sick makes it a powerful tool. There’s a Pilates studio nearby. Think I’ll check it out.

[Lavande]

Re: 30 April

Good evening friends,

There’s a bit of sunshine out there at the moment, nice. We had clouds & showers earlier & it’s still in the low 50’s.
I’m going to use that same fabric to make 2 window toppers for my living room, similar shape, just a little different. I want to get all these jobs done before I get busy with crafty season
I also want to dig in more plants, just waiting for the nights to be a little warmer which should happen next week.

PQ, thanks for the cooler weather but you can take back some of the cloudiness, haha. Can’t believe. Your heatwave continues, that’s crazy!
Glad you seem to have things under control at work, good job.

Cyn, glad you’re home safe & sound :hug:
You really need some time to rest up & get your thoughts together. Completing assignments would be awfully difficult for me as well, you’re not the only one struggling. Keep the lines of communication open with your instructor, they may understand. Take care.

Mick, glad you continue to improve, it does take time. I can’t believe Julie’s Dad is still testing + after all this time, wonder what’s going on there? I imagine the nursing homes don’t want to admit anyone with Covid, it’s been a big problem here too. I’m seeing a good bit in TV about the preparations for the coronation. That’s something that has never happened here haha! Anyway, I hope it all goes well. Take it easy, don’t wear yourself out!

Pie, yep I like the window toppers to add some fabric interest to a room. We don’t have any neighbors close enough to be looking in so there’s no need for heavy drapes.
I’m happy to hear you are feeling good & taking steps to preserve your quit, great job!!! Good luck with the Pilates, I think I’ve gotten too old for that kind of stuff, Lol

Slo, I hope you are OK & had a good day.

Have a nice night all!
Lav

[porqoui]

Re: 30 April

MAE ALL...ended up going in early today as our building super texted in sick. So was able to leave early as well. Had my one-on-one with the boss and he brought up workload. He had noticed that I was starting to get a little short with people. I had noticed it too and consciously made myself take a breather. So at least I'm starting to recognize it. He said I can always forward my phone to him and close my office door if I need the alone time to get things done. I'll be taking him up on that, let him deal with all the stupid calls. I also told him that if he took over the rental & rate schedules for the long term renters that would help immensely, so he'll be doing that as well. I'll continue think of things I can put on his plate, why should I have all the fun. LOL

TG...glad to see your post and that you're home safe and sound. I'm not surprised you've had a hard time keeping up, you've had a lot on the go lately. You made me laugh when you said the tests keep getting in the way, it's like all the meetings I have to attend keep getting in the way of my work. Pace yourself girl.

Mick...you really do have to be your own health advocate. My last stint in the hospital was no I had that med already, it's time for this med, wasn't I supposed to have this done? You could really see the strain on the nurses and most of them were working double shifts. I'm glad Julie's there to keep an eye on things. Same thing here with the hot weather and fires. No he's never said anything about the vacation bookings but I put in my request for May and he approved. Taking some 1/2 days off and 2 long weekends. June will be a busy month for me and then I have 2 weeks to use up in July & August.

Pi...glad you're feeling good. I never did go on antabuse, but I feel the same as you with the thought of getting sick makes it a powerful tool. I hope you find the Pilates something that works for you. Got to keep busy.

Waves to Slo & Lav. Have a good night all....:smile:PPQP

[Slo]

Re: 30 April

Hello,

I don?t know how Huxley is doing, Mick, as I only see him on Mondays. His mother D2 is still quite sick too, for weeks. Still has sinusitis and bronchitis. She will go in on Friday (her day off) to look into antibiotics if she doesn?t start feeling better before then.
Ugh, your description of the care that Julie?s dad is getting hit too close to home, as it sounded just like the shoddy, neglectful, and fractured care that my dad was receiving in the hospital at the end of his life. Right when he needed decent care to help him with the pain of cancer.

Thanks for sharing a pic of the new valance, Lav. Enquiring minds want to know!

There was a neighborhood coffee today. That was nice! I like being in touch with the new neighbors!

TG, too bad your course has rigid deadlines instead of self-paced. I mean how can you really keep up with that intense program when you are traveling and helping step daughter? You are right; the real point is in what you are learning.

Pie, great news that you are committing to AF days! It is a hassle to be chained to procuring and drinking alcohol, and disposing of the containers. There is no freedom in that. I tried Antabuse. It works! Ask me how I know…

Off to clean up cat puke on my carpet. Grrr!

[treegirl]

Re: 30 April

Mae all -

Just a quick check-in... I am still worn out from my 2 AM arrival home Tuesday morning... but I did get myself organized to be at my Volunteer gig today (200 meals for the food-and housing-insecure folks.) I'm glad that I was there, as we were short volunteers today. Got it all done and out to the cars - other people distribute them.

Actually dusted my apartment today. That felt like a big win! Will vacuum tomorrow - I don't think that I took the time to do it before I left, so things need a little freshening up. I swear that cleaning "raises the vibe" in the apartment... or maybe just helps me feel like I accomplished something! Didn't have the energy to vacuum though, since I went to the store and re-stocked the larder. Not a lot of energy left for anything.

Tomorrow afternoon one of my grand-nieces (I have 6 of them) will drop by on her way across the country, driving with her boyfriend... she is leaving Notre Dame U and headed home to southern CA... a much better fit for this girl who was born in Hawaii! She is the daughter of my nephew who is in Secure Care right now - he seemed to be doing well, but his wife says that there is still suicidal ideation... my heart breaks for him. So I am glad that I'll be able to give my grand-niece a real hug on her way home.

Lav - love the window art! Mick, so very sorry about the care that Julie's dad is/isn't receiving - such a heartbreak. PPQ - sounds like you are drawing some lines in the sand... good for you. SLO - hoping that you stay well with all your traveling and care-taking. Pi - you got it - whatever it takes - the prize of sobriety is worth it all.

Okay kids, I'm off to bed... hoping to get a little more energy one of these days... sending lots of care-filled wishes to all ...

[Mick]

Re: 30 April

hiya all ,how are we today then? hope all is good .bit blowy here today ,but at least its sunny and dry .the horses are back in the field outside ...looks really good .Phoned my brother yesterday ...I was going down to see him tomorrow ,but he has to see a doctor so Ill go down on Monday .things aint too great with him .Julies dad still in hospital...Julie actually spoke to the doc yesterday and got the full story ...He still has covid ,but its in the last stages ,the doc went a bit mad at all the notes and their state .Just on the off chance that he has to go into one ,Julie went to see a care home local to us .Her reply to me was ..the prisoners on D wing had better facilities.She was shown a room ,bland ,no pictures ,a bed and a cupboard .No toilet or facilities like that, no television .Julie says there was no interaction between the staff and the patients ,and most of them were either sleeping or lolling in chairs bearing in mind this costs ?968 PER WEEK it is unreal ..she is now adamant if possible he is coming home ..we will get the care plan ,and support visits and we will put a stair lift in but obviusly its dependant on the assessments .Living in a place like that would kill him.We shall see what happens .

hiy Teegee how are things with you then? hope things are ok . .

hiya Slo ,how are you doing? hope all is well.I didnt realize that you hadn't seen Huxley.We wait and see how Julies dad fares with the care he is given as opposed to required .

hiya ppqp....winner ...hesaid you were getting short ...Really ? no sh.t sherriff ..I wonder why ...could it be the excess workload he has given you or the abdication of some of his duties ..Snatch his hab=nd off and bounce asll those calls and problems right back where they belong !Glad you have managed to get some jollidays,you deserve them.

hiya lav ...told you Id send you some sunshine!how are things over there ?Yes the place is a bit mad with all the coronation prep...true ,you have never had one over there ,but ex King Donald tried his best!!!Im going out for another walk in a wee while ,hope you have a good day.

well pie how did it go?Stick at it you can do it .....Ive planted impatiens fuschia dianthus ,just general colour giving bedding plants atm YOU CAN DO IT


Right folks take care have a good day

[Pie]

Re: 30 April

Hey All! Mucho thanks for the encouragement. I have indeed been busy maintaining my freedom. Yesterday, made an impromptu shopping trip to a favorite store that?s going out of business. Bought a new floor lamp, and did some rearranging once back home. A week ago, alcohol likely would have kept me from going.
Also listened to a Soberistas podcast. They spoke of the difference in skills/attitude needed to initially stop drinking, versus those needed to live a happy AF life, the ones you build up over time. One mentioned Jason Vale?s book as a huge help early on, so I pulled my copy off the shelf, and started re-reading. Do you remember the early days when you actually felt fear at the prospect of never having another drink? That you might have to face life, and conflict, and change, etc., without alcohol to smooth the edges?

That?s the place that I?ve gotten myself back to, so rereading Vale is well timed. I also know that once significant AF time accumulated, those fears went away, so this time I don?t have to take the author?s word for it. I lived it. I?m pretty excited to be on the right path again.

[Lavande]

Re: 30 April

Good evening friends,

Just back from a not too long walk with the dog, my feet survived haha! Did the same walk last evening so I figured I’l keep the trend going. No rain today, much appreciated.
Noticed the Amish folks plowed up yet another field today, will probably plant more tobacco, we’ll see.

Pie, I am very happy for you! Yes, I do remember the total fear of learning to live without alcohol. But I also remember the joy in finding that I didn’t immediately crumble or die without it the first few days. All that fear keeps us stuck in a place we never wanted to be for way too long. Keep going friend!

Mick, you just described the nursing home from hell, of course you don’t want to put Julie’s Dad there. Wait & see what his needs are going to be, maybe he could do fine at home with extra help.
He may not even need nursing help, maybe a companion would be sufficient.
I cannot believe Trump is planning to run for president again next year with all the open court cases he’s facing. He’s a total lunatic & he’ll never be king haha!!

Cyn, sounds like you’re dragging quite a bit, sorry. I know my brain thinks my body can do a whole lot more than it actually can at this point. It’s kind of depressing really but just another symptom of aging for me. Do what you can & leave the rest until later. Getting thru your program right now is tough enough. Take care :hug:

Slo, glad you’re meeting friendly neighbors. I’m kind. Of lacking that around here but it’s OK I guess.
I hope your daughter gets some help for her sinus issues, they’re exhausting. Hope Huxley feels better too.

PQ, you need to be crowned queen of the office, Lol
Keep the door closed & the phone turned off at all costs if for nothing other than saving your sanity. I enjoy my own company & really do not miss having people in my face all day long honestly.

Have a nice night all!
Lav

[Mick]

Re: 30 April

hiya everyone ,how are we doing ? hope all is well..crazy times here ..you wouldnt believe it.We have recently had sky tv put in ,and the router was moved downstairs ,hidden behind a chair in the front room .Attached to the router is the wifi,television,central heating control,and telephone .Bonnie managed to get in the front room and chewed through the lot ..The tv cable has 11 minute cables in it the really thin ones ,the heating control 4 ,the phone 2 ,the wifi 2 ..I spent about 5hours last night soldering all the wires together .doesnt look tidy ,but I managed to get it up and running .
Then this morning I got a new fence panel for the back fence ...the concrete base panel had gone so I had to smash it out ,and replace the wooden panel..an easy task? nope the panel was an odd size ,so I had to remake it .,and replace the plants .weary now .The sun is out so time for a cup of cawfee.

hiya ,Lav how are you doing? hope all is good.you been for a walk today?I was going to but feeling a bit weary now ,Julie gone up to see her dad ,he was a bit better yesterday ,We are hoping that they will assess him as able to go home as opposed to a home .It would kill him to go in a hovel like that.The strange thing is Trump despite everything has a massive support !Everything is all geared up for the Coronation tomorrow .hope you have a goodweekend .

hiya pie ...well done you!!!keep going ,you will find it will ease ....I remember the days of desperation and thinking Id never get through it ,but I did,and so will you .It will be difficult at time but the reward is worth it ..you control your life ,and not a bottle ,..you can do it ...we are all here to support you ..If you want to message me please do .and Im sure everyone is the same

big shout to everyone else ,hope you have a good weekend ,take care stay safe , sane and sober

What falls, but never needs a bandage? The rain.

I was going to tell you a joke about boxing but I forgot the punch line.

I'm not a fan of spring cleaning. Let's be honest, I'm not into summer, fall, or winter cleaning either.

Why did the egg hide? It was a little chicken
.
What did the dirt say to the rain? If you keep this up, my name will be mud!

Why couldn't the sunflower ride its bike? It lost its petals.

What's an egg's favorite vacation spot? New Yolk City.

I ate a sock yesterday. It was very time-consuming.

What kind of candy do astronauts like? Mars bars.

I wanted to buy some camo pants but couldn't find any

I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon. I'll let you know.

What month is the shortest of the year? May, it only has three letters.

What did the snail who was riding on the turtle's back say? Wheeeee!

I was going to tell a time traveling joke, but you guys didn't like it.

What do you call a lazy kangaroo? A pouch potato.

I used to run a dating service for chickens, but I was struggling to make hens meet.

Why do we tell actors to "break a leg?" Because every play has a cast.

What does a pig put on dry skin? Oinkment.

What do you call it when a snowman throws a tantrum? A meltdown.

My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They're his watch dogs.

Did you hear about the guy whose left side was cut off? He's all right now.

How do you open a banana? With a mon-key.

[Pie]

Re: 30 April

Lav, if you arrange a coronation for PQ, I’ll bring the decorations. Agree with you that fear is a powerful stumbling block.

Guessing that bad bunny Bonnie has been forgiven since you were able to make repairs, Mick. Soldering is a lost art. Very clever of you to know what to do with the wires, and the fence panel. Can you sneak in a 20 minute nap to recharge?

Moments of discomfort come and go. Breathing deeply, smiling, and standing with good posture are helpful at those times. Feeling a great deal of relief at having stopped the madness, and grateful to be able to talk about it with you folks. I’m still waiting to hear when I can deliver the Greyhound to her new home. She’s no trouble, but as her days here accrue, so does attachment, for both us us. Moving her sooner will be better than later.

Hugs all around, and thank you!!

[Pie]

Re: 30 April

Blue Plumbago plants, and the big dog.

[porqoui]

Re: 30 April

MAE ALL...

Took yesterday afternoon off and I'm sure I posted but nope don't see it. I'm off this afternoon and have been out running around, not literally, home now and need to put stuff away. I am in to work tomorrow morning as the boss couldn't get his part time people to fill in. He is off to a Shania Twain concert so I'm on call anyways. I'm ok with goin in as I can get some website work done in peace and quiet and I'll just book another afternoon off next week.

Sorry for not responding individually will do better tomorrow. Have a good day all...:smile:PPQP

[Slo]

Re: 30 April

MAE,

PQ, at least your review with the boss resulted in genuine problem-solving. And it means that the tracker to track what you do is being taken seriously too. At least there will be no worries about the phone ringing much tomorrow, so you can work without interruptions.

Oh, I can?t wait for the full moon to be over tonight. I am strung as tight as a guitar string ready to snap. All my pain is flared up for over a week now, especially the tangled nerve knots in my hips and sacrum. And of course my knee.

I took the plunge to go to my niece-in-law?s wedding a month from now: on the night of the full moon! I should know better; I will be moody, ache-y, and tired all those days leading up to it. And at my most irritable & introverted. I?m bringing a friend along too. Gah. I will have to pace myself even if it is celebratory times. I will need my sleep, etc.

I hope to watch the coronation review on Public Television tomorrow evening.
What a mess Bonnie made chewing through all the wiring! You are talented if you can fix that, Mick! And what?s to prevent her from doing it again?
That sounds like a typical nursing home, with all the people sleeping & slouching in their wheelchairs. I hope it works out that Julie?s dad can have supportive care at home.

I drove up the hour & a half plus to see my three grandchildren yesterday. I brought them the little toys I had picked up for them for Easter. Got to hold baby Cooper! Bliss. Had to play with Beckett, and it was depressing to me because it hurt my knee so much. I?m going to have to be a sedentary grandma who can only do sit-down activities with them, not the ?hockey? he had me playing with him. Yet four of them are boys! I did not want to be a hobbled granny.

Nice that you can hug your great niece in person, TG; under the circumstances. And get her back to the side of the country she belongs on!
Traveling makes me tired too, especially getting in at 2:00 am.
I have to space out my tasks on different days too (dusting, vacuuming, filling the larder).

Pie, I still kind of have the fear of not being able to drink. That was what I looked forward to and my coping mechanism for every social occasion. It is harder now. But, more honest & authentic too.

We had some sun and some warmth today! Maybe it really is Spring!

[Lavande]

Re: 30 April

Greetings folks,

Nice day here, sunny & 60 some degrees. We drove up to town after dinner to walk thru the First Friday event. It was loud & crowded of course & with today being Cinco de Mayo the large Mexican population was out in full force. Music & dancers entertaining the crowd, lots of food trucks & tons of happy little kids running around having a ball.
I was handed a small package with a mustard seed, pot & potting soil, compliments of a local church which was nice.

Mick, you have such patience!!! If an animal had chewed thru all that in my house I’m sure YB would have had him out the door in a flash, haha!! Glad you got everything put back together.
I just hate the fact that we have to depend on nursing facilities to take care of our elderly. In a perfect world we would take care of them at home but it’s just not always possible. The elders deserve better treatment after all they have done for us. I hope Julie’s Dad is able to return home with adequate help.

PQ, I hope you enjoyed your day off & tomorrow isn’t too bad for you.

Slo, for some reason I really slept hard last night after several nights of tossing around. There’s just no predicting this stuff I guess.
Do. You have a tub you can sit in & soak? Maybe that would help with your comfort level. I have a spa tub with water jets & all & absolutely hate sitting in it, haha. I’m weird I know.
I’m glad I don’t feel like I have to keep up with the grandsons anymore, don’t think I could anyway. The oldest is coming over to help finish up the mulching project tomorrow & he will be leaving with some $$, haha.

Cyn, hope your day was a good one.

Pie, living without that fear anymore has been a real blessing. I am so grateful to be where I am I will never consider going back to drinking. It didn’t do anything to help me then & it wouldn’t in the future. Every day sober makes you stronger & prouder, remember that Good job, keep going!

Have a nice night all!
Lav