I was awake most of last night with stomach ache so consequently have been blobbing around the house all day doing very little. I did manage a doze at lunchtime, also did a couple of loads of washing and had a shower. Go me . I also had a really lovely zoom catchup with Nenlet2.
Feeling better though still very fragile this evening and hoping for a proper night's sleep. In fact, I might crawl off to bed now.
Bad night with cramp in one foot, and up betimes. Did some emergency watering - I notice the bluebells and aquilegia which are normally prolific at this time of year are shrivelled and infested with whitefly. The various plantings that I'm favouring with watering are holding their own albeit not prospering that much.
Lunch has been had (BUTTERIES with poached eggs, smoked salmon and an avocado), laundry is waiting for the tumble dryer to be free, and dishes are being looked after in the dishwasher.
Ah, butteries... Their mention brings sentimental tears to my eyes. I scarfed down as many as I possibly could in Stonehaven last week, about half of them with Marmite... bliss... They were Murdoch Allan's from Peterhead; all right, I suppose, but a sad change from when I could walk down the hill from my sister's house before breakfast and have my choice of fresh butteries from three different bakers.
I'm off on holiday for a few days later this morning, so I have the sprinkler soaking the end of the garden at the moment. I'll do the other beds after I've had a cup of tea. Fingers crossed they survive till we get back.
We're meeting my cousin for coffee before we get to the hotel. She has my grandfather's war medals to pass over to our side of the family. I haven't told my brother yet, but I think I'll be giving them to him after I've done a bit of research into them.
Enjoy your holiday @Sarasa.
I’ve had a full-on weekend of singing, concluding with Evensong, led by a very elderly retired priest who prayed “ O Lord, save the Queen”.
Physio this morning, then my son will be here again to continue work on the garden. No more Monday evening choir until September. Tonight will be a concoction to use up chicken and bacon.
I spent both mornings weeding and both afternoons doing reading prep for an essay I need to write. Today it will be the usual Monday morning admin and emails, then this afternoon I need to start writing the essay.
We went up to Nottingham on Saturday - we’re still in touch with friends from Uni and. meet up a few times a year. One of our friends is Lord P’s. godmother and the daughter of another friend is his son’s godmother
The rain failed to rain. According to the forecast it is going to stay dry for several more days then rain heavily and continuously for a further ten days. What's wrong with a happy medium between "bone-dry" and "sodden"?
I had a moment of sheer delight this morning when I took delivery of a review copy of an interesting book. A free book! The NE Man suggested he take a photo of me grinning to contrast with my face when I have to actually sit down and write the review.
... According to the forecast it is going to stay dry for several more days then rain heavily and continuously for a further ten days ...
But of course it is - I'm off work from the Bank Holiday next Monday ...
An attempt has been made to deliver something to the château today, but whether it's the sandals* I ordered at the weekend or (PLEASE, GOD!) the casters and fixings for the new bed, I know not. I've arranged for them to deliver whatever it is to the post office up the road, and from whence I can collect it on Wednesday.
* I had bought a red pair last week, and they're so bloody comfortable I've ordered a black pair for the more formal bits of being in Madrid. I thought I'd told them to deliver them to the office, but I honestly can't remember.
After a cooler day (but still nice, although it tried, in a very half-hearted way, to RAIN at lunchtime), supper was a prawn and tomato risotto.
After having gone through the agonies of a job application a couple of weeks ago, and an interview on Friday morning, I got informed this morning that I'd got one of the 2 senior/team lead posts in the team . We had 3 candidates, the other space was filled by the person I had hoped would get it. Only a 3-month post for now, but the posts should become permanent ones once budgets are sorted out, and then we can apply for the perm slots if we still want them.
As a result, tonight's stir-fry was accompanied by Lidl Riesling.
Congratulations! That all sounds very positive.
I’m hoping my son can follow in your footsteps. He got a good payoff but it won’t last for ever. Meanwhile he continues to work miracles on my garden from time to time. He also tidied the shed, revealing several implements I shall never use as I do not have the strength.
Matters relating to Mr Puzzler’s estate, or rather his mother’s who died several years before him, raised their ugly head today and meant I didn’t get done what I intended to. So plenty to keep me busy tomorrow.
My visit to the physio today just gave me more exercises. His notes say OA, which presumably means Osteoarthritis, which I don’t think is the problem, but Old Age is certainly relevant today.
Your son could always hire his gardening skills out @Puzzler - my garden could keep him busy for several weeks! Not that he'd be able to dig it at the moment, the earth (we're on clay) stands hard as iron. It's a shame for some that the weather will break at the weekend (Nenlet2 and his fiancé plan a camping trip with friends ) but the gardens and rivers and reservoirs need the rain so badly.
I met up with a friend this afternoon that I haven't seen properly for a very long time - we kept bumping into each other and saying, "We must get a coffee together" and today we finally did. Lots to catch up on.
Another day of Sun Shine and Wind in Arkland the Parched, but Rain is forecast - possibly as early as Wednesday!
A small amount of Patch Paint Ing was accomplished today, and there is more to do later this week, weather permitting. Nothing urgent, but it keeps me active, and improves the overall look of the Ark.
Tomorrow is Pilates Day, with the added delight of an Expotition to Tess Coe, if my feak and weeble frame can cope with it...
After having gone through the agonies of a job application a couple of weeks ago, and an interview on Friday morning, I got informed this morning that I'd got one of the 2 senior/team lead posts in the team . We had 3 candidates, the other space was filled by the person I had hoped would get it. Only a 3-month post for now, but the posts should become permanent ones once budgets are sorted out, and then we can apply for the perm slots if we still want them.
As a result, tonight's stir-fry was accompanied by Lidl Riesling.
Well done! The Riesling no doubt slipped down without difficulty...
So pleased to read your news @Celtic Knotweed . As well as the joy of being selected, having team members that you respect and know can be a huge help! I hope it works out well for you.
After having gone through the agonies of a job application a couple of weeks ago, and an interview on Friday morning, I got informed this morning that I'd got one of the 2 senior/team lead posts in the team . We had 3 candidates, the other space was filled by the person I had hoped would get it. Only a 3-month post for now, but the posts should become permanent ones once budgets are sorted out, and then we can apply for the perm slots if we still want them.
As a result, tonight's stir-fry was accompanied by Lidl Riesling.
It's been a lovely week in the NE household. The sun has shone. Every day we have inched a wee bit closer to getting the house and garden sorted. We've coffee'd in garden centres and ordered garden furniture (which is due to be delivered on a day in which the BBC forecast three consecutive days of heavy rain). Our two azaleas are ablaze, which lifts the whole of the front garden, and distracts from the fact that our grass is drying out and yellowing. The cotoneaster is a-hum with bees. The NE Man has been cooking dinner (YAY!) Yesterday the NE Man asked me to show him how to clean the shower-room (YAY!) He lost a few brownie points when he remarked that it's not something that needs doing very often, as showers are basically self-cleaning, and guessed I'd been doing it once every eight weeks (!) But he has now gamely explored the realms of the under-sink cleaning supplies.
We do have a deadline, as we have visitors staying this weekend, arriving Friday lunchtime. I can't wait to see them, but simultaneously I'd like to have a few extra days to continue in the same vein.
Once our visitors arrive it is going to be All Go for a week.
Yesterday the NE Man asked me to show him how to clean the shower-room (YAY!) He lost a few brownie points when he remarked that it's not something that needs doing very often, as showers are basically self-cleaning, and guessed I'd been doing it once every eight weeks (!) But he has now gamely explored the realms of the under-sink cleaning supplies.
What's he done that you haven't found out about yet?
Yesterday the NE Man asked me to show him how to clean the shower-room (YAY!) He lost a few brownie points when he remarked that it's not something that needs doing very often, as showers are basically self-cleaning, and guessed I'd been doing it once every eight weeks (!) But he has now gamely explored the realms of the under-sink cleaning supplies.
What's he done that you haven't found out about yet?
Mr Cats has the same philosophy: if it’s wet it can’t be dirty!
... We've coffee'd in garden centres and ordered garden furniture ...
Now we know why it's going to start raining! And there I was blaming myself because I'm off next week ...
Actually I'm off at the moment; I started getting a bit sneezy and snufflous last night, and woke up feeling Decidedly Off. I went to work, but reckoned it would be sensible not to stay, so once I'd done all that was there, I came home, and am now ensconced on the sofa with a Lem-sip and a teddy bear. 🧸
With any luck a bit of snoozage will do the trick.
Get well soon O @Piglet - being unwell whilst on holiday is No Joke...
Another day of Sun Shine, Dust, and Wind in Arkland the Dehydrated, and my poor car looks though I live in the Gobi Desert (or on Mars).
Pilates has been accomplished, with the result that I feel a good deal better now than earlier this morning. In fact, I was so full of supermoominal* strength and vigour that I not only went to the local Co-Op pre-Pilates, but also to Tess Coe afterwards - the poor Co-Op is still suffering from delivery problems. However, Essentials have been laid in ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and the forecast Deluge Of Waters From Above And Below The Firmament.
Lunch is Hunter's CHICKEN with Paprika Potatoes, and a side salad of peppery and crispy Leaves, including Rocket.
*Readers of the Moomin books will understand. They will also know that it is my Hemulic Duty to explain.
Yesterday the NE Man asked me to show him how to clean the shower-room (YAY!) He lost a few brownie points when he remarked that it's not something that needs doing very often, as showers are basically self-cleaning, and guessed I'd been doing it once every eight weeks (!) But he has now gamely explored the realms of the under-sink cleaning supplies.
What's he done that you haven't found out about yet?
This, apparently, is what life with a retired Man is going to be like.
Bring. It. On.
What is even more splendid is that I'm doing stuff for me, too. I'm about to start writing a paper, I have a book to review for a journal, and the project I've been managing for a few years now is about to hit another milestone on 30 May. Haven't heard back about the article I submitted over a week ago yet. I'll have a wee piece in the local paper, but I don't think it' will appear for a few weeks yet. (Nothing exciting, I was asked to contribute to a series on Interesting Items in Aberdeen Art Gallery.)
And we're going out for my birthday! I've had years of my birthday being a bit of a non-event because it coincided with a busy time in the NE Man's calendar.
Congratulations @Celtic Knotweed .
I’m just back from a very nice walk. The countryside round here is beautiful and it was much warmer than I thought it would be.
Happy you are feeling better @piglet.
Officially, once HR get all the bits sorted out (so I'm guessing after Bank Hol). Practically, since it was internal recruitment within the team, we're going to be dealing with stuff by tomorrow/Thurs to take pressure off the person who's been covering the gap!
@North East Quine going out for your birthday sounds like a Good Thing. Any idea where/what, or is it to be a surprise?
Despite a bit of snoozage, I'm not really any better; still sneezing and snuffling, going through about a dozen hankies an hour and blowing hot and cold. I ambled across to the chippy to get scampi and chips for supper, because I absolutely couldn't be bothered to cook.
I don't need this: there's a Work Night Out (supper at an Italian restaurant in Falkirk), and next week Getting Organised for going to Spain (a week on Thursday).
Much more fascinating than my day doing boring but necessary sorting, filing, shredding. A shame to waste a day of perfect weather, but I had accumulated so much paperwork and could not live with myself if another day passed without tackling it. I’m also trying to get my stuff in some sort of order to make room for more paperwork from Mr P’s study.
My reward was a lovely fillet of salmon with new potatoes and half a plate of green veg with lemon sauce.
On holiday in the Isle of Wright at the moment. There have been a couple of days when the wind indicated a jacket (mine has a pocket which is big enough for a book which means I don't have to carry it) but once I started strolling towards something interesting where I could read and drink coffee I got very warm and had to carry the jacket (and the book).
Today it is supposed to rain so we have planned a BAD - a Bugger All Day. I might actually venture into the sea later as I have been threatening to all week despite Mrs Rogue's scepticism.
Thank you for your concern, Boogie. I grew up by the sea but only went in occasionally. I won't go out of my depth although I know the sea bottom can fall away. I have checked with the locals who say that this beach is as safe as sea can be off the British coast. This will just be a quick dip so that I can say I did it.
I echo what @Boogie says, although it sounds as though you're taking all sensible precautions @The Rogue . I'm afraid of water and can barely swim so all I do at the seaside is paddle. I get very scared for other people.
On a happier note, we woke to soft refreshing rain this morning. It has already stopped and the sun is starting to break through, so I expect it's been of limited use but certainly better than nothing.
I have a fairly free day, so domestics are calling, but am out this evening at my real life book group. Mr Nen is out later watching the football with a friend. Mr Nen supports Manchester United and the friend supports whoever it is they're playing (can you tell I'm not particularly into football? ) so I'm hoping they'll still be friends at the end of the evening.
Ms Sainz Breeze Obliged this morning so we now have Food and Toilet Rolls, which is always A Good Thing.
The sun's still splitting the trees in glorious West Lothian, but I'm still all snufflous and sneezy, so not in a position to enjoy it. In fairness, I wouldn't have been enjoying it if I'd been at work either, but at least I'd have had a nice little amble to get there!
I'll have to go out later though, as I want to pick up the Mysterious Parcel from the post office, and I have a trotter-pampering appointment at 5:30, which will probably make me feel better.
I did a Covid test last night, and it isn't that, and also slept well, which is a Good Thing.
Sorry to hear you're still poorly @Piglet and hope you feel much better very soon. Better to be poorly now than actually on your leave, I guess. Glad it is not Covid and hope the Mysterious Parcel turns out to be what you want it to be.
I think I've had my nails done twice in my life, once because I was given a gift voucher and once for Nenlet1's wedding, and my experience was nothing like this but it's something I revisit frequently when I want a smile.
The sun's out here and I've had a reasonably productive morning with domestics and sent a long overdue email to a dear friend, but am still not showered and dressed...
Dry but Cloudy in Arkland the Still-Dusty, though there was a brief shower of Rain sometime in the wee small hours - I woke at about 4am, and that lovely Green Smell was wafting in through the open porthole.
No Paint Ing today, as more Rain is forecast, so a quiet afternoon of pottering about is called for. SOSSIDGES n'CHIPS for Lunch.
Odd dreams lately, for no apparent reason. I seem to keep on dreaming that I can't remember where I parked my Car, though the circumstances and places are vague and ever-changing. I'm always able to walk - and even run - unaided in my dreams, which makes it easier to traipse the streets of unknown or non-existent towns looking for my transport...
Another nice walk today on our holidays, slightly spoilt by my tripping over a tree root about ten minutes from the end. I now have a slightly bashed up face but don’t seem to have done major damage.
Hope you are back to full fitness soon @piglet.
Comments
Feeling better though still very fragile this evening and hoping for a proper night's sleep. In fact, I might crawl off to bed now.
Dinner duck in a fresh cherry sauce,
Ah, butteries... Their mention brings sentimental tears to my eyes. I scarfed down as many as I possibly could in Stonehaven last week, about half of them with Marmite... bliss... They were Murdoch Allan's from Peterhead; all right, I suppose, but a sad change from when I could walk down the hill from my sister's house before breakfast and have my choice of fresh butteries from three different bakers.
We're meeting my cousin for coffee before we get to the hotel. She has my grandfather's war medals to pass over to our side of the family. I haven't told my brother yet, but I think I'll be giving them to him after I've done a bit of research into them.
I’ve had a full-on weekend of singing, concluding with Evensong, led by a very elderly retired priest who prayed “ O Lord, save the Queen”.
Physio this morning, then my son will be here again to continue work on the garden. No more Monday evening choir until September. Tonight will be a concoction to use up chicken and bacon.
I spent both mornings weeding and both afternoons doing reading prep for an essay I need to write. Today it will be the usual Monday morning admin and emails, then this afternoon I need to start writing the essay.
I had a moment of sheer delight this morning when I took delivery of a review copy of an interesting book. A free book! The NE Man suggested he take a photo of me grinning to contrast with my face when I have to actually sit down and write the review.
But of course it is - I'm off work from the Bank Holiday next Monday ...
An attempt has been made to deliver something to the château today, but whether it's the sandals* I ordered at the weekend or (PLEASE, GOD!) the casters and fixings for the new bed, I know not. I've arranged for them to deliver whatever it is to the post office up the road, and from whence I can collect it on Wednesday.
* I had bought a red pair last week, and they're so bloody comfortable I've ordered a black pair for the more formal bits of being in Madrid. I thought I'd told them to deliver them to the office, but I honestly can't remember.
After a cooler day (but still nice, although it tried, in a very half-hearted way, to RAIN at lunchtime), supper was a prawn and tomato risotto.
As a result, tonight's stir-fry was accompanied by Lidl Riesling.
I’m hoping my son can follow in your footsteps. He got a good payoff but it won’t last for ever. Meanwhile he continues to work miracles on my garden from time to time. He also tidied the shed, revealing several implements I shall never use as I do not have the strength.
Matters relating to Mr Puzzler’s estate, or rather his mother’s who died several years before him, raised their ugly head today and meant I didn’t get done what I intended to. So plenty to keep me busy tomorrow.
My visit to the physio today just gave me more exercises. His notes say OA, which presumably means Osteoarthritis, which I don’t think is the problem, but Old Age is certainly relevant today.
Your son could always hire his gardening skills out @Puzzler - my garden could keep him busy for several weeks! Not that he'd be able to dig it at the moment, the earth (we're on clay) stands hard as iron. It's a shame for some that the weather will break at the weekend (Nenlet2 and his fiancé plan a camping trip with friends
I met up with a friend this afternoon that I haven't seen properly for a very long time - we kept bumping into each other and saying, "We must get a coffee together" and today we finally did. Lots to catch up on.
We had Very Lazy Curry for tea.
A small amount of Patch Paint Ing was accomplished today, and there is more to do later this week, weather permitting. Nothing urgent, but it keeps me active, and improves the overall look of the Ark.
Tomorrow is Pilates Day, with the added delight of an Expotition to Tess Coe, if my feak and weeble frame can cope with it...
Well done! The Riesling no doubt slipped down without difficulty...
Great news, congratulations!
We do have a deadline, as we have visitors staying this weekend, arriving Friday lunchtime. I can't wait to see them, but simultaneously I'd like to have a few extra days to continue in the same vein.
Once our visitors arrive it is going to be All Go for a week.
What's he done that you haven't found out about yet?
Mr Cats has the same philosophy: if it’s wet it can’t be dirty!
Actually I'm off at the moment; I started getting a bit sneezy and snufflous last night, and woke up feeling Decidedly Off. I went to work, but reckoned it would be sensible not to stay, so once I'd done all that was there, I came home, and am now ensconced on the sofa with a Lem-sip and a teddy bear. 🧸
With any luck a bit of snoozage will do the trick.
Another day of Sun Shine, Dust, and Wind in Arkland the Dehydrated, and my poor car looks though I live in the Gobi Desert (or on Mars).
Pilates has been accomplished, with the result that I feel a good deal better now than earlier this morning. In fact, I was so full of supermoominal* strength and vigour that I not only went to the local Co-Op pre-Pilates, but also to Tess Coe afterwards - the poor Co-Op is still suffering from delivery problems. However, Essentials have been laid in ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and the forecast Deluge Of Waters From Above And Below The Firmament.
Lunch is Hunter's CHICKEN with Paprika Potatoes, and a side salad of peppery and crispy Leaves, including Rocket.
*Readers of the Moomin books will understand. They will also know that it is my Hemulic Duty to explain.
This, apparently, is what life with a retired Man is going to be like.
Bring. It. On.
What is even more splendid is that I'm doing stuff for me, too. I'm about to start writing a paper, I have a book to review for a journal, and the project I've been managing for a few years now is about to hit another milestone on 30 May. Haven't heard back about the article I submitted over a week ago yet. I'll have a wee piece in the local paper, but I don't think it' will appear for a few weeks yet. (Nothing exciting, I was asked to contribute to a series on Interesting Items in Aberdeen Art Gallery.)
And we're going out for my birthday! I've had years of my birthday being a bit of a non-event because it coincided with a busy time in the NE Man's calendar.
I’m just back from a very nice walk. The countryside round here is beautiful and it was much warmer than I thought it would be.
Happy you are feeling better @piglet.
Alas, no. I'm resigned to a pilchard-less future, unless Sakir Stalmer's* EU deal comes up with the goods...
*That's how Sir Keir Starmer's name was rendered by the sub-titles on a YouTube news feed.
Officially, once HR get all the bits sorted out (so I'm guessing after Bank Hol). Practically, since it was internal recruitment within the team, we're going to be dealing with stuff by tomorrow/Thurs to take pressure off the person who's been covering the gap!
@North East Quine going out for your birthday sounds like a Good Thing. Any idea where/what, or is it to be a surprise?
I don't need this: there's a Work Night Out (supper at an Italian restaurant in Falkirk), and next week Getting Organised for going to Spain (a week on Thursday).
Sorry to be an old grump ...
and
here
plus lunch in a cafe.
I hope you feel better soon, @Piglet.
Get well soon for your hollybobs @Piglet
Today I have been mostly painting the front door step, a job I do far too rarely.
My reward was a lovely fillet of salmon with new potatoes and half a plate of green veg with lemon sauce.
Today it is supposed to rain so we have planned a BAD - a Bugger All Day. I might actually venture into the sea later as I have been threatening to all week despite Mrs Rogue's scepticism.
He'd been a sea swimmer all his life.
😢
On a happier note, we woke to soft refreshing rain this morning. It has already stopped and the sun is starting to break through, so I expect it's been of limited use but certainly better than nothing.
I have a fairly free day, so domestics are calling, but am out this evening at my real life book group. Mr Nen is out later watching the football with a friend. Mr Nen supports Manchester United and the friend supports whoever it is they're playing (can you tell I'm not particularly into football?
Ms Sainz Breeze Obliged this morning so we now have Food and Toilet Rolls, which is always A Good Thing.
I'll have to go out later though, as I want to pick up the Mysterious Parcel from the post office, and I have a trotter-pampering appointment at 5:30, which will probably make me feel better.
I did a Covid test last night, and it isn't that, and also slept well, which is a Good Thing.
I think I've had my nails done twice in my life, once because I was given a gift voucher and once for Nenlet1's wedding, and my experience was nothing like this but it's something I revisit frequently when I want a smile.
The sun's out here and I've had a reasonably productive morning with domestics and sent a long overdue email to a dear friend, but am still not showered and dressed...
No Paint Ing today, as more Rain is forecast, so a quiet afternoon of pottering about is called for. SOSSIDGES n'CHIPS for Lunch.
Odd dreams lately, for no apparent reason. I seem to keep on dreaming that I can't remember where I parked my Car, though the circumstances and places are vague and ever-changing. I'm always able to walk - and even run - unaided in my dreams, which makes it easier to traipse the streets of unknown or non-existent towns looking for my transport...
No, the smell of freshly-watered grass and other riverside plants...
I did it.
Mrs Rogue timed me at four minutes and I spent longer in the shower afterwards.
That statement reads so differently without knowledge of the context. Arf arf, fnarr fnarr etc.
Hope you are back to full fitness soon @piglet.