July.

 1st

Out in the garden today putting in some plants. Not even sure if they will do any good as quite small. Nice to be doing things outside.

2nd

Inside today you guessed it cleaning up. Got everything done I wanted too, so all clean now. For a while at least.

Bean very windy here the last few days.I feel very tired today.

4th

Sorting out above the sheds the loft bit. Got rid of quite a bit of rubbish which will go to the skip soon. 

5th

Paul put up the bathroom blind all went well- little fishes all swimming in a row.

Andrew and I have bean working on a Lego cactus town. (well it's Mega blocks blocks). This was his when he was still at Junior School, probably around nine or ten years old.

I put on the new bedding Paul and I bought last month 14th. Hopefully this will be cooler than the other one we have. It should be as all cotton, we always have had cotton sheets on all the beds, winter or Summer. These I iron as I do not like wrinkles or creases. My skin is quite sensitive. I know when I spent a long time in hospital I had a rash from the sheets as they used to starch them. Even when they stopped doing that they still were itchey to me.

Luna likes it.

Still a bit creased, I think after a few more washes it will be fine.

6th

Bedding good kept us cool even though it was a warm night.

Billy the builder here in the front hallway leveling off the step to form a ramp. This will able me to get out my bike and mobility scooter a lot easier.

Three lots of washing on the line and the rotary airer decies to have a melt down. The line keeps slipping down and making the washing nearly hit the floor. For now I have tied it up but it will need something better or buy a new one. I do not think it's that old less than two years probably.  

Later I ironed all the washing bit warm for ironing, but at least it's done now.

7th

Paul drilled a hole in the rotary airer and pushed through a spare allen key worked very well. Stopped the arms slipping down. I came up with this idea yesterday, but was not sure if it would work, but it does. At least I do not have to buy another one yet.

8th

Upstairs today doing the bedrooms quite warm. I think since having the new windows it has bean cooler in the house though.

I had a bath later, Paul was out but Andrew listened out for me. In the past I have had seizures, in the bath, so I am not supposed to have a bath or shower when I am on my own. I used to have baths early hours of the morning, which was so nice, nobody around, quiet too. But not any more. I have not any major seizures for quite a while so hopefully this keeps up.

10th

Luna is having a hair trim today Maxine has cut her from her very first cut as a puppy. She used to cut Summer as well. She was a lot easier than Luna but we are not doing too bad. Maxine tell her off if she gets a bit much and it seems to work better than me saying anything to her. On the whole Luna was very good and she got her treat from Maxine.

Hose pipe ban started today. So watering can at the ready not even sure the plants are doing any much good as growth has bean very slow. I have picked a few beans, bit of salad, and a few radishes. No tomatoes, looks like the only ones will the the  ones Andrew is growing by hydroponics. Same plants but in water and feed, they are doing very well.

11th

I am knitting a teddy bear for a present going quite well. Looking after Andy's cat Smudge for a few days while he is away.

Not as hot as the last few days so that's good as the heat can really drain me plus every else too.

12th

Happy Birthday Lindsay my Daughter's Birthday today. We are having a few people here for a BBQ. Lindsay, Tracy (friend) for a while but did not stay long. Good to see her though. Jay-Jay, my Grandson, Molly his partner plus Corey-James (my Great Grandson) and Paul's Dad. Good to see him here again, not as hot as last time he was here 28th June. 

Lindsay did all the cooking and it was very good. I do not eat a lot of meat as it causes my IBS to flare up and that's painful. A good day and every one enjoyed the food and the weather which was good and not over hot. Corey-James kept us entertained, I put out toys for him to play with. A lot of the time I played with him also Jay-Jay did too. I think we all kept him entertained at one point. Andrew got him a bubble gun wich he liked very much. He had one from Andrew, for his Birthday but it broke.

Towards the end of the day, Lindsay lost her house keys and was not sure if she lost them at the park as she took Corey-James for a play there. I looked in the garden and found them hiding near the strawberry's, the second time I looked. Alls well now every one  home and resting. I know I am tired now, the heat drains me so do having people round nearly finishes me off.. 

!3th

Twenty two years of living with RSD and all the other things that have hitched a ride along the way.

14th

Looking after Any's cat Smudge, for a few days.

Ironing today quite a bit to do. Also did the hem of the new computer room curtains on the sewing machine. Cooked tea sausages veg and tatties. After tea had a rest as very tired now. Bean a bit hot today in fact bean a bit hot for quite a few days.According to my diary it it has not rained steady since 10th of June, but, we did have a bit on the 16th June.

15th

 I Sorted out what we refer to as the toy cupboard, in it are a lot of toys plus bedding and many things.The cupboard is quite big and has shelves to the top. Next doors made it into a ensuite. We did think about this, but where would all the stuff go? We have managed with three children without one. With only a downstairs bathroom so we can now.

17th

Phone call with my Doctor-- I want to reduce my MORPHINE in the morning  from 20mg to 15mg. She sorted this out so hopefully I can adapt to this, and go down bit by bit. You cannot just stop this drug, it has to be done slow. I did this a few years ago but got a very high flare up of the RSD and FIBROMYALGIA. The dose of MORPHINE that I had worked so hard to get right down had to be upped again to cope with the extra pain.  I was so disappointed, but, that's RSD.

19th

Today Andrew, Luna and I went for a RUN on the common YES a RUN. Not very far just a taster to see if my body still can. Luna ran along side of me, Andrew also did a bit of running too. Maby not the best time to start running again as hot and humid. I did alright, no problems. A short distance probably less than a mile. I was pleased and Andrew said I did well. Luna also was proud of me. 

Running at last with my little mate.

I have met a lady you wants to start running again as well, so hopefully we are going to team up. On the road not the common as easier you get a bounce from the road. On the common you need to look where your feet are going and the ground is so hard from lack of rain. It looks more like a dessert than a grass area.

21st

Now most of the work is done in the passage for the ramp, we are getting the plastering done. Lee who lives next door is doing it and making a very good job of it. The walls were really bad, and after we took off the wood panelling that had bean up years bits were falling off. I thought there would be a lot more mess with brick and plaster dust. There was not, he did put up a big sheet though. This is a three day job so two more to go. Then it will be just the decorating to do.

23rd

Plastering all done just needs to dry. I do not think that will take long. 

Clean up down stairs as that should be the end of the dust now.

24th

Cleaned all the bedrooms today bit warm for this, got them all done very tired now. At least I have a free day tomorrow to spend with my friend Jenny for her Birthday that on Sunday. 

SpaceX rocket launch-- The big one,  Star ship. All went very well after the scubb a few days ago. Brilliant to watch,  Andrew and I watched together. Both the rocket booster and Starship landed in the sea. In the future, both the booster and the rocket will be caught but not this time

25th 

Spent my time with Jenny, just chatting about things that are in our life and things that used to be. We sat outside in the garden, hers is not south facing so not as hot as ours. A lovely day and when I get back do not have to cook tea as having a Chinese later.

27th

Another run in the afternoon bit further this time but, it was so humid and hot  I felt like I had someone on my back but at least it will be easier when cooler and on the road.  Still good though Luna ran better as well, kept more to one side. We all enjoyed it Luna was hardly panting when we were coming back home.

28th

Bit of a clean up downstairs in the morning. Bit warm for this but needs doing with doors and windows open a lot of bits fly in plus the flies. I do not think there as many this year though.                

B12 done today so that will boost me up. Nathan is back from his time off. I like him as he is gentle and slow with the injection, it hurts less this way.

30th 

Happy Birthday To Wayne, my oldest son who lives at Halifax with Kayleigh. Also Fara their little cat who at the moment is not well. Hope you have a good day and enjoy your meal out. 

My friend John came round for a cup of tea and cakes. I made some little sponge cakes in the morning for him to enjoy. Ejoy he did having five of them.

31st

Doing some painting in the hallway undercoating the skirting board. Paul is doing the ceilings and walls. Left off to finish this Blog.

A busy month again but hopefully the work will be all done. But is your own home ever done because the new decorating shows up the rest.

Pain wise not too bad, seems to be my left leg and wrists. but Both wrists have bean broken in the past. I think this could be a flare up of my FIBOMYALGIA  and RSD. Of  course the constant pain is still there but some days that's not too bad.

How cute is she when trying to take pictures of the Lego Cactus Town-she pushed in and wanted a bit of fame.

Well that's it for this Blog all the best to you all love Gill and Luna.

June.

 June 1st

Cleaning down stairs today.

 Bit of a problem with Paypal. I got hacked-- money sent to another person I did not authorise. Halifax sorted it out, refunded the money. Andrew is trying to sort out Paypal as a hold was put on the account. PayPal were asking to confirm a card I no longer had access to, as Halifax Bank has now gone to Visa- not MasterCard like it used to be. In the end we spoke to a real person not a AI. This took quite a while but in the end sorted. Thank you Andrew.

2nd

B12 today hurt quite a bit today- Blood test for level of B12 as well. 

Into town after Doctors I am nearly there it made sense to go today. I did not really get much but it was nice to have a look round. The rain at times was very heavy and hail stones too. On the way back I sheltered in a doorway. The rain soon stopped and the sun came shining through, and I got home mostly dry. 

3rd

What a day trying to sort out money from my Halifax account, to send deposit for windows we are having soon. It was as if Halifax did not want me to have the money. Loads of checks I suppose it was quite a bit £4000. I think the problem was the account was not set up. After many checks it was passed through. A very nice man called Gavin was a great help. Gavin also said if the firm does not do the job there is no come back to retrieve the money. That was a bit scary but I am sure it will be ok. We have met the window man three times now and his firm is genuine. Halifax even checked that out too. Good they do this but, a lot of people I think would just go to the bank and get the money and hand it to the man. I did think about this but thought it would be easier account to account. At least it's done now, and Gavin said the other part of the payment would just go straight through.  

5th

I am taking off all the wood paneling in the passage ready for the new door being done. We are having a slope done so it's easier for me to get out my mobility scooter and bike. Next door did it a few years ago and we said we would in time. So now is the time- the passage will be shorter, but I do not think that matters. The outside bit will be more under cover after work done and not just a porch as it is now.

6th

Transplanted the tomatoes into pots.  Hopefully they will grow fast and get into the garden as its already late but the weather did not help going hot and cold on us. When I had a green house I could plan more. The little one is good but not like a glass one. I know I have bean very lucky as it was in next doors garden for over thirty years. Be for the house was sold next door. the owners asked me sell them the greenhouse, which I did. The new owners did not want it at all and a relation came to get it in the first few days.  

8th

Took all the paper off in the passage, panelling on the lower half paper on the top. This took quite a while as when I took off the anaglypta paper it left a backing, which I had to wet to get off. Hard work all done by me. Any way all finished and cleaned up. We have a wet and dry cleaner so it does not mess our home one. 

9th

Cleaning up took a while as a lot of dust from yesterday. Very cold on the common today Luna had her coat on. Met Mary and Rory Mary said she was cold. She did not put her bigger coat on as the last few days it has bean a lot warmer. 

I thought I would hurt more today but apart from the top of my legs tight I am alright.

10th

A rest day today as bean quite busy. 

Wet start to the day with sun and showers rest of the day. 

I did some of a doctor Who puzzle I started a few days ago. Going well but not easy. A picture will be put on here when done.

11th

Vacuumed through, still some dust floating around. Bit more of  the puzzle a lot of dark bits that look the same. I will finished it, not given up on one yet. I did leave a cat one for about a year as I could not finish it. The  black ground was all black, but in the I did. 

I am getting a lot of spasms in my legs, I have a lot of ugly veins in the left one so they swell up. The right one has bean sorted a few years ago.  The air has bean very stormy so this gives me head pain.

Baked tatties for tea with with sausage and beans a quick tea all in the oven not much washing up either. Andrew had a veggie burger with tattie and beans. 

12th

Windy but not too cold rain at times but not much. I tied up the roses as the rain and wind had battered them a bit. Washing and just general bits today. Bit more puzzle going well but so hard. Only around thirty bits left now.

I am feeding Andy's cat Smudge, for a few days. He is a good cat but very fussy with his pouches of meat. I go in twice a day. Sometimes he is there other times not. He likes to sit outside in a gap between the fence and shed. 

13th

Quite mild today still windy. Walked round with Debbie and Bella her dog, on the common and chatted to her. Bean a while since we did that. Debbie works so she goes on the common at different times. So I can go a few days without seeing her. Some days you see just about everyone you know other days no one.

 Paul is sorting out the switches for the passage but its not going well.

Fed Smudge he was eating when I left. I give him a stroke and left him to his food. see you later Smudge.   

14th

Changed the bedding washed and dried. A trip to Dunelm mills to get a new quilt cover just one is needed as already got one summer weight one.The one we picked was half price too. We also got Andrew some pillows reduced as well.

17th

Windows started today started up stairs with Andrews later its a tilt and turn one. Rained to start with then fine which is good when your windows are missing. Things seem to be going well. A lot more dust than I thought there would be. More work for me, at least it will all done in a few days hopefully. 

18th

What did I say about things going well. The kitchen window was wrong- now we have a sideways one for now. Problems with the bathroom and shed as well not shutting. The front room one, the glass broke when they put it in. Andy (Window man )said  no problem easy fix. The kitchen one will be next week now as he needs to reorder it.

We are having a ramp/slope instead of the quite big step we have now. This will be easier to get the bins out, my bike and at last, I will be able to get my mobility scooter out without a ramp. The passage will be quite a bit shorter too. Less to heat up in the winter. The windows are triple glazed so that should help the heat loss too. The old windows were draughty and the doors had gaps top and bottom. Hence the new windows.

19th

A hot day today the window men Andy and Pete are suffering. Got to 28C more in our garden. The windows up stairs are just about done so I can get the spare room done. We have Roberto, Andrews friend from the Netherlands- Zaandam. He is arriving on Saturday Paul will pick him up from Birmingham train station.  

20th

Roberto here now tired, but pleased to be in Lincoln again he does like it here. Chinese for tea which he said he had bean looking forward to. Very nice it was too he enjoyed it very much. 

21st

 Fathers Day, and my son Andrew, Birthday too. Andrew and I had chips and curry as his Birthday day tea, with having a take away last night. Paul and Roberto had fish and chip and they did not put in Roberto's mushy peas, e was disappointed. A good day had by all.

23rd

I went to the crematorium today to take Dad some flowers and to say hello to everyone. I usually go a few day later as it can be very busy when it's a special day like Fathers day. My mum and my young Brother are in the same remembrance garden plot. Also I usually go to see my past next door neighbours, and take flowers when I can. I went on my bike which was so easy to get out because of the ramp. Not quite finished but still a lot better as it is.

Roberto is cooking tea for us all. A dutch type of stew called "Hachee" made from beef and onions. His gran used to make it for his family He did mash and carrots mixed which was very nice. He also made Andrew a vegetable dish Andrew said it was very nice. Thank you Roberto.

24th

Window people here to put in the right kitchen window. Then just trimming round the windows and done most of it. He said he has sorted the bathroom and shed ones. They do open better but still a bit tight. 

Not as hot today. Hopefully we- Paul, me Andrew and Roberto are going to walk the high castle walls in Lincoln today and other bits that are within the ground level castle walls. The Magna Carter, the prison. The cathedral from the outside.

We did go and it was very good. Walking the walls you could see for miles even the common where Luna and I go every day. Everyone enjoyed it.

View from the wall of the castle I think that's the common in the distance.

There have bean a few concerts inside the castle grounds, these are some of the tents selling gifts and mentos.

Dragons inside the castle.

On the walls of the castle Andrew and Roberto ahead.

The water tower.

Another dragon.

Roberto and Paul.

Across the city.

Looking down.

Dragon three.

The magnificent cathedral.

The stage for the concerts.

Andrew and Me.

Walking the prison stairs.

In side one of the prison cells.

Roberto try's on one of the coats. 

How do I look ?

You would need to get on with your fellow in mates.

The chapel- Andrew in charge at the pulpit.

Let me out.

The vicar.

Roberto still dressing up.

How beautiful is this?

A song from the prison.

The three inmates.

For you Wayne.

Outside the cathedral.

One of the towers.

Bye bye dragon.

What a lovely day and good weather too. you could see for miles. Thank you Paul.

We had wraps for tea, hot ones, chicken and veg for us three. Andrew just the veg. Very good too. 

Quite tired later, my left ankle swelled up as well.  This often does, not the other one which is the RSD one. A very good day. 

25th

Roberto's time here has come to the end and he is going home to day back to his wife Biaka, who he has missed, plus his cat Bobby.. Paul is taking him to Birmingham as be for, to get his flight home.

A heavy day might be a storm later which would be nice as so so heavy. It was still 22C at nine PM.  

Roberto is now home.

27th

Went to get new blinds for kitchen, bathroom, and computer room plus spare bedroom. Also curtains for these latter two. The bathroom blind was missing a bit so it has to be exchanged.

When we got back after a quick rest,  I did the cleaning up down stairs.Not quite as warm today 27C at 3PM. Still feels very heavy air. Chinese for tea as usual.

28th

Today we are having a family BBQ well some of them. Lindsay and Jamie-Lee, Jay-Jay Cory-James- Not Molly as she was working. Andrew, Me and Paul, plus Paul's Dad. He has not bean here for quite a while. The afternoon was hot but abit of cloud was most welcome.  Lindsay did the cooking and very good it was too. Cory-James played with Duplo, his little bike, and various other things all outside. The only time he came in was to eat at the table. He was happy all day long. When Paul took them home Cory-James fell asleep in the car, Jay-Jay lifted him out got him ready for bed. Paul's Dad also enjoyed his day. Good to see him here.

29th

Paul put up the kitchen blind looks good I think.

Now I have some of the common inside.

Pictures of my rose bushes. 

These were looking better a few days ago but the wind has damaged them a bit. Andrew said on the biggest one there were were one hundred and thirty seven blooms on the one bush. WOW

The white rose bush-- that is Summer's rose. (My lovely Westie dog that got poisoned by antifreeze, and passed away 6th January 2023.)  This was bought soon after Summer passed by my friend Mary and Rory her dog. 

Summer's Rose.

That's about it for June and this month. A busy month and quite a bit of extra pain too. So from me to you all my best wishes. Love Gill.