January

January 2nd

Sorting out my Christmas presents and putting them away. A bit of knitting, gloves this time. Rest day as well as Christmas is quite tiring, even though there was no extra family here on Christmas day.

3rd

Lindsay my Daughter here for a while. She has bean shopping for Birthday presents for Kira, my Grandsons girlfriend, whose Birthday is tomorrow. We got her some scented candles. Lindsay left her shopping here while she went and got Jamie-Lee from school. While she was away Andrew and I went to Hobby craft to get a few supplies. When we got back Lindsay and Jamie-Lee were here. Jamie Lee was not in the best mood either. She often is not and not even a teenager yet only eleven. If her Birthday had bean a few days earlier she would have bean at secondary school now,  but will go next year's instead.  I do not think she would have coped this time. Emmie who I used to look after, went last September and is doing well. She is only three months older than Jamie-Lee. A different girl all together than her. Hopefully this year Jamie-Lee will grow up a bit and will be ready for secondary school next year.

4th

Not too cold this morning. Paul took down the decorations and I helped him to box them up and put away till next year. Some we have got rid off to the charity shop and some for the bin. Cleaned up later to get rid of any bits from the decorations.

6th

A sunny day after the rain we have had for the last few days. River is very high., and along the Sincil bank drain/river they are pumping some out to lower the level as overflowed. The common is the worst I have ever seen it. The water has nowhere to go so just runs down to a level and forms yet another pond. I walked round with my friend Debbie and one of her dogs Kipling, she has three dogs. Debbie has bean quite ill I knew I had not seen her for a while. She works, so can be on the common at different times. We were walking along and Debbie fell over in all the mud. She was not hurt, but probably feel a few bruises tomorrow.

Today is one year since my little Summer passed away. I miss her very much and still cry for her. She was not just a dog, but a friend as well. Understanding everything I was going through and just was a lovely little dog. For those who do not know she was poisoned by Antifreeze.

We miss you.

I had a phone call from a friend, a call  you never  want to hear. Her Daughter had taken a lethal overdose. I have know them for around forty years, Lucy had not even bean born when I met her Mum. Lucy was such a sweet pretty girl, very sad.

Along with a few other things, the start of this new year has not bean good. Later Luna sat on my knee and looked at me with total love in her eyes as is to say I know how you feel Mum.  I think she did as well, dogs can sense when you feel bad, better than some people can.

7th

On the common we met another Debbie with her dog Purdy, a black gentle Labrador. She said Mary with Rory had not bean on for a while as Rory had a sore hip so she was keeping him rested. The common is a big place and sometimes people you know are on another part of the common, or just a different time of the day. So it's a few days be for I ring them. Paul prepared a stew for tea in the slow cooker. I cleaned up down stairs again. I have knitted the gloves for Stefan and now started on his hat. I got a new chair cover for my recliner and put it on. I think it looks a lot better. The chair is getting worn but is so comfortable no way am I getting rid of it. 

8th

Frost today and quite cold as well wind from the north. Luna and I had a good if not muddy walk on the common. Did not see anyone.  Doing odd bits today, also this Blog as well. 

9th

Went with Andrew to a few shops out of town to get more supplies for his business. Luna came for a walk as well. I had to wait outside the shops with her but I did not mind neither did she. Every one we saw her made a fuss of her. Andrew got some of the things he wanted so it was worth the walk. Luna had a good sleep when we got back. This was her second walk today. She still had plenty of go in her as well. She is either full on mode, or asleep, there does not seem to be a in-between.  

Andrew had an eye test today as he has bean having problems with his left eye. The optician is referring him to a private clinic to be seen quicker, any thing will quicker than the national health wait. My friend Jenny said if you can not get an appointment and she has to wait ages for a phone one, who are the Doctors seeing to treat. Our Doctors have loads of patients listed, too many for what Doctors are there.

11th

Pilates today on my bike, cold but not too bad till I hit the country roads. I take Luna early on the common around eight. This way I can spend time with her before I go. The Pilates session went well. Colder coming home and very windy as well, started to rain I say rain - it felt more like ice.  

Another walk later with Andrew as he said he needed a walk. Luna had a good time running around and chasing every thing she saw. Today walking and biking I have done around a half marathon (13 miles).

12th

Nice walk with Luna cold but a bit warmer than the last few days. Later I went into town to change the slippers I got for Christmas as a bit tight. I gave Stefan his hat and gloves he liked them very much. His Nan used to knit things for him but not now, she has hand problems. I was pleased he liked them.

13th

Found out today that our Chinese take away is shutting for good. He has bean there for over twenty years. We had to console Paul. The Chinese was good food, and cheaper than anywhere else. One good thing with it being close and picking it up it was always very hot and no waiting for the delivery to arrive either. Did a bit more knitting of the baby blanket I am making for Heather. 

14th

A nice sunny day windy too. Got the beds changed. Nice walk with Luna, we went a different way big mistake, it was like a lake running down the common and mud up to Lunas belly. We will not be going that way for a while. The common is very wet and has a lot of drying out to do. A big lab Labrador dog came running up to us with an even bigger stick. I thought he was going to knock Luna or me over. As he got closer he dropped the stick and had some fuss, and then went back to his owners. They apologised for him, I said no need. 

15th

A frosty start -2c cold wind as well. Nice on the common I was not cold apart from my hands. I said to Paul and Andy, from across the road that it would snow NO both said, not here. I said we will see, I think it's going to snow. Cleaning up stairs today got our room and spare one done. Paul was in the computer room and it was getting late, I had tea to do so that will done tomorrow. Vacuumed over down stairs too.

16th

Guess what snow but not much, however it did snow like I said, listen to a country girl not the weather man. Very cold wind like icicles. All the snow had gone by the afternoon. Finished off the cleaning upstairs all done now. Not stop tidy long though. 

Our garden.

The building site at the end of garden.

Luna on the common.

Luna looking at the frozen lake.

Cathedral through the mist.

Frozen sand pit.

18th

Did all the ironing sheets, quilt covers, plus shirts trousers as well. Took a long time and my wrist hurt after. I am still having problems with my wrist after breaking it.  Was going to have a rest day but two walks on the common as well.

Spoke to my Daughter Lindsay and she has COVID again and is not too good. No one else in the house has it. Hope you recover soon Lindsay. 

19th

Mary and Rory dog came round I have not seen them for a while as Rory has a bad hip he played a little too hard a few days ago and is sufferings now. He has tablets from the vet which Mary said is helping.

Rory (and the mad blur that is Luna)

20th

I have knitted a little baby cardigan. It was going to be for Heather, Paul and  Helens baby but I think by the time we see them it will be too small. I will start another one soon that's bigger. The wool I used  was from a Charity shop, and thinner so the finished item comes out smaller. Also a pair of gloves either for me or Jamie-Lee.  

Cardigan.

Gloves.

My Daughter Lindsay had a fall and hit her head. She went to A and E had a scan which was alright nothing wrong. Just go home and rest.

Last meal tonight at the Tommy's Chinese he closes tomorrow. Andrew wrote him a good luck message in Cantonese. Paul and I got him a Thank You card. We will miss him and not just us. I went and got the meal tonight and was the last order for today. A few people came in but were told no more orders tonight. Also a lot of phone calls while I waited for my order.

21st

Today the temperature is 11C at 1pm very windy too. I spoke to Lindsay she is doing well now. I told her to rest. Let the others get themselves meals. even Jamie-Lee at eleven is old enough now, Tommy and Kira are sixteen and seventeen Jay-Jay is nineteen. 

Had my B12 not too bad this time hurt for the rest of the day though and tender when I went to bed.. 

23rd

Went into town with Andrew got some wool for the cardigans I am making a Poppy red one, for Poppy and a Heather lilac one, for Heather. My arm still feels quite sore and tender still from the B12 injection.

24th

Started the poppy cardigan not a hard pattern to do so long as I do not lose concentration 24" one for Poppy and a 18" for Heather.

Paul did tea for a change chilli, nice but he over cooked the rice. 

25th

Woke to bad spasms in my left leg I had to get out of bed quick to stretch it, ok after this. Cleaning up again down stairs then a bit more of the cardigan. Luna is also having a problem with her back legs going into spasm as well.  Her legs usually just need a rub and a stretch then ok again. Need to get a vet appointment easier than getting a doctors one.I do not think there is too much wrong as she runs around on the common like someone possessed.  

26th

I have not said much about how I am doing with the RSD and other things. Does that mean it  has got better or even gone? No; the pain and spasms are still here. All the things that RSD put you through still here. I just do not go on about it, it does not help, and at times can make things worse. The tablets I am on help quite a bit so does Luna. I find people have enough in there own lives to bother about without someone else's pain. I just get on with it and do my best.

27th

Luna is doing good now she is in our bedroom. I did not really want her there but she wanted her Mum (me). She goes straight in her basket gets comfy and sleeps till morning. Well its a short night from 2-3 am till eight am. Jumps on the bed then paws you to see if you are awake, full attack mode kisses cuddles all round - time to get up. My face and head feels quite sore today I think it's from the cold winds we have had and the face NEURALGIA I have, it flares up now and again.

28th

Giving Luna a bath today she has bean very itchy, no sign of fleas. I put her flea stuff on any way I think its her hormones' after being in season  for  the first time. While bathing her she jumped out covered in soap. I got her back only for her to do it again. Our bath is an old one and quite high so a big jump for a little girl. She did not hurt herself at all. She got dried with the hair dryer at first she was a bit nervous but then loved it, sat there with a warm breeze blowing at her. Not long and Luna was dry, warm and so soft. She then had a sleep for a while.

I washed out the garden sprayers to use as the roses have a touch of green fly. Got them sprayed so good bye bugs.  Bit more knitting and cuddles with Luna. Just about every time I sit down Luna is there trying to get on my knee. If I say no she will go in her basket with such a look on her face like you have half killed her. 

31st 

Dentist today, tooth out, not a bad one but it has crumbled do to the ALENDRONIC ACID I take for OSTEOPOROSIS. There is only half a tooth there as the rest gone. The dentist was not sure if he should do it as it can bleed a lot but he and I agreed to him taking it out. All went well I did not even feel the two big injections of LIDOCAINE he gave me to numb it. Later I felt like I had bean hit in the face as the numbness wore off. Not too much pain though I suppose the tablets I am on help. Overnight it bled a bit too.

My friend told me that there are Deer on the common with three babies. She was watching them play and drinking from the lake how sweet.  

Well that's the new year started not too good so far, but maybe that's the bad stuff out the way for the rest of the year. All the very best to everyone and happy late new year to you all 

Love Gill.

Luna's waiting for dinner

December

December 3rd

Snow when I got up, deep as well, none when I went to bed a few hours earlier.  Andrew was still up and said it snowed be for four am. I went to bed half two ish. Luna had never seen snow before and was a little hesitant to start with, She then jumped, rolled and played in it. She did not seem to mind the cold at all. Saw Mary and Rory on the common. There were a lot of people sledging too, and just having fun in the snow. Around two to three inches more in places where it had bean blown by the cold wind. Mary said she cannot remember this amount of people on the common last year. I said it did not really snow last year, oh yes  she said laughing. 

All pictures taken on the common.

Luna having fun in the snow.

Lots of family's going up the hills to sledge down.

Rory Luna's best friend.

Mary, Rory's Mum with Luna and Perdy another good friend.

A lady building a big snowman on the fairground common.

The Sincil drain/river. 

 

4th

Most of the snow just about gone now, a few snowmen hanging around looking a bit lost with no snow surrounding them. Giving the bedrooms a good clean today. Andrew's pepper plant (grown hydroponically so just in water) had leaked and took a long time to clean up.

5th

Not too bad a day, sun at midday and quite a bit warmer too. Finishing off cleaning upstairs today.

I had a phone call today, one of them people saying that they are from Virgin Media and are not- a con call. He wanted me to go on the computer and type in things. I said I did not use the computer at all, He said no problem I will talk you through it. I said I do not use it. He then said do you have a smartphone? I said no I do not; that's true. He kept saying Oh my and Oh dear. There was a long gap and I said I have a dog. He said I was eccentric, and still kept saying oh my all the time. After a while I said I have not got all day to talk to you goodbye. I would have loved to see his face while talking to me.  

6th

Just of few bits of the snow left now, and soon that will be gone. Nice to see it for the Children as they were off school as well. Rain today so even the snowmen still standing tall will be gone. Just me and Luna today walking, we did not see anyone at all. Luna does not mind and keeps cleaner with just us two. She goes off with Rory exploring in the long grass and can get very wet and mucky. She does not go very far coming back leaving Rory to go on his own.

7th

Pilates went well not as hard session today as past ones. Used the wobble board that we used to use a lot in the past. Did ok but balance is not the best and can vary a lot. My wrist was painful today and I could not do the press up against the wall even with hand clenched. Apart from that I think I did quite well. Had time with Luna and a sit down  I made a Spaghetti Bolognaise for tea nice, but I think I had a bit too much as stomach bloated up. Bit more knitting, nearly finished blanket, had a bath then a couple of hours of TV then bed around two thirty as usual. 

8th

Saw Mary and Debbie on the common with their dogs. Luna was very pleased to see Rory and played with him, some days he will play others he won't. Cleaning up down stairs today took most of the day as Andy came round for a coffee. Still cleaning at five thirty a sit down, then do tea, chips tonight. I have finished Jenny's blanket well knitting it, just the ends to sew in. Now two hats to do. Started the hat later nice not to have hundreds of stitches on the needles. Blanket was over three hundred at one point.

11th

Hospital to day for a look at my wrist I broke as still not right. The Doctor thinks it might be tendon damage it could still heal, but might not. We both decided to give it six months to try at least. The alternative is an operation. This can work, or make it worse. So in June we will see if any improvement at all. I can put up with the restricted movement but the pain can be quite bad. This stops me from knitting at times or less of it. The appointment was very quick and we (Paul and I) were going down the hill back into town even be for my due time to see the Doctor. I am going to do a bit of present shopping. I did quite well and got a lot of things.

12th

Luna woke around eight thirty and jumped on the bed. She had bean in her basket for six hours. She settled down and had a little snooze for half a hour. We got up then. Not too cold today no cold wind like we have had.  On the common is an underground stream, that bubbles up in the Winter or wet Summer. This was more like a volcano really going high. There are quite a few others as well in various places. The common is very wet, as the Summer was wet also and did not dry out too much.   Does not stop the  seasoned dog walkers from going on there. Luna gets very wet on legs and belly but, keeps warm with her coat on. I have sewed all the ends in on the blanket for Jenny.  I can say this, as  Blog will be  published after Christmas when she will have received the gift.

Jenny's blanket all done at last.

14th

I did not go to Pilates today not feeling the best. This was the last one for this year Jenny came round later she is doing well.

17th

I am knitting a monkey for Jamie-Lee. She said can you make me something, I said what anything she  said. So I thought a monkey he is about twelve inches high or should be when finished.  I making  a scarf and hat and hopefully dungarees as well. 

Luna had her first bath today and quite liked it when she settled in a bit. She is very soft as blow dried as well. Rory has a lot of blow drys from Mary after a common walk.  Luna was very tired after and slept quite a while.

Help.

Luna having her first bath pictures not too good as she would not keep still.

18th

A windy warm day 13C crazy as last week very cold. washing even out and part dried.  Monkey now has dungarees he looks very smart too with his hat and scarf. Not sure if I am making a jacket for him.

Jamie-Lee's Monkey.

20th

Dentist today hopefully they will do something with the tooth that crumbled away. When I saw him he said the tooth was not savable so would have to come out. He was undecided weather it would be a hospital job or not. In the end he said he would do it. This is because of the ALENDRONIC ACID I am on that can cause bleeding and slow healing in some cases. I am prepared to go ahead with it next year. If things go wrong they will have to deal with it.

21st

Cleaned up down stairs. I have finished the hats for Roberto and Bianca from Holland also one for a friend. Making a pair of gloves for a friend of Andrews.  Changed the bedding and just about dried.  In the afternoon we went to see our first Great Grandchild Corey. He has grown a lot since we last saw him. Standing up at the settee. He is a very strong lad but I think it will be a while be for he will walk. His Dad Jay-Jay walked at nine months at his Great Great Nana's house a few days before Christmas. We left some presents for him and Molly his Mum. I made him a hat and jacket plus a Telly tubby speaking toy. Plus a present for Molly.

Cory's jacket and hat. One to two years so should fit him.

22nd

I have finished one glove and started another. These are in double knit wool so a bit faster to knit. I marzipan my cake and will ice and decorate over the next two days. I know its meant to be a lot longer between the marzipan and icing but it will be alright as ready rolled icing so not as wet as Royal Icing. Made my friend John a sponge cake which will be iced tomorrow with ready roll as well. 

Went to see his parents in the afternoon. They are both well.

23rd

Made some small sponge cakes, mince pies iced both cakes. Forgot to take picture of Johns. Busy all day. 

Our Christmas cake.  Paul had some, before I took a picture.

24th

Cleaning up today. Tomorrow will be less hectic as just the three of us for dinner. Lindsay is having a family one with her Children. I am quite pleased as it can get very noisy and busy with so many here last year eleven or twelve of us. It's time now she had a home one. Wayne is not here as his cat is not well. He is a diabetic cat and can get quite ill like he has bean over the last few weeks. Also he is at least fifteen years old. Wayne can come another day with Kayleigh. I am looking after Andy's cat for a few day as he is away.  

25th

Christmas day- everything went well and a quite day but nice and relaxed. Got a lot of very nice things. Luna enjoyed her walk in her Christmas coat as well. She looked very smart in it. Unless it rains she can wear it all week

Luna in her Christmas coat.

 This used to be my Little dog Sandy's coat, then for my little Summer had it as well.

26th

Lindsay here with Jamie-Lee, Tommy-Lee and Kira his Girl friend. We exchanged presents, lovely things from them. A very nice day, and a few funny bits as well. Tommy-Lee was sat down and got up and said she does have ears meaning Luna. It was so funny. Luna's ears are sort of hidden as same colour as her head and body. Tracy a family friend took Lindsay and Co home quite early as she was very tired as driven from London today and to London on Christmas eve. Paul was at Football, and Lincoln  his team lost. I have finished off the gloves for Andrew's friend Stefan.   

27th

Lindsay here with her three for tea. Paul did tea and it was very nice a buffet with a few cooked bits. Jay-Jay said he would like a pair of gloves too. Straight away Jamie-Lee said she would like some as well so not to be out done. Paul took them all home later not too late either. I had a lovely hot bath and felt a lot more relaxed. Sewed up the gloves for Stefan.

30th

Wayne here with Kayleigh just for the day. Paul picked them up and got back around twelve thirty. Really good to see them both. His cat not too bad, Usually they would come for a few days but not this time. They are going home by train at seven thirty so Paul is taking them to Newark to get it. I did batches of chip so that would be easier, plus loads of bits out the fridge and a few things cooked. We exchanged presents love things from them. A love day enjoyed by everyone here, Tommy-Lee and Kira not here he is working doing something for his Dad.  He needs the money as Kira's Birthday very soon fourth of January. Lindsay. Jay-Jay and Jamie-Lee here.

Jay-Jay tried on the glove I had done and like I thought it was too small, Jamie-Lee is having them when both finished. I'd already made them for Stefan but asked Andrew if he could have another pair for his friend; he said yes and I will make another pair for him. Just need to get some black wool as not enough.

Gloves were for Andrews friend Stefan, but gave them to Jay-Jay so I will make another pair.

The hats I made to go to Holland for Roberto and Bianca.

I also made a hat for Debbie's boyfriend same as the brown one.

Went to see my Mum, Dad and Brother at the crematorium took some new flowers. The flowers that were on Mum and Dads I took to my past neighbours grave. Luna walked all the way there and back no trouble at all. Over two miles round trip. She had already bean out in the morning as well. She was still going strong when we were walking back I had to tell her to slow down a  bit. 

Well quite a good month this time for me. Hope things are  good with you and you had a good Christmas. Have a very Happy New Year. All the very best to you all Love Gill.  

November

November 1st

Spoke to the Doctor that has bean looking after me regarding my wrist from when it was broke. My wrist is still very painful.  I have bean massaging it with PHORPAIN IBUPROFEN GEL 10% W/W, this helps a bit but I think there is something a bit wrong with my wrist. I twisted it when drying Luna, since then it has not bean right at all. The Doctor said I would receive an appointment soon to see him. 

Cleaning up stairs today got most done, the rest tomorrow. 

2nd 

Pilates on my bike cold and windy. I think Winter is on its way. I did not go quite as hard on the squats this week, as muscle pain last time for a few days. Shows how much not doing something can affect you.  

3rd

Finished off doing the bedrooms, went over downstairs as well. Paul was sanding the back hallway cupboard door and there was sawdust on the floor, so I left the vacuum out for him to finish when he had done. 

Later a lot of fireworks were going off some with very loud bangs. I had Luna tucked in my hoodie and she seemed to like them. In fact she grumbled when it was quiet, more so with the ground fireworks. She could hear them but not see them.  I am still down stairs sleeping with Luna. We get quite a good nights sleep.  Not sure what the next step is but for now its as it is. 

4th

A very wet day rained a lot, river is very high. We are lucky as many people have left their homes because of serious flooding. I know it's very wet on the common with small underground streams and rivers appearing in a lot of places. You have to be careful that you do not slip. Saw Mary and gave her the calming spray and plug in, to hopefully help Rory, as he is terrified of firework and loud bangs. He was a street dog for a few years so no ones really knows what he went through. Hope it helps as he is a lovely dog.

Our friend John is here tonight to treat us to a Chinese super as a thank you for Paul taking him to appointments out of Lincoln. The Chinese was very good and Andrew joined us as well, everyone enjoyed the food.

5th

 Lindsay and family plus Paul, went to see the Sincil Bank football ground fireworks. Tommy-Lee's girlfriend Kiera had got a very bad case of TONSILLITIS and looked very pale. Tommy-Lee was not the best either. Andrew, Luna and I did not go. Andrew is not really interested and would sooner watch them in the garden. I can not go as it could bring on SEIZURES, the flashing lights have never bean very good for me even be for I had SEIZURES. I always felt dizzy at fairgrounds often with headaches too. At a display you are just sat waiting for the fireworks to begin, never on time either. No sooner started then finished. Not like when I was growing up, a big bonfire a small box of fireworks. A great time. We then watched any others that went off. So casual and just a nice night. When I was younger we often used to put half cooked potatoes to finish baking in the embers of the fire. My parents trusted us enough to let us do this and get close to the fire. Not like today, that is if there even is a bonfire at all, it would be roped off. Were we a lot more sensible or more grown up than to days children!? 

6th

Today I am varnishing the doors for the cupboard that Paul has sanded down. This takes a long time as new soft wood. Three coats are recommend, I am hoping just to do two and see how it goes. This I am doing outside but it's a bit cold and soon gets dark. Going well, holding the brush a bit hard at times but starting and stopping seems to work. Most bits have had at least one coat so the rest another day.

 Doing well with the blanket I am making, nearly half way there. Then I will be decreasing all the way down to four stitches again. When finished I will put a picture up. Just another one to make after this one is finished. I am going to do smaller stripes. Not sure why, but this seems to go quicker possibly because you change colour more often.

8th

Cold wind on the common. Saw Mary and Rory she said he was terrified and did not even want to go out for a wee. She thought the plug in and spray helped but needed more time to saturate the house. Poor Rory he is such a good dog. Luna's coat is keeping her warm and dry and everyone thinks she looks very cute in it. I got some new tracksters today for my Pilates sessions and when I go running again. My others are at least a decade old and very tattie. Hopefully they will be a bit warmer when going on my bike this winter. Got a few Christmas presents come as well.

10th

Paul and I took my bike (in the back of the car) for a service as badly needed one. He said he would have it done at the latest Wednesday next week. 

Went into town to get a few Christmas presents did quite well too. Had to ring Paul to meet me, as the bags got too heavy for me. I was going to come home by bus but they are all usually full after the bus station stop. I would have got on the one out of town, so no much chance of getting a seat. I do not like buses anyway and have not bean on one for over three years since be for COVID. Very tired later and shoulder pain too, from the bags of shopping. Bit more of the blanket going well.

14th

Nice walk on the common Squidgy and his son Ben (ex neighbours)came round to see us, just as I came back from the common. After they had gone I cleaned up before going to see my friend Lyn as its her Birthday. I looked at the clock and thought it said eleven am but no it was twelve. I had to hurry then as going on the bus around one ish. Got there ok it felt weird being on a bus again as not bean on one for around three years. The journey is only a short ride around two- three miles. Lyn and Mo her husband are both well. She looks very good as a bit older than me but not as many health problems. Good to see her, as last time we met up was my Birthday in February. Her bungalow is very nice and tidy the whole time but can be cold as they only heat up the one room.  

16th

Pilates went well, the bike rode a lot smoother and just glided along. Went up Canwick hill lovely, cold and windy along the back roads. I put my balaclava on coming home under my helmet to cover my ears a lot warmer than going . A good session but wrist is very painful, not good when you need it to hold the handlebars. Cup of tea and a big cuddle with Luna when I got home.

18th

FLU and COVID jabs then into town to get some wool to make my friends baby a blanket. She is called Heather and is the new baby daughter of Helen and Paul and sister for Poppy who is four. Well done all of you.

Jabs went well arms a bit tender but not too bad. Came home and watched Starship take off went well did more this time. Did the belly flop not easy for something weighing around 120 tons plus.

Later we had Indian for tea very nice too. Later I did not feel the best probably tired out. During the night hot and cold dizzy even when lying down. 

19th

Legs and arms very painful spasms too. Got up violent headache. I took Luna as sometimes it can help in the fresh cold air. I think it did make my head feel a bit better. I just feel so hot and dizzy all the time. Later mid afternoon I had a lay down on the settee with Luna of course. Felt better after wards head not as spinning.

20th

I feel a bit better but not really that good mostly just sat all day sometimes knitting other times just resting. Finished off the first blanket just the ends to sew in. 

Blanket all done came out a bit bigger than the last one I made.

Getting the other one started now, smaller stripes like I said plus one more colour as I used some on first blanket. Did some washing and put it out I think it will dry. 

21st

Looks like it will rain soon, so getting Luna out early after her brush. She did not get her brushed yesterday and it showed a few knots. Hopefully she will be able to get cut soon, last time she was scared of the clippers so Maxine could not do too much. I do feel quite a bit better but not quite right yet. I think this was a reaction to the jabs I had. At a guess I would say the FLU one. Any way I am on the way up now. I am going to give Pilates a miss this week as a ten mile round trip so not up to that. 

Did a bit of cleaning up but forgot the water was off. Lucky it was not off long so able to do bathroom and kitchen the rest tomorrow. 

23rd

As I said no Pilates this week. Rested and did more knitting of second blanket going well and seems to be faster. Twenty row stripes instead of forty rows, More changes and ends to sew in but looks good. 

I feel stronger today but very tired and headache back again.  Limb pains just about gone now so I am very pleased about that.

25th

Sharp frost very cold on the common. Luna did not feel it as she was running around, I am pleased I got her the red coat as she soon gets cold when stood.  She now weighs 4.9kg so not much at all, since last month she has put on a little bit from 4.5. Later working on this Blog bringing it up to date.

Andrew and I are going to make a Christmas cake. I said I was not going to make one but Andrew said he would help so today's the day. Cake baking went well. Andrew did most of it and I weighed up the ingredients. The cake smelt so good while it was cooking. I am making John a sponge cake like I did last year. Then that's it, no more as it takes me a lot longer to do some things now. My grip is not good neither is my concentration either. I need my glasses to just see labels and cooking instructions.

27th

A wet start to the day. Luna was confused as we held off to see if the rain stopped a bit. We got out around two pm, so not too bad Luna was very happy. With going out at a different time we met a lot of new people and dogs. Paul and I went Christmas shopping to see what presents we could get. Not very successful as only got one. At least it's one less. I got Luna a treat ball recommended by Westie Vibes; a youtube channel I watch. You fill it with treats then the dog rolls it around to get them, can take a while as it has a lip. It's the Planet Dog Orbee- Tuff Lil'Snoop --Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy small Royal Blue from Amazon. 

28th

Luna's hair cut today, how will it go? Last time not too good as she was scared of the clippers. This time however, she very good and Maxine managed a good groom on her. I did have to hold her at times but on the whole she was very good. Maxine was very surprised how she coped with it all as well. She looks so sweet now and a lot smaller too.

She looks so sweet.

Had a walk with Andrew to get some things from Hobby Craft just outside of the town centre. Also Boyes in town, quite a walk as already bean on the common. It was very cold as well. Luna was not happy at being left but she will be alright. I did get my Brother his Christmas present so that's good. Luna was very happy we were back.

New people have moved in next door, and their dog barks a lot, it's only a little dog but can be very annoying.

29th

Went to see my friend Joy today took both her Christmas and Birthday present. I have not seen her for ages just speaking on the phone. Good afternoon and nice to see her face to face. Paul took me and the presents as around two miles away and I walked back calling in the town and getting a few more Christmas bits.  

30th

No Pilates today as very cold again and sharp frost. I would be going on my bike and I did not think it was worth it for an hours Pilates. I think I will struggle in the cold weather getting there. I could go by bus, but it's around twenty minutes or more to the bus stop as it does not come past the high street. The buses are a mystery to everyone as they run when they feel like it. The first ones runs on time and after that's it's a have I missed it  or not. Coming back home it's the same. So I like to go on my bike when I can. 

Luna had a "Pup day" she was just getting in to trouble, eating the plants that have bean brought in for winter, my vase of flowers too. I had to sort out some parcels for pick up, while at the door she ate my chocolate biscuits (not good for dogs at all). Not content with that she found a chocolate sweet and ate that too plus the wrapper.  All this while I was trying to clean up. A lot of parcels delivered today only one for us though. We take in parcels for others.

Well November gone nearly Christmas now. Not too bad a month for me apart from my reaction to the jabs. A fair bit of pain but I try not to dwell on it and just get on with it. Hope things are not too bad with you and you are coping well. 

All the best to you and enjoy your Christmas. 

Love Gill.