Val's Cafe

dachshund

Hello Christine Elizabeth Barbara and anyone else who's in.
i hope you have all had a good day.
take care
joan xx

applerose

It's taken me all evening to sign it. I keep getting this webpage is not available, not just here but other sites.

Do you know Barbara, I often wonder if I blame arthritis for not doing things. I often think I need to rest. Maybe I don't need it as much as I think. :? I can't believe how many shop assistants automatically still put everything in new bags when we are supposed to be cutting back on them and reusing bags. They looked shocked when you say you don't need one. "Are you sure?" they say. :roll:

Elizabeth, don't worry about reading back. There are a lot more people posting now. I find it takes too long to read everything if I miss just one day. Glad your son is doing well. It makes all the difference when they have a good teacher. Good to hear your BP is down.

Got home from work around 3 and sat down for half an hour. Got up and done a few things then sat back down with a lovely cuppa. Looked at my diary as I took the first sip and realised I had 10 minutes to get to the health centre for my flu jab. Shoes and coat on, 10 minute march(sort of) down the hill, got called just as I was about to sit down, back out in 1 minute, 15 minute march (again sort of) back up the hill to finish my cuppa. Phew!

bubbles

Hello to one and to all, it is HIGH time I popped into the cafe and bring things up to date.
I have not read back too much, sorry, I do know that Trish passed away, which is very sad, we enjoyed our midnight chats, a great loss indeed.

I think the last time I posted, mum had been admitted to hospital for emergency abdominal surgery, which went ok, then a week after she had a pretty serious heart attack, then congestive cardiac failure. As you can imagine May and June were taken up with hospital visiting.

Sadly, the operation etc has brought on Alzheimer's disease and mum has had to go into a care home. The house she rented has been cleared, that took most of July and nearly finished my OH off completely. Anyway, mum is in a care home near us now, in a specialist part of the care home that caters for those with dementia in its many forms. It is very hard, but you have to take a deep breath and remain positive. Mum knows us and immediate family, but her short term memory is almost none existent. Fortunately she is settled and knows her room. The staff are wonderful and give excellent care, (matron is always keeping an eye It is costing her all her savings, but, that's the way it goes, what price for good care.

It is difficult, far more so when it is one of your parents, rather than one of your patients.

So that, in a nutshell is why I have not been around very much, days, weeks and months have rolled into one. Now M in Law has to have open heart surgery as soon as, to replace a damaged valve. Never rains lest it pours.

Summer has been an almighty pain for me, my thermostat has gone completely to pot, (GP thinks all the drugs have messed it up), so I have spent months having VERY hot moments, most unpleasant. Finally, some cooler weather will be coming our way, praise be.

Arthur has been biting most of the time, so keep taking the tablets till I rattle. Apart from all that I am fine !! :shock:

Leaving an enormous malteser cake, for everyone. Lots of Love XX Bubbles

barbara12

Morning all the sun is shinning...
bubbles it lovely to see you in the cafe..but so sorry to hear about your mum..its such a worry when your parents get old ...how nice that you have found her a nice home to live in ..I think that is the biggest worry will they be looked after like they deserve..the weather has effected many ..I love the sun but not to hot..thankyou for the cake I will make a cuppa..early I know but I have a sweet tooth..
Elizabeth I treated myself to a telescopic feather duster..brilliant I could never reach with the other..hope you manage to get the hoovering done..glad to see your son is happy at school that must put your mind at rest..
Joan I hope you and Sue are doing ok and enjoying the good weather..
Christine..I do make excuse based on arthritis..you work so that is your excuse when you get home.. time to put your feet up..ooh thanks for the reminder of the flu jab we were suppose to ring up this week for an appointment..glad you made yours..
OH is called finishing at lunch time so will get another walk in the sunshine before it changes tomorrow..so they say, so will see you later ..hope everyone has a goodish day xxxx

dachshund

Hello Christine Bubbles Barbara
Christine i always have a bag i save them yes they look at you as if your daft.
how is your Dad.
Bubbles sorry about all your problems.
Barbara did you get a nice walk.
take care everyone.
joan xx

toady

Hello everybody.. busy day today with comings and goings, deliveries etc.. Hah man was booked for this pm but decided to call on the offchance at 9.30am :roll:, my shelves arrived (with bootprints on the cardboard packing :shock: hope they are ok) - so they can go up anytime you're ready applerose Finished my painting yesterday so I'm available for job-swapping.

Had to send off a courier parcel, and had a nasty moment last night when my printer stopped working; never mind I thought as the courier didn't need a printed label (so the website said!) - but to be on the safe side I stayed up late & got it running. When I came to finish booking my parcel through today & paid, up came the message please print out label & affix to parcel! Glad I didn't leave it!!

Barbara I wonder too how much is the ra and how much natural laziness I'm glad I can remember back (just) to some sort of 'normal', because I was never always on the go even then, so at least I don't pine for an imaginary energetic me. :? (Although, I wonder now looking back, was I ever 100%, maybe all ties in with being underlying auto-immune-y from the off. :roll:)

Glad to see Kath has been sleeping and it was 2 down one to go at last report. Hope all went well today, another short session similar to Tues again (I assume). How is the skin, now it's getting a chance to heal up, hopefully will start clearing for you?

Good news about your bp TK nice to get a better result this time. Pleased too to hear your son is finding this a better school year & a nice teacher will be a huge help in that. They do vary so much (from my own schooldays that is) :? That z-cars ep is just the sort of thing that would upset me too, I can manage scary up to a point, but not sad things, anything depressing or with pathos, soon have to turn off!

Bubbles, I am sorry to read how things have been with you and the current situation with your mother. Finding care homes (and house clearing) are things I have gone through and I am glad you at least are happy with the home you chose and that (importantly) it is near. All the best and if the cooler weather, much though I hate it, does somebody some good, then that's something - hope it helps.

That was a dash to the health centre applerose (or as you say what passes for a 'dash' among cafe people) - must have been a wrench to leave your well-earned tea! I don't have the jab but no doubt they will start nagging me soon. Bloods for me tomorrow so there will be all the usual grim posters about winter germs around I expect. Hypochondria usually sets in around now for me.

Hello to joan and anyone reading & hope everyone has a good Friday, it is mean to be fine (I think), 'night. xx

applerose

Just a quick hello. Only just managed to sign in. Still having problems with it. Must go to bed now so will catch up tomorrow. Hope all are as well as possible.

bubbles

Hi there, to one and all. Thank you for your kind words, it is good to be back in the cafe, albeit late as always.

Had a kind of a chill day, slow morning, then off to see Mum. Keep looking at the ironing and instantly loose the will. When it cools off and the rains come at the week end, I will have a go with the iron. At the moment, I cannot do steam. :roll:

Off to M & S (other shops are available), not been in ages, will see what tempts (just about everything). Take lots of care, xxx Bubbles

barbara12

Morning all
Christine.I am having probs with the forum its very slow so I give up and the colour of the thread I have answered is now grey :? ...hope your feet are feeling easier..
Toady sorry I have got you thinking I was always energetic ..but not in the house .. so think I am just carrying that on..saying that I used to do all the gardening and decorating..but thats not housework is it... hope your shelves are ok we have parcels like that, one company that sells Christmas stuff..oops sorry :oops: the last parcel he dropped all the stuff on the drive ...it was battered so I wouldn't sign for it.. :roll:
bubbles is good to have some me time..mind you I have to much these days..enjoy your shopping and bring back some goodies we are running low..
Joan yes thankyou I have some lovely walks lately..hope all is well with you and Sue
Toady do you like ironing I will do the shelves I love DIY.. not housework you see
Will see you all later..xxxxx

Kitty

Hello Barbara, Bubbles, toady, Christine, Joan, Elizabeth, and whoever else pops in.

Well, that's one week I won't forget in a hurry!! :roll: 3 x 1,000ml infusions of steroids and now I have Darth Vader crooning in his rasping voice down both my ears. Deafening. Back onto tablets, 30mg. Had issues with anger, aggression, dizziness, wobbly walking, but oddly, not sleeping as I am really, really tired. As I'm also having problems concentrating, I will leave you all in peace and hope to be able to chat more soon. :?

tkachev

Oh Kath you really are struggling there aren't you? I've gotta to ask about Darth Vader! is that tinnitus?

I've managed to stay awake so far but had a restless night last night with the breathing as my throat was closed again. Sorts itself out after a while so I'm not too worried. Had 3 lots of blood tests today plus urine test but messed up one test so got to go back again. Its a long wait for another blood test though although not as long as the 8 month wait for rheummy appointment I've just made.

Bubbles you did tell us about your Mum's heart attack and am pleased to read she is out of hospital now and in her new place although the alzheimers is not so good. At least she is now settled.

Toady hopefully the shelves will be fine. Daughter wants new shelves to go above the new desk. Her room is so small we have to make use of all the space. My printer kept breaking down but we got given a new one thankfully. I held onto a parcel far to long because I couldn't print the label but came to the conclusion they wouldn't want to refuse me a rebate when I eventually sent it back and they didn't.

Applerose just as well you noticed the appt even if it was last minute. I had my flu jab on Wednesday.

Hoping everyone has a lovely weekend. Is Toni going to be around?I hate to say it but would welcome some rain.

Elizabeth x

applerose

Yaaay, I got in first attempt tonight. Don't seem to be any problems.

Oh Bubbles, you have been having a rough time. My dad has Alzheimers so I have an idea of that. My sister lives next door so is able to care for him at the moment. Hope your MIL's operation goes well. I'm glad the weather is cooler too. I get too hot and feel I am about to pass out. I wouldn't worry about the ironing if I were you. I always think it's not going anywhere. it'll be there for another time.

Joan,

Toady, that's bad having bootprints on your packaging. Hope the shelves were ok. I'm on my way to put them up for you.

Barbara, I hope the grey sorts itself out. Can't be very easy to read. I managed to sign in ok tonight and everything seems ok now. Fingers crossed.

Kath, you're not having a good time at all at the moment. Hope things ease soon.

Elizabeth, all those tests. :? Hope your throat is ok now. * months for a rheumie app? Wow, they don't rush themselves, do they?

applerose

Oops, I meant 8 moths.

Forgot to mention. The minimum wage went up by 19p an hour on Wednesday. Even though I am on a bit more than the minimum, I mentioned it to my boss hoping he would give me a rise. He did. He came up to me the next day and proudly announced that he was giving me a whole ............ 5p an hour. Don't know what I'll do with it all. :roll:

applerose

I mean 8 months.

bubbles

Rose, Christine, Elizabeth, Barbara, Toady, Joan and all, a late evening call into the cafe.
Hope you are as ok as possible Kath, sending hugs through the ether.
Not being able to concentrate is terrible, I can sympathize with that.

Not sure what to suggest with your pay rise Rose! Generous to a fault eh.

It is terrible to wait 8 months for an appointment, I thought there was a maximum waiting time now.

Went into Mark's, it was packed and that freaks me out for a start, so it was "grab what you can" to the OH and we were out of there. Lots of cakes and goodies in the everlasting cake tin. I took issue with Mark's today, they are stopping regular quick selling items, ready for the Christmas foods. Not so much as a digestive biscuit, I ask you.......... :shock:

Managed a coffee and watched the world go by with OH and in laws, that was nice.

Only had one hot "moment" today, looking forward to rain and cooler weather. Summer seems to have gone on for ever this year. I know, I should not complain, just me, cannot control my thermostat any more.

Leaving hugs and cake, take lots of care. XXXX Bubbles

frogmorton

Good Morning everyone

Well you got your rain!!!

Blimey is it here :shock:



Sorry I haven't got time to read back properly (brain dead I think :oops: ), but it's lovely to see your name in here again Bubbles I hope your Mum isn't too bad:( and you did well to find a good place for her. Some ((())) for you.

I made it at least Elizabeth, Barbara, Joan, KathT Christine (who is going to be rich!!!) and for some reason has a thing about grey, butterfly-like flying insects!!

This morning I have lost my voice - very odd :? I hope yours is better soon Elizabeth. Good news about your blood pressure Even better about your son

Kath I do hope you are more yourself soon. Steroids are naughty for causing insomnia like that.

Does anyone remember Trisher when she was on them used to paint all our ceilings for us


Barbara - I am glad I couldn't get on this week if the forum was odd :? We have horrendous rain(which makes Daisycat most cross!!) so I am glad you had a nice walk

Toady I am not impressed about the bootprints! Better let Barbara put them up for you so we can see whether they are ok or not. Well-done for fixing your printer!

Joan it's pouring down here today I hope the dogs don't mind it :? I heard that they don't like rain because it's hurts their sensitive hearing Maybe they all need ear-muffs!!!

I hope I haven't missed anyone

Love

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Christine Bubbles Toni and anyone else who i missed.
Christine all those 5 pence's what can you do save them and think of the hard work you do to get them.
Bubbles dont you think they get the christmas things in to early now.
Toni they dont like the rain and we cannot go out on our scoota's because of the rain getting in the workings of it we have a cover for the front but it can get in the motor.
take care all have a good weekend.
joan xx

barbara12

Oh busy bet all the choc biscuits have gone...
Christine its the thread I have posted on show grey instead of red and I haven't had a drink before anyone ask... 50p you cant even go in the £1 shop :roll:
Tony its raining here today..suppose its needed :roll: hope that Lucy is eating something....and you are getting some rest...
Kath one week over you did well there and I hope it is helping ..sorry about the ears it must be rotten for you ..are the meds for that and do you always get the side effects sorry if I am being dumb I read back then mix it all up :? hope they work for you
Elizabeth hope you can get a nap..or is that out of the question at weekends..we dont do bad here foe appointments only one has been a while and it was forgotten..we average 6 weeks or less..the nuero for my back was 3 weeks :shock:
bubbles I dont like crowds of people so we try and go when quiet but doesn't always work..hope your mum is ok this weekend...
Joan..hope its not raining there ..what a shame you cant go out when raining .if only for a little while ..hope you both have a good weekend
Its taken me nearly 3/4 ofan hour to type this putting all the spaces in ..so sorry if I have missed anyone..oh the sun has just come out...itssaid wind and rain..will see you all later xxxxx

Kitty

Hello Barbara, Toady, Bubbles, Christine, Elizabeth, Mig, Toni, Joan, hope the rain isn't causing too many aches and pains. :roll:

I'm not quite sure what is causing the VERY LOUD noises in my head, I can't hear anything else properly. Except myself and Darth breathing in unison. Could be the high dose of steroids, could be my blood pressure - which is up due to steroids, but not really tinnitus I don't think as it's worse when I stand up, slightly better when I sit down, and eventually disappears altogether when I'm in bed - thank goodness.

Barbara, more choc biscuits in here now, help yourselves.

Christine, 5p an hour - don't spend it all at once.

Still feeling very tired. Toni, I don't have insomnia - quite the opposite. I'm sleeping really well and enjoying being able to wrap up warm in my PJs and bed socks still. I bought quite a few new ones for last winter but couldn't wear them because of the itching, so had to freeze to death. Making the most of it now. Oh yes, also got an awful yukky taste in my mouth. food just does not taste the same. :x

Will just have a cuppa, I'm sure it will taste better in here.

applerose

Bubbles, it really annoys me when shops take off things you buy each week to put seasonal things out. I find it seems to happen mostly in card shops. Can never find a decent birthday card from now till after Xmas. (Sorry for mentioning the X word).

Toni, yes I am going to be rich. Hope I don't get begging letters. :shock: Grey butterfly like insects? What are they? Do you know? Hope you voice comes back soon. Hope Lucy is ok.

Joan, I didn't realise you couldn't take your scooters out in the rain. I thought they would have made them so you could.

Barbara, that must be so annoying having to go back to put the spaces in. Did you get out today?

Kath, I get noises in my head because my ears get clogged up with wax. Could that be your problem? Hope it eases soon. Glad you are enjoying your bed socks.

Went to dad's today. Apparently he's not doing anything at all unless my sister tells him to and then sometimes he won't do it. Seems to be eating and drinking but won't get out of bed, dressed or washed. And he won't leave the house. Carers were arranged to come in morning and evening to help but they can't get there till 10 am when my sister has already got him up and again at 10 pm when he's already in bed so not much use. They can't give him his medication either.

applerose

Barbara I've got my feet soaking in the epson salts right now so I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for suggesting it.

frogmorton

Morning everyone

I hope the Epsom salts helped Christine.

Regarding the begging letters.....You might get one or two.... ( said while quietly sneaking letter behind back into the waste-paper bin :oops:)

I am not impressed with your carers I think you/they might have to look into some better ones. Can't they give meds these days? Really it sounds a bit like your sister is doing what they are paid to do :?

Kath I am so pleased you are snuggling up in your onesies and sleeping:D Those noises sound pretty awful I am glad it eases off in bed because at least you can sleep. I hope the ykky tase subsides - Lucy was advised to eat some pineapple before eating her meals as it helps with taste? Is it worth a try??

Poor Barbara! 3/4 of an hour to do your post :shock: Good job it didn't go awol! Lucy is eating better thanks and I am resting when I can. Sun is out here now

Joan the poor dogs They really don't like rain do they? Daisycat sits with her top half out of the cat flap and her bottom half inside the house thinking about going out! Bless her she has her litter inside but prefers outside

Not good that you are trapped indoors too, but if the rain got into your motors it would be dreadful. So best to have stayed in. Hope it's dry now

Right better have a quick whizz...........


then


and finally



love to you all

Toni xxx

applerose

Morning Toni and anyone else who's in for breakfast. Hmmm, the waste bin is looking rather full of paper. Has someone been writing letters. My sister is going to phone my dad's social worker on Tuesday to let her know about the carers. No, they are apparently not allowed to administer drugs, only to suggest they are taken but if the person doesn't actually take them, there's nothing they can do. They were supposed to help dad get out of bed and dressed but, if he says no, they just walk away and leave him. My sister is hoping to find some older carers who might exert some authority and push dad in to doing what he needs to do.

Just sat in bed checking emails and messages. Might have a second cuppa. I'll leave the kettle on for anyone else who pops in.

barbara12

Morning all
thought I would wait till Toni sorry called you Tony yesterday did some cleaning..... :oops: I am glad to see that Lucy is eating ..and you are resting when you can..I think that wont be much just yet... :roll: but it will come...
Christine..you have to be on top of these careers...especially with your sister living next door..when I was looking after my dad was..I had to crush the meds in food..not sure if they would let you do this these days..hope the epson salts work if only a little you do need to use it regular... think I would be quicker writing letters..at least if the pen stopped working you could get another one.. :roll: enjoy your time in bed..
Kath glad some things have improved for you...sorry about the voice..I have a metalic taste in my mouth I think they said it was the statins.. :? hope next week goes well for you ..or have I got it wrong, is it not an infusion week...
We have one GC here just got up we are making cakes today...there goes my diet... :roll: will bring some in the cafe...the baby came with mum and dad yesterday..she is still not talking ..apart from no
The sun is out for now not sure for how long..see you all later...xxxxx

Kitty

Hello Toni, Barbara, Christine, and anyone else who pops in.

Toni, I did the pineapple thing while on chemo - bleugh! Hope it works for Lucy.

Christine, I have one of those wax removers. Tried to use it, but nothing happened. Doc says there's no wax there. :? I must have very clean ears. Would a perforated eardrum do it? But don't really think its that either. It's a bit like catarrh, but nothing happens when I try to blow my nose either. Perhaps I should just take the top off my head and let Toni have a ferret around with her magic feather duster.

Just a question, has any of you who were diagnosed with sero negative RA suddenly changed to sero positive? I knew it could happen but wasn't really expecting it. :roll:

Liver and bacon today, with mash, sausage, and peas, just the kind of food for cold days like this. Hope everyone is keeping warm.