The Annual Catch-up: part one (of possibly many!!)

 So, another birthday has gone by in a flash. As has quite a lot of the past year!!

another year, another cake

Most exciting news? Well, after a regular trip to the docs for blood tests, (all OK thank goodness!), we went for our lunch at Poppyfields.

long hair, don't care but do love that lavender at Poppyfields

 But after THAT, we took the bus, yes, BUS, one stop to the big Sainsburys. Well, only Sainsburys now. I haven't been on a bus since before COVID.  It was quiet, I thought we might've mis-timed it and caught all the hooligans, (sorry, schoolkids), going home, so that made it much easier!!

Once upon a time, I'd have walked from the surgery to the supermaket, done the meander around the aisles, had a bit to eat and got a taxi home with all the grocery shopping. Now I am just revelling in the fact I could walk to the pub without panicking or tripping myself up with my 'drunken walk'. It's a nervous thing I think...I swear I must look like I've slurped several pints and am worst for wear!!

The panicking is still an issue. But gradually I am improving.

Thank heavens for the Volunteer Car Service. That's all I can say.

Halfway through last year I needed to make several hospital visits and they took me. It was a private hospital, set in the grounds of a big Mental Health facility. It was a struggle, believe me, but eventually, on the third or so visit, we staggered through the stunning grounds to a little cafe. It was heavenly. 

 

 

Even when they threw an MRI at me, (stuck in a tube that only left me room to breathe), I managed. Upshot of the visits? Well, I am trying to cope without them Botoxing me in my 'lady parts'!! What does bother me is, why, the fibroid I have, that rests just by my bladder, has grown, when at the time it was found, (several years ago), I was told "at my age" it would shrink in size. No one seems that 'bovvered' and to be honest, who wants major surgery to remove it? So, I'll live with it for now.

Another brilliant thing to have 'achieved', is that, again, for the first time since before COVID, I got to visit my hairdressers. Bliss. I have never had such long hair. Whereas I did love it, I was not up to the care it needed. Bathing has become an issue, even just standing for any length of time, to have a shower, is painful and scary. So shorter hair is easier to wash in the handbasin if necessary. Investment in a sturdy 'bath seat' has been a good, if at times, demoralising purchase.

Mr B celebrating Valentines' Day. Always there to support me. Whatever.

Exercise and diet are needing much improvement. My diet is not awful, but with no walking, all food is too much food!! I don't drink caffeinated coffee anymore. Very few fizzy drinks, and preferrably no orange or citrus drinks. Same with food, citrus is out along with spicy food. I am Missy Bland!!

Grumble just sleeps through eveything

More crafty/garden goodness to follow!

Zxx

BEDM - Day 5 "Cinco de Mayo"

Rene in a sombrero

I'm afraid to say all things 'Mexicana' really don't come into my sightline! We enjoy Chiquitos when we're in Salford, but I tend to eat steak, nothing spicy.

 

 

Oh, and cocktails, of course!

 

 

This next picture was taken when we lived in Southsea, when we would visit the Southsea Show held on the common.

They had a most wonderful Floral Tent, our very own 'Southsea Chelsea' so to speak.

There were all sorts of displays - these cacti, sweet peas, (my fave), professional growers, WI groups, kiddies mini gardens, (I loved doing those at school).

 And a tea room!

 

 

A Grin Without A Cat

 Oh, hurrah!

still smiling

Managed to bite down so hard on my bite guard on Saturday night that I broke a piece off it! Which then entailed another visit to the dentist.

The original one was made by the Max-Fac dept at the hospital; but having phoned them they said to contact my own dentist.

I have no idea what flavour the crisps were...other than disgusting!

 It was so much more fun going with Mr B.

 Lunch at the Park Café.

He had plum tomato and basil soup...in a warm French bread roll and I had a Coronation chicken sarnie. Yummy!

 

 

Mr B photographed this little beauty.

 

She was buzzing around the pond where we see the 2 cats.

Only one this time...Marmite went into a rescue place as she was pregnant; after 24 hours labour she had 6 kittens, which sadly all died.

(Yes, I cried!).

 'Cat' as he seems to be called, (who's not the father, as he's been 'done'), was rehomed to a house a couple of roads away; then escaped and made his way back to the park!! But there is someone lined up to take him when the office closes in September, who comes in at 7am every morning to feed him a sachet, just to build up some rapport, so hopefully that'll work out fine. And I am so pleased to report that his mange has practically cleared up and his legs are much better too. Didn't get a photo yesterday, as he got all comfy on my lap and then he shot off when he heard the office door being unlocked, which equalled FOOD!



'Cat' on the left, Marmite on my lap



I do love a dental visit

And we get the chance to go back again next week to collect my new guard.
Oh, hurrah!
 (yippee)
Zxx

 



Sunday Night Treat

Mr B is working up in Brum, so my little treat tonight was a yummy cupcake that was a gift from the vintage tearoom ladies yesterday.

 

 

How kind was that? (But how difficult to photograph! Not to eat though!)

The other treat is sitting back and enjoying Mr Selfridge; dazzle me! The clothes - sigh!

 

Ah, yes, Vix...will do photos of the goodies. I have a lot of bits to post about; been very lax, but, hopefully, I am out the other side of a rather trying time and blogging posts will be resumed. I have kept an eye on you all but have very rarely commented.

Be prepared for overflowing comment boxes!

Zxx



New Vintage On My Doorstep

A new experience for me; Lou Lou's Vintage Fair, held in my hometown in the most amazing building, The Guildhall.

 

 This must be the most exuberant setting that I can think of. Isn't it stunning?

 

Lights and tiles



A tearoom too!

coffee and walnut cake

carrot cake



Mr B chose blueberry and vanilla

 Phew! So much to look at and then cake too! Totes knackered.

Am now the owner of a black velvet 'drape' coat and furry aqua blue beret!

 

 

Below is a list of the various stopping off points of this happy band. Even if you only have to two quid entrance fee, pay it, and enjoy the most amazing collection of vintage clothing and accessories you could imagine! Think of it as an amazing travelling clothing museum and if you spot something you really fall in love with, you have the opportunity to buy it and take it home with you!

 Have a great weekend. I'm off to catch some zzzz's.

Zxx

 



Life Is Sweet

 Braved the damping weather for a stroll up to Abakhans and then had tea at Sugar Junction.

 

 

I first found this pretty tea room a couple of years ago and it hasn't lost its' lustre.

This photo wasn't taken today!

I spent the whole of the weekend tucked up in my hotel room with the most stinky, snotty cold!

S'not fair!

Still keeping the whole place awake at night with my coughing!

 

Hoping to get my hair cut and coloured tomorrow.

Can't wait!

Z xx

 



BEDM - Day 6, Bank Holiday Fun

Saturday was the day of the Fair. There were a couple of showers, which was a bit of a shame, although it didn't seem to dampen the spirits. This was the first time that there were stalls outside on  the lawn, which was really good.

 

We got a garden urn for work for Mr B, a couple of large garden pots for me and a basket that both the cats have tried out!

 

 

After a wander round, refreshments were needed. A sit down and a natter with Trevor's mum, Margaret was in order. Trevor organises the "Vintage in the Shires" fairs.



We are 'twinnies' -  our birthdays are the same date, although not the same year, it has to be said!!



 

 

Sunday we went into town and got a new little greenhouse, seeing as I've filled up the other one and still have packets of seeds still to sow.

 

 

Dragged out the lilac jeans, Guess bag and Babycham trainers and added a T-shirt that Mr B brought back for me from Jewish Mother Backstage in Norfolk, VA. It was brilliant fun when he was away as we managed to set up to Skype while he was away and our conversation on his birthday was when he was at this deli.

 

 

Back here, we went into this lovely café for lunch. It has the original shaped, glass frontage, which looks out over these wonderful black and white shop fronts.

We finished off the evening with a Chinese takeaway.

 



Today we didn't get to the Car Boot this morning. But I did get to put up the greenhouse and sort out a load of old flowerpots and stuff to chuck out. I've also started taking down the bower as the metal frame is knackered and the passionflower has died, so it just needs a complete re-think and overhaul.

It's still a bit too much of a mess to take photos, buy no doubt some will follow.

 

Mr B is off on tour again Wednesday, so I need to sort out the washing for him to take and clear the top of the piano, so we can move it along, (in front of the wall that I papered last week), when he gets home,  and then I can do the rest of the wall while he is away. So, that's Tuesday organised.

 

Have a good week!

Z xx