Thursday, October 16, 2008

Cute visitors

Thursday 17th October.

Lovely visit from Jan and the girls.They’re so cute and it’s a long time since I’ve had wee girls running round the garden. Enjoyed the chat with Jan too. Phoned Valerie later. Seems a bit better. Text from Helen. Going to see her tomorrow when she comes home. Sitting in living room with cup of tea admired the beautiful evening sky.Wish I could paint! At choir later on.We are all quite happy now, but seemingly there have been some funny rumours flying around!

Realised on way home that I had forgotten my key- again!Knew Bobby and Helen weren’t in and Arthur was away, so phoned Stuart, who was having a band practice,but came along with a whole box of keys,some very ancient, but found it at last. I was kidding him on I would have to come and stay with him and Lisa! Must get a key for Karen and Sandra and give the rest a key ring with my name on it.

Wednesday, 16th October

Decided to strip bed and ended up washing everything in sight. Got in a right guddle. Thankfully Stephen came along later and helped make bed up.Stuart took me shopping, then brought me some of his home made soup.Looking after the old folks for their Mum and Dad. Bless them both.

Val phoned in a terrible state. Her dad’s in hospital and she seems to be at a very low ebb Tried to reassure her, and phoned again later. She now has someone staying with her but I think she needs the doctor. Helen going to see her when she comes home.

Thank goodness Rita was coming along later.She is so calm and dependable and helps me to stop worrying about everyone and everything.

Well things are gearing up on Corrie. Didn’t think I’d ever feel sorry for Carla, but it was like a Hardy moment, just when she thought she was going to find happiness with Liam, the news of Maria’s pregnancy brings her world crashing down. Off to bed early.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Oh Silver Moon in the Sky

Tuesday. 14th October.

Couldn't sleep, so decided to update blog.Another lovely day.Got started on my cards at last. Made a few mistakes in printing at first, but all right now. Always wish I’d taken a basic course in word processing, when I started using the computer, as I do things the long way round sometimes.

Did some more work in the study. Watched River City. Stuart came along to put out brown bin and Karen next door came over.

Went to lock back door and sat in the porch in the dark for a wee while, drinking in the beauty of the moon.

Monday, 13th October.

Helen here in morning, discussing our plans for London. We are staying at the Russell and Al is staying with Rory. Rory and Ian are taking me to a Sunday morning concert, and then for lunch. A visit to the British library is a must and what else I don’t know.

“The Game's Afoot” then in Corrie or“There’s going to be a murrrder!” as they say in Taggart. I must say these Tony masks look pretty menacing. It’s funny, as he was a pretty gentle character in River City. When the waiter in the restaurant appeared, I thought I was in the wrong soap, as he was Marty, the two timing husband, in River City.

Sunday, 13th,October

Decided to carry on in choir, but still a bit unhappy about new seating arrangements plus it was absolutely freezing where we were sitting.Came home, wishing John was there to tell him about choir, turned up heating, threw on extra woollie and was sitting clutching hot water bottle when Margo and bairns arrived. The sight of them warmed me immediately ! Had some lunch and heard all their stories, then they started helping move books etc. Ailie showed me the recommended book list her English teacher had given her.Jonathan was saying he is going to be studying “The Crucible” in class. I must say his English teacher seems to be setting very high standards.Ordered some books on Play.com.

Although it’s a big muddle in the study now, I’m lucky with this house being all one flat as it’s easy to move things around. I’m even more lucky having them all helping me.Once the upholsterer takes the three piece away and the cabinet is emptied, the big boys are going to move everything into the hall ready for the decorator coming on 27th.

Arthur and Catherine came in to say cheerio.They’re off to Madeira for a week.They both looked pretty tired, so they’ll enjoy the rest.Stephen came in, so Margo and I took flowers to John and tidied up. Going to put winter plants in next week. then Margo went to Aroma for paninis for tea.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Small World




Saturday,11th October,

Well,” October’s bright blue weather” seems to be true, though slightly nippier today. Amazed the Clematis at front door still blooming. Stuart gave Jean and I a lift to the Small World. where we spent a pleasant hour and lots of cash too and had a nice cup of tea and a biscuit. I bought a pretty glass beaded necklace, sweets, tea and dried fruit Going to make my nine minute dumpling in the microwave again! Don’t know what my mother would make of it. She made super “clootie dumplings”, complete with silver threepenny pieces and they used to take hours to cook! Anyway, also ordered pretty green glasses and little white bowls. Jean worked in the Small World for many years,so she knew some of the volunteers.

Went to the library, where we relaxed in the comfy chairs, while choosing our books. I ended up with two I’d read already, “The House of Mirth” and “Anna Karenina”. (not that I’m taking advice from David Cameron, as I’v e read AK already, but a long time ago)

Strolled down to the Aroma for lunch where we both had paninis. Mine was bacon and brie and Jean’s chicken and pineapple. Stuart came back for us and Kay had just arrived when we got back. Robert ran out shouting.”We’ve brought boxes Granny and I’m going to help you and he certainly did! He loved crawling ino cupboards and finding things. The decorator’s not coming for a week or two, but we got a lot done and threw a lot out!

Well I made a mistake about Corrie as I was all keyed up waiting for the murder, but it’s this week it happens!

Friday, October 10, 2008

John's cards

Friday, 10th October

Managed to get card and ink today to make John’s cards, so I’ll make a start over the weekend. Corrie not turning out as expected. Keeping everyone guessing, I suppose. Disappointed in Liam, though. Always thought it was Carla who did most of the running.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day

The theme is work, but I chose this one for the season.
TO AUTUMN

SEASON OF MISTS AND MELLOW FRUITFULNESS.
CLOSE BOSOM-FRIEND OF THE MATURING SUN;
CONSPIRING WITH HIM HOW TO LOAD AND BLESS
WITH FRUIT THE VINES THAT ROUND THE THATCH-EAVES RUN;
TO BEND WITH APPLES THE MOSSED COTTAGE-TREES,
AND FILL ALL FRUIT WITH RIPENESS TO THE CORE;
TO SWELL THE GOURD AND PLUMP THE HAZEL SHELLS
WITH A SWEET KERNEL; TO SET BUDDING MORE
AND STILL MORE, LATER FLOWERS FOR THE BEES,
UNTIL THEY THINK WARM DAYS WILL NEVER CEASE,
FOR SUMMER HAS O’ER-BRIMMED THEIR CLAMMY CELLS.
by
JOHN KEATS

Song of the Shirt - a poem by Thomas Hood

With fingers weary and worn,
With eyelids heavy and red,
A woman sat, in unwomanly rags,
Plying her needle and thread
Stitch! stitch! stitch!
In poverty, hunger, and dirt,
And still with a voice of dolorous pitch
She sang the "Song of the Shirt."
Wednesday, 8th October

The sunny October weather continues.Got a phone call from Elsa, one of my university friends, to ask if it was ok to come down with her wee grandson after picking him up from nursery.Of course, I was delighted and expected her about elevenish. About quarter to twelve, she phoned to say she was at the top of Gardiner road and could I direct her to mine. What a laugh we had when she came in, but poor wee Oliver was shattered, so we tucked him into one of the chairs where he soon dropped off.I always enjoy her visits as it’s great to hear about all the things she’s involved in. Talked about her Book Group, her visit to Stratford, her visit to China,the Book Festival, the theatre and of course exchanged news about families and friends and losing Bobby and John to the same terrible disease and how we both cope. I gave her the Spanish novels for Oliver’s mum as she’s Spanish.

Went to choir at night but didn’t do much, as we were discussing changes being made in the layout of the church, moving things around etc. It made me think again about retiring as I joined the choir when I was in my teens and sometimes I feeI I can’t give of my best as I used to, plus I sometimes get a bit emotional at certain hymns which can be a bit embarrassing when facing the congregation! Anyway, I can still sing my heart out sitting in a pew.

Hurrah for Gordon! Showed his iron grip at last! Long may it continue!

My blogs just get longer and longer! Must cut them down a bit.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Aberlady Bay

Tuesday, 7th October.

Felt so sorry for poor Becky in Corrie last night.She’s become a more likeable character recently and was so excited about setting up home with Jason, the rotten so and so. It’s just like Tess actually. Her life was just becoming wonderful when everything comes crashing down around her.As Arthur would say "It's not real, Mum!"In real life such sad things do happen though!

Anyway off to Nan and Jerry’s.Sandra very kindly gave me a lift to the top of the road to catch the North Berwick bus. I always enjoy travelling on the coast road. Joyce, one of my neighbours sat beside me. She is a great walker and was saying she was getting worried because the corn in some fields hadn’t been cut yet, but she says they’ve all been done now. We were laughing, thinking about her going round checking up on all the farmers! Approaching Aberlady bay saw some geese taking flight, two artists sketching some of the birds that were paddling about on the ground and believe it or not two wind surfers!

Nan was waiting at the bus stop bless her and said Jerry was doing the cooking so I said I hoped he wasn’t going to swear like Gordon Ramsay! Anway, we had a lovely meal, which included Californian salad. I’d made that once for them years ago, so they always kid me on about it. All it is is an ordinary salad with lots of fruit in it. They’re always interested in what I’m doing and how I’m coping and they love the bairns of course. I think having no family of their own they’ve kind of adopted mine. I know how much they all love Auntie Nan and Uncle Jerry.

Had to get back for doctor’s appointment to get the result of my ESR blood test.It was up again, so I’ve to increase the tablets slightly for three weeks, have another blood test, then see him again. What a palaver! However I’m feeling better, but unfortunately, the steroids have made me put on weight, so goodness knows what I’ll be like now I’ve to increase the dose! My clothes are getting tighter as it is! Margo says I’ve to buy new ones!

Kay just phoned with all her news. She enjoyed a lovely concert by the Dunedin Consort in the Town House, Haddington on Sunday. I’ve been to one or two of their concerts before with Sandra and they’re really excellent. Robert came in from school today with a letter from The National Youth Choir of Scotland, testing all the pupils in primary three to see if they wanted to join the choir. East Lothian must be taking part in the scheme now. I used to wonder why they didn’t as Midlothian, West Lothian and Edinburgh schools have been taking part for ages. Jonathan started when he was in Primary Three and they’re given excellent training. Anyway, Kay says he seems quite interested so she’s going to put his name down.

Had lots of phone calls tonight and a visit and blether with Stuart when he came to put out the recycling boxes.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Pretty robin

Monday 6th October

Bright and sunny again,but definitely a nip in the air. Lovely to see a robin in among a flock of sparrows on the grass. The robin’s breast is very red and it has bluey white flashes under its wings.Some hanky panky going on in birdland I fear! Must put out some more fat balls.

I know it's a bit early,but I like this children's rhyme.


"The North Wind doth blow
And we shall have snow
And what will poor Robin do then, poor thing.
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing."

Arthur came along for the car, as he’s going to the doctor again. I find him looking so much more like his Dad as he gets older.

Finally getting to grips with new mobile. Arthur would have put more numbers in for me, but I managed fine. Have to keep the old brain cells working as long as possible!

Managed to get in touch with the painter at last and fixed a date for him coming in a week or two, giving me plenty of time to get ready and decide what I shoud keep or throw out. Knowing me, I’ll probably hold on to everything.

Going to visit Nan and Jerry tomorrow. Been feeling really guilty, as haven’t seen them for ages, so just made up my mind and phoned.

Off to bed now, as I”m feeling really tired.I’ll have to be up early.

Cordon bleu cook

Saturday, 4th October.

An unpleasant day, weatherwise. Started putting things away in readiness for painter coming, though when that will be I don’t know as he’s still not back from holiday.

Jean phoned to ask me round for tea at hers, so thoroughly enjoyed it as she’s a very good cook and uses all her own vegetables from her garden. She puts me to shame as I’ve been neglecting my culinary skills since John died. Anyway had a good blether about politics and the financial news, both here and in America., local news, exchanged books, talked about families and so on..........

Banderras and Lucy

Sunday,5th October.

Another Gorgeous Autumn Day

Up pretty early, so I’d plenty time to get ready for Church. Some good rousing hymns.The view across the Forth from where I sit in the choir was very clear today and just beautiful.It added to my enjoyment of the service.

"I to the hills will lift mine eyes, from whence doth come mine aid” (old Scottish Psalm tune)

Sandra gave me a lift home and when i was hanging up my jacket i was surprised ehen a handsome and white cat came running in followed by Lucy. Realised it was Banderrasa and Sandra sometimes looks after him. Lucy was as surprised as I was and the poor thing scuttled under the bend. Tried to get him out but scared. Managed to shut Lucy in the back porch then phoned Sandra. We think that Banderras had seen the car and thought Sandra was here.

After lunch sat and absorbed the Times. Of course full of Mandelson’s return. “There may be trouble ahead.” as the song goes. Hopefully, it will be for the Tories!

Later walked along to see Nettie, then Dick and Joyce. Caught up with all the news at Nettie’s.A friend had given her loads of apples and she was busy stewing them to put in the freezer. She usually makes apple jelly, but It’s a lot of work so she's sticking, with making apple crumble and apple tarts for her contribution to the Christmas Fayre.

Joyce and Dick weren’t in.I’ll catch them tomorrow. Joyce was very excited about her son Alex’s 40th birthday and I know she wants to show me some photographs.

Well that’s the end for poor Tess. Hope the next classic on Telly is a bit more cheerful.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Kirk Wynd

Friday, 3rd October

Kay phoned last night to ask me to look at Robert’s class blog about their trip round the village and also news about Douglas’s camp. It was lovely to see what they’ve been doing and I left a comment for them. Stuart took me shopping as Arthur still not well. He’s worried, as the band has a gig on Saturday for a 50th birthday party.

The junior in Sharon’s gave me a few tips about my new mobile and took some photos with it.We had a good laugh.I’ll get the hang of it somehow!

Bobby phoned on his way home from work.Says he’s getting on fine and still doing the taxis at the weekend.

Margo phoned. The bairns are going to see “Mary Poppins” with the Aunties on Saturday. Mary booked the tickets a year ago! Went to choir practice and enjoyed it.Don’t think anyone noticed my slip up last Sunday.

Glad Gordon Brown is getting organised. What about Peter Mandelson though?

Watched the rest of Corrie which I’d taped. Don’t know what Tony’s up to. I’ll save “The Tudors” for later.

Thursday, 2nd October.

Chris came down and we went to the Aroma for lunch. Parked the car in Kirk Street and went down Kirk Wynd. Haven’t been down that way for ages as I’m usually in a car, but I was reminded of when John used to be waiting there for me when I came out of choir practice.Early on in our relationship, it was that time when I wasn't sure if he was really interested or not, and it always gave me such a lift when I saw him. Still had that lift now and again all through our married life, despite the ups and downs of day to day routines getting in the way sometimes.

I think the tower used to be the lab for Mellis’s soap works. Must check it out in “Prestonpans and Vicinity,” I had lentil soup in the Aroma and Chris had tomato and basil then we had a cup of tea and a scrumptious cake.When I go to hers next we’re going to go to the cafe inside the co-op in Tranent. She is looking forward to her Golden Wedding party and was asking me again if I would sing, so I said I would.Jim is going to give me a practice next time I'm up.

Late I was at the Small World with Sandra and spent over £27!

Margo phoned later to tell me Ailie passed her dancing exam and was presented with a medal and a plaque! We’re really surprised that she’s still going,but pleased at the same time as she used to be embarrassed at doing anything in public. and this will give her more confidence.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pretty flowers

Monday 1st October

"O suns and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October's bright blue weather."

Glad September is past.Hope this verse sums up what the weather forecast in October will be.The trees are still holding their leaves and there are lots of berries on the rowan tree.The old wives' tale is that means it will be a mild winter.The garden still looks pretty colourful too,with the Michaelmas Daisies in particular looking very pretty.It's worrying reading about the decline of the bee population. There used to be lots around even at this time of year, especially on purple or blue flowers.

Decided yesterday to phone the doctor instead of waiting for my appointment next week as the pain was just getting worse and worse. He phoned right back and I’d to go for another blood test, so here’s hoping he gets to the bottom of the trouble soon.Helen is still talking about me going to London and the girls think it would give me something to look forward to, but I’ll see.

Arthur came round to put the brown bin out later and I told him he should have left it as he didn’t look well at all.Was at doctor this morning and given antibiotics.Said the class reunion on Saturday went well and there were about 80 people there.

Rita was along this afternoon and we had a good old moan to one another about all our aches and pains, but had a good laugh too.

Lots of changes in Corrie this week!