Evil twin

Update - feeling loads better. Still a mild crackle in my upper respiratory but hardly coughing at all. Also, the iron and folic acid must have kicked in because I've got energy again! Whoop

It was my birthday this week, so that makes me a Gemini. Whilst I don't believe in horoscopes I do think there is something in astrology. My star sign says that I'm creative and wonderful (yes and yes) but that I have a split personality (also true). This makes me a little contrary. I'm so organised at work that everything has to be just so. I get annoyed if someone moves the stapler! Yet at home, not so much. I mean I'd love to be more sorted at home but I can't quite be bothered with the admin. At work I'm literally the administrator. I think highly of good manners, however my daughter is always telling me off for not saying please. For instance, in a restaurant I might ask "Would it be ok to sit in the window?" Because I say it very politely I don't think please is necessary - but apparently I'm wrong. I also get pissed off if I don't get a thank you (I am good at saying thank you). Some thank you's are more important than others. (In no particular order) - Holding the door open, when giving a gift (especially if not there when it's being opened) and when waiters place food or drink in front of you to name just three. I don't like conflict but I'm probably the first to lose my temper. I love saving money but I also like to buy things. I want to do yoga every morning but I never get up in time. It drives me mad when Mark leaves the washing up liquid on the worktop, but I've always got shit on the coffee table! 

Had a great weekend. Ellie did so well in her half marathon, especially as it was so warm. Runners were flaking out left, right and centre. One poor lass collapsed just 10m's from the finish line, she had to be wheeled away, so sad bless her. Our Airbnb hut was adorable just outside Edinburgh. Then our overnight stay at Ardoe House was just lovely. We took Ellie out for a Vietnamese lunch after her run, so we just had a room picnic at Ardoe with a bottle of plonk. What's not to like? And the sun was shining too. 

I got a new dress (see picture). I love it. Not sure what my face is doing though lol. Concentrating? 

Have a great week and see you Friday.

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you have to keep moving. 

Warning

Read with caution - talking about bodily function. 

Today is going to be a long one so get comfy. 

Update - went to the doctor's surgery on Friday. Given steroids and stronger antibiotics. I'm 90% better but still have the rattling bubbles in my chest and a bit of a cough. 

Had a lovely weekend with the Karen's. Unfortunately I was unwell on the Saturday morning. I think I was dumping (where sugar passes from your stomach too fast). I was hot, sweaty and nauseous. I've not been sick once since my op three years ago and I was nervous about how it would be. So Saturday I was like, oh no I'm going to be sick. Head in the loo, proper retching but absolutely nothing came up! After a few more retching episodes I felt better, like you do after being sick. I googled it and it could be that my new little tummy doesn't have the strength to actually project stomach contents up and out. Well, there you go. 

Isaac was a great host in my absence and took the Karen's to the beach with Bella. Bless him. He enjoyed it as much as they did, so bonus! 

Because I'm on antibiotics and not drinking I opened a bottle of Nozeco (alcohol free prosecco). The cork went bang and the drink shot out like a fountain, reaching the kitchen ceiling and going everywhere! I was so shocked, especially as it's happened before with bad mulled wine (you might remember). It was in the exact same spot on the ceiling because the red wine stains are still there lol (we kept the stains as a talking point - I'm sure new owners will paint over when they spot them) I've attached the photo if you can tell - Nozeco is clear so difficult to see.

I've gone off tea a little which is weird because I only really started drinking it after the op because I went off coffee. However, tea can hinder your iron intake so it's like my body is helping itself. Not sure if it's true, though I went off it before I knew I was deficient in iron so maybe. 

We were supposed to be driving to Newcastle yesterday to take back my house there. Tenant given 2 months formal notice and was due to move Monday - but she decided she wouldn't bother! It's sad because I know she's lived there a while, and we've been good landlords - all the legal stuff done, any fixes were sorted straight away, we let her decorate as she pleased and even let her have a dog even though it was in the contract for no pets. We were never in a hurry to put up her rent in line with market value. I think we've been too nice. Luckily for us the law changed on 1 May but we started the process before then (boy, we lucked out - a fluke). I'm not sure what she is thinking, that we'll just let her stay?? No! I need that house. It was my home and I've owned it for 30 years. I must live there to be close to mum, mum needs me. If anything happens to mum before I can move down it will be on the tenant and I will be devastated! Anyway, I won't bore you but we've instructed solicitors who go through the courts. If she then fails to move out Bailiffs will evict, which won't be nice. She's at risk of actually being homeless. There are lots of other rental properties in the area, or council houses so I hope she comes to her senses. When you rent this is unfortunately one of the inconveniences but that's life.We'll keep going until we get possession. I need my home back. I'm hoping some of our costs can be claimed back from her. We have her deposit but we'll stick to the law. Solicitor will do everything, no more Mrs nice landlady from me. I'm so sad and feeling very depressed, obviously. I'm not sleeping and on top of my chest infection I'm done in. But...

This Sunday we are in Edinburgh staying in a shepherds hut to see Ellie finish the half marathon. Go Ellie! Then we go straight to Ardoe House (where we married) for a night to celebrate my birthday next week. The leisure and spa will be magic and I'm super excited. Then next weekend we go on holiday! Whoop whoop. Ellie coming home to look after Isaac and Bella. Isaac is an adult so doesn't need a baby sitter but needs a bossy big sister to make sure he keeps things clean and tidy! Do boys ever get the housework bug like girls do? 

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed this extra long blog. I'll keep you posted on all the above. I hope you have a great week because I'm going to be doing my damnist to make sure I do! Thank you for reading and take care.

What's for you will find you, but first you have to open your hands to receive it.

The Karens

Update - antibiotics finished on Sunday, and my coughing was improved but I felt dreadful still. I've no energy and my chest still rattles. Into week 7 and it's really getting me down. Had bloods done and a chest x-ray on Wednesday. Bloods back - I'm low in iron, which I guess explains the lethargy. Hoping to see doctor again soon as I'm going on holiday in 2 weeks and was hoping to dive. Can't do scuba with a chest like this. 

The other night I couldn't get to sleep, lying listening to Mark deep breathe, and getting really annoyed. He's out as soon as his head hits the pillow, which is probably due to his aphantasia (if you missed my blog about it a couple of years ago Google will explain). I'm the complete opposite to Mark my head just never shuts up. The constant chatter and conversations even at night, I feel it would be just plain rude to fall asleep in the middle! 

We don't usually watch a programme called Poor Holiday, Rich Holiday but I noticed this week they were in Alps d'Huez which is the very first resort we skied in, and where Mark and BiL went this year. It was cool to see but quite how they spent thousands is a bit 'why??'. Skiing isn't cheap but really? Then my sister told me about one set in Lisbon which is where the four of us went last year. I recognised some of it, but it's a big place. It was definitely one of my best holidays ever - and I like to holiday! 

Surgery rang last night to say I'm also low in folic acid. Which also adds to the lethargy. So happy there's a reason for my knackered-ness! And low folic acid makes you irritable too. Wow, explains my very low threshold for idiots and low tolerance to just about everything and everyone this past week or two. Maybe I'm not just a grumpy old woman after all (hum, maybe just a little). I'm getting to see a doctor this afternoon about my chest. Please let them fix me! 

Last night my two Karen's from Newcastle arrived. We're going to have a great weekend. Bring on the gin and snacks. Whoop whoop. Now where first? A castle then the beach I think. Maybe takeaway for supper. Then chocolate. Great fun. 

Have a great week and I'll see you Friday. 

The picture above - my neighbour gave me Biscoff biscuits which are just delicious. My BiL got me some from France where you can get them covered in chocolate, so I made my own. Delicious Biscoff but just a touch more delicious. Though, full disclosure, more chocolate is needed. Next time though.

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing that it doesn't go in a fruit salad.

Grumpy cow

Now this is a pretty cocktail! Passion fruit martini and delicious.

Let's do a little update first. Back to GP and put on another course of antibiotics for a chest infection. Also been given a steroid nasal spray. If I'm not better after this I'll be getting an x-ray. My nose has started to run and the snot is turning green, which I'm thinking is good news. 

Last Friday the estate agent rang the people who cancelled the viewing and suggested they at least drive past the house, and if they liked it (and location) to knock. I really didn't think they would, but they did. They genuinely liked our house but found one they liked a little bit more. Apparently ours was a very close second. Oh well, it's a start.

You'll have heard the phrase 'Don't suffer fools gladly'? Well that is me but I've become even less tolerant. Is it where I'm feeling poorly, or just growing into a grumpy old woman? I don't know but people are sure getting on my nerves. It might not actually be that foolish (or idiotic) but if I assess it as stupid I'll be rolling my eyes! It's not even like I can't be daft myself sometimes, as I so very much can. I can say the most ridiculous things, Mark will gladly supply you with a list, and maybe I get on my own nerves. But my patience is very thin, so please be wary when communicating with me and pay attention to my eyes. If you see them roll, analyse what pathetic thing you've come out with, and apologise fast lol. 

Talking of eyes, I had to go to the optician as I was seeing flashing lights in my peripheral vision. I have posterior vitreous detachment, which is fairly common I understand but can cause a detached retina. Luckily it hasn't, but I need to be careful and get seen immediately if something else goes funny with my sight! 

All these malfunctions are not great. Also, my blood pressure has increased a bit. Well no surprises why! All the above with a little extra stress thrown in for good measure. 

Nobody sees me getting up at 6am to walk Bella then do half an hour yoga. And no one sees how much prep I do for making delicious meals and cleaning the house! That's because I don't, I sit and drink cocktails.

Have a great week and thank you for reading, and putting up with my complaints. Love you all.

Forgive yourself for not knowing earlier what only time can teach.