Saturday 21 February

 Still waiting for the sale of my bungalow to progress. nothing much has happened except we're getting very stressed. this week paperwork should be sorted & N should have seen an independant asser(won't hold my breath). Very sad family news. I am making efforts to make life as good as it can be despite everything going on.Shall I get into my new bungalow before My birthday which is on Mothers day Weekend ?. I shall at least see Sharon then . Hope to book in at Premier In at Beagle for 2 nights whenever I move. If it stops raining I will walk with my new 3 wheeler walker perhaps as far as the river today and next dry day Packup waering cans and bucketts to go with me to the shed.

New Month

 The good news for today is that during February and March we pay NO council tax. There has been some movement on the bungalow in that the mortgage has been given so perhaps I might move by the end of the month Dawn and I have had another look roundand I am playing with where to put the furniture. I will need probably 2 armchairs  and get rid of one settee. Shan't buy the chairs until I'm there Tony will move all my pots and plants a couple of days before and put them all in the front garden. My lovely pink and purple hair is nearly  grown out now so Laura has changed the style a bit to have less round my ears so my glasses sit closer to my new hearing aids. She says I will be able to let my hair dry without rolling it up !! I wonder if I can as I have done rollers all my life!!! Ipswich Town drew at home 1-1 with Preston with a last minute penalty. I will never go to a match again due to walking problems  amd I miss it so much. First went with girls from Northgate Grammer School when I was 15 and season ticket holder for over 50 years.😪 Today It's wet so I shall try and sort some Photo frames to get rid of as I don't want a boxfull to move. Out to the Newbourne Fox for a meal with family I know it well as my great grandad was land lord there and my grandad met May my grandmother first there. It's changed a lot of course and still have happy memories of it. 

Oh dear.

 Oh dear it is as my TV magazine has not been delivered this week, so I shall have to pop to the Coop in the village to get one. Tried to ring them No answer, went on line site took to long to answer so timed out.Tried info @ suffolknews delivery.co.uk address given as Stoke on Trent!! Must remember when I move to send a letter cancelling them !!! Need a coffee after all that bother with no answer.

Its been cold

 Last week it has been so cold Ive only been out in the car. Had my new hearing aids checked and adjusted. On the way home I treated myself to lunch at Morrisons (saved me cooking a main meal) and then did a small shop. I seem to have a lot of my to do list and so got a few things crossed off. Poppy and I had a long snooze in myrtecliner chair with a hot water bottle under a blanket. The big storm was on and we were lucky not to get much snow or wind.I had cancelled my friend Karen coming on Tuesday because of the storm but the Man came and fitted grab handles onto front and carport doors luckily they  are in my enclosed carport so it was good for him. I have decided to go back to my Zumba classes after being away fo 7 months. They were so pleased to see me and I enjoyed the seated classes and will continue to go every week. Thursday was mylunch club at our local pub the Cock. we go ou monthly and always go there in January as if the weather is bad we canwalk. It was bad & very cold so I went in the car.On Sunday I picked up my friend Karen I had not seen her since the middle of December so we exchanged Christmas presents, spent a bit of retail therapy at Tesco,including pyjamas at 25% off, it was good to catch up with her again. Ipswich beat Blackpool in the FA cup 2-1 Too cold for me to go My neighbour Tony used my ticket. It is W.I. tonight. so I better check up on my notes and find something beginningw S to take for the competion!!.

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Sunny Sunday.

 It's very cold today and not expected to go above zero! Yesterday also very cold I felt energetic!! and started on the list in the kitchen I love a list and usually have several on the go. some things(I really don't want to do) keep getting moved from one list to another, so I did a wash and tumbled dry,I have solar panels and know when the sun is bright enough to to them free. Put the slow cooker on with a sausage casserole also free& added a dumpling in  at the end. Took down the decorations , boxed them up and hoovered the bungalow. Mind you I had to sit down between jobs, Rushed out withe dustbin as I had forgotten to put it out the day brfore . Thank goodness the binmen were late and took everything. I have a problem with my phone as Microsoft has turned some things off including my new hearing aids. tried to sort it out but will wait until I can contact daughter D today to come and sort it out. Today I am havig a bit of a pamper day and and get some paperwork filed. and then relax with a book .Poppy does not like the cold so she is having a snooze on the settee nest to me.

New Beginnings.

 I had given up talking to you all after a difficult time, but this year 2026 is the beginning if a new period in my life and I will try and share it with you. Watched the New Year in by having a meal out with my family and then snuggled up in nightdress and dressing gown with a warm Poppy on my lap we sawin the New year in in London on the TV, Poppy saw it in with a large piece of cat chewy stick and I with a glass of water, We are having a quiet day and I hope to begin taking down the Christmas decorations. It's very cold here in Suffolk  so my neighbour is going instead of me as I can't sit outside ine the cold now. I will try and add to this blog when and if I can. Happy and Healthy New Year to you. Val& Poppy.

WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE

 Yesterday Ipswich Town Football Town won their last match in the Championship 2-0 against Huddersfield and were promoted in second place to the Premier league after 22 years in the lower leagues Keiren Mckenna arrived as manager and in 2 years has promoted us to the top league. We will always be grateful to him. I remember Alf Ramsey doing the same thing in the late 1950s and then the great days we had then, later followed by Bobby Robson and all the achievments including the FA Cup when 1978, Both went on to manage England,  Alf won the word cup in 1966 and both were knighted by the Queen. Stay with us Keiren and my hope for his and our future is that he will do the same, I have bought my season ticket again, had one since early 70s when I could afford it, this year they were all sold out quickly. I have sat in the West stand since 1984 when Sir Bobby had it rebuilt. Wonderfull view from the front row until I had to move to a lower  level as I can't manage the steps now. Still a very good view and I cant wait till August when I will be  there again.    COME ON YOU BLUES.

It's Monday!!!

 I'm a day behind at the moment because I was soo tired yesterday. I woke up late and after shower and hairwash just couldn't summon anough energy to do much. I knew I was going out for a meal at harvester with my family so didn't bother to eat all day.good job I didn't as I managed a nice piece of salmon and a Lemon Blizzard which was super. I had done some gardening both Friday and Saturday so was stiff on Sunday. I slept all afternoon in my recliner under a throw and a hot water bottle of Poppy who slept on my lap as well. Earlier in the week I went to WI and read my notes fromJanuary 1967 plus titbits I had gleaned from Google about events in UK that year including  some music as well. As I read out the song they all joined in with the name of the person who sang it. Lots of laughs and fun as we nearly all new the names and words to most of them. Well we only had records and sheet music ( no phones or compters then) Our speaker told us all about Suffolk bees and wasps but most of us were more interested in the temperature in the hall as the new heating system turned it off just as we arrived and it was freezing. coats had to be worn and we were all desperate for a hot drink.  It's now controlled by an app and cannot be turned off or on manually. despite contacting the person with the app it only came on again at 10 pm just as most of us had gone home!! found out later that the table tennis club were ther during the morning and had asked her to turn it down and she had forgotten to turn it up!! later that week I watched Ipswich beat Millwall away at my daughters and our lunch club had it's monthly lunch at the Brook at Washbrook. lots of chatter and a lovely meal. the pub was full on the Thursday so good job we had booked. Friday I went to the library to pick up 5 books but won't do that again as it was Mums and Toddlers morning and children and buggies were everwhere. I had to sit at one of thecomputers as there was a long queue of chidren and Mums getting their books stamped and I can't stand for long. the librairian knows me well, I have been at that library since D was 2 years old and she is 60 this year. so she took my card and books and put them through at reception for me. I had a bacon roll and a coffee for £3.50 great value in Morrisons and after shopping went home to my garden as it was mild and sunny. Thats all for this week see you soon.love Val and Poppy.

Second week in February.

 Fairly ordinary week. I usually go to the library on a Monday. They are only open in the morning as it  is usually  a quiet day, but recently they now have a Mums and toddler group. I'm not grumbling but the car park is always full so I have to carry my book (last time I had 6) and juglling books, stick and bag is tricky.  This week iIcracked it I was up late and by the time I got there it was 11.15 and guess what carpark was nearly empty. so my cunnung plan is to go after 11 am!! Thursday was tipping it down with rain and it was so nice to see my stepson R. who was home from his work on the rigs off Norway. my daughter joined us to a lovely allday breakfast at the local waterpark which as always was packed out. Friday was a meday and I went to Matalan, 30% off womens clothes that day so a few goodies fell into my basket. Went to Glasswells for lunch which as always is very nice and so pleased to find they had pop up special cards and as I have a special wedding later in the year and one of my daughters is 60 this year (shush don't tell anyone) I found the perfect card for her **  Today has been mild and I spent a lovely morning in my back garden  having a good tidy up. Coffee in the garden, the first of the year, After lunch I planted som primulas in the 2 blue tubs under my front window and that ws a good end to the week.  I must fimish  now as Poppy is patting my arm to tell me it is her teatime so I must obey her!!!

Thank Goodness it's February.

 I'm glad January is over and I am feeling more with it! I'vemanaged to get out most days actually every day and my youngest grandson was 18 this week. I love going to my daughters every Tuesday when they make an evening meal with all the local family eating together after work when we catch up on news laugh and talk together. My daughter has 3 cats and I am their favourite person as when I walk in the door they come running for a few dreamies each. I have changed my library books, spent time at Zumba, filled the car up with diesel(5p voucher off every litre), had a happy couple of hours at our local coffee shop with my lunch club friends and on Friday had my hair cut and blowed by Laura. I love going to the salon and enjoying the atmosphere and friendship., and come out feeling and looking good! last night my daughter her 4 aunts and uncle spent the evening at Martlesham village club at a quiz evening to help raise funds. it was a good evening out and no we did'nt win and it was amazing how much we did and did'nt know between the 6 of us. I'm having a quiet day today so take care and Happy Sunday.Val and a snoozing Poppy

Disaster Saturday

 Yesterday was a disaster, well it was to me, as ITFC were wiped out of the cup by lowly Maidstone and it was live on BBC TV. Now I know that is really not a disaster but it in my small corner of the world it was ! Day started off well as I went to the church coffee morning, bought small homade cakes and savourys to have a picnic whilst wartching the match and won a prize in the draw. Did not pick up the chocs and came home with a pair of small plastic storage boxes. during the match a friend????? texted 2 twice to say how well Maidstone was doing and what a great job the goalkeeper was doing. I never replied as anyone who knows me knows not to contact me during a match. (well if my daughters did I would expect it to be an emergancy.)  Well thats got that off my chest. Its been quite a quiet week with only Zumba to go to. I haden't been  since before Chhristmas due to illness and I really enjoyed it and the coffee and chat afterwards. I'm hoping to get out for a walk later if it's not too cold so will get into the shower and put my slow cooker on with a chicken casserole.x

Getting back on track.

 It's taken a while to get back on track. Walking has gone out of the window as this last week has been freezing cold with sharp winds and I just don't want to get colder by walking for pleasure. Some nights Iv'e worn an extra cardigan in bed and Poppy and I have snuggled down in bed with the electric blanket on.I have started to go to my monthly groups and this week it was the Gathering at St Marys church. All us oldies were feeling chilly so the lady who came to do simple chair exercises did a good job eventually getting us out of the chair and trying to stand on one leg!! much  laughter amd giggling went on ,and a good time was had by all. I chose a jigsaw from the draw and took it to our family meal as my daughter and son in law always have one on the go. Ginny one of their cats loves patting the pieces into place. As Eric Morcambe said it's the right piece but not neccesairly in the right place!!  Next day I went to my normal Seated Zumba class. but was so under the weather I didn't get out of my car and had to go home instead until I warmed up with a hot water bottle.When T my neighbour is bored he pops round and does little jobs for me and this time he moved a shelf in a kitchen cupboard for me .I am getting shorter and shorter! put a picture I had for Christmas up and tightened up my uplighter. I have read  Richard Osmans book so reterned it to the library where I had another book waiting.This has lots of reserves on it so I had to spend a happy weekend reading and have finished it. I'm all read out so am now catching up on The Archers on my Ipad whilst relaxing in a chair with a throw over me to snuggle under. Storm Isea arrived last night a very windy up to 80 miles an hour gusts so  my happy ending is that apart from one plastic garden chair blowing over I had no problems. Hugs from Poppy and Val x 

Back to Normal

 I am back to normal(well nearly), I haven't been out much as it's taken all week to get over Covid and I'm still tired. On Monday my neighbour loaded up his van and took all my accumalated rubbish to the tip thank goodness. I hadn't been to the tip since before Lockdown so didn't realise that you have to book now, luckily they had a spot free and it is still free!! I've still got a list of things to do but still can'be bothered.I did get to the Library and picked up my 6 books and took 4 back I'm reading Richard Osmans book first The Last Devil to Die, as it still has a long list of reserves on it. hopefully I can renew some of the others. Lounge looks a bit sorry for itself with the decorations down but my daughter sent me some lovely flowers by post to cheer me up. Too cold for me to go to football on Saturday night so I took a bottle of mulled wine and my last Florentines along the road to my other daughter and watched Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1. her cats were delighted to get an extra Dreami when we scored and we ate all the Florentines.  I am going to start going out for a walk today but not yet as it is-1% at the moment so perhaps I will get the bed changed instead, think about the walk whilst I drink my coffee in my new bone china breakfast Monet cup and saucer, a treat for me, by me, on ebay which I couldn't resist. Have a happy week and take care of yourselves. Love from Poppy and Val

Covid

 Little did I think that my next post would be about Covid. I escaped it for the last 2 years and still being fairly careful I have now sucumbed. Google tell me I have most of the usual symptons and I felt so awful I didn't bother to drag out my test kit because I just hadn't the energy to bother. My duvet day has stretched out to a duvet week. and except for yesterday when I walked round my back garden The furthest I have been is to put my recycling bin out at the bottom of the drive.  My daughter has insisted that I have the heating on all day so I dread to think how much that will cost. She bought me some much needed top up supplies yesterday especialy Coffee*** I only drink coffee and water so the sight of only enough for 3 cups made me call for help! I missed my monthly birthday coffee club get together in our village coffee shop and am running out of Florentines I had for Christmas, probably won't find any more till next Christmas in the supermarkets, if I ever get there again.!!  today I am feeling a bit better so with a bit of luck I might get out next week. I need to as 5 books are waiting for me on the reserved shelf at my local library.  Poppy is patting my arm which means she wants some thing so  I better go and see to whatever it is.

New Year 20 24

 Happy New Year to anyone who reads this blog. I seem to have missed 2023 as several things  took over the Year, mainly my 80th birtday and my grandsons wonderful wedding at Hintlesham Hall Suffolk, where I was able to stay overnight, something I never thought I would ever do, and the bed was the best one I have ever slept in !!

This year I have already got  several exciting things to do which if I keep up with this blog I will share with you. I am hoping to walk  most days and today I did walk for 15 minutes without using my stick, although I did  carry it with me just in case. This afternoon I am going to watch on my computer IpswichTown Football Club playing Stoke City. I do love my football and have watched ITFC since I was 15 years old ! so I will sign off now as kick off is in 40 mins and I must set up this computer and make a coffee  and enjoy my first match in 2024. Poppy sends her love and is already curled up on the sofa for a long sleep until tea time. 

Holiday

 I haven't been on holiday since 2019, so I thought I would try a 3 day coach holiday on my own as my friend is unable to come with me. Visiting Geof Hamiltons garden and Rutland water appealed to me and I thought 3 days how difficult can it be? on a Friday I was picked up at a local supermarket and off we went I was a bit worried as to who I sat with but as a couple had cancelled the driver moved me down close to the front and I had a double seat to myself !!  we treked round Essex and eventually ended up at Birchirchanger services on the M11.  bit of a disaster as the ladies loos were being rebuilt and we had tempery ones outside in the pouring rain.they were ok and clean but the floor was running withrain water and the poor attendant couldn't keep it dry however much she tried . on person fell over,(not me thank goodness) and I held on tight To the sink and railing to get out. A straight ride to Boswoth Hall  and the sun came out. A beautiful building and my single room was nice with a double bed, JulietBalcony and a view over the lawn and gardens.  I had dinner with a couple from the coach and spent a pleasen evening with them (2 for !) drinks in the bar. I dont drink alcohol much soI had 2 glasses of Rose, struggled with on and they helped me out by sharing the other. slept well had a good breakfast and off we went to the Garden, There are 38 small gardens to strol round and I realy enjoyed them They were hosting a wedding inpart of the garde and I missed seeing the bride but loved the bridesmaids in salmon Pink Spent quite a time in nursery and although I promised myself I would only buy one plant and not spend more than £20, 3 fell into my basket and I only spen 50 pence over the top.  then a short trip to Rutland water and we had a boat trip on the Rutland Belle . Warm and sunny it was a lovely day. That evening my friends walked into the village and I had wine again what a devik I am . the barmaid said she would put 2 small glasses of wine in a large glass for me so I strolled round the terrace and gardens. there was a wedding in a large marquee  so I sat and watched the evening guests arrived, enjoyed the disco music, and gradually  drunk the large glass of wine.Can't remember when I did that last and wandered back to my room as it got dark!! From my window I saw the bride and her girl friends dancing on the lawn,it was like watching a fairy floating about with all the girls with her. Next day it was home again with a stop in nearby Market Bosworth. As it was Sunday not many shops were open but the Farmers market was in the Market place. I did not buy plants although lots did, but bought some lovely hand made chocs for my family.  the trip home was easy and we dropped off some at Birchanger (Toilets were fine as it was hot and sunny) my drop off was second from last and my grandson was there to take me home. Poppy rushed out to greet me as I got out of the car. My grandaughter had been looking after her and after a few dreamies she stayed close to me when I watered the garden. I enjoyed it and will go again if I can afford it later in the summer. Hugs from Poppy and Val  

Been busy lately

 Been busy lately ,it seems quite a while since I posted. so whats happenned up to now. 

First I had a birthdaywhich I managed to stretch out for a week . Yes no cooking for a week as either I had a meal out, or a takeaway with family, Our village lunch club had its monthly meal out, but it all came to anend when on Mothers day my grandson was doing afternoon tea for his Mum and me but Covid stopped that. I still had a nice day but on the next day(Monday) I had no Landline phone,no internet, no broadband. I panicked a bit used my mobile (thank goodness that was working)  and my daughter arrived to make sure it wasn't  my fault!!! She contacted my broadband service and they said the line was down and arranged for engineer to come next day. 

I have new neighbours who are/were vere nice and he had been digging in the front garden and cut throuth the wire that sevices both bungalows.!!! Engineer came said they would have to dig up the pavement and someone would come before Friday. It was eight days  before the men restored           our line and although I thought I wouldn't miss it  I DID. the weather wasn't great so I made a list and ploughed through all the jobs on it I was glad when they fixed it. 

Got up Wednesday, no heat no hot water. My heating firm came and fixed it and said my pipes need flushing( got all the smart alec remarks from friends and family) and the will do it in June so another large bill is on the horizen. 

next week I had my booster jab and had a bad reaction. Every joint in my body ached my skin was sore and I felt like death. It took until Saturday before  I was ok 

Here is the good news. I am a mad fan of Ipswich Town Football Club but have been unable to go during lockdown, so this Saturday I bought a ticket in the tier below where I have sat for 40 years , the stairs were a problem when I last went. I went to the last game of the season, Magic I loved it ,the stairs were ok the view was great, we won 4-0 I watched all the players due a lap of honour at the end, and even the car was parked in my favourite spot.  It was a brilliant day even my favourite player scored twice!!  

On July 1st I will be online and buy the season ticket for the seat as I know it' s not taken. buying season tickets is suspended until then. there will be a giant cheer when that happens fom my family who have put up with me without live football for 2 years. MY love to you all.

Oh by the way Poppy is fine, she is curled up on her cushion near me. A few Dreamies and shes happy**

New Fridge

 The other Friday I woke up and after giving Poppy her breakfast I made my usual large cup of coffee, got the milk out of the fridge, thought the bottle felt a bit warm as I put it into the cup I bet you know what happenned next, large bits of milk floated to the top and it smelt off. Luckily the milkman always comes early on a Friday so I was able to empty the revolting mess into the sink and start again with another cup to wake my brain up to it's usual morning level! Empying yoghurt  into the sink washing it all down and throwing away the rest put me off breakfast. ( Poppy had already eaten all hers and was hanging about to see if she could snaffel any but hard luck she retired to her blanket to have a nap. ) 

I do not have a very large space in the kitchen for an under the counter new fridge so no nipping down to Currys and bringing one home, I had to scour the internet to find one that fitted into the space. Couldn't get one with free delivery unil the next Wednesday,WHAT, so eventuallyhad to pay £30 extra for next day delivery, £15 to have it unpacked and fitted (that means plugged in) well I wasn't able to get it out of the box and I did want to check it wasn't dented or broken in any way and £30 to take the old one away.    I had to pull the old one out and scrub behind it, can't remember when I did that last. 

Good things about this general hoo hah, was 

1. I hadn't much food in it as I was going shopping that day

2. I didn't go shopping till the Monday so made all meals out of the freezer or fresh fruit etc. 

3. Delivered spot on time with hourly updates on the day as to arrival.

4. The man and woman who delivered it were very helpfull and pleasant, all rubbish taken away. 

Conclusion. Don't moan Val it was just a nuisance compaired to the the poor people of The Ukraine.

fell better now I've got that off my chest.  Happy day to all of you. Val and Poppyxx 

Snowdrops.

 This weekend I took the short drive to Blakenham Woodland Gardens to see their snow drop display. It must be a good year for snowdrops as the fields and ditches along the road were covered with them. There was much to see and lots of people and dogs enjoying them. Apart from a lovely natural display in the woodland walk there were 2 Suffolk Punch horses to stroke, a chocoatiere in the old dairy making fantastic chocolate, lots of differant snowdrops( in the green) to buy and yummy homemade refreshments. I haven't got any snowdrops in my gatden so I opted after advice from the gardener to buy a common sort. Nivalis, hardy and easy to grow, I did have 2 cheese and Marmite straws and a sausage roll but no coffee as it served in paper cups and I don't drink out of them! I do keep a china mug in my car but forgot to put it in my bag, so strolled back to my car, couldn't resist eating one of the cheese straws as the sun was lovely and warm then drove home made a coffee and had the rest for lumch in my sunny lounge. 

Poppy and I then spent a quiet afternoon She was sleeping off her lunch on her throw and I listened to the football match between MK Dons and ITFC whilst sewing up several hats I had knitted for the seamen at Felixstowe. It was a 0-0 draw but an interesting game. A lovely way to spend Saturday.

Yesterday I planted the Snowdrops in the garden in several different spots. It was freezing cold and a stiff wind blowing so thats all I did outside. caught up on several things on my todo list and went to the Sorrel Horse pub at Barham with my family. as usual I had sausage& onion pie and salad and a super lemon cheesecake. I am so lucky to be able to spend time with my family. I love them all.xx Val

Goodbye January.

 January has been a mixed month for me. My best friend died and I miss her so much. I will always remember Pat for all the laughter and fun we had together,and all our problems we shared. Happy days. My grandson and his partner have booked their wedding date, for 6th July next year. It is the same date as I first got married, the date his Mum and Dad got married and is the birthday of her sister. ! I now have a goal to aim at to lose some weight, plus I have a special birthday that year!   Last month the Rural Coffee Caravan came to the village on Meet up Mondays  and I thought I would try it. I was pleasently surprised at how many people were there, it was held in the Victory Hall, ( this hall was built after the first world war for the villagers instead of a war memorial). Lovely to see mums and children mixing with us oldies, must have been 60 or more enjoying free coffee/tea and cake. It really started my week off well. Lots of leaflets and advice was on offer if you needed it. Thank you to all the helpers, I shall try and go every month. Tuesday is the day my daughter has everyone at hers for a family meal so we can catch up on news and enjoy time together. This week it is roast pork so think of me as I am so lucky to have family near by.She also has cats (3)  so I must remember to take Dreamies with me. Poppy will have hers before I go. Sun is shining so I must get to the shops whilst Poppy will probably have a nap. Hugs to you all x