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