Well, things are beginning to come to a head, Chez Collison.
The Grandmama's operation was a complete success, and she is going from strength to strength (and sending me on a LOT of errands in the process).
After being shuttled from pillar to post, The Great Aunt will shortly be transferred to a Nursing Home in Kidderminster: Holmwood Care & Nursing Centre. It is a very nice place; the reputation is splendid, the people seem very caring and professional, and at least two members of staff are known to members of our extended family. The only problem is the size of the room, which is (admittedly) very small. But still, you can't have everything. And in any case, The Great Aunt is at her happiest sitting and watching comings and goings around her; you can't do that holed up in your room, no matter how large it is.
Decisions regarding The Mother will be made by the end of this week. I can't say any more than that until everything is done and dusted, but suffice to say, no matter what happens, the days of my having disposable income to throw at things like lunches and milkshakes will be gone, at least for a while (=sighs=).
BUT, I am sure that things are going to be better, overall, for us, even though we may have to tighten our belts (both figuratively and literally) for a time.
In other news, Bingo's cancerous tumour has returned. This time he needs chemotherapy. The vet is tentatively hopeful that both that and surgery together will do the trick (I've checked the statistics: the chances of success are 50/50). He's having to be referred again though, to give him the best treatment possible. We're waiting to hear back regarding tests on the 6 other lumps he has, and for a phone call from Vale Referrals to arrange an appointment; then we shall know more.
The object of all the worries is currently sprawled out on his bed, damp from an impromptu swim in a river (that required a good rub down when we got home) and dreaming happy dreams.
Also, I had a very good view of a heron this morning (God bless those binoculars!) in a tree across the river that Bingo decided to take a swim in, and was treated to the sight of him/her taking off, flapping languidly to another tree a little further down and then landing again.
...And that's it (I think).
Anyway, watch this space.
Changes are afoot.
Alice x
Sunday, 17 July 2016
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Blimey.
Wow. It's 16:30, and I don't have to move again until 17:30 (to walk t'dog).
A whole hour to just sit? Luxury!
Things have been a bit hectic, Chez Collison.
When not at work (10 hours overtime per week doesn't sound like much - 40 hours instead of 30 - but by gum, it hits the body hard. Perhaps because the job is physically demanding...?) or walking the dog, I've been running errands for various family members (this afternoon, for example, I donned my pumps and took a walk back into town in search of a particular mobile telephone to appease The Grandmama); and visiting various family members (two of whom are in hospital); and helping Mother with lesson planning (which is always great fun and terribly time consuming. As an aside, I'd never been kicked off the library's computer system due to an infringement of their rules before, but on that day I was. Who knew that the word 'slug' was a "gateway term" on their pornographic watch-list? I certainly didn't. I do now, though. Then once that was all sorted out, two hours later I got kicked off it again for the crime of having run out of time. =SIGH=); and making and fielding calls from various family members about various subjects (including The Brother, who seemed to have been becoming increasingly unstable and paranoid of late. The paranoia has calmed, for now, and all seems well, but we're still on high alert for signs of a relapse); and snatching the odd nap (I'm not sleeping too well at night at the moment, even with the aid of Valerian and an (un)healthy dose of gin); and doing research online into possible treatments for bone cancer (for dogs); and taking my own dog to the vet for checkups and talks about the next operation he will need; and (last but not least) looking into the details of Nursing Homes (both online and by phone) that The Great Aunt might be happy to end her days in, situated in and around the Kidderminster area.
...Oh, and I've vacuumed.
Twice. In the past two weeks. ( ...Yeah... )
...And I've attended one choir rehearsal.
Out of three. ( ...Yeah... But I'm going tonight!)
...But now, I'm just sat. Doing nothing (except reading Blog posts in-between typing this).
And golly, t'is nice.
Technically, of course, I suppose that I should get some housework done while I have the chance (especially seeing as said chance is my one and only for at least the next two days, if not longer), but... No. Just no.
=shakes head=
I am staying right here, until that clock reads 17:25.
Yep.
=nods=
Alice x
Wow. It's 16:30, and I don't have to move again until 17:30 (to walk t'dog).
A whole hour to just sit? Luxury!
Things have been a bit hectic, Chez Collison.
When not at work (10 hours overtime per week doesn't sound like much - 40 hours instead of 30 - but by gum, it hits the body hard. Perhaps because the job is physically demanding...?) or walking the dog, I've been running errands for various family members (this afternoon, for example, I donned my pumps and took a walk back into town in search of a particular mobile telephone to appease The Grandmama); and visiting various family members (two of whom are in hospital); and helping Mother with lesson planning (which is always great fun and terribly time consuming. As an aside, I'd never been kicked off the library's computer system due to an infringement of their rules before, but on that day I was. Who knew that the word 'slug' was a "gateway term" on their pornographic watch-list? I certainly didn't. I do now, though. Then once that was all sorted out, two hours later I got kicked off it again for the crime of having run out of time. =SIGH=); and making and fielding calls from various family members about various subjects (including The Brother, who seemed to have been becoming increasingly unstable and paranoid of late. The paranoia has calmed, for now, and all seems well, but we're still on high alert for signs of a relapse); and snatching the odd nap (I'm not sleeping too well at night at the moment, even with the aid of Valerian and an (un)healthy dose of gin); and doing research online into possible treatments for bone cancer (for dogs); and taking my own dog to the vet for checkups and talks about the next operation he will need; and (last but not least) looking into the details of Nursing Homes (both online and by phone) that The Great Aunt might be happy to end her days in, situated in and around the Kidderminster area.
...Oh, and I've vacuumed.
Twice. In the past two weeks. ( ...Yeah... )
...And I've attended one choir rehearsal.
Out of three. ( ...Yeah... But I'm going tonight!)
...But now, I'm just sat. Doing nothing (except reading Blog posts in-between typing this).
And golly, t'is nice.
Technically, of course, I suppose that I should get some housework done while I have the chance (especially seeing as said chance is my one and only for at least the next two days, if not longer), but... No. Just no.
=shakes head=
I am staying right here, until that clock reads 17:25.
Yep.
=nods=
Alice x
Sunday, 12 June 2016
Kids, Eh?
A boy poked my breasts yesterday morning.
I refrained from ending him, as he appeared to be genuinely fascinated by them, and the poke he gave was a very gentle and careful one.
Plus, of course, backhanding a three-year-old that had to stand on his uppermost tiptoe simply in order to reach seemed mean.
...Well; it would've been, wouldn't it?
Alice. x
I refrained from ending him, as he appeared to be genuinely fascinated by them, and the poke he gave was a very gentle and careful one.
Plus, of course, backhanding a three-year-old that had to stand on his uppermost tiptoe simply in order to reach seemed mean.
...Well; it would've been, wouldn't it?
Alice. x
Friday, 27 May 2016
The Time Is Near...
My holiday is now only hours away (...although, technically, I guess everything can be classed as 'hours away, but still...), and I am feeling a teeny bit excited.
The excitement has been building up for the past few days, actually.
Since Monday, in fact.
I was worried that the final week would drag - particularly as I am not particularly happy at work right now - so I decided that I would get one thing done per day from the list I had written as part my grand Let's Get Ready For SATURDAY plan. That way, no matter what kind of day I had, I would have accomplished something positive and that would cheer me up.
Good in theory, and worked in practice.
On Sunday, I wrote the list.
On Monday, I purchased some teeny weeny 'travel sized' bottles of shampoo, toothpaste etc.
On Tuesday I delved into the Black Hole Of Collison (otherwise known as 'the large cupboard beside the bathroom') and found a suitable warm-but-not-too-warm coat to wear,
On Wednesday, I picked out which books I was going to take (There y'go, Best Friend 0.5; the important things are being taken care of).
On Thursday, I decided what I was going to wear on Day 1, and then packed everything else I planned on taking into my suitcase (minus my toothbrush, I still needed that).
And on Friday (today), I visited t'bank to pick up all me spending money, and have also jam-packed my shoulder bag full of everything else I think I'll need, and want to have easy access to.
So! I's all ready, so I is!
Yea!
Alice. x
The excitement has been building up for the past few days, actually.
Since Monday, in fact.
I was worried that the final week would drag - particularly as I am not particularly happy at work right now - so I decided that I would get one thing done per day from the list I had written as part my grand Let's Get Ready For SATURDAY plan. That way, no matter what kind of day I had, I would have accomplished something positive and that would cheer me up.
Good in theory, and worked in practice.
On Sunday, I wrote the list.
On Monday, I purchased some teeny weeny 'travel sized' bottles of shampoo, toothpaste etc.
On Tuesday I delved into the Black Hole Of Collison (otherwise known as 'the large cupboard beside the bathroom') and found a suitable warm-but-not-too-warm coat to wear,
On Wednesday, I picked out which books I was going to take (There y'go, Best Friend 0.5; the important things are being taken care of).
On Thursday, I decided what I was going to wear on Day 1, and then packed everything else I planned on taking into my suitcase (minus my toothbrush, I still needed that).
And on Friday (today), I visited t'bank to pick up all me spending money, and have also jam-packed my shoulder bag full of everything else I think I'll need, and want to have easy access to.
So! I's all ready, so I is!
Yea!
Alice. x
Thursday, 26 May 2016
Top Tip.
When one is using binoculars, it is a good idea for one to stand still when one is gawping through them at - say - a goldfinch rather than trying to walk, lest one should trip and land flat on one's face, and then end up limping one's way home coated in mud.
Thank you.
That is all.
=bows. limps off=
Alice. x
Thank you.
That is all.
=bows. limps off=
Alice. x
Monday, 23 May 2016
Today Was A Good Day.
Today, my shift at work went - mostly - according to plan.
Today, nobody - at work or otherwise - became cross with me for any reason.
Today, I felt I had made a difference and left with the satisfaction of a job done well (I always work hard, but sometimes in spite of best efforts, I make no headway at all).
Today, lots of people smiled at me (some bemusedly, but still).
Today, I brought some things ready for my holiday (four days and counting: yea!).
Today, I had a nice afternoon watching my favourite television shows with Bingo curled up either beside me on the sofa or on top of my foot.
Today, I spent a very pleasant hour or so meandering through Stourvale Wetlands with the dog and my binoculars (gulls, sparrows, wagtails, blue-tits, and a beautiful view of a heron silhouetted against the sky).
Today, as of this evening, I am relaxed and contented and happy.
Today was a good day.
Alice. x
Today, nobody - at work or otherwise - became cross with me for any reason.
Today, I felt I had made a difference and left with the satisfaction of a job done well (I always work hard, but sometimes in spite of best efforts, I make no headway at all).
Today, lots of people smiled at me (some bemusedly, but still).
Today, I brought some things ready for my holiday (four days and counting: yea!).
Today, I had a nice afternoon watching my favourite television shows with Bingo curled up either beside me on the sofa or on top of my foot.
Today, I spent a very pleasant hour or so meandering through Stourvale Wetlands with the dog and my binoculars (gulls, sparrows, wagtails, blue-tits, and a beautiful view of a heron silhouetted against the sky).
Today, as of this evening, I am relaxed and contented and happy.
Today was a good day.
Alice. x
Friday, 6 May 2016
Jeeze Louise -
- but it has been a long time since I last posted anything on here. Nearly three weeks. Not as bad as some previous absences - I think while MJ was staying with Mother and me I posted approximately twice in six months - but still pretty darn tardy of me, wouldn't you say?
.....So! What have I been doing I hear (both of) you ask?
Well, when I think about it, not all that much.
Not that I have been sat doing nothing all day, you understand (and I hasten to add), and twiddling my thumbs. Oh no, I've been busy doing the things that normally keep me busy - ...work, dog, family, friends, errands, choir, household chores, reading, writing, watching stuff on YouTube while I pretend to write, helping Mother, curling up and feeling sorry for myself because allergy season has started again and I've been feeling utterly terrible, sewing (rather a lot of sewing, actually; I've had three pigs to make at short notice, not to mention an elephant for The Great Aunt's birthday and a doll dressed up like a scientist)... - but (other than the extra sewing) nothing much more than that.
I just haven't felt much like writing on here for a bit, I guess..
And now I'm here, and I feel like talking, and can't think of a thing to say.
Which is helpful.
Perhaps it's because I've been feeling ill, and that is all it is.
Because I really have, and still do. It's been building up for days, and now seems to have reached a nice high plateau of "please, someone/something make it stop!".
Y'know, I've noticed over the years - and this really irritates me - that people who are allergy free have no concept whatsoever of how bad this can get; they really haven't. Allergy sufferers are often maligned and jested about - lightheartedly or not - and portrayed as wimps for moaning about what - to them - seems to be a mild case of the sniffles.
It's "just allergies!", they say. It's "only hayfever!" they hoot. As though we are exaggerating for effect, or something. They truly appear to assume that suffering from allergies is the equivalent of sniffing a bit with the odd sneeze and itch to the eyes thrown in, and it doesn't ever get any worse than that. It simply doesn't seem to be understood that what actually happens is you feel one teeny tiny step away from having the flu - real flu, that is; not the 'I-have-a-bad-cold-and-need/want-to-stay-home-from-work' type of flu that people who haven't experienced proper flu claim is flu - pretty much all the time (except for the times when it takes the teeny tiny step into flu feeling territory) for however long it happens to be that whatever you are allergic to is doing all of its growing and pollinating.
Add 'trigger' asthma in - like I have - and on some days you end up feeling even worse than that.
Add in being allergic to several kinds of pollen that appear all at once - also like me! See how special I am? I have both asthma AND multiple allergies at the same time! Sometimes my specialness makes me so giddy that I might just throw up! - and you feel very very crap indeed.
Oh, and to make matters worse; one of my bigger allergies is caused by grass (y'know, that green stuff that grows and pollinates from around march to October; that stuff).
And to really put the tin hat on it; I work in a place that sells a large variety of plants.
.....Including grass (clever, eh?).....
=SIGHS=
Anyway, the assumption irritates me, a lot.
And, just in case you hadn't noticed; right now, I'm feeling very, very crap indeed.
Can you tell?
(I hide it well, after all)
Alice x
P.S. I know you must be fed up with the moaning by now, but meh =shrugs= t'is my Blog, so:
Also, I keep sneezing (you know the kind on television after somebody has snorted pepper, and you think; fake! nobody can sneeze that many times in that space of time? It's just like that).
.....Since sitting down this afternoon - once I got home from work and all my other chores were done - I've wiped off my computer screen so many times while I finished The Great Aunt's birthday elephant, listening as I was to Pentatonix sing their hearts out as I did so (I do love YouTube), and then enjoyed two new episodes of The Big Bang Theory, that I've actually lost count.
.....And I know that that is gross and horrid - okay? - but there are only so many tissues a girl can go through, no matter how soft, before her nose feels as though it is on fire and she just wants to bury her head in her hands (which are shaking madly due to her being forced to use her inhaler 5 times today already just to make it through her shift without passing out) and cry.
.....So! What have I been doing I hear (both of) you ask?
Well, when I think about it, not all that much.
Not that I have been sat doing nothing all day, you understand (and I hasten to add), and twiddling my thumbs. Oh no, I've been busy doing the things that normally keep me busy - ...work, dog, family, friends, errands, choir, household chores, reading, writing, watching stuff on YouTube while I pretend to write, helping Mother, curling up and feeling sorry for myself because allergy season has started again and I've been feeling utterly terrible, sewing (rather a lot of sewing, actually; I've had three pigs to make at short notice, not to mention an elephant for The Great Aunt's birthday and a doll dressed up like a scientist)... - but (other than the extra sewing) nothing much more than that.
I just haven't felt much like writing on here for a bit, I guess..
And now I'm here, and I feel like talking, and can't think of a thing to say.
Which is helpful.
Perhaps it's because I've been feeling ill, and that is all it is.
Because I really have, and still do. It's been building up for days, and now seems to have reached a nice high plateau of "please, someone/something make it stop!".
Y'know, I've noticed over the years - and this really irritates me - that people who are allergy free have no concept whatsoever of how bad this can get; they really haven't. Allergy sufferers are often maligned and jested about - lightheartedly or not - and portrayed as wimps for moaning about what - to them - seems to be a mild case of the sniffles.
It's "just allergies!", they say. It's "only hayfever!" they hoot. As though we are exaggerating for effect, or something. They truly appear to assume that suffering from allergies is the equivalent of sniffing a bit with the odd sneeze and itch to the eyes thrown in, and it doesn't ever get any worse than that. It simply doesn't seem to be understood that what actually happens is you feel one teeny tiny step away from having the flu - real flu, that is; not the 'I-have-a-bad-cold-and-need/want-to-stay-home-from-work' type of flu that people who haven't experienced proper flu claim is flu - pretty much all the time (except for the times when it takes the teeny tiny step into flu feeling territory) for however long it happens to be that whatever you are allergic to is doing all of its growing and pollinating.
Add 'trigger' asthma in - like I have - and on some days you end up feeling even worse than that.
Add in being allergic to several kinds of pollen that appear all at once - also like me! See how special I am? I have both asthma AND multiple allergies at the same time! Sometimes my specialness makes me so giddy that I might just throw up! - and you feel very very crap indeed.
Oh, and to make matters worse; one of my bigger allergies is caused by grass (y'know, that green stuff that grows and pollinates from around march to October; that stuff).
And to really put the tin hat on it; I work in a place that sells a large variety of plants.
.....Including grass (clever, eh?).....
=SIGHS=
Anyway, the assumption irritates me, a lot.
And, just in case you hadn't noticed; right now, I'm feeling very, very crap indeed.
Can you tell?
(I hide it well, after all)
Alice x
P.S. I know you must be fed up with the moaning by now, but meh =shrugs= t'is my Blog, so:
Also, I keep sneezing (you know the kind on television after somebody has snorted pepper, and you think; fake! nobody can sneeze that many times in that space of time? It's just like that).
.....Since sitting down this afternoon - once I got home from work and all my other chores were done - I've wiped off my computer screen so many times while I finished The Great Aunt's birthday elephant, listening as I was to Pentatonix sing their hearts out as I did so (I do love YouTube), and then enjoyed two new episodes of The Big Bang Theory, that I've actually lost count.
.....And I know that that is gross and horrid - okay? - but there are only so many tissues a girl can go through, no matter how soft, before her nose feels as though it is on fire and she just wants to bury her head in her hands (which are shaking madly due to her being forced to use her inhaler 5 times today already just to make it through her shift without passing out) and cry.
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