Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Due to mix up on my part I missed out on a lunch with the friend. So as a change to my diary I decided to take myself off to the cinema. A place I have not been for while. Mainly due to time and the fact that there has been very little released lately that has inspired me to hand over money.
So what was my choice for this return to the cinema. Well there was a limited choice and I thought I would try out 3D, something that I have always had problems with due in part to the glasses. As a glasses wearer it has been difficult to co-habit two pairs of glasses on your face when they are flimsy paper/card versions. Thankfully now they are robust and go over a pair of glasses with no problems. The only thing I did feel was some sort of motion sickness effects at some points.
Not that I am a film critic and I know I have certain likes and dislikes within film. I do understand that viewing films is down to personal taste. I have to be honest I was not a fan of Alice in Wonderland. I love Tim Burton and he has a habit of breathing new life into certain genres but on this occasion the saintly Johnny Depp could not help this film. Ann Hathaway was so hammy and camp I thought I was watching the wrong film. All the British acting talent was mainly through voices and minor roles. Overall it was a couple of hours in my day and something that I could have waited till was on DVD. However, all that said at least 3D is now something that will not stop me from watching a film and if it is dedicated to 3D then I will see it.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
First thing of the day was to go to the hospital for my blood test, this will determine if I am fit enough for my next treatment. She took two attempts to extract the two files of blood required. I am now bruised and marked again. I hope people don't think that I doing anything else?!
I think I should have revolving doors fitted to the front door. At lunchtime I had two colleagues from a previous office come in their lunch 'hour' to see how I was getting on. It was great to have the banter and carried on from where we left off.
Not long after they left Tesco came round and delivered my weekly shop. I can really recommend online shopping with your local supermarket. People worry about the substitutions or not having the quality that you like. So far I have had few disappointments. The only problem has been the idiot who has been doing the shopping through the website (oh, that would be me - I have so far managed to order a frying pan that was tooooooooo small. I did have to go back to the supermarket to return the pan and buy a more suitable version.)
On the back of the delivery man was another friend. She is now over 6 months from finishing her treatment from ovarian cancer. I have had great conversations about what to expect and what to expect as it goes on. We had a laugh and caught up on family things and then planned our spouses diary. I have found that some friends are just happy to get on with life as usual even with everything that is going on.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Early start as we had an early appointment at the hospital for my third treatment. We are now officially half way through.
This was a treatment that I felt for the first time. I could actually feel it enter and make its way round my body. A very strange feeling. We then went on to a local pub for a quick bite to eat.
When I got home by the evening it was taking effect, for the first time I was taking the third set of anti sickness drugs. I struggled to get to sleep and then woke up at 04:00 and struggled to get back to sleep.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
As I could not sleep I decided to make use of the time and called my Mom. We had a good chat and started planning their trip over. I was really phoning to also apologies for not sorting a Mother's Day card out for her. That it would be late arriving. I have to be honest that I was going to put my foot down and we would only have one Mother's Day and one Father's Day, but it is difficult as I have all the cards over in England in March for Mother's Day and then they have all the cards in Australia in May, plus Mom gets all the questions from friends if I would be sending her anything or if she is doing anything special for the day. The same sort of goes for Pops for Father's Day.
I had a dose and then my husband brought me up my breakfast and provisions for the day. I am still not one hundred percent, not that I was expecting to be dancing round the garden, but the accumulative effect of the drugs is taking its toll.
Managed to set up the computer to watch the F1 qualifying and catch up on other TV that I would not normally watch. By the evening I was watching Doctor Who - still not sure about the new doctor and his companion, still early days.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Catch up with friends
Friday, 30th April 2010
Another weekend of social whirl. It started with a reunion with work colleagues. I know it was actually a sad occasion in that it was a leaving do for my manager and another colleague. I went all out and as they had brought me a scarf and necklace so I put them together for a more glamorous look.
It took me over an hour to get to the pub due in part that there were an increased level of caravans as we have a public holiday this weekend.
Finally arrived and everyone was pleased to see me, thankfully I had not missed much. We had a good time chatting and catching up. Stayed long enough for the presentations.
Then it took another hour to get home. Arrived around the same time as Ivan who then went out to pick up our friend from Brum, while I cooked tea.
Saturday, 1st May 2010
Woke early and readied myself for a day out. We left on time and set the sat nav. As we were on our way the plans changed and where we are meeting, but not problems we just adjusted the sat nav to the new location and carried on our way.
We arrived at Chatsworth and waited for the others to arrive. Not long later the first of our friends arrived and then we all retired for cup of tea and chat till the others arrived.
The girls went off to the house and the boys went to the farm and adventure play ground. After the audio tour of the house and a look at the Tulip festival flower displays in each room. We went on for the main event of the day - afternoon tea!
We had finger sandwiches of Ham & Mustard, Cheese & Cucumber, Smoked Salmon, Egg. This was followed by a Lemon Mousse. Then the discussion started which is first the cream or the jam for the scones, also how do you pronounce 'Scone'. We then had a chocolate brownies and a meringue. All joined by a lovely cup of loose leaf Earl Grey (named after the lover of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire).
Everyone enjoyed the conversation and the food. We then went for a wander around the shops and picked up a few choice items.
This was followed by a walk around the gardens and meeting up with the boys.
Once home we had Fish n' Chips. The only thing was that I was shattered!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
My friends partner joined us today and arrived in time for breakfast. Once ready we then went out to the archetypal Tudor black and white building. Little Moreton Hall is a National Trust property.
We had a guided tour of the ground floor and then made our way up to the long gallery at the top of the south range.
We then went home and had a lovely roast dinner. Good conversation and a couple of drinks round the dinning room table. All in all a good weekend.
Monday, 3 May 2010
May Day Bank Holiday
A much required duvet day.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Another duvet day - it is surprising what you can not do when you have the time not to do it. I have managed to run down the digital box to only 18 hours remaining. During the course of today I managed to record some more operas for my dad and watch a couple of things as well.
It took me over an hour to get to the pub due in part that there were an increased level of caravans as we have a public holiday this weekend.
Finally arrived and everyone was pleased to see me, thankfully I had not missed much. We had a good time chatting and catching up. Stayed long enough for the presentations.
Then it took another hour to get home. Arrived around the same time as Ivan who then went out to pick up our friend from Brum, while I cooked tea.
Saturday, 1st May 2010
Woke early and readied myself for a day out. We left on time and set the sat nav. As we were on our way the plans changed and where we are meeting, but not problems we just adjusted the sat nav to the new location and carried on our way.
We arrived at Chatsworth and waited for the others to arrive. Not long later the first of our friends arrived and then we all retired for cup of tea and chat till the others arrived.
We had finger sandwiches of Ham & Mustard, Cheese & Cucumber, Smoked Salmon, Egg. This was followed by a Lemon Mousse. Then the discussion started which is first the cream or the jam for the scones, also how do you pronounce 'Scone'. We then had a chocolate brownies and a meringue. All joined by a lovely cup of loose leaf Earl Grey (named after the lover of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire).
Everyone enjoyed the conversation and the food. We then went for a wander around the shops and picked up a few choice items.
This was followed by a walk around the gardens and meeting up with the boys.
Once home we had Fish n' Chips. The only thing was that I was shattered!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
We had a guided tour of the ground floor and then made our way up to the long gallery at the top of the south range.
We then went home and had a lovely roast dinner. Good conversation and a couple of drinks round the dinning room table. All in all a good weekend.
Monday, 3 May 2010
May Day Bank Holiday
A much required duvet day.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Another duvet day - it is surprising what you can not do when you have the time not to do it. I have managed to run down the digital box to only 18 hours remaining. During the course of today I managed to record some more operas for my dad and watch a couple of things as well.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Enjoying being at home
I have had a strange week this week. I have been doing errands, practising the art of the domestic goddess and having a long need contact with people.
Not that this has made me remote from people it has made me feel that I am looked at differently when out and about. This however could just be me being self conscious about the way I look.
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010
Saturday my husband did overtime at work. I on the other hand arranged a shopping trip with one of best friends. I have now started shopping online, which I have to say is brilliant. The delivery person even brings it straight into the kitchen for me, the main thing is the kitchen is at the back of the house! The draw back, as there seems there has to be a draw back somewhere is great plans. I can get things wrong or there could be strange substitutions. Well I had to go to the supermarket to correct a human error (mine). After lunch I went to John Lewis to look at their cushions and do some retail therapy. Unfortunately the cushions I had seen on the website were not in keeping of the colours of my lounge so I will have to back to the drawing board. However, I did manage to find a replacement for the Bath shelf. We got back and had a cup of tea and carried on our chat.
Sunday was, in comparison, a lazy day.
Monday, 26th April 2010
I thought I would take myself out on a little trip and found an Antiques and craft centre in south Cheshire. It was a lovely day out, if a little too far really. However, it was a lovely chance to have a rummage and a wonder. It turned out to be a successful day with the purchase of my first Christmas present for a friend. I know that she will love it and that it is something that she is collecting. The only thing is that I did not find anything for me, but that was not really the point.
Tuesday, 27th April 2010
DUVET DAY
I did not do much other than finish all my hand written notes to friends and family for their generous cards and presents over the past couple of months. I sat in my PJs in the lounge and with my pot of purple ink and my dipping pen (quill), a pile of Basildon Bond paper and envelops. All letters written! I even had my postal arrive yesterday so I sat down and read the instructions and cast my vote, not just in the National election but for the local council as well. All envelopes filled and stamped, they can be posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27 April 2010
After the relaxation of yesterday I was up and out early to get some essential ingredients for cooking today. Was settling down with some breakfast and the newspaper when the doorbell rang. It was the boss and a colleague doing a welfare visit. We had a good chat both for work purposes and a good gossip. They came baring gifts - someone has obviously made them aware of my love for all things Monsoon Accessorize. They had brought a square silk scarf and a matching necklace.
Once they had left the building I went into the kitchen and turned my hand to being the domestic goddess. I found a recipe from Rachel Allen for Lemon Cupcakes. I may have changed a couple things in the recipe but I think they turned out okay. My husband thought the sponge had nothing to it, but I may not have put enough lemon in the mixture.
Thursday, 28 April 2010
After cooking yesterday I thought I would hit the shops and get a matching pair of earrings to go with the necklace and scarf from work. I also need a pink lipstick from the Body Shop. Also on the shopping list was a leaving card for my boss and little present to say thank you. All done and a quick lunch at Starbucks and a good day was had by all. While in the Body Shop I was looking at the make up and the girl came over to offer assistance, she was just about to tell me about the new mascara they were launching when I told her that I don't know how long I would be keeping my eyelashes and so that the mascara would not be a purchase for today, she was very apologetic and went on to show me the eyeliners and other make up. I then went to the till to pay and we carried on talking. I mentioned in passing that I was having a Body Shop at Home party for the Race for Life. She said that she was doing the run but had no one to put on her back that she was running for and asked if she could put my name on her back. I was honoured by her idea.
Not that this has made me remote from people it has made me feel that I am looked at differently when out and about. This however could just be me being self conscious about the way I look.
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010
Saturday my husband did overtime at work. I on the other hand arranged a shopping trip with one of best friends. I have now started shopping online, which I have to say is brilliant. The delivery person even brings it straight into the kitchen for me, the main thing is the kitchen is at the back of the house! The draw back, as there seems there has to be a draw back somewhere is great plans. I can get things wrong or there could be strange substitutions. Well I had to go to the supermarket to correct a human error (mine). After lunch I went to John Lewis to look at their cushions and do some retail therapy. Unfortunately the cushions I had seen on the website were not in keeping of the colours of my lounge so I will have to back to the drawing board. However, I did manage to find a replacement for the Bath shelf. We got back and had a cup of tea and carried on our chat.
Sunday was, in comparison, a lazy day.
Monday, 26th April 2010
I thought I would take myself out on a little trip and found an Antiques and craft centre in south Cheshire. It was a lovely day out, if a little too far really. However, it was a lovely chance to have a rummage and a wonder. It turned out to be a successful day with the purchase of my first Christmas present for a friend. I know that she will love it and that it is something that she is collecting. The only thing is that I did not find anything for me, but that was not really the point.
Tuesday, 27th April 2010
DUVET DAY
I did not do much other than finish all my hand written notes to friends and family for their generous cards and presents over the past couple of months. I sat in my PJs in the lounge and with my pot of purple ink and my dipping pen (quill), a pile of Basildon Bond paper and envelops. All letters written! I even had my postal arrive yesterday so I sat down and read the instructions and cast my vote, not just in the National election but for the local council as well. All envelopes filled and stamped, they can be posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27 April 2010
After the relaxation of yesterday I was up and out early to get some essential ingredients for cooking today. Was settling down with some breakfast and the newspaper when the doorbell rang. It was the boss and a colleague doing a welfare visit. We had a good chat both for work purposes and a good gossip. They came baring gifts - someone has obviously made them aware of my love for all things Monsoon Accessorize. They had brought a square silk scarf and a matching necklace.
Thursday, 28 April 2010
After cooking yesterday I thought I would hit the shops and get a matching pair of earrings to go with the necklace and scarf from work. I also need a pink lipstick from the Body Shop. Also on the shopping list was a leaving card for my boss and little present to say thank you. All done and a quick lunch at Starbucks and a good day was had by all. While in the Body Shop I was looking at the make up and the girl came over to offer assistance, she was just about to tell me about the new mascara they were launching when I told her that I don't know how long I would be keeping my eyelashes and so that the mascara would not be a purchase for today, she was very apologetic and went on to show me the eyeliners and other make up. I then went to the till to pay and we carried on talking. I mentioned in passing that I was having a Body Shop at Home party for the Race for Life. She said that she was doing the run but had no one to put on her back that she was running for and asked if she could put my name on her back. I was honoured by her idea.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Getting on with life
Tuesday, 20th April 2010
Well today is one of best friends birthdays. Today I want to surprise her and have decided, even if it kills me that I will going to her Birthday tea and the local Chinese restaurant. I know I will pay for it Wednesday but it is for a good cause.
Phoned my friend and told her about my surprise and she is over the moon that I can join her. She has said if by the time they arrive I have changed my mind then not to worry.
Well I glammed up and was mistaken by some as Annie Lennox, I am sorry to Annie as I think she looks fab and am only a pale imitation. Still who would know what I am going through if I can look that good.
We had a great night with good conversation and a lovely meal. At one point I did think of asking for the ice cream to be mircowaved as it was too cold for me.
Wednesday, 21st April 2010
As foretold I was not that clever on Wednesday but I had to get myself down to my local GP to get my 'fit'note and other forms. She was pleased to see me and thought that I looked really well. Will people learn that I am going though some strange stuff and I am not supposed to look well.
The rest of the day was spent lying on the bed and listening to Classic FM, it has been my regular listing for a while but I am now addicted. I know some purists will not enjoy the fact that they only play excerpts but as of an evening they do play the full works.
Thursday, 22nd April 2010
As the weather has been really nice I had transferred my arrangements from the lounge to the conservatory. I can still watch DVDs or listen to CDs but I can do it in the warmth of the sun. I also get company from the cat that has adopted us.
I had a visitor today in the form of a girl from work. It was really nice to have a good chat and talk about other things that what is going in my world. She is due to leave work soon to have a baby and so we talked about that and the fact that we are going to Stratford in July to see Romeo & Juliet.
Today is Toastmasters and I do feel a little guilty that I am not going, but you can not do everything and you have to selective about your invitations.
Friday, 23rd April 2010
I am now feeling a lot better today and could even pass as human. Well I definitely think that being off work is going to cost us a fortune! I have just found another fantastic programme on the BBC called Cracking Antiques. They take a room and put in High Street mock antiques and show that person what they can do if money was no object, the current episode showed a lounge and it cost over £13,000, they only have £2,000 to spend. They did it and was actually under budget if you excluded the curtains. The big thing for me was they took a £90.00 Chesterfield sofa and recovered it for just under £600 and it looked fab. I mentioned this to Ivan in the morning and by the afternoon a local upholsterer had visited us and given us a quote for out suite. I also had a glazing company visit for a new garage door, which Ivan broke the other weekend. So by the end of the day I had spent big!!!!
My last visitor of the afternoon was my shopping. I have now decided it is best to do online shopping that way we do not get side tracked into buying all sorts of things we don't want. I still managed to order stuff that we didn't want or need on reflection.
Now that all my scheduled visitors had left the building I have decided that the idea of going into Manchester to see my ex-work colleagues from the local paper was a little too much at this time. Maybe next time.
Phoned my friend and told her about my surprise and she is over the moon that I can join her. She has said if by the time they arrive I have changed my mind then not to worry.
Well I glammed up and was mistaken by some as Annie Lennox, I am sorry to Annie as I think she looks fab and am only a pale imitation. Still who would know what I am going through if I can look that good.
We had a great night with good conversation and a lovely meal. At one point I did think of asking for the ice cream to be mircowaved as it was too cold for me.
Wednesday, 21st April 2010
As foretold I was not that clever on Wednesday but I had to get myself down to my local GP to get my 'fit'note and other forms. She was pleased to see me and thought that I looked really well. Will people learn that I am going though some strange stuff and I am not supposed to look well.
Thursday, 22nd April 2010
As the weather has been really nice I had transferred my arrangements from the lounge to the conservatory. I can still watch DVDs or listen to CDs but I can do it in the warmth of the sun. I also get company from the cat that has adopted us.
I had a visitor today in the form of a girl from work. It was really nice to have a good chat and talk about other things that what is going in my world. She is due to leave work soon to have a baby and so we talked about that and the fact that we are going to Stratford in July to see Romeo & Juliet.
Today is Toastmasters and I do feel a little guilty that I am not going, but you can not do everything and you have to selective about your invitations.
Friday, 23rd April 2010
I am now feeling a lot better today and could even pass as human. Well I definitely think that being off work is going to cost us a fortune! I have just found another fantastic programme on the BBC called Cracking Antiques. They take a room and put in High Street mock antiques and show that person what they can do if money was no object, the current episode showed a lounge and it cost over £13,000, they only have £2,000 to spend. They did it and was actually under budget if you excluded the curtains. The big thing for me was they took a £90.00 Chesterfield sofa and recovered it for just under £600 and it looked fab. I mentioned this to Ivan in the morning and by the afternoon a local upholsterer had visited us and given us a quote for out suite. I also had a glazing company visit for a new garage door, which Ivan broke the other weekend. So by the end of the day I had spent big!!!!
My last visitor of the afternoon was my shopping. I have now decided it is best to do online shopping that way we do not get side tracked into buying all sorts of things we don't want. I still managed to order stuff that we didn't want or need on reflection.
Now that all my scheduled visitors had left the building I have decided that the idea of going into Manchester to see my ex-work colleagues from the local paper was a little too much at this time. Maybe next time.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Second Treatment
They said it would and it did. That is get worse. Thankfully the anti sickness drugs are doing what they say on the tin, it is just all the other internal side effects that I just can not reconcile.
Friday, 16th April 2010
So a week last Friday I went to the drugs party at Halton Hospital. Met up with the Breast Nurse and one of the Oncology Doctors, all very happy with me and my progress. My hair was doing well and hanging on in there!
Ivan spent the time listening to Robin Williams on his iTouch. I on the other hand had a lovely conversation with one of the nurses who was in charge of 'feeding' me the drugs.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April 2010
That weekend I stayed above stairs and gave the excuse to view trash TV on BBC iPlayer, 4OD and other catch up TV websites. I also watched one of the best F1 races this season, what overtaking and the rain really sorted the men from the boys even the self appointed Rain-Meister Schumacher struggled!!!!
Monday, 19th April 2010
By the Monday I had enough of sharing the bed with a Yeti and bath looking as though I bathed with one, so I called a friend and she came over and shaved my head. This will not reduce the hair shedding but it will not look that bad and it won't be so noticeable.
Friday, 16th April 2010
So a week last Friday I went to the drugs party at Halton Hospital. Met up with the Breast Nurse and one of the Oncology Doctors, all very happy with me and my progress. My hair was doing well and hanging on in there!
Ivan spent the time listening to Robin Williams on his iTouch. I on the other hand had a lovely conversation with one of the nurses who was in charge of 'feeding' me the drugs.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April 2010
That weekend I stayed above stairs and gave the excuse to view trash TV on BBC iPlayer, 4OD and other catch up TV websites. I also watched one of the best F1 races this season, what overtaking and the rain really sorted the men from the boys even the self appointed Rain-Meister Schumacher struggled!!!!
Monday, 19th April 2010
By the Monday I had enough of sharing the bed with a Yeti and bath looking as though I bathed with one, so I called a friend and she came over and shaved my head. This will not reduce the hair shedding but it will not look that bad and it won't be so noticeable.
Friday, 23 April 2010
Social whirl
I know I have not blogged for a while but I have been busy and tired in equal measure.
The last week has had some ups and downs. Let us start with:
Saturday, 10 April 2010
One of my best buds came over we watched the Grand National, even though neither of us had a horse in our respect office sweepstakes, by the end we found out that my husband had the horse that came third but hats of finally for AP McCoy for finally getting round and coming first. Before, during and after the race we played a game of Scrabble, a hard fought game with some very interesting words, and more to the point NO cheating. The day was finished with a Chinese take away, not sure if it is something I should be eating but I enjoyed it all the same.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
After a couple of days of playing on my laptop and sorting out files from my laptop on to the wireless external hard disk. Also worked on my family history with some success but still working on how the software works and the reports it produces.
For today it was all about catching up with friends I had not seen for a while. They are members of a PowerTalk group in Cheshire but also members of my club, Rovers. We discussed the recent weekend in St Andrews which I had regrettably missed. It was nice to see old friends and know that whatever is going on each other’s lives we can just chat about anything.
While in Knutsford I was very naughty, well not so naughty. I visited one of their many antique emporiums and did a little bit of window shopping. I found a couple of Birmingham silver pill boxes, which I am partial to and then I saw a Victorian laptop, okay writing slope, but I just thought it was a little too expensive, maybe next time I visit I might have the confidence to barter.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Gee the days are rolling by. Today was another busy day. I spent my time relaxing before finally making the decision to go into Manchester latter than my original plans. Ordered the taxi and then caught the train to Oxford Road. Unfortunately it was the stopper, so all places between Warrington and Manchester were covered. Did my usual trick of doing my make on the train, normally to the dismay of other passengers and if I have friends with me them too. Wandered to my usual Starbucks and had a rest and my treat of Classic Hot Chocolate with Peppermint syrup. While walking on to my next project I bumped into an old work colleague who thought I looked really well. I have to say that I don’t think I looked that good but they do say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I did not have a mirror handy to see what I looked like.
Went to another of my favourite places, Waterstones the bookshop, I bought a poetry book I had seen the day before in Knutsford and I also got an up to date copy of Romeo and Juliet in lieu of going in July. Just for background.
After my little spending spree I then sat for a few moments in one of the nicest churches in Manchester St Anne’s Church. If you have seen The Forsyte Saga with Damian Lewis, it was used as the location for a family wedding.
My friend and husband joined me in Pizza Express for a bite to eat before going on to the Royal Exchange to see Shakespeare’s ‘A Comedy of Errors’.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
I definitely did too much the previous two days and spent the day sitting relaxing catching up on TV. The highlight was a visit from a couple of girls from work, so we sat in the conservatory and had a good chat. Very much appreciated.
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