I'm still here . . .

I'm still here . . . struggling to wave rather than drown. Keeping my head above water . . just.

3 positive things:

1. I have joined a Bridge Club and have acquired an experienced player as a partner. I'm sure we will be a force to be reckoned with once I understand his bidding. And even more so when he understands I have moments of brilliance. As well as moments when I lose concentration. When I start thinking of all the chores I need to do. A consequence of which is that I find I'm not sure whether I'm playing in a Trump or a no Trump contract.
2. The new car is wonderful. For such a large car [after my little Honda Jazz] it is very easy, relaxing to drive and manoeuvre around local towns. Unlike when driving the Jazz - drivers of 4x4s no longer attempt to bully me on the road.
3. MyMan and I are still together.

Spring has Sprung

Another beautiful sunny warm day.

Spring has Sprung.

Hellebores galore.

Nodding daffodils.

Birds flitting and flirting everywhere.

A quiet half hour sat outside enjoying the warmth from the rays of the sun.

Life feels good.

Counting My Blessings - the pros and cons of them

1. After 6 weeks of no longer using my fingernails as 'tools' and taking care of my cuticles I no longer feel ashamed of my hands when I am learning how to play Bridge. But I now have to do that prissy ladylike way of holding things and pushing buttons with the pads of my fingers to preserve my long nails. I also keep hitting the CAPS LOCK button by mistake with my longer finger nails.


2. Financial worries have eased somewhat after receiving Carer's Allowance. But I don't get time to go out to the shops to spend any of it - apart from Boots Chemist for nail care products.


3. I have bought a '3 Easy Steps to Deep Relaxation' CD. But I've listened to it 4 times and only finished step 1 so far - on step 2 I keep falling asleep. Heaven only knows what step 3 will do to me, if I ever get that far.

An Apple A Day .......

They say "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Part of a nursery rhyme or an early English old wives tale. It is traditionally a remedy for constipation. A way to ensure the required intake of various anti oxidants and vitamins and fibre.

Another daily task that would be good for us, is to take time to count our blessings or to think of 3 Beautiful Things. The 3BT rule. I wrote a posting recently on this theme after I had found Clare's original site called 3BeautifulThings.

Today:

1. the smell of freshly mown grass and damp earth as I worked in the garden
2. the warmth of the sun and the sound of birdsong as I sat enjoying the peace of the garden
3. picking rosy red Discovery apples, their scent evoking childhood memories. A better crop than I was expecting as the apple trees have been rather neglected this last year or two.

Red Sky at Night

"Quick - look out of the window - the most glorious sunset". I didn't like to say 'I know'. I'd already seen it and was rushing for my camera. Marion rang 4 people that evening just to make sure none of us missed the brilliant spectacle. We don't often have 'sunset' skies in this part of Devon. It seems that the atmosphere and lack of dust particles mean no colourful sunsets - or rarely. It rained the next morning so it wasn't a harbinger of good weather, whatever any shepherd might think. Perhaps it was good for the sailors. It certainly adds to the feeling that life can be wonderful, magical and we must all count our blessings.

Counting My Blessings In May

Hmmmmm, thinks .....

1. I'm still married ... so far ...
2. Only half of my joints ache
3. I'm still fat - but if I fell into the North sea I'd survive longer - and it would be easier to float (like cream on top of coffee)
4. I discovered Westlife (sad - I know)
5. I have more in my bank account than at the end of last month ...
6. I can therefore go for some retail therapy
7. And buy Westlife's 'Let Us Be Frank'
8. The garden is looking beautiful
9. I appreciate home again - and My Man, after a break away

Counting My Blessings in April

1. My man is one degree better - helped by all the recent sunshine
2. I'm planning a trip to visit friends in Suffolk
3. Followed by a visit to my sister in London
4. I still have a bookshelf full of books waiting to be read
5. I now receive a pension - so have some income to spend - riches
6. I'm 6lbs lighter than last month
7. I've found some very funny blogs and laugh a lot
8. We have no plans to get the builders back - yet
9. The dust has finally cleared from the last building project which ended in December
10. My man and I will have a break from each other
11. The garden looks beautiful, azaleas, amelanchia, lenten roses, tulips, perennial candytuft, forget- me- not and primroses all over the place in full bloom.

TJX and TK Maxx UK

It's late. It's Friday night.I rememebr the days when Friday night meant all manner of 'good things'. The end of the working week. Two days of fun filled activities ahead. Now I no longer work, it's just another evening. Neither good nor bad - no different to any other evening. So, time to count my Blessings. Perhaps I should make this a monthly ritual?

1. I don't have to worry about the Monday Morning Blues
2. I've never shopped at TK Maxx
3. I'm so tired I reckon I'll really sleep well tonight
4. Financially better off at the end of March than at the beginning
5. I'm still breathing
6. Lent is coming to an end soon
7. I'll soon feel less guilty eating sweets [I had given up sweets for Lent]
8. I'm still able to think [and puzzle out 'what are my blessings'?]
9. I have sent out e cards for Easter from Jacquie Lawson a bargain as the sign up fee is so modest.

For anyone who hasn't found these delightful cards the website is well worth look and to find out more about Jacquie and how she started.

Counting My Blessings

1. It's another sunny day
2. South West Water - reservoirs are 100% full - shouldn't be a hosepipe ban this summer
3. It feels warm and spring like - the buds are bursting and the weeds are a growing
4. Hubby is feeling better today - health problems continue but mood is lighter
5. I had a lovely long chat with sister in law - she is very supportive and understanding
6. I had a glass of wine with lunch - Banrock Station, red blend, on offer from Sainsbury's
7. I enjoyed Crufts on TV last night - terrier and hounds - my favourite classes
8. I read "Walking Ollie" by Stephen Foster in 3 hours - amusing and moving - for dog lovers
9. I have a whole shelf of unread books waiting for me - such riches
10. I have good friends - far and wide
11. I won £50 on the Premium Bonds - or did I mention that in an earlier blog?
12. I have £50 that I can spend on yet more books