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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: louisa maud on Monday 25 August 25 01:27 BST (UK)
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Good morning folks
Yes, ti's me opening up a new week at some unearthy hour, having a can't sleep night again.
Bank Holiday weekend has been very quiet here but then we don't live near a town where things are going on, there used to be a village carnival not so many years ago but it doesn't seem to happen now , 59 years or so ago the carnival was huge but somehow I think they have gone out of fashion, or have they?
Weather slightly cooler which was really most welcome, I do wonder if that is our summer over, as hot as it was it was short lived.
Seems lots of anniversaries this month, ours will be 61 years on 29th.
Enjoy your Bank Holiday Monday wherever you are,
LM
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Hope you had a decent Bank Holiday! We always hide away over Bank holidays, never go out if we can avoid it. Today is my cousin's wedding Anniversary, and would have been my father's 104th birthday! He gave my cousin away when she married, her own father had died some years before, and we all joked that she gave Dad a brilliant birthday party in her wedding reception!
Hot today. Too hot for us. Skulking in the garden under lots of shade.
TY
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We had a few chilly days but it's 27° today with a pleasant breeze, lovely for sitting out in the garden. It's been busy around here, people always want to visit the coast at bank holiday weekends. It was lifeboat day on Saturday and there have been a number of other popular events.
My cousin and his wife were here the week before last, visiting from Australia. I hadn't seen him since I was in my late teens and had never met his wife so it was good to get together with them. They left for Oz last week, returned with a stopover. While they were here my cousin told me that he'd been trying to find out some information about his maternal grandfather who was in the Royal Navy but he hadn't had much success. I decided to see what I could find, to cut a long story short I managed to find his service record on TNA website and was able to download it and email it to him. They've just got back home to Oz, have heard from them and he's really excited about my find. I think I might be appearing on Rootschat to try and follow up on the information on it! I was so pleased when I found it and even more so having heard how pleased my cousin is. :D
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Bank Holidays here are usually something to do with motorbike racing.
This week it's Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT. Roads closed Saturday, today, Wednesday and Friday. If the weather holds!
Not looking good for Wednesday. Thursday is a contingency day.
Pretty warm today.
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IT'S RAINING!!! Plants all over the garden are singing "Allelulia" etc. So am I, may not have to lug cans of water around this evening!
TY
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I was just about to put washing out and it was raining, but I didn't mind as the plants need it, didn't last long enough but I have got my washing dry.
Viktoria, hope all is well
LM
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After weeks of watching the car get more and more grubby looking I took it to the local hand car wash yesterday. Lo and behold within a couple of hours we had some rain- and again today a sharpish shower as I was going to the local hospital for an appointment. Luckily the car park was quite handy to the place where I had to get to. rj
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Oh, so RJ, you made it rain!
LM
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We have had a shower this afternoon, but not enough to do any good for the garden.
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I'm not one to wish for rain but I am now hoping for something significant enough to dampen down the fire that's raging on the North Yorkshire moors. The moors have been on fire for weeks, this latest inferno is near to Whitby and Scarborough, it's been exacerbated by hidden WW2 bombs exploding. Some local residents have been evacuated and more are on standby. It's a dreadful situation and if the rain can help, bring it on!
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Today will be one of quiet reflection. It marks 5 years since our dear son Nick died at home. Such happy memories and also the many escapades he got into in his relatively short life of 41 years. He was single and lived with us.
When Jane was diagnosed with Alzheimers some 12 months previously he said to us "Mum and Dad, don't worry, I will always be here to be your carer", but of course that did not materialize. And then some three years later my dear wife died.
I have so many happy memories of them both and plod quietly along with the support of Mark and Andrew (albeit he is far away but keeps in touch regularly) and so many other friends.
RIP Nick and Jane.
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My thoughts are with you today Jeff…
a sad time for you but remembering all the happy times you all had together is something to be treasured.
A close family and good friends are also something to be thankful for at any time but especially now.
Time passes so quickly and it doesn’t seem like 5 years since you told us about your dear Nicks passing or 3 years since Jane left your side.
Caroline
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Happy memories Jeff, no one can take that away from you.
A friend of mine died this morning , 95, RIP D.
There is a huge black cloud hovering , doesn't look good, it will eco was my car.
Take care
LM
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Sorry for your loss LM… 95 is a good age to reach but none the less sad 😢.. thoughts with you too.
Thought we were going to have rain today so washing out early and all dry for ironing.. we do desperately need some good long plant drenching rain though.. don’t like to have to keep watering veg and essential plants.. our 3 water butts are empty too… good night time rain would be great.
Take care and looking forward to hearing all about The Wedding from Viktoria
Caroline
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The black cloud passed with just a sprinkling of rain.
Our 61st anniversary tomorrow , doesn't time fly?, can't believe that and my age to be honest.
The cashier in the bank commented on my age yesterday, was very complementary, I called him a flatterer, I was trying to close an account, I was getting a bit annoyed because my passport was out of date, eventually found a way to secure my details and close the account, otherwise it was another journey, so the flattery was a bit of what my mum would call, " soft soap" but he was very nice, only doing his job
LM
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Hopefully Viktoria has had a lovely time with family for a happy occasion and celebration. My oldest sister has two of her granddaughters engaged this year, ages 30 and 21, no word yet on wedding dates though, they're still buzzing on the engagement part perhaps :) I have a nephew in Canada who has been engaged for nearly 20 years I think, no offspring and my only late brother's only son.
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary LM and also others in August, condolences on the bereavement too and to you Jeff in your loving remembrance of dear family.
This time last week we were at a funeral of a friend, hugely attended particularly as so many shocked with his sudden illness. A great working relationship with my husband, same surname and often asked if related and so jokingly referred to him as uncle but would have been proud to have him as a son and only 5 months younger than our eldest daughter :'( Outside of fulltime work very devoted to volunteer services and training, so a big guard of honour of uniformed supporters in respect along with friends and loved ones. A slightly different take which would have appealed to his sense of humour, tiny plastic road cones to place on coffin on back of the firetruck instead of rose petals or rosemary!
Was able to pop into a local genealogical group for first time last week, talk by speaker was on wiki-tree but more or less decided not for me, but will perhaps look out for other meetings, they were welcoming and I was pleased to catch up with someone I knew from a different hobby group from a few years back :) Well done Rhubarb with that help for cousin, a boost :)
Have a good weekend all ... and hopefully better nights LM! I had a bad one Sunday night too but better since thankfully :) End of winter for us of course as we roll over into September!
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Today's rant.
Earlier this week I went to the local Post Office counter in a local store. I had a parcel to send to my grand-daughter in Australia.
Correctly addressed and with my name and address on the back.
It was a book. Weighed and measured and it cost me £25. That is not the issue.
So I handed it over and paid the cost, and off it went into the bag and away.
This morning a knock at the door, Postman Pat with a letter and a parcel. Yes the same parcel returned as it did not have a customs declaration attached.
Why was this not picked up at the counter? I expect the counter staff to know the rules and especially as the address was quite clear NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA. Overseas not local!!!
It now means another trip to the Post Office counter (open only until 13.00 hrs each day so I was too late today) to try and resolve the problem next week. Time is not critical, it is not a birthday present, but the inconvenience of having to repeat the exercise.
Rant over- thank you. rj
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I never signed anything for with my package to NZ last week almost £21 for a parcel of family photos.
Not heard if it has been received.
LM
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Hello All
I do hope you are keeping well, or if unwell you are improving.
Jeff, anniversaries are painful for quite some years and I hope you and your family are managing as best you can.
It has been nearly 12 years since I lost my Son, Joshua.
Sometimes, it is now like Josh was never here, until I see photographs of days out, or a few of his belongings I have kept on a cupboard shelf, or the woodwork piece he made on the hearth.
I spoke to an older respectable neighbour who lost her daughter in a car crash and said I feel a bit guilty that I think of Josh a lot less often now and she said that was how it was with her.
I occasionally think, I wonder if he would have had any children and also asking my Daughter who visited his grave about two weeks ago, if his Memorial Stone was still looking fine and she said it was.
His, Mother wanted him buried in her town, so I had to accept give and take on the arrangements.
Kind regards all, Mark
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Mark, i have said so many times, no one can take away your happy memories, sometimes not so happy but that is life, sometimes when I think of those who have passed memories come back that I had forgotten about, it is good to think sometimes no matter how upsetting, we cannot change anything .
LM
Ps, our 61st anniversary today, I often get " well you still have ****** " I do and long may I have him, I refuse to feel guilty
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LM - I can beat you by a month!! We celebrated out 61st anniversary on 1 August - and I'd only known him for 61 years. :o We met in the spring of 1964, I got my sailing date to emigrate to NZ, he said "no, come to London with me instead, and we'll get married." I agreed and that is exactly what we did. No regrets at all 8) 8)
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What a love story.
LM
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Hello everyone, just back from Suffolk, daughter had put me on the internet at her home but no luck sending messages!
Many thanks for all the good wishes, the day was sunny but not uncomfortably hot.
A lovely service and the Rector’s address was lovely ,everyone was impressed.
Sadly he was called from the reception to attend a Nursing Home, a life ending.
All went really well , Her stepfather gave her away but her father was invited to attend and that side of the family attended,some coming from Australia, there was no animosity at all .
I fell ;D ::), over a tripod stand which was one of the heaters for the marquee , got up straight away ,and the impact was on my hip ,well where my leg joined the Rt hip.On soft grass covered by a thick “carpety “material.
Not even bruised.Hardly any one saw it ——thank goodness.
Baby Lily is fantastic, so pleasant,all smiles.
Flash Harry and Kyra were so good and my son enjoyed playing with them .
Saw Grandson’s puppy ,a big lolloping Boxer, full tail - l o n g !
Very amenable to the commands necessary ,she is very nice.
Daughter’s little elderly Border Terrier was very strict and she had the puppy
lying quietly very soon.
A good journey back and it is nice to be home, It was work as usual on Monday after the wedding but I stayed at the house and watched T,V.
So a nice rest.Son had gone on to head office, a conference and computer security check .
It was sunny until yesterday ,when some much needed rain fell ,the fields were so dry .
Here it must have rained early this afternoon .
Thanks for your kind wishes for the day, it was truly lovely .
My daughter’s generosity of spirit, and her children’s and second husband’s too was very evident , many of her first husband’s family remarked how big hearted they were , mind you they had been on her side re the divorce .
All water under the bridge now.
Kyra was the flower girl circulating with a basket of rose petals, “Only take a few!”to throw at the bride and groom .
People were so generous ,twenty pound notes on the plate at the back of church in lieu of a collection ,but the address was really inspiring ,a lovely man who was to sit next to me but was called away to a sad occasion.
There are some family photographs with a little old grey haired old lady on them don’t know who she is but the strange thing is she was wearing the same outfit as I was!
Well really nice to be back .
Look after yourselves .
Viktoria.
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Love the humour about the little lady in the same outfit as you, , so pleased you had a good time, the memory will perk you up for weeks.
Plenty of rain today
LM
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Lovely to hear from you Viktoria all about the wedding… it sounds as if everyone had a wonderful day and great to hear how estranged families can get together and enjoy the moment!
Glad to hear your little episode went unnoticed and that you’re not hurt!
I did have a little giggle at your little old lady comment… I’m sure your presence was greatly appreciated and wonderful for you to enjoy seeing all your family in a happy occasion.
Feet up and a cuppa and your own bed to sleep in will be wonderful too I’m sure.
It’s wonderful that so many of us who post on here have anniversaries in August, a great month to get married in although quite a few have mentioned rain on the day despite the variety of years the events have taken place!
BB - a very romantic tale to be swept if your feet and married a few months after meeting and celebrating 61 yrs! Congrats to you and LM for your longevity of marriage.
Take care all and hope your gardens enjoy some much needed rain ..
Caroline
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There are some family photographs with a little old grey haired old lady on them don’t know who she is but the strange thing is she was wearing the same outfit as I was!
Well really nice to be back .
Look after yourselves .
Viktoria.
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Glad the wedding went well Viktoria and that you enjoyed the day, it must have been lovely to see family and friends enjoying it all.
Sorry about your fall but relieved no damage was done. My mother would have said “ You should take more water with it “ ;D
Are you sure the little old lady in the photos wasn’t your mother? I often see my mother when looking at recent photos or in the mirror ;D ;D ;D
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29th August 1964, a baking hot day, nothing like yesterday when it rained on and off all day, this morning a very bright sunny day but about 13 degrees,
LM
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What is it about this time of year? Having lost my own mother in August many years ago, yesterday I heard of yet another friend who has just died, and when I started thinking about it, a whole load of people seem to have gone at this time of year?
TY
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I have had 3 deaths in less than 3 weeks, I think as we get older our friends also get older with us, whatever time of the year it is very sad, at my age I feel I am losing people around me, but I suppose that is life , we have to accept it as sad as it is, I get angry when young people die but that is also something I can't do much about, yes, why August?, my father was September, my mother December that is a really bad time 3 days before christmas
LM..
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My worst month is June, my Father, my Mother and husband all died in the last ten days of June, although years apart. I have told the rest of the family to expect me to pop my clogs one June.
I have lost so many friends and relations since the start of of the pandemic, only one of Covid, I dare not count.It's something we have to accept as we grow older but it doesn't make it any easier. Of course we have our memories but then you realise there is no one left to say “Do you remember when? Like LM I feel it's so wrong when it's a young person but we have to accept it.
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A very close friend to me lost a relation under 50 in January, he cannot get over it, almost sounds as if he has built a shrine, he also lost one of his brothers, that didn't affect him so much, he is so morbid, I feel he should seek counselling , I try to end with some sort of silly quip to leave him with a laugh, his wife is so nice and she is coping better than him, the longer we live most likely it is so see deaths of others around our age, I still have my twin brother and my husband and his siblings all over 80, but who knows.
Anyway folks let's think of something brighter to talk about, the sun is out that must make us all feel brighter, we must count our blessings.
LM
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It is indeed sad to loose close family and dear friends at any time but when they’re young it’s a double whammy….
Mother in October, father in January but 37 years apart 😢… close friends we’ve so far been fortunate not to loose anyone recently …
But sadly we now have at least 5 who are suffering from advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and their partners are completely wrung out ..
With the guilt of having them in full time care… we help out where possible but it’s not easy for anyone…
People who were bright sparks disappear into a world that is incomprehensible…
Sorry this is very maudlin but only yesterday I had a good weep with a friend who has had to make that final decision and she is so burdened with guilt but it’s the right decision for her own health… we will all support her into trying to pick up her life…
On a more uplifting note the weather here today is bright and sunny but rain later.
Caroline
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My mother died in 1957,she was 61,but she saw my first baby ,he was five months old so no recollection of her.
I was twenty.
She never looked old really.
Got a letter today, pre op assessment for Pacemaker on September 16 th,
then it will be placed on October 9 th at 8 am.
Instructions re food and drink and times to stop that.
I am surprised it is so soon ,some people have waited a long time.
Well I am annoyed with myself ,washing out almost dry ,but son took me shopping and yes! It rained before we got back.
So in the maiden now.
Just watched a programme about Sam Cook —— “ Cupid draw back your bow” —- oooh he was lovely.
A sad end.
Well new potatoes to scrape , and sea bass to cook etc .
Look after yourselves ,thanks for lovely messages.
Viktoria.
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Thanks LM & Caroline.
I was held by my Gt Grandmother (Mother's side) as a baby.
I came across a small news paragraph in the newspaper about her passing, which surprised me, with the Family and other Mourners named, a great find! I knew of many, but a couple of new names to get Marriages for.
It wasn't in the Notice column.
But nobody of note on her side and no notable connections, so far.
I see her Son, my Grandfather was the local ARP contact in WW2 and they still lived at the same address.
My Gt Grandmother was a Spencer born Eversley, Hampshire.
Her parents married 30th June 1872 at Eversley, in the County of Southampton, Henry Spencer, Millwright, of Eversley (Son of Jesse Spencer, Wheelwright), married Emily Spencer of Yately (Daughter of David Spencer, Miller).
Both, Henry and Emily Spencer, marrying in 1872 at Eversley, were born Eversley, Hampshire.
Jesse Spencer, Millwright, was born Finchampstead, Berkshire.
David Spencer, Miller and Publican, was born Finchhampstead, Berkshire, as well.
So I don't know what has gone on there :o
Glad things are moving to get you fixed up Viktoria.
I've had cooked Salmon, new potatoes, Broccoli, chopped carrot, Green beans and peas, midday.
Sea Bass is a good fish too.
No good doing washing here today, it rained this afternoon.
I'm determined to keep going like LM said somewhere ... even if I make a nuisance of myself occasionally when I need help - (in a nice polite way of course).
How do Nurses in A & E cope, day in day out, one ill person after another and they have all been so kind!!
Eighteen months ago my Blood pressure was through the roof (I had wet emotional eyes) I blurted out calmly about recent losses.
They were trying to get a bp reading on my arm, she placed her straight fingers lightly touching my wrist and said ... I have lost two family too and we'll get you fixed up.
Later, bp was down and was sent home.
Nurses and Doctors like that, are very special people!
Best regards to all, Mark
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I have just seen an awareness post to say it is "Dying Matters Week" 1-7 September in NZ, believe this is only the second year held here and wasn't myself aware of it last year, apparently it is a week recognised in May in the UK for some years.
Husband has 2 close family members with anniversaries in August, his dad the most recent passing 2019, we have many more birthdays to remember through the month though more happily.
I have a niece with a wedding anniversary same day as yours LM, 29.8.87 so just 38 years and last month they became first time grandparents :)
We had just been celebrating her 40th birthday 20 years ago to be contacted the following day to say my brother had died the day before so same date, circumstances meant slight delay in tracking down family. My dad died Oct 1969 aged 60, mum Nov 1985 aged 69, brother Dec 2005 aged 58 and when you get past those ages yourself that you realise all a bit young :'( , M-i-l Jan 2007 was 84 and F-l was 97.
We also seem to get a run of funerals, the dreaded run of 3 scenario at times, atm it seems many of our friends have troubles of the heart, medically speaking, one a quadruple bypass and has COPD so breathing issues following, thankfully now a couple of weeks on he's doing a bit better, another a triple bypass and a long spell in hospital but he's heaps better now, another awaiting in hospital for her op but delayed as she contracted a virus, hopefully op will go ahead this week.
Think I'll come for dinner if you're doing fish with those veges Mark :D Not often I see a bolar roast these days when I'm shopping but I did this week, a nice change and husband happy as we haven't had that in ages :)
A squally Sunday here, more of less an indoor day but I walked to the market this morning for fresh broccoli and some lovely table grapes and a craft market where I found a suitable gift for an 80th birthday coming up :) Slightly extended outing in car to pick up a 'Trade-me' online purchase son-in-law up north had made, and then carried on to make most of the trip including a cafe :)
Ta-ra August !
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Yes, tra August, unbelievable how quickly the time is passing by, won't be long before we have the clock change, how depressing, every year their is a radio discussion as to whether we should abolish the time change or not.
I sent a parcel to NZ a few days ago with a tracker so I checked, it showed the time it was on the plane and the time it arrived in Auckland and when it arrived in Wellington where my cousin lives, found that quite interesting to be honest, think I must be easily pleased!, but he hasn't messaged me yet and it arrived on Wednesday, naughty!!
Never heard of " Dying Matters Week" here in the UK, perhaps it is to promote the new ideas on cremations now, service or mo service for the deceased, called "pure cremation" I believe.
Enjoy your day, hopefully my grandson will be here, had a gap year from Uni and is going back for his 4th year, waste of time in my opinion but it is none of my business
Take care
LM
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Viktoria, don't hesitate about the pacemaker - you will find it very re-assuring, but do make sure you follow the instructions given! Mine settled quickly, and apart from the nuisance of keeping my arms from creeping above my shoulders, we got used to each other soon. The actual op is less traumatic than you will expect - i was able to watch what was going on as it was "done unto me". Ask Gillg.
TY
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Thanks T.Y.
Am I correct in that it is six weeks before you can raise your left arm above your shoulders?
See my son “pegging out!” ;D ;D ;D
I have had my hair cut really short to manage with one hand ( I hope!)
A sunny morning and I must get to Morrisons ,got some expensive new potatoes , loose,but at home I can see they are green, very dangerous ,something beginning with s, solignium or something spelled similarly, not really safe to cut the green out.I got the last few and they were expensive.
They were £3 a kilo,mine were £2-54.
Eldest son and daughter in law off to Cypress ,it was her seventieth birthday last week ,a little older than my son.
Well weather brightening up and washing in .I need to keep on top of things as no big arm lifting jobs after pacemaker fitted for six weeks.
It will pass and thanks to T.Y. it seems no big thing .
I must phone my old friend on The Gower, she is very bright and breezy at 90+ lives alone but a son lives not too far away,sadly her eldest died very suddenly last year. The same age as my eldest.That was very sad.
Well must get on, look after yourselves folks.
Cheerio.Viktoria.
I could not scrape them so had to peel, but all were green under thr dirty skin.
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I agree with TY Viktoria. Pacemakers are no trouble to have fitted. I’ve had one for over 18 years, battery lasts around 10 years then you get a new battery put in. When you put your mind to it keeping your arm down is easy. Both times I was in around 11.00 am and out by 10 am the next day. Hardly had a chance to warm the bed.
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My friend, 86 had a pacemaker put in last week, he can't shower for 10 days, well that's no problem, just do downwards!!, plaster votes off after about 10 days.
I am sure Viktoria your son will peg your clothes out, not the way you like but he will manage, you have to do as you are told, as difficult as it is for someone like you always on the go , take is easy.
LM
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Viktoria: son and heir will HAVE to do things like pegging out, hairwashing too, ideally, plus all the reaching and climbing up and heavier housework you normally do, for a few weeks.
By the sound of it you do so much for him that he ought to be delighted to do somethings for you.
-I went in at 8.30, and was back in time for a late lunch!
TY
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Viktoria
So you are going to join the pacemaker club! Well done! I was in the outpatients dept for most of the day and could have watched the operation, but chickened out. I was given drugs via IV catheter for pain relief, antibiotics to prevent infection and something to keep me calm during the procedure. Home again for tea and allowed to shower my lower body. After a week I had the dressing removed by my GP surgery and could then shower. The not raising the left arm business is annoying, I must admit. My daughter washed my hair for me and my son pegged out the washing in a haphazard way. A friend who also had a pacemaker fitted recently made sure she always wore something with pockets and kept her left hand firmly in the pocket at all times! Take it easy for the six weeks if you can and let others do the work.
I have found that when people ask me "Are you feeling better now?", as they often do, I have to say that I don't really know. I think the greatest benefit must be psychological. I know that the pacemaker won't let my heartbeat drop below a permitted level, however I also suffer from atrial fibrillation, which means that my heart sometimes beats too quickly and this is supposed to be dealt with via beta blockers. Unfortunately the ones prescribed by my GP made me feel like a zombie walking through treacle and struggling to think clearly! ( I had been warned by the pharmacist that it might make me feel "lethargic", but that was putting it mildly.) When I spoke to the cardiologist about it he said, "Stop taking it then", so I did, and we haven't yet found something that does the job without reducing me to total dopiness.
Best of luck, Viktoria. We'll all be rooting for you. :-*
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Many thanks ,he is very thoughtful at times but is working via computers
Internationally ,so not free for most of the day.
Does take me shopping etc.
I might get another clothes maiden , he can take his washing next door then .
Why are men( some) embarrassed by doing things like hanging washing
out ?Perhaps he won’t be ,I ought to broach the subject ——
Thanks for the pacemaker info ,knowledge can make things easier.
I will perhaps get some info when I go for the pre op on 16th September.
I have noticed that since Covid we don’t kiss hello or goodbye anymore ,I only liked it with family anyway .
Well kitchen all tidy again ,Antiques Roadshow soon after David Attenborough .
Look after yourselves folks.
Viktoria.
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A nice hug can take the place of a kiss now, I never have kissed anyone on the lips, except 1 person, say no more, I got into trouble with my mother in law, I taught our daughter when she was old enough to offer her cheek, didn't go down to well at the time.
My husband very occasionally will hang washing out but when he brings it in he often puts it on the table, never thinks to fold it up but I should think myself lucky he gets it in if need be. Have a word with your son, he might only be to pleased, no doubt he has been busy working and never got concerned about what you were doing throughout the day, no harm in asking, tell you you can't do it for X amount of days, that might get him worried he will run out of clothes!!
Off to the new week
LM
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Gosh, that was a cold wet weekend where we were staying on the Gloucestershire/Welsh border! I had planned summer clothes, but was glad of the extra jumper that I had packed, and my waterproof jacket, too. We stayed in a small hotel which was run by some former Ghurkhas. The Nepalese food in their restaurant was delicious and the staff, all family members, were lovely, but the bedrooms needed a bit of TLC.
Back to normality now. The sun is shining, but rain is forecast. The gardens are loving it.