Re: Diary summary week ending 21st December 2025

[radstockjeff]

Whenever Christmas time comes around my mind goes back to our last visit to Australia in October 2019. We had planned to visit Canberra, about 150 miles from Bega NSW. On the way we planned to call at the Bredbo Christmas Barn. Unfortunately on our outward journey the barn was not open, but on our return a few days later it was. And so we stopped to take in the almost unbelievable sight inside.
Stacked to the rafters with all things Chritmassy, from baubles and bangles to gifts for Christmas of all shapes and sizes.
You want a full size Santa with sleigh and reindeer- come to Bredbo! 
The sheer size and range of goods was so impressive.  And not just for locals, but visitors not only from across the state of NSW but across the whole country and I daresay beyond.

And so with that picture in  mind I wish all our contributors a very Happy Christmas and Bright New Year.

[louisa maud]

What a beautiful picture and lovely  memories.

LM

[Viktoria]

Hope K.G. is really MUCH better , and will enjoy a nice Christmas.
I wish you all a really nice Christmas of course.

Raining here all day, not been outside except for a really thrilling visit to the bins !
One card from a neighbour who did not send last year so I respected that and so did not send one this year and yes she has sent one !
At Health Clinic tomorrow ,for a Thyroid check ,mine is underactive,I will try to do a bit of shopping after ,it is a short walk to shops and bus stop but might get a taxi to get home ,Morrisons’ will phone for one for me.
Son still at Head Office.
I can do so much when I’m on my own!

Fed the cake with brandy .I use an old syringe the Vet  gave me (with a new needle ),after an injection my dog needed ,all washed out and sterilised I might add!
The days do fly by ! Where do the hours go!

Keep well folks and nice to read your news .
Viktoria.

[Caw1]

Think we’re going to get all the heavy rain tomorrow!
Visited a friend who had a stroke and was in Aylesbury hospital for three months.. left side very poor still.. unable to do anything with her left arm.. left leg very difficult to walk.. but she didn’t suffer speech loss and she’s so positive…
they have huge sprawling house lots stairs so she’s restricted where she can go fortunately got a lift to get up to bedrooms.
Husband has Parkinson’s and prostate cancer! Both are remarkably positive but need lots of help! Three daughters live nearby ….
Will help where I can but they really could do with live in help or move to somewhere on one level and smaller!
Good luck with your hospital trip Viktoria… hope Mares injury is improving and Gillyg getting over her cold!
Off to the hospital myself on Friday to have a nerve test on my right arm after the fall I had in April where I landed on my outstretched right arm… trying to save my phone & glasses… dumb thing to do.. arm giving me jip and X-ray shows some floating bone in elbow area…
Finally sorted out with my daughter this morning whose doing what for Christmas so can now get organised… she wants me to do a gammon cooked with cola… sounds horrible but she assures me it tastes good… I shall reserve judgement.
Tesco coming in the am so better get some sleep!

All the best to all and a very Happy Christmas and New Year..

Caroline

[louisa maud]

Caroline
I fell exactly the same a few years ago, very painful, my zdr told me to get under a hot shower and gradually creep my hand up the wall,  it helped eventually , my left arm, was surprising how restricted it was, could do certain things up but I got there I the end.

Viktoria,  how is your mobile scooter, do you not use it on your own?, hope your trip to the hospital gets good results.

Hope everyone under the weather for all sorts of reasons perks  up for Christmas.

Having a can't sleep night so hope this makes sense  at this unearthly hour.
LM

[Viktoria]

Yes,gammon in coca cola, Delia Smith’s recipe.
Surprisingly good .
Off to Health Centre this morning for a Thyroid function check——-.
Muse mention the Heart Nurse’s concern re the high level of Vitamin D and calcium for brittle bones ,it seems it is very high and that is of concern re my arteries .If it is not one thing it is another!
Now my scooter, it sits in its shed with 0.6 miles on the clock.
If  anything was to happen again and I was alone I have no idea what I would be able to do ,my son was with me when the tyre cane off a front wheel just down my road. I hate it ,really do.
Not thinking about that until after Christmas ,but thanks for thinking about me  and IT!——

Yes best wishes to all those unwell or undergoing treatment .
Snap.L.M. I worked really hard yesterday  but not a wink of sleep.- Dud alphabetically  all the rivers of the world, trees,flowers ,mountain ranges , ricapital cities ——- but no,tried to empty my mind but still awake.
That means I will nod off this afternoon , so possibly no sleep tonight either .
Never mind , I am my own boss so I call the rules.

Son back at weekend ,so help if needed  with  last minute shopping .
Daughter in law made it clear she was not doing Christmas dinner by saying she  would do the meat  and they’d bring it here ,that is the biggest worry but
never mind ,,we will get through .
They have a lovely home but never entertain ,I don’t think they can possibly  live there ,it is showroom pristine .
Not like mine! I think vandals get in and leave things lying about ,so I won’t forget them.

Well off toHealth Centre .
Cheerio.Viktoria.

[Caw1]

Thanks LM for the suggestion as to what to do with my arm! I can lift it straight up, hold it out sideways and put it behind my back… I can’t raise my arm bending at the elbow palm facing the body and touch my shoulder and some exercises in yogalates where I need to weight bear on both arms is a challenge..no strength so have to do it one armed!
Sorry you’ve had a sleepless night.. I get those too, turn the light on and read or do crosswords!

Thanks too Viktoria with reassurance about cola ham.. I could only find a Nigella recipe or Good Food … cooks in slow cooker for 7 hrs..
Hope you get a better nights sleep too!
Once Christmas is over we’ll all be sleeping like baby’s 😂😂.. to much going round in the old brain box for restful sleep unless you have a good slug of something alcoholic..

Well must get on few more fabric wraps to make for pressies..
Lemon curd for lemon roulade.. more sausage rolls and so it goes on

Take care
Caroline

[Gillg]

Oh, the shops are packed this morning!  I tried to shop for 2 weeks, but will still need to buy some fresh fruit and veg next week.  When I defrosted my ancient freezer (used to belong to my mother and is around 25 years old) and my fridge freezer yesterday I found that I had rather a lot of meat and fish, so don't need any more of those.  Also a few mystery items - really must label everything properly when I put it in. 

We will eat Christmas Dinner at my daughter's, so I don't have to worry about that.  My job, as always, is to make the Christmas pudding and sauces, also a large iced cake, and that's all done, so I can relax and concentrate on getting better after my croaky cold. 

Heavy rain today as forecast.  Tomorrow may be drier, but there's a lot of rain ahead.  On the other hand it's not cold. (Trying to be cheerful )

Merry Christmas everyone.    Keep warm, safe and healthy.

[louisa maud]

Viktoria,  you are very sensible with the use of your scooter, think I would be wary on my own.

I went to church this morning then went to the local shops, at 11am, crammed, so drove out and went visiting  an old friend, was told all veg was reduced to rock bottom prices, perhaps that's  why everyone was shopping at 11am this morning,  hope their veg last till Christmas,  I hate waste.

My sleepless nights,  can't read in bed as it disturbs the other half,  I shan't last the day but as Viktoria  said it has a knock on effect .

Take care.

LM