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Post by brightspark on Sept 17, 2021 14:27:51 GMT
Hello everyone,
Iris, I can imagine what you're going through, and I feel like getting in the car and coming down to give the hospital personnel a good shake! Any individual in the hospital would behave differently if it included someone in their own family. (I tend to feel that about some of our judges too, as some of the penalties seem ludicrous to me, and do not fit the crimes.) By the way, you are fully justified in having a rant - in my view. Thinking of you, Iris, and hope things can only get better. <3
Tina, hope your carpet has now been cleaned and you can get on with your crafting.
Chris, don't rush around too much, then do yourself an injury - that wouldn't be good !! But at least you keep busy.
Max, I have made that bread from Lucy (Attic 24) - the artisan bread, and it is cooked like you do - in a heated Le Creuset casserole dish. Son has bought me the Lekue silicon wrap-around bread container - I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon. The pack came with a container for 4 mini baguettes too. I have the round and the oval bannetons too. Our son also cooks bread and tries out many flavours, and our son-in-law makes sourdough breads, so a bit of a bread-making lot we are!
We returned to our group quilting today - not that many, about twelve of us, but it was so good getting back to a little bit of normal, and just catching up.
Have a good afternoon and evening, x
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maxh
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Post by maxh on Sept 17, 2021 14:41:52 GMT
That sounds an absolute nightmare, Iris. Is Truro hospital possibly experiencing high levels of covid related in-patients which is impacting on the care of other patients? It’s very frustrating not being able to be on hand to answer any questions on behalf of your husband and get a clear picture of the care plan. And finding the dock was missing must have felt like the last straw! Hope you got the dock sorted out and things have started to progress with your husband.
It’s strange how some things can stay with you for years isn’t it Chris, and I still get that feeling of “oh gawd, what have I done?” for a split second after someone calls me Maxine!
Love the idea of a pat on the head in place of a hug, Iris. I must admit we are hugging amongst my nearest and dearest, but we are all careful when out and about, wearing masks, using gel, etc. If things start to deteriorate back to the levels of last winter we might have to stop that though.
Mum-in-law has been in hospital and respite care following an illness. She’s 92 and very independent, but is very, very frail now. The social worker and OT at the respite centre decided that she was able to go home without any care package in place after they’d spoken to her. OH and his siblings had to tell the SW and OT that just because MiL said she could do things unaided didn’t mean she could and suggested they assessed her again. Shortly after they phoned and apologised -they’d just taken everything she’d said at face value! She was returned home 3 days ago with a package including 4 careers a day. She cannot get out of bed unaided, and so needs a huge amount of help. OH visits her at 11:00am each morning (after walking the dog and running other errands). Today, for the 2nd morning running the first visit carer did not arrive until 11:30am. So MiL was in bed with no drink, breakfast, unwashed, not dressed, etc. Carer is very nice and explained they’re very short staffed and not given enough time to get from one client to the next. So now it’s back to the care provider to get the package working properly. I really do wonder what happens to those elderly people who don’t have anyone to fight their corner. The social care system is really not fit for purpose! Rant over!!
And eldest daughter and her husband have been hit by a horrible bug. They had a long weekend with 3 other couples and their children (eldest 1 year) in Somerset. Gorgeous place on a working farm. But loads of horse flies. Because they are all new parents the ate in virtually all the time to allow for feeding/nap schedules. Most of the adults now have this awful bug. Daughter spoke to pharmacist today after 4 days of constant sitting on loo. Pharmacist thinks the fines have contaminated food which they then ate so advised no food for 24 hours (she’s already lost 8lb in 4 days!) then, if no improvement ring 111 for treatment. Daughter has 6 month old child who is fine. I’d offered to have gd for today but daughter’s worried that, if pharmacy diagnosis is wrong and it’s a virus, me and OH will go down with it. So I feel pretty helpless.
Hopefully, it will all look a bit brighter tomorrow. Take care. Max
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maxh
Junior Member
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Post by maxh on Sept 17, 2021 14:43:59 GMT
Bright spark, please let me know how you get on with your silicon.mould and whether it makes a difference. Bread making can be a bit of an addiction!
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Post by irist on Sept 17, 2021 15:46:35 GMT
So good to have you all on side. Thank you. I'm pretty shattered today as I woke at 3am and was still awake at gone 5 am. After that I must have gone into a deep sleep because OH calling me just after 7 woke me with a start. So I've done very little today and will have an early night. Will phone soon to find out how OH's op went and find out when I can visit tomorrow.
Take care all.
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Post by ambersparkle on Sept 18, 2021 8:09:17 GMT
Morning all, so glad we are helping you feel upbeat, Iris, more virtual Hugs from me.x and remembering you always in my Prayers, though I do not pray, but chant, but sometimes have a little Prayer too, keeping my Options open, as it were. Seems like it is going to be a nice Day, but have lots to do Indoors, though yesterday, my Relative sorted out Draws with me, as my left Arm, is getting more useless. The Carpet Man, made a lovely Job of the Carpets, and was very reasonable, when I offered him a bit extra, he would not take it. Don't know what to tackle first, my Craft Mess, or the Kitchen, will have to have a Nap this Afternoon, as 'Strictly', Launch Show, tonight, and my Friend is not working, so we are going to have a lovely Fish Supper, and get back in the Groove. I believe Johannes Rebebebe, is one of the Male Couple, could not have had anyone more suited to deflect critisism, can't spell it, I do like him, he is a wonderful Dancer, and he giggles a lot. My favourites, are Aliaze, and Janette, though Janette, sadly, is not Dancing this year, as she has taken over from Zoe Ball. I always had two left Feet, my Husband, used to say, it was like pushing a Sack of Coke round the Floor! charming! It is me that gets patted on the Head Max, not Iris, lol. Better get everything ready for my Shower. Have a good Day, be back later. love Tina x
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maxh
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Post by maxh on Sept 18, 2021 12:37:47 GMT
Tina, I knew that you're the Head pat person, but my typing finger didn't! I really, really must edit my posts. How lovely to have sparkly clean carpets. You just need to teach your many visitors to fly so they don't get it grubby😊
Iris you must have really needed that sleep. I hope it's been restorative and you feel better for it. Fingers crossed your husband's had his op and all has gone well.
Oh was called out to mum-in-law again this morning - turned out she just wanted to get up but it was early! Carer turned up at 8:00 whilst OH was still there so he could then come home. So 3 call outs in 24 hours which is quite draining. Hopefully things will settle back down over the next few weeks as Mil gets used to the new routine. We never think we'll end up losing our independence and it's so hard watching it happen with Mil.
Went to 3 garden centres this morning for kale seedlings - none anywhere so I'll try on line.
Have a lovely day all. Max
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Post by brightspark on Sept 18, 2021 17:03:09 GMT
Hi everyone,
Iris, good to know that you managed a good night's sleep - you obviously needed it after all the adrenaline-filled couple of days. How is OH today? Thinking of you. Lots.
Max, the issue of carers is ongoing, I feel. We had the same issue with our Mum - my bro used to pop in - he was just five minutes away from her. His daughters also popped in regularly - between the two they covered every evening. Our cousin covered every lunchtime, just to make sure that she was properly fed, etc. Initially the carers were doing all of them, but sadly it just wasn't good enough, as you've experienced. As we had to pay for the carers, between the three of them we paid the girls instead - keeping the finances in the family, so to speak. All three of them had grown-up families, so they knew how to look after their Nan (and Aunt!), and honestly, they did a much better job! Even care homes are struggling now just to get the right sort of help, it's just such a shame that they are so lowly paid, too.
Tina, I went through the lace you sent me - it is just so beautiful, and thinking of making another quilt using some of them, just like your quilt as it seems such a shame to have them languishing in the box. I have used some of the heart-shaped ones individually, on labels, etc - in fact my niece took a photo and sent it back to me and said "I love this!" It is definitely appreciated.
Chris, hope you're having a more restful day.
Today I have slow-cooked some CFC (thick) pork chops in a roasting bag with onions. Then just now I made a sticky barbecue sauce, took the meat off the bone to add to the sauce, and now will accompany some veggie-filled rice.
Last night, after deciding to turn off the tv, the next programme popped up - it was Bill Bailey "Larks in transit". My goodness that man is talented. He is a talented musician, comedian and of course, having won Strictly, a talented dancer too. We're going to watch it in full this evening and from the little bits we saw, had us laughing - it's good to laugh, so that's for us tonight.
Have a good evening everyone, x
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Post by paperman on Sept 19, 2021 12:18:59 GMT
Good day Ladies: I hope this finds you well.
I got tied up yesterday in the chaos that was/is our village day. Amazing fun and totally knackering we sat last night and watched, between dozes, Strictly and then I had recorded Bill Bailey at the Royal Opera House, that man is the consummate entertainer and it was a nice way for us to end the evening. I had cooked Smoked Haddock, Green Beans and mash and made a cheese white sauce to go with it. It was surprisingly filling, it must have been all the lemon drizzle cake I tested!!
Iris, hope you OK….don’t really know what to say about all of that….it makes a farce of the government’s claims to protect the NHS….we are keeping our fingers crossed that they get their finger out.
We are away tonight, it is a delayed (much delayed due to lockdown) birthday present to me from Anne, we are going to Seckford Hall for tonight, dinner, champagne etc. really looking forward to it. Only problem is that I have to dress up and I have become quite a sloth in my cloths department since lockdown started.
The weather today is, like yesterday, warm and sunny and this weekend is harvest festival weekend in the village church together with a flower festival both days, that is why the village gets so busy/chaotic. There was a harvest parade this morning by the school kids up to the church….it just feels delightfully ‘villagy’ and makes us realise how lucky we are here.
That’s it, got to pack my overnight bag now, take care xx
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maxh
Junior Member
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Post by maxh on Sept 19, 2021 12:23:08 GMT
Good afternoon everyone
Iris, how are you and OH today?
Brightspark, how lovely you were able to keep all the care for your mum within the family, and what an excellent idea to pay your nieces instead of outside carers. It must have made for a much more beneficial set up for your mum. Unfortunately, we’re not able to replicate a similar set up here as our adult children in the family already have their own careers, but it would have been ideal. I completely agree with you about the low pay which in no way reflects the importance of the job carers do. It’s such an under valued job it’s no wonder there’s such a shortage of carers. Unfortunately, we’ve lost the ‘private’ care package in place whilst MiL was in hospital and the private provider doesn’t have the carers to put carers back in for MiL. It’s a dreadful situation.
I watched Strictly last night. I say it every year, but I really think this could be the best year yet. And Bake Off starts soon - yippee for Autumn TV schedules. I hadn’t seen the Bill Bailey prog, so I’ll watch tonight - thanks for the heads up, Brightspark.
Hope you’re all having a good day and enjoying the sunshine. Max
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maxh
Junior Member
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Post by maxh on Sept 19, 2021 12:27:03 GMT
Paperman, our posts crossed so just seen yours. Your village sounds wonderful, and what a fab way to celebrate harvest festival. Have a wonderful time away - wearing suit and tie is a small price to pay for the wining and dining you’ve got to come. Enjoy! Max
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Post by brightspark on Sept 19, 2021 15:14:27 GMT
Hi everyone,
Iris, is OH back home yet? I suspect not, as the hospital should make sure that he can walk, and go up steps, etc, before releasing him. I would think, anyway! Though to be honest, it doesn't sound as if the hospital has his best interests at heart. Iris, I hope you're looking after yourself, I think you will need to be well-rested and strong for the road ahead. <3
Just getting back to a subject a few days ago, and thinking about it, Iris is the only one among us who doesn't have her name shortened. It is also surprising that so often people can't spell my name, and which is not uncommon - Valerie - shortened to Val, of course. I have been communicating with a university, where I used to work - many years ago - about my pension (I have old payslips showing my pension payments*), yet the person writing to me insists on spelling my name Valarie, even though I have told her it is wrong, and that I prefer Val. On Friday, yet another communication - to Valarie ... I despair ! (A university, to boot!!) *Interestingly, they have no record of me, and they have been dealing with the LPFA (London Pensions Fund Authority) who also have no record. I worked there for a few years!
Yes, Max, we are lucky that our rellies were able to look after Mum, but they also had their own careers - it was fortunate they all lived in easy reach, too. My two nieces covered the evening care - after work, alternate evenings. Our cousin used to get away at lunchtime to prepare Mum a lunch. The husband of one of my nieces used to do the gardening, as Mum loved her garden, and kept it beautiful. We paid him, too.
Chris, have a lovely evening for your birthday treat, sounds great!
Tina, hope you're okay, and just busy - with visitors or crafting.
Have a good evening everyone, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Sept 19, 2021 18:46:50 GMT
Evening all, have not been able to get online all Day, something wrong at Telewest, and 'Antiques Roadshow', is about to start, so will be online as soon as possible tomorrow. Hope all is going well, Iris, and OH will soon be home with you. x Bye the noo. Tina x
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Post by irist on Sept 19, 2021 20:05:49 GMT
Evening all. Thanks again for your kind words. Things are looking up. I was quite worried about OH yesterday as he was very confused, tired, breathless and irritable. However, after my visit today I'm much happier. I have spoken with the nurse looking after him who promised to thoroughly assess him before I arrived and also the young doctor designated to undertake his care. I was warned OH might get post op delirium which is what I thought he might have but the Dr explained his confusion was due to the op, anaesthetic, the change in his meds and dehydration. OH is on a drip and he's having regular blood tests to check on his kidney function (apparently his kidneys took a big hit during the op) so I couldn't wish for better care now. Unfortunately OH still cannot lift his injured leg from the bed so he had an X ray just before I visited but his new hip is fine and not the cause of the weakness. The physios will start work on him tomorrow as they want to get him mobile. I've been assured he won't be allowed home until he is back on his feet. This will probably involve a period in a Community Hospital for rehab straight from the main hospital. Unfortunately Cornwall only has 1 main hospital to cater for 500,000 approx resident population. We are not like other counties which border each other and patients can be sent over into another county. The next nearest large hospital is in Plymouth and then Exeter. Bearing in mind that our population more than doubles during holiday season, the popularity of staycations and Covid problems it's no wonder that Truro hospital is bursting at the seams. There is just not the capacity in the hospital nor the ambulance service to deal with the combination of all the above. The powers that be also don't fund us at the same rate as cities nor do they believe we need another major hospital. I won't go on.
Going to have an early night. Bye for now.
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Post by ambersparkle on Sept 20, 2021 7:35:41 GMT
Morning all, bit of a drop in Temperature this Morning, and misty outside, so might be a good Day later. Good News, and bad Iris, good OH seems to be coming on fine, but not so good he will be a distance from you, for a while, sending lots of love to both of you. xxxxxx. Val, I put a small Bag of left over 'bits', away for you, but forgot about them, and have no idea where they are, but when I find them will send them on, so you can have a 'play', with them, Iused to make lots of things that needed that extra bit of bling, but no longer do so. Sorry to be brief this Morning, but need to start early, think a pot of Soup is called for, and a Loaf of Soda Bread, and know my eldest will be over today, so be back later. Have a good Day, love Tina x
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Post by brightspark on Sept 20, 2021 15:15:09 GMT
A really, really sad day today. My nephew phoned me this morning to say his brother had died suddenly, while out cycling. Seems like it was a heart attack, although a post mortem may confirm this. These two nephews are the sons of my brother who also died suddenly, aged only 37. My nephews have made sure they lived healthily and exercised - one is a vegan, and the one who died was a vegetarian. Both of them into sport. Yet this happens. He has left a daughter who is currently in her 'A' Level year, and hoping for a place at Cambridge. I was asked to phone around the rest of the family, all of us are just so shocked - in fact I have been shaking all morning as it has affected me terribly. I'm so sorry to put this sadness into the forum, but it does help to unload sometimes.
Hope everyone's well, x
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