Life!

Strong winds and lashing rain through the night were still raging this morning so I postponed going out with suki. Got up a bit later, at 7.45 and mike and I had breakfast and I washed up and cleared away. Then took suki round the block. Hows emerged about 10.30 for some breakfast. We sat around chatting for a while then they packed the car and we had another round of Chinese for lunch. Gill downloaded the Myfitnesspal pal app and we befriended each other on it! Both aiming for 10 stone! Mike went off on outing -picked up by Barry at 12.45. How's left about 20 mins later and I was finally on my own again. Did all washing and ironing and tidied up and put everything away and back in its place. Then took suki up on to the moor as storms had blown away to a lovely sunny warm day. Had super walk. Was going to put Hoover on when I got back but the new dust bags didn't fit so decided to leave it till I come back.  Had a shower and practiced handbells for a bit. Then put beer and othe

Got up early and walked suki round block. Very icy and slippery after hard overnight frost. Came back and made mike and I some porridge then we went ringing.  Really nice ringing - with Bob, Barry, Tony Roy and Chris. Met Martin going out for a walk when we came back. Gill and boys just seemed to be surfacing. All went for a walk in stover. Nice sunny day. Ice mainly all gone. Had cold meats again for lunch. How's then went to trago mills and we went to see Mary. She seemed back to her old self again and settled. We stayed for about an hour  - Hows were back when we got in. Got Chinese takeaway for supper. Has swift pint of rockin robin in The Bell while we were waiting for it. Really good food and everyone enjoyed it. They watched Christmas lectures again while I went to bed and watched QI on iPad after doing all clearing up washing up and drying!  Consoled myself with large glass of red wine - opened one of my bottles of montepulciano as everyone else sticking to beer. They also

Mike and I got up and had breakfast and then sat in front bedroom in sunshine doing stuff - mike on computer me cross stitching. Hows eventually got up and gill wanted a long walk with a pub half way which was also wheelchair accessible. We decided to walk to The Cleave in Lustleigh and we finally set off from Parke car park at 11.30! Really nice walk. I met Denise who used to keep goal for revenue on the railway track which was somewhat bizarre. She now lives in Newton Abbott. Struggled to keep boys going but eventually got to pub to find too busy for us to have lunch. However could do baguettes so we sat in garden and had rare roast beef baguette and nice pint of Otter. Simon played up with a stomach ache - which continued all the way back but there was no alternative to walking! It was mainly downhill all the way back so we only took about an hour or so to get back. They played game when we got in and we all had a hot drink. I did cross stitch and finished another block while listen

Got up and. Had shower then took tea in to Mary. She was anxious all morning about what was happening and when we were taking her back. We had breakfast and then I took suki for a walk in the plantation.   Templar way now much improved with hard core path and bridges. Probably ok for mike when a bit drier. Wasn't too much of a mud plod and was fine in wellies. Then we had a coffee and I took Mary back to Tracey house. I stayed until lunch time and cleared Mary's room of old papers and letters etc. she even had last year's Christmas radio times! She was a bit disorientated and didn't know what was happening or when lunch was but when I took her down she remembered where she sits and seemed better when I left. Had a nice quiet afternoon - mike took suki out and I managed to do all the stuff I had to do on the computer such as sending email re unattached members to South and west secretaries and making some payments for Barnes tower and updating accounts. Just finished whe

Mike rang a peal of four spliced at wobbly bobs in the morning. Mary and I sat in front bedroom in lovely warm sunshine listening to podcasts of archers and news quiz. I finished another cross stitch block. Had lamb steaks and left over veg for lunch. Meat a bit tough for Mary. Took suki for walk in Parke in the afternoon and had nice chat with lady pushing toddler with small dog like Jesse. We walked back together along the railway track and had really interesting and enjoyable conversation. Watched Harry potter film in the evening. Frankly boring and I doubt Mary enjoyed it. She was much more settled again today and was fine when we all went to bed. 

Lovely Christmas Day. Got up at 7 and had shower and did porridge to get mike off at 8 to ring at Bickerton. Took Mary tea and tablets. Put goose in at 9. We all did veg in lounge. Opened presents at 11.30. Suki went mental opening hers. Very entertaining. I got some lovely things - all very thoughtful. Was so pleased by it all. Lunch ready by 12.50 - all cooked to perfection and not too much left over. Microwaved the pudding - and again it was lovely. Successfully set it alight too. All washed up and sitting down with coffee in time for the queen. Watched toy story 3 then took suki out. Spoke to Amanda in the evening. Watched downton abbey with another glass of wine and a mince pie. Suki didn't know what to play with next. I had to confiscate honking duck as she just barked at it. Kept going into sun lounge to get another toy. Went from squeaky ball to owl to snowman constantly! Very amusing. Mary a bit disorientated when we went to bed. Found her in the hall staring at the lamp w

Got up early and set off for butcher at 7.40. When I got to riverside hotel found road and pavements flooded by leet from river Bovey so couldn't get through. Met another bloke in the same predicament. Ended up flagging down a car for a lift through the water! Picked up meat and then bread and mince pies from bakery then tried to flag car down to get me back. First few cars ignored me then 2 post office vans came along. First one refused but the second one took me across and all the way to the post office despite my protestations! He was bemused that the one in front had refused.   Manns not open till 9 so got cheese from the other butcher. Got veg etc from fruit shop and then home before 9! Had breakfast and walked suki to Parke. Floods a little lower by then but path next to weir completely submerged by rushing torrent of water. Floods in mill park had receded but poo bin knocked over and path under road still flooded by rushing water. Got back about midday and had superb fillet

Mike went off to get new tyres as we had discovered a bulge in the side of two of them. Tyres not in stock so had to go to Brentford. Struggled to find it. They took two and a half hours to do the work and mike got home at 2! I spent the morning packing etc and then doing lots of little jobs and tidying up loose ends. Even did some washing. Kept eye on travel news as weather very bad and there were accidents and delays on m5 in the morning. We had a light lunch and set off at 3. Weather was quite bad but better than earlier and we arrived in Bovey at 6.30 which wasn't bad. Had stuffed pasta for supper.

Got up early to have shower and walk suki in time to go to Barnes for 8am -Monica having said she would be doing that. Arrived same time as Monica. Nice service. Saw Patricia and had a hug which was nice. Did the usual breakfast and ringing circuit. Reminded mike by text to pick up Alley who came back to us for lunch. Luckily stuff prepared by mike for choir party had been brought back untouched so we had that with warm baguette I had found in freezer. Worked very well. Handbell rehearsal in church at 2 was not very good, but handbells before service were quite good. I did a lot of pointing for Alley which helped. Carol service went well and the singing was good. We did And The Glory again which was brilliant. Rushed round to convent and did pretty poor performance for them with lots of mistakes  but they seemed to enjoy it anyway. Had mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. Lorraine went back to Carolyn's even though she had a splitting headache. We had an early night.

Mike went over to help learners at Barnes in the morning and popped back for some lunch before going off to Richmond for rehearsal and concert with Cantanti. I had a good day getting organised for Christmas and catching up with things. Finished another cross stitch block. Monica came round at 6 and we put handbells in car and she drove up to Turnham green to get tube to Richmond.. Enjoyed the concert although felt it was a little lightweight and Geoffrey clearly struggling. I profuced small bottle of wine each for interval. Saw Steve Kille which was nice - and waved at Denise! Went home with Monica while mike went to choir party and got in at 1am!

Lorraine drove me and presents to Carolyn's and I spent the day there with Leanne and Ollie. We went to Frankie and Bennie's for lunch and all enjoyed it. Dropped Ollie off at James house on the way back. Lorraine drove me to Waterloo on her way to outreach shift and I went straight to Barnes. Thin on the ground but visitor was very good and useful addition. Shared nachos with Mike at pub. 

Strong winds and rain through the night. David Brown couldn't get to Steve's last night as train in front of his had hit tree. Arrived at 10.15. Very glad I hadn't rushed to get there! Thought the peal of Bristol would be a dead cert but Steve very trippy - not helped by roofers chatting right outside the window. They had turned up unexpectedly to repair garage roof. David stood it up after an hour because too trippy. Got home early enough to heat up Lahori for mike's lunch. I had muesli and yoghurt. Lee and Emma picked up suki at 1.30. I did some cross stitch and kept scanning and paperwork up to date. Wwent to Guy's in the evening and unexpectedly scored a peal of surprise minor with Caroline and James. 

Got up just before 7 - had set alarm but didn't need it. Back to 10:11 after blip back to 11 so good start. Made breakfast before walking suki. Met Emma and dogs in park so walked round with her. Then went for pedicure and manicure. Had the stir fry for lunch - very hot sauce. Finished wrapping all presents, updated cards received list and put them up. Finished cross stitch block. Went to bell and crown in the evening for dinner and carol singing. Dinner very good - had lovely steak. Singing a shambles. On two separate tables so had to shuffle into middle of bar area to sing. Much faffing and no spontaneity. Second sing was after 10 pm! After first sing surprised to turn round and find Wayne Sleep making appreciative comments right next to me!

Got up early to see Mike off to work (Christmas lunch at wetherspoons today) then went back to bed until 8.45.  Clearly needed the sleep.  Had shower and walked suki then had breakfast at 11.  Decided to spend the day cross stitching as nothing much left to do for Christmas except shopping for when we are down there.  Made good progress on another block. After walking suki in the afternoon cut up veg for stir fry. In the end had jacket potato for supper because watching Harry potter film and had to cook in adverts! Had nice bottle of red wine. Went to bed early.

Set the alarm for 6.45 and actually got up just before it went off.  Put washing on and tidied up a bit then had shower and walked suki before breakfast.   Scales showed 10.11 which is the lowest yet,  and although I know it won't last it is at least a positive reduction and means officially a loss of half a stone. Yippee.  Took car to car wash - new guys and no queue.  Went to morrisons and got tripe sticks - which have changed and become more rubbery.  Saw Joyce at the checkout.  Then went to tesco and got bits for xmas presents.  In afternoon wrapped all presents - and even did wording etc for our surprise.  Went ringing at Chiswick then we had festive menu at the pub.  Got home just after 11 and then realised had left ipad at church so had to drive back and get it.  Finally got to bed just before midnight and did online jigsaw with scotch and hot drink.  Leg still painful. 

Set the alarm for 6.20 and struggled out of bed at 6.25. Got washing out of machine. Had shower and walked suki then went to 8 am with mike. Horrid banner across screen again - something to do with nativity. Jackie took service which was nice. Went home for breakfast and to pick up food for food bank. Then went to Barnes and then to chiswick ringing. Not comfortable ringing at chiswick -rope on 3 too stiff and Sally too high so had to ring 2. Got handbells from sacristy and took them home. Roger got them out of the car for me. Mike went to ring qp at mortlake. I scanned all paperwork and put up cards. Did ironing too had jacket potato and cheese for lunch. Suki went off with lee and Emma at 1.30. We went off to Albert hall at 4.30 and were there in an hour so sat around in the artists bar for an hour as couldn't use changing rooms because of previous concert. Got changed just in time to go on stage. Hadn't realised we wouldn't be coming off again! Luckily went to loo before

Very late start! Got up about 8.30. Took suki out at 10.30. Mike went off to ring QPs at Norwood Green and Ruislip. I spent all day finishing off cards. Finally posted the last batch at 3.30 when I took suki out. Did personal admin when I got back including forms for endowment maturity payment. Mike came back at 5 and spliced rope for chiswick. Watched tv in the evening with glass of wine. Went to bed at 10.30. Leg a little easier but still uncomfortable. Had scotch and ovaltine and played spider for a while then resorted to music again. Leonard Cohen again as worked so well last night. Didn't even get to the second track this time.

Woke mike up at 6.20 by putting the light on. Made him some breakfast and both of us a cup of tea. I had packed his rucksack last night so just added the rest if the baguette to it for later. He went in to work for his works Christmas lunch. I went back to bed till 8.30. Then took suki for a walk to Wendell and then carried on to askew road to the print shop where I was able to buy more cartridges - and they didn't mind suki going in. Got back and sealed and addressed Jayne's parcel and took it to the post office and posted it.  Also,posted first tranche of Christmas cards. Then went to Tesco and got a few bits. Then did some more printing of letters and also did the Sunday stewards rota. Emma came for suki at 1.30 and then I had a shower and packed my rucksack with concert stuff plus flask of coffee, flask of red wine (!) and jam sandwiches. Set off at 2.35 to catch 272. Arrived at Albert hall nice and early. Went to usual dressing room - nice and quiet and nearby toilets also

Mike didn't go to work as going in tomorrow for Christmas lunch. Got up at 8.30! Got out with suki just after 9.30. Back in time to make mike a cup of tea then went to station to meet Susie. We immediately went for "breakfast" so I dutifully had beans on toast. It was lovely to see her again and have a catch up. We went to the lighting shop where Susie bought 3 glass shades for her hall and I bought a new shade for the bedroom to match the curtains (£9).  Got the bus to larden road intending to come home for a coffee then realised Susie due at solicitors at 3 so turned round and walked to the station. Got mike a baguette for lunch on the way back and me a tuna bap for supper.  Did all the abroad cards then took suki for a walk and posted them.  Then had a productive couple of hours writing up all the other cards and printing more letters. Stopped when down to final two cartridges. Listened to music on PC while doing this. Had it on shuffle so heard tracks from albums I ha

Got up a bit earlier and had porridge for breakfast with banana. Helped beryl book tickets for the theatre and showed her how to attach photos to emails. Left for home at 12 and got in at 2.30. Suki had just gone out. Had cold lamb and bread and butter pickle for lunch. Made good progress with printing newsletter and labels. Put all the labels on to the envelopes. Had pasta for supper while Lorraine and Mike had Thai curry. 

Had a great nights sleep. Got up very late as waiting for beryl and Chris to be clear of the bathroom. In the end put jumper over nightie and went down for breakfast at 10. Then had shower and got ready for lunch. Successfully used my phone as a portable hot spot for the iPad. Admired Chris's new convertible Peugeot sports car and sat in it.  Pearl picked us up at 12. Had a lovely lunch at the three swans in a private room just big enough for the 8 of us. Drank a toast to Ros. I had brandy to finish. Spent afternoon and evening watching tv and chatting. Leg very uncomfortable - still a bit swollen and tight across the scab. Found it difficult to get to sleep.

What with doing breakfast, washing up, getting myself ready, walking dog, doing the cards, wrapping Beryl's present and packing I was finally ready to set off for Beryl's at 11. Mike had been up to ford at top of road and sorted out wipers at last. Gave Lorraine a lift to chiswick and then went back to m40 and up to a43. Arrived at 1.20 and we had a light lunch. Went into rothwell in the afternoon and then to Kettering to do some shopping. Got myself some trainers for £10! Had nice locally made pie for supper. Stayed up watching tv and chatting till quite late. 

Slept with my leg on a pillow all night. Quite stiff and painful in the morning. Decided not to go to church but to get up slowly and have a shower and then remove dressing and see how it is. Mike didn't go to church either but he did go off to Barnes at 9. Leg looked a lot better and although hole still quite deep I decided to leave it open to the air as it was drying up nicely. Took suki for a walk then set too getting lunch ready and setting table. Lorraine helped all day. She made pumpkin soup and mulled wine both of which went down very well. I put suki on a lead round me when first people arrived and she turned positively angelic - hardly barking at all when the others arrived and then just lying sweetly in the dining room while they practiced handbells. The lunch itself went very well - roast lamb followed by chocolate cheesecake and mini mince pies from Abel and Cole and fresh strawberries with cream. Lorraine did all the washing up. Took suki out when they had gone and the

Mike and Hugo went off for the day ringing.  I was going to take suki for long walk but lost the motivation after Mike sent Hugo back in three times for things he had forgotten,  with all the barking that entailed - and thus ensuring Lorraine had to wake up - and then Mike phoned me to say windscreen wipers didn't fit.  Walked round acton park then went up to Acton with Lorraine to Christmas Market and to take clothes to charity shop.  Bought flashing Christmas trees from poundstretcher and a few baubles. Little one for home and bigger one for Devon. Also bought a candle for beryl but forgot to put it in the parcel when I wrapped it! Spent a couple of hours finishing off newsletter with more photos and also creating cards for Kettering girls from collage of photos of last year's lunch. Uploaded it to Drive but colours didn't look right when I got it up on PC so I went back and got laptop to take it into back bedroom to print direct from publisher. As I was carrying it throu

Hurray.  The magic 10 again this morning.  Had a great night's sleep.  9.15 to 7.30 am. So a good start to the morning.  Lee came round and bagged up the compost and did the front garden.  Did another amazing job.  I went up to Mackens to get the meat for Sunday.  Butcher took bone out of leg of lamb - didn't know they could do that.  Greengrocers has gone and been replaced by really posh veg shop.  Much too intimidating.  Christmas cards arrived so went up to post office and got stamps.  Paper and ink arrived too. Total spent on sending out cards just short of £200.  (Cards £60 stamps £85 paper and ink £70). Mike not in qp because today was originally late night shopping in Barnes but put back to next week.  Both went ringing at 7 and to pub. Hugo and Rod had fallen out and Hugo particularly annoying about it in pub.  Hugo stayed overnight again.

Bob's birthday. Sent him a text. Carried bells and music stands round to car for mike. Then got a call to come out and wipe his windscreen as someone had nicked his windscreen wipers.  I hate London. Set off at 8.30 for Crowell to meet up with Maryanne and Mary for a walk. Got there nice and early. Very cold and very windy but we had a nice 6 mike walk lasting three hours. Nice lunch in pub which had recently reopened under new management after being closed for 18 months.  Got back and went up to get mikes wiper blades as he had been unable to get them in Bracknell. By then lashing down with rain. Offered to talke them to Bracknell by train but mike said he would be ok. Did ironing then did washing and had shower. Watched old Lewis with couple of hot drinks and then went to bed with a scotch and my book at 8.30!  Had been awake since 3 am so nicely tired this evening. Sorted out some headphones for the bedside drawer so that next time can't sleep can listen to music.

Waited for text from Lauren and had given up and just going out the door with suki when I got it. Texted several times that I was coming to chiswick house anyway but got no response so decided just to meet up with them in the grounds. Went to loo and saw them as I came out.  Just Lauren  and Monica. Walked round with them. Asked Lauren about baby only to find she had been still born! Felt awful but Lauren able to talk about it. Walked back and got home about 12.  Put newsletter on web site then set up. Ike with forwarding address for MCALD group and then got domain name for rovers and set it up. It was much easier than it had seemed when I last looked.  I had one free domain name so I used that. Also set up forwarder for rovers.org. Used dream weaver 4 on new computer and seemed to be fine for what I wanted to do. cPanel also seems quite useful for editing. Went to BP House at 5 and arrived nice and early again. Went to Paul's and got interesting baguettes for break as this was the

Seemed to spend the whole day doing stuff on the computer without actually progressing the Christmas letter, but it was all useful stuff.  I caught up with the Archers while walking Suki this morning so she had a nice long walk.  Then prepared veg for Sunday.  I used the food processor to shred all the greens - cabbage, broccoli, kale and chinese cabbage which I then put in the freezer.  Then I made carrot and ginger mash with all the carrots from 2 weeks veg boxes, and froze that.  I will be able to use up all the old potatoes too for the roast so that is very satisfying.  Still found plenty to distract me through the day on the computer rather than get on with the Christmas letter, but I did at least get up to date with emails etc.  Had to wash Mike's bedding again - including duvet - another distraction. Finished text of newsletter by 7 and produced some pizza for mike. I had jacket potato and cheese. Mike went to choir but I stayed home as not doing party or park club this year

Finished the first draft of the Christmas letter and then spent some time putting my blog into Word and then printing it out so that I could refer to it.  I then spent some time reading it and making notes of anything else I wanted to add in to the newsletter, and also reviewed what I had written.  Did some personal admin, paid some bills etc, and have started to make lists to get organised for Christmas - now that it is December.  Went to Chiswick ringing in the evening - Tony turned up which was a nice surprise.  He had a couple of interesting moments with the rope but was generally ok and useful to have as we were able to ring triples (Robert Piggot also turned up - but still not sign of Alley).  At the end the rope on the third caught on the chair and broke - so we had to replace it before we went to the pub and as a result the food was a bit on the cold side but ok otherwise.  Monica had forgotten to order my sandwich so I just had a few chips off Mike's and Tony's plates

Nice not to have to get up to walk dog before 8 am service.  Mike got up and ready to come with me then checked his diary and found he was playing the organ.  I went to church and did the usual circuit and then went to Sainsbury's for a few bits and found a good Christmas present for Mary in the form of some hyacinths which grow in water in a vase, and Beryl' Christmas present. Finished "Lost River" by Stephen Booth by skimming it. Wasn't impressed with it at all. Started Life and Limb by Jamie Anderson - a paperback.  Also successfully worked out hoe to get the epubs into Books on iPad - by emailing them to myself. So that will be useful. Went to Highbury in the afternoon and rang peal of Superative Major with David, Peter Blight and Chris O'Mahony.  My 60th in hand - who would have thought it.  Came home and got some doner meat with salad from Lara.  Grilled half of it when I got in and ate it for supper.  It was delicious - definitely do that again.   Mike

Mike went off to help with Barnes learners and I pottered changing the beds and going through the music again. We had some poached eggs on marmite toast for lunch. Lee and Emma were a bit late picking up Suki - and actually turned up just as we left the house to go to the rehearsal.  They had been delayed by someone collapsing in their street and bashing his head open and had been helping him until the police arrived (the ambulance service were "too busy" to come!).  I gave them some of the oxtails from the freezer for the dogs - which apparently they loved.   We went to the rehearsal and I managed to get a reasonable seat - albeit next to Jo Mansell Bentley who is a first alto.  The rehearsal had some scary moments and I went through the alleluia again when I got home to be sure I would be confident about when to come in.  The staging had disappeared so we had to make do with a few bits and pieces - there were lots of complaints but actually I thought it was better.  The lig

Got up at 7 so showered and breakfast produced by 8.  A bit disappointed at lack of progress on the weight loss but it is all relative and will continue along same lines until after Christmas and maybe get a bit more obsessive about it in the new year. Started to get organised for doing Christmas cards.  Went through cards received the last two years and put them in recycling.  Updated address list.  Tried to produce labels in OpenOffice but too fiddly to rush so did them on laptop.  Lee came round and did three more hours on garden.  Looks great.   Went ringing at Barnes in the evening, but separately from Mike so I could go a bit later and make a start on my Christmas newsletter.  Put voltarol on my wrists and wore  wrist bandages and rang all night.  Went straight home without going to the pub and finished off the red wine with some pasta in chargrilled aubergine pesto.  Had nice early night.

Got up early again and got dropped off at chiswick house by mike on his way to work. Had a nice walk for an hour round the grounds and half an hour back home. Had breakfast and a shower when I got back. Then did cross stitch all day watching tv. Finished another block.  Only 5 more to go. Had veg soup for lunch and veg pasta for supper. Glass of wine in the evening and went to bed early with hot drink and scotch. 

Got up and had shower, breakfast, washing up etc.  Lauren texted at 9.15 that no pushing today so took Suki out to Acton park and spent an hour wandering around.  Met up with Lee and Emma for a while, and walked back via the back of Park Club and Virgin sports club for a change.  Then did ironing and caught up with Last Tango in Halifax on iPlayer. Soup and pizza for lunch. Did some cross stitch in the afternoon and took suki for a walk. Huge number of parakeets still making a lot of noise in southfields. Very quick getting to BH house in the evening. Arrived before 6. Avoided the putting out of chairs this time. Had another good sing. Got salad wrap on the way home and had it with a glass of wine watching Jonathan Creek.

Walked Suki in the morning then did some cross stitch.  Finished another block and got another one started.  Suki had to virtually lie on Mike's head to get the sunshine! After walking her in the afternoon spent a couple of hours working on the music for the concert.  Had steak and veg stir fry on pasta for supper.  Good rehearsal in the evening and had nice time in the pub as sat next to Camilla who was quite chatty.

Got up just after 7 and had shower and made breakfast.  Gave Suki short walk round Wendell Park and then went off to Shepherd's Bush to meet Anne for coffee.  Went to Bush Theatre cafe which was nice and warm, not too busy, reasonably inexpensive and did nice coffee.  Also free wi fi.  Anne was in queue for Monty Python tickets the whole time - which worked well as we could still chat.  She was finally successful in getting them just as I left at 11.30 (as she had a meeting then with Bob and Phil).  Got back in time to chat to Svetla.  Scanned in paperwork for shredding - thus keeping up to date.  Made potatoes and cabbage with gravy for lunch - Mike had the same with left over pheasant!  Had chat with Lorraine on the phone.  Went ringing in the evening and had to ring as made them up to 6.  Wrists did not like it at all.  Had spinach and riccota in pub but it had creamy sauce on it so put it in my pot for Mike's lunch tomorrow and just ate the garlic bread and a few chips.

Mike was up in the night retching - so fetched him some water which seemed to help.  I was tempted to stay in bed but eventually got up and went to church.  Mike played the organ at the convent.  Went to Sainsbury's after ringing and got a few bits, including at last the veg gravy granules.  Also got Beryl's Christmas present and a couple of bits for Jayne.  Got home and cleared the front garden of leaves and rubbish - then discovered more fox pooh (well more like fox diarrhoea) on the front path so washed that away - which took some doing.  Washed all the dog blankets and towels from the car and reinstated the cage.  Also managed to attach the cup holder to the cage to hold a water bowl.  Cleaned all the smears from the inside of the rear window.  Tried to change the headlamp bulb but was stymied by my inability to find the screws which hold the headlamp on so decided to take it in to a garage sometime.  Cleared stuff from the table in the hall and found a home for much of it.

Mike (and Hugo) went off ringing QPs and I took Suki to Middle Assendon and did last week's walk again on my own.  Mike had bought me the other Chiltern Hills 1:25000 maps so I had the map as well as the instructions - but hardly needed either as the route was so easy to follow.  It was another cold but bright day - clouding over for a while but getting sunny again towards lunchtime.  It took me two and a half hours.  The final hill was a bit of a killer but it was well worth it for the lovely ridge walk back down to Middle Assendon.  Came home and had soup again for lunch.  Then went to bed for two hours.  Got up and had a shower - then Mike came home.  Emma collected Suki at 5.30 and Mike and I went to the UL dinner at Browns in Old Jewry.  We had a taxi there and back.  Traffic was horrendous on the way there, but we arrived at 6.30 in time for the champagne!  Adrian, Helen and Robert were very late - arriving as we were having our main course.  They soon caught up.  We had a go

Bit disappointed to see 11.2 again on the scales after a couple of days of 10.12.  After walking Suki went up to top of road to get fringe cut and buy birthday card for Amanda, then went to Tesco for a few things.  Shredded all the paperwork I had finally scanned in. Cleared lawn.  Cleaned secateurs - in the process managed to spray WD40 into my face (nozzle facing the wrong way!) and cut my finger quite deeply.  Had soup for lunch! Did personal admin on computer in the afternoon, plus Chiswick Choir minutes.  Paid some bills etc.  Didn't go ringing - and apparently didn't miss much as QP was dire and practice not much better.  Stayed in the warm with another bowl of soup and later a glass of wine.  Patched up my finger with mefix and swab so as to be able to do cross stitch (sticking plaster too sticky) - worked quite well except occasionally passed the needle through the mefix.  Another nice early night.

Got dropped off at Sutton Court Road again by Mike on his way to work, and had an hour's walk in Chiswick House grounds plus a walk home. Made 5 pints of dahl and vegetable soup.   Did cross stitch for much of the day watching TV - at this rate I shall run out of recorded programmes. Had an early night.

Diane's birthday. Remembered to send her a text. No pushing today. Took suki for an hour's walk via St M & AA to post cheque round to Turnham green, down the orchard and back via southfields. Did cross stitch most of the day. Lorraine came home early from college because no lessons. All had veg pasta for lunch. Suki frightened by bad weather again. Went to goldsmiths in the evening for another messiah rehearsal. Friend gave me black paper for my music. Came home by tube again and got salad wrap (and kebab for mike) on the way home. Watched tv with glass of red wine. Scotch and hit drink in bed to finish. 

John's birthday.  Did lots of paperwork Nd personal admin on computer. Finally got round to taking bags of garden stuff to the dump. Lunch consisted of cabbage, squash and potatoes with gravy tub use up old veg.  Supper consisted of stir fry veg with pasta. Definitely had our 5 portions today. Went to chiswick choir. Went in separate cars as I had committee meeting afterwards. I got home at 10.20 and watched last tango in Halifax in bed on the iPad. Mike came in one hour later. 

Lorraine came with me to walk suki this morning - nice to have company. Raymond's funeral today. Arrived in Barnes about 10.50and spent ages looking for a parking slot. Rang beforehand. I got phone call from neighbours in Devon saying alarm going off. I gave them instructions on getting key and code to turn it off. He thinks possibly caused by work he is having done putting railings up. He was able to ring and say he had turned it off just before funeral started. Very positive funeral and very touching. Hymn just as I am brought tears to my eyes reminding me of dad. Went round to kitson hall afterwards for tea and sandwich. Got home and finished scanning paperwork, walked suki etc. went ringing in evening. Only Monica and Frances there for most of e evening so they rang minor on handbells. Then Francis turned up and they rang bob minimus for a bit. Then went to pub. Had the fish pie which was very good except for the bits of boiled egg white in it which were a bit rubbery. 

Slept well! Had nice breakfast in hotel then went ringing at holybourne - very easy going ground floor ring. Rang nice touch of stedman. Went with others to cafe where they had breakfast - we just had a cup of tea. Mike went to ring at st Lawrence and I waited in car. Got home about 12. Suki came home just after! Did some cross stitch in the afternoon. Mike went to ring qp,at street ham - finally scored one of stedman this weekend. Handbell practice at 7. Ali failed to turn up. Rest of us ran through the repertoire successfully. Had muesli and yoghurt afterwards for supper. Mike and Lorraine had tortellini. Went to bed early.

Leanne's  birthday.  Saw the magic number 10 on the scales this morning - which was a real lift after eating out so much lately.  Of course it may swing upwards again but the trend is downwards which is good - thanks to my little app! Mike out for the morning ringing QPs of Stedman to mark 300 years since Stedman was buried. I went for a walk with Maryanne.  The morning was very cold and frosty but the sun was shining and the sky was blue and the colours of the trees were amazing.  We had the best of the weather as it had just started to drizzle as we left the pub after lunch.  We met at Middle Assendon - but a lot of the paths were familiar from walks with Malc, especially those starting at the Warburg Nature Reserve, and I realised the pub we parked at and went for lunch at was the one on the road by the turning up to the Nature Reserve and Bix Bottom.  We walked for nearly three hours (just over 6 miles) and got to the pub about 12.30.  We had a nice lunch although my stilton an

Lorraine not very well this morning - was at the "leaving do" of her friend yesterday and had reaction to eating and drinking at the wake.  I made her some dry toast.  Got Suki walked, had breakfast and washed up and was in good time for getting to Twickenham for 10 am start.  Arrived just after Hamish and Margaret.  Had some coffee but resisted the croissant!  Peal went for about an hour and a bit before stopping after long period of flailing about.  Then went for a QP with Hamish on 5-6 and we got that.  I joined them for lunch and had a delicious bowl of penne arrabiata.  Got back and made everyone a cup of tea then took Suki out for a walk.  Then went ringing - I had to replace Hugo in the QP.  We attempted Stedman with quite a good band but it suddenly went just after the third part - as Stedman does.  My wrists were hurting quite a lot so didn't ring much for the rest of the evening.  It was a very cold evening and I never really got warm.  When we got to the pub th

Got Mike off to work and took Suki out early to Acton park.  Lorraine went out of the house later without saying a word all morning.  Posted Jayne's parcel, and wrote a letter to Mary and posted it.  Practised a lot on Abel. Had shower in the late afternoon and went up to London Bridge to have supper with Caroline and Pru.  Went to TAS as usual and had really nice meal and a bottle of house red.   As usual I seemed to eat and drink more than they did!  Home by 9 pm and went straight to bed.  Mike came in around 11.30 and Lorraine about midnight.  Had real difficulty getting off to sleep - but eventually slept ok.

Did the ironing catching up with last episode of downton abbey. Wrote to Jayne and prepared a small parcel for her. Had pizza for lunch.  Wonderful sunset in the afternoon with the sky going all sorts of shades of red and orange. Photo with phone doesn't do it justice. Walked through southfields to drop off keys for David. Screech of parakeets was very noisy. Walked on to Acton park where the light went very pink for a while. First rehearsal of messiah. Good to have a good sing again. Came back by tube which was very quick compared to bus. Lorraine had made pumpkin soup so had a bowl of that then a beer and watched last episode of poirot.

Did a lot of practice on Abel and also of concert music. Went to Tesco for a few bits. Made veg jalfrezi for lunch and veg Chinese curry for supper with older veg. Jan took chiswick choir rehearsal as Alistair away. Had reasonable time in the pub for a change.

Had a really good night's sleep and woke up at 8.25 am!  Made some tea and sat in bed drinking it and watching tv news.  Then had shower and got ready for the 10 am meet.  As we were leaving the room I couldn't find the remote control.  Eventually after turning the place upside down, Lorraine found it in Mike's rucksack.  I presume I must have packed it and thought this was one more example of going doohlally - but when I thought about it later I think it must have fallen into the rucksack as I remember hearing something fall and not being able to see what it was and then dismissing it.  We met at 10 and went to the pub for breakfast - which was excellent and very cheap.  Then at 11 we got the tram back to the station.  We sat in the first class lounge until it was time to go and board the train - again with free drinks, newspaper, nibbles and wi fi.  Got Mike upgraded to first class for the difference in ticket price, and luckily the seat opposite the wheelchair space was

Got up nice and early and had shower.  Took Suki out for short walk.  Went to 8 am and then round to Fat Boys for breakfast as it is Remembrance Sunday so ringing at Barnes clashes with Chiswick.  Had nice toast and marmalade.  We managed to ring 8 half muffled as Robert P and Andy joined us (Nick, Shona, Monica, Frances and Ali). Got text from Emma just before ringing that they were going round to pick up Suki - luckily I had put the money and the lead out before I left.  So Suki not there when I got back.  Packed a rucksack each and washed up etc.  Taxi turned up 15 mins early - just as Mike getting home from playing the organ.  Quickly changed chairs and set off for Euston.  Got there at 12 ish - the others were already there having drinks in Eds.  They wouldn't let us in "for health and safety reasons" because it was crowded so we went and got a pasty and a cup of tea at a stall.  The others walked out too!  The others were delighted by the surprise of going First Cla

Mije went to Surrey training day.  I thought Lorraine was coming to Burnham beeches with me this morning but she was still in her dressing gown at 9am which was planned leaving time so went on my own.  Had lovely walk for nearly two hours.  It rained heavily from second hour onwards but I was prepared in full waterproofs so it was enjoyable.  Colours are lovely at the moment with the trees beginning to turn.  Got home and finished off the pate with toast and made veg pasta sauce for later.  Then cross stitched all afternoon and evening watching things I had recorded on tv.  Did another block from start to finish.

The new computer arrived today.  It's beautiful and has 8 usb ports which is two more than I thought it had.  I left it until after lunch to set it up. It was very easy.  Everything worked-even Abel and WinRk. Loaded dreamwwaver 4 which is probably sufficient for my needs.  Office wouldn't load so have downloaded OpenOffice for the time being.  Music sounded wonderful through it using the speakers I got from John. Really pleased with it.  Stayed in in the evening because of fireworks at Park Club - suki actually frightened by the torrential rain before the fireworks even got going.  Tried to watch downton abbey on itv player on tv but kept buffering so watched it on laptop with ethernet cable which is now set up in front room. 

Got up at 6 and had shower. Breakfast and washed up in time to get a lift with mike to Sutton court road. Walked suki for an hour round chiswick house and then walked home. Nice day. Went to st Stephens at 10 to train Tom on database etc. Bob was there - it was great to see him again. Tom very quick to pick things up but we didn't do any hands on practice. There seems to be a new web site in existence which is incomplete but possible more up to date! Got back at 12 and practiced on Abel. Lee and Emma came at 1 and spent 4 hours clearing the garden. Large number of bags now at the front of the house waiting to go to the dump. Had muesli and yoghurt for late lunch and cycled to Acton central to get train to Highbury. Rang peal of Cambridge on 3-4.  Had some dodgy moments and I was not very good but we got to the end and Robert said some of it was good! Had a beer and came home. Had some toast and pate and went to bed around 11.15.

Birthday and wedding anniversary. Lie in till 7.30. Awake for an hour between 2 and 3 and muggy headed when woke up. Had shower and made breakfast and opened cards. Walked suki in Acton park and then up to Emma's to drop off email printout with dates for having suki in November. Rained the whole time but I was well wrapped up wih boots waterproof trousers and goretex jacket so enjoyed it. Svetla back today - lovely to see her again and to see her well again. Practiced some Abel and did personal admin in the afternoon. Carolyn Leanne and Ollie came round about 5 and mike came down and we opened our presents. Lots of lovely alcoholic drinks including the full range of marks and spencer fruit liquers. All went off to Westfield on the bus and met up with Monica. Went to Bill's. Had lovely meal. They brought Eton mess with candles out and sang happy birthday! Home by 10 absolutely stuffed and very tired.  Straight to bed. 

Late getting up again!  Went to PC World determined to buy a laptop - miserable experience.  Uninterested and unknowledgeable staff, little stock.  Spent an hour looking at what little they had - nearly all were touch screen and all were Windows 8.  Also looked at All in One PCs and decided that was a better option for what I wanted.  Finally picked one which was for clearance - then "girl" told me that old software would probably not work and loading it would invalidate the manufacturer's warranty as it would "downgrade" the computer.  Decided not to give PC World my custom!  Also to do more research on this problem on-line.  Tried to buy the wi fi extenders but again no-one interested in helping me and couldn't see them on the shelf so decided to go home and order them on-line.  Very unsatisfactory all round - except that had a chance to look at All in Once PCs and see what they consisted of.  Quickly cooked some tortellini when I got in.  Spent all aftern

Got up late after another poor night's sleep.  10 by the time I took suki out.  Nice day - sunny and bright. Found I had won the "guess the number of sweets in a jar" competition when I found the said jar in the back of the car.   Sorted out emails etc and practiced on Abel.  Lorraine sad today as friend died. We all had roasted vegetable soup and garlic cheese wraps for lunch.  A bit late taking suki out in the afternoon.  Cycled to ringing at Chiswick.  Tony came again.  I went straight home without going to pub which was nice.  Had muesli and yoghurt for supper. 

Had a good nights sleep thank goodness. Mike had made tea by the time I got back from walking suki which was nice. Did the usual circuit of chiswick and Barnes. Heard Raymond is slipping away - at home and sleeping most of the time. Took suki to Burnham beeches - lovely day if a bit blustery. Had a lovely walk for an hour. Had muesli and yoghurt when I got back then did cross stitch watching silent witness and finished another block. Monica picked me up at 6.15 and we went to Hampton hill playhouse for cantanti concert. Quite good but ver small audience and very dry acoustics. Mike wanted me to go to the pub for half an hour afterwards - rather than go home with Monica - so I did and of course it was more like an hour! Torrential rain and lots of flooding on the road. When I eventually got yo bed couldn't get to sleep. Ho hum! 

Got up 7 ish having slept better. Had shower and made breakfast. When I went back to do washing up found I had put sugar in cutlery drawer. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come! Took Suki to Acton park - saw 3 water rats playing in the sunshine on a branch in the "pond" right next to a Moorhen which was unperturbed.  Mike went to Barnes in the morning. I made Dahl and veg soup. Lorraine and I set out walking to the convent for the Christmas sale at 11.30 but at Turnham Green got a phone call from mike to say sale started at 2 not 12 so we walked home again. Good exercise. I fiddled around with personal admin and had some soup for lunch. We set off again in the afternoon but this time in the car - which was just as well as it rained heavily and we had lots of things to bring home! We had a happy couple of hours at the sale buying things and having lots go goes on the tombola. Meanwhile mike went to the district ringing meeting at Sunbury. We stayed in for the evening a

Got up late at 7.40. So much for extra hour kick starting me into getting up by 7! I slept very well though. Suki was holding her paw up again so I put anti-inflammatory medicine on her food. Had shower and made breakfast and caught up with blog. Did the washing. Took suki out at 10 - she seemed fine on her leg and was jumping around with some of the dogs she met without any sign of any problem. Made tuna and sweet corn pasta bake for lunch and also carrot and swede mash with ginger for the freezer. Window cleaners came and did a great job of getting paint and sticky stuff off windows so I gave them £20 extra. Lorraine and I went to Tesco expecting to get pumpkins for 40p but they were two for £3!. Still bought some and also bought stuff to use up vouchers. Ended up with very heavy bags as bought boxes of bottled cider!  Took suki to Wendell and then to southfields - aiming to get more walking in for me and thus more exercise. Took lettuce and watercress sandwiches to ringing. Decided

Woke up with a start thinking it was 7.58 - realised a bit later that my bed side clock had not been put back! Got mike off to work with a lot of noise from suki. Trying to be quiet because Lorraine had done outreach shift till 2 am. Some hope! Sorted out all my emails - reducing them from 268 to 14 and dealing with all those which needed action. Had hygienist appointment at 10. Used the bike for the first time in ages to get there. Went to Tesco with Lorraine and had fun doing some shopping including three packs of sweets for trick or treaters.was late taking suki out in the afternoon. I walked her up to parish office of St M&AA to post booking forms for concert. The streets were teeming with trick or treaters and many of the houses were decorated with spiders webs, bats hanging in the porch and lots of them had pumpkins with candles inside.  Really quite festive. Went back through southfields park. Had huge number of trick or treaters come to the door - nearly ran out of sweets!

Got up early and put first lot of washing on. Had shower and did some tidying and cleaning and changed bedding.  Put second lot of washing on and had breakfast. Washed up and put the Hoover round. Put final load of washing on and took suki to plantation for walk. Usual start then down the track and back round the bottom perimeter. Very wet. Hung washing up when I got back, packed car and set off home. Got home about 2.45. Unpacked and pottered for a bit then took suki for quick walk in Wendell. Mike and I went off to guys at 4.45 and got there about 6. Long wait for 266. Up ridge road closed due to burst water main so my usual route would have been even longer. Rang for about an hour an fair half. Useful practice but didn't achieve a peal or qp. Went to cafe rouge and had steak frites and red wine preceded by olives. Caroline on diet aided by app called myfitnessplan. I downloaded it! 

Got up, had shower and breakfast then caught up with several days' blog. How's got up and had breakfast then we all went to Teignmouth. Lovely and sunny although blustery with a chill wind. We walked along the beach -the water was very close and at times we needed to wade. I took suki up to the prom a couple of times as I was worried about her being swept away. Suki had a great time chasing a ball and avoiding the waves. We walked along the pier hoping to get a coffee but it was just an amusement arcade so we went back and had lunch with leftovers. Mini sausages in Yorkshire puddings, stir fry, beef and roast potatoes. There was enough beef and potatoes left for my supper, with a glass of wine left in the bottle too. After lunch Hows packed the car and we took both cars to Parke.  Gill wanted to do woodland walk and back by the river even though that would be tight for the cafe at the end. Martin thought the woods were boring. Mike got tired half way round. Got back just after

Predicted bad storm hit through the night but was abating by the time I got up. One of the leylandi had blown over completely and the other was listing - dislodging some of the cooing stones round the raised flower bed. I texted Bill King and he said he would look at it after half term so I decided to leave them where they had fallen for the time being. One of Helena's fence panels was flapping. Will get him to look at that too. Pall went for a walk in stover park -through woods and along Templar way. Lots of flooding of streams and river. In one place had to wade through water up to wellie tops. Luckily other people were there who knew where it was shallowest. Took suki back and went out for lunch. Car park at Brookside was full so went to pay and display and walked up to Olde Tea Shop. Another bad experience so have crossed that one off the list now. Simon being particularly difficult about food and situation not helped by elderly waitress standing over us impatiently waiting for

Got up at 6.30 had shower etc and took suki to Parke. Out along railway track and back by river. Lots of water in river. Weir very impressive and yet another tree trunk stuck in it. Got back and had breakfast. Hows began to get up. Went ringing and stayed to service as it was holy communion. Very nice service apart from a couple of worship songs thrown in. Sat with Jean Brothwood who was taken faint during the service. Stayed with her and helped her home - with Barbara who brought her car up to the door to give her a lift. Margaret invited me to lunch with her and Ann Power at Claycutters which was nice of her. Had thought I would go if Hows were out for the day but they were waiting to do something with me so we went to trago mills and had a light lunch and some retail therapy including buying vast numbers of wellingtons! Gill and I went for a walk with suki in Parke - out by woodland walk and back by river then went to see Mary. Had lots of news to tell her from church which was nice

Slept really well! Took suki to Parke in the morning getting back about 10.50. Had milky drink. How's arrived about 12. After cup of tea went into Bovey intending to have eat in fish and chips but found chip shop does not open at lunchtimes so ended up at the Cromwell. Had nice lunch. Then walked up high street and looked into charity shop. Mike got two blazers two shirts and two ties! Gill found a pair of jeans. In afternoon all went up on to the moor - with the usual result! Simon seemed to enjoy it, Gill was slow and Mike wanted to go back. It was very blustery. Went from top car park over hay tor down to tramway and back through the quarry. 50 minutes.  Hows went out to their party at 6.45 and I had a nice peaceful evening cross stitching in front of TV with a beer. Put the clocks back and went to bed at 10 but had difficulty going to sleep and couldn't get tv to stay on magic so gave up trying to play music on sleep. How's came in at midnight.  Jayne's car alarm we

Didn't sleep too well so got up a bit late. Went up on the moor and had lovely walk. Small car park contour round and up back of black hill then back along the ridge. Mostly sunny and blustery. Ons sharp shower but wind and sun dried me out before I got back to the car. Got back and went off to trago mills and bought lots of new towels, some for home too, and some more fleecy bedding for here. Had stir fry veg for lunch. Took suki to plantation in afternoon - usual route around edge picking up Templar way. Getting very wet now underfoot and willies essential. Had jacket potato for supper. Ann picked me up at 7 and we went ringing at wolborough (via asda). Ropes very stiff and I wasn't comfortable ringing as kept hitting one hand with rope in the other. A bad handling style would have been an advantage! Went straight to bed with ovaltine and scotch when I got in. 

Awake in the night again so tried making a hot drink and reading for a while.  Hard to get up at 6.15 to get Mike off to work.  Drove Amanda to Shepherds Bush to get bus.  Took suki for a walk.  Did the ironing then had some porridge, packed the car and went to Devon.  Signs warning of long delays on M5 but had gone by the time I got there and Satnav didn't show delay longer than a few minutes.  Saw on the news later that there had been a huge crash which had closed the motorway for most of the morning.  Really lucky to have missed it.  People were delayed for 3 hours.  Took suki to parke when I got to Devon.  Nice presents from jayne.  She had left house clean and beautiful.  But cutlery drawer stuck.  Worked out how to remove carousel and was then able to remove the offending knife from the back of the drawer. Had Lorraines penne arrabiata for supper with additional cherry tomatoes left in fridge by jayne which helped temper the heat.  Washed it down with red wine and then an ear

Missed the target this morning. Was awake for a large part of the night and slept in till 7.30.  Amanda came walking with me when I took suki out.  When we got back Lorraine still in comfy clothes and had decided to skip college.  All 3 of us went to sainsbury in alperton and did yet more shopping - mainly Christmas presents.  Found the new Wilbur Smith book for half price so bought it.  Got lots of beer and wine to take some down to Devon.   Walked suki when I got home.  We went to Strada in the evening for a meal.  Restaurant empty when we arrived but filled up during the evening.  Lorraine and I both had penne arrabiata.  Too spicy for Lorraine.  It was very hot and I picked out the chillies.  Mike and Amanda had seafood linguine.  We had nice bottle of montepulciano - I was driving so only had one glass but there was enough left over for me to have another glass at home.  Amanda was sick in the night so looks like Bethany not impressed with meal choice.

Got up 7.20 again but it was 10 am before I got out with suki. Where does the time go. Did some improvements to the chiswick choir web site. Amanda arrived about 11.30. Went to Brent Cross with her and Lorraine. Spent a happy 3 hours shopping for Christmas presents and baby things. Had nice lunch in pizza express. Walked suki when I got back and then cooked tortellini for mike. Went to chiswick choir and came straight home and was able to say goodnight to the girls who were just going up to bed. Mike and I had a beer before going to sleep. Mike cracked a few hazelnuts and suki ran out of the room to hide!

Got up 7.20.  Target to get up by 7 every day so not too far off.  Took suki out after breakfast and leg seems fine now.  Not even limping.  So I let her off lead although will continue with medicine.  Carolyn Leanne Amanda Lorraine and Ollie arrived at 11.45.  We all went to Westfield on the bus and had nice lunch at Jamie Oliver's. Went shopping.  I ended up keeping Ollie amused while the others went round.  There was a play area which kept him happy for hours.  We all finished up with a cup of tea etc at the chocolate cafe and then they caught the 148 back to Walworth - which came just as we got to the bus stop.  Lorraine and I got back at 5.30 to find Mike had taken suki out which was a lovely surprise.  Went ringing at Chiswick in the evening.  Tony came along and was quite an asset.  He seems to be able to manage the 3 quite happily and we were able to ring Stedman and PB Triples with him there. 

Didn't sleep well.  Suki woke me at 12 barking and I just couldn't get back to sleep.  Got up 6.30.  Had shower and made last minute decision to take suki for short walk.  She enjoyed it.  Very heavy rain but we missed it.  Did the usual circuit of church breakfast and ringing.  Sorted out paperwork and also changed my bedding and got square pillow back out of storage to see if that would be more comfortable for sleeping.  Sorted out bedding in linen cupboard and put a lot more into storage under my bed. Had grilled lamb steaks and stir fry veg for lunch followed by chocolate filled crepe.  Still haven't been able to cook them nicely.  Shan't get them again.  Torrential rain alternated with blue sky and sunshine all day.  Took suki out at 4 when Mike went off to ring qp at East Molesey.  Suki limping on leg but putting it down rather than hopping on 3 legs so hopefully getting better.  Did cross stitch all afternoon and evening again and nearly finished another block. 

Latest start yet!  Got up at 8.40.  Suki s leg no better.  Mike went off to Barnes.  Lorraine went to pick up Amanda and then to Carolyn's. I spent the morning changing the beds and doing washing.  Cleared linen cupboard of old towels.  Piled them up in extension for now.  Put sun bed upstairs ready for loft and moved beer to give more space.  Tidied top of organ which had become a dumping ground.  Phoned vets around 11.45 expecting to get answerphone message with weekend emergency arrangements and was pleasantly surprised to find they were open till 1 and had an appointment free at 12.45.  Walked suki to the vet.  We shared the pain.  She hopped along on three legs and when she had enough I carried her until my wrists gave out.  Alternated like that all the way there and back.  Vet gave her anti inflammatory injection and some pain relief medicine for me to give her each day.  Spent the rest of the day cross stitching.  Mike went to come and sing Messiah at Teddington.   I watched

Got up late again - really must get back in to the habit of getting up by 7 or the day just goes. Had shower then realised suki was holding her right front leg up and couldn't put any weight on it. She wasn't chewing at the foot and we couldn't see anything wrong so I thought she must have jumped down awkwardly in the night and twisted it. I didn't think anything was broken as she didn't make any noise when we touched it nor was it swollen.  She was still able to run on 3 legs and jump up at the door when the postman came.  She clearly couldn't go out for a walk and had little interest in going out in the garden although she did eventually go out for a wee at lunchtime. So I sat indoors all day and did cross stitch - also giving myself a break from learning music and practicing handbells. I managed to cross stitch a complete letter from scratch starting at 10.30 and finishing at 7.30 at night with an hour off to make and eat lunch and a few other distractions du

Got Mike off to work and resisted temptation to go back to bed. Took suki to Acton park. Lovely morning. Came back did washing and made Dahl and veg soup and cooked the beetroot from the veg box. Practiced Abel a lot and did the ironing watching downton abbey on itv player on the tv. Suki spent the morning following the sunshine around the room and basking in it.  No problems with it this time.  Several parcels delivered by postman tied together with rubber band. Thought they were all for Lorraine as she had said she was expecting a lot.  Later realised one was for me from fragrant earth which should have been delivered to Devon for Jayne. Emailed strong letter and they told me to use their account to get TNT to collect it and deliver it the next day. Did that and had quick shower. They asks they would come before 4.45 as I was going out at 5 for handbells. When they didn't arrive by then I phoned and was told the driver had tried at 111 at 3.15. So basically I had been sitting the

Another relaxed start. Slept badly and did my usual of falling into a deep sleep about 5 having been awake between 3 and 5. 10.30 before I took suki for a walk. Had veg laksa for lunch. I had another crepe. Realised I was cooking them incorrectly so will try again tomorrow and see if they improve.  Booked hotel for Manchester trip and mike booked train tickets. Practised a lot on Abel as well as doing personal admin and email housekeeping. Upated chiswick choir web site and sent out draft minutes. Went to festival hall in evening to concert by GCU which mike was participating in. Met Monica at shepherds bush. Got there in good time and we both had a large glass of wine and ordered one for the interval. Quite an enjoyable concert.  Not really my cup of tea although thoroughly enjoyed Edgar's cello concerto. Had drink with mike in bar before coming home. 

Relaxed start. Practised on Abel, sent out remaining paperwork for AGM and prepared papers and template for the meeting. Learnt the music scheduled to be rehearsed tonight. Had mike's birthday sausages with garlic mushrooms and cauliflower cheese for lunch. Finished off the cauliflower cheese for supper and had chocolate crepe for dessert. Good rehearsal and AGM went well although chairman was very waffle. Had nice evening in pub for a change and we only got home at 11.45.

Got up 7.30 and had slow start. Had breakfast then took suki to Acton park. Hung new curtains when I got back. Look lovely although make the room seem darker. I like them though. Practiced a lot on Abel but also played too many games of solitaire. Must wean myself off it! Tidied up my emails and did other bits of personal admin. Mike had goldsmiths rehearsal. I took suki to southfields. Went to chips wick early to clear out rubbish mike had removed from the flue yesterday. Discovered it was qp week but no one had mentioned it to me. It didn't matter too much as they were so late  starting  they just tried a 720 which fired out anŷway.  Well attended practice. I took opportunity not to go to,pub afterwards and went home and had cheese on garlic toast and a beer.

Got up early and took suki for a walk in parke for an hour. Then went ringing . Made them up to 6. Had some good ringing with bob, Barry, Austin , bill, Chris and me. Went back and packed car. Set off at 11 to meet jay at half moon inn in horsington. Got there early for once. Chucking it down with rain. Had lovely roast beef carvery followed by home Mede rice pudding with blackcurrant compote. Got home about 4.30. Mike church sitting for me. Took suki for a walk in southfields. Miserable compared to Devon. Had Christmas handbell practice in evening. Went quite well.  Monica and Ali stayed on for a drink afterwards.  Lorraine not there as still at Carolyn's. She  was involved in a car crash - someone turned right. Across her path as she was going through traffic lights. Quite a lot of damage to the car although she is alright. Car being picked up for repair tomorrow from wallworth. 

Got up at 7.30 and had toast and marmalade for breakfast. Practiced on Abel for a bit till Jayne got up. Went up to the moor for a walk. Lovely but started in drizzle which cleared for a bit then got heavy. We got so wet we went back to change before going up to see Mary. Sat in back lounge with Mary. Took suki back at 12.45 and then went to dolphin for lunch. Had beef and Guinness pie with chips. Put music on to jayne's USB sticks and took suki for short walk in the afternoon. At 5.30 went to Anne's. Douglas drove us and Joyce to lamerton for the handbell festival. Very interesting and enjoyable. We rang our pieces well, as did the four in hand band, both bands coming second in their respective sections. Lamerton won all the trophies - well it was their festival. The "peal" ringing was amazing. One band rang grandsire doubles by lapping and the lamerton band rang call changes including raising and lowering. They were standing but still managed to pass bells between t

Went out for walk with Jayne and suki at 9.30. Went to stover and did Templar way circuit from Teignbridge road. Copied more CDs when I got back. Also did small amount of ironing.  Jayne made lentil soup for lunch. Also ate the other Belgian bun. Rang peal at wobbly bobs in the afternoon. Had my arm twisted! Actually had some bits of nice striking. Left arm and shoulder began to ache after a bit and gradually got worse until I thought I would faint with the pain at every backstroke. Then about 20 mins before the end it got better. May even have been good for it. Garage door was left open as beautiful sunny day however it got very cold towards the end. Popped to Tesco for milk and presents for bob and Michelle then went home. Jayne arrived back at same time. Had been for coffee with friend from river dart. I took suki for walk in parke. Ear muffs were brilliant. Jayne cooked supper - chicken in tomato sauce with courgettes from ann plus curly kale and mash. It was delicious. We washed i

Went walking in plantation in the morning with suki and Jayne. Usual circuit round the outside taking in the bits of Templar way that go through.   Went in to bovey for a mooch and a cup of coffee.  Tried the cafe I used to go in with dad as under new management.  Quite nice but a bit noisy. Had fring cut by Ryan.   Came back and did cross stitch while Jayne did her tax return.   In the afternoon took Jayne on circular walk from house starting by Bradley ponds and coming back along bridle way. Took longer than we anticipated. Decided to have fish and chips rather than cook. Watched silent witness which kept us up past our bedtime finishing at 11. 

Had a bad night and felt sick in the early hours - blamed the fish and chips. Tree surgeon gang turned up unexpectedly at 8. Expected them on Friday! Luckily not yet out with dog. Delighted they could do it early. Went for walk in parke with Jayne and suki finishing with coffee and tea cake at cafe.  Tree people were there till 3 pm.  Did an excellent job. Everything looking much neater. Can see fence now. Lots of gaps in hedge where suki might get out but plugged the one in the back so that should be ok. Took lights in for the winter. Went to Exeter for handbells at lunchtime. Sue Sparling forgot so we rang Yorkshire major with Lynne on inside pair. Can't believe I went wrong twice again. They are going to think I am a liability at this rate. Was pleased not to have to ring a second  which apparently was the plan. Jayne had hair appointment at the same time. Did cross stitch in the afternoon. Finished another block. Jayne got her photo book which she had done for her mum of the ch

Slept really well and for over 8 hours. Got up 7.30 had shower etc. Found missing album info from last night. Went to moor with suki and Jayne and had lovely walk for an hour. Saddle tor then up on to hay tor and back round and down to public footpath. It was a beautiful day.  Much colder than yesterday but the sun shone and the sky was blue. Wind was very cold.  Then went to see Mary. They had just finished harvest festival so lounge was packed. Jayne showed photo book to Mary. Took suki home. Bill king turned up to do lawns. Jayne and I went to Newton abbot and had lovely lunch at Olive restaurant. Five tapas dishes and a bread board. Then mooched around looking in shops. Bought huge Belgian buns on the way back to the car. I bought £5 pair of ear muffs as wind very cold and didn't want to get dizzy. Took suki for quick walk when got back.  It was a lovely evening. Sun still shining but sky now cloudless blue and the wind had died down.  Went handbell ringing in Moretonhampstead