turps

If anyone ever wants to make podfic of any of my stories you have blanket permission to do so. The exception being any co-writes, in which case you'll have to ask the permission of the other writer.

All my stories are uploaded at A03.

If anyone ever wants to friend me, feel free. I always enjoy meeting/reading new people but at the same time, it doesn't bother me if people read and don't comment at all, or even comment very occasionally. All are welcome.

I read in lots of fandoms but the main ones right now are The Musketeers and MCU, though that's 99% winterhawk.

I also still love bandom and popslash and had a brief intense fling with Downton Abbey, so often dip into those fandoms when the urge hits.

I'm very much an OTC person, and my past and present loves include Tom Paris, Blair Sandburg, Brennan Mulwray, Chris Kirkpatrick, Mikey Way, Aramis, Clint Barton.

I have a long-lasting and deep love for h/c, but read pretty much anything.

I still write on occasion, nowhere near as prolific as in my bandom days, but sometimes I feel the need to scratch the writing itch.

Mostly I post about real-life things, my family, my cats, walks to the beach and the cinema. Along with my husband, I have an Odeon Unlimited card so we got to the cinema a lot.

I'm a carer for my husband who has AMC. He has a full-time job but I help him a lot in the house and do a load of surveys, product tests etc for extra money. They're all boring, tedious and often pay pennies, but I've found as long as you slog through a certain amount a day it all adds up.

I have one son who went away to uni and never came back. He still lives relatively close, though, so I still see and chat to him often.

I had a gastric bypass a few years ago and lost a load of weight. I don't really talk about it on here now, but it's something that changed my life and something I'll never regret.

I very rarely friends lock posts, usually only photos of people and mainly just keep plodding on through my life the best that I can.

There's no need to comment if you want to friend me, but if you want to, go for it.

We're finally out of a run of 29c temps here and while it's warm today, it's nicely so. Poor James really didn't cope with the heat wave. His meds mess with his temperature regulation anyway, so he was like a wrung out rag for a lot of the time.

Things I've done in the last few days.

Went for a walk along the riverside to check out two new Ray Lonsdale sculptures. Photos on my insta if interested.

Went along the coast to go and spot seals at St Mary's island, and actually saw them, which was cool.

Walked at the Wetlands.

Went to class and my one to one check in with Rosie -- I plan on posting a flocked post about that later.

Went to Pauline's for tea.

Went with James to two hospital appointments in one day, hours apart.

Went to meet the in laws at an Italian restaurant for a birthday dinner for my niece.

Had a very frustrating Thursday.

Went to see Twenty Eight Years later, which I actually enjoyed despite me being a wuss. While it's not my usual genre of film I watch, a lot of it was filmed in my localish area, so it was fun spotting places I knew.

Tried to keep up with the garden, including making my own banana plant water, which is apparently good for the tomatoes. Sounds exciting, but it's just me shoving banana peels into water and letting them seep.

Okay, the Thursday ( cut for length ).

James' hospital appointments were both routine, one to check his new splint and take the old one in to be adjusted as a spare. The other to see his AMC consultant, which I also expected to be an in and out, but he was sent to x-ray to see why he still can't get his hand to his mouth. Apparently there's a build up of bone around his elbow joint, and she thinks it could help with the movement to get it chipped away, but only if the build up is at the front of the bone and not the side, so he needs a CT scan to find out which it is.

Honestly, I'm wary of him having the op even if it is in the front. It's his dominant arm and James has always said no more operations unless emergencies and while a minor op, this one would stop him driving for a while, which deeply depressed him last year. But, guess we'll see after the scan, and obviously, it's his decision.

To end this sum up, have some hot cats from yesterday ( behind here )

It was a nicely productive day on Thursday.

Started with an early trip to the tip to get rid of a huge bag of garden waste and a couple of bulky but broken electrical items, so it was good to do that bit of decluttering. Plus, the tip shop was closed for a delivery so no chance of buying more stuff to fill those new gaps*g*

From there we called in to see my in laws for a bit, then it was onto the hospital as James had a physio appointment. Unfortunately, his appointment was for 11am, which is a horrible time in terms of parking, and we had to circle the whole site for nearly 30 minutes before a lovely lady pointed to a free space in one of the car parks we'd already gone through three times.

Each time he goes to physio, I expect James to be discharged, but nope again. While his elbow break has healed beautifully, he's lost muscle in his shoulder and still can't bring his hand to his mouth without propping his arm on a surface, or bringing his mouth down to his hand. So, more exercises to do at home, and he's back in a month, and will apparently need to keep going until that muscle is back.

Left the hospital and headed into town as I had an eye exam booked for 12:30. I only wear my glasses when reading books, but had noticed recently things were getting a bit fuzzier reading without them, so figured I should go for a check-up.

Turns out my right eye has got worse, but the other is still the same. So, new reading glasses for me. But what you don't want while sitting with the optometrist is for her to say, 'well, this is rare and don't worry, but….' Turns out I have a very narrow drainage channel around the iris of my right eye, while increases the risk of Angle closure glaucoma. Everything is fine pressure wise right now, but she gave me a leaflet about symptoms, saying if I get any of those to go straight to the eye infirmary, and I'm now on annual eye checks, which I guess is a good thing.

Rosie finally sent the change of day survey, but along with those came some suggestions to express interest in other options, which sound great if they happen. Included in that, actual cooking demos, well-being walks and various other exercise options. I ticked an interest in all except for badminton, which just sounds like a disaster in the making for me if I tried it.

Then she emailed again yesterday to say the class Monday coming is also cancelled as she's off on annual leave. Which is a shame after also being cancelled this last Monday. But, it can't be helped and as she's getting married later this year, I suspect this is the time Rosie's booked for her hen do.

Yesterday was forecast for heavy rain showers all day, so we decided to go to the cinema. Saw The Salt Path on a 11am morning showing, and really enjoyed it. Left Odeon and went to Subway for dinner, then checked the cinema listings again and saw a screening of Karate Kid -- Legends, was about to start, so went to see that too. The film hasn't been getting good reviews, but I actually liked it, even more so as a load of young teen boys were watching too, and they all started applauding at the end, which made me smile. I also saw the full trailer for the new Downton Abbey film, and I'm looking forward to seeing that later in the year.

Today we've driven to a jumble sale as Cat Lady Kay from Consett Cats had a fund-raising table there, and we wanted to support her. I only bought a book, but left a donation, so it was worth the drive.

This afternoon I intend to catch up here, and feed the tomato plants. Then, more binge-watching of Mobland later. What a show that is, it's got me gripped.

Earlier, I got a text from Rosie saying she's going to send out a survey about what people think of the weight management programme and what else we'd like her to include. But also, that she was thinking of changing the day of class, so it won't be on a Monday at 11am but instead on a Tues/Wed or Friday morning at 9:30. And, do not want. I like having class on a Monday, so I know my week has started. The survey hasn't come yet, but I really hope the majority don't want a Friday.

My MiL's visit went well, and we dropped her off home on Monday. Like I mentioned in my last post, she watched the Sunderland match with James -- they won, yay! on Saturday and on Sunday we went out for lunch at Prego, the restaurant we like at the seafront. We had a nice day, but then my MiL wasn't feeling well in the evening ( cut for minor medical stuff )

I watched the series finale of The Last of Us, and ( Read more... )

On misbegotten 's rec, I've been watching The Pitt, and man, what a show. I was so invested, and watched the last ep this afternoon. Talk about a gut punch and something wringing all emotion out of you. It's such an interesting format for a show, with each episode being an hour of the shift. I really think it works very well in terms of engaging the audience, and I'm really interested in how season two will work considering the format.

But yeah, a rec from me too if you like gritty medical shows with excellent writing and characters.

Well, what an unexpected photo of two of my fannish faves to wake up to. Thank you, MWay for posting this.

I got my intoabar assignment which is Aramis (The Musketeers) meets Joey Fatone (Nsync ) in a bar.

I opened the notification email. Then I stared. Then I laughed a little hysterically.

But, thinking about it since then, I'm sort of thinking of leaning into fanon and how Aramis hates the cold after Savoy and of course Joey survived the bitter cold of Germany -- which is North Pole levels of cold it seems, and often leads to huddling for warmth in a shared bed.

Surely something to bond over? How they actually meet in the first place? Hell if I know.

James was off the last two days so Wednesday we headed to Beamish for a long walk in the sunshine.

Then yesterday did something a bit different in that we took my SiL and oldest nephew for a train driving experience that he'd been given for his birthday.

I have to admit, I was a bit dubious before going as the railway people had sent all these emails saying to take part people had to be able to climb six foot into the train, wear sturdy shoes and clothes that couldn't be ruined by dirt, and I was very much of the opinion, yeah no. But I guess they had to stress worst case scenarios, as nothing like that happened.

It was a bog-standard modern train which Andrew got to drive over 22 miles of private railway track. It was a beautiful journey too, through gorgeous countryside, and I got to sit in the passenger part of the train with my SiL while James sat in the cab with my nephew, with the instructor standing behind and giving instructions.

I thought there would be some kind of dual controls, but nope, Andrew was in total control and did so well. He's obsessed with trains and buses, so this experience was a dream for him. Seeing him so happy was amazing, and showed that he could actually drive a train. Sadly, his autism means that while he could do that aspect of the job, dealing with the public or anything unexpected would completely throw him. Which is a shame, but after summer he's about to start a specialist college programme designed to get disabled young adults into the workforce, so hopefully, he'll be helped toward some railway based role, even if it's not a driver.

Moving from Sky means we lost a few channels, so have been branching out a little in terms of watching stuff. One of the new shows we've been watching is The Assembly, which is a show where actors/celebs answer unfiltered and hard-hitting questions from a group of neurodivergent and learning disabled interviewers.

The show had a pilot ep on BBC1 where Michael Sheen was interviewed, which I still need to watch, but have watched the episodes with Danny Dyer, Jade Thirlwall and David Tennant. I enjoyed them all, but will link to David's as he answered some interesting questions, including JK, God, Doctor Who etc as well as a lovely performance by some of the interviewers at the end. Danny's was fab too, he was incredibly candid, but I'm not sure how widely he's known. But yeah, I've enjoyed every ep I've watched so far, and am looking forward to the last one with Gary Lineker.

I was pleased to hear about the plans for a Call the Midwife prequel and film. I still enjoy watching the original show, and will be quite happy watching these spin-offs, too.

I'm feeling a bit better, which is good as we're off to a posh wedding on Saturday. Only evening guests, but it's in a stately hall about an hour's drive away. I hit the big charity shop a week or so ago and have a dress I think is appropriate. I was going to wear the blue one I wore for Kayleigh's wedding, but didn't know if that would be a touch formal for a guest. Clothes are so frustrating, I have a wardrobe full of the things, half not fitting now and gah, why can't I just go in my Oodie and crocs?

I am looking forward to it, btw. Good friends will be there, and it'll be a lovely occasion, just clothes.

Right, I'm going to poke at my intoabar sign up, I don't want another year of signing up minutes before deadline.

I really enjoyed Thunderbolts* yesterday, in fact, it's been one of my favourite Marvel films for a while. Well, apart from Deadpool which I also loved loads. It had everything I wanted and more, and I'm looking forward to more people seeing it so I can discuss.

Odeon were giving away Thunderbolt* bagtags to anyone watching in the IMax screen, which I do like better than the posters they used to give away. I also like they actually said they were bagtags this time, as the last one I got they said they were keyrings. Which fair enough, they could be used as keyrings, but they're so long that when I did so the tag bit kept getting stuck in the door.

So yes, a big thumbs up from me, and I suspect, it may be a second viewing film.

I also went to the Indian restaurant with Pauline and James, and was supposed to meet my brother and nephew there. But when Chris still hadn't turned up after the time we'd agreed, I messaged, and he'd forgotten about the meal and was still at a job in Newcastle, which is nearly an hour's drive away in rush hour traffic. He's a self-employed kitchen fitter, so I completely understand having to stay to the end of the job, but I suspect if he'd remembered to tell us he couldn't make it earlier we would have rescheduled, as Pauline doesn't get to see him that often and was looking forward to doing so.

But, the meal was tasty and company good, even if we had gone from what was supposed to be six people at first down to three.

Thank you so much dine for the adorable Easter card. It made me smile a lot ♥

I watched the latest episode of The Last of Us this morning and ( cut for spoilers )

A fic rec that I read after. The Soles of Your Shoes Are All Worn Down by ermengarde, someone who I know will always write just what's needed, and that's the case here. A03 locked and spoilers to the end of S3 Ep2.

I bought tomato plants today, the usual Shirleys, and a few other varieties I want to try growing. This meant another clean of the greenhouse, and it's looking pretty good right now. And I'm feeling pretty grimy after sorting shelves and generally getting things ready for the growing season.

It didn't help that I had the old broken microwave in there along with other stuff that needed taking to the tip. So, that will happen tomorrow before we pick my MiL up as we're off for lunch out as it would have been my FiL's birthday.

Which doubly means I need a good soak, as dirt in my hair isn't a good look.

The switch over from Sky to EE broadband went nicely. Though, it's good that we weren't relying on an alarm Friday morning, as the internet was switched off overnight. So, no Alexa alarm, no turning on the lights, no having Alexa give a morning briefing, even no tv until the internet was connected again. Which actually didn't take that long, really, most of the time was taken reconnecting the echo dots.

Sky tv won't go off until the end of the month, so we won't be connecting the EE tv until then. I figured we've paid for this month of Sky, we're going to use it.

That was Friday. Saturday we had such a lovely walk along the riverbank at Durham. The weather was glorious, and it felt so good to be outside without needing a cardigan or coat.

Sunday was the Consett Cat event and it went well. I was in charge of the table downstairs, selling name the bunny names and also taking donations. Then later another lady turned up with cat print bags and sweet cones to sell, so I was in charge of them, too.

People could also go upstairs to meet some of the cats up for adoption, so hopefully, some will have their new forever homes soon. Included upstairs were brother and sister rag doll siblings, Sapphire and Steel. They were gorgeous! So silky with the most beautiful eyes, but the owner of the rescue says they have one brain cell between them *g*

Sitting where I was in the entrance meant I also got to meet some amazing dogs, including so many puppies ready to give out doggy kisses. That was supposed to be it for my volunteering, but I said I could do this Saturday too. So more puppy kisses for me, hopefully.

Monday was class, we talked about gut health, which is actually very interesting. But exciting for me, I'm getting so much better on that three level step. Reminders of progress ftw.

Tuesday the security people came. As part of a bundled deal with EE we were given an alarm system including a video doorbell -- which is typical as we only bought a Ring system a few months ago -- anti-shock sensors on the windows and doors, an alarm on the doors and other stuff, all monitored 24/7. So, now I have to remember to disarm the alarm every time I go out and in.

Yesterday I found out that Bodhi's been accepted into the school her mams picked for her, which is excellent as it was never a given she'd get in as it's a small school, and they'd only picked one. Better still, it's very close to their house and walkable for me, considering it's inevitable I'll still be doing school pick-ups sometimes. But still, big girl school for Bodhi, she's growing so fast.

We also went to the cinema to see The Amateur, which was good stuff.

Today was a quick Bodhisit as Lucy finished work at 1 and Kayleigh started at 1, so they needed someone for less than an hour. Also, I took advantage of the Easter veg wars by stocking up on the 8p veggies.

Generally, I watched and enjoyed the new episodes of Doctor Who and The Last of Us, though in very different ways. And now I'm going to have a read of my flist and try to catch up a little.