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Apr. 1st, 2019 03:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsIt was mother's day yesterday, and to be honest I was dreading it. It's why I haven't been around lately because I missed mam so much and was so sad and everywhere I looked there were reminders of the approaching day. In the end, yesterday wasn't as bad as I was expecting, I guess I got all my sad out of the way in the week or so approaching. But still, ouch. It was so much worse than Christmas and my birthday and her birthday.
I did go and see Corey, so that was one positive. You can see my annual mother's day photo of me and him here.
We actually did a lot last week, distractions for the win I guess.
A long time after everyone else, I've started to watch Queer Eye and am enjoying it loads. I've just binge-watched the first season, and have two more to go. Happiness. I'm also still working my way through Schitt's Creek and watching the GoT specials that are starting to appear ready for the new, and final, season.
James' new meds seem to be doing the trick. His blood pressure is down and his pulse almost normal, however, the downside of that is his nerve pain has increased so we've been back at the doctor's again this morning and she's increased one of his tablets again, so hopefully that will work as it's such a delicate balancing act. James has bought a personal blood pressure machine so now we both check our blood pressure in the mornings. It's been amazing to see his come down, and as part of a new routine, I'm making sure we get out of the house and walk as often as possible. Which is why the other day we were at Gibside again. It's a National Trust property, and while there we decided to join the organisation. As I get in free as his carer, it'll cost us £6 a month for us both, and as it would have been £12 to get in at the time, it seemed a logical decision, especially as Gibside is so brilliantly disability friendly. We've been before, it's the place that has two electric tramper scooters that disabled guests can use for free. They're great, so sturdy and means I could get in a good walk through the forest without James being in pain after a short distance. He did walk on occasions though, and I took control of the tramper then. I also got to go on one of those giant net swings and eat a sandwich in the sunshine and explore a children's woodland plaything.
Then on the way home we were passing Beamish, and as buying one ticket means you get in free for a full year, we decided to call in and have a ride on the tram. Forgetting that actually getting to the tram stop is quite the hike first. We also bought a cob loaf from the bakery, which made me laugh because normally we're so careful with our grocery budget, yet show me a home-baked loaf of bread and I'll happily spend £2 to buy it. We also bought this fun metal sculpture thing from Gibside. It's a long stick with two metal swallows balanced on it, and they twirl around in the wind. It's in the raised bed outside of the living room window and all of the cats were quite fascinated.
So yeah, by the time we were home my fitbit told me I'd walked over 5 miles and had gone up 38 flights of stairs, so that day stretching my legs really did happen.
Also last week we used the new membership to visit a lighthouse. It's one we pass all the time when we're at the beach but have never been in. It was interesting but very much a once you've seen it you don't need to go back place. James did really well getting halfway up the long stone spiral staircase, but there was no way he'd get up the last part which was pretty much a spiral ladder. So I left him on the landing -- there were seats, I wasn't cruel enough to just leave him on the stairs -- and climbed to the top. It was such a beautiful view and the NT lady followed so we had a talk about the lighthouse and the surrounding area and I got to push the light around.
Film wise we've been to see Dumbo and Five Feet Apart, both of which were okay. Nothing to write home about.
Tomorrow we need to go to the inlaws and my MiL is getting a recliner/riser chair, which will be amazing for her. The adult social worker will be there to ensure she knows how to use it and I really do think it will change her life. Operation getting their house into shape is still ongoing. Honestly, it's still a tip and the grime everywhere is something I couldn't live with, but compared to what it was like a month ago it's a showhome.
Then first thing Wednesday James needs to see his work doctor, so another early start then. But this afternoon I have nothing on, so am going to catch up on here.
I did go and see Corey, so that was one positive. You can see my annual mother's day photo of me and him here.
We actually did a lot last week, distractions for the win I guess.
A long time after everyone else, I've started to watch Queer Eye and am enjoying it loads. I've just binge-watched the first season, and have two more to go. Happiness. I'm also still working my way through Schitt's Creek and watching the GoT specials that are starting to appear ready for the new, and final, season.
James' new meds seem to be doing the trick. His blood pressure is down and his pulse almost normal, however, the downside of that is his nerve pain has increased so we've been back at the doctor's again this morning and she's increased one of his tablets again, so hopefully that will work as it's such a delicate balancing act. James has bought a personal blood pressure machine so now we both check our blood pressure in the mornings. It's been amazing to see his come down, and as part of a new routine, I'm making sure we get out of the house and walk as often as possible. Which is why the other day we were at Gibside again. It's a National Trust property, and while there we decided to join the organisation. As I get in free as his carer, it'll cost us £6 a month for us both, and as it would have been £12 to get in at the time, it seemed a logical decision, especially as Gibside is so brilliantly disability friendly. We've been before, it's the place that has two electric tramper scooters that disabled guests can use for free. They're great, so sturdy and means I could get in a good walk through the forest without James being in pain after a short distance. He did walk on occasions though, and I took control of the tramper then. I also got to go on one of those giant net swings and eat a sandwich in the sunshine and explore a children's woodland plaything.
Then on the way home we were passing Beamish, and as buying one ticket means you get in free for a full year, we decided to call in and have a ride on the tram. Forgetting that actually getting to the tram stop is quite the hike first. We also bought a cob loaf from the bakery, which made me laugh because normally we're so careful with our grocery budget, yet show me a home-baked loaf of bread and I'll happily spend £2 to buy it. We also bought this fun metal sculpture thing from Gibside. It's a long stick with two metal swallows balanced on it, and they twirl around in the wind. It's in the raised bed outside of the living room window and all of the cats were quite fascinated.
So yeah, by the time we were home my fitbit told me I'd walked over 5 miles and had gone up 38 flights of stairs, so that day stretching my legs really did happen.
Also last week we used the new membership to visit a lighthouse. It's one we pass all the time when we're at the beach but have never been in. It was interesting but very much a once you've seen it you don't need to go back place. James did really well getting halfway up the long stone spiral staircase, but there was no way he'd get up the last part which was pretty much a spiral ladder. So I left him on the landing -- there were seats, I wasn't cruel enough to just leave him on the stairs -- and climbed to the top. It was such a beautiful view and the NT lady followed so we had a talk about the lighthouse and the surrounding area and I got to push the light around.
Film wise we've been to see Dumbo and Five Feet Apart, both of which were okay. Nothing to write home about.
Tomorrow we need to go to the inlaws and my MiL is getting a recliner/riser chair, which will be amazing for her. The adult social worker will be there to ensure she knows how to use it and I really do think it will change her life. Operation getting their house into shape is still ongoing. Honestly, it's still a tip and the grime everywhere is something I couldn't live with, but compared to what it was like a month ago it's a showhome.
Then first thing Wednesday James needs to see his work doctor, so another early start then. But this afternoon I have nothing on, so am going to catch up on here.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-01 03:54 pm (UTC)He’s so tall!
Ohh that’s awesome! I’ve not seen Queer eye either but it’s on the list
That looks so awesome! I’m glad you both had a nice time and that his meds are helping.
Ohh I’ve always wanted to go up a lighthouse
Hope it goes ok!
no subject
Date: 2019-04-01 06:42 pm (UTC)it's great James' BP has come down, hopefully the tweak will mean his pain levels also reduce quickly
it sounds like you've been having tons of lovely experiences lately - good for you! your yard sculpture thing sounds terrific, and quite intriguing to cats
no subject
Date: 2019-04-02 03:24 am (UTC)Your picture with Corey is lovely, though. And I'm glad James's meds are working, and hope a good mix can be found to ease his pain. And your swallow sculpture sounds really pretty!
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Date: 2019-04-02 07:22 pm (UTC)That's such a sweet photo of you and Corey.
So good to hear James' blood pressure is down. I'll keep my fingers crossed the new medicin combo will work out!
Gibside looks like a fabulous place to visit! I envy you having such nice places close by. That swallow thingy sounds cool. Can we get a photo, maybe? You did some serious walking that day, go you!!
I hope everything went well at the inlaws today!
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Date: 2019-04-04 11:45 am (UTC)There was no way this particular Mother's Day wasn't gonna be hard as hell, I guess, but I'm glad that all your pre-dread helped ease the way.
That photo! :)
no subject
Date: 2019-04-06 02:42 pm (UTC)Thank you for the hugs, they're always appreciated.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-06 03:15 pm (UTC)I had to get my traditional mother's day photo with Corey, even if this time it was in the street before he went home.
The new medicine combo does seem to be working, just he's getting tired by late afternoon. But that should ease off as his body gets used to the new strength of tablets.
I'll take and post a photo of the swallows. I would have done it now but yet again it's grey and cold. But I have pansy's to plant so should be in the garden tomorrow.
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Date: 2019-04-06 03:18 pm (UTC)I do love my photo with Corey. I like that we have them every year for mother's day.
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Date: 2019-04-06 03:43 pm (UTC)The sculpture makes for great cat tv. They often sit watching it go round and round.
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Date: 2019-04-06 04:09 pm (UTC)Yeah, Corey's easily about a foot taller than I am. When he comes home he gets all the up high jobs to do.
Queer Eye is a lot of fun. And while I don't ship them, I love how comfortable they are around each other and how they'll hug and hold hands. I love that.
I enjoyed being up the lighthouse, but would have hated it as an actual job. All those stairs, it must have been exhausting.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-14 02:59 pm (UTC)Good luck to James and his med changes. Always such a delicate balance, yes!
Go you for getting out and walking. I need to do that, and with the better weather it might actually happen. Fingers crossed at least.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-20 07:50 am (UTC)The delicate balance in James' meds is ridiculous. Then, of course, it's the giving more meds to counteract side effects to the original ones. It never ends at times.
Oh yeah, better weather makes getting out and walking so much easier. I mean, who wants to be out in the cold? Not me that's for sure.