What are you all up to
Comments
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@milliehull that’s terrible news to hear thoughts with you
We left West Ayron Club site this morning after an excellent week we couldn’t have asked for better weather and we managed to cram in a lot in our week without having to drive too far. A great area with plenty to do close by also managed a couple of good cycles and having the pub at the bottom of the hill was good too. It had been 5 years since we were last there hope not to leave it as long this time. We left there this morning to head up here to Durham took us an hour and 40 mins to get from Weat Ayton to the A1 lots of heavy traffic on the A64 near York plenty of caravans and motorhome on the road. Once we were on the A1 it was an easy tow up here. Site here full and again weather was great so we cooked burgers on the Cadac for dinner and sat out with a couple of drinks until the sun went down. Not sure of the plan tomorrow yet
Hope eyeing else has a nice weekend
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@richardandros hope your trip away goes well and I am sure it will be even more enjoyable after the report from Ros' surgeon.
So sorry to read of the family bereavement @milliehull, it is good to hear that the girls will have plenty of support.
@Oneputt very pleased to hear that your brother has finally left hospital, also the your son & DIL have a new foster child. Hope it goes well for them all. Fingers crossed that the repair to your caravan won't take too long and you are able to get away well before the end of May.
You certainly picked the right time to come down to Yorkshire, @Francis however I fear that it won't be as fine and dry for all of your stay at Durham.
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We have moved further north to our last CL of this trip. The journey was not too bad, with just one holdup as we came over from Buxton. I did think that we had made the wrong choice of route but the delay was not that long. We were thankful that we were travelling South on the M6 as there had been an accident which blocked two lanes around J21A. The traffic was queued back for nearly junctions! We were surprised to find that the site we are staying on was full as it is not in what I would call a holiday area.
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@milliehull What terrible news, poor girls. It's good that they have family close by for support, but as you say, their lives will never be the same again. A very difficult time.
@Takethedogalong I well remember that people were allowed to smoke in hospitals! I used to work in a hospital, and remember being in the staffroom at break/lunch times and people just sat and smoked in there (not me, never smoked). And of course patients were smoking on the wards too. It beggars belief now.
@DavidKlyne Yes, I think a fortnight in hospital wasn't uncommon in days gone by. I'm doing ok, thank you. Managed to get an appointment to have my clips out next Thursday. How did Margaret get on having hers out, was it painful? I have heard it could be, wondering whether to go prepared and take paracetamol befoehand.
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@InaD I was with her when she had the clips/staples out and it didn't seem to bother her too much, just a strange sensation. Since having them out she has noticed the wound pulling a bit as she moves. I was a bit surprised that they put a second dressing on after the removal. We can take that off after a few days, Might be more comfortable once the dressing is off?
David
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Thanks for the messages of sympathy.
We went for our Covid booster jabs yesterday morning. The lovely lady pharmacist in Boots said that take up was very low this time and they have had to cancel quite a few slots. OH found the walk from the car park in Queensgate down to Boots very slow and painful and that decided him (at last) to investigate getting a Rollator walking aid. A friend of ours who also has Spinal Stenosis has recently got one and brought it round to demonstrate so off we went to a newly opened shop that deals with disability aids and he put in an order. I am hoping that it will mean that we can at least got for short walks around Ferry Meadows etc.
Right I am off to enjoy the sunshine. It is beautiful here. Enjoy your weekend folks.
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Just completed my latest jigsaw puzzle. A more conventional one than the previous one. It's a Ravensburger called the Garden Allotment.
David
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https://clubtogether.caravanclub.co.uk/discussion/comment/875697#Comment_875697
@DavidKlyne Thanks for that. It doesn't sound that bad from what you say; it's just that someone suggested taking painkillers beforehand, so wondered how Margaret's experience was. I wonder whether the second dressing is in case the areas where the clips were, could possibly bleed a little, and is for protection just in case? As for the wound pulling, I suppose it was supported by the clips until now? It'll probably be better once the dressing is off, as you say. All the best with it.
I like your jigsaw. I used to do a lot at one point, biggest one was 4000 pieces, which OH mounted and glued together on a board. Did some more during lockdown, but haven't done any since. Might start again.....
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@milliehull - so sorry to hear your sad news - what a dreadful tragedy.
@DavidKlyne - every time I see one of your completed jigsaws - it makes me feel really guilty. Ros bought me 3 for my birthday last year - to do while we were away in the van - complete with roll-away mat and tube to store them in. Well - I lasted about and hour and gave up in complete frustration!😕 I really ought to give it another go!
Just about got the car and van loaded - I've given up trying to explain to Ros about the weight of things going in the van - after half of Tesco's and umpteen bags of clothes seem to have disappeared into it! I'm just hoping that our massive payload is adequate🙄
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So sorry to read of your cousins passing @milliehull you are in my thoughts and prayers as are his girls. Will you be able to attend the funeral?
Good to hear recovery's going well @DavidKlyne @InaD and @Oneputt and in tge latter case a new foster child. Tgat must take some sorting and settling for all concerned. Hats off to your son and family. Can't say mÿ plantar facilitis is going they way I'd like...... Physio and exercises...
Gorious here, we have the grand dog. Son and family have a wedding with DIL and eldest grandson having roles. Son has to entertain the 2 boys, as and when necessary, youngest is his all day. Youngest has just cut his first tooth, so they all look rather sleep deprived!
Saw my first swallow this morning,and we had an appearance of the bats last night 😃.
Village had a farmers market this morning, a first. I went but a bit disappointed, very few food stalls. No fresh veg, 1 meat, 1 fish stall, lovely local grown flowers in arrangements, flavoured oils, and several cake stalls, all a bit specialised one with CBD as an ingredient - sample was nice, but all chocolate flavours not something we're keen on. Remainder were more craft stalls so I came home no poorer!
Eating lunch outside before deciding what to avoid this afternoon 🤣. Although daffodil deadheading and grass cutting can't be avoided...
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@milliehull sorry to hear your sad news, bad enough loosing one parent at a young age but two is heartbreaking.
@InaD The district nurse advised me to take codeine and paracetamol before she removed my drain, taking the trouble to ring and tell me she’d be here in an hour and to take them then. So I don’t think it would hurt to take a couple of paracetamol before having your clips out, reassuring for you to hear that Margaret was ok with it though.
Yesterday I washed down and then re stained all the decking railings. Living next to a wood which gives us lots of shade it does get very green and algea over winter. OH spent over an hour in the garage looking for the adaptor to fix the jet washer to the tap, he gave up in the end thinking that he must have taken it to the caravan, so he just brushed all the decking down before re staining it. Today he went into the garage to look for a puncture kit and came out 2 minutes later with the adaptor! He couldn’t find the puncture kit! Anyway the decking is now looking a lot better but having to move many large plant pots and all the staining we were both shattered last night. Our granddaughter phoned at 9.30 she was camping out for her Gold DofE and was taken very unwell, as she was local friends who were helping her brought her here to spend the night. Luckily the bed was made up and ready. This morning, looking a bit brighter, she’s gone back, she’s so tenacious. Then the phone call to say that her wheelchair has a puncture!
Garden furniture all being put back out, so the garden is looking good again, glad these jobs are done, but we are feeling our age this year. And OH has found that mice have eaten through quite a few things in the shed. Im not helping to clear up that one.
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That's one strong character you have for a granddaughter @DEBSC well done her 👏🥰. Sorry I missed yiu on the recovery list! You're doing very well - DON'T overdo it! I wonder where your granddaughter gets her inspiration and example from.
Just had to move from the shade back into the sun! Breeze a tad chilly still. Hoping this good weather will last until at least Wednesday. We've got someone coming to paint the new fencing and recoat all the existing, about 20 panels, on Monday. I'm not expecting it to be complete in a day, the new panels will need several coats.
I can't garden 'properly', a) there's no point because more than half the panels are on the borders and b) I missed the golden hour or 2 when the ground wasn't clay or concrete. We really do need rain. Preferably good and steady overnight. We've had nothing of note since 22/3 when we had 4.5 mm in 3 hours. Our fields have been dry cracked for weeks. Dog walking is more pleasant!
Right onward and upwards......
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@milliehull - sorry to hear your news. It's pretty tough losing one parent when you are young never mind two. I'm speaking from personal experience. It affected 2 of my siblings quite badly, both had delayed reactions of a good few years but losing the parents was the principal reasons. I remember there really was no-one available to help when my mother passed away as other family members had their own problems to cope with. If the young ladies have a good support group of friends and family around them then its down to their own personalities how they are going to cope. Best wishes.
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Back early this morning from our 4 night jaunt, where both CLs had a terrible wi-fi connection so you've been spared my blatherings. Some good news for some!😁
It was lovely meeting up with some friends for some time together. Haven't been able to see them for a while so we met half way in the Midlands as they live in East Anglia. We were staying right opposite Bradgate Park Estate, the old estate where Lady Jane Grey grew up. The house is now in ruins but the estate is wonderful for walking around. A couple of photos of the estate follow
https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/CQ5AD2ZCSXH7/bradgate-tower.jpgWe climbed the hill to get this tower.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/TRJMCGRO29XK/deer.jpgFound in an enclosed Memorial compound in the park.
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So after enjoying some social eating and chatting we moved up to a fairly new CL near Whitchurch in Shropshire. For those that like canals this CL is set on a Marina (Whixall) on a Hardstanding Serviced pitch with optional electricity and a smashing new toilet block.
We stopped off en route at Cholmendly Castle for a walk around the gardens and have lunch. A couple of photos from there. Yesterday, we were able to walk out from site , along the canal tow path and had an unusual walk around a Peat Bog, unusual in that it was virtually dry. I know, we're weird but we really enjoyed it. Didn't get a bit of mud on our shoes. Quite a place in season for a variety of Dragonflies, specialised birds and some plants like Bog Cotton. Just about 6 miles, which is a small amount of potential walking. Rest of day spent lazing in the sun.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/N6N5F8N99RQG/cholmondely-castle.jpgCholmendly Castle
https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/KHI319DXPE22/cherry-blossom.jpg https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/BMFJLNLM2M8J/bog-cotton.jpgBog Cotton
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@InaD I don't recall her taking painkillers prior to the clips out although she probably took some when she got up that day. I always think of painkillers as being taken reactively rather than proactively. These was some discomfort when she sat in her chair watching TV as the thigh was resting against the side of the chair. I tend to judge what happened to me but that was 15 years ago and probably things have changed. My dressing was changed the day after the operation and when I had the clips out no dressing was reapplied. You are probably right that it was put on just in case they was any weeping after the removal. She had so many issues with the wound when she had her heart bypass the hip has been a much easier. Compared to prior to the op she is taking far less painkillers, tending now only to take paracetamol. She is desperate for a sherry which she can't have with the stronger tablets, its been at least six months since she last had any alcoholic drink! She actually drinks very little but I think she has it in her mind that being able to have a sherry (just the one!) would be a sort of milestone.
David
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@richardandros I am not sure I would do a puzzle in the van. I always do 1000 piece jigsaws and they are probably a bit big. Jigsaws are not for everyone and its only been in the last few years that I have started to do them regularly. It started with a couple of Christmas ones and then I would leave until the same time the following year. I used to use the table out of the motorhome so it wasn't practical to do them all year. Now we have sold the van I have more time on my hands. We have a La Fuma outdoor table on to which I added a plywood tray which seems to work quite well for doing the puzzles, I can even watch TV whilst I am doing them.
David
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@Bakers2 thanks, yes she is one very determined young lady, has always been, even when she was little before she became so ill, it’s a good thing she is as it helps her get through life. Sadly she does sometime, but rarely, have her sad moments. Im trying to do things now as not sure what I’ll feel like once I start radiotherapy and I like home and garden to be ship shape. I think just the journey each day will wear me out. It’s pouring with rain here, we could do with it as the ground has been very dry.
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@DEBSC Thanks for your input; as I'm still taking paracetamol anyway, although less than a week ago, it wouldn't hurt to have a couple beforehand. You're right, the fact that Margaret didn't have any issues is reassuring.
Your granddaughter sounds a very determined young lady, despite the setbacks. It sounds like she hasn't let anything like that stop her, in fact, the opposite in that she is determined that nothing like that will get in the way of stopping her doing what she wants to do. I hope the rest of the DoE weekend goes well without any more upsets.
@DavidKlyne Yes, I'll still be taking some paracetamol by then, so will have had some anyway; thanks for that. I'm glad Margaret hasn't had the same issues with the wound as she did after the heart bypass. She must be feeling so much better now as well, and not having to take the painkillers she did prior to the op. I hope she'll be able to have that much longed-for sherry very soon now!
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The tanker Stena immaculate towed into Yarmouth yesterday after she was damaged in the Humber collision. The ship is going to have temporary repairs before going elsewhere
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@Wherenext glad you enjoyed your few days away
Nice warm day here so we were up early this morning and headed in to Durham really enjoyed it. We were last here about 10 years ago and weren’t really impressed by the town but we must have saw it in a bad light because when we returned today we loved it. Such a vibrant place it was great to see people sitting out in cafes enjoying the sun. We took a walk up to the cathedral and paid a visit to it really nice building with lots of interesting history. Also had a wander round the large indoor market a great mix of stalls. Took a seat in a beer garden at one of the pubs and enjoyed a drink in the sun watching people rowing boats along the river. We then took the short drive up to Newcastle and surprisingly managed to find a space easily. Had a nice walk along the quayside and the visited the Baltic centre and had a nice walk around there some fascinating artistic work on display. By the time we got back to the van it was a bit chilly for siting out. All in all a great day spent in a nice area of the country. Just a couple of drinks and telly watching in the van planned for tonight
Hope everyone else has had a nice day.
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Some more grand photos @Francis looks like an excellent day out.
Pleased to read that you enjoyed your days away @Wherenext, interesting photos from you too. I did wonder why we had not seen any posts from you lately but know now the reason.
@DEBSC your granddaughter does very well and certainly is a determined young lady. Hope she gets her gold DofE award, as she definitely deserves it.
Hope thst the walker helps your OH to get out for short walks @milliehull
Another fine accomplishment @DavidKlyne completing thst jigsaw. Do you frame them or demolish them for another time?
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We returned to Rufford Old Hall today as the last time we visited it the house was not open. We had a walk along the canal before lunch, when he sun was still out and it was rather warm before going into the house in yhe afternoon, when thankfully it had clouded up and it wasn't too hot for Flyte in the car. Still cloudy tonight so Iight not be able to see the Pink Moon. Below are a couple of photos of the Great Hall. The first is from the lords' peep window, where he could watch what was going on below without being seen.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6035433/uploads/5BME2GG5Y8NV/20250412-123655.jpgThe other features the very impressive oak screen.
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@nelliethehooker I tend to take them apart about a week after completion as I often pass them on to either an ex work colleague, she quite likes the difficult ones, or I donate them to our pensioner group and they get sold for modest sums to help keep the group running. I did put one jigsaw, given to me by one of my son's of his dogs, which I did put in a Clip Frame and it hangs on the wall in a spare room. I think quite a few people do frame their jigsaws but I would soon run out of walls! It's also a bit of a faff as you have to turn the puzzle over and apply some sticky backed plastic, in true Blue Peter fashion, to the back of the puzzle to keep it stable.
David
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The Van was cleaned inside this morning and OH replenished our stock of various things. Still clean from when I cleaned the exterior before we went away. I'll have to move it before next doors builders start their work again as there's a lot of dust on neighbours drive.
We've had confirmation of some dates that the Carers are able to come in May. We (OH and self) have wanted to get away to celebrate a 70th birthday of mine coming up. Planned it all a couple of years ago but as usual life decided otherwise and we couldn't possibly, or want to, leave MiL for the weeks that we had planned. So we're having a week, at MiLs insistence. I take everything back that I said about her😅. She was fine with the 2 carers that she had visiting last week.
I've spent this afternoon booking a couple of sites to do some things that we both enjoy, not too far from home. As I usually ignore birthdays it's rather unusual doing something for a change.
Supposed to be raining today but has stayed dry but dull this afternoon after morning sunshine. We did have a good dollop of rain overnight. I could hear the garden sighing.
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We watched the Boat Race today and reflected on the fact that 33 years ago we took the boys down to London to see it, well at least one end of it!
David
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Another sunny day here near Edinburgh, but quite a cold wind, and some strong gusts. It was windy last time we were on this site, so I think this must be quite usual here.
We arrived a little early yesterday as it was only a 25 minute drive from Seton Sands. Fortunately DD had negotiated a 12 noon departure from there, and nobody here seemed bothered we were half an hour early in arriving.
Only 12 pitches occupied out of the (I think) 31, and only one van on the adjacent CL last night. Now we are down to 8 +1, and at least 4 of those look to be seasonal, and unoccupied at present, so it is very quiet here. After a strenuous day yesterday with all the packing up, and reorganising of car and caravan, we have had a pleasant day of rest.
Only here till Wednesday, so tomorrow we will go out somewhere, and on Tuesday will go to North Berwick for fuel and some odds and ends of shopping before heading to York on Wednesday.
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We are home after an excellent 10 day break in the caravan. Spent a week at Scarborough west Ayton club site which was brilliant recently re developed and they have done a very good job of it. Couldn’t have hoped for better weather felt more like a summer break at times. Moved on up to Durham Grange club site on Friday which was good a long time since we had been at that site but we plan to return again soon to spend a few days there as there is plenty of things to do in the area.
Easy 4 hour tow home today we came across the A69 a road we have not used very often but we’re pleasantly surprised it was a good road and one we will use again if heading over that way. M6/M74 quiet even around Glasgow which was unusual. Van now back on its space in the drive and unpacked. Our next trip out will just be to one of our local sites but won’t be for a couple of weeks as we have a few things on at home
One positive about this new forum is how easy it is to post pictures I’ve really enjoyed seeing others photos of their trips away and enjoyed adding ours from our recent trips away
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