Was it something I said?

I led writing group yesterday; one woman cried.

Led bible study last night; two - no, wait - three people walked out.

Ever have one of those days?

In writing group I asked people to write about themselves, maybe what or who had made them who they were or their dreams. I can see how that could be upsetting. She was fine afterwards. It was her first time in writing group too . . .

In bible study I wanted people to do some self-reflection, to think about their strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the very people who might benefit from that prefer not to.

Other than that it was a good day. Writing group is growing. There were nine of us there with three apologies. The first task I set was to ask, "What happens next?" after the wolf has been chased away and Little Red Riding Hood and her grandma are reunited. Nine very different answers, some a bit darker than others. They're a great group. I wonder sometimes how they'll react to the exercises but they're all willing to leap in and give it a go.

And bible study was okay. It was mostly received well although I'm not sure how beneficial it was. 

Back up to Rough Edges, our charity shop, for more clearing out today.

And I've just found a good use for AI. I was writing an email and couldn't think of the word for someone who's difficult to contact, so I asked Copilot and it found it for me. In fact gave me several options from which I chose elusive. You know what it's like when you can't think of the word and you can't use the thesaurus because you only have a vague description floating in your head.

From a walk in Morriston park four years ago

Snotty snot

From 8 years ago

Where does snot* come from? It just keeps coming!

Church yesterday, also sorted some washing, did some ironing, and made pizza, so a pretty good day. This morning I woke up at about 8.15 and realised the scaffolders were coming back and Mini would be in the way. Leapt up - well, got up, pulled on yesterday's clothes, and moved her.

It's nearly noon and there's still no sign of scaffolders. Still, it meant I got organised a bit earlier than I might have done, and I've planned writers' group tomorrow, and added a bit to the Zac's annual report before sending it off for others to add their bits to.

Now . . . what? Oh yes, carry on prepping to lead bible study tomorrow night. And I have a facetime call this afternoon with a prospective new trustee for Zac's. We chatted before and he's been thinking about it. Hope those thoughts were positive.

Got distracted by Daughter asking for information for our upcoming Iceland trip. Then further distracted by looking at tours, must-see sights, and the like. Folklore walking tours that take you to graveyards, quite close to the Phallological Museum, and Rainbow Street. Not sure about a tour that offers you a home-cooked meal on a horse farm though.

Have felt quite apathetic about the trip since being ill but beginning to get the excitement buzz now. the big question is, "How much can we fit in?"

Better take some headache pills before my facetime call.

* Snot is the body's way of getting rid of nasty bacteria.

Party animal

Yes, I went to a party last night and was dancing until . . . phew, 9.30. The party was in full swing when I left but I'm still snuffly so thought I'd head home.

Me and two other oddbods!

It was my second night out on the trot. On Friday evening I delivered several bags of coats to the lady working on the street with 'working girls'. I stayed for an hour or so, longer than I intended, and met some of the women.

Husband meanwhile continues to sit in darkened rooms but his vision is pretty good already. 

Buy more sugar

Has anyone watched Mr Mercedes? 

We got through the first season, gruesome and unpleasant though it was, but episode one of the second season was unbelievably slow so we gave up. 

Several new and old shows currently online should keep us occupied for a bit, but could do with some new good comedies.

I gave the scaffolders - all five of them - tea and coffee this morning but that's left us with very little milk. I've taken a carton out of the freezer but it takes time to defrost. I could go out and buy some but that would involve reversing the car out of the back gate and, as I had to move it previously, it's now in an awkward position and I don't want to be watched trying to reverse it. Is it just me who gets herself in these ridiculous states over nothing?

I'll go and see if the milk has defrosted yet.

Nearly there. Or near enough at least.

Later

Have just watched two episodes of Taking Over the Asylum, with a very young David Tennant. About a radio station in a psychiatric hospital. "We're loonies and we're proud!" We watched it when it was originally on (1994) and though very much of its time, it's very moving.

The scaffolders have left though they might be back tomorrow as they've not finished.

Need to buy sugar too with one taking three teaspoonfuls, three taking two and one taking one. That's half a sugar bowl's worth.

They're out to get me

So I was sitting quietly, in my nightie again, at my computer when the doorbell rang. No chance or option to hide this time. It was the scaffolding men. (We're having to have our roof replaced.)

Okay, fine, carry on. Back to my computer briefly then the doorbell rang again. "Could you move your car, please?"

Quick dash to pull on some clothes then moved the car around the back. Minutes pass and the doorbell rings again. "Could you move your car a bit further away from the garage, please?" (The garage roof has to be done too.)

On my way upstairs to get dressed when doorbell rings again. "Could you move your car, please?"

Yes, yes, he's just asked me.

I've finally plucked up courage to shower but made Husband check there was no-one in line of sight when I ran back from the bathroom to the bedroom.

Husband meanwhile is sitting in darkened rooms not able to see much. He managed to get through Runaway last night though so that was pleasing.

Disappointed though by the new Dawn French sitcom, Can you keep a secret?

Husband's op went so well they didn't even give him a proper patch. He had a see-through one instead so his pirate talking didn't have quite the same effect.

According to Socrates, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Discuss.

Just waiting

My doctor friend, in previous post, is a FRCEM (Fellow of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine). Passed her exams first time - which is unusual apparently, but, like I said, she's very smart. Her sister is also a doctor. They are a bright pair so I'm not sure why they are friends with me! But they are and that makes me happy.

Husband is currently in hospital. I am waiting for a phone call to say his cataract operation has been done and he can be collected. I think the box of Maltesers I have eaten was justified.

We're watching The Runaway on Netflix. It's the new Harlen Coben adaptation. Quite a complicated plot but very good, and has at least one, "I can't believe they did that," moment. Final episode and revelations tonight - assuming Husband can see enough to watch it.

Back in Zac's for breakfast this morning. About thirty meals served; numbers keep increasing. Afterwards a woman from the council offices dropped in to hand over the money she'd collected from a charity raffle she'd done in work. Nearly £600 will buy a lot of breakfasts.

Haven't moved so fast

. . . since before Christmas.

Husband was in the gym and I was in my pyjamas, drinking my second cup of tea, while scrolling on my computer when a big van drew up outside.

The roofer had phoned earlier to say he would be calling in and dropping off the scaffolding today so I thought it might be him. I was out of the study and upstairs before you could say, "Now have a good cough!"

It wasn't him but a delivery to our neighbour but at least it got me showered and dressed. I said to myself, "Right, enough of this lolly-gagging around and feeling sorry for yourself. Time to pull yourself together and do stuff."

So I changed our bed.

Then needed a long sit down.

But was awake enough to meet my amazing young friend, soon to be Consultant doctor, for ice cream this afternoon.

Polishing my halo

Husband's sorting out his computer files too so he sent me this photo this morning. 

The place we get our Christmas tree from always has a grotto, and an elf outside taking people's tickets and blowing 'snow' at them. I'd leapt into the snowfall when the little girl walked away, and I must have looked disappointed when it stopped because the elf asked if I'd like some snow. She blew it just for me!

That was before I came down with this cold. Not looking so cheery now! When I woke this morning I felt the best I'd done yet and cheered quietly, "Yay, I'm getting better." It didn't last. I've coughed all morning, I have a headache, and I'm running out of tissues.

Currently comparing notes with friend, Janet, who's had her cough since 18th December. Doesn't bode well.

But something cheered me up yesterday. I had a message from a young (early 30s) man from church saying, "You were flippin awesome in church Sunday. You inspired me."

Excuse me while I polish my halo.