Aaaarrrggghhh it's THAT time of year

Yes it's that December time of year again where we mostly all turn into headless chickens.  As most of you will know my Dad sadly passed away in September so it's going to be strange without him in the midst of things.  Mr M and I have decided to have the family dinner here this year and decided to go with Duck for the mains.  I'm quite excited about it, although we have had people round for meals this will be the first family Christmas Dinner here.  Most of the menu has been planned.  Prawn and Smoked Salmon something starter (how's that for descriptive?!), Soup, Duck and trimmings, Christmas pudding or cheesecake (not decided what cheesecake to make yet), lots of wine or substitute and then relax and maybe a film and a snooze (has to be done).

My birthday is the next day and as usual I'm planning to do something for it in January.  Half Most of the time I say I'll arrange to go out for drinks in January and invite folk it never happens.  Mr M and I are bad for not arranging to do celebratory things for ourselves.  Mostly it's because of our health issues.  This year we SHALL go for a meal in January to the new restaurant Da Steakhoose in Lerwick (although they are pretty fully booked so we better get booking shortly to get fitted in).  The last time we did anything Birthday or Anniversary wise for the pair of us it was Mr M's Birthday 2 years ago (gulp!).

We've just had an overhaul of the heating and hot water systems here.  It's not been straightforward.  The guys that have been contracted to do the work have been great but The Powers That Be - different story.  A lot of it is communication related or rather the lack there of.  There has been a lot of toing and froing with different things.  We used to have a communal boiler house which serviced 11 houses and we paid the council for our electric and heating.  This has been changed to individual megaflow boilers and Quantum Storage heating for Kitchen and Sitting Room and panel heaters for Bathroom and bedrooms.  We were originally supposed to get supplied by Scottish Hydro but in the middle of things this got changed to EDF.  Things are up and running now but we still don't know when the electric will be changing over to EDF or what tariff we will be on.  Both Mr M and I are going to go with Scottish Hydro when we get the chance.  We may pay a bit more but at least we'll be able to get information about when the power is going to come back on during power cuts and if something goes wrong it's Scottish Hydro that has the manpower up here.  We shall see what happens but I'm not holding my breath waiting for info.  On the plus side it's been great having hot water in the house, no more waiting around 10 minutes for lukewarm water from the taps or having to boil the kettle so we can have hot water to wash dishes or hands.


Gardening has been put on hold but got the Garlic and bulbs on the go for the Spring.  Health wise I've not been able to do much but it really is in need of a good tidy.

I've also been toying with the idea of making a YouTube Vlogging channel and keep swaying between Yay and Nay.  It won't be the most exciting channel (there will be no skydiving or water skiing I'm afraid) but mostly a sort of video journal of what it is like living in Shetland with Chronic Health Issues.  As I say I'm not sure but let me know what your thoughts are.  There won't be fancy camera equipment just the cameras that we already have and no idea how to edit or what program to use but I can learn those things.


Anyway enough of the essay, signing off for just now.

M

Up and Down with The Doctor

It's Friday again, feels like no time since last Friday!

I'm trying to be better with the blogging thing and going to do my upmost to do it more often (I'm sure I can hear someone laughing somewhere....)

Last Sunday Mr M and I ventured out to the Sumburgh Hotel with some Aberdeen supporters (including Bro and Uncle) to meet with other supporters who live in the South Mainland.  Really enjoyed it, even though I spilled my pint - the shame!  Totally my fault and I was sober at the time.  I did have several other moments of almost spilling things and I had my glasses on - might need to get the prescription checked!  We got a win, albeit a bit messy one but I'm happy with three points even if I'm not as happy with the performance of the team.  We went for a Chinese when we got back to Lerwick.  As we hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was now teatime I went for full pig out mode and had three courses, it was great.


When I'm out it doesn't take much alcohol for me not to have the sense to go back home so I don't get the ME/CFS payback as bad, it's a good thing I'm not out that often.  The good thing about hangovers (if there is such a thing) is that you usually know how long it's going to last, with payback you just don't know.  Turns out payback wasn't as bad as it could have been but still took it's toll.  Both Mr M and I had a bit of an up and down week health wise but think (touch wood) back on an even keel now.


Wasn't able to go shopping this week but Mr M found something to cheer me up in a wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey way.  A Doctor Who Mug from Cancer Research shop.  I know it has the 10th Doctor on it and we're now on the 12th but it still put a smile on my face.  I love rummaging through Charity Shops so many great finds.  I have to say mine are mainly of the CD and Book type but for the moment I'm on a ban for both because we just don't have the room for more.  I will say it is self imposed and it's very difficult to keep to sometimes but hurray for libraries and Kindle!








I did take some Daffodils in last week and to my surprise they are still looking good after about a week.  It's great to see the splash of sunshine indoors.  I took them in as the forecast wasn't that great and it did pelt it down both in hail and rain form but I've still got a whole host of Daffodils alive and well outside and some Narcissus too.  I ordered a Garden Kneeler/Stool and that arrived this week.  Not had a chance to test it yet but will give you and update when I do

All Change!

Well maybe not everything but a few things.   

Last November Mr M and I moved into a new place.  It's still Sheltered Accommodation but a lot more room as I was in a bedsit before.  I just had to move across the road but Mr M had a far longer and harder move.  We've now got everything unpacked and the bed up in the guest room.  This takes me on to a different subject.  Due to our illnesses sometimes in order to get a good sleep we sleep in different beds - shock horror!  Popular opinion seems to be that there must be something wrong if a couple wants to sleep in separate beds, I think it could enhance a relationship.  Getting a good sleep means less grumpiness - thus less arguments.  I have to say I'm really grumpy first thing in the morning.  See that meme with the gremlin thing with a cup of coffee, that's me in the morning.  Most days my conversations in the first hour consist of a series of grunts rather than any actual speech.

My Scooter has packed up for the moment.  The last time it worked was Up Helly Aa and I swear I didn't get it seriously drunk - a mobility scooter has to have some fun sometimes!  We thought it was the charger but now aren't sure but we've still a few things to check out before we give in.  I've really missed having the freedom that I had with the scooter and be able to do things without burdening other folk for lifts and being more spontaneous generally.  Although I can't drive in town, (cognitively that is a huge no go and I'm sure would result in various emergency services being called within 10 minutes of me driving in town), the scooter took me to the shop, hall and ferry on the island.  I know I had to be careful with how I was feeling if I was feeling the slightest bit iffy I would not drive it, again could cause an accident.  I know I didn't use it everyday and I'm thinking as well as actual freedom the idea of having freedom is also important.





I love lots of things about the new house but especially when I'm having a bad day being on the couch and watching the waves.  We've also got a really small garden which I feel able enough to maintain.  It's an established garden so we're going to wait and see what comes up.  We've already had Daffodils and Primulas so far and are excited to see what comes up during the summer.

Woohoo Autumn

I maybe on my own here but I'm quite excited about the changing of seasons.  I do like Summer and Spring but feel more alive in Autumn and Winter.  I did think that it was because I was a Winter baby but a straw poll of friends soon put pay to that idea.  The dark, cosy nights are lovely, especially when you're tucked up in bed or alternatively go outside if you want to blow a few cobwebs away while it's windy.  Being in the middle of the North Sea Storms can get quite ferocious here so it's also take everything that's in the garden and weight it down or put it in the shed time.  I remember when I was living south and there were stormy winds.  I was in the middle of making tea and wondered what that flash of white was.  It turned out to be the neighbours Gazebo going flying.

Speaking of flying another thing I'm getting excited about is Doctor Who.  I do like Capaldi as The Doctor and it surprised me how little time that it took for me to get into him as The Doctor.  No!  Not like that, well maybe a bit like that.  *blushes*  Ahem, anyway, who exactly is Missy?  And when did she "choose" Clara?  Was it all along?  Did she do it knowing that Clara would jump into the Doctor's timeline?  Lots of questions and just hope that Steven Moffat answers all of them.  I'm also sad that there is only 3 more episodes to go of this series.

You may want to log off now as I'm about to speak about my health and it could get a bit boring.  The repeat blood pressure went well.  At the beginning it was 139/91 but they took a 2nd reading and it was down to 114/82 so one less thing off my mind.  M.E. wise things have flared a bit but that is due to female related stuff.  I was supposed to be heading out tonight but didn't have enough energy to go and also know this means that there will be no Shoppers Bus for me tomorrow as I need to reserve energy for Health Centre appointment on Wednesday and I find it really difficult to go out two days on the trot.

That's me signing off for now.  Take care folks. 

Bra's, Pills and Steve

Well it's another week, or THE week if you're a follower of the Scottish Referendum.  Just to let folk know that even though I'm fed up with all the bickering I will be voting.  Not saying which way as don't want this to become another bickerfest.  (ooh managed to get bicker in twice in the first paragraph.)


As I was saying in the last blog about needing new clothes, I've had occasion to buy a new white bra as my last one gave up it's wires.  I did patch it a few times but it's been well used so time for a new one, well new two actually as they were on offer.  I tend to buy from the same company as I mainly wear cotton bras as they are better for the psoriasis.  I received them earlier this week and had to get Mr. M to help me on for the first try.  I have tried going a back size up but that is just that bit too loose for me.  It would be great if the undergarment industry, well fashion industry in general, could agree to stick to certain measurements for sizes.  Anyway back to the bra thing.  Did people know that you are only supposed to be able to fit two fingers under your back bra strap?  It is supposed to be that tight as apparently that is where the support comes from not from the shoulder straps.


Had my contraceptive Pill check yesterday and got a bit of a scare (or gluff as we say up here) as my BP had gone up to 140/82 and it's usually around 120/82.  So going back in a months time to get it measured again.  I'm trying to not get stressed about being stressed and keep on going losing the weight.  Every time I go for my check up I keep getting suggested to think about coils or implants.  The biggest reason for me taking the pill I'm on is that I might have Endometriosis but because I've had a blood clot they don't want to do an exploratory op in case I get another one.  I'm really happy with Noriday as I hardly get periods and it doesn't effect my mental health.  I did try Cerazette a year ago but that did have disastrous consequences and resulted in me spiralling, scarily quickly, downwards depression and anxiety wise.  I'm still sticking to my guns on keeping with Noriday but think one day I will have to change and it won't be as effective.


Mr M. and co have been busy up at the croft getting the roof of the old house, now barn, watertight for winter.  They have succeeded very well.  We've also had the first of our potatoes that we planted this year.  Being big headed they were delicious.  We planted Romano this year, good flavour, more on the floury side than the waxy side.  Might plant them next year since we seem to have a good crop of them but also thinking of being adventurous and trying another variety.


What's happening with Steve?  I hear you ask.  Well since the last blog Steve has multiplied, divided and multiplied again.  I did manage to make a Spelt and Rye loaf.  I wasn't able to do what I usually do and finish it off in a loaf tin in the oven so the breadmaker did all the work this time and this was the result:

It tasted good but was a bit on the "wet" side so will need to tweak the recipe a bit.  I've since learned that if you are using Spelt flour you need a bit less water in it.  Will keep you updated with the further adventures of Steve.  It is so easy to make and keep a Sourdough Starter, whatever the flour.  If you feel like, it start one off and let me know how it goes.

Off and On

As with the rest of my life this blog is going to happen when I'm able for it, so apologies for the amount of time in between blogs.


I've been losing a bit of weight recently and there comes a time when you have to buy new clothes, recently it's been knickers.  Now there are all sorts of knickers on the market with some, such as the C-String, you do have to wonder a) who invented it? and b) who was their target audience?   I've been pondering which knickers to buy first, your ordinary everyday ones or some nice lingerie ones?  It has only been in the last couple of years that I've appreciated the difference between underwear and lingerie and I have to admit that putting on a nice pair does make me feel somewhat happier with the day.  (Am I the only person that feels this with lingerie?)  Thinking about this has made me think in the wider context of things that make me feel happier and after having counselling a couple of years ago doing more things for me.  I'm not (currently, although I'm hopeful of the future) able do things like disappearing up a hill and tramping about there for most of the day so it's taken a long time to figure out what I does make me happy.  During this time although I've realised what things make me happy doesn't mean I've always been good at getting them into my routine especially if they are high on the energy scale for me but I'm determined to do more happy things for me.  I would really recommend everyone really having a think about what things actually make you happy as opposed to what you think makes you happy.  Ooh may have gone a bit too deep there so on to.......



Steve!  Steve? I hear you ask, who is Steve?  Well folks reading my Facebook page last week will already know that Steve is my Spelt Sourdough Starter.  I'm now on to Steve mark 312 because of my bad memory and forgetting to feed him.  To remedy this I've had to set task alarms on my phone to feed him, he's very healthy and now living in the fridge.  Had a spooky time with Steve the other day.  I went into the cupboard to feed him and found that the lid had been taken off and placed very neatly upside down on the jar.  I asked Mr M why he'd taken the lid off and he said he hadn't.  I wondered if the fermentation could have taken the lid off but it's a tight lid (and I've had problems getting it off) and I'm pretty certain it would've fallen to the floor as it was on edge of shelf, so who knows?  I've found that Spelt flour is really good for a Sourdough starter and I'm hopeful of doing a Spelt and Rye loaf in the next week or so.  I have a bread machine that helps me but I tend to use the dough setting, prove it in a loaf tin then bake it in oven rather than do it all in the bread machine.



I've been mainly loving the weather that we've been having in Shetland.  It's been so nice to have a good summer after the fog laden one of last year.  I did manage to burn myself at the Bressay Sports Day I always put sunscreen on being of the red hair and pale skin variety but on this day I didn't and suffered the consequences.  I'm now being super vigilant but also allowing a bit of sun on me before I put it on as sun is good for my psoriasis.  I've also been keeping an eye out on the Icelandic Volcano and wondering if Silvio Berlesconi will turn up ;)



Will type soon, take care!!

Here we go again....

Thought I would try doing the blogging thing again, and hopefully will keep more up to date on it.


Health wise things haven't been that great.  Been battered by viruses but now hoping that is over.  I'm now in "building myself up" mode. So taking Zinc and Vitamin C tablets for a little bit to help.  I'm also upping the oily fish and nuts/seeds in diet too to help so hopefully some improvement soon.


Things have been busy in the way of Aberdeen FC so been sorting tickets out for the games in the Europa League.  Really wishing I could go but the pennies just aren't there.


It was my Mams 70th Birthday at the weekend so we had a bit of a barbeque with a few friends of hers.  She thoroughly enjoyed it and I got to play DJ (and no I was good and didn't play any metal).




Mr M and I are still flitting between here and his place in the south mainland.  One day we shall move in together but I think that may take a magic wand to get rid of our health problems.  On the plus side it still gives us our own space.  I'm a firm believer in needing time to yourself still when your in a relationship.


I shall leave it there just now and hopefully remember to come back and do it again very soon.