DIARY OF THE DARK MAN IN RED

Good afternoon Bloggets. Wow, it’s wild here in this part of the UK. The wind is so strong and it’s raining too. Sounds from my house, first the roar of the wind, then the bels of my chimes in the garden, a gate slamming open and closed then the odd plastic bin rolling down the street but very little activity of people out chatting to each other in our friendly neighbourhood as normal. I can’t blame them.

 

Our house is nice and warm, and after me unplugging our heating HIVE yesterday, that is a miracle or is it Hubs technical skills of getting it back to work. It’s all on line. Why did I unplug the heating? Because we were putting up our Christmas lights and decorations, so I was using the plugs.

 

 

Hub and teen in the loft bringing down box after box of what? How they or Hub knows they are decorations, I will never know, I guess it’s because they are put in the same place in the loft each year.

 

Teen asked us if we needed help but Mrs Independent likes to do it herself. Why? Well, if I do it, then I know what it looks like, I know where each decoration goes. I love to unwrap each bauble and toy and tell Hub every year the story behind the toys. I’m sure he will think not this story again, but he never complains and lets me get it out of my system smile.

 

I love the smell of our tree it’s artificial but I sprayed it some years ago and the cinnamon and tangerine still lingers. I have gold and silver tinsel and I would love to be able to put the silver then the gold, but that requires sight and that is something teen won’t have much   patience in helping me with. Everything with him has to be done now in two seconds and he complains about everything I ask him to do. Kids are dam selfish creatures.

 

I have a garland along my mantelpiece and lit up twigs in the vase on the window. Teddies hanging from the ceiling and candles are all in their places.

 

Today Hub and I ventured outside to do the outside decorations    oh gosh that was so difficult. I’m sure I have hung the angel upside down again. I flipping hate being blind.

 

We asked our son to help to take in the garden furniture for the winter, been asking him for five weeks now. It’s still out there. We can do it but to lift heavy stuff requires two hands and how then do we know where we are going?  Well, if it breaks it breaks. I’m so fed up of stressing over my garden. There are more important things in life.

 

So there I was, up the blooming ladders in the howling wind with rain beating against my head whilst Jack Frost bit at my fingers. I couldn’t feel them to tie up the decorations. We have a star a snowflake and an angel. My lovely neighbour and friend sent me a text to say our decorations look lovely so that made me so happy. As a blind person you just never know.

 

So to all those of you who are facing the darkness. Please listen. I was you at one stage and the fear of blindness is the most terrifying time of your life. It was for me for sure. When I first went blind, I wanted to die. I couldn’t breathe my heart pounded in absolute terror. I was not grieving, it was even worse than that pain. How could I laugh, even smile again? Now I’m laughing with Hub putting up our Christmas lights. Looking forward to the big man in red coming down my chimney…. Though I haven’t got a chimney, but hey, I can improvise? Heheheheheh.

 

Don’t get me wrong, being blind is awful, I hate it. But we do laugh. We do live, we talk about colours again. We match our clothes and household soft furnishings. We plan a head. And, my Husband thinks I’m beautiful….. Also, I can ask him when I’m getting ready to go out. “Does my bum look big in this?” he will always say no. I smile as in his head; I’m a leggy blonde babe. In my head I’m a tall bleb. With a butt that almost would take two aeroplane seats on the way to Benidorm... But My Hub sees me for my voice and personality, for the sweet perfume I wear and he says my brain….. He loves my hair as for my figure; I guess it looks worse than what it feels like?

 

OK, Hub is blasting the oddest music. It is organ music. No, not my heart beating or my lungs rattling, but organs from Cathedrals. But they have a bit of kick in them… They sound more like a funfair. I can’t hear or concentrate, so I shall go for now but be back as I have loads to tell you. So much you won’t believe some of the stories coming your way near a Blogget page near you.

 

Until later with love. Some words before I close.

“Blind people can’t see a candle, but they can feel the heat from it and smell it when it’s blown out. We don’t see the light, we feel it, we can’t see when there is no light on, but we sense it when it’s off.”  

Fiona Cummings

DIARY OF THE LITTLE FELLA FIRST NAUGHTY MOMENT

Good afternoon Bloggets. Well we are staying in again this weekend, I was due to go to my brother and family for their Christmas weekend but because we are in a predicament, we had to decline. To be honest, I really would be a party pooper. I’m still not feeling good. Is there an improvement? Yes kind of but it seems to change around. I’m still coughing but not half as much, but the pains in my chest are dreadful. I thought I was going to have a blooming heart attack last night then wondered if it was the infection moving? I really am guessing if any of you have had a chest infection before, did you get pains like really sharp? And the pain was moving about. Do I have an alien in there?

 

I’m still really tired. I have to be well as the house? Anyway, back to the weekend and predicament. Hub is now training with the little fella so we are not allowed out with him. As A, Hub doesn’t have the harness because he isn’t qualified yet, and B, because we are not qualified, he and the dog are not insured. So my brother lives a good train journey and long drive to his house from there, well, when I say long, door to door it takes us about one and a half hours.

So I’m going to try to build up the strength to clean and get our tree up. Hmm. There’s a thing. Little fella, Christmas tree? Decorations? Not too sure he can be trusted. When Hub got up today he, the little fella that is, shredded a cloth from the bathroom. It was dust. Not even little bits of cloth. Now he is meant to be OK when we are in the house and more so when there is another dog with him. So please tell me when we all three of us were in, and Waggatail is lying next to him, does he need to be naughty? I hope he will grow out of it?

 

Last night I lay on the couch I felt so tired. My breathing was so slow and yet my heart beat was pounding. Little Fella decided to dive on top of me Hub came in the room and took a seat on the other sofa and he then jumped on him…. Do you know he curls his ears up as though he has been styling them and he grins?

 

Hub has done traffic with him and his trainer. This is or must look really funny to onlookers. Basically your trainer stands behind you and the other trainer is in a car nearby and as you cross over, the other car comes towards you and your dog….

 

There is a lot more that goes on but that is the scariest part though I must say, I did find it rather exciting, perhaps that is me…

 

Hub said LF was fantastic. He did on and off kerbs and avoidance. There were so many things in the way on the paths. Parked cars which I think should be illegal and it was bin day so the bins were all out, also a blooming mobility scooter. As well as people. Again a pass little fella did so well and he keeps looking up to hub as though to say.

“Did I do well Daddy?  Am I looking after you?”

 

So not too sure what is in order for today, but let’s hope he does well. I know Hub is training in between work and by the time he gets home, he is so tired, mentally and physically. It does drain you when training, I remember those days. Though with Wagga tail we didn’t do too much training…. But with my first guide dog, oh my word. Five long weeks including weekends, but she was on borderline of being a reject bless her paws.

 

They do say they match their owners?

Stop it?

Well, Hubs hopeful chewed up the cloth we use to clean the bathroom…. What does that say? Hahaheheheheheh.

 

Its chicken dinner tonight and hopefully a pleasant evening no doubt will be full of eight legs running around the house going mad with their toys. Also our street won’t be peaceful, as my friends daughter our neighbours are partying as it’s her eighteen birthday party.

 

Happy Birthday Chloe

 

As the sun is shining I’m glad to say my windows outside are clean as guess what? Our window cleaner came. So that is twice this year… Crazy ha? I didn’t give him a tip I always do but thought no, you could come more than you do. They are really nice guys but I do wonder why I hardly see them?

 

For my Bloggets in the US, I hope yesterday was a great day for you all. Thanksgiving. Let the season begin. With love. X

 

DIARY OF THE LITTLE FELLA BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good evening Bloggets. Well, a great day at the office and I went to give a talk in a very posh school. There were 380 teenagers and their behaviour was impeccable. Wagga was a little star. She is so quiet when needs be and when she is to be sociable, she is.

 

So Hub brought home his hopeful new guide dog. He is a dog we boarded some weeks ago. Not the loving one we had for three weeks, but the little fella who enjoys eating kitchen carpets, curtains and so on when he is left.

 

He has put his name on the toy box and is busy telling Wagga what toys he likes. He says that because he is the baby, he is entitled to everything and anything all out together. Waggs is sitting there as though to say, oh no Mum won’t like this mess? But it’s all about settling him in. Hub now has to bond with him and my hoover has to keep working, as my cream blue and black rug is now white. My Son said the Patten can’t be seen. I guess all of Hubs suit trousers now will have a fleck in them.

 

Each time I go to cuddle the little fella, I’m told off by Hub. He says I wreck dogs. I make them into softies.

 

OK that is why he is now on the floor telling the fella “Daddy’s boy.” Whilst tickling his tummy.

 

I can’t or dare not give him a Blogget name until I know he will be staying, so far so good.

 

He is very young I think under eighteen months, but we will learn more as time goes by. I know if he is a stayer, he will have a loving home all of his life.

 

We got some more good news today. My brother in law had a word some weeks ago with his boss and asked them to help to raise or donate some money to Hubs name a guide dog Puppy after our Long Chops AKA Suki.

 

• Can you believe they have raised £1000? So on Hubs just giving page now, he has raised with such kindness of Hubs brothers, our dear friends and my Bloggets as well as Hubs kind wonderful colleagues old and new, Total raised£1,135.63 and with the generous donation today another thousand pounds, we are over the waxing limit, this means Hub has to get his legs waxed by his colleagues and all there is to raise now is another £115. This is incredible Bloggets. It was only September when we started this page

https://www.justgiving.com/peter-osborne/

Hub wanted to have not only his memories which will never leave him of his darling best friend  Suki, to live on, but he wanted to have another little girl with the same name running around and eventually hopefully being the eyes for another blind person, so decided to Name a pup and it costs around £2,500 to do this. I hope that one day, within the next year and a half; someone somewhere will be given the gift of independence. And the gift will be Suki. Her name will live on thanks to you all.

 

It’s been a long three months without Hubs guide dog and we miss her every day, but thanks to Guide Dogs, looks like another match for Hub now. Learned today that he the dog has complications with his eyes, we knew of one problem, but now another. It doesn’t affect his sight, or he wouldn’t be a guide dog, but it does mean there will be drops to apply and Hub is the one who will give him them. Now Hub as you know is blind, I asked him how he will do this without poking the little fella in the eye. Hub said the nurse showed him today and he had a go and she said he was better than her. Now no way I could do that, but I also cannot give my dog her pills when needing worming either, Hub gets them right down their throat and a little rub on the neck later making sure it goes down, and Bobs your uncle.

 

Was he a vet in his past? No, haha, I tell you though I think a Doctor. I have touched on why in a much earlier blog, so won’t bore you with my crazy thoughts again as I think for now, the men in white coats have forgotten about me…. It’s been a while since I wrote anything that is deep set in my mind…. Not a good place to go. When I do dare go there, oh boy…. I do wait for the men in white.

 

Anyway, I’m back home now I don’t feel good the pills from the Doctor have not really helped yet, I’m so tired and still breathless. But I’m going to have a nice hot bath and an early night. I have all sorts from the Nurse to take inhalers as well as my pills. If I’m no better by Monday, I’m going back.

 

Okay, one of the toys has been plopped on my lap now; luckily my lap top is on the arm of the chair, so dogs have not been able to type… Goodness only knows what they will write.

 

I hope tomorrow to be able to tell you more about our new fella and more about his character. Until then, with love. X

BREAKING NEWS

Good afternoon Bloggets. Today I have some breaking news.

It’s exciting scary and right now I’m almost too afraid to write these words in case things don’t work out!

 

It looks like my Husband may have a match for a new guide dog. You know how much we are still grieving over our darling Long Chops, and how much we really need my Husband to have a new dog, but it’s the waiting game.

 

A dog came up who my Husband could work with as he is a very fast walker and not too many people are.  This newly trained dog is so fast. He is beautiful from all accounts. Only trouble is, and this apparently also is why my Hub is suited for the job, the dog can’t be left alone as suffers from anxiety issues. Has been known to munch on the carpets. Curtains. Etc. Great?

 

So if there are two of us, he won’t be left alone. Also he seams to be OK with another dog there. And of course there is our Waggatail.

 

Meeting of our new possible boy and what he is like? Coming to a blog near you.

 

Thank you all so much for your support over the past few months since we lost our beautiful hero Suki, AKA Long Chops. You have all been amazing.

 

Later gators.

I'M SO CROSS

Good afternoon dearest Bloggets. Here I am sitting in my conservatory after a rather busy day. It’s just after four in the afternoon I have done only one bit of housework so far. I am really cold just realised how cold, as I paused for the first time this afternoon.

 

I started my day feeling rubbish. I was so ill. During the night too. I decided I was going to have to make the dreaded visit to the Doctors. If I had to sit and wait, so be it. Well, at half eight on the dot, I called them. To be told the surgery was closed. I kept phoning and after five minutes of receiving the same message, I was then given the engaged tone. So I kept at it though as my chest was so bad the sounds from it were like a really bad orchestra tuning before an event. I know I have to get better as this week I have two more talks to give and they are really important ones that can’t be said no to.

 

I got through eventually and was told I could make an appointment for 11.20am. Well, I guess it would be a.m, as nights it would be closed. So that was an improvement on the ninth of December like it was last week when I called? So I didn’t have to wait and I was to see the Doctor. Great.

 

I got up feeling so rough. Worse in fact.

 

Showered and let Waggs out to do her stuff in the run. I don’t know why they are called runs, unless, oh, why did I go here? I was going to say they don’t run in the run, but then had to write the word runs? So I guess that is why they are called run? Hahheheheh. Oh how gross.

 

Anyway she was delighted to work. Unlike my darling Black Beauty with her, she hated the harness and would rather stay in bed. She and I used to go on some right goose chases. Not that we ever caught any geese thankfully…. But it’s a saying in the UK. If you get lost, you go on a goose chase.

 

With Waggs, she is unpredictable but adorable and we do seem to get from a to b.

 

Oh I totally totally hate our Doctors. Don’t get me wrong, the Doctors and nurses are stunning, it’s the whole idea of trying to get an appointment then facing the horrific receptionists. I know one Doctor reads my blog, so I hope she passes my thoughts on to the dreaded women.

 

OK, so I can walk a head as I enter the surgery,  and risk bumping into someone already waiting to speak with the people behind the desk, so I wait slightly behind the queue.

 

No one talks for ages. I’m not kidding, they see me there with my dog and they answer phones, talk to each other and it’s so obvious that not one of them wants to face the blind person. Or at least that is how they always make me feel.

 

Then a whisper.

“Can I help you?”

Well, is she talking to me? I wait, for a few seconds then tell her I’m here to see the Doctor. She asked my name I tell her “Fifi Blogget.” (SMILE)

Then, then, only then she tells me I’m to see the nurse. I told her that I called to see the Doctor; I was told I would see the Doctor, but she says one word.

“No.

Then it goes quiet again. I ask her to please show me where there is a seat. There is no answer from the ignoramus.

 

I ask again. Please can you show me where there is a seat?

She tells me that there are some seats over there. I ask her where? She I assume points and says there, where the nurse will see you. I ask again please can you show me to a seat as I’m blind. I mean, I do have a guide dog, with harness, but hey, I have her just for fashion, obviously.

 

It’s silent again then she answers the bloody phone. I am still stood there the other receptionists are talking to each other. The queue is now building up behind me.

 

Then she gets off the phone. I’m red with anger and shame. I ask again as she cheekily told me to sit down, to show me the seat? Guess what she did?

 

Tutted and then shouted, yes shouted across the room to a gentleman and asked him to help me to a seat.

 

I was furious. As the lovely patient came to help me, I apologised to him telling him that the receptionists were the most ignorant alive and he shouldn’t have had to do this for me. He was adorable. He said they were disgraceful. He had heard the whole thing and wasn’t best pleased.

 

The guy and I got talking and he used to work with a blind man who also had a guide dog. He didn’t want to go into the Doctors in case the nurse called me when he wasn’t there to help. I told him it would be fine and not to worry but thanked him so much.

 

I waited and waited and waited. That’s a lot of waiting.

 

Then the mouse voice shouted my name. Oh this should be fun?

 

I took Waggatail harness and headed in the direction of her voice but she didn’t call me again. I asked poor Waggs to find it…. She bless her avoided all of the coffee tables, weaved me in and out of the chairs. Baby’s pushchairs and toys on the floor.

 

I stopped still. I waited for the nurse to call me again.

 

I heard. Over here.

I asked over where? Stupid idiots.

 

The receptionists sat on their lazy behinds watching me. No one thought that I may need to know in which direction. There must be ten doors to that place including the doors out and dentist also the lift. As she said again this way, I heard enough to walk a few more steps. I then lost it. I said

“I can’t see you; you are going to have to communicate with me by talking more or coming to get me.”

Well, you could hear a pin prick in the place. What is wrong with people? I walked about fifty sixty steps but how obvious is it that I am struggling?

 

She just said this way I got to her and tried to push a door open. She said from this time behind me, no, not that door.

 

So I waited to see what door? Nothing. Oh I could go on I got in eventually down the very long corridor. Passing door after door through another lot of doors.

 

Into the room where the nurse was. The person who came for me was I guess a student. Remember the days when we as the patients were asked if we minded there being a student in the room? Not now.

 

Anyway the nurse asked me what was wrong. As I was telling her, she was fussing over Waggs. After I waited for her to say whatever after my talking to her, she said whilst laughing. “Oh, you are going to have to repeat all of that again. I was too busy loving your dog.”

 

To cut a long story short. I have a chest infection. She said very very bad one. So I have so much medication, I had to bring back a huge plastic bag.

 

That involved going via the chemist where they are lovely. Kind helpful without being patronising.

 

Wagga was great. Then we went for milk and pasta. Back home in the pouring rain. I took my first pill after having to call the Doctors and talk to one of those fools on reception

“Can you please tell me how many tablets to take each day I forgot to ask when I was with the nurse?

Receptionist went quiet. Then said. It will be on your tablets. I know, but I can’t see the print. I was in about half an hour ago. Please can you ask the nurse? Or it may be on my file?”

Receptionist. “I can’t do that. It will be on your pills.

 

Oh my God.

 

After me saying again, I need to talk with someone with some sense. She then opened my file and said three times per day. Now I hope those instructions are in Braille rather than just the name of the tablets so Hub can check it out as I have no faith in those people.

 

This afternoon I have called so many people on the phone and written out so much for my volunteering work and a couple of poems are now done and sent off. So I guess it’s time for me to start the housework.

 

Stressed? Now you know why I hate our doctors. X

HOTEL CHOCOLAT DIARY

Good afternoon Bloggets. Its dinner time or tea time depends where you live in the UK. South they take dinner North its tea and that isn’t a cup of tea its tea as in dinner.

Confused? You may be. As for me, I’m definitely confused. I’m a northern girl most of the time but sometimes my lingo goes south. I can tell you that is not the only thing that is going south…..

 

Just spoken to our eldest daughter. It was so lovely to hear from her.  And earlier spoke with my brother by phone. Trying to arrange seeing everyone without a guide dog for hub is challenging my brother kindly said he would collect us to see him over Christmas.

 

I have just been looking at the website for Hotel Chocolat? Oh there are some beautiful things on there, so I added two items to my bag as £17 I think is enough for two small items for Christmas for Hub. Then it came to check out. No way was I going to pay those prices and another £5 on top for delivery. I wouldn’t care, but in our town, there is a HC shop, but I have not got a clue how to get there. I know of Hotel Chocolat because our friend Julie brought some for Hub. And he kindly shared some with me.

OK. Hub took it with grace from Julie, he then handed it to me. I then placed it in the kitchen, but unless a blind person knows exactly where the item is, it could be in front of them and unless they go hunting for it, they won’t ever know so I stole some of his chocolate. He did learn of my naughtiness. I wasn’t bovvered…. Smile.

 

I wasn’t cruel; I did show Hub where the chocolate was. After I helped myself to some.

Well, what if it wasn’t very nice? I was only doing him a favour.

 

I took some meat from the freezer. Was it turkey breasts? Chicken?  Pork chops? Who knows until it defrosted? Well, it’s in the oven; it was pork so that is what it is for tea. Dinner. Whatever. With roast potatoes carrots and cauliflower. For me, same without the poor pig.

 

Teen in from work he got up at five this morning and came in, had a coffee and straight out to the gym.

 

I have some great news coming up will let you know in a couple of days.

 

Until later with love I hope you are all well. X

GOODNIGHT FAMILY PILLOW TALK

  Our brother that is my Hubs brother, my in law, is off to Australia to emigrate at the end of January. Tonight he asked us by text to go to have dinner with the full family. Well, my brother in law who is emigrating is great, we love him to bits. His twin the same but as for his and I say his, as my Husband refuses to call her sister, would be at the dinner, so there is no way he or I would attend. As far as my Husband is concerned, his brother’s sister made his Mothers last few months on earth hell. We loved her and feel robbed of her life and what hell she has put our Dad through to see that poor man suffer with the loss of his wife and all because of the deep sadness that awful person put my Mother in law through. OK she died of cancer and that isn’t helped by stress. So as much as we love our brothers and Dad, how could we be expected to sit at the same table as her? It’s a shame really, as when I first met her; I thought we could get on OK. I had heard stories about her, but I never believe them until it’s proven to me, and oh boy, it was proven alright. Mind you, she isn’t half as bad as my old blister in law when I was with my ex. She was on another level.

 

So I only hope that we can see our brothers with Dad before the big guy goes off to Australia? Gosh we will miss him. I doubt he will ever see Hubs and his Dad again. It’s so sad. But he has to do or follow his dream. I really wish him luck but I am going to miss him. He has been so good and so much fun. I kept hoping it would be all a daft dream and he would wake up, but now that dream is a reality. He does everything for his Dad I guess he deserves a break and now we have to do what we can and that is going to be challenging. I know my other brother in law won’t be sitting at the same table as his sister either, so we are not alone. I can only pray that my big bro in law will understand and allow us to say goodbye to him without her.

 

It was written that it would be his Dads last time to have a family meal, well that to me is totally depressing and I’m not sure how my Father in law would cope with that! My Husband is agonising over the whole situation right now. He doesn’t want to let his brother down but his brother does know how we all, feel about her.

 

My mad aunt phoned today. Well, I didn’t get to talk with her I was busy with my friend. We are just about talking after she made her demands to see me on a Tuesday weeks and weeks ahead and I said to her I wasn’t sure what I was doing that far, to give me a few days to check out my diary but oh no, it all went wrong. I asked my aunt if she would come on a Saturday but no, out of the question. Well it’s kind of a good thing that she can’t come at a weekend either now as I think from next weekend, we will be rather busy.  More on that later.

 

I almost have everyone’s Christmas gift now. Thanks to my friend coming through and for on line shopping. It’s been the most difficult year for sure. Gosh I do miss our Long Chops. It’s been eight weeks since we went to the bank. Thank goodness for cash points.

 

Poor teen is up tomorrow again at five for work. Then long hours’ drive to get there and its icy roads out there tonight. With his breaks being dreadful, I feel totally sick. He has put in for a holiday but looks like he won’t be given it. Not good at all. He has not had a break since July. Too long for a kid of his age. He is doing seven days this week before his first day off. I don’t like that for his health, though he is doing so well and I’m totally proud of him.

 

I still have my cough and I’m still feeling dizzy but slowly getting better. My breathlessness is shallow but again improving. Almost three and a half weeks this has gone on for now.

 

I can’t remember the last time I saw my neighbour Diann. I have been so busy or ill. Tomorrow I have to find the strength to do all what has been asked of me. Bless the office they have been so sweet and understanding but I’m punishing myself as I want the best job done.

 

This week I have been asked to write seven poems. These are personal poems for people rather than to be published here so not to share sadly.

 

Whilst the world is going crazy and families seem to be striking matches near cables, I want calm in my life and calm in the world. How to get this? I would say sleep. But then I have nightmares. So I guess I need to write some poetry on here and poems from my heart but not soul as I don’t want dark poems. I want chocolate and fairies.

 

I hope wherever you are, your family are all smiling at each other and you all have sweet dreams. I’m off to bed now so I shall bid you a good night’s sleep and I hope outside of your place of slumber, it is silent. There is no fear in your hearts and your minds are full of happiness. Goodnight. X

DIARY OF THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND

Good day Bloggets. Well my weekend is almost at a close and still has the cosy night in front of the TV with Hub and Teen. We are going to catch up on some drama’s and not real life ones, but screen goings ons.

 

So my weekend? Friday, I met with my friend Julie. She met with me at the train station. Off we both went to start the tour of our beautiful city. Where the Christmas market is in full flow.  Some of the marketeers were dressed in Victorian costume. The Christmas lights were up ready to be switched on when dusk arrived.

 

There were fragrances of Sinnamon and mulled wine as we passed by the home made chees, fudge’s and toffee. There was a group of singers entertaining us with carols and in the open shop doors we heard Christmas songs being played.

 

Down the quaint cobble streets we entered the little shops with the highest steps as the character of the buildings are left for us to enjoy. One can almost sense the ghosts from Christmas past.

 

A candle shop old fashioned jewellers and all of that mixed in with the modern department stores.

 

We went for a cupper and a snack. Julie and I talked and talked me with my still gravelly voice. It was a lovely day then time to go back home on the busy bus.

 

We just got on in time before the sleet fell as the icy rain pattered against the windows our bus filled up with tired shoppers.

 

We got home by this point it was dark. Our Son was in looking after my Wagga and by this point, Hub was even in.

 

I ran upstairs put away my goodies washed my hands and began to cook dinner.

 

The four of us sat down to eat. It was lovely. We all love Julie.

 

We opened a bottle of wine and I had three glasses. Well you know what I’m like, after one I’m smiling and two I’m singing. Three I’m laughing out of control. Teen told me to go to bed. Haha haha. I ate though and I knew that would make me feel better. Julie thinks its funny seeing me in such a disgraceful state. Teen is mortified and Hub shakes his head in disbelief. It’s when I start to sing that is when I know I’m in trouble with the voice police.

 

We had a great evening.

 

Next day time to hit more shops and then off to the cinema to see a movie called “The lady in the van.” I had audio earphones on. We are so lucky in the UK we have that facility in the cinema.

 

I made sure I had some pop as didn’t want to cough right through the movie. The seats were luxurious. Afterwards we went to one of my favourite places to eat, Frankie and Benny’s it was blooming delicious.

 

Lots of laughs and back home in the bitter cold where Jack Frost kept bumping into us. The black icy night was like a blanket of dark river water covering us up!

 

A ten minute walk home and into a hot cosy house.

 

Teen had been to see someone I’m sure he would have rather come with us, but needs must.

 

This morning a leisurely breakfast and then sadly bye bye to Julie for another few months. In all, a beautiful weekend.

 

With love. X

THE LIGHTBULB TURNED ON BY FIONA CUMMINGS

 Good evening Bloggets. Wow what an evening I have had. I was to do a talk which turned into two talks and how different and amazing they were too. In my life I have given many talks before dinner, luncheon and breakfast but mainly to groups like Schools, Brownies, Guides, beavers, cubs Scouts W.I Business men’s groups free masons and so on and I can tell you that tonight the second group I spoke to, the cubs, were the most beautiful intelligent well-spoken extremely well informed children I have ever had pleasure in meeting. It was a total delight.

 

The first group were Beavers and the leader said she has never seen her tiny kids be so quiet during a talk and then the questions began, that was funny. But the second group, oh my heart melted. There was   a disabled child there who had learning problems. Difficulty with his speech too. They told me that he never sits down for more than ten seconds. Well my talk lasted about twenty minutes and the kids asked such brilliant questions for around half an hour. They just kept coming at me and we even incorporated just general comfortable conversation but the best part was, I gave a talk at a girl guides some weeks ago with a little girl who is blind, the little lads told me of a girl in their school who was blind. I know that the little girl has had trouble in the past where children don’t talk to her, so I asked the little boy if he ever spoke to this girl. He said no, I asked him if that was because he felt the little girl was different to him? He answered rather awkwardly yes but was so clever that he also knew that by saying yes, he was kind of saying I, was different too? I wanted him to feel comfortable about being honest in his answer so we got talking, in the end, he said he was going to school tomorrow and would say hello, not only that but he would let her know his name. I told him he would be her hero as she would never ever forget that interaction. It was a lightbulb moment. A beautiful moment I guess you have to have been there and know the full background of this child. But trust me I felt my work had been done and that little boy will not forget tonight for sure. I could feel the room in such peace. It really was almost spiritual. Now I know I’m feeling better as the past two talks I gave to children, I wasn’t happy with the outcome. Tonight, so different.

 

It was the boy’s questions and comments. The knowledge that the children had. They obviously came or come from good schools, sounds awful, but they spoke with perfect English and were way above average intelligent. As for the little boy with learning problems, He was the star. He sat the whole time perfectly still and even asked two questions. The leaders said that he never talks. He was very difficult to understand and I loved so much in the way one of the leaders got down on the floor to listen to the boy so she could re ask the question in a brilliant manner so the child wouldn’t know she the leader was re asking as his speech was very poor and so I could hear. Of course I told the little boy how fantastic his question was, he was so happy, and that made me happy. To hear the children hungry for information about guide dogs and what it’s like for blind people.

 

I enjoyed the fact that I had two groups of boys not that far difference in age but how I had the small challenge to give two talks but make them totally different so I wouldn’t’ bore the  three leaders. The best part was they kindly gave a donation to Guide Dogs so that has been passed on to Hub to take to the office tomorrow and the next thing is, they agreed to sponsor a guide dog puppy. To name a pup. Guide Dogs rely on the kindness of our public I also tried to talk to one of the leaders about becoming a boarder for Guide Dogs and another leader a My guide volunteer. SO I got as much in as possible I only expected to give one talk but so glad two were fitted in. I was away for about three hours and I hope my little Waggatail made some life changing ways tonight, she was impeccable. She lay down the whole time of talks and questions and then allowed the children to give her cuddles.

 

The leaders couldn’t believe how calm the little boy was with learning difficulties, as they had another dog in a pat dog that goes into hospitals last week and they said the little boy was wild with that dog, but he was so gentle with Waggs. And she was with him. It was interesting to watch how she seemed to know how to be different with him.

 

I loved it. And the leaders were so incredibly caring it was one of the best if not the best group I have ever spoken to. I hope they do go for name a pup and I would love to know what name they pick.

Next week is the Biggy. I’m talking to a school of teenagers almost three hundred of them. Oh boy….. I somehow think that will be a challenge. But I’m up for it. The talk that is, not sure about the questions? Smile.

 

Right off to bed now, its half eleven. Teen? Not long been in from work but just left the house……

Teens. Gosh, you either love them or hate them.

I adore mine, but don’t understand him….

 

DIARY OF THE GOLDEN COINS Fiona Cummmings

Good day Bloggets. How are you all today? Me? Thanks for asking, smile. I’m feeling a tiny bit better.  Yesterday I attended a lunching where I was to make a short speech. Normally I dread short talks, as it’s something I don’t like to do. I like to talk and talk. But of late I have been so grateful for short speeches. I have done three of late one yesterday and one more to do tonight. Then no more till next week.

 

Yesterday’s lunch was spent with some amazing people. First my Husband had to give a talk along with two other people then last it was my turn. All during the meal, I was the host of my table so I had to be the one who answered questions and made sure everyone got on OK. So would my voice hang in there for my talk? Thankfully it did just, though I still sound as though I have a kitchen pan scrubber stuck down my throat and it’s not because my throat hurts as its fine now. I have just wrecked it by coughing, and that was another thing, gosh I coughed right through the meal. Oh it was embarrassing. A long journey back home then total wrest for me.

 

Today I have had to start the housework for my friend coming tomorrow. I’m as happy as I feel a little better I was so afraid that I would be as ill and would be an awful hostess for Julie.

 

Anyway, moving on. I read a lovely phrase today from a friend. It went something like this.

“If hours were turned into golden coins, each morning you woke with 24 solid gold coins on your pillow, each coin represented one hour of your day. Your day is given free; you can’t buy any more hours even if you had all the money in the world, so look at your day like wealth. Each hour is a golden coin. I’m sure it was written more eloquently than that, but basically, I liked the meaning of it.

 

Teen got his car back. Half fixed. Obviously the breaks etc. still need doing but at least that light is off and what was making it almost break down has been fixed. The horrid thing is, someone has stolen his bumper bar. Poor kid, it’s never ending. So almost £500 lighter and remember his car isn’t even worth that, but he has to have a car for work. If it had waited just four more weeks, he could have sold his car and bussed and walked but he can’t get to his promotion training by any other transport. He finishes that in four weeks to work local again. His interview with his boss went so well he was told he got top marks for everything and was proving to be excellent in his field. The responsible teen has so much to handle now, so much paperwork and has to tell men old enough to be his Father what to do. He locks up too and counts and puts away the money. For a kid of eighteen, that is a lot of responsibility. I’m so proud of him I really am. Thank God he’s not with his evil ex as she would have made sure he had never done such an opportunity. Especially if she knew us, his Dad and I so wanted this for teen. Even if he leaves that job now, he can say he has experience in management and has two qualifications from the course he has been on. But I don’t think he intends to leave as he wants to give to the company what they have offered him. They totally trusted him and put him to promotion without having to apply, apparently, this is unheard of.

 

I just wish he could have had a pay without having to have so much debt and that is what he has now with this dam car.

 

He is at work now will be till nine tonight. Then he will sit down, have dinner and do lots of paperwork. But tomorrow he has a day off then is working for seven long days in a row. I have two hard workers now in the house.

 

So what is happening in our news?

98% of Junior Doctors have voted to strike in December in the UK.

 

So the Islamic state is now messing with China? Oh boy, not a good idea. China won’t take any rubbish that’s for sure.

 

Our PM is to get an official plane. Wow, that will cause some anger when so many UK factories are closing because of money and there are so many cuts in local services, but a personal plane can be bought?

 

People of Scotland BE careful this weekend as snow and gale force winds are expected.

 

A smile before I go.

 Q. IS GOOGLE MALE OR FEMALE?

1. FEMALE BECAUSE IT DOESN’T LET YOU FINISH A SENTENCE BEFORE MAKING A SUGGESTION.

 

Q WHY ARE HAIR DRESSERS NEVER LATE FOR WORK?

A. BECAUSE THEY KNOW ALL THE SHORT CUTS.

 

Q. WHAT IS THE CHANCE A MEXICAN GETS ACROSS THE BORDER?

A. JUAN IN A MILLION.

 

OK sorry about those, I guess I’m practicing for the Christmas crackers….. In the UK we have crackers. You pull them, they are made from paper and inside there are jokes written. A little like the above. Really scraping the barrel Bloggets again apologies. A lovely Blogget sent me something really funny I must get round to publishing soon.

 

Right I’m off to get ready I’m being collected in a hour to give a talk. This time it’s to boy cubs. I said boy, as didn’t want you to think I had started talking to bears. With love. X

DIARY OF A VOICE

 A quick blog today, well I intend it to be, you know me Bloggets, I can talk…. Oh today is an absolute nightmare for Teen. So yesterday his old car just about got him home. So he took it to the garage. £300

He doesn’t get paid till end of the month. His Father my ex told him he would give him his Christmas gift early so he could pay towards it. Kind, but means teen won’t have anything to open or buy when it comes to Christmas. Last Christmas he got an advance on his money from my ex to pay for his evil ones Christmas present. He never seems to be able to get anything for himself. So today, he receives a call from the garage telling him actually, the car is going to cost £550.

 

It’s not even worth that. But what choice does he have? He has to get to work it’s an hour’s drive away. So just before Christmas, guess who has to help his Son out? My Hub. And what on earth will go wrong next? That bloody car is a curse. I really thought I could trust my ex on picking a good car for him. Teen paid for it but ex chose it. A huge mistake. I really can’t tell you how much money has been spent on the dam thing in less than a year. And moreover Teens insurance was stopped. A total nightmare. He has gone well over the five thousand miles he was allowed. Why? Because of his job…. His father’s advice was to quit his promotion…. Great advice. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

 

Anyway luckily teen took notice of us and him and battled on. His Father needs to know, he isn’t a quitter.

 

I just wish I had enough money to buy him a new car. It’s a good thing though that his Father has given him so much money. I just wish it could have been on him and not the car. I fear tomorrow, more hidden charges will occur Hub worries about his tires, and I worry about the breaks. They are totally done in. Not good when it’s getting icy.

 

It was about ten tonight, or I should say yesterday now as its after midnight  when I can say for the first time in two weeks, I feel a lot better. I’m still coughing but not as much and still breathless again not as bad. At least today I have managed to stay awake. I have totally wrested today though the guilt I feel is awful.  My friend is coming to stay at the weekend; I have so much housework to do I have been ill for too long and it’s all catching up on me. But I know it will get done whereas yesterday, I feared that I wouldn’t be well enough. I feel bad that I have so much volunteering work I am miles behind in it all I hate that as I’m a perfectionist if I say I will do something it has to be done. Like I guess I can say today now, I am out doing a talk and lunch. I so much feared that I wouldn’t be able to be heard as on Thursday of last week I gave a talk and really, it was awful as was the one I gave two days earlier, that is why this week my voice has been wrested. But this means I have not been able to do the phone calls I was meant to do. But because I have wrested the vocals, I hopefully, will be able to talk tomorrow. It’s the second time I have given a speech that combines a meal. The first time was in America. That was a gentleman’s breakfast club. Gosh that was a while ago. Hub and I did duet. I just pray that I will survive the meal then wrest again as for Thursday, I am talking again.  Then I have to be all talkative for our friends visit. She is coming for the full weekend so that will be lovely. And finally, Monday, I have some news for you all. But until then. I shall go for now, I hope to pop by again at some point over the next few days. Take care of each other. With love.

THE PRINCESS'S SHOES (THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY) BY FIONA CUMMINGS

THE PRINCESS’S SHOES

(CHOCOLATE FACTORY)

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

It’s that time of year again

When melting moments make dreams come true

As chocolate delights are made for me and you

I hear you asking just by whom?

If you remember my secret I told you

Not far from where I live

There is a factory where they like to give

But it’s all hush hush

Behind a cocoa bush

Tall silver trees

And on guard is giraffe with knobbly knees

  He walks the chocolate crispy path

And he does make me laugh

With his funny face

As he gives chase

To those who don’t have a chocolate forever friends pass

You should see the ragdoll cats?

They wear bola hats

They are such a size

As I get closer to the factory gate

I’m then asked to wait

Noddy rings his bell

“Our guest has arrived

Quick do tell?”

I’m asked to go in

Sitting on a tiny bin

Is Jim

Do you remember him?

He has the cutest dimples and strawberry curls

His trousers are of spots and swirls

As I enter I find myself dancing a twirl

Then shrinking to the size of a baby worm

How does this happen?

Then I hear clapping

Is it a concert by Jake?

Playing his violin?

I look to the tent and see people within

Colours so vibrant

Reds, oranges and violet

Flowers of forget me nots

Sitting in china pots

The size of little pinkie fingers

The fragrance lingers

Once through the gate

Everything is in miniature

Val tells her stories

Whilst handing out lollies

And a melody is sang

By Melanie as the bells rang 

  From the nearby chocolate church

Where a robin did perch

I was told Christmas treats were not quite ready

As Halloween had just gone over

But they had sweets a plenty

Left over

So I sat on a tiny mushroom stool

 Next to growing clover

Whilst my friends the gnomes and elves

Came to me with their kind gifts

A knitted teddies pullover

There were witches hats

Dark chocolate cats

And Sinnamon broomsticks

Cute little chicks

But you wouldn’t want to bite into them

As a chick became a hen

And explosions of sour sherbet filled your mouth

How did the chick expand?

This really is a very odd land

But a tiny hand

Held out to me

A cup of tea

To wash away the tricksters potion

Left over from Halloween

As for the wicked queen?

No one had heard from her for ages

Thank Goodness

Until Val continued to turn the pages

She read of the autumn’s news

And told of the princess’s chocolate shoes

  How they had to be perfect

Made from white chocolate

With silver bells on the side

And heals so sleek she could glide

As a dance she was to attend

With her suiter who was to be her boyfriend

He was a king

From a land of far

And he owned a special chocolate bar

It was made with dark chocolate and pineapple slices

And from his kingdom fresh spices

Wrapped in foil from gold leaf and a bow of silk

With candy mice the colour of milk

He was the king of cocoa

Which provided the chocolate factory with all its needs

So these shoes had to be very special in deed

The princess is the daughter of the wicket Queen

Who owns the factory  

She discovered the magic bean

And that as they say is history

 And how it all began

She wants to own the chocolate kingdom

 And has told her daughter she must trick him

 Such a shame

Life has to be about this game

Though word on the flakes say

The princess is true to what she may say

She despises her Mother

For how she is with others

And will be a loving queen for her king

So let’s see in time if he may offer a wedding ring?

  With goodbye autumn foiled leaves

Andd a promise I shall return to decorate Christmas trees

  I danced to the tune

 Looked to the moon

And before I knew it

My clothes started to split

 Marge came to my rescue

Stitched me in cottons of blue

Gave me new shoes

And on my way I went

Passing the circus tent

 Where I hope I will visit next time

Will you join me as you will have the best time

 

Copyright Fiona Cummings 2015