DIARY OF PATIENCE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Today our Bloggets are from the Isle of Man, Italy, Hong Kong, UK, Spain, US, Netherlands, France, Germany and South Africa.

Welcome to you all. I’m sitting here freezing as our work has begun on the house, if you read my kitchen diary earlier you will know what I’m talking about.

Our builder came for ten minutes then went. It’s now four hours later and he is still not back. We are left with a nice man, he isn’t a plumber or an electrician, who is he? Not sure but he came with our builder. He has been in every single room in our house. All the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room and the garage. I hate that, it’s our blooming kitchen getting done?

I went in and said can they knock the wall into the room where we are taking up the floor because the other room where they could knock into has new tiles. He said well, they have sheets. Em? Sheets are not going to protect my nice new tiles, and bricks are getting knocked out.
Oh, my nerves.

My little Waggatail is laying on my feet. My Son has gone to work. He said he wasn’t coming home for lunch. I told him I made him sandwiches. He said that isn’t enough to fill him. I said there was homemade cake and a yogurt as well as a banana. Also, I asked him twice to bring me a coffee in., now will he? I’m not hopeful. I hope I am proven wrong. I made his sandwiches none for me though, by the time I made his and Hubs for work, I really couldn’t be bothered doing mine. I told Boy Wonder last night if he wanted to make pasta there was loads but to do it now as in last night, but he didn’t listen and now he is really driving me crazy with what he is going to eat.

I made a mushroom stroganoff for dinner it’s in the fridge just needs microwaving. I wish I could make it like in Russia? Oh, they do the best strogonov.

Heck, a sheet of glass has just smashed. Oh, my dogs? I’m going to have to really make sure there is no glass or anything dangerous to hurt our babies.

Hub has safely arrived he will be tired by tomorrow night. Travelling anywhere for anyone is tiresome, but when you can’t see, the concentration makes it ten times worse. He woke at six and will be home by eight I hope. Then same again tomorrow.

My lovely joiner has just been. He is so trust worthy. How come I have found him? He is going to give me the number of a painter. I told him he was like my telephone directory as he knows everyone. Except a gardener… Talking of gardeners, ours is coming tomorrow now. There’s too much going on today. Oh, let me tell you this, when I was outside with our joiner talking about a fence. I walked back to my front door. I was about to go in the house hahaha when I heard a voice saying hello. I turned to him and it was the man who was coming to buy our bar stools. I had to tell him I was blind and not ignorant as I was about to shut the door on him as he stood on my door step. Well handed over the stools and hoped that I hadn’t given the post man my stools rather than the man from EBay

As I write to you you see my world through my words and I have just heard on the news that our Prime Minister is to hold an early election in June. Why? Oh my. For goodness sake. We need her to drive us over the next few years. I can’t believe I’m saying that about a conservative Government but I have such admiration for her. She is a strong lady and is so intelligent she isn’t hot headed and unlike the other party leaders she remains calm. Oh, I just hope the British public vote for our future rather than our dreadful past of a few years. Where we have crumbled. It’s time to rebuild Britain now and we can only do this with her leadership.

I shall go for now but will be back further down the page where it will be some time later.
OK, it’s now later. My word. It’s 3pm. Boy Wonder came home for lunch. He laughed as he said he forgot my coffee. He works in a bloody coffee shop. He was angry with me because he said. I had a face on. I said nothing. He then let my dog out thankfully as there are tools bricks and glass all over the place. He then slammed the door and left for work. He said he didn’t want the sandwiches I had made him and he didn’t want to be home with my atmosphere. I said nothing, he should live with someone who shouts. I stayed calm but hurt. He is becoming so very selfish.

My builder has just come after leaving the poor man on his own all day. He came and sat down he told me he had a clean bum. Hahaha. TMI?

I thought I’m not surprised you haven’t done any pigging work? Well my two days are turning into four. Two days of door work and ceiling. Oh, my he even said he may not be finished until next Monday and our kitchen hasn’t even arrived yet.

Tell you what though, he is rather dishy…. Goodness knows what he looks like but if I wasn’t in love with Hub and I was single, well, what can I say? My friend JB would love him just because she will be reading this, I can tell her he is woo’ooo’ooo’oow, well his voice and the way he walks. As for his looks? Hahaha. Hmm. They may be rough, who knows. In my head, he is very handsome. My poor Husband said the other day, you wouldn’t, would you? Oh, bless him, no way, my Hub is my perfect choice. I adore him, but I’m just the biggest flirt, mind you, if he made any advances, I think I would run a mile. I know I’m safe as he is very young. I think ten years younger than me the funny thing is, he built this house as a 16 year old apprentice. How odd is that? This house is 22 years old.

So, I have now learned that all the bricks are staying in our kitchen. Oh joy. Good job we are not trying to preserve our kitchen.

The noise is dreadful. So tomorrow our ceiling coming down and the door may, may, be removed. Then Thursday the electrician coming and Friday plastering. Monday finishing off then a couple of weeks later our kitchen gets took out and the new one put in.

Five hours before both BW and Hub are home. It’s going to be so hard to do things like feed the dogs, we feed them in the kitchen but we are not going to be able to do that. For how long? Another seven days? Oh gosh.

I’m already thinking what are we going to eat tomorrow night? Hub home late again I hope BW is too then I may have a chance for him to pick up some Fish & Chips. If he is early, he will just eat out with his GF as for us? I guess it will be an expensive Indians and I’m trying to avoid expensive as when our kitchen is getting fitted, we will be eating a lot of take away.

My friend keeps phoning me but I can’t hear the phone. Drills and banging sounds are ringing through my head.

OK, I will go for now, go where? Not far, perhaps from one couch to another… I thought I would get loads of writing work done today but impossible to concentrate and I have done some work for Hub so up to date on that. Later with love and before I go some words.
Patience? I need them right now.
Rivers know this. There is no hurry, we shall get there some day.
A.A. Milne
By Chris Jami, “Persistence. Perfection. Patience. Power. Prioritize your passion. It keeps you sane.”

And one of my favourite quotations that I feel was written many moons ago just for me. Smile. Someone who could obviously see into the future when having me in their mind. Lewis Carroll wrote “No, no, the adventures first, explanations take such a dreadful time.
Finally, from me.
“to have patience, takes a lot of work or you will end up ill and be a patient.”
Fiona Cummings
Our crazy English, check out the different spelling though both words sound the same.

THE KITCHEN DIARY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Oh well, here we go. Feeling sick right now. All weekend we have been emptying our kitchen. Two large units full of crystal and china. Collectables and more. Up and down stairs trying to find space in one of the rooms if not three. Moving one unit into our sitting room and the other into our conservatory where we had a huge disaster, not our fault at all but the fault of another. One thing we asked help for which I really regret. Hub and I said we are better off on our own doing things. Putting items upstairs where we can remember where to find them again is a challenge. Remember we can’t just look and go to whatever?

Oh, the house is upside down. On top of that we are trying to sell some items and people, strangers have been coming to the house, something I’m not comfortable with.

We are absolutely exhausted. Now it’s out of our control. My house is all open to whoever. Our back gate is unlocked. Our garage door is open. Our back door open, and our builder already after only twenty minutes has disappeared. There is another man arrived, and he is in my garage but said he will be going soon. Where? How long for?

Last night when we went to bed I was saying to Hub I won’t even have a cup of tea. All day without food. It will do me good though as I have had an Easter egg this weekend that I shouldn’t have had.

Hub had to get up at six for a silly start to his working day it was just after the pumpkin hour and Boy Wonder came in the house shouting his mouth off about how he was going to make his bacon sandwich in the morning. Oh, my God. Give me strength. For five days we have hardly eaten anything not had time to stop he has been away for a break to Scotland since he has been back he has been for two meals out and he has the nerve to shout and go crazy like that? Obviously, tensions ran high and sadly doors got almost smashed off their hinges as a bad tempered young man took revenge out on the house and Hub wasn’t his best behaviour either as he shouted at BW to get out of our room. Well seriously, kids are so selfish. Not once has he thought about how difficult this whole thing is for us.

Now I have my little Waggatail squeaking her toy, trying to put it on my lap top for me to throw for her, our dogs lives have been disturbed too as they don’t like change and haven’t had the attention they deserve this weekend. They have worked as we have really tried to get what we need for our kitchen, thank God for them. But as far as a calm house? Nope, not this house, and I think we may be here for a while like this as the builder today told me that he would only be doing the window today, not touching the door or ceiling. For pity sake, what is wrong with these people? He told me last week he would take the ceiling down the same time as the window out and door out so to get rid of the rubbish all in one go. So, I don’t know what is being done today, all I know is I’m praying… Now, who to? Good question. This isn’t one for my angels. I’m thinking this is a one for the boss.

Oh, and my lovely joiner is coming today and our new gardener. Then there is a man coming to buy our bar stools. Oh, it’s all going on in the Fifi household. It’s not even nine in the morning, I’m starving. It’s psychological because I know I can’t get in there to do anything. I had it all planned. I was going to bring through some cottage cheese. Nice and easy, but our builder came too early. He was due at nine but came at eight fifteen. Oh well, let’s hope he will put in a full day? Haha, I wonder if he’s back yet?

I already forgot to tell him to take our blinds down. Oh heck. I just can’t remember everything. I was in there before and I was pointing to things as I was telling him what needed doing, or reminding him. He wasn’t sure where I meant so I had to point. Hopefully in the right direction. Seriously this blind thing is a pain. It’s going to be a long four weeks.

DIARY OF COMING OUT BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Few, hello Bloggets. I’m here, for how long? Not sure.
Well our Easter weekend has been so very busy, but not going out on Good Friday for traditional Fish & Chips, and Easter egg hunts on Easter Sunday as for Bank holiday Monday? Hmm. Where to begin? I really don’t know; my head is in a spin!

Between trying to feed the family and emptying our kitchen, the two don’t really go hand in hand, I feel rung out like a dish cloth in a kitchen sink.

We have been trying to sell things on EBay. As you know from last week, I have been taken the photographs and putting them on EBay. Some things have sold, others have got a day or two to go.

Hub and I have worked like crazy for the past four days. On Saturday, he went up and down stairs at least forty times. Oh, my it’s been such a challenging few days. We are both exhausted and tomorrow he is on a half seven train, he has to change four times to get to where he needs to go. He was talking to someone today who said to him. “Oh well, you are used to travelling?” Em, used to it or necessity? Bless Hub he is so brave just because he works and has to use public transport, doesn’t mean he is used to it making it easier. Each time he steps out he still has the same anxiety as he did the first time he did it and each time something new could happen, and it is the not knowing what to expect that makes it difficult. Even sitting on the train, who will sit next to him? Who will be looking at him wondering why he isn’t acknowledging them?

What for some reason, he can’t find the door, he always does, but the nerves hoping that he will every time is hard. Little Fella of his Guide dog will be going with him. Again, hoping that LF won’t do his business on the station? At the end of the day he is a dog. He is great and hasn’t had any accidents for almost ten months now. But tomorrow will be a long day from leaving the house to getting home, it’s from seven in the morning till eight at night and the day after the same. Over the next two days he will be doing almost ten hours travel and 16 hours in a conference. I so badly wish he could see bless him then it would be getting in his car driving and life would be so much easier, rather than taxi to the train station, getting his tickets catching the train, getting off and on again so many different trains and another taxi to the office then same back again.

Boy Wonder had a lovely time in Scotland seeing Bruno Mars. They just seemed to eat loads though, my Son is now almost 15 stone, 200lbs. Luckily now he is back he is back at the gym so hopefully he will lose some weight there isn’t an ounce of fat on him, he is solid muscle, but to me, he is too heavy to be healthy. I can talk? Haha. Mind you, some good news on that later.

For Easter among the crazy kitchen moovement, I managed to make some Easter nest cakes. I did some baskets for the kids and the two of them loved them. The Easter Chick was very generous to us this year.

It’s my Waggatails 6th birthday on Thursday. And next Thursday, it’s the Little Fella’s third birthday.

The two of them have been so good this weekend as we hunted for our kitchen stuff, they were so well behaved and did an excellent job of guiding.

Well, dreading tomorrow, will tell you in my next blog. Later gators.

DIARY OF GOOD FRIDAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good evening Bloggets. Our friend kindly brought us a homemade simnel cake yesterday and it’s killing me because next to Christmas cake it’s my favourite kind of cake. We spent a fortune one year buying our friends in America one from M & S. It was £27 I have never spent that much on a cake before but we wanted the best for them. We went to America to stay with them and though they shared everything with us bless them, the cake was never opened. Ever since then, I have had such a desire for one of our own, but no way would pay that much and I know you can I’m sure get cheaper, but I wonder if they would be as nice?

So, there it is in our kitchen with the eleven marzipan eggs on the top, and Hub says we are not eating it until Easter Sunday.

I feel as if I have too much to do for Easter. Tomorrow we have our nest cakes to make and I think I’m doing them with our boy when he returns from his latest trip. Then there are the dyed eggs to do. Every year I hard boil some eggs in obviously water, salt so the egg shells don’t crack and in the pan, is the skins from red onions or brown if you only have brown onions. Then remove from the pan and wipe butter over them and then polish with a bit of kitchen towel. Then leave to dry they look beautiful like dark red or golden brown shiny marble eggs. I think we will just have a tea party on Easter Sunday. With sandwiches and hot cross buns as well as the cakes.

I have a couple of baskets to make up for the kids and some eggs to hide…. I know, they are not babies, but my Son is used to his slightly crazy Mum. I have some Easter bunnies too that play music, haha, must try to remember to get those out tonight.

Well, what an interesting and full day. We have started the big clean-up for our work starting on Tuesday, so I think my Husband has been up and down the stairs about twenty times. We moved our huge unit into the living room. And we now have the other big unit to move from the kitchen to the conservatory. Then to empty the cupboards that are near the window that is going to be knocked out on Tuesday.

The house is going to be upside down for the next few weeks if not five long weeks.

I must tell you I am totally dreading Tuesday. It’s the ceiling coming down, I wish I had my joiner but I’m just going with the idea that if we try to nail plasterboards in the existing ceiling, they won’t hold as our existing ceiling is finished, I just hope the blooming upstairs bedrooms won’t fall through, nothing would surprise me in this house.

So, today, why interesting, well I have took photographs of some items we have for sale. Now, firstly remember I’m totally blind. Hub said he wouldn’t take them because they would be of the floor, well, how the heck do we know if these ones are not also of the floor? Anyway, some bar stools I put for sale, then two inflatable beds one single and one double, we won’t ever need them so it will generate some money.

Then for some window blinds. They are as new, they have been up since we moved in here, but they were expensive so don’t just want to throw them out. Well, out came the good old tactile tape measure again and both blinds went for sale too. Then the other day we put Hubs stereo and very expensive speakers and other things that go with the speakers. Gosh they were so difficult to photograph. Two very tall lovely slim speakers floor standing then in the middle there was a subwoofer some centre thing and the stereo itself. The whole lot of the sound system cost £2,000 and it’s on EBay starting price at 99p. So far two bidders and it’s going for £2. Did someone leave the zero’s off? Haha, they have five days left though and have a load of watchers. Hub had two other speakers and one of his colleagues said her partner wanted them so Hub said they would be a certain price, much money, he was practically giving them away, he took them to work and sadly they never had the decency to hand over any money. That shocked me so much. They worked so perfectly well and had a better sound than any modern speaker system you can buy these days. So, I hope this time he can get a good amount for the others.

The bar stools sold straight away, for a whopping £4.20. Someone has a bargain as they were £120. The beds went within an hour and the people who bought them travelled an hour to get them. They came to the house and I did my acting as if I could see game and that may have worked, but having said that, Hub noted that they did say, mind you don’t trip over the wire, hahaha, I said to Hub maybe they know I can’t see because of the photograph I published? Smile.

It’s my big brother’s birthday today. I spoke to him before on the phone. It’s also my Dad in laws on Monday. And it was Shamrocks yesterday. As for Sham and Boy Wonder, they loved their concert they went to it was the wonderful Bruno Mars. They are back tomorrow. As for Hubs Dad, we got him a card yesterday but when Hub phoned him he wasn’t there so I think he must be at the caravan. I would guess he will be there for another week. So, he is in Scotland. I said to Hub I should have had BW to write the address before he left and I blooming forgot so now I have a card saying for Dad but there isn’t any post before his birthday. I hope we get chance to at least talk to him? I know Hub won’t phone him on his mobile, as a woman may answer he won’t want to talk with. So, I just hope he will be back so we can wish him all the best. I so badly wish we could get in a car and drive to see family. After the hospital appointment the other day, it doesn’t look like I will be driving in my life time…

I’m going to light a candle now and have a chill night, may have a bath later with some lovely products. My baby is home tomorrow and he is then going straight out for a birthday meal with Shamrocks family. They will be tired as it’s a long journey home. Hub and I are off to try to do more kitchen shopping. God help us…

Have a peaceful and happy Easter. I hope the Easter bunny’s visit you and the chocolate chicks bring lots of delicious treats. With love. X

DIARY OF EASTER YOLKS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good evening Bloggets. On this cold Maundy Thursday night, Hub and I are preparing ourselves for our Easter weekend full of jobs. What is it they say? No wrest for the wicked? Tomorrow we may start to empty our china units in our kitchen for the big ceiling come down on Tuesday. I think we may have over 120 chrystal glasses and there is my 39 salt and pepper sets as well as my collection of mugs and very old and fragile tea sets that belonged to my Nanna and Mum. My Mum gave me them years ago, she has not been with me on earth for 19 years, and I had them about five years before then, they are over fifty years old so thin and precious. No pressure, right? Now, where to put them? We don’t have any boxes. We need to store them for four weeks.

This afternoon our Son went to his Destination with Sham and together they will be until Saturday. They have both been very good in keeping in contact so far. It’s Shamrocks 18th birthday. I can tell you what Boy Wonder bought her now for her birthday. A holiday to Rome. So, Prague from her to him and Rome from him to her…

Today we went to buy electric items for our kitchen. Oh my, that will be in a different blog, my kitchen Diary.

Tomorrow is my Brothers birthday, the big brother I looked up to when a little girl, he is seven years my senior and his age now? It’s scary, I don’t want to be this old. Can’t he be 22 years older than me? It’s also Good Friday. We can’t eat meat tomorrow not that I do, but Hub can’t. I hope BW doesn’t where he is. Mind you, where he is? That’s a good one. I don’t have a clue. Not hotel anyway. I hope they have a good time, where they have gone I’m not a fan of I love Edinburgh though, that is my favourite part of Scotland just for the atmosphere.

Hub and I trying to sell items on line and it’s rather fun. Especially me taking pictures of what we have for sale. Goodness knows what we have on for sale as far as photographs are concerned. We sold one item yesterday that was really funny because I had it advertised as a Kenwood smoothie maker it sold and we learned that it in fact was a Breville but hey ho they got a bargain.
Though we are both at home not being able to see, my lamps are on and the cold outside is at battle with our warm house. Just about to watch the TV show we have been watching the same documentary for the past few weeks the program I told you about, 3 wives 1 husband.


And finally, some jokes to start your Easter off in style, haha, well, may be that is going too far, but here we go.
Q: What kind of jewellery do rabbits wear?
A: 14 carat gold.

What do you call rabbits that marched in a long sweltering Easter parade?
A: Hot, cross bunnies.

Who is the Easter Bunny's favourite movie actor?
A: Rabbit De Niro!

BEACH LOVERS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

BEACH LOVERS
BY FIONA CUMMINGS
As the palms did sway
On that special day
I turn to see a perfect vision
Coming my way
It’s as if our hearts had some kind of collision
I was under your spell
Your skin colour of caramel
Your white lace dress
Hair in a sea breeze mess
A smile that would melt the hardest of hearts
Our eyes couldn’t part
What was happening to me?
In the background was the sea
But nothing else mattered
Pebbles scattered
The yachts sailed by
Birds flew up in the sunny sky
The tide was coming in
I wanted to pull you in
Just a kiss that would last forever
You carried a basket of coconuts
In your hair was a feather
I had to talk with you
I had never seen anyone as beautiful
Your wish was my command
I would be so dutiful
I just wanted to hold your hand
And look after you
Be by your side
Wipe the tears when you cried
Smiled as you laughed
Sang whilst you took a bath
Enjoy cooking together
Just living with you forever
Where did you come from?
All I know is we belong
I want to sing our song
Hold you for our first dance
Is this romance?
If so give me this feeling each day
I never want you to go away
© Fiona Cummings 2017

THE WEDDING CLOCK BY FIONA CUMMINGS

THE WEDDING CLOCK
BY FIONA CUMMINGS
Butterflies flying inside of me
My heart beating ridiculously
A smile upon my face with glee
Because you belong to me
My eyes are filled with pride
I’m honoured to be your bride
My feelings I can’t hide
I feel I was born for you
And you for me
We were meant to marry
And spend our lives together
My love is with you forever
My hand in yours
We will open all welcoming doors
I will feel safe in your arms
Time will tick by
Without any alarms
The cu cu will come to our wedding
And the chimes shall make the news
People will read the heading
About the couple whose admiration time stood still for
It is you I will always choose
So here we are
The wedding car
Decorated with ribbons of bows
Our destiny?
Nobody knows
Only we know that we will never part
For you my darling have my heart
© Fiona Cummings 2017

ALONE IN RAGE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

ALONE IN RAGE
BY FIONA CUMMINGS
On the tip of my tongue
Inside of my head
Wanting to run
Stay in stead
It’s out there now
Admiring those who keep a cool
I just wonder how?
I break the rule
I’m like a match to the strike
The wheel on a bike
The string on a kite
Getting tangled
My brain is mangled
Words sadly aren’t scrambled
I just react
there’s no going back
it’s all been said
words just flowed
my anger showed
I’m wild in rage
I can’t act, though I’m shown the stage
Like fire to a blanket
A powerful racket
An unhinged bracket
I say it like it is
Popping the cork on the fizz
Leaving my world in a wiz
Too late now
Lines upon my brow
Frown on my face
I know my place
Alone in rage
© Fiona Cummings 2017

DIARY OF EVERYTHING BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good day Bloggets. How are you all today? Hub is working from home today and then he is on holiday until next Tuesday then a busy week where he is going to Manchester two days in a row rather than staying overnight.

I have just done the dog run, such a lovely job. Then groomed both dogs and once again I’m waiting for a delivery. My friend wouldn’t take any petrol money the other day for taking me to the hospital, bless her she said I paid for the car park, so she would pay for petrol, thing is, she didn’t have to go to the hospital, it was me who needed it so why should she pay for anything? Well, I bought her a gift to say thank you. I only hope it comes in one piece because I sent for her a similar gift a couple of days ago but it was broken when it arrived. This is the same make but a different seller on good old Amazon. It’s something I hope she will like as she loves candles and to be honest I’m a huge fan of these products since I first saw and heard one at my friend’s house a year ago.

So, what is it? I have written about them before, they are in my opinion the best candle you can buy. WoodWick. To my friends reading this with a screen reader, it’s one word and both W’s are in capitals. It is what it says. A wooden wick. It crackles a little like a coal fire. It’s not the same kind of wax that will burn in the middle and leave loads of unused wax at the edges, it’s made with sustainable soy wax that burns evenly and lasts so much longer than normal wax. The smell is amazing and they don’t create any smoke I have just learned this week. When the wax is almost at the very bottom, then if you light it enough to blow out wait a few moments then lift the wooden wick, wash out the lovely dish or jar it comes in and you can reuse the jar. It comes with a wooden lid to use as a coaster. The quality is wonderful if you get the oval dishes but the other day I bought one that was a tall jar and the glass was really thin and it was cracked but I do wonder if that was a genuine one as I bought it from Amazon and when I took a second look, it had one review only and they hadn’t been on the market long, but I have bought from Amazon before and they have been perfect. But I have only bought the oval dishes this was the first time for the tall jar. So today let’s see what comes? Hopefully this time I have bought the oval one. They are not cheap. I paid for this one today £23 but it’s said that they last 80 hours, now forgive me, I haven’t counted the hours we have burned ours, but I got my last one at Christmas and only last week I emptied it.

Here are some of the scents you can buy not from Amazon but from WoodWick’s direct website.
Sparkling orange, coastal sunset, Raspberry Yuzu, windowsill herbs, and one my Sister in law would love, Sweet Lime Gelato.

I tried to log in to the official UK WoodWick website and it was going so well until sadly right at the end, I was asked to write the capture below, well, really, no audio for those who can’t see the letters. That is happening more and more. Having said that, you can phone them but I just like to order and not have to wait until opening times and call.

Now onto my kitchen. Gosh, Hub and I have been really stressed this week and so many times I have wanted to throw in the tea towel.

Our kitchen designer has been on holiday this week. But at last he has answered our email and now we can move forward. In the end, we have got a good deal I hope. We are getting a free dishwasher and the most exciting thing of all, oh I’m buzzing about this, I have always wanted one of these and now I’m getting one. WoopWhoop. It’s a plate warmer in a drawer. Well, the make we are looking at is not far shy of £500 but we have managed to sweet talk our designer and we are getting that for £240. It has a dial so we will be able to use it. I hope, we are going to look tomorrow. Boy Wonder was going to take us tonight when he got in from work, but our kitchen man isn’t free until tomorrow, and that is when our Son is off on his break. So Hub and I are off on an adventure with the little Fella and the wonderful Wagging one. Oh my, and guess what we have to pass to get to the kitchen shop? The pet shop. No doubt we will be dragged in there for a treat. Our Waggs loves it in there and when we go to the shops around there, even if we are not wanting to go there, Waggs won’t walk anywhere else until she has had her fix at the pet shop.

Now finding this kitchen shop is going to be a huge challenge. We haven’t done the route before, we know roughly the direction, and it’s across a carpark and passing loads of obstacles like parked shopping carts, walls and café tables and chairs as well as bins and so many people but I’m up for the challenge. I only hope to goodness we can get back in one piece, haha, it will be so busy around there tomorrow.

As for our other kitchen items, well, we are off to the electric shop tomorrow too, and our lovely friend Geordie who took me to the hospital is taking us. Bless her heart. We need paint too, but we will have to see as I don’t want my poor friend running around the shops with us. I hate asking for help, when my Brother in law used to come he and I had such fun around those shops, but it’s too far for him to come now as he lives in Australia, smile. Oh, I have fond memories of he and I shopping. I hurt in my heart when I think of how we ended a relationship to which I loved so much. He was my little brother and a close friend. When he went to Australia he took a part of my heart with him then broke it! But he and his love are very happy out there.

Okay, a fat diary to come. Interesting, I shall go and write that now then have to think about cooking dinner for tonight. With love x








DIARY OF WOODWICK IN THE KITCHEN BY FIONA CUMMINGS

THE LOVING TEA PARTY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

THE LOVING TEA PARTY
BY FIONA CUMMINGS
If my heart was a cup
and my love for you poured from a tea pot
I would have to wipe up
For the love would overflow
There would be such a lot
Where would the spilt love go?
The finest porcelain plates
The most delicious cakes
Dolly sized sandwiches egg mayonnaise
Pastries on long trays
What a delightful tea party we would have
Stepping back in time
For you I would have so much love
Feed you strawberries and cream
Jelly and ice cream
Cupcakes supreme
It is my dream
For you to be at my tea table every day
For the rest of your life
As my Darling Husband
And me your wife
© Fiona Cummings 2017

DIARY OF LIFE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

I read this today on Giphy.com
I personally have a theory that our Universe was once a being like you or I that worked higher and higher into love, and became the spirit of God to birth an entirely new Universe, and there are literally an uncountable number of Universes born in this way, that will birth an infinite number more.... No doubt, in my opinion, you will be the spirit of a Universe/God one day

I replied to my friend who sent me the link that we are all kind of Gods, well, creators because we either produce children creating life, or we are some kind of earth angel who gives their time to others. For those who don’t have time to give, or the want to give, well, perhaps they are from somewhere else… Most people I know do something for other people whether it be make a meal, make someone feel happy or do a favour for someone.

I have, known people in my life who are very selfish and I reiterate, have, known! Past contents. and look after themselves only, they don’t belong in my life anymore and I don’t really care what they are doing right now!

I’m trying to write and my little Waggatail is running around with the noisiest squeaky toy ever. Then she is putting it on my lap top for me to throw for her. I think I need to take her out soon to use up some of her energy. I just wish I had somewhere exciting to go to?

In our news today,
United Airlines have been reported to have dragged a man down the isle of their flight who refused to leave the craft as it was also reported that the airline needed four passengers to leave the plane to allow four members of their staff to board. The staff have reported that the man was disruptive and refused to leave so they removed him.

I watched or listened to the video of the poor man and seriously it’s disturbing. There were some American ladies, who sounded of an age that were respectful showing that they were not impressed with the way in which the man was being treat. It is reported that the man is a Doctor and he needed to be at work the next day. Of course, we don’t know the full story, but from what I have heard, I feel for the man. If we learn he was suspected as a terrorist, then fine, drag away. But so far there is no evidence to show that. Oddly though, the man hasn’t come forward to give his story.

Boy Wonder and Sham are off for a few days away in a couple of days. It’s her eighteenth birthday when they are away and the break is a Christmas gift from Shamrock to BW. His birthday present was Prague and wait until I tell you what her birthday present is from Boy Wonder? My goodness, what happened to a bunch of flowers and some perfume/chocolates/meal out?

My friend has just messaged me to tell me his brand-new car is frozen white in colour… I have asked him what is the difference between frozen white and white white? He replied there is a little of a blue tinge to it and more matalic.

Our kitchen designer? Well, more on that later, not impressed and he better pull his socks up.

Looking at the stats on my Blog page today, and great to see Austria back, it’s been too long since I saw your country on my blog page I have missed you. Today’s countries are United States lead the way with 147 views today, the United Kingdom have viewed today 93, Canada15, Australia, 12, Spain 9, Ireland 8, South Africa 8, Austria 2, France 2 and India 2
Total views so far are 190,000
Have a peaceful day Bloggets.

A DATE WITH THE CONSULTANT BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good evening Bloggets, oh boy, have I got a blog for you? Seriously, only me. This morning I was getting ready to visit our eye hospital. I was dreading it, but the thought of me going with my friend helped. I had loads of questions in my head and I wanted to remember them all. I took the letter from my drawer to hand over and got the money for the car park. Let my Waggatail out in the dog run and I waited outside as it was a lovely sunny day.

My friend was due, a car pulled up. It was her, well, nope, not quite, but our neighbours. She isn’t always on time, so expected her to be running late and she has such an incredible busy life too, she’s not just waiting to take me places.

Ten minutes had passed by. I text her. Nothing. I rang her a few minutes later. Nothing. Oh, she’s driving so will be here in a moment?

My mobile rang. It was her Mum.
“Fiona, Geordie is running a bit late she is having a disaster at home. But your appointment isn’t till half one!””

I had to say, no, oh, no…. Then my semi broken IPhone cut off. So, from my friends Mums perspective, I was cross and cut her off… Haha. I called her back and I was told that my friend was really stressed and her Mum continued saying so with regards to the hospital, I’m not sure. . ..
Then the phone cut off again.

Oh gosh, this would be the third time I wouldn’t be able to go to the hospital and I was told that if I missed this visit, I would be referred back to my GP…

The first time we were on holiday and it was before we bought our ap for our IPhone called KNFB reader, so by the time we scanned it which was a right hassle, I had missed the appointment. The second time, my neighbour said she would take me but not long before the appointment she had to take her daughter to the train station in our town. So, had to cancel again that was when I was told off…

My friend called me and said she would be here in ten minutes, thank goodness.

Bless her she did have a dreadful situation going on and really, I wouldn’t have blamed her at all if she cancelled. But she didn’t she came and off we went to my eye hospital a forty-five-minute drive away.

Parked up, started the long walk to the hospital really, it’s like a village. It’s massive. But we found out where we were meant to go and handed over my letter. The man went quiet for ages and I thought, oh no, please don’t say I have the wrong day? Our ap on our IPhone is good but not always accurate.

Then he said through broken English to take a seat. Thank goodness. My friend told me it was like the United Nations the staff were from all over the world. The first person I saw was a Nurse. She was very English, and not the most helpful of people. She asked me if I could see. I said no. She said can I see letters? I said no, I’m totally blind. She then asked if I could see how many fingers did she have up? I said I can’t see a thing. Then, she asked if I noticed anything different in the room…. Now this is a laugh, good old NHS. I told her she was turning the lights on and off. She said, great, you can see the difference between light and dark? I said no, I can hear that you are flicking the light switch on the wall. She told me someone had stolen her torch and they were expensive so had to use the wall lights.

Then to sit and wait again for the next room which was a very interesting experience. I got my eyes looked at where you put your chin on the machine but then I was taken to a machine I have never had before. It was a new test.
O
K?
Well, seriously, I didn’t know if the poor guy had Parkinson’s or if he was trying to do some kind of faith healing as his hands shook so badly. My face was gently pushed into a rubber like sheet. It wasn’t a nice experience. He told me to look forward and keep my eye still. I felt for those who actually can’t do this? They should be taught differently at hospitals and think about people who have no control in their eyes. I have so I was OK, though I struggled with the keeping my eyes open for so long as they were still stinging from the drops, and to keep your eye open not to blink for such a long time was a slight challenge.

Another wait and another room where I saw an Indian Doctor who was really a lovely person. Again, he kept telling me how clever I was, haha, same as the last consultant did three years ago. What was more worrying was he also kept saying how young I was… At that point, I did wonder who had the bad sight?

Well I asked loads of questions and got many answers. Some surprised me and others shocked me. Some disappointed me and sadly little excited me.

What I learned today was that things you read on line even if it is from a medical journal, are different to what the top consultants believe.

So, the injection that is being trialled right now I read that not only did it prevent those with RP from deteriorating, but the injected virus brought back to life rods and cones, he said that it only helped those who have X linked RP. And not those who have gone blind and they can only prevent the sight that the person has from getting worse.

So, what if I have x linked RP? He said no, he doubts it because the people who normally have X linked RP are either men or much older people. So, my next question, well if you don’t know what kind of RP I have, how do I find out what kind I do have? He said I would have to have another blood test and it would have to be sent away, it wouldn’t help my sight, but the Government are doing a procedure where we get our blood tested and it would help our kids in the future to decide their chances of having a child with my eye disease.

My Son wants to know the risks of him having a baby with RP. I told him that children who can’t see well or kids who are blind these days don’t have it as bad as we did when we were young. I said they are not sent to boarding school now and technology make it so life is easier. But still he worries. I also said that by the time he has kids, possibly there will be something out there mind you, after today, I’m not so sure.

The consultant told me that they are doing trials with people who don’t see light and dark, again, getting back to the light bulb test. In Oxford, they do an operation which is very complex and you have a wire which goes into your head and it links with the glasses that look like sun glasses. The people who have had this done can see shadows and huge letters under a bright light.
(May be the light bulb nurse took part in this trial?)
He told me he didn’t think this would benefit me. So, what would? He said there are no trials right now that would be any good for me and the RP I have…. Now, let’s remember they don’t know what kind I have, I had so much to take in but I think he said that there are 25 different kinds. So, this blood test to see what strength or kind, would take up to two years.

He said that the best thing I can hope for is stem cell. I told him I had read up on where they take the cells from our own hands and place them in the eyes. He said yes, and that trial is going well in the lab, but not yet used on humans in the UK. I asked him what the best hope was for that? He replied that he believes if that is successful in the future, I will be given sight, but not like a sighted person. He also said that having said that, there are new things coming up all the time. He told me because of a Dr Levy in America who charges the earth to do stem cell work all around the world there have been set backs as a few patients have gone blind after the stem cell procedure where they take the cells from the patient’s hip and place them into the eyes.

As stem cell is my only hope, and its stem cell treatment in America that has gone very wrong, what now?

I learned today that my Son has less than 1 % of inheriting my eye disease, well this is great as when I was pregnant, I was told 50 50, but the blood test I was about to have would help to inform him of his real chances.

So, out of there and a visit with the vampire. She took three bottles and then out of the hospital, my friend was a real gem. We went for a coffee and I tried to remember the information I was given. To put today in short.
There are no trials for my eye disease RP in the UK apart from the microchip and the injection of the virus, neither of which would help me.
Stem cell is my only hope, but in America it’s gone very wrong.
Looks like my boy will be OK? And finally, he told me of a breakthrough in research. Last year they managed to for the first time create an eye. So, they can work on it in the lab rather than eyes that are not human like mice/dogs/monkeys.

So, this will make research much faster he also told me that most research ends up by a mistake. So, I have hope for a mistake but the news today wasn’t really positive apart from him saying that he will be very surprised if I don’t get some sort of sight in my life time… Just have to make sure I live a long time because in reality I don’t think anything will occur in the next ten years. I shall keep praying. I believe in people power, so if you have a spare one minute, please can you ask whoever is in control of our destination to please guide the researchers in the right direction to find a breakthrough for Retinitis Pigmentosa in fact for all blindness would be amazing. Then my loving Husband could teach his brain to see too.

In the meanwhile, Bloggets, keep the muscles moving in your eyes so they don’t die. Keep hoping but keep it real too and don’t cry behind closed doors, get out there and live. There is a blind world and a sighted world. I want and dream to remain the blind soul with the sighted spirit and my windows to my soul to be clear and start to have clear glass rather than muddy pools. X

DIARY OF TWO DOGS FOR £10 BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Dear Bloggets, I’m in my cool lounge right now, we have had 22° today and the sun is still shining. I had to come in whilst boy wonder came in for lunch from work, he told me to keep out of the sun as I looked very beach beauty golden… Oh, no, sorry, he told me I looked like a lobster. So, I’m red I guess?

I’m waiting in again, for my delivery. Hub ordered BW some machine for doing something with fruit and ice. We have a juicer, we also have a blender and a smoothie maker, but hey, he wanted this machine. Mind you, it’s a ten second job to put the money in our account, but 24 hours later we are still waiting, though he asked Hub to order it and within half a minute, it was ordered. Just like I have been trying to get him to sell our speakers and other things to do with a sound system for a week now, still waiting, so we were so annoyed by this that we decided to put our smoothie maker online on a group thing something to do with local items on Facebook.

Well, to do this I had to take a photograph. Hmm. I did, what of? And did I upload download or whatever you call it correctly? I am not technical an yet my Hub said I am the best person he knows who is VI with regards tech. Can I just add here, he doesn’t know many visual impaired people who deal with tech.

I have other photographs on my IPhone, ones I took for a laugh of our dogs.
Em
I may have just advertised our dogs for a tenner.

Fast forward half an hour or so I received a message from a man with a name that wasn’t typically English. How to access this message? I soon learned and did wonder about a group that I suddenly was in. haha. His English wasn’t the best, but he wanted to buy our Kenwood smoothie maker. Just not for the amount I had it up for.

Hub bought it for our boy a few years ago. It was £55 at the time. I think he used it four times. We are asking £10 now. Had I took the picture, moreover, had I up loaded/downloaded, the right picture? I’m sure if I give my dogs a load of fruit, they will soon be able to produce something smoothe?

Anyway, I think he or his wife is coming for it tomorrow. But, only when if they come, I will believe it.

Oh, I was on a role now… Now for our bar stools. Well, I took them in the dining room and positioned myself I thought, right in the centre of the two stools. Pressed the button or screen on my IPhone and wrote some words. Yeah, this was fun.

Then BW came home for lunch. He saw I was struggling a little so would this push him on to posting our speakers? Nope, not yet, has he transferred the money for his new drinks machine? Not yet, but he did ask if it had arrived?

BW took a look at my bar stools and said the picture was perfect. Wow, WhoopWoop?

As for my Kenwood Smoothie maker?
Em
It’s blooming Breville.
Oops! ! !
Well BW said that the picture shows that the make is Breville. So not bad for a blind photographer?

DIARY OF THE DAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good afternoon Bloggets. Well this morning we got up at a silly hour for a Saturday just to get to our town before the rush. So early we left that the birds were still having their breakfast. It was a warm spring morning, sweet fragrances from the gardens as we passed by and the sounds of early gardeners starting to get their garden tools from their sheds and garages! In my grey blanket across my eyes this morning, I saw dancing daffodils, green grass, beautiful blue skies and sunshine kissing our path as our shadows broke the yolky sunlight. Well, in my imagination.

Our bus came quickly and on we got. Hub told me it was the bus ages before it parked up. The engine was so loud and only today, and professional blind people will laugh at this, but only today I worked out that the engine comes from the back. Haha. Oh my. I am a useless blind person outside my home. Normally I’m like my Waggatail, I don’t like the noise I get very disoriented. When I hear a bus I’m already thinking, oh heck, and I get very dizzy. All the noise spins around me. And this makes it so difficult to detect where I should be. I’m learning though, each day at a time, as I do things that I didn’t or wouldn’t before.

LF lead the way with Hub and I followed with my cane. Would there be a seat? If so what would we go through to get to it? Well, I thought there was a spare seat as there was a gap, no, em, outside. Luckily, I felt all the way along rather than just the space at the end. As sitting silently, there was a body. Obviously skinny… And wouldn’t be silent for long if I hadn’t have noticed that person sitting there.

And then Hub called me and said he found two seats. Hahaha. It’s like Bingo. He says, here…

Our half hour began and then Hub told me some reassuring news.
“You know our normal bus stop we come home from?””
Yes.
“Well apparently,, the council have moved it!””
Oh great. Now you tell me? He said I know, I have been awake all night worrying about it but if I told you last night or last week when I learned about it, you would have stressed. And there is no good us both stressing.

As the bus weaved in and out going only 9 MPH. Our IPhone told us this, it did the very obvious turn to tell us that was our stop. We walked along, the market was about to get busy and people were rushing around all ready to get their shopping done before the vast amount of people and tourists came to the city.

Long and short of it is, LF was amazing. Hub said his tail was almost around the harness handle. LF’s that is, not Hubs. Hahaha.
Now that’s an image…. Fast forward.

We passed our hairdressers and Little Fella stopped took Hub to the door and Hub told him well done but not today.

On we went, and the street furniture today was the worst I have ever known it, huge vans because we were early, the shops were receiving deliveries. They park half on the path too. There were new barriers preventing people from going on the road, hmm. Well, in today’s society, may be all pathways should be with barriers.

After we went about our business, I was so much in a whirl. The noise was awful. Made our back garden like a cemetery smile, that is where I am sitting now. Oh, my it’s so noisy here. I have my earphones in and it’s still really loud the traffic never stops.

Before we came home, we called in at our coffee shop and did well in the queue. Normally we manage to get to the front, dogs don’t always have manners when it comes to queues.

Well, we found a seat but had to do a double take. The stools were those high bar stools can you imagine if they turned out to be tables? Hahahaha. Fifi on the table? Well, wouldn’t be the first time.

I love the smells of coffee. They played classical music too. Made our way out and then the busses of tourists had arrived. Oh, my Lord. Hub walks so fast too so trying to keep up was a bit of a challenge and a couple of times he had to wait for me as there were crowds of people standing and I can’t use my cane properly in those situations. Walked closely behind him and on our way again. Where was this bus stop?

Well, turned out that it did move, but a few months ago and we already knew it. So, the person telling Hub was just a few months late.

We didn’t get to sit next to each other on the way back and most people on the bus were normal. Hahaha this is rare, we always seem to people listen and find some very odd people, today really normal, how disappointing.

Hub got talking to a lovely old man. Normally Hub is quite quiet but today, not sure what got into him, but he talked and talked, mind you, the man was a lovely gentleman and very clever.

We got off the bus and thankfully this time we had a good driver who didn’t take us on a wild goose chase and we got off where we normally would.

The smells of freshly cut grass was so lovely. All the sounds of the strimmer’s. Birds sang and trees waved just above our heads.

We got to our front door and LF was so pleased with himself. As were we pleased with him. Wagga was sulking as we walked in, but half an hour later, June our wonderful dog walker came to take them out for a long free run.

They are now sleeping and tonight there is some more work for LF and this time Waggatail will be joining him.

So once again, we did it, I’m so proud. Hub was, is, amazing. What a team he and LF are.

Sitting in our back garden reflection on a day when we can say we went to our town, walked for about an hour, not counting time spent in some shops and the coffee shop and got the correct bus home. How is this even possible? Well, without Hubs Little Fella of a guide dog, it wouldn’t be. So, grateful to the staff who put the hard work into training and doing all the background work as well as the puppy trainers puppy walkers and those who look after the mothers of the pups and the puppies newly born. There is such a long process involving the success of a guide dog, but at the end of it, they give us life.

Our Son came home for lunch. And he is off out after work to treat his pal who is leaving their workplace, to a drink. He just learned today that he has been promoted. He is now a key holder, so a lot of paperwork and responsibility involved and that is what he needs.

Right, I shall go in now and prepare for round two. Xx

DIARY OF WHAT IT'S LIKE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

It’s silly hour in the morning, I have just written seven poems. One I have put on my blog page, but not shared it to groups as it’s rather upsetting and on my Twitter account, I wrote painful words from someone out there. The others were for other people so I can’t write them on here.

People talk about how many words they write in a day, week month or even year, I can’t even work out how many words I write. Possibly thousands per week over three thousand I guess. Sadly, my talking software doesn’t tell me. My Husband has the same software and he can press the correct keys but for some reason my lap top doesn’t do the same. It reads it as in if you can see my Son said it’s on the screen, but my little man in my lap top stops talking and I have to end up rebooting my laptop as it just won’t say another word when I press the correct keys to do a word count.

My software is called Jaws it’s extremely expensive but it is a life saver. I order my grocery shopping on line and write letters. Receive emails write them and order Christmas, birthday and wedding gifts all on line. I have noticed that there are a lot of websites now sadly not conforming with the accessibility rules and some websites are not putting the correct buttons on their words.

We have a lot to remember with our software. For example, if I want to open a word document from new, I go into windows and write word. If I want to then open an old doc, I press the control button on my lap top and the letter O at the same time, then either write in the name of the doc I want, or bac arrow and go down the list of my files and oh my, I have thousands and thousands of files. If I want to save a document, I press the Alt key, at the same time as the letter F, then immediately afterwards the letter S for save to file. If I want italic on, I press the control key and the letter I at the same time and if I am on a website and I want to copy the website, oh it gets difficult, I have to press the Alt key, together with the letter D, then the back-arrow button then the shift key and right arrow, then the control key with the letter C and to paste it, I press control plus the letter V. What makes it more difficult is, my Husbands lap top is a little different to my commands. Though we have the same software.

My Husband tried to work out the other day just how many words I have written and he reckons six novels worth. I have always written, and loved it. I live to write, I breathe words and love the fact they connect people. It’s a lovely feeling to know that so many countries each day read what I write, it always amazes me and I never become complacent.

When I had sight, I used to write hand to pen and paper. I have written since I was about eleven, I think that was the first time I wrote something and enjoyed it so much I almost remember the day and the feeling.

My favourite time to write is during the night to the annoyance of my darling Husband and even my Son who has just not long been in himself, told me to go to bed, it’s as if my fingers are so itchy. I can’t sleep until I have had my fix and it is an addiction. A compulsion to write, anything, as I said in less than one hour I wrote seven poems I know someone a poet called Ronald, and I think he is the same, he just gets those poems out, the poetry I wrote tonight, six were dark my favourite kind of poems and one for a engagement, so to turn my mind from dark reds, black cloaks and pain, to love happiness and butterflies, can to some be a challenge, but for me it’s just like turning a corner.

To some my poems are words that mean nothing, to others they change lives or make them smile or at least stop and think. To me writing poetry is therapy. I like to reach out to people through my poetry.

I have to be up in less than four hours. Hub and I are going to try to get out on the bus and to our town before the Easter crowds. He for the first time said he wasn’t looking forward to it, he is a bit anxious. Gosh if he is, what about me? I’m the rubbish blindie around here, he is the expert. Haha.

We are going to a new place tomorrow, and as yet, not sure how we will do it. It’s a shame I can’t take my Waggatail, she hates noise and where we are going it will upset her with the noise and traffic. I know how she will feel… I use my white cane. You can’t use it properly in our town so it’s going to be bad, I will return home, I hope, but this time without cut knuckles where I have scraped them against walls and I will no doubt catch the front of my shoe in a crack in the pavement. If there is a huge square, and only one tiny crack, I will find it.

Also, there are posts waist level and I normally give myself some kind of injury by walking into one of those simply because you can’t use your cane in the way that it will protect you. Too many people I will trip them up.

Anyway, I hope tomorrow Hub and I manage to stick together and not get parted in the crowds. Especially because my phone is still not working. On that note, I better get some shut eye. Have a lovely weekend. X

TILL THE END OF TIME BY FIONA CUMMINGS

TILL THE END OF TIME
BY FIONA CUMMINGS
Forgotten
Broken
Hurting
Vicious words are spoken
Wrotten
Burning
Choking
The blade just keeps turning
On the ground
People all around
Laughing
Clapping
Chanting
How can anyone do this
And why? I can’t imagine
Kicking
Punching
I’m drowning in crimson blood
Gushing
Open veins broken bones
You’re standing where I once stood
Now I’m alone
A victom of crime
But I will still love you
Till the end of time

© Fiona Cummings 2017

DIARY OF FRIDAYS CHILD BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good day Bloggets. Here we are at the weekend. It’s sunny and there is a cool wind. Boy Wonder has gone out with his friend, this one is a long-term friend I hope, he has been a good pal to my boy and has his head screwed on the right way. They are off to town for a coffee and knowing those two, they will end up on a walk. The lad is home from University. It’s funny as he goes to my hometown Uni in Newcastle an yet since being there, he has started to talk really posh. No sign of the Geordie accent at all. He is a brain box. One day he will be high up and guess what he is interested in? Genetics.

Yesterday BW had a great day. He went to the gym with one of his best friends then he and three pals went to an abbey where there was a river, they found a rope swing and lit a camp fire. Ate food and had hours of fun. Just like big kids and that is what he needs I was proud of him because one of the lads is going through hell right now and he needed a day like that. BW knew this and invited him though they don’t normally go out places together. His other pal is going through a bit of depression and he didn’t want to go but my Son basically told him he was picking him up, no matter. The other lad is fine, smile, just another home from university but at the end of the day, all four of them had a fantastic time. He came home, ate dinner felt and looked exhausted, should have bathed and had an early night but of course he had to visit his gf. Not long before those two go away for a few days again. Her new job is going well. But she will fit in anywhere, she is very sociable.

My headache is still lingering but nothing like it was a few days ago. I have done rubbish on my eating today. I stupidly went to bed hungry for the first time in a couple of weeks. I didn’t have a good dinner and nothing more to eat the rest of the night, so come half one my belly thought it’s throat had been cut. Haha. My parents used to use that expression it’s a forgotten one, I never hear people using that phrase now.

BW put his washing in the machine, cleaned the floor of his bedroom and brought a couple of glasses from his room he has at nights with water in. As he left the house, I asked him to put his shoes in the cupboard right next to him. His shoes were there too. He said when he comes back. I went into the kitchen, oh, there is his glasses not in the dish washer, but on the work top. As for his washing basket? I almost went flying over it, hey ho…

I read on line today an 11 year old boy has took his own life because his girlfriend ended it with him. Oh, my goodness. That is so tragic. Children are not what they used to be and I know you will get some parents saying kids have always been different to their parents, but I seriously think society see’s children in a different light now, kids have more rights than ever and with the awful rap music out there with their irresponsible lyrics, TV and other forms of media, we are seeing a new breed of human.

Hub and I are watching a documentary each week which depicts the lives of a group of Mormons. It’s called 3 wives 1 husband. The foursome lives in a community in Utah. I think he has over 15 children with these poor women. One lady is so upset as the man’s brother has died and it was the dead brothers wishes to have his brother marry his two widows. But in the meanwhile, one of the widows meets a devoured Christian but when he learns of her past and present, he decides that she isn’t for him. Leaving one of the two ladies to marry this man with three wives already. One of the wives of this man said she can’t live with her Husband if he takes on another woman. He said it’s Gods will and she can leave. To me he is controlling the wives are so unhappy depressed especially the one who doesn’t want him to have another wife. She also has just had a baby and my goodness she is so unhappy. Is this being a Mormon, or simply is it polygamy?

Around the dinner table on the program, the dead brother’s wife spoke to the children. She said how would you feel if your Mum married one of your Uncles? One child asked…
“Which Mum?”” To me, that in itself is shocking. It’s pure child abuse. The man with the three wives sleeps with each of them in turn. Can you imagine this? The program is on our Channel 4 and it’s fascinating how some people live. It’s also very sad. I think it would terrify my brother in laws the thought of marrying me. Brothers wish or not.

On that note, I shall go and make my one Husbands dinner. Haha. I love him, if I never made another meal, he would never complain.

DIARY OF LIFE IN THE NEWS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Note, can anyone tell me please where on the keypad, will I find the simple to show ° I just copied this one.
Good morning Bloggets. It’s sunny today, 14° and we are forecast a lovely weekend. Our Son is off work, I asked for his help to carry the garden furniture from the garage to the back garden, to him it’s no issue, he is very strong and can see where he is going. A bit of a bonus, right? Looks like Hub and I are doing that this weekend, may be wrong, but the response I got, and he was in the garage at the time, was depends if I have time, going over to my mates to help him to do something then we are going out. He did fix my IPhone though. It just needed resetting. I’ve been getting texts saying I have missed a call and my phone didn’t even ring.

I wish Hub and I could go out for a picnic this weekend. With our dogs, pack the car and off we go. One day, I hope.

Gosh it’s my appointment with the eye hospital on Monday. I’m totally dreading it. Sometimes Doctors are rather hostile and I find the whole hospital situation a bit of a traumatic area. I’m going to ask if I can be put on some sort of trials though. I would love to trial for the new virus injection that gets injected once and their hope is to stimulate dead rods and cones and even better the end result will give us some sort of sight, but how much is another question, at least we are up to human trials now. They say the process would be made much faster if they had more money. The first humans have had the injection this month in the UK.

Waggs was wonderful yesterday as we went out, she didn’t make one single mistake and it was like walking with a professional guide dog. Hahaha. She really was amazing and the promise of a treat as we walked back home gave her the inspiration to trot on. She slows right down, starts to get bored looking for trouble then I mention the sweet word and wow, she picks up some pace.

On my return, oh my, I felt dreadful. Before I went out I wasn’t well. burning stomach pains and the worst headache I have ever had. For me to take tablets means I’m not well. I took four and they didn’t touch the pain. I actually went to bed. Hub came in from work, I felt bad but I couldn’t have made his dinner. I was so dizzy and all afternoon, I was seeing flashing white lights through my eyes that don’t see, so odd, right? I felt so sick. Hub told me I had a migraine and he said when that happens the digestion system shuts down so tablets won’t work, he has said this before and I have written a blog on the subject, but I didn’t think it was a migraine, I thought it was stress. He made me one of those dreadful soluble fizzy things and I drank that. Within ten minutes, the pain changed from sharp pounding to heavy dull. Heavy dull I can cope with, that is the kind of pain I get with my eyes. But my stomach got worse.

I went to bed and fell asleep. Not like me. Woke up a few times wanting to be sick but this morning, I am about 70% better.

My crazy dog has set the cuckoo clock ticking with her body as she chased her toy around the living room. What time will it tell me soon? Not sure. I will change it in a mo. jo!

Talking to a friend and Blogget earlier, I told her in life I believe we are handed keys to many doors. It’s up to us to choose which door to walk through and once we get in the room, there will be many people, just one of those people are sent to us. We may not realise at the time, it may take months if not years, but that person was sent to us and we will learn the reason why?

Even people who have been awful to us, we know some time later why they were and for what reason we needed to meet with them. It’s that big game our maker plays with us. I have said before, we are chess pieces to be played with on the big board game. Whoever hand reaches down to me and puts me where I should be, sometimes I wish another player would swap seats, smile, having said that, sometimes my gamer wins.

Hub and I were saying last night this week has gone so slowly. It’s really dragging. Not sure why? The spring is here and the TV is rubbish. We only get our first class drama’s in the late autumn and winter. People obviously don’t watch the TV in the light nights…

Briefly in the news, a couple in Canada have won the lottery for the third time.
In Russia, it’s now illegal to share images of Putin as a gay clown. Hahaha. Must remember that one.
France and England were once connected by land until a powerful waterfall from a lake overflowed and demolished the land.
In the UK, the first person here to have a double hand transplant writes a letter to his surgeon to thank him. He can hold a cup of tea write a letter and clap.
1 in 10 people worldwide die of smoking and one million in China per year die because of the dreaded cigarette.
I always say, it’s not only the dying, but the lead up to it. Thank God, my Brother in laws have quit. I wonder if it is easier for men than women? Apart from one lady friend my Angel Eyes from America, most ladies who try to give up are not successful, but the guys seem to be able to do it.

OK, on that note, I have not been weighed this week, well not for a few days, I don’t feel lighter at all, but have sort of stuck to my eating plan though not been so good with the salads. As for the cottage cheese? Long story. But I’m still doing OK, at least a thousand calories less per day. I worked out in 25 days I have eaten about 18 slices of bread. I would have normally had, 150. I would say I have eaten a quarter of potatoes less too. So, if I’m not losing weight, well, apart from a couple of lbs, why? I don’t get it at all. Rubbish at exorcize, but still you would think I would have lost some weight? As for biscuits, I think I have had two, I normally would have one paper one per day and if not a paper one, haha, at least three from the tin. Crisps? Only twice some on a plate with a sandwich when out, normally five bags per week, and for my American Bloggets, well, most countries actually, our bags of crisps are tiny. You can buy the big ones, but I have the little ones so about 18g per bag. So about 15 less bags of crisps too. I have had two meals out and apart from that, I can’t remember the last time I ate a meal. I have lived off salads and crackers with cottage cheese. Oh, and two bits of cake. One my friend gave me and another when out with a friend. Normally about three per week so again much less. I feel OK though, and I’m going to continue because it suits my lifestyle to eat very little, I’m never starving now. I used to wake up so hungry. Soon the summer clothes will be coming out and that is when reality kicks in. Later with love and a lettuce.

LONDON BY CANDLELIGHT BY FIONA CUMMINGS

At Westminster Abbey tonight, there was a service for the poor people who were murdered by the evil terrorist in London two weeks ago. Candles were lit and the words said
“Lights that can never be distinguished by the fear of terror.
Our news showed the poor lady from America who was over here on holiday with her husband. She now is in a wheelchair and her Husband was killed. Oh, I feel so sad for her. Such a lovely couple by all accounts and now she has her life to live without as she said. The love of her life.

Those people did nothing to that murderer, nothing at all. Punish if you must, those who hurt you. Don’t target a society for the actions of a Government or, a religion.
There are some really good people who would give those of all religions and all mind/sets their last coin, a bed for the night, their last slice of bread, a smile and kind words, and then, there are those who would kill those good people

KITCHEN DIARY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Today words fail me. So, what to write about? I guess keep it safe and tell you about my kitchen if you are not bored already.

Oh my, the drama in my life right now is unreal, but as for the kitchen? Well, my lovely joiner who I totally trust was, or is, going to do our ceiling by putting up plasterboards and covering up the vast damage. I didn’t even know just how bad our ceiling was this is the tragic thing. How would we know? We only knew about the ceiling in the living room because our Son told us there was a rusty mark and the next thing we knew, the water started to fall through from upstairs shower room.

Some stress and weeks later, we got is fixed kind of, yet another dodgy tradesman entered our life. Never mind that was that, we ended up resolving the situation costing more money than we should have paid because of how bad the plasterer left our room.

So, our joiner said to board it then plaster would be fine, the builder said no way it can just be boarded up because you would still be able to see the damage and there will be nothing to knock the boards into as the ceiling isn’t strong enough.

So, the builder’s proposal? To bring down our ceiling, oh my God.

I really hate this house. There isn’t a room where we haven’t had to do some work and in most rooms, loads of work. I truly wished we had not moved here. Having said that, I have met such nice people. My friend keeps trying to get me to move back to where we used to live, but no way, though Hub would move back there tomorrow.

So yesterday morning I got a call from the builder, he said that we are paying masses over the top for the kitchen. He said the kitchen shop over the road will do it cheaper. Talking thousands. Thousands? Well, long and short of it is, I just can’t trust his word on this. Firstly, where we are buying our kitchen from, they come ready made, the other place are flat pack. These wall cupboards are deeper big enough to get a dinner plate in. The place across the road you can’t get a 12 inch plate in the cupboards, apparently. Sales pitch? Possibly. I called our kitchen place and asked if there was a cooling off period? There is. So, our deposit we can get back. But do I want the kitchen from the other place? I know the builder has to purchase it, as they only sell to tradesmen. And they will sell it to him for less obviously and that is how he makes his money. The builder is really pushing a particular lady onto us from the kitchen place. He gave me her name. I called the place across the road and I was told that there wasn’t a lady with that name at their place but at the shop in town there was a sales person with that name. Hmm. And why has the builder not told me just to give anyone a call? Why this person only?

My last house, we were to get windows in. The builder told us that they were expensive but would last a lifetime, the other choice he does was for those who are doing up a house to sell fast and cheaply. So, we picked the expensive ones. The van pulled up, work started. I learned the van had the name of the cheap window company on but the builder charged us for the expensive ones. When I confronted him, he said to be honest they are much the same. This is after he spent weeks pushing the deer ones onto us a saying why? I just can’t stand it. The stress is immense. Do I let the joiner who I trust do the work that will cover damage but possibly the ceiling won’t take the stress of the wood being put onto it? And if the builder is right, will we still see the damage? Our joiner says no, you can’t see the damage because the boards are thick, going back to my problem, will the ceiling take the weight of the boards? As for price, there isn’t much in it between a new ceiling or boarded up.
All I wanted was a bloody new kitchen.

THE GARDEN OF LIFE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

We get thrown loads of rocks and little flowers in our garden of life!
I read something today that struck a note of my wind chimes hanging on that old oak tree.
Vulnerability and love are the truest marks of courage.
Brene Brown
Got me thinking as those leaves fluttered by.
If we love something so much, we are very vulnerable. As we get hurt by those we love, we have to show courage because we need to be brave to continue.

Sometimes we seem to push through thick weeds and prickly nettles there is no ending to the unwanted foliage. We battle through the soil with the rain we get stuck in the mud, but after the rain, comes the rainbow! We meet with people who are the colours of our garden and that shape in the sky, and when we do, let’s be thankful for them. Which reminded me of a quote. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.””
Marcel Proust

You may have flowers in your life, in your garden, but, they may not be the kind you like or want. Pick your people like you pick your flowers. Leave the rest for those who will appreciate them.

I hope you have bunches of blossoms and believe one day your time will come to have your very own garden full of life and peace, love and hope. Hang in there and I will meet you near the potting shed. X

DIARY OF WWASHED AWAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good morning Bloggets. Gosh, I had the best sleep. I slept of course with the light on, as you do when you are a scared blind person. Woke up three times jumping out of bed, but apart from that, I really slept well considering my love wasn’t with me.

I spoke with him till late, between us we tried to put our new bank details on our blooming Apple account, seriously considering that Apple IPhone are really brilliant for those who can’t see, they need to improve their accounting details as they are not blind friendly.

I had lots of texts from my lovely friend and Boy Wonder was in before the pumpkin hour so all good. His walk? Ended up at the retail park. He bought a jumper, well, my flabber has never been so gasterd. In the winter, he buys short sleeves. He said and I quote. “Do you like my jumper, it’s a turtle neck for the summer nights?””

I’m still so very impressed with our new gardener’s work on our patio. It’s immaculate. Our Son said the slabs look brand new. It was odd, as there was a kind of salty finish, things had a grit on them, but I washed a couple of things down and they are now so clean, as for the patio I didn’t wash that down, and the grit has all gone today. I’m so impressed. He is coming back to do the weeds soon, let’s see how he does with that, and guess what? He never found out that I can see. Result. As soon as I get my garden done, I will be happy. I’m sick of being conned and the only way we don’t get conned is to act sighted, but it’s blooming hard. I have been told my eyes still look as if I can see, but I’m aware that sometimes I may not be looking right at their face, or if they move without talking, so if I’m talking to them, and they move slightly to the right, then my eyes may stay still, so how to avoid that? Haha, well, not sure how I can explain this, but I tend to look slightly to the left for example, just for a few seconds or if there is a noise outside, I look that way as though I’m looking at the action, as a sighted person would. Or I look to my phone as if a text has come in. Gosh it’s ridiculous, but sadly when dealing with some people, actions like that have to be done, I am just so sick of some people and things that have been done because we can’t see. I’m talking putting wallpaper on upside down, wall lights upside down and walls painted the wrong colour, I gave a painter two pots. I told him I wanted the big walls cream and the little walls red. What did he do? The opposite. In my head, making the big walls the dark colour, will make a narrow room even smaller. Opening it up to make the big walls the bright colour, surely will make it appear larger? Anyhow, even if it doesn’t, I told him what I wanted, he didn’t do it but then half way through when I asked if he was putting the cream on the large, when he hesitated, then said yes, then after payment my Son told me differently, I wasn’t impressed. Okay, so I shouldn’t have paid him until it was checked out, but, firstly, at that time, my boy was away for a few days it was a few years ago, and secondly, this is why I have to try now and approach things/people in a different way.

Our new gardener is going to take the conifer out that we paid someone for to remove. Haha. It’s standing proud over six feet tall. Oh, it was funny yesterday I asked him to take a look at the side garden, to remove next time he comes the stuff from there. I didn’t plant it so I don’t know what it is. So hence stuff… He went to look, leaving me on the door step nice and safe. He came back and said he would do it and kind of hinted that I should go with him to show him what I wanted out? I said to make it easy, everything from the side I just want the slate left. Easy, right? Oh, and talking about workmen, a kitchen story coming up in my next blog.

Okay, must go now to prepare BW’s lunch. Let’s see if I get the dam hob on. Then there is an ironing pile with my name on. Oh, and bedroom windows are desperate to be cleaned. I hate that job; our bedrooms are so small that I can’t get to the windows easily our huge furniture in a small room isn’t’ a good look. Our last house was so much bigger and I’m a hoarder I don’t like to get rid, but there is a skip coming our way soon and Hub said he is going to have some fun with that. He better not!!!

Before I go, some quotes.
By the work, one knows the workmen
Jean de La Fontaine
Common sense is in medicine the master workman
Peter Latham
A bad workman blames his tools
Daphne Du Maurier
There’s no workman, whatsoever he be, that may both work well and hastily.
Geoffrey Chaucer

KITCHEN DIARY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Update firstly on my garden. Boy Wonder came home and said when he looked out from the window, wow. He says it looks brand new. He said there isn’t a weed in sight in between the slabs. Fantastic. He ended up staying three hours but it’s a good job, thank goodness. I got away with not telling I am blind, great, so happy with that. Perhaps that is why he did a good job?

BW is out it’s a calm warm night so they have gone for a walk. Kids are odd, it’s sunny, they sleep and it’s dark they walk. Shamrock started her new job today, she is working for the NHS. I’m not sure she will like it, but let’s hope she can stand it so she can one day be a nurse.

We have a box we record from. It talks and if our TV is off, and it’s recording, it still speaks to let us know it’s started to record. Oh, my days? I have just let Waggatail out and it’s nine in the evening. It’s so quiet out there, kind of eerie so still. No traffic which is very unusual and I don’t like going out there when it’s dark, it’s spooky. Don’t mind when my Hub is home, but not when I’m on my own, and Wagga wouldn’t bark if a wolf wearing a woolly coat came walking down the path, let alone a burglar. So, with a silent house, and suddenly a voice starts to talk? I jumped a mile. Haha.

My friend is texting me though, so I feel safer. She is a lovely lady and I’m blessed to know her, sad that we don’t live close to each other, but she is in my heart and that is as close as close can be.

Well, my kitchen? It’s a long story and already I’m sick of it. As you know we went to see the kitchen choices and it was going to be a little stressful as Hub and I were on our own. We had spent hours in our kitchen walking around, using the tactile tape measure trying to work out just where we wanted things as if you can imagine, to sit with a designer in an open plan shop/showroom would be daunting. Trying to imagine our kitchen with a decent set of units in was difficult for me. Because obviously, I have never seen this kitchen and I have no memory of it because of that reason.

I phoned first and told the person on the phone that Hub and I were blind and would it be Okay if they would be able to show us around? Oh yes, no problem. Well, we arrived early, the lovely lady met us at the door and we told her we had an appointment with the designer. Haha, that is a joke, but hey, more in a mo.

The man said our names and we smiled in his direction and the lady came to us and apologised. Well, what for? That was a good start, he said our names and walked off for us to follow him. Very helpful.

She guided us to the man. She was lovely. He was a total AH if you must know. I didn’t like his attitude from the start. All the kitchens in that show room, guess how many he showed us? And only because we had to ask him to show us, we saw two. Well luckily, they were nice ones, and there was a choice of colour. One colour was very nice, sea blue, kind of a green blue. But I wanted to avoid colours as they go out of fashion. So, what colour did I go for? Cream, and I asked the man was it a dirty white colour, or real cream, a good question don’t you think? Well, he was miffed to think that his kitchens could possibly be dirty anything. Hahahahah. Well, Hub said I didn’t help as one kitchen we passed I turned to Hub and said it was really a cheap and nasty looking kitchen… But it was. I can’t even for a second imagine anyone giving it house room.

You know I said I didn’t want a shaker style kitchen?
Well
I chose a shaker style kitchen.

When I looked at them before they were wooden with awful round old fashioned wooden handles, we have chosen a high gloss cream kitchen and the handles I picked are called little Daisy. Haha. Apparently, all of the handles have old fashioned lady’s names.

When it came to the work tops, he couldn’t be bothered to get off his butt and show us around so he brought a few samples to us. And guess what? Only the four range so the most expensive range. By this point, we had been in the room for about an hour and forty minutes. I think he was tired, it had been a long day. I can empathise with that. We chose beautiful work tops, I described what I wanted and they are quartz, I think that is how you spell it. They are white with cream markings and darkish brown with a dark blue. He did describe that to us. You have upstands now in kitchens, this is where the worktops continue up the wall for the height of a wall tile. I then had to remind him he hadn’t shown us the sinks? Well, how was he going to bring a choice of those to us? Hahehehe. I suggested to Hub that I would go this time as we wanted stainless steel so not much for me to choose? There were four. One was very shallow, one deep one had a very flat steel drainer with no grooves at all and the other was just normal, not too deep not shallow and the grooves on the draining board were quite deep. Then for the taps. I didn’t like the swan kind, I picked a mixer tap that goes up straight and then just out. It was funny as I was feeling the range of taps, I found one and thought that looks odd? Just about to tell the (DESIGNER) how odd that looked when he smiled and said someone has obviously stolen that part. Hahaha. Where had I come to?

Oh my, there was what is called a tall range. To get your eggs from the fridge, you needed step ladders. Who would want a fridge like that?

I told him where I wanted our display units and what kind of corner pull out shelving/cupboards we wanted. Hub said he was going to keep quiet as had no confidents he could work out where what was going, but he did really well, remembering it all so well.

We had to decide which way the doors opened and where we want the fridge and freezer. I would like the cooker put in the middle of the wall at the moment it’s right to one side.

Oh my, to be able to have a cooker I can use? At last, also not to have to go to the garage outside to dry my clothes. Our dryer is in there and it’s awful we go out into the front of the garden to get to our garage. Same with the freezer, well the big freezer. It’s out there. Because our kitchen is tiny.

Gosh there will be so much work to do, Hub and I will be spending Easter weekend emptying cupboards drawers and so on. Where to put everything? Then there are our two huge wall units full of crystal, bar wear and china as well as my collections of salt and pepper sets and mugs.

I think I have about 47 salt and pepper sets. So, 94 altogether. We are going to have two broom cupboards. Oh, I can’t wait as now you should see our kitchen, it’s so bad, I’m ashamed of it. A lot of people come into our kitchen and say it’s nice, but I don’t think they look at the bottom end where the junk is because there are no cupboards to put things.

I hope my lovely joiner will do our floor, but the builder we had in the other day to see our window, said he fears the floor will all need redoing. Don’t ask… Dread dot com.

Since the kitchen order, we have been sent the plans. Of course, it’s all in pictures but there are a few words to show us how much everything is and what it is. I had to write to the (DESIGNER) because he left an important item out and he had the wrong colour worktops in the plan. He was is hopeless. I wish we could have had the lady. He doesn’t fill me with confidents. One good thing, I managed to get the dishwasher free. Hahaha. Hub was mortified, in fact his morti has never been so fied. As the dishwasher was already half price. Well, less for them to give me free, right?

I also learned today, a few days after we paid the deposit, that our kitchen will come when they say, not like the man said when we want it. And, the kitchen has to be in a week before the work tops will be fitted. So, how long without a kitchen?

It’s going to be a pain, as Hub and I can’t just pop in the car and go and get some convenient food. And Boy Wonder has said he is away with a friend for a couple of days at least when our kitchen is due… Well, I am trying to lose weight.

Everything is up in the air right now. There is so much to do. Painters, plumber’s electricians, joiners, fitters floor, and before all of that, a builder. WE are blocking in our back door and turning a window into a sliding door. So, bricks to build and bricks to knock out as well as moving radiators and lifting tiles and remember our tiles are double. The man before us put tiles on top of other tiles. Hence why the floor will probably need renewing. Oh, and there is my ceiling, remember the cracks? And the very odd things that the man before us put on it.

As for the colour of the walls? Not sure what colour I will go for. I did think about a pale blue. Then a strong cup of tea, with a tiny bit of milk. Smile. Or a dark mushroom colour.

Well we are in for a bumpy ride. It’s scary but seriously, I can’t wait until its finished because to have a cooker I just can’t work properly and cupboards that are fallen apart is awful. We are not going on holiday for the next few years so this is my Caribbean, my beautiful Italy and my seaside south of France holiday.

DIARY OF WASHED AWAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

It’s so hard pretending I can see. I just want it to go well this time. It’s difficult he will finish and I will pay him but won’t know if the job is done properly. I guess only time will tell. His van is on my drive, I hope he doesn’t have oil coming from it? Again, how will we know? That isn’t something we can feel. It’s a new drive and we won’t ever be able to afford another. I don’t think I will be able to do that again, it was weeks of mess and we found it so hard to get out of the house as the drive what was there, was feet under us now, to get out of our front door, was a big drop. Mind you, in the end, he did the best job. Sadly, he wouldn’t come back to honour his promise of aftersales of sanding the drive as in putting sand back in between the cracks. Of course, we would have paid him for doing that, but the job wasn’t big enough I guess. People are greedy around here, they work little and want a lot. My ex was a gardener as I have written about before and he was the best gardener I have ever known. The man who did our drive was a gardener too, though he didn’t want to do our garden. It was too small. Let’s see how this guy will do? He has used a pressure washer on our patio and thankfully we have electric and water as it’s been getting well used for the past hour and a half. Now sounds like he is strimming. Funny, I would have thought he would have strimmed then cut the weeds? But hey, he is the expert.

This one only lives a mile away, so in his truck, he will take about three minutes to get here. I haven’t offered him a cup of tea, I feel bad, but if I did that, I would have to go out there and make eye contact. Then it will be a case of my hand with the cup in meeting his. Then when he gave the cup back, not that they all do, most leave the cup on the drive or patio somewhere, but if he handed my cup back, again, the awkwardness of my hand meeting with his. I just want to let him think I’m sighted, so will have as little contact with him as possible.

It’s awful and scary. I have his money ready if he does two hours. If he does more, I will get more as my Son got me some yesterday from the machine. We were going to the town to the bank on Saturday, but we ended up going somewhere else instead!

I can hear him now lifting my elephant. I hope he is careful with that? I pray this man is good and I can trust him to just keep the garden tidy? If this one doesn’t work out, I swear, I’m going to concrete the whole lot up. Have no flowers shrubs or plants. It would be a shame as we have some lovely things in our garden. Our apple tree is doing so well. If you can’t see and are starting your garden, I would suggest trees only, they are the least bother.

Someone was meant to come today with regards my window in our kitchen, but sadly, hasn’t and hasn’t text or emailed to let me know why?

My Husband has gone to a place three hours away in the train called Leamington. He won’t be back until tomorrow night very late! He says he is doing some courses and something to do with his three year check up to do with Police checking, it’s very thorough where he works.

LF will have a nice break away, different scenery. Waggatail will miss him though, so will I. bless her she came upstairs during the night and started to cry and thankfully Hub got up to let her out, it’s good she told us she wanted out. It’s unusual her wanting to go out during the night though, so perhaps she has a sore stomach? I do wonder what they eat when they are on a free run? Because most times she has her run, she has a poorly stomach. I guess you could say, a free run, causes the runs?

Well, washing is in the machine and life goes on. I will give you an update on my kitchen in the next blog. Until then, take care coz I care. X

DIARY OF LIFE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good day Bloggets. I hope I find you well, Happy and safe.
We went out with friends last night for a meal, leaving a very happy Son at home. He was chatting with his friend. We went to a new restaurant and what a good place for a vegetarian to go to? Have you guessed it?
A steak house. Hub was looking forward to going out with our friends, but not so much for the meal, as he says you can’t get a decent steak in the UK. He said he hasn’t had a steak quite like what he had in the US. Somehow, they know how to cook their meat. Haha, surely a cow is a cow? I honestly didn’t know what on earth I would have. I imagined me having a salad with some chips, but they surely would be cooked in animal fat? But our friends are good to be with so it was the company we wanted.

We met our friends and walked in the place, it used to be an Indian restaurant and it was awful. But as soon as we walked in, the atmosphere was professional and vibrant, not as in noisy, but a lot of chatting, thankfully not loud music and we could hear what was going on.

My food was about to go oopsie. I had a bad day yesterday as in I was so hungry all day. Hub was off work on a holiday, so it was more difficult not to eat. It was just crackers but still, too many of them, I had four large ones and about five small. No butter or cheese, but that is more than I would normally have in a day.

Our friends had olives, I had one it was the most delicious olive I have ever tasted and I have had loads. I had three pieces of cheese bread. Then my meal came, we only had main courses as it wasn’t cheap. It was quite expensive food, we thought… I basically had pasta with spinach in a sauce, now, I don’t like pasta, but that was the only vegetarian option available. This didn’t even taste like pasta. It was absolutely stunning; the texture was magnificent. The sauce was the nicest creamy cheese sauce I have ever had in my life. Oh my. Words can’t describe just how good it was. I didn’t want it to end. The flavour, and flavour with a lot of food for vegetarians is quite bland. This was exciting and I honestly would give the meal 10 out of 10.

The others had desserts, but not me. I was so full. That was the most I have eaten in three weeks. Hub said his steak was so very close to the taste he had in the US. He said even the chips were delicious. He said he wasn’t even listening to our conversation at the table because he was so lost in his meal.

Our friend had steak and his wife four lamb chops. It was a lovely evening, afterwards we called back at their house for a drink… Me, party animal had a cup of tea as did my friend and the men opened the drinks cabinet. Hub had a very posh brandy and something called slow something. He gave me a taste of it, it was nice but I enjoyed my cup of tea.

We walked back home and afterwards the night went downhill. Sadly, I can’t have more than a few hours without something going wrong. But we live to have another day. As for today, busy this morning, continuing sorting out what we need for our kitchen. More on that later. Our dogs have enjoyed a free run and almost dinner time and nothing planned. The way in which I’m feeling now, not sure I will be eating. I will have to sort something out for Hub though. I doubt it will be anything exciting. My Son is sorting out something for his gf’s birthday.

Really missing my Mum today. Just need her so badly when I look at others with parents, I realise we just don’t have anyone like what my friends have. Just someone to give us a hand, someone to call in on and have a cup of tea, someone who we can ask advice from. I miss my Mum and Hubs Mum. I loved them both, it’s a scary time for us at the moment, and though Hub says he is fine, it’s not fair just how hard things can be, normal daily things. But as ever we will get there, it just may take time and a lot of hard work.

So here we are another weekend. Monday should be interesting. Until tomorrow with love