It’s been a busy time here. Saturday, we actually had some sunshine, and looking ahead and seeing rain on the weather forecast, I decided it would be a good idea to get on top of the laundry. I managed to get 3 half-loads almost dried, with the final load just needing a quick finish in the tumble drier. In between checking laundry, I spent the weekend cleaning the house from top to bottom including the oven and fridge prior to the upcoming house inspection.

Monday, I popped out for a top-up shop and despite the shop only being a short distance, I took the car. Honestly, we’ve had so much rain, maybe a life boat would be more appropriate! In a 24-hour period we had 1.5 inches of rain, with more to follow tonight (Wednesday). I did a pile of ironing, to keep the place looking tidy.

Tuesday, we had the house inspection. They turned up dead on time which was appreciated. Normally we have an all-day ‘time-slot’ which is a royal pain but because the landlord’s dad was coming, we had a specific time. We had a nice chat; his daughter is in Oz, as is my ex, so we had a chat about that. He inspected the garden and commented on my amazing plants which was nice of him. He also stated that the house was a lot tidier now than when his daughter lived in it. The agent and the dad didn’t find any issues with the property, so that’s that for about 4 months.

Wednesday, I took my son to uni, again it was pouring with rain. I’m going to get webbed feet at this rate. The temperature was a balmy (not) 8C and a few times lately we’ve had the heating on. It’s almost mid-June! It should be warmer. Once home again I sorted out breakdown cover on the car; I’ve tagged it on to my car insurance which expires soon, so pro rata cost was very reasonable. By 10.30 I was sat in the opticians. My eyes have improved slightly since January, no sign of a cataract though I do have a slight… can’t think of the word, hazing? on the cornea, though probably due to my age. Just to be safe, I have to see them again in a year rather than the standard two. Overall, my sight has deteriorated slightly, and I need new glasses. I didn’t like their frames, too ‘showy’ and sparkly on the arms, so I gave them an old pair that are so comfortable. For 2 years now, I’ve been wearing glasses that I hate. They dig into my face by my ears, and they’ve been altered so many times I’m surprised they haven’t snapped. One more week of wearing them. I’m having the lenses thinned once only instead of the usual 2 (cost), I won’t be having them made as react-to-light/transitions whatever they call them now - basically sunglasses - (cost). I had an NHS ‘voucher’ too because I’m low-waged, and they still cost me a little over £100. Good grief!

Afterwards I had to post some mail in the post office and do some printing in the library. By the time I got home it was after 12 noon. I put the beef stroganoff on to cook, made myself some lunch, and collapsed in front of the TV for a while. What a day!

Thursday will be my son’s last day in uni for the term. He won’t be back in now until September; I’m glad as it was starting to get tedious. In the afternoon we have a meter man coming and hopefully, I should then have some correct bills to see where we are. I swear, if they cock it up again, and send me a bill for over £1,000 I shall switch provider, again.

So, a busy few days. Next month I have to see my GP for a review of my meds, which are marvellous, mostly. I still feel very fidgety some days – restless legs – and some nights don’t sleep well at all but overall, it’s been good. I shall also mention that despite the nurse telling me to get my blood sugar tested in 6 months’ time, and she even wrote it down for me because my memory isn’t so good, the receptionist on the desk blocked me from doing so. She was adamant that it only needs doing once a year even though I told her the nurse stated I should have it done in 6 months. What do I know, receptionists are trained medical professionals after all, aren’t they? I’m growing less and less fond of England… Maybe it’s just around here. Who knows? Another year, and we could well be moving on anyway.

Enjoy what’s left of the week. Jenny – for goodness sake please send us some sunshine. Many thanks in anticipation :)