Potting, Wool, Coffee and Hospital

A really weird collection of different elements to today's activities. We've now managed to re-pot the Christmas tree and the fuchsia plant, a job we've been meaning to do for some time. The fuchsia was relatively easy, but the Christmas tree posed something of a problem. It wasn't until I removed it from the pot it came in that I discovered that it was actually in another one inside, which had to be cut, being made of tough plastic, with the loppers. The Christmas tree and the fuchsia were given good waterings and both seemed really relieved to get a good drink. Not surprising, considering how hot it's been over the past couple of days.

Carol has been busy with crochet so we went to Hobbycraft at Rooksley to buy some woo. We went into Costa, just a few doors along within Next and I had a tasty mango and passion fruit cooler whilst Carol had latte. I also had a cheese and chicken toast. When we sat down to have our drinks Carol was chatting to a lady at the next table who was knitting and made a comment regarding the balls of wool Carol had with her. Her friend turned up and it came out that she was a hairdresser. Carol mentioned that she was in need of having her hair cut and styled and the lady was a travelling hairdresser so Carol booked an appointment.

We were in actual fact wasting time; there was no point in going home because by the time we'd crossed Milton Keynes to get home, we'd only have to go out again to visit the hospital for Carol's blood test in the oncology department. We had a quick browse in Pets At Home, glancing at the rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals they have in there in cages. It was after this that we drove towards the hospital. There was always the hope that, if we got there in good time, Carol would be seen earlier. But this didn't happen.

Fortunately we were able to park in the carpark near the cardiology department. There were actually few spaces but a car was coming out so we grabbed the opportunity and took their vacated space.

The oncology unit seemed busier than usual. The nurses seemed to be working harder than ever, probably due to staff shortages. We waited for a good twenty minutes past the time Carol had been booked for her blood test.

Later. At around 7 o'clock this evening we got a telephone call from one of the nurses in the oncology department to say that Carol's next chemotherapy cycle would have to be postponed yet again because she wasn't producing sufficient blood cells to fight of infection. So hopefully the next session will be next Monday (blood test) and Tuesday (Chemotherapy.) Getting somewhat frustrating, particularly as we're getting to the end of the 12 cycles of chemotherapy.

Rainy Saturday

It's difficult to believe that last week we were basking in glorious sunshine, when we went for our day out to Bekonscot model village and today it's miserable, wet and cold. The car's windscreen wipers were worn out. The driver's side one in particular was not doing it's job efficiently and to me there's nothing worse than driving when you can't see out through the windscreen properly. We'd put off having the things replaced for the past week, but I was determined to get this matter sorted before we needed to drive on a long journey and there was the possibility of there being rain and spray from other vehicles. We've gone to Halford's at Rooksley on several occasions to have lightbulbs fitted to various cars we've had, so it seemed the obvious place to go to have new windscreen wipers bought and fitted. I suppose I could do it myself, but it's always easier to let someone else do the job for you, even though it costs a few pounds. But never mind. I wanted to get there extra early to avoid the crowds. Fortunately it was easy enough to park near Halford's store. None of those idiots around who get in the way. Probably because they don't get out of bed too early on a Saturday morning. As it was drizzling the idea of having the new windscreen wipers fitted was even more of a good idea. I was parked and then inside the store fairly promptly and then had to go back to the car to get the registration number so the assistant to find the correct part for the car. I can never remember the reg number of any car I've owned, but it was soon done and sorted. I had intended going next to Aldi's which was over the other side of the road, but when I got there I soon realised I didn't have a £1 coin for the trolley so drove out and on to Sainsbury's. It wasn't busy there so easy enough to park the car and then walk into the store with my shopping list and a handful of bags and did the shopping and was soon out, packing the shopping in the back of the car and on the way home.

I got back in the house and unloaded the shopping. Carol has finished the piece of crochet she's been working on for quite a while. A really nice blue top. She's sown the two pieces, front and back, together and put it on to show me. A great deal of work has gone into it. She's done quite a few bits of crochet work. She made a blanket, made of various shades of wood as making Alfie his own blanket, as well as a case to put this MacBook in to keep it safe when we are out and about.

Sunny and Warm

Goodness gracious! What's this? The sun is out. It's really warm. The past few days have been dull and overcast. On Wednesday it was foggy early and we had rain.

Wednesday we had to be at the Oncology Suite at Milton Keynes Hospital because Carol had the  beginning of the eight chemotherapy cycle. She wasn't due there until midday so we had time to take things slowly which was pleasant, not having to get up too early. We drove over to Rooksley as Carol wanted to visit Hobbycraft as she wanted to buy some crafting materials. As we parked the car near the store and got out to walk down to the entrance, Carol shrieked as she had seen a large rat. I looked down into the flower bed and saw the tail of a large grey rat scuttling away. I've seen several rats in Milton Keynes and had Alfie, or little Yorkshire Terrier, had been with us I'm sure he would have known how to deal with it. They say that you're always no more than six feet from a rat wherever you are. I can well believe that, considering how untidy people are, dropping litter and food which only attracts them. Not a pleasant thought.

The oncology suite was busy when we arrived. Unfortunately the carpark at the rear of the hospital, where we usually park, was full so I had to drive back to the front of the hospital and park in the ground-level carpark and walk back to the oncology suite. There seemed to be a shortage of nursing staff in the unit and again there was no receptionist on the reception desk as there was a few days ago when Carol had her blood test. The nurses are on the go all the time we are there. They never stop. I can never praise them enough as they do an amazing job and always do their jobs efficiently and exceptionally.

We had to go back to the oncology suite on Friday at around 4 p.m. so that Carol could have the pump she has removed. All seems to be going well and she has another M.R.I. scan on Wednesday and then a consultant's appointment on Friday so we should know what the next stage of her treatment is going to be.

I recently bought a Kindle Fire tablet, the HD 10 inch model. Considering the price, it is a really good piece of kit. Carol bought one a couple of years ago and she has been pleased with it, although by now it might be considered somewhat out of date, as all computing equipment has a limited life, when they keep on up-grading the operating systems they run on. I have downloaded the official Scrabble app and played this game on my own, versus the computer, but now Carol has the app on her Kindle and we have managed to play a game or two using both our Kindles. This will be good as a way to pass the time the next time we go to the oncology suite.

As I write this, it's Saturday afternoon and looking out of the lounge window I can see the sun is shining. The trees at the back of the house, all along the Redway, are beginning to come out in leaf. There is plenty of almond blossom coming out all over Eaglestone estate. The bird-feeder is busy with a wide variety of birds visiting, but I'm not so sure I want squirrels eating the food which is really intended for them. We've had two competing squirrels on the thing, doing their usual acrobatics. I think I'm going to have to buy a baffle to go on the upright to deter them.

Eighth Chemotherapy Cycle

A rather cold and overcast day. Some slight rain.

On Saturday Carol had a scan appointment at the hospital. At first, when the letter came, we thought it was to be at the M.R.I. place she'd had an earlier scan at, called In Health, just behind Sainsbury's in Witan Gate. It was as well Carol queried the location, as she rang and was told that it was actually within the hospital campus. I think I had an idea where it was, as I'd walked past on several occasions when Carol had been on Ward 19. The appointment was on Saturday and it meant that her parents would be able to come with us. The appointment was at 2.20, but we got there in plenty of time. Well over an hour in total. She got a second letter, telling her that she'd been given yet another scan appointment, at the same place, for this Wednesday. She queried it, because if her chemotherapy cycle went according to plan, she would have the pump with her she would be given as part of the treatment and it would be possible to have she M.R.I. scan with it in situ. She was correct as it was to be re-booked for 18th April, during the week between chemo treatments and when she didn't have the pump.

On Sunday Carols mum and dad went back to Bournemouth. We went over to see them at the hotel in Newport Pagnall. By now the weather began to change. Rain, although not heavy. We'd had the best weather when we'd visited Waddesdon on Friday.

Today Carol had to be at the oncology suite for a blood test, at the beginning of the seventh chemotherapy cycle. As it was gone 10 when we arrived in the hospital campus, it was quite difficult to find a parking space, but there was one available, fortunately.

In the oncology suite it was clear that there was a shortage of staff, particularly the fact that there was no receptionist. We had to wait quite a while before Carol was signed in. One of the nurses had to do this, which meant she had to leave off another job elsewhere. Quite a lot of patients waiting, coming and going. Carol didn't get taken into the room for her blood test until well past 10.30.

We left and drove to Rooksley because Carol wanted to go to Hobbycraft. We had a look around but couldn't find what she was looking for. We went into Costa in Next and had lattes, really nice cheese and ham toasties and chocolate tiffin. I was ready for something to eat as I was hungry by this time. We then drove over to Westcroft to go into Morrison's, to buy something for our evening meal and for the next couple of days.

Under normal circumstances Carol would have had the bloodiest on a Friday and then have the chemotherapy begin on a Monday. We were expecting the seventh cycle to start tomorrow (Tuesday) but thankfully Carol checked her paperwork to learn that this cycle will begin on Wednesday, so it was as well the M.R.I. scan she had booked was rescheduled. We trust that the bloodtest will allow the seventh chemotherapy cycle to go ahead as planned.

Alfie Has A Haircut

We've been looking for a dog groomer for Alfie. It's not the simplest of things finding someone who can do the job. I kept ringing numbers found through the internet. Most seem to be fully booked well into the summer months. It would have been easier to get a mobile groomer as it would mean less stress for him. We had someone do this a few years ago, but Poppy was very difficult to get groomed as she didn't like being handled, particularly her paws. It got to the stage where her nails got really bad. Alfie, on the other hand, seems to relish being pampered and made a fuss of. We took them to the Grooming Room which is within Pets At Home, there being two branches within easy reach, one at Bletchley and the other at Rooksley. I attempted to book Alfie in at the Bletchley branch but they were over-subscribed. Anyway, his coat was beginning to look very untidy, his claws needed trimming as they were getting caught in various bits of clothing and bedding and the build-up of black mess under his eyes was looking really horrible and was getting really serious. Anyway, I eventually found someone who who do the job, booked about a month in advance. The lady in question was put in the diary for 2 o'clock today.

We went to Waitrose to do a bit of shopping earlier in the morning. We went to Newport Pagnall because Carol's mum and dad are coming up from Bournemouth and staying in a hotel in Tickford Street. Carol wanted to drive over to find it. We went down Chaffron Way and then cut across towards Monks Way. There were signs up at the Eaglestone end that the road was going to be closed off for resurfacing work (well, I assumed it was resurfacing, as they are doing most of the Milton Keynes grid roads.) On the way back we found we couldn't get into Oakgrove, where Waitrose is located, as the Chaffron Way section was closed off for the resurfacing. We managed to get in via Brickhill Street. On arrival at the Waitrose carpark, the place was virtually empty, likewise the actual store. I imagine they will be loosing a lot of custom due to the roadworks. But it meant we got what we wanted in the store a good deal faster than we normally would. I also took out cash to pay the groomer lady from the Metro Bank A.T.M. near Waitrose.

We got home and unpacked the shopping in the kitchen and then I did some washing up. As I stood at the sink, the telephone rang. It was the groomer lady. Would it alright if she came earlier? I said, fine. She would be with us in around 45 minutes, making it about 11.45.  Carol had Alfie on his lead, and had intended taking him out for a walk, but he gets so stressed out whenever he realises he's going out for a walk, that it wasn't going to happen because the groomer lady knocked on the door and we handed over Alfie to be sorted.

So, about 90 minutes later, another knock on the door, the sound of a very distinctive bark, and Alfie is handed back over, shorn, looking very different. None of his curly coat left, we can see his eyes, so he can see where he's going and the horrible mess on his face- gone- but the skin underneath looking very red and raw. He looked somewhat shocked, his ears laid back on his head. But he does look better and far neater. Really worth the wait and effort expended. We'll have to make sure that he doesn't get into such a bad state before he has his nest haircut.

Warm Weather

Well, it seems that summer has finally arrived. Yesterday was supposed to have been the warmest day of the year (so far) according to the weather forecast on BBC Breakfast this morning. It seems that it's likely to last for a few days more. I just hope it stays warm into next week as Carol is on Half Term and we're planning the usual days out, most likely visiting National Trust and H.H.A. properties (that's the Historic Houses Association.) We got new membership cards for both organisations and we want to explore some new places we haven't been to before.

Gary (our neighbour) came round yesterday evening. He had to nail a piece of timber onto the fence on our side. I'm not entirely sure what it was for, so I must go and have a look. Apparently the sections of what we imagined was another shed turns out to be a summerhouse, although we can't see where on earth it's going to fit in their garden as it's about the same size as ours so by the time it's constructed they'll have very little space left. He came to collect the loppers he lent me some while ago which I used to cut back the annoying branches which grow along the fence. Actually the same trees (for want of a better word) have come back so I'll have to have another go at cutting them with loppers I have since bought from B and Q. Gary has now managed to cut back the brambles from the roof of the shed. Carol was concerned that he was going to stand on the roof of the shed to do this work, but it wouldn't have been a good idea because the shed is in a very poor state of repair and I doubt it would take his weight. 

I have managed to cut the grass. I did around half of it yesterday morning as it was sunny and finished it off early this morning. Done well before 8 o'clock. I didn't want to spend any time next week mowing so that is why I did it this week.

Carol is doing visits to the pupils on work experience. I occasionally go with her. I can't believe it's a year ago since she was visiting pupils doing their out-of-school placements. There's one she has to visit this afternoon at Hobbycraft, which is across the city at Rooksley.

Alfie doesn't particularly like it when it's hot. He can never find a spot which is cool enough for him to lay down. I'm glad we had him clipped last week. He keeps moving around the house to find the coolest spot. I'm really glad I finished mowing the grass when I did because now it's far too hot (10.15 a.m.) .

Some confusion when we drove to Tesco in Oldbrook Boulevarde earlier this morning. There were traffic cones blocking off part of the road going towards Four Bridges Roundabout near Eaglestone and Saxon Street going into the city centre was closed. Lots of workmen in those luminous orange high-visability jackets and a large digital screen with the words 'Closed for 2 Days' on it. It would appear that the road surface along that stretch of Saxon Street is being re-surfaced. I can't say I'm annoyed that we had to take a detour to avoid this work, as the road surface has become really bad with potholes the entire length. I'm wondering which section will be next for the work.

Calm after the storm

Today it's sunshine and calm. Not particularly warm, but the sun is out. When I walked to the Academy to meet Carol at around 4.45 yesterday afternoon it was somewhat unsettled. Windy. Not just windy. Very gusty.  Storm Doris causing havoc. Bits of rubbish blown along the road. Bits of branch blown down along the Redway, as well as fences hanging off at odd angles at the back of houses along from our house. Which reminds me of last year when a large section of our garden fence was completely blow down (now repaired as it belonged to the house which is owned by the Council. They have since repaired it.) We had our rear garden fence replaced. No sign of our stingy landlord refunding the cost. I'm surprised we don't have any more repairs needing, such as tiles off the roof of the house. It is time that our house was given a make-over, things do need repairing and I don't honestly see why we have to fork out good cash when it's not our property. 

I've been to make an appointment for Alfie to have a hair-cut at Pets At Home at Bletchley this morning. It's for 10 a.m. on 30th March. I've got a voucher for 25% off so that's going to be a good saving. He's really in need of being groomed. Last time he had the whole works, including having his nails clipped and they did something to his paw pads. He hurt his leg a couple of weeks ago when Carol took him out across the park for a run. I'm not exactly sure what he did. He keeps limping on that leg, one of his rear legs. Probably did something to a tendon or muscle, he doesn't mind you touching it, so it can't be too bad. He's got a build-up of nasty mess near his eyes, which I think most dogs seem to get. He doesn't like it if you attempt to pull it off. He can't possibly see properly with that in the way. Carol has given him a bit of a trip with the scissors around his face, but it's not easy as he growls and doesn't like it much, so it will be good to get the groomer to sort this out as they did the last time he was given a trim. It was well to get this done in late March because it's getting so much warmer. He tends to suffer with the cold as well as the heat, so it's a bit unfair to get his coat cut when it's cold, poor little thing.

I'm not sure how Alfie has reacted to Poppy no longer being here. I'm not sure whether he notices she's gone. Perhaps he thinks she's gone somewhere and will return. Unlikely. He was very quiet the first day, and he's become very close to me, wanting to sit on my knee. It's difficult to know how they related to each other. She's always been here since he was a puppy. They were company for each other when we weren't here, of course. Not sure whether they lay together to sleep, but perhaps they did. I didn't see much of that when they were together.

I couldn't understand the weird noises when I drove into the carpark near Pets At Home. Then I noticed that something was going on across the road near the now vacant B and Q warehouse. It was a machine starting to demolish this building.  A sort of pneumatic drill-thing on a sort of arm on a tractor thing which was making the sort of weird banging, mechanical nose as it was smashing up part of the old building.They had close this old branch of B and Q and redeveloped the other warehouse the other side of Milton Keynes at Rooksley. This old branch was really difficult to get to where it is situated so it's not a great surprise that it closed and is now being demolished. I'd be interested to see what replaces it.

Rubbish Left After 'Electric Daisy' Carnival'

On our way back from our outing to Whispnade we went over to Hobbycraft at Rooksley as Carol wanted to buy a magazine on dolls houses. We looked all over the place within the store and could find nothing regarding the model-making of dollhouses. They have recently up-graded the store, which we visit regularly, and the layout has changed considerably. We could have purchased a magazine about dolls houses in W.H.Smith in the central shopping centre, but it was easier to park outside the store in the retail park rather than going into central Milton Keynes. We found the racks which contained magazines on a variety of hobbyist topics and there was a dolls house magazine, but not actually the one Carol had wanted. We had to queue up at the tills to pay and when we got there and asked the cashier where the dolls house bits and pieces were she told us that they were no longer available in any Hobbycraft store due to the fact that people stole the stuff. They were available, though, through their website. She even said that, it might be that Hobbycraft might close it's bricks-and-mortar stores and only have an on-line presence. Sad if that's the case. It would be awful if traditional stores were to disappear altogether, even though internet shopping is more convenient and easier. The only problem is having to wait for your order to arrive and the possibility of fraud.

We drove back home via Watling Street and then along Chaffron Way and past the National Bowl. We were absolutely horrified by the amount of litter all along the verges and on the side of the grid roads around the bowl, presumably left by the crowds who had attended the Electric Daisy Carnival  concert yesterday. It seems some people have absolutely no thought as regards their care for the environment or the fact that merely dropping their litter is just downright untidy and that someone is going to have to go and pick it up. If the promoters of such events cannot clear up after their concerts then they shouldn't be allowed to put on such events or else employ people to clear up the mess.