Our New Life in Devon

 Well, home alone didn't last long as I got up Wednesday morning to find Mark (our son) sat in the kitchen having coffee with OH! He didn't bother ringing just turned up, which is fine as we have never had appointments in our last home for close family members. All family could just pop in whenever and were very welcome. Mark is very helpful and loaded the dishwasher, vacuumed the sitting room, pulling out all the furniture, and put the gripper pad under our rug. I'm so grateful as OH does try to help but never does a really thorough job . With both dogs shedding all year it's a job to keep up with the hair. Mark went home yesterday as he's back to work today. My nephew has sorted out daughter's cracked ceiling and wall for her. He knew exactly what to do as he's worked in dry lining for years. Just used filler so she can paint today as it drys much faster than plaster. Handy having family members in various trades. Daughter's ordered the carpet for next...

 Well the weekend was quiet until Saturday afternoon as daughter had decided not to come and visit, and start decorating granddaughter's room. Saturday afternoon I started getting pictures of granddaughter's room being taken apart piece by piece ready for painting. Daughter has decided to replace the carpet, bedroom furniture and buy a double bed for granddaughter, who is delighted at getting  a new bedroom. Unfortunately, after stripping everything out of the room she discovered a small area of wrinkles near the ceiling meaning a small plaster job will be needed, which will delay everything. Personally, I would have just painted over it but daughter, and one son, are perfectionists. Luckily, her cousin is experienced in dry lining so will sort it for her but painting will be delayed. Just as well as she hasn't even bought the paint yet!  There followed lots of pictures of beds  wardrobes and bedroom layouts, asking which i liked. So, poor granddaughter is sleeping o...

 Feeling a lot better now but still have a cough. On morning TV today a Dr was saying many people had the same symptoms as me ie bad cold then cough. Most are still coughing after several weeks, and she advised to go back to GP after 8 weeks! That seems a very long time to me. Managed to go out a few times this week tg. only to the supermarket and a local pub for an hour. It's so cold and dreary here I don't feel like going very far. Neither does OH apart from giving the dogs a good run in the fields. Granddaughter has text OH asking if she can come to stay next week as it's half term holidays. I presume she will bring our daughter with her as she's only 10 lol. I've messaged daughter to check if they're planning to visit; they usually do come to stay in the school holidays. Also, late last night I'd just got into bed when my sister messaged me asking if she can visit for a few days with our other sister! I told her yes but not in the school holidays. Well, ...

 OH has had a cough and cold for a while and so unfortunately I've now caught it. My main problem is that as I've COPD every cold ends up in a bad chest infection. After a few days trying with Sudafed and paracetamol I knew I needed to see the Dr. Our phones were down due to the recent storms damaging the masts, so OH took me to the surgery. The receptionist was absolutely lovely as she could see and hear how ill I was. Gave me an appointment in an hour's time there and then. My chest was so noisy it was quite embarrassing infront of the Dr. She wouldn't have needed the stethoscope to hear my breathing. Prescribed antibiotics and steroids again, and told to come back straight away if it gets worse or doesn't clear up. Wonderful caring Drs here in Devon - we're so lucky. Finished the tablets today and I am feeling a bit better but still not completely cured. May need to go back if it gets worse again. OH has been good, making drinks, cooking meals, vacuuming, etc...