Deirdre Geraghty

Hilary came and took me to Taverham Nursery. She knows lots about gardening and wanted to spend her vouchers. I looked for plants that my cats would love to eat but couldn’t find catnip or cat mint until I found an employee who knew exactly where to look. Hilary bought some lovely clematis plants. It took longer than l thought and l put my plants on the kitchen window sill straight away – Molly and Lily haven’t found them yet!

It was a quiet day. I was trying to work out where the new walk-in centre has moved to (it’s where I have to go for blood tests) and then my new friend Hilary popped in for a cup of tea. I had just heard that my dear friend Lynne is going to move to Hampshire to be near her elderly Father and Zoe and John next door are moving so I am running short of friends so Hilary is brilliant timing. What is that saying ‘when one door closes …’. Phew!

The more l talk to others of a similar age l realise there are so many others who also can’t cope with the new technology without a lot of help not only getting started but now and then as well. I find it so difficult. We all need someone local who can pop in and sort out the problem every time one of these boxes pop up on our equipment that need input.

I went to the ‘big lunch’ at the community centre yesterday, this was set up in association with the Eden Project and took place at venues up and down the country. There were activities throughout the day like dancing and karate displays and Hilary was outside with the barbecue. I had a sausage in a roll and only stayed about an hour but it was nice to get out for lunch.

The other evening l thought I would look something up on Google on my tablet. But there was one of those computer boxes that needed input from me. I did what l could and found myself a few pages on and not knowing how to proceed so I came out backwards. Then it all went wrong and I asked my son for help but he was away. He told me what to do next but I no longer dare. So I just don’t have Google on my tablet.

I phoned the surgery to book a lung function test as it is that time of year. I was told Molly would get back to me. And then I received a letter telling me to phone the surgery about having a respiratory review. That leaves me pondering whether l have asked for the right thing. I will wait for the phone call. Unfortunately I now don’t feel too well and have a rotten cough. Hopefully that won’t affect it!

I went to my anxiety therapy session which I had not been to for several weeks. I have been feeling much better recently (probably because I have not been anywhere) so I was very pleased with myself. We had a good session and he gave me more homework. And, on top of all that, the sun was out. What a good day!

Just watching, on the television, people swimming out in the open at Hampstead Heath. I know the weather has changed but they are still a lot braver than me!

Well I woke up early, feeling a little unwell, so I am sitting up in bed. My cat Lily is sitting beside the bed. My other cat Molly comes slowly into the room, creeping – one foot after another. Lily dashes out and chases her – Molly jumps up onto the window sill behind the curtain – Lily runs back. Molly jumps down from the will and chases Lily. They both go charging down the stairs. What fun!

Yesterday I managed to walk to the community centre where I did some colouring in. It seemed so strange to be there without Hilary who was unable to come. I then walked all the way to the cash machine and popped into the shop for bits and pieces and then made it back – all without having to get a cab. I was so pleased!