Deirdre Geraghty

Mary gave me 2 sachets of soft cat food but I needed to get more to get Molly through the next two weeks. I went to the corner shop on Saturday afternoon. As usual it was quite a trial. I had been back about an hour when I read the box and realised I would need more. So rather than going on Sunday l thought I would get it over with and go again on Saturday. So off l went – my legs wobbling – my back hurting – and quite out of breath. I took it a little bit at a time and was so relieved when I made it home. Such a little thing and yet so hard.

Mary and I went to pick up Molly last night at the vets. They only took out one tooth but she had several stitches. We got her home but she wouldn’t stop meowing. Every time I approached her she stopped for a minute then she would walk away and start again. She meowed for two hours. Eventually she sat on my knee and let me fuss her for over an hour when we settled down for the night. Phew!

I didn’t sleep well last night because I knew I would have to be up early this morning. So I waited in bed for the clock to go around until it was a reasonable time to catch Molly and put her in her carrier. Mary came and we took her to the vets to have a tooth out. Now l am waiting for Alan the handyman.

I did some washing in my new machine well, I have had it a year, but it seems like new. Anyway, when it’s finished it plays a little tune and turns off. Well it played a tune and then several minutes later it played the last line of the tune and then turned off. I phoned Samsung as it has a 5 year warranty. She had me doing all sorts of things. I had to empty my cupboard to get to the plug. I had to get down on my knees to read the serial number, I had difficulty getting up again. Then she wanted me to do a calibrated run. I had to hold down two buttons and then press a third. Well, my hands aren’t big enough, I tried and tried. So I said I would get someone to help me and then do another wash and then phone again if necessary. In the past if you had a faulty appliance you phoned up and someone came and fixed it. Perhaps all this rigmarole is so we give up like I did yesterday.

I woke up late with a very sore throat this morning. It is a very dark and wet day and a miserable morning. After breakfast l decided to have a quick bath and wash my hair. I don’t know if that’s sensible or whether it’s an old wives’ tale that I shouldn’t. But I feel much better now.

I am very impressed by our new community centre. It has many activities already started up:- all forms of exercise like yoga and very soon exercise whilst sitting in a chair. They are starting a dementia group, a singing group, they have planned a bollywood night for next saturday and a craft fayre for the 23rd from 11.00 am. They are open for ideas and will consider them happily. It is just around the corner and already have a website and newsletter. Excellent.

I am not at the moment but it is a phrase l use all the time. Was there fear involved when people started using it? I wonder.

Silver Road Community Centre has recently opened around the corner and Julie – a Labour Councillor – has encouraged myself and others to support it. This morning I went along to their craft club and was made very welcome by the others and they  helped me to make a Xmas tree which, l must admit, looked more like a triffid, from fabric and cardboard. I was there two hours and home in time for lunch.

I usually watch BBC 1 on Sunday mornings as it has my sort of programmes. This morning I was reflecting. What does it mean to make the sign of the cross? You know, that action when a person taps their forehead, stomach and two shoulders. When I was young and a Christian l used to do it in church every time everybody else did it – but no idea if it meant something or why I did it. Also, why do people light a candle – l like candles but why light a candle in church? – what does that mean? – is it an offering to the gods? Interesting!

My dear friend Mary took us to the vets yesterday. She helped putting them into the carrier and drove us. She is so good and helpful, a true good friend. Anyway, besides their boosters they also had a check up. Molly has to have a tooth out and Lily has blood in her urine. Hopefully we can escape from cystitis but we will have to take Molly back. It will cost £300 including xrays but it will be covered by insurance.