Deirdre Geraghty

Nelson Mandela was a real live saint, the only sort I believe in. It was very sad to hear he has gone although he lives on in the hearts of all of us that are left behind.

This year I have got myself together and sorted out everything for xmas early. I bought my cards and gifts before the cold weather arrived, I have now put up my fibre optic twig tree and managed to write and send all my xmas cards.Very organized.

Tuesday night my neighbour had just left after helping me online (where would I be without my friends) and I had just taken my dinner out of the microwave when my cat Molly came running in with something in her mouth and she ran into the sitting room – I could see a long tail. Anyway, I chased after her and rescued a little grey mouse from her jaws. It seem fine although squeaking so I put it out the cat flap and locked it. Then I discovered my other cat Lily was out there with it. So I went out and spent quite some time trying to chase my cats indoors whilst the poor little thing hid. Molly ran off, the mouse I think escaped and Lily came indoors. As my friend said “what a to do”.

On Tuesday I went to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for an x-ray on my left shoulder as I have bursitis which is inflammation of the bursa which, I must admit, I had never heard of before. Anyway, the first x-ray was standing against the screen which was fine but the second one was painful as she pulled my arm out to the left. Ouch!

I had a busy day today – for me. I went to the dentist as I had a very sore mouth ulcer. I had lunch with my next door neighbours. And then my other friend popped in to help me work out what the flashing light meant on my new washing machine. What a good day!

It has been brought to my attention that people are worrying about me. When things are plain sailing I am fine but as soon as extra things are happening I become rather agitated and find it very hard to cope. It is at these times that I realize just what my limitations are and how much I value the support of others.

Isn’t it always the way – I spent some money on Christmas gifts and then some on flat ankle boots (for when it snows) and then my washing machine goes walkabout across the kitchen. It has done that before but not so far. And it made a terrible noise so much that I don’t dare use it again. It is very old. So time to buy a new one. I spent £48 paying a plumber to disconnect it for me, very expensive I have been told. Anyway there is so much to choose from and my head was feeling like it would explode. Finally I chose and a new one is being installed on Sunday. Phew!

Molly (the cat) spent hours trying to wake me up this morning. She usually starts patting my face about 4 or 5 and keeps going until I stir. I turn over and she goes for my back with her claws out. Lily (the other cat) sits on top of me during all of this and flicks her tail at my head. I usually get up quite quickly as it is easier than putting it off but this morning I was tired. I must admit once we are all fed it is quite nice sitting up in bed with the tv on knowing I don’t have to do anything for a couple of hours. But this morning…. well, it’s Saturday.

My shoulder is so painful. I had an ultrasound scan yesterday. The doctor said if my x-ray (I am still waiting for an x-ray appointment) then I should have a second cortisone injection whilst having another ultrasound scan. I don’t know.

My son has now got himself two baby snakes. I am starting to get used to the idea. I suppose it is a step further than all their big spiders.