Friday 5 June 2015

Saturday Snippets (15)

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has emailed to see whether I had fallen off the edge of the world or not.


What can I say? It's just been one of those times, like they used to say in the Friends song - not my day, week, month or year.

We had a wonderful break visiting with my family in Poland. Lots of catching up to do as we hadn't visited with them for four years. We are not going to let it go that long in future, and I have herded most of them up and on to Facebook now with the sole purpose of keeping up with them all. Time is so precious and as the years go by I feel proud of my continental heritage and determined that we return to being the close extended family we used to be when the previous generation was alive. It is too easy to be busy to bother to pick up a phone or write a letter, but I am determined to become better at doing it. (Although now I can use emails which are much more instantaneous.)

Sadly, since we returned home my MIL has become quite unwell. She is 88 bless her, and has always been bright-eyed and bushy tailed and a pillar of her little community. She involves herself in raising money for various charities, helps out in her local Church, drives around and does numerous errands for other elderly people who are not as mobile as she is, and literally has her finger on the pulse 24/7. Now she has big problems with both her left shoulder and her right hip, and is rendered immobile and can only shuffle around with the help of a zimmer frame. And this only happened two weeks' ago. We are doing what we can, and the Doc is involved, but she is unable to take any more medicaments due to the number she is already taking for her assorted 'conditions'. At this stage we are not certain what can be done or what the outcome will be. She is getting very depressed to suddenly find herself so dependent on others. So any prayers sent her way would be absolutely great, if you have time. The shoulder is osteo-arthritis and it may mean a shoulder replacement, which is scaring her to death, and the hip is inflammation of the joints both in the hip and lower back; she has some cream to rub on and has to sit with packs of frozen peas - which is very difficult and tiresome.

Whilst on the subject of various medical conditions, I am having my frozen shoulder "unfrozen" next Tuesday. 


As Cat will know, this is not a procedure to be sneered at. Over here in the UK they will not give you much in the way of a sedative when they carry out the procedure, and when I had my right shoulder done a couple of years' ago, it nearly killed me. But I have to say that now it is completely back to normal. I am hoping my left shoulder will soon feel a lot better and that I will be able to lift my arm properly once again.

Unfortunately my right hand and thumb are not as easy to sort out, and I am waiting to see another surgeon to get a second opinion before making any decisions, but it is now very difficult to type (use the spacebar) and to do silly little things like use scissors, undo jars, write. So I will let you all know that transpires.

To be more positive, after the thunderstorms,the rotten English weather seems to have improved over in our part of England. Lots of warm air and sunshine. At last I can get out in the garden and fight the weeds, plant lots of annuals in my terracotta pots, and hoe between the roses. 

These are three of my roses






Just looking out of our bedroom windows in the early morning and breathing in great gulps of fresh air is so therapeutic and feeds the soul. Everything is so green and vibrant.


We are going into 'twilight' and at 11pm it is only just darkish and by 3.30am it is getting light. I just love it - but am only too aware that the midsummer solstice is just around the corner, then the Earth will be tilting the other way and our nights will start to gradually draw in once again.

Our life of Spanky Panky is pretty much just ticking over at the moment. Dan has proved he no longer needs even 'small' prompts in that direction. He will never be an 'in the moment' sort of guy where spanking is concerned, but he has a memory like an elephant, and very rarely does anything escape his 'eventual' attention.


The day before we went on holiday he ensured my bottom and the little nipper had a session worthy of a wrestler going at least ten rounds. 


Rather stupidly I gave him a choice of that or the Rose paddle; so Dan being Dan, he used both of them to hammer his point home. It most certainly worked and we had not a single snarky word whilst we were away. 

I was telling Katie that Dan has certainly got used to the 'sudden swat on the bot'. Mostly for fun, he sometimes gives me a swat that makes me fervently grateful that I am wearing jeans. (usually anyways) In fact he gave me a swat whilst in a shop the other day, and it was so embarrassing. Even he was embarrassed because he just did it without thinking where he was! Several people looked really askance at us and I couldn't wait to get out of there. All I can say is that these swats do their job. Sigh. These days I am not much for pulling the tail of the tiger.


When walking around the market whilst on holiday, I spotted this stall.


I couldn't resist buying a few items for my kitchen. I was like a child in a candy store. This is the new addition to our toy stash.


All I can say is that it is far too painful to use as the heart has sharp edges and digs in, and Dan just thinks its funny. So it has been returned to the kitchen, where I pray it will stay.

Hopefully I intend to try my best to get back to reading and commenting on people's blogs once again. I do enjoy it but life has just been rather mad around here. So please forgive.

And finally, I would like to introduce you all to a new lady in Blogland. Her name is Sarah Coltman. She hasn't got a blog yet, but she is going to be working on it very shortly. Until then, I have agreed to share my blog when and as necessary.

You see, my friends, it has been a long time coming, but my very first book, Beating the Bounds, is due out shortly. It is with Blushing Books and will be on Amazon, and my pen name is Sarah Coltman. In case you are wondering, she was my extremely great grandmother who lived in the 1700s. Outlander springs immediately to mind.

This is another reason I have been in short supply around here - I have been up to my eyes in edits and trying to decide on a cover. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be joining the writers here in Blogland. Many thanks here to PK who has supported me throughout. 

I will let you all know the release date as soon as I know it, and then I will do a bit of cutting and pasting! And of course, I will need a good title for my new blogsite. Any ideas will be welcomed. Just remember that I am a Martha Stewart sort of a gal!

Whilst on the subject of books, I hope you have all ordered your copy of the new PL James book "Grey" which will be out this month. 


I've already ordered it for my Kindle. It is from Christian's point of view and should prove interesting. I have such a soft spot for good old 50 as it literally changed our lives. I am very grateful indeed.

Love and hugs

Ami 

23 comments:

  1. Ami,
    It is so good to have you back in blogland. We have missed you terribly.
    I love the heart wooden spoon.
    Meredith

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    1. You wouldn't love the wooden spoon if it was around your rear end!

      Hugs
      Ami

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  2. Hi Ami,

    It is so nice to see you posting. I do hope your mother and your shoulder start feeling better. Also, thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.

    Hugs,
    Kathy

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kathy. Hopefully I will get back to posting more often.

      Hugs
      Ami

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  3. Ami,

    You were missed! Will send strong positive thoughts across the pond to all of you. So excited about your book! Congratulations and I am anxious to read it soon.

    Ella Ever After

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    1. Thanks, Ella. I will let everyone know when the book comes out!

      Hugs
      Ami

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  4. Hey Ami - I'm sad to hear your sad news. Your physical problems and those of your MIL are not good. I know we're talking about people over 40 here, but darn I want everyone to feel well. I really hope you are both improving soon.

    I love your roses and the fact that you have so much light. The latest we have a tiny bit of daylight is about 9:30.

    I'm absolutely thrilled about the upcoming book and my new friend Sarah Coltman. I know it takes a while to get that first book out but it's exciting and soon you'll be churning them out. Can't wait to read it.

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    1. I just hate being over 40! Hate being over 50 too! Not going any further!

      Last night it was still a little light at 11pm and I woke early around 3 and the dawn was coming. It's a very special time of year. In Scandanavia they have the "white nights" at this time.

      You are very kind and very supportive re my book. Thank you.

      Hugs
      Ami

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  5. So much to comment on...
    First it is very good to hear from you.....you've been missed.
    Hope you and your mil get your health problems worked out...not being able to use your shoulder must be very hard.
    Love the pics of you flowers...not sure if our miserable winter had anything to do with it....but even my brown thumb seems to have worked wonders this year....
    Love the looks of that heart shaped spoon...but only for decorative purposes...and i don't mean to decorate my bottom!
    Congrats on the book..marvelous news...
    hugs abby

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    1. Hi Abby! I'm still trying to add you to my followers but "computer still says No". I think I must be typing something in wrong each time. Just nudge me will you when you post! I love reading your posts and I often miss them.

      That blessed spoon is no fun at all. Especially when it is held and used by someone who is intent on imprinting that rose shape on your behind!

      Hugs
      Ami

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  6. I pre-ordered mine today. As a matter of fact, my brother's girlfriend rented the movie, she had not seen it yet and we watched it together this afternoon.

    Can't wait to read Beating the Bounds and look forward to Sarah Coltman's blog.

    Sorry about our MIL, getting older is definitely not for the weak. I'll send prayers for her because so often once they lose their independence, they seem to go downhill.

    On the subject of health, hope all goes well with your shoulder and other ailments. Again, getting older is not for the weak

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    1. I like the books much better than the movie. I wonder if they will do several movies? Actually, I think the sex is much more explicit in Outlander (on the TV) than the 50 Shades movie. I force Dan to watch and pay attention. Poor man, he thinks I am barmy.

      Thank you for all your good wishes.

      Hugs
      Ami

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  7. So good to hear how you are doing. I am very sorry to hear about your MIL. And I hope your shoulder procedure goes well and that you have a quick recovery. I will be sending healing energy your way. Congratulations on the book. I will look forward getting to know Sarah Coltman. :-) The roses are absolutely beautiful! Hugs to you!

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    1. Thank you, Terps. Oh, BTW, I have an orchid that has broken even my record with orchids. It has now been in flower for a whole year, non stop. I just cannot believe it. It is just magnificent. How are yours?

      Hugs
      Ami

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  8. Welcome back Ami! First of all...sending lots of prayers and healing energy for your MIL.

    Sending lots of prayers and healing energy that your shoulder procedure goes well and that the physio works...lets not have another fall down the stairs to complete the process! Hope you receive a positive solution from the specialist regarding your hand.

    Congratulations on the publication of your book! So looking forward to reading it. If you need any help with your new blog, I will be happy to help.

    Ooh...the cutout in that spoon would certainly hurt and most likely leave a heart shaped mark on your tushie! Ouch!

    Thank you for sharing your lovely roses...I could reallly use your green thumb around here. ;)

    Hugs and blessings...Cat

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    1. Thanks, Cat, for all your prayers. They are surely needed over here at the moment.

      Yes, that blessed spoon is not nice. It looks just great, but of course, it is not really meant for the purpose for which we bought it. Laughingly bought it, I may add. Not laughing any more!

      Hugs
      Ami

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  9. Hey girl! It's so nice to hear from you! Your life always seems to parallel mine!
    I know you will be okay, your spirit is so positive! Hope.... Though, that mil is able to weather this latest set of issues!
    Congrats on the book!!! Woo hoo!! Dancing here! I know everything will come together perfectly!
    As to the swats Dan has a propensity to deliver at embarrassing moments..... We have that here as well! Lol

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    1. We have so many similarities! LOL! You cannot believe!

      These swats I get are so funny, because they are always so unexpected and they make me either jump or squeak!

      Hugs
      Ami

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  10. So sorry to hear about your mil Ami. Sending positive thoughts and prayers. Wishing you the best for the shoulder procedure.

    Glad you had a wonderful time away visiting family and the roses are beautiful.

    Congratulations on your book! That is awesome news. Looking forward to hearing more from Sarah Coltman.

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. Thank you very much, Roz. I have now had my shoulder done, and it feels quite a bit better, but now I have all the hard work of physio to do each day.

      Hugs
      Ami

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  11. Hi Ami, :) Thinking of you today and hoping that your shoulder was unfrozen with plenty of effective pain meds and with ease! Hope that they sent you home with some too. No one needs to be miserable post this kind of stuff! You are in my prayers. Speedy shoulder recovery! Hope it all works like a charm.

    Your trip to Poland sounded awesome! Glad that you both were able to get away for some fun.

    Love that it stays light until late at night and then so early again, following that. I bet that does a whole lot for everyone's spirits around there. Wish we had that where Rob and I are. But for now it stays light well into the 8p range. I'll take it!

    Your roses are BEAUTIFUL! I would want to go by them many times a day. So pretty!

    LOL on those random swats from our spanky fellas! Sounds like Dan has it down to a science. Haha! Cracked me up that he gave you a big swat in the store, and that people noticed. Rob has done that kind of thing before, but I don't think any one has noticed... I don't think... I hope not! YIKES!!! Be very good, Ami!!! VERY good! HA!

    Many many congrats on your book coming out! I am excited for you and am sure that it will be a great read! I will look forward to hearing more about it- and seeing your Sarah Coltman website too. Many hugs,

    <3 Katie

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    1. Thanks, Katie. I am feeling better today and must soon start all my physio. No, no pain meds. Took a couple of Ibuprofen, that's all.

      Was light till 11pm last night! Amazing! And birds singing again at just after 3am!

      Dan is getting altogether much too swatty in public! LOL! He's gone and done it again, with no thought to who is watching!

      Hugs
      Ami

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    2. Thanks, Katie. I am feeling better today and must soon start all my physio. No, no pain meds. Took a couple of Ibuprofen, that's all.

      Was light till 11pm last night! Amazing! And birds singing again at just after 3am!

      Dan is getting altogether much too swatty in public! LOL! He's gone and done it again, with no thought to who is watching!

      Hugs
      Ami

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