Run up to Christmas

Here we are.

December 20th.

Thursday.

5 days before Christmas.....well in the Quiney household, we have our christmas dinner on Christmas Eve (so in reality - 4 days before the dinner!)

I started this tradition many years ago - it worked well for us - I was often rostered to work on Christmas Day - and could always request being off the day before, so we started the old Northern European tradition, because it meant that I could spend all day pottering about, creating a fantastic spread without the stress of opening presents, rushing to  try to get food on the table, and Peter would invariably take the boys off christmas shopping on Christmas Eve (he is that odd man who does shop on Christmas Eve - usually arriving at the shops as everyone else is rushing home for a large drink, in despair....). But this did mean that I could take my time, not get too flustered, and hopefully cover all bases, and make sure we were ready for the big day.  Presents would all be wrapped, treasure Hunt clues would all be written, stockings all filled, bread sauce all made, Auntie Jean's stuffing (the only one I like) all prepared - and we were ready.........

This year - not working - loads of time - REALLY????? I have run out of time! Too much crafting. Still not managed to write christmas cards - (not a top priority) and I find myself sitting here thinking of all the things I have yet to do!

Last week was probably my worst week (healthwise) since my surgery (hence no blogging) - The operation site is recovering well, but I had a flare up of my diverticular disease which caused me a lot of discomfort - the plus side to this, is that IF I get on top of the cramps, and control the IBS, then I come through the other side suddenly realising that I am not in pain from the hysterectomy, and I've even found myself running up and down the stairs on a couple of occasions!

I also had an appointment to meet the lymphoedema nurse at the Marsden Sutton. This was a bit depressing - when I asked, apparently I'm at risk of developing lymphoedema at any point now until my death bed- I'd hoped that I was going to be told that if it hadn't kicked in yet, then I might escape it. She measured my legs comprehensively, and decided I was a MEDIUM (yay) and was given a pair of compression tights to try on....well- apart from the fact that you need to be a signed up Olympic athlete to put these things on efficiently....I am going to save the tights to initiate a party game in the future.....say no more. I was also somewhat sad to hear that I should be creaming my skin daily (unperfumed, if you please) in order to avoid dry, cracked skin....which might become infected if the skin breaks down...... all a bit old ladyish for my liking.........

I decided after my jaunt to Sutton that I would be able to drive - I feel much safer driving my own car than travelling on public (pubic?) transport and being tossed around like a sack of spuds at the hands of another driver (especially on the bus....what is it with bus drivers????) I drove later that day in to work for a tea party on Labour Ward. Nice to see colleagues - but didn't make me feel that I'm missing work too badly just yet!

So - back to christmas prep.......I apologise to all and sundry for not sending cards - there are probably still a few folk who are unaware of my cancer - and I should have let them know. I will do that after christmas.......

I have done my internet shopping order (scary cost)........ I am looking forward to the boys all being home - we're going to have fun - but the shopping bills are terrifying. I still have oodles of gifts to wrap - and I still have the treasure hunt clues to write..... but I have had a fabulous few days...crafting....... catching up with old (VERY OLD) friends....at the Streatham Strumpet Christmas Lunch out (we girls go back some 35 plus years to the glory days of the Streatham Redskins) ........and with my dog-owning colleagues, having a christmas walk, with cake and coffee today.......

I'm feeling very blessed. Life is good. Friends are to be treasured. Laughter is healing.



Not going to dwell too much on the New Year which will see my having this brachytherapy stuff - as I said to the Radiologist Specialist - "so you're all going to wear lead suits....insert some radioactive material inside my body....run out ...... and slam the door?"
To which he replied:- "pretty much......"

MERRY CRIMBO EVERYONE 🎅🎅🎅


Comments

  1. RetiredlayaboutDecember 20, 2018 at 2:52 PM

    Darling Maddy.... Make time to come here in March, when Suzy and Jo are here... Their will be much laughter, oh, and plenty of drinking..... You could teach us some simple crafts?! 😁

    ReplyDelete

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