Whoosh we are in March.

 Hi everyone from a windy and somewhat cooler little Village by the sea.  Yesterday and Saturday we had some god rain with a Level 6 warning of high winds, thunder storms and heavy rains.  So far it has been bearable, although the humidity levels are still unbearably. uncomfortable. The one thing I dislike intensely is humidity, it must be a sign of global warming because I remember back in the 80's  when we lived here it was virtually non existent, the winters were colder as well 😢

Well, just as predicted February was a crazy month but with nothing outstanding to report as such.  It was tons of trips to Somerset  West for one thing or another. Thankfully there was somewhat of a reprieve as far as Clarence Drive was concerned.  It reminded open with stop / go's in place and just my luck will be closed from today until the 23rd.  Closed from 8 am to 6 pm.  What I mean by just my luck is tomorrow I have to go into hospital for yet another 'procedure' as a result of the Dr's appointment I mentioned in my last Blog. (I know, it is hard.to.keep up). It is going to be an invasive day procedure which means that we will have to wait it out at Poppet's house until  6 pm rather than taking the double length trip back home when I am discharged.  Having had the anaesthetic and manipulation on the 17th Feb for my shoulders, which was a great success in that I have a much better range of movement (the specialist was delighted and signed me off on Thursday at my post 'op' appointment.)  I had been hoping to delay this new event until the end of March but the Dr was not at all happy about that, so here we go again.  I will say this - I am praying, I am positive but, I am also tired. Tired of the constant unknown as well as recovery times which just seem to roll into each other.  My shoulders were quick despite being discharged with both arms in slings.  The right strapped to my body and the left just in a sling, Sheesh talk about awkward.  There is still a a lot of black bruising and pain but so much better than what it was, thank You Lord.  Tomorrow's little deal is going to put me on downtime for about a week, grrrr.  To that end I have spent the last week or so getting up to date on all chores and spent the weekend baking Hubby's risks and some gluten free biscotti for myself.  If anyone knows how to cut biscotti without them breaking I am ALL ears, it doesn't matter if I wait 5, 10 minutes or cut them immediately they come out ... They break 🙄

On Friday Hubby finished the cat litter box - a kist like box in which we have put their litter box and some artificial grass to stop / greatly reduce the tracking of litter (something that really bugs me).   We also purchased the material and tape for the curtains, which we need to get to and then, apart.from the cupboards we can finally sign the deck off.  I sat outside there yesterday reading with both Charlie and Zeepha curled up next to me, it was heaven for awhile until it just got too hot. The curtains will help with that in the mornings, but the afternoons are perfect out there.  We have hung up the hammock seat as well so it is really starting to look lovely and inviting.  

Family wise everyone is well.  Jelly Bean and Princess spent last weekend house sitting for the Bears and had an absolute blast. They walked the length of Sea Point despite one being on crutches and just had so much fun 🙂.  The diamond dot painting urge has spread from Jelly Bean and I to both the girls, Princess is like a little machine, she goes so fast.  JB and I try and pace ourselves so as not to finish too quickly hehe.  It is one of the most relaxing hobbies I have done.

What would my Blog be without a bit of drama and humour ?  On one of the numerous trips to SW, the last time Princess came to visit, JB and I did all the necessary stops and shopping before collecting her.  When we pulled up JB heard a hissing and Lo and behold my left back tyre was in the process of going flat.  So a speedy collection and I drove to the closest garage which is right opposite their Estate.  The guys there although helpful, were unable to help and no one could find the spare, it took awhile to realise it is under the car !!  Seriously what were Citroen thinking in terms of a women having to change a tyre ? 🤷🏻‍♀️.  The garage was just a filling station with no workshop.  May I note here that the temperature that day was about 43c in SW. So, I asked them to pump it up as much as possible, enlisted Google and took off for the nearest tyre place. I was waved immediately onto the ramp and within minutes the guys and manager were at work.  It took two of them to get the spare tyre out from under the car.  We were shown into a blissfully cold, air conditioned waiting room.  The guys called and showed me that the side tyre wall had in fact cracked from old age, apparently those tyres were fitted in 2010, way to go Michelin.  The spare was retrieved, tested, pumped and fitted in short order with the now flat tyre being wrestled into its nest under the car.  By now I was just short of a melted puddle of humanity and duly went to pay and collect the girls.  Imagine my surprise when the manager said there was absolutely no charge and to have a safe trip home.  Wow... So unexpected and a top class level of service.  

Well folks I think that covers most of the highlights of the last few weeks, I am truly counting the days to winter and some lowering of the mercury, it has been a brutal summer.  I have armed myself with a new stack of books for on the library, and between that and my Diamond Art am more or less geared up for this week.  I wish you all a wonderful week / month ahead.  Stay well and stay safe.  Ciao ciao.

A few quick peeks at the deck as it is currently, awaiting cushions, curtains & cupboards. (Cat litter box 'kist' under the window)