We are not talking to Pepper today. This morning she went a-murdering – two poor pigeons who were doing nothing awful apart from being in the chicken/duck shed probably stealing food.
We told Pepper that she has to think about her crime.
And she did try to.
And now I feel awful that I am cross with her.
Apparently I can apologise for being angry to Pepper whenever I want. *** sigh *** (oh, that face, that little murdering face).
As Flossie hasn’t left the house since last year – just after Christmas to be precise – I thought we should have a day out. It would do us both good. And I am also panicking about any potential snow dump that might happen. After all, if there is a life-threatening snow storm about to hit the USA (please, all stay safe everyone) and mega-snow in Russia (Kamchatka peninsula), then I have to worry.
So I got the horsevan out (first offering up a prayer to the Gods of starting vans) and off we drove to Lerwick, sadly leaving Pepperpot behind.
It was cold, windy with occasional biting rain. There’ve been no boats for many days so I couldn’t get some of the animal feed I wanted. Never mind, we have enough for a while, no one is going to starve. I did, however, get a big bale of hay so now we are well stocked with hay.
Everyone in town is gearing up for Up Helly Aa – held on the last Tuesday of the month.
I checked the sheep field in Jamieson’s and kicked myself for forgetting to bring any one. Never mind. OH will go in on Monday and I can send them in with him ready for the cruise ship full of tourists arriving specifically for Up Helly Aa.
We had a nice lunch – our reward for all our recent hard work – and then a quick nip around Tesco’s. It was very obvious there had been no boats.
Apparently no one likes watermelon.
Or beetroot.
I think (but I could be wrong) the only local produce Tesco will sell here is milk from Shetland Farm Dairies. There was absolutely no bread in the aisles – which is disappointing because there are at least 8 – 10 local bakeries scattered all over Shetland. At least the local shops are well stocked with bread.
We went home feeling full (delicious lunch) and with a good supply of hay too.
Today I left my bed.
It was bliss. My friend, Monika, kindly offered to drive me to Lerwick. I desperately wanted to stock up on animal feed before the next snow arrives – it is threatening for next week.
So, Monika collected me at 10 o’clock, when we had all finished our crofting chores, and drove me to town.
First stop, the feed merchants. It felt very odd being amongst real people as opposed to my family who are used to my current prone form on the bed for most of my day.
Then on to another feed merchant – to get all the stuff that the other one hadn’t got.
And lastly, to the chemist who supplies the drugs for Bibble and his cancererous bits. They are lovely in there and I always show them a photo of a very happy Bibble so they know all their efforts of finding the cheapest version of the drug and ordering it for him are totally worth it.
Just before we turned for home, I said that I had more energy than I thought I would’ve and could we possibly go to Tesco for a quick nip round with a trolley. Such luxuries before me and I stocked up on the essentials – yes, my Tunnock teacakes were replenished.
It was lovely to be away from home, animals and around other people and things. For me, it was ridiculously wonderful.
And then home, unpacked and I spent the afternoon resting on my bed remembering that I can be normal, I can have a normal life and I will get better one day to reclaim it.
Huge thanks to Monika who was the best chauffeur.
Edited to say I am paying for my galivanting now – currently on acupressure mat wondering when I can take analgesia.
This is my Night Nurse who finally turned up having cleared up the supper things first.
And this is my Day Nurse, who likes to sit on my arm, gaze at me (probably to check I am still breathing) and ruin my sweater with his pummeling claws.
I went for a little walk this afternoon, and met a kind friend bringing us hay to replace all that the horses and ponies ate while living in the shed. We had run out and were down to nothing. I am so grateful for the kindness of everyone who has helped during this difficult time.
And then there are the sheep who came home tonight to a lovely new bed – four bales of straw were also delivered (2 now down) – and the horses’ old haynets to finish up.
Now, the snow has gone things are beginning to get easier as there is less work for me to do. Floss is still here and she does all the daily lifting and carrying, which is helping hugely.
I am still spending most of my day lying on my bed resting up and listening to a very good version of Lord of the Rings on Spotify. We are just leaving the Shire and entering the Old Forest. The Black Riders have not arrived yet but they’re coming……
(I wonder if I could have LOTR wallpaper in the bedroom – or maybe even a map?)
Today’s regime has been different.
No painkillers today – I don’t think they actually help, just change my focus of attention. The pain doesn’t go away but I just don’t care because I’m too zonked to notice. Also they don’t help my innards one bit. I can see that problem creeping up.
However, my acupressure mat makes a difference. I lie on it making sure to include my sore left side.
Then, after a good hour, I got up (peeled myself off the mat more like) and took the dogs out for a walk along our track and then the road. I also wore a support back brace, which my jury is still out on.
It was not easy and I had to force myself to walk. I honestly don’t feel like doing anything but I made myself and we went out and quite far. Well, further than yesterday.
This time I remembered to put the dogs in their hi-vis jackets and they were very good about traffic too, coming to sit beside me and wait patiently. I am lucky that with this road, I can see and hear most things before they are upon us.
And I specifically don’t wear my headphones either so there are no surprises.
So, that’s me and my different approach to my pain. Try and walk it out or acupressure mat it gone. I feel a bit more like myself without the muddying painkillers, which is good. Looking back, I have absolutely no idea how I ever managed achieving my usual day. I consider it a huge effort just making a cup of tea now.
