Great Grandma had passed away

Sad new today, as the subject line says, Great Grandma died today.

She made it to 100 last year and she was getting more and more frail but she still lived in her own home until the end.

She’d had a bit of an accident a couple of weeks ago and was admitted to JR where she then contracted Covid, but she was getting over that and was discharged to St Luke hospital in Headington whilst recovering before she was going to be sent to a nursing home in Witney. Sadly she didn’t make it out of St Luke’s

Mum has been going up there of course and today she, Sue and Roger were advised to pop up and see her, Mum contacted me later to let us know we could go and see her but she was in a deep sleep and not responsive and I didn’t really want to remember her that way. Sure enough, a couple of hours later (7.00pm) they called Mum to tell her Grandma had passed away in her sleep.

So very sad of course, Mum and everyone in our house was upset, I went round to Mum’s after she put the phone down and hugged her and spent some time at the house. Louise was on her way down and arrived just as I was walking out the door so it’s good that she’s down to support her. As will we.

It’s strange to say the death of a 100 year old is a shock, it’s always going to be likely, but when it actually happens you still felt she had more time left with us.

But she’s had a remarkable life and there are no regrets to be had, we were there a lot for her and with Natasha’s organisation she was round our house lots of times for meals etc. It’s lovely that kids in their late teens and early/mid twenties can have known a GREAT Grandmother, many don’t even have grandparents alive.

We have loads of lovely positive memories and we have photos and videos to remember her and cherish the time she was with us and involved in family events.

It’s desperately sad and she will be missed, she was very much loved by all.

Great Grandma Update

She’s fine but she’s has a scan and there is a small spot of calcium on her brain that might have lead to some dementia, but at 100 years old I wonder what difference it really makes! She’s on a drip, which might be because of dehydration, but other than that the hospital say she’s okay. In saying that, Mum has said they do have concerns for her and she thinks it’s very likely they’re going to propose she goes into a home. Mum is obviously saddened by that, but I said she’s got absolutely nothing to be guilty about or anything because they’ve not let her down if she does go into one.

We think it should have happened about a year ago so to have got to now and she’s still lively in the bungalow on her own then they’ve all done brilliantly.

We’ll see.

Not much else to report – didn’t go for another run today, yesterday’s first run on the Couch to 5K programme done me in! Slept really badly, but don’t know if that is because of the run or because of being sat at my desk for two days – really painful back.

Busy today on Raintree work, got loads done – but then they kept sending work over so that was good.

New broadband and Great Grandma falling over

New broadband being installed today, we’ve moved over to Sky – in fact that’s why I am typing this, I can’t access the internet. Fingers crossed the speed should at least double and it’s a lot cheaper than it was with BT. We’ll find out soon enough, I’d had enough of the problems with BT, kept dying and was so frustrating.  But let’s hope I don’t live to regret my decision!

Had a chat with Mum earlier today as last night Grandma had fallen down (for the third time in two days) and was taken to hospital with a cut head. All a bit worrying but she’s hard as nails so wasn’t concerned. Obviously with Covid restrictions she’s on her on in the JR without us being able to visit or anything. We’ve said for some time that she needs to be somewhere instead of her bungalow where she can be better looked after and kept an eye on, perhaps this is the catalyst that will make up the minds of Mum and Sue; Roger & Sue have already decided that and are clearly angling for that to be the case, but I understand how hard a decision it is to make.

What was bad though is that when Mum, Sue and Simon were there yesterday they’d called the ambulance at 8.00pm and after loads of other calls one didn’t arrive until 2.00am – all that time Grandma was lying on the floor because of the cut to her head and pain in her hip – not impressed

Covid-19 - Lockdown #3

Boris Johnson announced this evening we’re going into another full lockdown across the UK – it’s likely to stay with us until mid-February. Things are not good at the minute, the Government are performing U-Turns on nearly every single announcement they make. Literally yesterday evening he was saying that all schools should open and everyone go back to school, yet today he’s saying not to. It’s been a shit-show by them it really has, dithering all the time.

I think that this means our planned holiday to St Lucia isn’t going to happen now sadly. We’ll see.

Something “funny” happened in that Nikki advised that she’s got Covid now. After the horrible way the Bicester family have treated Tash we couldn’t help but be slightly amused by the announcement, the hypocrisy has been ridiculous, trying to keep Tash away but constantly round Sue’s and not practising what they were preaching. Obviously don’t want to wish illness on anyone but at least we can’t be blamed for the illness as we’ve been excluded from their lives for the last year.

Makes me sound a bit bitter I appreciate, but Tash has taken their rejection really hard and it’s been completely unfair on her.

We’re onto a new series to watch on TV now – “This is Us” – we’ve done 9 episodes in super quick time, it’s enjoyable and family-orientated, but the characters are just a little to “sweet”, I keep expecting Tash to ask why we’re not as lovey dovey as the main characters…

Xmas Eve

Can’t remember what we did during the day if I am honest!

We had a table booked for 5.30pm at Jacob’s Inn so made our way over there and were in the marquee they have set up – it was cold in there but it was fine and was not too dissimilar to the Crazy Bear. There was all the family, including Miles and then Mum and Sue also came. Had a few drinks and nice food and it went really well

At 7.30pm we left and the mums both went home and we then went to the White Hart as we had a table booked – Zoe and her kids were already there waiting and we had a good drink and a good laugh catching up with everyone. Charlotte and Miles went to his and then we all left about 10.00pm. Tash was steaming drunk and was a pain with Lewis and I, banishing us to the garage bar when she was sorting out the stockings, but then 10 mins later coming and berating us for being in the bar! Ah well, didn’t ruin things, just made us laugh.

Stayed up another hour or so on the beers and then off to bed – looking forward to tomorrow

A good day all told.

Visit Derek

Went to see Derek at the care home today, we’d not been to see him since the mini-break in restrictions in October/November. Jack came with us and we went with the intention of catching up and to give him his Xmas presents. We arrived at 3.00pm as planned but he was still in bed, so they had to sort that out. Bit cross because they knew we were coming at that time because you have to book to visit the care home. Anyway, he came down to the conservatory and wasn’t in the best of moods – probably because he’d been woken up.

It was hard work, Jack and I didn’t contribute to the conversation much – Tash was brilliant but it was very hard work even for her, he was so unresponsive and not talking at all.

After 20 mins we’d had enough to be honest, we gave it a bit longer and then gave up and left. Incredibly the following night when speaking with Mum she said he was chuffed we’d gone there and was relaying the conversations that were had – I was speechless! So he was listening to us but was either tired or confused and wasn’t in the mood to talk to us

Felt a bit sorry for Jack afterwards as it brought him down a bit and he said, “I don’t want to remember grandad like this” – heart-breaking, but he’s right

Xmas Family gathering that never happened

This weekend was supposed to be a big family gathering with everything (Bicester crowd and us) but because of Covid restrictions it wasn’t possible

But Lewis and Emily still came down as planed and we made a nice weekend of it all

They got here about 8.30pm on Friday, Miles was around and we had a few drinks watching TV and relaxing and catching up – was really nice

Didn’t get up too early Saturday but had nice brunch and went and got the Xmas tree from Carl’s shop and then went down to town. Debenhams is in big trouble and could be closing so I wanted to see if there were any bargains to snap up – found jumpers v cheap so got one! Wandered round town more and then went to the Wetherspoon’s by the castle and had dinner and a few drinks.

Back home and Mum came round and we went out for a walk and then back for coffees and then back on the beers and Miles making dinner, a vegetarian prawn curry which went down very well. Zoe turned up and we played Logo game and proceeded to get very drunk indeed. Tash was out cold, Charlotte and Zoe were crashing into things and breaking glasses, Lewis and Emily collapsed asleep of just me and Miles pushing on until about 3.00am when we had to give up eventually!

Great night

Everyone knackered next day – Tash not well at all, no surprise, they’d finished a whole bottle of vodka! Tidying up, sort of, in the morning but really just settled down to watch TV. Made a fry-up and then went to Sue’s and back home for dinner, Salmon this time that Lewis and Emily made, very nice and they then left at 6.00pm

We also decorated the tree

Watched a film and then a new series called the queens gambit – really enjoying it

So a lovely but boozy weekend. Loved it!

Advent Calendar

Miles bought me (and Tash thinks for her!) an advent calendar which he gave me yesterday. It’s a coffee one so we get a posh coffee to open and use in the pod each morning.

Had it today and went 50/50 with Tash – very nice it was too.

So we’re in December now, I’ve managed to get some exercise done during the day and get a lot of work done which was pleasing.

Nice evening, watched more GoT and Charlotte and Miles were making the gingerbread house with their mates on a zoom call – I think it was Annie and Bradley. It’s something they’re trying to do for the month each day. Could be hard.

A decent day anyway all told

Last weekend of isolation

It’s been fine to be honest, but then I’m lazy so it’s not been a big deal for me. Charlotte’s lockdown finished so she went to Miles’ house which was nice for her.

Didn’t do much to be honest – drank far too much

Tash and I are almost finished with Game of Thrones – we’re onto the last season now – season 8! I’d forgotten how bad the last two seasons were and how rushed they were – never mind, we’ve enjoyed it.

Had a few beers on Friday night and then worked on things around the house on Saturday. Must admit I can’t actually remember what the hell I did do! Mum came round for coffee as did Zoe and people have been taking Bessie for walks.

Saturday we had the fire on and did Xmas things and then started drinking. I tried Dark/Spiced Rum and coke and really liked it – Jack joined in and Tash stuck with wine. Two bottles later she was bollocksed! Watch TV again and then to bed

Sunday – surprisingly Tash had her head down the toilet and it was my fault for not stopping her! Pottered around with dealing with jobs again and had a fire going. Oxford City were on the TV in the second round of the FA Cup with Shrewsbury and took them to extra time, sadly losing to a jammy goal 1-0. Should have been penalties at least. Brought back memories of course of my playing days – miss it.

Got Xmas presents ordered and was productive. More GoT in the evening and then an early night.

We’re out of lockdown tomorrow so that’s nice – need to get out and run/cycle to make the most of it now.

Maradona has died today

Shocking (sort of) news today when Diego Maradona was announced to have died at the age of 60. The world has greeted the news with shock, disbelief and a constant stream of platitudes. Rightly deserved, he was probably the best player the world has ever seen – including Messi and Ronaldo. He’d had a bleed on the brain a couple of weeks ago and surgery but had a heart attack and that did for him

Despised by English fans for his Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup but completely respected at the same time.

He’s someone that everyone has a memory of, that’s some legacy to leave behind!

He certainly lived the life, drugs and drink and so much more – weirdly enough, today is also the same day that George Best died 15 years ago – isn’t that strange?

Covid-19 Update

It’s official – we have COVID-19 in our house!

Charlotte has been feeling unwell for a few days and not being able to taste or smell things so she got the test and it came back positive this afternoon

Nightmare.

This means we have to completely self-isolate for 14 days, can’t leave the house or anything. Everyone’s work has been understanding, doesn’t really affect me as I don’t go anywhere but it’s not ideal and means things we had organised like dentist and giving blood and Mum coming round all need to be rescheduled.

None of the rest of us has symptoms (yet) but you never know. We’re trying to trace back how it started – no idea really.

Just need to stick to the rules which means we might have to get people shopping for us and taking Bess for a walk etc etc

Hopefully this is the only instance we will have of it, but it makes you suspect every cough and sniffle now and makes you a bit paranoid.

To be fair, we’ve been the most lax with respecting the virus so I don’t think it’s much of a surprise.

It also means if we have it now – during a national lockdown anyway – it means we’re not really missing out on anything and we will be sorted before/after Xmas for things we might like to do

Every cloud and all that…

My Birthday

Lewis came down for my birthday weekend and he brought his new girlfriend, Emily, down with him. She seemed very nice and got involved with the family so that was a bonus. They seem happy together. Early days and all that but it was nice to see Lewis relaxed and happy

Weekend went really well – got spoilt.

Went to the golf driving range in the morning to test my new clubs, waited for a while but got in eventually and then went into town in the afternoon to The Varsity Club and had a few beers and nibbles and then to the Crown. Really nice

Back home, meal and Mum came over and then into the bar for cocktail making. Zoe also came over which was nice

It turned out as you’d expect – drunken and partying but it was such a good end to a lovely day. Enjoyed it loads

Relaxed day on Sunday – heavy heads. Meal and walks at home before Lewis and Emily left and then watched a couple of films

Mum up for dinner, not much else to report

Another busy day at work – happy with that, got a lot done and felt positive about it

Could easily have carried on into the evening but Mum was invited up so I had to stop and it was a nice evening.

It was just us and then Jack a bit later. Charlotte was in Cornwall with her friends for the week now.

Mum was fine and it was nice to host, she looks forward to coming over and we look forward to seeing what desert she’s going to bring with her!

Watched some TV – the Repair Shop – and she left at 9.00pm. I was shattered, the late night working last night catching up with me, so I went to bed at 9.15pm – read some of my book and then crashed out!

A nice day all told

Jack lost again

Busy day and then in the evening decided to go and watch Jack play football. Didcot were hosting Kidlington and I got there on time and wandered round and made sure I didn’t need to stand close to anyone.

Jack started and was out wide in quite an attacking position.

It was an even game but Didcot were under pressure a lot and not a surprise when Kiddy scored.

I felt Jack had been playing well so that was positive. Second half they really should have got some goals but failed, Jack going close, and then they were punished and lost 3-0 in the end. A shame.

I’m a little concerned about Jack’s place in the team, he’s not having an impact and is being criticised for goals that I don’t feel were really his issue.

Anyway, I left as soon as I could and then came home and worked until 1.00am on a Data Mining project requested by Hodder – very full on and a bit boring but not going to complain if I am getting paid for it!

Lewis is about to buy a house!!

Woke up on the sofa this morning at 5.30am – heavy head and beer spilled on me!

Got up to bed for a couple more hours sleep and then we needed to get showered and on the road by 8.15am to get up to Manchester

Run up there was only 2.5hrs but it was hard work as we’re experiencing Storm Alex right now meaning it was constant rain but we got there in good time and then went to see the house that Lewis is interested in.

We were shown around and it was nice enough, we both felt it was worth going for and Lewis should put in an offer. It reminded me much like Napier Road, it needs work but it definitely has potential for someone (Lewis and his mates) to do up and make money on it. It was quite exciting and we felt good about the location and build and everything about it.

It’s on the market for £220k, we went and wandered around Cheadle Hulme and got a coffee and I told Lewis to text the Estate Agent and put in an offer of £210k, I felt it would be worth spending the full amount but if he did then he’d not have money for the additional work that’s required, the most pressing being the kitchen made more fit for purpose. We did a but more pottering about and then back to Lewis’s house for a coffee before jumping in the car to come home again – the weather was even worse this time!

About an hour into the journey Lewis called to say they turned down his offer but asked if he would go to £215k which he agreed to – so he’s got the house. We are so pleased for him – very exciting.

How he needs to get his head around the mortgage and all the other work that’s required. But it’s excellent news.

We got home about 4.50pm, after dropping some wine round to Zoe because she’s self-isolating and I slept for 30 mins before we walked down to John and Pauline’s. Had a really nice evening, drank far too much but John made some lovely fried chicken and it was a really nice meal. We then spent time working on a new trip away in view of our Turkey trip being cancelled and we opted for a cottage on the Norfolk Broads – looks really good. Costing more than I’d hoped but there you go!

Jack came down after football – they’d lost 2-1 and he was a bit pissed off. But he caught up with Emily about the house buying process, that was interesting and informative and she’s experiencing a few issues with her brokers but hopefully that will get sorted soon. She’s got plans so should do well.

We stayed until about midnight and then wandered home and I had a coffee and watched the end of a film I’m halfway through

A very full on and tiring day but worth it and so pleased for Lewis.

Meal with Nikki & Gaz

Weird day at work – didn’t get what I wanted to get done achieved. Raised invoices so hopefully those will go through ok!

Dropped Charlotte and Miles at the Crazy Bear in the evening because they were having a meal as part of Charlotte’s birthday, Jack was going to pick them up because we were going out in the evening ourselves.

Got back to home in time to get the 6.30pm bus and down into Jericho to meet Nikki and Gaz in  Jude The Obscure where we had a couple of pints and then wandered along to the Jericho Grill for our meal

The restaurant wasn’t very busy but we had a really nice evening and the food was excellent.

We mentioned that Nik and Gaz were Emily’s parents because the restaurant had contacted her to offer her a free meal and it meant we got the bottle of wine for free so that was nice and worth doing

Incredibly Gaz insisted on paying for the meal (they’d also paid for the drinks at Jude) so we had a completely free night, but know we need to repay them so will start saving for that night too.

We then got our bus home and had a drink in the bar and watched some TV – Tash went to bed but I wanted to stay up and watch the Snow piercer film – really quite good. Enjoyed it.

A nice evening all told.

Charlotte’s Birthday weekend starting

Busy day at work and got things done

Charlotte’s birthday this weekend so quite full on in preparation for that.

Lewis came down and had left work early so arrived about 6.30pm – he’s looking well and healthy and is clearly keen on his girlfriend Emily so that’s really nice for him and pleasing from our point of view that he’s happy and healthy.

Mum also came round for dinner tonight – I think it’s going to end up being a weekly event now because that’s the last 3-4 weeks we’ve done this. I think she looks forward to it as it’s getting her out of the house and getting company.

Had a few drinks and watched some TV – Lewis and I stayed up a bit late then he fell asleep by midnight so I gave up and went to bed. Will see how drinking this weekend goes – hopefully it will be sane and not mad!

Also my birthday present arrived..a set of golf clubs I’d won on eBay. They’re clearly cheap ones but I hope they’ll do as a beginners set – we’ll see soon enough when I get down the driving range!

Oh dear – Tash hungover!

Bit of a restless night, up and down getting drinks of water and hoping the hangover wouldn’t kick in. I felt a bit rough in the morning – that was x3 pints of Moretti, but Tash was really ill and throwing up in the toilet.

A real shame and something we need to look at avoiding, it doesn’t make for a decent weekend and is a lot day. So everything we would have liked to have done in the morning went a bit pear-shaped as she was still being sick at 3.00pm.

Anyway, we had a booking for swimming at 9.15am and went to that but were only in the pool for about 20 mins and then back to the Manor for breakfast but she had none and went back to bed – what a shame and a waste.

Breakfast was nice – we then checked out, dumped the bags and wandered around the course. It’s a competition course and has hosted the Ryder Cup before, the greens looked punishing, they were incredibly hard.

I’ve been looking at getting some golf clubs so had a bit of extra interest watching players techniques, I think I’ll find it hard going!

Anyway, got in the car and drove home without incident and unpacked at home, and then made our way over to Sue’s for dinner

But that wasn’t before we met a girl that Jack is interested in and has been seeing for a couple of months – Afnan Sadani – she came down and chatted in the garden with us. Studying law at Manchester and is a very pretty girl. Articulate and friendly as well so it was nice to meet her.

Sue’s was nice, not much going on there other than I participated in and won an auction on some golf clubs on eBay – delighted about that and now need to practise like made so I can get on the course at some point!

Came home and watched the end of the Dennis Nilsen drama we’d watched which was enjoyable and then off to bed for an early night

A really nice weekend and the visit to the Manor was really enjoyable but I think it’s highlighted an issue with drinking that we need to be aware of, it’s causing us a lot of lost time, and money and isn’t so good.

Celtic Manor Resort

Got sorted in the morning in readiness for the day and picnic etc. Dropped Tash at Yoga and then dropped Bess at Mum’s. Mum was really looking forward to having her, Bess looked a bit sad when I dropped her off and left – but I know she’ll have a great time

Had a call with a Property Broker with Jack and that was interesting then went and picked Tash up and we went off for our weekend away

Just south of Bristol we went to a beach called Ladye Beach which was pebbly but popular – was quite nice to have our picnic and a snooze and just relax for a few hours

Went to the Manor and it was what you expected it to be, very oldle worlde. They’re hot on covid19 but it was fine

Nice room overlooking one of the holes (16th?) and we relaxed with music and some drink. Had an early dinner booked at Pad which was a Thai restaurant for 6.45pm.

The meal wasn’t the best – the Thai Red Curry was far too hot and I swapped with Tash (it was hers) and I couldn’t finish it. The couple next to us heard us giving feedback and turned and talked to us. They were a couple from Cardiff, Steve and Michelle, nice enough but we couldn’t get away from them and ended up sat in the bar with them for the rest of the night and got very drunk indeed.

Eventually gave up the evening (they wanted us to stay longer) and staggered to bed and crashed out. Wasn’t what we really wanted or envisaged for a relaxing night away. Never mind, they were really nice and it was an interesting night.

Earlier in the night we found out Jack had won his match for Didcot 4-1 and he’d scored a goal we could see on Twitter so that was pleasing and he was buzzing about it

A very nice day all told

Normal type of day–nothing too interesting

Okay day today – got work done

Met Jason in the morning up the road and it was a decent chat with him – he was a bit concerned about my well-being so it was appreciated that he took the time to get in touch

He’s given me a project to consider working on which I will take up – SharePoint Knowledge bank

Back home I got more work done and it was productive.

Finished and had dinner when Tash was home – Charlotte was about for a bit which was nice and then she was off to Miles’s house for the evening

Tash and I watched x2 episodes of Game of Thrones and then to bed, I read for an hour and enjoying my book