What Happened Next......

Sunday 10 May 2026

Well despite the best of plans, I did not make it out into the garden as planned.  I had under-estimated just how tired I was, and ended up falling back to sleep in a huddle with the cat and dog both on me.  It was sometime later when I woke up, and I hurt and itched again.  I therefore decided that I was not going to do anything today and give my body a break after the last few days to do some more healing.  The weather has been overcast as well for the best part of the day with occasional Sun spells, but time to listen to my body for today.

For tea tonight we are having one of the Posh Shepherd Pies that I made from the Lamb joint we had recently. Just have the potatoes and the cheesy topping to pop on and that should make a nice simple tea.  We have wedges of fresh Honeydew Melon for pudding.  My appetite has been a bit off for the past few weeks and I have not been eating as much as I had been.  So just going with the flow for the time being.  Simple food though as always.

On Friday 8 May 2026 we had some good Lincolnshire sausages which were nice and plump and a tin of Polpa for tea.  With a 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and a good sprinkling of white pepper and a few mixed herbs.  Went down an absolute treat.  You basically just brown and cook the sausages off and then add the Tomato sauce and simmer for about half an hour and then I just serve them in a bowl with some bread and butter.

Monday 11 May 2026

Plans did not move forward as I had hoped.  G started off with a really bad cold last night and has continued to be dreadful with it today. I cannot remember the last time he had such a severe cold.  We both subsequently overslept this morning; perhaps that was not a bad thing overall. 

I have still also been struggling with pain and itching still.  It is driving me nuts as each day is so unpredictable. I have to go to the GP Surgery to see the Nurse this afternoon for my first part injection of the Shingrix vaccination.  I also have to have a blood test.

Got there in plenty of time and got to see the little Nurse I saw last time.  She really is lovely.  She was so gentle with both the vaccination and the blood taking hardly knew the needle had been put in and she used the same butterfly technique as last time for the blood taking.  Apparently this time the tests are being repeated for kidney function and bone profiling.  As a result of some of the conditions I do have, it can go on to cause other issues and the testing is precautionary and standard for the unique set of issues I am having to deal with.   S also explained to me that this first part of the injection will show up as painful, but it is all part and parcel of my body memorising the virus in my system. S has also booked me an appointment for approximately 6 months to have the second part of the Shingrix vaccination. S also recommended that as I had been so poorly with the Shingles, to have the second part of the vaccination as well. It is possible I will have future Shingle attacks but the vaccination actually stops the rash from developing as it has this first time and the impact will be lesser than it has been for me thus far. My GP Surgery is very proactive for which I am grateful. I also mentioned that I was still in a lot of discomfort and the itching was driving me crazy.  Apparently this is all normal and that where the rash has been it would appear that there are still inflamed areas which is where a lot of the problem is triggering from especially on the pain front.  Just got to carry on doing what I have been doing and let nature do the rest no matter how long that may take.  I then have a telephone appointment with the GP on the 21st of May.  We will see what happens then.

I have been cold today even though I have been wrapped up.  I did venture out for about half an hour into the garden to get some fresh air and to sort some more plants out.  Apparently the weather temperatures for this evening are projected to go down to -1 degrees.  I came in and promptly put the heating on for a little while as I was really chilled and I had a coat on whilst I was outside.  My arm has also predictably been throbbing.

Despite it being cold, I intend to sort some seeds out this evening in readiness for getting them sown and into the greenhouse.

Tuesday 12 May 2026

Today had to be written off for the best part.  Partly due to  us both being under the weather and a little Jack Russell was also very needy today and needed Mum re-assurance.  Managed to calm her down, but it has been very much a healing day today for all of us.

I think it has been very cold again today and I have been wrapped up as a result.  I did get out and do a little more in the Old Herb Garden for about half an hour, and moved some more plants around.  I really need to get on with doing some more of the clearing in the Old Herb Garden.  Hopefully will get to that tomorrow in line with the plans outlined below.

It is the recycling bin collection day tomorrow and I have put the bin out in readiness for the early morning collection.  I was a bit upset as after all my hard work in the front garden last Friday, no end of street rubbish had managed to blow in below the privet hedge.  I had only just cleared it out.  Quite peed off about this.  Got rid of the rubbish though.

Tea was Sausages and Tomatoes again.  A nice tasty simple tea that does not require too many pots or pans and is easily achievable.  Tomorrow I think it will be Pork chops, mashed potatoes, Broccoli and Carrots with some gravy.  A bit more of a meal.

Wednesday

Missy was a little off colour and later in the day started to refuse first food and then later on water. Despite numerous attempts to try and get her to eat and to drink. We therefore concentrated on her, had lots of cuddles and spent quality time with her.

For tea we had Pizza and some tinned fruit with cream.

Then went back to cuddling Missy

 I had her on the bed with me overnight for the best part where she seemed to sleep peacefully although I did not. I did a couple of pit stops for water and a wee.  She would not drink the water, so I kept her lips moistened. Early hours she went in with G.  Yet again seemed to cuddle in and sleep peacefully.

Thursday

I looked over at Missy about 6.30am and she was looking at me and seemed to be setting in for another snooze.  A few minutes later she had gone.  Quietly, peacefully surrounded by her family.  An unusual but perfect way for her to pass over to Rainbow Bridge, no  performance, just love and kindness.  Anything else would have stressed her and therefore for a dog so full of love a good passing. (if there is such a thing)  There is never enough time though, and after 16 years of her being the heart and soul of the house, we are gutted.  Missy was a one off and not replaceable.  Fortunately we had those cuddles yesterday which she seemed content with and particularly settled into my lap.  Those cuddles they have to last for a long time though.  We have been much blessed with her, her energy and joy and when she could run, running all over the shop without resting.  Think there was a bit of a Greyhound in her metaphorically speaking.  She did find it harder as she aged, especially with the arthritis, but she was on meds for that from the Vet plus a supplement we paid extra for which seemed to help her a lot.  We shall miss her dearly.  The house already feels too empty without her.  RIP little one you were and are still very much loved.

Some photos from when we first got her 16 years ago.

RIP sweetheart we will miss you greatly but now you are at peace and free of any discomfort.

Always in our hearts.

xx

Pattypan

xx