#barsuraube

5/1/2025. So the New Year arrived, nothing and no one can stop the years rolling on. The above photo was taken in the early part of January 2024 when I was able to take a walk confidently and to push myself that little bit further.

Regular followers will know what a year it has been, with further treatments that gave me such hope only to find that they had failed again. Goodness only knows what treatment number I am onto now. However, as long as this body of mine can take it, I will accept what they offer me.

Anie and I toddled to the Gendarmerie on Monday to find out what we could about this letter I had received. Then we came home and Anie rang for an appointment for a telephone interview, it’s Monday 6th. Hopefully something else to cross off my To Do list.

Tuesday (all day) was spent at the hospital for my treatment and transfusion, honestly it was so relaxing, I had two lovely sleeps which really “pepped” me up. I didn’t wait up for the New Year to arrive, it would do so without any assistance from me.

My grandchildren video called on New Years Day to wish Grand-mère a Happy New Year. It was lovely to see them (again) they are just such absolute cuties.

The family sent New Years greetings early which was really nice as the messages came through promptly.

Then it was back to work, on Thursday, for “The Solicitor”, not something he was looking forward to but , unfortunately you need to work to earn money to live. “The Recovery Coordinator” had already worked Monday and Tuesday so she was able to relax at home Thursday and Friday.

“The Photographer” went back to work on Thursday too, not sure if “The Jetsetter” did as well. At some point life has to return to normal and that time has come.

Last night the “The Photographer” was in Leeds to photograph the ice hockey match between Leeds and Hull. “The Jetsetter” went with her father to see the match. There were weather warnings in place but let’s hope they were for later in the evening.

How much paperwork can one accumulate in such a short time? I appear to be heading for the “Guinness Book of Records” disposing of it is the problem now! Anyway, I have been trying to work my way through it , no easy feat I can say!

So the jobs to ring/message the painter and the plumber did not materalise, they will have to be done this week. Taking the bill and cheque to the gardener is still outstanding.

This week’s music selections are from way back. The first is back to 1973, it’s the Doobie Brothers with “Long Train Running”.

The second is “Let’s Go Round Again” by the Average White Band, which was released in 1980.

I hope you enjoy these.

Jusqu’à la semaine prochaine

Greetings from a cloudy Bar sur Aube, where it’s 7c at the moment. We are due a maximum of 10c so it’s not going to be that much warmer. It has rained a lot but we have had some high ish temperatures along with a weak sun but it’s the rain you remember especially when it’s a very heavy downpour and you are soaked!

I did smile when I saw the Drappier Champagne van at the Gendarmerie, the Drappier driver wasn’t delivering so I wonder if he had been speeding or worse still “drunk in charge of the champagne van”.

Anie messaged on Sunday afternoon to say could she come visit me, of course, I produced mince pies and coffee cake along with one of the new teas Monique had bought me for Xmas. She stayed for about an hour, it was enough really, I am finding it hard to concentrate on hearing French for longer than that. She always brings some gift and this time it was a small jar of the herb sariette and a jar of marmalade. I baked a batch of cheese scones yesterday, I added some sariette and herbes de Provence, they were really lovely.

Monique has been in touch keeping me up to date with her blood tests, appointments etc.

My fortnightly blood test was due and the nurse arrived promptly. The results are not coming back as quickly as previously but perhaps it’s the tests requested that make the results arrive later.

The plumber came to install the new boiler, amazing all finished in 3.5 hours! Oh the luxury have having lovely hot water “on tap”. You don’t miss something until it is taken away from you.

My grandchildren are with “The Photographer” this weekend and then it’s “the big adventure”, they are going to London from Monday to Thursday to go to the Zoo and the Natural History museum.

“The Ex-Graduate” will be starting her final week at the bar, where she worked part-time while studying and full time since her studying finished. She starts her new job in a couple of weeks so she will be given a new title on here too 😊.

“The Trainee Solicitor” is working his socks off and will be looking forward to a little break away from home for a few days. Next week will be busy at work as two staff members are on holiday but you can only do as much as you can do in the hours you are at work so just keep that in mind!

So let’s have a look at my music choices this week. I don’t know how I hadn’t thought of this one before now. I have no idea what makes a good guitarist I just know that some music just gets to you. Here is one of the guitar greats doing what he does best! The song was released in 1999 😳, it is “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas. Well if that doesn’t get you moving I am not sure what will!

The second song is one that always makes me “feel good”, I want to get up and leap around. We go way back to 1970 for this hit from George Harrison, the song is “What is Life”. Enjoy listening to these tracks today.

So today was the day I had been looking forward to, the day of the visit to the gorgeous “La Belvedere” restaurant for lunch. I was disappointed when Maud messaged to say she had had bronchitis and was still coughing so thought it best to cancel the restaurant. Oh well until the next time 😉. I am going to make myself something “tasty” for lunch 🤞and if I get out of bed now, I may be able to prepare a super dessert too.

It was the knitting group on Friday and I must say we were a little depleted! The 92/93 year old lady is suffering with her back so was unable to attend. The newest member of the group had previously been into hospital for an operation and therefore didn’t arrive until about 4pm. Helene, a lady who suffers from some neurological problem couldn’t come as she was unwell and her husband (who brings her) was also unwell. It was just as well I had decided to go! I was only going to stay for a couple of hours and forego the cake and drink, however, I brought the “tarte” home with me and enjoyed it after my evening meal. We were discussing the best things to make to sell at the markets. It was suggested that we tried key fobs, I produced a pattern for some pendants and earrings and will photocopy the pattern to take back in a fortnight. The ladies were impressed with my little cardigan . It has been decided that from now on a receipt needs to be produced to show the cost of materials, I guess that puts paid to a refund for me, as the wool I have had for years, so no longer have the receipt. Oh well does it matter, it gets the wool used up 😊.

Now I am going to “put my best foot forward” (wish I knew which one it was 😂) .

I think this photo should be called “house on the hill”.

I wish you all a good week until next week.

Bonjour à tous 👋. This morning I am in Troyes, in the all-inclusive hotel which serves atrocious food - THE HOSPITAL ! Don’t be fooled by the photos ! News of those photos will appear further down. This is certainly the place for a crash diet. However I am not here for the food (no way) I am here for the fantastic medical care I have received and am continuing to receive.

The weather here is currently five Celsius and drizzle which looks to continue until early afternoon when it should be eight Celsius.

So why is she complaining about food, I hear you ask? This was the restaurant I went to last Sunday with my friend Maud. I had filet de bœuf with pepper sauce, gratin dauphinois and mache (lambs lettuce). Followed by tartine des fruits, glace and meringue croustillant. Having not eaten so much before I was surprised that my stomach could take what was a surprisingly big meal but it did! It showed its appreciation by rumbling again at 4:30pm 🤔, I think it wanted more of the same.

It’s a beautiful restaurant overlooking the lake and even on a grey day it is wonderful.

The start of the week I was chilled then at 2:30pm that calmness was thrown into chaos when a call from the hospital said arrive at 9:00 not 15:00 as originally told. No reason was given but I calmed myself by thinking chemo was starting early?

I was ready when the taxi arrived at 7:45 for the hours journey to Troyes. I was put into the family room while my room was prepared. An older French gentleman appeared who looked to be leaving (think it was his room I was given). He was polite, recognised I was “a stranger” and told me I spoke good French, what a compliment.

After being installed in my room the day involved being fitted with a catheter into my JUGULAR, yes you read that right. Apparently it gets the chemo into the blood stream quicker than with the normal PICC line. It was painless until I started feeling pain in my shoulder, the PICC line was put in on Friday and the jugular catheter removed yesterday. I still have the pain even with pain medication and as I had had it a little time before I came into hospital I have asked if a doctor will approve an X-Ray. So that is all the complaining done. I have lost Friday to treatment and Saturday to pain but hey such is life!

Now we turn to my family, where we find that “The Trainee Solicitor” has some news to give me which he confirmed is not “bad news”. He also took “mothers’ advice” and visited the “drop in” centre about his ear problem. I hope thé drops are having an effect and no side effects (look at the paper inside the box). I am hoping you feel better soon.

This week “The Ex-Graduate” changes title and becomes “The Reconnect Navigator”. She has had a couple of boring days in the job but has also had a few very interesting days. That’s the first week over and let’s hope you had your walk yesterday as I know you desperately needed the exercise. These poor nurses don’t need exercise,they must walk miles in a day on this unit, it is huge!

“The Photographer” had been working his day job, with a day off on Wednesday, always welcome when you work a weekend.

Yesterday, he travelled to Buxton in Derbyshire, to photograph for Scarborough AFC. There had been snow but the match was played. It ended up even, 0-0, but not a loss, which should give the players a little boost. These players work all week in amazing jobs and give up Saturdays and Tuesday evenings to play matches as well as the training they need to put in too. As you can imagine, they are tired but morale keeps them going.

Our newest member to the “clan” is “The Jetsetter”, who I think may either be back home now or still cruising in Norway (rather you than me, I get nauseous in my bed 😂 I don’t the action of a boat😂). Welcome and if you are still in Norway, “God morgen 👋.

I apologise in advance if my choices in music range from years you have only read about in history books 😂 but this is the music I love and the first track is “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers. This is back to 1973 😱.

The second song is Yah Mo B There by James Ingram and Michael McDonald. Oh, this is a bit more recent 😂 1988.

The picture below is of my dessert last week.

Jusqu’à la semaine prochaine.

Bonjour et bienvenue, it is 28c and the mercury is set to rise, expecting 33c this afternoon.

It has been a quieter week, less dashing about, but of course I have still found things to do.

However, it was not quiet for part of my family in the UK, “The Daddy” has been doctor and nurse as firstly my grandson was sent home from nursery with “tummy troubles”, then during the night his sister was vomiting and to cap it all “The Mummy” was unwell too! Obviously, the children improved faster than the adult, hopefully now they all feel a lot better.

I appeared to have a “new lease of life” on Monday and surprised myself with all of the jobs I tackled. Unfortunately, this did not continue, although I have been outside (in the heat) doing jobs in the garden. I went out to buy a garden riddle/sieve, as I was sterilising used compost for next year. I hadn’t realised it was such a dirty job until I came back into the house looking like a “coal man”. While I was out looking for this purchase, I spotted some geraniums which were a good price. Of course I then had to buy planters……. honestly, sometimes I need reining in!

It was the “Fête Nationale” on thé 14th, the fireworks started at 11pm on the 13th ( only for 30 minutes). A nearby village was holding a “vide grenier” on thé 14th, so I was up and out early to see if anything caught my eye. Apart from the beautiful setting and lovely scenery nothing else interested me. I am always looking for something “quirky” for the garden, the guéridon I bought for €5 at the last vide grenier was a bargain, as the shop in town has a slightly larger one, which is very corroded in one part, and he wants €19 for it!

I have been knitting for the refugee lady who is expecting a baby, she really wanted a little girl, so I bought wool which would suit a girl. She went for her scan on Monday and was told it is another little boy. She said she cried and cried! I am going to finish the little grey hat, which matches the bootees and I have a little cardigan which I could finish for her too. I need to get that done quickly as they are going to be moved on very soon.

Monique sent another video of her twin grandchildren. They are just six months old, one was laid on her tummy, had her legs like a little frog and managed to get herself mobile…… the other one is always reaching out to touch her sister either poking her face or kicking her head, it’s so funny to see.

I think Anie still has her family over from Indonesia, she is enjoying her time with her granddaughter, plus her son and daughter-in-law.

“The Paralegal” has been on a high this week (is that even possible) as he had good news regarding his work. I think, as I write, that he will be researching and preparing documents.

The garden is looking a lot worse for the high temperatures we have been having. Tomatoes are ripening, strawberries are coming on a treat, I have had two more beetroot, they tasted delicious, but “something” has got the raspberries, and they are not fruiting (maybe they are all finished now). The hibiscus has flowered again although the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off, my blue hydrangea has the teeniest little flower head, I have however, realised that the paniculata “Little Lime” needed more water, and it now has bigger blooms on it. The grass, unfortunately, is well and truly scorched.

Yesterday, I had music playing for hours, going into the garden I was surprised to hear the music outside, then thought no more of it. I had just finished a wonderful duet with Paul Rodgers, the Middlesbrough lad of Free and Bad Company fame, when I realised the French doors were wide open (shutters were down) but we would have been serenading the neighbours 🙈.

I was looking for a poem about summer, now who can remember having to sing this, I think it may have been when I was in the school choir or even just in music lessons (remember those?). Believed to be the oldest example of part-music in existence, this 13th century middle-English song is a round.

« Summer is a coming in,

Loudly sing cuckoo,

Soweth seed and bloweth mead,

And springeth wood anew,

Sing cuckoo! “

The ironing needs to be done, plus another couple of jobs which I won’t get time to do tomorrow as I have a rendezvous. Plus it’s lunchtime and nothing is prepared yet! What have I done with this morning!

Have a great week.

Bonjour a tous, I hope you are all safe and well. The blue sky has chased away the grey (for the time being) although I am hoping that it will be a dry day as I need to do jobs in the garden. Temperature is 17c and we have rain!

After the rollercoaster week of last week, this week has been taken at a sedate pace and I feel as if I am miles ahead with things that I am planning for the remainder of the year.

I have actually taken an interest in my knitting again, or rather finishing off what I had started. I have baby blankets and cardigans which I have to send to family so I have been working on completing those. Although I will still take the knitting workshop with the refugees, I think that I would like to do some sewing, well dressmaking, Anie sews a lot so if I got stuck I am sure that she would help me.

For the first time in months, I managed to report a weight loss, probably all the stress of last week but it has given me a boost. Lets hope that I can continue with this. Maybe it was just a result of foregoing wine (well there are calories in that too), not that I drink a lot but a couple of small glasses a couple of nights a week can add up.

Marie-Therese came over on Wednesday and instead of cake and coffee chez moi, we were invited to friends for lunch. We arrived a little too early and left a little too late but we had a lovely time, the food was good, conversation was great and there was even a little bit of humour as three English people were trying to pronounce “crumble” so that the French person understood, it was a little bit like “the policeman” in ‘Allo ‘Allo! After arriving home I was debating what to do with the rest of the day, when I saw another car pull up outside my house…………….recognised it as belonging to Jeannette a lady I haven’t seen in months! She called to invite me to an evening recital at the Chateau de Vaudremont on Saturday. We had a good two hours catching up on things and of course she was disappointed when I said I would be unable to attend, but being a “morning” person, I find it difficult to do much in the evening unless I have the option of leaving when I want too. However, it was a very kind offer and I was pleased to see her.

I have been busy organising birthday cards for the next couple of months (I like to be organised), my birthday book is one I have had since I was a teenager so it is interesting to read the names of people who at one time meant so much to me. Actually, I was just glancing through it now and realised that I had forgotten someone, so I will rectify that straight away!

It is the week of the Tesco order for my cousin in London, I have taken down quite a large order and will ring her again this afternoon to see if she has remembered anything else. Fortunately, “The Daddy” has booked the slot for her. She really appreciates this as she hasn’t left her flat for months (other than to take the rubbish to the dustbins). This pandemic has been hard on all of us, but this lady hasn’t seen anyone regularly, she is relying on her telephone, keeping in touch with cousins in the UK and abroad, it must be really hard for her (and others like her).

My little grandson was taken to A&E the other night as his parents were worried about him. Everything was okay but babies and children can be a worry and it is better to get them checked out. I received a photo this morning of my gorgeous granddaughter, she had chosen her own clothes all colour co-ordinated and she is only three years old!! “The Daddy” is on paternity leave which is good but as “The Mummy” is breastfeeding it is her who is called upon through the night. Hopefully, my grandson will settle and start sleeping longer through the night. My own children slept right through from just over 8 weeks.

“The ex-Paralegal” has been on his own “rollercoaster” this week. Hearing him talk, I remember having a similar conversation with my Mum, you are in your twenties, the years ahead seem bleak, what am I going to do? If I take this road in my life how will I know that it is the right road? I remember the song “ The other man’s grass is always greener, the sun shines brighter on the other side” but to be honest it took me a while to realise that the path you choose may not be the right path but there will be a turning up ahead and you can always try that route. I always say that as an adult, I have never regretted the choices I made (maybe at the time I didn’t feel that way) you make your own destiny. It’s nice to make plans but don’t beat yourself up if those plans go awry, (here is another song) “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again”. After all that, which I am sure he doesn’t want to read, life is for living and as long as you can recognise the pitfalls and hopefully avoid them, you can then begin to enjoy yourself.

My friends in Bristol, sent me photographs of their tomatoes, they have rather a lot on their plants and some are ripening very well. My own cherry tomatoes have quite a few ripe ones on now and the bigger vine tomatoes are turning orange. I have had so much pleasure from my garden since I moved into this house and I am learning such a lot. Who would have thought that I would have turned into a gardener (of sorts) but it is enjoyable, gets me outside and also keeps my brain ticking over as I “google” things to find out why plants are doing this, that or the other. I am learning all the time, not only French but about plants too.

I am now going out to turn the compost, add some more compostable materials and check on the potager. Then I need to have lunch and do a zillion and one other jobs. Wish me luck!

The photographs were taken in town a couple of months ago, it is part of the display in front of the Town Hall and I think it is splendid.

Bonne apres-midi et bienvenue, I am late today, not because I have been lazing in bed, I have been up and out to a market with my friend Anie. It was at a chateau so a lovely setting or it would have been if it hadn’t kept raining. Anie is a little bit like me (must be why we get on so well) we go to these markets and look, ask questions but don’t buy unnecessary “stuff” (technical term). We went inside the chateau where there was one room full of books for sale…….can you believe I walked out with four books all in English, two of them are rather big books so I should have enough to keep me going until Christmas. We wandered through the other rooms but it was the “book room” that won the day for both of us. We did have a little bit of a drama as we were leaving when Anie’s car “touched” another one, but no damage to either so it was just a “kiss”. We had a pleasant drive back and then Anie came in for a cup of tea. I was panicking, I had no cake or biscuits, what on earth could I give her to eat with her tea? Well, remembered that I had bought crackers, I put out cheese, crisps, nuts, cornichons and cherry tomatoes, blimey you would have thought that I had conjured up a three course meal, she was so appreciative.

The second round of regional elections is taking place today, and Anie was reminded of the importance of voting as we passed a “polling station”. She will be going out this afternoon to cast her vote.

It is 21c at the moment and just cloudy but more rain is forecast for later today. It also looks as though we are going to have a lot of rain in the week too, but I really do not care as it waters my plants. I was picking broad beans for Anie when she arrived and then I went out to gather my strawberries, two big ones today, there are lots on the plants so should have more over the next few days.

I phoned the gardener and he came out to trim the hedges at the back of the garden. There were two of them this time and they arrived about 9.15 and were finished and gone by 10.05, its all about having the right tools for the job and having someone clearing up is always a winner. Anyway, I am very pleased with the results. I had asked him to cut the hedge (which really belongs to my neighbour), she had said she would get it cut possibly this coming week. When I told her that my “man” had done it, her first reaction was “how much”? Now we are both women on our own and having a raggy hedge on my side was not very attractive so it was in my interest to get it cut anyway, so I just gesticulated that it didn’t matter, I would pay as I was having the back hedge cut anyway.

There has been another Tesco order to be organised for my cousin in London. It has all been delivered and she appreciates what we do to make her life easier.

Marie-Therese messaged to say that she was “tired” and wouldn’t be coming to town this week. I asked if we had done too much last Saturday, but she didn’t think it was that, her dog had got out of the garden and she had been looking for him with her neighbour and she thinks it was that that had tired her.

I mixed up my cleaning rota this week and spent a lot of time working downstairs and in the garden. knew I had done too much in the garden when I found that I couldn’t bend down without pain, but aren’t you supposed to work through the pain barrier? Even though I say so myself the garden does look good.

I went for my second vaccination, yippee I am fully vaccinated, I am so pleased. Still wearing my mask, carrying my hand sanitizer and keeping my distance but that’s how I want to be, don’t want to risk anything.

So apart from receiving my water bill for the period January to June 2020, having to pay my car insurance, plus MOT and pre-MOT service, pay the gardener, I received a message from the man who is going to lay my terrace he said he will come either the end of this coming week or the week after………….it’s all payout! Never mind I will have a very smart garden (I hope), my car insured for another year and an MOT for the two years, can’t be that bad can it?

“The Paralegal” has had another fraught week this last week, he knows that the first three days of next week will be busy due to the end of the stamp duty holiday, then he will just have two days left to work before he waves bye bye to that firm. Then we can both have a bit of relax before he starts work again. He is going for his first vaccination this coming Tuesday, that is good too.

Lucy has been going to work but has managed to catch up with “The Paralegal” and he was able to see the babies “Tilly and Chester” too. I know that always makes him happy. Lucy has worked out her final result for the course she has taken and she should be very pleased with the result.

“The Mummy” has finished her final assignment for her course and tells me that the baby can come anytime now as she is ready. As it is due in less than two weeks, it may decide to hold on, who knows it’s a baby after all!

“The Daddy” has had his first week back at work after having two weeks holiday. He seems to have enjoyed being back and no doubt apart from the “excitement” of waiting for the new baby they also have the new house to look forward to. New furniture and furnishings have been ordered, dear me it’s all about money there too!

Not forgetting my gorgeous granddaughter, who had a couple of nightmares this week (fortunately she hadn’t had a video call with her grand-mere, otherwise it may have been more)! Probably just a phase she is going through. She went to see her great grandma this week, so that was lovely for them both.

Now I really must have a little relaxation, clear my head and prepare for the week ahead.

Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine.

12/1/2025. The festivities are well and truly finished for 24/25, decorations packed back in boxes (not in this house 😱) and the house looks “normal” once again.

We have had bright days, cloudy days and days when the temperature has been so low, it feels like your ears will fall off 😳. Yet despite that, the sunrises and sets as it has done for millennia.

Normally, I would start to tell you about my woes (that’s later) but let’s just take the time to remember people who have lost loved ones during these 12 days. Some suddenly, some following years of illness, it’s still a shock no matter when it happens. In fires, war, all kinds of other disasters plus of course the normal progression of their life cycle. Will 2025 improve? Let’s hope so it’s just so depressing! That’s life though I guess ups and downs for all people.

Now to me! I had the chat with the Gendarme for my telephone appointment (well Anie and I did) the good news is I don’t have to wait for conclusion of the inquiry before I can sell my car. Anie went straight to the garage in her little 🚗 to ask if someone could ring me and arrange to view the car in the hope that they will pay a good price. Well good or not, I need it gone, so 🤞that could be pretty soon.

I finally had the cleaner here (after four weeks) I knew I wasn’t feeling 100% when I lounged in my chair while she did upstairs, then could have slept really well when I laid on my bed. We have agreed that for the following weeks when I go to the hospital on a Tuesday she will have a key to come in and do the work.

My visit to the hospital did not go as well as anticipated. Due to an infection (this horrible head, nose, ears, throat etc) I was unable to have the treatment or start the tablets again for their three week stint. So we are pushing back the treatment, hopefully just for one week. All I could think was “don’t keep me in hospital”. Anyway home I came, even though my eating has been sporadic, I have enjoyed a day (or two) where taste has returned and I have enjoyed my meals. Tablets are taking control of my eating pattern and I have a notebook telling me what has to be taken before, during and after meals 🙄. Despite all of this, I have still managed to wash bedding, towels, clothes and everything else in between. The nurse coordinator (at the hospital) was surprised I only had a cleaner coming in to help me. Well no good having someone pop in to stick a ready meal into the microwave for me, that would just make me feel 🤑 again.

My neighbour has been asked to go to the pharmacy, do little bits of shopping for me and I think it is starting to tell on him. He never refuses but I am sure after all this time (June 2023) to hear his phone “beep” on a morning must be an “oh no not again moment.

It’s the Fete Sans Frontières on the 19 January. It also happens to be Anie’s birthday. Her sons had tried to persuade her not to go but it’s such an important fete for her that she dismissed her birthday and seeing her son/s. Last year I attended, there really is no chance of that this year but I will be thinking about them all.

“The Solicitor” now has a shared office (with the accountant) and is the Wills and Probate Man. “The Recovery Coordinator” has had a busy week, although it’s demanding she loves her job. They have joined the gym and been and bought new trainers, swimming gear for “The Solicitor”. Now all that’s needed is a determined approach (on his part anyway).

My grandchildren are with daddy and grandad this weekend. Grand-mere was not an interesting proposal against a snooze for grandson and definitely no comparison to Barbie which my granddaughter was playing with.

They are going to a birthday party this afternoon so I guess they will be shattered when they arrive at Mummy’s.

It’s the week of the grand move for “The Photographer and “The Jetsetter”. It’s ok getting a removal man to remove the heavy items but there are still boxes to pack. “The Jetsetter” has been packing boxes and selling things which are not needed.

Let’s have a look at some songs, I do hope I am not repeating a lot of them but, in my opinion, its worth listening to them again. The first is “Almaz” by Randy Crawford which was released in 1986. The second is “I Go To Sleep” by The Pretenders which was released in 1980.

On Friday evening a friend from the knitting group brought me a trough full of spring plants, she put them on my kitchen window sill then rang me from her car. About 10pm I opened my front door, there was a kalanchoe plant, she had said leave it outside for two days incase there were any bugs keeping warm in there. How kind of her. I am thrilled that I can watch spring bulbs grow and flower.

Until next week.

29/12/2024. Bonjour à tous, there is not much more of 2024 for us to enjoy but I am sure that a lot of people will be ready to “ring out the old and ring in the new”, on Tuesday night. I will not be one of those I am afraid, I am hoping to be tucked up in my bed, sound asleep.

I was going to do a recap of the year but as it mainly involved hospital visits to Paris and Troyes I thought it would be nice to look back on happier times in Paris. This first photograph is from a visit to see Pauline when she lived in Paris back in 2022. It was a beautiful February day, we did a lot of walking, it was great to see some wonderful sights in the capital. We had started with an exhibition in the Arab World Institute, then we made our way to the Pantheon taking time to take advantage of the winter sunshine, before finally finding somewhere cheap enough for Pauline to eat. A walk across the river, that day, would have set us towards the Hospital Saint-Antoine which I visited for removal of stem cells in 2023.

This week has been a fairly normal week for me, blood test on Monday, treatment and transfusion on Tuesday, injections on Wednesday then a few days to myself before it starts again next week.

At the hospital on Tuesday, I was given a pack of biscuits and a bottle of apple and raspberry pure juice which had been donated by the group supporting cancer patients in the Aubé department.

My Christmas lunch had to be re-jigged I was not happy with the chicken. It meant adding an extra course and having a meat free main course but it worked well and I am pleased it did.

On Thursday I received another Christmas card from “The Solicitor” and “The Recovery Coordinator”, plus a wonderful package which contained a wooden jigsaw, chocolates, a hand-made dog plus a pewter bookmark. What a lucky person I have been this Christmas.

Both “The Solicitor” and “The Recovery Coordinator” have been unwell over the Christmas period. I am not surprised there are so many “bugs” going around in the UK (guess here in France too) however, I wear a mask when I go out, wash my hands when I come back in and generally try very hard to keep a distance from anyone who coughs, sneezes etc. I also limit the number of people coming to my home to avoid other germs being brought in here.

“The Photographer” has been on the road a lot this week. He worked Monday and Tuesday, then drove up to spend Tuesday evening with his Aunt and taking her to a restaurant for Christmas lunch on Wednesday. He then drove back to York, spent Thursday in York before heading to his father’s house ready for his children arriving on Friday. Unfortunately my grandchildren had not been well on Christmas Day either. They seemed well when I spoke to them yesterday!

“The Jetsetter” had spent Christmas Day with her parents. She was due to meet friends on Thursday evening but as she too has a cold/bug she didn’t go. Two friends have weak immune systems so didn’t want to be in close contact with someone who was unwell. Yesterday she went with her parents to visit her brother and have Christmas Day with her nephew.

Not many visitors over Christmas (not that I expected any) my friends have family to visit and (for anyone who knows from this blog) I do prefer to suit myself, being alone but not lonely is part of that. I had numerous messages, video calls etc so didn’t really have the chance to feel lonely. Today, 🤞, I will have a visitor this afternoon, oops visitor has just messaged, she has woken with a scratchy throat and a headache so won’t be coming. Oh well perhaps I will start on a jigsaw. Before that I am hoping that my neighbour can take me to the supermarket just to buy some items to keep me going over New Year. He has been so kind, I am hoping that I will be able to repay him at some point.

So now we turn to the last music choices for 2024. It has been difficult choosing songs as most of my best memories date back 40 or 50 years (yes really). However, I can’t understand how this one slipped through the net, but I managed to catch it just in time. The song is “While You See A Chance” by Steve Winwood, this was released in 1980. The second song is from 1982, it’s “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake. Happy memories, isn’t it funny how after a good few years the lyrics seem to be more appropriate to differing circumstances.

So I will leave you this Sunday morning, either looking forward to New Years Eve with lots of drunken people wishing you a Happy New Year (been there, done that), firework displays lighting up the early morning sky, expectations for 2025 running high. Of those I will be pleased with the final one. I will be tucked up in bed for the others and I don’t expect a drunken person coming in wishing me a Happy New Year.

So here are a couple more photos taken in Paris, in 2022 and 2024.