Hello Dear Kitty..

What a beautiful Christmas gift 🎄🎁, you received today...A yummy Christmas lunch and an offer to take you for your COVID tests....

Gifts that come from the heart...is the best gift anyone can ever receive....the gift of giving ones time.....🎄❤️💚🌹🎁..

I don’t really have a favourite Christmas Song....My favourite songs are from long ago....Jingle bells, The first Noel, Oh, come all ye faithful...Santa Clause is coming to Town...just to name a few😂😂.

Enjoy the rest of your day dear friend..🎄❤️💚.

Hugs...Grandy..

These are all the songs we had as children, & so, have known for most of our lives. I wonder, if like me, do you find you don't take to the new songs easily? I think it's about having no stored associations from childhood as with the old songs..

I do like the wintery songs, like Sleigh Bells, Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, Silver Bells Rudolf & Jingle Bells. Hehehe I like bells!

I hope you have a lovely evening, Grandy. You've been so warm, generous & gentle, truly an Angel on Earth . 😻

mmMekitty

Dear mmMekitty (wiht a wave to Grandy)~

I'm delighted your carer gave you food and most importantly offered to take you for your test. This is something privately I've been concerned about.

I have long experience with carers because of my freind, about 30 years worth. There are some for whom it is just a job between better things, some as an aid to getting into nursing, and a blessed few for whom it is a relationship, whether the carer goes fare beyond what they are contracted for.

It looks like you have one of the latter.

This means a lot, even to the extent of trying to put up wiht touching if an explanation does not do the trick.

As for songs I'd sing: I grew up in a C of E environment as my father was a clergyman. I guess The First Noel might be good as well as Silent Night, my favorite however will probably not strike a chord, it is the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah

Although I'm no longer religious the power of this piece can still be outstanding. While I can no longer sing it was my favorite as you younger person.

Croix

Hi Croix

Glad you could drop in.😻

'Silent Night' is on my favourites list,for it's quiet gentleness, & the vocal challenge. I try to harmonise the parts I can't reach so much anymore. 🎶😸

I hope you've had a wonderful day of peace & happiness.

mmMekitty

Hi mmMekitty

I'm so glad that lady has offered to take you to the test, what a relief for you and I'm glad someone has helped you!

That's the trouble with BB, we know someone needs a helping hand but can't do anything in real life so to speak - I can type on my phone here but can't physically help you in person. This is something I find hard here.

Happy Christmas to you and everyone here. I'm relieved to hear you got some help!

🙂🐕🐾💞🎄

Hi mmmkitty, so lovely to find Ur thread! I like how u titled it...makes it easy to find u!

My heart goes out to u needing a test at this time of year. I work near a testing site and have seen such big queues recently it's daunting and hard. Good to have someone with u and what a kind offer.

These holiday periods are hard, and its beautiful to hear ur good news and warm stories.

I've been quite alone, but have tried to enjoy moments of joy as they present. Sometimes all I can I can is embrace and accept goodness into my life

Hi Sleepy,

Great to see you here.😺

I realised sometimes we just have to make something for ourselves. My Xmas avatar is a picture I made two years ago, as one such effort. That's why I enjoy my "Crappiest Christmas Crap" Awards. That's why I try to get myself something & (when possible) find somewhere to go for lunch.

I've been thinking, how good it was to go to the community lunch, where I knew some, if not all of the people didn't have close family or friends & were lonely as I had felt that year. In this way, I felt I was there for their needs, too, & that made all the difference for me.

I didn't have any place to go this year, so I thought, I have at least, a virtual 'place' I can go. So I came here to BB. & it's been of great value to me, &I hope my presence hs been of some comfort & help to some people here.

I think, virtual presence can't really replace the lack of someone important in one's life, I mean, someone really, physically there. In the moment, though, I hope what we have here is of real benefit. I feel it is for me.

Lots of people give me a sense of a this being a populated place, like a feeling in my head, it's hard to explain...when I read posts, it's as if I hear actual voices of the people writing....not sure how accurately my mind represents everyone, but I just feel you all are more real for how my mind creates 'voices' from the text I'm reading.

I'm really curious if others get a similar sense.

Try to keep yourself safe. & thanks again. I feel kind of blown away by the kindness & generosity of the helpers I've found. 😻

mmMekitty

Hi mmMekitty,

I read a nice post by Centaured suggesting ppl seek out st vinnies or salves, that they have communal,lunches. I didn't know but in future might try that,

Places like this are helpful to so many. I agree Ur virtual prescence is awesome and inspiring

I'm learning what u said, that we have to create for ourselves our own version of fun.

Not to say oh I wish ppl contacted me etc...but to either find fun activities or make contact ourselves. Just to pick up and keep going.

I think growing up in a bad family has made me have low standards, I don't expect fun, adventure or good to be a part of my life. I think I'll try plan my own fun....not wait for it.

Sending hugs to all

Hi Sleepy

A couple years ago, I heard mentioned on the news about community Xmas lunch offered to anyone who wanted to go along & enjoy a meal with others , no questions asked. It may have been the Salvos, but the one I heard of was in Sydney. I discovered that the Salvos do something like that here in Brisbane, as does the Anglican Church. The place where the Anglican Church was to have theirs was easier for me to get to, so that's where I went.

Actually, that was 2018, now I think of it.

I tried to persuade my neighbour to come with me, using the lure of it all being free. But no good. I haven't figured out quite why, but he'd rather sit & complain about not meeting people, or having people to talk to, than come out & meet & talk to people, even for a lunch.

So I went anyway, even though I was nervous. That year I was feeling I just needed to get out of my flat, & that I also wanted to shake off some of my own misery. I achieved more than that, realising the people there, needed the company of others too. We were helping each other as well as helping ourselves. & there were possibly 150 people there (I asked). The volunteers that day were great, even giving one person some of the large prawns to tak e for the cats the person said they had. They accepted the person was being honest, & just gave the prawns. No questions raised. (except by someone else as the table I was at). Someone else took all the table ornaments & lollies. A couple began trying to argue with them, but their was a language barrier.

I sat back, & wondering why would someone feel a need to take all the tabel ornaments & all the lollies like that? & I had a sudden thought about it: for whatever reason, they needed to, & that was what was important. Besides, what harm was there? I felt no harm, no sense that I was being deprived or anything. The people arguing were more disturbing to me, if anything was.

Then they gave us all large bags of goodies, & I mentioned my neighbour,& they gave me another lunch & bag to take home to him.

So 2019, a few days after I'd fallen over at my PDr's place, I went again. There were some Xmas Carols, with a big screen, but I still couldn't read the words they put up, karaoke style.

But last year they didn't do it there, & the alternate location was further away. OUtdoors, though. This year, I thought, it's unlikely, I'd be going out, & so it was. When I'd phone they really were unsure they'd be doing a lunch this year anyway.

Next year?

mmMekitty

Dear mmMekitty~

I'm sorry the communal meal was not on, sad if not surprising in our new Covid environment. That level of kindness and trust is one of the best things one can be part of. I feel sad for your neighbor.

You were wondering how others perceive posts. For me, when I've only just read their post or two for hte first time it is text on page, though even there some idea of the person seeps though.

As I start to regularly 'talk' to someone then I no longer see the words -unless I go back and deliberately look for them - instead I feel I'm with them, their personality is unique, sometimes partly made up of their avatar, always made up of what they say and how they feel - plus my imagination too I guess.

It may be an extension of how I read fiction, there I assimilate a paragraph or page at a time leaving my imagination free to populate those of my imagination. Sometimes I prefer books and radio to movies for just that reason.

So in a way I guess I do 'hear' each individual person.

As you say with the meal - maybe next year, and if that is not practical by then I'd expect the charitable organizations will have thought up alternatives. Actually I suspect it might be the kindness and companionship rather than the food.

Croix

Dear Hanna3~

I'm sure mmeKitty will not mind if I address you direct. I read your frustration at not being able to lend practical support, but are confined to writing.

If I'm simply pointing out what you already know all too well then my apologies, though maybe hearing it from another may reinforce.

Works on a page can have more effect, more power and can be more far-reaching than you might expect. It is true you cannot reach down and physically help someone else when they have fallen over, or cook a meal when someone is too dispirited to make one for themselves.

So you have to have different - maybe more subtle - aims. They may even have more fundamental benefits.

To provide a kind, understanding and safe place, to show care, to answer need and to give hope, maybe even a touch of humor if you are that way inclined, simply by being yourself are things that can make all the difference in the world.

I choose to be here, I have plenty of opportunity in my other pursuits to fill my time with verbal or face to face assistance, but believe here I, and everyone else that wishes to, can do something unique. so I spend as much time typing as I do elsewhere.

Your posts not only help those whom you address, but the vast majority of people who come here, and read but never post.

Again if I'm belaboring the obvious my apologies

Croix

Hey Croix,

I don't mind you swivelling your iceberg to address Hanna, or anyone.

Your point is well made & well worth repeating, underlining, & making every heroic attempt neccessarty to indelibly mark on my brain;💎like diamond, it is. 😸

*

You are well aware of the most beneficial & useful of human faculties: imagination. It's possibly the sole reason I like the written book form best. The author cannot possibly write in every possible detail, so leves much up to the reader to imagine, filling in as many or few of the lanks as they like. The reader has to do a lot of the 'writing' themselves. 😺

mmMekitty

Hi mmMkitty

Sorry they didn't or likely didn't host the event near u this year...that's a sad loss, but yes, definitely nice to try for next year.

I like that u were able to not judge the ppl taking the lollies.

i have seen some things over the years in wards and health care which I didn't always understand. Sometimes I had to let it go and accept we are all different.

I don't get Also why ppl take stuff like that... ut I hope it gives them some pleasure. Some ppl want more stuff, some ppl want less stuff. I'm constantly trying to get rid of stuff, I don't want things that don't speak to me around.

I didn't either get to attend that event this year, but it's a nice idea for the future.

Today I'm feeling pretty awful and trying to leave the house. That's a good enough goal. Hoping u have brightness and light today x

Hi Sleepy,

Eepending on the weather, wear a hat, or take an unberella, a water bottle anyway, & when you come to somewhere to sit, take a few minutes, just be in the place where you are. Look around, listen, semll, touch the seat, or fence (I have neighbours up the road who has low brick fences & I often pause & sit on, mostly to get the kinks out of my back/hips/knees before moving on. I love listening to the birds, their sounds from all around making the space feel so wide & full of life. Not so much into cars & trucks, though. It would all be better if I didn't get anxious walking on my own & often in pain. I used to love walking, finding a park, or where a little creek was, things like that.

Take care,

& about the person taking all the things from the table, I just thought, maybe, they have a deeper, psychological need, perhaps they had never had much, or filling some great emptiness, I don't know, but surely one does not do that sort of thing for no reason. In that way, I let it go.

mmMekitty

Hi mmmekity

I love being in nature just like u

It sounds like u have an adventurous spirit and enjoy outdoors

I went to a Cafe today , walked there and it was so good to move my body. I felt nice amongst the other ppl. Just observing. It has a better mindset for me than sitting alone at home, thanks for the push

I like being both in nature and in the busy city centres.

just a corner for me to sit in, a bench or a stone in the park, a brick from the fences of neighbours or a chair around the corner in the city centre's busy cafe. I can observe leaves on the trees swaying with the wind, several cars occasionally passing by me on the quiet streets, or customers packed in the busy cafe talking about different businesses... the last one isn't what I'm pursuing at this point tho *cough cough*

Hello On the Road,

Wonderful to see you here. Feel free to drop by anytime.

Even though you are not pursuing any business interest, it might still be interesting to eavesdrop a little to hear not only what people say, but how they say it. Mind you aren't obviously listening. Some people would take much offence to realise.

I would enjoy to get out & go walking, hopefully find birds to feed, on the way, to a place where I know it is comfortable, quiet & where I don't hear city sounds, nearly so much.

My anxiety & pain have taken much of the pleasantness out of the exercise. Being with one of my helpers helps with much of the anxiety. If she had training to be a sighted guide, my levels of anxiety would be lowered more.

Or, when we can, (when COVID allows), I ought to get some more training , with her, & someone to teach us both better techniques. I like the idea of having an instructor teaching us both at the same time. I hope we get a chance to do this, but I dare not imagine it would be within the next 6 months.

Something to think about for 2022

Makes me wonder if anyone has something they would like to work towards in 2022? You might like to consider: If COVID doesn't get in the way.

mmMekitty

Hi mmMekitty

I was the Christmas grinch this year. No decorations and no Christmas presents. I abandoned ship and tried to avoid feelings or the memories and expectations that Christmas can bring. I put on a smile for the sake of others and I got my booster shot Christmas Eve and spent the night sweating and in pain. I couldn’t believe it no reaction to the first 2 but the third knocked me. I survived and I’m moderately sad which is a great improvement.

I like the sound of the community Christmas lunch it makes a lot of sense. I’d be very shy going in and I understand your neighbour not wanting to venture out. Fellow grinch

what a treasure taking you for your test that is awesome. My cleaner came today and sat and had a quick chat with me and whizzed around and cleaned up. She is coming every week while I’m off my feet. She is my favourite person

I was expecting family to come but the testing and border issues they can’t get here just now They will try again in feb

Is your sister going to visit you in hospital is that possible. I got a visit from work people and one friend came too. I was a bit groggy but it did feel good to see someone other than staff.

Tomorrow going to my gym for exercises while I’m not up and mobile. I’m not looking forward to it at all. I’m very fatigued and I am out of painkillers nearly so I am trying to conserve them.
I am on holidays but I did a little work today just to try and catch up.

MC

Hi Mum Chris,

I won't write much now; I'm tired again. I was listening to a book, & even though the reader was sometimes shouty I went to sleep, for 3 hours. wBefore I wen to sleep, I was thinking I would phone my sis after 6pm, but not too late, just incase she was working, to wish her a Happy Birthday, but when I woke, I began getting something to eat, then some tele, & 2.5 hours later did I remember how I meant to phone her. Apparently, that's getting late for her, these days.

Now,not quite 10:30 & I want to sleep again. This is not like me.

I thought being 'Grinch this year was what you felt you needed. I'm hoping you'vefelt some benefits of giving yourself plenty of rest time, with no huge conflicts & noise. .

Keep in mind, as we get older, our bodies take longer to heal & recuperate from injury, so being patient & simply not rushing things is important.

Tomorrow,

Some gentle virtual hugs,

mmMekitty

Hi mmmKitty,

Hope u slept well.

I'm marvelling at my own bodies ability to heal...gives me hope.

Having hurt my back recently but do feel better.

Hope u are doing ok 9ver this period, and finding some time to enjoy and relax in nature

Hi mmMekitty

Napping with a book is required isn’t it. This week is a sleepy week for me too. You have been dealing with some stressful stuff and some extra sleep will help with lowering stress hormones.

I’m not liking the slow recovery it’s so frustrating and I’m being good taking time to heal the bad weather has helped. I was up stressing not sleeping last night because I have an appointment with physio so I can get some exercise.

Rest and enjoy the book

MC

Hi everyone,

Thanks for messages. 😻 They are so very much appreciated.

I was able to get a COVID-19 test this morning. It was better, lessuncomfortable than I have thought. I didn't know the pathologist would need to take a sample from the back of my tongue. I have a strong gag reflex, which was good, she said, because that means she is getting the sample from the right place. The thin little, what are they, fuzzy sticks, she probed my nostrils with were as nothing compared to the back of my throat swab. No eyes tearing up or nothing. Just the one moment of gag reflex, which also gave me a moment of tingling down my arms, was quick & all done within a cminute. She was very efficient, making no fuss &, I think, in this way, I was made to also feel there was nothing to tenxe up about. 😺

My home helper came & we were there at 9:15am. The person there said it was good we came then, as earlier in the morning there was a line up, but when we arrived there were no other people waiting. So I didn't hav to wait at all. We passed one persoarriving as we were leaving. & I was home again before 10:am. NO worries!

They will send results via text, & I must not delee the text, so I can show them at the hospital Tuesday morning.

I had a phone call earlier. Now I have to fast from midnight, only having sips of 400ml water between midnight & 6am Tuesday. That is a little harder than I was originally told. I have to shower Monday night & in the morning too, she said.

Now all I need do is to make sure I have gathered up all I am taking - nothing I don't need - with me.

*

Happy New Year! last📯🎇🎆🎇

mmMekitty

Hello Kitty, and everyone...🤗..

You done well going that time and it was so good that you didn’t have to wait too long to get your COVID test...fingers crossed for you precious lady...

Tuesday is coming up fast....I wish and pray ✨ 🙏 that everything goes smoothly for you, we will all be with you in spirit and holding onto your hand with care...

Please, look after you and if you need to...remember we are all here for you, because we love and care so much for our gorgeous beautiful Kitty 🐱....

Sending you lots of hugs, care and prayers Dear Kitty..🧸💚🤗💜...

Grandy...

Hi mmMekitty

I'm pleased you got the Covid test done so quickly! That's one thing out of the way.

It's usual to fast from midnight the night before your surgery. When I was nursing we used to put nil by mouth signs above the patient's bed and take their water jug away.

It's a good idea to put drinks and food items out of the way before you go to bed the night before hospital! Some patients would have a sandwich and cuppa for breakfast before coming to hospital and we had to cancel their surgery!

Having an operation is not the nicest way to start the year, but it's worth it if it keeps you well and healthy, and after the op you can concentrate on recovering and feeling good again. One step at a time.

Big hug!

🤗💖👍

Dear mmMekitty~

I think it would be and excellent idea to hold that party of yours in my igloo late Monday night/Tuesday morning. We can be guzzling stacks of pizzas and pinching the flagons of alcohol from the kiwis plus playing horrible music LOUD - all the while watching you enjoy your 400ml of water

Croix

Thanks everyone! 💎❤️💎❤️💎❤️💎❤️

& it's just as well I don't drink alcohol anymore, or what do you suppose they'd do if I turned up still drunk from New Year's celebrating? (Do they check the alcohol content in one's blood before operating? )

Now let's get the party really started, with our rendition of Glen Miller's "In the Mood"!

🎺🎵🎶

mmMekitty

Good choice, but I can't think of anything Glen Miller did involving cats except Tiger Rag - would that do?

-C

Good morning.

I snoozed & woke two minutes before midnight (Qld time). apart from one solitary unhappy person swearing & slamming a door once,, & some usual sounds of nearby traffic along the main road at the end of my street, my audio book playing, it was very, very quiet around here. I hope I wasn't snoring - people would have heard it all over the suburb!

My home helper emailed me to say she is bringing a spaghetti lunch, & some cherries for me. She said, "It is for long life as my mother said, haha". She is a 💎, worth her weight, twice over, in diamonds. 😻

& of-course, now it's January 1, the 4th really feels close enough to reach out & touch. My 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋are swarming like 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝who've had their hive disturbed.I feel I might make 🧈in my belly!

mmMekitty

Hi mmMekittty,

Sounds like it was calmer than expected, did u get some sleep??

Is there something Ur looking forward looking forward on the 4th? I hope it passes quickly and u find these days OK....it is a hard and triggering time.