Hunkering Down

 I slept until 2 pm and did some shopping.
As usual , I parked in the mother and child spot and almost had a row with a woman who took umbrage with my explanation that the Welsh ARE my children. I say almost, I’m not in the mood for battling , not today. I just smiled sweetly 
She didn’t smile back.
Sometimes , I get a little weary of being the one who hires and fires all of the time. 
I have an appointment at the doctor’s surgery on Monday to discuss my recent blood tests and it was nice that a friend at work, who knows, gave me a kiss on the cheek as way as a support last night.
Like I said , I’m a little tired doing everything on my own.
But there is no alternative and we plod on, don’t we ? 
I’ve cooked butter beans and chillies, and made a thick fish soup with cod steaks and park Choi , walked the dogs and lit the fire . 
Tomorrow I’m going bowling in the village hall, which sounds rather third age but all rather fun, but tonight I’m hunkering down on the couch





53 comments:

  1. Barbara Anne4:33 pm

    Ah, how well I remember the day after a night shift when the most you can expect from yourself is not to fall over or have to smack someone upside their head for sheer stupidity. Staying home with Mary, Roger, Weaver, and Bun, cooking good food, and otherwise circling the wagons is a good plan.

    Hugs!

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  2. Pets are only children to their owners.

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    Replies
    1. And some kids are animals to their parents

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    2. Or animals to those who arent their parents

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  3. Hope the test results discussion goes OK.
    Butter beans are a favourite of mine. Enjoy yours x

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    Replies
    1. The soup was amazing cod, veg, butter beans , left over cauliflower cheese , stock and garlic , with chillie flakes x

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  4. You didn't tell us about the storm? Were the ponies okay, shouldn't they have a shelter of some sort...were the animals okay home alone w the wind.
    And who did you have to fire/ hire?
    So many questions.
    I sympathize w you needing a parking space, but your dogs who remain in the car aren't equivalent to wrestling a child out of its / their car seats and into a stroller then on to a grocery cart, probably kid screaming the whole time. I'm sur your dogs are better behaved! It would be kind to leave the space free.
    Good luck w the doctor. Never good when you have to see in person. But hopefully on to better health for you. Sending a hug

    Lizzy

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    Replies
    1. The storm turned out to be a damp squib, rough in the morning and it faded quickly , all survived in the village

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  5. Damselfly5:31 pm

    Sounds like a calm & relaxing weekend! Stay safe & warm snuggled up with Mary, Roger, Bun & Weaver.
    Will be thinking of you Monday and hoping for a good discussion with your GP.

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    1. I don’t get on with him at all , so my interview is with the practice nurse

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  6. Life is not easy! That's for sure.
    One day at a time and try to start fresh each day.
    Your soup sounds perfect for a cold winter day.
    I hope your GP meeting goes well.

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  7. Parent and child spaces are for people with kids just as disabled spaces are for disabled people. It's simple really. Dogs are not children. I am both surprised and disappointed that you chose to park in that space.

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    1. I disagree , these places in Tesco are covered and I need a covered place ,especially in summer. I like the dogs to be near the supermarket too, it feels safer for them ..I understand your angst , but mother and baby are not ,( in my mind) as important as disabled places

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    2. Anonymous11:13 pm

      Nobody makes people have kids. (Except certain states in the US!) I get so annoyed at parents who think they are martyrs or saints and need pandering to. Making more humans on an overcrowded world is not a sacred calling. I'm fine for kid spots, but there should be a couple of shaded spots for dog cars if we're going to start dividing carparks up more and more.

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    3. I have no "angst". The simple truth is that you should not be parking in parent and child spaces. By the way, it's not just mothers who bring children to supermarkets. Fathers do as well. If there were designated dog owner and dog spaces then of course you would have every right to park there but NOT in parent and child spaces.

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    4. Anonymous11:54 am

      Nobody makes people have kids??? Nobody makes people have dogs either. That is an odd argument.

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  8. Anonymous6:44 pm

    We have very hefty fines for people who park there. I was even fined because the date on my pass had slipped under the windshield so that it wasn’t visible. I had to go to court to fight the , I believe $250. Fine. I got off but it was a big hassle. Glad you are safe and home with the kids. Gigi

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    Replies
    1. As always the singletons are discriminated against

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    2. Anonymous8:56 pm

      There are plenty of couples with no children too - leave the parking for parents with children.

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  9. No, parking there was not on...tired or not.
    Bowling indoors is fun!

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    Replies
    1. Again I have to disagree respectfully of course

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  10. Good luck for Monday. Jxx

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  11. I'm sorry John, but the Welsh are not your children in that way. The parking spot for parents with children means that it's closer to the door so the little ones don't have to walk so far. You're not taking your welsh in with you, so not the same.

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    1. Hummm, I disagree my dogs are my children and they are expensive too, so nearer the supermarket tha safer they are
      Also in Tesco in Abergele , which I visit , the mother and baby are the only COVERED spaces so the dogs can remain cool in hot weather

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    2. Anonymous11:27 pm

      It's not hot weather though, John.

      And even if it were, I don't think it a good idea leaving a dog in a car in hot weather, even if under a cover - you could pass out in the supermarket, be taken to hospital, then the dogs would die. (from Ruth)

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  12. Jackie8:03 pm

    Glad you and yours are safe. Your story of parking reminded me of something I once did. It was a hard day at work and traffic was horrible and I needed to stop at CVS (drug store here) to pick up a prescription. The parking lot was almost full and I parked in a spot designated "Expectant Mothers" and when I got out of my car someone called me on it (I was probably close to retirement age at that point) So, I replied - "I am expecting a visit from my son tonight". Not my proudest moment but there it is anyway. Take care and get some rest. Give Mary a hug from me.

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  13. Sorry, John, but I have to agree that parking in a parent and child space isn't on. I'm sure you'd never park in a disabled space and it's not much different. It's amazing how much room you need when grappling with a baby, wriggling toddler or stroppy "6 going on 16" year old, or any combination of those! Consider your wrist slapped!
    Enjoy the hunkering tonight, the bowling tomorrow and fingers crossed for Monday. xx

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    1. Anonymous9:20 pm

      Oh lighten up
      It’s not law, and where are dog friendly spaces? There. Should be places covered and cool for dogs!

      Leex

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    2. I’m arguments are above but I take your point

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    3. Lee dogs should not be left in a car if it is hot enough for them to need shade. In some states it's illegal, plus it is dangerous and cruel. And leaving them alone is an invitation to dog theft.

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    4. As a mother and a disabled person, it's very different

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  14. I'm not going to chastise you for parking in the parent spot.
    I used to wrangle 4 kids and I didn't need a special spot. Generally speaking, parents of young children are at their fittest and strongest and can manage perfectly well

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  15. Good, I’m not bothered lol if Nu do

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  16. Traveller9:46 pm

    You are right, singletons are discriminated against. I am not talking about single surcharge on a cruise…that makes sense - one cabin, two people or one…makes a difference. BUT health care benefits, pension benefits…widows pension?

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  17. The Village Hall looks marvelous all set up for bowling! Have fun!

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  18. Anonymous10:54 pm

    Here in the US,at least as far as I know, the spaces for mothers (and why not fathers?) with children aren't fined or a legal issue. Its more of a courtesy that the store extends to you. I think it first started for expectant mothers. Now legally, no mother should leave a child unattended in a car so comparing the two when you are leaving the dogs in a car isn't the same. It really is a mess to have to get a child or two into the cart,etc. In inclement weather its even worse,but you have the option of leaving the dogs in the car. I don't care that much but I would probably be mad if I was a mother who had to park far away. Some of those spaces are also close to the cart return so the mother doesn't have to worry about leaving the child alone in the car.

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  19. Anonymous11:04 pm

    I didn’t expect this from you. Helping someone out is not necessarily discriminating against someone else, at least in this case. The dogs could also be left at home alone, while the children can’t. I do get that you were tired this time, but on the regular?

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  20. I do think you are wrong, but in the end, every person is responsible for their own choices and their own behavior.

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  21. ilona8:32 am

    John, do as you like. Live your life as you see fit. It has nothing to do with me.

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    1. Anonymous3:24 pm

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  22. I've only recently started buying Pak Choi, and absolutely love it.

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  23. I did not realize there were formal mother/child spots in Wales. There are not here in Ohio but I see women bitching about it constantly that there should be and that those of us w/grown children, no children, etc., should never park in the spots next to the cart holders. So ridiculous I can't even believe people think that. End of rant. And yes, I agree w/the doing everything alone gets tiresome but we have no choice.

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  24. The Aldi near me has reserved spaces for mothers, veterans, energy efficient vehicles, handicapped, and order ahead pick up, it is getting to the point that it is hard to park there unless you fit into one of those slots, and they are most often sitting empty.

    Hope the blood work was hard working, and extra red.

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    1. Anonymous2:25 pm

      My thoughts exactly. There are signs at my local grocery store for so many "special" people that I, a 74 year old woman with terrible painful arthritis in my feet, must walk from the very edge of the enormous parking lot. It is infuriating and I commend John for putting self care high on his list in this instance. If others want to work a grueling night shift, they might earn the right to be so judgmental. John, as always, we thank you for being you and for all you do for others (read: ignore these commenters).
      Nina

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    2. Anonymous2:45 pm

      I have very painful arthritis in my knees and foot as well. That is why I got a handicap permit. Otherwise it is hell. Linda

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  25. Anonymous2:02 pm

    It's not all about being nearer to the store, the mother and child parking spaces give you the extra width to be able to open the back door of the car wider, if you've ever tried wrangling a wriggling child out of a car seat by leaning in then you'd realise why you're being selfish. In normal parking spaces there just isn't the space to open the door wide enough.
    Really surprised that you feel it's acceptable.

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