Today (Wednesday) I got lost whilst out in the car. I’d been out to see my sister, a journey that takes around 35 minutes. I stopped off in a shop I like, to buy some ‘treats’ for the family for Christmas, met up with my sister, and we then went out in her car. We did some shopping, and had a nice lunch, and after she dropped me off at her house, I made my way home.

So, I haven’t lost the plot, or my mind (not just yet anyway). I toyed with driving home through the lanes, but decided on the faster road route. Big mistake. About 2 miles from my house, I found the main road blocked by a police car. I wanted to ask how to get home from this point, but they were irritably directing traffic off to a side road. I drove, and I drove. I didn’t have a clue where I was, and nobody was directing traffic, nor were there any diversion signs up. I understand the police can’t help if there’s been an accident that’s closed a road, however some signs would have been useful.

I drove around the less salubrious areas of my local town until I found a road I recognised. Usually if I’m out exploring I’ll take the Satnav with me, but because I knew where I was going today, I didn’t have it in the car. Second mistake. I eventually found my way home and joined a stream of traffic trying to get through the village. It took me almost an hour to get home and I was feeling quite stressed by the time I made it home safely.

Afterwards I was sat reading the news, and thought: what’s that smell? It was me! My sister did nothing but smoke today and although the car windows were open a little, due to the inclement weather they weren’t wide open. My clothes and my hair stank of cigarette smoke. I put all my clothes in the wash including my fleecy, and then had a shower – my second one of the day. I know a few of my friends on here smoke, and you may feel I’m being precious, but as a non-smoker I really do notice the smell, and can’t bear it. This evening I feel quite wheezy and must ask my sister not to smoke in the car next time. She has lung cancer, our Father died of lung cancer, and both grandparents on my Mother’s side died from cancer related illnesses. It amazes me that she doesn’t quit. In my extended family, there are only a few of us who don’t smoke. I don’t know how anyone can afford cigarettes…

Last week I met up with my landlord and we had a good long chat over a very nice meal. We’ve agreed some things, and a leaving date, and like the cheeky thing I am, I asked him to write it all down, date and sign it. He has a shocking memory, even worse than mine due to illness, so he was happy to oblige; it protects us both. He’s going to come over to the house at some point, so I’ve been doing some more painting – nothing major, just touching up, though I did repaint the stairs. Sunday, I painted alternate stairs, Monday I painted the remaining stairs, Tuesday I spent the day on the sofa with a hot water bottle alternating between my neck and lower back. I’m getting too old for this LOL. I won’t do much for a couple more days as I have nerve pain in my leg now. It feels like I have a very large burn on my leg, but nothing is there, and it isn’t hot to the touch, just very painful. The human brain is a very strange thing indeed…

We’ve had weather warning for rain today, and warnings for wind Thursday. Lovely! Take care if out and about especially on Friday; there’ll be lots of crazies out on Friday trying to get a ‘bargain’ (Black Friday) I’ll be staying safe at home, not spending a single penny, by way of protest. Just one of my little foibles ;)