I was a bit unnerved by the facial weakness at first too but apparently having a sore ear frequently happens at the start of Bell’s palsy or having shingles in your facial nerve (who knew?!) so I’m thinking maybe more likely to be one of those - I’ll have my hospital bag ready though just in case!

No open pharmacies here on a Sunday but there’s a small A&E attached to the GP surgery which 111 can send me to if they think it warrants it so we’ll see

Morning 😊 3/10 for Christmas meal yesterday, but it was nice to spend time with my brother and his wife. Mother has increased her manipulative behaviour to a level that makes me think she might need a mental health intervention. Will call 111 later, bit of facial weakness on side I have sore ear.

Ah, poor Lottie dog, I hope the vet visit is helpful

More than likely receiving state-of-the-art treatments not easily available to the general public too 😕

Morning 😊 Successful visit to hairdresser yesterday, colour and cut both what I wanted. Christmas lunch with brother, s-i-l, and my mother today - I have limited contact with my mother but feel comfortable enough about seeing her in a public place with family members who know the situation.

😆😆😆 We really need a description of said dress!

Morning 😊 Phoned about Scottish Carer Support Payment yesterday, still not heard anything after my application in September. Could do with a decision! Call handler didn’t have English as their first language and didn’t inspire confidence overall so I’ll phone again early January.

Thats great news, congratulations! 😊

Morning 😊 OH out for coffee with his Art group for a couple of hours this afternoon so I’ll have the house to myself! Friend coming for coffee before that. Considering a continental-style masonry stove for outbuilding renovation rather than cast iron, very expensive but look very efficient.

Oh! You’ll miss him 😔 He does sound like he likes a wander, though, so hopefully will wander to yours frequently 🤞🏻

Late addition - for anyone who likes to be prepared, the kindle edition of this gardening book is just £1.99 just now

amzn.eu/d/07dVupi

Morning 😊 Quite a lot of flooding near me yesterday/last night, not from rain but from sea overtopping piers/walls due to storm surge combining with high tide. I’m glad I live on a hill although that means we get the wind full force! Wind had dropped a lot, but rain/wind have just started again.