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The Isolation Diaries – Day 9, Homeschooling and Lock down

March 24, 2020 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

I’ve had a few days off from writing. On Saturday my husband went to visit his Mum and my Sister-in-law to give them Mother’s Day and Birthday presents. He went alone as he’s the only one leaving the house apart from my eldest daughter who is still working at the Children’s Hospital. He managed to get his visit in before the Lock down.

Mother’s Day

Sunday was kind of surreal. My daughter bought me a gorgeous bunch of flowers which were delivered and really cheered my day. I didn’t expect anything as we are now living in difficult times. Yet, people still went out, visited elderly parents and grandparents. Went shopping, to recreational places and even the beach. When the government outlined the social distancing plan and the idea of flattening the curve, I just knew it wasn’t go to work. It needed people to abide by the rules, but who listens these day? I expect to see a huge rise in cases of COVID-19 in the next 14 days.

I’m feeling guilty that I sent my husband out on Saturday, but he was under strict instructions to keep his distance and stay no longer than 15 minutes. Which I hope he followed. Any signs of him getting sick and he’s going to be isolated within the home, but the trouble is, if he has got it it will be too late for the rest of us. I just hope that we were not too late. We’ve been at home for over 2 weeks already. The kid’s stopped going to school a week before they closed. I haven’t been out for three weeks.

I usually spend Mother’s Day fretting over the lack of care my husband shows by not getting me cards and gifts from our children, but this year it was far from my mind. This year I built up a heap load of fear instead. I read to much, I listened to too much, I overloaded my brain and I made myself sick, literally.

First Day of Home School

After a bad night of illness getting the kids to settle down with the HUGE amount of work they had been sent to do made me feel like just giving up. I was stressed out about not having any food. Terrified of sending the husband out to the crazy supermarkets I was happy that I was already registered as a vulnerable customer and would be able to get a slot for this week. I logged on to Sainsburys, did my shop, just a weekly one, got to check out and CRASH. The website refused to work again and I started to stress as my delivery slot time started to reach it’s end. If I didn’t checkout before 1.15pm the slot was gone. I called them and spent 45 minutes waiting for an answer. My slot expired. My shopping was no longer coming.

The kids did very little school work. Boo managed to do a lesson on her phone. I told her to get her laptop but she was already half way through and couldn’t transfer it. So she spent an hour typing up about 3 paragraphs on her phone. At least she did something.

Star couldn’t log on to her school site. I was in touch with her teacher who tried to help as much as possible. By the time we worked out the problem it was 3pm. No work for her then.

The Little Man has a ton of books which I have no idea what to do with. Each day School Ping is sending a lesson plan, but yesterday it didn’t work and we finally got the lesson plan at 5pm. The Little Man spent an hour reading his book. That was it.

I’m not stressing. The huge amount of work they have been sent has to be completed over a long time. It really kinds of hits you just how long they are going to be home! It’s scary.

The Day ended with a message from the Prime Minister saying that we are not allowed out anymore. We are now on lock down, I’m hoping it’s going to be quieter. There were loads of people moving around in my local area yesterday. Children playing out, adults gathering for drinks and bbq’s. Maybe they’ll be spending he next few weeks at home ill? I really don’t understand why people don’t take this seriously. I’ve seen some crazy things.

It took two days and many hours but I finally got a shopping delivery slot for tomorrow. The relief was amazing. I do have someone willing to go to the supermarket for me, but then I’d have to restrict my contact with them. The images I’ve seen of local supermarkets scare me. And I know he’s not the patient of people, I’ve imagined all sorts of scenarios if he did have to go.

Day 2 of Homeschooling.

I guess we had better get on with some work! I’ve home schooled before but only one child at a time. Three kids at three different ages is going to be a challenge. I am not a teacher, I have to keep reminding myself that. The older two can more or less get on with it themselves. The Little Man is a difficult one at the best of times. I’m aiming for two hours a day. I’m not running a school. They will get fresh air and exercise in the garden too. And we have Just Dance for some indoor exercise.

How is everyone else getting on?

Share your stories here.

My Sunday Snapshot -Banksy

March 8, 2020 by Anne Sweet 9 Comments

Banksy in Birmingham.

Yesterday My husband was out in Birmingham and got his friend to take this photo of him near the Banksy reindeers.

Banky painted this on a wall in a street where I used to work many years ago. If I’d have still been working there I’d have to walk past it every day, but so far I’ve not been to see it. I will one day, it’s been a long time since I went to the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Yesterday my husband and his friends had to pass the mural and obviously took the chance to take some photos.

Reindeers.

Painted in December last year the mural was painted next to a bench where a homeless person had been sleeping. A strong message about how we value the joy of Christmas while some do not even have a roof over their heads.

Shortly after it was painted it was vandalized by someone painting red noses on the reindeer. So now the mural is protected by a sheet of perspex. The vandal is also a graffiti artist and a fan of Banksy. He claimed he added the red noses because there was more focus on the artwork than the message of homelessness.

There have been mixed reactions since it’s appearance. A lot of people have been to visit the mural which has meant more custom to the area, but it has also resulted in further parking issues. As someone who used to park there every day I can understand this.

Do you have a banksy mural near you? What do you think of his reindeers?

Last weeks Sunday Snapshot – The Halo

Lights on Earth – Photowall Review and Discount Code

February 25, 2020 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

The lovely people at Photowall offered me a gift in return for my honest review along with a special discount code for my readers.

Lights on Earth

As my son’s room is in dire need of something to brighten the walls I thought I’d give him the choice of what to have. A photowall would have been fantastic, but I wouldn’t be able to get one up anytime soon so we decided on a nice poster.

At Photowall the choice is amazing, you can have wallpapers. designer murals, posters, canvas’ or framed prints. You can even choose a photo or picture of your own.

The designs are amazing and there is so much choice, animals, food and drink, maps, sports, astronomy and so much more.

I had a feeling that my son would go for Astronomy, he has a real fascination with space.

This is the picture he chose, Lights on Earth by David C. Miller and I love that you can see the Northern Lights.

Our Review

The Little Man was very please with his picture which came on a canvas print and with a smoked ash hanger. You can also choose to have a print without a white border.

I thought The Little Man would have chosen to have the poster above his bed, but he thought it would be better on the opposite wall so he could see it when he woke up as he lies facing this way.

I think he made the right decision and it looks great.

The quality of the poster is really good and it looks fabulous in the frame. The Little Man is very happy and so am I.

Discount from Photowall

I’d definitely be happy to buy from Photowall again and when it comes around to decorating my bedroom after the work has been done, I’d really consider a mural. I’d love a bookshelf wall, especially as I’m having to get rid of two of my bookshelves to make way for my lift. It would be nice to have a city skyline, or a beach view though. I think it would probably take a day or two to choose.

What do you think? Would you choose a mural or a poster, a print or a canvas? If there is anything you’d fancy from the website Photowall have offered a special discount code ‘raisiebay2021’ which will give you 25% off for as many time as you use it for a month.

10 Essential Home Maintenance Jobs

November 22, 2019 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

Sometimes it’s easier to put the little things off rather than doing them straight away. This can then lead to a small problem becoming a big issue. Follow this guide to see the ten most common home maintenance jobs that you might be putting off.

Check Your Heating System

During the winter months, an efficient heating system is essential for keeping costs down and your home warm. If you have an older boiler you could find yourself spending up to £320 more than a brand new A-rated model. Choosing a new boiler can be a little overwhelming given that there are so many options out there with so many different installers. Here is a great article about boiler installation, going over what you can usually expect from the installation process.

Window Insulation

Drafty windows can be a key cause to a rise in energy bills. Poorly sealed windows can be a cause of a serious draft in winter due to cold air entering your property, which can not only lead to a colder house but a bigger bill at the end of the month. The way that you can fix this is by looking at your caulk line. The caulk line is the rubber piece that insulates your window, and if this is looking dry or cracked, then it’s a significant insight into what the issue is. To change your caulk line is easy, remove it with a sharp knife then run a new one across the open seam.

Check For Damp

Damp can be a serious cause of concern for families and can be especially dangerous to families with asthma sufferers. There are several ways to spot damp around your home:

A damp musty smell
Dark or discoloured patches on walls or plaster
Listing or peeling wallpaper
The appearance of mould or mildew on walls, floors or ceilings
Walls floors or ceilings that feel cold or damp

Fixing damp can be a specialist job however there are certain cases where using anti-mould paint can be a solution, however, we would recommend getting quotes from different tradespeople and then opting for the most reliable and trustworthy.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are vital to any household, the last thing you want is a raging house fire to go undetected due to smoke alarm neglect. Most modern smoke alarms will give a warning as to when their batteries are running out however it is still advisable that twice a year you conduct a smoke alarm test to be on the safe side.

Bleed Your Radiators

Bleeding your radiators is essential for making sure that your radiators are running at full capacity and efficiency. There are signs to check if your radiator needs bleeding:

If the radiator is cold at the top
Damp patches or condensation surrounding the radiator
Creaking sounds caused by air pressure causing vibrations

Going about bleeding your radiator is easy enough. To begin with, make sure that you have these items:

A radiator key
A cloth or clove
An old towel
Container

To begin with find the radiator that needs bleeding. Make sure that your heating is turned off and give the radiator time to cool down. Place the old towel and container below the valve to catch any spillage that may occur. Use your radiator key to turn the radiator valve anti-clockwise just enough so that a hissing sound occurs, meaning the air is escaping. Re-tighten the valve and then you’re done!

Check Your Plumbing System

Making sure that your water can remain free-flowing through your pipes is essential all your round. Following these tips will mean that your pipes are less likely to become clogged:

Invest in a hair strainer for your bathroom. A hair strainer is ideal as it catches stray hair that would build up in your drain and cause a blockage in your pipes. This avoids having to fish the hair out with your hands
Avoid pouring fats and oils down the drains. These fatty liquids and oils will clog up inside your pipes, just as it would inside your body arteries. The easiest way to prevent this is by altogether avoiding oil near your sink, but in case of an accident, run hot water and washing up liquid down you drain (immediately) to emulsify it. The easier way to get rid of your fats and oils are to wipe them down or wait for them to solidify and get rid of them into your household waste.

Pest Prevention

Pest prevention is a vital part of home maintenance, especially during the summer months as insects become more prevalent. It is better to exterminate pests and vermin before they have a chance to establish a nest and begin to call your home theirs. Common household pests can include:

Termites
Rats and Mice
Bed bugs
Wasps
Flies

In severe cases, the easiest fix is to call out pest control services, which are cheap and easy to find. However, do try and use preventative measures such as boric acid and Orange Guard before spending your money. And in some cases there are more humane ways to deal with pests such as human rat and mouse traps that will not hurt the animal.

Insulate External Pipes

Insulating external pipes and taps are a great way of preventing freezing and bursting over the winter months. Using foam tubes to insulate your pipes is a great way to ensure that your pipes will not freeze and if you have exposed hot water pipes they will keep their heat. There are some great guides for this around the web and it is a great way to keep your water flowing this winter.

Clean Out The Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is very important to get done before seasons like late summer and autumn when heavy rainfall usually occurs. Cleaning gutters out ensures that there will be no damage caused by water build-up during periods of heavy rain.

Clean The Air Conditioning Filter

Most homes are now fitted with air conditioning to help cool your home during summer. Making sure that your air conditioning is clean enables your unit to run at full efficiency as the dust and bacteria can restrict airflow and stop the unit cooling the air down. The best time to clean your air conditioning unit is before summer (or whenever you start frequently using your AC) and then once a month, while in regular use. Following these four steps will ensure that your filter gets a deep clean:

Remove the filter. Turn off the electricity source and take off the cover of the unit (usually done by releasing the push tabs or loosening the screws). Then remove the filter by sliding or releasing the clips.
Submerge the filter in lukewarm water. Add a mix of washing up liquid and warm water to a bowl and leave inside for 15-30 minutes for best results.
Spray the filter. Mix up a solution of equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and cover the filter. Leave for 10-15 minutes, and this will kill off any harmful bacteria.
Allow the filter to air dry; this could take several hours.

These ten points should mean that your home stays a little more efficient each season. Keeping your property in good order is essential to making sure a house stays a home.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post

My Sunday Photo – Selfie and About Me

October 20, 2019 by Anne Sweet 7 Comments

A Selfie with me and Boo taken this summer.

I don’t do a selfie 🙂

About Me

I’ve had some new readers lately, probably because of Blogtober, so I thought I’d do a little piece about me.

The photo above is a selfie taken of me in my wheelchair with Boo posing behind me. (I always think it’s good to add something pretty to a photo of me.) I’m really not normally a selfie person so you won’t see many.

Boo is my 12 year old daughter, she’s one of five. I have a 31 yr old son and a 30 yr old daughter from a previous marriage. Their Dad left us when they were quite young, and by the time they were Boo’s age he was living in another country.

The other three share the same Dad as Boo. Star is 14 years old and has a few medical issues. The youngest is my Little Man who is 9 years old. (As you may have gathered I don’t use their real names.)

I started this blog in 2011 as a follow on from my baby blog (Baby Number 5) which I started when the Little Man was born.

Now, most people could write a book about their life, well I could write about four. So I will try and condense a few things.

Quick Facts

I have five kids, as I’ve already said and they go, Boy, girl, girl, girl, Boy. Both my boys were born by C-section, the girls were all natural births. Apart from my first born they were all born either on their due dates or slightly before. Apart from my first born they were all born in the summer. Their hair colour is ombre, the eldest’s hair is so dark it’s almost black, then they go lighter in colour as they get younger down to my youngest who is blonde (but getting a little darker as he gets older.)

I got married young and had my first two young. I started work at 16 and only had maternity leave until my second was born then I went back to work when she was three years old. I worked full time until they were almost teens and I also worked part time for my degree which I received when I was thirty. I landed a fabulous job at Birmingham University which I had to give up for personal reasons . Since then all work I have done has been done from home.

Why am I in a wheelchair?

I was fine for most of my life, then suddenly, on New Years Day 2016 I was taken to hospital after becoming paralysed. I’d woken up with pins and needles which wouldn’t go away and ended up spending two weeks in hospital. They gave me intravenous steroids and several medicataions and taught me how to walk again. It was so hard, I learnt a new respect for toddlers, getting your brain to move your feet and hold up your body is an amazing thing that we take for granted.

I also learned how to pull myself up steps and get up and down from sitting. They also had to prove I could make a cup of tea and piece of toast before allowing me to go home.

I had every test under the sun including an MRI and a lumbar puncture. Eventually the only thing they found was that my body had attacked itself and damaged my spinal cord. It was termed auto-immune and I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. I was told I would be better within eight weeks. It seemed like a lifetime.

Diagnosis number two

A year later and few more tests involving long needles and electric shocks as well as bloods and I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome with Progressive Enchephamyelitis with Rigidity and Myclonus. (PERM for short.) The condition is so rare that it affects less than one in a million people world wide. There is no cure and they are still working on treatments.

The prognosis is an average of three years of life (I’m currently approaching four) but the statistics have not been updated for years and were based on subjects who had other conditions including cancer. I do not have cancer.

Last Words

I’m not sure if you’ve got this far, like I said, this is just a snippet of my story. When I started this blog I was healthy and enjoying a life of fun and activity with my three ‘littlies’ as I called them. Now, my life is so different and my chidlren are growing up so quick. Sometimes I wonder where life has gone.

I also feel robbed. Because of my condition, I can’t continue with a ‘normal’ life. There is so much I want to do that I can’t and my independance has been ripped away, literally overnight.

However, no matter how low I get (And I’m pretty low at the moment) I know that I’ve done well in my life despite it’s ups and downs. I’m happy that I had my children and they really are my life. I’m not dissapointed that I haven’t travelled the world or found fame and fortune. The most treasure you can ever have is what you hold in your heart. My children are my fortune.

And Boo, is a lovely addition to any selfie, even if I do say so myself 🙂