Pizza instead of turkey!

[Createsomething]

I'm doing well over the last few days, especially considering I was on my own on Christmas day for the first time ever. I just showered all my love on my pooch. She opened her prezzies with excitement and we had fun playing with her new toys. She gives me so much joy💖💖. Had a pizza for my Christmas dinner lol! I knew I wouldn't be able to manage to make a big meal due to RA in my hands and lots of other joints. I went out for a lovely meal with a friend just before Christmas, turkey and all the trimmings 😋 so I'm fortunate that I didn't miss out on a festive feast. I hope everyone has plenty of warmth, food, company and happiness. My God bless you all with pain free joints this Christmas and throughout 2023 xxxxxxxxx

[sylvi]

I know what you about using your hands when they have ra in them. Thankfully my hubby cooked lunch. xxxx

[Createsomething in reply to sylvi]

I'm pleased you have a supportive husband Sylvi x

[springcross]

And you too Createsomething. x

[Createsomething in reply to springcross]

Thanks Spring Ross x

[KittyJ]

my mum only had my sister with her this year and they had a Wiltshire farm foods roast turkey dinner and said it was lovely. Well worth thinking about if you’re on your own and can’t do all the prep but pizza sounds good to me 😊

[Createsomething in reply to KittyJ]

Oh that sounds good, thanks KittyJ I'll bear that in mind for next year. I did look online for frozen Christmas dinner for one but couldn't find anything, so that sounds ideal x

[Pippy25]

Glad to hear you got to have a festive meal with your friend, but know all too well being on my own the pressure we can feel to make that Christmas dinner etc. At the end of the day I have learnt to make the most of my day doing what I can, to be kind to myself, not worry if I don't do A B C as I have done in times gone by. I take each moment as it comes and go with the day. Again if I'm up to making a Christmas meal great, if not as you mentioned what's the harm in having a pizza, soup or something else. I'm glad you enjoyed time with your pooch and it sounds like your pooch was pleased with the prezzies too. Sending some warm, supportive wishes to you, Take care and all the best. xx

[Createsomething in reply to Pippy25]

That's right, I made the most of my day. instead of beating myself up for not being able to cook lunch, I was easy on myself and therefore more relaxed. I've realised the more relaxed I am, the less likely I am to have a flare. Like you, in the past I've tried to do too many things because I felt it's 'expected'. Then ended up with flaring joints. Now luckily I can go with the flow and take each day as it comes. Thanks for your kind words Pippy. All the best to you too xx

[Summerrain14]

I’m so pleased that you got to spend the day showering your love on your dog. They love us unconditionally don’t they. Good idea to have a meal which works best for you. Nothing wrong with that at all. x

[Createsomething in reply to Summerrain14]

Yes she's such a sweetheart my dog. She gives me so much unconditional love, I'm truly blessed to have her in my life. She has a couple of dog beds, but doesn't use them. She prefers to sit on my lap or lie beside me touching me . Do you have a dog? X

[Summerrain14 in reply to Createsomething]

I was blessed with three guide dogs as I am registered Blind. I am now not able to have another guide dog due to my health issues but we have a little kitten who will be one in January. You can’t beat the love of a four legged friend. x

[Createsomething in reply to Summerrain14]

Aww Guide dogs are the best. I sponsored a few puppies for the Guide dogs association. I used to get pupdates on a puppy called Hope and have her photo on my fridge 💗. I'm so sorry you can't have another one, that must have been really difficult to bear, especially after having had 3 in the past. I'm pleased you have a kitten to cherish what's their name? . I've had wonderful cats in the past called Ringo, Oscar, and Scampi. Did you know that, apparently the vibration of their purring can heal tissues and broken bones quicker? I was quite enamoured when I read this little gem of information! X

[Summerrain14 in reply to Createsomething]

It was so hard being told I can no longer have another guide dog due to my health but completely understand. It was four years ago now so had a long time to accept ot. It wouldn’t be fair at all on a dog as some days I still struggle to get dressed and they need their walks bless them. Oh I didn’t know that about cats. How gorgeous is that. Our kitten is called Skittles. She is a rescue from an animal shelter and came with that name and it really suits her as she is a bundle of energy. She is telling me off at the moment as it is raining and she doesn’t want to go out but is bored at home with me. lol. My precious cat was called Billy and he was also a rescue cat. It is our first Christmas without him but he remains in my heart always. xx

[Createsomething in reply to Summerrain14]

My heart goes out to you 💖. I often struggle to get washed and dressed nowadays . I rely on a local dog walking service to walk her when I'm flaring badly. It's very expensive though. Skittles sounds like she's lots of fun. I bet you don't get bored with her around. It's nice that you were able to rescue her. I'm sorry you lost your precious Billy. They give us so much love don't they. They all have their own different personalities and they're forever in our hearts. Take care and all my best wishes for the new year x

[Summerrain14 in reply to Createsomething]

My other half spends his days dressing me and cutting up my food and opening things for me. These fur babies bring us so much joy don’t they? Never a dull moment with little Skittles bless her but she is so in tune with me that she often stops her mischief to give me love and cuddles. Best wishes to you for the new year too lovely and give your lovely dog a hug from me won’t you. xx

[Createsomething in reply to Summerrain14]

Skittles sounds like such a bundle of joy and fun💖 They definitely are in tune to our ups and downs bless them. As we are in tune with theirs. Thanks petal, I will give her a hug and give Skittles a cuddle 🤗 from me too xx

[Marionfromhappydays]

Pizza sounds divine, im not a fan of a full Christmas dinner would have loved a pizza instead 😁 Hope it didn't have sprouts on it ha ha

[Createsomething in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Hahaha 🤣 no I hate sprouts !. I bet that's an idea I can give to that chef Heston Blumenthal. I'll say I dreamt it up for one of his strange signature dishes.. I think he made parsnip ice cream if I remember rightly and some extremely weird and wonderful food combos 🤣🤣x .

[Mmrr]

Your day sounds just fine, lots of love and attention between you and your wee dog. I believe we sometimes get caught up in too much complexity, rather than just enjoying the day whatever we are doing.

[Createsomething in reply to Mmrr]

I agree. That saying, sometimes less is more can be helpful to me in many instances as I tend to overthink and overcomplicate things x.

[Haz58]

We got invited to my bro in laws.. but I'm in too much pain to go anywhere. So I sent him off to get some time out with them He bought me a doggy bag home lol. Pizza would be fine for me too 😊 ra bad in hands and arms at the mo so I totally get it. Happy new year! Leys pray for a miracle cure! Xx

[Createsomething in reply to Haz58]

Glad you got your doggy bag lol. Hope you're hands and arms are feeling better today. Mine seem worse today. They seem better when I have a glass of red wine on an evening as all the nights I've drank recently, I've been less stiff and sore the next day. I ran out last night and my legs and arms are much worse today. It's not good for me to drink every day though. I'm going to mention it to my Rheumy at my appointment in January, my theory of red wine being anti inflammatory. I'll say I'll gladly do lots of trials to prove my theory 🤣😆x

[Haz58 in reply to Createsomething]

😂😂😂love this Create! Mine still hurt unfortunately. Doc rang me this morning and wants to see me about my arms tomorrow! Wish I could have my rosemount Shiraz! On lots of morphine though so that's a no no 😢I've read chillian merlot has lots of health properties 😊

[Createsomething in reply to Haz58]

Your doctor sounds very good, getting you in so soon. It sounds awful that you're having to take morphine for pain relief. I'm so glad you can have a joke even though you're struggling. A random thought just popped into my head...if I ever have cats again, I must call them Merlot and Shiraz😊 How did it go with your docs appointment? Is it your elbows that are affected? X

[Haz58 in reply to Createsomething]

Merlot and Shiraz are brilliant names for cats! Docs was great!y right elbow, my upper arms and shoulders. They've given me prednisolone 30mg for 2 weeks. I actually slept for 6 hours straight last night! Max in 2 months has been 3 hours usually only 2. I feel so different today just because I slept better. Prednisolone is giving me a fuzzy head combined with morphine but I can cope with that knowing it'll help all the inflammation at last. I have some positivity now. 😊 Thanks for asking. I changed doctors 3 months ago and I'm so glad I did!

[Createsomething in reply to Haz58]

I thought so too! Hopefully the prednisolone will calm the inflammation down in your arms. You must have been exhausted through lack of sleep. I'm pleased for you that you've managed to get a better night's sleep. I hope it continues to improve . It's great that you're feeling more positive, onwards and upwards! Did you find the previous doctor wasn't taking care of your RA sufficiently? X

[Haz58 in reply to Createsomething]

My previous doctors I'd been with for 45 years. They were great but then original partners retired. It went down hill fast. I went in crying in pain once as I couldn't get through on the phone and they offered me an appointment for 3 weeks time.. that made my mind up time to move. This new surgery so far has been brilliant. Same day phone or face to face. Didn't do so good last night only 3 hours sleep at a time but I forgot to take top up morphine at 8pm so could have been that. Happy New Year Create! My wish for us all is a cure not just control for RA. X

[Createsomething in reply to Haz58]

Oh that's shocking! I'm pleased your new surgery is much better. I'm lucky as I'm generally really happy with mine. I hope you're getting a sound night's rest tonight. Thanks, and Happy new year to you too Haz! Wouldn't that be something.. a big wish, but wishes do come true sometimes 🙏 x

[nomoreheels in reply to Createsomething]

I had a little sports car I called Merlot. I try to make a name from the reg & this car's was was LVR. Apart from the obvious which I didn’t prefer (😳) I made up Le Vin Rouge, hence Merlot, being originally a French grape. Daft really.

[Createsomething in reply to nomoreheels]

It's not daft at all, it's just what I would do! I love the thought of your little car called Merlot! I have a theory that if you name them, they won't let you down as much as a car without a name. I don't drive though, so I can't prove my theory. My Dad , when he was alive used to have an old Jag like the one in Inspector Morse. It was a lovely maroon colour, with a walnut dash. It was HRN 414G (Goodness knows how I remember that!) So I named it 'Her Royal Nellie' because I felt like a little Princess riding in the back seat with it's smooth ride and soft leather seats. I was about 8 at the time . It was our weekend car that Dad took us out in on occasional day trips, so happy memories x

[nomoreheels in reply to Createsomething]

Such lovely memories. They can lift us out of a gloom can’t they? Love the name you gave your Dad’s Jag. My Auntie had one (so posh!) though hers was navy blue, still with the walnut dash. I felt so high up sitting on the back seat arm rest. I remember it was grey leather too. We had a type 2 Ford Cortina when I was a similar age. The colour was blue mink - a light silvery blue. It’s reg was JDK, can’t remember the numbers though. Isn’t it off we can remember such things but sometimes can’t remember what happened last week?! My Dad used to buy me a Dinky or Corgi toy with each new car he had & if it wasn’t the right colour he’d spray it so it was. He couldn’t find the Austin Cambridge in anything but the Motor School one, pale blue the same as his but my car had the red disc on top which turned the wheels. I played with it more than any other because it had that. I still have them all in a box somewhere. Must get them out sometime.

[Createsomething in reply to nomoreheels]

Your Dad sounds caring to make sure your little cars were the correct colour. How sweet of him to spray them to match his. Yep, it's mad that I can remember this, yet nowadays not remember why I went into a room or what day it is sometimes 😂 x

[Green230461]

Happy Christmas to you too🎅🏻🤶🏻

[Createsomething in reply to Green230461]

Thanks, and you too x

[madme1]

Who says we have to have turkey? My hubby says jokingly but it's not Christmas without turkey! Christmas is being with friends, pets and/or family you love and who appreciate you. It's having a safe place to rest your head, with a roof over you, food in you belly and warmth. I bet your pet loved spending that time with you and I think your friend would have enjoyed the time with you as well no matter what food was eaten.

[Createsomething in reply to madme1]

Aww thanks for your kind words. I hope you're enjoying the festive season and all my best wishes for the new year x

[madme1 in reply to Createsomething]

Have a sore throat and bad cough at the moment but I'm trying! Very trying! Take care

[Createsomething in reply to madme1]

Oh dear..lol. I hope you're feeling much better now x

[helenlw7]

I know what you mean about wonky joints in your hands when you have RA. Fortunately my daughter came to us on Christmas Day so she cooked and carved the lamb joint we had.

[Createsomething in reply to helenlw7]

That sounds nice, I'm pleased your daughter is a good cook x

[helenlw7 in reply to Createsomething]

so am I!

[Caza]

well we had smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels. Our plans changed at the last minute & rather than sit at home & mope we took off to the coast & had a picnic. No more Christmas dinners for me. & in truth I don’t even like them so pizza sounds just great.

[Createsomething in reply to Caza]

Ooooh that's one of my favourites, you're making my mouth water! I couldn't think of a nicer alternative way to spend Christmas day x

[nomoreheels in reply to Caza]

Yum. We used to have a deli in the next town we bought smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels from alternate Sundays. They sliced it just thin enough, can't be doing with thick ss, or paper thin. Home made bagels, can't beat them. The packet ones we've tried are just dreadful we gave up buying them. Hope you enjoyed yours.

[Caza in reply to nomoreheels]

where we used to live there was a Greek deli where they catered for the Jewish community & they did the best bagels quite often hot. We still get them from there sometimes but as this was last minute they were from M&S not great but passable. Made acceptable with lashing of very creamy cheese delish smoked salmon lemon juice & black pepper washed down with a large glass of my favourite wine by the sea. Bliss

[Createsomething in reply to Caza]

Yumm that sounds divine x

[nomoreheels in reply to Caza]

Catering for the Jewish community they must be good.

[Caza in reply to nomoreheels]

They definitely are 😋😋

[Createsomething in reply to nomoreheels]

I've never had the pleasure of trying fresh ones. I've only eaten the packet ones from Sainsbury's and wondered what all the fuss was about as I didn't really enjoy them. They were tough and heavy. There is a French deli nearby, so I must investigate to see if they bake them fresh there. I went inside once tempted by the luxurious window display. However I didn't buy anything as everything was so expensive.. the quiches were £8 each! In the north east that's way too much for a quiche, unless you're fortunate enough to be wealthy. X

[nomoreheels in reply to Createsomething]

You must try freshly made CS, even if it's a real treat, you'll taste the difference. It's like packet scones & fresh baked ones, can't be compared.