So, in order to relieve the pressure I've made a decision. It's only a short term one so never fear - normal service will resume ASAP I promise. If something has to give in the next couple of days it will (sadly) be the next Snippets Playground Challenge post/new prize, which I should really post first thing on Sunday.
That really will give me some much needed time space to concentrate on an overflowing pile of ironing (which WILL be done slowly and carefully I promise) .......... after I've done as much as possible to return the house to its pre-Christmas state and also tried to sift through more decorations to donate to our local charity shop rather than hurriedly packing them into boxes until next Christmas. So, the next Sunday (ie. 12th January), we'll have a new challenge to celebrate another anniversary of me running the Playground, and the following Sunday the results of the Grand Draw.
In some ways I feel I've failed a bit but also think I need a week's break from commenting and checking the blog - also it's time I pitched in to help Len more - he's been carrying the load for long enough, ever since I had that awful gout episode. Am sure you'll understand and I need to ease things for Len as much as possible right now.
On a happier note, little Dudley just had be SO full of mischief today! And of course that slows things down as he needs attention, playtime and cuddles. He really is such a little tinker - we need eyes in the back of our heads, even though we keep thinking he's growing out of being a puppy. I was so tired last night I dozed off in the lounge and must have had a tissue on my lap. When I woke up - guess who had had a whale of a time ripping it apart! Nope, NOT Len :)
With love
Good for you taking time off to get things done - Oh my goodness - do not feel like you failed - LIFE HAPPENS - we need to be flexible in life and to understand when others need time to complete task - hope your shoulder is on the mend - and Happy New Year to you, Len, and Dudley--- and the readers! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou haven't failed at all Di, not even a little bit! In fact it's the opposite, as you've realised your health comes before the Playground. We'll all be here for whenever your next post comes. If next weekend you find you need to delay the next challenge for another week - then just do it! You need to look after that shoulder of yours and you don't want another flare up of gout because of extra stress. (Incidentally, my hubby was diagnosed for the first time with gout a couple of days before Christmas, so I really understand now how painful and debilitating it must have been for you.) Glad to hear that Dudley is keeping you entertained. 😊 xx
ReplyDeleteYou have got be kidding--failed us?! No way! It's a good time for all of us to be sure we've appropriately prioritized things. Your puppy & hubby (oops--should be the other way around--haha!) are No. 1 for sure! We love the Christmas decorations & are purposely leaving them up all month! Hoping your shoulder gets much better soon--be careful, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI think you have made a good decision. Especially that you are going to edit your Christmas decor collection for charity. That is a really good idea! I hope that you are feeling well soon! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks girls. And Liz, your wise words made me feel so much better. My heart goes out to your hubby with a gout flare. It's a pain I wouldn't wish on anyone. Make him drink loads of water - which can be a nuisance if it's agony to even hop to the loo but hydration is super important. Also, I found that Colchicine for sometimes a day or two will help - needs to be used with care only for three days on and three days off as it's basically a poison from crocuses and is only on prescription. If it strikes for a second or third time (my GP always did say it isn't IF but WHEN) then I can't recommend Allopurinol enough as that gets to the root of things. Sure, it's a daily pill or two depending on the dose needed for life - but so worth it! He has my sympathy - I found that cushions around the affected foot to keep it protected from even the touch of bedding was a big help too.
ReplyDeleteLove
Di xx
I've been down and out. What happened to the shoulder? Maybe I can catch up. Whatever happened I have total sympathy. We haven't even had our Christmas or New Year's food. We'll catch up one day. Sorry for the shoulder issues. As the rest of the girls said, we'll be here later. You take time for you. Hire a teenager to iron. It'll be worth it if they know what they're doing. Maybe the cleaners will do it for cheap if it's cleaned already. Just get better. [Bunny]
ReplyDeleteHi Di I can commiserate with the shoulder injury, you have to take things easy and let it heal, I'm going to being going for months of physio before I have full range of motion. We all want your to get better :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you realize puppy time can last well into their 3's and 4's, it's so adorably annoying :)
Get well soon Christine
Dear Di,you are so kind and lovely woman. I wish you in 2020 heatlh,luck,Love and all little things in Life that we all need.Creative year,hugs and 😘😘😘 Tamara
ReplyDeleteYou have so NOT failed, very sensible decision! Take care and look forward to seeing you back here when things are better xxx
ReplyDeleteA very wise decision, you really MUST put your own health first. Not just with the blog but in other ways too - take that pile of ironing, just how much of it *really* needs to be ironed just now? I've cut back on ironing a huge amount since realising that almost all clothes, apart from smart shirts, seem to lose any creases once they are worn, our body heat sees to that, and that sheets and pillowcases are only there to be slept in anyway so they might as well look as if they've been slept in. And of the stuff that really does need it, how much of it do you need right now? Sort out the really urgent stuff then check local small ads or a local Facebook group to see if anyone has an ironing service and can do a one off session for a few pounds, it's worth it for the chance to help your shoulder to heal.
ReplyDeleteYou take just as long as you need - most definitely well-earned. It is all about priorities and home life and health are important issues to consider. In the big scheme of things ironing and other such tasks aren't so important either and can be done as and when, no-one is going to send in the smooth clothes police!!! Take great care of that shoulder and give it chance to heal. Sending lots of hugs (gentle ones of course). See you when we see you there is no rush for anything blog-related. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteNEVER feel like you've failed, Di, you simply have to prioritise - good luck to you and I hope your shoulder soon improves. We'll be waiting patiently (well, for the most part!) for the return of your snippets challenge WHEN you're able
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Very wise decision to delay the next Playground Challenge. We totally understand and will all be here when you are able to return. Can't totally guarantee there won't be some shenanigans happening during your absence, but that goes without saying with this group! :D
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate you and want you to heal and be able to tend to real life things, too. You know, when one of us has injury/illness/life/stuff, we just disappear from the challenges for a little while....and no mention is made because no one really notices. It's unfortunate that when someone runs a challenge blog solo (as you do) she doesn't have that same luxury to just be absent without a word. (Although I have known a few who did run their challenge blogs like that....for a time!! lol...)
So we want you to feel free about taking as much time off as you need. We hope it is not long and that you are feeling much better very soon!! Hugs and much love to you.
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
No way have you failed Di if you need time out it’s best to take and as you write it’s only for a short time hopefully do what you need to do and take out time for that must needed rest sending lots of love xx
ReplyDeleteWHATTTTT? You have dealt with the Playground through thick and thin for 8 years now and posted daily for your Xmas Prize draw for the last few weeks . . . HOW on earth can you possibly think you've been a failure? It's an AMAZING achievement. Like others have said in their comments, your health and family needs come first and everyone understands this. We won't desert you just because you take a week off!!!!! We're all right behind you wishing you well and looking forward to your return WHEN you feel able.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sarn xxx
I think you have made a good decision, you take just as long as you need. That is a really good idea! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe love the Christmas decorations and we are leaving them up all yanuary;-)
Take care and look forward to seeing you back here when things are better!
Sending lots of hugs, Majda
Good gracious Di! You are running an amazing and successful challenge with all the time that takes, also laying on an extra draw right the way through the festive period - even continuing with an injury and problems with the electricity, AND looking after a puppy and your household! I don't think that's failing, not even a tiny bit! I really hope you're able to take as much time as you need to let yourself return to full health. You have a lot of fans here and we all understand that life can put the pressure on sometimes. Sending love and get well wishes,
ReplyDeleteVicky xx
PS Eva is five now and I'm afraid she still enjoys shredding tissues...!
Wishing I could pop over and help (I've got nothing to do here of course! Lol). Take a well earned break and send the ironing off to someone else or even sneak it back into the wardrobes. We love you for running the challenge through thick and thin and as MrC often says - it will be all the better for the anticipation. X
ReplyDeleteThere is no way on earth you could think of yourself as failing.... just adapting to the situation you find yourself in. Honest Di, while so many other challenges have completely shut up for the festivities or extended the timeframe YOU single-handedly have been doing even more with your mega-prizes and posting every day. Take as long as you need 'cos we'll all still be here when you're ready and fully fit. Until then please take good care of yourself and enjoy spending time with Len and Dudley xx
ReplyDeletePS. I gave up ironing all but the necessities when I got a frozen shoulder a few years back.... and it's definitely not caused the world to collapse in on me! xx
Di, please look after yourself! You, Len, Dudley, and even Parsnip come first. We'll always be here for y'all xoxo
ReplyDeleteSorry your shoulder is still so painful and you have certainly not failed in any way Di. It is hard for us sometimes to admit that we are not superhuman and that we need a bit of extra space and time for our own wellbeing, and you have battled on through everything, but we all have our limits, so take the time you need and we all completely understand why. I agree with everyone else, forget the ironing, life's too short..lol. Take care and spend some quality time with Len and Dudley. x
ReplyDeleteOMG! REST LADY! You earned it! We will be here when you are ready!
ReplyDeleteYou have not failed in any way Di! We all need to make adjustments to our priorities as we sail through this thing called life! Sometimes we overwhelm ourselves trying to please everyone else, but now it's time to step back, take a deep breath, and just do what we can! Take time for yourself, and all of us will understand your decision! I honestly don't know how you manage to coordinate all you do so efficiently in between bouts of health issues, injuries, raising a puppy, and just life in general, plus keep the playground running! You're a dynamo in the way you keep it all going my friend! Take care of what you need to do first! We all love you!!
ReplyDeleteThe priority is to look after yourself Di, as well as spending time with Len and Dudley. We all look forward to the playground gates opening again, but not until you're ready.
ReplyDeleteKath x
Failed??? Oh my, absolutely NOT! You have been instead also too much devote to the challenge and the Grand Giveaway posts, despite all your problems and the shoulder in these conditions!!! I understand you very well! My Mum broken her wrist in these Holidays and I didn't sent the Christmas cards I made for my blogfriends... Also the card I made for you is still on my desk just now, because I hadn't time to go to the Post Office... :/ Sorry for this, but family and health are absolutely priorities...
ReplyDeleteSo don't worry, take all your time for you, Len and Dudley. When your life will be more peaceful, we will be here for playing the new challenge, for sure! :D
Big hugs and take care of your painful shoulder!!
A good decision on your part Di to give yourself a chance to recuperate and spend some time with Len and Dudley. We've just taken our Christmas decs down and it's taken all morning and some of the afternoon with putting it back in the loft. Just taking a break from the hoovering now to have a rest :) xx
ReplyDeleteI see no "failure" in your decision to cut back, Di. Last spring, I suffered from a bout of 'frozen shoulder' and simply didn't understand that my doctor's orders to "do nothing" literally meant not using that arm for anything, not even brushing my teeth or hair. As a consequence of using it (even sparingly), the recovery turned into weeks and finally three full months. Anything related to the keyboard or typing was quite the worst at aggravating the pain. Please consider the advice of others and hire someone to do up the ironing.
ReplyDeleteWe will all be here whenever the next Playground challenge starts. Many of us might even be willing to help you out on getting posts written and/or leaving comments on your behalf.
When I was laid up last summer and banned from the keyboard, my two granddaughters took turns typing up my blog posts as I dictated them. They were amazingly helpful once I reached out and asked. :-D
Gentle hugs to you.
Failed???? FAILED???? You are a silly sod!
ReplyDeleteHave a rest woman!!!!
After a mammoth prize fest you deserve it.
(And no - I am not offering to do your ironing even tho I love you dearly!) xx
Dear Di, we all appreciate the time and effort you put into keeping us entertained. Or maybe we don't all appreciate it. By that, I don't mean we aren't grateful, I just mean that if you have never done a giveaway, or run a linky then you maybe don't appreciate the actual amount of work and time that goes into it. Even a well oiled operation like you have here is still a huge time stealer. So, take all the time you need. Have you thought about going monthly?? It's your challenge, you can change the rules whenever you like. It's not supposed to have become a job. I am sure if there is anything that anyone could do to help out then you only need to ask. I would be very very happy to donate any scraps you might need!!!! Don't laugh!! You might pull a tummy muscle! Feel better soon and throw away the iron. HUGZ
ReplyDeleteEchoing many others, I congratulate you on a good decision to slow down and get some well deserved rest. Please take care of you. We in blog-land love you and will be here when you feel like running things. I agree with those who said throw away the iron or hire it done. Hugs to you and carefully hug Dudley. Please know I care.
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, my Christmas decorations are still up and probably will be at least until next weekend! Actually, my chalkboard still says "Hello, Fall". Take your time, and rest and heal for real. Sometimes it takes more time than we think it should. We'll be patient and wait for the playground to open up again. If you see us snooping around, just looking to see if the gate has been cracked and we can come back in and play. : )
ReplyDeleteI always wonder how you keep up with everything you do. Take a much needed rest, cuddle Dudley and we will see you when you're ready.
ReplyDeletethis is good decision. I think we all should listen to ourselves - even when we think we have failed, we are just too hard to ourselves. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.
ReplyDeletetake care.
crafty hugs xx
Failure is definitely not a word associated with you in any way at all Di! You are severely chastised for even thinking such a thing! It is absolutely fabulous that you are taking a break from commenting and blogging. Len will be pleased too. Take good care of that shoulder and yourself generally. I am also glad Dudley is so well and so much fun. Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteOh, Di, good for you. Take all the time you need, your health is by far the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy new year.
That’s the best decision you could have made in the circumstances Di, and you certainly aren’t letting any of us down! Rest is the answer to many things, and it will do you the world of good to have a break. Only come back when you are good and ready.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy and look after yourself.
Janice xx
A very wise decision Di - if you don't look after yourself and Len, there won't be a challenge at all. We don't mind a wee break at all :)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings
Maxine
I totally understand your needing to take time off! No failure involved in any way - please don't ever think that!! Maybe a good solution for this December challenge is to make it 4 weeks instead to give you more time to your priorities or to yourself. I have to take several days to take down my decorations as I just can't handle it all at once. And I over-did it yesterday and was so sore and went to bed at 9:00. But I just can't imagine having a sore shoulder doing all that! Yikes!! You need to take care of that first, Di.
ReplyDeleteThat Dudley, sounds just like my parrot, Rocky. He sees a piece of tissue laying around, he is shredding it (& eating some, too, I'm sure!). ;-) Now … go take care of yourself!!! hugs, Becca
Di, your plan sounds perfect! Self-care is so very hard for some of us to do... until our bodies demands it! Your body is needing some time to rest and heal. So I'm so glad you are taking it! When you are feeling better, your playground buddies will be here ready to play. Until then, Happy New Year and enjoy some downtime. You are loved!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness me Di you haven't failed at all. I am constantly amazed by what you do and also the shoulder has been such a pesky pain to you. You do need some time to heal and feel better. Take all the time you need and please never feel the need to apologize. Thanks for everything you do and enjoy the new year. We have just taken out decs down, it took all day but is done. My poor 86 and 87 year old parents have been very ill since before Christmas with flu and are still not right so I have been doing a round trip of nearly 2 hours every few days to help so I am sorry if I have been so absent too. Hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteAlways good to take a bit of time off! Let that shoulder heal!
ReplyDeleteMy English Cocker, Tessa, loves destroying tissues! I kept waiting for her to grow out of puppyhood but it wasn't till she reached three years old that I felt it was starting to happen! So don't expect too much from Dudley!!!
Gosh Patti, after all the work on your mega-giveaway I think you deserve a bit of a breather!! Be kind to your shoulder, easier said than done I know!
ReplyDeleteYour health should always come first! Nobody minds at all, Di, please don't be so hard on yourself! Take a break, get things done at your own speed, rest that shoulder, and come back when you're good as new! Of course, make sure you cuddle that sweet Dudley! We'll all be here waiting for you whenever you are able to post again. I take lots of breaks myself when I need to, so I completely understand! No worries! Now I'm off to get caught up on any other posts of yours that I've missed!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'm in the majority when I say that you absolutely deserve to take some time off after that marathon giveaway event, with all the holidays mixed in as well. In fact, you deserve a month off, if you want the truth! Not only a month off, but a big box of chocolates, puppy kisses from Dudley, and a foot massage from Len as well (okay, okay Len, I'll stop there).
ReplyDeleteI know how hard it can be to give your body the rest it needs when things are all there needing to be done. But if you don't force yourself to rest, things will get a lot worse, I'm sad to say. Sooooo, hoping you are able to enjoy your time off and give that sweet Dudley some attention so he doesn't get into even more mischief, ha!
Happy New Year to you Di, and thank you for all that you do.
I'm sure everyone understands Di, and we will still all be here when things come right again! Cheers, CarolG
ReplyDeleteRight decision Di. I made the same with the butterfly challenge. Though I have done the results I have put the new challenge back a week. Sat here propped up with cushions at moment still with this frozen shoulder. so know exactly how you feel. Take care of yourself. Hugs Me.
ReplyDeleteHello Di:
ReplyDeleteI stopped by to link up in the new challenge, but you must be having a nice relaxing weekend (I hope). I'll check back tomorrow and try to link up then. You've sure been a busy gal. Hope your holidays were happy and blessed.
Karen Letchworth
www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com
Health is the most important thing in life, so keep calm and carry on slowly!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best!
Lia xx
Di please do not think you have failed you do an amazing job running a home as well as this blog, Take time out for you, See you when you feel better take life slowly and take care of yourself,
ReplyDeleteLove
Lilian b
A decision well made - your own health and well being comes first and everyone will understand that too. You run the playground ship shape fashion all year - so one little blip is not a failure.
ReplyDeletehugs L x
Dear Di, you absolutely should and must take a break! We all appreciate the mammoth amount of work you (and Len) put into keeping the blog going. Much love, April xxx
ReplyDeleteThink this rest week ought to be an annual event for you to recuperate, dear Di, it’s needful.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been busy here with family and summer hols and folks coming next week and here today. Life happens and breaks are a common sense approach.
Gives us longer to comment too!
Rest well, iron carefully, and do please catch up all those stray tissues before we know who finds them! 😉
Thanks for being a blessing, and may God bless you too, especially good health in 2020.
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x 😊
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Hi Miss Di, three 'r's for you relax, recharge, recuperate. As I have learned, if I don't take time to take care of my health, my health will force me to stop until I do take care of it... be gentle with yourself (and your shoulder) which I can understand completely... (I've been bad and pruned our native- read flammable- garden as one of the fires has moved closer to us- and my physio knows- my shoulder has reverted to when I first started seeing her last year...) so many steps forward and now several steps back as I needed to get the jobs done... now I must rest too... We will all come back once you are on top of things, for now we can stop by the playground and enjoy some hooch- while you are not watching... Happy New Year and have a wonderful week...Megan
ReplyDeleteI've found that life gets in the way of crafting and it comes first. I sure understand that Len is the priority and you need to rest that shoulder. I'm not sure ironing is what I would think of as a cure but those clothes won't iron themselves. Sounds like Dudley had a fun time while you dozed off.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Di, you haven't failed at anything my friend! Just the opposite! We all need time and when something has been injured, well we need a little more time. Yes, I hear you about the Dudley, Kahlua isn't a puppy anymore either, but she gets into trouble all the time. She loves tissues and will swallow one before I can get it from her-the only thing she won't drop when I tell her too. Not sure what the fascination with them is! And now there is Maverick, who is still a puppy. Even though he is laid back and doesn't find as much trouble as Kahlua does, he still does find some. Like you said, you need eyes in the back of your head! It's a full time job and by the time Bret gets home I'm exhausted. lol Savannah is good, but she figures if they can do it why can't she. lol Anyway, one day...maybe these dogs will be good, maybe. lol Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDelete