The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2022 Daily Prompt – Jan. 8th

jusjojan© LindaGHill

Hi! Welcome to the Daily 2022 Just Jot it January Prompt and the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt for SATURDAY, JANUARY 8th.

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “In the.” Start your post with the words “In the” – that’s the prompt! Enjoy!

Badge by Shelley Krupa.

jusjojan© LindaGHill

In the afternoon yesterday , 1.45 actually, I was on the phone to my eldest son, when suddenly there were huge black things floating infront of me. I kept try to brush them away, they were like huge cobwebs then for good measure silver flashes appeared from top to bottom of my periveral vision.

I could not concentrate on the phone conversation as the lights and cobwebs were so distracting. In the beginning I could not work out what was happening then as I relaxed I realized it was my left eye. This continued all afternoon and evening, at about 17.30 I rang my optician and asked for an appointment, she said what was the problem I told her. She advised me to go as soon as possible to the eye casualty. The earliest I could go was this morning. So I spent the evening wearing dark glasses and I have to admit worrying.

This morning we were up at dawn and off to the hospital after sorting Ruby. I was there at 8.30am the department opens at 9am. I was first in and was triaged , an eye test, then drops to anesthesise my eyes, followed by a test to measure the pressure in my eyes then drops to dilate my pupils. After a while I saw the Dr and her trainee they did loads of tests and even gave me more drops the put a special lense in my left eye to do a deeper test.

In the beginning I was scared when she told me I had had a P V D. Apparently this is an age related thing ..a Posterior Vitreous Detachment. This when the Vitreous ( a jelly) at the back of the eye breaks away, and we then see black floaters infront of our eyes. The light flashes are the vitreous pulling at the retina. It’s age related. Today every thing is okay, although rather disconcerting. The Dr said to just keep an eye on things … keep an eye 👀🤣🤣🤣🤣. But to watch out for the light flashes getting worse or suddenly lots more floaters as that could mean trouble, detached retina. So any problems I was to return to the eye casualty immediately.

Apparently this can go on for weeks months or even years???? I told her this was rather disconcerting because the floaters seem huge she told me that my brain will soon compensate for these and they will not bother me as much.

In the beginning I was very worried since seeing the Dr I feel better, though because of the drops my vision is very blurry so forgive me if I am late reading posts or comments today.

So in the end, for now all is well that ends well. 💜

Seriously, Another Year.

Death sat alone in an empty pub, everywhere he went this happened, he’d come in everyone else would leave. Such a shame he thought sipping his pint and watching it drip right through to the carpet….. so embarrassing!

The door flew open with an almighty gust of wind blowing in dust and tumble weed, very unusual for Brixton. Three hooded and cloaked figures entered “Hey man this is a step up from that coffee bar we met in last time” shouted Plague as he sat down and picked up the lager death had ordered for him on the pub app. “How have you been ” asked Death.

“Actually I have been so busy, as busy as you mate, yup it’s been a great couple of years! “

Famine sat down to his Guinness, the food on his plate turn to mush as he breathed on it. “Cheers Death I’m starving and parched.”.

Death nodded as War came in the sound of fighting and gunshot could be heard from the street, hi big man I’ve been busy too handy with Plague here, grabbing all the headlines I can do loads of damage.

Death moved his sythe and war jumped up waiving an AK-47 at him, Death gave him a withering look and said, “Don’t threaten me, you’ll only come off worse! ” War sat down.

“Tell me” asked Famine whose poked Mother Nature she’s in a foul mood, floods, fires, earthquakes, record hurricanes and tornadoes, not to mention climate change. Is she joining us today. ”

“No” Death replied “She’s too busy fighting back, sick of these humans leaching off of her. She sent you her regards Plague and says you’re doing a great job.”

The unfortunate barman came across to the table when Death beckoned to him, “Another round young man and packet of crisps for my friend Famine here! “

The barman, was all at once exhausted, ready for a fight, starving and showing all the main symptoms for covid, returned to the bar and poured these oddly unquieting customers their drinks. As he came back he tripped on Famine’s shopping nearly spilling the drinks. ” Mind the toilet rolls ” Famine snapped. The other three turned and looked at him and as one asked “Seriously”

As they left the barman collapsed, a riot broke out on the streets of Brixton, all the food shops, even Waitrose had their shelves cleared by starving people. Death sighed and set to collecting the dead , a never ending task which pained him. Suddenly his mobile rang

“Hello God here, I see you are all there”

“Yes we’ve been here a while Sir.”

“I know, I suppose you want an apocalypse now?”

“Not really Sir”

“Well you’re not really giving me much choice are you?”

“And a happy New Year to you too Sir”

Death turned his phone off and headed back to the pub, when he arrived it was packed .

Two years on . The plague.

Image from here.

The planet was struggling it’s true
From space it was no longer blue
It was suffering from millennia of wars and abuse
People pleaded for change, no use.
Most tried to help Earth
They knew the planets worth.
Then came the plague
No respecter of king or knave
It cut through the ranks and top brass
No preference for age or class
It sent weak, old and young to the grave.
Emptied the streets and Malls,
Pubs, clubs and church halls.
It stopped the planes and the trains
The fat cats lost their profits and gains.
Huge nations brought to their knees
As scientists searched for the keys
To the elusive cure to rid all of the bain.
Just when it could not get worse
Hate joined fear with a curse.
The people turn on eachother
Neighbour, husband, wife, sister, brother.
Empty shops, no fuel they could not stand
Then all civilian movement was banned
So crops and animals died on the land.
Drones flew over head, all was scanned.
Mother Nature watched with a tear
Chaos in weeks, rebellion, extinction within a year.

I originally wrote this before the plague hit the UK almost two years ago. I had no idea then how close I would get to the truth. We have had quite a few varients the lastest being Omicron B.

This latest varient is the fastest spreader yet! We are heading down the lockdown wormhole again, our numbers are soaring and the hospitals are filling up fast.

So as we dive into yet more unknowns I thought I’d write another verse or two. Before I do, I have personally lost close family to Covid, two of my sons have had Covid also and are feeling the affects of long Covid. So I am not talking without knowledge of the beast .

Then it got worse

The politicians grew hornes and lied.
The people misled in their millions died.
The hospital staff were exhausted and beat
This virus had us all in retreat
They begged us to stay home
We did as families and many suffered alone.
Three lockdowns we have had
Could closing our boarders made it less bad?
The answer we will never know
Because our leaders were too slow.

The virus kept mutating
With it there is no debating
It’s determined to get us all
Especially those who refuse the vaccine
And those who, to wear masks are not keen.
They can’t be bothered to socially distance
They rather do their own thing
They said it not real even when they get the ping .
They say track and trace
Is just a waste of space .
Until they’re ill and the NHS is their saving grace!
From their hospital beds near to death
They gasp so short of breath
Wishing they’d had the jab arm
So this virus had caused them less harm.

So another Christmas where we’re not sure
To have family come through our door.
We miss seeing family and friends
But we just don’t know where this ends.
So take care and be safe
Hopefully by God’s grace
We will all last another year.

To all our loved that we lost to Covid.

All the above said, and I could of said a lot more about lies and politicians…. May I say that I feel we still have hope but we must change our old lives have gone.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge Prompt No. 87 (SIGH) in the C rhyme line.

Ronovanwrite’s

THIS IS PART OF RONOVANWRITE’S WEEKLY DÉCIMA CHALLENGE.

Image from here

HOMELESS DÉCIMA

Winter’s chill nips badly shod feet
Cold wind burns cheeks and makes them glow
That cough worsens, makes concerns grow
A gift of hot coffee, so sweet
Not often an angel you meet.
You see them on the street and sigh
Their life stories will make you cry.
Spare a thought for them just reach out.
You could really help them no doubt.
Share Christmas cheer around, please try.

Ruby is home!

© willowdot21

Home from Vetinary Hospital, after a traumatic month of shocks and operations. Fingers crossed cancer cut out, there is a lot of nursing to do but she deserves the best. There is some concern that the skin flap the Surgeons used to close the wound might necrotise but hubby and I will do our best to prevent this. Stitches out in 2/3 weeks.

Ruby says thank you everyone for sending her love and good wishes.💜💜💜

#TANKATUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 254, #SPECIFICFORM

WELCOME TO #TANKATUESDAY!

This week it’s time for the specific form, Colleen has asked us to try a Tanka Prose. I have tried and I have to say this is a very personal and painful one for me.

© willowdot21.

Evening Tide

So tired, she lies quiet, cosy and beconed. Yes old and wise as she is she will not leave those staples in. No more than she ever did the previous stitches. My best friend, my comforter your days are numbered, my heart is broken. The years you gave assisting can’t keep you safe.

it grows and festers.
the unkind killer within
respecting no life
I rail at you it’s not fair
no thought for service given.

© willowdot21.

THIS IS PART OF COLLEEN’S TUESDAY TANKA CHALLENGE.

James Blunt , Stand Up to Cancer.

James has said it all so let’s kick Cancers Arse!

K.L. Caley’s #WRITEPHOTO – POISONOUS PLANTS

K.L.Caley

For visually challenged writers, the image shows bright pinkish-red trumpet-shaped plants

Poisonous Plants – Image by KL Caley

“Ouch! That’s exactly what I hate about these medieval shoes!” Merlin winged as he landed.
“No sympathy hun, you insisted on being authentic” Morgana laughed making little quote marks in his face. “Personally I find my old Doc Martin’s serve me well, even in medieval times. If anyone asks why they are so strange I just say they are made in France.”
“Damn that hurts ” Merlin had stepped on another stone. Losing her temper Morgana snapped at him “Will you man up, you baby! It’s your own vanity’s fault that you are walking round in what is basically fancy leather socks! “

---

They had landed in a long and dank passage with earth floors. They checked Merlin’s notes and after checking their barings they head towards a set of steps. Morgana took two torches out of her bag and handed one to Merlin.
As they reached the top steps they checked to see if they were still alone. “Okay” said Morgana “torches out and remember who you are”
“Yes I am a Lord Failin and you my little pretty are my harlot” Merlin replied pinching Morgan’s bottom ” Smiling she looked Merlin in the eye stamped firmly on his foot. “Watch where you put your hand hun ” Merlin bitterly regretted only having soft leather shoes on.

---

Merlin and Morgana made their way through the castle it was very odd, no guards or servants anywhere . “It’s like the Marie Celeste” said Morgana ” and I would know because I was on that ship.”
Merlin cleared his throat and said “Right we need to find the Queen’s appartment she is the one seeking our help.” Morgana delved into her bag again and took out a map of the castle. “Ah!” She said here we are up a floor first on the left just as I remember”

---

As they entered the Queen’s chamber they were shocked to see a terrified Guinevere hiding behind a chair by the fire.
“Who are you sir and why do you dare to enter my chambers?” Asked the Guinevere .
“I am Lord Failin your majesty and I am here to help you. Now I have been told that all the servants and soldiers are either intoxicated or ill.” Said Merlin giving her a flourishing bow as he did.
“You both look familiar have we met before? ” Asked Guinevere.
Morgana smiled at her and replied, “Maybe my queen but in another life” “Hush harlot don’t confuse matters, hush now my queen sleep”
Guinevere fell into a gentle sleep immediately. “Not lost your touch yet” muttered Morgana.

---

As they left the Queen’s chambers the smell of vomit and diarrhea suddenly become stronger, as they advanced they found servants, guards, nobles and ladies in varying stages of sickness …some were not sick but so drunk that they were incapable of speach or standing up!
“I think I know what this is ” Morgana announced “We need to check the kitchen right now.”

---

The kitchen was the same as everwhere else, sleeping bodies, drunk and confused children and a lot of mess. Merlin looked around and saw himself asleep in the corner….what a good-looking chap I am he thought to himself!
Morgana made him jump coming in from the kitchen garden “I have found the culprit, *Rododendrom as we know the nectar is posionious!”
“Indeed” replied Merlin “But who has done this, I don’t remember any sneak attacks undertaken when the castle was …..err… under the influence do you?”… “No but I do remember you mentioning you had got annoyed with Arthur and decided to spice things up a tad…. Looking at your former self there in the corner you must of tried tad too much of the mead! “
Merlin looked on sheepishly….”Don’t just stand there Hun you’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do before day break and this lot awake to the mother of all hangovers! “
Looking horrified Merlin asked, “And what are you going to do”
Morgana sat on a near by stool and lit a cigarette. ” After this hun I am going to find some wine….. certainly not mead and have a catch up with Guinevere.” She replied throwing a handy mop in his direction!

This is part of K.L Caley’s#writephoto.

*The toxins responsible for the poisonous effects of Rhododendron are grayanotoxins. These are highly oxygentated diterpenoids that have been presumed to be produced elsewhere in the plant as a natural chemical defence against insects.

Azalea/Rhododendron: (Rhododendron spp) Highly poisonous to cats and dogs and cows even if just a few leaves are eaten. Daffodil: (Narcissus) All parts of the daffodil are harmful. Dogs sometimes eat the bulbs, but even a small bite can kill a small animal.

Effects. Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. It results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, and the severity depends on the amount of honey or nectar ingested.

Grayanotoxins are produced by Rhododendron species and other plants in the family Ericaceae. Honey made from the nectar and so containing pollen of these plants also contains grayanotoxins and is commonly referred to as mad honey.

more information at Wiki

#WRITEPHOTO – Cliff Edge

Welcome to K.L. Caley’s weekly #writephoto prompt! Cliff Edge. Oh! and this week I am leaving you with a cliffhanger!

For visually challenged writers, the image shows a high area of rock with a very steep side, often on a coast. The cliff has a grassy top. The sea can be seen further out

Cliff Edge – Image by KL Caley

Landing with a thump and still shouting obscenities, Morgarna was less than pleased as a sharp pain ran up her left leg into her hip. She shook her fist at the anomaly as it disappeared.
Merlin’s last words came to her as looked in her bag for her instructions and find out where and when she was!
Okay it was 2024 and she was to get into Brighton General Hospital, find Dr. Gaylord De’arth and kill him! To prevent the death of millions of innocent people.
Okay thought Morgarna, but why has that shit Merlin dropped me off a huge cliff breaking my hip in the process, just outside Seaford?
She was beginning to argue his motives to herself when she inadvertently moved sending excruciating pain into her hip.

******

Morgarna opened her eyes, she was deafened by the noise of helicopter blades and blinded by a search light, wet to the bone and in pain!. “Relax” said a beautiful pair of blue eyes, with a very reassuring voice. ” I have got you safe, just look into my eyes and forget everything else”
“Okay Dreamy McDreamy ” Morgarna replied, wandering did she actually say that?
Once in the air ambulance it was all go, there was a female Dr who was barking orders and putting lines in for fluid, painkillers and blood. Morgana knew she could fix herself in the blink of an eye but this was her best way of getting in to the hospital so painful as it was she played along.
The morphine began to work. Wooo though Morgarna this stuff is very good, not as quick as my magic but very nice indeed. As she drifted off to sleep she took another peep at Dreamy McDreamy who was smiling at her.
The Dr said ” she’s hardly dressed for the beach, or coast walking is she” “No” replied Dreamy McDreamy, “more like a posh party , a gothic party and those shoes …most unsuitable but sexy” The Dr did not look impressed and flashed Dreamy a look, so Dreamy shut up!
The transfer from air ambulance to casualty went smoothly and Morgarna touched base with reality just long enough to hear Dreamy wishing her luck and heading off to the next job.
“Okay” Morgarna thought to herself, I will let this Morphine work it’s magic for now and I will get cracking in the morning.”

******

It was about 3am when Morgana woke with a shock to find Dreamy McDreamy looking down at her. He smiled as he saw her eyes open and Whispered “Hi” Morgarna smiled back, then drifted off to sleep again.

******

It was morning, early morning and all the usual hospital noises were clamouring for Morgarna’s attention. There was a male nurse by her bed taking her blood pressure and temperature, he smiled “Good morning my name’s Hugh, do you have a name and an address. We don’t want to be calling you miss now do we?”
Thinking as quickly as her morphine clouded mind could manage Morgan told him, Diana Hunter, and thought up a fictitious address. “Is there anyone we can call for you.” Morgarna assured him there was not.
“Well Diana” the nurse said, “I am afraid there’s no breakfast for you this morning you are first on the list”
Really though Morgarna, I suppose I had better let these medics do their bit but everything takes them so long.
Smiling her best , bruised and battered smile , Morgarna asked Hugh who was doing the operation. Hugh smiled and said, ” None other than the best, Dr De’arth” He finished with a flourish.

To be continued……

NaBloPoMo : Dementia , Alzheimer’s Cruel Game.

image from here

They are not in there they have gone.
Don’t search for the beautiful light that once shone,
They are not themselves, their soul has fled
Gone to us, to all purposes dead.
How cruel, how mean, how so unkind
To leave a feeble body and take a beautiful mind.
There are no words that can truly describe
The pain and fear of those trapped inside.
They can not reason they know no rhyme
They are gone and we are left behind.
Recognition in the eyes is sadly mockery.
This is no longer them, they are not who they used to be.
Screams of anger, voices harsh with fists of hate
You try so hard, you have so much on your plate.
There is no more that you can do.
They may be gone, still you try to be true.