Musings

If We Were Having Coffee – Life Musing #5

Gemma - Wheelescapades

If we were having coffee you’d probably come round mine as I’ve only left the house a few times this year. One of which was in an ambulance.

At one point last month I had a running streak of 12 days inside. By that I mean I didn’t even step into the garden. It’s worrying how ok with that I am. The older I get, the more content I am with my own company and a good book.

If we were having coffee I’d tell you all I’ve really wanted to do is read. And that’s ok by me.

I’d tell you I’ve read a few books this year, quite the variety really. I’m an eclectic reader, though. I can go from teen thriller ‘One Of Us Is Lying’, that I’m currently listening to as an audiobook. To one of my most intense reads of late ‘The Hearts Invisible Furies’. Wow, is that a book. A book with all the feels.

I read ‘You’, you know the one that’s on Netflix. But I haven’t watched it. Is it wrong I’m routing for Joe and have a little soft spot for him?! I think we are quite alike, except for the obvious. You know. I am pretty particular about grammar and totally don’t get the Ikea love. I’ve got the sequel ready to go, but had book club commitments first.

There was a quote in ‘Olive Kitteridge’, that I’ve just finished reading. That I feel sums up life pretty well.

“You get used to things, he thinks, without getting used to things”

That’s how it goes, life.

If we were having coffee I’d say I’ve never been a February fan. And that hasn’t changed. The flu that got me in January, extended to February, flaring up every now and again.

I was due an operation though, and that had to be postponed, because that’s how my life goes. Always ill at the most inconvenient times. I’m back on the list, waiting for a date. But I do sometimes feel 2020 is happening without me. A waiting game.

If we were having coffee the subject of Coronavirus is bound to come up. Because it’s all that’s ever spoken about. Like there is no other news. I have mixed feelings about it.

If we were having coffee I’d explain that I understand Coronavirus is likely being blown out of all proportions, but I also feel there are more mild cases around than that are known.

‘It’s ok they’ say, it’s only really bad for ‘those over 60 years of age’ they say, and the ‘vulnerable with underlying health conditions’ they say. Well yes, I’m one of them I say. The latter. Although the over 60’s are important too. This isn’t The Hunger Games, survival of the fittest.

Basically I’m not panic buying, but please wash your hands.

If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’ve been a bit slack on the crafting lately. I had a bit of an internet browse for motivation and discovered #The100dayProject. A worldwide challenge to be creative for 100 consecutive days, in whichever way you want. You can share your progress with the universe using hashtags and the like on social media.

You can also find out more and sign up on the website. Or follow my arty-ness on Instagram. I’ll do a little round up, of my hopefully completed project here too, for those that have enough social networks without adding Instagram to the pile.

If we were having coffee I’d ask how many forms of digital communication you use? I’ve had a bit of a cull lately. People and apps.

There’s group chats on Facebook, forwarded posts on Instagram. I get confused and told that only the old use WhatsApp. Well I’m old, and why does the world move so fast?

If we were having coffee it would be accompanied by a hot cross bun, because I love all seasonal food.

Have you been to M&S lately? It’s dangerous. There are more flavours of hot cross buns than there are days in Easter. So I’ve started early, just to get through them all. No hot cross bun shall go untasted. I’ve had the salted caramel, great for those avoiding dry fruit. The apple, deliciously cinnamony.

A pile of hot cross buns on my kitchen side in packets. The flavours are, luxury fruit, chilli and cheese, orange marmalade, and apple. The kitchen counter is white, the tiles and black and white, plus you can see a black toaster and knife block.

If we were having coffee I’d rave to you about the new flavour. Chilli cheese. Yes it’s savoury. I’ve eaten them in many variations, each one as good as the next. Toasted with butter, soft cheese, soft cheese and tomato, toasted with brie squished inside. Yesterday I had one toasted, with bacon and egg inside. Like a breakfast roll. Only problem is I couldn’t decide which sauce to have.

I’m a ketchup with egg and bacon girl. What are you?

There’s nothing better to go with a hot cross bun than a tasty brew. Or so I thought.

If we were having coffee I’d ask what you’re having. Because apparently coffee is the new tea. According to a survey, not done by me.

Lies, that’s what I thought. So I did my own polls.

A screenshot of the Twitter Poll reading - A recent survey (not by me) suggests that coffee is the new tea, with more people choosing coffee based drinks in the UK than a good ol’ brew. What do you choose? #tea #coffee #vote #Poll. The results are, Tea 55% Coffee 45%Screen shot of a Facebook poll reading - A recent survey (not by me) suggests that coffee is the new tea, with more people choosing coffee based drinks in the UK than a good ol’ brew. What do you choose? #tea #coffee #vote #Poll. The results say Tea 52%, Coffee 48%

A recent survey (not by me) suggests that coffee is the new tea, with more people choosing coffee based drinks in the UK than a good ol’ brew.

What do you choose?

#tea #coffee #vote #Poll

Tea 55%
Coffee 45%

Tea came out top (only just), for both Twitter and Facebook. But maybe that’s because you’re my people.

If we were having coffee you might think me a little controversial. But I’m really hating all the ableist hate out there right now. I know, I should be on the side of disability, sticking with my crew, shaming all the abelists out there. And I am. I am. But in a different way. My way. I don’t believe in shaming anyone.

I’m not a shouty kinda person. I believe there’s strength and power in conversation. I scroll through Twitter and it’s constant anger. Very little of it actually getting the point across or educating people.

Nobody learned nothing from shouting. That’s what I’ve always believed.

If we were having coffee you’d know I usually take part in Lent. Well this year it took me forever to decide what to do. What to give up.

Which brings me to the subject of procrastination and getting things done. That’s what I’m doing. Or trying to, anyway.

It was one of my goals.

If we were having coffee I’d ask if you’ve ever given anything up for Lent? You’d probably ask why I do it, and I’d just say I don’t really know but I gave up bread one time and you can read about it here to see how crazy I am.

If we were having coffee I’d ask if you’ve watched The Act? I got a trial thingy just so I could. Those kinds of things intrigue me. Human behaviours.

If we were having coffee I’d assure you I fully understand the condition Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy. I’d then go on to say it’s hard to understand how anyone would want the child they love to struggle. To have a disability that they don’t even have.

Muscular Dystrophy was one of those mentioned. Of which I have a form.

I’m still thinking about that show.

If we were having coffee I’d ask what tv you’ve been watching lately, and if you have any recommendations?

If we were having coffee what would you tell me?

An image to pin. A white marble table with a clear glass coffee cup on filled with coffee. Text placed over reads, If We Were Having Coffee - Life Musing #5Pin this

#WeekendCoffeeShare

Published by Gemma - Wheelescapades

Whenever friends and I are out we always end up discussing, critiquing, analysing where we are and what we are doing. From talking about the food we are eating, the soap in the toilets, the awful bus journey to our destination, anything and everything we encounter. Because of my disability (SMA type2) many of the situations we get into, issues we discuss and laughs we have can be due to wheelchair access. Often me getting stuck in mud or shingle, or me making my way through the most cram packed shop you can imagine, wondering how I am ever going to find the way out again! I aim to write a blog that describes these dramas, tells stories of our laughs, adventures and frustrations, while giving detailed information on accessibility and wheelchair access. Also I like tea. ALOT. The quality of the tea often determines my return just as much as the accessibility.

28 thoughts on “If We Were Having Coffee – Life Musing #5”

  2. Hello Gemma,
    this is Terri Gardner from Missouri. Well, if I had taken your poll, I would have voted coffee. As much as I like the idea of drinking tea (and I have many exotic teas and a few collected tea pots to back me up on that), I tend to still grab my mug and fill it with coffee.
    Doesn’t early March seem like a different universe.That first week in March was the last time we went to a group function. We are still basically hibernating. My knitting, sewing and flower garden has been happier for it. Take care and stay safe.

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    1. Hi Terri,
      I hope you’re well and still keeping safe. Hibernating isn’t a bad idea. As one of the ‘at risk’ people I haven’t left the house since March. I’m not quite ready to yet either.
      The sewing and garden are positive for it here too. I’ve never appreciated my garden so much.
      Take care

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  3. If we were having coffee (tea for me- tall and iced) I’d be telling you how good it is to catch up on Game of Thrones during quarantine. How remote teaching is way more difficult than I thought it would be but that I like it! (I hate getting up before the sun and wearing my teacher costume…give me jeans, a T at sun rise please) and that I love reading your posts.

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    1. I’ve never watched Game Of Thrones, people say I should but I can’t decide if it’s me. Suppose I’ll have to try to know! Thanks for stopping by, and iced tea sounds yum right now.

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  5. Pingback: Civilisation Not As We Know It – Wheelescapades

  6. Haha only the old use Whatsapp? I left my university’s Whatsapp groups because I can’t cope with all the people, most of whom are younger than me in my late 30s, chattering to the point where I get 200 new messages whenever I open the chat. I felt too old for that lol! Bring back the Facebook groups where you have some kind of overview and can comment on the things you care about.

    I’m one of the 45% – coffee is my treat and my morning necessity. I trink tea as well, but only when I’ve had my daily ration of coffee (I’m trying to cut down!)

    I’ve vented on Twitter and my blog against the ablest hate tags and got my own share of nasty comments for it, but I don’t care. We never succeed when we split up into groups of us and them. Especially when people are behaving like that, I feel more at home with the them than the us! Why all this hate, people?

    I’m not really a hot cross bun fan, but chilli and cheese you say? I could go for that!

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    1. Oh I struggle too when I pick up my phone and find 200+ messages! Apparently the younger generation chat on Instagram and Snapchat, and it’s us oldies still on WhatsApp 🙄
      I do like a good coffee, but only when out as I don’t have the facilities at home for a fancy one.
      I’m glad I’m not the only one finding much of the ablest hate unnecessary. You’re right, we get nowhere by segregation. Yes, awareness and education are still needed. But there are ways to do it.

      The chilli cheese hot cross buns are a must try, let me know if you do.

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  8. I’ve become so, so much more appreciative of home comforts. When you don’t have much choice with your health you either get pissed about it and hate every minute, or start to take solace in it. Nothing better than a good book, blankie & a cuppa tea. Okay maybe there is.. hot chocolate (with a chocolate bar) & good book!

    Ooo The Hearts Invisible Furies, never heard of that one. Is that a modern, recently written book..? Will have to check it out.

    I wish I had read ‘You’. I saw the first season on Netflix before I’d realised it was a novel. I’m looking forward to the next series. Apparently there’s an alternative version without any vocals from Joe (because we hear him voicing his thoughts) which makes it all the more creepy. Enjoy the next book!

    For TV, I’ve been watching True Blood because all these years later and the curiosity finally got the better of me. Better late than never, only 12 years since it first started. Okay, it was the desire to see Alexander Skarsgård repeatedly that made me start. Mmmmm. Now on the final season and taking each episode painstakingly slowly because I don’t want Alexander to disappear. Ever seen it?

    I’m also a ketchup with egg and bacon, hold the ketchup and the egg, add more bacon. So yeah, just bacon and lots of it. So have you made your decision on the lent issue..?

    Caz xx

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    1. The hearts Invisible Furies is by John Boyne and fairly recently written. Within the last few years. Let me know what you think of it if you read!
      Are you part of The Surviving Life book club on Facebook?

      I love ‘Your the book. And Joe. Probably a different version in my head than the tv show. Although the book is a constant steam of his thoughts.

      I’ve never watched True Blood, however did read quite a few of the books some years ago. Probably even before it was a tv thing. Sounds like I should give the show a go though 😉

      I started watching The Outsider today, based on a Stephen King. Intriguing so far.

      With Lent, I’ve decided to give up or cut down the procrastination. My motto now is ‘get stuff done’.

      Do you dip the chocolate bar in the hot chocolate?

      X

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      1. Aah now that makes sense re: lent. I re-read it and still wasn’t sure if you meant procrastination was what you were giving up. ‘Get stuff done’, sounds a bit like BoJo 😉I like it though, that’s a good one. I might give up over-stressing, but I’d never manage it, so I’m not going to bother.

        I used to dip chocolate into tea when I was younger. When I was really little, we had one of those old electric type fires with the metal grill on the front. I’d sit next to that with a Mars bar, melting it (and often getting gooey melted Mars all over the metal) and then eat it. Yummm. These days I’m quite keen on hot choc and Minstrels (so good when they melt in your mouth).

        I’ll make a note of the book, thank you! And yes you should give True Blood a try, I can let you know the specific episodes when Alexander’s clothes are off it that helps.

        I’ve not seen The Outsider but I’ve got it on my to-watch list. Enjoy!! 🙂
        xx

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  9. Mmmm, hot cross buns. Seems you have a much better selection than I’ve seen in any of my U.S. grocery stores. I hope you stay well and that spring springs soon where you are. I do think it helps with regular colds and flu to get everybody outside a bit more, rather than always breathing each other’s germy air in confined spaces. But, then, I’m like you–give me a book and I’m happy inside all day!

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    1. Are hot cross buns a big thing in the U.S? I knew a lady a few years back and she moved here from Florida. She said the best thing in the UK was sausage rolls, she’d never had them before. I wasn’t sure if it’s just her?!
      I’m definitely aiming to get out in the air a bit more. I agree, germs multiply in warm stuffy houses. Spring is coming… slowly.

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      1. Hot cross buns aren’t a big thing–but we do see them in the store this time of year, along with Irish soda bread, and just after the king cakes and different ethnic kinds of doughnuts, etc., for Mardi Gras go away. I don’t know about sausage rolls. We have sausage and pepperoni bread–even prosciutto bread–you can find at Italian bakeries and good grocery stores. But I don’t know if I’ve had a sausage roll. Just give me all the bread–especially if it has some savory goodness inside! Hope spring keeps creeping up on us. Sunny here today and it’s a nice change!

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      2. Sausage rolls a a fluffy puff pastry with proper sausage meant inside. None of the pretend spongy sausage. If they’re not available you should try making one someday. They are amazing!
        Oh yes I like soda bread, prosciutto bread sounds yum. I’m with you on all the bread please.

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  10. What a lovely post-Gemma I remember taking part in the poll and yes I would be having tea with fruit cake and enjoying listening to al your lovely foibles is that a word xx

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  11. If we were having coffee….I’d have tea 😃
    Oh M&S do amazing food, don’t they? I have to eat gluten free, and they have the best selection out of all the supermarkets. And no more expensive. So, if we were having coffee, I’d be having tea and something from M&S.

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    1. I’d probably have tea too! Unless it’s fancy flavoured coffee.
      I love M&S for the little treats of something different now and again, but it’s great to hear that they also have a wide variety of gluten free products. I purchased some gluten free scones from there before without realising, they tasted great and I don’t think I’d have known.

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  12. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a rough start to this year. Hopefully March will better. I also hope
    Coronavirus stuff calms down. People are being a bit ridiculous with the stocking up at the shops. Have you given anything up for lent? I’ve decided to donate to the food bank this year rather than give anything up.

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    1. I think it’s the unknown and the constant repetition in the media which is scaring people with Coronavirus. The stockpiling is getting a bit out of hand. Definitely a case of every man for themselves rather than a supportive community spirit.
      I haven’t given anything up for Lent, other than procrastinating maybe. I’ve decided to focus more and ‘get stuff done’. Giving to a good bank is a great idea.

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