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What was your fasting blood glucose? (full on chat)

5.7 this morning.
Today my special treat is some mascarpone cheese with blackberries and raspberries.

I haven't had any fruit for months because of having to severely restrict the carbs but I think that I can introduce berries back into my diet now that BS is improving. I do love berries.
 
Fbg 6.9

Wildlife nighttime camera
The determined Badger - nothing will stop him getting his cushions

I had taken the large cushions and the covers off the swing. I was trying to deter the two male badgers from forever, disturbing the cats that sleep on the swing. I do not need a whole tribe of badgers on this swing.

This is the now the fourth night with the new sparser cushions & coverings...but the badger is trying to pull the covers off...prior to this, he was out of sight at the back of the swing chewing through the ropes so he could pull the cushions off. Then you'll notice just his eyes at the end of the swing,where he appears to be reassessing his actions...

I have failed miserably in my plan to deter the badgers from the swing. However it does look like there will be more badgers and swing videos to come...
49secs

Creative...Merry Christmas from me and him!

IMG_5005.jpeg
 
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gennepher said:
Fbg 6.9

Wildlife nighttime camera
The determined Badger - nothing will stop him getting his cushions

I had taken the large cushions and the covers off the swing. I was trying to deter the two male badgers from forever, disturbing the cats that sleep on the swing. I do not need a whole tribe of badgers on this swing.

This is the now the fourth night with the new sparser cushions & coverings...but the badger is trying to pull the covers off...prior to this, he was out of sight at the back of the swing chewing through the ropes so he could pull the cushions off. Then you'll notice just his eyes at the end of the swing,where he appears to be reassessing his actions...

I have failed miserably in my plan to deter the badgers from the swing. However it does look like there will be more badgers and swing videos to come...
49secs

Creative...Merry Christmas from me and him!

View attachment 65132
Click to expand...
And to you, Gennepher -and him. Lovely pic - he's so handsome, isn't he?

Isn't there any odour that you could put on the swing to deter a badger? Or, failing that, could you raise the height of the swing so the badgers can't reach it, but cats, of course, can?

Tried to make pizza bases yesterday - I haven't made pizza in years, although I used to make them for a local cafe but this time I just wanted a couple of bases ready for topping at the weekend (just trying to get ahead of the game). It was a disaster because I used a recipe that directed a very high temperature but then forgot and left them in too long. Very charred remains in the oven so will have another try today and do it my way, not according to the recipe.
 
Happy Christmas Day all

Yesterday, today and tomorrow,s are going to be very naughty carb, fat and sugar wise. Do I care? Do you care? Don’t answer that last question, just relax and have the best few days you possibly can, and if Baileys liquor cream on cornflakes rocks your boat enjoy.

Koffy calls.
Alf and Mrs J
 
Annb said:
And to you, Gennepher -and him. Lovely pic - he's so handsome, isn't he?

Isn't there any odour that you could put on the swing to deter a badger? Or, failing that, could you raise the height of the swing so the badgers can't reach it, but cats, of course, can?

Tried to make pizza bases yesterday - I haven't made pizza in years, although I used to make them for a local cafe but this time I just wanted a couple of bases ready for topping at the weekend (just trying to get ahead of the game). It was a disaster because I used a recipe that directed a very high temperature but then forgot and left them in too long. Very charred remains in the oven so will have another try today and do it my way, not according to the recipe.
Click to expand...
Midnight posed for quite a few photos there!!!

I cannot alter the height of the swing, it is on steel posts which hold the swing to the metal bar at the top. I can't even lift the swing to put anything under the legs it is a ton weight.

I have tried every obnoxious to the badgers sense and essential oils and nasty smells and put them all the way along the front of the swing but it will not deter that badger.

I even bought a metal a fire guard to put on the front of the swing and fixed it on but the badger still found a way to pull the cushions off. I have spent a lot of money on this and I am not going to spend any more time and money on this... I give up @Annb

I am sorry to hear about your pizza bases. I am a believer in always cooking your (my) way! I hope the next batch work out brilliantly.

Take care x
 
jjraak said:
Good to hear from you.

Hope all is well .

Wishing you all the very best this Christmas and a happy & prosperous new year xx
Click to expand...
Thank you @jjraak.. Will be spending some of today at mum's nursing home. Just feel blessed to still have mum after 2 recent very anxious emergencies when we thought we were going to lose her. Have a lovely Christmas.
 
gennepher said:
Midnight posed for quite a few photos there!!!

I cannot alter the height of the swing, it is on steel posts which hold the swing to the metal bar at the top. I can't even lift the swing to put anything under the legs it is a ton weight.

I have tried every obnoxious to the badgers sense and essential oils and nasty smells and put them all the way along the front of the swing but it will not deter that badger.

I even bought a metal a fire guard to put on the front of the swing and fixed it on but the badger still found a way to pull the cushions off. I have spent a lot of money on this and I am not going to spend any more time and money on this... I give up @Annb

I am sorry to hear about your pizza bases. I am a believer in always cooking your (my) way! I hope the next batch work out brilliantly.

Take care x
Click to expand...
Well, that would be a shame.

So a few thoughts popped into my head of "how" to deter the badger, given what you say about how you can't affect some things.

A. The badger prefers a frontal assault.
So perhaps deny them that grip on the front of swing by placing a strip of wood/hardboard across the front ?

Issues I guessed might be problematic was
* Actually fitting, as I presumed (likely wrongly, given it is YOU..lol ) drilling/screwing might present difficulties physically.
* And given it's outdoors some weather protection might be needed .

So, with that in mind, my prototype requires
*One sheet, wide enough to fit the length of seat .
* One strip of hardboard to fit length of seat & extending forward of swing, like a shelf , width to be determined by you , designed to act as a drawbridge at night, to protect front edge of swing from Badger attack by denying said badger any purchase on front ledge.
*** Extra security would be to lay sheet onto cardboard (packing/Amazon boxes ?)
With front edge extending onto hardboard, offering a 'hinged' area covering where bedsheet meets hardboard
(I wondered if badgers nails would catch the cloth material when raised, the cardboard hinge 'might' make that less likely and make it more durable ? )

Tools & material required.
* One sheet, securely tied, stapled, screwed onto rear of swing seated areas .
* Same sheet secured to front of swing seated area in similar fashion...(rope ties ? )
* One sheet of hardboard, glued, stapled or secured by battens and screws to the above sheet in line with front of swing seat.

** For some weather protection wood varnish ( or very heath Robinson cling film) hardboard.
Purpose here is to test proof of concept as cheaply as possible
Before spending any excess cash.

* Some hooks and rope to use to secure the seats "drawbridge" at each end of hardboard ...
(Top end when raised )
A. In the raised position each night.
B. In lowered position vertically below swing OR secured underneath swing.

Cost or materials would be limited to ingenuity.
One unused bedsheet
Hooks (cup hooks would be the type I'd look for, easy to screw in and possible to squeeze hoop hook tighter so rope/string is held in place )
Some battens (thin wood or thick cardboard. It only needs to keep bedsheet secured to hardboard .
And some method of securing hardboard to bedsheet.
Glue on its own may suffice
Or an overlap at edges where a flap of bedsheet could be folded over & stapled, screwed* to hardboard.
* Rope or string as drawbridge chains & for securing during daytime

*Care taken to ensure no sharp points protruding to cut or scratch unwary animals or your good self.

All a little work, but with it all fitted, the drawbridge sits on front edge of bedsheet, extending slight over front edge of swing seat.
This allows it to be dropped below or completely under seat and secured out of the way for daytime use
And allows it to be raised off the horizontal plane at night and secured so no sneaky paws can get a grip or jump onto swing.

With drawbridge raised, cats can still access swing by sides, badger can't get at front of seat to grip or peak over, drawbridge front 'should' shield seat and hardboard 'should' offer zero gripping points.

All sounds mad, but makes good sense in my head...
Mad but it's how I roll.

Be interested in how it turns out if you do try or if anyone sees a weakness I've overlooked ...that badger is a determined so & so.

Off back to sorting out the propulsion system for my rocket to the Moon .. (wink )

Doc Emmett .
 
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dogslife said:
Thank you @jjraak.. Will be spending some of today at mum's nursing home. Just feel blessed to still have mum after 2 recent very anxious emergencies when we thought we were going to lose her. Have a lovely Christmas.
Click to expand...
A huge hug for the day and the emergencies.

But a huge win for seeing the day for what it always is at heart ...a huge blessing to have everyone who started the year, still with us at the years end.

Unlikely anyone doesn't share a little sadness in their heart, knowing there's an empty chair that could, God Willing have been sat in by a missing loved one.

I think I'll spend a moment thinking of mine.

Enjoy the day, embrace the love & time we still can share.

Thank you for reminding me of that ...xxx
 
dunelm said:
I hope that this is short lived and nothing serious @SlimLizzy. Take care.
Click to expand...
Thank you @dunelm I have recovered now. It was another episode of whatever has plagued me for the last few months. Thankfully on Christmas eve, as opposed to the really festive days. We are off to my sister's house in a few minutes. Lunch for ten. And tomorrow family gathering of 26.
Would have been sad to miss out on either.
 
jjraak said:
Well, that would be a shame.

So a few thoughts popped into my head of "how" to deter the badger, given what you say about how you can't affect some things.

A. The badger prefers a frontal assault.
So perhaps deny them that grip on the front of swing by placing a strip of wood/hardboard across the front ?

Issues I forsaw was
* Actually fitting, as I presumed (likely wrongly, given it is YOU..lol ) drilling/screwing might present difficulties physically.
* And given it's outdoors some weather protection might be needed .

So, with that in mind, my prototype requires
*One sheet, wide enough to fit the length of seat .
* One strip of hardboard to fit length of seat, width to be determined by you , to act as a drawbridge at night, to protect front edge of swing from Badger attack by denying said badger any purchase on front ledge, by removing access to front ledge.
*** Extra security would be to lay sheet onto cardboard (packing/Amazon boxes ?)
With front edge extending onto hardboard, offering a 'hinged' area covering where bedsheet meets hardboard
(I wondered if badgers nails would catch the cloth material when raised, the cardboard hinge 'might' make that less likely and make it more durable ? )

Tools & material required.
* One sheet, securely tied, stapled, screwed onto rear of swing seated areas .
* Same sheet secured to front of swing seated area in similar fashion...(rope ties ? )
* One sheet of hardboard, glued, stapled or secured by battens and screws to the above sheet in line with front of swing seat.

** For some weather protection wood varnish ( or very heath Robinson cling film) hardboard.
Purpose here is to test proof of concept as cheaply as possible
Before spending any excess cash.

* Some hooks and rope to use to secure the seats "drawbridge" at each end of hardboard ...
(Too end when raised )
A. In the raised position each night.
B. In lowered position vertically below swing OR secured underneath swing.

Cost or materials would be limited to ingenuity.
One unused bedsheet
Hooks (cup hooks would be the type I'd look for, easy to screw in and possible to squeeze hoik tighter so rope/string is held in place )
Some battens (thin wood or thick cardboard. It only needs to keep bedsheet secured to hardboard .
And some method of securing hardboard to bedsheet.
Glue on its own may suffice
Or an overlap at edges where a flap of bedsheet could be folded over & stapled, screwed* to hardboard.
* Rope or string as drawbridge chains & for securing during daytime

*Care taken to ensure no sharp points protruding to cut of scratch unwary animals or your good self.

All a little work, but with it all fitted, the drawbridge sit on front edge of , extending slight over front edge of swing seat.
This allows it to be dropped below or completely under seat and secured out if the way for daytimes use
And allows it to be raised off the horizontal plane at night and secured so no sneaky paws can get a good purchase on it .

With drawbridge raised, cats can still access swing by sides, badger can't get at front of seat to grip or peak over, drawbridge front 'should' shield seat and hardboard 'should' over zero gripping points.

All sounds mad, but makes good sense in my head...
Mad but it's how I roll.

Be interested in how it turns out if you do try or if anyone sees a weakness I've overlooked ...that badger is a determined so & so.

Off back to sorting out the propulsion system for my rocket to the Moon .. (wink )

Doc Emmett .
Click to expand...
Read this 3 times @ jjraak
I do still have all the drilling tools etc, but with my arthritis I cannot hold or lift them any more...
I think that the badger relies on a combination of his teeth and nails to get on the swing.
But I have seen him make a run and a jump...
I am trying to think of what building supplies or craft supplies I might have, that I could utilise for this.

Thanks for your detailed instructions...
 
Merry Christmas one and all!
Just sat down after a very busy day.
I'm a bit overwhelmed with it all.
We had the Christmas music while both of us cooked the dinner. Mrs L was brilliant, her dinners are renowned to fit the huge chrimbo plates we have. I'm so full! But it was worth it!

5.9 so another chrimbo present there.
And by the way I stink!

It was so good to see everyone.

All my best Christmas wishes to you all as always.

Ho, ho, oooooh!
 
Hi guys
I trust you all had a good Christmas, The duchess did us meat and potato pie with a proper pie crust on. We had it at 1pm and she had a dry white wine. We didn't need a meal at night and I just had a cheese and two egg omelette and then two squares of dark chocolate and natural yoghurt

We spent most of the day in our upstairs den with our Christmas tree in the room I made 35 years ago wood lined and extremely comfortable seating.

Abigail rang us from York. Grandson was only just up at 1130.
Helen was at church in Liverpool all day with hubby.

f.b.g. at 0500 5.3
derek
 
Not a very good day yesterday - felt ill and/or slept most of the day so didn't get around to cooking anything and, after a good breakfast, I started to feel ill and did nothing else aqll day. So the duck is still waiting to be cooked today, if I get around to it. At present, feeling OK but a bit weary. BG well within range at least. I'm beginning to think there may be an issue with decaffeinated tea, so today I'll go back to ordinary tea and see how that feels. When I get over this, I'll give the decaffeinated another trial and see what happens.

Em phoned on Sunday to ask if the family could come up and be with me when I opened my presents (several of them which were brought up a few days ago). I thought it was a bit odd but, why not? So they came at about 1000, bringing yet another present with them. I guess that's why they wanted to be here, so that they could bring this one last one. It was a crocheted poncho which DIL had been making while she was recovering from her surgery and which was only finished on Christmas Eve with the assistance of Em and her big sister - load of tassels which had to be tied on. I put it on immediately and only took it off when I went to bed and have put it back on this morning. It's very cozy. Just what I needed yesterday and today. The rest of the gifts were thoughtful and useful. So kind of them all.

One of Neil's gifts was a set of "Famous Five" books - a modern version with title like "Five Go Gluten Free" and "Five Give Up The Booze". Although Enid Blyton is given as the author, I don't think it is anything she would have written. I don't think he's sure what to make of them. He certainly didn't expect to receive them. Everyone knows that Neil doesn't do Christmas (old fashioned Puritan really - a chip off the old block, you could say, a descendent of one of the Ministers who led their congregation out of the Church of Scotland).
 
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Fbg 6.8

The stollen (from the Polish shop) is the best treat. It does not raise my blood sugars, despite having half an inch of compressed icing sugar on the outside. A thin slice was my mid morning treat yesterday. I will cut the rest in thin slices today and freeze it...

Wildlife nighttime video

It was a foul windy rainy night, and Cat Jade's night was all alone all night except Cat Midnight checking Jade from under the swing...you can see Midnight's eyes
41 secs

Creative...another Chinese Painting in SketchClubApp courtesy of my swirling fingers...

A dark murky morning presents itself outside, but birds are tweeting, and stray cats are creeping in to get their breakfast under the cover of darkness...

Me...another cuppa I think!

Have a good day.


IMG_5023.jpeg
 
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