Dalyan – 29th & 30th October

It was weigh day again on Wednesday 29th October and I was not optimistic, given last night’s over indulgences. It was also the end of my dog sitting for Norman as Jamie would arrive back after 10pm tonight.
It was a busy day, starting with me having to wake little Norman up at 7.35am.
I took my measurements; I had lost 1cm from my bust and waist and 2cm from my hips – that was surprising, but we would see what Carol’s scales said later.
I worked and got ready for the dog and house handover, at lunch time I went to the shops on the way to Fat Club. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira:

Migros Supermarket
1 toastie loaf 70.00
1 pack Rivita crackers 79.00
375g Chestnuts 104.98
3 Quark 137.85
Total spent 391.83 lira (£7.19)

At Fat Club I was pleased to find I had not put weight on, in fact I was 0.15kg (0.3lb) lighter! I picked up a Slimming World book for more inspiration for this week and was determined to do better. I joined an entrepreneur Facebook group, The Impact Project, run by Strategist Lisa Johnson which was free and looked interesting.
For lunch I had rivitas with cheese, olives and grapes (as a treat), and I had interest in my cheese.
In the evening I just had 7 chestnuts for dinner as I wasn’t hungry and I had been too busy.

Gratitude List
1. Losing weight
2. Norman
3. Chestnuts.

On Thursday 30th October I had a chat booked in with a publisher about doing my next book cover for me. I’d been so busy and stressed with Canva that I really needed some expertise for ‘The Handy Travel Planner’. It would also mean that I could get it completed to be able to have it out by Christmas, hopefully. I’d done a few designs myself but they lacked oomph so I spoke to Nicole who works for Claire Clarke, a publisher of planners, workbooks and journals. We got on well and I was pleased she got me and wasn’t offended when I ranted on just how much I hated Pinterest and found it an utter waste of time.
In the afternoon, I had a Resort Experts team meeting to attend where we had a training session with Major Travel. They had some really great deals on for Dubai as well as covering the US and the Maldives.
After 6pm I ventured out of the house to draw out some cash for the weekend and to get more shopping in, here’s what I bought with prices in lira:

Migros Supermarket

Rice crackers 24.00
1 Dido chocolate bar 24.95
Pasta sauce (tomato) 33.95
Bin liners 44.95
Sliced wholemeal bread 59.90
Wholemeal wraps 93.50
Total spent 281.25 lira (£5.16)

It was a sign that November was approaching as there were no tinned tomatoes on the shelves, and not for the first time. I tried another shop but to no avail;

Şok Supermarket
500g pasta 14.00
Jellies 19.50
Chicken pieces 55.00
Total spent 88.50 lira (£1.62)

I arranged a night out for tomorrow with Jamie, Nanny Kay, my parents and their friends. It was bound to get messy as we were meeting at 6.30pm. I had less than £100 this month and I didn’t really have the money to be going out, however, I felt I needed a ‘Friday after work’ drink to round off a hard going month. Captain Caveman said he would give me some money and I said I would put it to one side for when he came next month.
I made a quick chicken pasta for dinner and then had an early night.

Gratitude List
1. Working with Claire and Nicole at IamClaireClarke on my next book
2. Being able to afford shopping
3. Captain Caveman offering to give me money so that I could go out at the weekend.

Dalyan – 27th & 28th October

Monday 27th October was a busy admin day and I didn’t really stop for a minute. I spoke to Captain Caveman at lunch time who was also busy but he helped me out with something related to a hotel booking.
Norman was well behaved but sleepy and didn’t want to walk far on his walk.
I had more leftover bolognese for dinner and then arranged a night out for tomorrow. Lukka bar had been asked if they would have one last Music Bingo night and they had agreed if there were enough takers.
My parents hadn’t been to it this year and their friends had never been, so I booked us all in for tomorrow. I was looking forward to it, even though it was on a school night.

Gratitude List
1. Being busier at Resort Experts
2. Norman
3. A video call with Captain Caveman.

I was awake early on Tuesday 28th October and had a busy day. The sky was cloudy and the rain was forecast. For lunch I made a Slimming World style vegetarian pizza. A friend who had booked a holiday with me was on their family holiday and she sent me a message and a photo to say they were really enjoying it, which was great to hear.

When I finished work, I went to join my parents and their friends, Julie & Gareth, in Retro bar for a quick drink before our night out. It was good to see Nusret, the owner, who had been working hard this year on making the bar even better than it was before. I had a red wine which I paid 150 lira (£2.75) for, including a tip. We had to be at Lukka bar by 7.30pm for our meal and had decided to push the boat out on their final Music Bingo night, which I absolutely love.
All 5 of us ordered food and drinks and the night was really good fun. I really enjoyed my beef dish, which I had the last time I came. There was singing, chair dancing and Julie even won a bottle of wine on the music bingo. As midnight approached, it did get a bit chilly sat outside with just a denim jacket on. When we came to pay the bill it was probably the most I’d spent on just me on a night out, in quite a while, but it had been such a good laugh. Here’s what I had, with the prices in lira:

Beef Çökertme 950
Baklava with ice-cream 375
5 red wines 1250
200 tip
Total spent 2775 lira (£50.92)

Gratitude List
1. Update from a friend in Fuerteventura
2. Norman
3. A night out at Lukka music bingo.

Photo/video credit – Apo & Julie

Dalyan – 25th & 26th October

It was still a bit wet out on the morning of Saturday 25th October so I had decided not to bother with the market. As the ground was wet with puddles and I was still wearing sandals, I thought I’d rather not get wet feet.
By the time it got to lunch time the sun was back out so I changed my mind and ventured out. I took a proper bag to the market and I’d already got cash so there was no faffing about today. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Stall 1
3 potatoes 20 lira (37p)

Stall 2
Tulum cheese
White cheese
Olives
600 lira (£11)

Stall 3
Tomatoes
Carrots
Mushrooms
Pumpkin
Grapes
Strawberries
550 lira (£10.09)

Stall 4
Spinach Gözleme (pancake) 100 lira (£1.83)

Total spent 1,270 lira (£23.29) which was probably the most I’d spent in the market in a long time – it was also the most I’d carried since breaking my foot and I managed. I’d gone a bit mad on the cheese as the stall holder had the nice strong Tulum which looks like a regular cheddar but tastes more like a blue cheese without the blue in it – it’s very strong and lasts ages. I always get to taste the cheese and the olives too, even though I usually buy the same ones.
When I got back, Norman hadn’t even noticed I’d been gone and was still fast asleep. I ate my very tasty gözleme for lunch and then did some work in the afternoon/evening. Ma & Pa popped round, I gave them some eggs and they brought Norman’s towel & bowl back – they didn’t stay as they were off for a walk but I suggested we might catch up tomorrow.
For dinner I had a pasta dish and put a sprinkling of the tulum cheese on top. I didn’t have any alcohol as I was trying to be good tonight.

Gratitude List
1. Managing a full market shop and walking back with it all
2. Norman
3. Nice, simple food.

On Sunday 26th October I didn’t wake up until 7.50am and when I went downstairs, Norman had had an accident – runny poo on the tiled floor and he’d slipped in it. Poor Norman had to be cleaned as well as the floor and he had a sorry look in his eyes. I told him everything was going to be ok and stayed with him all morning, I even made him some eggs for breakfast.
I decided to make a pumpkin soup in the slow cooker and did a bit of work, despite it being a Sunday. For lunch I had leftover pasta with the rest of the salad from Friday’s takeaway and Norman, although sleepy, seemed to be doing much better.
I left him for an hour when my parents called to go for a walk to the Kefal tea gardens. They both ordered a mackerel sandwich and drinks but I just had a plate of chips. I decided to ask my parents over for a Sunday dinner and we walked back past the Şevikoğlu shop to buy provisions. Unfortunately, they had no whole chickens left, nor any decent wine so we had to make do with chicken breasts and I would order the booze in.

Here’s what I bought, with prices in lira;

Şevikoğlu Supermarket
1 plastic bag 0.50
Red cabbage 21.39
Wet wipes 39.90
3 Dido nut chocolate bars 89.70
1.6kg chicken breasts 295.04
Total spent 446.53 lira (£8.19)

When we got back, Norman was pleased to see us and had been fine. I messaged the off licence for them to bring us wine – my parents were surprised you could do this but it saved us walking and carrying it.

Yaman Büfe
Wine
Soda water
Total spent 1,040 lira (£19.08)

We sat on the terrace with our wine and Norman potted about, he was having trouble with the steps so we tried to fashion a ramp out of a big tile. Norman seemed interested but it wasn’t really safe.
I served up the pumpkin soup, a first try of it for my parents who said they liked it (they didn’t have seconds though). We had sliced chicken breast with roast potatoes, carrots and red cabbage for main, I didn’t have any stuffing to put with it. I saved Norman some chicken as he’s quite partial to a roast dinner and he wolfed it down. Our dessert was just a Dido chocolate bar each and we didn’t have a late one as I had to be up early tomorrow. It was nice to have Sunday dinner with my parents and have the afternoon off.

Gratitude List
1. Good food
2. Norman
3. Spending time with my parents.

Dalyan – 24th October

I was woken up just after 2am on Friday 24th October, with the sound of the heavy rain. It took me a while to get back to sleep but then I was up to let Norman out at 7am. He was quite snoozy but he had a wander round the garden, had breakfast then was snoring away by the time I got my laptop going. I had tea and toast for breakfast and it’s the law that Norman has to have a corner, which he woke up for.
At lunch time, while there was no rain, we had a quick walk. I attended an online webinar training session about cruises in French Polynesia at 5pm, which was very informative. If ever I came in to some spare cash or won the lottery, it would definitely be a place I’d love to visit – the Marquesas Islands looked amazing!
My parents had invited me, and Norman, round to their place for dinner tonight. They had been here almost 7 weeks and this was the first time I’d been in their apartment so I was looking forward to it.
Norman was also a bit giddy as he likes a soirée and hoped there may be snacks available. I took his towel to lay on and a plastic bowl for water and he seemed genuinely excited to be going to Granny Annie’s & Grandpa Stupot’s. Mom had decided not to cook and had suggested we order a delivery from somewhere, but first Dad was on drink pouring duty. I’d taken over the Moldovan wine (from the Anex Fam trip) to try and it was lovely. Norman didn’t settle straight away on account of wanting some fuss and knowing that there were crisps on the quite low coffee table. I’d been waiting to see my parents’ new bed and some furniture plus they had changed things round a bit. It looked really good and a lot more comfortable.
Ma & Pa didn’t have any takeaway menus at home so I contacted someone we know to get the number for the owner of Pamukkale, Fatih. We’ve only ever eaten in the restaurant but a lot of the other restaurants use Pamukkale for their pizzas and pides.
We ordered 3 pides and 2 lahmacun for a total of 1,000 lira (£18.35), including tip, and it came with a massive side salad too. We didn’t eat all of it and I ended up taking some of my pide home plus most of the salad. As we were leaving, little Norman decided he didn’t want to go home! He wanted to stay with Ma & Pa even though they hadn’t given him any titbits and it was getting late. It had started raining and I wanted to get him back home before we both got soaked.
Norman refused to walk down the stairs, I was still using a crutch and the hand rail so I couldn’t carry him down. My Mom carried him and, when we left, Norman was most reluctant to walk.
We got home soaked to the skin and both of us needed towelling off! Norman went to bed feeling a bit sorry for himself that night.

Gratitude List
1. Getting invited to Ma & Pa’s for dinner
2. Norman
3. Having a night out (well, in) with Ma & Pa.

Dalyan – 22nd & 23rd October

To say I was hanging out of my arse on the morning of Wednesday 22nd October was an understatement! Going out drinking with my parents last night had ruined me – far more than any night of the all inclusive 5 Star trip with Anex.
When Jamie arrived at 8.30am for dog sitting Norman, I was barely ready. Norman was pleased as it meant he could get away with anything today. After barely acknowledging Nanny Kay and saying farewell to Jamie, I still had to function as I had work to do. I worked on some Anex quotes for friends who had shown an interest in a trip to Antalya next year.
At 1pm Norman and I were sat out on the terrace and I’d put him in charge. I still felt ill and couldn’t eat breakfast or lunch. At 2.30pm I had a call with a potential client who said I sounded chirpy – I didn’t feel it! At 3pm I was on a training webinar outside on my laptop, when I realised my phone was almost flat and I couldn’t find my charger. By 5.30pm I had finished work, walked Norman and gone to get my charger to apologise to Carol and the ladies at Fat Club for not turning up to Fat Club and not messaging them when asked where I was. I only had some salty chips for dinner as I still felt like death and had a bad stomach – I’m sure the white wine here does something to my guts. By 7.30pm both Norman and I were lolling on the sofa, me still hungover and feeling shit as I had pretty much wasted a day, being less than 100% productive.

Gratitude List
1. Managing to get up in time for Jamie & Norman
2. Norman the dog
3. Getting through the day (just about).

I was still feeling delicate on Thursday 23rd October and was up with a bad stomach at 6.50am. By 7.30am Norman and been out for ablutions and scoffed down his breakfast. Rain was forecast so we did a little walk before work and then I was super on it, not even stopping for a lunch break. We had a team meeting at 1pm and at 5.30pm I downed tools for Norman’s benefit. We had a walk, he got fed and I warmed up a chicken dinner for me, which was lovely. I was in bed by 11.15pm and the rain had started.

Gratitude List
1. Having a more productive day
2. Norman
3. A chicken dinner – finally I could eat again.

Dalyan – 8th October

It was my last day of doggy day care with Norman on Wednesday 8th October – Jamie & Drew were due back later today. It was still rainy and Norman was a bit cheesed off. After his breakfast, Norman helped me eat my toast which I had with a tea. It was also weigh day and Carol had offered to pick me up later for Fat Club. I did get weighed at home to find I had put on 0.85kg (1.9lb). My measurements weren’t that good either as I had put 1cm on both hips and bust but lost 1cm from my waist.
I worked all morning as well as making some progress on my side project. I was designing a handy travel planner to help people plan for their holidays. I was doing a course with Claire Clarke and needed to have put some ideas on Pinterest on an online board. I felt that that was a waste of time and I really didn’t get on with Pinterest at all. It reminded me of a virtual scrap book for people with far too much time on their hands. However, as I was trying to persevere with the Optimistic October, I did it. I had soup for lunch then got ready for saying bye to Norman.
Jamie & Drew arrived back after a lovely holiday in Kos and then Carol arrived to pick me up to face her dreaded scales. Surprisingly, I had only put on 0.55kg (1.2lb) on Carol’s scales but it was still too much and I needed to get back to losing the weight. I now had 5.3kg (almost 12lb) to lose again to be back at my target weight.
Carol dropped me back home after Fat Club for a Zoom Q & A call with Claire Clarke and the Create Publish Grow group, which went well. I put my Resort Experts out of office on and packed for my trip to Antalya tomorrow. The Anex Fam trip was finally here and I was really looking forward to it. My temporary injury concerned me a little as I hoped I would be able to keep up with everyone and not be a burden slowy at the back! I forgot to have dinner so I just ate some cheese and walnuts before bed.

Gratitude List
1. My last day with Norman, the dog
2. Homemade soup
3. Getting ready for a trip to Antalya tomorrow.

Dalyan – 6th & 7th October

Monday 6th October was back to the grindstone for me, while Norman snored through most of the day. He woke up for a drink and a wee but was having a lazy Monday. I dealt with a tricky change to a client’s booking which resulted in a further booking which was good.
It was definitely getting colder as I found out at dinner time; my meal from the freezer was not defrosted yet. After walking Norman I decided to order a takeaway delivery and had half of my favourite 2 dishes from Simple. The beef noodles and the crispy chicken with chips are really good and I really enjoyed them.
I spoke to Captain Caveman who seemed out of sorts and was preoccupied with work stuff because he was so busy.

Gratitude List
1. More business with Resort Experts
2. Norman
3. My favourite meals from Simple.

Tuesday 7th October was a wet day and Norman, the dog, was less than impressed. He looked like he was auditioning for a role as a shepherd in a nativity play for most of the morning. I didn’t even get my breakfast until gone 10am but I had both toast and fruit with quark.
I booked my parents their hotel to join Mark & Kate for Kate’s 64th Birthday at Jiva beach next month. They’d decided to join the all inclusive birthday bash in Fethiye with some of the other Dalyan Dwellers. Ali popped round for a cup of tea and a chat, despite the rain, and Norman was pleased to have another visitor. Her and her husband were also going to Jiva beach and they were looking forward to it too.
I had leftover takeaway for dinner and finished off with a glass of red wine and some cheese before bed.

Gratitude List
1. Norman and his nativity play look was just too cute
2. A catch up with Ali
3. Nice food and a glass of wine.

Dalyan – 5th October

I had set my alarm to check on Norman, the dog, at 7.30am on Sunday 5th October. I was a bit bleary-eyed and felt hungover, my stomach wasn’t great either. Norman was still snoring away and didn’t wake up until after the kettle had boiled.
I did a video to a friend who’s birthday it was and then Norman did a video to Jamie & Drew (aka Little Daddy & Step Daddy Drew) to let him know he was fine, despite last night’s partying. They think I’m crackers with the videos but Norman likes them and Edna used to love them, so I’ve continued them. We spent the rest of the morning drinking water and sage tea, laying on the sofa feeling a bit delicate. Norman got lots of snuggles and snored too much for me to have a nap. Nanny Kay popped over and we had a natter but no tea as she had already had 2 cups. She kindly gave me a lift when she left too to save me walking back home. I bought some treats at the shop for The Aussies to take with them on their journey tomorrow, including some vampire teeth with it being Halloween month.
We met in the street, all on our way to Ayaz. We all agreed it was one of our new favourites for Turkish food at a reasonable price. The food was excellent; I had the chicken shish, Amanda the chicken wings and Greg ordered lamb shish. They brought dips too, which were lovely. Amanda and I had the fresh pomegranate juice and Greg a Coke. We were the only ones in there so we got great service and large portions, I’d intended taking half home but I finished it all and was stuffed. The temptation to have the künefe was too much, as I’d not had one for at least a year. Greg and I shared it and I enjoyed it. For those who’ve not tried it, it’s like shredded wheat with melty cheese and honey. It was definitely not Slimming World friendly!
The Aussies treated me to the meal, which was very kind and I was sad to see them leave, especially when I knew they were returning to stressful jobs back in Australia. They walked me back and they even came to say bye to Norman, who really appreciated it and tried to do loving leg licks to show it.
By 9.30pm both Norman and I were no stranger to naps on the sofa after a lovely weekend. I had 3 more days left with Norman before the work trip with Jamie to Antalya – which I was really looking forward to.

Gratitude List
1. Seeing Nanny Kay
2. A fabulous farewell meal with Amanda and Greg at Ayaz
3. Norman.

Dalyan – 4th October

Saturday 4th October was not only market day in Dalyan but it was my first day without medication. It would turn out to be quite a frustrating morning but a rather lovely afternoon.
Debbie had already offered to get me some fruit and veg from the market. I’d declined her kind offer because my parents had said they were going and that we could go together. Ma agreed to give me cash in exchange for me doing a bank transfer which meant I only had to walk to the market and back. Unfortunately, I’d misunderstood about going to the market together as my parents prefer to walk to the market on a certain route and I didn’t want to walk to their’s and then through the side streets when it was easier and quicker for me to go down the main road. I thought I’d meet them there, get the money, share their shopping trolley for anything heavy and all walk back together. That didn’t happen. I got to the market fine, a bit in pain and frustrated at how slow I was. This meant my parents had almost finished their shopping and wanted to get off. I got the money from Mom and we bought some strawberries together before Dad needed to go to the loo. I’m so like my Dad in that regard as I also had wondered if I would make it there and back without a loo break. They weren’t walking back my way as they were going in to town to the supermarket so I couldn’t walk that distance yet.
I decided not to buy much else as I hadn’t even brought a suitable bag to carry the shopping back in. It was hard work walking back and the bag straps were cutting in to my shoulders. I managed to get over half way when Ali, came past on her mobility scooter and asked if I wanted a lift. I have never been so grateful for the offer of a lift.
She dropped me off just a few minutes later and she said she’d pop in next week for a cuppa and a chat. She also said to ask her to get me anything rather than struggling to get it myself. I was still pleased that I had managed it without the painkillers and I at least had something to offer my guests later. I had bought cheese, olives, butter, bananas, mushrooms and strawberries and I can’t recall how much I spent aside from the strawberries being 300 lira (£5.50). Luckily the off licence does free delivery so I could order that later.
After getting in, I was exhausted.
At midday Penny popped in for a cup of tea and brought some cakes, which were very good but a bit naughty, and some fresh bread. I took Norman out early so that he didn’t miss a walk once my next guests arrived. Captain Caveman called and we decided I would book my flights to see him at Christmas. I chose a return flight and added 15kg luggage. We also decided that, as we weren’t going to Vietnam for Christmas and New Year, we would look for a January holiday somewhere warm instead.
When The Aussies arrived I was out on the terrace waiting for them and I’d already ordered the following delivery from Yaman Büfe;
Gin
Tonic
Wine
Soda water
Ice
Crisps
Total spent 1,155.00 lira (£21.19)

I got out a few nibbles and we sat outside all evening. I had some wine with lots of soda as it was my first alcoholic drink in a month and I didn’t want to feel hungover tomorrow. My guests were on the gin and also brought some treats. We had a good laugh and Norman was glad of the company. Amanda and Greg didn’t leave until 2am and I think we had covered discussions on most topics – I even discovered Greg can do an excellent donkey impression. This was meant to have been our last goodbye but we agreed to a late lunch tomorrow afternoon.

Gratitude List
1. Surviving the market shopping
2. Getting a lift from Ali
3. Having Penny and the Aussies come over to visit.

Dalyan – 2nd & 3rd October

I worked all day at the dining room table on Thursday 2nd October. There was a Resort Experts team meeting and I also received a delivery for Jamie. Captain Caveman got in touch to say we would no longer be going to Vietnam for Christmas as he had been offered work in the UK over the Christmas period. I didn’t mind so much as I couldn’t justify the cost of the flight and didn’t really want Captain Caveman to have to pay for me. It was also cold in December and January where we wanted to visit. He was going to go in March instead, but I was already booked for dog sitting until the 31st March. Captain Caveman suggested I could fly out to join him in Vietnam for Easter instead, so there was still a possibility that I would get back there. It was disappointing but made sense and it wasn’t really my decision to make. We don’t celebrate Christmas as such so it made no difference to me. Captain Caveman suggested that I might be able to come over to London to see him, rather than stay in Dalyan on my own. The flights from Dalaman to the UK in winter, only fly on Tuesdays and Saturdays so we said we would have a think about it. It meant that our 14 year anniversary would probably be spent apart too. Captain Caveman also said he would take a look at coming to Dalyan at the end of November if he could.
I made a leek and potato soup and it looked like a storm was due so I walked Norman early. I saw my parents at their gate – they had not gone to Göcek today, after all, and had just been at home chilling. They were off out with their friends so they had to rush off to get ready and I said I might see them at the weekend. I let Ma know the storm would start just after midnight and returned back to Jamie’s to feed Norman. Norman and I had a cosy night in, and I enjoyed my homemade soup with fresh bread that I had managed to fetch for myself. It got quite chilly and as the storm loomed. I knew I wouldn’t be able to move the sunbeds and mattresses because of my bad leg but I decided to move the cushions. I had to carry them one by one due to using the crutch and hobbling so it took me 25 mins. It felt like a massive achievement, though. I closed the windows, moved the loose stuff in the outdoor areas and got ready for the bad weather to come. I even had to put a duvet on as I was very cold when I went to bed.

Gratitude List
1. Planning to still see Captain Caveman before the end of the year
2. Homemade soup
3. Norman being so cute.

The storm started about 1am on Friday 3rd October but luckily Norman, the dog, slept through until 7.15am when I woke him up. Jamie had told me he won’t go out in the rain but off he trotted for a pee, getting absolutely soaked. After drying Norman off and feeding him, we got ready to stay indoors today. I moved the farewell drinks with the Aussies to tomorrow as it looked like nobody in Dalyan was going anywhere in this weather today.
I pre-recorded a message for a friend I was due to have a call with today as the power kept cutting out and I didn’t want to not be able to speak to her.
Norman got a dry, a brush, a few spritzes of doggy cologne and lots of attention in-between work stuff.
I had more homemade leek and potato soup for lunch then a chickpea curry with a wrap, for dinner. It was another evening on the sofa as the rain continued all day and in to the night – we couldn’t even go for a walk. It was now a month since I broke my 4th & 5th metatarsals and I was still on the painkillers which prohibited me from drinking alcohol. I took the last tablet this evening and wondered if the pain would be bearable tomorrow without them. Oddly, I’d not really missed the drinking alcohol and with the state of the uneven paths and roads in Dalyan had not wanted to be trying to walk a bit fiddly anyway. I got some excellent news before bedtime; Captain Caveman booked his flights and was coming to Dalyan in 7 weeks time. It will have meant we hadn’t seen each other for about 11 weeks!

Gratitude List
1. Spending time with Norman
2. Eating well
3. Captain Caveman coming to Dalyan at the end of November.

Dalyan – 1st October

October was going to be eventful! I was awake before 7am on Wednesday 1st October and it would turn out to be a busy day. Before I even got out of bed, I had set the budget for the month at £1,000 and, now that Captain Caveman was no longer coming to visit me in October, I planned to work as much as possible on Resort Experts, my handy travel planner and the next handy travel tips book. This would mean I could turn down anything that was not aligned to my goals and my budget and concentrate on what needed to be done. I checked the data on my JOLOYOLO blog to find that it had less visitors and views last month, than in August. Vietnam readers were not in the Top 10 (again), the Top 3 countries were the UK, Turkey and Spain. I sat out on the terrace with a big mug of tea and started planning my week of looking after Norman. I also needed to get my broken foot to a point where I could walk properly again. It was weigh day, so I got weighed to find I had put on 0.25kg (0.6lb). Not great, but my measurements were more favourable; bust -2cm, waist no change, hips -3cm. I wasn’t able to walk to Fat Club today and I had too much going on with work to go, anyway.
Midmorning, I decided I would walk to the nearest shops to get some provisions. It took me about 25 minutes to get there and here is what I bought, with prices in lira;

Şevikoğlu Supermarket
Small water 5.00
Milk 13.00
1 simit 15.00
1 Loaf 15.00
1 Açma 15.00
Mints 19.00
Cherry sweets 20.00
Rice crackers 22.90
Biscuits 32.00
1 pot noodle 34.90
Digestives 45.00
Wholemeal bread 59.90
Feta Cheese 122.90
Total spent 419.60 lira (£7.63)

I was conscious that I couldn’t carry any tins, bottles or anything too heavy so I kept it to small or light items. When I got back, it had took me around 1 hour to walk the 300m and back! I still had quite a bit of improvement to make on the walking.

After eating an early lunch of an açma and a banana I worked and also started to look at holidays for Captain Caveman and I. I started a Facebook thing with a couple of colleagues, where we shared Optimistic October prompts. Today’s was to write down 3 things I was looking forward to in October. Mine were going to Antalya on a work trip, getting my handy travel planner a bit nearer to being completed and getting more content written for my next handy travel tips book.
I finally got little Norman out for a walk but we only made it as far as my parents gate and back. We didn’t go in, as they were out with friends on the yellow boat today, tomorrow they were off to Göcek. I’d asked them over for a farewell drink with the Aussies at the weekend but they weren’t able to join us as they had already been invited out with their friends for dinner and drinks on both Friday & Saturday. For dinner I warmed up a chicken dinner and then watched Netflix with Norman, before bed.

Gratitude List
1. Having good measurements despite putting weight on
2. Walking to the shops and back with actual shopping
3. Planning my own holiday.

Dalyan – 28th to 30th September

I’d not seen The Aussies for a while so we arranged to have breakfast together on Sunday 28th September. I’d already checked that nearby Okyanus did a Turkish breakfast and they did, so I booked us in for 9.30am. We each had the Turkish breakfast with Turkish tea and extra pomegranate juice and it was so lovely. The total for the 3 of us came to 1,940 lira (£35.27) and we didn’t leave until gone 2pm. I was meant to have been spending time today on the book and planner content but I didn’t get the chance. I went home briefly and then set off for my next meeting with a friend at Books & Cookies. She’d just had another grandchild so was keen to update me and had plans to visit the baby in England. I had 2 cookies and a hibiscus tea plus a herbal tea for a total of 445 lira (£8.09). I had to dash back for a video call with Captain Caveman. He wasn’t impressed at how expensive the flights to Dalyan were in October so he suggested we delay his visit. Of course, I was disappointed but there was nothing I could do and neither of us were willing to pay over the odds for flights.
That evening, I caught up on emails and then had some leftover food from Simple which tasted just as good being reheated.

Gratitude List
1. Breakfast with The Aussies
2. Afternoon tea with a friend
3. Leftover takeaway.

Rain was forecast on Monday 29th September and it was no surprise to me, as I was due to look after Norman, the dog, from tomorrow.
I had my first go at using something called a Trello board, an online whiteboard that can be shared for workflow and project tasks. I was using it for the handy travel planner I was working on – something to help anyone plan for, and have, a better holiday. I was also finding out quickly that I wasn’t a fan of Pinterest, at all.
There was also an early birthday celebration get together for Drew at Ela’s Kitchen. I’d asked one of the girls for a lift and hobbled down to Lukka bar to meet her but she’d forgotten. I couldn’t really justify getting a taxi there and it would take me too long to walk.
I’d just got back in and sat down when Jamie messaged to say he was coming to get me, on his scooter
I decided to have my favourite meal at Ela’s, the full English breakfast, and a large bottle of water. My food was excellent, and Nanny Kay’s lasagne looked very good too. Natalie made probably the best carrot cake I’ve ever had, for the birthday cake and we all sang Happy Birthday.
I paid 600 lira (£10.91) and got a lift back with Nanny Kay as it was raining. On the way back Nanny Kay and I arranged that she would come visit Norman and I later in the week, while Jamie and Drew were on holiday.

Gratitude List
1. A full English breakfast
2. Getting out for Drew’s birthday celebrations
3. Birthday cake.

On Tuesday 30th September Norman was pleased to see me and wasn’t unduly bothered that Little Daddy (Jamie) and Step Daddy Drew were off on their holidays. For lunch I warmed up a chickpea and spinach curry.
At 6pm, I was trying my best to get Norman to go out for a walk – he wouldn’t and went back to door to be let back indoors.
For dinner I made a mushroom pasta and then did some content writing. I also totted up my September budget, which had not gone well. I’d received a refund from the Yücelen of 3500 lira (£63.64) because they had decided I had overpaid. This meant that the entire amount that I had paid out, including 3 consultations, 3 x-rays, the translator services, 3 prescriptions and a compression bandage had come to just under £85. Despite having an unrealistic budget of £1000 for this month, I had managed to spend £1,890. Even though Captain Caveman had transferred some funds, I’d also had to take another £106 from next month’s budget, already. We had enjoyed Captain Caveman being on holiday for a week and the costs of a broken foot for that, though. October was going to be a tight month but I was ready for the challenge.

Gratitude List
1. Norman, still in good health and coping well without Edna
2. A refund from my health insurer
3. Having had an expensive but enjoyable September.

Dalyan & Ortaca – 12th September

On Friday 12th September I was due back at the Yucelen Hospital for my first check up. It had been 8 days since I was there and the conditions of the insurance policy state that you have to go before 10 days, so I was early due to it being a weekend. Jamie had kindly agreed to drop me off and pick me back up, as he was nipping in to Ortaca anyway. He brought Norman, the dog, and he dropped me off around 11am. This time, Umut the translator wasn’t there so I went to the osteopathic doctor first. He looked at my foot, looked confused and sent me to the pay desk then for another x-ray. I walked to each, and was surprised at how well I managed to not slip on the floor that was being buffed directly in front of me by an oblivious employee. At the pay desk reception I was asked if I had all my insurance documents and asked by a female translator if I’d got a copy of my statement of what happened to injure my foot. I didn’t as I’d never had one so she helped me with what to write and the translation in to Turkish. I then paid 1559.84 lira (£28.36) for my consultation and 2nd x-ray. The x-ray concluded it was still broken and the doctor then told me I should not be walking on it, or swimming and that I needed to keep my foot up and rest it! I was to only remove my brace to shower and to sleep with it on – I hadn’t been! The walking in the hospital wasn’t helping! He said it could take 3 – 6 weeks to heal but I needed to come back in another 10 days to have another check.
Jamie picked me back up, I went to the pharmacy and got more Ketoprofen Painkillers for 108.69 lira (£1.98) before going home to sit on my bum. I warmed up some pasta Bolognese for lunch, caught up on emails, fell asleep on the sofa and then made mini wrap pizzas for dinner. I finally got a call from Captain Caveman at 9.30pm, he’d temporarily forgotten I was due for my check up as he was so busy with work.

Gratitude List
1. Jamie giving me a lift to the hospital
2. Managing to deal with things at the hospital without help
3. More medicine.

Dalyan & Ekincik – 11th September

Jamie had invited me to join him and some friends on a boat trip on Thursday 11th September and it had been booked long before I broke a couple of metatarsals. I had already paid my money to Sioned to go on Captain Unal’s Duran Duran boat and didn’t want to miss it because of being in pain. It has been a week since I’d not seen that very small step! It was also a good chance to catch up with my parents, Nanny Kay, Jamie, Josh & Martha, Ann & Stuart, Karen & Shaun, Julia and Evie. The boat was moored the nearest to home that it could be, which was good for me crutching to get there. I took a seasickness tablet as well as my medication and I was well away before 10am. We sailed to Ekincik and, as usual, we were served welsh cakes and other nibbles with our hot beverages. It was a lovely day out albeit limited because of my mobility but I did manage to get down the lovely disabled friendly steps to go for a swim. The lunch was great and my mom was kind enough to do the buffet run for me. The food was amazing with extra meatballs being dished out by Ünal. In the afternoon there was a delicious cake with fruit. It was probably one of the best I’d had on this boat too – I really did need to just stick to the fruit next time! I was a little sad that Captain Caveman was back at work in the UK and unable to be here for this trip. Due to my medicine it was another alcohol free day, too, and I wasn’t really missing drinking.
After the trip, I was tired and resting up on the sofa while adding stuff to my to do list for tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. Being on another one of my favourite boat trips with lots of friends and family
2. Going in the sea and managing to get back out without further injury
3. Amazing food on the boat.

Dalyan – 9th & 10th September

On Tuesday 9th September I was eating breakfast and looking at flights to go to the UK in November when I saw a message from Jamie on the work group chat. He had won a free trip to Antalya for 5 days in October. It was the day after his holiday with Drew to Kos where I was already looking after Norman, the dog, so I replied to say Congratulations and that I could extend the dog sit by 5 days if he needed me. He didn’t have time to respond before I had checked my emails to see I had also won a place on the same Fam trip with Anex Tours. Sod Norman, the dog, I was going. It was the best thing that had happened in my 11 months as a Resort Expert. Jamie and I had a quick call, got very excited and he had arranged for Drew to do the dog sitting. Next month we would be at a 5 Star All Inclusive resort in Antalya and we were super excited.
I worked extra hard that day with a rest for a cup of tea in the afternoon as my foot was throbbing.
In the evening, I got some bad news; the Turkish classes that were due to be starting back this week were no longer going ahead. Our teacher, Sioned, had decided she needed to focus on her family and could no longer commit to them. I was disappointed as I really enjoy them but I understood her reasoning.

Gratitude List
1. Winning a work trip
2. Getting to go to Antalya for work with Jamie
3. Having a zero spend day.

It was Weigh day on Wednesday 10th September and I was keen to know just how much damage my 16 days of holidaying with Captain Caveman had done. However, I was groggy, in pain and too busy to get to Fat Club, even if I could walk there a bit quicker. I also had a visitor; Jamie had to go to Fethiye and had dropped Norman, the dog, off for me to look after at 8am. I wasn’t quite sure how taking him for a walk would pan out but he seemed quite happy on the sofa while I worked. He had clapped the weight on too so I was in good company. I think Jamie had been giving him Edna’s share of the snacks since she’d passed away.
At 12.30pm, I decided Norman might need a tinkle and I attempted to get him out for a walk. He wouldn’t go down stairs and just stood at the top watching me! I’d been down and back up for no reason while Norman thought it amusing.
For lunch I had cheese, olives and nuts followed by fruit and quark. Captain Caveman asked me to look at flights for him to visit in October but they weren’t cheap. We might need a Plan B.
Jamie came back for Norman and we said farewell, he wasn’t impressed we were leaving him to go off on a jolly next month, but we thought it was funny. Carol from Fat Club popped by with her scales so I could see how fat I was. I had put on 2.2kg (5lb) in the last few weeks – I’m surprised it wasn’t more but I was now back to the weight I was at the end of September 2024!!!
For dinner, I made myself some veggie noodles which tasted ok, I was determined to lose the weight despite not being able to walk much. I continued working until I started to fall asleep and then went to bed. I’d got a day off tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. Having Norman, the dog, come over to see me
2. Nice healthy homemade food
3. Not putting even more weight on.