Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Hi Jo

My daughter so pleased to be in her own comfortable surroundings.  We safely delivered our rocking chair yesterday afternoon (her hubby and I managing to get it up the stairs to their flat). First person to sit in it?  my hubby (never bothered with it at home) though as its wooden was a little hard on his bot!!!  Of course there is now a cushion on it and my eldest grandson thinks its great!!  We stayed for just over an hour and the little 'un slept all through the photo sessions!!  He has been very good so far and even did a five hour sleep during the night.  Hubby was on night duty to help my daughter regain some strength (she looking much better and lots of smiles now) and apparently the baby likes motorbikes already (on the tv during the night!!!). We left just as the midwife was visiting and my daughter is already planning her 'out and about plans' for next week. though knows not to rush things

It is lovely for my hubby to have something good to focus on as his pain has been 'breaking through' again the last few days and he always dreads what that will mean at the next check up (last week in October).  I know he is worried they will  have to increase his medication as this would probably mean no more driving  and the mention of public transport leaves him in a very black mood!!  Following your comment to Hope I suppose I could point out that he could have a larger scotch(his oncologist made the mistake of telling him he could eat and drink what he likes - think she should have added 'within reason' but dont suppose it matters much now). Bless him he only has a tipple on a Friday Night, neither of us being big drinkers - still have bottles in the cupboard from past Christmases.

Well looks as though we will be cossetted inside today - its very wet and miserable outside.  I was going to go the the Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Show (once a month locally) but getting drenched does not appeal!!!  Have a good day and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Morning Hope

Just a quick post to say hope you are feeling a little better today.  These bugs are such a nuisance and as Jo says working in a school always means you are more at risk with the kids spreading all the germs around.  Sitting here listening to a storm raging outside and there was I planning to walk to our monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Fair!!  Well unless there is a dry spell before 2pm think I will give it a mess as do not fancy being drenched!!!  Hope you letting your menfolk spoil you.  Adding to the hot toddy can thoroughly recommend honey and lemon and putting your feet up with a good book!!  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Hi, Jules xxonly just seen your post ....CONGRATULATIONS x such lovely news the birth of a new baby x all good wishes to you and your family x Tonic

Good morning Jules,

So pleased to hear your daughter is now home and feeling better. My wife was also kept in hospital longer than she wanted after the birth of our son. She doesn't make a good patient but just like your daughter as soon as she got home the smiles returned. Your husband must, like you be feeling so proud of little Zack. Don't know what is is about babies but they have this knack of lifting everyone's spirits as others have said. I know your husband doesn't like talking about his cancer and this must be hard for you but you ladies seem to have a knack of knowing how your men are feeling anyway. My wife has this ability to read me like a book and nothing much escapes her. She even know what I am going to do or say often before I know my self.

Sorry I didn't reply yesterday. I was a bit silly; although I still have this cold (over a week now) I went out to my garage and planned up the oak shelf and skirting's that I took off when I put the new porch floor down and as it was an electric planner, the dust didn't do me any good at all and I got a severe reprimand from Mrs B. I also sorted the box which I thought contained the oil for the floor which was given to me a few years ago and I found it's only a floor cleaning kit. So I will have to but whatever I chose to put on the floor. Then yesterday evening, feeling rather frustrated I hadn't been able to sample my chestnuts, I did roast some of them which also didn't help and once more also got a roasting myself from Mrs B.

The weather has cleared up here now Jules so hope you are able to get to go to your farmers market / craft fair as I seem to recall you saying you like looking around events like that. I hope you manage to keep free of colds and also hope you enjoy your time off with your family. Just don't go overdoing it for you never seem to stop working. Take care, Brian.

Morning Jules,

I hope the weather has cleared up enough for you to get to the 2 markets and enjoy.

I missed one of the local farmers markets yesterday as had to go and make sure my poorly parents have everything they need for the next wek whilst they get better.

My husband is also suffering and I am trying to persuade him to stay in bed as there is not much he can do whilst he's like he is , but to no availe. He's on the computer s we speak.

( I really just wanted him out of the way whist I get the house clean and tidy)LOL.

I love the name Zack of your little grandson, although I would say it's unusual I bet it's back in popularity again. !!

have a good day

Annabelxx.

Morning Brian,

I am sorry to hear you are suffering with this virus that seems to be sweeping far and wide in the community.

I have to say you made me laugh with your tales to Jules of all your attempts to do things yesterday.

Isn't it always the way when you think your fit enough to start doing things again only to find nothing goes right.!!!!!

I have this image in my mind of Mrs B with a bubble coming out of her mouth with some choice words for you in your attempts in the garage. 

As for the nuts I hope you feel well enough soon to enjoy some of them and keep your strength up with them.

all the best

Annabel.

Thank you so much Tonic.  Its lovely to have something to celebrate and he is a real cutie (but then I am a bit biased).

Hope all is well with you and the family.  Jules xx

Hi Brian

I see the temptation of your nuts was just too much for you and you have suffered the consequences - no doubt resulting in little ticking off (hope you enjoyed them at the time though) .  There seems to be quite a lot of bugs going round, just the time of year I think.  Probably need a spell of 'cold weather' to kill off the germs - amazing we still have not needed the heating on and at the moment the patio doors are open and the sun is shining!!  As soon as the thunderstorm passed I was out of the door and have just returned from a 2hr walk which included popping round the farmers market and a visit to the surrounding park - lovely autumnal colours now so took a few pictures.  My 'cheese-man' was in his regular pitch so came home having had a few 'tasters' and now have a piece of chedder infused with ginger ready for a homemade ploughmans lunch (also got some homemade chutney) - not what the doctor would order but my treat for today.

Hubby spending the time between tv and laptop and has just had neighbours cat arrive for his lunchtime petting session. Both creatures of habit.

Do hope you are soon feeling better and that you are relaxing a bit more today to give yourself a chance to recover (and save yourself another ear-bashing!!).

Last day at work for me tomorrow for a couple of weeks - so looking forward to having a change of pace (and being appreciated for the effort I put in!!!!).  I even have a children's birthday party to attend as my daughter's extra pair of hands next weekend (gotta love that!!).

Anyway do take care and hope we can chat again soon.  jules xxx

Hi Annabel

Hope both  your parents and your husband soon back to full fitness - so many seem to be suffering with bugs at the moment.  Know what you mean about it being easier if the other half would stay in bed. Its so hard trying to clear up round them!!!  Hence during the week (now that hubby always home) I now try to do as much as possible before he gets up so that when I come home I only have our room to sort out.  This morning he did not surface until 9.30 so was all sorted and just going through paperwork/filing  before our letter-rack gave way.

Yes, the weather cleared and have managed 2hrs walk through the park and the two markets (on same premises) and treated myself to  home-made cheese and chutney ready for a ploughmans lunch.  Also broused the charity shops and a new Morrisons local that opened this week before returning home and putting my feet up.

Just one day to work before my two weeks off begin - very ready for the break even though I will be on hand to help with the new edition I also plan on completing my Christmas shopping and finding time to catch up with my friend who is fighting cancer (she is between treatments at present) and we will probably go out to lunch and have a good gossip (she has also recently become a granny for the second time).

Do take care and hope you dont pick up the  bugs.  Chat soon. Jules xx 

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear your daughter and baby are doing well - love the idea of a rocking chair.  It's good that your hubby is more focused now he has another grandson to look after, but sorry to hear he has had some pain of late.  I expect he (and you) will be feeling apprehensive about his forthcoming check-ups.

I'm a little better but the bug is still there, doesn't seem to want to leave and is very annoying.  Had a quietish weekend but have been to the house sorting out Mum's clothes which was a bit hard.  Eldest has had his home-cooked dinner and now gone off to do a shift back at the care-home where he previously worked.  He will do some weekend work when he can for extra money, so is a real busy bee.  Youngest at football with hubby so I may go and have a wander around the shops for an hour and get some fresh air.  Take care and enjoy all your baby time.  Hope x

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear your daughter and baby are doing well - love the idea of a rocking chair.  It's good that your hubby is more focused now he has another grandson to look after, but sorry to hear he has had some pain of late.  I expect he (and you) will be feeling apprehensive about his forthcoming check-ups.

I'm a little better but the bug is still there, doesn't seem to want to leave and is very annoying.  Had a quietish weekend but have been to the house sorting out Mum's clothes which was a bit hard.  Eldest has had his home-cooked dinner and now gone off to do a shift back at the care-home where he previously worked.  He will do some weekend work when he can for extra money, so is a real busy bee.  Youngest at football with hubby so I may go and have a wander around the shops for an hour and get some fresh air.  Take care and enjoy all your baby time.  Hope x

Hi Hope

Have just returned from some retail therapy (hubby gone into old workplace to offer words of wisdom following them phoning for advice) whilst had a free day (strange but welcome).

Hope you are feeling a bit better.  These bugs seem to be taking time to go once you get them  and am sure your immune system may be a bit low at the moment.  Hope you can get some rest and maybe give yourself a treat (rather than a hard time) to give yourself a chance to recover.  Is your school on half term next week.  I am planning on helping out my daughter when required over the next 10 days as her hubby goes back to work tomorrow. Already booked in to assist with school run tomorrow and Friday (she cannot lift pushchair in and out of flat as yet) Also going to a kids birthday party on Sat p/m as that extra pair of hands and then onMonday she has midwife check up at local clinic and it will  be more relaxing if I am at her place to play with the elder grandson!!!  Have just had my first lot of photos back since the new baby arrived so now have to get a couple into frames.

I managed to fit in my blood tests yesterday so in a couple of weeks will find out if all my good work at changing the diet has had any affect on my cholestrol levels!!  I am telling you if it hasn't I will be having a chocolat-fest.  Mind you I am very happy with the new slimmer me so at least there has been an advantage.

Take care my virtual friend and don't push yourself too hard.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Well after still feeling ill with the dreaded bug last night (seems to make a comeback in the evenings), today I feel a little better; which in turn has made me feel a little brighter overall - day off as well so that always helps. Really hoping the roller-coaster of emotions will become easier as time goes on.

Glad to hear you've had some retail therapy, that is what I intend to do tomorrow on my next day off.  Bet hubby is loving going back up to his old workplace, I bet the phoned call for advice made him feel good.  I'm on half-term next week and hope to really get to grips with the rest of the house clearance.  Have arranged for the local hospice that helped Mum and Dad to pick up some bigger items that they can sell in their charity shops.  Apart from that I hope to have a relaxing week as this bug thing seems better when I rest a bit, hopefully will be gone by then anyway.  So much for getting back to the gym everday, I went Monday and felt worse again afterwards so probably best to give it a rest until fully recovered.

Bet you can't wait to help your daughter out, and how fun to be going to a kids party at the weekend, only seems like yesterday I was planning my own kids ones, I used to love it so much.  Good luck with the blood tests and as you say hopefully cholestrol will be lowered, if not then a Cadbury diet may be in order!

Hi Hope23,

Sorry to hear you've been suffering from this bug thats doing the rounds. From what I can gather it seems to hang around for at least 3 weeks.

I do hope you start to feel a lot better soon.Just feeling physicaally lousy is going to upset your emotions, as if you  haven't got enought o cope with anyway.

I think you are right to try and take it easy until you are completely better. My husband , parents and friend have all had this in the last 3 weeks. I am hoping I don't get it but you never know.

Take care

Best wishes

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel,  Thank you for your kind wishes, and I must admit I'm quite relieved to hear that other people say the bug hangs around for about 3 weeks since I usually shake things off quickly and was beginning to get a little worried.  I know it's only a bug ad usually wouldn't take a lot of notice but there have been so many bad things this year I almost seem to be expecting something else bad!.  I hope things are going OK for you and that you manage to avoid the dreaded lurgy.

Jules, sorry to jump in on your thread, I have left you a message earlier.  Take care both of you.   Hope x

Hi Hope

No problem with people jumping in when they fancy a chat, thats what so good about the forum, you just catch up where and when you want - no pressure.  Sorry to read you still suffering but from what Annabel says sounds like its doing the rounds. Am praying I  steer clear, really do not need that when I am doing 'granny duties' from tomorrow.  Heard from my daughter this afternoon (needs me to take in milk in the morning on my way round) that baby has been fractious during the day but very good at night so she is grateful he has got it the right way round!!

Would certainly recommend pacing yourself and not trying to do too much until your body has had time to recover.  It can be very lowering in itself without your added emotions playing a huge part.  As to going to the gym that would send me straight round the bend - manage to walk past regularly but never considered actually going inside.

Hubby was ok about going up to the factory (am sure secretly delighted they still need his imput) but unfortunately a 1hr journey turned into a 3hr nightmare when they shut the motorway because of a lorry fire so he did not get there until 1 p.m. thus missing lunch and returned home very weary about 4.  Has been asleep for the last hour or so, so have put dinner on low and it may be supper as I do not like to wake him just yet. Strange how things work out, originally he should have been going tomorrow but they changed their plans.  I expect tomorrow he will be glad to take it easy but may come and visit our daughter later in the day depending on how he feels. I am sure a cuddle will bring a smile back to his face.

Look after  yourself. Bye for now. Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear hubby made it to work despite the nightmare motorway journey!  I bet he does like giving them advice and it probably makes him still feel part of everything.  I did laugh about your comment on walking past the gym but never going in, I usually find it theraputic at the gym (that shows how mad I am!), but am definitely going to wait until fully recovered until I go again,  planning some retail therapy  today instead. Hope you have fun with your grandsons today, I'm sure a cuddle with baby will make your hubby smile.  Have a good day.  Hope x