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

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

Good afternoon, Jules,

So glad your rocking chair was well received by . . . Your husband! That made me chuckle!

Your daughter's husband sounds a dream with his cooking skills and the way he's supporting his newly expanded family unit! Maybe he could do parenting classes for new dads to be! I'm sure there are a lot of women out there who would love their other halves to be more like him!

I can't complain though . . . My partner is very supportive and a chef to boot! So no culinary worries for me! Both sets of our children are grown up now so no extra duties for him to perform on that score! I think cooking and his unique way of doing the household chores is enough for him to contend with at the moment! I think he'll be glad when I can take over the reins again - not going to rush though. Doctor's orders! !

I was sorry to read that your hubby's pain has been breaking through. Hopefully, the new baby will continue to raise his spirits, along with the well deserved 'spirit' on a Friday evening!

The bad weather you've experienced hasn't reached us here (Yorkshire) so I'm hoping to get out for a walk in a few minutes. My dad and his wife are 'popping over' as my dad calls it . . . It's a 180 mile round trip!!!!!! Bless him. He's bringing over the bird table that he's made me so I can relax and watch the birds from my patio window. Think my 2 cats will love the show too!

Glad you managed to get to the Farmers' market and treated yourself to some cheese! Delicious. Cheese is one of my downfalls! I'd rather have a chunk of cheese than a chunk of chocolate! 

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon and don't forget to get some energy points in the bank ready for next week when you're taking on the role of Super Gran!

Take care, Jules, and hugs to you and your family, Jo xx

Good afternoon, Jules,

So glad your rocking chair was well received by . . . Your husband! That made me chuckle!

Your daughter's husband sounds a dream with his cooking skills and the way he's supporting his newly expanded family unit! Maybe he could do parenting classes for new dads to be! I'm sure there are a lot of women out there who would love their other halves to be more like him!

I can't complain though . . . My partner is very supportive and a chef to boot! So no culinary worries for me! Both sets of our children are grown up now so no extra duties for him to perform on that score! I think cooking and his unique way of doing the household chores is enough for him to contend with at the moment! I think he'll be glad when I can take over the reins again - not going to rush though. Doctor's orders! !

I was sorry to read that your hubby's pain has been breaking through. Hopefully, the new baby will continue to raise his spirits, along with the well deserved 'spirit' on a Friday evening!

The bad weather you've experienced hasn't reached us here (Yorkshire) so I'm hoping to get out for a walk in a few minutes. My dad and his wife are 'popping over' as my dad calls it . . . It's a 180 mile round trip!!!!!! Bless him. He's bringing over the bird table that he's made me so I can relax and watch the birds from my patio window. Think my 2 cats will love the show too!

Glad you managed to get to the Farmers' market and treated yourself to some cheese! Delicious. Cheese is one of my downfalls! I'd rather have a chunk of cheese than a chunk of chocolate! 

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon and don't forget to get some energy points in the bank ready for next week when you're taking on the role of Super Gran!

Take care, Jules, and hugs to you and your family, Jo xx

Hi Jo

Lovely to hear that you have a partner that can cook (that was one of my dreams but did not happen - bit like a win a bingo, very rare these days).  Certainly helps you to relax if you do not have to plan meals!!!  Having said that mu hubby has never been fussy about food (even less so now as I constantly have to remind him to eat - managing small meals three times a day and fills up in between on milkshakes and chocolate bars which at least has kept his wait stable-ish the last six months).  Though he is not 'talking about how he feels' - no change there - I am noticing more and more grimaces when he moves and he has more limited movement in his top half so need a bit of assistance to put on shirts, coats etc.  No word of complaint from his though - sometime wish he would have a good rant (and make me feel human!!!).

The weather cleared long enough on Sunday so I did make it to my markets and getting out for a couple of hours here and there helps with my frustrations (cant stop the feeling so trying to curtail it).  Hubby popped into his old firm today (they need to pick his brain so gave him a call and its amazing the difference in him for a few hours!!).  I took myself off for retail therapy and solved a couple of birthday presents and also began the dreaded Christmas shopping.  Why is it so easy to buy for woman but a nightmare when you try to think of the males - ha ha.

Tomorrow I am going to help out with my daughter as her husband goes back to work and she is not allowed to lift for a few weeks!!  Have to say though the little one is doing very well (has been doing four hours between feeds during the night which has really helped her cope).  We are also going to dinner at my Son and his girlfriends on Sunday along with her parents.  We all get on like a house on fire (over a bottle of wine!) so really looking forward to a night out. 

Hope you are continuing with a good recovery and look forward to chatting again soon.  hugs to you and yours   Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Just catching up again with you.

Glad to hear you've had a bit of retail therapy recently, good time to do some when you are off from work.

Hope your daughter and family are all fine and your elder grandson is coping with the noise from the baby.

I am planning a bit of xmas therapy when I go to see the consultant in November.An excuse for a day out.!!!!

Have a good friend coming with me so we can have lunch out as well.

Your husbands loss of self identity is classic. Long may they keep asking for his advice at work.

You are absolutely right about it being easier to buy presents for women than men Jules.Maybe there's just more stuff we women use/like/want.!!!!!LOL.

Had a lovely email from my son in law recently thanking me for the crumbles I left for him in the freezer, I gather he has now run out of them!!!! Do you think thats a hint.?

Busy here until the Visit England inspecter comes in November, looking forward to a little more personal space after that to prepare for Christmas.

Hope you have a good time at your son's Jules.

Annabel. xx.

Morning Annabel and Hope

Quick catch up before I head to my daughter'sfor the school run.  Thankfully she is slowly returning to normal.  She is managing to do most things albeit a little slower than she would like!!  By the time I got there yesterday both children and her had had their breakfast and her eldest was getting dressed for school.  So it was just a case of 'keeping an eye' whilst she got ready to go out and then we all did the walk to school.

My daughter needed a 20 min sit down by the time we got back to get her enegy back.  I have now learnt the full extent of the trouble she had after the birth, the report basically saying we are still lucky to have her because of the level of blood loss/blood clots.Once again a reminder of how life is so precious.  Anyway no need for any cooking on my part (phew) as she already prepared the freezer with meals and her hubby is also cooking. Concentrated on hoovering and washing up (along with a cuddle along the way).  The new baby has so far been pretty good and is mostly on a good four hourly feed routine which fits nicely round the school runs!!!  Now that he is home my eldest grandson is coping with the 'crying noise' (sleeps through the night undisturbed by it and says if its too bad he goes into his bedroom and wears the ear defenders Grandad gave him when he went to watch the drag racing!!).  The baby also has no problem sleeping through noise of hoovering/thunderstorm and children playing around him so fingers crossed it stays this way.

My daughter thankfully pretty laid back second time around despite the scary start for the new family.

Yesterday morning she decided to take her first drive so we took the new edition to see his great gran (my Mum)..  Not much interest (none expected knowing her feelings about children!!) from her but other residents and the staff were lovely and we stayed around half an hour (and had a photo taken of the four generations).  She felt happy enough doing short drive and has been told not to take long journeys for at least six weeks.  She has clinic check up on Monday and they are hoping the iron tablets/antibiotics she is on will all help her recovery.  Still taking mild painkillers three times a day.  Grandad came round in the afternoon and after we all walked round to pick up the eldest boy (he had a friend coming to play for an hour) he took me home (and then he slept for much of the evening).  No doubt my hubby is enjoying the new edition but also feeling more discomfort and showing his usual withdrawn self as we get closer to his check up.

Annabel, hope your parents and hubby are beginning to feel a little better and that you are still managing to steer clear of the bug and Hope keep that recovery/rest going and both take care and have a peaceful weekend.

Hope, I know today is a difficult one for you but still wanted to send you good wishes for your Birthday.  Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs.  Bye for now.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is doing well now, didn't realise things had been so dodgy at the birth.  Yes life is precious and we have to try our best to make the most of every moment.  Thank you for the birthday wishes, I have posted on my site.  Everybody has been very kind to me today and I'm feeling more positive, as well as feeling a lot better from the "bug".  Speak soon.  Hope x

Morning Hope,

Was so pleased to read that you are feeling better and that the bug seems to be going at long last. Am sure you appreciated being surrounded by hubby and sons for your birthday and hope you have a relaxing and peaceful weekend and some R&R during half-term week.  Take things easy and get  your strength back and look forward to chatting again soon.

My daughter continuing to make slow an stready progress though still having to take mild painkillers (not surprised) alongside iron tablets and antibiotics.  Has managed first drive and also doing the walk to and from school (not one to sit around)  so I have been doing the housework and keeping her company (lovely to have time to chat too).  Baby so far so good, quite content and feeding well.  They both have appointments at clinic on Monday and then first Health Visitor visit in the afternoon so as its half-term  I am going in to keep the older brother amused.  Am really  enjoying being useful, having someone to talk to and NOT having to go into work for another week.

Have a good weekend.  Best wishes and virtual hugs. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear the children's birthday party was a great success.  I hope you have a lovely week off work, I'm sure you will be kept very busy with your grandsons (may need another holiday to recover afterwards!), hope Zack continues to lift hubby's spirits.

I had a day in London yesterday with hubby and friends, out for a meal and drinks which was very nice.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and fingers crossed the storm which is forecast doesn't affect us too badly!   Hope x