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

Jules,

Wow! You are a busy bee! So glad to hear that your daughter and baby have been signed off! And what great news for your son, on the job front.

The news about your husband is absolutely fantastic! I'm so thrilled and no wonder you both came out smiling!

Enjoy all the lovely things you've got planned over the next few days.

Big hugs to you and your family, Jo xxx

Hi Jo

Thanks so much. Must say I have been kept busy but so much more appreciated than if I was at work so does not seem like its a chore if that makes sense!!

Hope you and the family are all doing okay and you are still getting plenty of rest. Take care and have a good week/weekend ahead.  Best wishes Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear your keeping busy. Thank for the words about my dad but i have just got an e-mail from my sister in Canada to say dads operation has been cancelled indefinitely as when they did the pre op they found has has heart problems and a bladder infection. He is apparently quite upset as he was looking forward to getting rid of the pain he's been experiencing.

That's great news about your son's new job. Please take care, Brian.

Oh  Brian

So sad to read the news about your Dad, after all he has been through this year I expect he must be devastated to have the op postponed.  Will keep everything crossed that having found these problems they can treat them and get him as fit as possible.  Sending peaceful thoughts to you and the family during this difficult time.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Fantastic news about hubby, that must be the best Christmas present he could wish for, so you may have a problem shopping for him tomorrow!  Also good news about your son's job as well as your new grandson doing well and of course your daughter - a good October eh!  Hope you enjoy wetting the baby's head on Saturday.  Speak soon  Hope x

Morning Hope

Thanks for your reply and though hubby still keeps feelings close to his chest afterthe hospital appointment and visiting our daughter briefly he tucked into a large plate of egg and bacon so that 'said it all'.  As to Christmas shopping for him no problem as he will never buy himself clothes so his gift is always something new to wear - boring but appreciated!!  With such a small number of people to buy for I have it relatively easy which is why I like to get it done early (hate going round the shops after I have been working in one for nearly six hours).   For years as a family we have fixed a small budget for the adults (£10-15) as this makes it easy for everyone to cope with the expense and the grandchildren have money put in the bank plus a few little presents to enjoy on the day (usually spending more time making things with the boxes so always include drawing stuff!!). This year its my sister in law's turn to host so I get out of the cooking but we all muck in and it tends to be pretty traditional get-together with carols on the CD player and if the weather holds a long walk (2 dogs this year though we always went out anyway) as she lives in the country.   Once the little ones are in bed we get the board games out and generally play till the early hours (with a newish baby this year we may crawl under the covers a bit earlier) but most of us are staying from Christmas Eve through till 27th so valuable family time.  Strange this is so different to how it used to be when I was growing up. As soon as I was old enough to be left (mid-teens) my parents used to go away for Christmas (Mum never enjoys the festivities never having been a social person) to escape!!!  Luckily I married into a much more 'normal' family and when my in-laws were alive Christmas was  a revelation and think thats why the traditions have been continued ever since (over 30yrs since I lost my father in law and 20yrs for mother in law but still remember feeling part of their family. They always referred to me as the extra daughter they were lucky to have(made me so welcome from the first day I was introduce. My hubby introduced me to them on a night out saying .I would like to introduce you to my best friends, my Mum and Dad.  The rest as they say is history.

Well I had best think about  tidying up and getting breakfast for hubby before setting out - at least the sun is shining today.  Hope you did not suffer too much during the storm.  Enjoy the rest of your week off and have a peaceful weekend.  Take care Jules xx

Hi Jules

Sorry to intrude in your reply to Hope.  Typical men always keeping their feelings to themselves.  My father-in-law was exactly the same and anytime you asked if he was OK he would say I'm OK love even though you knew yourself he was in pain but wouldn't admit it.  I think it was a fear of being taken into hospital again.

I agree with your budgets for family at Christmas.  I think we have to draw the line somewhere.  I love your idea of the board games once the kids are all in bed.  I remember when we were younger my mum's brother used to call every Christmas Eve around 10.00pm to have a few pints with my father and his daughter would have a rummage through what Santa was leaving us.  The things you remember.

I like the traditional Christmas get-togethers.  My mother-in-law isn't one for these and never was never described as being a social person.  We go over to her house on Boxing Day.  She tells us to be there at a certain time and nothing gets done for another hour or so.   She isn't one to rush things.  We go to my mum's on Christmas Day and she usually has the dinner partly prepared from the night before.  Me and my husband buy the dinner and this has been the done thing since we got married over 15 years ago.

I hope you weren't affected too much with the storms.  It was a bit blowy here but nothing else.  Apparently Friday here isn't going to be too cold.

Glad to hear daughter and baby are signed off now by midwife.  It is such a relief to hear that there is no need for me to call out to see you.  I remember with my first nearly 13 years ago they called out to see me for almost 2 months.  They had told me to arrange for someone to get my Christmas shopping in as I was in no fit state to go about the shops but little did they know I was planning to go out that day to buy a new tree for our new arrival.

Take care Jules and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Brian

Just saw your reply to Jules about your father's operation being cancelled.  The only thing is Brian he will have to put up with having the hip pain much longer but God only knows what complications he may have faced during the operation.  Hopefully they will get the bladder infection sorted soon and he can be referred back for the operation to take place.

Hope the storms didn't affect you either.  Any more bouts of Brianitus and hope Mrs B is keeping well too in this weather.

Take care and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Jules,

Thanks once again for your kind words regarding my dad. I must apologise for not sending congratulations for the good news regarding your husband. That is great news the cancer is stable and the pain medication is still okay, you both must have been so relieved. It's always a time of concern when we go for tests etc so it's great when we get good results.

With regard to your husband not buying clothes, I have to put my hand up and admit I am just the same. My wife is like you and always buys clothes for me at Christmas and birthdays. I have never liked shopping for clothes, in fact I'd go so far as to say I hate it.

I have just spent most of the morning and part of the afternoon painting our porch and putting back the shelf and skirting's. Just realized how much this bug has affected me for I felt quite kn*****d when I'd finished it. I still have to buy some lacquer to treat the new floor with and then I'm finished or rather the porch is.

Take care and hope the meal for Saturdat goes well, Brian.

No apologies needed Mickied. Always good when someone wants to chat.  Have had today to myself (with hubby indoors) as my daughter had a friend coming round this afternoon and I have spent the morning at the local town centre and managed to get most of my Christmas shopping sorted. Such a relief that I wont have to do it after work in the coming weeks.  Spent the first hour out visiting my friend.  She has been fighting different cancers for over 20 years (she is 59 next week) but has now been told it has travelled to her  brain and unless the current chemo helps (previous treatment failed) she probably only has 3 months. Its heartbreaking but she is so positive and has already compiled her short bucket list and begun ticking things off.  She says she will only stop fighting it when they cart her off. Don't know where she finds her strength but her and her husband know where I can be reached anytime.  Life can be so cruel.

To cheerier thoughts, have just had a text from my son's other half and she wanted to know if hubby and I would like to  be guinea pigs for her latest cooking endeavours!!  She makes wonderful cakes but has now decided to try savory pastries and is planning on a quiche and sausage roll bake day and would we be up to trying them for lunch on Friday.  How could we say no!!  Just as well I have had my blood tests (awaiting results) as I am not sure the doc would be happy with that on my diet but sure a little treat wont do any permanent harm.

Nice that you can share Christmas with your Mum (sounds just like me when I do it, preparations done Christmas Eve, so that I can enjoy myself too!!!)  Am sure  your children love going there too and its the youngsters who make it all worthwhile.

Hope you hear something on the workfront soon - can't be easy at this time of year.  Take care and have a good weekend.  Jules xx

No apologies needed Mickied. Always good when someone wants to chat.  Have had today to myself (with hubby indoors) as my daughter had a friend coming round this afternoon and I have spent the morning at the local town centre and managed to get most of my Christmas shopping sorted. Such a relief that I wont have to do it after work in the coming weeks.  Spent the first hour out visiting my friend.  She has been fighting different cancers for over 20 years (she is 59 next week) but has now been told it has travelled to her  brain and unless the current chemo helps (previous treatment failed) she probably only has 3 months. Its heartbreaking but she is so positive and has already compiled her short bucket list and begun ticking things off.  She says she will only stop fighting it when they cart her off. Don't know where she finds her strength but her and her husband know where I can be reached anytime.  Life can be so cruel.

To cheerier thoughts, have just had a text from my son's other half and she wanted to know if hubby and I would like to  be guinea pigs for her latest cooking endeavours!!  She makes wonderful cakes but has now decided to try savory pastries and is planning on a quiche and sausage roll bake day and would we be up to trying them for lunch on Friday.  How could we say no!!  Just as well I have had my blood tests (awaiting results) as I am not sure the doc would be happy with that on my diet but sure a little treat wont do any permanent harm.

Nice that you can share Christmas with your Mum (sounds just like me when I do it, preparations done Christmas Eve, so that I can enjoy myself too!!!)  Am sure  your children love going there too and its the youngsters who make it all worthwhile.

Hope you hear something on the workfront soon - can't be easy at this time of year.  Take care and have a good weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Jules

You are well prepared for Christmas.  Was in my local B & M today at lunchtime and noticed people buying tonnes of Christmas decorations.  Too early for me.

Sorry to hear about your friend Jules she must be one amazing person and I hope she does live her life to the full.  In spite of all you have to contend with yourself you are always there for others including your friend.  You are right about life being so cruel for some people but you will always find those type of people always make time for others.  They never resort to being self-pitied.

I recall my husband's niece decided to make some scones one day so we noticed there were green bits in them and asked her what it is was.  She said it was spring onions.  My husband spat his out and refused to eat another bite hence she never made them again.  Hope you enjoy your son's other half cooking.  At least that will be lunch sorted for you on Friday.

Hope the blood test results go well.  When will you get the results.

My father used to spend all of Christmas Eve in the kitchen preparing the turkey and now my mum has taken over.  I used to tease her about her cooking not being up to the same standards as my fathers and she said well you will just have to put up with it then.

The youngest one is already counting the day until Santa arrives.  She thinks it is just after Halloween.  She asked for a Play Doh Icecream Shoppe last year but I ended up getting her a different version.  The other day she said I hope Santa brings me the right icecream shoppe this year because he didn't last year.  She forgets nothing.  I have tried to order it online but it is currently out of stock in most of the stores.  Smyths Toys had a great deal last week but when we called to the store there were none available.  Can't have Santa not being able to get it this year too can we.

Take care Jules and chat soon

Mickied

Morning Mickied

Can well imagine you looking frantically around for the 'proper' present for Santa to bring.  My eldest grandson is 5 at the end of Nov. so at the  moment when he asks for something from Santa we have the excuse that he needs to wait and see what birthday gifts he may get and then he will 'write to santa' for his special gift.  Last year it was a specific toy car (and my daughter found it for £1 so that was wonderful).  This year he asked for a new drinks bottle(having chewed the top off the current one!!) but of course all the ads on tv tend to draw their attention to other things along the way.  Baby's present this year (lets face it he wont have any idea of what is going on at just 3months) will be money in the bank and NAPPIES.

Am just awaiting the call to say that eldest grandson has gone with his aunt and uncle for their day out (visiting small annimal sanctuary and having a 'spoiling' day for being so good and helpful since baby Zack arrived).  Once the coast is clear we will nip over and take our daughter out for lunch.  Nothing fancy (she chose a Wimpy because its walkable and has easy pushchair access and baby friendly staff and they dont often get the chance to eat out!!).

I am also shopping for lactose free options as my son's partner has been diagnosed dairy intolerant (so pleased to find out the cause of her stomach pains!! which has taken a while to narrow down) and as I have all the family for dinner on Saturday I want her to be able to eat what I have rather than her arriving with her own meal.  Just the dessert really plus the cheese board (boys prefer this to the sweet stuff!).  Thankfully a lot more available these days than there used to be so can make a trifle using soya milk custard (even I liked this when I tried it and probably better for my cholesterol levels too!!).

Take care of yourself, sending virtual hugs. Jules xx

HI JULES,

Just thought you might like to know you can get lactose free milk these days in most of the big supermarkets. More expensive than normal milk of course.!!!!!

Annabel. xx

Hi Jules

Kids can be so craft can't they.  When it was Sarah's birthday near the end of September she said she wanted a double pram for her two baby dolls.  She already has a pram and then thought on it and said maybe I will ask Santa for that instead needless to say she hasn't mentioned it again only the Play Doh Icecream Shoppe and I only noticed today there are two versions of it.

I am sure your daughter was delighted as being to get the car your grandson wanted for £1.00 - what a bargain.  You are right about the ads on every morning when they know kids are more aware of what is going on.

Hope you enjoy your lunch with your daughter.  Glad to hear she is getting out and about more.  My mum has all us for dinner on Sunday - I don't know how she does it sometimes but she always manages.  I told her the other day I was worried about work and she said well if it is going to happen there is nothing you can do about it you just have to learn how to cope because it happens to people day and daily now.  Your poor son's partner suffering with stomach cramps there is nothing as bad at least they can treat it now with the right type of foods.

Any word about your blood test results?

Have a nice day and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Annabel

Thanks for the tip.  Have got the milk now (and in individual portions too UHT so do not have to use it all in one go!!).  Having spoken to son's girlfriend today she does not eat much cheese and when I told  her what I planned for dessert she was very happy.  Tomorrow is 'weekly shop day' and then they are bringing lunch for us which will a change.  They are on a week off and took our eldest grandson out for the day today.  He came back to us for his tea and had made lots of Halloween stuff with his Auntie  and was full of where he had been and what he had done.  He was through our door like a tornado and straight to his Mum and brother for a kiss and cuddle saying he had missed them - ahhhh!!  They have gone home now so that Dad can do the next feed and my daughter can have a sit down as we were out and about today and she felt a bit weary - not surprising really but tomorrow she has a lazier day planned and then hubby will be on hand this weekend as he has every other Saturday off.

Hope you all okay. Take care. Jules xx

Hi Jules,

So sorry for not responding sooner. I was in and out quite a lot yesterday and didn't get on here at all. I still can not shake off this bug which has left me with a bad cough. I have also had a phone call from the surgery wanting me to have a repeat blood test as my potassium levels are a bit higher than they were although nothing to worry about. Wonder if this is due to the amount of nuts I eat??????????  Also my psa was higher than last time but I am not worried as I was told it would start to rise. My wife is also lactose intolerant which with her diabetes reduces what she can eat and now she is on warfarin the list has just got longer.

Your grandson sounds a very nice lad (takes after his grandmother there I feel, not that I'm saying your a lad!!!!!!) It has just started to rain here and its so dark, am having trouble seeing the keyboard. Good excuse for any spelling mistakes

Jules, Mickied, Hope Annebell and Catherine,

Thanks for your thoughts and kind words to me about my father. I think my sister was a little relieved the op had been cancelled as like me she was worried about it taking place given his age and recent medical problems. I know he is frustrated and in pain But my sister has told me he wont use the walking frame they have given him and doesn't always take his medication. She tells me he can be very stubborn at times, a trait my wife says I have inherited from him. Cant think why!!!!!  but if I want my food cooked, I daren't disagree. She might also threaten to hide my nuts and then I would be like a demented squirrel.

Anyway, I have some paperwork to do for my wood club which I have been putting off for a few days. Have a good weekend all of you and thanks again.

Best wishes to you all, Brian

Hi Brian

Please not apologies ever needed. Whilst its always good to see friends posting its also good that we have our lives to lead.  Know potassium levels can be increased by excess BANANAS but not sure about a NUT diet!!!  Hopefully the repeat bloods will show it as a blip and also that your psa levels do not have you worrying as you were told these may raise a bit.

No offence at being referred to as a 'lad' either though it did make me laugh.  At my age I will take it as a compliment.

Have just had our lunch made and brought to us by our son and girlfriend (and their Westie).  They have been on a weeks hols from work and been doing the rounds with the families.  She has been experimenting making pastry and have to say the quiche and sausage rolls were lovely.  They even bought all the salad and side dishes.  Feel very spoilt and says it puts a whole new spin on 'meals on wheels'.

I think your dad is fantastic bearing in mind how his year has been and at that age they think they know best and wont be told!!  Who can blame them really.  Hope they can sort out some pain relief for him as at least that would make him more comfortable (providing he takes it).

Just to share a bit of good news, I phoned the doctor for my blood results re cholestrol and thankfully my new diet regimen has worked with levels dropping from 6.9 to 4.9.  He was very impressed and told me to keep up the good work (just as well he was not at our lunch table) and that they would probably check on me again in one year (so better keep it up now).  I rather like the new slim me too so that an added bonus.

Hope you and Mrs B have a lovely weekend.  Sending peaceful thoughts your way.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Just to say "Hello" and great news about your cholestrol results, you can afford to enjoy the nice lunch your son and his girlfriend made you now.  I've had a busy week off as we continue the never ending task of clearing the house.  Local hospice charity shop took the bigger sellable items this week and we hired a van to take a lot of things to the dump, so house is fairly bare now.  Still have personal things to find a place for in my house (so more sorting out there to make space).  It's always emotional going through the things, I've found so many photos, cards etc; hubby says it will get easier but I've found myself in tears a lot this week.  Still tonight I am over at my best friends for her birthday celebrations so am looking forward to that.  Hope you have a lovely weekend.  Hope x

Hi Jules,

Great news about your cholesterol, that's quite a drop. Luckily mine has been pretty good the past couple of years. I don't have my next blood test until th13th. I don't recall ever being checked for potassium before, sounds like something you'd hear on gardeners world when Alan Tichmarsh is talking about the soil !!!!!

Last weekend my son and family went out for a drive and between them ended up picking up about 8kg of chestnuts and they have given a load to me so I am a very happy squirrel indeed. They are small but very tasty.  But I have to say, two bags of them still fell into our shopping trolley on Thursday. My wife looked accusingly at me when I told her that it was a result of the major store refurbishment work. The vibration of the heavy machinery must have made them fall off the shelf. Don't think she believed me for one minute but it was worth a try

I have just managed to find my granddaughter my rhyming dictionary to help her with her poetry. All words that rhyme are grouped together so hope it will be of help to her. I used it many years ago when I was in my pop group and used to do a bit of song writing.

Glad you dinner went well and hope you enjoyed yourselves. Bet your not looking forward to Monday. 

Take care Jules will speak again soon, Brian.

Hi Hope,

Sorry its been a few days for me to reply but things have been pretty hectic with family socialising just recently.  My son and his partner brought over a lovely buffet lunch (mostly home-made) on Friday and it was lovely to catch up with all their news.  He has a new job due to begin at end of the month.  Still based on the university campus but working with a Research Professor as part of his Marketing and Administration Dept.  He is very thrilled and also it means the end of shifts and back to 9-5 plus weekends off.

My daughter continuing to make progress and is managing very well though obviously still tires easily.  The baby is also doing very well and has a very healthy pair of lungs!!! but all in all they are in a good routine already.  One teacher's training day tomorrow and then the eldest will go back to school.  Shelly is already looking into signing up for the free baby massage course locally (did this with her eldest) and will also go to baby and toddler group as its a good way to have friends with similar age children.

On Saturday, daughter and family, son and girlfriend all came to us for evening meal and my son in law had a large box of fireworks (baby slept through it) which we had before the meal.  An hour after they left we had a power cut  and it was only restored at  lunch time today. Have been busy supply neighbour with kettles of boiled water (we cook on gas) so she could make up baby'sbottles and get a cuppa.   Thankfully by 5 this evening all the road was re-connected but I am keeping the candles handy!!.

Clearing the house would always be a very emotional time and it takes time to go through things carefully.  When my Dad passed away my Mum had cleared everything within a couple of weeks and like you most of it when to the local hospice shop.  She often bought things back with her too!! Go with your emotions (its a natural part of the journey and helps us to cope).  When my Mum went into care we cleared her rented flat in 2 days (all hands on deck so to speak).  I still have around 10 boxes of her stuff (she does not want it but its not yet the right time to get rid of it) but I was amazed at the stuff she had kept (though equally amazed by what she had thrown out - most of the family history in photos which can never be replaced).  She has a large memo board on the wall in her bedroom at the home which we made into a photographic  record of family /friends so have just added the latest edition to it (she is not really showing any interest when we go but the staff talk to her about family and the photographs help them with conversation!!).

Today with no power all morning and hubby unable to watch the box, he began to read his book -  then slept till lunch!!  As I had an excuse not to do the hoovering, ironing etc. I sat down and wrapped up a couple of birthday gifts for later in the month and then set about writing Christmas cards.

Well back to work tomorrow (YUK) and pretty much dreading it.  When I get home I need to make a doctors appointment as been suffering a bit with waterworks problems and over the counter meds not cured it . When I spoke to the doctor he said if the 48hr course did not work to drop in to see him so he can test for infection/prolapse - deep joy.  Well there is an aroma of chicken coming out of the kitchen so I had best check on how dinner is doing.  Take care and hope to chat again soon.  Best regards Jules x