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

Can understand why you  are treating Christmas as a general holiday and think its lovely that you can manage to get away.  No doubt you will have mixed emotions wherever you are but you will be in the hearts of your own family for support and will certainly be ready for some relaxation.  Do take care Hope. You are so good at offering support to others on this forum (I think like me you find this helps you in some way too) but give yourself some TLC too.

Had just been telling others that my daughter had chosen to go to a Wimpy for her lunch treat today!!  Now I have had a text to say change of plans as she has to register baby with doctors and open his bank account so could we do that first and then lunch in the town centre.  Since it saves me a 20min walk in the rain who am I to argue!!  Her eldest woke this morning with a nosebleed (has them from time to time but does not seem to bother him!!) but it soon stopped as he deals with it very well and is very eagerly awaiting his day out with his aunt and uncle (special treat for being such a good big brother).  My son also suffered with nosebleeds as a youngster so he knows what its like!!  One thing for sure life is never routine with young children.

Well my holiday will soon be over and I cant say that I am feeling eager about returning to work!!  Think I have enjoyed not having that added stress in my life for the last couple of weeks and this time of year is always so manic.  No doubt I will be 'glum' on Monday morning but once there it will be 'back to the grind'.  Normally only have 1 day off for Christmas but all being well this year I will not have to work Boxing Day and that will mean a 5 day break (as I do not work Fridays) so keeping my fingers crossed as I would have to travel in from Hertfordshire where we are spending Christmas (leaving everyone else to enjoy themselves).

Well enough of  my wittering for now.  Take care and sending virtual hugs and wishing you and the family a peaceful weekend ahead.  Jules xx

Brian - I hope this message finds you well (and thanks Jules for letting me use your thread to send it...). but I just saw your message about your father.  So sorry to hear about this setback, but try to tell yourself that as much as it will extend some of his difficulties, going ahead with the surgery might have been much more difficutl for him, so as hard as it it, this is for the best.

Hope you are keeping well yourself, as always, I try to keep up to date with your news on other threads.

All the best to you, your Father and you family,

Catherine

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,

Lovely to keep getting the updates on your daughter and the new baby, growing very nicely indeed by the sound of it.  Hope your daughter continues to feel well both emotionally and physically, and that all the support is helping her.

Thanks for your kind words about Elizabeth - she has picked up a bit and is returning to her normal cheeky but cheerful self.  The doctor called yesterday to advise they are not going to give her more anti-bioitcs as they are only superficially helping, and have referred her to ENT which we are comfortable with as don't want to keep giving her medicines when they are only partially working.

We are off to Dad's tomorrow, and the closer it has got, the more mixed my feelings about being back in Mum and Dad's house and all the memories that go with that.

Fantastic news about your hubby and long may that continue to be the case - great to hear about the smiles from both of you afterwards, and hope you have a few months of being bale to put this further back in your minds and get on with enjoying life and all the wonderful things you have to enjoy.

With very best wishes,

Catherine x

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 Catherine

Just noticed your post to Jules.  Just want to check you are keeping OK.   Hope little Elizabeth gets better soon.  Has she said what she wants for Christmas yet?

My eldest is after the latest IPad.  I priced one today at £400.00 and Sarah the youngest just rhymes off a load off stuff.

I am sure you will be glad to see your dad again even though all the memories of him and your mum will come flooding back.  Hope he is keeping OK too.

I had thought I had lost this message because when I was typing it the computer went on the blink - me and technology do not mix.

My father-in-law first anniversary is next month.  We are planning going out for a meal that night with most of his family.  His sister arranged it all.

Well take care and look after yourself

Mickied

Hi Mickied,

Really lovely to hear from you, sorry it's been so long since I wrote, but trust you and all the family are doing well.  Glad technology didn't get the better of you and this message found me well!

I will be thinking of you as you approach the anniversary of the loss of your Father-in-Law, it will be a very tough time but I think a family meal is a great idea as means you will all be together, but maybe in an environment that is happy and supportive as well.

Thanks for your kind words about Elizabeth - she has certainly given us a few worries of late, but I am pleased we are able to get some extra support.  The saddest thing is that she is such a happy little girl, and these ear issues make her so unhappy, that it feels like weeks now since she was herself.  She is still not too aware of Christmas (although I think will come home today well and truly Halloweened!) so we may escape another year!  Sounds like Christmas requires more forward planning and perhaps gets more expensive the older they get.....!!

As you say, it will be great to see Dad, although being in the house again will be hard.  We are planning to do a bit of sorting of some of Mum's things, but are also planning to see a few close family friends who are up that way as well.

Thanks again for the note, take care and catch up again soon,

Catherine x

Hi Catherine

No need to apologise.  It is going to be tough because the dinner is being planned for the night he actually passed away.  I know it is going to be hard for my husband that night practically reliving what happened that same time the previous year but you have to try and move on Catherine for your own sake though it can be very hard.

Hope little Elizabeth's ear improves soon because I remember my youngest having an ear infection a few years back around Christmas time and she was squealing because of the pain.

I put it down to being the cold and kept giving her paracetamol which did relieve it until it flared up again.  It was only after I took her to see the doctor the day after Boxing Day they discovered she had an ear infection and there was also traces of blood no wonder the child was in so much pain but we got it sorted out.  I always make the excuse now for her to wear her ear muffs whenever it is cold incase her ears get sore again and she never refuses.

You are right about Christmas getting expensive as they get older especially when the younger ones start to notice DS games etc.  My nephew has had one of these since he turned 3 and his mum bought him the latest DS for his birthday in October.  At her age you can always get by with dolls and puzzles like I used to do.

I remember the first time we called to his mum's house after his father died I felt emotional just looking at his empty chair when he should have been sitting in it.  He only got used to the chair a few weeks before he died because before this he was confined to the hospital bed that was in the house.  Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Take care 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 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

Hi Jules,

Long time and no see. I'm sorry that I have been away so long and I am sorry to hear that the journey ever continues. It does for me too. I am so glad that you are finding moments of good and honest happiness and that the baby is doing so well. You must be such a proud grandma!

I am pleased to see that life continues and that you had an excuse to not vacuum. This weekend I spent in tears so I also had an excuse not to vaccuum! I hope that all is going as well as possible and that all works out for your mother.

All my best wishes and much love,

greeneyes 

Hi Greeneyes

Lovely to see your name  in my inbox this morning.  As you have probably read from my thread we are plodding along and hubby pretty stable at present though not at all happy at not being able to work now (job was too physical and journey too tiring so it was the only thing to do) and as work has really been his life it is like looking at a lost soul.  Still we have been blessed with the arrival of a new grandson and am so thankful that hubby is around to have cuddles and even still has the magic he had with ours in being able to get them to sleep. He was also able to help my son in law with a few fireworks at the weekend.

Reading between the few lines you wrote and the fact that the weekend was hard for you with lots of tears, my heart goes out to you as you must be having a very difficult time.  You do not post often and I hope you have family supporting you.  I am happy to chat whenever you like (check my e-mails most days though yesterday morning was weird as we had power cut to lunchtime and you suddenly realise how much we have come to rely on technology).   I do still have private messaging set up if you fancy a chat.  In the  meantime do take care and am sending virtual hugs. Jules x

Hi Jules, How was your first day back at work after your hols?  I was back after half-term today, if I'm honest I could do with a few months off just to try and get back on track completely, but no chance so I just have to count the days till the next half-term!  Glad to hear your daughter and baby doing well, and great news about your son's new job.  You do sound very organised writing Christmas cards already, I'm always one of those people doing everything in December, this year I will be more laid back than usual as I said I'm not really "doing Christmas" this year, it would be too sad for me.  I will buy presents for the family of course but will keep it all low key.  I hope you got on OK at the doctors, I sympathise with water infections, had one myself last year and it took 2 lots of antibiotics to get rid of.  Take care.  Hope x

Hi Hope

Well, work was much the same and getting busier but spent much of the time off shopfloor collecting  books to return (weekly chore thats like doing mini audits).  No extra staffing this year and its beginning to tell already but as I told the Manager one pair of hands can only do one  job at a time.  He would have liked me to go in tomorrow (my usual day off) but I had plans already in place. Need to visit Mum and get the washing to the laundette.  Having followed the docs advice and drunk plenty (cranberry juice in the main) over the weekend and though tired thankfully today my 'water problems' seemed fine so hopefully thats sorted.  Any recurrence and I will make an appointment but so far so good and as I did quite a bit of lifting plus shopping after work am pleased no ill effects - mybe it was just a tummy chill.

It seems the longer we have away from work the harder it is to return.  We are not allowed hols in the six weeks before and two weeks after Christmas as this is our busiest time so hope to take my last few days beginning of Feb as all being well we have a weekend away with friends at end of Jan and I could make a week out of it!!  My eldest grandson goes back to school tomorrow (training day today) so that shouldmake my daughter's day a little less tiring but all in all she is doing well. Unbelievably baby will be 3 wks old tomorrow!!

Old habits and all that re getting ready for Christmas pretty early.  It started when I worked from home (proofreading) and used the half term hols as my break and used to get organised then, now I feel bad if I do it any later!!!  I can understand you needing yours to be low key and hopefully you can use it to get some well deserved relaxation time.  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules

Hi Jules,

Sorry to hear about your waterworks probems. The cranberry juice does seem to work for some reason but cranberry tablets work just as well and overall is probably a cheaper way of doing it. Also if you are going away the tabs are takeable with you.

all the best

Annabel. xx.

Hi Annabel

Thanks for the tip re the cranberry tablets (never seen them so will pop into chemist/health food shop to check it out).  Thankfully no problems at work on Monday so hope have nipped the problem in the bud so to speak.  I like the cranberry juice too so it can be my treat at the supermarket - how sad is that!!

Hope the Visit England appointment went well.  How many cottages do you have to look after and am assuming its a year round availability seeing how busy you are with looking after them.

Hope you and the family are keeping well.  Take care  Jules x