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 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