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

Afternoon Brian

Firstly belated happy birthday to your wife. Do hope you and all the family helped with her celebrations and am really pleased that your bug cleared up in time for you to enjoy them too.  No doubt nuts are now firmly back on the menu.

Could really relate to the hello old man greetings.  Many months ago my eldest grandson asked why I was out of puff after playing footie in the back garden (at my age I should know better) and I said it was just that I was old!!  Now every time I  am slow, at doing something or cannot immediately answer his questions the quote is always ' its okay, it's just cos you are old'.    Shamefully this usually finds me and my daughter in stitches which just means he says it even more!! 

The weekend has seen me feeling a little better (less time in the loo too) so hope the antibiotics doing the trick (due to get results Monday as to whether I need more/different prescription).  Our daughter and the children were around for the day yesterday and son in law joined us when he finished work early afternoon.  Baby was in cuddly mode (so I made the most of that) and our eldest went with my hubby and 'helped' him do the weekly shop.  Strange there were a few 'new' items in the trolley though he ate my grapes rather than moan for sweets (he did get a chocolate bar from Grandad's box though (so did my daughter!!!).  Later  in the afternoon we went to the local fun day/switch on of our High St.'s Christmas lights and it was lovely that all the shops had set up stalls on the pavement (few pounds went missing on the tombolla and I found a couple of gifts too- bought not won).  We then all trooped into the fish and chippie restaurant and tucked in!!  Hubby managed a VERY LARGE piece of Skate with chips and his ever present glass of milk (I then realised why he had 'missed' lunch!!)

Today he is catching up on his 'dozes' and I have once again trotted to and from the launderette and got the washing dry outside in such beautiful autumnal sunshine - really lifts the spirits.  Having ironed it all I am now sitting down for the afternoon before returning to the routine of work tomorrow.

Hope you enjoyed your woodturning and managed to get it all done despite it being a bit chilly.  Have often wished I had practical skills but am too ham-fisted!!!

Take care and enjoy that precious family time.  Best regards Jules x

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better, hopefully results tomorrow will be fine.  Also good for you for having a well deserved lie in this weekend - perhaps the glass of wine aided your extra sleep!  Well youngest's football match got cancelled for some reason but it gave me a chance to catch up on some chores.  Have been meaning to ask you how your Mum is doing lately?  I hope all is going OK. Speak soon, Hope x

Hi Hope

I suppose the only consolation that the football match was cancelled is that you did not have to stand around in the cold!  Still you would think they would say why. Wonder if, like us, you have had lots of rain the last couple of days and the ground was waterlogged.  Its a long time since I have had puddles on the lawn, such was the force of the downpours on Friday!!  Still today it was beautiful sunshine and I love the autumn colours of the trees right now.  Strangely though we still have a lovely yellow rose flowering in our front garden (planted 21 yrs ago in memory of hubby's mum).

Thank you so much for taking the time to ask about my Mum.  My last visit to her was last Tuesday and it was  one of the better days for a long time.  It did not start well as the home had rung to say she had for some reason decided to get herself up and dressed early (did not ring her bell for assistance) and had fallen.  However a thorough check over revealed all was well thankfully. I had already planned to go down so kept to the plan and quite honestly expected the usual sad trip.  However I was met with a smile and she was in chatty mode and had been joining in with a couple of activities.  She showed interest for the first time in months and it was a rather surreal visit as she was making plans to 'be better'.  Whilst lovely to have a positive visit, this has happened 'for 1 day only' before so I made the most of it and will see how things are when I pop in again this week.

I read that your eldest is studying hard and wish him the very best of luck when he sits his exams.  He sounds so dedicated to what he wants to become and I am sure he will do very well.  Take care of yourself. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for the kind wishes for my wife's birthday. We had a great time thanks for asking. You are so right about the nuts; have a lot of making up for time lost to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the autumn colours of trees too. I have included a couple of photos I took at Sheffield Park Gardens which I took a few years ago.  Hope you like them.

Those hot flushes are still giving me the occasional problem like just now as I'm writing this to you. Haven't managed to do any more writing as I am still waiting for my new headset to arrive.

Hope work is not too manic tommorow and your visit to your mother is as good as last weeks

Take care, will talk again soon. Kind regards Brian.

P.S. Click on the photos to see enlarged version.

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Hi Annabel

Glad I  made the most of my unusual lie in. Last night was back to usual disturbances through hot flushes but antibiotics seem to be helping (though all the extra liquids needs to flush the system so to speak still resulting in frequent visits!!).  We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon (despite dampness the rain held off for the Mayor to switch on the lights in our local High Street.  Baby slept snugly in his pushchair and our eldest grandson got to say hello to the Mayor as he popped into the fish and chip restaurant whilst we were having our tea - yay no cooking or washing up!!!  Hubby in good form as he tucked into a HUGE skate and chips and then we all popped back to ours so baby could have his next feed before they returned home.  Thankfully my daughter is continuing to recover her strength daily and is slowly getting back into the normality of school runs/after school activities for the eldest though is happy enough to continue to share the housework with her hubby. Despite him having to get up early to go to work he has been sharing the night feeds on the days when baby has been fractious thus allowing my daughter to get some extra zzzzzzzz's.  Now that the hospital has prescribed meds for baby's reflux (GP refused!! even though the eldest also suffered and my daughter was quick to spot the symptoms!!) and she has also changed brands of baby milk, the last few days he has been  more settled between feeds and that in turn makes life a lot easier.  Fingers crossed my test come back okay and I am sorted, I hope to be able to get round and help after work at least once a week.  Hubby has also been giving support by keeping her company occasionally.

Next thing to look foward to is 5th birthday party at end of the month for eldest grandson who is understandably rather excited!  Then the round of pre-Christmas get togethers with friends begin.

Hope your meeting with Visit England is a piece of cake tomorrow. You work so hard you deserve good outcome. Must be very difficult to get breaks when you are running this type of business so hope you looking after yourself.

Well just about to get our evening meal so had best go and check there is no burnt offering in the oven and then need to get work clothes sorted for tomorrow before settling down to Strictly Results Show.  Chat soon. virtual hugs Jules x

Hi Brian

Just a quick response to say thanks for the lovely photos - colours are lovely and I am also enjoying our copper beech as its colours deepen before they sadly drop.  Today we have had lots of blue and great *** plus two robins visiiting the table outside our patio doors so the weather must be chilly as they have been absent over the last few weeks.  Will have to get the suet balls ready!  Yet another weekend passes and its into work tomorrow but have told them I am limited to the carrying side of things until I get the all clear re my infection - heavy lifting does not help!!)

Have a good week, kind regards and virtual hugs. Jules x

Good morning Jules,

I remember taking my grandfather down to Wiltshire years ago and although he couldn't remember what he had done the day before he told me about a long row of copper beech trees that lined the road for quite a long distance. And sure enough, there they were even though he had not travelled the route for over forty years or more. I guess there was nearly a mile or more lined by these beautiful trees.

Did you watch the remeberance service on TV on Saturday when those five young girls called the poppy girls sang their song. It was so touching when afterwards one of them who thought her father was serving abroad was told he was there to see her sing. Boy, did she run to meet him, a very emotional moment not only for her but for everyone watching.

Hope your daughter is getting her strength back and the little one is okay. Hope your husband can start some pysio soon for his arm. One of our wood club members has a brother who was an engineer until he retired. He has just joined a model engineering club and is loving it. He buys kits and assembles them at home and they also stage their own exhibition every year. Just a thought for your husband

Anyway take care, hope you have a good week and your results are okay. I have to have my repeat blood test on Wednesday and should have my results on Thurs/ Friday

Talk again soon, Brian

Hi Brian

We had company Saturday so TV was not on(other than for Strictly Come Dancing)  but I read about the little girl and her Dad. Wonderful for them both.  I had seen the group on breakfast TV  and they really came over very well. I watched the Cenotaph coverage on Sunday  morning as always and as my Dad was a member of BLESMA  always emotional when their group do the march past.  One day I have promised to go along in person which my Dad never managed but know he would have loved to take part.

Very damp and dismal today so was glad to get in from work and join hubby in front of the fire.  I had my results back and there is  no  need for  any more treatment so hopefully your tests will be good too. Daughter and family are managing quite well now and baby has medication to help with 'reflux' symptoms and she has altered his brand of milk to see if that also helps.  I am sure as each day passes she will grow stronger and I have just told her not to fret. She is doing a great job with both children and am very proud of her but also understand her frustration at not being able to do everything as and when she wants but has to allow her body to recover.

Hubby has an appointment with the physio on Wednesday so thats another thing sorted  Thanks for mentioning about the model club - sounds like a good idea and will introduce it into the conversation when  the time is right!!.He could do all sorts of activities at the local centre but at the moment says its not for him (think he finds it difficult to see others in similar situation who are happy to talk when he is not and he does not want to appear rude by not joining in).  Sadly it is down to him if he just wants to sit at home alone. At  the moment my daughter has just recommended I carry on as normal and maybe one day there will be a breakthrough and he will want to talk (I will be there whenever that is) or begin to take an interest and do things whilst he still able.

I am going to visit Mum in the morning and then hope to have a relaxing day.

Look after yourself and Mrs B. Chat again soon.  Jules x 

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear that things seem to be going well for you at the moment (apart from the hot flushes at night of which I sympathise with!); and sounds like hubby is doing well and his appetite is good. I bet eldest grandson enjoyed the switiching on of the Christmas Tree lights in town.  You must feel relieved too that your Mum was on good form, and I notice you will be seeing her again tomorrow so fingers crossed the good mood continues.

Yes water-logged pitch ended up being the reason for footie being cancelled - I didn't mind too much though LOL!

I now have grant of probate so am beginning to tie up finances.  I went to meetings with the banks by myslef last week which is something I wouldn't have felt strong enough to do a while ago.  Still lots to do regarding the house and I still get upset when I'm there, but have to remind myself of how far I've come.

Wishing you a good week.  Hope x

Hi Brian, Jules, Hope and Everyone

Sorry I haven't been on the forums until now.  Hope Mrs B had a lovely birthday and the little bit about your little grandson Brian handing you a few chestnuts for telling him a story brought tears to my eyes.  He is such a lovely thoughtful young man - very much like his grandad I must add.

Jules I pity you with a urine infection.  They are awful.  I had a few myself this year and they can be unbearable.  The day I spent in Dublin with my mum I must have spent most of the day running about looking for toilets.  Hopefully you are on the mend now.  Hope hubby and daughter and new baby are doing OK not forgetting mum.

Hope - hope you are keeping well too.  We had a lovely day here on Sunday.  Apparently it was 13 but today a more chilly 9.  Time to keep wrapped up.  Started the deaded Christmas shopping well I only bought a Playdoh Dress Me Up set on Amazon but nothing else for now.  My eldest will be 13 on Saturday so we are going out for a quiet meal but my youngest one seems to have invited half of the family along too - kids were would you be without them.

Well take care everyone and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Brian, Jules, Hope and Everyone

Sorry I haven't been on the forums until now.  Hope Mrs B had a lovely birthday and the little bit about your little grandson Brian handing you a few chestnuts for telling him a story brought tears to my eyes.  He is such a lovely thoughtful young man - very much like his grandad I must add.

Jules I pity you with a urine infection.  They are awful.  I had a few myself this year and they can be unbearable.  The day I spent in Dublin with my mum I must have spent most of the day running about looking for toilets.  Hopefully you are on the mend now.  Hope hubby and daughter and new baby are doing OK not forgetting mum.

Hope - hope you are keeping well too.  We had a lovely day here on Sunday.  Apparently it was 13 but today a more chilly 9.  Time to keep wrapped up.  Started the deaded Christmas shopping well I only bought a Playdoh Dress Me Up set on Amazon but nothing else for now.  My eldest will be 13 on Saturday so we are going out for a quiet meal but my youngest one seems to have invited half of the family along too - kids were would you be without them.

Well take care everyone and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Mickied, Jules and Hope,

Hope the work situation sorts itself out Mickied. My young grandson has told me he was supposed to born with his problems so he could make people laugh. Everywhere he goes he is the same, cinema, school, shops hospitals, doctors, even walking in the street, he always ends up leaving people with a smile on their faces. People stop my daughter-in-law and ask her if she is Stuart's mother and tell her nice stories about him. He is one very special little lad. Thanks you for the kind words about me as well. I read this out to my wife and all she said was she thought you must have mixed me up with someone else. See what insults I have to put up with from Mrs B. You can all say Ow now. Mind you, I do wind her up quite a bit so I suppose I do ask for it !!!!!!!

Take care best wishes as always, Brian

Hi Mickied

Lovely to hear from you and I see you are gearing up for the 13th birthday celebrations. Difficult to think of Christmas presents when you have birthdays to attend to first.  Our grandson will be 5 on the 29th (party on 1st Dec) and we are going along to look after baby (no excuse needed) so that his Mum and Dad can given him undivided attention (as well as his classmates/friends - around 25-30 expected).  Thankfully only for 2hrs in the afternoon and one of the Dads at his school, whose daughter is coming, does magic and balloon making so is helping with keeping them amused.

Hubby is having physio tomorrow to try and loosen up his upper arm/shoulder stiffness (consultant says not linked to cancer but more likely because he does nothing but sit about!!!) Can you imagine if I spoke to him like that.

Mum'smood changes like the wind - last week full on gale, very chatty full of plans; this week a cool breeze, a few words and then goodbye as she was having her hair done (after refusing last week!!).  You learn to just take things as they come.  I had a wonder round the shops on the way home and in beautiful sunshine too (and a new jumper for Christmas fell into my basket - bright red with little reindeers all over - will do for Christmas morning  - think my hubby more interested in seeing the family than what we will be wearing but I love the fun aspect!!!).

Hope the birthday goes well.  Chat again soon.  Take care and sending virtual hugs  Jules. x 

Hi Brian

Your little grandson is a credit to his family and it must be virtually impossible not to enjoy life when he has endured so much and yet offers everyone the chance to keep smiling - truly humbling.

Sounds like you have a fantastic relationship with Mrs B and you know each other inside out (how else would you get away with 'nuts in your trolley'). This only works for me if I shop alone(like today when a jumper appeared in my basket).  I also picked up a bag of sweets but then felt guilty (as supposed to  be good) so walked half way round the store to put them back in the right place (thats what happened when you work in a shop for a living!!).

Beautiful sunshine here now after a miserably damp start so enjoyed the half hour walk each way to see Mum (not too bad in herself today though not quite as 'with it' as last week). Felt like a kid for a while as I walked through fallen leaves but managed to kerb the urge to kick them about (have to wait until I am with my grandson in the park).

Have a good day.  Jules x

Hi Jules, Mickied & Brian,

It is great to read all your posts about the young people.  Brian your grandson sounds so sweet, I bet you enjoy every minute you spend with him.  Mickied, hope your eldest has a lovely birthday on Saturday - the terrible teens eh!  Jules, your eldest's grandson's birthday party sounds great!  I will be thinking of you as that is my youngest's birthday, mind you at 17 he will just be doing his own thing, which since it is a Sunday will be playing football!  Take care everybody and speak soon.   Hope x

Hi Brian

Thanks for thinking about me.  I had a chat with my boss this morning and he told me there will be changes after Christmas more hours being cut etc as he doesn't want to make anyone redundant.

I felt sorry for him Brian while a few others didn't but that's me all over Brian.  He is honestly trying his best but you can't please everyone.

You can tell Mrs B that we didn't mix you up with someone else.  She probably sees a different side to the one we all see (only joking).  You sound like a good strong couple who put up with each other's faults and your bouts of Brianitus.  Haven't heard you mention those lately.

Take care Brian and regards to Mrs B.  Poor woman having to put up with you ha ha

Mickied

Hi Jules

I asked my daughter if she wanted to do anything for her 13th and she said just to go out for a meal.  Her sister by accident invited my mother-in-law along too.

I see your grandson will be 5 at the end of this month and a big party planned.  I remember doing the same for my eldest and all the kids you came behaved really well.  He will feel really special as his mum and dad will be there and baby will be getting looked after by grandma and grand-dad.

Hope the physio helps your husband.  Having a stiff shoulder is no laughing matter.  I had that myself a few months ago and you are restricted from doing anything with that arm.

That was some comment to come from a consultant obviously no beside manner towards his patient.

Glad to see your mum is keeping OK and looking after herself too by agreeing to getting her hair done.  You are just right Jules treating yourself to a new jumper for Christmas Day.

I treated myself too today to a mousse for the roots of my hair.  When the assistant explained it worked out at £2.50 for each application I agreed I had done the right thing and bought it.

It was £10.99.  I have never paid that much before for a colour for my hair usually the £5.00 mark is my norm but it needs it.

Well take care for now and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Hope

Thanks for the reply - the terrible teens more like Kevin and Perry.  If you ask her to do something she can't be bothered or will do it later. Hope your son enjoys his birthday.

How is your eldest getting on at Medical School?.  My friend's daughter is doing her course too which can last up to 7 years but she said it will be worth it in the end.

How's work going Hope?

Take care and chat soon

Mickied