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

Hi Jules,

Sorry I haven't responded sooner but have been to a Macmillan cancer meeting regarding the new drop in centre they are hoping to start work on in January. Pleased to hear you had a small win at bingo last night and have also picked up a bargain today. As I didn't get back until gone two-o-clock, I stopped off and got myself some chips from the shop just along the road. My wife is not supposed to eat them but the smell of them tempted her so much she gave in. They always give me more than I can eat and if I do eat them all myself I always feel rather bloated afterwards so it was good to have her help me out as I can not see them go to waste can I.  Any more than I could see nuts go to waste.

It has been a lovely sunny day here today although a little chilly. My wife had one of her diabetic turns about four-o-clock this morning so bleary eyed I came downstairs only half awake to get her a cup of tea with some sugar in it and some biscuits and then neither of us could get back to sleep afterwards until it was nearly time to get up. My wife virtually had to prise me out of bed this morning I can tell you. The trouble is although she make a quick recovery usually, she does feel so tired afterwards.

Glad to hear your husband has got some exercises to do and really hope this helps his shoulder.

Anyway, as usual I have rambled on too much, Probably a side effect of nut-eating-itus. Do take care Jules, have a relaxing weekend, Brian

Morning Hope and Brian

Have been up a few hours, though did manage a full 5hrs sleep last night so feel quite ready for the day ahead (no plans though so perhaps relaxing by the fire is the best idea as its miserable outside at present).

Hope,  will be thinking of you as you attend the memorial for your Mum - very emotional for you but a lovely idea for the hospice to arrange these special times.

Brian, hope your wife is feeling a little better following her diabetic turn.  I am aware that this can leave someone feeling very tired afterwards so expect  you will be having a peaceful day which will aid her recovery. Hope she had (and you too) a better night last night.  It can knock you for six when your lose so many hours sleep.  My Mum often used to get up during the night  and would make herself a milky drink (think she would often finish the night off in her rocking chair with a big blanket rather than trying to go  back to bed - worked for her!!)   Love the idea of her sharing your chips (even if she should'nt) though I am sure she enjoys them just as much as you do but helping you with such a large portion gives her a good excuse.

You never ramble Brian, its always a pleasure to chat. Kind thoughts and a peaceful day are sent to you and the family.  Jules x

Hi Hope,

Thinking of you this morning for your Mums Memorial service. I hope all goes well with the service and hope you feel positive afterwards,

Kind thoughts and virtual hugs,

Annabel. xx

Morning Jules,

Was so glad to hear of your win on the bingo,!!!! and your bargain hunting sucess in the charity shop.

When I take the local ladies over the Pennines next Tuesday charity shops will be big on the list for 2 of us as there are something like 10 charity shops where we are going.At least 2 of them are cancer research. !!!

Plus lots of nice non charity shops. Personally I love a bargain.

hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Jules and Annabel,

Thanks for your kind words, I will let you know how the service goes.

Jules, glad that you managed 5 hours sleep but you are still an early riser.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend by that fire, sounds great.

Annable, I hope all is OK with you and again wishing you a relaxing weekend.

Hope xx

Morning Jules,

By now, I bet you've done all your chores and I hope you're relaxing with a well earned cup of tea!

Congratulations on your bingo win and great news about your charity shop find! It's a good feeling to find a bargain and know that you're supporting a charity too! Bet you'll look great too and no doubt you'll receive many compliments. It's  been a while since I've been charity shop shopping. Near where I live, there is a long road with many charity shops on it. I've been known to make it a whole day out on some occasions!

I'm glad you're getting your Christmas shopping sorted. I've been more organised this year and actually bought things as and when I've seen them rather than my usual approach of "I'll get that for so-and-so next time I'm in town"  I only hope I don't see too many things I wish I'd bought instead! I think I said to,you that this year was going to be a 'book' year, so that's still my main aim, but I also love buying little things for my children . . . A hang over from when they were little and I used to buy for their Santa stockings! Now the items need to be a bit more grown up. . . Though they both still love a tube of sweeties in their present! Didn't make it for a walk yesterday . . . An aerial man took priority! But that's another story!

I hope you have a good week and your hubby carries on the good work with his armchair exercises.

Hugs to you and your family xxx

(Hope you don't mind if I tag a few more messages on in this post?)

Hope, I'm thinking of you today and hope the Hospice Memorial service for your mum, goes well and brings you peace. Hugs to you and your men, xxx

Annabel, enjoy your charity shopping on Tuesday. Hope you find lots of bargains . . . Let us know what you find!

I see you've had a whirlwind year with your diagnosis, operations, treatments and running your business! Phew! . . a bit of 'me' time is in order I think! So try and slow your pace down and take care of yourself. (Retail therapy is fine by the way!)    Hugs to you  and your family xxx

Brian, sorry to hear about Mrs. B's recent diabetic problem. I hope she's soon feeling brighter. Sharing your chips eh? What a kind man you are. Chips always taste even more delicious if they're out of someone else's wrapper! Hugs to you and Mrs B xxx

Hi Annabel

Have a lovely shopping day tomorrow.  Have just heard that the tube is suspended this morning on the line I use to get to work so it looks like a longer walk and the bus for me. Lovely start to the working weekl.

Yes, I was very pleased with my bargain dress (I am normally found in trousers  and the formal wear I do have in my wardrobe from previous occasions is too big ) as they nearly always only get worn once or twice.  Also it helps the charity shop (I took clothes in too!!).  Take care Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Hope your walk to work went okay, I wonder will you have the walk and bus when you return home. ???

Like you I am normally in trousers because it's the most practical thing to wear especially at this time of year when its wet and sometimes windy.

I do have a few skirts though and when the long boots come out (which will be soon) I do like to wear a skirt if I am going anywhere.

Mind you putting tights back on isn't a pleasure.

I'll let you know what I find in the charity shops.

And like you I need to take some more in ( if I find time to sort some).

The exhaustion of the last few weeks is gradually wearing off, I've been awake since 6.30 and up since 7.00. Already done 35 mins cleaning in the Barn, just came over for a coffee and chat with friends online.

Hope you have a good day, speak soon

Annabel xx.

Hi Jo

Lovely to hear from you and no problems sharing your the thread with other virtual friends as I am sure like you we all 'read' more than we respond to and its nice to be 'shared' around.

  My  charity shop buying  began by accident many moons ago when the children were toddlers and I noticed some lovely clothes in a window, went in and as they say the rest is history. It saved so much money when they were little and at the same time it was helping a good cause. In our small High Street we have several different charities represented and where I found my latest lucky buy was in the shop run to raise money for our local hospice (where my hubby is now receiving his physio sessions).

I had a relaxing day on Sunday as planned once a bit of housework was dealt with. Quiet too as hubby spent much of the day sleeping.  Some days he does this more than others so just go with the flow.  Yesterday he was better and picked up our eldest grandson from school as our daughter was in the town meeting with a friend and she then kindly dropped by the shop and picked me up from work so I got a lift home. A couple of hours of playing/reading/feeding the grandchildren and then I put my feet up for the evening.  Today I do not work so am going to visit Mum and hubby has 'catch up appointment' with his GP who likes to see him in between his hospital check ups to make sure she stays aware of how he is doing.  He thinks its a waste of time  but I think its a good one and nice to have a GP who 'cares' about his patients.

Cold here this morning and will have to de-frost hubby's car in a bit as don't want him having to stand around too long and get chilled though maybe it will be okay by the time he goes out!!

You are just like me as regards oour adult children's pressies.  Though its mainly money/vouchers (their request) we always do a couple of silly bits to make it 'fun' on the morning when the usual mayhem happens as we all sit round exchanging gifts usually around  mid-morning(the little ones have an early opening so we can all enjoy their excitement first).  All being well there will be 11 of us spending the day together this year (plus resident 2 cats and 2 visiting dogs!!) - still hoping that I do not have to work Boxing Day (I have offered to work Christmas Eve - my usual day off - instead but am waiting to hear back!!

Anyway, need to wake hubby soon so he has time for breakfast before his doc's appointment so had better stop rambling and get on.  Have a peaceful day. chat soon. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Hope you enjoy your walk to your mother home this morning and you are able to have a good chat with her. I do like walking on days like this when it's bright and sunny even if it's a bit chilly like today.

I have had a bad case of Brianitus this morning. One big bag of chestnuts, 2 bags of plain crisps and one packet of cheese biscuits all mysteriously found their way into our trolley. My wife asked how they got in there and I tried to put on my innocent face but probably not very successfully for she knows me too well. 

Glad your daughter picked you up from work and you had some "play time" with your grandson. It's so nice that you have such a good rapport with him as I do think grandparents play a vital role in helping bring up their grandchildren. I know how much I valued my grandparents as I had a stepfather who never spoke to me so I looked on my grandfather as a father figure. He was a real character and some of his sayings used to have me in fits of laughter.

My youngest grandson is taking part in his school play on Wednesday and was apparently quite upset as her told his mum, "But that's Granddad evening and means I will miss seeing him and will not get my stories". She said, he was going to ask the school to change it to another evening, but I have told her I will visit him on Thursday instead and he was quite made up with this. W.H.Smith has done fairly well out of us as my wife has bought all three grandchildren two annuals each. She was only intending to buy one each but she couldn't make up her mind which one to get, hence buying two each. Luckily some were on a special offer.

My granddaughter won another three gold medals at archery on Sunday while my son won a bronze. I am so proud of her as one of the medals she won was in a grown-ups section. She also acheived a personal best.

Sounds like you have a good GP which makes a lot of difference. Ours is also very good. Hope your husbands exercises start to make a difference to his arm/shoulder movement.

Anyway take care and enjoy your time off work and will talk again soon, best wishes being sent your way, Brian.

Hi Jules,

Hope you enjoy your walk to your mother home this morning and you are able to have a good chat with her. I do like walking on days like this when it's bright and sunny even if it's a bit chilly like today.

I have had a bad case of Brianitus this morning. One big bag of chestnuts, 2 bags of plain crisps and one packet of cheese biscuits all mysteriously found their way into our trolley. My wife asked how they got in there and I tried to put on my innocent face but probably not very successfully for she knows me too well. 

Glad your daughter picked you up from work and you had some "play time" with your grandson. It's so nice that you have such a good rapport with him as I do think grandparents play a vital role in helping bring up their grandchildren. I know how much I valued my grandparents as I had a stepfather who never spoke to me so I looked on my grandfather as a father figure. He was a real character and some of his sayings used to have me in fits of laughter.

My youngest grandson is taking part in his school play on Wednesday and was apparently quite upset as her told his mum, "But that's Granddad evening and means I will miss seeing him and will not get my stories". She said, he was going to ask the school to change it to another evening, but I have told her I will visit him on Thursday instead and he was quite made up with this. W.H.Smith has done fairly well out of us as my wife has bought all three grandchildren two annuals each. She was only intending to buy one each but she couldn't make up her mind which one to get, hence buying two each. Luckily some were on a special offer.

My granddaughter won another three gold medals at archery on Sunday while my son won a bronze. I am so proud of her as one of the medals she won was in a grown-ups section. She also acheived a personal best.

Sounds like you have a good GP which makes a lot of difference. Ours is also very good. Hope your husbands exercises start to make a difference to his arm/shoulder movement.

Anyway take care and enjoy your time off work and will talk again soon, best wishes being sent your way, Brian.

Hi Brian

Thanks for your lovely response and update.  Its always great to have my forum buddies pop up in my mailbox.

Like you, really enjoyed being out in the sun (well wrapped up of course) and did enjoy the walk down to see my Mum (and back again!!).  Once again we had a chatty visit if somewhat amusing at times!!  Her duty carer spoke to me when I arrived telling me she had had a sleepless night but was full of beans. She had been laughing and telling them that she would love a day out with everyone to Brighton with fish and chips for lunch (she and Dad used to visit a friend down there and it was what they always did - each paying for their own lunch.)  So I spent over an hour being given instructions on what to buy everyone for Christmas, then to take it in for her to see and then taking it home to wrap (she had been shopping with the carer and gave me the paper,sellotape and instructions on how to label them) and then said we could club together and buy her a pair of velvet trousers so she looked smart on Christmas Day.  I was also told I need a haircut!!  (was already booked for end of the month as have grandson's party then!!). All this after the previous week when she told me she had no interest in the festivities - I am quickly learning to go with an open mind and hope for the best!!!  She has a wonderful memory for birthdays and had bought all the necessary cards to cover the period till the New Year so a waiting for the request for me to write them as she did not want me to do them this time.

I popped into the shops on the way back home for bread and milk and somehow Mr Kiplings packet of individual battenburg cakes fell into my basket - so Brianitus definitely still around - I don't even have the excuse that they were for the other half - he does  not like marzipan so have been a bit naughty the last couple of days finishing them off.

Hubby had visit with his GP and  she has upped his anti-depressants and told him to 'get himself moving whilst he can'.  How is it she can get away with saying things I am thinking but would not have the courage to nag him about!!  They are somewhat concerned that he is not making the most of his life and not sure they understand the devastation he feels now that he cannot do the job that was his life.  I am just thankful that when we have visitors he does make some effort (my daughter is well aware of what its like when she is not here and has been an absolute rock). Tomorrow our son is visiting for a couple of hours so looking forward to that.  Also have a day out in London planned with my friend from work (she has a holiday day booked for my day off next Tuesday) and are having gossip and lunch out (she says I need a stress free break bless her - I am obviously easy to read and she has some understanding as her husband had a couple of years battling cancer -  ok thankfully - and relates to the 'silent treatment' I am having when indoors.

Hope your grandson enjoys your rearranged visit and am sure he will love telling you all about the school activities too.  I never had grandfather's when I was a child (both died before I was born) but do love to watch the interaction when the new baby and our grandson visit - those smiles are worth their weight in gold.

Well sorry for long rambling reply and do hope you and Mrs B are keeping warm indoors and enjoying those 'naughty snacks'.  Take care and sending peaceful thoughts and virtual hugs.  Jules

Hi Jules,

Thanks for your kind words. So pleased you had a good time with your mother, it must make a lot of difference.  It's good your gp has told your husband to get mobile for he will probably take more notice than if you had said it. It must be hard for him not being able to work and that he feels such a lack of incentive, but it's also even harder for you as you feel unable to help. I am pleased your daughter understands your situation and is such a support to you.

I have just got back from seeing my gp. My psa had gone up from 0.01 to 0.23 over the last six months. He read the letter out to me which he had received from the consultant at the hospital saying it would increase as the hormone flushes out of my system. He has told me he will arrange the next psa test for four months time so that he can monitor it.  I also wanted to see him as my left breast has been a little tender for the past couple of weeks. This is yet another side effect of the hormone therapy but I have been surprised it has taken this long to show up. But he explained it may be that  it is as a result of interaction with a tablet I have to take so no worries.

Hope you enjoy your son's visit and that you enjoy your trip to London with your friend. You fully deserve a little me time.

Jules, you never ramble and I always enjoy reading your posts for they are always well written

Do take care, and I have no doubt we will talk again soon. Best wishes to you and your family, Brian..

Hi Brian, Jules and Hope

Hope all is well with you.

Hope I noticed you attended the Hospice Memorial Service on Sunday.  I am sure it was a very emotional time for you all especially at this time of year.  I now have a chesty cough that I cannot get rid of.

Taking strong cough medicine and my honey and lemon as prescribed by my GP a few years ago when I lost my voice but to no avail.

Brian I read that Mrs B had a diabetic turn.  Hope she is keeping OK and is back on her feet very soon again looking after that man in her life.

Jules hope you too are keeping well and hubby and baby and the rest too.  Is the birthday party this weekend or next I can't remember?  My hubby wants me to go shopping this Saturday in the city centre.  I prefer to go on my own as I enjoy my own company.  I told him wait and see how I feel when the time comes but I probably will end up having to go with him.

Well take care everyone and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Mickied,

Sorry to hear that you have the dreaded chesty cough, I do hope it doesn't linger like my bug did a few weeks back.  Coughs seem to go on for a while and then just go without us really noticing, but they are such a pain at night keeping you awake aren't they?

Yes the memorial service was very emotional and I've been a bit emotional since; this time of year doesn't help as well as the dismal weather and the early darkness this time of year.  Still, have to try and remember all the positives in our lives eh!  Hope all is OK with you.  Wishing you a nice weekend and happy shopping on Saturday.  Hope xx

Hi Hope

Thanks for the reply.  You are right about this time of year.  I felt the same way this time last year with a chest infection the week before my father-in-law passed away.

His first anniversary is next Wednesday and you start to relive what happened back then.  My husband seems to be coping OK until next week that is because he was at the hospital with him shortly before he died.

I wish you too a nice weekend and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Brian

Pleased to read that your gp was able to put your  mind at rest with regards  your psa results as well as the side effects you are getting being caused by interaction with other medication.  Such a fine line to keep you well but good to know your medics on top of things. Hope you wife is keeping okay at the moment.  You both must have to have eagle eyes when choosing food items.  My son's girlfriend is lactose intolerent so when they visit I do a choice of desserts so that she does not have to bring her own pud (her suggestion was to bring the dessert with her to save any trouble) but these days there is always a viable alternative (once I found the correct aisle to look down.

My son popped in for a few hours and was still here when I got in from work so we caught up on all his news and was able to give him our gift for his other half's birthday. He begins his new  job as an adminstration/marketing assistant to a Research Professor  at Brunel Uni on Monday and is really looking forward to the challenges it will bring.  Also pleased to be going back to mon to fri working after several years doing shifts.

Hubby has picked up new anti depressant medication today so will see how that works out.  He had a call from his old employers today with a query for him to look at for them so for a little while had something to keep him occupied.   Tonight we are  both out as is usual on a Friday and then tomorrow my sister in law is visiting for dinner so have done all the preparation in advance so I can have a sit down tomorrow morning.

Hope you enjoyed your time with the grandchildren (think you changed it to yesterday because of school event) and no doubt your cheeky grandson was on good form.  When my hubby picked up our eldest grandson from school on Monday he was apparently letting him know when there was no traffic coming whilst they were waiting at the junction to the main road just in case his grandad did not notice there was a big red bus coming!!!

After a very frustrating day at work yesterday (lack of staffing main issue which led to so much pressure I felt really stressed) was pleased to get away and had to have a small chocolate bar to help me get me smiling again in time to get home.  Hey ho.

Hope you and your wife have a peaceful and happy weekend.  Take care  Jules x

Hi Mickied

Hope you have had a reasonable week and know like many of the people on the forum, this time of year is extremely emotional for you.  Just wanted you to know you are being kept in my thoughts and thank you for being there over the months when I have needed to ramble on.  Take care my virtual friend and wishing you and the family a peaceful weekend.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for you nice reply. Me and Mrs B both had a nice treat first thing this morning while having breakfast. I just happened to look out of our kitchen window (Our row of houses are built back to front with the kitchen at the front of the house) and there in the cherry tree was a woodpecker sorting out his breakfast. Even though I have lived in the countryside most of my life, this was the closest I had ever seen one. He was there for at least ten minutes and we were both thrilled to see him so close. I was going to get my camera but we have Venetian blinds and I knew if we tried to lift them up he would be gone in a flash.

Hope you had a good evening at bingo last night perhaps even with a win to fund your trip to London.  Sorry to hear you had a frustrating day at work on Thursday.  Most employers seem to operate on a minimum of staff these days so if just one person is off, it puts so much pressure on everyone else.

My young grandson had his usual greeting for me, "Hello old man", before asking for his stories. My granddaughter proudly showed me her three latest gold medals while my middle grandson told me he got an award for his maths.

I intend to got out to my garage this afternoon and get a bit more wood-turning done. So will get told off later when I come in and one or two wood shavings appear on the floor. I try telling Mrs B that they are quality hardwood shavings but this doesn't appear to have any affect for I still get told off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next Saturday we have our annual wood-club show / exhibition / competition and we set everything up on the Friday evening. I do have a lot of banter with the other club members and it's all good fun. Sometimes the odd label appears on someone's stand which reads, "DESIGNER FIREWOOD AVAILABLE HERE", not that I have anything to do with it you understand

Anyway hope you enjoy the weekend take care, Best wishes to you and your family, Brian

Hi Brian

How lovely to witness the woodpecker so close by.  I live in suburbia though we have woods within half hour walk.  Its been a good few years since we have a green woodpecker on one of our feeders and like you I was spellbound; so beautiful.

The grandchildren have being doing well in their activities and how proud all the family must be.  Lovely to hear all about it.

I have a way of getting Mrs B  on side re those quality wood shavings - place them in a suitable container and sprinkle with a pot pourri essence.  I have a beautiful natural wooden bowl (birthday gift this year) and have vanilla pot pourri surrounding a short pillar candle (soon to be swapped for Christmas scented oil (could be ginger or cranberry)). A task for the grandchildren (collect some pine cones to compliment the 'shavings' and there you have a naturally made gift!! ).

I am sure your Wood Club members love the 'prankster' in their group and hope this year's event goes well.  Its lovely when people with like interests can get together and enjoy themselves.

Pleased to say both hubby and I had a good night's sleep last night and I was very surprised to see it was past 7 a.m. when I got up!!  Have done all the preparation for our meal this evening and have the fires blazing (my sister in law feels the cold and we do not have central heating).  Hubby ate breakfast and is now horizontal snoozing in front of the fire so will have to wake him for GP qualifying later.

Wish you and the family a peaceful weekend and week ahead and hope to chat again soon.Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for the idea about the wood-shavings. I will turn Mrs B a bowl with a raised centrepeice, complete with drip tray where I can put a large candle and the wood-shavings can be used to fill the bowl. I already have some pine cones where I have drilled a small hole on the base where I have inserted a small bit of bamboo.

I have turned a dozen light cord pulls in about an hour this afternoon in different timbers. Photo attached. Really enjoyed myself doing this and will do some wooden key rings tomorow, (I buy the metal rings )

I do envy you your open fire Jules. We have central heating but you cant beat an open fire at the end of the day.

Do enjoy yourself tonight, best wishes Brian.

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