Hi Hope,

All stable at this end (sorry seem to be posting all over the place and even had to apologise just now for missing a post (on my own thread too!!) from Brian).  Shows what a tizz I have been in recently.  Things just seem to catch up with me from time to time but with the help of my forum buddies and my workmates am out the other side at present. Stress at work is always high at this time of year and I am struggling a bit when things go pear-shaped.  Its like as I have no control of what is going on with the cancer journey we are on other everyday things are affecting me more and its taken me a bit by surprise.  Socially we have only one free weekend now prior to Christmas which is great as we will be catching up with friends, old and new and also trying to do Mum's bidding (she suddenly taking a bit of interest in day to day life whichis lovely but somewhat adding to the stress of shopping!!)

Do take care of yourself, taking those little steps on the good days and being kind to yourself in the meantime.  You are being so supportive to everyone here and no doubt at home too.  Glad to read that your eldest's exams went okay. He has a long learning road ahead but sounds as though he is really up for it.

Must to now as phone is ringing ready to summon me to the station.  Take care and chat again soon.  Hugs Jules x

Hi Jules,

Have been following your thread, and just wanted to say I hope you have a fantastic time today with your friend! 

Like Hope, I could detect the low ebb in your life . . . You have so much going on with hubby, grandchildren, your mum, work and the social events that seem to pop up at this time of year, no wonder you are 'in a tizz' as you said to Hope!

I think you're doing well to know which day of the week it is!! (I have to ask my other half when I wake up! )

Enjoy today . . . try and take a step back from everything and have a bit of 'me' time (and don't go feeling selfish about doing so!) A few hours with your friend will hopefully be a tonic (maybe a sneaky little Gin could be added!   )

Love and hugs, lovely Jules, xxx

p.s. Love and hugs to you too,  Hope, xxx

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better.  Totally know where you're coming from when you say the everyday things get to us while we are on this journey, I feel the same.  Hopefully your socialising will help you relax, it is always good to meet up with friends and family.  Take care.  Hope xx

Hi Jules

Only saw your message now as we were allowed to leave the office early on Friday.  Thank you for your kind thoughts Jules and you have enough on your own plate to contend with but you always make time for others.  You are another asset on this forum.

Youngest one keeps pestering me about Christmas decorations and then when someone else in the street put theirs up she said it is far too early.  My husband says she is getting more and more like me.

Hope you enjoyed your day out with your friend catching up with each other and that well deserved bottle must come in handy after a good chinwag.

Take care Jules and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Everyone,

Hope you dont mind a joint response (save everyone reading repetitive chat).

Enjoyed my 'awayday' yesterday.  Met my friend on the train at 9.30 and got home at 5p.m.  Enjoyed wondering the shops (amazing to see so many of the shops with their sales on already) and solved all but one of my Mum's Christmas shopping list (much relieved to get that done).  Had coffee and cake mid-morning (healthy eating went to pot for the day!!) and had a bit of fun trying on clothes in the designer shops - great fit, loved them, put them back (prices totally prohibitive even in the sale).  So many different food outlets but we chose Indian as my friend loves it but her husband doesn't so she rarely has it and I have not been out for a restaurant meal in ages (more to come pre Christmas though).  Did not feel the need for alcohol but enjoyed a day away from the stresses of work.  Had to laugh when I got home as both of us found we had something in common (she sent me a text!!) we both had washing up waiting in the sink for our return.  Well, almost the perfect day.  Really enjoyed buying gifts for everyone and even treated myself to some silly festive socks which should make the children laugh on Christmas Day!!!

Thanks for all your ongoing support; its so much appreciated having somewhere to turn to both when I am down in the dumps or just wanting to share.  Take care of yourselves and have a peaceful week. hugs to all Jules xx

Hi Jules,

So pleased to hear you had an enjoyable day out yesterday, you so deserve it. I had to smile about what both you and your friend found when you got home. All I can say is that's men for you but I can tell you I would have received a severe ear bending if that had been me.

We are only returning the support that you give to so many on here Jules, I am just pleased that you feel it helps.  When I took my wife to our local chemist the other day they had a wide range of winter socks including the sort you mention  I now have a vision of you wearing these festive socks and your grandson and family in fits of laughter.

I hope his birthday party goes well and you all have a great party.

Take care, best wishes to you and your family, Brian.

Morning Jules,

It's great you had a relaxing and theraputic girls day out. I had mine too yesterday and like you we stopped for coffee and cake before we did any damage to the walllets.

I have to say for many a year I have preferred shopping in small towns with individual shops where I can often find individual things. Yesterday was good because I managed to find some reasonably priced gifts that were just that bit different. Hope the recipients like them.

Just having time out with a good friend is what is often important. we stopped for lunch in a cafe and ended up ordering the same thing for lunch. We got back alittle earlier than you but then we had done some supermarket boring shopping at the end and had had enough. Got home just before it went dark.

Hope your day today is a good one.

I am off to walk the dog down to coffee morning in the village to catch up with local friends.

Speak soon

hugs

Annabel. xx

Morning Brain,

I can see by your post you have been brought up very well by your wife. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  lol.

I hope you are both well and in fine heart at the moment.

I loved seeing your wood turning, it's one of those things I would love to do, but have never had the time . He ho.

hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

Nice to hear from you and good that you too enjoyed another day of retail therapy.  Once I get paid at the end of the month I can sort out the cash gifts and then I am done as far as the family is concerned.  It will  be a good feeling.  Am hoping my Mum is happy with what I have purchased on her behalf (too late now) when I go to see her next (probably Tuesday as long as I do not have to work). We are out at different social events this weekend which I am looking forward to (hopefully  hubby is too).  Seeing our grandson celebrate his 5th birthday will be the highlight and he has been so good at school he managed to get another 'star' on his class chart so is very excited.  Baby Zack doing really well (over 12lb already - loves his milk!!) and quite long so is already outgrowing 0-3mnths (he is only 6weeks old)!!  Very much like his brother was at a similar age.

Hope you enjoyed your dog walking and catching up with friends. Also hope you managing to relax as I know you said your business will be pretty busy again soon.  Take care and chat again soon.  Hugs.Jules x