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,

Hope you are OK.  Was sorry to read that your Mum seems to be back in the doldrums after a few positive weeks.  I expect you know her well though and that she'll hopefully come around to be positive again.  Hope you enjoy your evening with your friend tomorrow, she sounds incredibly brave and it is so sad.

I remember the homemade paper chains too.  Have lovely memories of making them as a child and hanging them all around Mum and Dads house.   Take care.  Hope x

Hi Hope,

Thanks for your kind thoughts.  Sadly I am pretty used to Mum's ups and downs and she really has no interest in this time of year (even when well).  She has always disliked Christmas and this probably has a bearing on her current spell of the 'blues' as she calls them.  The doctors are monitoring her medication just in case it needs topping up but generally it makes little difference and she is at least calm (just not interested).  The carehome has a wonderful array of activities over the next couple of weeks so if she wants to join in she can.    My parents were like chalk and cheese with Dad being the social animal and Mum keeping to herself and she always says I somehow managed to get more of Dad's genes!!!  Anyway did not have to take the jumper back to the shops (she still plans to dress for Christmas).

Look after yourself Hope and despite the sadness in your heart I do hope you can enjoy getting away on holiday for some well deserved relaxation with your husband and the boys.  Virtual hugs are sent to you all.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Last night we had our last meeting of our wood-club for this year with a slide show of photos someone had taken from all round the country. There were some absolutely beautifull sunrises/ sunsets. We had quite a few member pay up for 2014 allthough subs arent due until January. The new system that took me so long to write out last year is allready proving it was worth the effort, for it was so much quicker and easier last night.

I bet in one sense you are looking forward to meeting your friend tonight allthough it must be tinged with sadness at the same time so imagining you having mixed emotions about thie evening. Hope it all goes well and you enjoy yourself.

Last night was the night we have the grandchildren for dinner. I said hello young man to my youngest grandson and to my surprise he said hello granddad. So I asked him why he didnt say hello old man as usual and he replied thats because your not really old, you just middle old.I can always gaurantee he will put a smile on my face everytime I see him.

Will think of you this evening, take care Brian.

Hi Brian

Thanks for your kind thoughts.  You are right about my visit this evening - very mixed emotions but  no one can be absolutely sure of how long they  may have so she is still very much making the most of things at the moment.  Have a bottle of plonk to share and we will be catching up on all the family gossip (we first met when we were both expecting our first child) .  She has got to the end of one bucket list and says she needs to think of more stuff to do (so perhaps I can give her a few ideas!!!).  Her youngest son is hot-footing it back from Australia where he has been working (may actually be back by the time I get there this evening) which will definitely give her something extra to smile about.  Have a feeling it will be a lot harder when I leave than when I arrive.

Hubby has been kept company all day today with the neighbours' cats and think they may understand each other better than I do  Anyhow Hubby was reasonably cheeful when I got home from work and providing I keep the conversation away from 'illness' topics he has been a little more relaxed. Could it be that slowly by surely he is adjusting to enforced retirement - time will tell.

Glad you enjoyed the company of the grandchildren and  your 'cheeky chappy' sounded on good form.  Tomorrow our eldest grandson has his Christmas assembly and he is a Narrator and has learnt his lines (2 of them!!). All being well one of  us will go with my daughter to watch whilst the other is left holding the baby at home (as it will be feed time and no one wants a howling 8wk old in the hall!! - he is also due to have his first injections so pretty sure he will make himself heard!!!

Have a lovely weekend and very pleased that the plans in place for the woodclub are helping it all run more smoothly for the 2014 membership - well done.  take care  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Brother in law is having his scan today to see if the cancer had escaped from the prostate. He wont get results for a couple of weeks but like me when I was waiting for the results of my scans, I know what a worrying time it can be. My wife wont admit it to me, but she has been talking a lot about her childhood today and I'm pretty sure it's her way of worrying about her brother as he is the last close relative she has left from her side of the family.

Int he last couple of weeks she has taken an interest in jig-saw puzzles so I bought her one from the garden centre and have just had one on those under-bed tabled arrive this week for her to do it on. It can be angled towards you and has a slightly lipped edge to stop anything sliding off the table. No doubt if she gets to a hard point, she will call on my help. It's something neither of us have done for years.

On Wednesday, after having her meal with us, my granddaughter went to Brighton ice skating for the first time with the Adventures group she recently joined and had a great time. She asked if I had ever been and I told her no, if I had I would have spent most of the time on my rear end.

I hope your husband's more cheerful mood continues as it must be a big relief for you. Hope you didn't drink to much of the plonk but more importantly that you and your friend had a lovely evening together.

Have a relaxing and peaceful weekend best wishes, Brian

Hi Jules,

Hope you had an enjoyable evening at your friends.  It must have been very emotional for you both.  Glad to hear that hubby has been a little more upbeat and hope that your Mum will follow suit.  I am trying to keep busy at the moment as I find this is the best way to deal with this time of year.  Take care. Hopex

Brian,  I do hope everything went OK with your brother-in-laws scan.  A very anxious time waiting for results.  Thinking of you Hope x

Hi Brian and Hope.

Am hoping I can get this post through as are having problems with our router at present and internet is up and down!!!

Brian,hope  it will be as good as news as is possible for your brother in law.  One thing is for sure, he will have fantastic support from you and your wife during this time.  Ahhhh   jigsaws! many a happy hour spent on these during both childhood and that of my children and now with our eldest grandson (he has just moved up to 100 pcs as the smaller ones were being done too quick!!).

Hope, sending you peaceful thoughts both now and throughout the coming season which is difficult time for all those who have lost loved ones.  My Dad loved Christmas whilst my Mum never has and this week has returned to 'the doldrums'.  I was lucky to have three weeks of good visits .

Been a mixed week all round.  My friend had to postpone our evening as there had been family problems unrelated to her illness during the day and she said she was emotionally wrecked. We had a chat by phone instead and the following evening I had a happier text with her usual upbeat character back in place bless her.  The wine is waiting in my fridge ready for our next gossip opportunity.  Her Mac nurse had been in and she now has a frame to help her balance indoors and she says its a 100% improvement.  Although they can do nothing more for the tumours in her brain they are happy to continue with her infusion for the bone cancer as in the short term this should help.  She is full of grit thats for sure!!  She has a new grandchild due in March and has set this as her new goal.

My daughter and family were due to  be away at the inlaws this week but his car has 'given up' and now for a small cash sum lies in the 'crusher'.  As my duaghter's car is too small for them all to make the trip (bearing in mind what you need to take for an 8wk old baby!!) they are now staying home and taking the children to meet Father Christmas this lunchtime instead.  The inlaws are going to pop in on their way to other family early Christmas Eve before we all go to hubby's sister.  Hopefully in the New Year they will be able to get enough funds together to get another 'cheap' set of wheels to share (son in law now has small company car for work so plan is to scrap my daughter's current car too  and have one slightly larger family motor).

Have busy week ahead at work plus visit to Mums with my daughter and the baby (Mum told us to stay away but thats no going to happen!!). We also have daughters post natal check plus Zack's 8 week check and first injections (all being well I am going along as extra pair of hands) and we will visit Mum afterwards.  Later in the week I hope to catch up with a few mates pre festivities and at the weekend we have a 50th wedding anniversary party to attend.

As the grandchildren will be popping in later today I have spent the last hour decorating the house with festive cheer (though we do not yet have our real tree in place  probably tomorrow).

Wishing you both a peaceful weekend.  Sending hugs  Jules xx

Morning Jules,

Sorry I haven't been around this last week but have been on the road visiting Mum in law in Hove and staying with daughter and son IL with extra cuddle time with little Ava.

Things never stay still in life do they. Reading up on all thats been happening in your life it's been full on agan. Was sorry to hear about your close friend, what a gutsy lady.I do hope she achievs her bucket list. I am sure you'll get your time with her and that bottle of wine. A special time it will be.

Your daughters xmas plans have now changed, sorry to hear about the car, don't these things go wrong before Christmas!!! timing is what its all about.

I hope your Mum perks up again for Christmas and enjoys seeing your daughter and the baby.

I had quiet a lot of cuddles with Ava this week, she has got amazing head control for a 3 monther. She also loves standing up on you. Lots of gurgles.chats and smiles which is all very heart warming. She is now sleeping 8 to 9 hours at night but doesent sleep that long in the day.

Manange to see son and his girlfiend as well which was lovely.

This week it's decorating 3 Christmas trees for the cottages, making the beds and finishing the Christmas cakes. Final few presents to buy for husband and final wrapping.

Visiting my parents next Sunday for lunch and then settle down to last lot of food shopping.

I wish you and your husband and family a lovely time at Christmas. Will still be around to chat but wanted to send you wishes now whilst brain is in gear.

hugs

Annabelxx.

Hi Annabel

Lovely to hear you have had time with family, especially Ava - they grow so quickly.  Zack is doing well and has also begun to go a little longer at night (he is now 8 weeks and 13lb 10oz and clinic very pleased with both of them) but still manages naps morning and afternoon of around 2hrs which is great.  Reflux has improved with change of milk and he rarely needs the medicine now which is good.  Daughter back to normal too which makes a huge difference.  We are altogether (13 at last count) at my sister in laws from 24th - 27th and as she is more in the country am looking forward to walks with their dogs, weather permitting.  We usually  manage at least one each day and having the dogs, someone is always available for 'walkies'.  Wellie boots will be packed too!!

Having problems with interenet access at present - possibly due to dodgy router - so will send you lots of virtual hugs for the festive season (see your are getting into the spirit with decorations in the cottages, lovely) and hope you and all the family have a wonderful time and a peaceful New YEar.  Don't overdo it.  Jules xx

hi Jules,

Your Zack sounds like a big boy, bless him. Ava is making good progress but weighs in now at about 10lbs.It's good his reflux is improving. Ava seems to be a bit of a windy baby, positing quite a lot, I think she's just greedy and takes her milk very quickly.

I took down one of these baby bean bags I had seen on ebay. Ava seems to like it and so does Charlotte as she can put her down safely when Ava has fallen asleep after her feed. Maybe they will get some quite moments with it's use.

I hope you and your family have a lovely time it sounds like you will. Dog walks are always part of the day here too, but I do hope the weather is dry unlike now. !!

Speak soon

hugs

Annabel. xx

hi Jules,

Your Zack sounds like a big boy, bless him. Ava is making good progress but weighs in now at about 10lbs.It's good his reflux is improving. Ava seems to be a bit of a windy baby, positing quite a lot, I think she's just greedy and takes her milk very quickly.

I took down one of these baby bean bags I had seen on ebay. Ava seems to like it and so does Charlotte as she can put her down safely when Ava has fallen asleep after her feed. Maybe they will get some quite moments with it's use.

I hope you and your family have a lovely time it sounds like you will. Dog walks are always part of the day here too, but I do hope the weather is dry unlike now. !!

Speak soon

hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

Your are right Zack is a lovely weight.  Health visitor said his birth weight was that of an average two week old so it is to be expected that he will make good weights.  We are taking him for his first injections and 8 wk check with GP tomorrow. My daughter also has her post natel check up and then we aim to visit Mum and take some of her christmas gifts down (they keep a room at the care home set aside ready for 'Santa' to pick up on Christmas Day).  I have made a 2014 calendar with pictures I have taken throughout this year (will replace her current 'memory calendar) and we also helped towards the cost of her Christmas outfit.  Just have to see what mood she greets us with this week - bit like playing pot luck.  If nothing else the other residents and the staff love to see a baby(just have to check before going that they have no bugs!!!).  Zack has begun to sleep longer at night and sleeps  practically anywhere he is horizontal during the day (but does not like being too hot or being held when tired so its usually his cot or the pushchair though does fall asleep in his bouncer!!  Fingers crossed this continues when we are away at Christmas though seems to quite like any type of music playing and is reaching that lovely age when we are getting gurgles and smiles.

Shop was hectic today so am glad Ihave tomorrow off.  Hubby is currently dozing but will have to wake him soon for evening meal - we are now experimenting fwith several small meals a day plus snacks as he is not able to eat large meals any more.  As long as we can keep calorie intake about the same we should be able to maintain his weight.

Hope  you and the family are all  keeping well.  Shame about the wet/windy weather - would  much perfer cold and bright at this time of year!!  Chat soon.  Jules xx

Afternoon Jules,  Just popped on the say "hello", hope you are OK and getting organised for Christmas.  Bet eldest grandson is beyond excited by now!  I've been keeping myself really busy this week, met up with several friends and have been doing the never-ending shopping.  It's a difficult time and the slightest things seem to set me off, but I am looking forward to tomorrow when I finish work, youngest finishes school and eldest finishes Uni.  We are all going away so will catch up again in a short while.  Meanwhile wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas, and hope the kids keep hubby's spirits up.  Hope xx

Hi Hope

Lovely to have your message when I got in from work.  Thank you for  you good wishes which are returned along with hugs.  Wishing you and the family a lovely holiday and am sure it will do you all good to get some well deserved rest, relaxation and family time.  I have one more work day (Monday) before I too get a break (go back on the 30th!).  One thing about having Christmas away is that apart from the gift shopping (done some time back) there is very little for me to worry about other than getting there!!  Hubby has been out today and stocked up on all his medication and got his hair cut.  He has spoken to his support  contact (she rang him a couple of days ago) and visited/spoken to a few old friends in the past week or so.  Still sleeping quite a lot so the pain relief definitely working which is great news (I am assuming all this of course!!) and he has even babysat so things are a little brighter just now. We have a social event (Golden Wedding) to go to on Saturday evening but its only a couple of miles away and will have Sunday to go visit my Mum again.  She held her great grandson (now 9 weeks!!) on Tuesday and we have the photo to prove it!!

Hope to be chatting again in 2014 but thanks for all your kind words and support these past months. Sending you peaceful thoughts and best wishes.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Haven't been on site much for a couple of days as I have been in and out most of the week. Wont be doing any more Christmas shopping as we have done our last shop today. Hope your mother was in brighter mood this week. Mrs B and I will spend Christmas day on our own but our son and family are coming to us on Boxing day, so will need to start taking the vitamin pills for  when we have all three grandchildren here. I have been told I will have to don my story telling hat. Nearly at the end of the chestnut season so have stocked up well.  Brother in law has been told he will have the results of his scan this week, hoping the cancer is contained.

I agree with what you say about smaller meals but more often for your husband. Since I retired over five years ago, I find I cant eat the amount I used to eat but tend to eat snacks during the day more.

Hope work has not taken too much out of you this week. Take care, hope you enjoy your weekend, Brian.

Hi Hope,

Just wanting to wish you a peaceful time whilst you are away at this difficult time and hope you are staying somewhere really nice and relaxing.

Wishing you and your all the best , hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Brian

Am taking the time for a sit down now that I am in from work - it was very very busy today so the time went very quickly.  I only have next Monday to do and then have a break until the 30th so will be doing my best to put my feet up on some of the days if I am allowed!!!   Apart from clothes packing everything else is done and prepared so will be away from 3 days over the Christmas with no cooking - bliss -.  Of course we all muck in with serving/clearing/playing/walking dogs etc. Whoever said this was a holiday.

Really hope your brother in law can get the best news possible and it would be good to have the results before the festivities so that it reduces the worrying for all the family.  My friend is also coping quite well and has a few extra aids to help her within the home plus her youngest son is back from Australia which lifted her spirits.  Was going to pop in yesterday but she was out Christmas shopping - just amazing.  She says she is not going to give in easily and she has my total admiration.

short season.  Can imagine  you story-telling inbetween bites.  Have a good weekend. We are off to a party (50th wedding anniversary) on Saturday evening all being well though have not bothered to dust off my dancing shoes as I have 2 left feet.  The only down side to social life is that I miss the final of Strictly Come Dancing so will have to watch it on the laptop the next day.

Take care and all the best to you and the family.  Jules xx

Hi Annabel,

Thank you for your kind message.  We are away in England for Xmas but off to Europe for a few days for New Year so maybe catch a few rays of sun if we are lucky!  Wishing you a peaceful season too and thanks for all your support.  Hope x

Don't work too hard Jules, and so glad to hear hubby a bit brighter.  Enjoy your time with your family over the holidays.  Hope x

Hi Jules,

Just a short post to say hi and how much I love reading your posts! They leave me feeling exhausted though!

I hope you have a wonderful break over Christmas and enjoy the festivities with your family. I hope your hubby's mood is lifted a little too. Maybe the combination of family, grandchildren, dogs and a wee dram will be a tonic.

On another tangent, may I just say that your and Max's posts to James are so heartwarming and supportive! I think he knows how lucky he is to have you two lovely ladies as friends (and Annabel is offering her wise words and nursing experience too) Three wise ladies!

Sorry to be brief, but current chemo gives me numb fingers! (Thank goodness for spell checker as my banana fingers keep hitting the wrong keys!)  Love and hugs, Jo xxx

Hi Hope,

Just wanted to wish you and your 3 men, a peaceful and restful holiday. I know it will be an emotional and difficult time, but I hope you find some peace during your holiday.

Take care, Lovely Hope,

Jo xx