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

Good morning ladies,

I hope you don't mind a joint reply. Thanks for taking the time to reply to me and for the kind words re my results. Though I expected them, it is always reassuring to hear them.

Jules, I hope your first day back at work after your holiday goes well and not too hectic. I also hope your cold has almost gone. I hope to re-paint the garage back door today as earlier this year with all the rain it swelled so much I couldn't get it open.

Gill, So pleased that you also got good results.

Jo, it was so nice to hear from you again.

Hope, likewise and glad to read that you are dealing with your loss better as time goes by.

I don't think Mrs B knows that I chat to so many lovely ladies on here. I will chat again soon.

Big hugs to you all, and thank again for all the support you give me, Brian.

Morning Brian

First day back to work and its like the holiday  never happened!!  Same old,same old as they say but good to catch up with regular customers and have workmates to chat to again. After work today I am having coffee with  my late friends husband so we can catch up on family news.  He has returned to work but had this week booked as annual leave and decided to take it anyway so is using the time to 'stay in touch'.  Its two months since she passed away and it only seems like yesterday that I was sitting holding her hand.

Hope you managed the painting before the rain turned up.  Got the brolly handy for today as weather looks changeable but its already very humid (really pleased I found a 'mac' on my shopping trip but did not realise I would be wearing it quite so soon).

Think hubby pleased I am back to normal hours so he has some rest from the 'do you want food?' question but it seems thats the only thing I am able to try and help with (perhaps Iam in danger of 'overkill').  He just has no interest in it as the tastebuds seem to have been 'trashed' by the chemo.  Still bought him in some jelly babies yesterday and he had a few after I had gone to bed.  His weight loss is the main issue at present as says his pain is still under control for which we must be thankful.  Has refused to go on the build up drinks and still not bothering with 'little walks'as exercise which the consultant and GP recommended.  I am wondering if he thinks that by sitting all day he wont use up the food energy he is getting but the weight is still falling nevertheless which in turn is leading to weakness. (been crafty this morning in leaving him extra bowl of fruit ready prepared beside his cereal (sounds bad that unless I put it under his nose he just pours a glass of milk and does not eat whilst I am out!!) because I will not be home till late afternoon.

Sending kind thoughts to your and Mrs B and must now get off to work.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Managed to get door painted okay and luckily we didn't get any rain here yesterday. Am going out to turn some larger cord pulls , something I have been meaning to do for the last five years or so but have never got around to doing it. Went to see grandson last night and found he had slipped over at school and cut his head. So he was having to sit still and watch a video. He wanted me to sit next to him and the video was Kung Foo Panda. After it had finished he said, "Now you have seen it, next time you come to visit me, would you do me a story about him. There are no flies on him.

You say your hubby is glad you are back to work but I bet he appreciates all that you do for him in trying to encourage him. We men don't say "thank you" as much as we should do to our women folk. You must get very frustrated at times. Hope you have a good chat with your late best friends husband,

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

See below for new range of cord pulls.

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Hello Jules Just catching up on your post .What a worry

watching hubby losing weight and eating very little I cant remember if he is on steriods ,only when Tony was feeling rotten and not eating a lot the macmillan nurse suggested steriods and his appetite increased and he felt a lot better ,and he put on weight too so they helped a lot . I am so sorry you had so many problems and bills when you were on leave it never rains but it poors , still all sorted now .Well Rustyand I went for a lovely walk on the beach this morning we did stay dry but got back just in time because it decided   to rain but now 24degs and sunshine .Little James is doing well he weighs 13 lbs and is 11 weeks old now smiling and cooing he is so lovely I wish Tony could see him .I miss him so much .Jules I was wondering have  book sales dropped  Tony bought me a kindle a 4 years ago and I havnt bought a book since  well only on kindle I either get free books or sped no more than 99 pence for one and my 3 daughters have kindles too so just wondered ,I thought I would miss a book to hold but I didnt ..I hope you and hubby have a lovely weekend and the weather is kind to you .Hugs as usual Susananne ..

Hi Susananne,

Have spoken for a while so nice to see your name crop up. Pleased to read rusty and you are still enjoying your walks on the beach. I cant believe little James is 11 weeks old now. I know what you mean about wishing Tony could see him for I often think the same about my mother and my youngest grandson. He was born while she was very ill in hospital and he was also in and out of different hospitals so she never got to see him or hold him. She would have loved to see how all three grandchildren are growing up and would have been so proud of them. I still miss talking to her and having a laugh like we used to do so I do understand how you must miss Tony even more.

Take care now Susananne, have a great weekend, big hugs being sent your way, Brian.

Hi Brian,

Sorry to read that your grandson has hurt his head and hope he will soon be recovered and enjoying a new story from Grandad (he is certainly crafty in the way he twists a story out of you).

The cord pulls are looking very happy and would cheer up any home - wood is so tactile and I am sure your love of nuts is now truly reflected in the work you produce.  It would seem that you 'go to work on a NUT' rather than an egg thus keeping Brainitus alive and well.

I spent a lovely hour and a half with my late friends husband and we put the world to rights and caught up on family news.  I even had coffee and cake (just to keep him company you understand).  He has re-arranged his part time hours so that he is out three days a week instead of the two he was doing whilst his wife was sick (he had a heart atttack a few years back, took early retirement and now works because he wanted something to do!).  He loves to chat so it was a very social visit and will keep in touch occasionally (told him it was my turn to make the coffee next time).

Thanks for your kind words, appreciated always and hope you and Mrs B have a good weekend ahead. Jules x

Hi Susananne

Lovely to see your name pop up and envy you and Rusty those Cornish walks - many happy memories of walking in that part of the world (have been known to take a 'hotel dog' for a walk too!!!).  How quickly time goes by with little James being nearly 3 months already (our youngest almost 9mths and they bring so much sunshine into our lives.  Tony would have loved it too I am sure from what you have written and feel  your loss in your words.  I spent an hour or so with my late friends other half today and know he is feeling the same way but like you he has grandchildren which are 'lighting up' his life and told me they help enormously.

My hubby is not currently on steroids though has had a course in the past (last time we had a weekend away) to help with appetite issues.  He raised this with his GP last week but she feels he could benefit with more exercise first!  He has next consultant's appointment at end of August and think we will raise the question with her and get her opinion.  Trouble seems to stem from the fact that food is uninteresting (its not my cooking honest) as nothing tastes like it used to.  He does still enjoy fish and chips but you cannot have the same thing every day.  He managed a small plate of Chinese yesterday and we have managed some cold platters that seem to work but its not an exact science as some days he eats more than others just as, in the same way, some days he sleeps more.  Thanks for your kind words and hope you are keeping well  yourself.  Jules x

Hi Jules

I know what you mean about same old same old.  When I got back to work after 4 1/2 months I expected many things to have changed but no it was all pretty much the same and even some of the files I worked on before I was off were still on the go.

I can understand that it is nice to catch up with colleagues and regular customers.  It is great to talk to different people about so many things other than cancer.  Do hope you had a good chat with your late friend's husband.  It really does not seem that long ago that you posted to say she had passed away.

I am sure hubby appreciates you more than you realise even if he does not say so.  He might not be interested in food but at least by leaving food for him he is eating something so you are defitnely good for him.  I am sure if he did take some gentle exercise it would help his appetite but I can also understand that he probably feels it will not change anything.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Gill

Hi Brian#

Love the cord pulls.  I am sure they are very popular or will be.

There certainly are no flies on your grandson!  I hope his cut head is ok.  Have you any ideas for a story about Kung Foo panda?  It will have to be good.  Perhaps some nuts will help inspire you.  I often find chocolate is good if I need inspiring but nuts are deifntley more  your thing.

Best wishes.

Gill

Morning Gill

Hope you  have a good day and enjoy your weekend.  I spent a good hour and a half with my late friend's husband and caught up with family news/photos as well as going through old times and putting the world to rights (put it down to age!!).  He had just returned from a few days in Wales staying with good friends and has three young grandchildren who are keeping him 'grounded'. Time passes very quickly but the memories are fresh and good to draw on.

Am hoping for a less eventful weekend ahead and am out this evening.  Work next week will be busier as my colleague is on her annual leave so will be mainly on my own in the department and also have the delights of a mammogram to look forward to!

Look after yourself and you are doing a great job at supporting others on the forum as well.  Jules x

Morning Gill

Hope you  have a good day and enjoy your weekend.  I spent a good hour and a half with my late friend's husband and caught up with family news/photos as well as going through old times and putting the world to rights (put it down to age!!).  He had just returned from a few days in Wales staying with good friends and has three young grandchildren who are keeping him 'grounded'. Time passes very quickly but the memories are fresh and good to draw on.

Am hoping for a less eventful weekend ahead and am out this evening.  Work next week will be busier as my colleague is on her annual leave so will be mainly on my own in the department and also have the delights of a mammogram to look forward to!

Look after yourself and you are doing a great job at supporting others on the forum as well.  Jules x

Hi Jules

I really hope you have a quieter week this week.  You can do without another like last week for the next 20 years I would think.

It was great that you were able to spend time with your late friends husband and catch up on new.  Alhtough it can be painfull talking about someone who has so recently died it keeps their memory alive and fresh in your mind and can help.

I hope your weekly visit to you Mum will go well and also hope that even if you are likely to be bsuy at work that you get time with Zack as it will not only cheer you up but hubby as well.

Best wishes.

Gill

Hi Gill

Hope you enjoyed a good weekend.  Weather was great here and luckily no mishaps (other than a strained arm from 'playing' in the garden) to contend with.  Had a mini win on the bingo so go for free next time and hubby managed a few hours out with his mate (though felt a bit yuk on his return even though only on soft drinks) but is struggling a bit to keep it going I think.  He will decide when the time is right to 'socialise at home' but as its the only time he goes out I think he will try to keep it up for as long as possible.  Thankfully our friends only live round the corner so home visiting will not cause a problem either way.

We heard from my sister in law (via e-mail) yesterday to say that they are hoping for quick sales of their properties so that the Isle of Man move can go ahead as soon as possible(they have found a property there) and she has advised her workplace that as soon as firm offer on her place goes through she will retire.  They are up to their eyes in boxes and not enjoying that side of it all but have a storage unit to hold most of the things they wish to keep and are moving themselves (hubby's brother, wife and sister all going to be living together on the Island) to help with costs.  They are hoping to be there before the Autumn as ferry crossings can be delayed/cancelled later in the year. Can only wish them all the best and hope things go smoothly.

Well am off to visit Mum this morning and then dashing home to get lunch before heading back into town to attend local breast unit for mammogram (3yr check) -somuch for my day off being relaxing ha ha. (Am lightening the mood before appointment by treating a friend to afternoon cuppa/cake for her birthday).

Not long now before the children break up.  My daughter has been collecting ideas/materials to keep her eldest busy and is very good with the practical stuff.  If the weather is good then the park/lido will see regular visitors I'm sure.  They also have a week at friends in Norfolk to look forward as their main holiday this year.

Hope you and the family are all doing okay.  Jules x

Hi Jules

Glad you had a quieter weekend.  Was the strained arm the fault of Swingball or lifting ZacK?

Sorry to hear hubby was not so good after the evening out.  I am sure you are right that he wants to keep this going as long as possible but I am also sure he will know when the time comes to socialise at home.

I can imagine that your sister-in-law is not having a good time of it.  Living out of boxes is horrible.  You are never sure how much to pack up because you want the house to look as attractive as possible for potential buyers.  The average time for a transaction to go through is 6 to 8 weeks from issue of contracts although it does depend on many things inlcuding how long the chain is.  My parents holidayed on the Isle of Man many times and loved it (Dad was a big TT fan).

Hope the visit to your mum was ok and that she was on good form.  Like you I am not a fan of being manhandled during a mamogram.  I am sure there should be a better way.  I like the idea of coffee and a cake.  Not sure if it would be best beforehand or have it to look forward to after.  Mind you last time I went for a check they were running about 30 mintues late so before is probably safer.

The school holidays always seem so long and it is not easy keeping children amused.  No doubt there will be a few visits to you and hubby as well as the park/lido.  Let us hope the weather stays good.

Virtual hugs.

Gill

Hi Gill

Well, the good news is that my arm feels a little easier with gentle exercises (clipping hedge!!) and Ibuferon gel.  Really not sure what caused it (wrong arm for the swingball and was not lifting Zack on this visit though did have an accidental headbutt from the eldest grandson during 'rough and tumble' on that arm!!). All I need now is a good night's sleep which is still something of an issue ~(hot flushes and humid conditions are not a help) ~ but suspect its my 'subconsious thinking' which causes problems too!!

Visit to Mum was 'silent but not deadly'.  Her good day was apparently the day before when she did a little reading, had a manicure, smiled and took part in crossword activity and was chatty which was at least good to hear.  I gave her an update with the family, got a nod and then she went to sleep so will be back next week with the next instalment!

Met my friend in town and enjoyed coffee and a piece of coffee and walnut 'traybake.  Managed to window shop for a couple of hours (killing time which then led to expenditure when I found a top and cardigan in the sale, the latter of whichI had been trying to find for some time so was delighted).  Also found some new trousers for the other half (now just need him to try them on!!).  Was still half hour early for my Mammogram so expected a wait but was told the earlier appointment had cancelled and I could go straight in so I was on my way home even before my appointment time and it was no problem at all. Results as usual in a couple of weeks.

My daughter is not one to stay indoors whatever the weather and though the holidays are long she is a great 'planner' and the boys get lots of fresh air.  The local park is just 5mins across the road(they live in an upstairs flat with only small patch for garden though the paddling pool will be out if its warm enough) and with the eldest loving his bike, the long pathways are ideal.  She has stocked  up on a few activity packs and will no doubt do 'cookie' making amongst other things.  She has a good group of mates with/without children and they will all take turns in 'hosting' tea  or having picnics if the weather allows. Our son in law has a couple of weeks off too, one of which they are staying with friends who live a few minutes from the beach and as they have a Merlin pass for a year no doubt Legoland, Chessington and Thorpe Park will be on the cards too.  Our son and his OH have also said they will take the eldest out for the day which will give her a break.  Zack is not quite on the  move yet (though they do have a small playpen if the need arises) but is easily entertained at present and also happy to sleep in his pushchair if they are out and about.  Grandad enjoys seeing them too but it can be pretty tiring with the 'constant babble' so if theyvisit us its usually for a couple of hours.

Hope you are enjoying being back in work mode and that you are keeping well.  No doubt Alice is working hard but also enjoying the home comforts whilst back from Uni - our son always appreciated home cooking and being able to catch up with his 'old mates' when he was  back for the longer hols (he mainly stayed in Southampton during the other breaks as he was working down there and had a good set of housemates to socialise with).

Well, think you can tell that 'silence is golden indoors' with the amount of rambling going on so had best move on to the housework for half hour before setting off to work (won't have time for this regimen next week as will have to leave earlier for work with no tubes running for nearly a month and having to 'bus it').  Take care and chat soon.  Jules x

Morning Jules,

Hope your arm is feeling better - you and me would make a right pair!  Have sent you a PM, catch up soon.  Hope x

Hi Jules

Glad the arm is feeling easiser.  It might just have been bruising of the muscles from the head butt.  I know what you mean about sleeping.  Thankfully the hot flushes stopped when the treatment did but the heat/humidity makes it rather difficult.  Also guilty of subconcious thinking.  Hopefully we can both stop this and get some good sleep (cat allowing).

Sorry your Mum was not in a chatty mood but at least she was taking part the previous day which is good news.

Glad to hear your mamogram was early - a definite bonus as were the sale bargins.  husband will only buy trousers from two stores where he knows they will fit as he hates shopping and trying things on.

I can understand that your daughter's visits are limited to a couple of hours.  Children can be very hard work and hubby must find it hard at times especially when he gets tired.  It probably will not be too long before Zack is on the move and have everyone chasing after him.  i am sure he will love that.  Alice used to lover Legoland when she was a lot younger but was never too keen on Chessington or Thorpe park.

Alice has been off this week meeting up with friends, one of whom is moving Sweden in a couple of weeks.  She will be abck in harness next week and kept busy although she thinks you need to be brain dead to work on reception full time.  She has cooked once this week and offered to cook two or three times next week which is lovely for me.

Must admit when I lived in London I went everywhere by tube and only used buses when forced to.  Not sure which is worse in this hot weather.  Sweltering on both I should think.

Best wishes.

Gill

Hi Hope

Have responded to your PM asap on return from work.  Look after yourself and enjoy your hols.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Gill

Glad Alice is helping with the cooking (especially in this weather).Currently feeling like a drowned rat and that just sitting still. Luckily our tube line has air con on the trains now so travelling is 'cool'.  Buses will probably be a different story from next week but with the children breaking up for hols the morning 'rush hour' may not be quite so bad and travelling  back mid afternoon could help.  Needs must, as they say.  Have been shopping with the 'returning plumbers' in mind - new bucket/jugs to store water in whilst we are switched off, cheap mugs for use outside by the gang and extra ice cube bags/squash.  Luckily have daughter's place just 10mins round the corner if desparate  but am sure it will be fine (everything crossed at this point ha ha) and have neighbours who will 'oblige' if needs must.  Will be good when its done.  Have bought hubby extra sweeties to cheer him up too.  My reward for all this?  - a reminder letter from the optician that I am due a check up in the post so hope bingo is kind to me this week!!

Have a great weekend.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Jules

Know you mean about a drowned rat.  That is one thing with being in the office - the aircon works really well.  Glad to hear there will be aircon on the tubes but not so good that you have to go by bus for three weeks.

Like you and Brian have had some difficulty sleeping due to the heat and some spectacular lightening storms.  Quite glad it is bright and sunny at present so I can dry some washing.  Do not think it will last too much longer if the forecast is to be believed.  They expect rain in the next hour or so (not that I am timing them).

It is good that the pipework is being replaced but you could certainly do without hte upheaval.  Glad you have stocked up on cheap mugs and buckets/jugs for the duration.  As you say i would not like to be one of them working outside in this heat and probably getting soaked as well.

Hope you have a good weekend despite the works.

Gill

Hi Gill,

I am sure Jules wont mind me using her thread. I am amazed how well you have coped with your return to work, helped no doubt by the fact you have a caring boss and colleagues. You seem a very strong and determined lady which helps. Brianitus has slowed down as it too hot to eat the amount of nuts I normally consume. Have even lost a little weight and could do with losing a lot more. Not able to work in my garage in weather like this. I tried it for a while this morning and came indoors looking like I had sprung a leak. Mrs B had to help me off with my shirt and vest for they were literally sticking to me. So had a quiet afternoon but have found what are called metal Knurling wheels on Ebay. I will make up a tool to give a diamond texture my wooden acorns with these wheels which I have to do by hand at the moment so will certainly speed things up..

Hope you are coping with this hot weather Gill. Take care and I hape you and your family have a great weekend, Take care, best wishes, Brian