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

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

Hello Brian I hope Jules dosnt mind me using her  blog to answer your text thankyou for your kind words of comfort , I miss so many things about my Tony  grief takes so long to ease .I hope Mrs B is well and I love looking at your lovely woodwork you are so gifted .My son Justin has just finished making me a hedgehog home but isnt sure what to paint it with that wont hurt the hogs maybe you could advise something .Yes Rusty and I go for a walk twice a day Par beach or there are a few lovely trails around the Eden progect which is around 5mins from where I live so ther are some lovely places to go I am going to a Fetethis afternoon with my son Dylan and little James its where Bryony James mum works at an old folks home  so if weather remains dry its outdoors if wet indoors so that sold be nice .I hope you and Mrs B have a nice weekend...hugs to you too   ...Susananne

Hi Susananne,

Hope you enjoy youself this afternoon at the fete. I came across this and thought how nice it was, because I often feel my mother's influnce.

Take care Susananne, best wishes to you, Rusty and family, Brian.

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No problem Susananne; its lovely that others feel they can chat alone on my thread.

Yesterday was beautiful here and today we have showers so will be dodging them later with a visit to the local shops.  Hope you enjoying the weekend and that the fete went well.  The care home where Mum is  have regular 'afternoon' events when the weather looks good and their summer fete certainly benefitted from the good weather (beautiful cream teas too!!).   Unfortunately my Mum will not join in but its good to see many of the residents (34 at present) and other relatives making the most of time outside.  Will be visiting this week (my cold kept me away last Tuesday) before keeping my mammogram appointment (not a great way to spend my day off but needs must).

Enjoyed the visit of a hedgehog twice this week into our garden (have not had them for years so a welcome return though doubt the slugs think so) and the neighbours' cats still strolling in to say hi through our open patio doors..  Look after yourself.  Jules x

Hello Jules ,yes the fete went well Local town band played and the residents realy enjoyed that also a dog obedience show which was lovely 6 black dogs large and different breads went from owner to their own beds that were in a circle then told to run around allthe beds then lie down again then back to owner it was a lovely show ,and of course cream teas and a lovely cake stall it was a lovely afternoon and the weather was good too enjoyed by everyone and the residents met James who was asleep and said how lovely he is and how much they love his Mummy who cares for them which was lovely .Im glad the weather is good for you today and you enjoy your shopping tripand treat yourself to something nice maybe ..Lovely that you have hedgehogs in your garden they do certainly help with with the slugs and ther seems to be loads of snails this year yuc ,well Jules I must get on and give Rusty his dinner Ive roasted some chicken thighsso he can have one,  bone taken out chopped up and on topof his greyhound dry food ,hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend ...Susananne...

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 Jules,

Just a quick post before we go shopping. Finally finished my saw bench yesterday and have come up with some new ideas for my turning. We are also going to the cemetery to put some flowers on my mothers grave as it would have been her birthday. Grand daughter has won the postal league for her age group in archery plus a trophy for the winter shoot she took part in. My son has just bought a longbow and trying it out for the first time has reach a very good score.

Hope your visit to your mother goes well and that work was not to hard being as you were on your own yesterday.

Best wishes to you and you family, Brian

Morning Susananne

The fete sounds a very similar event to the ones held at the home where my Mum currently resides and its always lovely to see the interaction between the frail/elderly residents and the babies and children. I spent much of the weekend in the garden as the weather was beautiful, the only drawback being the 'catch up' I need to do indoors. Hubby is still one for staying indoors (always been this way) so have taken to opening every window and door so he gets some fresh air passing through. I am popping to visit Mum this morning and then have to get home to prepare lunch before heading out this afternoon as I have to attend my mammogram appointment - those 3yrs seems to have gone very quickly!  Will also take the chance to meet a friend for afternoon cuppa as its her birthday tomorrow and willbe lovely to give her a 'treat' - my non work day soon taken care of.

Hope you are keeping yourself well and sounds as though Rusty is enjoying 'fine dining' and lovely scenic walks.  Jules x 

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

Morning Brian

See you had an early start this morning so hope the shopping trip goes well (handy to get it out of the way before the heat of the day hits) and you get to find something nice to enjoy (maybe via the nut shop).

Am hoping to find Mum 'in voice' when I visit later but will take it as it comes.  They had an event at the Home at the weekend so that will give us something to chat about and I can bring her up to date with family news as its been two weeks since I saw her (could not go with my cold).

Wonderful news about your grand-daughter's archery award and sounds as though your son is becoming a modern day Robin Hood.  Its great that they share sporting interests.  Hope your young grandson is now fully recovered from his sore head and that you and Mr B are keeping okay (hope that Mrs B's diabetes is behaving itself following recent ups and downs - Mum has had her own medication changed slightly to accommodate a few blips).  Chat again soon.  Jules x

Morning Brian

See you had an early start this morning so hope the shopping trip goes well (handy to get it out of the way before the heat of the day hits) and you get to find something nice to enjoy (maybe via the nut shop).

Am hoping to find Mum 'in voice' when I visit later but will take it as it comes.  They had an event at the Home at the weekend so that will give us something to chat about and I can bring her up to date with family news as its been two weeks since I saw her (could not go with my cold).

Wonderful news about your grand-daughter's archery award and sounds as though your son is becoming a modern day Robin Hood.  Its great that they share sporting interests.  Hope your young grandson is now fully recovered from his sore head and that you and Mr B are keeping okay (hope that Mrs B's diabetes is behaving itself following recent ups and downs - Mum has had her own medication changed slightly to accommodate a few blips).  Chat again soon.  Jules x

Hi  Jules,

Didn't get to the nut shop but did stock up on nuts. Didn't start work in the garage until quite late this moning  but did turn three items, two mini bud vases  and Christmas snowman although I wish I had found some whiter timber for him. (Have plenty but it's right at the bottom of the pile as usual)  I am going to use your idea (Thank you) for tea lights apple shape's with the faces. When I have my next show I may have to consider a bigger table.

It has turned out very hot here this afternoon. Hope you test was okay and that your mother was in talking mode. I took my granddaughter to The South Coast Amazing Book Awards last Friday night and it was nice to spend some time with her on her own. She didn't stop talking during the half hours drive there. She bought a book and managed to get the author to sign it for her.

Have just spoken to sister in law and they have a water leak under the kitchen floor so have to get kitchen unit moved before they can get it fixed.

Anyway will chat again soon, take care and best wishes to you and your family, Brian.

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Hi Brian

Just loving the snowman and the shades of colour in the bud vases.  You should have plenty of stock ready for your next 'show' and am glad that your shopping included some 'energy nuts' as you are putting lots of work in.

Fully sympathise with the 'water' problems in  your sister-in-law's kitchen.  We are expecting more unheavel this weekend as our plumbers are returning (their wish to work on Sunday (though made sure did not bump up cost)) to replace all the pipework coming into the house.  As carpets/furniture and floorboards will need to me moved and/or lifted they are bringing 'extra' man. I had, on the quiet, mentioned hubby was not in a position to be of assistance and they have been very helpful in involving him in decisions but making sure theyhave the necessary manpower to manage the situation.  Have put in early orders for 'plenty of coffee' so will be filling containers with water in readiness for the cut off.  We can evacuate to our daughter's place if we need to take a break from the mayhem but they do not expect it to be too bad. Must say I do not envy them working in these temperatures (and possibly getting a soaking looking at the outlook!!).

Very glad that our tubes have air con but from next Monday will be taking to the bus for at least 3 weeks as they close our line completely to do major engineering works so will have to leave home ealier as its a 20min brisk walk to the bus station and no doubt heavier local traffic as people prefer to drive themselves.

Am reasonably busy at work but think the weather is keeping customers 'hot under the collar' and though I do not work past 2pm apparently trade has been slower after lunch - when I leave there are plenty of people enjoying the outside space and tables outside cafes are usually full.  Hubby seems to be coping with the heat quite well but remains an 'insider'  whilst I like nothing better than sitting in the shade outside and benefitting from the breeze.  Just a shame cannot sleep out there at night!!

Hope you and Mrs B are managing the heat okay.  Best wishes to you both. Jules x

Hi Jules,

The small bud vases are Yew, the white parts the sapwood and the pinky/red the heartwood. Yew is my favourite timber and it is hard to get a bad finish on it as it's so close grained. Have not been out to my garage at all today as it has a low corrugated roof and gets very hot in there so have continued with my story writing instead.

It will be nice to get your plumbing work completed though I don't envy you the cost. Just a thought, are you covered under insurance like my sister in law is? Might be worth a call to your insurance company. Talking of sleeping, for the last two nights have not slept much at all, partly due to the heat but not helped by the hot flushes caused by the hormone therapy which I finished three years ago so I do sympathise with you. I have read of one guy still suffering from them 15 years after finishing treatment.

Hot weather always play havoc with Mrs B's diabetes but doesnt seem to affect mine. I just take tablets but she is on five injections per day. Hope you managed some time in the shade this afternoon. Best wishes to you and hubby, Brian

Hi Brian

The different woods used to produce such lovely creations are beautiful in their own right but using them together brings out the best of them all.

Yes, we did look into 'insurance' re replacement of old pipework but that's not included on our policy and as the original leak did not ruin anything have not need to claim for that.  Its the labour costs that make it expensive but at the end of the day we will be happier to have it completed before it has the chance to cause further havoc (don't fancy problems with the cold weather returns).Have used the 'showery weather' this morning to 'clear the decks' of the smaller stuff and in doing so also had a clear out so some good has come of it all.

  We are both currently watching the Open Golf and will also be tuning in to the Formula 1 highlights later.  Hubby and I went out with our respective friends last night for our 'social' time and though no luck at the bingo for me did enjoy a glass of wine in my friends' garden whilst waiting to pick up the boys and returned home around  11 pm.No lie in this morning as too warm to sleep much so did some 'quiet housework' until hubby got up (would not like to upset the neighbours either!!).  Hopefully tomorrow will be dry and I can spent time in the back garden whilst the plumbers dig up the front (think I might ask them to weed as they go).  Enjoy your weekend. Best regards to you and MrsB.Jules x

Hi Jules,

Went out to my garage this morning to try out my new bargain saw blades. Bought two 10" blades for under £9 when one is normally nearly twenty pounds. (sold cheap as wrong info printed on them) Very good buy and cut very well. Also put two castors on the back legs of the bench to make it easier to move. Now saw is fully operational, it will enable me to use more of the timber I have stored in the garage. But that will have to wait untill it's a bit cooler. Nearly melted out there this morning even with my fan on. Next door neighbour not been well today; I think the heat has got to her so have been going round making her cups of tea in between jobs.

Hope you get to spend some time reading under your copper beech tree. Many years  ago I took my grandfather back down to where he was born in Wiltsire. While on the way there, he showed me where part of the road was planted on both sides with copper beech trees. Must have been well over a mile of them, really quite majestic trees. It was a quite a sight to see and I really enjoyed the sight.

Take care, will think of you tomorrow. Best wishes to you and hubby, Brian.