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 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,

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.

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

Hi All you great people I have just had 24 days on angelsey in our van it only rained once Brian i have a picture for you to look at of a lump of wood (joke) but I HAVE LOST IT but i will find it I think it about a needle saw does that sound right it looks fantastic .Now my eldest Bev is to start a chemo 6 month treatment she had a hemi-colecomi ? 4 weeks ago for a bowel tumour  she is 54 buts looks 35 it is a bad time for us all so I will need help and advice from you all .but I will find that picture brian .regards all .

Message was edited by: urostar

Morning George

Good to hear that you had a lovely break with the van.  Your forum buddies will, I know. do all they can to help you and your daughter through the coming weeks as she goes through treatment.  As many of us know is not an easy 'club' to belong to but not sure where I would be now without the continuing knowledge that people out there understand when we need to offload as well as get advice.  Wishing your daughter all the very best and sending virtual hugs. Jules x

Hi George,

So pleased you had a good time on Angelsey but sorry to hear about your daughter. Bet your four legged friend made sure you went for plenty of walks. One thing is for sure George, you can count on help, advice and support on here with all the great people who are members of this great forum.

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

I Brian many thanks for your reply we are taking Bev out for lunch monday to a pub near her in Bramhall first time we will have seen her for a month but we are there for her now.

As for that picture I have found it and will try to post  now .[[]]

I Brian many thanks for your reply we are taking Bev out for lunch monday to a pub near her in Bramhall first time we will have seen her for a month but we are there for her now.

As for that picture I have found it and will try to post  now .[[]]

Morning George

Just wanted to say hope you have a lovely 'catch up' with your daughter and enjoy the pub outing. Interesting piece of woodwork in your picture to Brian (I still have not managed to upload any pics as am rubbish at 'reducing size'. Am hoping to solve this issue by the time I get to my birthday next month as have to produce a digital photo (enough to break the camera!!) to get an 'oldies' pass for London travel.

Look after yourself too but know  your thoughts (and those of your forum buddies) will be for your daughter just now.  Sending you all virtual hugs. Jules x

Hi George,

Thanks for the picture. Hope you all enjoy your pub lunch, Take care Brian.

Now come on Brian what is the art called is it a needle saw .Had a good lunch with Bev it wasw at the garden centre woodford stockport dear but OK had a good chat it was great she looked well ,It was one flat lump of wood ???

lost a few pounds but all OK Friday a big day for her but we are all there for her now .regards all many thanks for your thoughts for Bev .[[]]

Hi George,

With regard to your question, I know it as Scroll saw art. But like many things, I believe its has different names in other parts of the country. In days gone by it used to cut by fretsaws but these days it is scroll saws that are used. Yes it is cut from a flat piece of timber. I have seen it used to make a collapsible bowl. The blade is set at about a 15 degree angle and when the timber drops down it forms a tapered bowl. Never tried it myself but did use my scroll saw to do some Intasia, in other words making a picture or in my case a dolphin out of wood framed in a circular frame. Picture attached

Pleased you had a good day with Bev, Regards to you and your family, Brian.

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Hi Jules,

Just a quick post to say I hope everything went well with the plumbing on Sunday and all is now finished. Don't envy you having to travel to work on the buses in this hot weather.Take care, Brian

Morning Brian

The plumbing is sorted.  Had gang of four in the end and they were brilliant (did not have to lift a finger as they moved furniture to  access floorboards).  Overall they were here 5 hrs with most of that time trying to weave the new pipework through the length of the house but we were only without water for around half hour.  Bill was horrendous but we are now 'lead free' which seemed to make hubby pleased.

Needless to say the knock on effect hit him yesterday and he was barely able to keep his eyes open nor is he bothered with eating so once again the weight is dropping.  All encouragement/suggestions met with blank stare/silence and he has not bothered to follow the GP's advice so not sure what will happen at his next appointment with her  in two weeks.  I know its the cancer causing the problems but its hard sitting in the same room and being unable to 'break through' if that makes sense. Hoping dinner at our son's this coming weekend will lift his spirits.

Can't believe its Tuesday already and I will pop down to visit Mum later and do some food shopping on the way back.  Then hoping to do some more cutting back in the garden (overgrown honeysuckle needs taming).  All being well by then our green waste will have been collected and I will have empty bags to fill!!

Going to work by bus is time consuming (10mins by tube turned into an hour by bus) but plenty of room as they have laid on extra buses.  Just means I do not have time to do th housework before I go out as I need to leave home much earlier (extra 15min walk to the bus station),  Maybe when the children start their holidays on Wednesday there will be a little less traffic but I think a lot of people who normally go by tube have taken to their cars (town centre car park was apparently overflowing earlier than usual).  Sadly with the trains not running into town for nearly 4 weeks the shops will also be suffering I think.

Al lthe best to you and Mrs B and hope you are 'managing' the warm weather okay.I now have to find a new book to start as have just finished a thriller and must look through my 'waiting to read' stock to see what I fancy next. Take care  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Sorry to hear about the extra time it is taking you to get to work, not what you need in this warm weather. I hope hubby has recovered from the weekends trauma and is eating better. Saying that, both me and Mrs B are not feeling so hungry due the the warm weather. I can appreciate how hard it must be for you when hubby doesn't want to talk or follow your advice.

For some time I have been wanting to buy a knurling tool for making my acorns It what give the acorn cup the texture. But at £65 pounds for the cheapest, thought no way. However, I have now bought some spare knurling wheels and made up my own wooden handle rather than the metal one on the others. Have only paid £11 pounds for six wheels although I only needed one. I have spent the early part of the morning making my own tool up and very pleased with the results. (photos attached of the test piece) May see if other club member want some ot the other wheels.

My house is nut free (apart from me that is) as due to the hot weather and eating less, my weight has at last started dropping so haven't bought any this week. I will make you laugh now. When we went into the supermarket this morning, the guy on the veg area said, "seeing you in your shorts with your legs exposed, has reminded me I have to feed my budgerigar", cheeky devil. Even my older grandson said "I see your in training for the Olympics, Granddad" last night.  I now have a seroius complex about my legs. Mrs B has said she is glad as usually it's me winding people up.

Hope work is not too bad today. Take care Jules, best wishes to you, hubby and family, Brian.

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Morning Brian

What a bargain you got with your special tooling and the pictures show you wasted no time in putting it to good use.  There will be no stopping you now.  You will soon need a storage facility for all your new products.  When does the Wood Club have its next show/sale?  I suppose with no supply of edible nuts you will just have to keep 'turning'out artificial ones.

Wish my appetite had been affected by the weather but with the extra walking to the bus station I am eating more!! Not good for the wasteline as its not always the healthy food I fancy so will give myself a talking to over this weekend (after dinner at our sons) and get back on track otherwise my next cholesterol check will not be a happy one.

Hubby had visit from the community nurses yesterday (unscheduled so saw the 'unprepared look') and though he told me nothing more, he has notes in his folder which says he reported feeling well with pain still under control though struggling to be bothered with eating nor enjoying lack of enthusiam for anything. At least he is being honest with someone.  I have told him I do not want to be a 'nag' but feel its the only thing I can do to help encourage his eating/drinking by offering little and often and lo and  behold thats what the nurse wrote in his files (he will think it's a conspiracy).  As I am writing he is at least having breakfast (seems to be the best meal of the day for him) and we are having our daughter and grandchildren pop in later on so have set up the garden.  Managed to 'tame'the honeysuckle earlier in the week and mowed the lawn last night. So no excuse for Granny not to pay swingball and quoits later.

Hope you and MrsB are coping ok as I know this hot weather can play havoc.  Luckily the windows remain fully open on the buses and I now have a good routine by leaving the house 10mins earlier than I had been I get the rail replacement service  which has been amazing so far (double deckers running every 5/10 mins visiting just the three stations and ITS FREE!!! (to compensate for the inconvenience)).  So really should not complain and have in fact complimented the staff as they have been really on the ball with helping everyone.

Wishing  you both and the family a lovely weekend. Take care and I do hope that your elderly neighbour is feeling better too. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Have just come in from the garage; have turned 17 key rings all out of off cuts and in the fastest time ever and nearly all done with one tool. I have hardly had to use sand paper at all. New Knurling tool works a treat on the acorn cups and is not only much faster but a lot more even, so well pleased. Next show is not until late November so have plenty of time. Yesterday I had a 100 metal key rings turn up in the post from a new supplier and instead of costing 15p each these only cost £2.30 for the 100 and free postage. Another bargain.

My weight has dropped a little this week so the hot weather has helped in this respect. Two great minds think alike from what the nurse wrote. Hope hubby is able to eat a little more for it must be a concern for you. It's so true that cancer doesn't just affect the patient, It affects the whole family in in way or another. Hope you enjoyed your time in the garden and didn't strain yourself with the swingball. Glad you have not experienced any problems with the buses. You are like me in that when you get good service, you compliment people and I think that's a nice thing to do.

Hope you enjoyed you Bingo evening last night and are now sitting in the garden relaxing and reading your new book. I wish you, hubby and family a great weekend, Best wishes, Brian.

Morning Brian

A pleasant couple of hours spent in the garden already and popped in to fix breakfast for hubby (but he's dropped off again!!).  I have deadheaded the roses and done some weeding as well as topping up bird feeders and have been watching the goldfinches feeding the youngsters (noisy tweeters!!).

You had a very production session in your workshop and are doing well with your bargains and putting all to good use.

Enjoyed the company of family on Friday and my social night out (no win but plenty of chat!!) and last night had a lovely meal with our son and partner and her parents who were kind enough to give us a lift over and back (they live about five minutes down the road from us ).  Hubby still able to drive but to be honest rarely leaves the house now other than his Friday social and visiting family/appointments.  We were able to eat outside and it was lovely to catch up with them all.  We are returning the favour next Saturday but have opted for Fish and Chip supper (so I still get a night off cooking) as this will be a treat for us all (I will think of something light to follow as dessert though hubby and I will find one course enough!!

Definitely more pleasant outside today and able to do a bit of work outside rather than just sitting.  Have big fan on indoors to help though  did manage about four hours sleep last night which is an improvement.  Hope you both enjoy your day.  Jules x