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 Jo

Think I feel happier about the weekend than hubby as I thought it was 'huge' for him in the whole scheme of things whereas it was such an effort for him that he did not seem to 'enjoy' it but found it a bit of a chore - oops!!  

We are definitely in the 'Christmas flow' workwise and its noticeable that people are already shopping. Less time to do the admin side of the job which is a little difficult when you work on your own on the department but find that with the associated stress in my home situation, I try not to let things get on top of me at the shop.  Personally we have a small family on both sides so the 'buying' does not take too long(and we set a small budget per person to make it easier all round) and yes, I have begun as I hate to shop in December.  Eldest grandson's birthday is at end of November so have sorted that and am about half way through but is the 'knowing what to buy' rather than the purchasing it that is the hardest bit. We are, all being well, spending Christmas at our son's this year so I am relieved of food shopping  too!

Fingers crossed that we all enjoy a peaceful week (don't suppose school is actually ever peaceful).  Take care and sending hugs. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Have just come in from the garage where I have turned two more mini birdhouses and a small lidded round box on Oak. Have had a few problems focusing as my left eye has what the optician called a floater. It's something that has attached itself to the back of my eye. He said there is nothing that can be done and I may have it for anything up to a year and it makes it hard to focus.

I hope you mother was okay when you visited yesterday. I found out yesterday, Brother in law is anemic and has to have a blood transfusion and will probably end up having iron tablets. The nurse who saw him told him he will feel so much better when he has had the transfusion on Friday. He looks to have aged so much in the past few months. Have another cancer meeting this evening for the local charity so will be late home tonight.

This week seems to have gone so quickly. Take care Jules, best wishes to you and hubby, hugs Brian.

Hi Brian

Having the 'floater' in your eye must be more than annoying especially as  you love to make things/read etc.  Had not heard of this before and a shame that it cannot be treated as I assume you will just have to wait for it to clear itself.  Would wearing a patch  help in that you could just focus with one eye? (though this may mean you would have to write a story about pirate Brian for your grandson.

Thank goodness your brother in law is booked for the transfusion and I am sure he will feel much better once his iron levels can be stablised.  Our daughter had this problem following birth of Zack and though she  had to take it easy (and was on iron tablets for 3 months) due to extreme tiredness on exertion, the transfusion was absolutely necessary to boost system.  I can relate to the 'looking older' as have been aware of this with hubby too.  Currently dealing with even more extreme 'dreaming' state which seems to come and go even though his medication is at same level though doc is aware of it and says its 'par for the course' and I suppose however weird we find it the drugs are helping with his pain management.  Now have district nurses telling him not to exert himself and the GP saying he needs to exercise to boost appetite (he had a good snacking day yesterday) - its a bit of a minefield to know what to do for the best at times.  Most of our conversation this afternoon as been disjointed and then all of a sudden he will be back in the 'real world'  - not sure who is more confused at this point.

He is back at the GPs next week but has not complained at anything being very different (she will want to check his weight though!).

Mum was non conversant other than to refuse to have the flu jab! (still knows her own mind when she needs to make decisions which is nice).  Stayed a while and will go again next week all being well.

Hope your meeting tonight goes well and I am sure they are really appreciative of your input.  Yes, time is passing all too quickly - the older I get the quicker it goes or so it seems (not being helped by lots of Christmas shoppers about!!). Take care of yourself and Mrs B.  Jules x

Good morning Jules,

I did something silly yesterday; I dropped a heavy piece of wood on my toe so I can write about Hop-a-long Cassidy as well as pirate Brian.

So have not gone out into the garage today. When my youngest grandson heard about my foot, he got his dad to phone so he could speak to me and he told me to be careful in future, bless him.

I now have another craft fair booked for the 22nd of November at the same hall but with a different organiser. 

I hope you both enjoy your Friday night out and that you have a decent win at the bingo. Apparently my brother in law was like you describe and wasn't making a lot of sense the other week but like your husband it was the medication causing the problem, but it must be so worrying for those who witness it. Luckily for the brother in law, the new specialist nurse they have been allocated seems very switched on and had already had strong words with his doctor who to me seems too laid back i his attitude so I am very pleased she is now helping out.

Cob nuts are now finished so just have the peanuts and my chestnuts. Even though I have read the chestnuts are not supposed to be fattening, I have put back some of the weight I had lost for they have not calculated how many nuts I eat in one go. Mrs B says she has never known anyone as nutty as me and I think she is probably right

Am already making plans for more new items to turn next year, one of which will be another mini hot air balloon but this time the balloon will be made of eight panels of two contrasting timbers, possibly with another colour timber in between each segment.

With regard to your mother refusing the flue jab, I can understand your mother reticence as many years ago I had one and I had flue worse than I had ever had before. But these days the vaccine is much better and as both Mrs B and I are diabetics the doctor has almost insisted on us having it. Bit confusing with the district must telling hubby not to exert himself while the doctor is trying to pursued him to do moderate exercise and hope this doesn't dissuade him.

Take care Jules and I wish you both a peaceful weekend, Brian

Hi Brian

Hope the toe is feeling better today - not exactly the way to think of stories for your grandson though with his great sense of humour no doubt he would thoroughly appreciate it.

We both  managed our nights out (hubby's first outing since last Sunday) though I did not have a win.  Winning would be the icing on the cake but the night out is a welcome break for a couple of hours which we will continue as long as it is possible.

Sadly on Friday I received some news from a friend of my Mum's sister.  She had not wanted to worry me but apparently she had been having problems for some time and finally when into hospital for what she thought would be a small procedure and a 48hr stay (this was a week ago now!!). Unfortunately what was thought to be a minor infection turned out to be cancer and she has since had two further invasive surgeries and has now developed an infection.  Having said all this, I rang her yesterday and was greeted by her usual chuckle, upbeat attitude and a no-nonsense conversation which included telling me to 'stay where I am needed',  'I am 84 and its one of those things' and 'the doctors and  nurses will  be glad to see me go home'.  Her man friend is staying at her place and will keep an eye and report to me as and when - she told me it would be easier if he went home as he keeps phoning asking her what to cook for dinner but he told me he will be there to keep an eye on the house and her  when she is discharged - she is hoping by Tuesday.  Such a different character to my Mum who I will have to break the news to on my next visit though they have not seen each other since my Dad passed away (they rarely see eye to eye).

Had daughter and family for a couple of hours visit yesterday and eldest grandson proudly told me he had finished reading (by himself) the latest book I had bought him and he really seems to be enjoying school too.  He has also been saving his pocket money for some little while and now has over £50 to spend at Hamleys - they are going into London for a day out during the half term and more cars for his Scaletric track are needed! Zack is now crawling at speed and pulling himself up onto the furniture (slides himself back down again!) and it was good to catch up with their news. Just now am waiting to see how hubby is feeling but indications are that he will not be offering a lift this week.  Our local garden centre (2 miles away) has a special offers weekend and I plan to walk there and  see if I can get a few bits (and maybe solve a couple of present ideas).  Depending on what I get I will either walk back or hop on the bus.  Its a mild but dull day here so far but still early of course - maybe I will get a glance of the sun but they have an indoor cafe so can enjoy a coffee too (and not have to wash up).

Hope you and Mrs B having a peaceful weekend.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for your PM, I will reply properly upon my return, but just wanted to say I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Aunt. I know you will support her the best you can, she sounds like quite a determined character.

Glad to hear that hubby managed a night out (and you too).   Hope you got some bargains at the garden centre.  Take care.  Hope x

Hi Hope

Thanks for your kind words and will chat again upon your return from what, I trust, will be a relaxing holiday in the sunshine.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Toe is almost back to normal thanks. Glad you were able to get out Friday evening and had family visit on Sunday. Sorry to here about your mothers sisters friend. Brother in law is already feeling the benefit of the blood transfusion and was told he will feel the full benefit after a few days. Have mowed our lawns today plus the neighbours lawns on either side of us, and found it hard going as it was still quite wet as was I when I finished. Managed to turn yet another new item today; a lighthouse. The part where the glass is I used a clear top from Wilko's clear spray varnish as it was just the right size.

I manage to persued Mrs B to go out for a drive and she really enjoyed it. The colour of the leaves were quite stunning and it was nice to get out for a while. She slept better as a result. It's good that your oldest grandson likes reading for book stimulate the imagination better than any computer game. All my three grandchildren love reading I'm pleased to say. I have always loved a good book and have most of Louis L Amour's western novels. He was a very prolific writer and has had many of his novel made into films. He used to do a lot of research into the area where he set his stories.

I hope work is not to strenuse this week, Best wishes to you and hubby, Brian.

           [[]]

Good morning Brian

Good to read that your brother in law is feeling better following his transfusion and long may this continue.  I am sure the news helped Mrs B enjoy her drive out on what was a lovely day weatherwise.  Apparently more of the same today so after visiting Mum (its actually her sister who has the cancer (her friend phoned to let  us know) and gently informing her of the latest news (will pre-warn staff at the care home) I hope to enjoy a couple of  hours outside in the garden.  I met a friend for a quick coffee after work yesterday and so many people were sitting outside the cafes.  Seems quite strange to see Christmas shoppers enjoying outside facilities but am sure we should  make the most of it. It have obviously increased your 'woodturning' season (in the garage) and you are coming up with some lovely ideas/results.

Hubby's support worker is arranging necessary report regarding his condition to be sent out today so that we can submit re-application form so that is helpful and I will finish off remaining pages once that arrives and get him to sign on the dotted line.  No doubt will , in due course, being doing similar for Mum's situation though after nearly four weeks still no contact from social services so looks like I will be chasing them again (or hoping I get a win on the lottery!!).

Hope you both enjoy another lovely day today. Take care.  (you will need a dose of Brianitus to help you recover from all that lawn mowing - your neighbours are very lucky to have you next door).  Chat soon.  Jules x

Good mornring Jules,

Just a quick chat before Cancerchat goes off for the weekend and then the new site goes live.

I hope this finds you well and in good heart.

Although we have had 10 days of rain and wind and cloud and occassional sunshine it is the warmth that has ben so unseasonal.

I am not complaining, it's just going out in the garden in a t shirt just unusual at this time of year.

The pond turned into a river again last Tuesay. This was the day I went to he hairdressers. It suddenly came down cats and dogs.

We ladies were queing up to leave the place. In the end you just had to go. fortuneately I had taken a hat with me, which kept the worst of it off.

The end off half term this weekend, I have a cottage to clean each day starting with one this morning. The next guests are my 2 kids, their other halves and Ava.

They arrive from next Thursday. I am getting excited to see how much Ava has changed. From just walking she is a real toddler now.

I hope you and your family have a lovely weekend and I hope you find some time with a good book as I know you deserve a rest.

Take care of yourself Jules,

Hugs

Annabel. xx

Good mornring Jules,

Just a quick chat before Cancerchat goes off for the weekend and then the new site goes live.

I hope this finds you well and in good heart.

Although we have had 10 days of rain and wind and cloud and occassional sunshine it is the warmth that has ben so unseasonal.

I am not complaining, it's just going out in the garden in a t shirt just unusual at this time of year.

The pond turned into a river again last Tuesay. This was the day I went to he hairdressers. It suddenly came down cats and dogs.

We ladies were queing up to leave the place. In the end you just had to go. fortuneately I had taken a hat with me, which kept the worst of it off.

The end off half term this weekend, I have a cottage to clean each day starting with one this morning. The next guests are my 2 kids, their other halves and Ava.

They arrive from next Thursday. I am getting excited to see how much Ava has changed. From just walking she is a real toddler now.

I hope you and your family have a lovely weekend and I hope you find some time with a good book as I know you deserve a rest.

Take care of yourself Jules,

Hugs

Annabel. xx

Thanks for your update Annabel.  It will seem strange having no 'chat' this weekend but am sure I can find some housework/shopping to keep me busy.  Hubby had GP check up yesterday and has only lost a pound in the last few weeks so that was a positive.  She is still not amused by his lack of exercise and wants to see me next time too (perhaps she thinks I can 'whip him into shape').   Pretty emotional chat when I got home from work but something that must deal with from time to time (he hates this side of things and I told him that whilst I understand and respect his wishes totally as do the family, there are times when conversation has to be faced and there is a level of understanding that needs to be reached) .  Hard for everyone and I am not sure what else to say just know - still rather raw.

Half term week has been very busy at work (even though I only do 15+hrs) and plenty of people in the town which is good. Our son in law took three days leave and they have been enjoying the good weather - theme park yesterday and day out in London today.  It will be lovely for you to catch up with your children and Ava (lots of cuddles no doubt) next week and look forward to catching up again after the new forum goes 'live'.  Take care and sending hugs.  Jules x