Hi Jules, Meerkat & Annabel,

Thanks for all your good wishes.  I can't believe I still feel bad as I usually shake these things off quickly, perhaps I'm just run down.  Hope you are all doing OK, and Jules you make sure you avoid the bugs so you can spend time with your new grandson and look after your daughter.  Take care everyone.  Hope x

Hi Jo

My daughter so pleased to be in her own comfortable surroundings.  We safely delivered our rocking chair yesterday afternoon (her hubby and I managing to get it up the stairs to their flat). First person to sit in it?  my hubby (never bothered with it at home) though as its wooden was a little hard on his bot!!!  Of course there is now a cushion on it and my eldest grandson thinks its great!!  We stayed for just over an hour and the little 'un slept all through the photo sessions!!  He has been very good so far and even did a five hour sleep during the night.  Hubby was on night duty to help my daughter regain some strength (she looking much better and lots of smiles now) and apparently the baby likes motorbikes already (on the tv during the night!!!). We left just as the midwife was visiting and my daughter is already planning her 'out and about plans' for next week. though knows not to rush things

It is lovely for my hubby to have something good to focus on as his pain has been 'breaking through' again the last few days and he always dreads what that will mean at the next check up (last week in October).  I know he is worried they will  have to increase his medication as this would probably mean no more driving  and the mention of public transport leaves him in a very black mood!!  Following your comment to Hope I suppose I could point out that he could have a larger scotch(his oncologist made the mistake of telling him he could eat and drink what he likes - think she should have added 'within reason' but dont suppose it matters much now). Bless him he only has a tipple on a Friday Night, neither of us being big drinkers - still have bottles in the cupboard from past Christmases.

Well looks as though we will be cossetted inside today - its very wet and miserable outside.  I was going to go the the Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Show (once a month locally) but getting drenched does not appeal!!!  Have a good day and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Morning Hope

Just a quick post to say hope you are feeling a little better today.  These bugs are such a nuisance and as Jo says working in a school always means you are more at risk with the kids spreading all the germs around.  Sitting here listening to a storm raging outside and there was I planning to walk to our monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Fair!!  Well unless there is a dry spell before 2pm think I will give it a mess as do not fancy being drenched!!!  Hope you letting your menfolk spoil you.  Adding to the hot toddy can thoroughly recommend honey and lemon and putting your feet up with a good book!!  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Hi, Jules xxonly just seen your post ....CONGRATULATIONS x such lovely news the birth of a new baby x all good wishes to you and your family x Tonic

Good morning Jules,

So pleased to hear your daughter is now home and feeling better. My wife was also kept in hospital longer than she wanted after the birth of our son. She doesn't make a good patient but just like your daughter as soon as she got home the smiles returned. Your husband must, like you be feeling so proud of little Zack. Don't know what is is about babies but they have this knack of lifting everyone's spirits as others have said. I know your husband doesn't like talking about his cancer and this must be hard for you but you ladies seem to have a knack of knowing how your men are feeling anyway. My wife has this ability to read me like a book and nothing much escapes her. She even know what I am going to do or say often before I know my self.

Sorry I didn't reply yesterday. I was a bit silly; although I still have this cold (over a week now) I went out to my garage and planned up the oak shelf and skirting's that I took off when I put the new porch floor down and as it was an electric planner, the dust didn't do me any good at all and I got a severe reprimand from Mrs B. I also sorted the box which I thought contained the oil for the floor which was given to me a few years ago and I found it's only a floor cleaning kit. So I will have to but whatever I chose to put on the floor. Then yesterday evening, feeling rather frustrated I hadn't been able to sample my chestnuts, I did roast some of them which also didn't help and once more also got a roasting myself from Mrs B.

The weather has cleared up here now Jules so hope you are able to get to go to your farmers market / craft fair as I seem to recall you saying you like looking around events like that. I hope you manage to keep free of colds and also hope you enjoy your time off with your family. Just don't go overdoing it for you never seem to stop working. Take care, Brian.

Morning Jules,

I hope the weather has cleared up enough for you to get to the 2 markets and enjoy.

I missed one of the local farmers markets yesterday as had to go and make sure my poorly parents have everything they need for the next wek whilst they get better.

My husband is also suffering and I am trying to persuade him to stay in bed as there is not much he can do whilst he's like he is , but to no availe. He's on the computer s we speak.

( I really just wanted him out of the way whist I get the house clean and tidy)LOL.

I love the name Zack of your little grandson, although I would say it's unusual I bet it's back in popularity again. !!

have a good day

Annabelxx.

Morning Brian,

I am sorry to hear you are suffering with this virus that seems to be sweeping far and wide in the community.

I have to say you made me laugh with your tales to Jules of all your attempts to do things yesterday.

Isn't it always the way when you think your fit enough to start doing things again only to find nothing goes right.!!!!!

I have this image in my mind of Mrs B with a bubble coming out of her mouth with some choice words for you in your attempts in the garage. 

As for the nuts I hope you feel well enough soon to enjoy some of them and keep your strength up with them.

all the best

Annabel.

Thank you so much Tonic.  Its lovely to have something to celebrate and he is a real cutie (but then I am a bit biased).

Hope all is well with you and the family.  Jules xx

Hi Brian

I see the temptation of your nuts was just too much for you and you have suffered the consequences - no doubt resulting in little ticking off (hope you enjoyed them at the time though) .  There seems to be quite a lot of bugs going round, just the time of year I think.  Probably need a spell of 'cold weather' to kill off the germs - amazing we still have not needed the heating on and at the moment the patio doors are open and the sun is shining!!  As soon as the thunderstorm passed I was out of the door and have just returned from a 2hr walk which included popping round the farmers market and a visit to the surrounding park - lovely autumnal colours now so took a few pictures.  My 'cheese-man' was in his regular pitch so came home having had a few 'tasters' and now have a piece of chedder infused with ginger ready for a homemade ploughmans lunch (also got some homemade chutney) - not what the doctor would order but my treat for today.

Hubby spending the time between tv and laptop and has just had neighbours cat arrive for his lunchtime petting session. Both creatures of habit.

Do hope you are soon feeling better and that you are relaxing a bit more today to give yourself a chance to recover (and save yourself another ear-bashing!!).

Last day at work for me tomorrow for a couple of weeks - so looking forward to having a change of pace (and being appreciated for the effort I put in!!!!).  I even have a children's birthday party to attend as my daughter's extra pair of hands next weekend (gotta love that!!).

Anyway do take care and hope we can chat again soon.  jules xxx

Hi Annabel

Hope both  your parents and your husband soon back to full fitness - so many seem to be suffering with bugs at the moment.  Know what you mean about it being easier if the other half would stay in bed. Its so hard trying to clear up round them!!!  Hence during the week (now that hubby always home) I now try to do as much as possible before he gets up so that when I come home I only have our room to sort out.  This morning he did not surface until 9.30 so was all sorted and just going through paperwork/filing  before our letter-rack gave way.

Yes, the weather cleared and have managed 2hrs walk through the park and the two markets (on same premises) and treated myself to  home-made cheese and chutney ready for a ploughmans lunch.  Also broused the charity shops and a new Morrisons local that opened this week before returning home and putting my feet up.

Just one day to work before my two weeks off begin - very ready for the break even though I will be on hand to help with the new edition I also plan on completing my Christmas shopping and finding time to catch up with my friend who is fighting cancer (she is between treatments at present) and we will probably go out to lunch and have a good gossip (she has also recently become a granny for the second time).

Do take care and hope you dont pick up the  bugs.  Chat soon. Jules xx