Hi Paul,

I've been through similar, When my mum past away in 2009 I was in limbo so to speak. I kept on like normal and I didn't want to stop really because when you stop you start thinking and thinking and thinking some more. 

It will take time to come to terms with that happened, we all process things in different ways, different time scales and there is no right or wrong way.

There's no need to feel guilty about socialising with brothers and sisters, it's a double edge sword really of shall we ask or shall we not, how would he feel, reaction and so on. When you do go out and you feel guilty of doing so think to yourself 'I'm taking steps to feeling not guilty' which I think is what you want from what you have written.

I found that when I went to bed and I was trying to go to sleep it was difficult, I coped by basically letting it all out, I would cry I would put my headphones in and blast my music in an attempt to drown the thoughts out but in the end they will be there until we give our mind time to process what's happened.

You could write your thought's in a diary, call a friend (they really wouldn't mind because they're your friend and you would do the same for them) or talk to your family. 

I used to think like you that I was being too much for family, friends or others around me but people really don't mind.

Take Care x

Hi there,

Thank you for your kind words, it is still tough even now, but i have had lots of advice from this forum, the Bereavment meetings i go to, and especially Kathy who has helped me so much, it is so nice to have people such as yourself take time out to help people like me, i'm the chap who is going to take a bit longer than most.

It still dosen't feel right, I know I will get there, because I have come along way already, I think I must learn to cope with my loss first then progress from there, It is hard to talk to family, it's not that i don't want to, I just feel they don't understand, they do change the subject quite often, so I switch off after that. When we go out together, there is always their other half there, It might sound selfish but that gets to me a little.

This is where i am getting the most help, form the people who have experienced the heartache, and suffered the loss, which no one can ever forsee, or even prepare for.

I do write in my diary every day, which i have only just started, it is helping I think, dont have many friends as Dawn and i had each other, we did go out alot but just enjoyed each other's company, Having spent twenty two years in the Royal Navy we where seperated for long periods at a time, so we where trying to catch up i surpose.

I have my liitle diamond, she is Sheba, a Siberian Husky cross, she is so good for me at this moment, makes me laugh and wants lots of cuddles, sometimes i dont think i know how luck i am.

thank you for your concern

Kind regards Paul

Hi Paul,
Know what you are talking about re the TT races, we used to watch them.
You sound as confused as I am with the sticky thing used to download stuff onto haha.  I think that is gorgeous, and you have made me smile.  Thank you
My brother and family have been to Filey for a holiday some years ago, so was strange to see a known name.
Had a great time yesterday with old boss and took some pics to give her of our time together. Her hubby was featured in some of them, he passed 20 years ago.  Hope they give her pleasure.  
Today was a very productive system for me. Decided to take some recyclables in for   cashing in.
Took plastic bottles, empty cans and glass bottles in.  Filled my little boot up and received $49.60 for my efforts which will go into grandkids bank accts.  as no recycling has been  done for 11 months now I have bout 5 more trips to make.  Son intended doing but I feel his time is precious and has enough to do round his own place.  I am still fit enough to do and it keeps me busy, any excuse to be outside works for me.
Besides getting lost trying to find the place and  a kind man letting me follow him until he was heading off, he gestured out of his window as to here I should go, so basically was all ok.
Did a bit of shrub pruning today but most part was the recycling and counting process of the recyclables,  it's midnight now and 20 in kitchen but I am all wrapped up with a scarf on.  Sisters have complained they find the cold much worse after becoming acclimatised to the Aussie weather.  Mother doesn't complain, just gets on and enjoys life.
I think that the generation who have lived through WW2 probably are more chilled out than we are.
Monday's are when the badminton mob get together so have 2 more days to find those suitable shorts,  eek.  I must say am quite looking forward to getting back into it again. Remember I am shorter than the net, haha.  
Found 2 badminton racquets I brought out from home a 4.3 and 3.7 guess that is the weight in pounds and they still look in good nick so look forward to trying them out.  Finding so much stuff I didn't know I had.
Ok Paul will sign off for now,
Look after yourself,
Kathy x

Hi Kathy,

It's a wonderful feeling to know I can make poeple smile, as you would have felt meeting up with your old boss (old as in a long time ago, not old as in elderly lady). She would have treasured that time with you as well as the thoughtfulness of bringing the pictures for you to rekindle you time together.

Wow you have been busy, I thought the Assies where we'll ahead the rest of us in recycling, that has shocked me a little, but good on you for getting it all bungled up and off to the recycling plant, and such a love thing you are doing by putting all towards your grandchildrens future, (that's the money not the recycling), what a wonderful thoughtful person you are, I know I have told you that before, but it is wonderful thing you do.

Bet it was a climate adjustment for your family when they got home, it's warming up lovely here now but poor old Scotland isn't fairing too well I'm afraid. As we make our way north to Filey, just hope it's stays like this, that will make the holiday a bit more special.

Hope your badminton goes really well, take your time for the first set, then let em have it, oh dear I've forgotten how to score, well what a plonker I feel, really can't remember, ok must get on the Internet after this and sort my memory out, that's shameful isn't it, hang on a minute just thought, I have a good excuse, I'm old "ish", brain matter fading by the minute, 

I have got everything ready for George to make his pizza tomorrow, going to ask him to take a photo of his pizza before I help him demolish it, that reminds me must put new batteries in his camera ready for his holiday snaps.

Sheba goes into kennels on the Monday just before we go, going to break my heart to leave her but promised her, next time she's coming with me.

Take  great care of yourself Kathy and thank you for our chats

Kind regards Paul x 

Hi Paul,
Re my recycling I could have put it in the bins the council pick up but would have missed out on the cash refund hence my returning it myself.  Sorry if I was unclear.
All empty drink vessels are returnable, soft drink and beer cans,  milk drink cartons, plastic water bottles etc.  they pay 10c per vessel which of course encourages people to recycle. So far I think South Aust is the only state that does it.  Charities collect the aluminium ring pulls too so before crushing I chose to remove them.  At the moment my friends and myself are saving them to purchase a new electric wheelchair for a local child.  He has one supplied by the govt but would love an electric one.  Not really necessary but a nice to do thing.
I am sure Sheba will be looked after very well at the kennels,  I know my sisters dog appears not to want to come home after his stays.  
At the moment I have stew cooking to take to the kids for tomorrow nights tea.  I will make dumplings as it is reheated tomorrow so saves them from having to cook before heading out later.  Will be a nice warming meal as the winter weather kicks in.  Bread and butter pudding will be dessert.
Lots of rain today which is great for the garden.  12 ducks in the pond next door.  The grandkids will have such fun feeding them on their sleepover here weekend after next.  Will need to fill up the feed tubs from supplies in the shed in preparation.  When the kidlets visit can take them to local school and use the playground as it will still be school hols.  School is 5 mins away, maybe even take a picnic if weather dry.
Tomorrow morning I am calling into my old boss en route to the kids place.  She has an issue with her landline so we will call the supplier from her place and she can give me authority to speak on her behalf.  Her landline is connected to a medi alert system so she really needs it and a 5 day wait is not acceptable.  She rang me this morning quite agitated and as she was out all day at medical appts today I will call in on her tomorrow and hopefully get a good resolution.  If not I know how to escalate the call and get her issue sorted asap.  I can stamp my little foot when required, at the same time you catch more flies with honey than vinegar....
I am sure we will chat again before you head off on Monday.  Hope the pizzas turn out well, hope you send a pic.  Will see if I can do same with cheese scones kidlets and I intend baking on Sat.
Enjoy your sunshine
Kathy x

 

[[]]

Little George's pizza,, his classic Ham, chicken, sausage finished with a sprinkle of cheese. I was so Impressed, will never but another pizza, just get little George round.

Dear Kathy,

Have just lost my full reply to you, so sorry but it's time for me  to go out with Sheba then off to work , sorry will try again after work, sorry

Take great care

Paul x x 

Hi Kathy,

It so annoying when you have lost a full reply, is it the system, or is it me, don't know, and you think it would be easy to replicate what you have written, but for some reason I know it won't be the same. 

George's pizza was amazing, even though you would think I was trying to poison him as he wanted to taste all the ham, cheese and chicken that went onto his pizza, but it tasted amazing, so thank you for the idea and the tips, they worked a treat. His dad was impressed with the photos but not happy we didn't save him any, so next time we shall make two, but there may still be nothing left.

You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness and kindness, what a wonderful thing you are doing for that young lad, you have such a big heart and should be commendd. As with your old boss helping her with her landline emergency call system, it makes you wonder somtimes what priorities authorities have, you would think it would be top of the pile.

How did you get on with the chaps and their quotes hope you got the price you where working on, I have problems with my drivers car seat, keeps dropping only a little bit it's not right, the cocky chap at the service centre was trying to tell me it was normal, so walked away before I got angry and sent an email to the customer service centre, explaining I was an highly qualified engineer and know about mechanics, and being a driving instructor, know about safe driving, hence I will be having a new seat fitted, going to call in on the way to work to organise a date and time, hope it's the same guy I first spoke to.

Hope there is a WiFi arEa so I can send a posting while on holiday, that would be nice, could send you one of George's photos, see how it's goes.

Stew and dumplings, just love stew and dumplings, can be a real fat bot when it's on the menu, always go round twice, but it's os nice isn't it.

Got to get to work so, will sign off and hope it doesn't disappear.

Take great care Kathy

Paul x x 

[[]]

Hi Paul,
Wow loved the pic of young Georges pizza.  As you say why buy them anymore when you can make your own to suit your tastes.
I returned this afternoon from the country after a lovely 2 days baby sitting.  Dog was pleased to see me, and cat quite vocal.  Both have headed off to bed for a snooze.  Dog ate better this time thankfully.
I will send a pic separately of the cheese scones.  We had such fun making them and the bread and butter pudding.  The littilies had never cracked an egg before but everything comes with practice and even though a messy experience it's the only way to learn.  The family enjoyed the stew and dumplings I provided on Friday and the last leftovers were enjoyed for lunch today.  Stew like a curry improves with age.
The plan is the little ones will sleepover next weekend ( the con is it is dependant on their behaviour in the coming week) but they will be here.  The 4 yr old wants to sleep on the magic (sofa) bed, the 2 yr old wants to sleep in the water bed.  Guess we can do 1st night on one and 2nd on the other.
On the Sat morn I woke to find toaster not working...then the kettle....and TV.  Lights were ok.  After spending ages searching outside of the property looking for power box had to bite the bullet and call son.  Safety switch had tripped.  Eventually I discovered power cords and extension in shed had water damage due to heavy rain and leaks so once I removed those plugs from sockets was able to reset switch and all was well.  Phew thankfully freezer was all ok. 
Rodney the rooster charged at me, had a fishing net on pole as deterrent , cheeky blighter.  The kids have 2 roosters and 5 hens.  In the chook shed at night, but allowed to roam around the property during daylight.  Rodney is a bit mean spirited, there's a difference between protecting the girls and being aggressive so don't forecast a long life for him.  Come spring and summer the kids won't be allowed to play in the garden unless an adult is standing guard.
There is a back lawn enclosed area clothes line etc but you can't plant anything there as the dog is a digger so kids can play there but not weed, garden etc.Their dog is a Rottweiler x kelpie and can easily bowl the little one over unintentionally.
Was so hoping Argentinian Moto GP would be televised at a more civilised time tonight.... but no another 4.30am race, ah well no one is forcing me to get up and watch it, it's my choice.  My mum and 2 sisters Skyped me tonight as eldest sis couldn't believe Valentino Rossi was still racing.  He's only 37, just a baby just being competing a long time and good on him.  To have a job you love, magic.
When are you getting car seat replaced?  Don't some plonkers give you the horrors.  There is nothing wrong with being safety conscious, most important as you well know.
My old boss had a great resolution to complaint and was all sorted by Friday avo.  I must make time to see her more often.
Have hubbys CD player now picked up from sons today.  First 2 CDs stopped working -error so seeing if 3rd plays all the way through.  Son said to DIL "guess mum doesn't know you can play CDs on DVD player and on laptop" my reply " don't confuse me".  Will be great to take music out front while I am out there gardening and inflict my taste on neighbours !!!!
Re The quotes not sure if latest one is quoting for repairs really required as is more than double the other one.  They say wooden facia at back of house is splitting but to my eye is not lifting or rotting???  Side one is warped so I can understand replacing that one.
I think once I am gone the house will be sold to a developer and town houses or units built on the land so am thinking along the lines of do what I want to do and need to do for security and maintenance but cosmetic stuff???  Maybe I overthink things sometimes.
Mail which I retrieved today from Friday is an invite from local palliative care team to a remembrance service in May for those who have passed Oct 2014 - March 2015.  Involves names being  read out and opportunity to light a candle.  Don't know how I feel about this.  Invite itself upset me after a lovely time away.  May be healthy although upsetting to attend.  It's in mid May and also opportunity to invite others to attend eg in laws, son and family and friends.  I don't feel I need a public service to allow me to grieve.  Maybe will chat to a few mates about it before making a decision.
Anyway Paul hope you have a great time in Filey and the weather will be kind to you.
Have a great time and enjoy,
Kathy xx
 

Hi Kathy,

It's sounds like you had great time with the little ones, but I knew you would, I think my grandchildren are a bit better behaved with me, but they can twist their mum round their finger, but they on the other hand, I'd do spoil them, I wonder what would happen if I let George loose cracking an egg, but as you say, it's a learning curve, so you can only expect a little mess, and your so right about the stew, it's so much nicer, just wished it lasted a little long, sorry that's me being greedy.

Kathy you have set me off again, our next bake will be cheese scones, they look so nice, I'm not being funny but I think I can smell them, feel hungry again. Little George won't sleep over, he always wants his mum, dad or brother, although he said he would sit with me as we drive to Filey, but we shall have to wait and see, surpose it's nice he wants to be with mum or dad though.

We had a  similar problem when we moved into our new house in Nottingham, all the down stair lights were not working, we called out an electrician, he flicked the trip switch and charged us £35, won't make that mistake again. Children and technology, smarty pants arn't they, even little George shows me things on the iPad , it's just amazing how quick they pick things up, hope he's as good when he starts real school.

You always have to question what is the best thing when having quotes, the most economical thing to do without waisting money on a cheap job dont you, I feel quite lucky I can do most things myself, but facia's, drains, exterior repair is usually left to the professionals. But it is always good to have the thoughts of others isn't it, I'm sure you will do the right thing.

So sorry you were upset about the rememberance service, it does catch you out sometimes dos'nt it, bt you are one of the strongest ladies I know, and once again I know you will do the right thing, which ever path you choose, my thoughts will be with you, I think a lot about what you said once about how our love ones are with us always, although they are not here in body they will always be with us, always there if we need them, I still ask Dawn what to do, and apologize when I get a little tipsy or do something silly, We shall always be together.

Kathy you are such a positive lady, you have helped me, only wish I could help you in some way, feel a bit guilty, knowing you have been hurting, but without sounding horrible , if anyone can be strong, positive and do the right thing it is you.

Take great care of yourself, will be in touch soon.

Kind regards Paul x x 

  Hi Kathy,

Sorry about this, but I have just been siting here feeling sorry for myself, but Sheba is laying beside me snoring like  so loud, it makes me feel so happy she is so content, I seem to feel so privaliged to be part of her life, these pets of of ours are such a God send, I think Sheba is trying to tell me things, what is your thoughts 

i could make up things  for nmyself, but your knowledge is more sensible than most. 

Take care Paul x x 

  Hi Kathy,

Sorry about this, but I have just been siting here feeling sorry for myself, but Sheba is laying beside me snoring like  so loud, it makes me feel so happy she is so content, I seem to feel so privaliged to be part of her life, these pets of of ours are such a God send, I think Sheba is trying to tell me things, what is your thoughts 

i could make up things  for nmyself, but your knowledge is more sensible than most. 

Take care Paul x x 

Hi Paul,
I am sorry you are feeling so low.

Sheba obviously adores you and feels so secure in your company.  Animals are a great judge of character.  Maybe she is trying to tell you everything will be ok.  You will be ok at the end of the day.
I am just going to grab a coffee and compose a longer reply,
Kathy x
 

Back again, at least my hands are warm nursing the mug of coffee.  It's chilly so am sitting on the sofa with a blanket over my knees.
Hope you all packed for your trip.  I am sure you will have a great time with the family and especially the young ones.
Getting away will blow away the cobwebs and you will return rejuvenated and refreshed.
I didn't make it to bed last night, snoozed on the sofa waiting for the race to start, woke up for the start, saw the first few laps, fell asleep again and missed the rest grrrr.  It will be replayed later so will watch it then.
I wish the personal messaging facility was available, would be happy to call you on the phone.  Then you could hear my singsongy Scottish accent and that in itself would make you laugh.
Overheard grandson telling grand daughter to stop bellyaching at the weekend, had a grin to myself, as that's not a word the parents use but one of mine.  We do have such an influence over the littilies.  He told me I was very old as have lines on my forehead, I replied they are laughter lines
Well Paul will sign off, have managed to misplace a notebook and last years handbag diary so better get a hoof on and start looking.
Hope you are ok
Kathy x
 

Hi Kathy,

Sorry about the Sunday night, felt a bit low due to leaving Dawn and putting Sheba in kennels I think, but thank you for your kind words.

We had a good drive here Monday, got here about 1:30, so we got unpacked and made our way to the local beach, really nice, the whole place is nice and clean and the staff are so helpful and welcoming, we got back and made our way to the kiddies entertainment, that was also really good, poor Henry (2) was asleep before the show finished, but must admit was a little beat myself.

Tuesday it was off to Scarborough, again very nice the weather is being so good to us, it's so nice and sunny, we got back to camp, and made our way to the pool, they have a lazy river that was also very good and the kids loved it. This big kid did as well.. Today we shot off to Briddlinton once againg really nice, we managed to ventured out in a pirate ship, back to sea for me, was so nice and the kids loved it too. We got back and into the pools again, now taking advantage of the time to send a post to you while the family get changed.

Kathy it would be so nice and a privilege to have a chat with you, I would happily give you my phone number and email, I hope the cancer chat line management would allow this. 

Please don't think I'm being cheeky, but about the racing, wouldn't it be better to record it, and then watch it at your leisure or are you worried about hearing the results before you watch it, because that can be deflating can't it.

Little kiddies are so honest arn't they, they say and repeat anything you say, got into trouble because of what I have said before, got a couple of corkers to tell you, just hope I can tell you in person.

Well Kathy the family are here so I must get to the bar and get the refreshments and a menu, looking forward to our next chat, 

Take great care of yourself

Paul x x

[[]]

Mark, Nicola, George and Henry enjoying our day out in Filey, the weather has been so kind to us

Just thought I would drop you this photo while they are getting changed after our swim in the pool/lazy river.

Take care Paul x x

Hi Paul,
Many thanks for the pic.  I can almost smell the sea salt.  I am so pleased the weather has been good for you.
Sitting out the back yesterday with a girlfriend who was invited and was staying for tea when we heard the gate squeak, neighbour from 3 houses down had dropped round also, lovely.  20 mins later next door neighbour plus Jack Russell dropped in.  Tell you what if there had been anymore drop ins I would have had to clear more chairs.
I had some mince cooking for tonight tea (shepherds pie) but besides checking on it now and then it was a lovely social occasion.
It sounds as though you are having a great time with the family.  Was that pic taken with young Georges camera?
Kidlets coming down this morning for 2sleepovers, think I am organised.  The big kids will come back on Sunday and stay for tea so will do a roast beef.  Son asked last night if he can invite another friend for tea so it's all good, always able to squeeze another one in.
Paul I will post this in case it disappears while I jump in the shower, hope to be back soon
Kathy x
 

Hi Kathy,

Back home now, the third load of washing is in, the first two on the line drying, have been to the local shop to get a few bits, milk, bread, etc, and have been to pick up Sheba, but feel a little deflated now as I was told Sheba had bitten another dog on the nose, thankfully the other owner is OK about it, but I feel so bad, and I don't want anything to happen to Sheba so going to contact the dogs trust where I got Sheba from and get a little advice, also chat to the dog trainer, must up my training with this little girl, got to get her feeling happy so as not to be scared or unsure of others, think that is what it is, but will try to find out more about her passed.

Wow Kathy is sounds like you are a very popular lady, but with the kindness you show to people think you may need lots more chairs, maybe a bigger outside sitting area, it's wonderful people show you the respect/social pleasure you deserve.

The weather was so good to us but now we are back the weather is turning, but the garden needs a good watering so I'm not complaining, the picture was taken with my camera,a Canon EOS 1100D (an SLR camera) still learning to us its potential, but get good close ups with my Zoom/ macro lens. Little George did take some pictures with his camera in the entertainment area, will sort a couple out for you.

Sure you will have a great time with the little ones when they arrive for the weekend, I know you will have lots planned for them, just hope the weather is good for you so you can venture out, it's not nice for the kiddies to be stuck indoors, all George/Henry wanted to do was to watch TV or videos, not really keen on letting then watch TV for a long while.

Well Kathy the third load is nearly done now so going to get a couple of red tops in the wash then I think Sheba and I are off on a long walk, I have put on a few pounds with beer and lots to eat so it's time for a bit of exercise, not too much but a little at a time will do for now. How did your badminton  match go, was it a good work out, I'd you soon get back into the game.

Take great care of yourself.

Paul x x 

Hi Paul,
Glad you are back home safe and sound and no doubt refreshed.
Tonight is night 2 of the kidlets being here and we had accomplished so much by lunchtime, 2 walks, ducks fed, worm, snail and chaffer grub collecting the latter by accident discovered in the veggie plot.  Luckily we are all early risers so getting woken at 6am is not a drama for me
Rainy periods but we got out in between showers.  We played some board games also which the kids enjoyed.  They will stay for tea tomorrow then head off.
I hope Sheba has settled in ok back at home.
Re the badminton, starting it on Monday.  Had another quote today and reckon that's the one I will take, he didn't try and baffle me with trade talk and I appreciated his honesty.  Will chat it over with son tomorrow.
If you would like to email Annabel at enquiries@greenbarncottages.co.uk and ask her to forward your email address on to me maybe we could correspond directly.   (She has mine) This is a business address Annabel can use and she has kindly done this for a few of us allowing direct emails.
Sorry I have not much news, just been basically having fun with the littilies.
Off to bed soon, they will have me up before daybreak requesting brekkie.
Take care
Kathy x
 

Hi Kathy 

Thank you for the email address to enable me to forward my email address to you. I have contacted Annabel so hopefully will be hearing from you in the near future.

The holiday with son Mark and family was most defiantly a nice break and think it was good for me, although throughout each day I did think of Dawn a lot, wishing she could enjoy it with me, but as you have taught me Dawn was there with me every minute of each day, and it did help, thank you so much for that. I also thought of Sheba but out loud to Mark saying hope she is Ok.

Kathy please tell me more about the about the worm, snail and grub collecting, do the little ones pick them up, what do you do with them, who do you feed with them. Sounds intriguing .

Have been watching bits of the London Marrathon this morning/afternoon, the stories the runners tell of why they are running, just have you in tears, there are thousands of amazing poeple out there, it just amazing some poeple set themselves some amazing goals, makes me feel quite pathetic ..

So glad your quote was as you liked it, sure your son will give you confidence in his thought about it, hope it all goes well for you and turns out exactly as you require , a quick question for you Kathy if I may, we bought and planted a small Apple, pear and cherry tree about five years ago, never had anything off them I have noticed a couple of blossom stems on a tree, haven't a clue which tree is which, we did feed them well with manure fruit feed and so on, but nothing, any ideas .

Got a pile of ironing, keeps shouting at me,, the ironing board keeps following me around, think they are trying to tell me something. Still it's been another beautiful day here, so have made the best of it by getting a lot done outside, lawns cut, weeds removed and of course playing with Sheba, but the poor girls keeps going indoors out of the sun, she gets onto the sofa and has a snore or two, bless.

Take great care of yourself Kathy

Paul x

Hi Paul,
 Great you have contacted Annabel, no doubt she will be in touch when she gets a mo.
Re the worms the littilies collect them and then dig holes in my pot plants or lawn to rebury them to "improve the soil" their words not mine and water them.  The chaffer bugs we get rid of and sluggy wuggy and snaily waily they put down somewhere and wonder where they have disappeared to when they check up on them.
Grandson brought a bug over today and asked what it was.  His dad's reply, it's a spider "drop it".  It was what we call a money or garden spider and considered harmless so was let go.  We try and practice the live and let live principle unless the bugs are eating the plants when I will chose to get rid of them.  
Quote no 1 was a basic job quote doing what has to be done but not looking at work required within the next few years if left unattended so financially was a good quote
No 2 was a bit of a rip off I feel seeing a female on her own looking for work
No 3 appears honest and actually explained a few things to me and pointed out signs a gutter and down pipe are rusting and will be cheaper replacing now when the rest of the work is being done if I intend staying here,  I have checked out his building license on line to endure it is valid.  As he says he would rather be fair in his quotes and get recommendations by word of mouth than over quote and miss out on the work.  I appreciate his candour.
With the littilies here have missed out on the news for the past few days, haven't even looked at the last 2 days papers -oops, so didn't realise the London marathon was on again.  To try and listen to the radio news was impossible so gave it up as a bad job.
After playing the same Queen cd for 3 times(so thrilled to have a working CD player again) have just put on Blondies greatest hits so bopping in my chair in the kitchen , yes I am quite mad.  Saw her perform in Adelaide about 5 years ago and she was as good as ever.
Regarding your fruit trees maybe Google pics of the blossoms , that might give you a clue as to what is what.  I know here new fruit trees you have to wait 5 years for blossoms that will produce fruit.  Maybe Google each tree and the pics of the leaves will show you what you have. Just a suggestion.or if you can send a pic through maybe I can try and check it out for you, or give you a laugh, do what the Aussies would do, watch it, water it and see what transpires.  The Aussies are so traditionally laid back.
My new lemon tree is showing new growth which is great but don't expect any fruit for some years, that's ok I can wait.  The mandarin tree down the back is so overladen with fruit it's not funny I really will need to give it a good pruning once the fruit has ripened otherwise it will be too tall for me to manage.
I cooked for 8 tonight a beef roast with roast veggies, Yorkshire pud, the works.  DIL was amazed son ate the lot as he doesn't eat as much as he should.  He probably didn't want to offend me or just enjoys the old fashioned meals he grew up with.  One bonus I worked out how to get Dice to take his fish oil capsules.... Cover in gravy!'
I asked grand daughter to help me so she brought out the required potatoes from pantry one by one then stood on a chair at kitchen sink with me while  I peeled the spuds and we sang Old Mcdonalds farm with her doing sound effects.  She is two and a half and a little charmer, just so affectionate.  Both grandkids are which is great.  Their parents are doing a great job of bringing them up.  Look forward to sharing pics when we can correspond.
We were feeding the ducks this morning and I could see son and DIL had arrived and making their way to duck pond, no doubt had heard our voices, the look on the littilies faces when they saw their parents faces was beautiful. I have so many things to be thankful for, I am very fortunate indeed.
We don't have a choice in the life fate deals us but we do have a choice in how we handle it.
Ironing !!!!
Good on you for doing it, I gave it up about 25 yrs ago as hubby was better at it than I.
I just buy non iron products now, off the clothes line and put away.
Off to pick up a bed stick for mother in law tomorrow and off to introduce myself to the social badminton group.  First priority will be dog walk though, he almost took me off my feet the other day when he went to bark at another dog behind a fence.  Such is life.
Well Paul will sign off for now,
All the best
Kathy x 

Hi Kathy,

I have just experienced another reply gone missing, I think it's me, I have just hit the number of postings on the bottom of the screen, and as the screen disappeared so did what I had written, so sorry chat line organisers I'm the wally not you.

Well what a couple of days they have been, I have achieved so much, back to work and all sorted there now, the car has a new drivers seat, so that's good, Sheba has been to the vets and is good apart from being a touch over weight, got to cut down on her feeding as I give had treats for her training, got and email back from dogs trust about Sheba, they will phone in the next day or so, outside is tidy and clean. So all is looking good, treated myself to a new dictionary, it would be embarrassing to let you know how  out of date the old one was, contacted my next client for Ssafa chat and also been to a Ssafa AGM, I learn so much every time I go to a meeting. 

Did get a shock off the vet though as he told me of a top right hand fang of Sheba has been broken, must pass this onto the dogs trust when thy a phone, it's embarrassing I did not notice it before the vet did, turns my stomach to wonder how it could have been broken and with what force.. I do know what trees are what now, why didn't I think of that, ok it's because I'm a man, I know, but thank you for your help in that one, please excuse my wally requests, as you may be asked for more help on so simple questions.

Like the idea of the worms, it's nice you think of life that way, wouldn't it be a nicer place to live if there where more like you, and those sluggy wuggies and snaily wailies are probably back where you first got them from, whoops sorry for being  a cheeky chappy

Wow cooking for eight, that was an achievement in itself, now I'm feeling hungry, just had a thought fish chips and mushy peas tonight.

Little children are wonderful aren't they, so true and honest, dosn't matter what they say because they say what they see and that is without malice, it's the month of May next, that means the grandchildren out in Adelaide are reaching significant ages, Cianan is 21, Charlotte is 18, and little Lily is 12, where does time go, don't like sending unequal amounts in cheques even though it's for special birthdays, so will make it up to them when I pop out to see them next year, hopefully.

Take great care of yourself Kathy, it's so nice chatting to you.

Paul x