Syliva, I am so very sorry for your loss, I know how it feels, my husband passed away in October and I miss him so much, I too wish they could let us know they are ok.  There are lots of people on here going through the same terrible time who will offer support.  Sending love to you Debbie xxxxxx

Hi debbie, how are you havnt heard off you in a while i feel ok at the moment health wise ,got to go the hospital next month  to see about my breathing me and the kids just having a quite xmas dinner we will go to the crem  to put flowers on my parents grave ,we will put some flowers in a vase for my hubby ,it is my hubbys birthday on the 27 dec  might go for a walk weather permiting  to a place called spike island my hubby used to like watching the mersey from there .  Take care  have a peaceful xmas  will be thinking of you  Syl x

Hi Syl

Well another bank holiday weekend has been and goneand hope you have enjoyed catching up with your daughter and her travels though no doubt she was a little jet lagged. Plenty to talk about over coming weeks I am sure.

My familys' bugs have now cleared thankfully and so little Darcey can return to Nursery today and her Mum to work.  She has just turned 11 months and is beginning the learning to walk process; very cute to see her on whatsapp video.

Glad you have been able to treat George to his walks.  I love being out and about and as I do not drive my legs get plenty of exercise ha ha. I do try and get a couple of miles in on most days.  As my son in law took both boys out for the day (along with a couple of dads from his work) my daughter invited me to join her for shopping/lunch on Saturday and it was a lovely change for herbeing able to brouse the shops leisurely.  We had lunch at Prezzos before going our separate ways.  I had an eye test appointment to go to and  she headed home for a couple of hours of peace/relaxation.

On Sunday the weather was dry and pretty warm so I went walking for over 4 hours and really enjoyed strolling through our local woods/lido before heading to the garden centre for a coffee. I also bought a new squirrel proof peanut feeder (I am slowly replacing my old feeders).  On the way back I saw our local pond had a heron visiting (happens quite regularly now) and spent over half and hour taking photos before heading back home.

Yesterday I dodged the showers and did my weekly shop and then had a call from my daughter to say they were going to local May Day fete and would I like to meet them.  So headed back home quickly unpacked and headed to their flat.  The fete was quite small and unfortunately the weather had affected numbers but the boys enjoyed having a go at various stalls and then we went to lunch at local pub before I came back and did my housework.

Will visit Mum this morning and then the gym so before I know it I will be back to work tomorrow. Still only six weeks until my holidays and another challenge/hurdle for me to face.Hoping I can enjoy it and move my own life's journey forward a little though still feel a bit apprehensive.

Hope you are managing okay and your pain is more under control now. 

Hopefully Debbie is okay and coping day to day in the best way she can with support of family and friends.  The forum is one of those support networks that you can drop in and out of as and when you feel the need (Debbie if you reading this hope you are well).

Have a good week and take care.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad your family are over there  stomach bugs and every thing is back to normal, had a good catch up with my daughter at the weekend i didnt see her till Sunday ,she had a really good time and took some lovely photos,she also enjoyed her hen weekend as well all is back to normal again now she went back to work on Tuesday after 3 month off.glad you were out and about over the weekend  with your family i didnt do much over the bank holiday monday me and my daughter went to a local garden centre we had a nice walk round  she bought a cookery book, while we were there we had a nice meal of braising steak chips and veg.we had no rain at all over the weekend  all the gardens are bone dry i have a small pond inthe garden which my son did when he was young we have about  8 fish in it they were all born in the pond some are nearly 20 years old, i had to fill it up as  som of the water had evaporated.i to am  a bit apprehensive about my holiday in July  i surpose its normal to feel  like that i just hope i can enjoy my first holiday with out hubby , but it will feel strange going with some one other than hubby. enjoy the rest of your  week am waiting for my hair dresser to arive Regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you have had an enjoyable weekend.  Your daughter's holiday adventure seemed to pass by really quickly and I bet she was full of interesting tales with lots of photos to share with you.  Hope her return to work went smoothly.  I find the longer I am off the harder it is to go back ha ha.

Mixed weekend weatherwise with chilly wind yesterday and then a beautiful afternoon today.  I made the most of Friday and went with a friend to local gardens for a wander and was good catching up over a cuppa.Saturday was pretty mundane with shopping and housework but today I went to the Farmers' Market and then walked on to the garden centre after lunch (bumped into my daugther and grandsons at the market so we lunched together before going our separate ways).  It was so warm had to carry jacket and cardigan an d enjoyed coffee at the outside tables for the first time this year.  Bought one plant and some supports in readiness for putting out my sweet pea seedlings before heading home.  With the front garden in full sun I did some 'pottering' and dead headed the rose plus trimmed my tiny bit of hedge before coming inside about 4pm.  Meeting up with an old friend for lunch tomorrow so being kept busy.

Still no rain so have watered the pots and kept the birds' bath and water container topped up.  Lots of activity in the garden as quite a few baby birds around.  I have moved round a few of my feeders and also created a new feeding area (made out of last year's  Christmas tree trunk.  Have three feeders hanging on it just a few feet from my back patio doors and they are already using it.

It seems both you and I are facing new challenges as far as our holidays are concerned but hopefully we will both get on okay.  Hope you are keeping okay, take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, have had loads of trouble trying to sign in to the chat room ,just got it sorted with the help of the mediators and my son, hope its fixed now.its good your getting out  with your friends ,i am also keeping my bird feeders toped up with seed and fat balls, they also like meal worm that i buy  as well, the magpies keep comeing to my bird table but i chase them off as they take all the food. Went out with my daughter last Saturday only to  a local garden centre ,Sunday went out with my son and  daughter for a lovely  roast dinner.thursday i went on my first coach trip with out my hubby,went to Skipton market then a canal cruise on the Liverpool Leed canal with my friend, we had a nice day and the weather was good but thought of him all day long wishing he was with me .the weather is fine again my garden is so dry i am puting my washing up water on my plants to water them, it is surposed to rain at the week end i am going out with my son  on Saturday so hope it dosnt rain to much .have a nice week end regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Sorry for late reply but things have been rather difficult these past few days and I have been spending much of my time with daughter and family as their house purchase looks like it is going to fall through and they are so very distressed having come to within 24hrs (twice) of exchanging.  We are all somewhat below par.

Hope you had a nice time with your son and that it stayed dry for  you.  Certainly now we are getting plenty of rain to help the garden here which has helped settle in a few new plants  I managed to get in at the weekend.  I have now completed updating my bee and butterfly flower border so hoping for a nice display this summer.

Hope you are keeping okay, take care. Jules x

Hi jules, sorry that the house isnt going as planned these things happen  sometimes  it seems  as if things  are out of  our hands and there isnt much you can do exept wait and see what happens.my son enjoyed his day out with me ,we went to aplace called tatton park,there was allsorts going on including a dog show ferrat raceing   birds of prey  and a lot more even the weather was good on the Sunday went  out with my daughter and her partner.i start my exersise class tomorrow at  a local centre  its for six week twice a week dont know what happens when the six weeks  have past.we have had a bit of rain this week but have still managed to take george out, wont see him after Monday for a couple of week as his owners are going on holiday he is going to stay  with friends till they get back. have a nice weekend  hope you hear better news about the house regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you enjoying the return of the lovely sunshine.  How did the exercise class go?

I went for a lovely walk today as too nice to just sit in the garden.  Left home at 9.30 to go to the gym first and then did not get back till 3pm so a late lunch!!

Went to the cinema with my daughter and family on Sunday morning followed by lunch and then they all came back to mine so the boys could play in the garden. 

Will visit my Mum tomorrow and then getting my hair cut.  Have a mammogram booked for Wednesday after work so will be glad to get that done and dusted.

Cannot believe it is only three weeks to my holiday and am feeling a bit anxious now it is drawing near but  on the other hand looking forward to going back to revisit old haunts though no doubt will see them through  very different eyes after 42 yrs!!

Take care and have a pleasant week.  Jules

P.S. a couple of recent pictures from the bird feeders

Hi Jules ,lovely photo of the birds in your garden,i only get the run of the mill ones but its nice to watch them.my exercise class went well there was 16 of us all together all with differant lung problems, we had a talk as well after it was finished we had coffee or tea, they gave us a sheet to take home  with exercises to do at home.glad you had a nice time with your daughter and granchildren, how is your daughter doing with the house?,its surpposed to be a ni e weekend but it has forecast heavy rain here Saturday.will open the curtains saturday and take it from there lol. I had a mammogram a couple of month ago everything was ok.where did you say you were going on holiday ?im sure it will have changed after all those years places  change so much and not always for the better . dont know what i am doing over the weekend would like to go out somewhere with the weather being nice. hope you have a lovely weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

So pleased that your exercise class went well and that it is quite a social get together too.  Always think it helps to chat with people who understand the symptoms that you are experiencing.  Hope that the 'at home' exercises help too.

Has been a hectic week but for all the right reasons.  On Monday my daughter and son in law found out that all the legalities to do with the property had  been ironed out and they exchanged on Tuesday and completed yesterday so  now have the keys to their first family home.  As you can imagine everyone involved is on cloud nine (just wish hubby was here to share the moment!!). Their main moving day is Tuesday and I am going up with them to keep an eye on the boys (or take them out weather permitting) whist the removal firm do their bit and then will catch the train/buses home in the evening as have to go to work on Wednesday.

Had a couple of short showers this morning but walked to the gym and back in the dry and have mowed the lawn (started this yesterday but mower blew up so had to wait for new one (ordered  yesterday which came this morning)  15 mins after it was dropped off I was finishing the job so very happy.  Had lunch outside before moved back in out of the heat of the day.  Lovely breeze now so may venture out again for an hour or so with my  book. 

Am babysitting tonight as my daughter and son in law are having a social evening with their friends before the move.  Will stay overnight and then tomorrow nip home to get read for my grand-daughter's 1st birthday party in my son's garden weather permitting (moved indoors if it rains!!) during the afternoon. Tuesday up to Milton Keynes early to await removal van.

On Wednesday after work I have my sister in law coming for the night en route to her German break and she will stay overnight on her way back before catching the ferry back to Isle  of Man.  I may then be able to draw breath before going away on holiday (Jersey) for a week. Am still waiting to hear when my bathroom can be started but looks as though it will be after my holiday now.

Hope you have a pleasant weeekend. Take care.  Jules x

HiJules, glad every thing got sorted with the house, there is nothing nicer than haveing your own place, sounds like you have had a hetic few days with family and friends, its nice to get out and about  and be in good company. I went out sunday with my daughter and her partner we went to a place called Martin Mere, its a nature reserve, full of ducks some i had never seen before, it was a lovely day  day we hired a canoe for a hour i sat in the middle  they did the paddling they kept bumping into the bank which was quite funny.there was a big lake there where they had hides you could go in to  to watch the birds on the lake.it was quite a contrast on Monday i spent the day on my own so felt  a bit down with no one to talk  , i havnt seen my son  since saturday.i am at my exercise class later on  it will be nice to have a natter  while keeping fit at the same time,i am missing taking george out ,he is back next week so can start  his walks again.what date is your holiday?  i am away 1st July still abit apprehensive about it  enjoy your week regards Syl x

HiJules, glad every thing got sorted with the house, there is nothing nicer than haveing your own place, sounds like you have had a hetic few days with family and friends, its nice to get out and about  and be in good company. I went out sunday with my daughter and her partner we went to a place called Martin Mere, its a nature reserve, full of ducks some i had never seen before, it was a lovely day  day we hired a canoe for a hour i sat in the middle  they did the paddling they kept bumping into the bank which was quite funny.there was a big lake there where they had hides you could go in to  to watch the birds on the lake.it was quite a contrast on Monday i spent the day on my own so felt  a bit down with no one to talk  , i havnt seen my son  since saturday.i am at my exercise class later on  it will be nice to have a natter  while keeping fit at the same time,i am missing taking george out ,he is back next week so can start  his walks again.what date is your holiday?  i am away 1st July still abit apprehensive about it  enjoy your week regards Syl x

Hi Jules, i to like nature reserves and the countryside  its nice to walk  and it does you good as well.i have never been to the isle of man i here it is very nice ,must be a lovely place to live how is the house move progressing for your daughter  the family must be looking forward to the move  now things are a bit more settled. I am sure you will enjoy your holliday  how are you getting there , is it a coach trip with others or on your own?what ever it is iam sure you will soon make friends,i have been to my daughters today for my Sunday dinner then we went for a walk in aplace called Sankey Valley Park, which is next to where my daughter lives, we saw baby ducks and baby swans on the canal it was lovely. I havnt seen my son all week end as he is in Manchester with his partner, im a bit  worried as he is working in London all week in Whitehall  of all places ,my daughter and her partner are there at the weekend as well so both my kids  are there fof the weekend  its a bit of a worry will be on pins till there home on Sunday  have a nice week regards Syl x

Hi Syl

I have not been to the Isle of Man either though my parents visited years ago and enjoyed it.  My sister in law stayed with me on Monday evening and was due to get the ferry home on Tuesday night but because of the bad weather ended up having to book a B&B in Liverpool and hopefully will have made it home today. Certainly enjoyed our catch up chat and did not go to bed till the early hours so just as well I do not go to work on a Tuesday ha ha.  She is hoping to come over again later this year so will probably catch up again then.

Last Saturday was lovely so I did my usual walking (5 miles in the end) and also visited the garden centre as needed to top up my hedgehog food supplies.  Stopped for a coffee in the cafe before walking back home.  On Sunday I went to the gym and Farmers' Market before coming back and pottering around pus usual chores.

On Monday I met up with a friend for a cuppa and catch up which was lovely and she then mentioned she was going to the cinema on Tuesday afternoon and would I like to come along.  So I visited Mum in the morning and then met her at the cinema and we both really enjoyed watching 'Lion' which is based on a true story.  Quite emotional but very well filmed/acted.

Hope all goes well with your children's trips to London.  My daughter and son in law are at the 02 next Monday but as I will be on holiday I wont know how they enjoyed themselves until I get home.  As they say life must go on.

Last day at work tomorrow and then away on Saturday so fingers crossed it will run smoothly and I have made the right decision to take the plunge so to speak. Would  be nice to get decent weather but will try and make the most of this time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Hope your exercise classes are going well and you are enjoying the company too.  With George back hope the weather allows walkies to resume.  Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, thought i would send you a quick e mail before you go on holiday, sound as if you had a nice time with your friend at the cinema its nice when you have someone  to go with,i am still enjoying the gym we have a laugh  while doing the exercise  at the end we have a talk and coffee or tea. I took george out for the first time today  he was pleased to be going out i think he missed going out more than he missed me , my back was acheing by the time i got back the kids are in London at the week end so i am at my daughters over the week end seeing to the bunny rabbit, at least it will give me something to do there not back till Sunday, i am going out for dinner Sunday with my sister  so at least i will have  some company for a few hours.any way have a lovely holiday i am sure you will  let me know all about it when you get back regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Well I am back in one piece and overall the holiday went well.  Good hotel and weather and plenty of lovely coastal walks. Did an Island coach trip for a day and then bought a three day travel bus card which proved very worthwhile.  Service was good and regular and had some lovely days out.  Evenings were manageable and after a meal and a drink in the bar I usually went to my room to watch tv or read as the hotel was pretty quiet. 

Lovely to come back to more good weather (though keeping inside out of the hot sun at the moment).Spent yesterday with my son and family and have mowed my lawn and done all the shopping and washing so routine back on track.  Will visit my Mum tomorrow and have plans to visit my daughter on Friday now that they are settling in.

Hope all is good with you and that your children enjoyed their London weekend.  I hope to get up there again in a few weeks as there are a couple of museums I wish to visit. Hope you had a good meal with your sister and that George is glad to have his walking pal back.  Will chat soon, take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you had a nice holiday and you enjoyed going out and about its nice to explore new places plus the weather was nice which is always a bonus, trouble is we all have to come back to reality when its over .my  kids enjoyed London  and the weather was good to them as well  i allso had a nice meal witth my sister and her partner on the Sunday we went to a pub called the Wallton Arms for a roast. i havnt had george out much since he came back from his holls these last few days have been really hot, to hot to take him out if it cools down  later in the week  i will start taking him out again. what i am going to tell you now you wont believe my washer broke to get at it i have to move my cooker and fridge my son moved them, when he moved the fridge  what was under it MY PHONE,dont ask me how it got there as i have no idea  its a mistery i didnt know weather to laugh or cry, and it was found on Fathers day .we went to Telford to the iron bridge where we put hubbys ashes we took flowers and put them  under the bridge it was a lovely day sad but happy  memories  .enjoy you week regards Syl x

Hi Jules, you havnt replied to my last e mail is every thing ok  i am taking george out again the weather has cooled down a bit now, even though itis quite warm today i am away on Saturday for a week with my friend we are going on a coach to Bournemouth, i am still not sure about  the holiday it will feel so strange  not being with my hubby but it is something i will have to get used to it.  hope to hear off you before i go away regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Sorry for the late replies but has been a pretty busy week and have been making the most of the weather and spending time catching up with friends and family since my return from holiday.

Like you I was very apprehensive before my holiday but once away made the most of the time to enjoy my surroundings and relax. Of course very different from when hubby was alive but then everydayy is now a different way of life to what had been expected.  You will have the company of your friend so someone to talk to and share the experience with but will able to have the sanctuary of your own room if needed.  Bournemouth has plenty going on and I hope the weather will be kind to you.  Looks as though the next few days is going to see some rain so hope it moves away.  Still the temperatures should be more to your liking as that little bit cooler again. I hope you can enjoy the change of scene and look forward to hearing about it upon your return.

Fancy finding your phone and once over the surprise and the upheavel of having to sort out your broken washer at least now you have it back along with the memories stored on it.

After visiting Mum last Tuesday  which she slept the whole way through bless her, I went tothe gym and then caught up with an old friend for the afternoon; it was very pleasant sitting out in the garden for a few hours.  Work took up the next two days and then on Friday I travelled to see my daughter and family and stayed till Saturday evening.  They are slowly settling in to their new home and finding their way around. My eldested grandson has settled down well at his new school and is already building a new friends network.  The younger lad only has a couple of afternoons at preschool as against five when here but it will increase in September which will do him good.  On Sunday I did my usual walks, the gym and then set about catching up in the garden so it looks a bit tidier now and all the dead heading is complete.

I have just booked a theatre trip in August for myself and my friend.  It has been a good few years since I went and am looking forward to it.  I have also booked my next break though it is not until next April so hope that will give me something to aim for.  In theory I am away again at the end of October when my daughter and family and myself are having a long weekend away possibly at her father in laws.  Will be nice to have a break before the end of the year onslaught at work.

So back today and once again back to visit Mum. They have now involved OT with her care so that she has a more structured physical assistance so will see how that goes. She has been eating and drinking well still. Will need to take my brolly by the sound of it but at least all my gardening chores and the washing is up to date before the rain arrives.  Still feels warm this morning so will be a bind having to wear a rain jacket but the garden certainly needs a good watering though the weeds and flowers seems to be blooming despite the lack of it over the past couple of weeks.

Well better give your eyes a rest and get on with the day. Take care and have a good break.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad your ok i was begining  to get a bit worried  i  went to my last exercise class  tuesday i shall miss going it gave me something to look forward to but they are going  to find me  something i can do in my area  but i will have to wait  till  a few week. It sounds as if  you have been busy  with family and friends  and booking  holidays for the future which is nice, i will admit i had a cry this morning  taking things out of the wardrobe that i am taking away with me will have to try and enjoy  the holiday as best as i can   i would hate to ruin it for my friend . At least its a change from every day things  we normally do   will speak to you when i get back take care and have a nice week end regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Just wanted to wish you all the very best for your holiday next week.  I know it will be different but having a friend along will, I am sure, make the break a little easier.  I am sure your friend will understand if you need a bit of space.  I must admit I was anxious going away without family but treated each day like a 'day trip' and came out the other side feeling I had accomplished something. Mind you it was extremely strange packing for myself as hubby always did it (being a seasoned business traveller he always did it so well!).  Holidays will always be different   now but found a change of scene was quite helpful. I will look forward to hearing about it upon your return.

It's a shame that your current exercise class has finished but hopefully something will crop up in your local area soon which you can enjoy just as much.  Our local library lists all sorts of activities ( a lot of which are free) and I am thinking of looking at day or evening class if I can find something I am interested in.  Will just improve my social life a bit more and give me a chance at making new friends maybe.

Take care and sending hugs.  Jules xx