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 Jules, glad you managed to see your son and family for a few hours and even do a bit of gardening the weather here has been awful  lots of rain ,haven't had George out much this week.the engagement party went well it was nice to toast the happy couple, my daughter stayed over at mine , on the Sunday my son joined us for lunch at a nice pub called the Swan.have been  out a few times this week it was my friendship group Monday we had a talk about our local area which was quite interesting,then on the Wednesday I went to Bury market it is a famous market in the north went on a coach with my friend who is off work on a week's holiday ,it's quite big we had a good walk round but the only think I bought was some black pudding for my son I have never had it ,I don't even like the look of it never mind trying it .been out today  on the local bus with my friend we went over the new Runcorn Widnes bridge you have probably seen it on the news it has only just. been built there has been a lot of  trouble over it being tolled but it's a lovely bridge if you can call a bridge  Lovely, have felt ok this week hope it continues think I am at my daughter's Sunday  for dinner ,have a nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Sounds as though you had a lovely week and having good company is often all it takes to lift the spirits a bit. Keeping busy indoors is not always as easy and it's when you are  on your own that we can dwell on things. On the whole I have got a pretty steady by moveable routine and still doing a bit of part time work helps my week have a bit of structure (as much as it would be nice not to have to do it!!). My weekend was totally different to what I had in mind (was planning lots of walking as usual).  Something I ordered and needed to be at home for  was scheduled for Saturday so thought it best I stay in.  Annoying because it was a beautifully sunny and crisp day. I potteredin the garden and refilled all the bird feeders yet again and definitely knew it was chilly (had to break ice on bird bath!!) when the parakeets actually came to feed as they usually just fly overhead.  In the end the parcel did not come until late afternoon so the day was pretty much written off.

On the Friday evening I went to a local Christmas shopping event in aid of charity which had been organised by one of the instructors at the gym.  It was held in the local church hall and just a 15mins walk so got there about 7.30 and stayed an hour. Picked up a couple of bits to add to decorating the lounge next month.  Thankfully my actual gift buying is all done and ready for the festivities as wont feel like shopping once the shops are busy.

Went to the gym yesterday at 9am and came out to find a text from a gym friend wondering if I fancied a trip into Windsor so instead of walking on my own she picked me up and we spent a lovely three hours enjoying a catch up and lunch.  I love a spur of the moment change of plans.

Have got up this morning to heavy rain so am catching up on my mail and then will pop to domy supermarket shop.  Not exactly exciting but need some fresh food as did not shop over the weekend. Tomorrow I will pay my usual visit to see Mum.  So sad to see her fading and nothing to be done,  Always a difficult time as somewhat of a reminder of watching hubby though at 91 she has lived a long troubled life with her bi polar illness.She no longer talks but I usually bring her up to date with family news  if she is awake or just sit beside her with a book. Afterwards I am meeting a friend for lunch and will probably then go to the gym as find this a great de-stresser.

Hope you have another pleasant week and hopefully some better weather so you can take George for a walk or two.  Take care and here is a picture of that visiting parakeet. Jules xx

Hi Jules, what a lovely picture of the parakeet it must be nice to see them flying free  I have only seen them in zoos.my friend back in work now ,so havnt been out as much this week,it sounds as if you have been busy this week it must  be  good to be  out and about with friends even if things change at the last minute,I have been to Windsor a long time a go it's a lovely place my mum and dad in law used to live in Maidenhead ,also twyford  so we were  there quite a lot visiting them.I too have bought most of my Xmas gifts for my  family, I have just bought them a few things to open on the day , but I will put money in there cards so they can  buy what they won't  . Sorry your mum isn't to good at the moment it's hard to watch  someone we love suffer I know a few people who suffer with bipolar and they have a hard time if they don't get the medicine right.the weather cold here at the moment but dry ,so have been out with George a few times this week which is nice,I'm at swimming aerobics tomorrow then at dinner time a few of us are going to a local pub for a meal  so am looking  forward  to it. enjoy your weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you are having a pleasant weekend.  For once I have been pretty quiet socially and it seems a little strange.  Did haveour work Christmas meal on Friday which was held at a Beefeater and was very good indeed both in the service (there were 15 of us) and food quality. Always nice to be able to chat socially and leave work out of it too.  One of my colleagues also gave a couple of us a lift there and back which was a bonus.

Stayed in all day yesterday as been having issues with leg/hip and decided to take it easy plus I did not really need to go out to the shops.  However by early evening I wished I had been out!! This morning I headed to the gym and then managed to walk the couple of miles to the garden centre to pick up some bird supplies to last through to the New Year.  Stopped for a cuppa and toasted tea cake before hopping on the bus for the return journey.  Damp and miserable start here today but hope it clears later as we are due a 'super moon' tonight and would love to try to capture a shot or two.

The parakeets have been 'wild' in London and suburbs for a good few years now  (many call them pests) and have seen many tourists feeding them in the royal parks.  Not that common in my garden but think the colder weather sent them in for easy pickings ha ha.  Milder again today but the sparrows and goldfinches seem to be eating well so maybe they know more chilly weather en route.

Have a good week and take care.  Jules xx

Hi Jules I to haven't  done much this week just my normal exercise class and my swimming aerobics it was my last aerobics class now till  January, my friendship group are having a meal in our local pub on Monday it's called a pensioners  party we have a raffle and a game of bingo as well as a artist it's really good we have a 3 course meal all for 10 pound.  I went for a c t scan wednesday on my stomach it has been ok since I went on the tablets for anxiety so I think it was that, have got to ring my doctor in about 10 days for the results.haven't got anything planned for the weekend my son and his partner are  going to Paris  for the weekend he has arranged a romantic trip on the Rhine  with champagne and a meal the kids are staying with grandparents so it just them too.I think the weather is supposed to be bad at the weekend they have forecast snow  here I could do with some boots  for the snowy weather might treat my self to some at the weekend  stay warm regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope  you managed to get some boots if, like me, you had snow fall. Were you still able to get out for your planned pensioners party? Hope your son's romantic weekend away was not badly affected as I know some airports had delays/cancellations but I am sure they enjoyed being childfree for some special time together.

I woke up to it yesterday morning and it kept going for a while. I also woke up to problems with the flush on the toilet so thought it was an omen of a difficult day!!  My daughter and family had to cancel their planned popping down to see friends and me pre-Christmas but was lovely to see the boys having such fun in their own garden (via WhatsApp and Facebook).  When my son phoned I told him about the toilet and that I would call the plumber in (today) but he said he would pop over and have a look for me.  An hour later he arrived with toolbox bless him.  He stayed around an hour for a coffee and chat and fixed the fault in all of ten minutes (and showed me how to do it next time).  It was good to have the company for a bit as I did not venture any further than the garden to keep the birds fed and watered.

Today most of our snow has been washed away with sleety rain in its place and a bit chilly. I got my wellingtons on and went to the gym and shops as did not want to be stuck indoors two days running.

Glad the tablets for your anxiety are helping and fingers crossed that the results from the scan will give no cause for concern especially as the symptoms seem to have cleared up. 

Stay safe and cosy.  Jules x

Hi Jules , I did manage to get some boots they are full of fur not real fur I hasten to had they keep my feet nice and warm  ,also the pensioners party  was very nice didn't win on the bingo, glad your son fixed your toilet  and it wasn't a big job.the weather was quite bad in places,it wasn't to bad here but it was very cold ,I was watching the news  with  everybody enjoying  the snow especially the kids building snow men and sliding down the  slopes   it's all vanished now as the rain has started now.I haven't had my results back from the doctors yet will ring them towards the end of the week. all my activities have stopped now till early January so am at a bit of a loose end till then ,might be going out for dinner Sunday with the kids my son enjoyed Paris they were delayed going  because of the weather at Manchester but it wasn't a long delay it didn't put them off enjoying the weekend . Have a nice  weekend's regards syl x

Hi Syl

Your boots sound just the job for the winter weather.  No snow left here now and has been raining much of today.  Had a good weekend with my friends and won 3rd prize in the raffle at the Golf Club meet and greet today (did not know I was going until this morning when they mentioned it). We bought tickets on arrival and the draw was made.  Lovely Christmas hamper so will be able to share this with family.  It was fun trying to get everything into my small suitcase and backback ready for the train trip home but managed just fine.

Fingers crossed it will be good news when you hear back from the GP about your results and you can enjoy the Christmas period without things playing on your mind too much.  I have to fit in a visit to Mum, my two work shifts and will spend a little time at hubby's resting place before going up to be with the family.  Such mixed emotions.

Take care.  Jules x 

Hi Jules didn't won't to reply too you till I had been to see my GP  everything ok  just a bit of scaring on my kidneys which could have happened over the years  with bladder infections,it was a relief but now I can have a nice Xmas with my family,glad you won the hamper all them goodies to share with you family, I know how you feel about mixed emotions it's my hubbies  birthday 2 days after Xmas I will buy a nice bunch of flowers put them in a vase with his photo ,I also go to the crem Xmas day to put flowers on my parents plot as well as putting flowers in a vase for hubbies parents,I am staying at my daughters Xmas eve  Will come back  Xmas day early to let the cat in then  spend the day with her and  her partner ,then out boxing day with  all the family to a country pub for a meal . Have a lovely Xmas with your family  speak to you soon regards syl  x

Hi Syl,

Delighted to read that your results were fine and that you can now enjoy Christmas with your daughter and other members of the family on Boxing Day, letting the country pub take the strain mealwise.  I am just waiting for my son in law to pick me up and will be back Boxing night as have work the next day.

Visited Mum and left her gift with the staff ready for Christmas Day 'Santa' rounds and also left flowers at hubby's place of rest. Will go again on anniversary of his passing on 3rd January.

Now looking forward to enjoying the festive break with family and friends.  The family has always loved this time of year and my hubby did too.  So grateful we have good times to remember and now plan on making new memories  to continue the journey just as he would have wished for us all.

Take care Syl and wish you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas and 2018.  Jules xx

Hi Syl,

Delighted to read that your results were fine and that you can now enjoy Christmas with your daughter and other members of the family on Boxing Day, letting the country pub take the strain mealwise.  I am just waiting for my son in law to pick me up and will be back Boxing night as have work the next day.

Visited Mum and left her gift with the staff ready for Christmas Day 'Santa' rounds and also left flowers at hubby's place of rest. Will go again on anniversary of his passing on 3rd January.

Now looking forward to enjoying the festive break with family and friends.  The family has always loved this time of year and my hubby did too.  So grateful we have good times to remember and now plan on making new memories  to continue the journey just as he would have wished for us all.

Take care Syl and wish you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas and 2018.  Jules xx

Hi J Jules ,had a nice christmas with my daughter  and her partner the dinner was lovely  glad she takes after my mother in law and not me for cooking I'm not that good at cooking.we met up with my son for boxing day there was 8 of us all together which was nice.have been out this morning to do a bit of shopping it has been snowing here during the night the roads were quite bad don't think they gritted the roads ,I'm in for the day now ,just lazing about and watching TV. I know it's a sad time of year for  a lot of people who have lost loved ones I had a cry yesterday as it was hubbies birthday I kept wondering what we would have done if he had been here.I'm at my daughter's again tomorrow she is doing a buffet am looking forward  to that,New year's eve will but a little buffet up for my self have a few drinks and watch the  telly till midnight then off to bed I prefer to be on my own even though the kids and my sister would like me to be with them  I like being on my own  I can reminisce about  things  and remember the good times. just going to put the kettle on to make a coffee have a good new years eve hope you and  your family have a good and peaceful new  year  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Pleased you enjoyed your Christmas.  I too had a nice time with the family and lots of fun playing board games with my grandsons.  Was the first time my sister in law had joined us for the festivities since hubby died so a milestone for her too.  My son bought me home Boxing night as I had work the next day and am slowing getting back to normal routine.  Back to the gym yesterday and will go again this morning before popping into town as my electric kettle packed up last night and no fun heating the water on the hob every time I fancy a cuppa!

It's pouring with rain here just now so doubt I will go for a long walk and really am missing them. No snow for us over the Christmas and has now warmed up quite a bit so only need fire on low for a couple of hours.One minute it's layers on and then off again; wish it would make it's mind up what season we are in ha ha.

Usual quiet New Year and like you will spend it watching the tv or a film.  I am very often up until midnight anyway so no change there! Probably visit Mum New Year'sDay if no change.  There has been a lot of colds and sickness bugs around at work so have kept my distance as do not want to carry anything into the vulnerable residents.

Wishing you a peaceful New Year and 2018.  Take care. Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad you had a nice Xmas and new year ,I also had  a nice Xmas with the family ,I saw new year in on my own which is what I wanted I had a little buffet a couple of drinks. I finished off with  a Irish coffee me and hubby  bought them every year there very Moorish went to bed  after watching the fireworks in London on the T V . I'm glad everything back to normal now , I wonder what 2018 will bring maybe it's best  we don't know.went my exercise class Tuesday there was only 10 of us there normally there is 20 or30 think everyone must still getting over the festive season ,I didn't even go to my swimming aerobics class on the Tuesday night it was raining  and I couldn't. be bothered getting ready. the weather here has been awful as well nothing but rain  sometimes it doesn't even get  light properly puts years on you ,let's hope it changes in a couple of week.have a nice weekend  I haven't anything planned  as far as I know regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

I have just returned from a weekend with my daughter and family.  A spot of child minding on Friday evening so they could have a meal out in peace.  Then on Saturday all day mum/daughter shopping trip which was lovely.  This morning we all stood on the sidelines as my eldest grandson had rugby training......plenty of clothing layers required as was freezing.  Great to see him getting into sport and we had a quick cafe lunch before they dropped me at the station for trip home.  Am now comfy by the fire ready for an evening of relaxing tv.Hope you had a pleasant weekend and hope the weather is kinder to  you this coming week. Take care.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad you had a nice weekend with your daughter and grandchildren and you had a  nice shopping trip as well ,the weather here has not been to bad have managed to take George out  every day this week,started my swimming aerobics today not managed to start my Tuesday night one yet, I get watching the T V and I don't feel like moving maybe will start again when the weather warms up a bit. my friendship group starts  again on Monday it seems ages since I was there,it's something to look forward to again,  I think I'm getting a cold I've been sneezing all morning I have bought some  paracetamol tablets  and lozenges for my throat hope I can shake it off  before Monday.have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

It takes a while to get back into routine after the festive break but am more or less back on track now as have returned to my walking and gym sessions. Glad you and George have benefitted from dryer days.  Think the dark evenings put me off doing much once I am indoors.Roll on Spring and then I can spend more time in the garden.  Mind you I already have daffs in bud!!

Not much planned for this weekend as the electrician is supposed to be popping in tomorrow morning as am hoping to get the first floor re-wiring arranged.   I am meeting a friend for a curry night on Sunday so looking foward to that.

Have a peaceful weekend. Jules

Hi Jules, haven't done much my self this week I ended up with a heavy cold dosed my self up with cold remedies and cough  sweets, managed to go swimming which was ok ,also went my exercise class but my heart wasn't in it.feel a lot better now just in time for my first friendship group on Monday, we had a auction of our unwanted Xmas presents we made 20 pound for the kitty. the weather is still cold at the moment and we have had quite a bit of rain as well. roll on spring  at least the night's are coming a bit lighter now, hope you enjoy your curry,I don't mind a nice curry as long as it's not to hot .I'm at the cream tomorrow with my sister as it's my dad's birthday  so will put flowers  in his plot  then we will go for a coffee in the pub near by. haven't got anything planned for the weekend have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Do hope the recovery from your nasty cold was quick.  Always think the cough is worse especially at night. You did well to still go swimming and to enjoy your first friendship group.  What  a lovely idea to re-cycle any unwanted gifts and make a little money too.

I really did enjoy my curry (medium spicy) and was a lovely evening out for a change.  Quite a busy week with visit to Mum, three times at gym (they are only 30min sessions!!) plus work days.  Today as it was so nice I packed my camera and after the gym went into London for the day.  Got home around 6.45 a little foot weary (over 23,000 steps!!) but according to the weather forecast I chose the right day.  No plans for the weekend as it looks 'wet'  but will still need to do my weekly shop.

Take care of yourself.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, thought I would e mail you before I go to my friends at 12 0 clock my cold has almost cleared up now I suffer with tinnitus I wear earing aids to mask it but every time I have a cold it goes worse so I can hear the buzzing even my hearing aid dosnt  mask it so it drives me mad.sounds as if your  really fit with all the gym work outs and walking your doing ,glad you enjoyed your curry night ,I like a nice curry like you I don't like it to hot.having done much this week only had George out twice this week as we have had quite a lot of rain again,went out with my daughter Sunday for dinner it was very nice,she has fallen out with her partner ,I don't think they will stay together as there always falling out they were supposed to be going LAS Vegas for her 40th birthday in March I'm not sure if that will happen now. just going to make a sandwich before I go to my friends  have a nice weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Glad your cold is clearing up and know from my Mum's experience with tinnitus how annoying it must be when aggrevated by cold symptons.

Weather has been really up and down this past week and whilst today started dry and bright it soon clouded over. I did manage a 2mile walk to the garden centre this morning to stock up on bird food but caught the bus back as it began to rain and too windy to hold up a brolly.

I had a meal out with friends on Thursday evening which was lovely. 

My gym work is not high impact; just a 30 minute circuit at a ladies only gym and  I am lucky it is within 15mins walk.Helps keep me toned and something I only took up after hubby died to increase some social contact but I do enjoy it and apart from walking do not really do a lot of other excercise, though there is a fair amount of 'sensible' lifting when I am at work.  It helps with the arthritis if I keep active but will be much happier when the weather improves.

No real plans for the rest of the weekend other than taking part in the RSPB Big birdwatch count and going to the supermarket at some point.  Hoping to have some work done on the house in the Spring so trying to use the intervening weeks to have another 'paperwork' clearout which will lead to me being able to finally get rid of an old filing cabinet which has lived in the hall for very many years.

Hope you had a nice time with your friend.   I am now going to catch up with the final of the Austrailian Open Tennis highlights as looks as though the rain has settled in here.

Take care.  Jules xx