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

It must be very frustrating still having to cope with your ear problem.  As my Mum had tinnitus for many years I have some understanding of it'slong term effects.  Unfortunately no cure for it but they only ever offered 'masking noise' as a solution.  Like you she just used to say 'will have to learn to live with it' and there was always background noise (usually the radio) whever she was  (she used ear phones a lot to listen to music too).  Nowadays she does not mention it but then she rarely talks and in old age became a little deaf too.

Yes, it was lovely catching up with my daughter and family and we enjoyed a nice pub meal out too.  I will see them again in mid March as they have invited me to visit for Mothers' Day.  My son and family are also going so will give me a lift so looking forward to having a date in the diary.  Today is full of the lovely memories ofmy son and daughter in law's wedding (their 1st anniversary today though they have  been together  9 years!!).

Lovely sunny weather this morning so am trying to decide where to go later. A nearby town centre is having Chinese New Year displays this afternoon so may go take a wander.  As I am having some work done in the house over the coming weeks I need to find things to keep me occupied  and then I can escape from the noise ha ha.  Will be relieved when it is finished (as no doubt will my neighbours!!).

Enjoy the celebratory Chinese Meal with your sister on Monday. Take care. Jules  x

Hi Jules, glad you enjoyed time with the family ,and spending  mothers day with them as well, I am going out with my son his partner and children mothers day as my daughter is in Law Vegas will  have to give her her birthday card so she can open it on her 40th which happens to be mothers day as well.I am at spec savers Monday with my ear she wants to know how my ear is no better I'm afraid think she is going to let my doctor know so will see what happens next,also at the doctors Tuesday  to have a check up  on.my COPD.which isn't to bad at the moment touch wood , I enjoyed my meal with my sister niece and her daughter I can't believe she is 16  in May time flies dosnt it ?. The weather hasn't been to bad this week supposed to be going very cold again next week have took George out every day  up to now which is good  for we both get a bit of exercise lol. I am going to the cream tomorrow to put some flowers in a vase as hubby been dead 2 yrs  I also but a verse in the remembrance book  so will have a look at that as well,I'm sure it will be a sad day remembering what might have been,having got any plans for the weekend it's supposed to be dry hopefully might do something with my daughter have a nice  weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope  you  have had a pleasant weekend though no doubt some mixed emotions whilst visiting the crem. Sometimes the time passes in a blur and at others can seem just like yesterday.  Thankfully I feel we both have some wonderful memories to hang on to.

 Beautiful weather here so have been out walking this morning and even found a sheltered spot to enjoy the sunshine for a while.  Warmed up with the coffee overlooking this scenery so no complaints

Hope your appointments this week bring some positive news for you and that the proposed wintery weather does not hang about too long.  I am sure both you and George would miss your walks.  If the snow does reach here I will have to dig our the wellington boots to visit my Mum on Tuesday!!

Stay cosy and take care.  Jules

Hi Jules,what a lovely place to sit and have a coffee I have been to the cream again today as it's my mum's birthday  should have gone with my sister ,but she wouldn't go as it was too cold,so called at hers on the way back for a coffee.haven't had George out this week as the weather is so cold the wind goes right  threw you,have been to my swimming aerobics this morning the water was nice and warm ,but it's freezing when you get out ,my son is in London for three days even the capitol has had  quite a lot of snow. I'm feeding the birds more often as well as it's so cold. at least we're not as bad as some places in the UK.don't know what I'm doing at the weekend nothing planned at the moment,hope it warms up a bit stay warm  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Yes, last week was definitely chilly and the wind biting.  Had about two inches of snow here but it thawed late afternoon yesterday.  No water upstairs for 36hrs when the temperatures plummeted but still had running water in the kitchen so no  real hassle.  Tubes ran so got to work okay but no long walks undertaken...  really miss them as dislike being indoors all day.  In the end the only day I did not go out was Friday as very icy and did not want to take unnecessary risks.  My neighbour even popped in to see if I was okay bless her. She offered use of their bathroom facilities if needs be but it was manageable for the short time.

Was back up the gym yesterday and did a top up shop before getting back in the warm and preparing some meals for the coming week. It is definitely warmer today and will be off out shortly and wont need so many layers!! 

Like you have been upping the amount of bird feed (they had been emptying the feeders very quickly) and constantly de-icing the bird bath so they have fresh water....needed a hammer to break the slab of ice free ha ha (the piles of ice are now thawing. I do not usually ground feed but made an exception and  made a dish of rice,grated nuts, cheese topped with suet nibbles and dried mealworms.Not much left now and I will clear away leftovers this morning. The squirrel ran off with the fat ball that I included but missed the photo opportunity.  Blackbirds were very happy!!

Stay safe and cosy and hopefully Spring will be on it's way soon. Jules

What a lovely photo  of the black bird I have a few that come into my garden,  there is one at the moment that is  going round all the cars sitting on the wing mirror and pecking at it  ,everyone has had to cover  there mirrors up,I have never none that before,  when I looked it up the black bird  sees its self as a rival.  Havnt been out much this week the weather has warmed up a bit managed to take george out this week but when I opened the sustainable morning it was snowing, we can't seem to win at the moment with the weather ,  at least we don't get  it as bad as some .my daughter down later dropping the bunny off ready for her holiday  tomorrow she is quite exited as she loves her holidays,don't know wether they will do anything special on Sunday for her 40th. hope she remembers my mothers day card as it's the same day,I am going out with my son and his partner and the kids he has booked a country pub for our meal so it should be nice,hope you have a nice mothers day  I will go to the. crem  with flowers for my mum and will put  flowers in a vase for my mother in law as well like me and hubby used to do before my son picks me up for lunch have a nice weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you have had a good Mother's Day and that your daughter got off on her holiday okay. 

Weather here has been showery the last couple of days but much warmer and I have not even needed the fire on so much Spring must by round the corner at last.  Managed an hours gardening yesterday morning and it is lovely to be able to get outside especially whilst work continues on the bathroom.  All being well the tiler will be able to begin on Tuesday.

Spent a nice few hours with chidren/grandchildren today and have some lovely plants to enjoy both indoors and out and lovely handmade cards too. We also made plans to get together on Easter Monday for a pub meal out (hubby's birthday too) and weather permitting can go for a country walk afterwards.

Hope this week goes well for you. Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules ,hope you enjoyed mothers day with your family,I just went out with my son , has  his partners son wasn't well so there was just the to of us which was nice ,then he came back to mine for a cuppa.my daughter got off ok ,have heard off her  a few times they had a helicopter ride over law Vegas which was fabulous , they have been going g round in shorts as the weather is nice and warm, hope your tiling is going well  and yours jobs are nearly finished , Easter is nearly here again things soon come round ,hope the weather improves  it's my niece's birthday  on the 26 March  it's her 40 th birthday as well  when you have your meal with the family on hubbies birthday it will be good to celebrate the good times you had together, I am going to take George out in a bit ,then going my friends for coffee ,the weather forecast for the weekend isn't good here  supposed to be going cold again with frost maybe even snow .have a nice weekend will hopefully see my daughter on Saturday no doubt she will be glad to see the bunny more than me lol regards Sylvia x

Hi Syl

Yes. a lovely few hours spent with the family on Mother's Day and bought home a lovely azalea and a planter for the garden ready to set up to attract butterflies.  When the weather behaves itself will once more spend pleasurable hours in the garden.

Work on the bathroom continues and all the tiling is now done so this week the guys will be back to get new suite in.The tiler is due back this morning just to check flooring and clear away all his gear. Turns out both he and my plumber went to school with my daughter; what a small world!

A bit chilly here today and a light layer of snow so have been out and sorted the bird feeders and having bought a new ground feeder tray on Friday the robin and blackbird have been visiting the back doorstep regularly.  Once the tiler has called I will go for a walk and probably visit the Farmers'  and Artisan  Market which is just half hours walk away.

Hope your daughter enjoyed the rest of her holiday and that she is now happily reunited with her bunny and your pet sitting duties are done.

My daughter and the boys are popping down on 26 March for lunch (they break up earlier than round here) and then going to the eldest grandson's old school to say hi to his old mates/teachers.  He has just received a glowing report from his new school at parents' evening and so very proud of how he has adjusted in the last 10 months since they moved

My son and family are spending a long weekend in Wales with friends and the photos looked lovely yesterday (they were on the beach paddling in their wellingtons ha ha.  I have a feeling the scenery may be looking a little different today and may see photos on facebook later.

Stay safe and warm in you have the snow where you are.  Jules xx

Hi Jules , hope all your jobs are  nearly finished it can be very unsettling when  your  house is  getting repaired, when me and hubby bought our first  terraced house it didn't even have hot water, we had to do it all up from top to bottom we had to get professionals in for electrics  ,plastering,and plumbing but hubby did a lot of the other jobs as he was very handy he could turn his hand  to anything.yes my daughter is back she had a lovely time the weather was good as well  they even went  in the pool for a swim a couple of times, she came home full of a cold and deaf in one ear, I think it was the plane journey that caused it.it's my wedding anniversary today 21st we would have been married 48 yrs I wonder how we would have  celebrated it a nice meal somewhere probably, I bought a bunch of flowers but them in a vase with his photo.hope you have a nice time with. Your family on the 26 it's nice to catch up with them and enjoy a meal as well. Been to my friends today and took George out even the weather was kind for a change,I'm at my swimming aerobics tomorrow not been for a fortnight as the teacher has been on holiday,hope the water is nice and warm sometimes it can be  quite chilly ,have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Jules , hope all your jobs are  nearly finished it can be very unsettling when  your  house is  getting repaired, when me and hubby bought our first  terraced house it didn't even have hot water, we had to do it all up from top to bottom we had to get professionals in for electrics  ,plastering,and plumbing but hubby did a lot of the other jobs as he was very handy he could turn his hand  to anything.yes my daughter is back she had a lovely time the weather was good as well  they even went  in the pool for a swim a couple of times, she came home full of a cold and deaf in one ear, I think it was the plane journey that caused it.it's my wedding anniversary today 21st we would have been married 48 yrs I wonder how we would have  celebrated it a nice meal somewhere probably, I bought a bunch of flowers but them in a vase with his photo.hope you have a nice time with. Your family on the 26 it's nice to catch up with them and enjoy a meal as well. Been to my friends today and took George out even the weather was kind for a change,I'm at my swimming aerobics tomorrow not been for a fortnight as the teacher has been on holiday,hope the water is nice and warm sometimes it can be  quite chilly ,have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

My bathroom work is moving forward slowly and would have  been further along if not for the fact that the suppliers ordered wrong size basin (replacement awaited).  Shower has a thermostat issue so plumber awaiting replacement for that too. Still hoping that all will be finished before Easter weekend which will just about come within the 3 week plan. Very happy with how it is coming together but am tired of the dust ha ha.

Special memories I am sure on the day of  your wedding anniversary and a lovely way to commemorate it. My hubby's birthday on Easter Monday (would have been  67) and for the first time since his passing I will be out for lunch with the children and families (unless the snow returns!!).  I will pop up the crem and  leave a peace rose beneath his tree too.

Have spent most of this afternoon spring cleaning the spare room as am due to have a new bed in a couple of weeks and this will become  a nice guest room (well my son's  double bed as they are getting a new one).  If all goes to plan my sister in law will be it's first occupant when she comes to stay for a week in May.  At the moment it is being used for all the bit's for the bathroom but the guys doing the work keep everything clean and tidy when they leave each day.  They will be back as soon as the items arrive and then there will be just a little bit of finishing to do.

Dull here today but hopefully a bit more sun tomorrow when I hope to go walking after the gym.  Take care of yourself and hope the water was warm for your aerobic swim class.  Juless x

HiJules , hope things are progressing with your building work it's typical  that they get the sizes wrong,people don't seem to get things right these days. the water in the pool last week was  bloody freezing  same again this week as well, but at least it wakes you up .hope you have a nice meal with the family Easter Monday as well as remembering hubbies   birthday and leaving a  rose at the cream for him , I have been back to the doctors with my ear as I have lost some hearing in the ear with the tinnitus she seems to think  my sinuses are blocked from the cold I had  she has give me  a nasal spray to  use will see how I go on with it. don't know what I'm doing for Easter .nothing planned at the moment, the weather isn't that good  so the forecast says it's quite nice at the moment took George out  this afternoon for his daily walk . hope you have a nice Easter don't eat to many  chocolates  Regards Syl x

Hi Syl, sorry for slow reply but for some reason no notifications dropping into my e-mail box.  I am not a fan on swimming at the b est of times but a cold water dip definitely no fun!!  Perhaps they are trying you to exercise quicker brrrr.

Easter weather not been great so far but I went to the gym on Good Friday and yesterday.As I needed to get navy shoes/evening bag for mynext weekend away I spent yesterday up in London so was able to dodge the showers pretty well. Purchases made with the bonus being the bag was in a sale at Dune.  I rately buy named brand but this was too cheap to turn away from a bargain. Lunch in M&S cafe and also enjoyed some street entertainment. Today has dawned brighter so once I have been to the crem early I will go for a walk followed by the Farmer's Market.  They have an Easter Egg Hunt so expect it will be busy as usual. Donations are to the Limbless Association (something my Dad would have approved off as he lost a leg in WW2) so will go along,make my donation  and no doubt have lunch there too as everything freshly cooked and mainly locally sourced.

No chocolate for me today.  We decided as a family this year just to buy small one for the children.  As my grand-daughter does not have chocolate I have a yellow top to give her tomorrow when we all meet up.  Saw my daughter and the boys last Tuesday so gave their Easter gift to them to take home ready for today.  Both my daughter and son in law did DECHOCS for the BHF last month so donated to that cause instead of buying more chocolate to eat!

Pleased to say the bathroom is almost finished.  Decorator came in Good Friday and painted the ceiling and re-hung the door (with new tiling on the floor there was a little bit to take off the bottom). Everything else done and working.  Last bit to do will be the vanity unit doors which are on order and plumber will pop them in asap.......then I will get the bill ha ha.

Hope you have a peaceful Easter Day and that the nasal spray helps with your hearing.Must be very frustrating alongside the tinnitus.  Take care.  Jules

Hi Jules, it sounds as if you have had a very busy  few weeks   with your family hope you all had a nice Easter  ,my son came good Friday for hot x buns ,then I went my daughters for Sunday dinner which was very nice,on the Sunday  we went to a garden centre  it's quite a big centre  we had a good walk round then into the cafe for coffee and cake .I had to stop my nasal spray as I came out in a rash, back to the  doctors again , she has given me  some  tablets  in case I was allergic to the spray  I  have to go back in 2 weeks she might try them again or give me something  different to be honest Jules it doesn't seem as bad now  will have to see what happens  when I go back. been to my swimming aerobics this morning the water was nice and warm for a change none next week as the kids are off  came home then took George out, the sun shining here for now.when is your  weekend away ? don't know what I'm doing over the weekend havnt even looked at the weather  yet .have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

A quick reply as my first weekend away starts tomorrow.  Spending it in Oxford with friends at a hotel we have been to before so really looking forward to it.  Last shift at work today for 12 days is an added bonus haha.  The following weekend I have my coach trip to the Netherlands (based in Rotterdam but with planned visits to the bulbfields as well as clog makers and cheese factory).  It would be great if the sun shines like it has been here today but will pack waterproofs just in case.

Had a nice day with the family on Easter Monday and following a lovely pub lunch we spent a good couple of hours walking around part of the Rushmere Country Park.  Quite boggy underfoot but we all had our wellingtons and think my hubby would have appreciated having his birthday memories filled with the sound of childrens' laughter.  We had coffee at the cafe overlooking the main nesting area and the shot below made my day!!  Glad you were able to spend some time with your children too.

My daughter had her heart check up today and thankfully all is good and they do not need to see her for two years which is great news.

Well, best wish you a nice weekend and go and sort out my clothes ready for packing. Take care and hope the new tablets help.  At least there is an alternative to the nasal spray and your doctor is trying to keep on top of things for you.    Jules xx

Hi Jules ,lovely picture of the herons my sister is mad on herons  she has pictures of them hung up in the home as well as a necklace with on them on as well ,hope you had a nice e few days in Oxford  with your friends  ,and you enjoy your trip to the Netherlands  we went to Amsterdam  years ago as my son lived there  for two years  with his job  it's a lovely city. glad everything ok with your daughter it's a worry  when  they  have to have tests  for there health. I have still got my rash haven't took my allergy  tablets yet as I am trying to eliminate different things first I have even swooped  beds   in case it was my bed sheets ,but I'm still getting the rash ,everybody it puzzled as to what it can be, I'm going to start taking the tablets  to see if it disappears ,the weather here is dry at the moment  but it's quite cold  managed to take George out  I'm debating wether  to go my friends later ,not got anything planned for the  weekend ,might be going  out with my daughter at the weekend  it not sure yet .enjoy your stay in the Netherlands  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Got back from Rotterdam based holiday yesterday and it was a great tour with good weather and nice company on the coach. Visited Keukenhof for the bulb fields(a picture below which cannot do the area justice of course), Volendam, Amsterdam and Bruges  I was very nervous setting off but amazed to see a lady who goes to the same gym on the tour with her husband.  I did most of the sightseeing on my own as this meant we could all do what we wanted to but we got together on and off during our stay and had our last evening meal out together with was lovely.  I was also lucky with the lady sitting next to me on the coach (came from Banbury) as we were able to chat during the journey and the others on the coach all a happy bunch.

Hope the rash responds to the tablets.  Allergies are a nuisance as there are so many different causes/treatments.   Fingers crossed it gets sorted without you having to resort to the full spectrum of allergy testing.  My grand-daughter went through testing at about 15 months when she suddenly reacted to something.  Nothing showed up and it has not recurred thankfully.

Better weather promised for this week and very pleasant here today so hopefully  you and George will get out and about.  Take care. Jules xx

 Hi Jules, glad you had a lovely time in Rotterdam and you met some nice people it makes a difference when you get on with the people  on the coach , the weather here is lovely at the moment, not had George out as the family have gone away for a few days. been my aerobics this morning  then did a bit of shopping ,my son has been staying at his house for a few days he is very busy  working from home and the kids are a distraction so he decided to come  to his  so he could get some work done ,which is good for me as I have seen a bit more of him. I'm afraid my rash hasn't gone away  got an appointment with the doctors Tuesday   also my tinnitus  is still here as well    think I'm turning into hypochondriac  lol .hope you have a nice weekend think it's supposed to be a bit cooler here regards Syl x

Hi Syl

How lovely to be able to see a bit more of your son for a while; always special times.

It has been a lovely week and thankfully have  been able to catch up in the garden so has lawn has been mowed (hope to do another trim later to bring the cutting level down so it really looks nice).  With the daffs finished I now have some lovely tulips standing up like soldiers  and when the sun's warmth reaches them they open out like huge saucers. 

A very frustrating day yesterday as had been advised an order I had placed (bedside cabinet for newly created double spare room) would be delivered.  As they said anytime up till 8pm I stayed in and it was a 'no show'.  Could have been out enjoying the wonderful weather so not best amused and now waiting to hear what's going on!!  In the end I could not go out in the back garden for fear of missing them but spent the morning in the front garden which is now tidy and weeded.   I will have to go out shopping today and you can bet on it that they will try and deliver.  Not an easy item for me to carry home from the sorting office if I miss them!!

Up early and a lovely sunrise so hopefully will enjoy some of the day outside.  Hope you have a good weekend.  Jules

Hi Jules, hope your delivery his at yours  now and is firmly in place, it is frustrating when you miss them, I always take in parcels for Georges mum and dad as they both work  during the day. I went to the hospital Wednesday for blood tests they have come back with a algae of some sort but they don't know what have got a phone  consultation with the doctor on Tuesday,the weather not to good at the moment raining here all day went over to my friends for coffee, no walk for George as it was raining most of the day ,have got a cream tea to go to tomorrow with my friend  at one of the local community centres  which should be nice,my son and his partner off to Jamaica tomorrow for a week without the kids her mum looking after them while there away. might be out Sunday with my daughter not sure yet .have a nice weekend regards Syl x