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

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 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 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

Hi Syl,

Unfortunately the delivery never arrived and when the seller investigated they confirmed it had gone missing with the carrier so was refunded (they never tried to deliver it!!). All sorted now though, as I found another cabinet elsewhere which I ordered and had same day delivery so my guest room is now functional and ready, hopefully, for my sister in law's stay next month.She is currently recovering at home following a lumpectomy for breast cancer on Thursday.

No plans for this weekend but doubt it will be spent in the garden which is very soggy again after the recent rain and my double tulips beaten down to the ground. What a difference a week makes!!  Still the rain will not stop me from going out today, first to get some shopping, then the gym followed by a walk no doubt with the brolly at hand for the promised showers.

Hope you enjoy your cream tea today and that your  son and his partner have a lovely holiday. Her Mum is very good having the children for that length of time. The most I do is overnight but it is rare (next one in June for my daughter and son in law who have been given a spa treat as a gift) as they rarely do anything without the children. Having said that they do not get away on holiday much.  This coming half term they are going to Disneyland Paris for a few days with friends (who get discounted entry/fares) which will be their first holiday for nearly 3 years. They also have a wedding in August (folk style) so are camping in a Welsh field for a week so they can attend. My son and daughter in law have had a couple of long weekends away with friends but with baby no.2 due in July no holiday plans this year.  I will have my week away at the end of June visiting the Isle of Man and am now trying to get in shape for that.

I currently have a pair of blackbirds nesting at the end of the garden and they are doing a good job of seeing of the magpies at present.  I have been offering ground feed (very small amount twice a day) though of course you cannot stop the other birds helping themselves!! Only time will tell if they raise young. Across the road from me they have crows nesting so activity is definitely Springlike.

If you have time with your daughter on Sunday I am sure you will enjoy it and hope the consultation with the doctor on Tuesday will throw some light on the allergy they have picked up from your recent tests. Perhaps they will try a prescription to help alleviate the symptoms for you; hope it clears up soon. Take care, Jules x 

Hi Jules, glad you are sorted out with your cabinet  and it turned out well in the end,it seems typical now  that people don't  seem to do there jobs as well as they used to hope your sister in law  is doing ok and is looking forward to her visit you must be looking forward to the new arrival in July haven't done much this week went out with my daughter on Sunday then had a walk round a local garden centre but we never bought anything just had a nosy I didn't go to the doctors I had a phone consultation  with her my blood results  were inconclusive  I'm allergic  to something  but they don't know what,back on Tuesdays  to see her might do some skin tests  next  I'm fed up with it really  then my ear is still buzzing I'm at the hospital this month just for a check up so will tell  the consultant about my ear hopefully  they. Might be able to  do something  but I'm not holding my breath.my son and his partner enjoying there holiday  think there home saturday  Will probably see him over the weekend  as it's a bank holiday on Monday.  not got any plans at the moment unless  my daughter  comes up with something and the weather is supposed to be nice as well ,have a lovely weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you had a good weekend.  Mine was quite good and though I had made no plans beforehandm in the end was quite busy.  I went to the Natural History Museum on Friday for an exhibition they had on and then spent a beautiful afternoon walking around Kensington Palace Gardens and then Hyde Park for four hours or so. On Saturday I went to the gym and then concentrated on the garden so all mowed.edged and some planting up done. After the gym on Sunday O went to the local Farmer'sMarket and read my book in the sunshine whilst enjoying an iced coffee.  I then popped into local supermarket to pick up a couple of bits and came face to face with a lady I had not seen for over 25 years (we used to go tto the same toddlers group and enjoy occasional coffee mornings).  The next hour or so was spent catching up the years passed in the cafe there.  E.mail details swapped and will soon be catching again.Yesterday, after a morning in the garden I nipped on the tube and visited one of my hubby's old mates and his wife. His wife who has MS and now dementia is housebound and he has carers helping but does a  lot himself though almost 80.  He loves to recall the times he and my hubby spent time tinkering and then racing cars.  I have known them for over 40yrs.

Normal routine restored today as will visit Mum and then de-stress at the gym.

My sister in law should get her post op results tomorrow and is also due to have a drain fitted.  Only then will she find out whether the trip over will be able to go ahead. I am due to be her B&B base as she has plans in place but her wellbeing must come first so she will take advice of her consultant.

Annoying for you that tests proved inconclusive so hope your visit to see your doctor today helps throw some light on the way forward now.  Must be really frustrating for you especially alongside the continued problems within your ear.

Thankfully it has  been beautiful this bank holiday so hope you were able to enjoy some of it and that included a catch up with the children and hearing all about your son's trip to Jamaica. Take care. Jules 

Hi Jules you sound as if you have had a busy few weeks out and about must be nice to have such nice   places on your door step, I gather your not far from London ,my bank holiday weekend was quite nice  I went to Chester on Sunday with my daughter and her partner ,it was packed as the weather was lovely we went on a boat trip a long the river Dee ,then  had a walk  along the river then had a walk to the shops it was a lovely day, it fetched back memories of my hubby  as we loved Chester the last place we  went was there. didn't do much Monday just pottered about the garden and cleaned up,hope your sister in law is ok and up to a visit it must have been a surprise to meet your friend after all those years life does surprise us sometimes, went to the doctors with my rash again she has put me on a stronger antihistamine to see if that helps  got to go back at the end of the month, also my blood  pressure up so have got  to take that on my blood pressure machine  for a week then go back with the results at the end of the month. havnt got anything planned for the weekend up to now ,enjoy your  weekend  regards  Syl x

Hi Syl,

Yes, now the weather is improving I love to get out and about.  It is more social that sitting the whole day at home (that rarely happens as I love my walking as you know).  I am within 15 mins walk of the underground into central London so can be there within the hour and with free travel well worthwhile.

Hope you had a pleasant weekend and the weather here was good so stayed closer to home. I was out for a meal with friends on Thursday evening and then on Friday had an early start  at the supermarket and then the gym. I did some housework as it turned wet in the afternoon.  Saturday was another gym session followed by lots of gardening (too much as I was 'creaking' the following morning ha ha.  Still very pleased to get the lawn mowed and edged and some summer seeds in.  I also went to the garden centre as needed to replace my secateurs and replenish the bird seed.  Grabbed a cup of coffee in the cafe there before heading back.

I went for a walk on Sunday morning and also into local town to get something for my Mum's birthday (she will be 92 on the Royal Wedding Day) and after lunch spent more time in the garden.  In a couple of weeks it is amazing the difference the warmer weather has made.

I do hope the new tablets help with the rash and that the BP monitoring helps them decide a way forward if any treatment needed.  I had to do this a couple of years back but the regular readings showed it was ok so no further problems so far.  I haver my BP taken regularly as part of my gym assessments and also had a routine screening at the doctors a couple of weeks back (results all clear thankfully).

My sister in law is doing well with her recovery.  Results from after the op show her free of cancer now and  nothing in the lymph nodes so she is now on some preventative treatment programme but as she puts it ' thank goodness for mammograms and now life is back to normal'. She is coming to stay as planned this Thursday for a week so will be lots of chat I expect.

Today I am just 'catching up' on e mails and then catching tube/bus and train to visit my daughter for the day.  Have not seen them since Easter so after my youngest grandson goes to pre-school nursery in the afternoon we are going out to have a relaxing lunch before picking both boys up from school.  Will stay until after their tea and then come home as have things to do tomorrow.

Have a peaceful week and perhaps with the better weather George may get his walkies. Take care. Jules

Hi Jules, glad your sister in law is ok now you can have a nice week to gether without worrying ,it is nice  the weather has picked up I to have been pottering in the garden mowing the lawns ,just been to my local garden centre for bird food while I was there bought some plants  I will put them in over the weekend.hope your. mum has a lovely birthday 92 is a good age with plenty of nice cake and a glass of wine to celebrate also to toast the happy couple as well.I am going to tape it as I am going to my local town only for a wonder round the shops might treat my self to coffee and cake while I'm there.Have still got my rash but not as bad still taking my  histamine tablets you have to take the full course so will see what happens  when I finish them I am at the hospital Tuesday  for a check up on my ear so will have to tell the specialist my ear is bussing again.hope you had a nice lunch with your daughter it's nice  to catch up on things don't know what I'm doing over the weekend  I'm seeing my son at the weekend  will be nice to have a catch up with him   have a nice weekend in the sunshine Regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope your ear check up today can help with the ongoing problem which must be so annoying.  Hope the rash continues to improve with the help of your tablets. 

Visited Mum on her birthday (she hates them!!) and unwrapped her gift and cards for her but she was just not interested.  Pretty sad really but at least she is thought of.  She refuses to have tv/radio etc in her room so did not see the Royal Wedding.  Our gym had a celebration after our work out so I stayed (along with a good few more) to watch it which was lovely.  A beautiful event.

My sister in law is showing no ill effects from her surgery and is now on her post treatment plan with tablets and has an appointment next month to discuss the radiotherapy sessions.  She is hoping this can be arranged around holiday/visiting plans she already has in place but it may be that I will be visiting the Island whilst she is over here so just have to wait and see.  Will know more 10 days before  I am due to  travel.

Hope you had a lovely catch up with your son.  I enjoyed my own catch up with my son, daughter and both families when they came here on Sunday so they were able to see my sister in law too and we had a great afternoon outside in the sunshine.

Yesterday my sister in law drove us both for a day out to RHS Garden Wisley which was so beautiful in the sunshine.  We spent rather too much in their plant centre and shop at the end of the day and left just before closing time and stopped for a meal at a pub in the village sitting outside by the River Wey before the hour's trip home.  Today we are staying local and then out with friends for a meal tonight before I go into work tomorrow (she is meeting up with old workmate friends in London and in her old home village on my workshift days).   No plans yet for our last day together on Friday.

Have a good week/weekend and take care of yourself.  Jules

Hi Jules, glad everything ok with your sister-in-law fingers crossed  she will respond well to the treatment,it's a shame your mum  didn't really respond to her  birthday it is sad ,but I'm afraid it's part of growing old my  sister-in-laws mum is 96 but she's in and out of hospital.glad you enjoyed a catch up with your son and daughter ,I did to with mine went to my daughters for dinner with my son which was nice it's not often were all together.went to the hospital for a check up on my ear he asked me loads of questions and  examined my ears and throat  he came up with the  conclusion it is reflux I know it isn't as it all started with the bad cold I had he told me to take gavescon which is what  I am doing ,but it's not making any difference,so back to square one.,I am at the doctors again next week will have to tell her its not working, at least my rash isn't as bad lol ,I bet they dread me coming into the surgery. might be going out with my sister bank holiday Monday only to a garden.centre and craft fair the weather is supposed to be good over the weekend,George not here now for a fortnight I do miss taking him out as it's nice to get a bit of fresh air and have a walk as well,going in my friends later for a coffee ,have a nice bank holiday  regards Syl x