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,,

Hope your weekend passed peacefully. I had a nice relaxing weekend with my son and family with walks locally and  meals taken in the garden (just a drop of rain first thing yesterday morning which led to a change of plans ( Garden centre instead of Fruit picking). We, of course, were remembering not only my own Dad but also chatting with my son about the memories we hold dear for his Dad.  Seeing him now as a Dad himself and enjoying the delights of 2yr old Darcey Father's Day certainly comes with many emotions but, as always, it is good to share such special times together. They dropped me home yesterday afternoon on their way to the inlaws and I am now counting the days till I go on my  break (later this week).  Whilst away will be visiting both sister inlaws and brother in law but hope to enjoy some sightseeing too as have never  been to the Island before and hubby's elder sister cannot wait to show me around the place they now call home, having moved there three weeks before hubby died.

Need to spend my non work days this week getting the garden tidied, visiting Mum tomorrow and getting  quick trim to be holiday ready ha ha. Off to the gym shortly and need to buy a new charging cable for the phone having noticed bare wiring yesterday in my current one....not good!!

Look after yourself and will chat upon my return.  Jules

Hi Jules, glad everything went well  Fathers day it's nice to reminisce about   memories  of   dad's my dad died  over 30 years ago  but I still think of him  after all these years.it will be nice to see your  sisters in law and your brother in law as well  will be nice to go out and about  with them as well as  catching up  on things . I am having company this weekend  my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are coming Saturday and staying  over night, I'm a bit apprehensive as I haven't seen them since hubby died  I always  associate them  with the four of us it's going to feel  strange just  the three of us , I hope  I can  handle  it as I don't won't spoil  the weekend  by being upset ,we are going out for a meal Saturday tea time my daughter is coming  as well  so there will be the four of us. any way Jules will close now have a lovely holiday  you can tell me all about it  when you get back regards Syl x 

Hi Syl

Got back from my holiday last night having had a lovely time.  Great weather, plenty of lovely walks/scenery/ food and caught up with my in-laws too.  Felt very refreshed on my return and will spent the next few days dead-heading in the garden and getting back to the usual routines again.  Return to work on Wednesday.

Hope you enjoyed the time with your brother in law and sister in law; those first get together's are often time for apprehension and am sure they probably felt the same.  Hope you were able to remember the good times too and suspect even if you were all a bit emotional it would be understood. It would have been nice having your daughter there too for the meal on Saturday. Did you go somewhere local?

Hope you are keeping okay and coping with the warmer weather.  I will venture into the garden later as there is a nice breeze today and fancy reading my book in the shade.  Take care. Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad you had a nice holiday and had a catch up with your in laws and the lovely weather as well it's been hot here as well ,I enjoyed my weekend with my brother in law and sister-in-law  on the Sunday we went in a pub.called the stag  it's where we had hubbies  wake it's also the first time i've been in since hubby died but I felt ok. I will admit I had a cry on Sunday night after they left it felt funny just 3 of us instead of 4 ,I've been at the hospital this morning for a. chest x Ray   and on tablets for the Fleming in my throat ,will see what happens this time ,have had George out in this lovely sunshine ,hope work wasn't to bad for you especially this weather  I still don't know what you do for a living ,just going to make my self a coffee  and relax now regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Glad you were able to enjoy the visit with your brother in law and sister in law andI amsure you were all able to remember the good times. Whilst emotional thoughts take hold as well it just goes to prove that we were privileged to have those years and must do our best to  manage our own lives (not always easy).  I hope our respective hubbies would be proud of us as think they would want us to honour their lives by continuing our way forward however difficult that can be at times. 

Not been too busy this week apart from usual gym visits and work shifts.  Only managed an hour in the garden (cutting back Spring shrubs) the other day before I felt as though I was melting so was soon back in the cool of my lounge and have been enjoying watching Wimbledon without rain delays ha ha.

My daughter and family are camping this weekend and also celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary and my son and family are getting excited as we await the new arrival sometime this month.  My daughter in law has begun maternity leave (she is now 38 weeks) and not enjoying the hot weather too much.

My Mum had problems breathing and became unresponsive yesterday and they had to get emergency doctor out.  He has prescribed antibiotics for a possible urine infection though we are not sure whether she will agree to take the medication.  The care staff were amazed when she responded to his 'authoritve voice' but  she is quietly angry that her body will not let her be at peace.  Sad times though am grateful for all the care she is getting especially as she prefers not to have visitors outside of 'normal routine'. Unless things change I will go down as usual on Tuesday.

20% off at the garden centre this weekend so may walk there today after my gym visit.  Have my water packed ready and see how I get on.  Will take it easy and probably get the bus back as need to be sensible when it comes to the middle of the day.  No doubt George needs to be walked very early or late in this weather.  My son usually takes their dog out around 8pm but the walks are shorter at the moment.

By the way I work in a shop now which happily is air conditioned (pre children I was a bank secretary and then whilst they grew up I worked from home as a proof-reader) and only a few hours a week so pretty manageable though if I could draw my pension I would not need to keep on working.   Sadly they moved the  age  for State Pension and so these few hours top up hubby's private pension until such time that I can draw my own or I win the lottery (I am not holding my breath on the latter!!).

Take care of yourself.  Jules x

Hi Jules,glad everything ok at your end ,must be exciting waiting for the new arrival  to enter the world as long as everything  is ok  that's all that. matters,not much happening at my end as well  the weather  hasn't changed its still hot we haven't had any rain all the lawns  round where I live  have gone brown my back garden  looks like straw don't know wether it will come back  when it starts raining. it wasn't much good before we had all this hot weather.I'm taking George out in the morning when it's a bit cooler,it's sad for your mum especially this hot  weather I think we all suffer in this heat as were not used to it,I'm away in a couple of week I'm going to Devon with my friend on  shearings coaches, the weather will have broke by then and we will have nothing  but rain lol I'm not that bothered really it will be nice to feel cool for a change. my daughter and her partner are off to Amsterdam for a long weekend on Sunday till Wednesday. it's to celebrate her partners 40 birthday ,I am out Saturday with my friend and her grandson to our local carnival it's held on the park where we live it's usually a good day there is all sorts there including a dog show as well as a fair  music and loads of stalls selling cakes and  drinks,just hope the weather doesn't brake before then, I am out with the friendship group Monday for a meal before we finish till September  have a nice weekend  regards  Syl x

Hi Syl

As the beaitiful weather continues my garden still seems to be able to grow weeds!!  Hada good go at it yesterday morning and feel a lot happier now that the Spring shrubs have had their pruning too.  Am due to have some new fence panels put in (in a queue with the company whose quotationI accepted) so have also cleared the area where these will go in  though it could be a while yet at they are busy). Also added an extra  water bath/drinking container for the birds and they have been using it regularly as wel as taking dust baths in my dried up beds!!  Fun to watch.

Had a meal out with a friend on Thursday and  lovely chatty catch up. Today will go to the gym once it is open and then on to the Artisand/Farmers'market which is always nice for a wander round and an iced coffee.  Then I will settle my self down for the last day at Wimbledon and the Mens Final.  The two weeks have gone so quickly.

Mum seems to have responded to the antibiotics and her breathing was much improved when I last popped in(though she still rarely talks) so at the moment back tousual routine. There is one of the regular residents/relatives meetings in a couple of weeks so will try and get along to that.

Waiting for it to get a bit later before contacting my daughter.  She was on a 10 mile sponsored walk at midnight last night for their local hospice and her Facebook page shows that she completed it (picture of her with medal in the early hours)  so hope her boys let her have a lie in!!

Hope the weather holds and it is a good trip for you and  your friend when you go to Devon.  My parents used to go with Shearings quite a bit (neither drove).  It is nice to get a break away from the household chores and usual routine.

Hope your daughter and partner enjoy their Amsterdam break; it is a lovely place to go and plenty to enjoy and always busy.

Take care of yourself and have a good week. Jules x

Hi Jules ,the good weather continues here as well eww have had a few good down pours but not enough  to stop the hose pipe ban which comes into force next month,have been watering  my plants with my washing up water it doesn't seem to have done them any harm.my lawn sounds as if its the same as yours my back garden looks like straw ,I've been putting extra  bowls out for the birds to have a drink. your daughter did well doing her walk  it's nice when people do sponsored walks as it all goes to a good cause.my daughter enjoyed Amsterdam I was left bunny sitting for the weekend ,she is funny she sits on the carpet as if she's a cat . my  daughter is off work tomorrow  so think we will go out for lunch before I go away  on Saturday. I have looked at the weather for Devon next week it's a mixture of sunshine and cloud  no rain in the forecast. I haven't started to pack yet, I  find it hard now packing for one as me and hubby used to do together. will e mail you when I get back have nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Just a quick reply to wish  you a lovely time when you are in Devon.  I am sure there will be a cream tea or two!  Look forward to hearing about it upon your return. Enjoy.  Jules. xx

Hi Jules ,got  back from Devon Saturday, had a lovely week  the weather was lovely we had a bit of rain Friday , apart from that it. Was sunshine all week.the hotel was situated  right near the beach and  shops we were out and about most days Plymouth ,Babbacome, Teighmouth we spent a day in Looe and Polperro ,we had a free day on Wednesday so we went on a steam train  to Dartmouth we were going to get off and have a look round ,but unfortunately we didn't have enough time as we had to get back to the hotel for dinner,we should have gone in the morning really. We also went to the theatre one night it was good it was a variety show the compere  was so funny we laughed all night.The only thing  was I have been to all the places  I went to with my hubby ,we went to Looe on our first holiday when we were teenagers ,so it was bitter sweet  really . we were sat with four other ladies at meal times 2 were from Kent ,the other 2 were from Wrexham,the 2 ladies from Kent were 83 and 82 they were so funny ,ever time they went out they kept getting lost or they didn't know where they'd been.but they were very nice .it's back to reality now ,did some washing this morning and tidied up,managed to take George out even though it looked like rain ,my daughter is mithering me to go away in September so there could be a holiday on the cards  again will have to see what happens hope everything ok at your end  regard Syl x

Hi Jules ,got  back from Devon Saturday, had a lovely week  the weather was lovely we had a bit of rain Friday , apart from that it. Was sunshine all week.the hotel was situated  right near the beach and  shops we were out and about most days Plymouth ,Babbacome, Teighmouth we spent a day in Looe and Polperro ,we had a free day on Wednesday so we went on a steam train  to Dartmouth we were going to get off and have a look round ,but unfortunately we didn't have enough time as we had to get back to the hotel for dinner,we should have gone in the morning really. We also went to the theatre one night it was good it was a variety show the compere  was so funny we laughed all night.The only thing  was I have been to all the places  I went to with my hubby ,we went to Looe on our first holiday when we were teenagers ,so it was bitter sweet  really . we were sat with four other ladies at meal times 2 were from Kent ,the other 2 were from Wrexham,the 2 ladies from Kent were 83 and 82 they were so funny ,ever time they went out they kept getting lost or they didn't know where they'd been.but they were very nice .it's back to reality now ,did some washing this morning and tidied up,managed to take George out even though it looked like rain ,my daughter is mithering me to go away in September so there could be a holiday on the cards  again will have to see what happens hope everything ok at your end  regard Syl x

Hi Syl,

Lovely to hear you had a good holiday and the weather has been amazing.  I know the Looe area very well and my hubby used to sea fish out of there every year for a weeks rest and relaxation with his buddies.  Love Cornwall and will go back some day I am sure.  It was the last place we went on holiday before his full diagnosis and  always enjoy the peace it brings. I too have been back to several places where we used to go together. Very different feelings but wonderful memories to take around with me.  However, next year I am hoping to venture to pastures new and am currently  researching possible hotel/resort destinations and as always trying to 'budget' accordingly.  Time will tell.

Last week we welcomed a new addition to the family asmy son and daughter in law added to their family with a baby boy.  Already over a week old and everyone doing well.  Have been over a couple of times and had my cuddles.  Next week my daughter and two grandsons are coming to stay for their weeks holiday and have some plans in place but as my daughter health condition means she struggles in the hot weather we may have to re-think the days out.

Hope you have a good weekend and who knows  you may be in the throws of planning another break with your daughter; how lovely.  Take care, Jules

Hi Jules , congratulations on the birth of a new grandson and e everything went well must be nice to well come him into the family ,also a visit from your daughter and grandchildren will be nice especially if the weather keeps up  you can plan something out side , not done much my self since I got back, my friendship group finished now till September,also swimming aerobics  finishes this week till September so am a bit  lost  at least I can go to the community centre once a fortnight with my friends for a game of bingo and  lunch.not decided where I'm going  with my daughter  yet ,think it will be somewhere in Spain she seems to be in charge I will just go a long with what  she picks .going out with my son and his family tomorrow for Sunday dinner as they go away on Monday for a fortnight to portoreco don't think that's the right spelling lol,while there away it's his birthday and his partners so have got birthday cards to give them as well. Enjoy your week with your family regards Syl x

Hi Syl

My week over half way through with the family staying though am still doing my work shifts. On my work days they have been catching up with friends usually over the park and out for lunch too.  It has been over a year now since they moved so they are really happy to be seeing old mates and school/nursery friends.

We have been to the cinema and visited my son and family, little Ethan now two weeks old and gorgeous though I might be a little biased ha ha.

Hope with the cooler weather you are able to spend time walking George and that you had a nice meal with your son and his family last weekend.  Nice to have your daughter to plan the next holiday and good to get another break in before the autumn.

I have the decorators due back in next week so will still be some company in the house and am also on holiday from work (though not away) as did not fancy working on my birthday!!

Take care of  yourself.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, glad you had a nice week your family ,can't believe the new arrival is nearly two week old  doesn't time fly been to my last swimming aerobics  this morning till September, everything stopped now only my bingo and a meal  at the community.centre to go to .took George out  this morning in the sunshine we have had rain this week but   not enough to water the gardens much ,when was your birthday hope you did something nice ,it's my son's birthday while he's away  also his partners birthday as well.going to Leeds on Saturday as my daughter is picking  a new car up  from a garage there, the car she has got is about10 years old now she travels back and to 5 days a week to near Chester so decided she needed a better car, all I know it's a fiesta  like the one she's got  but a more up to date one, think we are going g out for Sunday dinner  but I'm not sure where  yet ,have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Plenty of rain over the last couple of days so the garden beginning its recovery and no doubt the mowing will have to begin again soon!!

My birthday is this week and no plans.  I am on annual leave so at least not working so depending on the weather may take myself out for the day.  My daughter and family left their gift with me when they stayed last week and my son has bought my ticket and will take me to a charity event hosted by Chris Packham (photography/wildlife lecture) booked for November so something to look forward to.

I expect you will miss your regular events during the summer break as it becomes part of day to day routine but hopefully you will still enjoy walking George and bingo sessions.  My main social events during the week are my trips to the gym and as there are no restrictions as to how many times I go or at what time, if I am at a loose end I pop in there.

This week will probably be busy as have the decorators back to continue with the hall/stairs/landing so will try and make myself scarce for part of the day at least.  Today hoping to browse the carpet shop and catch up with washingnow that the family has returned home.

Take care and have a peaceful and pleasant week.  Regards  Jules x

Hi Jules, we have had  quite a bit of rain as well some of the colour  has come back into my lawn but it's still a bit patchy,I hope you had a nice e birthday and had a few. nice presents.also your decorating is well under way,at least it will look nice when it's all finished, went out with my daughter and her partner for Sunday dinner it was very nice, we have also. booked a holiday to Majorca in September I am looking forward to it but a bit apprehensive as I haven't been on a plane for a while especially with my C O P D which I didn't have then, my son is still away he comes back on Monday ,they have had a good time by the way Jules I told you they had gone to Puerto rico  they are in the Dominican republic must have been having a senior moment lol.  I am at the   crem tomorrow with my sister as my dad has been  dead 35 years it doesn't seem that long  will go back to hers  after for coffee before I return home.not sure what I'm doing over the weekend ,nipping into town Saturday as I have got to pick my tablets up from boots no doubt I will have a walk round and maybe have a coffee in Costa as I like there cappuccino,have a nice weekend regards  Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope your weekend was a good one. How lovely that you have another holiday to look forward to before the iwinter sets in.  Before children we always used to have our holidays in September as the temperature was more bearable if we were going abroad and usually cheaper too. Once they had grown up and in their late teens began holidaying with their friends we were again able to avoid the school holiday period.  Last couple of  years I have gone in June and will probably do so again next year as no one at work seems to pick then so easier to get leave agreed.

Had a good week off and had a good couple of days out.  Lovely day at Kew and then a rainy day on my birthday when I was in London, firstly visiting a Help for Heroes Creative Force exhibition and then just enjoying the area on foot including a visit to the Supreme Court, St James's and Green  Parks before treating myself to afternoon tea.

Saw my son and family yesterday when they came for lunch and am going out today with a friend who wanted to take me out to lunch for my birthday.  Once again popping into London as she has a restaurant in mind near Tower Bridge and we are going to have a wander around the St Katherine Docks area beforehand.  Just need to let the decorator in and do my gym session before meeting her at the station.

Decorating is going well with all plastering finished and the wall undercoated.so  with a bit of luck about a week left.  Really does not interfere too much as I can come and go and leave him to it and he always clears up at the end of day.  Have ordered the carpet and just need to give them a ring when it can be fitted to arrange a time to suit.

Did a good bit of gardening over the weekend now that the rain has softened the ground.  Mowed the lawn and dug over the borders.   Not too much colour now but at least its tidy.

Enjoy the coming week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules,glad you had a few days in London must be nice living that close as there is that much to do there ,and you managed to have lunch with a friend on your birthday,it's my birthday in a few week ,I am going out with my sister for my birthday as my son and daughter are in London that weekend , there is out door food stalls selling alsorts of food and drink they went last year and enjoyed it that much decided  to go again unfortunately  its the weekend of my birthday. I don't mind as I can go out with my sister. I have also been in my garden this week just making it look a  bit better and even managed to mow the lawn as well  . not been up to much this week went to the community centre for a meal and a game of a bingo  I won some shower gel and soap which I don't use so will take them to the charity shop I'm sure someone will  by them. I have had a cry this week sometimes I think I am going back  instead of forward or is it because  all my activities have stopped and I have more time to think about things. hopefully  I am out with my daughter over the weekend not sure where yet don't think the weather is that good though. enjoy the bank holiday  weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

I  have always lived in London (as a child) or in Greater London since I married and now that I get free travel iit is lovely being able to explore as and when I choose too either with a friend or very often just my camera for company.  Somewhat of a hobby these days to re-vist favourite places and/or just wandering and seeing what gems I can find. Spending my birthday on my own is not unusual and has the bonus of letting me choose what to do.  I did not want to work on it this year so booked it as leave!

Hope you are feeling a little better now but I think emotions just take us by surprise sometimes and a cry gives some release.  I am not generally a person that cries easily but both happy and sad times can now get me going and welcoming the latest grandchild was another tipping point. Hubby would have been delighted to see our son married and with his little family completed just like he had with our daughter. I often feel that I am 'being there' for both of us now so throw myself into enjoying family times.

A very quiet weekend for the Bank Holiday, just housework and gardening when the rain stops.  The decorator finished here on Friday and new carpet is coming on Thursday, thankfully just in time for my sister in law and daughter and family staying next weekend.  We are going to a joint 60th celebration for my daughter in law's parents on the Saturday and then I am taking all the family out for lunch on the Sunday as my sister in law turns 71 (she just thinks we are having lunch at home!!).Last time we were all together was Christmas 2017 so need to make the most of it.  The Monday would have been our 41st wedding anniversay so will be a time for reflection and good memories after his sister has left for the airport back home.

Today is supposed to be better than our very wet day yesterday so am going walking. Our gym is currently closed for a few days because of a fire in an adjoining property which caused smoke damage though thankfully no one hurt.  Keeping up to date via social media but know it has to be professionally cleaned and inspected before we can go back.

Hope you were able to catch up with your daughter and am sure the charity shop will be pleased to receive your unwanted bingo prize.  Have a peaceful week ahead and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad your decorating finished and you can look forward to having your carpet fitted, it will look nice when it's all done it always looks nice e and fresh  when  it's newly decorated . Hope you enjoyed your time with the family ,and had a nice meal it's nice to catch up  with relatives that you don't see very often, unfortunately I don't have a big family only my sister even though we talk on the phone every day I don't see that much of her really, even though she only lives about 20 minutes  from me by car.I did manage to go out with my daughter and her partner for Sunday lunch which was very nice,also my son at his for a couple of days working,he came to mine this morning for tea and toast before he started work,the light on my garage is broke so he is going to get me an other one  ,also. my toilet seat is broke so he is going to change that before he goes back to Manchester. it's this weekend the kids are in London, so am meeting my sister in town we are going  to a Chinese restaurant  it's a buffet where you help yourself have been a few times it's  they have a lot to choose from and it's always nice, I am going into town tomorrow for a bit of shopping  maybe have a coffee  and might even by some shorts for my holiday  to Majorca haven't wore shorts for years, might not bother  when I look in the mirror with them on lol.have  a nice weekend  will let you know how my birthday meal went  regards syl x