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

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 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 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

Just a quick reply Syl to wish you a very happy birthday this weekend and enjoy that chinese with your sister. 

Will drop a longer line after my weekend (busy couple of weeks ahead as am working longer hours to help cover holiday leave.................been a long time since I worked a four day stretch ha ha).

Enjoy yourselves.  Jules x

Hi Syl

Hope you enjoyed your birthday meal with your sister and were spoilt on your special day.

Pleased to say the carpet is down, another project finished and very pleased with it all.  Now just waiting for the fencing company to come and do the work in the  back garden and that will almost be my lot for this year as far as house/garden maintenance is concerned.  Do have an issue with the guttering to sort out but need to get roofer's number from my builder!!

Had a lovely weekend celebrating with the family (daughter in law's parents 6oth birthdays and my sister in law 71st birthday on Sunday.  The latter flew back home this morning which left me with free time to take some flowers to hubby's resting place on what would have been our 41st wedding anniversary. Afterwards I went walking for three hours so plenty of time to enjoy the memories as well as the nature around me, helped of course with beautiful weather (just like on our wedding day).

Will visit my Mum tomorrow and then out with a friend on Thursday evening for a meal (handy as I am working a full day).  No firm plans for next weekend but there is a canal festival about an hour away that I may go to if the weather is good.

Take care of yourself and hope George has been enjoying some of your walks.  Regards Jules x

Hi Jules, glad all your work is nearly  finished ,bet it looks nice now glad you had a nice weekend catching up with family ,I enjoyed my Chinese with my sister ,received a lovely bunch of flowers delivered to my door off the kids as they were in London for the weekend which they enjoyed , your three hour walk must have fetch some happy memories as well as sad ones it's nice to look back and remember the good times.the weather hasn't been to bad here have managed to take George out most days and even got to mow my lawn the wet weather  has brought it back to life again,my friendship group and my swimming aerobics  start again on Monday I'm swimming at 9 45 then straight to my friendship group at 10 luckily the  my friendship group meets in a room that belongs to the baths so all I have to do is go next door I'm looking forward to going back to both it seems ages since I went to both activities,then on the same day but night time I fly to spain  with my daughter so Monday is quite a busy day lol Hope you managed to get to the boat festival ,have a nice weekend will let you know  how I went on with my holiday when I get back regards syl x

Hi Syl

By the time you read this I hope you have had a lovely time away with your daughter.  A nice late holiday before the autumn/winter arrives.  Still good weather here with just a spot of drizzle on Wednesday but not enough to need a brolly on my way to work.Once again the garden is dry and very hard so not able to do much other than the regular dead heading etc.  Mext door are supposed to be replacing their fence and have taken old one down but so far only two panels put up with no sign of any work done in the last week or so.............getting used to seeing the disarray in their garden ha ha. Will be glad when their work done so the grandchildren can play outside when they visit (next door have a huge deep unprotected pond in their  garden so would need eyes in the  back of my head!!

Not been out much as have had extra hours at work to cover staff holidays but did manage an Indian meal with a friend last night which was nice. No firm plans this weekend other than to get my hair cut and perhaps visit the Artisan Market and History day event locally on Sunday.

Take care and no doubt you will enjoy having the routine of your clubs/activities to return to when you come back.  Jules x

Hi Jules, came back off holiday Tuesday ,had a lovely time the hotel ,food and staff  we're perfect ,even though the weather was not as good as it normally is this time of year we had a couple. of thunderstorms and torrential  rain as well,we did manage a couple of days of sunshine we managed a couple of hours on the beach which was nice and relaxing,also a few hours by the pool on another day,we went out and about on a few trips as well one of the trips was a day out in the Spanish countryside which was absolutely lovely,we were on a little train then a big train passing threw little villages we stopped and had tours and talks it was a lovely day out.on our last day we went into Palma for the day when we got back we couldn't get back into our room unfortunately my daughter had got our time wrong   for flying home she thought they were picking us up at 12 15 pm Tuesday it was 12 15 am we had to pack as soon as we got back and vacant the room they wouldn't even give us our evening meal they were going to charge us 40 pound to eat in the restaurant we declined ,but then we had 12 hours for the coach to pick us up,I had a right go at her for not checking the times proper,then to top it off the flight home was really choppy because of the wind,we were so clad when we landed everyone clapped.but at least we home safe and sound.back to normal now just sorting my washing out and cleaning up I'm out Monday with my friendship group we have got a canal trip on the local waterway then we stop off at a pub for lunch which is always nice.trying to get back to normal now after my holiday I always find it hard after a holiday to get back into a routine again but it's got to be done lol I would love to go back  to the same hotel  next year but I'm not sure my daughter would go again she likes going to different places.have a nice weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl

Sounds as though the holiday went well despite the mixed weather and that you managed to fit quite a lot into your week away.  I was in my teens the last time I visited there with my parents and the resort was in the  north and very peaceful!!  I probably would not recognise it now. You never know you may get to return, either with your daughter, a friend or by yourself now that you know your way around. My holiday next year will be to pastures new as far as the area is concerned though one of the day excursions is to Venice which I saw as a 13 year old.  With the colder weather soon approaching am looking forward to it already ha ha.

It seems strange having completed the projects on the house and finally had the new fencing (just three panels) fitted so I no longer have a view of my neighbours delapidated shed and come next Spring hope to have a splash of new colour once I get all the bulbs planted due to arrive from Amsterdam (ordered during my trip this year). Thankfully the bit of rain we had over the weekend will have softened the ground and later today the plan is to get the fork out and dig several areas over in readiness.

I had my daughter and family for an overnight stay Sat/Sun. Lovely to catch up with their news and I kept an eye on the boys as they were attending a 40th birthday party.  No hard work involved as they were both in bed by 8pm and did not get up until after 7 by which time I was already up and about. They left just before lunch on Sunday to go and visit their other Nanny on their way  back home. I will see my daughter again on Friday as she is holding a charity coffee morning and fingers crossed I will travel up with my daughter in law and my younger two grandchildfren to help out and enjoy 'cake' during the morning. Should it work out that my daughter in law cannot make the trip then I will hop on a train instead.  Am having the family again next  Saturday and then visiting my son and family on Sunday so pkenty of quality time with them all before things quiten down again.  With my work days filled with preparations for the Christmas season it is good to be able to relax and today I shall be going for a walk once my gym review is out of the way.

Hope you enjoyed the canal trip/pub lunch and that the weather was good for you.  I am sure the outing is a relaxing and pleasant one.  It always takes a little while to get back to usual routines when you have been away on holiday and I still miss that 'instant conversation' which is missing once you live alone.  Thank my lucky stars though that I can still enjoy getting out and about. No doubt I will be digging out the winter coat and boots all too soon though as their is a bit of a chilly feel in the air so the t shirts will have to be replaced with warmer wear.

Sorry this turned into a bit of a ramble.  Hope you keep well and that George is enjoying his walks with you now you are back. Take care.  Jules x