Syliva, I am so very sorry for your loss, I know how it feels, my husband passed away in October and I miss him so much, I too wish they could let us know they are ok.  There are lots of people on here going through the same terrible time who will offer support.  Sending love to you Debbie xxxxxx

Hi debbie, how are you havnt heard off you in a while i feel ok at the moment health wise ,got to go the hospital next month  to see about my breathing me and the kids just having a quite xmas dinner we will go to the crem  to put flowers on my parents grave ,we will put some flowers in a vase for my hubby ,it is my hubbys birthday on the 27 dec  might go for a walk weather permiting  to a place called spike island my hubby used to like watching the mersey from there .  Take care  have a peaceful xmas  will be thinking of you  Syl x

Hi Jules, glad you enjoyed your trip to crocodiles of the world to be honest I ha e never heard of it ,the weather here has changed now it's gone cold and we have had a bit of rain. Went out with my daughter at the weekend only for Sunday dinner just the too of us has she has fell out with her partner again,to be honest I don't think they should be together as there always falling out.will have to wait and see what happens.I had a sad weekend did nothing but cry over the weekend,don't even know Why,took. my self off to town for a couple of hours,but to didn't make much difference, Monday I did a extra swimming aerobics class just to get out of the house for a hour  came home then took George out felt a bit better after,I have mowed my lawn as well also cut my roses back it looks better now.I'm hopping to go to a artisan market on Sunday with my daughter then maybe a bit of lunch somewhere then it's my community centre on Monday with my friends enjoy your weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Like you I had not heard of the World of Crocodiles either but as my grandson really loves them (and any stories about them) my daughter and son in law researched and this place came up. Thankfully only an hour away from us all hence the planned birthday visit. There are other reptiles and a few mammals there too,It was pretty busy so the man who founded it and now heads it charity status/conservation programme must be very proud. 

A nice weekend as once the early drizzle cleared on Saturday I went shopping into town and the gym before enjoying a lazy afternoon.  Had a message from my son to say he and the children were walking locally on Sunday morning and would I like to meet up.  So after my morning exercise I walked to their starting point (about 2 miles away) and then we went to off on a two hour stroll before dropping the kiddies back to my daughter in law and their other nanny (they had been running their home made cakes stall at the local athletics club where they run) whilst my son and I shopped for bird food supplies.  He dropped me home and it was a lovely way to spend a sunny but chilly morning. Will see my son again in a couple of weeks as he is taking me to a charity event (an audience with Chris Packham) as he bought tickets as part of my birthday present back in August.  

Its a shame that your daughter is once again having ups and downs in her relationship but at least she can come and share time with you which must lift both your spirits. Also sad to read that it was an emotional weekend for you but sometimes a good cry is what is needed to help us heal again and once you were back socialising with your Monday group and taking George out you felt a little better. Time spent alone and with the festive season approaching can certainly pull at the heartstrings as the memories flow. As my hubby travelled away on business, sometimes for weeks at a time, I am used to my own company but really miss that 'instant conversation' companionship brings.  This is probably why I go out so much!  Hope this week goes well for you and that you made it to the artisan market with your daughter.  I do enjoy strolling around such events.  Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad everything went well with the crocodiles it unusual for children to like big reptiles that can eat you in one go they usually go for the. cuddle ones, and it must be nice to spend time with your son as well,I  didn't go to the artisan market ,we went to a garden centre instead,it's a lovely  centre with all sorts of different things all under one roof ,we even had a roast dinner in the cafe which was lovely, Monday I did a extra swimming aerobics class then at dinner time went to my community. centre for lunch and a game of bingo,didn't win but my friend won the raffle a box of sweets which she has put away for Xmas. don't know what I'm doing for the weekend  think my daughter is going to do a dinner Sunday ,I am going to go into town Friday just need a few bits and will have a coffee while I'm there.the weather hasn't been to bad this week have taken George out every day ,I got some sweets for Halloween in case kids came round but only one little boy came so have got  loads of  sweets to give out to the kids that live near me hope you have a nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

I have to say that the grandchildren do like cuddly animals too but think the love of reptiles has been passed down from my son(their uncle). From a very young age he loved to watch Steve Irwin programmes and read his books as well as having a pet snake too (still has him at the ripe old age of 20yrs and now his children will learn to handle him gently).  My grandson also went home with a  small soft toy crocodile as a memory of his birthday treat (eldest grandson chose a snake!!). 

I have never taken on the Halloween event and there was not much activity around my road though a couple of the houses were decorated.  My two eldest grandsons did carve pumpkins with their Mum and Dad and I saw the pictures on Facebook.

Did not do too much this weekend other than my usual walking and gym and a visit to the Farmers' Market yesterday.  Now another week begins and it is mild again with some lovely sunshine to go out in. I am having a friend around tomorrow afternoon after visiting Mum in the morning andthenit will be my work days again.  Time seems to go by very quickly and I am getting on top of the Christmas food shopping by getting bits each week. As I will have my sister in law staying for a week plus an open house Sunday just beforehand for family and friends it will be good to have the company.

Hope you have a good week and George will be looking forward to his walks with you too. Take care. Jules x 

Hi Jules, glad your grandchildren picked cuddly toys to take home with them ,my daughter has still got all her cuddly toys at mine there all sat on her dressing table,I had a load of sweets  to give out for Halloween unfortunately only one little boy came round,so the sweets I had left I gave them out to my neighbors  kids ,it was bonfire night that was a bloody nuisance fire works were going off  for about too week before the 5th then days after there on about banning them and just having them for organized events I hope they do it goes on far to long now, I haven't even thought of Christmas even though I have bought my cards don't even know what I'm doing on the day yet.the weather not bad at the moment still managing to take george out most days, I think  I have cut my lawn now for the last time it seems to have stopped growing now,going my friends at one for coffee and a natter also I am out with some of the girls I used to work with tonight for a meal only in a local pub but it will be nice to have a catch up with everyone ,have a nice weekend regards  syl x

Hi Syl,

Yet another week which seem to have passed all to quickly and will be back to work tomorrow.

Decided to pop over and spend time with my daughter in law and the two youngest grandchildren on Friday afternoon as she was free after visiting friends in the morning.  Very relaxing and lovely time spent reading and playing with them.  When my son got in from work we had dinner and then he ran me home.

Weekend quiet and dodging a few showers managed the shopping and a couple of short walks as well as the gym.

Yesterday evening went up to London with my son for my belated birthday present.  Spent an interesting few hours listening to and watching wonderful photographic slide show hosted by Chris Packham and his travel partner Paul Goldstein.  Wish I had the funds to travel to such wonderful parts of the world.

Today have once again visited Mum and just so sad to see her lying there with no interest in anything but hopefully she enjoys my weekly updates which I try to keep upbeat.

Hope you are having a good week and that this mild spell means that you are still getting about with George.  Have a peaceful weekend.  Regards Jules x

Hi Jules,just came in from taking George for his walk quite a nice day a bit chilly but dry.glad you had a nice day with your daughter in law and grandchildren,glad you had a nice birthday listening to Chris packham I like watching him on TV  he's very passionate about the environment and animals, I also like David Attenborough he has been all over the world to some wonderful places as well his new program that has just started looks good. I it is sad about your mum,my mum and mum in law both ended up in case homes ,all we can hope is for them to be clean and looked after.Went out with my daughter and her partner ,there back togetherAGAIN don't know how long for this time lol on Sunday for dinner,also been to my aerobics today I'm not out tomorrow have got to wait in have ordered a new fridgefreezer as mine is making a funny noise, some one came out to have a look at it for me apparently the compressor is going he advised me to get a new one sooner than later so have ordered one from currys,haven't got anything planned for the weekend up to now have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope your weekend was a peaceful one.  Weather here was quite good with lovely sunshine so at least able to get out and about.  Was a bit dull on Friday so I went to the cinema and saw the newly released Crimes of Grindelwald, the follow up to Fantastic Beasts.  Very good light entertainment.  Have several more films I would like to watch so time permitting will go again soon.

Did my usual shopping plus a few more foodie bits for my Christmas entertaining.  It is handy being able to make the most of any offers too.  Just one gift left to buy but cannot get that until after my eldest grandson's birthday at the end of this month as need to have an idea of what he would like (but does not get on his birthday).  Work is getting busier with higher footfall which helps the time pass quickly on my shifts.  We lose our Manager of 15 years in a couple of weeks so have his leaving do at the same time as our pre-Christmas meal in a couple of weeks and will also catch up with many old staff members who are coming back to wish him well.

Weekend was pretty quiet but did visit a couple of Christmas markets locally which are always a pleasure to walk round even if you do not buy anything. Today I am having a tidy up indoors this morning and then after lunch going with my daughter in law and the children to a soft play centre locally for catch up, play and coffee.  Before I know it another week has passed and I will go see Mum tomorrow.  

I also like any nature programmes and am watching Dynasties. David Attenborough has been invlved with so many wonderful series and this is another by the looks of it.

Glad you enjoyed time with your daughter and her partner. Only they know how they manage such an up and down relationship but something must keep them coming back to each other.

Fingers crossed you now have a nice new fridge/freezer and no more worries about food spoiling.

Looks like a few showers on the way today so glad I got my washing dry outside over the weekend.

Have a good week.  Jules x

Hi Jules, sounds as if you had a busy week ,my weekend was so boring never went out all weekend didn't see any one just stayed in watching telly,Monday went my friendship group we had a speaker talking about drugs as she is a pharmacist,it was quite interesting and informative about all the drugs we take as we get older.the weather has been cold this week but have taken  George out most days, we t into town Tuesday bought some presents for my two and there partners,and chocolate for my son's partners children will put money in all the cards so they can get what they won't.glad you enjoyed the cenema been though I have never heard of the films you like to watch .it's a long time since I went to watch a film the last one I watched was Bridget Jones baby with my daughter it was a lovely film,my son fixed me up with Netflix a few week ago there's all sorts to watch but some of it isn't to my liking but at least if there's nothing on T V I can have a look on that.hope to go out for Sunday lunch with my daughter and her partner will probably be to a local pub Friday nipping into town for a bit of shopping and might treat myself to a cappuccino in Costa ,then after dinner I'm in my friends for another coffee and a chat enjoy your weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Must be awfully hard being stuck indoors all weekend and missing social interation.  I am lucky that I am only a 15 minute walk from local shopping parade so if nothing else I will pop there.  This is also where the gym in located so can always pop in there too.  I also appreciate that I have the free travel option so can travel around whenI fancy it.

The film I went to see was one of the 'spin offs' from the Harry Potter franchaise and pure entertainment. The cinema is a good way to spend a couple of hours whenI have nothing better to do. I suppose I now have some sort of structure to my week in that I still have two days to go into work, a day to pop to see Mum because needs must and I also make myself get up and out by around 9ish most days.  Frankly there is not too much to keep me indoors when you are only clearing up after one!

The coming month will be busy as only have one weekend when not out or entertaining here. No visitors last weekend so took some painkillers for the arthritis and went on a three mile walk through local woods and the lido as Sunday morning was crisp and pleasant.  Snatched a cuppa at the lakeside and then went to the garden centre for a wander around the Christmas shop.  Yesterday I went to finish off the festive shopping.  Only my eldest grandson to buy for now and as it is his birthday later this week have to wait to see what he may want afterwards;  alternatively it will be money I expect... my daughter will give me a hint if I ask.

This Thursday I am meeting up in the evening with a friend (made during the childrens' school days) for a meal out and then on Friday with have our works pre Christmas meal which is doubling up as our Manager's leaving do.  He will be much missed after being with us for 15 years. 

I am due to babysit for my son and daughter in law on Saturday evening all being well and will stay overnight to spend Sunday with the family so much to look forward to.

  I am sure that keeping busy has been my saviour as seeing my Mum in such a poor way is so hard and I need to find relief from this somehow to keep on coping with the visits.  Such a shame for her to be spending months laying in the bed reliant on others for all her needs. Cannot begin to think what runs through her mentally tortured mind let alone the physical side of her illness now, I will go again today and though she does not speak to me at least, if she is awake,she listens.

Hope you had a good meal out with your daughter and partner and that this week has been okay for you.  George must be enjoying his walks.  I do not know what I would do without my regular ones!

Take care of yourself,regards Jules xx

Hi Syl

Must be awfully hard being stuck indoors all weekend and missing social interation.  I am lucky that I am only a 15 minute walk from local shopping parade so if nothing else I will pop there.  This is also where the gym in located so can always pop in there too.  I also appreciate that I have the free travel option so can travel around whenI fancy it.

The film I went to see was one of the 'spin offs' from the Harry Potter franchaise and pure entertainment. The cinema is a good way to spend a couple of hours whenI have nothing better to do. I suppose I now have some sort of structure to my week in that I still have two days to go into work, a day to pop to see Mum because needs must and I also make myself get up and out by around 9ish most days.  Frankly there is not too much to keep me indoors when you are only clearing up after one!

The coming month will be busy as only have one weekend when not out or entertaining here. No visitors last weekend so took some painkillers for the arthritis and went on a three mile walk through local woods and the lido as Sunday morning was crisp and pleasant.  Snatched a cuppa at the lakeside and then went to the garden centre for a wander around the Christmas shop.  Yesterday I went to finish off the festive shopping.  Only my eldest grandson to buy for now and as it is his birthday later this week have to wait to see what he may want afterwards;  alternatively it will be money I expect... my daughter will give me a hint if I ask.

This Thursday I am meeting up in the evening with a friend (made during the childrens' school days) for a meal out and then on Friday with have our works pre Christmas meal which is doubling up as our Manager's leaving do.  He will be much missed after being with us for 15 years. 

I am due to babysit for my son and daughter in law on Saturday evening all being well and will stay overnight to spend Sunday with the family so much to look forward to.

  I am sure that keeping busy has been my saviour as seeing my Mum in such a poor way is so hard and I need to find relief from this somehow to keep on coping with the visits.  Such a shame for her to be spending months laying in the bed reliant on others for all her needs. Cannot begin to think what runs through her mentally tortured mind let alone the physical side of her illness now, I will go again today and though she does not speak to me at least, if she is awake,she listens.

Hope you had a good meal out with your daughter and partner and that this week has been okay for you.  George must be enjoying his walks.  I do not know what I would do without my regular ones!

Take care of yourself,regards Jules xx

Hi Jules, I did go out with my daughter and her partner Sunday we went to a artisan market  it was in walton gardens,a local park near where we live they had some lovely food and  christmas things on sale after we had a walk round the park they have a children's zoo so we had a walk round there as well. we went for Sunday dinner in a pub that is close to the park.must be. nice to have a over night stay with your grandchildren knowing you don't have to go home,and you can spend the next day with them. Don't know what I'm doing at the weekend my daughter is going to western super mare Saturday morning she is spending the weekend there it's her works do so probably won't see her  till midweek,I am going into town tomorrow for a few bits the friend I  normally have a coffee with on a Friday is on New York for four days with her daughter's no doubt she is having a good time. I am seeing my sister Saturday there is a Christmas fare on in town we will probably pick some bargains up no doubt we will go and have a coffee some where before  we leave to go home .I am out Tuesday  with my aerobic group for a Christmas meal as it's our last class this week till after christmas,it's a bit early everyone was hoping to carry on  a bit longer ,but Carol is busy with family and other commitments so has decided to finish this week.have a nice weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl

Your trip out with your daughter and her partner sounds very nice.  It is lovely being able to enjoy these trips with others rather than having to go alone.

Spent the weekend with my son and family.  Both the little ones are recoving from  chesty coughs and colds but baby Ethan still smiling and doing ok.  I babysat Saturday evening and they were as good as gold.  After Sunday lunch we went out for a walk for a couple of hours which allowed their westie to have a good run (and a shower on her return!!).  They dropped me back home early evening and it was a pleasure to spend quality time with them.

Today I did my usual gym visit before going to the garden centre, choosing my Christmas tree and arranging home delivery for later this week whilst enjoying a cuppa in the cafe.  Came home and replenished the bird feeders before the heavens opened yet again so will be a lazy afternoon indoors now. 

Last Friday had our work's Christmas do alongside our Manager's leaving party.  All went  well.  When I go to work on Wednesday the new Manager will be in charge and hopefully team work will prevail during the busy period whilst we all get to know how he plans to take the store forward.  Our Christmas hours are sorted anyway so at least I can plan things round them.

Looks as though we will be dodging the rain showers all this week but still pretty mild.  It will be a shock to the system when the temperature becomes wintery.

Look after yourself.  Regards, Jules x

Hi Jules,glad you enjoyed your time with your family especially the grandchildren, I went the garden centre this week to buy a bucket of fat balls for my feeders,glad you enjoyed your works do as well as your bosses leaving do and your new manager is now in place.by the way Jules where do you work? I retired in 2014 sometimes I wish I had stayed on a bit longer but I didn't know what was going to happen otherwise it might have changed things.went for a meal Monday with the ladies from my aerobics group it was in a local pub there was about 16 of us it was nice to chat over a nice meal,my aerobics class has finished now till after Xmas.Monday I am out for a Xmas lunch at a local garden centre with my friendship group they do nice meals there so am looking forward to a nice Christmas roast.the weather here hasn't been that good either we have had a lot of rain managed to take George out for the first  time today didn't take him on the park as it was to muddy,just took him round the park but I think he enjoyed it .don't know what I'm doing over the weekend there is a Christmas fare in the baths hall where I do my aerobics so might have a wander round there have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope you doing okay and if you went to the Christas fare over the weekend hope you enjoyed it.  I had a relatively quiet weekend with no visitors so took myself walking on Sunday and had the inevitable cuppa en route.  Went to the gym both days as it is a nice social atmosphere as well as giving me extra exercise.  Sunday afternoon was spent Christmas decorating as had the tree delivered and so I am more or less ready for family and friends visiting over the weekend before Christmas.  

Visiting friends this weekend with Saturday night being a meal out with entertainment and raffle in Marlow, Bucks so will get the train sometime during the day.  They are long term friends and continue to be really supportive.  Just what's needed at this time of year.  

Work is busy but manageable and the new Manager seems to be settling in well and also very helpful to everyone. Fingers crossed he gets to stay a while as, being a youngster, has lots of energy and supportive to everyone. Breath of fresh air.

Have a good week ahead and hope the weather is allowing you to go walkies with George.  Regard, Jules xx

Hi Jules, I didn't go to the Christmas fare went to town when I got back it was throwing it down so didn't fancy going out again,went out Sunday with my daughter and her partner for dinner,Monday I went out with my friendship group to a local garden centre for a 3 course Xmas lunch which was lovely we have finished now till the middle of January.hope you enjoy your meal with entertainment good luck with the raffle, my son and his partner were in Marlow a few week ago they went to the restaurant that a chef owns I can't think of his name but he's always on TV he said the meal was lovely they stayed over night in a hotel and came home the next day. I am out again on Saturday to my community centre with my 2 friends for a Christmas lunch a visit from Santa  a glass of wine and entertainment which I'm looking forward to I have also got a Xmas lunch on Wednesday at a local school with my friendship group they put a Xmas lunch on every year for local pensioners and we have been invited,by the end of Xmas I will be fed up with Turkey even though I like it.enjoy your weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

The weather has certainly been mixed but at least not too cold here.  I spent the weekend with my friends and had two social events to attend.  Was lucky enought to have wins in both the raffles held some came home with some helpful additions to festive food and drink.  Did give one of the prizes to my friends son in law as it was a bottle of gin and no one in our family drinks it!

Will visit Mum today and leave her Christmas gift with the staff ready for 'Santa's delivery'.  Will pop in again after my sister in law returnss home (she arrives on Thursday) and my work shifts are over next weeks.  Have around a dozen or so coming to me thi coming Sunday and then will spent Christmas Day with my son and family at his in-laws before going to work on Boxing Day.  Will see my daughter and family over New Year so plenty to keep me occupied.

Hope you have a peaceful week and are keeping well.  Jules x

Hi Jules,glad you had a few wins on the raffle it's nice to win something for a change,I enjoyed my Xmas lunch at my local high school the school choir sang songs while we were having our  meal they were really good, then we had a raffle and everyone won a prize.the weather here isn't to bad at the moment have just taken George out it's quite mild even though we have had rain this morning.I will be spending christmas day with my daughter ,then boxing day we are going to a local restaurant  for a  boxing day meal ,it must  e hard working  boxing day ,my friend is working  as well she works at boots cleaning as they are open she has to work. I still don't know what your job is Jules,? on the 27 December it would have been my hubbies 70 birthday ,we are going to go for a Chinese meal which was one of hubbies favourite meals then we are going to have a walk round one of the canals were he used to fish,I just wish he was here to celebrate with us I keep thinking what  we would have done maybe we would have gone somewhere nice for a holiday but it wasn't meant to be.have a lovely Christmas hope everything goes to plan all the best to you and your family for 2019 speak to you soon regards syl x

Hi Syl

Just a quick message before my guest arrives.  My sister in law was caught up in the Gatwick problems so is en route today instead having been flown to Liverpool instead this morning and is now on a train heading south.

I have no problem working on Boxing Day. For the past 7 years they have covered Christmas without my help so I volunteered and only have a 5hr shift so will be home mid-afternoon.  I work for W H Smith and luckily the tubes will be running!

Have a good time with your daughter and remember the  happy times spent with your husband when you reflect on what would have been his 70th.  We were both privileged to have had happy times to recall (even though tinged with the sadness of loss).  Take care and wish you and the family a peaceful Christmas and 2019.  Regards  Jules

What a mess the drones  were for thousands of people in including your sister-in-law they still haven't caught the culprits they might never catch them. I had a nice christmas with my daughter and her partner dinner was lovely,for afters she made a maltteser chocolate cheese cake which was yummy I even took a peace home with me.boxing day three of us went to a local restaurant for lunch which was very nice my hubbies birthday we went to a Chinese restaurant unfortunately there should have been 7 of us but my son's partners son was playing up so in the end there was only 4of us but it was a lovely meal anyway I just wished my hubby was with us to celebrate his 70th hope you have a nice new years eve, I'm going to do my self a little buffet and know doubt have  a few glasses of wine will see the new year in  on the T V then off to bed happy New year to you and your family regards syl x

Hi Syl

Like you I had a good Christmas.  Had open house on 23rd for family an friends so kept the buffet going!!  Christmas Eve morning spent with 'over-nighters' and my sister in law who went home on the 27th.  A  lovely day on Christmas Day spent with my son and family at his in-laws.  Baby Ethan now five months and Darcey (2 and a half) made sure we all had a very special day making new memories.

A good couple of days spent at work and then visited my Mum yesterday.  Today I was back at the gym this morning and then have family coming later today.  Tomorrow I travel back with my daughter and family to spend New Year with them before normal routine begins again on the 2nd. I will be going to my hubby's resting place on the 3rd, the 4th anniversary of his passing but his tree remains evergreen and a place of peace.

Wishing you well for the New Year and 2019. Regards, Jules x