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 you have managed to stay warm during the chilly spell.  The snow reached us on Thursday night so I did get through my work days without problems.  Friday I stayed in and only ventured into the garden to top up the feeders and keep the birdbaths de-iced (yes they kept on bathing!!).  A routine weekend with shopping, the gym visits and then a lovely walk on Sunday around the icy local Lido.  Most of the snow had already gone.

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After a hot chocolate to warm up with in the lakeside cafeI walked on to the garden centre before hopping on the bus back home (heavy bag of bird food supplies!!).

No plans this week other than usual work shifts but am on holiday next week to use up more of my allocated 2018 days off (must be used by end of March and still have another week to take).  Will have a look and see if there is anywhere I fancy going to depending on the weather.

Hope the return  visit to the vet went well and that your cat  was able to lose the collar.  They are a nuisance but very helpful in keeping the area 'safe' from those paws!.  No doubt you enjoyed the meal with your daughter afterwards.

Have a peaceful week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, lovely photo even in the middle of winter there is some  lovely places to visit , my cat is much better now  and it's healing  hope the collar comes off when I take her back tomorrow,but she has taken the collar off herself  a few times this week and I have had to put it back on it was funny how she did it ,she lay on the floor and got it over her head with her paws maybe not has daft  as people think they are lol. Havnt had George out much this week came down with a cough and cold  so didn't feel up to taking him out plus we have had a lot of wind and rain this week,I managed to go my swimming aerobics Thursday then did a bit of shopping,but most of the week have just stayed in and watched T V. hope you enjoy your week off work it's always nice to have time off from work and enjoy not having to go out at a set time. not got anything planned for the weekend might stay in Sunday  and raid my freezer for my Sunday lunch in stead of going out while I have still got my cold enjoy your weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Love the fact that your cat has managed to remove the protective collar.  Hopefully it is now off for good and she is better too.  Have not had any pets myself since the children left home as would find them a bit of a tie but would never say never in the future if I was indoors more.

Had a pretty quiet weekend with just usual trips for shopping and the gym.  On Monday I met a friend for coffee and catch up which are always enjoyable. Tuesday was usual visit to Mum and the gym afterwards.  Yesterday, being on holiday from work this week, I went to Kew Gardens. They have an orchid festival on and it was a lovely day for walking too so spent nearly 5hrs there before heading home.

Have been chatting to my daughter this morning as it is her birthday and am almost ready to go for a walk as the sun is shining and too nice to be indoors.  May get some time in my garden later though it was a frosty start so mowing still on hold.  I can at least do some weeding.

Hope  you are having a peaceful week and wish you a pleasant weekend.  Regards, Jules x

Hi Jules, my cat is fine now took her back to the vet over the weekend and she has been discharged now thank goodness , haven't done much my self this week went to my friendship group Monday we had a social morning just chatting  then we had a game of bingo I won some sweets which I passed on to my son ,my son has been home most of the week has he is very busy at the moment,I managed to go out with him last Sunday to a local pub for a carvery which was very nice.glad you enjoyed your trip to Kew gardens I have heard of it  bet it's nice to visit.the weather has been a lot better this week  George has had all is walks  this week for a change , I am going into my local town tomorrow Friday just for a bit of shopping ,then hopefully after dinner will  go in my friends for coffee,not got anything planned for the weekend up to now,it's my community group Monday with my two friends  for lunch and a game of bingo have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Another nice weekend weatherwise which certainly makes it easier being out and about.  I was up with  my daughter and family so good to  catch up with them as had not seen them since New Year. Our shopping plans (my daughter's birthday gift) were slightly curtailed as she put her back out earlier last week and this is very painful and has limited her mobility.  She is back to the chiropractor today for more manipulation and hopefully this will help.  My grandsons are being as helpful as possible bless them and earning extra stickers towards their pocket money. They are on half term this week and due to visit my son in laws family at the end of the week which is about a three hour drive.  They will no doubt have to stop several times en route to allow my daughter to stretch out!

Good to hear that your cat is well again and I am sure George has been enjoying his sunny walks.

Hope your Monday club is enjoyable today and that you have a good week.  Take care.Jules xx

Hi Jules , hope your daughter is ok with her back I know what its like  as I have trouble with my back as well sometimes it aches so have to take pain killers, have taken George out every day this week as the weather has been really nice which is unusual for this time of year,even managed to cut my lawn and do a bit of weeding ,I am at the crem tomorrow as my hubby has been dead 3 years [Saturday] even though he isn't there I will put flowers in a vase and look at the remembrance book as I put a verse in for him.I can't believe 3 years have past since I seen him or heard his voice sometimes it's hard   to imagine  life without him and I pray for a sign that he is all right, but it never happens. my son has been home all week has he is very busy with work as the moment,having said that him and his partner are in Prague for a long weekend then at the beginning of March he is in Norway for a few days with work. think I am at my daughter's Sunday for dinner if its nice we might go for a walk somewhere have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

I am sure Saturday was a mixed day of emotional memories for you and the family but somehow we manage day to day.

The weather has certainly helped these last few days and, like you, I have tried to make the most of it both in the garden (yes I too have mowed the lawn) and out walking.   My weekend was pretty routine so it was shopping, gym visits and then on Sunday I went walking for nearly three hours.  Felt a lot better for it.Yesterday I spent time weeding the borders and now the green waste has been collected so can do a bit more today.

Yesterday evening I went out for a meal with a couple of friends so was lovely to catch up and  not have to cook. As I have a relatives' meeting at Mum's care home this evening I will skip my visit this morning and pop to see her before the meeting starts leter.  It has been three weeks running that she has slept through my visit so maybe fourth week lucky.  Sadly even when awake she rarely speaks to anyone now; it is just so very sad.

A frosty start here today but already the sun is warming things up so will go to my gym soon and then get back into the garden whilst I can.  Have to make the most of the good days at this time of year.

Have a good week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you had a few. days in your garden its funny the weather has been warm  this time of year we have had a bit of rain this week but it's not cold really I believe there's a storm coming  called freya on Sunday afternoon. I was at the crem again Friday as it was my mum's bithday so we put flowers  my parents plot,I stayed at my sister's for a coffee then back home.I also went to the vets with my daughter  on Thursday as her bunny hasn't been well unfortunately the vet felt to lumps  in her stomach which the vet thought were tumours given her age he thought it best to but her to sleep,so there was tiers all round she was a real character in sure my daughter will miss  her being in the house.think I am out with my daughter Saturday as her partner is having a boys weekend in Amsterdam till Sunday, think we are going to a shopping centre then maybe have our tea somewhere,I am at my community centre Monday for lunch and a game of bingo oh the excitement of it all lol.not much else planned for the week hopefully the weather ok  so I can take George out for his walks.have a nice week regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Well weather back to a more seasonal normal but glad I made the most of the sunshine.  Decided to take myself out for the day last Saturday and enjoyed visiting an area called Little Venice on the Grand Union/Regents Canals before having lunch in a nearby store after four hours walking. Sunday was a gym visit followed by a quick look round the garden centre and stocking up on some bird food as there was 20% off for reward card members.  On Monday was out with my friend from work and we went to Chiswick Park followed by a stroll along the Thames Path and a pub lunch.  Usual visit to Mum on Tuesday morning and then went to see a film, Colette, at 'senior cinema' showing (£3 with coffee and biscuits).  Today turned out far more costly as had my 2yr eye test and need new prescription but am very happy with the new frames I have chosen.  Pick them up in a couple of weeks.

Sorry to read about your daughter's rabbit; always hard when you have to say goodbye to a beloved pet.  Hope you enjoyed your Saturday outing and found somewhere nice for tea.  Was the Monday bingo another win for you? Still good to be able to socialise.

Have a good weekend.  Regards  Jules x
 

Hi Jules, sounds as if you had a nice few days with friends,I'm glad you enjoyed your long walk I don't think I could manage 4hrs with my lungs even though I enjoy taking George out its only about 35 minutes long. I enjoyed my outing with my daughter we went to a big retail park called Cheshire oaks my daughter bought 2 tops and a pair of trainers, we had a lovely walk round and a coffee,on the way back we called at a country pub for tea.the weather here has changed as well back to normal temperatures now as well as rain,don't think I will be taking George out today as its pouring with rain,  my daughter is away this weekend  to a spa hotel as its her birthday Monday so will go into town tomorrow to buy her a few things and will put some money in her card as well. went to my swimming aerobics class Monday thought I would do a extra class this week at the end of the session she told us she was giving the Monday one up ,went to my community centre for my meal and bingo with my friends when we got there we were told it was the last one due to financial reasons so all in all it wasn't a good day .hope you have a nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Jules, sounds as if you had a nice few days with friends,I'm glad you enjoyed your long walk I don't think I could manage 4hrs with my lungs even though I enjoy taking George out its only about 35 minutes long. I enjoyed my outing with my daughter we went to a big retail park called Cheshire oaks my daughter bought 2 tops and a pair of trainers, we had a lovely walk round and a coffee,on the way back we called at a country pub for tea.the weather here has changed as well back to normal temperatures now as well as rain,don't think I will be taking George out today as its pouring with rain,  my daughter is away this weekend  to a spa hotel as its her birthday Monday so will go into town tomorrow to buy her a few things and will put some money in her card as well. went to my swimming aerobics class Monday thought I would do a extra class this week at the end of the session she told us she was giving the Monday one up ,went to my community centre for my meal and bingo with my friends when we got there we were told it was the last one due to financial reasons so all in all it wasn't a good day .hope you have a nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you had a peaceful weekend and expect you will  be looking forward to hearing all about your daughter's spa weekend.  Has been nearly 12 years since I went on one of these (it was my daughter's Hen do) but can remember how relaxing I found it.  A nice birthday treat for her.

How sad that a couple of the things you enjoy going go have had to finish.  These little get togethers become so important to us as part of filling our time so I hope you can find something in the local area to replace them.  I think you do very well to manage those walks with George and am sure he enjoys them as much as you do.   I only managed one good walk over the weekend on Saturday as the awful windy weather yesterday made it too unpleasant to go on the walk I had already planned.  I had to content myself with a gym visit and mowing the lawn by way of exercise.

I am meeting a friend this morning and going into a part of London she needs to visit to buy some specialist yarn for a project she is doing.  It turns out to be in an area I know very well from my childhood as my Dad worked there over 55 years ago and I used to go in with him on Saturday mornings.  Did some research online and his workplace is now a boat club (it's by the side of the Regents Canal) so we are going for a stroll down memory lane ha ha. Thankfully the sun is shining today so should be pleasant.

Have a pleasant week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules,I haven't been out much this week because of the wind I was going to go out Saturday but it was raining really heavy and. blowing agale  ,Sunday made my self a Sunday dinner as my daughter wasn't back till Monday tea time they had a nice weekend and a relaxing massage as well.hope you enjoyed your trip into London with your friend and your memories from your childhood ,it's nice to remember when  you were young oh how things have changed would be nice if we could  go back to them days sometimes, my swimming aerobics is still continuing on Thursday she also does Tuesday mornings and Tuesday evenings so might add a Tuesday morning as well, have managed to take George out this morning even though it's still windy it was dry ,it's supposed to rain later.my son is in Wales  at the moment with his job he is back Friday I'm not sure where he is next week. hopefully I can go out Saturday to my local town fingers crossed the wind dies down ,Sunday I am hoping to go out with my daughter and her partner for Sunday dinner,have a nice week regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Am taking the chance to reply during a lull in the high winds as my internet has been in and out of reception the last few days.  Not enjoying walking too much at the moment but still making myself get out there albeit for a somewhat shorter stroll and avoiding the woods for fear of being clobbered by a branch!!  thankfully today has dawned beautifully sunny so will go out soon and get a good walk in today at least.

Really enjoyed my day out with my friend Margaret last Monday and it was lovely seeing how my dad's workplace had been 'reborn' as a boating club and a green space for all to enjoy.In the park they had plaques giving the history of his company and the part it played in various medical breakthrough. My Dad worked there both pre and post war and would have been so proud to have seen this. This was his place of work for all his working life until made redundant at 58 whenit was taken over and he and Mum would not uproot to the new premises.  He effectively was then retired. After having a stroll around and a coffee in the canalside pub we followed the towpath and then caught the tube to Kings Cross so that I could see how the area had been redeloped; it was certainly an improvement on my childhood view!!

Glad you will still have some classes to attend and hope you managed to get into town yesterday.Fingers crossed you get your Sunday meal and a chat with your daughter and partner. I will not be seeing family this weekend but hopefully my daughter and family are popping down next Friday for an overnight stop so will catch up then.  I am spending the last weekend in March with my son and my grandchildren which will be a long awaited get together as have not seen them since the end of January.  My daughter in law is away on her sister'sHen weekend so an extra pair of hands will be welcome I am sure.  Unbelievably  his youngest is now 8mths old and my grand-daughter will be 3 in May. Hubby would have been so proud of them all and how far we have come. He would have been 68 at the beginning of April so soon time to visit his resting place.  I have once again renewed the owl adoption in his memory this  year. It was my last birthday present to him and seems fitting to continue his support/memory in this way.

Right it is nearly 9am so better get myself out of the door.  Have a peaceful week. Regards. Jules x

Hi Jules,glad you enjoyed your time with your friend,and you went down memory lane with your dads work place,things alter that much over the years you sometimes don't recognize them at all.I did go out with my daughter and her partner last Sunday we had a nice Sunday lunch in one of our local pubs,the weather has settled down here at last,like you we had a lot of strong winds but it's nice and calm now,we even had a few days of sunshine not sure what it is for the weekend,my daughter is away at the weekend she is going to Barcelona for 4 days with a friend so think I am at a loose end  all weekend I am hoping her partner will say do you fancy going out for Sunday lunch {fingers crossed } lol .it will be nice for you to spend time with you son and grandchildren I'm sure you will be busy it's funny how time flies there not babies long . its my wedding anniversary today 21st  we would have been married 49 years I wonder what we would  have done maybe a nice meal or a few day's away instead I just bought some flowers and a card to put on my coffee table, it's sad because I will  never  know  now what we would have done . it's nice that you keep the adoption going  in memory of your hubby  as well as helping owls enjoy your weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

A busy week both at work and  out and about. Beauiful long walk last Sunday around three lakes and part of the Grand Union canal in the glorious Spring sunshine.Only a 40min journey on the underground and there was also an organised (free)  heron and egret nest watch with binoculars set up for all to view.  Have signed up for the area's newsletter as they do lots of events through the year for people to enjoy the outside.  On Monday I went to the Ideal Home Show with a friend which included free entry to the nearby eat and drink show.  We had a lovely lunch from the Indian street food kitchen and both bought a couple of bits for home/garden.

Usual visit to a sleeping Mum on Tuesdayand then to the gym and the hairdressers.  Work days were routine and busy so soon over. Getting a taxi today to visit my son (bus does not go to them!) and then spending the weekend with him and the children whilst my daughter in law goes to her sister's hen do in Bath.  As the weather is looking good tomorrow we are going to Whipsnade and I will come home mid-day Sunday so can pop into the care home to see Mum. I doubt she will be aware of my being there but you never know!

Hope you have a good weekend and that  your daughter enjoyed her Spanish break.  Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules,it sounds as if you had a lovely time with your friend also spending a weekend with your son and grandchildren,I never went any where at weekend I was hoping my daughter's partner would ring  but he didn't ,took my self off to town Monday just to get out of the house for a couple of hours,I did go to Liverpool on Wednesday with my friendship group to see a show there was only three people in it and one of them was the compare ,one was a comedian the other one was a singer,but they were good and it passed a day away.my daughter enjoyed Barcelona ,she enjoyed the sights and her and her friend had a Spanish cookery lesson  which she enjoyed ,she said her paella was delicious ,I am out with her Sunday (mothers day) we are going to a local garden centre for afternoon tea ,my son is away in Norway again working he told me he will take me for a meal somewhere when he comes home,weather ok here so I am just going to mow my lawn as the weather forecast isn't very good next  week ,will go to the crem tomorrow to put flowers in my mum's plot and put flowers in a vase for my mum in law as well have a nice week regards syl x

Hi Syl

Sorry for late response; I somehow managed to miss your mail in my in box. Hope you really enjoyed your afternoon tea on Mother's Day.  I had a day out with my son and the little ones to Whipsnade Zoo on the Saturday and then he brought me home in time to visit my Mum.  For the first time in five weeks she was awake and though still uncommunicative at  least I was able to bring her up to date with family news.  Flowers and a reed diffuser for her gifts were easy to set up in her room.  I had flowers from both my children and the planted basket is still doing well now.

Last week was a bit of a nightmare as ended up with a severe eye infection in the tear ducts.  Very painful and resulted in a trip to the Eye Hospital in London so was unable to work my two shifts last week.    Still a little swollen but at least the pain has gone now.  Hot compresses and drops to hopefully clear it up eventually.

Spent last weekend with  my daughter and family as it was my son in law's 40th party bash and had a lovely time catching up with old friends of theirs plus family.  The following day we had family round for lunch and then went out for a beautiful Indian buffet in a local village.  I came home on Monday and once my work shifts out of the way will be getting ready for my daughter and her two boys who are visiting Monday to Thursday next week.  Fingers crossed for dry weather so we can put our plans in place.

Hope you are keeping well and have had a good week.  Best regards.  Jules x

Hi Jules,was beginning to get a bit worried glad your ok and your eyes  are beginning to get better ,my sister has a lot of problems with her eyes  so I know what a worry they can be.enjoyed my mother's day tea with my daughter but it wasn't as nice  as we thought it would be fresh salmon sandwiches I don't like salmon ,and the fresh cream scone was quite hard but at least it was a afternoon  spent  chatting,I bet it was a lovely day with your family at the zoo I love walking round Chester zoo unfortunately I haven't been since hubby died.I hope you had a  nice  time at your son in laws party,it's good to have a good knees up sometimes, and then you had a nice Indian meal the next day you must be exhausted after all the partying your doing lol,I am out with my daughter and her partner Saturday as there is a artisan market on at  a place called walton gardens with food stalls and quite a few other things as well as music,so should be good and the weather is supposed to be ok as well ,George has been enjoying all his walks  this week with the weather being nice and warm,have you got anything planned for Easter,don't know what I'm doing yet have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope you had a good weekend and enjoyed the artisan market.  I love walking around them even if I do not buy anything (usually top up on cheese though!!). I was at a local French Market last Saturday and took some photos for the family to see online.  I was going to go for a walk afterwards but the rain arrived so hopped back on the underground home instead. Managed a walk and some gardening on Sunday before my daughter and two grandsons arrived on Monday.  We have enjoyed a lot of park visits and the little Zoo was fun as they had an Easter hunt with certificates and stickers well earned as we walked around finding out facts.  I have been to Chester Zoo which is not far from where my son in law's father lives and agree it is a lovely place to go.  I would definitely go again if in the area.

I am visiting my Mum today and will manage to fit a visit to the gym in whilst my daughter and the boys catch up with old friends they had before they moved (cannot believe that move was  2 years ago in May).

Thankfully my eye is virtually back to normal and can enjoy being out and about with my camera again.  As the weatther looks promising for the Easter weekend I  hope to find some places of interest to explore as the gardens are looking especially colourful with blossom and spring flowers and they woon will pass as the next season arrives.  Have several catch ups with friends planned in the coming weeks too which will be good company.

We are all catching up with my son and family tomorrow so more long walks planned, all helping me get my exercise on track which, in turn, brings better relief for my hip (touch of arthritis which the exercise definitely helps).  

Hope you have a good Easter weekend.  Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules, hope you have a nice time with your daughter and grandchildren  it must be nice when all your family get together ,I am out with my daughter and her partner Saturday they won't tell me where were going  as its a surprise ,but I have a feeling it's chester zoo, which will be nice ,glad your eye is ok now and back to normal ,I have been feeling quite  sad this week I am thinking of making a appointment with my doctor next week I  have been feeling angry with every  thing and everyone  just lately the least thing that goes wrong  and I'm shouting and swearing in the house I'm sure my neighbours can hear me and think I've lost the plot ,I don't even know why I feel this way it all stems from hubby dying and loneliness I suppose .(sorry I've dumped that rant on you). hope I will feel a bit better over the Easter weekend  as I am out Saturday ,Monday we are all going out for a meal there will be 7 of us all together ,so it should be nice have a lovely Easter don't eat to many Easter eggs lol regards Syl x