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,

Had a lovely weekend away and made new friends as well as having new experiences including taking part in a cheer-leading session (90 minutes of fun, laughter and plenty of exercise ha ha), making pizza and having a go at the karaoke evening.  My first Hen Party Weekend and now to look forward to the wedding in late August.

Spent Monday afternoon with my daughter in law and the two grandchildren as she had successful keyhole surgery last week and cannot lift the kiddies just yet.  Will be back there this Friday for the day as her Mum and Dad are away and  my son at work.  She is due to return to  her part time job next week so fingers crossed.  

Sounds as though you have been keeping busy and the voluntary work will be so appreciated I am sure as well as bringing you so company too.

Spent a while with my Mum this morning, then the gym and followed up with a coffee/cake afternoon with a friend.  Ironing done and now catching up on all my e-mails before work tomorrow.  With the weather being somewhat showery, no gardening since last week so hope to be able to catch up this coming weekend.  Would prefer to get the lawn mowed again before I go away (23rd).  Everything needed a good drenching and it certainly has had it in the last few days!!

Have a pleasant week and enjoy the coming weekend however you manage to spend it.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,glad you had a lovely weekend and trying things you haven't done before  as well has having fun while trying to do them .I had a  very noisy weekend ,my son his partner were in London for the weekend, along with my daughter and her partner there was about twelve of them all together it was just a pub crawl,but they booked  a hotel as they were staying over till Sunday, unfortunately my son's partner in laws took ill so I stepped in my son picked me up Saturday morning I didn't come back till Sunday tea time ,it's a long Time since I looked after a 12 year old and a14 year old plus  a big bouncy 10. month old pup it makes a change from silence  all the time.the weather hasn't been good here as well ,not cut my lawns or had George out much last week  managed to take him out today ,but it's dull and miserable,been my friendship group this morning we had a quiz  which was fun I'm not at the next one as I am away the last day of June for a week,do you go to Italy on the 23rd?. hope you had a nice weekend hope the weather improves  this week regards syl x

Hi Syl,

How nice that you were able to help out with a bit of childcare.  Quite a handful with the dog as well but good to be able to do it. Bet the house was quiet when you returned home.  Takes a while to re-adjust.

I helped out my daughter in law on Friday.  She was still recovering from surgery and  unable to lift the baby so I went over by cab and stayed from 8a.m. to 8 p.m.  We had a lovely time playing and took both grandchildren to the soft play centre for a couple of hours too.  My reward was a lovely roast dinner with the family when my son got home from work and then he ran me home.  

Spent the weekend pottering in the garden and got it mowed in the sunshine on Sunday afternoon.  Today has been beautiful and for the first time in ages I actually sat outside reading for over an hour and had to put sunscreen on!!  Have to make to most of it ha ha as they forecast heavy rain/thunderstorms for Tuesday into Wednesday.  Would be nice to aclimatise to the warmer weather before I travel (yes I go on the 23rd and am beginning to feel a little jittery though once I meet up with the tour manager on landing will feel better).  Before then I have my gym weigh in tomorrow followed by weekly visit to see my Mum and then two work days before I can think about relaxing. 

In between all that I hope to catch up with some of the tennis from Queen's Club and am happy to say will be  back for the start of Wimbledon (just as you go on holiday).

Hope you have a nice time away.  Jules x 

Hi Jules, glad your daughter in law is on the mend ,and you can step in to help,it must be a  weight off there mind knowing you can step in when needed. the weather here has been better this week,have taken George out most days ,managed to mow my lawn this afternoon ,it's supposed to be nice tomorrow then rain Sunday,might be going out with my daughter and her partner tomorrow to a stately home and gardens it's not far and there is a flower show on so it should be a nice day.you must be busy getting organized for your holiday ,it's always hectic making sure we don't for get anything,I'm sure you will have a lovely time once you meet up with everyone you can relax and enjoy it.will email you when I'm back regards Syl x

Hi Syl

By the time you read this you will have had your holiday too.  Great weather for it and hope you had a lovely time.

I really did enjoy 'pastures new' and once through the airport and settled on the minibus most of my nerves were gone.  Lake Garda and the surrounding region was truly stunning and hotel/food/company all good.  Ticked a lot of boxes but most of all new memories made which will stay forever so feel pretty chuffed.  Got back around 10pm last night and have today got all the washing out of the way and returned to the gym so routine back in place. Will visit Mum and mow the lawn tomorrow before returning to work.  Away Friday to Sunday at my daughters but look forward to hearing all your news upon your return.  Best regards Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you had a lovely holiday , I new you would once you met up with the rep  every thing would fall into place. I have ever been but I have heard it's a lovely place to visit,I to had a nice holiday, the weather was great,nice hotel over looking the sea it must be lovely opening your curtains  in a morning with a view of the sea ,went out and about went to Portsmouth  and a couple of other places ,all very interesting I came back Saturday tea time. didn't do much when I got back,managed to do both my lawns when I got back.Sunday went out with my daughter for dinner,they have gone away now till Thursday to Pembrokeshire clamping lol hope the weather holds for them ,also  I am back swimming aerobics  this Thursday after a month's break will be hard to get back into it after such a long break,hope you enjoy your break with your daughter ,regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

So pleased that you also had an enjoyable holiday and got out and about too.So lucky to be enjoying a nice spell of good weather too.

Had a lovely long weekend with my daughter and the family.  Very busy as we were walking a friend's dog twice a day (german shepherd) as the owner had an eye op and could not take the dog out.  Also managed to fit in grandson's school's Summer fete, helping on one of the stalls for 3 hrs.  Great fun. Looked after the children on Saturday evening so that they could pop out for a meal to celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary and then on Sunday spent a couple of hours on the allotment followed by watching the eldest grandson and my son in law at their car racing circuit. Got back home mid afternoon and managed a bit of gardening.  Lawn mowed on Monday and more pruning of spring shrubs so plenty of green recycling ready for collection next week.

Visited Mum as per usual on Tuesday though she slept through it and have been watching some of the Wimbledon tennis most afternoons after work today too.  Just my work shift to get through tomorrow and then a quieter weekend planned at the moment.

Hope the return to swimming aerobics goes well tomorrow and you are not too tired afterwards.

Take care and have a good weekend.  Jules x 

Hi Jules,glad you enjoyed your weekend  with your daughter ,and you enjoyed your grandsons school fete,I also went to a local fete on Saturday, with my neighbour and her grandson it was a lovely day there was all sorts there a fair stalls  Morris dancing and a dog show, but Sunday was totally different,I never went out  and  I did nothing but cry and my stomach felt  upset ,it's the second time it's happened this week,and I don't  know why. when I got up Monday I felt ok even though I didn't sleep  well .meet up with my friendship group Monday dinner time at our local carvery  for a meal as we have finished now till September. my swimming aerobics is back on now it's hard getting back into it after a month off but you soon get  back in to it.the weather has been mixed here but George has still had his walks, have been to my dementia group today been playing dominoes with the group which was nice, I am off to Llandudno on Tuesday with one of my neighbours ,when I started voluntary work  it's called life time it's run by the local council so I joined and my neighbour is a member so we're going together me and hubby loved Llandudno so it will be bitter sweet,I hope I can enjoy it without feeling to sad .enjoy your weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl

Hope your weekend went okay and sounds as though you are having up and down emotional times just now.  Fingers crossed the trip to Llandudno is a good one. I have fond memories of a family holiday there when the children were small and a real seaside town.  

I am not a lover of swimming pools and actually miss swimming in the sea/lakes when on holidays now but as a solo traveller feel safer on land. My sister in law however loves the swimming aerobics that she goes to a couple of times a week and made lots of new friends this way when she moved.

I had a wonderful weekend with one day at the RIAT event in Gloucestershire (huge airshow) with my son and grand-daughter and then on Sunday we celebrated my youngest grandson's 1st birthday with a family and friends picnic in the park.  Great fun and lots of new memories made.  Not quite sure where the last year has gone as I watch the grandchildren all grow!

Usual shopping and gym today followed by visit to Mum tomorrow and my usual work days on Wed and Thurs. Looking forward to Friday when I am going with a friend to visit the Tower of London followed by afternoon tea at Cafe Rouge at St Katherine Dock (the latter being able to use one of my Christmas gift cards at last!).

Have a pleasant week and look after yourself.  Jules x

Hi Jules, had a lovely day in Llandudno the weather  was hot, but walking along the front the breeze was nice and refreshing,also took a little bus up to the great  orme it fetched back memories as my hubby loved going to the orme on the little bus,we have also been on the tram as well.glad you had a nice day at the air show,and had a family day with your grandson , time does fly sometimes you wonder where the years go,hope you enjoy your time in London and your posh afternoon tea don't eat to many  cakes lol .the weather here is hot to hot really, I have been taking George out in the morning as its been to hot in the afternoon, went my aerobics class this morning the water took the breath of you it was that cold,but after a few minutes it was nice, went the community centre at 12 with my two friends,I only had a sandwich didn't feel like anything hot I bought a cake to fetch home with me so will have it later with a cup of tea.not sure what I'm doing at the weekend,think it's going a bit cooler with a few showers enjoy your weekend  regards syl x

Hi Jules, had a lovely day in Llandudno the weather  was hot, but walking along the front the breeze was nice and refreshing,also took a little bus up to the great  orme it fetched back memories as my hubby loved going to the orme on the little bus,we have also been on the tram as well.glad you had a nice day at the air show,and had a family day with your grandson , time does fly sometimes you wonder where the years go,hope you enjoy your time in London and your posh afternoon tea don't eat to many  cakes lol .the weather here is hot to hot really, I have been taking George out in the morning as its been to hot in the afternoon, went my aerobics class this morning the water took the breath of you it was that cold,but after a few minutes it was nice, went the community centre at 12 with my two friends,I only had a sandwich didn't feel like anything hot I bought a cake to fetch home with me so will have it later with a cup of tea.not sure what I'm doing at the weekend,think it's going a bit cooler with a few showers enjoy your weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you will forgive this very short reply but did not want you to worry if I was delayed in responding.

My Mum passed away this morning and whilst not a shock I am sure you can understand that there are processes to work through in the coming days. At 93 I hope that she has now found a peace that she had recently been denied in life.

Take  care.  Julesx

Hi Jules, so sorry for your loss ,its hard when you lose someone you love  even though she was a good age  it's still  a great loss to you and your family, havnt seen my daughter's week she has been in Harlow all week on a course ,she is due home later today,there again next week but only for a few days , weather not bad all week had George out most days been to my aerobics class this  morning we finish next week till September ,so will. be at a lose end now  for a few week.  not sure what I'm doing over the weekend think  my daughter is going to do dinner on Sunday as we have been out  for the last couple of Sunday's .take care  try and have a nice weekend  speak to you soon  regards syl x

Hi Syl

Thanks for your condolences.  Arrangements all in hand now and funeral on the 19th. Been kept busy with paperwork but return to work tomorrow so some form of normality day to day again.  

I had a lovely day of peace and tranquility at Kew last Saturday (my parents used to take me there as a child)  and the weather was lovely so very relaxing. Strolled over 7 miles during the day and took lots of pictures.

Hope you had a pleasant weekend and were able to catch up with your daughter on Sunday as planned.

Weather still good here though rather humid so wonder if we may get some rain which would bring the green back into the lawn but at least have been able to mow it so it looks neat.

Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules ,how are you  I lost my mum 21years ago and my dad 36 years ago i still think of them ,and my happy childhood it isn't easy but we all have good memories of when we were young ,it would be a lot easier if we knew  we were going to see our loved ones again ,I guess we won't know till we get there our selves.glad you enjoyed your time at Kew gardens I have seen it on T V many times. my daughter is back from Harlow she was doing a course for her job  back now having completed it ,my son is away this week in Devon not back till Monday, my aerobics finished now till September, so am feeling a bit lost at the moment, went to the local community centre this afternoon with my two friends for something to eat and a natter which was nice ,weather not to bad this week had George out most days ,I think were in for some bad weather this weekend so they say. having dinner at my daughter's Sunday. take care  regards Syl  x

Hi Syl,

Things not too bad with me thanks.  I  now have my daughter and two grandsons staying till Friday which is their summer holiday.  As my daughter is having treatment for an eye problem she cannot drive whilst here but we had a lovely trip into London yesterday with visits to the Sea Life Aquarium, and the ShrekExperience.   Today as rain is forecast we are going to see a film and do a  bit of shopping,

Hope you have found something to replace your routine aerobics until September when it returns. Still that is only a few weeks away!  

Mum's funeral next Monday and have sister in law coming to stay for that so plenty to keep my mind occupied and also a wedding to look forward to on Bank Holiday weekend.

Hope you have a good week and the weather allows more walkies for George.

Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules , hope you enjoyed  you'd time with your daughter and grandsons  ,and your trip to London,to see shriek and the aquarium,not much happening here the weather has been awful only had George out a couple of times this week because of the weather,managed to mow my lawn at the back ,but my front one still needs mowing.it's supposed to be ok at the weekend but I'm not holding my breath.I went into town this morning as I had to pick tablets up from boots  ,there wasn't many up shopping,I did go into Costa for a coffee and a toasted tea cake which was very nice, have been to my neighbours for another coffee and a natter this afternoon ,had to put my coat on as it was throwing it down .I am at the crem tomorrow as its 36 years since my dad died,hope I can put flowers in the ground I have a feeling it's going to be very muddy . not sure what I'm doing Sunday yet I have a feeling we will go out for Sunday dinner.hope things go all right Monday it will be a sad day but I'm sure there will be lots of good memories as well regards syl x

Hi Jules ,are you ok haven't heard off you in nearly 2 week ,hope everything is alright with you and your family please text me when you can so I know everything is alright with you regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Sorry for the delay in replying but do not recall seeing the e-mail in my in box and time has been running away with me I am afraid.

Had a good week with my daughter and the two boys and though she had an eye infection which meant we had to change our plans slightly (she could not drive whilst with me and also had an impromptu visit to the eye hospital as treatment she had from her own clinic was having no effect) we still got out and about and enjoyed a full day in London as an alternative  treat (Sealife Aquarium and Shrek Experience which kept us all entertained).

They returned home on the Friday and the following Monday were back down for Mum's funeral. Small and dignified just as she had asked for and arranged in advance!  I did afternoon tea for those attending.   A couple of days later I was back to work and then last weekend attended the wedding of my best friend's daughter.  A very hot day but wonderful to see her married and have been enjoying seeing photos of the celebrations ever since.

Hope everything is okay with you  and apologies once again for lateness in replying.  Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad everything ok with you, nice to spend time with your   daughter and grandchildren ,and you enjoyed time in London my sister has a lot of trouble with her eyes it's not nice especially when you have to keep  putting drops in , I have been  putting drops in my eyes this week as I have been diagnosed with dry eye which makes them feel uncomfortable. glad you enjoyed the wedding and it all went well ,I was in Southport Tuesday with my friend's it was a coach trip ,nice day the weather was kind to us as well had fish and chips and mushy peas in a nice cafe before we returned home. my friendship group back Monday ,and my aerobics group Thursday,I'm glad there back as I have felt quite lonely at times, I'm at the community centre this afternoon with my friends for a bite to eat and a natter ,hope to take George out later,but its been raining thismornig so will have to see what happens later. might be out with my daughter Sunday there is something on at a local park depends on the weather if we go or not .have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Your trip to Southport sounded good and always nice to get out and about rather than spending too much time on your own.  Glad to that the new sessions have begun so that you get some routine  back day to day.  Gives us something to look forward to.  I am not sure what I would do without my good friends and having the social visits to the gym several times a week  (hopefully the exercise does me as much good as the chinwag!!).

Have just had a long weekend with some very good friends of ours and always a pleasure catching up with them.  Already booked in for a return weekend in November.  They are a good few years older than me but very much 'young at heart' and we have a function to attend next time so need to get back to some healthy eating to make sure the new outfit is comfy.  Since Mum died I have as usual been relying too much on the comfort food so my shopping today has been far more sensible!!

Hope you had a good weekend and have a pleasant week.  Maybe the weather will allow you some walks with George. My daughter and family now have a dog (four month old mongrel) and so will be out come rain or shine. He had his first long walk in the woods over the weekend and slept very well afterwards!

I am supposed to be having a smart meter fitted tomorrow so will be stuck indoors for a bit (saving up the housework to do whilst they are here) and then it will be usual work routine Wed/Thurs. Friday meeting a friend for a coffee so we can arrange our next theatre trip (she is taking me to see War Horse as my birthday present) and then am up to my daughters for the weekend.  I need to fully retire so I can fit everything in ha ha.

Take care. Jules