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,

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 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 , 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

Hi Jules, sounds as if you have had a few busy weeks its nice to be visiting friends and family,my trip to Southport was nice  we had a trip up the pier on a little train  as its quite a long  pier ,went my swimming aerobics and my friendship group this week ,it's nice to get back into them again. Have been having trouble with my shoulder for. a few month aching  so went the for a x ray have been diagnosed with arthritis so have been rubbing cream on it Oh the joys of growing old lol. hope your daughter and her family enjoy the new edition I'm sure they will as they can be such good company  I wish I had a dog ,instead of my next door neighbours cat ,who adopted  us when our dog died but I wouldn't  swop her now  as she has been with me now for 5 years,my daughter and her partner in London Friday staying over night there is a food festival on,so will not see them till Sunday, my son in Manchester with is partner so might take my self off to my local shopping centre  Saturday enjoy the weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Sorry to read about the arthritis diagnosis.  Have had it for some years especially on my right hand side in hand and leg. Hope the pain relief cream helps.  

Had a nice weekend with my daughter and family going both to a food festival local to where they live and then the following day a dog show/fete for local animal welfare charity.  Their new dog has settled in really well and already responding to certain commands.  His only problem at the moment is that he gets car sick but their vet thinks he will grow out of this as he gets a little older (currently just over four months as a rough guide). Will see them again in October when no doubt there he will have grown some!!.  I enjoy dogs but would not want the tie so happy to enjoy other peoples (and without the expense ha ha).  It will be interesting to see how he gets on with my son's Westie when they eventually meet. He was certainly very well behaved around the numerous other breeds at the event on Sunday and walked well in the arena (light hearted event being judged for most appealing eyes).   Bless him he was happy to sleep once home.

Hope  you enjoyed your weekend whatever you managed to do.  I am busy again this week (just how I like it).  Haircut today plus gym and then shopping. Tomorrow seeing friends and then after my two days working I am going on a photography tutorial day on Friday.  My sister in law arrives for a visit on Sunday (I am her base B&B before she flies to Germany to visit friends and then she will stay with me again upon her return before catching ferry back to Isle of Man).

A bit overcast here today after a beautiful weekend but apparently the sun is due back tomorrow.  Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you enjoyed your time with your daughter at the food festival ,also the dog show it's lovely to see all the dogs  enjoying  the day  as well as there humans. yeah arthritis is a painful thing I have it In my back as well  it's quite bad at the moment if it doesn't improve I might have to make a appointment with my doctor. the weather has been lovely here all week ,had George out every day even though I struggled at times  with my back aching, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are coming for a visit on Saturday till Monday  will be nice to see them  there not at mine till tea time so think we will have chippy tea , Sunday we are going to meet up with  my other brother-in-law for Sunday lunch it will be nice to meet up with them ,but it will be  sad that my hubby isn't with us . Monday is my friendship group think we are going to a local community centre  for breakfast which  should be nice.have a lovely weekend regards syl  x

Hi Syl

Thought I would drop a reply off now as have my sister in law arriving this evening for a few days before she flies to Germany.  She will be staying with me upon her return (she is leaving her car with me as came over by ferry) for a couple of days too so time for a bit of a catch up.

Hope, if you decide to go to the GP he can help you with the back pain. Thankfully so far I have been able to control things with the odd painkiller. Will probably have to go to the GP at some point as must be due an MOT ha ha (nearly 3 years since I was there last!!).

We have also had wonderful weather but all change today.  Am so very pleased that my photography workshop was on Friday and the weather was  beautiful at the London Wetland Centre where the day was being held.  Still very mild today but showery. Managed to get to the gym early and avoided getting wet so now home and catching up with some housework and sport on tv before preparing dinner for two later.  Very thankful that I mowed the lawn yesterday knowing that wet weather was forecast.

Have a good week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, hope you enjoyed the few days with your sister-in-law before she flew to Germany does she have relatives there? ,I enjoyed the few days I had with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law ,we went for Sunday lunch with my other brother-in-law and sister-in-law,it felt strange without my hubby just wished he could have been with us. Monday we went to a local garden centre they had vouchers to buy something with but they couldn't make there mind up so we came away with nothing,at least while we were there we had coffee and cake,which was yummy. they left mine Tuesday morning for there journey back to Wokingham . My back hasn't been to bad this week will see how it goes  might just keep putting cream on it for now,weather not bad at the moment had a few showers but still managed to take George out ,not sure what I'm doing weekend nothing planned at the moment have a nice weekend regards Syl .

Hi Syl,

Just trying to get used to a new laptop and it's keeping me busy setting things up!!

My sister in law has friends of over 30 years in Germany and is visiting them for a 70th birthday celebration.  She returns to me on Sunday for a couple of nights before motoring back to Hailsham to get the ferry back.  It is always nice to catch up with her.

Last weekend was pretty run of the mill with just gym visits and shopping as the weather was really against any long walks.....I do miss them!  I did manage to do a little bit more tidying in the garden and then yesterday went with a friend to do a bit of window shopping and catch up over a coffee (had pre-planned the get-together and was going to Kew but after so much rain changed our plans to indoor variety ha ha).

Your weekend with the in-laws sounded lovely and we are so lucky to be able to keep in touch with them despite the loss of our and their loved one. Of course a constant reminder of all things past but also the need to have a life whilst we are priveleged to be able to though somewhat hard at certain times.  Must say it is a little easier when the sun shines and I can be out and about.

Have my daughter and family on an over-nighter on Friday and looking forward to seeing how the dog is getting on.  Whatever the weather walkies will be a necessity ha ha. Right I had best get on with finding my way round Windows 10:D

Have a pleasant week ahead though sadly the forecast is a bit rubbish!!  Take care Jules x