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

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

Hi Jules,glad you enjoyed your sister-in-laws visit it is nice to catch up with our extended families I ring my brother-in-law every Sunday,just like my hubby did,sometimes it's hard to think what to talk about as they used to talk about cars and decorating we tend to talk about the weather and the garden .I haven't done much in my garden lately as we have had quite a lot of rain and my lawns need a.  cut as well have managed to take George out in between the showers, enjoy  your family over Friday I'm sure the dog  Will enjoy his walk with you all and hope the weather is kind so he can enjoy it . I have been swimming aerobics this morning ,then the community centre with my friends for lunch  and a natter came straight home took George out ,I'm in for the day now .Friday will do a bit of shopping then hopefully  have a coffee with my  friend,not got anything planned for the weekend up to now weather not that good here  enjoy your weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

So sorry yet again for a late response but have been having lots of issues with the new laptop.  After no end of phone calls last week I finally decided to take it back to the retailers today and hopefully they have now ironed out the gremlins by uninstalling a certain piece of software and then re-installing it.  Spent an hour with them and they were very patient (as was I!!).  Fingers crossed things will now be better.

Spent a lovely day with my son and family yesterday and despite the weather (steady rain all day) we still went out and took their dog for a walk.  Was amazed to see so much fungi growing  in the Park and different varieties too so quite fascinating.  My son drove me home after we had all eaten and enjoyed watching Strictly together.  Will be catching up with them again next weekend when all the family meet up at my daughter's home to celebrate her youngests 6th birthday.   Certainly not sure where the time goes.

Hope the damp weather is not playing too much havoc with your aches and pains as know I feel the arthritis in my hip more when it is like this.  Still quite mild though so not had the  heating on which I suppose is a small bonus!

Enjoy your week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad your back thought it was a problem with your new laptop  hope its sorted now ,glad you enjoyed your  day with your son and managed to take his dog out as well,will be nice when you all get together for your grandsons birthday next week. the weather here hasn't been that good either didn't take him out much last week because of the weather,hope it's a bit better this week,so I can take him out more, I have been to my local high school today with my friendship group,for  afternoon tea it was very nice I ended up scoffing sandwiches sausage rolls and I had 2 small cream scones and chocolate cake I was stuffed after ,at least I didn't need anything to eat when I got home. my swimming aerobics has finished now till November my teacher is away on holiday and the kids are off on holiday, not much on this week apart from my dementia group Wednesday ,also out with my two friends Thursday for a bite to eat at our local community centre enjoy your week regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Well, I made up to see my daughter's for her youngest's birthday celebrations but unfortunately my son and family were not able to join us in the end as the little one had sickness so that get together will have to wait for another time (probably Christmas!!).  After a very wet Friday we had a lovely day on Saturday and were able to go to a local forest park for a long walk and it was good catching up with all their news.

This morning my daughter took their new puppy off to training class whilst my son in law and eldest grandson were spending the day together at their  remote control car racing club.  I spent the  morning playing with their youngest and then  had lunch with them before catching the train/buses home.  

I have this coming week off work as annual leave to use up and am looking forward to the freedom that gives me to be out and about. Have catch ups planned with two different friends as well as having gas smart meter fitted on one morning.  With a bit of luck I will also get time for the gym a few times and also want to continue with Christmas shopping as I now been given a few ideas to work from.

Your afternoon see sounded scrummy (I am a big fan of  these!!) and hope the coming week will be dryer to allow more walks.  I feel so much better when I can get out and about.  I am currently doing a challenge for charity through our local gym (to drop a dress size in 10 weeks) so any thoughts of cakes will have to go on hold ha ha.

Take care of yourself.  Jules x

Hi Jules, not read your e mail just a quick e mail having problems with my tablet if you don't hear off me it because my tablet isn't working  hopefully will hear off me later in the week regards Syl x

Hi Jules ,if you've read my little e mail you will know my tablet is ok now my son fixed it ,hope there is no more gremlins  in it now lol,glad you made it to your daughter's  pity your son couldn't make it but these things happen.sounds as if you had a busy week with family and friends ,it is nice to get out when the weather is ok, went to my friendship  group Monday we had a social for a change we had a game of bingo  and a trivia game it was fun considering there was only eleven of us there. must be nice for you to have time of work I know I enjoyed time off when I did work,I can't. believe it's 5 years since I retired, time flies .been to the dementia group this afternoon had a game of dominoes and adult colouring great fun and all the group enjoyed the afternoon.tomorrow shopping then coffee with my neighbor hopefully will take George out but it has forecast rain so will have to wait and see what happens.dont know what I'm doing at the weekend thing I will be seeing  my son at some point as him and his partner have split up have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi s Syl,

Glad your son able to sort the gremlins out.  Like you I am at a loss when something goes wrong with technology and my frustrations increase as we do depend on it so much these days to do day to day tasks as well as staying in touch with friends and family. I am still trying to get used to the new laptop as different software than before and everything is in different places grr.  Add to that my wifi is slow at present so not always able to do what I want as fast as I want (think they call this impatience ha ha).  Hey ho life rumbles on whatever!!

My youngest grandson has been diagnosed with a virus and they have been given an inhaler to help him and been told to keep an eye in case it develops into croup.  Hopefully that will not be the case as such a distressing thing to go through watching little ones suffering as he is usually such a happy and cheeky little soul.  I am sure we will find time as a family to meet up when all is well again.

I am having a varied week off as had made no definite plans as a lot depends on the weather.  I have managed to go walking, do some Christmas shopping and spend a day in London visiting an exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands in Canary Wharf with a friend.  We also visited a roof garden as well as strolling the lovely gardens in the area and having lunch in a small cafe.  Sunshine would have been nice but you cannot have everything ha ha.  Also extra gym visits which is very social and good for me!!  This evening I am out for a meal with another friend and weather allowing will go walking later too.  Hoping to be able to fully retire (I only work two days a week now) when the State Pension comes along in the middle of next year......already counting down eagerly as been working far longer than expected!

Hope you are having a pleasant week and that your weekend goes the way you want it to.  Take good care of yourself.  Regards Jules x

Hi s Syl,

Glad your son able to sort the gremlins out.  Like you I am at a loss when something goes wrong with technology and my frustrations increase as we do depend on it so much these days to do day to day tasks as well as staying in touch with friends and family. I am still trying to get used to the new laptop as different software than before and everything is in different places grr.  Add to that my wifi is slow at present so not always able to do what I want as fast as I want (think they call this impatience ha ha).  Hey ho life rumbles on whatever!!

My youngest grandson has been diagnosed with a virus and they have been given an inhaler to help him and been told to keep an eye in case it develops into croup.  Hopefully that will not be the case as such a distressing thing to go through watching little ones suffering as he is usually such a happy and cheeky little soul.  I am sure we will find time as a family to meet up when all is well again.

I am having a varied week off as had made no definite plans as a lot depends on the weather.  I have managed to go walking, do some Christmas shopping and spend a day in London visiting an exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands in Canary Wharf with a friend.  We also visited a roof garden as well as strolling the lovely gardens in the area and having lunch in a small cafe.  Sunshine would have been nice but you cannot have everything ha ha.  Also extra gym visits which is very social and good for me!!  This evening I am out for a meal with another friend and weather allowing will go walking later too.  Hoping to be able to fully retire (I only work two days a week now) when the State Pension comes along in the middle of next year......already counting down eagerly as been working far longer than expected!

Hope you are having a pleasant week and that your weekend goes the way you want it to.  Take good care of yourself.  Regards Jules x

Hi Jules ,hope your grandson is better now it's awful croup  ,I remember it being quite common when my 2 were babies.    havnt even thought of Christmas yet I don't even know  what is happening with dinner we were going to go out ,then the kids decided one of them is going to cook so not sure what is going to happen yet .glad you have been out and about with your friends,must be nice to be able to visit London I'm assuming you don't live far from the capital?, the weather here not bad at the moment went to kirby beach on Sunday with my son and his dog he was looking after it while his x partner was away for the weekend  it was windy but dry lovely walk there was loads of people there walking there dogs after we came back we went in a dog friendly pub for dinner even the dog had a Sunday dinner lol, my swimming aerobics starts back next week I'm quite used to not going now ,so I hope I can get back into it when  next week  comes,at my community this afternoon with my friends for something to eat and a chat not sure what is happening at the weekend  I'm at spec savers Saturday for a eye check  not sure about Sunday yet enjoy your weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Time seems to be running away with me this past week and am popping this off just before I leave for work.

Hope you had a good weekend.  Weather here was decidedly wet on Saturday so a day spent pottering indoors and then a beautiful start to Sunday so after my gym visit I managed a three plus mile walk and felt much better for that!  

Thankfully my youngest grandson, now 16 months, is much better and back at Nursery so a little easier on the family (lack of sleep over a couple of weeks taking it's toll as they also both work!!).  

Hope your return to aqua aerobics was not too much trouble and no doubt you will soon be back into the routine.

Looks as though my garden will have to be left now to its own devices as far too wet to do anything much. Miss being out there but still upkeeping the bird feeding stations as the weather has turned a little nippier and more are visiting.  Lovely to watch their antics.  Not so happy that a squirrel seems to have taken a liking to burying numerous things in the flower beds so will have to watch out for rogue growth ha ha.

I am lucky that London is about 45 mins on the tube from where I live and with free travel makes it very accessible indeed.

Have a good week and take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad your grandson is feeling much better now it's not nice when there not well ,the weather not good here as well all the gardens are sodden so can't do much out side at the moment,apart from dodge the rain to feed the  birds lol , havnt had George out much this week as well ,went to the optician last Saturday as I had a small blood. clot behind my left eye 3 month ago so had to go back to see if it had disappeared luckily it's gone now. I wish I could walk like you Jules,I've been struggling to take George out just lately with.my breathing,so went the doctors this week  have got to go the hospital for a chest  x ray  bit scared really considering I've all ready got COPD I'm a born pessimist so I'm thinking all sorts at the moment. must be lovely to live that near London with everything there is to see and do there.started back swimming aerobics really enjoyed it and the water was nice and warm ( which makes a change) as well,not got anything planned for the weekend up to now my son is in Birmingham at the weekend catching up with friends he used to work with,not back with his partner but they are texting one another will have to see what happens next . have a nice weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl,

The weather certainly has been pretty awful especially in the north of the country from the pictures on the tv I have seen.  We have had plenty of rain in the past week and it does curtail what and how far I go. Thankfully yesterday had a beautiful day and once again I got out and managed to stroll three parks in London and really enjoyed the relaxation that brings.  I do consider myself very lucky to still be able to do this and if hubby's death taught me anything it was not to take anything (or anyone) for granted so it means a lot that I have this choice just now.

Hope the chest x ray is sorted for you quickly and whilst I can imagine your anxiety with a bit of luck it will just show them how to treat your breathing problems with perhaps alternative medication.  Wish you all the very best as must be frustrating that you cannot enjoy those walks with George even when the weather allows.

Today has started bright again but rain due later so once my mail is up to date and the washing up down I will try and do my weekly shop in the dry.  Other than that just next weekend to look forward to when out with friends.  Just need to get through my two work days in the middle of the week (lift is out of order so lots of moving goods by hand up and down stairs...........exercise I could do without haha) and then having my hair cut on Friday.  Still not sure how I manage to fit everything done but am also hoping to catch up with son and the grandchildren on Friday afternoon now that their bugs seem to have cleared up.

Hope you had a pleasant weekend.  Take care  Jules x

Hi Jules,not had any x ray results yet the Dr has put me on a stronger tablet which I inhale every morning will have to see how  I get on with that for now, been swimming aerobics this morning ,then I did a bit of shopping,then off to the community centre with my friends decided to have mushroom soup for a change ,wish I hadn't it was awful it was so spicey we only eaten half of it ,normally the meals are !lovely must be a different chef.glad your still enjoying your walks especially in london even though the weather isn't to good at the moment,I don't think it's good any where listening to the news.had a nice Sunday lunch last Sunday with the kids its a country pub we have been there a few times it's always a nice meal.I'm supposed to be going to a Christmas fair at the weekend with my daughter and her partner but it depends on the weather,as you have to park in a field with all the rain it might be to muddy to park and then we might. not be able to get off,not sure what's happening Sunday regarding dinner, have a nice weekend hope you manage to catch up with your grandchildren Friday regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope the new medication will improve things for you and I expect only time will tell as you have to wait to see how it goes.  With the colder weather my hip certainly feels it more but have a good cream pain relief which I use from time to time.

You have some lovely things to be getting on with even when you cannot get George out for his walks but sorry the soup did not live up to expections.  With the colder weather I do enjoy soup (I make batches and then freeze it) for my lunches and they are ideal whilst I am on the challenge at the gym I go to.  So far so good as have managed to lose 6lb and we are only half way through.  Will be back at the gym today for usual half hour circuit and then weigh in.  However will be pleased if I have just maintained my weight this week as had a very sociable five course meal whilst out with friends over the weekend.  It was a lovely evening with live soul singer who they have had before and he gets a good response from all ages.  After the meal there was the raffle (won some small snack dishes which will be very useful over the Christmas entertaining period) and then dancing till 11 pm.  Made a real change.

I saw my son and the children for a few hours on Friday and was lovely catching up with them.  Plans are afoot now for me to go to them in a couple of weeks for the weekend all being well. Have also had plenty of chats with my daughter so all in all it was a very good week (once the work shifts were done and dusted).

Was beautiful here yesterday with plenty of sunshine so went for a five mile stroll at Kew Gardens and put the camera to good use as well as plenty of interactions with other people there. One chap had settled himself by the side of the lake with his bags of seeds and was surrounded by geese, ducks and a pair of beautiful swans.  The male swan was sleeping at his feet and  it was a pleasure to be part of that world for a while.

Take care of yourself. Jules x

Hi Jules, my chest x ray came back ok no further action to be taken,so that is a good sign my breathing haven't been to bad since I started taking my new tablet that I inhale every morning ,let's hope it helps I know it won't get any better as there is no cure for COPD but for now it's manageable . the weather here is ok at the moment dry but cold took George out all week for his walk which I have enjoyed as well ,glad your enjoying the gym  and losing weight I think as we get older it's harder to lose the weight as well,glad you enjoyed your night out with friends ,and a five course meal as well as winning the raffle it is nice to have a night out  and enjoy a nice meal with friends.glad you enjoyed your stroll round Kew gardens and see the birds. and other wild life I also love nature , it's awful what humans are doing to this planet with no thought for animals or nature ,went to a garden centre last Saturday with my daughter it's a massive centre it was packed she only just managed to park,she bought a few bits I bought her a reindeer wooden head (it's cute) for christmas then we had coffee and cake before we came home , then Sunday I went out with  my son for Sunday lunch went to a local carvery it was very nice. doing some shopping tomorrow,not got anything planned for the weekend as yet .enjoy your weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Brilliant news about the chest x-ray and that the new medication is also helping with your breathing.  This must give you some relief and improved quality of life too.  Lovely to read that you have been able to get out with George too.  Weather has been up and down since my lovely day at Kew so glad I made the most of that opportunity.

I also love wandering those large garden centres and it is indeed rare that I come away empty handed ha ha.  Every year I promise myself that I do not need any more Christmas bits but alwayws manage to find something to add.  This year I am hosting Christmas for the first time since hubby died so have added some 'jolly Father Christmas' plates for the childrens' table settings.  There will be nine of us plus my daughter's dog as they are staying for a few days.  My son's Westie is staying with the in-laws as they visit them on Boxing Day and she does not appreciate lively pups!!

Weather over the weekend was not very pleasant; drizzling and dull so no long walks but instead managed to finish my Christmas shopping and catch up on tidying the house (does not take long!!).  I also brought in a few of the bird feeders for a good clean out.  I tend to do them on rotation so that there is always something out.  I have a robin coming regularly to the  back door in the mornings for his handful before the sparrows/pigeons/starlings etc gather.  Gives me a lot of pleasure to sit and watch them in the warmth as my chair is directly opposite the garden view.  Wish I had had the opportunity to mow the lawn before it got so wet but no chance now.  At least it is still lovely and green but most of the leaves have now left my maple tree so I have a layer of red leaves  which will eventually mulch down in the flower bed.  Only other colour just now are the winter pansies and cyclamen as the only heavy frost finished off the dahlias and bowdeni nerinii (not sure thats the right spelling!!).

Supermarket shop later but then a pretty routine week though I am at my son's next Saturday so will look forward to playing with the grandchildren and catching up with their news.

Take care and have a pleasant week.  Jules x

Hi Jules, weather not to bad at the moment ,I didn't manage to do my lawn either it's so wet at the moment,managed to cut some of my bushes down and put then in my green bin as its the last time they come now till March, your good getting all your presents for Xmas I give money to everyone I haven't got a big family ,I do buy them a few bits to open  Christmas day I still don't know what's happening Christmas day,I have got a feeling my son is going to spend  Christmas day with his x partner and her kids as they are still friends,they booked a pub lunch for Xmas  so I think that is still on,so I think I will be at my daughter's.must be lovely to spend time with all your family especially with your grandchildren,that is one thing I miss not having any ,but it wasn't meant to be.have been to town this morning also went into Costa for coffee and a toasted tea cake which was very nice .I'm out tomorrow to a Christmas fare with my two friends it's at the baths where I do my swimming aerobics  might find a few things I can wrap up for presents,I'm off to my friends now for one more coffee lol , enjoy your weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope you had a good weekend. Beautiful morning last Friday so after the gym went walking instead of coming back home. Popped into the cafe for a coffee en route and also my local garden centre to stock up on bird food. Chilly but dry here so had a good day on Saturday spent with my son and family. Nice walk over their local park  with my grand-daughter on her bike and grandson taking his first outside walk with new shoes..............very cute indeed.  My son made a lovely curry for us all before the little ones went to bed and then we watched Strictly altogether before he dropped me home.  On Sunday  was back to my usual gym routine and then went to the monthly foodies market before another walk in the sunshine.

Monday was my usual supermarket shop (still that gives me a couple of miles walking) and then pottering at home.  As a lovely start here again today am putting housework on hold and catching the underground to a park I have not visited before.  They have a museum of local area history as well as extensive grounds and have been told by a friend that it will give me a good workout ha ha!!

My daughter, grandsons and the dog are visiting Saturday to Sunday and my son and family hope to pop in to meet the dog (otherwise they will catch up over Christmas dinner!!).

Not had such a good week as far as healthy eating is concerned so expect the scales to reflect this at my weigh in later.  It is hard to stay away from the festive food which is around but still a couple of weeks left of my gym's challenge so need to gather some willpower!!

Our green garden waste is weekly throughout the year, the same as general and recyclable waste so we are very lucky to be able to get rid of it.  That being said still too wet underfoot to do much other than gather fallen leaves and I pop these in the part of the garden for wildlife.. My pair of robins are regular morning visitors now it is so much colder and my first duty before breakfast is to give them their daily feed(they are usual down before it is light and think they have worked out that this beats the pigeons to the seeds).

So the days move on and back into work tomorrow and Thursday. 

Hope you soon know how you will be spending Christmas.  As a family we usually have the conversation in October and this helps us all budget/plan. This will be my first Christmas hosting without hubby so feels rather poignant but he would love the fact that we will all be celebrating together at least on Christmas Day. Sometimes it is hard to believe it will be five years on 3rd January since his death; other times it feels like yesterday. He absolutely loved this time of year so will definitely raise a glass in his memory.  Also my first year without Mum so all seems a little disjointed at the moment as used to have to plan visits to the care home/gifts etc.  Still  life has to go on and 
I do enjoy seeing childrens' faces when they see the Christmas Tree and lounge all decorated.  That reminds me to start 'unearthing' the decorations after they leave this weekend and also get the tree from local garden centre (thankfully free home delivery).

Hope you are feeling well and the new medication continues to help with the breathing.  Best regards. Jules x