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

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

Hi Jules, lovely display of daffodils it does make you think of spring, we have a few dotted about but not as nice as those it is colder in the north so things take longer to come out .sorry your not enjoying work at the moment but at least you haven't got long to go now,I don't think shops are having a easy time at the moment with the internet and people buying on line ,it's a shame really as quite a lot of well known shops are closing down . I went to my daughter's last Sunday for dinner which is always. nice ,my son and his partner went to Wales for the weekend in a dog friendly hotel be sent me some photos of the hotel it was lovely the weather was. nice as well,I think the dog enjoyed more than they did lol .went to my aerobics class this morning she is on about retiring this year but hopefully she has got a friend who might do the class for her (fingers crossed)  she will do it for her she is a lovely person she will be sadly missed if she does decide to leave ,ha2 had George out all this week the weather hasn't been to bad it's been quite misty all week most days have been really miserable and dull but at least it's been dry think I'm out Sunday for dinner to a local restaurant they do a lovely Sunday lunch so am looking forward to going  I am at the hospital Wednesday so they can have a look at my right ear as I am having problems with it  enjoy. your weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Hope, if your aerobics teacher does retire she can get you a replacement as know you enjoy it and the routine it brings into the week.

Past few days have been very dull and currently it is raining so have been looking to inside activitities.  Did the Big Garden Birdwatch for an hour on Saturday, was at the gym Friday and Sunday mornings and today I popped into the cinema to catch a film whilst in town shopping.  Apparently tomorrow is supposed to be a bit brighter so hoping to get more a proper walk after my gym session.

Hope you enjoyed the Sunday lunch and hope the visit to the hospital with your right ear on Wednesday can bring you some relief.  I have a blocked left ear and hate the muffled effect but luckily no pain so hoping the drop will clear it up.

Have a good week.  Jules x

Hi Jules, I also did the bird watch Saturday the only bird that didn't come down in my hour was the doves I usually have 2 that appear,but it was a pleasant hour watching them come down into the garden.yes I enjoyed my lunch with the kids and my daughter's partner it was a lovely meal I just had a2 course the others had 3 I was full up by the time we finished but it was very nice,the weather hasn't been to bad here have managed to take George out all week had some rain but it's not been that cold which makes a change,went to the hospital Wednesday the doctor thinks my tubes you have in your ear nose and throat are blocked,have have got a spray to put up my nose also have have also got to get from the chemist a otovent apparently it's a balloon you blow up then release into your mouth it's supposed to get rid of mucus sounds very complicated will have to ask them how to do it,it does show you on my tablet but will ask them just to make sure,I am out Saturday with my friends at the community centre for a cream tea bingo and a raffle so something to look forward  to at the weekend Sunday I am at my daughter's for dinner have a lovely weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Glad you had a good week and hope the treatment from the hospital for your blocked tubes  works for you as must be frustrating.  Have been using drops from chemist for my 'muffled left ear' and they appear to be doing something as there is a slight improvement so far.

My son and two youngest grandchildren popped in for a couple of hours on Friday afternoon which was a nice surprise as had not planned it.  Weekend itself was pretty quiet with just usual gym sessions and shopping.  Yesterday met a friend for coffee and a browse around the town.  We both found a couple of bits in the never-ending sales.  Today I have just returned from a trip to the cinema.  I saw 1917 and it was very well acted and not surprised it won a few BAFTAs - a poignant war time drama. Now just need to get through my two work shifts this week and am looking forward to Friday when I can get to my hair appointment.  It is definitely ready for it's trim!  Only a couple of weeks now until i see my daughter and family for a few days which will be our first catch up since Christmas.  

Take care and have a pleasant week ahead.  Jules x

Hi Jules,I am using the balloon you have to blow them up with your nose take a deep breath then swallow weird apparently a lot of kids do it for glue ear  I have noticed my right ear cracking when I do it ,its got to be done for 3 wk three times a day will have to see if it clears it .glad your family popped in to see you must have been a nice surprise when it wasn't expected,I enjoyed my cream tea at the community centre lovely sandwiches and cakes we also had a glass of wine ,unfortunately we didn't win bingo or the raffle but we had a nice time anyway. weather not bad this week took George out most days we have had a couple of frosty days but it's supposed to be wet and windy for the weekend so probably won't go far Saturday thing I am out for dinner Sunday with my daughter and her partner,Monday I am at my friendship group we are having a talk on neighbour hood watch have a nice weekend regards syl x

Hi Syl,

Hoping your area not too badly affected by the terrible stormy weather over the last 24hrs or so.  Luckily apart from a few twigs in the garden and having to stay indoors for safety all well here.

The 'balloon' treatment sounds rather bizarre but do hope it does the trick. I certainly had not heard of it before but assume it is a special balloon and not just any party one you have hanging around ha ha.

With the weather forecast looking bad for Sunday I changed my plans and took a long walk on Saturday instead.  Managed four and a half mile stroll around three lakes (about an hour away by public transport). One of the lakes is a nature reserve and though a bit muddy along the walkway managed quite well even though I just had ordinary boots on (sensible walkers had their wellies!!).  It was very peaceful and took some pictures along the way (there are also hides provided if you are a more serious birdwatcher).  Back my mid afternoon so it was a latish lunch but well worth it.

Very boring on Sunday being stuck inside but at least the housework all up to date so today have just been to the gym (as I missed yesterday) and grabbed a few bits from the shops.  My daughter's birthday on the 14th and going to see the family next week so looking forward to some quality time catching up.

Hope your weekend went well and that you have a pleasant week.  Will chat again when back from my visiting.  Take care of yourself. Jules x

Hi Jules,weather awful here as well strong winds we were going out last Sunday for lunch but we rang and cancelled ,it even blew my window out of my garage luckily it's only a small window,my son is going to board it up he thinks the wood has rotted so it's easier just to board it up.still went my friendship group we had a talk on neighborhood watch,came home with loads of leaflets on home safety and how to keep yourself safe,very good really simple things but good to do.glad you enjoyed your walks it is nice to walk in the country side it really does lift your spirits,I don't know what you'd views are on HS2 I think it's going to be disastrous for the  country side forests and some communities ,and there's no guarantee it's going to work anyway ,have been town this morning for a few bits ,then took George out its only the second time this week because of the weather,having coffee with my friend at one.it's forecast a nother bad weekend I'm sick of this weather now ( roll on summer) enjoy your weekend with your daughter regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope you survived the second storm. Sorry to hear you lost a garage window but lucky no one hurt.

Not at all happy about HS2; so much of our local land has already been churned up in preparation and cannot see the point of it myself.  Not only costing a fortunue already but no doubt will be expensive to use and all the for sake of a few minutes knocked off the journey.  No doubt commuters will be happier though may have a long wait before it becomes a reality!  Not as bad here as the first one thankfully but plenty of rain.  Luckily afterwards it was  mainly dry whilst at my daughters and we were able to do the short walks that her dog was allowed after his little op.  Was lovely having some quality catch up time with them all and they gave me a lift back before heading off to spend a day or two wil my son in law's gran before the half term holidays end.  Now to look forward to my holiday with them in April.  My son and family are spending this week in Fishguard with friends and have had some lovely sunshine!!

Whilst away I booked a visit to the theatre and will be going on Saturday so am looking forward to that and then a couple of days before my return to normal work shifts.  Will return to my gym sessions on Sunday too.  

Hope your ear has seen some improvement from the balloon treatment.  Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you enjoyed your weekend with your daughter and taking her dog for a walk,my ear doesn't seem as bad still doing the balloon treatment, I am at the hospital Thursday for a CT scan just routine hope everything is ok you always worry it's only natural I suppose,the weather awful again only had George out twice this week. the weekend isn't that good either am out Sunday with the kids to a local pub,it was one of my hubbies favourites as he has been dead 4 years Sunday I can't believe 4 years has passed since I saw him ,heard his voice heard him laugh so sad ,I will go the crematorium and put some flowers in a vase , I put a verse in the memory book so will have a look at that as well I still sit and cry just wish  I  knew I was going to see him again one day . where are you going in April?it isn't that far off now ,hope you enjoy the theatre what are you going to see ? I'm not into musicals don't mind variety shows , I might go to our local museum Saturday there's a art exhibition on a local man died months ago and his family found pictures that he drew and painted ,there supposed to be very good on the same scale as lowery it ends Sunday so would be nice to see them before it closes. have a nice weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Am pleased that your balloon treatment seems to be helping and hope your routine scan on Thursday brings further good news for you.  It is hard not to be anxious when these check ups come round so hope you feel relieved once it is done/results in.  

My daughter had her own heart check up last Thursday and all was okay so next routine check up in two years time.  Know she felt the relief even though was not expecting any problems.

I expect the anniversary of your husband's passing was a sad day of reflection. I always look at the book of remembrance on the anniversary of my hubby's death. Feel blessed that we had so many years together though cheated that we cannot share retirement years. Nowadays I just try and enjoy the life I have been blessed with as feel this is how he would want me to honour him. Not sure what else I could do to be honest.

I enjoyed the trip to the theatre. I do enjoy good entertainment and like a variety of things.  This was the musical based on the film The Wedding Singer and loved the dancing routines and overall story. Went to a matinee performance and enjoyed live music in the foyer before the show whilst having a coffee.  Treated mysef to a fish and chip supper on the way home (naughty but nice ha ha).

More entertainment today with a trip to the cinema.  The weather is so awful (still very windy and wet) so am missing my walks.  This time I saw Call of the Wild on the recommendation of a friend and it was very good.  The cinema is undergoing a re-fit but they manage to keep some of the screens running.  First time visit to one of the new screens and lovely and comfy with plenty of leg room (I am tall) and reclining seats.  Am wondering how long it will be before they put up the 'budget' prices.

The April holiday is to a little self-catering cottage that my daughter and son in law have booked  in Lincolnshire so weather permitting will be ideal for taking their dog/children walking.  Not an area I have holidayed in before though did once have a weekend in Lincoln with friends.  Fingers crossed Spring will be well under way by then!

Did you get to your local museum  for the art exhibition?

Well, one more day before I return to work on Wednesday and find out what has changed since I was last in.

Take care, all the very best for Thursday and have a peaceful weekend.  Regards  Jules x

Hi Syl,

Am pleased that your balloon treatment seems to be helping and hope your routine scan on Thursday brings further good news for you.  It is hard not to be anxious when these check ups come round so hope you feel relieved once it is done/results in.  

My daughter had her own heart check up last Thursday and all was okay so next routine check up in two years time.  Know she felt the relief even though was not expecting any problems.

I expect the anniversary of your husband's passing was a sad day of reflection. I always look at the book of remembrance on the anniversary of my hubby's death. Feel blessed that we had so many years together though cheated that we cannot share retirement years. Nowadays I just try and enjoy the life I have been blessed with as feel this is how he would want me to honour him. Not sure what else I could do to be honest.

I enjoyed the trip to the theatre. I do enjoy good entertainment and like a variety of things.  This was the musical based on the film The Wedding Singer and loved the dancing routines and overall story. Went to a matinee performance and enjoyed live music in the foyer before the show whilst having a coffee.  Treated mysef to a fish and chip supper on the way home (naughty but nice ha ha).

More entertainment today with a trip to the cinema.  The weather is so awful (still very windy and wet) so am missing my walks.  This time I saw Call of the Wild on the recommendation of a friend and it was very good.  The cinema is undergoing a re-fit but they manage to keep some of the screens running.  First time visit to one of the new screens and lovely and comfy with plenty of leg room (I am tall) and reclining seats.  Am wondering how long it will be before they put up the 'budget' prices.

The April holiday is to a little self-catering cottage that my daughter and son in law have booked  in Lincolnshire so weather permitting will be ideal for taking their dog/children walking.  Not an area I have holidayed in before though did once have a weekend in Lincoln with friends.  Fingers crossed Spring will be well under way by then!

Did you get to your local museum  for the art exhibition?

Well, one more day before I return to work on Wednesday and find out what has changed since I was last in.

Take care, all the very best for Thursday and have a peaceful weekend.  Regards  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad you enjoyed all your theatre trips,I will admit I'm not into musicals ,I wish I did like them as I know a lot of people that enjoy them ,they go to Manchester and Liverpool and there is a little one in runcorn which is supposed to have a good variety of musicals . The call of the wild sounds familiar might have seen that ,I went to the pictures a couple of month ago to see Downton Abbey it was very good the pictures had a up grade with reclining seats your own table  and you could even stretch your legs out looked quite funny with every ones legs stretched out in front of them .I know how you feel about missing things we could have done with our hubbies ,I always think of holidays we could have been on and places we would have gone,it would have been married 50 years in March  I think we would have gone on a nice holiday or had a party at our local pub.had my scan Thursday you have to wait for your result  I will get a letter threw the post .weather awful here again only had George out once,didn't take him on the field as normal  it's so muddy just took him round the avenues.I did go the museum to see the art work it was lovely  just like Lowery it's a pity he wasn't recognised  before he died ,I'm going to my local town tomorrow to do a bit of shopping not forecast a good weekend weather wise enjoy your weekend regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Hope last weekend was a good one despite the weather throwing so much rain/wind at us again.  I think we have been very fortunate here as no flooding issues though local rivers/lakes are certainly at higher levels than I have seen in many a year.  The closest we came to flooding (in the house) was the year we bought it when a local brook burst it banks and it was touch and go for a few hours.  It must be awful to lose all your possessions and living and have to start from scratch again.

My parents probably influenced my love of musicals as they took me along to quite a few.  As to the cinema I will watch most things though not a lover of sci-fi or horror films (hubby was into those so we rarely went to the cinema together!!).  Call of the Wild was an easy watch and a new version of a golden oldie (from the classic Jack London book) so highly likely that you recalled it.

Glad you enjoyed the art exhibition and as so often happens people are recognised for workand a life they leave behind.  I may go into London at the weekend as there is a free exhibition at Japan House which I thought I might stroll round.  I am not into art that much to be honest.

Last weekend was pretty quiet but managed gym visits and popped along to the local Farmers' Foodies Market and was joined by a friend for a catch up and coffee.  She has just started jury service so I wont see her at work for a few weeks possibly.  Work days are busy as we are once again low on staff but at least I only work a few hours now and know I do not have much longer till retirement.

With a much better day yesterday I booked a time slot and went along to the Orchid Festival a Kew. With nice sunny spells I then decided to stay for another few hours and thoroughly enjoyed my wander and took plenty of photos of course.  It would have been my Dad's 97th birthday so a day of remembering him too (though you actually do not stop remembering the good times just because time passes by).

Today it is back to the gym and then need to go and do mundane food shop but hoping to pop to a 'silver screen' film in the afternoon.  Local cinema does two a week at a cost of just £3 which includes a cuppa and biscuit.  Have a choice of two films so will see what I fancy when I get there.

Chilly start this morning so have de-iced the bird bath/water and will be off out shortly.  Have a nice weekend and as you would have celebrated a milestone anniversary this month I am sure you will continue to recall happy memories. I usually buy myself a nice bunch of flowers which is what hubby would have done.  Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules ,glad you enjoyed all your activities and your trips out and about , been to the doctors again this week having headaches and  my face keeps going numb ,all she said was to take paracetamol if it goes worse or I get double vision to go back which I don't think  was very helpful, there is strokes in my family and brain hemorrhages  so it's very worrying ,to be honest Jules I'm sick and tired  of everything at the moment nothing seems to go right just lately. I've booked a appointment at spec savers  Friday  I know they can detect thinks behind the eyes that doctors can't.    weather not to bad at the moment but still had a lot of rain only had George out once this week because of the rain, am out Tuesday with a couple of my friends on a coach trip to a place called rivington barn it's a afternoon of Irish music a 2 course meal tea and coffee so it should be a nice day out ,hope you have a nice weekend  regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Really sorry to read that you are suffering again with ill health and all the anxiety that goes with it. I hope the trip to the optician goes smoothly and that the headaches are not anything sinister at all.  Certainly I know from experience that 'stressing' just seems to lead to more cluster headaches.   If no happier after that appointment then to put your mind at rest perhaps you can ask for a second opinion.  When I was having trouble with my eye the local eye hospital was very thorough and again, like your gp, told me to report back if any double vision occurred so that could do a second check.  Thankfully it all cleared up within a month or two.  

Hope you manage/managed to enjoy your coach trip as it sounded very good.

I have had a busy few days with a trip to the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening with a friend from the gym which was brilliant.  I had also been to the cinema in the morning and saw Military Wives which I thorough enjoyed too.  Over the weekend I spent the day in London with my camera and took a planned trip up to the Sky Garden. No sun but the views were still pretty amazing from the 35/36th floors.  I covered about 10 miles on foot (using the underground network inbetween) over about 7 hours and also visited the art/technology exhibition at Japan House (another free entry).

On Sunday I did a spot of babysitting for my son so he could take my grand-daughter to a birthday party(my daughter in law was out for the morning enjoying a spa/massage with a friend which had been a belated birthday gift for them both). My little grandson has got chicken pox but was so very good for me and then when no one was at the local playground we all went out for a short spell before having tea with them.  My son ran me home after the little ones were tucked up in bed and we had watched the final of Dancing on Ice.  

Other than my twfao work shifts on Wednesday and Thursday I have no other plans in place for a while so will have to get researching to see what I fancy doing.  Weather still leaves a lot to be desired and no point setting foot in the very soggy garden at the moment.  Would be lovely to have a bit of sunshine and less blustery weather.

Look after yourself and hope you are feeling much better soon.  Jules x 

Hi Jules, went to the optician she thinks I might need glasses to wear all the time as my left eye isn't as good as my right eye, will pop into spec savers on Saturday to get a pair the. numbness I had in my face has disappeared now ,so not sure what caused it,but I am still going to get them just in case it comes back if I use them and it disappears then it is my left eye that's trying to compensate ,I feel like a hypochondriac at the moment never been to the Dr's so much in my life lol.glad you enjoyed your trip the the royal Albert hall we went there once a long time ago now to see the BBC proms it was a good show , glad you enjoyed the pictures and your trip to London,I enjoyed my Tuesday afternoon out it was a place called rivington barn near Bolton ,a 2course meal there was a lovely Irish singer on I even had a dance ,and a jin and tonic in the middle of the afternoon (naughty but nice)  I really enjoyed it.I am at my daughter's tomorrow she is having a couple of her ceilings plastered have got to let him in,weather not bad here at the moment,but we have had some really strong winds my lawn is desperate for a cut but will have to wait a bit longer for a cut.I  am still waiting for the results of my M R I  scan that I had a fortnight ago on my ears, I am at the hospital Monday about my eyes as the optician said my left eye dosnt shut as quick as my right eye what ever that means will keep you posted on my ailments as there growing by the minute LOL have a lovely weekend  regards syl x

Hi Syl

Glad you had a lovely time out at Rivington Barn and the socialising would have probably done you the world of good too.

Hopefully not much longer to get your MRI results even though I expect they are snowed under with the workload just now with so much going around around the country/world.  Hope your hospital visit today regarding your eye problem went smoothly and always good to be referred by a good optician. Maybe the new glasses will also help.  I have worn glasses all the time from the age of 13 and have a yearly check up as both my parents had eye issues in later life.

A quiet weekend spent locally just with usual gym visits and a couple of walks to the local woods/lido and then the Artisan monthly market yesterday.  After a frosty start this morning I have been out walking again, this time to a house/gardens about 45 mins walk away.  Had a lovely cuppa and then sat in the walled garden for over an hour in the sunshine enjoying all the spring flowers and the gardeners at work before walking back home.  Made me feel a bit guilty as my own garden been somewhat neglected so came home and have been outside for an hour and managed to mow the lawn and tidy the edges.  The birds seem to appreciate it as have been down ever since.  Now enjoying lunch with the patio doors open.  Apparently more nice weather due from Wednesday so hopefully will begin to spend more time outside.  Think the robins have a nest site in my garage as one came down to greet me(or see me off lol) when I retrieved the lawn mower. Hopefully they will remain undisturbed now.

Take care and do let me know how you get on.  Jules x

Hi Jules, I haven't got my results yet, I have a appointment in April with one specialists and may with another,I am still having problems with the left side of my face which is worrying me,all my activities have stopped now so feel quite isolated at the moment,my son has done a shop for me this morning,but he didn't come in ,I did goto my local Tesco yesterday but I got told off by the kids lol so will have to do as I'm told from now on. I am still taking George out for his walks the last couple of days have been lovely,still chilly in a morning then it brightens up .glad your still able to go out and about, especially as the weather has turned nice ,it's awful at the moment seem as if the whole world is in lockdown ,my son brought me some flowers with my shop as I would still like to go the crematorium for mothers day I will go early when there is no one there,it would have been my 50 wedding anniversary on the21st Saturday so have bought some flowers,will put them in vase with his photo sad that he isn't here with me especially in these uncertain and worrying times ,don't know what is happening mothers day we were going out but that has had to be cancelled.take care and stay safe regards Syl x

Hi Syl

Must be difficult be stuck indoors with all your activities closed but better safe than sorry given the situation. Even though I am younger than the 70 age limit, I have chosen not to spend the planned day with my son and family for fear of passing anything I might be carrying as working in the shop I could be coming into contact with all sorts of bugs let alone the virus.  

I am sure this weekend will be sad and emotional for you but glad that you feel able to visit with flowers and remember those good times.  This is the first year without my own Mum to buy for which certainly seems a little strange but the care home where she lived is in lockdown in any event.  Have had Whats App calls with both my children this morning, gifts were posted bless them and my son left my pot plant at the front door as I was out when he passed by on Friday (I did not know he was coming!!).  The gym is of course now closed but they have set up online workouts and I completed the first one this morning before going for my usual morning walk.  Will continue to walk with 'social distancing' whilst it is allowed and I am well. If that changes will make the most of the back garden.  Have begun to weed it at last and got it mowed so feel a bit happier with that.

I am sure you will get the results though eventually but suspect they are snowed under.  Fingers crossed you will be able to keep your appointments and find out a bit more and that with time the issues with your face will improve.  With all the extra hand washing I had to visit the pharmacy to get some treatment cream which I am now applying three times a day. May well have to try wearing gloves more asa they are rather sore.  Thankfully my arthritis is not playing up too much and am hoping that keeping the 'at home' exercises up this will help.

Look after yourself.  Jules x

Hi Jules, glad your ok and still doing some. of your activities ,since we communicated last most of the country has gone into lock down, I havnt been out ,I did go to my locally co op for a few bits but I got shouted at by the kids so not been out since I am still taking George out , and doing the garden all this lovely weather and we can't go out to enjoy it.my daughter picked my glasses up for me from spec savers,to be honest Jules I haven't had them on ,as the numbness in my face  and the headache seem to have gone now, but if they come back I will use them to see if the glasses help . my first appointment at the hospital is 16 April I have no idea if it will be cancelled Wil! have to wait and see what happens, lovely day again so will look forward  to take George out  as there isn't much else to do all life as we know it seems to have come to a halt ,my son is working from home now but my daughter is still working as she works for a food  company,  stay safe regards syl x

Hi Syl

Trying for the third time to respond. Have problems with the internet connection (probably due to high winds).

I am at home too now.  Took the very hard decision to stay home.  Our shop remains open as there is a Post Office within it. However I only do 11 hrs a week and need to use public transport to get there so feel I am not essential.  This has been classed as unauthorised absence and thus I am on unpaid leave for the foreseeable future.  Strange times indeed but felt this was the right choice for me.

Managing to keep busy within house and the garden of course whilst the weather has been good.  Cold wind this morning so will need extra layers.  Am also managing to do the essential weekly shop and/or daily exercise slot.  Local community has pulled together and between us are keeping an eye on the elderly/vulnerable having set up checks and telephone calls/errands etc.

Fingers crossed this gets through.  Stay safe and well.  Jules x