Hi Terri

Hope you had a good trip to Skegness and that Charlie got to do all he was looking forward to.  As to the snail (feeding day this Tuesday as daughter and family are now up in Wigan) not that keen myself but I don't have to touch it!!.  Daughter has a thing about worms (when she was young her little bro was great at chasing her around the garden with them).  Says it all that he went on to have a pet snake at the age of 12 (still going strong) and she now has to avoid her eldest bringing the worms to see her!!

Glad to read your Mum still doing well and slow but sure is often better in the long run.  My Mum is much the same but all you can do is your best to make sure she is kept comfortable (staff are great).  Will go again on Tuesday and then visit over the Easter as we have baby grandson the following Tuesday (first sleepover Monday night) so that our daughter and son in law can paint their bedroom.  The family visited last Friday before they went away and though Hubby cannot lift baby Zack (or anything much of weight now) he managed to entertain him sitting on his lap a couple of times.  Zack is very happy baby and just full of smiles and gurgles (now 6 months) so should have a fun time.

Hubby has had to rely a little more on increased pain relief and spends more time dozing but we are still smiling when we can and yes the fish and chip meal on his birthday all went down a treat (his appetite is very hit and miss but he chose to miss lunch to enjoy this meal more).  He is still managing his night out with his friend on Fridays but is mainly indoors watching tv.

I spend a large part of the weekend out in the garden - Sat tidying and mowing and Sun enjoying a good book in the sunshine.  I am very fortunate that I only work around 16hrs on three weekdays so do not lose any weekends (Actually mine in a 3 day weekend ).  Easter is now fast approaching and though I will work all day Easter Monday we are at our sons for Sunday and out Friday so it will be pretty sociable with the family (our daughter and family also at our sons).

Still waiting to hear how hubby's siblings got on with their trip to Isle of Man (house-hunting) as no contact from them since they returned.  Time will tell.

Well had best get on with the housework before I set off for work.  Have a good week and glad to hear you are feeling better.  Take it easy.  Hugs from Jules xx

hi jules,

how are you all doing, good i hope?

we had a good week at skegness, charlie had an absolute ball! only 15 weeks until great yarmouth, but i wont tell him until a couple of weeks before because he doesnt do anything but talk about it and get disappointed when we can go that minute haha

hope you managed with the snails ok haha i used to want a snake when i was younger, but ive grown out of it now, wouldnt mind a tortoise though

mum is still gaining strength, she shocked me the other day, told me she'd been to aldi on her own, to get my niece a choc bunny for easter, with her wheely frame, i would say the distance would be from one pier to half way between the both, if that makes sense? and i didnt know she could go that far, especially on her own so im really really pleased for her.

tablet playing up lol bloody thing! speak to you soon, take care and big hugs xxx terri xx

glad the hubby is doing ok, and still managing his weekly jaunt

did you have a good easter then? i worked late on sunday and again yesterday and again today......got all lates this week, not happy lol but i am returning to my own store as of monday so i guess i can put up with it because im escaping hahaha

did you hear anything about the househunting? sounds exciting

well, i am going to go and sort the bedroom out and empty the storage bed and move the clothes back to charlies room for one more night, as our wardrobes are coming tomorrow, i cant wait, back to full normality upstairs then!

hope you are keeping well and keep smiling!

Hi Terri

Good to hear that your Mum is continuing with her recovery.  After all she has been through this must be a real lift for all the family. Hope stepdad-in-law continues to do well too.

Sounds like  you all had a great time on holiday and can now start looking forward to your next trip.  Fully agree that telling Charlie too far in advance would lead to endless 'when. when, when?' chats.  My daughter is exactly the same with her eldest (5+) whenever they are forward planning trips.  They just cannot contain their excitement and it can be very warying answering the sames questions over and over.

Easter weekend went well.  Visited our sons for the Sunday lunch (daughter and boys went too whilst son in law was beginning the decorating in their main bedroom).  I worked the Monday (pretty quiet as was on my own upstairs - rest of staff on ground floor) - thankfully I have never had to work on Sundays but quite honestly bank holidays are okay (and have time in lieu to take when I want to).  Hubby's sister dropped in for an hour or two Monday afternoon to up date us of their proposed move to the Isle of Man (going back again in August for two weeks having hoped to have sold up here by then but have work to complete on both her and younger brothers' properties before they get them on the market.  She did say she would be spending more time with them now as there was lots to sort out.  Am sure my hubby really appreciated that remark -not-  though he rarely shows his feelings, I know he worries about them all and we know he will be unlikely to manage visiting them once the move happens.

We then had baby Zack for a sleepover Monday night (whilst the worst of the painting was finished) and until teatime Tuesday.  He was very good - slept nearly 12hrs and kept me company throughout the day (hubby went for a days fishing with our son!) but the smile he gave his Mum and Dad (and brother) when they came to pick him up was just beautiful.

Now back to usual routine although no nights out this week as our friends are away.  Looks like being a quiet weekend and not much 'sitting in the garden' with the weather looking gloomy (throwing it down here at present too).

Hope you are all doing okay.  Chat again soon. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear you had a good Easter, we got Charlie a couple of eggs but didn't go overboard! He's still got some chocolate coins and marshmallows left from Christmas so he doesn't need much, they'll last him a good while yet haha

How did the hubby enjoy the overnighter with the baby,  bet it was a nice change, but maybe a nice reminder of having been there and done that thank goodness? Haha

Well my mum went to hospital on monday, and it was my first day back in my own shop so I wasn't able to go, would've been ok, but she only got the letter on the friday so was too late to change my shift unfortunately. (She also got a letter from the prof in Liverpool last week to take with her, saying he doesn't think they should operate ) anyway she's so pleased because she's put on four pounds! She was a bit disappointed that it wasn't more but I told her for someone of her weight that's a considerable amount. And the doc also said she has three options really, to operate and remove the remaining part of the damaged lung, when she's fit and better of course, or she can keep the drain for the rest of her life, or she can have a window bag or something, she told its like a colostomy bag sort of, but its basically the same as having the drain, so she thinks she wants the op later on because the drain hurts and she's fed up of it now, so we'll see what happens down the line.

Charlie's just excited about his birthday at the moment anyway so we're hearing a lot about that! He knows he's going to be three and he really wants a real lawnmower! (He's obsessed with vacuums and vaccing up and in summer loves daddies lawnmower ha) so we've got him a not so real one and hope he'll be ok with that haha his grandma is getting him his first big boy bike (that's what he calls them) and we've got him some little bits but his mains from us are the toy story toys and some monsters inc goodies he's mad for all that so he should love them.

Stepdad in law is doing great as well, he'd gone off his food a little before we went away but had a good appetite while we were away, perhaps cos of all the walking etc but seems to have kept it up so that's good.

Well I'm off to work the late shift shortly so I best get ready! Booooo (its beautiful outside too)

How's your mum doing? Hope you're still doing ok and still smiling

Speak soon take care

Big hugs Terri xx

Hi Terri

Am just imagining the excited antics of a soon to be 3 year old.  Hope he has a great day (when it comes round).  His presents sound just what any little boy would be totally over the moon with (though sure the list is endless). Am sure he will enjoy 'cutting the lawn' with his new mower(funny how they go off the idea when adults!!). My eldest grandson loves to hoover too and I have pictures of him at around Charlie's age sitting on my 'Henry'.

Well had a a great overnighter with babty Zack - he slept for nearly 12 hrs straight and had a morning nap!!  I took him out for a good two hour walk (lovely to have a pushchair to put shopping under again ha ha) and he is one very placid little baby.  He now has around 4 words (we can understand!!) - Hiya, hello, Daddy and Mum (her is nearly there with 'bruver' so looks like he will be a chatterbox like his big brother (do you think its in the genes!!).  It was around 4 pm when he became a little grumpy and think by this time he was missing his parents!!  Hubby coped quite well (he went fishing with our son!!!) as he left me 'holding the baby' during the day.  All in all a good day had by all and daughter and son in law finished their painting.  Am meeting up with her and the boys later this morning for a walk in the sunshine to the Farmers' Market/Park and no doubt lunch!

Glad to hear your Mum making steady progress and all weight gain is good. I am sure when she has time for further improvement she will be  better placed to make final decisions as to further treatment and as you say there is no need to rush ahead whilst she is keeping well.  Also pleased that stepdad-in-law continues to do well. Relief all round I am sure.

Bet you are pleased to be back at your own shop.  I have only ever worked at the branch  I am now but then only do just over 15hrs a week.  Am now on 5 day break as did not have to work the Bank Holiday this time so with my normal days off quite a bonus.  Spending it pretty quietly as hubby had a bit of an off day yesterday due to lack of sleep the night before.  Still asleep now so hoping he will feel a little easier today (he would be better off taking his top up medication but does not always do so - a little nag (I hated doing it) from me yesterday afternoon got him to take an extra dose (as advised by his consultant but often ignored).  I spent a good part of the day in the garden and spent four hours reading - felt like I was on holiday.

Mum was not so good when I visited (a bit shaky) and had seen the duty doctor during her visit to the home (they have open surgery there every Tuesday).  The care staff were concerned it might be the onset on Parkinsons but GP thinks its more linked to lack of exercise and muscle wastage as well as her 'depressive anxiety'.  They are going to try some physio (has had this with good results in the past) and keep a watchful eye.  Am going shopping for her birthday tomorrow (she will  be 88 in mid May) and though she told me to leave after ten minutes during my last visit . I took no  notice and stayed by her side for nearly 45!  She told me she does not want to reach her birthday but would like a nightdress if she did so you can see we just have to take it as it comes.

Am I still smiling?  Yes but not always finding it easy (am sure you can understand without me having to put it into words).  However laughter still happens in our house and why      not!  There are many people who are worse off so am trying to keep  my end of the bargain to be as 'normal' as possible (whatever normal is).

Hope you and the family have a good week. Don't work too hard.  Chat again soon.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Charlie's birthday today. He's opened his presents and loves them very much we're just having a quick bath and then ready for the day

Aww glad to hear you enjoyed having the little one, you'll have your work cut out when he's up and about with his big brother! Did you enjoy your walk to the farmers market and park?

Family are still all doing well, going to take Charlie to pleasure beach on sat (he looooves the rides) and see mum and family as well so that'll be a lovely day

Aww, sorry to hear your mum wasn't so good and hope she's better soon, and loves her nightdress

Yeah its great to be back in my own shop! A lot busier than the other one, but time flies that way so always a bonus! They have the director of fuel visiting today, I'm soooo gutted not to be in......not! Boss flies about like a headless chicken on days like that so I'm glad Charlie chose to come a week early three years ago now lol

How's hubby doing now? Is he feeling better than last week? And I know you don't like nagging but it needs doing now and again unfortunately! And I'm sure he felt better for it afterwards.

I'm glad you are still smiling, and I can imagine how tough it is for you, not many people ask the people closest how they are or know what to say, so if that's the case, have a right good vent on here, I'm listening

I could've done with this site a few years ago when my dad died, as there were three people who asked how I was, everyone else told me I should be looking after my mum and sis or asking how they were coping, I rarely got asked. Don't get me wrong I was 19 and had my own life with jamie, and my sis was only 11 so I knew it was harder for them because I was 'escaping' back to my life over here if you like. (Mum said this to me when she was grieving/depressed) but when the one person who didn't see me everyday asking how I was I pretty much broke down and sobbed my heart out, it was just nice to hear that someone was bothered about me. Sounds really selfish probably, but I missed him soooo much. Anyway, I'm just saying its nice to be asked once in a while to show someone else is thinking of you, so if you need to vent I'm here!

Until then, I best get back to today's occasion, so keep smiling! Speak soon and take care xx

Hi Terri

Hope the rest of Charlie's birthday was great fun and no doubt you had one very excited three year old who was shattered by the day's end.  It is lovely to see their little faces light up when they open their presents (especially as you know you have got the choice right).  Even if we get 'a little something' for our grandsons when they pop in (usually books or games) I enjoy the pleasure of giving and the hugs I get back.   Glad to read all your family are well and that you are enjoying be back in your own shop (better the devil you know!!).  Really related to your comment about 'visiting bosses', every time we are due a visit our own manager goes into overdrive and is like a whirlwind round the place and has everyone running round in circles. Had this today in fact as a manager from another branch was coming this afternoon (I was out of there!!) to check us out.

This past week has been emotionally draining.  Apart from the lovely visits from the family which are always a pleasure (good few games of swingball in the garden as the weather has been really good and we are still awaiting arrival of all this 'rain' they keep telling us is coming.It went downhill last Friday when I turned up for my hair appointment (really ready for relax in chair for a good cut and blow dry) only to be told that he had personal issues and would not be in (have my number but had not bothered to call and let me know so had a 45min walk and was not best pleased).  Luckily there are quite a few salons in the area so I popped into a couple and one was able to 'do me' there and then and I really happy with result.  Now facing the quandry of what to do next time!

Sister in law came to dinner Sat Night (was expected her a little after 2pm and she turned up at 6.45 having forgotten to let us know she was running late (boiler was being fixed) - spent the whole time talking about proposed move to Isle of Man and the younger brother's new puppy (2nd one this year!!).  Have decided she is in denial regarding my hubby as she keeps talking about how she will be able to put us all up when we visit.  Have told her repeatedly that hubby could not travel but it falls on deaf ears  hey ho.

We looked after Zack for a few hours on Sunday as the rest of the family had invite to banger racing and they had been the previous week and its not easy juggling baby  naps/meals.  He was as good as gold for the most part (a little grizzly late afternoon - probably due to teething - but worked grandparents magic) though did cut his naps down.  Loved being on the blanket in the shade of our small copper beech and as he is not crawling yet at least he was easy to keep an eye on.

Mum's birthday was a bit of a downer as she hardly batted an eye when we (me, daughter and Zack) visited. Did not speak to us at all and just answered questions with a nod. Still at least she has new nightwear and lovely begonia plant in her room to look at.  Sadly think this is going to be the norm from now on.  Had a call from the Care Home the following morning to say her blood tests for diabetes were okay and they were increasing her statins for cholesterol.  Doctor has asked to meet (Mum apparently nodded acceptance) with view to talking about us getting Power of Attorney so will try and fit this in soon (next week is hubby's 2mth hospital check up and its half term so will hope to go along the week after unless it becomes urgent.  Following day was my good friend's funeral so perhaps not surprising I feel a bit like a wrung out dishcloth.

Hubby has been taking a bit more in the way of pain relief recently so obviously not feeling so good.  Eating in fits and starts but will probably find out more when he has to talk to consultant next Tuesday.  Some things are just outside my control (frustrating) but am doing my  best to stay on top of things on a day to day basis, helped enormously by being able to offload on the forum.

Hubby is due to be shown round where our son now works by the 'main man' this Friday and he is looking forward to it so fingers crossed he gets up feeling well enough.  We are also due out to friends over the weekend so that will be a nice change for us both and something relatively 'normal' in the scheme of things.

Do hope your Mum is continuing with her good recovery still and that you are finding time for yourself too.  Chat soon and sending hugs.Jules xx

hi jules,

sorry about the delay, my tablet died. I managed to get it on long enough to reset it, luckily for me i didnt have any photos on it!

anyway, how are you all, i do hope youre all well? how did the hubbys appointment go? ok i hope?

sorry to hear your mum wasnt in so good spirits, but at least it was good news about her diabetes check up, thats something less for you to worry about.

fancy your hairdressers not letting you know that they couldnt keep your appointment, if you do choose to go back to the one you called in at it would serve them right, but if you do go back, make sure you tell them how put out you were and see if theyll give you a discount!

my tablet is rubbish for skipping back and not letting me go back to the end! so im up here now!  we got two baby rabbits last week, two floppy eared girls, poppy and pearl weve called them, only nine weeks old, soooo gorgeous! now jamie wants some chickens! luckily we dont have the room for them! hes in the process of buying a motorbike from his business partner (hes wanted that bike for ages) so when the warm weather comes i wont be seeing much of him. told him i wont be on the back though, not for me :/

anyway, i'll get off and speak again soon. hope youre all ok and you are still smiling take care xx

oh dear, sorry to hear about your friend, im sure it was a rough week for you, i hope youre feeling brighter now.

ive not much news really, my mum went back to liverpool and shes put another 4.5 lbs on so shes suited. the prof has referred her to a doc in birmingham (a lot further to travel) but apparently he is the best in the land to deal with my mum and will know whats best for her moving forward. she is to finish her tb/chemo tablets at the end of june. the prof also asked what results had come back from any samples from her drain shes sent, but theyve never told her to or asked so she hasnt sent any! so she sent one last week, will see what that says.otherwise she is doing grand.

charkie really enjoyed his day, and as predictec, was shattered!

Hi Terri

Am having overheating problems with my laptop so just visiting site in short bursts in the hope that it can last a bit longer!!

Glad your Mum is doing so well and am sure its a relief all round after the extended period she had in hospital.

Have had our fair share of problems around the home which always seems so much more troublesome when there is illness to cope with too.  I had not realise how much the death of my friend just a month ago now really affected how I deal with everything.  It has left me feeling more vulnerable than before which, in turn, shows hubby I cannot cope all of the time and has led to a few words here and there.  Trying not to beat myself up too much and our kids/workmates/forum are keeping me going bless you all.

Hubby's fatigue is increasing and he has just had his latest round of blood tests so should have appointment with GP in next couple of weeks.  He of course finds is very annoying that he is sleeping so much but sadly it is a major effect of Mesothelioma.  We are going to our son's for a BBQ on Sunday so hoping this will help cheer him up as he is usually better when in company but really just taking life day to day as always.

Mum ismuch the same and her doctor has suggested we get Power of Attorney so have started to fill the forms in (daughter is doing it jointly with me so will not have to manage alone) but now have to wait for her GP to return from 3 wks hols before signatures can be sought.  Mum seems more relaxed since this has  been set in motion but each visit can be different - managed a few words and smiles last Tuesday when I went to see her but categorically refused to get her hair done, something she always did for pleasure every week.  This week she said she might go up (hairdresser comes to the home twice a week and staff will add encouragement).  She turned 88 last month and her sister was 84 last weekend.  Her sister is a complete opposite and had been out fixing the local bus stop timetable when I rang to wish her happy birthday. She maintains her independence and sense of humour which makes you realise just how much the 'mental' illness can outweigh physical problems sometimes.

Well enough of a ramble.  Busy days at work with low staffing ratio to the amount of work required - no way we can hit targets but hey ho  onwards and upwards and am trying to keep smiling

Hope you and the family are all keeping okay and enjoying the improvement in the weather.  I am very pleased to have a relaxing lounger to enjoy in the back garden as this is where my holiday will  be spent (weather permitting)  - I am off for the first week in July (second week of Wimbledon which I had planned to watch on the laptop - butmay have to hijack the main tv as not sure will still have computer then - let the battle of the remote commence.

Take care and hope to be able to chat soon.  Hugs to you and the family  Jules xx