Morning Terri

Well laptop has been serviced and cooling fan replaced and am glad to say (as you can tell!!) have it back home.  Its actually quite frightening at how 'lost' I felt when it first went in but soon realised that perhaps I was 'leaning' on it too much and how much I had  missed my books so now trying to create a balance ha ha.

I would imagine your Mum was disappointed to hear the news that tb was still active and do hope the 'new expert' in Birmingham can give her better news and treatment to lead to her full recovery.  Its good that she has lost no more weight and will no doubt take a bit of time to get 'back to normal levels' - same for me but in reverse direction.  Had a few bumpy weeks following the death of my friend and definitely was snacking more than I should so am now trying (very) to be a little more sensible.  Find it easier with the good weather as drink more water which leaves a full feeling (not so tasty though).  Sounds like Jamie's stepdad is also doing great which must be a relief to all.

Your talking about Charlie's nursery teacher popping in reminded me of when that happened with our eldest grandson.  He was so excited about it and they ended up all sitting on the floor in his bedroom as it was the 'bestest place' and she was good at lego building.  They never looked back and he is now doing well in Reception - can't believe he will be 6 later this year.  He has just been on his first school trip to Naturual History Museum and when asked what he like the best ---------------- the coach ride and his packed lunch!! Probably the novelty of it as he had not been on a coach (loves double deckers though) before and has school lunches normally so felt like a picnic.  Baby Zack now 8 months is starting to stand holding on (has not yet crawled!) and has a few words and loves to sit and play with his activity centre - is very placid and smiley most of the time and is enjoying the park swing now that he can sit properly.  Still has a good morning and afternoon nap which helps as the older boy has several after school activities so they are out and about.  Expect we will see a fair bit of them when the school breaks for the hols but they are away for one week to friends who live in Norfolk (with boys of similar ages) close to the beach so hope the weather will be good for them.

I just have 2 days work this week and then 12 days hols.  Always have second week of Wimbledon which I love to watch and we will not get away this year - hubby really just sitting and dozing most of the time and does not enjoy going out anymore, though still makes an effort if its to the kids.  Our son did a BBQ for Fathers Day and it was a good afternoon.  Hubby's siblings have now put in an offer on a house on the Isle of Man which has been accepted so they are hurrying to get the works on their own properties to ready them for market.  They visit the I of M again for two weeks in August and think they hope to be able to move things forward then .  Hubby not saying much (nothing new there) but can only imagine how he must be feeling.  His brother visited last week (first time in 6 months even though they only live an hr away) due mainly to the fact that sister in law was at hospital for a check up local to us!!  Hey ho am keeping my thoughts to myself.

Very thankful for the lovely spell of weather we are enjoying currently and have spent much of my 'off time' outside reading and enjoying the peace of the garden.  Hubby prefers to stay indoors (always has always will) but I will ruin the peace later when I return from visiting Mum (plan on mowing the lawn).

Having a break from work is nice to look forward to and better still have a day out with a friend planned which will mean lunch and shopping - good to have someone to go with and never need an excuse to eat out.

Well, think I have rambled enough and  hubby will soon need breakfast (just dozing whilst his pain meds kick in (up earlier than usual today)) so best get myself moving.

Look after yourself and best wishes to all the family.  Oh and thanks for asking - I am doing okay most of the time and seem only to have 'meltdowns' when everyday things go wrong - weird or what.  Feeling grateful for what I do have and trying to keep smiling.  Sending hugs.  Jules x

Hey Jules,

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Hope everything is ok and all is well.

So the 'expert' at Birmingham seems a bit appalled with mum's condition and does want to operate to remove the remaining bit of lung she has, but he also wants her to go in and have a little stay first to build her up and also so he can do a full head to toe check  so that's good. So just waiting for that letter to find out when etc.

Jamie's stepdad is going in to have his button put in next week, so that's good too, everything going great guns just now.

We are all fine in our house, nothing major to report, busy with work mostly so nowt new there!

We're going away in August for a week to great yarmouth again so we've got something to look forward to we're taking my niece summer too she's six (my sis doesn't have much so we do what we can to help and treat my niece when we can too) so Charlie will have a playmate too

Charlie had his half an hour visit to nursery and lived it, he was the first through the gate, so I'm sure he'll be fine when it comes to going properly, I'm sure it'll help that he goes to childminders and has his friends too.

Sorry pressed send too early haha

Did you enjoy your break from work? Enjoy Wimbledon?

Hope you had a lovely time and going back wasn't too awful for you haha (I know I don't like going back after two days off haha)

Anyway I hope you're all well and your mum and hubby are doing fine, and you are still smiling

Speak soon take care

Hugs Terri xx

Hi Terri

Good to get your update and seems like your Mum has good consultant advising her on the best way forward (hope the letter arrives sooner rather than later as amsure she would just rather get on with it all now).  Also good news re Jamie's stepdad. Makes it all easier to cope with when things running smoothly.

Well, I did enjoy Wimbledon despite the British contingent falling by the wayside but thought Murray had done well considering he had back surgery and 'the weight' of the nation's media upon him.   During my break I had a day out with a friend for lunch and retail therapy (mainly window shopping but did pick up a couple of clothes bargains in the 'summer sales'.  With the weather on my side spent lots of time in the garden (and read three books!!) which was great.  Also got the forms for Mum'sPower of Attorney signed and delivered - just got to wait now to see if its approved (takes up to 10 weeks!!).  Bless her she was just glad to get her signature 'in the box' and her GP was happy to provide necessary certification to say she knew what was happening!  Two days later and I went down with a humdinger of a throat and cold so dosed myself up and got on with day to day trivia (as you do!!).

The final weekend of my break was spent sorting out first a burst water pipe which meant having the gas disconnected (leak was behing skirting board at the back on the cooker.  The plumber duly called out (Sunday!!) and dug down to stopcock outside on to find it broken so we had to wait for Water Board to come out (thus meaning could not turn off water and Jules spent 3hrs 'bailing' with a washing up bowl every 10mins to stop kitchen flood).  That evening we finally had water sorted but when gas engineer came to reinstate gas supply we failed 'leak test' which meant no gas for 24hrs until he could come back and trace the leak (not on the cooker which had been disconnected but on a water boiler which had only been 'fixed last month!!).  Still finally sorted and all appliances given the green light.  Wehave the pluber coming back this Sunday to replace all the old underground pipes coming into the house so some upheavel this weekend too as floorboards/carpets have to be opened up the full length of the ground floor to accommodate new pipe - deep joy!!  Still could be worse as it could have happened in the winter months.

Good to hear that Charlie liked his nursery school visit.  My daughter had no problems with her eldest ( willbe 6 in Nov) and am sure this was due to plenty of socialising early on  and pre-school from age 2.  He still loves school and is doing well with his reading (enjoys reading to his younger brother at night too!!).  Now they are about to break up for the Summer so am sure the park will see a lot of them (bike is the favourite thing at present and its free!!).

Going back to work was okay but the next few weeks are going to be ultra busy as we have numerous reviews on the department upstairs plus a new edition being added to the shop downstairs in the not too distant future.  Of course, there is always pressure to do better but have told my Manager I come to work to de-stress not make more and he has been very understanding so far.

Am trying to arrange a few 'dinners at home' to catch up with people as hubby rarely goes out now apart from his night out with his mate on a Friday.  Both his siblings are full of forthcoming move to Isle of Man (they hope to sell their respective properties asap and be over  there by the end of September .  In the meantime they have two weeks holiday there in mid August (so will not be around to help me celebrate my big birthday ha ha).

Hope you and the family are enjoying the heatwave (hate the humid nights though).  Take care and chat soon.  Virtual hugs. Jules x

Hey Jules,

How are you all doing, good I hope?

Blimey sounded like your break from work was eventful, at least you managed a few days 'break' before the madness started! Is it all fixed and sorted now? Hope so.

Not a lot of news this end, but the main bit is Jamie's stepdad went and got his 'button' in and he's able to speak a bit now, it's nice to hear and I'm sure such a change and relief for him. I picked them up from the hospital and he was grinning like a Cheshire cat he's come a long way and I'm so suited for him. Jamie's mum also had her last hormone injection last week so that's her done with all her cancer treatments. She had an mri on Tuesday and I think needs a few more check ups before she'll be deemed in remission properly.

My mum is still waiting for her letter to go in, she sounded a bit fed up on weds when I spoke to her, she justs wants to get it over and done with now.

We're off to great yarmouth next Saturday for a week, and taking my niece summer too, to treat her and also for Charlie for someone to play with. It should be fun, looking forward to it

How's your mum doing? Good I hope?

And the hubby? Plodding on? Hope he's ok

And how about you? I won't ask how old you're 'big' birthday is going to be, but have you any plans to celebrate? I'm sure whatever your plans your family will make a big fuss and I hope you have a great day and get spoilt rotten

So many happy returns for the day if I don't speak to you before

Speak soon and take care, big hugs and keep smiling

Terri xx

Hi Terri

Well we are still plodding along and I am trying to keep smiling  (though currently have sciatica so am whincing a bit too). Had been enjoying the decent weather and look like I have been away (so must have spent more time outside than in!!) but hubby is struggling with lack of appetite (and difficulty in eating more than a few mouthfuls) so is being monitored and has nutrition shakes to try too.  Knowing this would happen does not, of course, make it any easy to cope with but keeping up the support and still hoping he will open up one day.

Really pleased to hear that Jamie's step dad is moving forward in his treatment and seems to be managing really well.  Also good that his Mum is doing well and fingers crossed for that 'in remission' tag to stick and stay.

I can understand your Mum getting impatient for things to get moving.  Bless her its been a long haul already so fingers crossed good news in the form of her appointment will soon arrive.

Hope you enjoy your holiday to Great Yarmouth.  Our daughter, son in law and the boys have just returned from Norfolk (did a day out in Gt Yarmouth too) where they stayed with friends who also have two under 7's so a good time was had by all.

We have a recurring problem with the water and now waiting (again) for the water company to dig up front garden as it would appear we have an underground leak (at least I am no baling out!!).

My Mum is up and down but has had the all clear as far as the possibility of Parkinsons is concerned (apparently the shaking she has been experiencing is linked to one of the tablets she takes, so they are changing it).  Will visit tomorrow (usual routine for a Tuesday) and see how things are going.

By the way, not shy about my age (will be 60) and am delighted to say I can now travel free round London so get to keep a few more pounds of my wages!!  Am I celebrating?  Well have been summoned to our daughters for a small family (kids/grandkids) get together on the day but otherwise expect it to pass quietly (have treated myself to a french manicure and will have hair done on Friday).  I did not want a party and in all honesty just happy that hubby is around to share it with me (two weeks later we will celebrate 37yrs of marriage too).

Hugs are returned and hope that Charlie is enjoying the summer (and that the weather does not spoil all  your fun) and have a great hols.  Jules x

Hey Jules,

Sorry to hear about the sciatica, hope you're feeling a bit better, I have a friend who has it at the moment, so I'm attending zumba alone at the moment until she's fit again.

How's the hubby doing? Doing well with the shakes I hope? My dad had those (my little sister used to love them too, she was 11 at the time ha) my mum has some currently while she's building up and Jamie's stepdad also.

My mum went to Liverpool and she is now 7 stone 1 pound, a wee fatty she says and she's been taken off the tb/chemo tablets now as the last sputum test came back clear for tb so she's going good guns which is great

Jamie's stepdad did ok on hols. We were quite worried about him when we first went because he looked rather grey and his mum said he'd not been eating much at all and she thought he wasn't so good but like your hubby, wouldn't say anything. Anyway we were out on the prom the second day and me and Jamie went to get us a coffee and juice for the kids as the were on the beach and me and his mum had some rather yummy banana cake, Jamie brought his stepdad a little tub of ice cream back, he really enjoyed it, and maybe its a coincidence but he started eating really well and got some colour back and seemed to pick up a lot after that, so that's good.

Glad to hear it was just the medication for your mum, (you know what I mean when I say that don't you ha) I'm sure she is happy to hear it's not Parkinson's herself as it would've made her more down I'm sure.

Have you had your birthday yet, was it this week? If so I hope you had a great time wow 37 years married too, well done! Haha it's mine and Jamie's 1st wedding anniversary tomorrow (16 years together on Tuesday though)

We had a nice week in great yarmouth, spent a fortune and made some memories, so it's all worth it

Had some bad luck too though, before we set off last Saturday  I (God knows why) lost concentration and went through a red light and bumped into a van, we were a ok just damage to my car and his rear end and tyre. He was so nice about it all, I was distraught! He said it was going to get it looked at on Monday and if it wasn't too bad he wouldn't claim on insurance (we haven't had a call, but he knew we were going away so might wait until this week, so as not to spoil our hol) that's really Lovely and generous of him if he doesn't, he's been unlucky because someone hit him on the Tuesday too! Poor fella! Then the van that Jamie hired, the clutch went, so the guy from the garage came and brought him another and that started playing up as well, he couldn't stop at lights etc without it dying on him! So we had to set off at 5am this morning so as not to hit all the traffic or it woukdve been a nightmare for him. Glad to be home! The kids enjoyed it though, that's the main thing I've got this week off also so I'll be catching up on washing and my tv planner I think haha

Anyway I've gone on a bit so I'll get off. I hope you're all good and well and lots of hugs sent your way

Keep smiling and take care , Terri xx

Hi Terri

Was great to read how well your Mum is doing now and also Jamie's stepdad - hope things will continue to be on the up.

Had my birthday (16th) and spent a lovely afternoon/early evening at our being thoroughly spoiled.  My son's other half made a two tier birthday cake (very yummy) and they also had invited two of my close friends as a surprise (eldest grandson letting on who is was as soon as they rang the bell so we were in fits of laughter as I showed surprise at their arrival).  Hubby announced on the morning that he wanted to take me to the jewellers to buy me a ring and we achieved this mission after his hospital check up last Tuesday.  I also have 'Afternoon Tea' for 2 plus bubbly (with my friend from work - date to be arranged) and a day out in Windsor with lunch (plus spending money) from our children so my birthday treats are ongoing. Added to that as an 'official oldie' I now get free travel throughout London so get to work for nothing now - who said getting old was a bad thing!!

Hubby's check up was as usual an emotional affair as it meant he had to discuss how he feels and I learned about several new symptoms but no change to amount of medication (just taking it different dosages throughout the day to try and cut down on time he spends asleep - consultant says if it remains a problem they may change his meds at next check up in November).  His weight is still dropping but  this was expected as  he cannot manage to eat asmuch and even the milk drinks soon fill him up - still he is doing his best and tries a bit of everything and I only serve up small amounts - current favourite for lunch is large dollop of vienetta (for him).  His general health remains fair and so far he has had no hospital admissions which we can be grateful for.  Walking is becoming more of an issue but he has so far refused the aid of stick/chair but the consultant said he only has to ask when he feels able to consider it.  In the meantime he spends most of his days watching tv though we are still getting him to see his friend on a Friday evening (though they did not make it down the road to the pub this week).  At least he gets to see someone outside family and they really enjoy each others company whilst I am out for a couple of hours with his mate's wife.

We had our eldest grandson for a sleepover treat on Thursday night and he slept nearly 11hrs! By 8.45 am him and I were off to the park and spent two lovely hours 'playing' .  Our daughter and the little one come round for lunch and a 'sit on grandad's knee'  so the week has been quite full.

I am now on 12 days holiday (not doing much though) and when I go back it will be all change as more hours have been cut and I will not longer have 'company' as the department is to be run with just 1 person on each shift - will miss my friend but we will catch up outside work hours from time to time (planning a day out soon) and she has been happy to lose a few hours so am happy for her.  They are not cutting mine (only do three mornings anyway) yet but with us beginning the 'run up to Christmas' not sure how everything will get done but that will not be my problem.  I can only do what I can do.

As far as Mum is concerned all being well should have Power of Attorney through my middle of September which will make things a little easier in the long term.  However we also have to get back in touch with social services and try and sort out her future living/care arrangements so more assessments are looming - never a dull moment.

Sciatica is slowing improving and I have stopped 'popping painkillers'.  Keeping mobile certainly helps as I find if I sit for too long its worse so am trying to do plenty of walking which I enjoy anyway.  It more a first thing in the morning pain now so have to remember not to get up too fast!

Really cannot believe you have celebrated your 1st Wedding Anniversary - where does the time go - congratulations and hope you celebrated (even if you have been together longer its still a special day).

Hope Charlie has enjoyed the summer (we seems to have it back weatherwise today).   Will leave you with a smile and tell you that for our anniversary this Wednesday I am celebrating by having my 'ears sorted' - hopi candle treatment -as hearing has become a bit muffled (the glories of old age ha ha) and hubby does not want to go out which is fair enough (maybe I will get a 'baby sized' takeaway - will see what the day brings and how he is feeling.

Look after yourself and hope you are not working too hard. Jules x

Hi Jules,

How's it going? Aww glad you had a good birthday and celebrations did your hubby choose the ring he bought or did he leave it to you?

Glad your hubby seems to be plodding on well, as good as circumstances allow anyway sounds like my dads appetite too, never been a big ice cream person but he loved a couple of scoops when his appetite was dropping

Work sounds much the same as ours, they're forever cutting and trying to save money, they're restructuring ours again at the moment, I'm waiting for the day they restructure my role and give me redundancy that will finally give me the push to look for something else lol

Did you have a good break from work? It's just lovely to be off isn't it? I expect you did the usual, getting the jobs done that you don't seem to get round to whilst at Work like we all do?

Glad to hear your sciatica is improving, I've only had a bad back a couple of times last time laid up for about 4 days and I've not known owt like it so I really sympathise with you and hope it stays at bay for you.

Yeah I know 1st anniversary already, can't believe it's been that long since I felt like a princess I had a gift made for Jamie (out of paper for tradition haha ) and it was a few pictures and words that a lady cuts into paper to make gorgeous pictures. I can't really describe it, if you get the chance her website is www.kirstymdesigns.co.uk ours isn't on there but you'll get the idea (if you're on Facebook or instagram her name is kirsty m designs on both I think and our pic is on both of them) I had Blackpool tower (where we met) lilies (my fave) a motorbike (Jamie's joy), a man woman and toddler, and scargill castle (where Jamie proposed) put on ours.

We went out for tea so that was nice

Happy belated anniversary to you hope the Hopi treatment wasn't too bad

Our end is pretty much the same, Jamie's stepdad is plodding on, and his mum is good too, they're arranging a few charity bits to host in the local pub, for the biggest coffee morning for Macmillan next Friday so they're busy doing that and enjoying it too

My mum is doing well, she also bought a scooter as she says she'll need it for after she goes in for her op, if she ever gets a letter that is, and is currently enjoying her new found freedom, she's been up and down the prom a few times so that's great for her

My grandad celebrated his 80th birthday on the 10th, we took him out for Sunday lunch a few days before, that was nice, and then me and Charlie took him a little cake and candles on the day after tea, we sang happy birthday and then Charlie said this is for you great grandad but I want to share it please haha and got him some advocaat and put some money in his pot as he's going to redecorate his front room shortly

I joined the gym two weeks ago, I went to an aerobics class on the Monday and couldn't walk properly til Thursday! It felt good though to know I'm on my way to being healthier I've done aerobics and combat this week (who's trainer could very well be Mr.motivators brother) and I'm off to ladies only zumba tomorrow and I'm not aching as much so it's all good

Anyway apart from that everything is much the same

Hope you're all good and well, sending much cyber hugs and best wishes

Keep smiling

Take care , Terri xx