Hi Kathy, That certainly did make me smile! And you're not a dork at all! I've just finished an online interview with the forum team and I raised the problem of paragraphs. It's something they're looking into as certain devices seem to have this problem. Also, I am not able to see the tool bar and this is because it's not available on certain devices as it takes up a lot of screen space. Private messaging is a little way off as they want to make sure it's really secure. I must have come across as a real dinosaur though, as they gave me a few taskd and I had to talk through what I would do (whilst doing) to achieve the task. It was tricky on the iPad as I couldn't see the normal page and I became my usual 'rabbit in the headlights' type self, when under pressure to do something Haha! They were very kind though! Well, I have a colleague coming over for a cuppa, to keep me up to speed with work, so I'd better go and spruce myself up! Don't want her reporting back to work what a slob I've become! Take care of yourself Kathy. I know you're having a few wobbles at the moment - always here to listen, chick! Hugs to you! Jo xxx

Hi Jo, Must comment as others have done on your pic, you look great. When I think of you its a case of Meerkat who is Jo, takes a wee while for the translation to get to the brain......but I get there. Storms here today, lots of heavy showers and thunder and lightning. Pets were almost superglued to me poor things, didn't realise they were so stressed as normally their Dad would be here to reassure them. I used to be a workaholic but the last few months have dramatically changed my perspective on life. Unfortunately I have always enjoyed my work , something I have been passionate about and to get paid for it has been a bonus. Jobs appear to be in short supply at the moment (I finish next week) but can always look at temping when I m ready. Storms caused sitting room skylight to leak so 3 buckets catching drips. Have a list of jobs to get done in future. Can manage the gardening as that gives me much pleasure and learning to do housework, hubby used to do, had me quite spoilt. And as for cooking....well cereals ok and toast, can't really do much wrong with them. Hope you have a great weekend Jo Kathy xx

Hi Kathy, thanks for your complimentary words about the photo, though you'll spot I've now gone back to anonymity with the meerkat avatar! Oh your poor pets and the storms. I know how they feel, I don't particularly like thunder and lightening myself, but I'm a bit too big to hide under the bed like our cats do! It's great that you love your job! (Not sure what you do? Writing?) Will you be having a leaving do this week? It's funny to read about you gardening, when here, I'm looking out on a dry, but overcast day and a garden that needs 'putting to bed' for the winter. That's what my nan used to say! We've still got some colour with a fuchsia that seems to bloom forever, but some shrubs need a bit of a tidy, leaves need raking and the grass could do with a mow! Hey ho! Maybe wait until the spring (or hope for white ChrIstmas when everyone's gardens all look the same! I'm sad to report I like doing housework! I get satisfaction from cleaning. Though since we've had the dog, I'm having to learn how to chill a bit more, otherwise the vacuum cleaner would be out every day! I've also learned that as long as I don't put my specs on, my house doesn't look too bad! I see in a post to Jules that you may be thinking of holding back on offloading here! ( "not wanting to bellyache about your issues") It's not bellyaching, it's sharing with friends, so drop a post anytime. Ears and shoulders ready, lovely lady! Take care, hugs to you, Jo xx

Hi Jo,and Jules, Thank you for your kind words. Re work I have worked in the hardship dept of a telecommunication company making extended payment arrangements for customers experiencing financial hardship to catch up while allowing them to still to use the services whereas normally services would have been cut off. It involves showing understanding and empathy and treating the customer as a person not just a number. One customer was Case managed for 5 years whereas normal policy for a lot of companies is pay up or get cut off. Really good company to work for but.....alas our dept moving interstate so all our knowledge and experience will walk out of the door on Friday, such is life... On the home front interesting story to share this avo while preparing home made dog food (Cooks for approx 2 hrs) and also cooking tea for me noticed a burning smell, checked cooker Was all ok then noticed smoke drifting over back fence, mmmm live next door to a nature reserve, no houses there. Rang next door neighbour as ran round to investigate, we got buckets of water to put fire out then I connected hose and chucked over back fence for her to douse fire . Someone has lit tree and set on fire. Fire brigade came out to check fire was out , followed by police for a statement, then crime scene team. Potential for great damage due to dry weather if fire had taken hold but fortunately catastrophe did not eventuate. Guess it was luckily I was home. Been preparing spare room for mate to house sit for next 2 weekends when I visit the kids Iin the country. Re my bellyaching moved some furniture in bedroom recently,, a 6 drawer tall boy so of course sensible idea is to remove all the drawers prior to moving, what's in them, all hubby's clothes, jocks, socks, t shirts, work shirts etc. I cry every time I think of it. Even though the clothes are clean I still smell him on them. I miss him so much . I know he is in a better place now, no longer in pain or with the indignity of no longer being able to look after himself but it doesn't make it any easier. Seven weeks since he's gone. To think 6 months ago all was well as far as we were concerned before this nightmare invaded our lives, planning our retirement eventually, planning our sons wedding. His illness and passing has impacted a lot of our friends, one Is selling up and travelling around Oz, others taking overseas trips and doing things now not waiting for retirement age and good for them. Unfortunately I don't like travelling, enjoy gardening and that's what I will do in my spare time and some volunteer work while waiting for a job to find me. I have to have a job I will be passionate about not just any old job and package will allow me bout 6 months to find something suitable. Same time if temp work comes up I will take it as I think being with people of a day time would be good for me. I am a real people person. Sorry for blathering on Kathy xx

Hi Kathy, well, judging by the way you post so supportively, you are the perfect person for the job you are in! Such a shame the company are losing such a knowledgeable, sympathetic and empathetic workforce! I hope it's not too long before something else comes along, temporary or otherwise. What a good job you noticed the fire behind your house! Sounds as if you and your neighbour certainly diverted a catastrophe! Bush fires in Oz make it onto the news here and even on this side of the pond, my partner and I are always greatly angered if it comes to light that the fires were started intentionally! The potential and actual danger caused to humans and animals! Grr! Kathy, the part of your post about moving the tall boy containing your husband's clothes, really brought tears to my eyes. It's only seven weeks since he passed away and everything will feel so raw, sweetheart. I wish I could give you a real hug. I hope you have friends you can talk to (this forum is fantastic, but we're only virtual!) I'd hate to think of you bottling things up. Hopefully, a few weekends with your kids will be a good tonic (hope that doesn't sound patronising - but I know spending time with my kids, really boosts my mood) Kathy, I love how you use Oz and Scottish terminology within your posts! My partner (though not born in Scotland) lived there for 30 years so has a Scottish accent and uses some of the words and phrases you use! Your reference to Australian cheeses looking 'peely wally' (sp?) (in a post to Jules) made me smile! I knew what you meant instantly! And as for blathering on - well I'm accused of that on a regular basis! Take good care of yourself, Kathy and don't get that homemade dog food and your meal muddled up now! Though I'm sure any homemade dog food would be more palatable than some of the culinary creations I produce! Hehe! Much love to you, keep in touch Jo xx

Thank you Jo, off to bed now, dog and cat will now snuggle up to me. Have always been close to son. I think only since his dad has passed he realised how much his dad loved him, but dIdnt communicate it too well. In our slide show at service so many were of father and son looking happy and having fun together. Have a "diary" hubby wrote to son from birth to bout 6 years, very beautiful as son was 10 weeks prem and in those days we didn't know if he would make it, but did and is a lovely young man, anyway have to work out when is the best time to give it to son as dont want to put him in a down mood but want him to realise how much his dad loved him and it's thanks to us both how well he has turned out. If your other half annoys you tell him to " hold his wheesht" but you probably understand all our terminology by now anyway.... Could teach you some naughty words in Gaelic when PM comes in haha. 4 hours till I need to get up so must hit the hay. Thank you Kathy

Hi Kathy Something wrong with my email and everything online I have been trying all day to sort it out. Still not working properly but I can get through to the odd thing. Glad to hear that the fire didn't really come to anything just stupid eejits playing about. Was it guy Fawkes night, 5th November. Glad you're getting organised for your Christmas holiday with your boy and family. I too have just been feeling so low and opened Alex's wardrobe to see all his immaculate clothes he was such a smart and stylish man unfortunately I have just broken down it just broke my heart and I realised, maybe for the first time, that I am never going to see my best pal again. I am really sorry about your job as I know when I was made redundant from a bank I took it very hard to come to terms with. However it didn't last too long until I started to wonder how I ever had time to work, time seems to run away. I hope you are keeping well and I know you will have a good time with your family. Hope to speak to you soon, Margaret

Hi Margaret, No the deliberately lit fire was yesterday, I must say very pleased with the police, they have done a letterbox drop advising residents of what has happened and what to look out for, suspicious behaviour etc, signs of charred wood, these bandits may be practicing for the next one. Yes work finishes tomorrow but has been a great company to work for. I will reapply in the future when interstate realises what a poor decision they have made. Already experienced staff in Melbourne have resigned they can't handle the pressure whereas we thrived on it and had a good experienced bunch who did a good job. Just sitting out the back relaxing postponing the inevitable..... Housework, need to make up the spare bed and vacuum for house sitting mate for Saturday. Forecast 36 and 37 for weekend so will be too hot to walk dog unless it is done early in the am or late at night. Lawns need a mow but next Wed will be the earliest I can do due to my gallivanting planned for the weekend. I will have so much fun with the littlies I won't have time to scratch myself.... I find it so hard when I come across hubby's clothes etc, but the time is not right as yet to get rid of them. I think we will both know when the time is right for us and it doesn't matter when it is, no rush. We are so lucky Margaret to have found this forum with our friends on it, happy to listen to us ramble on and come back with loving words of support, we are very fortunate indeed. Will sign off for now, grrrr housework beckons, but better do it now otherwise could be panic stations tomorrow night. Take care Big hugs, Kathy of the no paragraphs haha