Hi Jo and Jules, doing ok thanks, Christmas plans have gone a bit skewiiff as house sitter has health problems and unable to provide cover, but I have a few alternative plans to be put in place so I will manage a few days away although not for the full week as previously planned. Had to step into the breach left by hubby as felt mother in law not getting appropriate treatment, was transferred to a hospital closer to home and was not seen by a doctor for 6 days and no one to answer concerns/questions. She is doing well with walking etc so rehab doing very well . She had a recurrence of an old back problem which was giving her some problems plus I think a bit of depression so will be kept in till New Year. Anyway before escalating complaint to commissioner of health I rang the hospital to speak to director of nursing and lo and behold there was no mention of the privacy act and they gave me an update on her progress and action plan. They explained she was down due to loss of son, yes I replied quite understandable and I was his wife. Very sympathetically I was told I must have issues too. I am doing ok thank you very much , really gets my goat when people tell you how you should be feeling, there is no text book rules for this, we all cope differently and every method is ok. Mine is probably to keep busy but if it works.. do it. To cut a long story short miraculously m.i.l. was seen that day by a doctor - a victory for the little people. Some concern as to reason fall fall docs looking at a fit however m.i.l says no just a dizzy spell which she has for many years due to high blood pressure and meds for this. A brain scan scheduled next week to rule out a mini stroke (she had a stroke 10 years ago but made a good recovery). She has been put on endone for back pain but neither she or father in law can tell me what dose it is as a result has the usual side effects. Hubby started on that so I am aware of side effects and concoction of laxatives required to assist matters. Re the job situation have enrolled with centrelink our version of the dole and not able for any financial assistance till next Sept. The job network group I have gone to will help me with cv etc but not offering much more help as I am not long term unemployed and appear to be quite capable of finding work and my skills ok for similar work. May look at retraining in another field as have probably another 15 years of work left in me, but weather good and gardening quite therapeutic and will look at volunteer work after new year with palliative care unit nearby. Hope you and yer ain folk have a peaceful Christmas and New Year. Big hugs Kathy of the no paragraphs haha xx