Hi Sue, I guess you're living in Australia!   I have a half brother who lives there and loves it.  Mother in laW's.   Mine died aged 62 yesrs from lung cancer, a heavy smoker who wouldn't give up, from diagnosis to dying took 8 days.  She was so old fashioned in her outlook and when I think of me now it's funny to think back.  Like you I couldn't bake a sponge either my younger daughter puts me to shame  she loves baking .  I love morrocan food but these men have to eat what they feel like.   Norman managed to put weight back on and is struggling to do his trousers up!  My brother posted photos last week of a snow blizzard whilst we baked in the heat.  I must admit it's suddenly cold and wet here a culture shock after all the heat.  I have three grandchildren,  Alfie 10, Ella 5 and Harry 7.  They make me smile and laugh in equal measures, they keep us going.  Red or white I don't mind as long as it's wine.  Sleep tight. X

It's refreshing to read you, and your so right saying that worrying does nothing good (it makes my hamster turn is wheel like nobody business). I'm waiting on scan results and if I think about it to much scenario's come in my head (not to be theatrical) you have one heck of a past time lol.

Merino

Hi Carol,  Yes, I live in a country town in Victoria, Australia.  It is a great place to live.  We used to live in Melbourne but decided about 5 years ago to sell up and move to the country, and both wish we had done it years before.  Sorry to hears about your MIL.  Neil's mum doesn't like me, never has, which doesn't bother me at all, I don't like her either.  She doesn't like any of  the partners of Neils 2 brothers or his sister.  His dad on the other hand is lovely.  My parents are both gone, Dad died 10 years ago, Mum has been gone 4.  I love cooking but can't make a sponge, scones or pastry, I think I've tried every recipe for scones and sponges, Neil is great at scones and pastry, unfortunately I can't see him making either any time soon.  I really love Indian and Moroccon food, and make a lot of curries and dahl.  We have had some really horrid weather of late, very cold and wet,  Lots of areas have had snowfalls that don't usually get snow.  We have another cold night tonight, down to zero where I am.  Not looking forward to tomorrow morning have an early start for chemo, and will probably have to de-ice the windscreen before we leave.  I have six grandchildren.  Tia 15, Hayley 10, they are my eldest Cass's, then Bree has 3, twin boys Colby and Sebastian 5, and Stevie (girl) 4, and Deana just has the 1, Eli 7 months.  I don't see Cass  very often, she lives over 3 hours from me. but the younger two I see quite often.  Deana and Bree are both coming on Sunday with their hubbies and kids.  Father's Day and Bree was going to come and visit Neil so I said come for early tea (they live nearly 1 1/2 hours from me), that way they can get home at a reasonable time for the boys with school the day after.  6 adults and 3 kids for tea Sunday, that will keep me busy.  Grandchildren are wonderful and bring so much joy.  Hoping Neil won't be too unwell on Sunday.  The two previous Sundays after chemo he has been in hospital, but hoping as he has been so well the last few days, he mightn't feel quite so unwell this time round.  Neil is looking forward to them coming.  One of the cats won't be happy, she doesn't like visitors, and children she is terrified of.  It has taken her months to be OK with the kids across the road outside riding their bicycles.  We got her as a rescue when she was 9 months old.  The other will greet visitors at the door and nothing fazes him.  Hope your and Norman are both well.  Here is a pic of Eli.  It's cooling down in here again tonight so will close and do my dishes where it's warm.  Till tomorrow, Take Care. xx

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Back to zumba today,  a good workout and catch up with friends.   We've all been a little bit fractured over the summer due to holidays  (not me) families coming home and torn tendons!  I come out into the car park and my car is missing,  my heart sinks and then I remembered the papers hadn't arrived this morning so I'd gone to get them, left my  car there and walked to zumba!!  Relief floods through me and I drive home.  My car insurance is due and I have to apply for a new licence due to the impending birthday.   I collect all the paperwork and ask hubby to give me some peaceful time whilst I do it.  I might as well have asked Ella to sit still for half an hour.  He's addicted to the news and after five minutes the television is turned up, he comments on The prime ministers clothing, I ask him to be quiet,  apparently I don't have to listen to him if I don't want to!  I end up going into the conservatory shutting the doors for some peace.  He's gone out in a huff!  So peace reigns, I've had coffee and cake, been to the tip, posted the licence off and chatted to neighbours .  A pleasant afternoon,  all in all.  See you tomorrow 

Hi Carol,  Well, so far Neil seems fine after chemo today.  so hopefully he stays reasonably well this time.  The dietician saw him also today.. she has given him lots of instructions about what to eat, as he lost another 4kg this last fortnight.  If he wants them he is even being told he can have McDonalds shakes.  He wanted chicken stir-fry for tea, so that's what he had.  I had to laugh though when we got home.. he went to the loo, came out and said to me the door squeaks.  I said we have 3 that squeak.  1 bedroom door, toilet door and laundry door.  I asked you maybe 18 months ago to put some oil or whatever on the bedroom door.  You could have knocked me down, he used sewing machine oil and they no longer squeak.  He should have got hearing aids years ago.  He even said to me he could hear the birds this morning,  It's wonderful even the volume on the TV is now set to 11 instead of 18.  My eldest used to take a couple of Zumba classes.  So glad your car hadn't been stolen, it's terrible when it isn't where you thought you left it.  I can get lost in some of these big shopping centres we have and come out a different way and can't find the car.  It's always a relief when you eventually realise where it is.  Overall today has been a good day.  Hope we have more of them.  You and Norman take care.  Sue xx

Hi Sue, so pleased that the day has gone well.  The photo of Eli is gorgeous, they are such a joy.  Norman has hearing problems and our TV was so loud I couldn't hear myself think, it was very stressful and they are in denial.   Eventually he had them syringed and the difference was unbelievable.   Sue there is a private messaging service on here, if you want we could use that and I'll keep this as y daily diary.   I love hearing from you but we can say more things privately without all being able to read it.  Let me know and you can friend me first, then message privately.   Speak tomorrow.  Xx

Off to zumba and Christine has finally seen her daughter after six years.   She doesn't live in outer Mongolia, just Scotland but her second husband fell out with her and she wouldn't come here.  My daughters would never not see me for so long, with cancer hovering it's stupid to be so touchy.  People never look at the bigger picture, her Mum could have died at anytime over that period.  Grab loved ones whilst you can, put petty differences aside and treasure each day together.   We've been to a gastro pub for lunch, hubby was not impressed with his home made fish fingers and minted mushy peas sandwiches, he's so old fashioned,  but I explained it wasn't going to be captain birds eye fish fingers.  We've had a cup of tea and a wedge of Victoria sponge and he can feel the comfy chair beckoning.   Oh I've got my eye surgery appointment for next Wednesday,  they were so helpful once I explained our situation.   I think since hubby was diagnosed I've not come across an unhelpful person.  People can be nice, you just have to be polite and pleasant,  that's not much to ask.  See you tomorrow 

He's had a bad night, phantom pain, stiff neck and his toe is sore.  I leave a cup of tea, a pain killer and let him snooze.  My lawn looks like a goat would have a good feed so I get the lawn mower out and set to.  Two hours later I've cut back roses and overgrown clematis , cleaned the patio where the sun doesn't shine and swept up.  Hubby comes down looking smart and better than earlier, it's a beautiful day so I shower, get dressed and we take off in the car.  We go right up to High Force, have coffee and cake in the hotel, chat about the children as Alfie sent us a postcard and Lisa sent a photo of them in Greece.  They all seem happy and we couldn't ask for more.  We travel home across the moors admiring the green valleys and little hamlets snuggled in the bottom.  One house is in the middle of nowhere and we agree you would need to be a hermit to live there!  We're home and he's fed and watered, the toe is sore but a painkiller has been administered .  All  in all another lovely day for us both.  

It's an absolutely gorgeous day, the food shop is done as after feeding everyone my cupboards looked like old mother Hubbard!   I've sat in the garden eating my dinner! Watching the cabbage butterflies the bees and a pair of coal *** with the brightest coloured bibs and little black helmets.   What I thought was a black squirrel scuttled across the lawn  landing  in the black lace and I realised it's a massive blackbird,  no wonder our bird food needs replenishing .  Hubby has gone to get some fresh air, he says bye, I go into the garden again and my mobile rings, it's him, sorry to be lazy he says but I've left my wallet on the table, he's still sat in the drive!  I think he's getting spoilt, what a cheek!  No plans for the weekend, we'll take it as it comes. X