Probably because I don't know how!  Give me a clue what to do. Caz

I also love storms its nature at its most frightening and shows us how small we all are in the scheme of things.  Right Annie I want that face book post, at least we get to see what you look like, seeing you already know what We look like!  Did zumba with Mary, worked hard and enjoyed it then came home and ate the birthday cake she gave me, oh well swings and roundabouts.  We're off to the Metro Centre tomorrow for a little shopping, Mary has an apartment in Teneriff so she wants lighter clothes, I don't want anything but you never know, shopping is in my blood and I'm pleased to say that my girls have inherited that gene.  Hubby went off in his repaired car to check his buggy and is now tucking into M&S Yorkshire pud with beef and bread and butter pudding, obviously not on the same plate.  I hope Eli is better, children are so up and down it's never the same each day.  I hope Julie is OK and Gloria, they both seemed to be coping well last time, so let's hope all is going to plan.  Love to all of you. Xx 

A good shop with Mary, I know what suits her and choose expensive things as despite having money she buys T shirts I'd do my housework in!  So I turn into her Personal Shopper and everything looks lovely on her.  I buy a leopard print chiffon dress from Mango for the princely sum of seventeen pounds, it won't do up over my boobs but I'm going to wear it as a coat over trousers and a black camisole.  I get home and show hubby, urrgh I don't like that he says, pulling a face, good job I won't be with you then when I wear I tell him, he shuts up!!  So I dry my washing, carry it upstairs and the tie belt of my pyjama bottoms gets caught in the workings of the stair lift and catapulted me backwards Down the stairs, I hit my hip off the downstairs toilet door which flies open as a certain person hadn't shut it fully, meaning I end up upside down on the loo floor twisting my wrist, hubby had just nodded off in the conservatory but hears me groaning, are you OK he shouts, I'm alright I think so he goes back to sleep. Men! !  So Annie says I'm like the Perils of Carol and I've just realised the original was The Perils of Penelope Pittstop  the things you remember.  I'm not cooking tonight he's getting an M&S ready MEAL!  Love to you all. Xx

Hi Ladies,
Sounds like your day shopping with Mary was a very productive day.  What do our husbands know of women's clothes/fashion.  I had one outfit Neil hated and I always got compliments when I wore it.
Strange day today, I thought it was Saturday, so was getting ready for go to Melbourne.  Deana rings me and then says she has to go.  She usually only does that when she's working.  So I kept getting ready,  She rings me back 5 mins later and I say to her, "What are you doing in the shop on a Saturday afternoon?"  She response, "Mum, it's Friday!".  Did I ever feel silly, just as well she rang me or I would have gone to Melbourne for nothing.
I made a dellicious Madras curry last night, it smelt so good when it was cooking,  You need to be more careful, falling down the stairs.  I hope you aren't black and blue today.  How does everything feel today, not too sore I hope.  I used to watch The Perils of Penelope Pittstop as a kid,  I knew what Annie was referring to but I couldn't remember the name of it.  After you falling down the stairs, the Perils of Carol is even more apprioriate .
I think our summer is over, definitely getting cooler, almost down to single digits for the overnight tonight, days not too bad but only in the 20's for the forseeable future.  Your days will start to get warmer, and I;ll be the one complaining about how cold it is.

Love to all, take care.  Sue xx

Hi girls, I slept until 9.30am today and hubby nearly had a fit as he was having bloods done at 10.45!  I did ache but I stuck voltarol on my bruise after a hot shower and then went to Tesco.  Faye faced timed us with Ella in the bath she tells me her best friend Erin has had her hair cut into a Bob, just like yours Grandma she says.  She then tells us that she's Never getting her hair cut and is growing down to her bum and to prove her point sticks her naked bum in the air!  We've gone out in the very windy weather and I've bought a new bedside cabinet for the kids room. Then I ordered a new wooden shed as our garage is a mess.  This is the problem when one of you has cancer because trying to do other jobs  on top of normal jobs just doesn't happen.  I've just had a phone call from Pauline, she's back from her two month travels, daughter lives in America and then she met friends in Venice, what a life she has but without her beloved David as he died of brain cancer.  Anyway it's her birthday so she's having a prosecco and nibbles  ladies day Monday afternoon, I'll have to beg a lift off he who isn't going.  Getting days muddled up is funny because once you have it in your head that it's that day then it's that day all day!  I've shopped today instead of Saturday so here's the betting that tomorrow I will think it's Sunday.  Love to you all. Xx

Hello all

Well we are all fine!  This round of chemo has been much easier than the last, next to no diarrhoea , just very tired.  The hernia is playing up however, which is frustrating, but today has been a good day and tomorrow Matilda is coming to visit.  Can't wait to see her - it' s been a few weeks.  

Dave is still in good spirits and if it wasn't for the hernia he'd be fine.  Next round is Wednesday, then he's halfway through.  We have managed to get up to Kendal for short periods but can't do any serious walking which frustrates him.

I hope you are all ok. I do think about you all.  

Be in touch soon.

Julie xx

How great to hear from Julie and enjoy your short stay in Kendal.  Cancer is frustrating as it stops so many normalities of every day life.  It's good that Dave is in good spirits as it certainly bouys you along.  I've been really busy today, I've changed all the bedside cabinets around and thrown out all sorts, the girls had a drawer each which haven't been touched for years so everything has gone in the bin.  There was even baby soap and. Powder from when Alfie was a baby and he's now eleven!  Hubby as usual tries to get me to sort through it but I stand my ground and it goes in the bin regardless.  Off to the tip. Back home we decided to tidy up the garage and he's hoovered up for me as well.  So a good day's work done and he feels happy that he's contributing to it. When my neighbour came in to carry the cabinet upstairs I said make us a cup of tea and he said that was all he was good for nowadays!  I must admit I do ache from the stair episode but I should be fine by Monday and I'm sure the prosecco will be good for me.  Sue I hope you had a smashing time in Melbourne and actually turned up on the right day!!  Xx

Hi Ladies,

It's wonderful news that Dave is nearly halfway through his chemo and feeling good.  Enjoy your visit from Matilda, and your trips to Kendal, it's a shame you haven't been able to manage any walks.  Hoprfully it won't be too long before you are able to enjoy your walks again.

You have been busy Carol.  I'd be more surprised if you weren't sore from your fall yesterday, the prosecco will help ease any lingering effects.  Enjoy a glass for me while your at it.  I thoroughly enjoyed my evening out.  Paul has retired and when he gets all his affairs in order and houses sold he along with his wife and mother are moving back to England.  He came out here after his divorce from his first wife.  He has 2 daughters still in England, so moving back there,  Cheaper all round, he used to pay for his daughters to visit every year.  They are all looking forward to going although will miss friends they have here.  Most of them have said they'll have accomodation if they visit.  Today was the right day.  Still can't figure out how I lost a day, just thankful Deana rang me.  It was good I was able to thank a few for the day they came down here and took Neil in the truck, wasn't sure a couple of them knew just how much that day meant to Neil  He had a ball, and loved driving the truck that last time, and it was just the guys.

I'm off to bed. have a great day.
Take care and love to all.  Sue xx

So after my busy day and rubbish TV I decided to have an early night and read my book The Olive Tree (brilliant).  I don't normally take a drink up but I had bought some elderflower cordial so I took a glass of that with me.  Washed and PJs on I climb into bed and sigh with relief at my comfy position, plump my pillows up, settle back and my pillow falls off the bed, knocks my full glass of cordial over!  It's now pouring down my bedside table, flooding my radio alarm, my earrings are drowning in a sea of sticky suff in my little moon shaped dish, all my books are dripping with it and my watch floating in it.  I have to get out of bed mop everything up, empty dishes pull the cupboard away from the wall, it's dripped in my drawer so my knickers are soaking wet and by the time I mop it up I've got wet knees so have to change my bottoms, so much for an early night!  Anyway it's 3.5 degrees here but sunny we're off for a ride out even though hubby has a really stiff neck again, if it's like mine was the other week I know how he feels.  I am going to buy some hyacinth bulbs and put them in a pot for the conservatory, the smell is always amazing   Hubby is watching The Hairy Bikers food show, he lovea it but it hasn't encouraged him to try cooking.  Sue I'm so pleased you enjoyed your evening out, I've just bought a bottle of prosecco for Pauline, I prefer wine but it's not my birthday!  It's a shame Paul is moving back losing good friends is hard, Mary is going to Teneriff for two weeks  and I miss her terribly in that time.  So pleased Julie has posted if it's as nice where she is as here she will have a pleasant time.  Off for a bite if lunch before we leave.  Love to all of you. Xx

I've just got home after going to Pauline's birthday party at 3pm!  Once again a little bit worse for the wear but feeling OK, can these friends of mine drink, they're still going strong but five hours is enough for me, but we have had a laugh!  Hubby is not too good today, bad back and thinks he has a urine infection so not in a good mood.  He rang the GP but at 10am so obviously wasn't getting an appointment.  He then started arguing with me because I said he would have to see the Doctor, I'm Not arguing with him as it gets out of hand as his suppressed anger comes out.  I'm Comfy on the sofa now in my PJs and hoping I make my zumba class tomorrow!  Xx

I ring the surgery at 8am number 50 in the queue.  I pass the phone to hubby and make tea, his back is really bad so I think he now has a kidney infection.  I manage my class and back home its been confirmed that he has a kidney infection, he admits he knew there was a problem a few weeks ago, I just shake my head and say nothing.  So it's that bad we've cancelled James Cook until the 26th.  I now have an afternoon to myself, which is unexpected and decide to do nothing.  I have a massive bruise on my leg from my fall down the stairs and my back aches too!  We did laugh yesterday at the party after all the prosecco  the lady parts health issues all started being discussed, it's amazing how many women are wearing slings due to problems after giving birth.  Mary (not my Mary) said she'd put so much weight on that she now looked like she had two bums, due to her vertical C section scar.  She's trying to lose weight for a wedding in May, what do you do she asks me to stay slim, so I tell her.  Ooh can I come with you, where is it, what time is it on, 10am I tell her, oh *** that she says I'll still be in bed!  I have a feeling that a pair of spanx will be ordered to combat the double bottom.  Sue had had a new knee so was walking with a stick, crikey I think she needs to lose some weight, then I hear her tell someone else that she had lost two stone to have the operation, glad I never said anything.  Brenda has a detached retina but won't wear her spectacles and spends all afternoon squinting, I love  your glasses she says, I've got some but hate wearing them, I'm sure she'd look a lot better if she did!  Ina had a chest infection so trying to escape her I knock my glass over and it goes down Mary's back, she tells me her top is brand new and she was going to return it to the shop today, I don't think that's going to happen now.  So I suppose my health is a lot better than a lot of them and I'm one of the oldest!  Going to make a cup of tea for the invalid and hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon, we've got a busy week next week.  Love to you all. Xx

I ring the surgery at 8am number 50 in the queue.  I pass the phone to hubby and make tea, his back is really bad so I think he now has a kidney infection.  I manage my class and back home its been confirmed that he has a kidney infection, he admits he knew there was a problem a few weeks ago, I just shake my head and say nothing.  So it's that bad we've cancelled James Cook until the 26th.  I now have an afternoon to myself, which is unexpected and decide to do nothing.  I have a massive bruise on my leg from my fall down the stairs and my back aches too!  We did laugh yesterday at the party after all the prosecco  the lady parts health issues all started being discussed, it's amazing how many women are wearing slings due to problems after giving birth.  Mary (not my Mary) said she'd put so much weight on that she now looked like she had two bums, due to her vertical C section scar.  She's trying to lose weight for a wedding in May, what do you do she asks me to stay slim, so I tell her.  Ooh can I come with you, where is it, what time is it on, 10am I tell her, oh *** that she says I'll still be in bed!  I have a feeling that a pair of spanx will be ordered to combat the double bottom.  Sue had had a new knee so was walking with a stick, crikey I think she needs to lose some weight, then I hear her tell someone else that she had lost two stone to have the operation, glad I never said anything.  Brenda has a detached retina but won't wear her spectacles and spends all afternoon squinting, I love  your glasses she says, I've got some but hate wearing them, I'm sure she'd look a lot better if she did!  Ina had a chest infection so trying to escape her I knock my glass over and it goes down Mary's back, she tells me her top is brand new and she was going to return it to the shop today, I don't think that's going to happen now.  So I suppose my health is a lot better than a lot of them and I'm one of the oldest!  Going to make a cup of tea for the invalid and hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon, we've got a busy week next week.  Love to you all. Xx

Dear Carol,
I'm guessing you won't be taking a drink up with you in a hurry.when you go to bed.  Cordial is awful to clean up as it's so sticky.  I love elderflower cordial though.  3.5 degress is cold and we are not much warmer tonight, it's getting down to 6 degrees tonight.  Warming up again for the weekend though, but it's slowly cooling down.  I stayed at Deana and Nicks, Sunday night.  I was late getting there as I had ants again.  I was ready to go.  Packed and had started to take my things out to the car, came in to get my handbag and turn of lights etc, and notice a black trail leading to the cats food bowl.  So spent nearly an hour and a half getting rid of them and cleaning up.  Finally get to Deana and Nick's about 11pm.  Deana was getting up at the crack of dawn to go to the flower market to buy flowers for Valentines.  Can't fit flowers and Eli in the car, or at least not the amount of flowers she was buying. So I was there for when he woke up and watched him most of the day. Get home and I had to ring them and get Nick to come back as I had a bird in the chimney.  I can't  remove the panel in the fire to let it out.  So when he arrives we open all the doors so the poor thing can fly out, and it flys straight to the window, and Mr. Higgins nearly gets it.  Luckily I caught it before Mr. Higgins gets his claws in it.  I've never seen him move so fast.  He heard the bird and came running.  Didn't do much after that apart from hydrotherapy then bed as I was so tired.  Then I've had Eli today, my usual Tuesday.  I had to laugh though, when Deana dropped him of she said he was such a cranky little boy (not quite so nicely either), but all he needed was a nap and he was so good and happy all afternoon.  
Tomorrow is Rachael and Steve's baby's funeral.  At least they know why she died, so hopefully Rachael isn't feeling guilty, thinking she could have prevented it.  So sad for them.
Hyacinths are beautiful, they'll look lovely once they bloom.  
These men never go to the Drs early when they have something wrong.  He should gone when he first noticed he had symptoms, and it wouldn't now be a kidney infection.  I know it doesn't go down well either when you suggest they go.  At least now he's on antibiotics he should start to feel better.  And with a busy week coming up, he'll need to feel better.  I'm sure, well at least with Neil, it was a case of he knew better.  Glad you made your Zumba class even though Norman isn't well.  Not at all surprised you have a massive bruise or a back ache from your fall.  Hope it's not too painful.  It's good that you are still in good health or better than your friends despite being one of the oldest.  That's something to be proud of.  

I'mm off to bed as it's getting quite cold and I refuse to put the heating on at this hour.

Take care and have a great day.  Love to all.  Sue xx
 

Short message.   I think I mentioned I was going to see friends near Nottingham for the weekend; it all went haywire.  Lovely to see Malcolm and Chai; the old house they live in and are doing up was colder than last time I was there but I had expected that.  During first night I awoke with stomach cramps and shivering; when I realised I was a long way from home in a cold bedroom I wanted to weep.  Muffin of course woke up and spent much of the remaining night by climbing all over me.  I got up early and lit the wood-burning fire then decided much as I loved my friends I could not spend another night there.  Malcolm kindly ran me to Nottingham station and I got the train back taking good care to make sure Muffin was being properly cared for (by me on the journey) despite my feeling dreadful. Actually the journey back was awful but I desperately wanted to be back in my own bed.    As I was now travelling on a peak day (as opposed to my non-peak ticket) I kept trying to attract the attention of the officious conductor who determinedly ignored me so I ended up not paying any more no matter that I had tried to do the right thing.   I am still aching and with a painful tummy - don't know what caused it all.  Another friend who was staying there was okay.  I have been in bed until today when I realised I hadn't had a shower for two days (I usually don't become human until I have had a shower in the morning) so I got up, showered and dressed and have been lying around the house all day.  It is amazing to me how much Paul can do when there is no alternative.  He has done the shopping, walked Muffin and generally brought me any hot drinks I wanted.  I hope to be gradually returning to a human being and may go out tomorrow.  Nice to read all your news.  Sorry to hear about your fall Carol.    Cheers.  Annie xxx   PS It wasn't such a short message.

Hi girls, sounds like you have both had busy and annoying times.  Cold houses do us no good as we get older and it's even worse if you feel unwell.  Our childhood home was freezing and if you weren't well you felt worse because it makes you shiver both ways!  Sue, it sounds like your weather is changing rapidly and is as cold as ours at night.  Norman has a kidney infection and suffered badly yesterday with his back, he actually resorted to taking tramadol which he hates doing.  But he says he feels better this morning but is still in bed and warm, the antibiotics should kick in soon and by the time the family arrives he should be better.  Sounds like the ants gave you a merry dance Sue, I'm pretty lucky that we don't get them but my sister in law does as she lives next to a massive field.  Mary is picking me up soon for zumba, I've found a knee brace so put that on and it should give me some support.  If it doesn't settle down I'll have to have it looked at.  Hate birds in the house, my last one died and I thought it had got out until the smell started emanating from the conservatory!!  The guy who fixed our boiler boxing day found one on top of the boiler deceased, yuk!  See you tomorrow  Xx

Hi Ladies,

Our weather seems to changing quicker than I remember, maybe it's just because I don't like winter,, days seem to be averaging 18-22 but the nights have been bitter especially after some nights only 2 weeks ago that didn't get under 22-25..  I don't like it but I'll deal with it.  I hate ants, and they seem to venture inside when we have heavy rain.  Once they are in they head straight to the cats dinner.  This time at least I sprayed a barrier spray outside where they seem to get in.  Nearly gassed myself in the process.  So hoping that keeps them out for a while.  It can't be good for any bugs, I must have coughed for 1/2 an hour after I sprayed.  Another one of those jobs Neil used to do.  I don't like it when the birds fall into the chimney, they are always fairly young and always the same type of bird.  I won't them die in the chimney but I dread having them in the house.  Always worry about the blinds.  They are Roman blinds, white and a fine fabric and I dread the birds flying into them and leaving black marks from the chimney.  I don't know which is worse frogs, or birds.  In the old house we had a swamp in the farmland across the road and often used to have frogs inside.  When we moved from there we found a dried shrivelled frog behind the wall unit.  The knee brace should help, especially while doing Zumba.  Tomorrow I'll get my nails done and on the way home call in at a girlfriends for a bit, then some grocery shopping.  Thinking of making a vegetairian curry.

Hope your feeling much better Annie.

Till tomorrow, take care and love to all.  Sue xx

Dentist this morning all is fine apart from my clicky jaw!  I take off to Dunelm Mill to buy new bedside lamps and buy all sorts!  A unicorn pillow case for Ella, some new long rushes for the kitchen and a new orchid to put in the bathroom.  It all looks lovely.  Hubby went to his golf course as its been a beautiful day, he still isn't 100% and his RA medication is still causing him to feel sick.  We've had a simple tea and I've just had a glass of wine, he even wished me happy Valentines which is a first.  Funny story, we had just started going out again after a long break up and it was coming up to Valentine's day so I thought he would get me a card and flowers but I got nothing, nada!  Obviously I was upset so he bought me them the following day, I said it was pretty pointless giving them to me after Valentines day and he said he'd never buy them again, he's a man of his word, the past fifty years of this special day has never been honoured!  But at least he's still here whuch is far better than a bunch of flowers.  So getting ready for the influx and looking forward to seeing my family.  Love to you all. Xx

It's a beautiful sunny day but frosty so I decide to catch up on jobs that have been left.  Now my garage is tidy I have found a tin of matt emulsion and do my shower ceiling, hubby wants to know what I am doing as I am walking past him all the time he is trying to read the paper.  By lunchtime I notice all the breadcrumbs have fallen into the teatowel and cutlery draw so I fetch the little hoover and start hoovering them up.  This obviously doesn't suit him as he's now trying to watch politics live, where God forbid four women and only one man are on the panel.  Diversity gone mad he tells me, sorry I say I don't remember you complaining when it was all men!  So because I haven't agreed with him he's yelling at me for the noise my hoover is making, he's trying to hear what is going on in the world.  I'm fed up by now being nagged for actually doing something in my own kitchen and tell him so.  Anyway the outcome is he's gone to his golf club, long may he stay there, peace and quiet is marvellous.  I wish the tablets were working faster as these urine infections have a lot to answer for.  Anyway girls I hope all is well in your life and will see you tomorrow. Xx

Hi Ladies,
Busy couple of days. Had my nails done yesterday, then called in at the shop to see Deana's flowers.  She is a florist by trade and this year she has a small selection of flowers in the shop.  She had some beautiful roses.  I ended up buying myself some, just 3 roses with some greenery to put in a vase at home (not that Neil ever bothered, don't think I ever got anything Valentines day from him) and I got 6 long stemmed that I took to the cemetary.  Was hoping to catch up with a girlfriend who I hadn't seen since before Christmas.  She had surgery early Jan and was staying with her son in Geelong, only cam home Sunday, but she wasn't home when I called.  So came home and made my vegetarian curry, which was really delicious.  Had it again for tea tonight. I had a girlfriend from Melbourne try to ring me last night to see if I wanted to go for lunch today as she was coming to Colac today with her partner.  I didn't notice her call and message till I went to bed so when I woke up this morning I sent her a message to say that would be lovely, but unfortunately they had to cancel as Mike woke up this morning unwell.  Said they'll be down again soon and we'll go for lunch then. Today I went and paid bills, then took Mr Higgins to the vets for his annual shot.  He is growing up to be a big boy.  Nearly 5 1/2 kgs and he hasn't finished growing yet.  Not sure he is feeling all that great though, he has been very quiet since his shot, at least Cookie is enjoying that.  He usually gives her such a hard time.  Then tonight I caught up with Tracey, she is looking so good after her surgery.  

That was good news that all went well at the dentist.  At least you will have a quiet afternoon with Norman at his gold club.  The antibiotics will work soon and he'll be happier once he's feeling better.

Take care all, lots of love.  Sue xx

Well firstly Sue I replied to your last post but its gone and my avatar has also disappeared!  I have literally been on the go since the family arrived Sunday, Ella has been awake at 6am each morning and this is a shock to the system for me as I've only been in bed for a few hours.  The amount of food that they consume is unbelievable and feeding them all takes a lot of planning.  Sue, Luke and Hannah all arrived Monday night, so there were eight of us in the kitchen whilst I cooked tea!  I left Faye chatting as She doesn't see them much, so when she came to help it was all done.  Tuesday Alfie went to golf with Grandad and Faye went to her old school friends ut I still never got time to post. So they've all gone and I've got a rotten stiff neck again!  Thank God for Sarah who's coming tomorrow to re do everything for Lisa to arrive.  Ella wanted to leave Big Ted here and put me in the boot to go home with her, Grandad could stay here on his own she stated, he wasn't pleased!  Lots of new clothes fot Ella for a six year old she has a definite fashion sense, denim shorts with daisies on them plus a daisy T shirt, a pretty denim dress with a rainbow in sequins on the front which caught the sunshine and created a kaleidoscope of colours. So a quiet afternoon, hubby is a lot better although he was not at all well Monday and struggled to keep up with us all.  I've booked us into the Shaun the Sheep pub for Sunday lunch as I'm sick of cooking, Auntie Sue is coming as well. So my washing has spun and I'm off to town to get some painkillers!!  Love to all. Xx

Dear Carol,

Sounds like you had a wonderful albeit busy time with family there.  6am would be a shock for me also, I do it when I have to, but I'm really not a morning person.  And like you I've only been in bed a few hours.  I can imagine the amount of food you have gone through since the weekend,  I'm getting used to cooking and shopping for 1.  Still making casseroles that serve 4 or 6, but that gives me meals in the freezer.  Love that Ella wanted to leave Big Ted there and take you home with her.  Poor Grandad.  Glad to hear Norman is feeling a lot better. I've had quite a relaxing week.  Hydrotherapy on Monday and this evening.  Yesterday I had Eli. He shakes his head now if he doesn't want something, and blows kisses when he's leaving, such a cutie.  We played musical cars last night as Deana was going to Melbourne today.  I had Deana's little Swift last night, Then she picked that up this morning to take to Melbourne and I had the Tiida today (it has the  baby seat), Nick picked that up to get Eli from daycare, and I got mine back then.  We do this almost every Wednesday now.  Then tomorrow Graham and Elaine are coming to visit and we are all having lunch at Brian and Jo's.  Should be a good day.

When does Lisa arrive?  You'll be busy again then.

Take care, Lots of love.  Sue xx

Helo all.  Sorry to keep nipping in and out.  I have finally grasped the task of trying to find a bungalow in Somerset.  My son is (gently) nudging me by looking up suitable properties in the area I have given him; he is good at things like that.  Paul needs to get away from the stairs and if it means that I have less running up and down stairs when he is unwell that suits me fine.  So I have started looking at properties again and am going back again nexTuesday/Wednesday as I have found two properties that look nice.  We need a secure rear garden for Muffin; a secure front garden would be good too but he has a tendency to bark at any cats which go past.  He doesn't want to get any nearer to cats than that as he came across two cats fighting in our garden a few months ago.  He started to run towards them just as the cats lunged at each other - cats don't hold back.  Muffin skidded to a half and decided discretion was the better part of valour - he went indoors while I threw water over the moggies.   I have put Prague on hold for the time being - I need to concentrate on selling this house and buying a bungalow. I have been happy living here for the lkast twenty years but I somehow feel that a lot of the things and people associated with it are no longer there - i will miss some good neighbours but hopefully we can keep in touch to some degree.   Sorry your neck is causing you problems, Carol.  I have not forgotten your request for a photo.  The one where I was "dancing" with my niece's son is actually a video and as I was sideways on and bent almost double to get to Fin's level all you see is a mass of blonde hair obscuring my face.  I am going to have to work out how to post a photo from my new phone.    I am a Labour party member and not sorry to be away for the next meeting (Chuka Umunna is our ex-Labour MP).  When I worked for Lambeth Council I was in charge of housing repairs (nightmare) and met with Chuka as part of my job as he took an interest in everything.  Love to all.  Annie