Stay Strong

I have a busy day and come home to my lovely neighbour mowing my back lawn.  I chastise him and say  I would have got round to it, he knew I was struggling and came in whilst I was out.  These kindnesses make my day.  I think hubby is not looking well and voice my concerns.   Nope he says he's fine but a little niggle tells me otherwise.   I get up this morning and he admits he's not good..  appointment at Doctors and he has another infection.  I am being picked up by a friend to go to Wynyard Hall and gardens, the day is glorious and she has the soft top down,we arrive and I look like Bridget Jones after her ride in an open top car!  We have home made cake and coffee and meander the beautiful gardens looking at the pumpkins, sweetcorn and variety of flowers.  I suddenly spot a flower that hubby and I keep seeing  on our drives and it's driving him insane not knowing its name.  A lady hears us talking, takes a photo, Googles it and walks back to tell me, it's  called the common tansy. People are so thoughtful and kind!  Back home hubby laughs at the state of my hair, saying I look like I have been pulled through a hedge backwards,  charming!!  I tell him the plants name, lovely he says and promptly falls asleep on his sheepskin in the sunny conservatory.   Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon, I want my normal hubby back.

  • Dear all, I am keeping today's message short as Jean's son Colin has just rang, Jean died peacefully last night with all her family around her.  I'm very sad to lose such a dear friend.  Love Carol 

  • My condlences; may she rest in peace.

  • Carol My love,so sorry about your good friend .

    Take care.

    Love Billy xxx 

  • Dear Carol,

    I am so sorry to read about Jean, my thoughts are with you and her family, 

     

    Love and a big hug from me

    Chris . Xx

  • Dear all, thank you for your kind words, I knew when I saw her that it would not be long and I truly think she immediately gave up.  I can't attend the funeral due to covid rules, 20 people only, Jean had six brothers and sisters so lots of neices and nephew's, how sad to not be able to say goodbye to a friend of 55 years. I rang Margaret and went to hers for coffee and we had a hug, I needed it.  Anyway I went swimming for the last time and just swam and swam until my mind was clear.  I rang Faye to tell her and she was off to the dentist so it was a short chat.  I finally rang Mary to tell her but she then decided to tell me about all the people that had died in the last couple of weeks, none of whom I knew and none from covid.  I changed the subject and she went on to tell me she is very scared and doesn't want to go out and is pleased about the lockdown, I truly didn't have the energy to discuss it, Jean was so stoic through it all and because of lack of care during the first lockdown she is dead, so being scared gets you precisely nowhere.  Norman and I had a drive out as the day is beautiful so we grabbed the chance and ended up in a garden centre where I bought a white Christmas hedgehog to replace my lost summer one.  No one will be here for Christmas but I will still put a tree up, make an effort and keep cheerful, I never know how long my husband has left and a miserable wife is not on the menu.  Take care all you lovely people and Sue I'll reply privately to your catch up.  Love Carol x 

  • Dear Carol,

    Such sad news to hear, I'm so sorry, you and her family have my sincerest condolences. 

    Love and hugs.  Sue xx

  • Hi Carol ..

    What a crule crule year ... and it's even made worse by carona .. there were 14 of us whittled down from a big big family at my sister's funeral .. where 4 of us were kept outside and they even shut the doors on us .. but as sad as it is .. we think of them and carry them all in our hearts ..

    So big big hug to you my dear buddy .. can't wait for this year to end ... Chrissie  

  • Dear friends, thanks for your support and love, its so lovely especially when we have never met.  I am waiting to hear from Paul so I can send pink roses, Jean's favourite flowers.  Today I have put the garden furniture away, cleaned the garage and fed the birds, I am now bored and we still have four weeks to go.  I have received loads of birthday cards and gifts ready for tomorrow.  Hubby has just ordered a gift (last minute as usual and won't arrive until Sunday). Its not like he doesn't know as we are trapped together 24/7!  So apparently it's for the kitchen, I give him the evil eye, is it a practical present I ask suspiciously, no you'll love it he says, it will keep you warm, it had better not be one of those fleece zip up onesies or he's in big trouble.  So I am even more confused, come on you lot give me some help.  I ordered some walking boots last night, but when I checked the order they had changed the brown to pink, I'm sure they will look lovely on but not very practical for the North East.  I'm well on with Xmas shopping as I've e just sat and spent money, I'm not even asking what people want, this year it's what I choose!  So take care all of you, love Carol x x

  • Hello Carol and friends.

    Pink roses sound perfect for Jean. A difficult time for everyone and with all the restrictions it will be even worse. This lockdown seems worse , I think we have had a taste of freedom and are struggling with being restricted again. I am going on a 10 mile walk with my daughter, I could do with borrowing your new boots Carol, they sound lovely and cheery. Has Norman got you a wheat bag that you put in the microwave that holds the heat for a while ??? Hot water bottle ? Can't wait to read what it is. Have a lovely lockdown birthday, I think Happy Birthday is the song that has been sung the most this year over the phone/video call or Zoom ! I feel like the only person in the world who hasn't been on a Zoom call. Christmas shopping is my job on Monday, I will keep the home delivery people busy. Last year I got the family tickets to see The Lion King in London in January, so pleased that I got them for Jan and not later in the year or they would still be waiting. 

    Much love, Chris. X

  • Dear friends,

    Carol, Happy Birthday, hope your day is wonderful.  You have me stumped over what your gift may be unless it's a coffee machine.  Somehow I can't imagine you wearing a onesie, although I would imagine they'd be warm.  Do you already have a coffee machine? One that does cappucino's and latte's.  Your boots sound nice, you'll just have to stick to pavements and keep out of any mud, if they are pink.  Pink roses sound wonderful for Jean.  I'm trying not to think about Xmas shopping yet although I won't be able to put it off much longer.  It's always so hard trying to think of something they all want, at least the Grandkids aren't to difficult, they always want the latest toys.  
    I picked up my sewing machine the other day, all fixed and didn't cost too much either, the dog feed was jammed.  So just have to find some fabric and then I'll start sewing.

    Not much else happening here although we are all waiting to see what the next round of eased restrictions will bring.  Bree is hoping the "ring of steel" around Melbourne will be over and she'll be able to visit, the grandkids want to visit.  ANd of course, it will be wonderful to see them instead of chatting on the phone.  

    Take care all, and have a wonderful day Carol. Love Sue xx