Hi Jules,

Just wanted to check in under your new thread.  I'm glad to read (on your old thread) that your grandchildren are keeping your spirits up.  Am continuing to think of you, and I too wish that PM was sorted out.  Take care.  Hope x

Good morning Jules,

Your need to draw a line under the last thread and start a new one is completely understandable and a good idea and the title is so apt.

I did post a reply last night but unfortunately I was writing it at the same time as it was being closed off so I got an error message which I promptly blamed on this new site but an email from the moderators this morning and a helpful link explains everything. The moderators really do a great job here especially when they put up with a rant from the likes of me so, if you are reading Lucie thank you and my appologies again for venting.

To make it short I was told by my Mum that my youngest Neice, Hannah is in hospital and undergoing tests to try and find the cause of intense pain. I was initially annoyed with my sister for not telling me as she had already been in hospital 24hrs and the hospital itself is notorious for poor care so I am worried for her  especially when, at only 19yrs she is being given Morphine for the pain. When I know more I will let you know.

In the meantime I hope all of us can help you a little as you continue your journey.

Lots of love and hugs.

Garf. xx

Hi Garf

Having issues with internet connection (and yes,, have paid the bill!!!!!).  Hopefully all my buddies will see this post and I just wanted to say thanks for all the continuing support - its means a lot especially with so many of you have your own troubles/journies to travel.

Hope you get some good news about Hannah very soon and will be thinking of you.

No win at the bingo but a very relaxing couple of hours after a very hectic week of appointments (same again next week as only have one fully free day.  May have writers cramp but making sure that all those I need to contact hear my news in the right way ~(if there is a right way to do it!!).  Had a couple of hours of retail therapy with mydaughter yesterday and today my son in law has cured my 'sticking front door' as I was in danger of being trapped indoors.  Eldest grandson has been having a laugh at my expense after we got out a load of old (and mean old) photo albums.  Wonderful memories for us all to look back on (though the photographer leaves a lot to be desired!!!).  Son's girlfriend popped in some shopping and home made muffins so think New Year's diet will have to begin in 2016 but we had a lovely chat (son was on a scuba diving course for the day).  Right had better get the washing ready as off to the launderette in the morning - will soon try and find the time to replace old one but not top of the list right now!.

Take care and hope you hear some good news soon.Hugs Jules x

Good morning Jules, and everyone,

Jules I really like your idea of holding off on the new year diet until 2016.  The bigwigs that we love to complain about would probably call that "blue sky thinking"!  Sorry you didn't manage a win at bingo but it has to happen eventually although I know the time spent in good company is the reason for going and it is another way for someone to give you support.

I spoke to my sister last night and Hannah is still in hospital with no sign yet of discovering what the problem is.  They have ruled out the obvious ones like appendix or gall bladder so the next thing is a CAT scan tomorrow so I don't expect to hear anything until tomorrow evening at the earliest. The hospital she is in does not have the best reputation but it is not the fault of the doctors and nurses who do an amazing job of trying to look after people in a hospital run by money men.  Apparently it's progress!

Another busy week for you and although I know it all has to be done don't wear yourself out. Sorry Jules, as soon as I typed that sentence the words "teach", "Grandma" and "suck eggs" came to mind so just ignore me.

Love and hugs.

Garf. xx

Good morning Jules,

Glad you went out on Friday nighy but sorry you didnt get a win. I think trying to keep some normality in your life is important while so much is changing. I hope your internet connection has stabalized for I know how much it means to you to maintain contact with your forum buddies.

I didnt get to post anything at all yesterday on here as I was so busy. When I went to my meeting there was a small tree which had come down and had blocked the road until someone had dragged it alongside the road but there were small wooden debris all over the road. The meeting overan but the good thing is I was able to buy myself some chips on the way home. He gave me extra chips as he was clearing out the last of them and much to my disgust I found I couldnt eat them all. It;s very rare I wast food. Today I am trying to catch up on what I didnt do yesterday.

Its a nice morning for your Sunday morning walk allthough a bit chilly. Mrs B's shopping trolley has arrived on Friday and have put it together for her.  I told her they must have know you are a short a** as the handle is in the lowest position. I now have one ear which is pillar box red and twice as big as my other one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have also been told I might have to end up cooking my own dinner.

Anyway, take care Jules, I am sending best wishes and big hugs your way, Brian.

Morning Garf

Would never knowingly 'ignore'my forum buddies;) and don't worry I still suffer from 'foot in mouth' syndrome!!!

Do hope that the scan Hannah has can throw some light on the problem she is suffering as I would imagine both she and those surrounding her are concerned. Another case of waiting to know the outcome of appointments and minds overthinking possibilities.  I know you have a lot in your head just now but do try and have a peaceful Sunday (and beyond) with Mrs G.

I have been listening to the music we have chosen for hubby's celebration of life (not for the first time!) and am now about to go out for the second time today (went to the launderette early but am saving the ironing till later). I am visiting my friend from work for a coffee and chat and as she lives within a short walk of the town centre will kill two  birds with one stone and do some essential shopping.  Have several necessary appointments to go through next week so am making the most of some me time today.

Take care my virtual buddy, chat soon.  Hugs  Jules

Hello Jules Lovely to see that you are going out for a coffee and a chat with your friend talking at this difficult time is good for you ,but some quiet time is also important to reflect .Listening to the music over and over is exactly what I did when Tony passed away ,I new all the words ,and I even find myself singing them quietly when im out walking Rusty even now particularly our song which was an Eric Clapton song Wonderfull Tonight so Jules sing away ,I must just say I think you are an amazing lady to still be able to support others on the forum ,when going through such a difficult time yourself ,look after yourself Jules and suround yourself with the love of your family and friends ..Sending you a BIG HUG SueanneXx

Hi Brian

Hope the case of 'boxed ear' wears off soon and maybe you will be the one pulling the trolley when it has its maiden outing!  Just think of all the nuts it could hold.  You cannot beat shop bought chips and as I rarely make them and you have  made my mouth water am thinking a fish and chip supper is due soon

It was a beautiful if a little chilly start to the day and I did another trip to the launderette and have finally caught up.  I then  did a bit of tidying and set off into town where I dropped in on my friend and 'rambled' for a couple of hours before dropping into my place of work (to drop off  bereavement leave certificate so that I get paid!).  Picked up a new iron (how exciting) and new pot pourri for the hallway.  Also some flowers for the lounge as I wanted to practice the arrangement I will have on the day of the funeral indoors.  Think its important to have flowers around as I love to see colour (just a shame that hubby's favourites are out of season - dahlias) at this time of  year when the garden is mainly green and brown.

Don't overdo the 'catching up with what you missed' and hope you and MrsB have had a relaxing day.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Brian

Hope the case of 'boxed ear' wears off soon and maybe you will be the one pulling the trolley when it has its maiden outing!  Just think of all the nuts it could hold.  You cannot beat shop bought chips and as I rarely make them and you have  made my mouth water am thinking a fish and chip supper is due soon

It was a beautiful if a little chilly start to the day and I did another trip to the launderette and have finally caught up.  I then  did a bit of tidying and set off into town where I dropped in on my friend and 'rambled' for a couple of hours before dropping into my place of work (to drop off  bereavement leave certificate so that I get paid!).  Picked up a new iron (how exciting) and new pot pourri for the hallway.  Also some flowers for the lounge as I wanted to practice the arrangement I will have on the day of the funeral indoors.  Think its important to have flowers around as I love to see colour (just a shame that hubby's favourites are out of season - dahlias) at this time of  year when the garden is mainly green and brown.

Don't overdo the 'catching up with what you missed' and hope you and MrsB have had a relaxing day.  Hugs  Jules x

Hi Kathy

Am sure the 'lodging' Jack Russell will find out from the cat in due course who is  boss inside the house but can imagine its a bit of a worry when they 'do a runner' and they are not yours.  Girl at work has a Jack Russell called Milly and I know she enjoys playing hide and seek - beware ha ha.

Got new iron (but not unpacked it yet!!).  I am having to stay in tomorrow so plan on catching up with housework more then.  Just coffee whilst out but am currently enjoying another home made muffin with afternoon cuppa so still finding time to 'eat naughty'.  Must wean myself off soon otherwise will undo all the good work I managed a couple of years ago and will get told off at my next cholesterol check (now overdue and being somewhat avoided).Seeing GP this Thursday (her request as she likes to keep an eye on new widows bless her).  Have legal rep (free service from late hubby's bank) coming on Wednesday to run through things with me but think I have notified everyone and copies of death certificate (certified at time of registration) are already on the way to the organisations who asked for them.  Am wondering what I will do with my time once all the paperwork is finished? Of course, I will be pack to my part time job and am possibly thinking of joining local 'Ramblers Association (for walkers not ttalkers)- time will tell.

Hope you and the family are keeping well and that the bushfires kept their distance.  Take care  Hugs  Jules x

Good evening Sueanne

Beautiful morning here (clouded over but stayed dry) and enjoyed catching up with my friend for a couple of hours.  Then went to do a bit of shopping and bought myself a lovely bunch of *** willow, spider crysanths and purple flowers (cannot spell or pronounce name but begins with L!!!) and have had a very lazy afternoon watching sport and answering phone to friends/relatives and have just finished an hour long call with the girl I met when I was expecting My daughter (33 yrs ago)(we normally only swap Christmas cards and had a lot of bringing up to date to do.

Hope you have had a peaceful and relaxing day.  As I have to stay in all day tomorrow am saving the housework till then but must now have dinner or it will be ruined!!  Sending hugs.  Jules x

Good evening Sueanne

Beautiful morning here (clouded over but stayed dry) and enjoyed catching up with my friend for a couple of hours.  Then went to do a bit of shopping and bought myself a lovely bunch of *** willow, spider crysanths and purple flowers (cannot spell or pronounce name but begins with L!!!) and have had a very lazy afternoon watching sport and answering phone to friends/relatives and have just finished an hour long call with the girl I met when I was expecting My daughter (33 yrs ago)(we normally only swap Christmas cards and had a lot of bringing up to date to do.

Hope you have had a peaceful and relaxing day.  As I have to stay in all day tomorrow am saving the housework till then but must now have dinner or it will be ruined!!  Sending hugs.  Jules x

Hello Jules, im so glad you enjoyed your girlie chatch up will have done you the world of good.The first days in your new life is hard having to  do so much organising and making changes but its good that many people are only to pleased help.I felt a bit like a robot going through the motions but not realy with it ,what was worse for me was driving I realised I couldnt consentrate so didnt drive for two weeks my mind was so full of Tony .Children are an amazing comfort arnt they supporting each other lots of hugs lots of tears ..I think you are so brave hubby would be so proud of you as im sure he always was .The weather is terrible rain wind Rusty and I had an early walk 7 30 ish just drizzle but enough to get us wet lots of branches down pavements in a mess but 11 degs ..The flowers sound lovelyJules  I love *** willows too, I saw catkins out yesterday too Jules somtimes florists seem to get flowers that are out of season just a thought Take care lovely lady and BIG HUG sent ..Sueanne

Hi sueanne

I completely agree with the 'robot' feeling.  I m sure someone turned on an autopilot switch once hubby passed away but somehow all the official calls are made (for now anyway) and as donations come in for our chosen charity (in lieu of flowers) I am now turning to the 'writing letters' phase.  Have had first full day indoors today (weather was lousy anyway!) and by three o'clock all the loaned equipment had been collected.  The lounge suddenly feels a very large space with me plonked in the middle!  Has probably done me some good relaxing in between the housework and have just polished off a fish pie for dinner.

Tomorrow morning I will get back to routine visit for Mum and then am travelling into town with my daughter who has a clinic appointment (routine) but needs Zack to be 'minded' whilst she is seen so I will push him round the shops.

Both the children have suggested I join them on mini breaks in the Spring so will go back to work at beginning of February only to try and book 'holiday leave' but its good to have things to look forward to.

Am really pleased with the flowers and have chosen same colours for hubby and will wear/carry something purple at the celebration of his life (strangely we both had the same favourite colour).

Look after yourself and hope all the family are doing okay too.  Hugs  Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Hope your visit to you mother goes okay. We got a little wet when shopping early this morning. Spent most of yesterday doing paperwork for the wood club. I have designed a new membership card which I can print myself instead of buying the plastic ones which have become so expensive.Will be able to print peoples names on them instead of writing by hand. Still have to update our fire list and membership  directory in the next couple of weeks.

I have to tell you I admire the way you have coped so far and have still found time to respond to others. I also think this forum does help so many;so many amazing people who allthough going through the mill are still willing to offer help and advice to others.

I will have to leave early tommorow morning with regard to my talk as one of the ladies from my local cancer charity Cancervive very kindly wants to come and support me.I have to arrive by 8.30 and have to admit I am looking forward to it. Mrs B looking forward to a peaceful morning ha ha but I told her I will make up for it when I return.

Garage is still nice and dry so the repairs still holding good.

Take care Jules, sending best wishes and hugs, Brian

Hi Jules,

Just thinking of you, I hope you are OK. Hope xx

Good morning Kathy

So pleased your son able to come and see you (and good that he can get jobs done too). Just the kind of support that is so helpful. My son in law has fixed my 'sticking' front door and fitted new security chain and this coming weekend will take hubby's care for total valetting so need to empty the boot!!

Spent a little time with Mum and she has decided (wisely) not to try to attend the funeral (we are having snow flurries just to add to the problems she would possible face).  Have told her I know she will be thinking of us all and hope have put her mind at rest.  Her general mood was a little improved and  think my sadness has perhaps brought her 'mothering' instinct back a bit.  She has bipolar depressive illness and does have varying 'swings'.

Today have 'free' legal adviser coming to explain the way through probate and my daughter is coming along to have an extra pair of ears (that also means another cuddle session with Zack).  We have been totally overwhelmed with the offers of assistance and support during this sad time and I still feel like I am on autopilot and dealing with the practical side has been pretty straightforward so far.  Have finally finished (I think) all official notifications of death and got all the bills into my name which is a bit of a relief.

Yes,Spring breaks will be during April and if I can get the 'holiday leave' I require will have a mini break away at the beginning and end of that month. It will be good for us all to be able to relax and do some lovely walks on the Dorset coast (both with my son's dog on one break and with the grandchildren on the other).

Good to hear that your pets and 'lodger' are accepting of each other and can fully understand why the four legged Houdini come back now that he knows who feeds him.

Have a G'day and sesnding you kind thoughts and virtual hugs  Jules x

Good morning Brian,

Good to read that your garage is staying leak free and hope it continues for you as know it is more like a workshop when the temperature allows. Underfloor heating next . Beautiful start to the day here though some people not so lucky if the TV pics anything to go by. Currently watching cat in the garden desparate to catch a pidgeon (they are running rings round it!!).

Am sure you were well received at your cancer meetings and its wonderful that you can put so much back into this with firsthand knowledge - a positive side to dealing with post cancer diagnosis. Well done.

As a family we are supporting a small charity offering free support and advice, run by volunteers, as part of hubby's celebration of life (and onwards I am sure).  The cover the South of England and though being based in Southampton area they visited us at home at the start of our journey and will never be able to thank them enough for their time and expertise in Mesothelioma (the ladies who run it both having family members who suffered with the disease).  So important to keep these charities 'alive'.

Visiting Mum was good and she is dealing with hubby's death in her own way but was strange to have her emotional imput suddenly and it makes you realise that her bi polar problems suppress true feelings from time to time.  It left me somewhat reflective as you can imagine. 

Certainly, I am going  through the  practical side of things almost on autopilot just now but take great comfort from the fact that hubby had the best care the NHS had to offer and me by his side at his passing.  A love lost but forever in our hearts as a family. The grandchildren gave me drawings yesterday for 'grand-dad to take on his journey to becoming a star' and I will take them to the funeral directors later today as they have said they can be placed with him. The eldest lad (hard to believe he is only just 6) told me that he loved his grand-dad and he needed the picture because he could not take his car with him. Oh to have a child's mind just now.

Hope you and Mrs B are keeping okay. Hugs. Jules x  

Thanks Hope, it means a lot to me that my forum buddies are here to help along the new road I am having to travel. Am coping almost automatically with all the necessary notifications and paperwok. Today have free legal Probate rep coming to the house to explain things to us (daughter being an extra pair of ears as son is working) and tomorrow will be chatting to GP (her request to see how I am) so days pretty full and I am finding it a little  strange at the peacefulness that surrounds me.

Best wishes to you and your family. Hugs Jules x

Hi Jules, you are an amazing lady, and have looked after your husband and mother with such fortitued.

I hope that feeling of peacefulness stays around you like a warm blanket to help you through this time.

love and peace for the future , to you and your family xxTonic

Hi Jules,  I totally agree with Tonic and wanted to add that I hope you get on OK with the legal representative today as well.  Take care.  Hope xx