Oh Jules forgive my post on my site to you .....I am so sorry not to have known of your hubbies departure.  You know from the support you have given me how well I understand your current situation and my heart goes out to you.  My site tells of my joirney through this uncharted place you find yourself in.  It is difficult but you will come through.

All my thoughts and a big virtual hug

Ian x

Hi Ian

Just lovely to see your name appear on my thread and suspect its just as hard for you to post but I really appreciate the message.  It was a long three years for hubby and I take much comfort in the fact that he is now free from the clutches of his disease which took his happiness away.  I am surrounded by the love of my family and friends (and the ongoing support of virtuality buddies) and now, like you, my life must be lived to the best of my ability. Early days still but so many memories to cherish and share with others - a few late nights of 'story-telling' along the way.

Sending hugs and best wishes and hope all is well with you and Julie in your new life.  Jules x

Hi Steven

We could all work wonders with magic wands but that said, reckon there is a kind of magic in being among the company  of so many supportive forum buddies on this site.  I know my life has been made much richer by being able to both offer and draw support since I joined.

As to how I am(and thank  you for asking), I am moving slowly forward and taking life as it comes (so much of my Dad's character showing through these days - he passed away 7yrs ago next month and it would have been his 92nd birthday on the 2nd March but he was a great believer in living in the present and letting the future take care of itself - maybe a knock on effect from having survived the 2nd world war (though losing his leg)when so many of his mates did not come home.  Emotions play a great part in our lives for all different reasons and even now I cannot read my own all of the time! I am still drawing comfort from the knowledge that hubby is at peace and I tried to do all I could to help him through his cancer journey.

Today my daughter and I took the grandchildren into London (fun going up and down to the tube by lift, escalators and carrying buggy with baby up and down stairs - am sure our muscles are much improved!!) and on to the London Eye. We were really lucky with the weather and have lots of nice photos. A little strange as the only other time I had been was when we took hubby for his 50th birthday surprise and my daughter went a good few years ago when she was on school trip!! Good memories to be drawing on.

All being well builder coming tomorrow to replace ramshackle back fence with sturdy wall so hope weather is kind to him though will be ready with hot cuppas and biscuits.

Take time to give yourself some TLC during your bereavement leave though I know it seems like lots to sort out and am sure Anne is being a tower of strength too - hope she is doing okay.  I was fortunate to get a month off and now I have two weeks break before returning again.Am beginning to wonder how we manage to fit everything in!!!  Keeping you and my other forum buddies in my thoughts and sending virtual hugs your way.  Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Nice and sunny here today so hope your builder can get on with building you back wall. So pleased to hear you all enjoyed your day out yesterday. I bet you get quite a view from the London Eyeand hope you have some great photos you can look back on in the future. Bet you were feeling a little weary by the time you got home but I expect your grandson was still full of beans. I wish I had some of these young peoples energy.

I had to go shopping on my own this morning as Mrs B has a very heavy head cold and sore throat as well. I only got one thing wrong so have not had to visit A & E but did get her some flowers so that may have helped:D. I even got to push the trolley round the storethis morning, something I am very rarely allowed to do ha ha.

I hope you are able to get your internet problem sorted as I know how much you need it. When you think of it, it is amazing how it has changed the way we communicate with each other. I must admit, I was very reluctant to get connected but I am so glad I did. It's so easy to send messages to my family in Canada and my wood club members and forum buddies and wouldnt be without it now.

Take care Jules and enjoy your time off work, best wishes, Brian.

Hi Steven,

Yes am in suburbs of Adelaide.  I was actually cold last night as was 14 degrees and had to have a blanket over me in sitting room in front of TV.  In winter we are lucky to have a top temp of 14 which involves 3 layers of clothing, t shirt, flannelette shirt plus jumper on.  You can see why moving back to Scotland would be a problem for me.  

Last night the weatherman stated only a week left before summer is over and most admit my smile turned upside down.  Perverted though it does sound I do enjoy the heat.  Maybe should spend 6 months in each country.... Oh no I would spend 6 months getting the garden under control here then spend 6 months doing the same stuff at mums and my poor pets....

Thank you Steven for your support on this site.  You are truly a rock for a lot of us.  Best wishes to Anne, you are in my thoughts.

Hugs Kathy x

Oh thank you Jules = I am so deeply moved by what you have said. You bring to my mind about what mum said "many good men went to war and never came back = us girls just had to get on with it" = its that generation.

xx God Bless

hope the back fence is now good and strong. I have so much to do like that = wow! 

xxx steven xx

Hi Brian

Well not sure how long connection will hold for but Engineers have been 'up the pole' and currently have landline/net restored though weather does seem to be causing some problems with signal- never rains but it pours.

Firstly hope Mrs B is feeling better and that you do not catch the lurgy.  Seems to be lots of bugs around but then I suppose its the time of year for them.

I am currently on an emotional high and need to share some good news.  I visited Mum yesterday and had her care plan meeting with her key worker which went okay.  Whilst I was there her social worker rang to inform the home and in turn me and Mum that the council have finally agreed to keep her 'where she is' - Needless to say I ended up blubbing like a baby and as you can imagine the relief is enormous.They are also to refund Mum for the last 5 months she has paid for her care to bring her savings back to the 'safe limit'. I returned home to spread the news within the family and am currently seeing the brighter side of life. 

New wall is also completed and on top of that had a lovely bouquet of flowers delivered from the ladies who I dealt with at the funeral directors.  I am one very spoilt lady just now.

Well, the novelty of being back online means I have some catching up to do (and bills to sort). Do take care and hope to be able to stay in touch again now.  Best regards Jules x

Hi Jules = wow I am so pleased for you - thats great

xxxx

steven

Oh Jules,

That is fantastic news about your mother being able to stay at the home and that they are also giving a refund as well. And so they should, and part of that is due to you and the persistant way you have handled the difficult situation. So well done for I know it has been a long hard and stressful battle you have fought during a very stressful time. About time you had some good news, you are long overdue.I am so pleased for you and your mother. Glad the wall is done and hope your phone line is fixed properly this time.

I have had a bit of a cold but nothing much. Mrs B is slowly getting better thank you. Glad you have also got some flowers. I bought Mrs B some on Tuesday as well as some grapes and strawberiies.

It's been raining here all day and have had to put the light on to see the keyboard. Take care, and I wish you a peaceful week. Will post again soon, Big hugs, Brian.

.

Hi Steven

Back fence is now a six foot high, eight foot wide wall so much more secure though local cats not amused!!

Hope your return to work was not too stressful but am sure it will be good to be back amongst the workmates who will understand your need to grieve but also be able to offer than bit of extra back up if you feel understandably a little more vulnerable than usual. (I certainly needed someone to look to when faced with difficulties in the early days of my return and will probably feel a bit nervous again after I return from two weeks leave - emotions are a little bewildering at times when you do not expect it). Yesterday was a fine example for me.  When Mum's new social worker rang to let us know the Council have at last agreed to fund my Mum in  her present care home (and refund some of her savings) I was a bit of a blubbering baby (just showed me how I had been stressing over it and the enormous relief for both my Mum and our family in general). Sending best wishes to you and Anne. Jules x

Hi Jules

I was so pleased to hear your Mum can stay where she is and I am sure a lot of that is down to you and all the effort you have put in on her behalf.

I do hope you are keeping well and looking after yourself.

Best wishes.

Gill

Morning Brian

Glad to say the weather has cheered up today following the downpours of yesterday (very wet walk to the charity shop!!). Cold and frosty start but the garden looks pretty and birds are lined up waiting for breakfast !

Yes, a great relief for all concerned with my Mum's care and though I of course did my bit (a few well chosen words here and there and lots of form filling) I really must give huge credit to the care staff who all did their bit and ultimately to Mum's new social worker who was positive from the moment he was appointed (thank goodness I had some sense in asking for 'fresh eyes' the second time round).  The big regret of course is that hubby is not here to share the moment as he spent much time 'worrying for my sanity' at times.  Maybe he is quietly smiling down upon us all as we take our journey forward.

Hope you and Mrs B continue to feel better (the fruit sounded a really good cheer up option and whetted my appetite so am off to the shops again later - am thinking smoothie for lunch - really need to take myself in hand and lose the 'comfort eating' weight I gained in the last few months). I suppose the real answer is to stop buying the 'naughty foods' then cannot be tempted - easier said than done though during this cold weather ha ha. Have a good day. Jules x

Morning Brian

Glad to say the weather has cheered up today following the downpours of yesterday (very wet walk to the charity shop!!). Cold and frosty start but the garden looks pretty and birds are lined up waiting for breakfast !

Yes, a great relief for all concerned with my Mum's care and though I of course did my bit (a few well chosen words here and there and lots of form filling) I really must give huge credit to the care staff who all did their bit and ultimately to Mum's new social worker who was positive from the moment he was appointed (thank goodness I had some sense in asking for 'fresh eyes' the second time round).  The big regret of course is that hubby is not here to share the moment as he spent much time 'worrying for my sanity' at times.  Maybe he is quietly smiling down upon us all as we take our journey forward.

Hope you and Mrs B continue to feel better (the fruit sounded a really good cheer up option and whetted my appetite so am off to the shops again later - am thinking smoothie for lunch - really need to take myself in hand and lose the 'comfort eating' weight I gained in the last few months). I suppose the real answer is to stop buying the 'naughty foods' then cannot be tempted - easier said than done though during this cold weather ha ha. Have a good day. Jules x

Good morning Gill,

Pleased to hear you are busy work wise. Thanks for asking about my yougest grandson. He has had a bad stomach infection for some while and he now has to go into hospital for an operation in March 13th. When asked by his mother how he felt about it by his mother, he replied that he was looking forward to it. his astoshed mother asked why and he told her it was because he knows it will make him better. Allthough he is still the happy cheeky little lad, I think this shows it has been troubling him more than he has let on to anyone. Have lots of new story ideas and about five underway, but have not had time to do any more with them as I have been busy with my woodclub activities and with my cancer charities.

Take care and dont work too hard, best wishes, Brian.

k xx

Hope this gets to u Jules

Good morning Jules,

It's a rather wet start to the day here; that fine rain that penetrates. Hope you went out last night and had an enjoyable evening and even maybe a win on the bingo. Feeling right back to normal this morning as I sit here with Brianitus in full swing munching on some salted peanuts. Have had a very busy week and have greatly extended the number of companies prepared to give our club members discount. We now have about fourty places so have made up a small booklet and will print these out for members and charge a small fee to cover the cost of printing ect.

I hope you have a peaceful weekend and that you enjoy your time off from work next week.

Take careJules, sending kind thoughts your way, Brian.

Hi Brian

Well I did go out last night (such a routine is hard to break though once my friends move out of the area it will be something else to look into!!) but had no 'winner's luck'.  Still good to catch up and take part (you have to be in it to win it).  Today did my three mile stroll to the high street and back and tomorrow the Farmers' Market is on so, although I do not actually need to buy anything still hope to go out and stretch my legs as it does me no good to be indoors all day.  If its dry I may well walk further on and enjoy the walk round  Ruilsip Lido but will have to see what tomorrow brings.

Glad Brianitus is alive and well and with all your hardwork both for Wood Club and Cancer Charities I would say your nutty treats are a good reward.  Peaceful thoughts to you and Mrs B.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Just a brief post to say I'm reading your thread and keeping up with your news, but for various reasons, haven't been replying.  Hoping to rectify this soon! :)  Enjoy your walk to the market - sun shining here in Yorkshire :) 

Love and hugs, Jo xx

Hi Jo

Thanks for dropping by and hope you  have managed some relaxation durimg the half term.  Of course that seems a long while ago now. Take care of yourself and though we now have some cloud have just finished sorting a bag of more for the charity shop and as they will be open at 10 am signing off and heading out. Sending peaceful thoughts and virtual hugs Jules x

Hi Jules,

I hope you enjoyed your walk today and got to walk round the lido. Dont worry if you bought something naughty, you fully desrve a treat after all you have gone through recently. Be careful though, you might end up with Julesitus ha ha,

Since my last post to you, I have made contact with two married couples I met while having radiotherapy where both guys had prostate cancer. I spoke to one of the guys on the phone and found the cancer had come back but in his bowel. He has been told they have sucessfully treated it. The other guy is like me doing well and it was just nice to catch up through an e-mail to his wife. Both people reminded me of the laughs we had while waiting for treatment. I was transfered to another waiting room for three days and they wound me up by saying I had been sent to the naughty boys room. Another laugh we had was I was given a blue patient's record book where all my treatment was recorded. These other two guys were offered them but turned them down. One of them asked me what was put in them so I told them and just happened to mention the nurse who did the radiotherapy review every couple of weeks had put her works phone number in there in case I had any problems. One of the wife said, "So that why you accepted the book so you could get all the nurses numbers in there. Whats it worth not to tell you wife about this"?????

I had my leg pulled about this for weeks and one of the nurses even joined in. One of the receptionists actually poped his head round the door one day for he thought we were having a party we were laughing so much. I must admit I played my part or even maybe more if I'm honest. They were a great bunch of people I met there and so were the nurses and I will always remember the time I spent waiting for treatment. as happy times, as weird as that may sound.

Hope you enjoy your second weeks holiday. Have you got much planed? Am making a small booklet with all the names of companies giving our club members discount and have only got to print them out now.

Take care, best wishes and kind thoughts, Brian.

Hi Jules .... Hope you got to the farmers market and bought some yummy things!  It's been dry in my part of the world but really windy today (the weather that is haha).  Our son was 30 today so he and his wife have been home for the weekend and we had a lovely lunch out. Sadly he was too hungover from a late night out with friends to get stuck in to the food - but he will hopefully learn his lesson one day! I have a pile of ironing waiting for me in the morning - yippee (not) - so plan to sleep soon. Have a good week my friend x

Morning Brian

Must have been good to catch up with the couples you met during your treatment and to see how you have all progressed. Nothing like a good laugh to keep you going.

I enjoyed my walk (well wrapped up against the wind) and was out around 3hrs so think I got my exercise for the day.  Was then going to get into the garden and do a bit of tidying but found myself doing more sorting out instead (has to be done ) and before I knew it daylight was fading.

As to plans for my second week's leave I had it all planned with catch up appointments (three in total) plus usual trip to see Mum and an afternoon with old friend of hubby's from his motor racing days (750 cc Club). However I am now awaiting a call from my son in law as my daughter was taken into hospital in the early hours of this morning (she has a heart condition that can cause her to pass out and struggle with her breathing but has been managing it well in the last couple of years). Apparently this time she appeared to fit so they are doing various tests(ECG was ok) and though she is feeling much better still experiencing dizzyness so in the best place. She is usually home within 8hrs so its a wait and see time at present.

Hope Mrs B is feeling a lot better and that you both have a relaxing day ahead. Jules x

Morning Max

Had a good walk (around three hours) and passed through the Farmers' Market, chatting to the regulars but managed to behave and only buy fruit and veg (cheeses/cakes were calling to me but I  need to get back to looking after my cholesterol levels and weight) and have just enjoyed a smoothie for breakfast!

Our sons are the same age (mine turned thirty 21st Feb and chose to go horseriding for the first time so his girlfriend booked a long weekend in the New Forest and he fulfilled his wish) and lovely that you enjoyed lunch out (just a shame that he could not face food ha ha- boys will be boys, even when they are men!!)

If you read my post to Brian  you will see that I am on tenterhooks awaiting a call from my son in law as to how my daughter is.  Though normally after one of these episodes she is home within 8hrs it often leaves her tired and understandably with two youngsters may need company/help over the next few days  so some of my plans may need to be put on hold.

Take care forum buddy, speak soon and sending virtual hugs  Jules x