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 Jules,
Am so pleased daughter is doing better, but what a bonus it is that you
are able to help out.
I visited in laws tdy as their car is off the road and MIL had medical appt so was happy to assist. Only stayed for 2 hrs not t lhe normal amount as had tradesmen coming here plus son and joy of joys grandson.
We had 2 hrs together which was magic.  Picked some cherry tomatoes which he washed and dried and left here...?
Don't think I will be able to accomplish all I wanted to prior to family visit, but the house is clean not designer beautiful, bit like me...basic and down to earth. Garden looking good, see my priorities....  Our family are pretty good.  All we need are the basics and each other.  I think this will def be last visit as the trip must be shocking for mum and siblings are getting older.
Thank you for tip re olive oil on hands at night.  My problem is lacerations not just dry skin.  Note to self wear blooming gloves.  
Sis still waiting for test results but from her emails appears her mobility is improved.
Just trying to work out how to use timer lamps in prep for being away over wedding period.  Will have managed it by this time next week.
Take care honey
Kathyxx
 

Hi Kathy

Its lovely when you get the chance to spend some quality time with family (even short periods lift the day and leave you realising how lucky you are to have them close).  As to getting your home 'ready for visitors' they will only have eyes for you, you know that!! We do not live in show houses, we live surrounded by things that we can enjoy and that brings us comfort by having it there (that's why it's so hard moving things out sometimes). I cannot believe some of the stuff I am finding as I begin at the top (I have a loft conversion bedroom!!) - things I have not used or worn for so long I cannot remember even when I bought them!!

Of course you will work out the timers - cannot help here as never had them ha ha but then I have neighbourhood watch (head honcho lives next door).

Visit to the docs for my 'widow ok check' went fine until she reminded me that I needed to get the cholesterol checked as its long overdue (why would I mention it!!!!).  Comfort eating must now become healthy so that when I go for blood tests in around a month (she kindly gave me until after my holiday at Easter) I am hoping it will be okay (am digging out quick and easy recipe book for inspiration but cooking is not on my likes list - roll on summer when I can revert to salads).

Now this is going to sound really weird but as regards 'lacerations' as long as they are infection free (of course they are) you just explain that they are 'happy workers' hands.  I hate wearing gloves in the garden (always weed without them and then regret it when I look at my nails!!) but will taken the precaution of wearing them when I prune the 'pricklies'.  Also have some nerve damage currently in one of my fingers which GP says could take up to 6 months to repair itself (another gardening injury!).

Well thats enough rambling from me.  Take care and don't whack yourself out with housework. Sending 'healing' hugs.  Jules x

Hi Kathy

Its lovely when you get the chance to spend some quality time with family (even short periods lift the day and leave you realising how lucky you are to have them close).  As to getting your home 'ready for visitors' they will only have eyes for you, you know that!! We do not live in show houses, we live surrounded by things that we can enjoy and that brings us comfort by having it there (that's why it's so hard moving things out sometimes). I cannot believe some of the stuff I am finding as I begin at the top (I have a loft conversion bedroom!!) - things I have not used or worn for so long I cannot remember even when I bought them!!

Of course you will work out the timers - cannot help here as never had them ha ha but then I have neighbourhood watch (head honcho lives next door).

Visit to the docs for my 'widow ok check' went fine until she reminded me that I needed to get the cholesterol checked as its long overdue (why would I mention it!!!!).  Comfort eating must now become healthy so that when I go for blood tests in around a month (she kindly gave me until after my holiday at Easter) I am hoping it will be okay (am digging out quick and easy recipe book for inspiration but cooking is not on my likes list - roll on summer when I can revert to salads).

Now this is going to sound really weird but as regards 'lacerations' as long as they are infection free (of course they are) you just explain that they are 'happy workers' hands.  I hate wearing gloves in the garden (always weed without them and then regret it when I look at my nails!!) but will taken the precaution of wearing them when I prune the 'pricklies'.  Also have some nerve damage currently in one of my fingers which GP says could take up to 6 months to repair itself (another gardening injury!).

Well thats enough rambling from me.  Take care and don't whack yourself out with housework. Sending 'healing' hugs.  Jules x

Hi Jules,
Your healing hugs much appreciated. 1.5 days to go.  Rooms ready and only a little shop required on Sunday.
This am we have hens party at a funhouse normally frequented by young kids, Dodgems ,water slides , putt putt etc.
Thanks to your example I have started donating some of hubby's clothing to local charities, little by little and the rest will wait till family have gone.
Have just heard sis cleared to travel and have list of healthy food requirements requested.  Other sis will join her on healthy choices so no crisps or cheesy things.  Guess if they are going to be good I can join them and show my support.  
Didn't tell the kids there was a chance she couldn't come or may have to return earlier than planned for specialist appt.  
Forecast for mid 20's for first week of their visit then see a few low 30's on the chart, but will have the air con if wanted.
Must go and get ready to gallivant and meet up with beautiful DIL and friends.  I am lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.  I am truly blessed.
Much love Kathyxx
 

Hi there Jules, and everyone

I thought I would stick my head out of my clouds briefly to say a quick hello and check on how you are doing.  I have had a look through some of these posts over the last month or so and I am so pleased for you that your Mum can stay where she is, what a load off your mind that must be.  I am sorry that I have been absent and so wasn't able to wish you the best for your end of journey service.  That must have been so difficult for the whole family but as always you help eachother through.

I did hit an all time low hence my last post and things are still very much a challenge but I will do as you demand and not give up the fight.  I have my first face to face assessment with a counsellor on Thursday next week which I trully hope will be the first step in helping me get back to some kind of normality but even now that really does seem a very long way off.

Every time I check my emails I always hope to see one from this site to say that the P.M. is back but sadly that still isn't the case. 

Anyway I will leave by giving you and everyone here my very best and I will try not to stay away quite so long next time.

Lots of love,

Garf. xx

Grrr, just lost a long post when my 'internet' flipped out.

Second attempt.  Just really wanted to wish you a lovely time with the family, from home and abroad.

Let the home take care of itself and thoroughly enjoy the time with everyone.  Just love celebrations and am trying to imagine  what the 'fun' hen do  would be like (adults going back to childhood comes to mind - sounds a blast so hope it was! Have a truly wonderful get together and wishing future happiness to the bride and groom (even though I only know of them throught he virtual world). Have a piece of cake for me please.

Have found it quite worthwhile letting the charity shops benefit by my spring cleaning but when I do  not feel like tackling the job I wait until I do! Have attacked my wardrobe for a couple of hours today and was horrified to find how much I could move on (but now have lots of empty hangers (perhaps I should put them in the bags as well).

Spent more hours in the garden than I should have over the past two days as the weather has been very good -17deg today so lawn mowed and tidying begun (body aching but for the right reasons ha ha).

Take care, have a whale of a time with the family  both home and abroad. Love and hugs  Jules (sending with fingers firmly crossed this time)

Great to hear from  you Garf and to know that you are having professional help  with your demons.  Believe me I do understand how hard this must be for you and your other half (23 years in a home with a Mum with depression gives me a clearer window I suppose).  Have courage and take guidance and I really hope there will be a huge light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope Hannah is being helped with her health issues and that they got to the bottom of the problem.  I am sure you are worrying for 'England' (Mum does!) and wish the PM facility was enabled but they are having to set it up from scratch (Max has a petition thread which is keeping everyone informed as the Moderators respond to our moans and groans).

Am adjusting slowly to life as one rather than two and mutual support with children and grandchildren does help a lot.  Am enjoying the better weather as can get into the garden and am rebuilding my wildlife corner now that have new back wall up. Body aches but for all the right reasons, I think.

Back to work (again) on Monday following two weeks holiday (had to be used up or lost!) and to be honest have rather enjoyed the last few days but that could be due to sunshine.  Next weekend will be new F1 season (and Mothering Sunday - spent with both children as am being treated to tea and cakes) and will be strange watching it without hubby so perhaps just as well son enjoys it too!

Right am off to sort my dinner so will say all the very best to you and send peaceful hug.Jules x 

  Hi Jules.You are one great Lass always good to read your post`s I cut my grass for the first time today and then fed it .Fed all my rose`s and shrubs some are comming to flower now the chameila`s look great .Regards for now take care .george x

Good afternoon Jules,

Have had a very busy day today. Started to cot out my new owl picture frame (Trial run/prototype) Then managed to persuade Mrs B to go out for a drive. Went out for two hours and visited a garden centre on  route. Then when I got back I nearly finished off the pict/frame All I have to do is to glue the eyes on and fix the brass picture turns on the back. The first item is always a big learning curve and the next one always take a lot less time. Will post picture tommorow.

But enough about me. Hope you had an enjoyable evening last night. Hope your daughter is okay now. I am surprised you have been able to mow the lawns allready. As the houses where I live were all built where there used to be a large pond, the ground was all built up but with clay so the ground takes a long time to dry out. Hope you have got used to your new washing machien and it must be a lot easier than having to go to the laundrete and less time consuming too.

My grandson had everyone laghing at the hospital when he had his pre op yesyerday. He even told them he wants the same room he had when he had his hernia done. When I was doing his story on Wednesday evening, he was pretending to make me some food. So I told him, "Your making your dads mouth water with all this food", and he replied, "He's too fat allready". Poor dad. He is a ckeeky liitle lad. Dont have any idea where he gets it from????????

Hope the rain holds off for your usual Sunday morning walk. Have a peaceful day tommorrow, hugs, Brian.

Bless you George for your sweet words.  Think the weather has sent everyone out into the fresh air and good to see new life blossoming from old wood. Hope you and your daughter are holding up and send you good wishes for a peaceful week ahead.  Take care.Jules

Bless you George for your sweet words.  Think the weather has sent everyone out into the fresh air and good to see new life blossoming from old wood. Hope you and your daughter are holding up and send you good wishes for a peaceful week ahead.  Take care.Jules