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,

Thanks for your reply and kind wishes. I ent to se my grandson last night before going to the woodclub. He told me he is reading The Hobbit Book and has got up to page 85. My son told me he has alrready told the hospital he is taking the book in with hin in case he gets time to read any more.

With regard to the ad on Facebook I was pleased to be able to help. This site has helped so many so anything that brings more members has to be a good thing. I managed to mow the front lawn but the back one is still to wet as yet. Enjoyed the meeting last night as it was about a local group that go aroung repairing all the styles on the local footpaths. On Saturday I have another cancer meeting so still keeping busy.

Have also been to my local nut shop and have stocked up. Made the staff laugh as I told them I was concerned when I found the old shop closed. But found out they were just moving round the corner. So while writting this I am feasting on some cashew nuts.

Hope you have  a good few days off now and that you have a good night out tommorow night. Take care, best wishes, Brian

Hi Jules,

Just a quick update on my grandson. He went in very early this morning and his op went okay and he is now home, playing on his ex-box. He had the camera down the throat and they were able to zap the infection with a laser so do hope he will feel more comfortable shortlu and that he wont keep feeling sick all the time. 

Attached is a photo of him taken by my son this morning.

Thanks again for your kind thoughts and words, Brian.

Great news Brian and think he did a good 'nose job' too. Such a brave lad and probably be running around at school soon!! Full of bouncebackability for sure.

Lovely day here so have managed to do a couple of hours in the garden (clearing deadwood from my shrubs) and will have to prepare containers soon as son picking up large bags of compost so I can plant up the dahlia tubers. Have some wildflower seedmix to sprinkle around but need to prepare the ground first and still rather heavy! May take myself off to the garden centre early tomorrow (get discount for oaps if shop  before 11.30) as need some fine netting to protect containers from digging cats once newly planted.

Been a bit of a mixed day as regards emotions as have begun to clear out books hubby used to read. Bagged up and ready to drop into charity shop (he loved sci fi and I am not a fan!!). Am half way through a thriller but only managing a few pages at a time before mind wanders (not always sure where its going) - hoping once the weather is kind enough to let me sit outside will get concentration back.  Have also recieved formal letter of apology from the Registrar's Dept so suppose not surprising feel a bit 'rocky'.

Will be going out this evening and hope that will blow some 'happy vibes' in my direction.  Hope you and MrsB have a peaceful weekend.  Off to put the kettle on and plan dinner. Take care.Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for the reply. I can understand how clearing out hubbys books effected you emotionally. I felt terrible when clearing my mother things. Several time I had tears in my eyes when I found things she had kept. Can also understand you not being able to contrate on your book. It's still early days .

My grandson is pretty near back to normal and will get the dressings looked at on Tuesday. Just had a good laugh with my next door neighbour. The postman was delivering a cardboard box for her but as she is not able to get to the door quickly, I told him I would take it for her. When I took it round for her she was puzzelled as she hadnt sent for anything. I saw she was struggling to open it so I opened it up for her. Inside was yet another box which she could not get out. Even I had trouble it was such a tight fit. When she eventually opened up the second box she said "Good lord, it's my spare boob". I am still laughing now She had a breast removed because of cancer many years ago and her daughter had ordered a new one for her and she had forgotten about it. I told her maybe she had won a booby prize!!!!!!!

Any way hope this make you smile like it has me. Take care, hugs, Brian.. 

Hi Brian

Well your post did make me smile and thank you for sharing the tale about your neighbour's special delivery - she must be quite a character.

I am sure your grandson will have his cheeky side ready for when he has his dressings checked and do hope that this op will help him with the problems he had been experiencing - being young will no doubt help the healing process and he has an amazing outlook.  No doubt you will hear all about soon.

Had hoped for a nice day but its drab and drizzly here so instead of heading into the garden (had planned on planting up containers in the front garden), I will go the the shops early and if the forecast is correct and it dries up later, then I will head outside.

Saw Mum on Sunday and she is planning to have hair hair done today and I was informed 'no  need to visit again  as nothing to say!! - bless her. Even at my age I am still doing what I am told.

Later in the week will babysit for my daughter as they have parents evening and on Friday my daughter has to return for more blood tests so will go with her to 'hold Zack'. As she has to fast beforehand will no doubt go for 'pick-me-up' afterwards.  On Saturday I am going for a day out with a friend (coach trip to Canterbury (neither of us drive!!)) so  am being kept busy.

Hope you and MrsB are keeping okay and that the 'owl family' is 'turning' out well. Speak soon.  Jules x

Hi Jules,
You are keeping busy and that is good.  Had a good time at the wedding last Friday and having a great time with the family.  I laugh so much tears are running down my face.
We had the grandkids sleep over last night and I was so greatful for 3 extra pairs of hands ( first time both of them were here together).  Another sleepover planned for next Tues.  The family leave the following Friday.
Extra gardening being accomplished.   Babysitting is such a joy isn't it?  It certainly makes me laugh.  Mum and the sisters are doing well, mum is so mentally quick and with it.
On Friday we are off to Adelaide museum.  Hubby took her there on a previous visit and mum would like to revisit it.  We are gallivanting again on Sunday, so mum has plenty of energy and enthusiasm.  She does have a nap during the day, but at 88 that's to be expected.  Sis awaiting Email From doc re results and we know how worrying that can be.  In the meantime we are having lots of laughs.
Did you get out into the garden today?
Anyway must head off to bed now.
Love and best wishes,
Kathy x
 

Hi Kathy

So pleased to see your post here and that you enjoyed the wedding and that the time  you are spending with Mum and sis is giving you plenty to laugh about. There is a thread on the forum called Laughter is the best Medicine and I have to agree.  Your Mum is amazing at 88 and its great that you are able to be out and about whilst they are with you and probably good that your sister has you all to help keep her mind from wandering too much for the upcoming doctors' call/appointments.

I am supposed to be eating healthy as have to have re-test for cholesterol level next month but am not finding it easy shelving the comfort food for the 'good stuff' ha ha. The day usually starts well but the evening it goes to pot - need to find some willpower!

Beautiful here today and so yes once I got in from work I  planted up four large containers  in the front garden so mission accomplished for the time being.  Have miniature tulips in flower and also the quince and forsythia are both breaking bud - so good to have some colour back in the garden.

Well, off to make a cuppa and put my feet up for a while as no doubt will be kept on my toes (hide and seek a current favourite) with the grandchildren when I babysit after I finish work tomorrow -mind you the toddler is still crawling quicker than he can walk and being a cheeky little devil (learnt from his older brother!!).

Enjoy the rest of your time whilst your family is with you and look forward to chatting again soon. Sending hugs  Jules xxx

Hi Jules,

Hope you have enjoyed your trip to Canterbury. Havent been there for years. Hope it's warmer there than it is here today. Decided not to venture out into the garage as it's quite a chilly wind here. Hope you enjoyed your time with Zack, my how quick they grow up. My youngest grandson had a few problems as he kept being sick. Think he picked up a bug but at last he is feeling better Dou to your word, bouncebackability. When I saw him on Tuesday he was feeling very sorry for homself which is not like him at all but when I went back on Wednesday he was a lot better but kept lifting my arm up over him so he could snuggle up closer.

Have now managed to mow the back lawn at last. Over the past few days I have had three meetings to do with cancer. Tried to order some more woodturning sundries from two differnt suplyiers today but one is on holiday and the other had sold out of the goods I wanted. So in frustration I have opened up my new pack of peanuts. I always say out of something bad, some good happens. Brianitus reigns again Jules.

Hope you were able to go out last night and that you had an enjoyable evening. Take care and I wish you a peaceful and enjoyable day tommorow, hugs, Brian.

Good morning Brian

Your poor little grandson has been through the mill bless him but glad to read he appears to be improving now and will no doubt be back to his cheeky self soon. Its always good to be able to snuggle up to Grandad for a bit of tlc.

I had a lovely day in Canterbury and luckily it remained dry once we arrived though like you it was very chilly so wrapped up well! We went by coach and it was quite a lengthy trip as quite a few pick ups but plenty of time for a chat so no problem. On arrival we went straight to the Catherdral (just beautiful and as you would expect very peaceful).  Some lovely individual shops as well as loves buildings to look at and we  enjoyed leisurely lunch.  If it had been warmer we would have done a river trip so may be something to consider if we go again sometime.  We are now planning to search this year's brochure for our next day out!

No farmers'market today so will have to do with the supermarket and then, like you, hoping to mow back lawn (again!) and get starting with the weeding in the back garden having finished the front for now. Have beautiful quince and forsythia blossom out now and its so good to see the sun - just need the temperature to go with it but apparently its going to get colder again before it warms up, heyho.

My daughter and family are taking the boys to local crazy golf today. This is as a reward for their eldest's school report last week which was very good.

Iam off into the kitchen to prepare two huge punnets of Kent strawberries - Market was closing up as we were leaving and they cost just 50p each and are so sweet (definitely will be gone soon!!). Glad to hear Brianitus is ever present and hope you and Mrs B have a lovely day. Take care. Jules x

Just thought I would jump in to your conversation for a minute to say GMorning to you both. I am glad you enjoyed going to Canterbury = its a lovely place, Jules isn't it. What a bargain those strawberries!! Blimey Brian = done the lawn already - you are ahead of me and I must get on with it. Thank you = both of you = for all your support - as my brother says "mum is now upstairs - nagging my dad"

Have a lovely day

Steve

Just thought I would jump in to your conversation for a minute to say GMorning to you both. I am glad you enjoyed going to Canterbury = its a lovely place, Jules isn't it. What a bargain those strawberries!! Blimey Brian = done the lawn already - you are ahead of me and I must get on with it. Thank you = both of you = for all your support - as my brother says "mum is now upstairs - nagging my dad"

Have a lovely day

Steve

Hi Steve

Lovely to have you drop in and do hope you and the family are doing okay. Your Mum  maybe ' upstairs and nagging Dad' but just think you are 'downstairs' and still using Mum's memories to keep you moving forward.

I do obviously struggle at times with hubby's loss and its especially hard as a Mum to see our kids grieving (and yes they keep trying to protect me as I protect them always) but I have to draw strength from within to take my journey forward (albeit with small steps) as I am truly lucky to have their support and a small posse of wonderful friends both real and virtual keeping me company along the way.

Just getting refreshment going before doing a second mowing (just back from 3 mile walk so need a sit down first) and have stocked up on fruit/veggies for a 'planned' healthy eating week - time to give some of my 'comfort' food the heave ho as facing blood tests for cholesterol in a about three weeks and would be cross if its gone back up.

Hope you having a peaceful weekend.  Take care of each other  Jules x

Canterbury was a wonderful place and I had never been before.  Will be sure to return again but would like it to be on a sunny day!