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 Kathy

Good to see you pop up on my thread and hope you keeping well.  Sounds like you had a blast/great wedding too, whilst the family were over and no doubt will take you a few days to 'get back to normal'whatever that is.  Hope your sis gets better news at her appointment Monday as it sounds as though she has been doing her best to follow a good diet.  I can relate to that as have been trying to get back to 'healthy' eating as have cholesterol blood test tomorrow (should have gone last October but GP gave me breathing space with so much going on with hubby at the time).  Thanks for the mention of all those lovely sounding baking achievements (never worry about butting in) as I am trying to up fruit and veggies and leave 'naughties' in the shops (my thoughts that if I dont buy them I can't eat them ha ha). Have already told family not to do the Easter Egg thing this year (of course I have still bought for them!).

Emotions running high this week again, as Thursday would have been hubby's 64th birthday and we have arranged the formal scattering of his ashes. Its hard to believe that nearly three months have gone by.  We go away on Easter Monday - no t-bags as we are coffee drinkers ha ha but although we are staying on a caravan park (this will be the first time I have ever been in one!!) so that we have all the amenities for the grandchildren, we will not self cater as they have restaurants on site and good local eateries nearby (daughter and family have been before so know their way around the area).  Looks as though wellies will be required but  it still has time to change!!

Had Zack for his second sleepover last night and not too bad considering the clocks went forward. Very blustery (with heavy squalls) just now but not too bad temperature wise. Have  not been out today; had Zack till late morning and then weather did not entice me out (am in the throws of my first cold for ages (is this liked to my healthy diet!!!)) but hate being indoors all day so maybe if it clears later I can go for a quick stroll (it would be very fast with the wind we have at the moment.  Two collared doves are hanging on to my bird feeding station but are struggling for balance.  The blue ***/coldfinches coping a bit better.

They are making the most of crushed nuts and mealworms.

Am feeling a bit lazy as I watch the madness that is the triathlon taking part in New Zealand!

I expect the pets are finding it strange now that your family have left (or maybe grateful for their space back ha ha).   No pets to look after when I go away so just let the neighbours know so they can take my dustbin in (I will leave it out as rubbish collected the day after we go away).  Am very lucky to have good neighbours in our street.

Well best stop chatting and get on with preparing tonight's meal(a bit more than usual to keep me going until after my blood test tomorrow.  Take care my friend.  Chat again soon.  Jules x

Hi Kathy,

Sorry to hear your families visit had come to an end. Sounds like you had a whale of a time and am so pleased for you truely deserve it. Your mention od all the tastey goodies especially the cheesy one has got my wouth watering, just as you hoped. Mrs B happened to mention the other day that she originall had a set of four playing card shaped pastry cutter, i.e heart diamond ect but some had broken and she now only had one shape left.. So I looked on the internet and have bought her a new set complete wit a round tin to put them in. So for next weekend, she has promised to make me some cheese biscuits with them. I will send you a photo of them just to make you drool but wont tell Mrs B as she would tell me off for stirring and might not make those CHEESY BISCUITS. mmmmmmmm

I am rotten arent I?????

take care Kathy, sending best wishes and a big hug, Brian..

Hi Jules,

Sorry you couldnt get out for your walk. We have had a rainey and blustery day today. The sun has come out now the day is nearly finnished but the wind has got really strong. I went and bought a new bedside alam clock/radio only to find when I got home it was totally diiferent to the one shownSo back to our local Argos and no one seems to know whats gone wrong. Ended up buying a totally differnt one. It has ten pre-sets on the radio but the instructions are not that well written so still struggling. Grandchildren could probably do it just like that.

Both my son and granddaughter won gold medals and a trophy each so very proud of them both. Grandsaon is still improving  and is now being fed every two hours instead of every hour. So much work for his parents. Even when he is well it's 24/7 care but he re-pays it with the laughter he brings to so many peoples lives, including mine.

Hope your visit to Draculars Den goes well and results are good. Wehave a couple of ringed dove visit our garden but we also have a large familiy of magpies always around. 

Take care, best wishe to you and your family, Brian.

Hi Brian

Think internet signal being a pain as just lost long post to you grrrrr.

Glad that your grandson is improving and it must be rewarding for all the family when he comes smiling through. Such a lot for everyone to deal with.  Congrats to your son/grand-daughter on their winning ways - the trophy/medal cabinet is doing well - who knows future British champions.

Got my blood test done early (out by 8.10) and hopped on bus/tube to shopping centre and treated myself to a very large cappuchino (?sp) as had fasted since 7pm last night. Now back home with a large box of tissues and throat soothers (always end up with croaky voice and this time  no different!) Hoping that by Wednesday, when I am next into work, I will be able to talk to customers otherwise it will be a bit embarrassing.  I may have to put off visit to Mum tomorrow as would not want to spread the germs around. 

Hope you and Mrs B having a peaceful day. Take care Jules x

Hi dearest Jules,
Hope you are muddling along ok.
I want to state how wonderful you are but you will tell me you are not, so we will skip that bit.  One day you will mistype Brian and call him Brain and we will never hear the end of that !  
Have you tried cider vinegar and honey in hot water? Hot toddy? Baileys? Vicks?
Great to see you plan on getting away for a few days maybe take a scarf / hat as well as the wellies ?  I am such a mother ..., You will have such a great time.  Good on you.
Coping ok without the family, but so appreciate their visit.  My neighbours are very good.  I am very fortunate indeed. I think when you have lived in the same area for a while (30 years) and neighbours have remained the same we all look out for each other.
So funny this time last week I was rigged up in Trakkie daks, jumper and scarf, now it  is 27 in dining room, no need for a /c, all good.
Ok honey lamb,
Will sign off for now
Take care
Kathy x 

Hi Kathy

Seems strange being indoors on a Tuesday but could not risk infecting the Care Home/Mum so rang to explain with a very husky voice.  All being well will go down on Easter Sunday instead.

Your opening sentence made me smile - muddling is just how it feels and you're right, I am not wonderful, just doing what you gotta do!!. Like yourself have lived in the same road forever (38yrs May when we bought the house!!) and have good neighbourhood watch scheme (headed by my nextdoor neighbour).

Last night was extremely gusty (still is but ideal for the washing on the line - very firmly pegged I can tell you- and another lot doing).  Chased my dustbin lid down the road so have had my exercise outside lol but its still lovely and sunny and so far none of the blustery showers that were forecast (perhaps I should not say that as would like to finish getting washing dry!!).

Daughter had the result of her repeat blood tests and all good so just has appointment at Heart hospital  late April to be fully checked out (genetic extra heart chamber causes her to pass out occasionally and last episode was a bit more serious so they are being thorough thankfully).

Any news from your sister's appointment on Monday?Do hope it was encouraging for her and the family.

Well a busy weekend ahead (entertaining and being entertained/babysitting and then hols) but need to get through the emotion of Thursday first so concentrating on a day at a time. Our son will pick me up from work en route to the crematorium (son in law also offered but they have dentist first in the morning and would take them out of their way whereas son and other half will more or less drive nearby anyway). It means I will not arrive alone and we can all support each other as is the norm of course.  I suppose it will be another stage reached in a necessary journey - not the way I had envisaged spending hubby's next birthday but good for the family to have somewhere to focus our memories when we visit in the future. Our eldest grandson(6yrs) is very interested (so many questions  so we are hoping this will help him understand a bit more) though not all easy to answer.  We have always been open and honest and bless him he has already lost a step great grand-dad in his short life. He and my daughter are doing the race for life the week before Father's Day  which will be more poignant than previous years that my daughter and I have done it .

Hope you doing okay and thanks for your continued support - chatting helps. Take care lovely lady.Jules x

Hi Jules,
The thought of you chasing the dustbin lid made me smile.... Thank you.
No word as yet re sisters blood test Monday.  I reckon we will need to wait for a few weeks.  Ho hum.   Mums bp is really good though  122/68.
Had a cuppa with next door neighbour whose mum is 92 and lives in England.  
Good news re your daughters results.  I guess stress/worry won't help her.
Oh my precious angel, I will be thinking of you on Thurs.  this is a tough road we follow, but at the end of the day our men are free from pain/ discomfort/ lack of independence and for that, in a crazy way we have to be thankful for.  Tears flowing now.  

Great that your grandsons questions are answered honestly.  I do also when littilies ask me questions but have to admit I do pause and take a deep breath before I launch into explanation as you can't just say grandpa was sick otherwise they will be terrified if anyone else is sick and hubby wasn't old only 56 so can't say he was old.
When is Father's Day over there? Here it is Sept.
Now I will bellyache.... But may give you a laugh.  I don't want much TV but was last night  did and was really annoyed when I saw blooming Moto gp was on.  Since the Aussie guy retired it hasn't been advertised much. Bull ......  More riders than an Aussie who we called raindrops as he kept falling off! !!!!
My fave Valentino Rossi won yay.  He is an old fart at 38..., how do you and I feel???
Don't answer that one.
Have put an extension cord through dining room to keep connected so hopefully won't trip and break anything tonight.  Hubby was Mr Occupational health and safety even when off duty.  We have to smile as we remember.
Will sign off for now,
Take care honey,
Kathy xx

 

Good afternoon Jules,

Sorry to read you wernt able to go to see your mother. Do hope you are soon feeling better. I got woken up at about 4.30 this morning by a noise. Couldnt think what it was so went back to sleep. When Mrs B got up, she saw our television ariel at the back of the house was hanging down so that was the noise I heard. I have had trouble geting it down as it's hanging by the cable. After using my stepladder that converts to a small ladder, evetually got the ariel down but the briken pole is still hanging by the cable, will have to think how to get this down. I was literally hanging on to it and it was budgung at all as when it was put up they nailed the cable to the wooden facia. Luckily we use an ariel that I set up in our loft so Mrs B can still watch he telly.

Have a visual picture of you chasing the dustbin lid. Reminds me of when I was turning a large wooden barometer surround which came off my lath, hit the floor on its edge and took off out of my garage across the road like a dose of salts with me in hot persuit. Took me ages to catch up and was out of breath when I did. Good job ours is just a side road and no cars were about. Often wondered if any neighbours saw what happened. Bet it gave them a chuckle saying, Look there goes that mad woodworn again.

I will, like Kathy be thinking of you on Thursday. So pleased you will have your lovely family there to support you and each other. Glad to hear daughters results were okay.

Take care, Keep warm, a windswept Brain, Sorry Kathy, I meant Brian.

Brian, u r such a plonker, but I do adore u,

Best wishes to u and Mrs b, am still smiling, thank u

Kathy xx

Hi Jules,  Hope all goes well tomorrow, I know it will be an emotional day for you in so many ways and I will be thinking of you.  Sorry to read you have been poorly ontop of an already stressful week, there are so many bugs about just now, hope you are on the mend by now.  I know your family will all take strength from each other tomorrow and I hope that you have a peaceful break with them all over Easter.  Enjoy the caravan park, I will keep my fingers crossed that you don't need those wellies!  Hope x

Hi Jules,  Hope all goes well tomorrow, I know it will be an emotional day for you in so many ways and I will be thinking of you.  Sorry to read you have been poorly ontop of an already stressful week, there are so many bugs about just now, hope you are on the mend by now.  I know your family will all take strength from each other tomorrow and I hope that you have a peaceful break with them all over Easter.  Enjoy the caravan park, I will keep my fingers crossed that you don't need those wellies!  Hope x

Hi Hope,

We havent spoke for some while. Hope Jules doesnt mind me using her site to say hello. Hope you are enjoying the Easter break  and are keeping well. Hope things are more settled in your life now that the houes situation has been dealt with. Cant belive we are a quarter of the way through the year already, how time flys.

Take care, and remember just because we dont chat, doesnt mean you are forgotten, Brian

Hi Kathy,

I am a happy chappy; Mrs B has just baked me some CHEESE BISCUITS, and they taste absolutely georgouse. As promised, attached is a photo of them. Have I got you drooling yet???????????

Just the smell has been making me feel so hungrey!!!  Will have to get Mrs B to try and mix some nuts in with the mix next time then I can have the best of both.

Take care, best wishes, your nutty friend, Brian

Hi Brian,

Good to hear from you, and again I hope Jules won't mind me catching up with you on her thread.  Looks like Mrs B continues to look after you well - the cheese bisuits sound/look delicious!  I can't believe how time flies and I don't come on the site as often thesedays.  However I will never forget my forum buddies who supported me so well so I will always check in from time to time.  My new normal seems more normal now if that makes sense, however I do still miss my parents very much but I guess that will always be the case. Best wishes to you and Mrs B and hope the Easter bunny brings you goodies.  Hope x

Hi Hope

Thanks for taking time to post here and on the other thread. Your kind thoughts are so much appreciated. Another anniversary passed and a beautifuly sunny afternoon to remember hubby's birthday in peaceful surroundings. Contented with the choices made (children/grandchildren helped steady my mind despite their own grieving) and at peace with ourselves.  A friend has pointed out this morning that as a 'hobby fisherman' hubby would have appreciated the company of koi carp in the pond just nearby (though my daughter thinks he would have preferred catching them that watching them!).

Its good that you are moving forward on your own journey and wish you and the family a very happy Easter. Take care of yourself. Regards and hugs Jules x

Hi Jules,

just logged on again after being absent for awhile.My mother passed away in January from pancreatic cancer and the sadness is awful.

Is Dianne still working for the organisation do you know as I have emailed her and had no response, which is not like her.

i wish you and you family a tranquil continued journey and a pleasant Easter weekend.

Xx

Dear Brian,
First of all best wishes to Mrs B for putting up with you, but in all seriousness you are both so lucky to have each other and I know you know and appreciate each other.
Now for the really serious stuff my nutty/naughty friend.  I am so proud of myself, saw, admired and drooled over your biccies and chose not to attack the Brie and Camembert sitting waiting in fridge, for the healthier option of berries and Greek yougurt.

My body is a temple.....can just hear hubby saying yeh, in need of some restoration, get the polyfilla out....
Nah truth was berries have to be used up and did buy the Greek yogurt as healthy option.
Bit of a wobbly start today when dog walking, but gave myself severe talking to and threw myself into housework (yuk) and gardening (yeh).  Not too many warm days forecast now, watch me turn into a moaning Minnie.
Kids Skyped me this avo, gradually getting into modern things.  Was great to chat to them and see them.  Little grand daughter (2) kept saying my Boo( I am Nanna Boo) then... My and Dantes Boo.  Dante being  grandsons name.  I am so Lucky.
Take care,
Kathy x
 

Hi Euthos.

Condololences on the loss of your mother and the grieving process comes with many different emotions along the way.  Thank you for your kind words and hope you will find the support you may need from this lovely forum.  I do not know whether Dianne is still part of the organisation but maybe others reading this may be able to help  you.  Wishing you peace and comfort for Easter and onwards.Jules x

Hi Kathy

Just read your response to Brian and well done on your healthy choices.  I also have Brie and some extra strong cheddar ready for the cheeseboard tomorrow (along with a mini selection of other varieties to keep all coming happy). I am a little worried that my healthy eating gave me a cold ha ha as had not had one for a long time and as soon as I changed to better eating wham a real stinker this week.  Hopefully on its way out now but not appreciating even more disturbed nights due to coughing grrrrr.

Do allow yourself the occasional wobble my dear friend; we are all in need of that release of emotions (though I do relate to that 'being cross with myself' talking to) and I bet there was good reason behind it.

To lift my spirits I am currently enjoying a pair of collared doves 'frolicking' outside my patio doors (just two feet outside I have a bird table and mini feeding station (main feeders at other end of garden)) and the top of the table seems to have become a focal point in the last few days! Can think of a more comfortable place to 'court'!!

Hope you have a peaceful Easter weekend. Sending hugs. Jules x 

Hi  Jules,
I was due to respond to you next,
Yes sis liver plan diet plus DIL influence is taking the toll on me and I try to be very good.  But do have the naughtys in fridge if I decide to indulge.
No word as yet re her results, but hasn't been a week yet.  Keeping everything crossed.
I wouldn't be at all surprized if the healthy eating plan has made you feel crook, would advise you to have a medicinal whisky to kill the germs, hate the stuff myself  or a Baileys.
Alfalfa sprouts and any sprouts are meant to be good prior to cholesterol tests.  So they say.
Sitting here with nighty t shirt, jumper and jacket on, think I might be cold???
So glad Thurs went off as well as could be expected for you honey. Great news the weather was good for you and family.  Your grandson sounds like such a wise wee man.  What joy. 
My mum is pretty good, talking about coming out in a Sept 2016 with my younger sis.  I am so lucky in my family and swithering as to should I go home in June this year.  (She intends living till 100) . Depends I guess if I can get a house/pet sitter and if I can put off finding work till after then.

Mmmm 11.45 pm now and have neglected to have tea, but did have lunch so that is better eating than what I was doing a few months ago.  Have had a few bottles of water which is good.  Maybe have some berries and healthy yogurt seeing Brian can't drop round a few cheesy biccies, what kind of friend is he???  Oh yes one who lives in different country. Haha.
Watching the birds do give us so pleasure don't they.  I do miss the robins though in the winter, none here.
Bit of joy today, opened top of no 1 compost bin, full of earthworms.  Now working on building up other 2.  I laugh at our local council who promote the recycling and composting aspect.  Dad and grandpa were doing that before it became fashionable.
Ok hon will sign off hope you have a great time way with the family, stay warm.  Vicks for cold , Baileys for wellbeing?
Big hugs and lots of love,
Kathy xxx

 




 

Hi Kathy

Sorry whisky not for me (was hubby's fave and have been giving bottles away as he received more than a dozen bottles for his 60th and was unable to get through them!!). I did have a tot of Captain Morgans but it just kept me awake!!!!  (though think my body has adjusted to just requring 4/5hrs a night!!). Cold on the way out now thankfully.

Am awaiting arrival of family as we are having  Easter lunch today as we all have other arrangements for tomorrow.I will go and visit Mum just before the Home has Easter Service but was told in no uncertain terms not to bring any type of Easter gift.  I do not usually disobey my Mum but have bought her a pot of miniature daffodils and if she refuses them (it has happened in the past) then the Home will find a place for them where they can be appreciated by everyone.

As the weather is warming up here (double figures today ha ha) I have been able to turn heating to low and reduced a layer of clothing. Fleeting glimpses of the sun is making the yellow forsythia bushes in my garden look very pretty  and with the quince in blossom too am enjoying my garden view.  Have already been out for a quick walk as will be indoors for most of the day now.  Am babysitting tonight but daughter will run me home when they get back.

I am sure you will come to a decision re returning home to visit and will go with your heart in the end. I suppose I am lucky that have no pet to consider and just 'turn off the water' and go.  Had pets when the children were young but we did not want the ties once they flew the nest as hubby was very much a spontaneous traveller when he was not working away. (I am more of a planner so I know I have something to look forward to!!)  After the couple of short breaks with family this month I hope to book annual leave around beginning of July (probably during Wimbledon Tennis fortnight ) and see if I can have a few days out and about. Being only part time worker means I get a long weekend anyway so may try and book something up but will wait and see how I feel.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and your cooler temperatures not leaving you feeling too grumpy (know I was dislike not being able to enjoy the outside as much when the cold sets in!!).  Look after yourself.Hugs from across the water Jules x