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,

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 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 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

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 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

Morning Jules,
Hope you had a beaut time with family at Easter lunch and cheese enjoyed by all.
Our clocks changed last night so will need to do outside activities an hour earlier if that makes sense.  It will be dark by 6 pm.
Awoken this am by call from Kidlets so full of excitement at their Easter egg hunt.  DIL told me their chooks followed them around on their adventure.  How cute.
Sitting out the back with coffee and pets enjoying the fresh air.  Have just been bopping around the kitchen washing dishes.  I am quite bonkers.
Have just googled Dorset, my goodness it's way down the bottom of the country.  I really must get a UK map on the wall so I can see where everyone is talking about.
You will have a ball on your days away I am sure.
It's been a quiet couple of days here with lots of friends away.  I wouldn't say I have been lonely exactly.  Some time on your own is required for quiet reflection I think.  I have plenty of chores to do for sure so will make a start after getting the boy out for a wander.  I will nip down and return overdue library books before I get a reminder letter and charges.  I have only read 2 in 2 months.  I used to go through 10 in a week.
Saw the blood moon last night, just happened to come out side about 10pm with dog. Had just got off call from son so told him to go out and observe it too.  Was quite an amazing sight.
Ok honey will sign off and get moving
Big Hugs returned
Love Kathy xx
 

Hi Kathy

I know what you mean about the 'slow reading'.  Brian knows how I love books and like y ou used to get through quite a few.  The one on the go at the moment has been around for some weeks and though  its a good story just do not seem to have the concentration levels required.  With better weather looming and loving to sit outside I am hoping to get my book head back in gear.  Will take book away tomorrow and who knows change of scene may be what is needed.

The journey to Dorset is around three hours for us and as we cannot 'book in' until mid afternoon we are going to lunch out before we go.  Grandson is hyper with excitement (not least because he has someone who likes to be up early in the morning!!) and with the weather forecast showing 'dry' for the week its everything crossed it can be believed haha.

Had lovely few hours together yesterday (my son left the Westie sleeping indoors as she is used to her own company as they both work (walkies before they left and when they got home as they live very close to a a beautiful park in Buckinghamshire).  All us 'cheese-aholics' were well catered for and buffet so much easier than full on cooking (lazy, I am!!!).

Right the sun is shining and washing machine has just finished so will go and hang it in the garden. Must think about what to pack in the morning (this will be a strange  moment as hubby always did the packing - he could get so much into a small case!!! - hey ho another first to face).

I do  like my quiet moments of reflection (always have!) though its those moments when you you least expect it that you feel alone(even when with others sometimes). (its different to feeling lonely somehow).

Hubby's sister has just e mailed to say she is hoping to visit in mid May (moved to Isle of Man last December with her other brother and sister in law) for a week. She is staying with a friend and I have invited her over for 'family lunch' - may have to change the buffet layout a bit to avoid being repetitive ha ha.

Be kind to yourself forum friend. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Just a quickie wishing you happy hols with the family.  I am sure you will have an absolute ball.  Hope cheese shop is nearby.  Don't forget your toothbrush!!!

Hugs

Kathy xx

Hi Kathy,

Thank for the reply on my quotes thread. Your mention of cheese scones had me drooling again. I have to say your mention of losing your dogs lead made me smile so I will tell you something that made Mrs B laugh. The other day I was looking for my glasses and couldnt find then anywhere. Mrs B kept smiling but didnt say anything or offer any help. After spending quite some time I said to Mrs B, I bet their some where close by and she couldnt contain her self any longer. She said, you idiot, they've been sitting on top of you head all this time. She then told me I was a right plonker. I felt such a fool and couldnt believe she had managed to keep quiet about it for so long.

Anyway take care my friend, will talk again soon, Brian.

Hi Kathy

Have returned from a good few days away. Had three full days out with family and were so lucky with the weather that the jumpers and coats were redundant and we came back looking pretty healthy!! With Zack wanting to walk everywhere it was slow but very enjoyable. Eldest grandson was in his element as we visited 'Monkey World, a theme park for under 8's and a local farmer's play park which included a woodland walk (half a mile) which I did on my own whilst they went inside a huge barn which had play equipment set amongst haybales and lots of loose straw (nappy changing was a prickly affair!!).  The holiday park was full of things for them to do and we ate at the restaurant for breakfast and dinner as it was so reasonably priced. 

Now back to reality and all washing done and dried in the garden yesterday and am shortly off to stock the fridge for a week.  In around 10 days am away for another 5 day break, this time with son, his partner and their dog.  This time we are staying in a three bed self catering cottage and aim to be out walking every day which we all love (I picked up a small local walk guide for the area and this includes 'locals' where were can refuel en route.

Feel so very lucky to have the opportunity to spent relaxing time with family and hubby would have been so proud to see how good the boiys were. It felt a little strange in that had hubby still been with us, I would not have been 'along for the ride' so to speak  (and I know we all had emotional feelings about it) but it was good for us all to have th change of scene.  A new generation of memories being made.

For the cheese-aholics amongst us I can thoroughly recommend garlic break with  melted cheese mmmmm. 

How are things with you? No doubt adjusting to cooler weather now and already longing for next Spring. Take care of yourself forum buddy and hope you will soon have good news on your sister back here.

Sending hugs.Jules x

Hi Jules,
So good to hear you had a great time away with the family, as you say making new memories.
Surprizingly we have had a few warms days recently so am making the most of it with extra washing, blankets etc while I can and still venturing out the front to weed.  The extra watering I did during summer has stimulated more weeds normally no longer visible after Oct, but that's good I can get them out by the roots and not let them remain dormant till next Spring.
Have 2 gladioli bulbs up??  And grape hyacinth also.  Long way from Spring but I will just go with the flow.
Re sis her tests came back normal, the receptionist said same as last time.  She was corrected as when the gp emailed to Oz he said the first ones were raised therefore to have more upon return to Scotland.  After receptionist consulted gp the word was if sis hasn't heard from hosp in next town within 2 weeks has to ring for appt with liver specialist due to coarse liver.  In the meantime she is getting stuck into mums gardening (family resemblance?)
Maybe following liver diet has helped if most recent tests were normal, but still a bit of confusing.  Maybe a lack of effective communication within surgery I don't know.  Breathe in breathe out.
Still have a lot of sorting to do in the house in bedroom and computer room but much prefer being outside, at least the 2 spare rooms are tidy at present.  Still got workmen to come out for repairs, security lights etc also need gutters cleared before winter hits with full force.
Not being a party pooper, well yes I am, when do you go for cholesterol check up?
Great that you are off again soon, I am sure the weather will be kind to you.  I am gallivanting next weekend to babysit grandkids while the kids gallivant themselves.  Lovely neighbour next door will look after pets for me and I will return the favour in mid May for 2 nights, I will look after her Houdini who is smaller than my cat haha.
Now trying to work out timer device on lamp for while I am away...eeek. Will get there.
Ok Jules, will sign off for now
Take care honey bunch
Love Kathy xx