Hope this does not post twice - already lost it once!!]

sorry to hear both you and now Mrs B have been hit by a 'bug'.  Do hope she recovers quickly and that you are feeling a bit better as know it can take time to 'get back to feeling yourself'.  Have a feeling the kitchen is now full of nuts and cheese as you are in charge but know you will want Mrs B  back on board as quick as possible.  Sending best wishes to you both.

We had a little shower of rain earlier this morning but now enjoying plenty of sunny intervals so once  I have had lunch think I will be off out again for a walk (not quite warm enough to sit in the garden).

I did enjoy a woodland walk whilst on holiday (only half a mile but very pleasant and some great information boards along the way to make it interesting).  Am sure there were more pairs of eyes watching me that I could not see but birdsong was lovely and peace was beautiful.

Hope your brother in law is coping okay and that your cheeky grandson is improving too.  Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules,
Did you watch the F1?  I got up at 4.30am to watch the MotoGP, yes I am quite mad.  Another one on next weekend so hope it's on at a more civilised time.
Managed to mow the front lawn this avo and trim some shrubs, it was too pleasant to be inside. Great minds think alike....
I think it's a great idea for you to join the Ramblers.(is that a group of chatter boxes??? Only joking).   Looking at taking up social badminton while not working, just have to find a pair of shorts that won't fall down or a trip to the shops (groan) will be required.
I had lunch out with an old boss today, she was my first employer in Oz and I left to have our son so that was 27 years ago.  So we have been friends for a long time.  I call her my surrogate mother as she didn't have any kids and we do something special around the Aussie Mother's Day.
I enjoyed the pics of Andy Murrays wedding.  Is was nice to see him look so happy and the bride was radiant.
Will do a swap with the kids and swap my 4 slice toaster for their 2 slice one.  I hardly ever use it but it did get a hammering while the visitors were here.  Funnily enough they were thinking of buying one recently.
I noticed something strange today, in the kitchen 2 tea towels were folded neatly on the over door handle/bar.   I usually have 2 tea towels there but never folded perfectly.  I kinda thought...mmmm. this isn't me.  I am not known for tidiness, more like organised chaos.  Ah well maybe the pets have learnt new habits or maybe I was sleep tidying but highly unlikely.
Maybe I will return home from shops tomorrow and find the washing has been put away haha.
Timer lamp came on ok last night but didn't actually go off.  I have tweaked it again so let's hope it turns off at bedtime.  If not I will tweak some more tomorrow or try a different timer unit.
Will you do anything with your quince when ready? Make jam? Preserve them?
Don't know if I have shared this story with you yet.  When the folks were here big sis and I were going to have a chocolate baileys ( not the sis with liver probs), so I poured her a normal measure and chose only to have a shot glass for my measure.  Being the generous daughter I am I offered mum a taste, well .....didn't see that drink again.
Next night same again but mum was going to have a drop, so served it in a baileys glass.  She wasn't exactly sipping it so we asked her to go easy(she's not a big drinker), her response...."If I finish it she may offer me another, " my giddy uncle, she is such a hoot.  A tiny little woman but very much the head of the family and so good natured and never has to raise her voice.  I don't think she has ever had to.
Bit funny as when I want to get my point across I have been known to say Nanna Boo has spoken,.... funnily enough it works.
Ok dear friend will sign off for now, don't think you have anything to be concerned about re the cholesterol tests.  Not long till your next break away, you deserve every minute of it, don't forget sun block and reading material,
Love Kathy xxx
 

Hi Kathy

I did indeed watch the F1. It was actually the highlights programme as I do not have Sky.  Happy with the result of course but lucky to catch it as I had been out for a 4+mile walk and the 'warm up lap' was in progress when I switched on the tv.  Seems strange watching it without hubby as he loved the sport (used to race 750cc racing cars in his early 20's and a lot of our 'dates' were at race meets) but then many things have a different aspect to them now.

Good luck with the shorts/badminton (my knees would not 'bounce' too well lol). Its always good to have something to aim for. Have to say I prefer retail therapy to exercise and am lucky that I can walk to local stores (most within a mile and a half of home) and also garden centre (cafe does lunch!!).

So strange that you mentioned your 'toaster swap'. I had exactly the same conversation with my daughter about my 4 slicer (Mum gave me hers when Dad died as my son said we did not have one!!). I rarely use mine anyway as usually do it under the grill so a new bit of space on the worktop soon.

I agree with you about Andy Murray's wedding pics - both looked wonderful. I love the tennis so am looking forward to Wimbledon fortnight (usually have a week off but this year looks as though staffing issues will not allow this grrrr).  Work is another story at present. Now that I work alone on the department 'enjoy' is not a word I can use.  Do have some lovely 'regulars' but also feel more vulnerable when those 'not so polite' customers turn up. Still, recognise that I am fortunate to have support and need to keep going for now as 'better the devil you know'.

Healthier eating is having desired effect and a few pounds lost so will be happier in summer clothes. Today is a beautiful Spring day with temps promised of 24 so once I have been to visit Mum this morning, and having mowed the lawn at the weekend, I feel an afternoon of relaxtion  and a good crime novel in hand looming.

Glad you are managing some catch up time with old friends.  I am hoping to arrange another coach trip with a friend soon (though will also go alone if she is not free) but first am looking forward to next Wednesday when I have my next mini break (5 days).  Before that I am looking after youngest grandson. Zack, as my daughter has her hospital appointment on Friday and has been told to allow around 4hrs for all the heart tests etc (son's girlfriend is going with her in case she cannot drive afterwards).

Well, best sign off for now, enjoy our chats but housework to finish before I go out.  Look after yourself. Hugs, Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Sorry for the late reply. We are both still suffering from the bug, Mrs B especially. She collapsed on the bathroom floor on Saturday and It took everything I had to lift her up and get her back to bed. I have been promoted to head cook but am worried she is not eating or drinking anywhere near enough despite my best efforts. I am so surprised she has not had a diabetic turn because of it.

They say the temperature may hit 25 degrees  today so you might be able to get out into the garden with your book Jules. Bet you are off to see your mother shortly and that you will enjoy the walk. The sun is out here and the birds are singing. I do believe that good weather like this makes us all feel better. I bet you notice this when serving customer at THE BOOK SHOP. Everyone seems much more cheerful when the sun is shining.

My son got another silver and a gold for longbow at archery on Saturday while my granddaughter got four more gold medals and a trophy as well. Phew, I am proud of them as it was a major shoot. Thanks for asking about my brother in law. He has been having trouble swallowing just lately so mentioned to sister in law about the drinks you used to give your hubby. He has now started his new medication, four large pills per day. He made me smile when he said they look like blooming big horse pills. I replied I hope you dont break out into a gallop then. My grandson is much better thank you and they have managed to get his feed back to near normal allthough he is still very sore round his feeding button. He told his dad, I hope granddad is soon better cause I'm missing my story time with him.

Well take care Jules and enjoy your day off with the lovely weather. Will chat again soon, Hugs, Brian.

P.S.  I have just heard a good friend and woodclub member has died of an aortic annerisuim. He will be sadly missed. I have known him for many years and was a really nice guy and a fantastic woodcarver who specialised in carving wild birds and then painting the carving.

Good afternoon Brian

Really sorry to learn that both you and Mrs B still having problems with the bug.  Do hope Kathy's hints and tips will prove useful and yes, chicken soup always a cupboard essential in my house (thickened with mashed potato) or my favourite being scrambled egg on soft muffin.  Hope recovery will be soon for you both. As I am trying my best to be 'good' made the most of lovely weather by lunching in the garden (Mum was on 'silent mode' this morningso shoo'd me away after 45mins) and am having jacket potato with tuna for dinner plus grilled tomatoes. Also bought some chicken skewers ready for tomorrow's treat.

Happily all paperwork now received so Mum's future care needs sorted and now have 'refund due' for her.  Letter with Care Home for them to arrange repayment. I've let her know the good new and was rewarded with a shrug of the shoulders but it has certainly given me peace of mind. I topped up her 'personal funds' so she can cover her weekly hairdo's and as it is her birthday next month, think I will treat her to some new clothes.

Hope your brother in law gets on okay with new medication (I ended up buying a pill cutter for hubby when he struggled with the 'bombs' he was taking) and hopefully the nutritious shakes will help too - if he asks his GP they can be got on prescription as they are quite pricey.  Mashed bananas/custard wer also a favourite for a while.

Do take care of yourself too Brian and I hope the jam doughnuts do you both some good.

Great news on your son and grand-daughter's awards and I know how proud they make you feel.

Well best stop rambling and get on.  Hugs  Jules x 

Hi Jules et al,

Sorry I've not been on the forum of late - a combination of things seem to have kept me offline! 

Safe to say, I often think about you all and hope to find time to catch up with your news and 'chat' soon! 

Brian, Sorry to hear you and Mrs B are not well.  Hopefully, this spring weather will be a turning point for us all. 

Much love to all on the thread, Jo xxx

Hi Jo

Good to see your post and hope you managing okay. If you are back at school no doubt you being kept busy (but hope you enjoyed the Easter break).  Think of you too but we all know that people drop in and out of the forum as their lives allow.  Saw your avatar namesakes when in Dorset (am sure they were as cute too) Sending hugs. Jules x

Hi Jules,

I'm so glad you had a lovely time with your daughter and grandchildren.  Little ones always have the ability to make us smile and seeing them and their innocence somehow brings hope for the future doesn't it? Lovely that you will also be going away with your son, girlfriend and westie too; your family sound like they are really looking after you.  Must also be difficult for them but I'm sure you gain strength from each other.

I think it's really good that your GP is having regular appointments with you to keep an eye on how you are doing.  It does help enormously to have somebody to talk to and as you say can help you understand things logically.  You did everything you possibly could for hubby and as difficult as the grieving process is, I hope it of comfort to you to know that.

My boys are doing great (hubby included) and I'm lucky to have a lovely family.  Thanks so much for your kind comments; I do think I've come a long way since back in 2013, it's just taken a long time to realise.

How are things with your Mum thesedays?

Hope this lovely sunshine continues, and that it lasts over your next trip.

Speak soon,  Hope x

Hi Brian,

Just wanted to wish you and Mrs B well; so many awful bugs about just now.  Take care.  Hope x