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 Max

My daughter was absolutely 'made up' when I told her a 'virtual buddy' was offering support and I pass on her thanks and that of  Joel. It will be a difficult day emotionally but so worthwhile.  Now here is where I own up about the 'link'.  All I did was type the site address and it highlighted it in blue (I am probably as amazed as  you that it works.)  Though of course we have personal loss to support this year, the group my daughter belongs to was set up by the husband of a young mum at the school  who passed away  a couple of years ago and they chose this charity to run in her memory.  This will be the first time Joel has joined in as he was too young before. 

Thanks again lovely forum buddy. Take care  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

I had allready wriiten a largish post when suddenly I lost it all. So I will try again. Energy levels  are almost back to normal today. Plus the cars interior lights are behaving which is more than can be said for me as I have wound up both my elderly neighbour and Mrs B, in a good natured way of course.

If Kathy should happen to read this, they still had my cheese biscuits on offer at half price at our local Tesco's. But Mrs B said, these are the last ones you can buy as I have run out of room in my cupboards. So I replied, well I can soon sort that out if I eat a lot of them. Dont think Mrs B was too impressed with that. I tried to see if she would bake me some homemade ones but she just pointed at the cooker and said you know where the cheese and flour is. Just cant seem to get my way anymore.

We already have had an enquiry about joining the wood club as a result of the show. I had a young disabled girl who rather took a fancy to one of my wooden acorn key rings. The adults with her told her they didnt have any change and started to move away and I could see she was quite upset. So I called her back and told her she could take it with her and Jules it was worth it just to see the smile on her face. The metal ring cost me less than 10p and only took less than 5 minutes work, and it's not the first time I have done this. It not all about making money. To be honest, I doubt if most crafts people make money if they took a hard analitical look at their costs. Most are lucky if they cover their costs. In my instance, it is so easy to overlook the cost of abrasive paper, laquer, glue, electricity, tools, ect. I do it more because I enjoy making things out of waste timber and also enjoy meeting people.

Hope you enjoyed you meal with your friend. When I took Mrs B to se the nurse for a check up yesterday, I asked the nurse if she could tell me the result of my blood test for my psa I had last week. My psa has gone up from 0.89 to 1.4 but the nurse said the doctor wa quite happy as it's still very low. I am not concerned as my consultant said my psa would evcentually rise to about 3 to 3.5.  

Have tried out my mini blow lamp today for my badgers and am quite pleased with the results. Hope to show you the results shortly.

Take care and will chat again soon, Brian.

Hi Jules, firstly let me apologise for not being on the forum for so long, but you do remain in my thoughts. How are you doing? Sounds like your visit to your Mum recently was lively albeit a little emotional too. I did chuckle when you said she was tapping her feet to the music, seems like she does enjoy things despite being non communitive at times. Shame your bingo is closing, hope you can find somewhere else to go to have a social night out. I'm chugging along, youngest coming up to exams and hoping he gets the required grades to go. to Uni in London in September. Eldest still doing well & now they are both fairly independent it's maybe time for some "Me time" - whatever will I do LOL! Take care & thinking of you. Hope x

Hi Brian

Lovely to hear that you made a little girl very happy by your act of kindness. Anyone watching would have b een truly touched, as I am.  Her smile would have been reward enough.  Glad you have had interest in the Club too as it would be a shame to see numbers fall away - we need this kind of craftsmanship to be encouraged (I can come up with ideas but would  be hopeless on the practical front!!).

Hope you have not run out of biscuits in an effort to get the cupboard re-filled and cannot imagine Mrs B will let you starve. Good luck with your next shopping trip!

Fantastic news regarding your psa results and hope Mrs B's check up was okay too.  I have to do twice weekly observations with newly acquired BP monitor starting this Friday - hope the stress of working it  does not raise the BP ha ha.

Look forward to seeing your new handiwork with 'blow lamp' badgers and what fun you must be having thinking up and carrying out new ideas.

Had a nice meal out with my friend and was good to return to a well liked restaurant.  We had a big catch up on family news and promised ourselves not to leave it so long the  next time.

Work was manic today and was pretty pleased when the time came to leave for home.  Am being lazy and have not even changed out of the uniform yet but am in for the rest of today so don't think I shall worry about it!!

Hope you and Mrs B have a peaceful weekend and that your young grandson is getting on okay.  Regards Jules x

Hi Brian
Re the biccies can't you build a wooden box to store them in???  No room for more shelving in the kitchen??!
Loved your display of wooden products, you are a very talented gent indeed.  You have such a gift.  I can't even draw curtains.
Made dessert tonight for first time in ages as had a pal around for tea.

Bread and butter pudding yum.
Getting back into the baking/cooking mode after a while away from it.  Or maybe I just do to stir you, either way it works.
Regards to Mrs B.
Take care
Kathy x
 

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Hi Hope

Nice to see your post and catch up with your news.  You must be very proud of your boys and wish the youngest all the best for his exams - nailbiting times!  I bet  your eldest is working hard and enjoying his chosen path (and enjoying Uni social life along the way).  If younger son gets into London am I right in remembering they will both be based in the City?

Do not worry you will always find something to do with your time and you thoroughly deserve the me time or perhaps even some 'us time' with your husband.  I enjoyed an Indian curry with a friend from 'second time round ante natal days' - blast from the past and she was looking for company to help her get back into social life having lost her Mum back in February (we were on the same wavelength). Have promised to do it again, sooner rather than later, but the days do seem to whizz by and its good to be back to some sort of work routine after my series of breaks (mind you after today's manic Thursday change around at work am wondering why I am still there ha ha).

Sleep still 'disturbed' but hopefully time will sort this out - no matter how much I do during the day I still seem to wake every few hours or so (habit that could be  hard to break perhaps).

Look after yourself and thanks for your kind words. I am sure many of us remember those whom we have chatted too along our journey on the forum and appreciated your dropping by.  Kind thoughts sent your way.  Jules x

Looks great and was my Dad's favorite (sorry not a fan myself). No matter what the pic, if its food related it works for me.  Thanks Kathy.  Off to raid the fridge as have yet to sort out tonight's meal.Chat soon.  Jules x

To those who responded so generously to the just giving link (you will know who you are) my daughter has asked that I send grateful thanks.  She was very touched by the thoughtfulness of people she has never met and no doubt shared the news with Joel (eldest boy) when she did the school run.  Thanks and appreciation from me too, goes without saying. (just off to have a wobble moment).Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Today is a sad day as I am attending the funeral of pur club member who passed away so suddenly. Last weekend one of my other club members said at the previous show the year before, he was taken on a guided tour by him and he said he was so knowledgable not only about the plants and trees but also the birds and animals as well. He was a really nice guy and will be sorely missed by many of us.

Glad you enjoyed your meal and also cathching up with your friend. It's nice to keep in contact. When Mrs B had the Bug, her warferin levels went through the roof and the nurs told her to stop taking the tablets for a few days but on Tusday her levels luckily had returned to normal. We have one new lady member going to come along to our next wood club meeting so thats goods news. Dont blame you for feeling lazy after your manic day.

At our show on Monday, Ian who had a stall next to me selling wonderfull wooden toys had a lady who wanted one of his toys. (photo of his stand attached)He wrapped it up for her and she started to walk away, so he asked her for the money. To our surprise she said, "Oh, do I have to pay for it"?  I thought at first she was joking but she wasnt. She did eventually pay up and went on her way mumbling under her breath. He often spends more time painting them with the child safe paint than he does making the toy itself.

I hope you have a peaceful and relaxing weekend, sending best wishes, Brian

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Good morning Jules,

Today is a sad day as I am attending the funeral of pur club member who passed away so suddenly. Last weekend one of my other club members said at the previous show the year before, he was taken on a guided tour by him and he said he was so knowledgable not only about the plants and trees but also the birds and animals as well. He was a really nice guy and will be sorely missed by many of us.

Glad you enjoyed your meal and also cathching up with your friend. It's nice to keep in contact. When Mrs B had the Bug, her warferin levels went through the roof and the nurs told her to stop taking the tablets for a few days but on Tusday her levels luckily had returned to normal. We have one new lady member going to come along to our next wood club meeting so thats goods news. Dont blame you for feeling lazy after your manic day.

At our show on Monday, Ian who had a stall next to me selling wonderfull wooden toys had a lady who wanted one of his toys. (photo of his stand attached)He wrapped it up for her and she started to walk away, so he asked her for the money. To our surprise she said, "Oh, do I have to pay for it"?  I thought at first she was joking but she wasnt. She did eventually pay up and went on her way mumbling under her breath. He often spends more time painting them with the child safe paint than he does making the toy itself.

I hope you have a peaceful and relaxing weekend, sending best wishes, Brian

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Hello Brian,

Was unable to get back to sleep at 5a.m. so have given up and decided to chat to my virtual buddies before going out today. I hope your pal's funeral went as well as these moments can and am sure you all gave him a good send off. I am sure he passed  some wonderful knowledge on to others and those memories will last forever (and probably inspire a few too).

Am sure you will welcome new member with open arms and she will soon feel right at home with like minds. Looking at your friends toys really shows how versatile wood can be and the joy it can bring to others. Sadly I can believe that someone would  think they can just help themselves. Have had experience of mothers letting their childrens 'use' colouring books in the shop and then put them back on the shelf (or in their bag!!). What's worrying is they do not see it as wrong which gives totally wrong message to the younger generation. Dont even get me started on that one!!!!!

Pleased to hear that Mrs B warfarin levels are back to normal. Mum takes this drug too and its easily sent haywire during periods of illness so good to get things regularly monitored.  On that note I now have my six weekly at home BP monitoring under way (reading yesterday still too high). Trying not to stress about it is easier said than done but have taken a couple of steps within my diet already which may make a difference (switching to non caffeine coffee and diet drinks) and yesterday's shopping looked like an advert for 5 a day several times over ha ha. My weight is not an issue (though would not mind losing half a stone and that could also help).  Kathy has given me some hints and tips so will see how things go. If medication is required in the end sobeit but that 'stress' is not so easy to switch off ha ha and I am not a gym type (maybe I should run rather than walk - wish it was possible but think my knees/hip would complain before I did).

Had a good evening out last night and a little win which will pay for todays trip out so starting the day with a smile and hope we manage to dodge the thundery showers that are forecast (though am sure we can find a nice teashop to pop into given the need to find shelter).  There is a Farmers' market on near the Abbey too so it would seem I am destined to find food one way or another. Also lots of individual shops and antiques to explore if we cannot manage to sit by the river.

Right off to get breakfast so will wish you and Mrs B a peaceful weekend. Take care Jules x

I did manage to mow the lawn and trim some shrubs, that were 'catching' my washing line up, before the rain arrived yesterday.  Also 'something' had trampled my peonies in the front garden and a stem with a bursting bud was snapped so have put it into a vase and it is  starting to perk up a bit. At least I should see the flower now.

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Hi Jules, 
Apologies for butting in but just had to post this for our dear friend Brian, although no nuts or cheese, lots of naughty stuff.  But realistically eggs are good for protein,cream is good for dairy and fresh fruit??? What can go wrong.
Kathy x
 

Hi Jules,

Having lost yet another post, am trying to remember what I had written first time around. So pleased to hear you not only enjoyed your night out on Friday, but also had a little win as well. I hope you also enjoyed your trip out with your friend and the weather was kind too.

I had a fairly busy Saturday morning. After getting back from making our neighbour her usual cup of tea, (which I dont drink myself) we had a phone call from my son to say that the local Cancer Research shop had a lot of owl plates for sale at £4.00 each. So Mrs B and I set off pretty quick and when we arrived found they had eight of them on display. I asked Mrs B which ones she liked best and her answer was "All of them".  So I took her in the shop and bought all eight for her. With all her health problems she never complains and also has to put up with me. I tell you Jules, It was worth it to see the smile on her face. When we came out it was even bigger. The only problem we or rather I have to find some where to put them and something to put them on. On our way back from the shop, we almost went past the nut shop but my feet took control as I saw saw they still had the BUY 2, GET THIRD BAG FREE. So I came home with a bag each of chocolate peanuts, Raisons and Brazil nuts. I also had a collasible sack trolley arrive when we got home which will save me a lot of trips when loading/ unloading my car when I have a craft fair as it will carry at least three boxes per time. It is lightweight and folds flat so I can take it with me quite easily.

My friends funeral went off very well and as he was so well liked, we only just managed to get inside the small chapel and were packed in like sardines. I have a feeling one or two late comers were unable to get in and had to wait outside. Its funny how you think you know someone fairly well but there were many stories told at the service of how he had given up his time and expertise to help so many people which shouldnt have surprised me really. I found out, Some of his work, both carvings and his work as a carpenter had also been featured in several magazines over the years. I realized I didnt know him as well as I thought I did.

Jules, I see our good friend Kathy is doing her best to stirr me up again. Kathy, the bread and butter pudding didnt do anything for me, but your latest offering with the rasberries has had my mouth watering yet again. You do it deliberately and it works. So I will just mention, Mrs B just might, I say might bake me some CHEESE BISCUITS, Mmmmnnnnn. I can smell the aroma of them cooking Kathy

I hace just scanned the 4 page leaflet we produce about joining our wood club plus the joining form we ask them to fill in and a map so I can now send prospective new members all the info straight away via e-mail instead of posting it to them, saving time and money.

In a way I am not surprised at what you wrote about the children and colouring books in your shop as when we have been shopping, I have seen children take stuff from the shelves and eat it and have felt pretty sure they or their parents havnt not told the counter staff about it when checking out.

I expect you went on you usual Sunday morning walkabout and bet you enjoyed it as the weather has been nice. Hope you didnt buy any naughty stuff ( hark at me with all the chcolate goddies) Ha Ha. It is bound to take time for your concentration levels regarding reading to return for so much has happened to change your life in the past few months and it's bound to take a while to get used to the new set of circumstanses. But you know your buddies are here for you anytime.

I hope you have a pleasant week Take care, sending kind thoughts your way, Brian.

Hi Kathy

No problem, looks yummy and am liking your theories as to why its good for you!!!  All the best  and I bet its already gone. Jules x

Hi Brian

Enjoyed my trip of Saturday and managed to miss the shower (we were on the coach at the time) so had a blustery but dry day.  Spent 5hrs in Tewkesbury and visited the Abbey/gardens (huge copper beach, magnolia, cherry, English and Irish Yew, Cut leaf Lime , Weeping Ash (just breaking bud) to name but a few of the trees on the Abbey Lawn. Then visited some of the little individual shops, took a short boat trip along the Avon, had a pub lunch with local cider and even managed a cuppa tea (my friend had a cream tea and the scone was the size of a large saucer!!) before re-boarding the coach home.  Think we did very well. I bought a couple of bits to remember my visit by too.

I am sure Mrs B is over the moon with her new plate collection and you are now planning to build a wooden cabinet to show them off!  Its lovely that your son let you know and even lovelier that you were able to get them all for such a decent outlay.  A Saturday well spent especially as then you could treat yourself - just love brazils (my Dad used to buy buttered brazils back in the good old days mmmmm). I reckon you will be taking that new folding trolley to the nut shop before long.

Weather nice here today and even have the back door (patio doors) open for a while when I got in from work.  Hoping tomorrow will be good and then after visit to Mum will get out and do some gardening. Washed all the garden furniture on Sunday after I had done my 3hr walk in the morning and also spent an hour or so with friends in their garden in the afternoon so was a lovely weekend.

Chat again soon but in the meantime take care of yourselves. Jules x

Coo = that all sounds quite lovely Jules = what a busy time you have had and in what lovely weather!! Yes we also did our long walk today and finished up in Tesco's!! The garden is coming on and have found the first greenfly on some plants!!! I saved all the lilies from last summer and they are doing us proud again. So, things not too bad. Off tomorrow again and plans to go to the dump and walk - maybe wash the car - but I am anti this at moment. I wish cars had a coat like a dog and could shake itself clean and dry!!

Hi Brian = sounds you have been busy as well = I think the woodwork sounds cool to me, and a bril thing to do

steve

Oh my goodness Kathy S  -  what a truly delicious looking pablova (is that the right spelling?)  -  my absolute favourite.  Please come and stay with me lol !!!!!!!! Max x

Hi Jules,

Have had a very busy morning. Shopping follwed by taking Mrs B to get her warferin checked and once agian its spot on, Then off to see one of our woodclub members who has had to give up turning as he has balance problems. He has given me lots of small branches of yew which is just what I needed plus a lot of other bits and pieces. Have now got to unload my car and find a place to store them all. My son and granddaughter both won gold medals last Sunday at archery at a place called Newhaven which is on the coast (photo of my son looking happy and medal attached)

Its our next meeting this Wednesday evening so have paper work and printing to do before then. Hope your visit to your mother went well today. When we were shopping today, although the cheese biscuits were still on offer, I think Mrs B had phoned them to get them to empty the shelves for they were completely empty. This will make Kathys day ha ha..

Well had better go and unload the car before Mrs B see how much extra wood I have aquired. Take care, best wishes and kind thoughts sent your way, Brian

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Hi Steve,

I love this time of year when things are growing in the garden.  Mine is very very green at the moment as mostly laid to lawn and shrubs out the back though do have a Japanese maple and some large poppies currently give a contrast of colours.  The Spring blossom has all but blown away but I have planted bowls and some lavender in bloom.  I have a large area of day lilies and they will flower later. Am also trying to grow some of hubby's favourites - dahlias - though will be doing battle with the slugs and snails!

Lovely here just now (on my day off) though a bit too windy to sit outside.  Have today bought sand and accessories for the new sand/water table for the grandchildren to enjoy when the weather allows.Plonked it into my shopping trolly with small shop on top and trundled it home no problem (daughter had offered a lift but exercise is good).

Hope you and Anne have a peaceful week ahead.  Jules x