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, 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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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 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

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 Max,
Yes the pav is my favourite too and yummy for brekkie.(lunch, tea, midnight snack....the list goes on but can assure you is never allowed to get old and be chucked out).  Going to try cheesy bacon balls soon.  Basically cold mash spuds with chopped up bacon and onion rolled into balls.  You put a cube of cheese in the middle, ( I hear Jules and Brian pricking up those ears), roll in breadcrumbs and fry or oven bake.  Result when you cut into them the melted cheese oooozes out.
Doggy sitting Sacha from next door for 2 days, will try and get a pic of little and large to post.  Heater on, 5 degrees, why didn't I emigrate to a warm climate haha.
Big hugs,
Kathy xx
 

Good morning Jules,

Hope you have dried out after your rainsoaked trip home. Have had to spend a couple of days tidying my garage and finding somewhere to store my new stock of timber. I was also giver another set of chuck jaws for my lathe so this has increased the size of timber I can use in my chuck. We had our new club member turn up plus we had one who used to be a member rejoin so good news on that front.

Hope you have time to organize you sand table for your grandchildrens visit. Before going to the woodclub I went to see my three grandchildren and the youngest one was the most excited. He had spent the day up in London seeing specialists about his speach problems. They have decided there is nothing  much they can do to improve things at the moment but have decided to try and get him to talk a bit slower as when he talks fast, it makes it much harder to understand him. Considering he was told he would never talk, I think he does amazingly well. It must be so frustrating for him when he cant get people to understand him.

I hope you get to enjoy your night out tonight; cant be long before they close. Have you found anything else to take its place yet Jules? I think we all need to have a hobby/ outside interest for life would get very mundane without them. At the wood club I had a couple of people who came and thanked me for organizing the club discount form various companies/shops as they got a very good discout for a quantity of fencing they wanted. So pleased to hear this is working and make the time I spent organizing it worthwhile.

I wish you a happy time with your family and a peaceful weekend, take care, Brian.

Hi Brian

Second time (again) at having to re post (keep getting the message this page cannot be displayed and then lose the post (maybe I am 'talking/typing too much ha ha).

No win at the bingo but a nice evening out nonetheless.  Next Thursday is the grand finale of the bingo hall and they are holding a party alongside increased winnings (I can but hope!) being given out.  It will be missed for many reasons by many people.  No firm plans to replace it yet though when my friend moves in June they have a Club nearby so may get 'eyes down' on occasions in the future. With reasonable weather I will see what's going on locally but still have my walks/coach trips and buddies to keep me occuplied (oops nearly forgot the babysitting availability have just increased to friday nights!! though to be fair they do not go out very often and most of my 'sitting' is related to daughter's current hospital appointment schedule.

Hope you have had the  nice weather we have enjoyed this weekend.  Yesterday's family lunch was good.  The granchildren loved have the Swinball back up in the garden (played with  more by the adults!!) and the new sand/water playtable was a huge hit with one toddler resembling a little sandman by the end of the afternoon and the elder one appearing at the patio doors as a 'smurf' having found his supply of play chalk!!!!!!! Both sent home suitably tired and  my son's dog was pretty whacked too.  Today they are all off the Black Park in Bucks for a picnic with friends, complete with 'pop up' badiminton set.

I am shortly off out for my usual Sunday walk and with lunch/dinner being buffet leftovers, a lazy day anticipated.

It seems as though your youngest grandson is doing much more than was ever invisaged and its good that there is no pressure on him but he can manage things at this own pace. His character will always shine through and a credit to his upbringing. His smile is worth a thousand words I bet.

I bet you felt tired after re-jigging your work space/wood storage but also expect your  mind was whirring with new ideas/plans for your new wood pieces and its good news that  your have both a new member and a returnee.  It must make your efforts so worthwhile and the fact that members can gain discounts locally too is a help to all.  All the very best with your future plans.  Best regards to  your and Mrs B and hope you enjoying a peaceful weekend. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Hope you enjoyed your walk this morning is the lovely sunshine. Hope you didnt buy any naughties.  Bet you enjoyed the company of your grandchildren yesterday. Did you have a go on the swingball or were you too busy with the sand table? Only joking Jules. Loved your description of the sandman and the smurf. Pity your bingo club is closing for its not just bingo, it's a meeting place where people meet up and have fun. So many clubs are closing it's a great shame. It's the same with Pubs even though I never use them.

I had a cancer meeting yesterday for Macmillan and bought some chips on my way home for my dinner. I know they are not supposed to be good for us but the smell as I drove past was too good to ignore.

After clearing up my garage, This morning I have turned four mini bud vase's (2 yew, 1 holly and 1 labernum) and have then had to clean my garage up again. So much shavings from just four little vase's. It's a mugs game, ha ha. Photo attached. Tommorow I will have to contact my dentist as on Friday evening one of my back teeth had the filling come out and also a part of tooth broke away. I have a very sharp piece keeps catching the inside of my cheek and its getting very sore so wont get any turning done then in the afternoon Mrs B has to pick up her new glasses so will give her a lift to get them.

Have decided to use some of the ally framework from Mrs B's old broken washing line to make the jig and new tool post for my oval picture turning. I am really looking forward to the challenge of this as it's something none of our woodclub members have done as far as I can tell. I am aiming for the frames to 8 inches tall but only six inches wide and hope to have them both as wall hanging and freestanding versions.  So keeping fingers crossed my idea works in practise as I hate being beaten.

Take care, best wishes for a good week at workand hope you enjoy whats left of today, Brian.

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This is the labernum one and is all natural colours (sapwood and heartwood)

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Hi Brian

I did enjoy my walk on Sunday and bumped into one of the mums who used to live in my road (our kids would often play together and I used to help occasionally when she had twins (her eldest was about3 then). She had heard about my hubby's death, offered her condolences and we chatted (her poor husband standing patiently whilst we had a mini catch up).  She has divorced and remarried and retired and was sweek enough to offer me her company whenever I fancy a lunch out if I would like some company. Strange really, even before hubby passed away my weekend walks had always  been a part of my week (part of my normal routine in a way as when he worked away from home on business I had to have a social life both with the children (he began working abroad as well as in Britain when my youngest was around 3) and for myself). I dropped into the Artisan and Farmers' Market but stayed away from the cheese stall as still have a variety to work my way through from the weekend. I did pick up a couple of bits to go into my 'presents cupboard' for future use.

It is s shame that our bingo club is closing but its not for lack of attendance; just the freeholder reclaiming it for another use (the local residents had petitioned against the plans to no avail). My thoughts are with the staff, most of whom are being made redundant.  Will make the most of their big party night this week and will still see my friend for social chit chat on a reasonably regular basis (and I fear our phone bills will rise).

Hope your cancer meeting was interesting and no doubt constructive with your involvement and reckon you deserved the chips (usually I have these only as a fish and chip supper but can understand the need to 'follow your nose'). 

Your bud vase is very pretty and lovely to see the craft turn a piece of wood into something useful and  good on the eye.  I suspect you are now working towards your next show but in the meantime you and Mrs B get the benefit of having beautiful items as 'lodgers' in your home - I would find it hard to move them out!!

Regarding 'playing in the garden' would have loved to have got out there (Swingball rather than the sand and water table!) but left it to my children (reliving their younger days ha ha) to keep the little ones company whilst I caught up with my sister in law's news though she was not as upbeat about the Isle of Man on this visit and they are still living very much like 'campers in their own home' with so much still waiting to be done to make the house fully weatherproof.  I think they have found a lot more needed doing than they had realised and the slow pace of life they crave could be a while in coming bearing in mind they are doing a lot of the preparation work themselves. She is staying with her friend until next Monday and taking her 'shopping list goodies back with her - made me laugh when she told me no ! on the list was a man hole cover!

Well, this morning I am off to visit Mum and its her 89th birthday so have goodies to take with me(new clothes for her wardrobe as she only gives chocolates/flowers etc back to me or the staff and decided this would be difficult to do with personal clothing). I will also take in cake/biscuits for the residents and staff to have at tea time. Fingers crossed she will be feeling a little happier this week but I suppose inwardly I know she hates every birthday and this one is unlikely to be any different - I will put on my happy face and hope to see a smile.

My daughter and grandchildren popped in after school yesterday and we had a quick hour together. I had got a couple of raffle prizes together for the school summer fair and also she is having 'memory bears' made for the children(constructed from their grandad's suits) to help with the grieving process.  My eldest grandson has also asked for a sleepover so we have to find a night soon which is okay for all concerned.

My son and partner are 'gearing up' for their scuba diving holiday in 10 days time. They should have better weather than we are currently experiencing and will enjoy the company of other club members on this trip (Club organised - though they are both actively involved in making the Club tick, her Dad and herself both 'teachers of the sport' so will be taking 'lessons' as well as enjoying the diving).

Well had best stop rambling (hard to stop once you start; a side effect of living alone I guess).  All the very best to you and Mrs B. Regards Jules x

Good afternoon Jules,

Pleased you enjoyed your walk and met up with a mum you used to know and good that she offerd to met up with you for a meal. I used to like going for a long walk but Mrs B get tired so easily we only do short walks these days. We have just got back from a drive down to the coast. We both really enjoyed it as I had the roof light open and took the country route using narrow lanes. We could hear the birds singing and saw the young lambs prancing about in the fields so it was really enjoyable. We also had a look round a large garden centre and Mrs B saw some terific china owls; the only problem was the prices were very high.

My son has set three new club records for archery (Longbow) on his last three outings and visited my grandchildren last night and had to do my usual story telling duty with my youngest grandson. He was so pleased to see me. Have also mowed our lawns and as usual done our neighbours for her. She has gone on holiday to Dawlish this week so had pretty good weather.

Yesterday I cut up some on the Holly I was given last year. I looks like it's fairly dry but will give it a bit longer before I turn it. Hope you mother like her new clothes. Bet the staff enjoyed the cakes. I thought that was a lovely thing to have memory bears made for your grandchildren to remember their grandad.

Well, have got some more paper work to do for the woodclub so had better sign off for now.

Take care, Best wishes for tonights outing, Brian.

Hi Brian

How lovely that you had a drive to the coast and that you could enjoy the weather together and wander round the garden centre (thats my plan for tomorrow as over 60's get a discount before 11 am and I have a voucher to use up and a few things I would like to get).

Your son continues to do well at the Archery and your grand-daughter is obviously stricken with the bug too and following in his footsteps. Nice to have a different hobby/sport to enjoy.

Sadly Mum liked nothing about her birthday at all and would  have had me take everything away.  I can be stubborn too and having already labelled them (for home laundry purposes) I took them to her room and hung them in her wardrobe. It will be interesting to see if I get to see them on her or whether she refuses to let the care staff 'put them on'. Still the staff and residents went ahead and sange happy birthday anyway (I think they are used to all the 'characters' they have as residents and take it all in their stride - to be admired).

Well, had our last bingo night in the Club last night and my friend had a win so that was lovely. They had laid on wine/soft drinks on entry and even had a singer prior to the evening session starting so glad we decided to go along earlier than usual.  Many of the old staff as well as current ones came along. The place was packed and a some of the regulars were even up dancing - quite a night.  When the current Manager thanked everyone for coming along to make their last night special hald his staff were in tears but there was lots of cheers and clapping too. My friend and I will miss our regular 'slot' but will still get together until she moves (and then will talk on the phone inbetween visits).

Right, nearly finished a cuppa so am off into the garden as its very pleasant here just now and must make the most of it.

Hope you and Mrs B keeping well and will chat again soon.  Regards Jules x