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,

Thanks for your reply. Hope you are keeping well and avoiding the temptation of any cheesy things.

Dad certainly look well for a 93 year old. I know he will continue to fight as that is the person he is. I told him I am very proud of him and I could teel that pleased him.

I have included a quote especially for you

Take care, sending best wishes and kind thoughts (you know the cheesy thoughts) you way, Brian

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Hi Brian,
You won't believe I had that quote stored away to send you.  All ok here, roll on summer. Our summer is forecast to be a particularly hot one as this winter has been very cold.  What can you do?  Just go with the flow.  Looking forward to Bimbulbum starting as I am usually awake through the night so can watch the matches ok.  Off to babysit the little ones next weekend so will be kept on my toes.  What joy.  Intend making lots of cheesy dishes...  Shhhh don't tell their mother.  
Will check up on the old bird while there, too witt too woo.
Take care
Kathy x
 

Hi Brian

My Sunday walk was in the rain!! Still the garden needed it.  It rained for a good part of the day so think you were lucky to miss it.

Bet you are pleased with your new furniture and handy that you could move it yourself and use the van to get rid of the old bits and pieces.

Fingers firmly crossed that the bug has been beaten.  Although Zack needed rehydration in hospital on Saturday I have looked after him today and he was his cheeky self.  Joel was also able to go back to school having had to miss Friday as you have to keep them off for at least 48 hrs after sickness.

I had the nausea yesterday afternoon but apart from feeling very tired (sleeping still hard to come by) am coping okay. 

My daughter had her hospital appointment today and they have ruled out epilepsy and diagnosed vasavagel syncope (fainting fits to you and me!).  They have told her to increase the salt in her diet and up the amount of water she drinks especially in hot weather).  They have also given advice to my son in law as to how to position her when she has an episode.  Think they both feel a little more relaxed now they know.  Unless they become more frequent its unlikely she will need to go back.

Apart from my usual visit to Mum tomorrow I have no other plans until the weekend and with the weather looking good the tennis will keep me amused.

Love the colour of the rose.  My white one is very overladen this year so have cut some to bring indoors and just love the perfume.  I have a yellow one in the front garden which has finished its first flowering  but should come on again. With the heatwave promised I will have to water the containers after dark so they get the benefit.

Good that your young grandson is still as cheeky as ever and am sure it runs in the family (love the quote you sent to Kathy) and a sense of humour certainly helps with the stresses of life.  Your grand-daughter sounds like she takes after you with her writing skills to and its lovely that she has been recognised in the paper.

Right, off now to phone an old buddy of my hubby.  Take care and regards to you both and the family.  Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Hope your keeping cool. Sorry to read you had your walk in the rain on Sunday. It was fine all day here. Pleased to hear family have recovered from sickness bug and that they have found no big problems with your daughters health. You must all be quite relieived.

Too hot to work in my garage as it has a low asbestos type roof and gets very hot. Have had an e-mail from my sister in Canada regarding dad. His prostate cancer has come back and spread to his spine. He also has heart problems and blood problems plus a bladder infection. He has told my sister he thinks he is nearing the end of the line which is not like him at all. She also feels the same. She has promised to keep me updated regading his health. Its funny; I only meet my dad for a month but we are so alike; same likes, dislikes and mannerisuims. More like him than my two other brothers who to be fair are half brothers but that doesnt make any difference to me. Having grown up believing I was an only child like you, It has been amazing to find I had had two brothers and three sisters in Canada and then to find I had a sister living about an hours drive away who is so like my mum and who also like the same things as me. It certainly has been a life changing experiance as I always wanted a sister when I was growing up.

Hope you are enjoying watching the tennis and are also able to spend some time in the garden. Mrs B is like you in that she has trouble sleeping. She suffers from restless leg syndrome and think the hot weather is making it worse. Our family of blackbirds seem to love the hot weather as the last couple of days they have been singing non stop virtually all day long. My sister also sent me a link to view a whole load of unusual trees. Even she knows I'm a tree freak. I have downloaded them all. Plus I found another site yesterday and downloaded about another 200 pictures of the USA for one of my threads. After not having any syptoms much for the past few years, my hayfeaver is making my eyes water so have bought some pills to hopefully stop this.. As I write this, it is clouding over at the moment. I dont envy those like my son who has to work out in the heat.

Mrs B asked me to take her to a farm shop about five/six miles away early this morning as they do have some nice vegs and it gave her a short run out. The prices there are similar Tesco's but far fresher quality. I gave Tescos staff a big fright yesterday; I went down there in my short's and trust me, that enough to frighten anyone. Even Mrs B has to wear her dark sunglasses. Incidentally, there was me telling you not to but any naughty foods; when I got to Mr Tesco's they had a lot of things I am not supposed to eat on special offer and I succumed and got told off by she who must be obeyed. I tried the old line about them just falling into the trolley but it didnt work. Think I shall have to come up with some new excuses. So Brianitus is alive and well once more.

Cant belive how quick this week is going by. Will chat again soon,take care, best wishe to you and your family, Brian

Hi Brian

Just returned indoors having had breakfast in the garden.  Very pleasant and am thinking I would have done better to have slept out there!!

It must be sad to receive the news regarding your Dad's delicate health just now and not at all easy having to rely on long distance updates.  Hopefully they can keep him as comfortable as possible but am sure it will be totally frustrating for him and exceptionally tiring bless him. Will keep you all in my thoughts.

You are very brave showing off your knees in public (mine have remained hidden for years unless on a beach!!) and love the thought of MrsB trying to hide behind her dark glasses though it seems as though you are getting away with a lot just now - all that naughty shopping leading to Brianitus.  In this warm weather I have not felt particularly hungry so have not been snacking as much (probably a good thing) but have been enjoying frozen yogourt and fruit.  I suspect that will be somewhat different on Saturday when we are all hoping to go to the Cotswold Show where there will be many home made goodies/rural treats on offer though I know the pulled pork and hog roast would not tempt you!!

I have now, I hope, found an alternative to my night out, though the socialising will be during the day and not just on Fridays!  I have joined  a local(10 mins walk away) Gymophobics centre where you have thirty minutes of excerise and can then socialise if you wish (its lovely relaxed atmosphere and ladies only (ages range from youngsters to 87 and you have a personal programme to follow).  Think it will be good for me to have a new challenge which could also offer the social aspect you miss when living alone.

Have really been enjoying the tennis though it does not stop me from being out and about. This morning I am meeting my daughter and Zack at the library and then going for a coffee before I have to pop into town to pick up an order I have placed.  Will probably lunch out before getting back and hopefully catch Murray's match.  My week off is going far too quickly.

Hope the tablets help your hay fever - not at all pleasant and know quite a few people are struggling with it at the moment.  Only really spending early morning/evening in the garden which is very peaceful and am slowly working my way through a book.  Only another dozen or so waiting to be read now!!!

Apparently we could have some thundery showers today so had best put brolly in my bag as would not make a good candidate for wet t shirt look.

Have a restful day and my regards to you and Mrs B and the family.  Jules x

Hi Jules, as you are a tennis fan, I hope you saw the Nadal/Brown match just now. Wow!  Sue x

Hi Sue

Absolutely riveted in my chair - just amazing tennis. Love it when an underdog wins. U OK?  Jules x

Hi Jules,

It was great wasn't it, so good to watch. As he said, he didn't have anything to loose so just went for it! Will be looking out for his next match, that's for sure.

Am four weeks on from finishing radiotherapy and went back to work this week.The side effects seemed to have hit hard but it is good to focus on other stuff again even though I am really very sore and a bit vulnerable still. Will get there, just impatient to do so!

Hope you are ok too?

Like you, I enjoy my roses so here's one of mine for you.  Take care  Sue xx

Thanks for the lovely picture, just seemed to say 'peaceful surroundings'. With the hot weather my couple of roses are fast blooming and I have cut a good few to keep them going a little longer indoors!.

I hope being back at work helps your recovery but am sure you will need to take it gently for a while.  My hubby never had radiotherapy and I know treatments have come on considerably since his father had it over 33 years ago!   However I do remember how shattered he felt for a few months (and he was already retired!).

I am still experiencing times of vulnerability following hubby's passing and feeling a little low today (6mth anniversary) but will pick myself up as you do and get on with it.  I accept these feelings as perfectly understandable and try to think of it not as a weakness but as life's learning curve (easier said than done sometimes). Am off to do 'supermarket sweep' shortly and then have my induction session at my local Gymophobics gym this afternoon (a brand new challenge to focus on) and a day out with my children/grandchildren tomorrow to The Cotswold Show.

Have a peaceful weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Jules, I'm so sorry about your hubby and how difficult it must be for you to "get on with it" as you put it. How nice though to be so involved with your family and I hope you have a fantastic day at the Cotswold Show. The Cotswolds are my favourite part of the country and I would love to live there if I could so I envy you having it on your doorstep to enjoy. Hope the Gymophobics was fun and is something you can get into too..

So, another day and another great match, with Heather Watson very nearly getting there (not too many fingernails left after that one!). Will be trying to catch Brown again tomorrow if I can.

Take care and have fun tomorrow.  Sue xx

Hi Jules, I'm so sorry about your hubby and how difficult it must be for you to "get on with it" as you put it. How nice though to be so involved with your family and I hope you have a fantastic day at the Cotswold Show. The Cotswolds are my favourite part of the country and I would love to live there if I could so I envy you having it on your doorstep to enjoy. Hope the Gymophobics was fun and is something you can get into too..

So, another day and another great match, with Heather Watson very nearly getting there (not too many fingernails left after that one!). Will be trying to catch Brown again tomorrow if I can.

Take care and have fun tomorrow.  Sue xx

Hi Sue

Well sleeping is not something that comes easily at the best of times but the storms last night gave me good reason to be wide awake!!!  Thankfully now passed through but was up at 4.30  yikes!!! At least I will not have to water the garden when I get back tonight.

I did enjoy my first session(induction!) at Gymophobics though my exercise/breathing coordination needs some working on ha ha. Very social place which is just what I need and I actually find it very calming to be able to concentrate on something different - only time will tell if I can 'tone up' but they re-assess every ten weeks to see how you are doing though you are monitored at every session and guided through any changes they think may help.  It will give me something to do on the days I do not work!!

Have spent a few long weekends in the Cotswolds over the years and always enjoyed it.  Not quite on my doorstep though as its about 2hrs away so will be leaving around 8. Eldest grandson 6+ will want to be everywhere at once but his brother 20mths will slow process a bit when not in his buggy!! I am going with them (they are only 10mins round the corner from me) and my son and his girlfriend (plus dog) are meeting us there. Nothing like a family get-together to keep the spirits up.

The Watson/Williams match was edge of the seat stuff and really felt for our girl. Sure my neighbours would have heard me yelling her on!!  Will have to catch up on today's play when we get home (daughter and the boys staying over as my son in law is out of a work's do 'socialising around London' today and will probably be like a bear with a sore head tomorrow morning!!! He can have a lay in and I can give my daughter a break from making breakfast.

Hope you have a good day. Jules xx

Good morning Jules,

Found this photo yesterday and thought of you. will talk more soon

Brian

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Thank you so much Brian.  What a beautiful bunch! I have four dahlia plants in bud and growing fast.  These were hubby's favourites and he used to grow them many moons ago. Hope you having a peaceful weekend with Mrs B.  I have the grandchildren playing at my feet and daughter having a little lie in for a change as I was already up when the kiddies woke up.  Chat soon  Jules x

Hi Jules,

Pleased you like the Dalias Jules, they were just like the one my mother used to grow.. As soon as I saw them I though it would be nice to send them to you. Bet the little ones are enjoying their slepover and your company. Also pleased you enjoyed your day out yesterday. Bet you have also enjoyed your tennis this week; there have been some good matches played, although not a tennis fan myself. Its good you have foung yourself an alternative to replace your Friday night out. My mother did join a flower arranging club a few years before she died and to eveyones surprise, really enjoyed herself. I think we should all have one evening out per week if only to meet other people.

Mrs B let me take her out for a 2 1/2 hour drive yesterday mostly through the country lanes and we went to places we have never been to before and she really enjoyed herself. At one point we were on the northbound A21 and there was a huge tail back of traffic on the other side of the road so glad we did get caught in that.

My son and grandaugter have another archery competition at Eastbourne today so hoping they do well. Wishing the weather could have been better for them though we do need the rain. I saw a house on the telly from somewhere in your area that had been hit by the lightning on the telly. When I was about 4 to 5 years old I was staying with my grandparents in a very old farm cottage that was struck by lightening twice in the same storm so know that old saying lightning never strikes twice in the same place is wrong. It moved the foundations to such a degree, there was a 1 1/2 inch gap in the outside brick wall and I could see right into my grandfather worshop. Was quite a frightening experiance and My poor grandmother was always scared if there was a bad storm afterwards. 

Managed to mow both lawns and do they look better now I have sharpend the mower. The blade was so blunt it surprised me it was cutting at all. Well I have rambled enough for one day, so I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Take care and hope you and your family have a peaceful day, Brian.

HiBrian

Drizzling here at present so will have to dig the brolly out for my visit to Mum. Still will save me watering the garden. Have been able to get away with not mowing for a couple of weeks as the ground so dry the lawn has barely grown (still a few buttercups and daisies though!). My ornamental grasses and the yucca are loving the warmer weather and I have four huge flower stems on the latter. Everlasting sweet pea and passion flower blooming over the garage and  the pots are looking good.  Its been a few years since I had so much colour in the garden as I rarely bothered with the annuals in pots but has given me a bit of a project and am enjoying the results. The dahlias are beginning to bud (one has a hint of yellow showing) and I am pleased I put the tubers in planting baskets as they will be easier to lift at the end of flowering.  Next question is what to have in the containers over the autumn/winter  but may just pop bulbs in.

My daughter and I took the boys for a treat at the Wimpy for lunch and then I had a peaceful afternoon catching up on the housework before returning to work yesterday. First day back always seems a bit of a chore but needs must!!

Bet your son and grandaughter did well with their archery and how lovely that you managed a nice country drive with Mrs B and a big bonus that you were going in the other direction when you came across the queuing traffic!  I am sure many people are making the most of our nice summer days. 

I have finally managed to finish a book - the first for a while.  I have got the next one ready and will see how it goes.  I do miss this form of relaxation (plus the enjoyment of a good tale)  but still find lengthy concentration a challenge and think maybe its linked to the shorter sleeps I have these days.  Maybe if I can improve one the other will follow!!

My late friend used to go to flower arranging classes and ended up doing all her church's arrangements on a rota basis with other members of the congregation. As the gymophobics (just love the name!) sessions are during the day (anytime from 8 -8) I may well look at doing something in the evening but probably not until later in the year when the nights draw in.  I do not want to tackle too much at once and actually do not find the evenings a problem so prefer the day-time activities and social chit chat.

Hope you and Mrs B are having a peaceful day.Chat again soon. Regards Jules x

Good morning Jules,

It's another nice morning here at present. Didnt get on site yesterday as was very busy with one thing and another. Managed to turn another load of mini bud vases yesterday as it's not long before my next show which is a two day affair. Pic attached. My grandaughter won gold and my son won silver in the archery. The man who beat him used to be no one in the country for longbow but was good enough to make several nice comments about my sons skills and told the organiser he should get him into the Sussex team. He and my granddaughter have another major commpetition in about two weeks time and its a two day affair

Granddaughter is doing her work experiance this week. She didnt like any of the ones the school offered her so phoned a company that publish childrens books and asked if they took part in the scheme. She then told the school what she had done and they made the arrangements. I am so pleased the iniative she showed in this. The company are giving her some good things to do and she is really enjoying it.

One of our roses starts off with an orange tint  which then turn to a pink colour before turning white. Mrs B really loves this one. Pleased you are getting back into reading your books again as I know you love this relaxation. It would be no good me doing the gymophobics as they would have to buy loads of WD40 to stop the sound effects of creaking joints.

Whenever I go to my sons and have a carrier bag with me, my youngest grandson always wants to know what I have in the bag and if I dont show him, he looks in the bag himself. So I went there this week with a bag. He looked inside it and found a bit of wood with the words "Nosey Parker" written on it. He was not impressed. I have no doubt at all, he will get his own back on me in the near future.

Take care Jules and I wish you and your family a peaceful and relaxing weekend, Brian.

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The timbers are Yew, Labernum and red faced plywood just as an experiment.

Hi Brian

Love the way your grand-daughter arranged her own work experience and hope she really enjoys it. My daughter did the same thing and ended up being employed by the company at the end of her schooling and they trained her for her diploma whilst she worked (she did not want to go to university).  Well done to both her and her Dad with the archery medals.  Would be lovely if your son made the Sussex team - you must be very proud of them both.

I really do like the third bud vase paternation.  always wonderful to see the end results of your labours and I am sure you will have some happy shoppers at your next show (though no doubt it will be somewhat tiring).

I have managed to do the weekly shop (early to avoid the heat of the day) and weeded the front garden whilst it was still in the shade. Very dry but apparently we may get some showers tomorrow morning which will save me watering again tomorrow night.  Have trimmed my spring flowering shrubsand been round the garden dead-heading.  Now awaiting the start of the Ladies Final and then watch Jamie Murray in the Mens Doubles. Will go back outside afterwards as there will be a shady corner to sit in by them. Have finally got half way through another book - Jeffery Deaver thriller and hope that my concentration is beginning to return as I have about 10 titles to read before I buy or borrow more!!

Hope you and Mrs B have a peaceful weeked and best regards to you both and of course the family.Jules x

Hello Jules, long time no natter!, hope you are well and all the family, been thinking about you a lot recently and just made some time to say hi xxxxx. Love always Kerrie xxxxx

Hi Kerrie

Lovely to see your name pop up on my thread.  I am coping quite well (I think), thank you. Misss hubby, of course, but slowly making moves forward in my new single status.Like you, returning to work (a month after losing him) has helped considerably. My workmates are supportive when I have a 'dip' and my forum buddies still listen to my ramblings. The children and grandchildren are slowly adjusting too.  I take a lot of comfort knowing that after a three year journey with cancer my hubby is free from the pain and misery it caused him and I was privileged to have been his wife for 37 years (best friend for 42).

I hope you and the family are managing okay. This first year of facing  special dates brings varying emotions but I have good memories, as I am sure you do to, to carry with me on my 'new normal.

Sending virtual hugs. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Sorry not to have replied for a while but I have been very busy the past few days. I have just turned two lighthose's (Picture attached) Had them nearly finished yesterday when while trying to glue the tops on, I broke all eight pillars and dropped one of them on the concrete floor, bruising the base of one of them. My bandsaw blade also broke and then last night, my gold capping came off my tooth so will now have to visit the dentist. Just one of those days so was glad to get to bed last night. But today I have completed them. My next fair is in just over a weeks time, Sat and Sun

Have got to visit the vampires den as they need a blood sample regarding my diabetes. My son and granddaughter have a big archery commpetition this Sat and Sunday. She really enjoyed her job last week and the boss took  his workers out for a dinner on Friday. He has apparently written a glowing report regrding her weeks work to give to her school. Have mowed the lawns;the grass wasnt growing ; t was just the weeds but it made them look untidy.

I hope this week has been a good one for you. Good to read you are getting back to your reading. Hope you are still enjoying the weather. Will chat more soon. best wishes to you and your family, Brian.

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