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

Morning Jules, :D

It is raining here this morning and is also a lot cooler than of late. I have bought not one but two lots of chestnuts this week as I am now making of for lost time ha ha. Some from Mr Tesco's and some from the local Market on Wednesday. Very tasty they are so Brianitus has returned big time:D

Mrs B's diabetes seems to have evened out now thank goodness. Hope the prune stone doesnt cause any problems. Having waited in all week our sons new longbow finally arrived yesterday. It should have been delivered late Monday but somehow mistake after mistake was made and the bow was sent all round the country. My son had paid £35  for a 48 hour gauranteed delivery which is at least being refunded. But he needed it on Monday so he could set it all up and get some site marks on it as he has an all day competition this Sunday. So he cant use it now and he is not a happy chappie over it. 

My youngest grandson insisted on making me up a story this week complete with action, bless him. Our woodclub meeting went well; we asked member to bring in the items they had entered into our show back in September and to give a short talk about them. It made a very interesting evening. Hope your shoping trip goes well and you dont get wet walking there and back.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend, sending best wishes and kind thoughts to you and your family, Brian

Brianitus, eh? That would certainly explain some of the mystery items appearing when I get to the checkout. Will have to keep an eye out for that in future as I hear it can drive some people really nutty. and I am clearly half way there already!!

Did my spring cleaning today (yes, I know it's November but I am either very late or very early!) and as part of that I am defrosting the fridge so will just have to reward myself with a Chinese takeaway later, any excuse will do..

Thank you for your wishes for Monday and I am glad to see your son finally go his longbow, albeit too late to try out tomorrow.  Take care  Sue x

Hi Sue,

Brianitus is giving me good times at the moment; the Portugese chestnuts I bought from the local market are the best I have had so far this year, very big and very tasty. Hope you got and enjoyed your chinese takaway after all your hard work spring/winter cleaning yesterday; you deserved it.

Bet you will be glad when tommorow is over and done with.Take care, best wishes, Brian. 

Hi Sue

Great day out with my daughter at the BBC Good Food Show today.  Lots of naughty and then healthy free tastings and a couple of great demonstrations (Mary Berry with Paul Hollywood and then James Martin). Has been quite a weekend with my son caught up in the Gatwick closure yesterday (6hrs stuck airside on arrivals after an 11 hour flight but great 'safety first' by the authorities so no complaints).  They did make it to me for evening meal  and delivered the wonderful news that my son went down on one knee and proposed whilst they were on holiday - so happy for them both - we were like excited kids for a couple of hours.

Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending bigs hugs for a great outcome and quick recovery.  Take care  Jules x

Me again Sue,

Prune stone caused no problems thankfully (really must remember to buy 'stoned' prunes ha ha). Hope you enjoy some of your Mum's home cooking whilst you recuperate. I have just had some of the naughty treats that I bought at the Show today (honeycomb dipped in salted caramel) so will need to do a few more gym circuits this week to compensate. Well done for early Spring cleaning and am sure you feel good when  you walk back into the room afterwards (I love the smell of new polished furniture now where did I hide that duster ha ha).  Chat soon  Jules xx

Hi Lorraine,

I will join you in that cuppa as same thing has happened to me in the past - then I put it down to my age and being a technophobe!!!  My daughter is planning to come round (without grandchildren in tow so we can concentrate) and sort out a few things online for me - an excuse for a girlie chat too!!

Had great news last night when my son and other half visited as he popped the question to his long term girlfriend whilst they were on holiday in Tobago (apparently he had been planning it for months and was very nervous - ahhh). So her birthday dinner next weekend will now be a double celebration - so very  happy for them both.

Hope you doing okay, take care Jules x

Evening Brian

Really pleased to read that Mrs B's diabetes levels are much better; a relief to your both I am sure.  I also see that Brianitus is on the up again so has to be good news.  Though of you today as they were roasting  chestnuts on one of the stalls at the Good Food Show today and also Kent cob nuts were available - shame on me did not buy either!!  I did buy some ...............cheese as well as some cider (put away for the festive season) and a few sweetie treats. Atmosphere was great and lots to 'sample' and watched a couple of demonstrations.  All in all a good day out.  Both my daughter and I were on a high having had the news of my son's engagement whilst they were away on holiday.  All in all a wonderful weekend.

Am not surprised your son somewhat miffed regarding late arrival of longbow especially as he had planned on using it today.  Hope he did well anyway. 

Managed the shopping in the dry (amazing) but got absolutely soaked when supporting gym staff performing at our local Fun Day during the afternoon.  Still was worth it as they had put so much effort in their 'Bollywood' themed 'turn'.  Felt so sorry for all the stall holders and fun fair rides as it really was a total washout but as they say the show must go on and it did; all credit to them.

Hope you have had an enjoyable and peaceful weekend. Best wishes to you, Mrs B and the family. Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Wow, what a fantastic weekend! Many congratulations to your son and his fiance, no wonder you were all so excited, that's great news.

I hadn't realised the Good Food Show was so soon but glad you both enjoyed a lovely day out (have a bit of soft spot for James Martin so very jealous!)

Managed to do the whole house top to bottom on Saturday (it's only small so not that impressive) but it certainly looks a whole lot better now and for a short time will not live up to it's name of Cobwebs! 

Up early today as you can see but that gives me plenty of time for numerous cups of coffee before the 7.30am deadline. It's going to be a long day I suspect but am looking forward to a lovely warm bath at my Mums tonight (only have a shower at home so really miss having a good wallow). They have made all sorts of plans for themselves this week so I will probably come home either tomorrow or Wednesday morning for some peace & quiet.

Sorry you got soaked at the Fun Day, what a shame, but well done for supporting them. We've have lots of strong winds here but not much rain. The roof men are coming next Monday weather permitting so finally after all this time I am looking forward to being watertight again. Dread to think what Mrs.Yappy will make of all the disruption (I have warned them about my difficut neighbour!) She is away at the moment but I did put a note through the door to warn her about it so no doubt she will have a rant or two when the time comes!

Take care and I will catch up again in a few days time,  Sue xx

Hi Sue

Sending best wishes and big hugs your way and will be thinking of you. Focus on that relaxing bath and hope the day goes smoothly. Jules xx

Thanks Jules, nearly there now. Was up at 4.00 so looking forward to the enforced sleep later on!!  Sue xx

Thanks Jules, nearly there now. Was up at 4.00 so looking forward to the enforced sleep later on!!  Sue xx

Hi Sue

Hope your op went well and that  you got some pampering at your Mums though I have  no doubt you will be happy to get back to your own home.  Have been thinking of  you and really hope that your recovery will be swift and that the pain block worked favourably. Best wishes and hugs, Jules x

Hi Jules, this is my third attempt to send a message today. The first one wouldn't sent because it was just as they were adding back the Private Messaging, which is great so no complaint from me. The second one went though and was definatlely there, but now isn't, so here's another go...

Was delighted to return to see your wonderful family news, especially as you can now shout it from the rooftops! What a fantastic tripple celebration for you all this weekend. I am so happy for you.

Good news as well about the extra help at work although I should think so too as you have the trial system to grapple with! Hope it went well today?

My procedure went ok although I did not have a pain block so it was stiff and sore as soon as I woke up but, hey ho, it would have only deferred it anyway so may as well get it over with. They were very good about not using my arms for any needles or blood pressures which was one of my concerns so all in all good stuff. Am doing the exercises and it seems to be easing now so it looks like the "just a few days" was correct!. Although the hospital gave me two weeks off I talked the GP into sending me a revised note for just this week and will be going back to work on Monday and will then see how it goes. Fingers crossed that's another thing tick off the list. Am going to try driving tomorrow as I want to get to my therapy appointment on Saturday since, as feared, all this "mucking about" has caused more swelling and it will be nice to calm it all down again. I only stayed with my Mum on Monday night in the end as they have a busy week and would not be around much anyway (I did manage a couple of baths though which were lovely). We stopped off for supplies on the way back so I have been fine and, as you say, it's nice to be home.

Brian, congratulations to your sone for all his medals at the weekend but am so sorry to hear of more sad news from Canada, it really has been a hell of a few months for you all, hasn't it?

Like Jules, I look forward to reading one of your stories soon and hope you get the other published too.

Take care  Sue x

Hi Sue,

Third time lucky and lovely to have you back on with us 'all sorted'. I had not realised that PM was back ;it has been much missed by many and will be a welcome return(need to catch up around the forum!!) but did notice that my post on another thread has gone through twice so those reading will be seeing double ha ha.

 Thanks for the congrats, it has been a lovely few days and all family and friends suitably excited. There will be some surprised faces at the birthday/engagement dinner on Saturday when the forthcoming birth is announced I am sure but for all the right reasons. Though the end of the year will still be rather emotional with the anniversary of hubby's passing just after Christmas, new life brings with it new hope and I am so very pleased for them.

I am impressed that you are doing well without the promised pain block and really hope you continue to cope well with recovery. Hope the return to work goes okay (there will be less catching up to do too!!) but you know your own limits and am sure you will not overdo it and rest when you are home. As much as I enjoy the odd break with family and friends there really is nothing like being able to relax in your own surroundings.  Hope Mrs Yappy give you some peace or that may just be wishful thinking ha ha. Hope the driving goes okay and that you make it to your therapy session and now you will be able to keep it up and hopefully improve that side of things.  Do you have to have any further treatment?

Lovely day at work as due to technical problems we were unable to do all the 'admin' side of the job and could not do our usual promotional changes as info not available up to when I left.  No doubt this will have a knock on effect for others during the coming days but it meant that I was able to offer 'real' customer service in a less rushed atmosphere (just like in the old days when I  joined).

Be kind to yourself and take care. Jules x

Hi Jules, how nice for you to have a good "old fashioned" work day yesterday, what a refreshing change from all the technical stuff!

Just come back from dropping my keys off with the roofers ready for Monday and the drive was a bit sore but doable so looking forward to my therapy tomorrow. Because the releif is so temporary after each session I am going to ask her to show me the technique so I can do it myself from now on as I think a daily go will be more beneficial in the long run, and I can always book more sessions if needs be.

Mrs.Yappy returned on Tuesday afternoon but left again yesterday so hopefully a peaceful weekend in store? I put a note through her door at the weekend about the roof work but haven't heard anything back so fingers crossed (have warned them about the difficut neighbour though just in case she decides to have one of her tantrums!)

Hope you are having a relaxing day today and I look forward to hearing all about tomorrow nights celebrations.  Take care  Sue xx

Good Afternoon Sue

Glad you managed the driving experiment and that your roof work will soon be underway. Will be good for you to know that the roof will be sound over the coming winter months. 

Hopefully your therapy appointment will give some benefit and if she shows you how to 'do it yourself' with advice as to how often you can do it without causing problems then this will be a bonus (and a saving!).

Had to laugh to myself when you said you hoped I was having a relaxing day.  So far I have done the weekly walk to the supermarket, unpacked it all, walked to the gym, put the washing on, mowed the lawn (can you believe it's nearly the end of November and the grass is still growing grrrrrrrrrr). I decided to sit down to catch up on mail and will then have lunch and face the ironing.  Once it's done it's done. Other than the dinner tomorrow evening have no set plans (other than a haircut) for the weekend so will fit in a 'feet up' moment somewhere but if I keep busy I owe myself a treat he he.

Good news that Mrs Y is away again and wish you peaceful days ahead; well, at least until the roofmen are overhead.  Take care of yourself. Hugs  Jules x

Hi Jules, I did say relaxing with a slight tongue in cheek as I know you are always on the go..!

In contrast, having had such a quiet week myself, it was good to get out this morning and I have also managed to clear away some pots etc from where a small bit of scaffolding will be placed next week so that's good. Sorted things out ready for work on Monday and even gave myself a mini DIY haircut this morning (not too disasterous!). Have gone off hairdressers for the moment as last time I went the person washing it was so vigorous I came away very sore (didn't have the heart to go into the gory details as it might have upset the poor lady!) No ironing for me though as I am still wearing soft t-shirts and cotton jumpers which dry flat.

I have to say that I have been very grateful for this week off, despite the shoulder thing. I hadn't realised just how much I needed a break, which I know sounds odd given how much time off I've had, but it has all rather taken it's toll one way or another so it's been good to recharge the batteries again.

Take care  Sue xx

Hi Sue

Glad that you are re-charging those batteries.  I think it's all too easy to forget that we need 'breathing space' to recuperate (physically as well as mentally). I am going to be taking it easy today as apart from a walk to get hair cut (not surprised your experience put you off somewhat).  Its quite strange as its the only time I have a blow dry as always just let it dry naturally when at home (short style takes care of itself inbetween trims).  My own hairdresser has been 'missing' due to personal problems for my last two visits so one of the other stylists has stepped up to the plate and taken on extra workload.  If he does not return soon I may switch to a salon closer to home but he has been doing my  hair for many years (he also owns the business so do not like to walk away just yet).

Hope the therapy session goes well today and that post op recovery going well. Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules,

Will try again as I have just lost all I had wriiten to you.

Mrs B has finnally persueded me to make her a new top shelf for the fire place I made he a few years ago. She wanted it a bit longer and two inches deeper. I had no problems shaping this up but when I applied the water based stain it was a differnt thing. I had bought it a few years ago and I know it was cold in my garage when I painted it on the underside and the edges but it has taken three days to dry. I ended up bringing it indoors and finally I have been able to put a coat on the top part of the shelf. This time I laid it on some paper which I put under a radiator in our back bedroom so hope this drys quicker. Keeping fingers crossed.

Sorry to read you have picked up a cold but I suppose its one of the drawback of serving customers. I used to often pick up colds when I worked at the wood yard, curtesy of customers. When I went round to make our next door neighbour her usual morning cup of tea, it was raining and mixed in with it were two or three flakes of the White stuff. Not what I wanted to see. It's funny you should mention about your hairdresser having problems, for Mrs B's hairdresser is also having problems. She has had to have another girl cut her hair but she has told me she much prefers this new girl. I am getting annoyed with the curser on this laptop as it keeps jumping about and I find I have just inserted text into another part of what I have written earlier Grrrr. 

I took Mrs B to the garden centre the other day and she saw lots of nice things she wanted. Cost me a small fotune I might add, but like the add says, "She's worth it". I got a load more chestnuts on Wednesday and like the last batch, they are the best lot of nuts I have ever had. So Brianitus is alive and still going strong. The man on the stall has got to know me and now just aske's how many pounds of chestnuts I want ha ha.

Hope after having your haircut, you manage a peacefull and relaxing weekend for after the hectic week youve had, you like Sue need to re-charge the batteries so to speak.

Take care my fourm friend; sending best wishes and kind thoughts to you and your family, Brian.

Good afternoon Brian,

Hope the woodstain dried out ok and am sure Mrs B will be very pleased with the end result -more owls to fill the longer shelf???

We had a little of the white stuff mixed in with rain early yesterday but soon disappeared thankfully.  Heavy frost this morning has at last finished the dahlias off so will lift the bulbs later and get them sorted ready for replanting next year.  Have some wallflowers that can go in their place.

Last night was a lovely celebration and loved the venue my future daughter in law had chosen.  The food was amazing(you should have been there for the cheeseboard alone!!!) and the service discreet so there was much conversation around a long table (about 20 of us altogether). A bit emotioanlly charged but all expected and it was lovely to see others reacting in much the same way. Still, wonderful to be making happy memories to add to those already stored and I know hubby would have been so proud of our boy and his lovely girl.  Her parents are overjoyed too and we will all get together at some point over the festivities (they live about 5mins drive away from me!).

Hairdressers was a bonus as when I arrived my usual chap was back and on good form so decided to have a slight re-style and its now about as short as it can be without me turning into a hedgehog ha ha. Easy to look after though it was a little chilly around the ears on the walk home!

Hope you and Mrs B tucked up in the warm. I have just returned from Xmas shopping and will celebrate with a bowl of soup in front of the fire.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend.  Jules x

Hi Jules, delighted to hear you all had such a good time on Saturday, great venue good food and, most importantly, lovely people to share it all with. I am so glad that there were happy tears amid the sad ones and that hubby was very much in everyone's thoughts.

Good to hear your hairdresser was back for you too.

Take care  Sue x