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,

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

Hi Jules,

So pleased you had a great weekend topped off with the news of your son, congratulations to you and your family. Sorry you got wet; I do fee sorry for the organisers and those who took part like yourself for I know the hard work th at goes into organising it. Unfortunately we canot control the weather.

I also have had good news. My son won not one, not two but three gold medals at his archery competition, winning the single, double and the treble longbow part of the competition. And thats without using his new bow which has a lot more power. Me and Mrs B are so proud of him. Photos of medals attached.  

I have written another 1034 word short story yesterday and I read it to our nextdoor neighbour this morning as her eyesight is not that good; she has cateracts. She liked it and said each one gets better than the last but maybe shes just being kind. This is the 11th one I have done and now I must try and see if I can find someone interested in publishing them. I find them a little harder than the longer ones as you can only put so much detail in them but it does concentrate the mind. I will post one on of them on here before Christmas.

Hope you didnt get wet this morning going to work. It's just clearing up here and I can see a small patch of blue sky. Hope the weekend staff have not left you too much backlog to catch up on. I am glad I retired when I did. Most of my life I worked five and a half days per week with Saterday being the busiest. Mrs B is glad too even though I do wind her up at times ha ha. :devil:

We have a carnation just come into bloom in our garden woth more following. In November ???????  When I buy Mrs B some, she often find a shoot which she plants in the garden and most of them seem to take. I shall have to start calling her Greenfingers.

Sending best wishes and kind thoughts to you and your family, Brian.

Hi Brian

Fantastic results for your son, many congratulations.  I am sure the inter family rivally with his daughter helps with his results!!  Will be watching for news of more success once he has set up the new longbow.

Well done on your new writings and do hope you find a way to 'get them out there' and look forward to seeing your Christmas offering for the forum.

Well the good news keeps coming and I am now allowed to spill more beans. I am to become a granny for the third time. My son and fiance are expecting (scan today confirmed all is well) and so, all being well, we will be welcoming a new edition to the family in May next year.  This has been an amazing few days  and considering she was told it would  be hard for her to conceive at all (she suffers very badly with endometriosis) they have been absolutely delighted with this news. Wedding plans will have to go on hold for a little while but it would seem we now have to accommodate a ' little extra' on our family holiday next year - so exciting and hubby would have been overjoyed too.  Her 30th birthday dinner this coming weekend will now be joint engagement party too.

No rain here today so dry commute and increasingly busy in shop and the town in general. Still does make the time tick by that bit quicker.  We are trialing a new system for book replenishment so plenty to keep me occupied. An extra pair of hands on the department today which makes all the difference.

Sending best wishes to you, Mrs B and congrats on your son's achievement.  Take care Jules x

Goodmorning Jules,

Thanks for sharing your good news on here and congratulations to you, your son and his fiance. You must be thrilled and lets hope the good news keeps coming. Glad you had help at work today it must have made life easier for you.

I lost my internet connection for the later part of the afternoon and all evening but overnight it seems to have sorted itself out thank goodness for I was getting quite frustrated as I had several things I wanted to do.

My son tried his new bow out last night and said it has so much more power. He has yet to try it out at the 100 meters as he is only able to shoot indoors on Monday evenings but was very impressed so far. Thank you for you kind words regarding his acchiements.

Just has an e-mail from my sister in Canadad and her husbands brother has just died and also a distant relative has also died. So she now has two more funerals to go to. Mrs B has decided to make her owm diabetic mincemeat as the shop she used to get it from has stopped stocking it.

Hope your visit to your mum goes well this morning and also your visit to the gym afterwards. I am hoping to take Mrs B to a garden centre this afternoon as she saw several item there last time.

Take care Jules, sending best wishes to you and your family, Brian

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 Brian

No surprised to read that your internet was playing up.  With the heavy rain and high winds that hit here last night my internet was 'in and out' and equally frustrating!  You get so used to being able to log on and its infuriating when it's taken away!  Hope all well in  your neck of the woods.  Dry and breezy here today.

Well you asked for more good news and am happy to report that my weekly visit to see Mum was an uplifting one.  Arrived as she was have an eye test (all residents  being seen on one day by visiting optician) and she needs new prescription so all in hand.  She was pretty chatty and absolutely delighted to hear our latest family news which seemed to lift her spirits a little. I spent over an hour and a half there (then she was off to lunch) and during the afternoon they were due a visit by the Mayor and Mayoress plus local press as one of the residents turned 100 yesterday. It was so nice to have a mainly positive visit.

Hope you got Mrs B to the garden centre and she found what she wanted.  Very dangerous places as far as I am concerned ha ha but very rewarding to. You mentioned Mrs B planting up 'carnation shoots' and my Mum used to be very successful at this. May well give it a go myself when I buy them in future - something for nothing comes to mind. I still have passion flower, fuschia and the autumn flowering nerine bowdenii (?sp) doing well and the Japanese maple has only just started to drop its leaves - amazing.

Sorry to hear about your sister in Canada's losses; the family all experiencing a sad period just now. I have had a invitation (via funeral directors) to attend the yearly memorial service at the local church for all those who have passed this year. Am in two minds as not a regular church attender and to be honest remember hubby every day - will sleep on it.

Hope you and Mrs B have a peaceful evening. Take care.  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 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

Evening Sue,

How did physiotherapy pan out on Saturday? Hope you managed some relaxation afterwards and are not too shattered having returned to work today. Take care.Jules x

Good morning Jules,

I was so pleased to hear you had a good time with your family. Fully understand your comments about the emotional aspect and you must have had both happy and sad feelings at the same time. But good memories to keep for the future.

I am just about to fit Mrs B's bigger shelf and your probably right about the owls ha ha. Have just had five magpies in the back garden but they will keep chasing the smaller birds away. You made me laugh re your comments about your new hair style and the hedghog; love your humour.  Had to go to the dentist yesterday for a check up and luckily dont have to go back for ten months. Not a job that has ever appealed to me; looking in peoples mouths all day.

My sister in Canada has sent me a card from dads funeral which had two pictures of dad, one when he was quite young and one taken a few months ago. Even though he was ill he still looked good. .

Hope you dont get wet on you walk to see your mother this morning and I hope when you tell her about your get together she responds.

Take care Jules. Sending kind thoughts and best wishes your way, Brian.

Hi Sue,

Just a quick post to say I hope you are okay and that work and driving are not taking too much out of you. Just take care, best wishes, Brian.