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, 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.

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.

Hi Jules & Brian, thank you both for your messages and sorry for the delay. After trying to repy several times last night and again this morning I kept getting the message that I was "not authoirsed to access the page". Have now changed my password and here I am!

The shoulder has recovered so much better than I had dared hoped. Though still a little sore, I am doing my exercises like a good girl (!) and am back to normal work mode, yippee.

Not so good news on the therapy front but will not bore you with all that now and will just enjoy the good result instead.

Hope you are both well and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take care  Sue x

Good morning Sue

Delighted to read you are both 'back with us' and also enjoying a good recovery. Am shortly off to work so will message you later and you could never bore us, though by the 'tone' of your message suspect there is more to be told that may not be quite so good news on the therapy front grr.  Good idea to concentrate on the better news.  Have a good day, chat later.  Take care Jules x

Hi Jules,

Photo now available in previous post, sorry about that; my fault

take care Brian.

Thanks Brian, both the new shelf and its embellishments look great and I am sure both you and Mrs B are very happy.  I wonder what the next project will be to keep you busy?  Technical glitches are part of today's frustrations but you always manage to sort them out; well done. Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules, I hope work wasn't tooo bad for you today...have you any nice plans for the weekend other than the garden tidy you mentioned?

My roof work is taking shape at last. After a no show on Monday and a quick visit to put up the scaffolding on Tuesday, they finally started on it yesterday and the flat roof portion is in place. Still lots more to do yet though so I suspect it be will the middle of next before they complete but at least they've started so they'll finish!

Take care  Sue xx

Hi Sue,

Well as far as the garden goes I was out the front  before I left for work (yes I know it was a bit dark!!) and managed to sort the tubers out so one less job to do.  Weekend weather is looking a bit iffy so will see what else can be managed.

Work was busy, busy and busier. Thankfully got away on time and will not have to face the mahem of the town centre for Friday. Just my weekly shop and the gym tomorrow. No plans for Saturday and then on Sunday will head to my daughters (after gym session) for lunch as eldest grandson turns 7. Monday after work am meeting friends for lunch  and then babysitting in the evening. Life is rather busy all round at the moment so am savouring a quiet evening just now in front of the tv whilst the washing machine does its stuff.

Great news that your roof work is under way and no doubt you will be relieved when its done and dusted and  you can rest easy that you will not need a brolly or buckets indoors. 

Hope work has not been too tiring for you after your week off and that you have some relaxation planned for the weekend.  Take care Jules x

Hi Jules,  what a lovely idea to leave stars on a memorial tree and I hope that, with the tears,  it brought you all some comfort as well? Like you though, not sure about your gandson's nightime visting plan... 

Hope you didn't get too soggy today while shopping and gyming, drizzled most of the day here.

Had a pleasant surprise when I came home today. Yes, they have finished the roof! I won't really see the result until it's light tomorrow but those towels are in the washing machine as we speak. Not sure what they have done with the keys at the moment as they weren't put through the door or left with my neighbour but it's good to know it's all done. Just the bill to come!

Had a busy but ok week. Shoulder aching more now that it was but bearably so and I am still chuffed from the op so all good. Am trying to talk myself into going Christmas shopping tomorrow but will no doubt come up with a list of excuses for not doing so! I am not a shopper at the best of times but don't really have that many to get so it would nice to get started at least.

Have a good day tomorrow and a lovely time on Sunday with the BIrthday Boy.  Take care  Sue xx

Hi Sue

Delighted to read that the roofers had completed the work and hope 'daylight' showed good workmanship. Still waiting for that lottery win to make things easier all round?!! Expect they will pop back with key and the bill!!

Not sure my nerves can stand the tennis at the moment and Hamilton lost out to pole to his team mate --- again  grrrr.

Will talk again when recovered from time with the boys tomorrow ha ha.  Have just finished wrapping up their Xmas gifts just in case the older one decides to be a little too nosy when they are here next weekend (has always been pretty good in previous years - so much so that my daughter and son in law store their gifts for them here!!).

Have a peaceful evening and no rain reached us yet!.  Take care Jules x

Hi Jules, as a nail biter anyway, I have even less now after the tennis but what a match and a great result.

Sorry to hear you knee is giving you gip, I hope your GP can help when you go next week.

Having looked at the roof in daylight I am hoping that they will be back on Monday to finish off, hence why they did not return the keys. The new lead flashing has been cut into the stone wall ok but the bottom edges are very ragged so I assume they will tidy it up a bit.

I did go shopping this morning but rather defeated the object by only getting stuff for myself. Not quite the idea I know but I did write out some Christmas cards this afternoon so a little progress I suppose!

Have a lovely day tomorrow  Take care Sue x

 Morning Jules,

The wind is blowing quite strongly here and the rain has just started. Beter put a couple of bricks in your pocket if you decide to go for your usual Sunday walk.

I am very annoyed with myself. On Friday evening I was using my new tablet when a message poped up on the screen to say my Android operating system needed updating. So I clicked on the button and yes it has changed it but somehow it has also added a lot of programs I didnt want including a couple of adult sites, if you know what I mean. At the moment I cant find a way of deleting them and it will cost more than I paid for the tablet if I take it to a shop to sort out. I have managed to remove one or two programs and will just have to keep trying. I also keep getting pop up notices asking if I want to install other programs, it just makes me so mad. 

Our elderly next door neighbour has told me someone has been ringing her backdoor bell at one o clock at night which has worried her. Her security light also come on when this happens so I think she is having it taken off. As I went past the market stool yesterday, I was pleased to see he had stocked up on the chestnuts for I had virtually cleaned him out on Wednedsay. I was tempted to ask if he had a black Fridat deal going on the nuts ha ha. Sorry to hear your knee is causing you problems. I had to laugh about hiding your grandsons presents. My son was telling us he found my youngest grandson in his room looking under the bed where he had hidden some of the presents. His excuse was he had seen their kitten enter the room and he was just looking for him.  Crafty or what????

I have just completed two more 1000+ word stories on my laptop. Sorry to hear about your mothers fall and hope she is fully recovered now.

Well hope you have a good time with your grandsons, sending kind thoughts as always, Brian