Hi Brian

Quite fascinating reading the changes the wood caused both to your hands and the water . Do let me know if you track down the kind of wood.  Hope your hands are not permanently coloured. Hope your exhibition day tomorrow goes well. It sounds as though you have a mini timber yard so will have plenty of wood to keep you occupied (plus a few friends maybe) for a good while and its great how you are recycling it and bringing you the pleasure of working with it and to those who buy it.

'Hot & spicy nuts' - bet they made  your eyes water when you tried them for the first time. I do not like pistachios but hubby enjoyed them as does my daughter.  I was a 'brazil, walnut and hazelnut' fan but not so much these days (sugar almonds were a favourite treat when on holidays abroad).

Spent much of the weekend pottering in the garden following a trip to the garden centre. New plants have been potted up and most of my 100 litre compost bag has been to good use.  Hopefully by mid summer I will have more colour in the garden (mostly pink and lilac colouring) My 'Veronica'  and 'Daphne' shrubs are both blossoming and I have an abundance of white roses in the back garden  plus yellow in the front, so am very happy with my labours - also trimmed the conifer hedging between me and my neighbour to keep it about knee high and managable (dwarf varieties which have merged over the years)

Just to whet your appetite I bought some extra mature cheddar at the Farmer's Market on Sunday and am planning jacket potato with it on top this evening.

My daughter and Zack called in this morning which was a lovely surprise both for me and my Mum as they came with me on the weekly visit.  Though Mum did not have too much to say for herself she did interact with Zack and they played peek a boo a few times and the other residents in the garden lounge (she loves to sit in there) were all smiles too at seeing a little one chuckling and playing.  The home's cat even came along for a stroke (unheard of normally).  We stayed longer than usual so as to make the most of a nice visit.  My daughter then needed to go to the supermarket so I got in on the act and stocked up on heavier items which will save me space in the trolley next time I go. We returned home and had lunch and Zack had his nap here before they needed to leave and pick up elder brother from school. They dropped me off en route to visit friends (my bingo pal and her husband) as they are due to move on Friday to be nearer their daughter.  I spent a couple of hours with them and then invited them out for a meal at our favourite restaurant tomorrow evening (they had cooker disconnected today so would be just microwaving for a few days) so will meet them at 7 pm tomorrow.

A busy few days ahead both with work and outings planned. There is a relatives' meeting at my Mum's care home on Thursday evening which I will go to - its good to know what happening and give feedback too. Friday eldest grandson is due for a sleepover but has a hospital appointment  in the afternoon so we have decided that they should all come to me for fish and chips (he will have 'red sausages' as his favourite) dinner and then he can stay over. Saturday we all go to local RAF base Air Day and as its their centenary year its bigger than ever so hope the weather holds for it. Sunday is the Race for Life so going along to offer support and either picnic afterwards of pub lunch depending on the weather.

Just need to get through two days at work and try and relax during the day on Friday to conserve energy ha ha.

Am glad you and Mrs B has been enjoying some drives out - the nice weather does help.  I am still trying to decide when and where my next coach outing will be and  maybe sort something for my next week of annual leave (first week of Wimbledon at the end of the month)though already have two days put aside with pre-booked plans. 

Take care and peaceful thoughts to you both.  Jules x

Good morning Jules,

Hope your grandson is okay after the head banging. So easily done when they are young and playing. My youngest grandson accidentely banged his head against mine a couple of months ago and for about ten minutes I was doing a Patrick Moore and seing stars but without the aid of a telescope. I see you have a busy weekend planed so hope the weather allows you to do all you have arranged.

Our show was a great sucess and an ex member re-joined plus another paid up. We have several gained prospective new members as a result of the show and I sold quite a few items, mostly the little mini bud vases. One of our members used to work abroad classifying differnt timbers but he didnt have any ideas about the timber that turned my hands yellow. Lukily it all came off but I did have to wash my hands three times to get rid of the stain. I have thought since, I should have worn a dust mask; wonder what colour my insides were ha ha. Glad I didnt sneeze. When I told one of my club members about charring the wooden badgers with my new blow lamp to get the stripy effect on its head, I mentioned I was having problems as the width of the flame was too wide, even on the low setting. He came back latter and gave me another even smaller blow lamp that he no longer wants that uses throw away cigaret lighters. It has a very fine micro flame and yesterday I tried it out and it looks like a perfect tool for the job. It was a very long day at our show so yesterday I didnt do a lot. It was too hot in my garage anyway soI sat indoors and charged up my batteries so to speak. I do love these fairs as you meet some very nice people but I do find them very tiring. My new foldable trolley worked a treat and saved me several trips carrying my boxes by hand.

One of the roses I bought Mrs B last year has loads of buds on it and some are just opening up. She is very pleased with it. We dont have much of an outlook as our front room is at the back of the house, looking straight at the back of the garage so any clolour in the garden helps to offset this. We have a climbing rose at one end of the garge so hope we can get this to hide it to some degree.

Pleased your daughter and grandson went with you to visit your mother and can imaging the smiles he must have brought both to your mother and the other residants faces. Children do have a way of bringing smiles to peoples faces, dont they. Glad you met up with your bingo friend and hope you enjoy your meal with them.

When I visited my grandson on Tuesday he looked at me and putting his hands on his hips said to me, "Granddad, you ought to have a word with your son". When I laughingly inquired why, he replied, "Because he called you a very, very old man and I dont think you are". Mind you, this was before he had his story ha ha. When my son came into the room later on, my grandson told him he was wrong to call me very old and told him off quite severly, bless him.

I wish you and your family a pleasant weekend and hope all goes well with the race for life.

Take care, Best wishes, Brian.

Hi  Brian

Little Zack is having post lunch nap so am trying to catch up with e-mails.  Eldest grandson is under observation (though has had lunch!!) following the 'coming together with younger brother' and is awaiting his pre-booked MRI this afternoon (this linked to the investigations into his 'rocking in his sleep'). My poor daughter  and son in law seems to have to be coping with one thing after another.  Sadly the planned sleepover tonight will have to be put on hold (its best that he is at home if they discharge him later (apparently if he is okay following the MRI and no more problems associated with this morning's incident show up he should be on his way home later this afternoon (via my house to have fish and chip tea and collect Zack)).

Glad the show went well though I can imagine all the effort that goes into it leaves you weary. Always good to sell some of your wares and the bud vases are very useful items as well as looking good.  Good news about new members and prospective new ones too - great to get new blood into any club.

Had a lovely meal out and two hours of chatting over a delicious curry with my friends and they gave me a  framed print of a photo taken at our daughter's wedding nearly 8 years ago. My friends husband, my hubby and our son  relaxing after the speeches in the bar lounge.  They also gave me other pictures which all have lovely memories attached of the good times we have spent together. I will definitely miss them being just round the corner but no problem visiting as only about half hour journey from local railway station.  Just need them to settle in first!!! (moving date should now be mid/end next week to allow all funds to be cleared through solicitors/banks). They will be glad to see the back of the stress associated with it all bless them.  If circumstances allow we will get together for a coffee before they go.

If grandson okay then weekend events will continue as planned though trying to keep him 'calm and quiet' could be quite a task!

Had a relatives' meeting at my Mum's home last night so popped in to say a quick hello to Mum - she had thought I would not bother coming but I always attend if I can.  Its important to know whats going on and also to give the wonderful staff support in what is a very dedicated job.  To help those who work they are now increasing the meetings to once a month (instead of twice a year) and some will be during the day and others evening so you can choose which suits you most.  Of course, the Acting Manager and all the staff are on hand when you visit and you can chat with them anytime (usually pop into the office whenever I see Mum and I feel its important from both sides to be aware of whats happening (or not!). The home only has 36 room. all but one being occupied just now (one lady has just had her 98th birthday and been there for 10 years so my Mum is a youngster at 89 and resident for 2 and a  half. Last night was a little different as Regional Manager was overseeing. After the meeting I was able to talk to her about the concerns that Mum has still not received a refund of 'overpaid fees'(quite a considerable amount). Social Services are looking into it for me and now the home's regional manager has promised to get  back to me asap once she has investigated.  I really would like to see everything sorted out once and for all.Thankfully I now have a lovely contact at the S.S. who tells me not to worry, everything will sort itself out eventually and they know how to deal with 'Homes' under these circumstances.In the meantime I am meant just to ignore the monthly invoices that are falling on the mat!

Only had one mini shower this morning (none of the promised thunderstorms yet so hope they stay away.Weekend weather looks warm so our days out, should they go ahead, will be well attended. Airshow is pre-sold tickets only and we have parking on site.  Race for Life will definitely have to  be a walk rather than a jogging run but providing grandson gets all clear from Pedeatric docs he will start with his Mum.  They are both making me so proud - I will play supporter this year (have run in the past) and who knows may be back joining them the next time. Another emotional experience but so worth while.

Well sorry for the long ramble and hope you and Mrs B have a restful weekend. Kind thoughts sent your way. Jules x

Hi all

Quick update.  Joel bounced back as kids do and though they had to 'walk' the race for life my daughter and he made it through to collect medals/flowers and hugs (had to put up with my tears though at the finish line).So very proud of them both - always emotional but especially so this year.

For those of you who have chatted to Garf in the past he has asked me to send you all his regards and says he hope to be able to come back on the forum soon.

Take care everyone. Jules xx

Good morning Jules,

Thanks for the update and can well understand the race for life was emotional for you, especially this year.

Glad your grandson was able to take part with his mother and make it too the finish line despit his accident. Also good news about Garth as he is missed.

Will write more later. Wishing you a stress free week at work, take care, best wishes beinsent your way, Brian.

Good morning Jules,

You can see from the spelling, I wrote the last post in a bit of a hurry.

Hope your visit to your mother goes well today. I spent about three hours in my garage yesterday and turned ten more mini bud vases and I cleaned up the sawdust as well in this time. Photo attached. Am just about to cut my neighbours hedge for her. I have also completed my article for our next wood club newsletter which gives good news about new tree planting. Two A4 pages of facts I have found recently.

I have also completed the draft for our clubs new membership cards. We pay over £80 for 200 card which last us about a year and a half. So I propose printing them on a stiff card and supplying our members with a clear plastic wallet to keep them in, Recon I can to the same amount for around £10, plus I will be able to print the names and expiry dates on them instead of having to write them on by hand. Just need to get our committeee to agree this first.

Mrs B had her first strawberry yesterday from our garden. I hope the rest of the week goes well for you.

Take care best wishes, Brian.

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Hi Brian

Lovely weather for being in the workshop/garden today. The bud vases have 'turned' out well and I especially like the grain in the darker ones.  You have been busy on behalf of the Wood Club and am sure they would be delighted for you to produce the cards at a fraction of the cost (and will make life easier for you too in being able to choose what info to put on them) so hope they like you suggestion.

I am being kept pretty occupied just now both in the garden (needs mowing and watering which I will do later today) and with appointments/family and work. Had my check up with doctor today and BP very satisfactory so no further action required (other than to check it once a month) and my next  'wellbeing' check now set for six months as she is relatively happy with my coping mechanism and says I am healthy 'emotionally' whatever that is supposed to mean!!

Daughter has had an appointment come through with eldest grandson's GP following his trip to hospital last Friday but as usual his bouncebackability (love this word) is breathtaking and its hard to keep him quiet.  He enjoyed the Airport Open Day on Saturday as we all did though a bit chilly. We stayed for a good five hours and little Zack very into planes. We bought tickets for the Big Raffle but left before annoucements were made.  When I visited the docs this morning I was asked what I had won!!!!  The practice manager heard my named called over the tannoy as she was attending the Day too.  Her husband works on the Base and so she gave him a ring and he said he would find out and call back. I then left the surgery to visit Mum.

Visit to Mum went quite well as she was a little more communicative and we wer able to have a chat about the Guide Dog puppy that she sponsors (I had received latest photo and update through the post so took it down to her) and she now has the new picture on her memo board in her room.  She had also played 'bingo' yesterday (run by the activity lady at the home weekly) and came away with a box of mint chocolates which she gave to me! 

I then dropped into see my friends who are due to move (they at last have a firm date for a week on Wednesday so am going for a coffee with them the day before) and we had a gossip over a cuppa whilst sitting outside - very peaceful.

I had been home just for a little while when I got a call to say that I had indeed won a prize in the Raffle and have now arranged to walk down to the Base on Friday (20mins or so away) to pick it up - amazingly I won 2nd Prize and will have a pair of Flybe tickets to use sometime in the near future!

Going to enjoy the Queen's tennis this afternoon. Tomorrow I am working all day 8-30 to 6 to help them out - big book release (in their eyes!!) so need to get everything ready for launch on Thursday.  It will be nice to work with my friend again even if its just for one shift.

Beginning to wonder if there are enough hours in the day/week but enjoying it nonetheless.

Well enough of my ramblings and sending virtual hugs to you and Mrs B.Take care. Jules x

Hi Jules,

I think they should include bouncebacability in the new dictionarys. Glad your grandson recovered so quickly and well done regarding winning the raffle prize. Glad your visit to your mum went well. Bet you will be watching the tennis thats on telly this afternoon.

Had a bit of a panic on the other day. I went to renew my road tax for my car but DVLA said they couldnt find any record of my MOT. I searched the house high and low and couldnt find it either. even though I was sure I had one, as time goes so quickly it got me to thinking I had been using the car all year without one. Eventually I managed to find it together with my insurance certificate. Treid to get my road tax at the post office but even though my MOT doesnt run out to the end of the month, I was told I had to get a new MOT fIrst. So yesterday took my car to the garage and it passed okay Panic now over phew.

Mrs B has said if she gets time she will make me some cheese biscuits for fathers day. DID YOU HEAR THAY KATHY???????? CHEESE BISCUITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. MMMMMMN. 

My youngest grandson was his usual cheeky self when I saw him the other night. He loves grabbing hold of my arm and fiddling with my watch. The other week he managed to change the settings on  it and it took me ages to sort it out. He thought this was quite hillarious and had a good old chuckle. He takes the plastic cover of his tracky, bends his head down and gives the most infectiious laugh I have ever heard.

I have also cut our neighbours hedge for her with Mr B's help to clear up. Have not done any more woodturning as when the weather is this warm, any dust sticks to me and I come indoors disguised as a plank of wood. Brother in law is hame again. He went into hospital with an infection which turned out to be pnuemonia. But they only found this out when my sister in law saw it in his discharge papers. She said he tires very easily at the moment.

I hope your friends move went okay on Wednesday. Have you found anything else to replace your Friday Night Bingo sessions yet Jules?

I wish you and you family a pleasant weekend, hugs from Brian.

Good morning Brian

Hope you are enjoying a peaceful weekend.  Better weather for woodturning (and ducks) as a little cooler with the occasional shower.

Hope your brother in law begins to pick up a bit now that he is back home and am sure his wife and Mrs B continue to be concerned with the ups and downs that the illness brings. 

Your young grandson continues to show an amazing spirit and bringing joy to the family around him, such precious times. My eldest grandson appears fine and with the MRI showing all normal just has an appointment with the GP on Monday to talk about things in general and then a follow up in 2/3 months at the hospital. We are definitely hoping that the fit was a 'one off' but its good that he has had good follow up.  Yesterday was his school's Summer Fair and my daughter has been busy 'crafting and cooking'most of the week with other parents in readiness.  Apparently they all had a great day and I had a text in the afternoon to say she and my son in law had won the raffle so have some shopping vouchers to spend. They were over the moon and deserve a bit of luck to lift their spirits.

I spent the day at my son's yesterday and it was very relaxing.  We enjoyed time in the garden before and after lunch, went to their enormous garden centre and between us filled the boot and spare space inside the car!!  When we got back we all chipped in and emptied and refilled their hanging baskets and my son planted two new 'climbers' - black eyed susans - as they have a neighbours 'broken fence' to hide!  In the two years they have been in their place they have done really well both inside and out but the garden was a blank canvas as the previous owners had just a lawn.  There is now a mix of lawn, borders, a raised fish pond which my son built from scratch and is now a pretty corner area with a new resident toad.  He has plans to create a small border the other side so has marked it out with string and no doubt will 'dig' today and in the future wants to make a rockery area. He is very much into getting wildlife into the garden and then photographs it.  Whilst we were sitting outside  taking a break(enjoying homemade chocolate and banana cake) we watched many goldfinches on the feeders and also a parakeet (regulars).  Just lovely. I bought a couple of large plants plus containers to set them in and will be outside shortly to 'pot up'.  I have also new feeders and water holder to fill to replace my old tatty ones so very pleased to have the sun shining at the moment and will pop out for my walk to the Farmer's Market later too.

Once we had had dinner we took their dog for a walk in the country park just across the road and  as my son had just bought a new lens for his camera we were treated to some great shots.  As dusk approached we saw two little owls which he captured really well - absolutely thrilled.  We did not get back until gone 10pm and then he ran me home whilst his other half bathed the dog (loves to paddle at the edge of the lake and roll in the grass and mud - not a good look for a westie!!)

Today both the children are spending some quiet time at their Dad's resting place and, as for so many, it will be an emotional day.  Another step forward in the grieving process but thankfully we are all there for each other.

Hope to continue to enjoy the tennis though may be on 'catch up' as the schedule is somewhat 'squashed' today following the weather problems yesterday. Depends how my day pans out but should catch the final and then settled down for F! highlights.

Well best stop rambling and get outside whilst the sun is shining.  Take care and chat soon. Regards to you both and the family.  Jules xx 

Hi Jules,

Just a quick update.

Just heard that dad had to go into hospital about five weeks ago and after two weeks was transfered to a care centre. He got home on Friday and I phoned him just now as today is his 93rd birthday. But it was a difficult conversation as he seemed very confused.  At times he understood what I was saying but most of the time I feel sure he didnt. I think he may still be taking drugs which may be wht he is like this. I spoke to my step mother and she told me his prostate cancer has returned and is now in his spine. She also said he has other health problems but didnt say what they are and that he tires so easily. He has to walk with the aid of a walker now.

My oldest brother sent me some photos he had taken of dad when he was in the home. Just have to hope he pulls through just as he has done before; he is such a fighter.

Take care, Best wishes, Brian

My dad, step mother and my brother Pat