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We had quite a relaxing day today, with guests arriving this morning for a couple of hours and then another guest this afternoon for another couple of hours.

We started the morning with a full English Breakfast and were just fit to bursting, and popping the last morsel into our mouths, when Paul and Harriet called in to catch up with Graham and Gail. Great, generous hugs all round and back-slapping from the men, before we settled to chatting as if it were only yesterday that we had all been together. The morning flashed past as we tucked into a familiar routine of natter backwards and forwards, sharing stories of our lives over the past few years.

Paul and Harriet were en route to Birmingham so, as they set off at lunchtime, so did Graham and I – we were popping out to buy one or two things from Tesco in Cannon Park, where Graham was also on the hunt for a Sim card for his phone. He was lucky and managed to get a free one!! Fingers crossed it works well.

Not long after we arrived home, the doorbell rang, and there was a large box on the doorstep – a stunning Calla Lily in a pot from George and Val. Absolutely gorgeous and the sight of it has lifted our spirits no end. I mean, look at that!! Superb.

Back at home, we were thrilled to greet Philomena, whom we’d arranged to see for an afternoon catch-up. Rather wonderfully, she brought the most beautiful bunch of rainbow roses for us. Gosh, aren’t we lucky?? Such a magnificent bouquet – a rose is a favourite flower of mine – and such exquisite colours. Going to admire them for a long while!

We had a great time with Philomena – a really good laugh together. It’s been a while since we last met – I think I went over to her flat last year (or was it the year before?) and since then, we have corresponded a little but not seen each other. It was lovely to see her face-to-face. It’ll be twice in one week when she comes to Mum’s funeral on Thursday!

After Phil left, I nipped across to Linda and Brendan’s to collect teapots. We had a few minutes together, which I enjoyed, and then I shot back home to cook some tea.

John and Graham decided on a little walk up to the shops and, when they weren’t back pronto, I thought I’d give John a ring to see if he could grab some milk while he was there. “Yes, no worries,” he said, “we’re just having a little rest and we’ll be back in a bit.” Ha! A little rest? They were having a jolly in the coffee shop! I was pleased about that though, because they had good chat and came back having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Paul and Freddie dropped in about 7.30, which filled me with love. Haven’t seen Freddie for what seems like ages, but in reality is only a few days, really. While the grown-ups chatted, Freddie and I watched a Minecraft programme (as did some of the others, too, secretly) and then Freddie had a little go on Grandpa’s stairlift…..

Afterwards, we went out into the garden for a kick about with the football. Naturally, Freddie scored the most goals. I came second, and Daddy came third. I am not sure how it happened that Freddie won – any ideas? D’you think it might be my technique that let me down? Hehehe!!

Take care everyone. God bless.

Today was a day of running about here and there to get a few loose ends tidied up.

Had a nice leisurely breakfast with Graham and Gail – even John joined in – and then we were off on the merry-go-round. Graham and I set off for Leamington for a visit to Mum’s solicitor, leaving Gail and John to natter to their hearts content, feet up and cups of tea in hand; and Andrew to do his washing before setting off to Wales later.

Next stop: the Building Society (BS) for Graham to try and sort out the tangle the BS has created. I think the initials BS well suited the girl who served Graham, because I never heard such a load of………*&$?*&£$?*! Anyway, it’s still not sorted so there’ll be another chapter on that I am quite sure.

We made our way back home to a spot of light lunch that Gail prepared for us, before a young lady called in to make inroads into the backlog of some bathroom grubbiness. She did well, and we can now see our faces in the taps and mirrors again.

No sooner had she left than Graham and I hot-footed it down the road to visit the florist. “Gotta get me steps up,” grinned Graham, as we set off and strode out down Needlers End hill.

Flowers sorted, Graham kept his steps up with a trip to the shops and sailed home, halo shining, having done those few more steps, and having made the purchases he’d wanted.

I perused my list and thought I’d nip up to the Funeral Directors for a last-minute check. “I’ll come with you,” said Graham, “I’ve still got a few more steps to do!” Hehe. Bless.

There was something rather comforting about having Graham’s company today. Nice, easy chats and a calmness that offset my jangled nerves. So good to have him and Gail here.

I was just thinking about tea, when we had a video-chat to Michael. There had been some to-ing and fro-ing about whether they would call in to us, or we would call in to them at tea-time. It all got complicated so, in the end, we agreed we’d pop round just for half an hour. “That’s that decision made then,” I said, “fish and chips for tea it is!” Gail nodded and laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing!” she exclaimed.

Had a good half an hour or so at Michael’s. The grandchildren were excited to see us and we were thrilled to see them. Michael and Danielle were thrilled to see Graham and Gail and there were some very big, squeezy hugs in evidence.

It was the children’s bedtime so we waved goodbye to the Kenilworth Newbies and also to Andrew who set off on his journey back to Wales. More big, squeezy hugs.

An evening of relaxing with glass of something in our hands and the day was complete. Ah…. family, eh? Don’t you just love it when everyone is drawn together with one mind?

Take care everyone. God bless.

Aaaaah………….. and breathe……..

A picture paints a thousand words, they say. Here it is, the scene I wasn’t sure would ever happen again – relaxed, happy and absolutely thrilled that the Oz contingent have made it!!

Gosh, emotional scenes were witnessed as Graham and Gail emerged from the Maglev carriage at Birmingham International Station this afternoon. Tears of happiness streamed down my face – and, I think, the others’ too. Hugs all round. “You nearly had me going then, as well,” said Andrew, as he watched us take in the reality of their arrival. We had been waiting a little while after the plane had landed, so the minute I saw them I flew across the corridor and into their arms. A balm for my soul.

We travelled home and offered refreshments and then sat back ready to share our stories. We talked non-stop until nine o’clock this evening, which was approximately six o’clock in the morning for Graham and Gail – meaning that they had effectively been up all night. They were tired though – it had been a very long journey.

We’d had an emotional morning with Paul, Michael and Andrew, sorting out a bit more of the detail to Mum’s funeral, followed by an emotional afternoon, so guess what? We’re whacked now and an early night all round!!

But wow, big news today folks – my big brother and his fabulous wife are back for a little while. ❤❤❤

Take care everyone. God bless.

We never quite know what success looks like, but whatever it is, we have had a successful day.

I mostly achieved what I wanted to do, and John mostly achieved what he wanted to do. So I think that about classifies it, don’t you?

John was up early and breakfasting with the rest of us, George and Sue having stayed overnight, and then he was keen to get on. He and George started pottering about in the garage, tinkering away with the Lotus again and were chuffed to bits with what they got done.

My mission was to go with Sue into town to buy a frock. I wasn’t sure whether there would be any black, navy or grey ones at this time of the year, but we were lucky in our search and came up with three or four things to try on. The first three didn’t work, but the last one, that Sue had found, was just right, so I bought it. Well, that was easy wasn’t it?

We stopped for a coffee and then came home to find our friend Rachel on the doorstep, laden with a card, some flowers and a bottle. She was bringing her condolences and explained that her gifts were to help us celebrate Mum’s life. It wasn’t until after she’d left that I realised what she meant. The bottle was champagne! How thoughtful and so very, very kind. We shall certainly raise a glass to Mum with that.

While we’d been out, we found that, not only had the boys been tinkering in the garage but they’d been mending the shower as well. The bit that was bust had been replaced by a new one that arrived in the post today, and it looks like it’s working. Marvellous. I think everyone would should have a John and a George in their household…….

Sue and I did a bit more pottering about, running up to the shops, and generally faffing about while the men carried on with their mission. They were on a roll and wanted to get several things done before it was time to stop. And sure enough, they got them done. For once, there was an aura of satisfaction about the house. Boom!

Another day of affirmation that friends are just the best.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Look who’s here!! Dear George and Sue to the rescue!!

When we saw George and Sue on our little trip away recently, we arranged for them to come and stay overnight so that George could give John a hand on the Lotus. And here they are! Full of enthusiasm and great ideas, sorting us both out.

John and George have spent all day tinkering with the car, happy as pigs in muck the pair of them, humming over their work, tinkering to their hearts content. It’s been fabulous.

Michael called in at lunchtime, realising he wouldn’t get home in time for a Zoom meeting, to take the call at ours, and he came in grinning from ear-to-ear. “They look like they are really enjoying themselves out there,” he said. “Dad’s not effing and jeffing – it must be going well!” Yes, good vibes were positively pouring out of the garage.

Equally, positive vibes were to be had indoors, too. Sue said, “I’m all yours. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do,” Well, that was an offer and a half, so I grabbed it with both hands and we sat down to make a list.

Satisfied with the list, I rather rudely left the house to go to my last yoga class of the term. Sue said she didn’t mind at all, so I took her at her word and suggested she read her book for an hour until I was back. However, she’s not one to sit about when there’s work to be done, so I found her beavering away in the kitchen wiping down the work surfaces when I returned home. Nice. Helloooo work surfaces – long time no see!

After lunch, I had a few phone calls and a bit of admin to do regarding Mum’s affairs, so Sue sat and did some mending for me. Oh, gosh, I was so grateful. I hate sewing…..

Soon, though, it was time to crack open a bottle of wine – I mean, it’s thirsty work isn’t it? All this cleaning and mending and such.

The day was interspersed with parcels arriving on the doorstep, too. How absolutely tremendous. A beautiful and unusual orchid from Fran and Pete, which is another one too pretty not to share…… I do love an orchid.

I was very excited to receive a super box of chocolates, too! The only thing is, I wasn’t able to find a label on them, so not sure who to thank. Green & Blacks? Don’t mind if I do!

The cricket had been purring along in the background all day, too, and we all had one eye on the match as we went about the day. However, after it had finished we wondered what we might watch. Hmmm…….. “How about we just chat instead?” suggested Sue. Well, what a jolly good idea!

A really, really lovely day, supported by two wonderful friends just when we need it. Howzat?

Take care everyone. God bless.

Aren’t people lovely? I went to yoga class this morning and Jaime hugged me tight and said she was sorry to hear about my Mum and how was I doing? Then Margaret came and hugged me tight too, and offered her condolences through words, deeds, a card and a gift. So uplifting. So blessed. Felt a bit better after my yoga class!

John has had a better day today as well. He had a bit of a lie-in and then was up and about when I got back from yoga, ready for a chat with Moira, our lovely Lay Reader, who is going to officiate at Mum’s funeral. It was good to see Moira, even in such circumstances, because she has been an amazing advocate on my faith journey. In recent years, she has frequently had my back.

We made good progress on the Order of Service and had a good chat about what Mum wanted, and within the hour we were all done and dusted.

After we’d waved Moira on her way, John went into the garage to have a faff about with the Lotus. He’s keen to sort out exactly what needs doing so that when George comes on Thursday to help, they’ll have some idea about what’s what.

John managed to socialise a bit too. Pete walked past and stayed to chat to him on the way into the village; and I believe he did the same on his way back home. Cheered John up anyway. Pete’s always good company.

Meanwhile, I quickly grabbed a bite to eat and then shot off to the Birmingham Register Office to collect Mum’s death certificate. How many copies do we need? Heaven knows! I wasn’t sure and the Registrar wasn’t able to help. “Everyone’s circumstances are different,” she said, politely. Oh, right…….

It was a good run into Birmingham and out again and I felt I had achieved something, which is pretty good when you feel like you are paddling against the tide.

Home again, I made a cup of tea and John and I sat had just down in the lounge when the doorbell rang. It was my friend, Kaye. “I’ve got a parcel for you,” she said, grinning from ear-to-ear. She held the parcel out. It was from Amazon, addressed to John – yes, 138 Station Road. I looked at her, puzzled. “It came to my house,” she laughed, “it’s a good job I know you!” We chuckled – fancy that! Our address is nothing like Kaye’s address.

Anyway, it was very nice to be able to invite Kaye in for a cup of tea and chat. It’s such a long time since we did that and we thoroughly enjoyed her visit. Another person who is always good compapny!

Blessings, eh? Lots and lots of lovely sympathy cards which have been unexpected. Lots of friends already extended their condolences on e-chats, so I really wasn’t expecting cards. But I am very pleased to be receiving them. I am finding them really helpful – especially the messages contained in them. There was a very pretty one from Kelv and Ren today which is so pretty I’m just having to share…. apparently, flowers are very good for your mental health – fractals, y’know…….

Take care everyone. God bless.

Despite it being one of those things that you really don’t want to do, and it’s sad that you are having to rifle through your loved one’s papers, I had quite an enjoyable day today. Anita came over to help me and together we made progress on some boxes of documents that I really should have sorted out a couple of years ago.

Not only that, but we had a look at a selection of Orders of Service that Anita had collected together in recent times, and I was able to extract some ideas from them – including a possible idea for a Bible reading. I must be honest, the fact that we’re nearly there with the service is a bit of a relief to me.

We had a lovely lunch together too, including cream cakes courtesy of Anita, although John only ate half of his mains (made room for the cream cake though!) because, mid-way through his lunch, John took a call from an oncologist’s secretary. He has contacted a Professor of Oncology to try and set up a second opinion on whether there is any other treatment to be explored. Fingers crossed.

Having missed his exercise class – and having eating cream cake – John thought he might do a round-the-block walk and so set off, not long after our lunch. He did quite well and got as far as the Village Hall on his circuit before he phoned for assistance. He wasn’t particularly out of breath but his leg was aching a bit so he thought the last couple of hundred yards might be a bit too much.

Towards the end of the afternoon, I was delighted to welcome a chap to the house who’d agreed to do a little bit of gardening. The front garden has been growing a fabulous selection of buttercups, thistles, oak trees and lemon balm, in addition to the intended plants in there.

The young man scooped up all those rogue plants and popped them into the green waste bin, before picking up his clippers and turning his attention to the front hedge that John had lovingly planted during lockdown. Hey presto! It had its first haircut. The front is beginning to look quite trim now!! (See what I did there?😜 )

We both felt worn out by the end of the day, so it’s been a bit of TV watching this evening and plans for an early night, but we have been buoyed up by the exciting news that Graham and Gail are planning to fly over to ol’ Blighty and will arrive on Sunday.

I tried to play it cool when Graham asked if I wanted them to come. “It’s your decision,” I replied, knowing that it really was, but shed a tear of relief and excitement when Gail said, “We’re coming!!” She can read me like a book that girl.

God bless. Take care everyone.

Andrew arrived home at 4.30 a.m. on Friday night. I always sleep better when I know he’s home, even though the key in the door woke me up! I was amazed that after such a late night, he was up early on Saturday, too – just as we were having a lovely chat to Graham and Gail!

All three of us sat on the bed, chit-chatting away to them, so it was nice – even though the topic of conversation was Mum’s funeral. We made some decisions though, so that was good, and we can plough on with those.

Not long after we’d rung off from the Oz airwaves, my cousin Janet arrived. “I’m not stopping,” she said, proffering a sympathy card and a beautiful orchid plant (Mum’s favourite), “I just wanted to say I’m sorry about your Mum,” Now, Janet is such a lovely person that of course we wanted her to come in and have a cuppa and a piece of cake – so she did. And it was lovely. We sat chatting for a fair while before she insisted on the leaving us to ‘get on with things’. But we always enjoy her company, so her presence lifted our spirits somewhat.

The gentlemen of the family had a bit of the snooze in the afternoon, while I watched the Ladies’ Singles final at Wimbledon and prepped a lasagne for our tea. “Do you want me to do it, Mum?” Andrew asked. Well…. yes but, no but…. I always thinks it’s wonderful when someone else sorts out our food for us but, on the other hand, for Andrew, it’s a bit of a busman’s holiday, so I’d rather he had a rest. Anyway, the lasagne turned out OK, even if it wasn’t Chef who prepped it!

Michael, Danielle and the family landed mid-afternoon. It was a sleepover, and the children were excited. Danielle had sent a photo of the boys and texted: ‘Boys have their ‘sleepover’ bags packed (and suitcase for teddies)‘ – I was excited then!! It’s always thrilling when they come to stay.

The boys had a brilliant afternoon together. They were all busy helping Michael fit some sidebars to his van. John was Overseer, of course, with the plans in his hand and issuing the instructions. Michael was Major Engineer and the children were the Runners. Great fun.

The sun had just broken through when my friend Chris Price, from church, called in with a bunch of lovely flowers, sympathy and some lovely chat. I didn’t think to offer her tea or coffee, but we sat chatting for a good while which I found really helpful. So blessed to have such thoughtful friends.

Naturally, a sleepover with the children means an early start the next morning. Mind you, I was grateful for the early morning call: Andrew was due to set off for the airport at 6.30a.m. and I wanted to wave him off.

At 6.25, Andrew said his friend would be collecting him in twenty minutes. Cool. At 6.30, Andrew said “Nobody panic! I can’t find my passport.” Ha! Me? Panic? Would I do such a thing?

Anyway after a few minutes of hunting, Andrew found his passport and so all was well. His friend arrived and they set off for Nijmegen. Andrew doesn’t think he’s going to be walking – he was too late to enter this year – but who knows? He might march along with his friend for a while…..

We brunched this morning, before sorting out the meat and veg for the Sunday Roast. David and Darrell were due to arrive about mid-day, which they duly did, and then they watched on as the children shelled the fresh peas. Brings back memories….

We had a lovely lunch together, although I got irritable when David sat where I’d placed one of the children, then wanted different cutlery…… it all worked out in the end, but I had to apologise for snapping his head off!! Eeek!

We have been ‘on the go’ most of the day with one thing and another and it’s been enjoyable. But John found it hard. With everybody being busy around him while he is feeling so tired and resting on the sofa, it brought a sharp focus to what he can and can’t do. Upsetting.

If you are so inclined, happy, healthy healing vibes and prayers would be appreciated.

Take care everyone. God bless us all.

After saying goodbye to Mum the other day, I realise that there’s work to be done now! So we’re on the ‘making arrangements’ trail…..

Yesterday, we went over to Mum’s care home and packed up all her clothes and belongings. I didn’t like that experience at all. All that’s left is a ‘bag o’ bits’? Not a nice feeling.

Paul and Michael helped because there was a large-ish chair, a TV and a lamp to transport home, so Michael took his van so that we could get it all in.

Paul, having had plenty of experience in this area, was ‘on it’ and immediately fell to, gathering everything into the suitcases and wheeling the chair out of the door. Michael and I stood around like spare parts, surveying the room, remembering, and not quite knowing how to respond.

Anyway, the bits and bobs are now at my house for sorting to send to the charity shop. This was a job I planned to do today, but other things took over. There’s such a lot to do isn’t there?

After we’d brought Mum’s things back yesterday, John and I went over to Paul’s for a cup of tea and a bit of cake, and ostensibly, to look at their emerging extension. The kitchen cupboards are now being fitted and some large snagging jobs being attended to. John went and had a look round, but I didn’t because I’d been there the day before and had a look see already. It’s coming on and the cupboards are really lovely, but will it be ready by Christmas? Hehe! (family joke)

Today promised to be a day of enjoyment and a little bit of work. Kaffee und Kuchen with the Crosses this morning, and another go at getting together with Anita for paper-sorting. Just as I was about to set off to the shops, Anita phoned. She too, was going out for coffee with friends and we both agreed that it would be a bit of a rush to travel down to Balsall Common this afternoon. So we’re planning to see each other on Monday. Third time lucky, I hope!!

We had a good old natter round at Pete and Dawn’s – always, always lovely to see them and chew the cud. We always have a laugh, too, which lightens our moods. So we feel very blessed.

This afternoon, then, I thought I’d do a bit of paper sorting on my own; and put Mum’s clothing into appropriate piles and bag them up ready for the charity shop. But first, I thought I’d watch a bit of tennis.

John decided to toddle off to Wickes to buy some wood, waved goodbye and left me to it. About five minutes later, the funeral director phoned. He had a question. “I know you’re coming on Monday but…” He was wanting to know about the service for Mum. “No worries,” I said, “My friend isn’t coming today after all, so I can come across to you now?” Yep. That would work. Hold the tennis. And the paper sorting. And the clothes sorting……

I texted John to let him know what I was doing. Ha! That was a waste of time. No proper signal in the funeral director’s part of the village, so it never got through. Poor John had no idea where I was when he got back. And naturally, I wasn’t responding to texts or phone calls without a signal, was I?

Anyway, all was well. After just over an hour or so, I toddled back home, much to the ol’ man’s relief.

Decisions. That’s what the visit to the funeral director was all about. Decisions. Ouch.

Still, I came away having agreed that we will hold Mum’s funeral at St Peter’s Church in Balsall Common, on Thursday 27 July 2023 at 12 noon. My dear friend Moira will lead the service, about which I am delighted, and we are hoping that Kim, the choirmaster, will play the organ/piano and the choir will be in attendance. That’s what Mum wanted, so fingers crossed.

So there we are, making arrangements.

In the meantime, friends are thinking of us and sending lovely messages of support, cards of condolence or flowers. Gorgeous bunch of flowers from Linda Bones today. I was very touched.

Take care everyone. God bless.

I said goodbye to Mum today. Phone call just after 9 a.m. to tell me that she had died about half an hour or so before.

I had planned to spend the day with Anita – brunch first, then sorting out some of Mum’s papers together. However, I cancelled the arrangement and went over to the hospital to talk to the doctors and nurses who had been looking after Mum instead.

There was not a lot to say, really – other than Mum had been unwell during the night and they had tried infusions of antibiotics, to counter the infection they had discovered in her blood, and paracetamol for pain relief.

The doctor I spoke to was very kind and said all the right things. So, too, did the sister in charge, so I came away, having stroked Mum’s forehead as a farewell, feeling sad, but not overwrought.

I am sad that Mum’s life has passed away, but relieved that her suffering has ceased. The last few weeks have not been nice for her at all, bless her.

Feeling the need to do something, I went across to the care home after I left the hospital and brought a few of Mum’s things back with me – but realised I hadn’t quite taken enough suitcases with me, having forgotten just how many things she had accumulated in the time she had been there. Another trip will be required, methinks.

Meanwhile, John had gone out for breakfast with Bryan this morning and had a good time. With the knowledge that Mum had passed on, John and Bryan were able to chew the cud a bit with regards to dealing with the fallout of such an occasion, which I think John found very helpful.

I spoke to Graham to let him know, and he promptly abandoned the evening out he’d been having to await more news. For once, the WhatsApp phone calls between us worked and so we were able to commiserate with each other, quite uninterrupted.

Naturally, the immediate family is upset. No matter how old, how cantankerous or how demanding Mum had been during her lifetime, we all loved her dearly and, in recent years, she had been positively angelic, so good memories have been generated. She was a massive presence in our lives, always.

This afternoon, Michael said he was going to take Chester for a walk. I too, had been thinking I’d take a walk to clear out the brain a bit, so we walked together to Paul’s and sat in his garden for a little while, talking it over. That was nice. Helpful.

As the day comes to a close, I suddenly realise how draining the emotional response to this situation is, and find I am weary. John, too, is weary, so we have sat companionably together on the sofa, with our memories, counting our blessings, happy just to be together and grateful for the family and friends drawing us in close. And so begins a new chapter….

Take care everyone. Tell those you love that you love them. God bless.