Category: Uncategorized

Ey-oop! I bought a lovely jigsaw puzzle last Christmas for the festive period but, with one thing and another, I didn’t have the appetite for it then. Anyway, I bought one of those roll-mat things that nurtures your jigsaw puzzle while you labour away at it and then keeps it safe when you want to put it away. So I thought I’d get it out and start the puzzle just to see if the mat worked.

Oh, crikey! I was disciplined during the day today – hardly touched the puzzle at all. I was disciplined all evening. But, just as I went to draw the curtains on retiring to bed, a piece caught my eye and I saw where to slot it in. Ha! That was it then for the next hour. I’ve had to drag myself away. I was supposed to be going to bed! And I still haven’t tested the mat out. Ah, well, maybe tomorrow ?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we’ve had a busy day today. I toddled off to yoga this morning and came home to find John up and at ’em. Poor man, he’s got so many things on his mind – jobs to do, you know – that he hardly knew where to start today.

First off, he pulled out the washing machine, which had died on us the other day. I feared the worst, but Superman had a look and said it was ‘just the belt’. Oh, giggle, giggle. ‘Just the belt’. Well, I wouldn’t even know where to start – the whole thing is a puzzle to me! But naturally, John did, and does, know where to start. Honestly, he is just amazing.

So he repaired the washing machine. “Do you want a hand?” I asked. “No,” he replied. “Oh, I thought you might need some help stretching the belt onto the gubbins.” With his head in the machine, he replied again, “No, I’ve done it.” Wow!

That job done, John thought he’d then carry on with a job he started the other day: up a ladder clipping wire mesh to the underside of the fascia board where the squirrels get in. He’s had a go at it before, many years ago, and it’s time to refresh the area. He’s doing a very good job, but of course, the effort has taken it out of him and he’s exhausted this evening.

Mind you, it’s not surprising really. He never does things by halves and even got the scaffolding out! One plank, which gave me the heebie-jeebies, but still. He just never gives up. No puzzle there – he’s just Mr Determined.

So while John tinkered about with that all afternoon, I tinkered about with cleaning the utility room. Oh, and the SnuGym, which I might rename ‘The Retreat’ since we have given away the sports equipment that was languishing in there.

I have been painting and decorating in recent weeks and have managed to use almost every paint brush we own, then fail to wash them, just putting them in water to soak. Yes, yes, I know. Those of you who are perfectionists will be squirming in agony at the thought…… sorry!

There were tins of paint everywhere, paintbrushes, rollers and roller trays to clean up. Tools cluttering up the work surface and the new bird feed holders and bird feed I’d recently bought, ready and waiting to be put outside. The sink, too, of course, was splashed galore and needed a good scrub. Fortunately, it’s all water-based paint I use, so I knew it would all come off. But it took me all afternoon. Nearly finished. Just another windowsill to paint before the next project. What will that be, I wonder?

Both of us were worn out this evening so we sat and stared at the TV. The Great British Bake Off is back……. that’ll keep us entertained for a few weeks – Yippee!

In other news, Graham is home from hospital after his operation and not doing too badly. We had a wonderful conversation the other day on the phone. I was absolutely thrilled to talk both him and Gail. It was so lovely. Obviously, we’re still thinking of him and sending positive vibes. The results of his biopsy for the temporal arteritis come through on Thursday, so fingers crossed it’s positive news and a little pill is all he’ll need to take.

Still on the health front, positive vibes would be appreciated for John, too. Although it all looks hunky-dory, he’s struggling with his breathing just at the moment, so I’m keeping my eye on him……

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is ‘bethink’ (10th century): to take thought and reflect; to return to oneself for a moment.

Hmmm……. that sounds like a good idea. And ‘The Retreat’ might be a good room to do that in.

Take care everyone. God bless.

I was tired at the end of the day yesterday. For a minute, I couldn’t think why. Then it came to me! Ha! I was back at yoga on Friday and stretched bits I hadn’t stretched for a week or two; and then yesterday morning, bright and early, I went open water swimming with Linda.

We had a good time together – I actually got into the water with a little less fuss than previously and managed 600 metres again. And we had a laugh. We were both ploughing up and down the lanes at our own pace when, at one point, I met Linda coming back. She grinned. “I’m going to have to stop at the end. My float keeps floating away!! I’m sure I haven’t lost weight round my waist but it’s drifting off, anyway!” We chuckled. “Need a hand?” I called. She didn’t and we carried on.

Two minutes later, Linda grinned again, “I’ve lost my wrist band now!!” Crikey! Chuckling, I reckoned she must have lost weight! And there it was, at the end of the lane, floating about, having unravelled itself.

As we neared the end of our swim, I said I’d get out after a couple more lengths. “Me too,” said Linda, and we swam on. I got out, and waited for her to finish. “Now look what’s happened!” she exclaimed. “My hat’s come off now!” Well, I chuckled some more. That girl had a time of it yesterday, didn’t she?

Home again, and John had been pottering about with the car. Unrelated to his activity and keeping a secret to himself, he said, “Paul and Michael are coming over later to collect the cross-trainer.” Right. Great news – I am de-cluttering and that would help.

In the meantime, we saw that we’d had a missed phone call from Gail and Graham. More excitement. We phoned back and spent an hour or more chatting. Oh, bliss! Graham said he wasn’t feeling too bad, although his foot was throbbing a bit, so I am hoping he makes a swift recovery and it’s not too painful for him. But honestly, it was so lovely to have a long conversation together. Loved it.

Paul and Michael arrived after lunch and promptly set to work. They had brought Freddie and William too, so I was on supervision duty. Not that the youngsters needed it really. Aged 7 and 5-next-weekend, they played beautifully.

Anyway, we were in the garden and we heard a ‘vroom, vroom’ noise. “What’s that?” William asked and stopped what he was doing. Excited, I said, “I think that might be Grandpa’s car starting up!” So we all rushed out to look.

Yep. Sure enough it was. Not only was it starting up but it was taking a trip down the road. Gosh, brilliant. Fabulous. And more words to that effect. The photo doesn’t do it justice because it’s snapshot from a video – but you get the gist. It’s on the road.

We were all grinning from ear to ear as you can imagine when John came back – and then he went out again. Having given Michael a ride out, it was Paul’s turn. Ah…. yes. Taking us back to our youth when we rallied cars……those were the days.

This morning I went over to Kenilworth to look after Thomas. We were both going to go, but I didn’t wake John up in time really, so he opted to stay home. It was probably a good job he did because we seemed to be here, there and everywhere!

Michael was running the Kenilworth half-marathon. Danielle was taking William to a rugby session and would take Oliver with her, so I was detailed to toddle up to the finish line with Thomas to wave Michael in. More excitement. Thomas loved it, clapping and clapping the runners in. He was so engrossed, he nearly missed recognising Daddy for a minute as he ran by. But order was restored and we ran up to the holding area to meet him.

Paul and Freddie arrived just as we were taking the obligatory and congratulatory photo. “You ran too fast!” Paul said. Indeed he did. I think this was Michael’s fastest time for a half-marathon this year, in under two hours.

We were just grabbing a coffee when Danielle phoned. Apparently, William hadn’t actually enjoyed his rugby and was feeling a bit frustrated. “I’ll go back,” I said, “You enjoy your coffee.”

The storm had settled when I got back and it was all quiet on the western front. William and I started reading a book and playing a few games while Danielle had five minutes rest. Maybe less than that….. “I’m hungry,” says William. Oh, crumbs – the poor girl has only just sat down! “Shall I hold Oliver while you get some lunch ready?” I said, (any excuse to hold the baby). So lunch was served but the baby didn’t settle so I took him out for a walk whereupon he fell asleep for a nanosecond……. Crikey, it’s been all go today!

When I got home, John said he hadn’t done much today. I’m not surprised. All the excitement of getting the car ready to run yesterday must have taken it out of him. He’d watched the Grand Prix which ended as a bit of a damp squib, and then he had a bit of a nap. Good for him. Pace yourself, boy!

On an entirely different note, I thought it my duty to remind everyone that COVID is still doing the rounds and, in some cases with devastating effects. In England, we’ve had eleven thousand people die within sixty days of a positive test for Covid (and that’s with hardly anyone testing) in the last two months. Makes one pause for thought – well, it made me pause for thought again, anyway. Sorry for still banging on about this, but it ain’t over, folks.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Morning on Friday was ‘thole’ (14th century): tolerance and forbearance, as towards other people’s feelings and points of view. Apt, I thought.

I hadn’t planned to write a blog today, as I knew I was going to be busy. However, on the day the Queen has died I thought I’d like to say that I couldn’t help but admire her.

A woman who pledged her life to the service of her people and kept her word. Never wavering in her duty, she steered a steady ship despite several periods of choppy waters.

And her sense of humour, which she allowed to emerge in recent years, was fantastic. From the Olympics escapade ‘parachuting’ from a helicopter with James Bond, and then moving onto another Bond – sharing tea (and her secret hiding place for her marmalade sandwich) with Michael Bond’s creation, Paddington Bear. As Paddington said: ‘Thank you, Ma’am, for everything.’

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Take care everyone. God bless.

With the Kenilworth Sleath Originals back from their holiday, we went round yesterday afternoon. We didn’t intend to stay long, but they offered us an evening meal, so naturally, we said, ‘Yes please’ and stayed on.

The Kenilworth Newbies also came along to see the Originals, so we were all there. How good is that? Oooh, we had a lovely time. We had fun playing with the children – well, Freddie played on some electronic game or other that was on the big screen and we all watched. It was hilarious. The monsters kept eating the character – to much screaming and giggling. “Your turn!” Freddie offered at frequent intervals to William or me or Grandpa or Harriet. Only Harriet took up the challenge when, once more, we were all giggling and screaming when the character lost another life on screen. Great fun.

We had a lovely evening meal, with a nice bottle of red wine, and then the chess set came out. We all had a game at one point or another and really relished it. The competition was fierce with everyone wanting to take Andrew on and beat him. He is currently the family champion, so there’s always a bit of rivalry.

I think the bottle(s) of rum that Paul brought out of the cupboard oiled the grey cells. Well, they certainly oiled something, because we had to get an Uber home (again).

This morning, there was a cheery wave and a cheery greeting from Michael, who had left the party early to put the children to bed and so was as sober as a judge. ‘How is everyone?’ he wanted to know. A few thick heads this morning. And at least two of the party stayed in bed until the afternoon. Harriet replied, ‘On a school night, never again!’ Hehehe. Famous last words. But we didn’t half have a good time.

I was left to my own devices for most of the day today while the Sleeping Beauties caught up on their sleep and worked off their hangovers. So I wafted about, forcing myself to tidy up a bit to get to the point where I could have another go at some painting. In the end, I didn’t get that far. Before I could take the lid off the paint pot, Paul and Harriet came over to collect their car and take me back to theirs, for me to collect our car. I just managed to get a bit of caulking done though…… go on, ask me….

It was Back to School for Freddie today and Start of School for William tomorrow, so school uniform was in evidence. It makes such a difference to how grown-up they look. My, how smart are these boys?

Quiz Night tonight – all lovely and hunky-dory and looking forward to it until about seven o’clock, when I suddenly remembered we were all supposed to be doing a couple of rounds each. I shot upstairs and, as luck would have it, I had something ready to work from. I had sorted out my bookshelves and came across a quiz book, published in 1945, from the radio programme ‘Ask Me Another’. So I picked questions from that. Made for an interesting quiz….. we all enjoyed ourselves again and were pleased to see each other, as we are every week.

As the quiz evening came to a close though, my thoughts turned to Graham and Gail. Graham is to go under the knife today/tomorrow to mend his wonky toes. Sending him all the best and most positive vibes I can find. In addition, he was recently at the doctors for something totally unrelated, and found himself whisked off to the hospital for investigations into whether he has temporal arteritis. A biopsy has been done and we are awaiting the results. Fingers crossed they can sort it out quickly. In my prayers.

Take care everyone. God bless. Keep your loved ones close and enjoy them as much as you can.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is ‘finifugal’ (19th century): regretting the end of something, such as a good book, or the summer. Ah, yes….. the nights are drawing in.

See? This is the problem when I only do a Blog every so often. Can’t remember what we’ve been doing………

Anyway, I’ll have a go.

Saturday: There had been a plan to go open water swimming in the morning, but….. of course, I’d enjoyed some lovely bubbly Prosecco on Friday night, hadn’t I? Thought it best not to go swimming early on Saturday just in case. So I didn’t. And that then set the tone for the day. Not doing much at all! Drifted through the day…… John managed a lot of snoozing in his chair. I managed a bit of tinkering round the house. Andrew kept us company.

Sunday: “D’ya wanna come for food” we asked the Kenilworth Newbies, “and eat in our new dining room?” They said ‘Yes’. Regrettably for us but fortunately for them, whichever way you want to look at it, the Kenilworth Originals were still on their holidays on the other side of the world, so they weren’t going to make it. They were still enjoying themselves and trying out new skills…..

Trying to ignore the thrills on the other side of the world, Andrew and I went to Oakes’ to buy some lovely food. Andrew then banished me from the kitchen to set about magicking up the most flavoursome beef roast. Oh, wow! I’d love to be able to cook like that. I mean, this isn’t ordinary food; this is Andrew’s food. So good, that I can’t even describe it…..it was absolutely delicious!!! D’you know what? I reckon that boy could make a career out of cooking! Hehehe!

After we’d eaten, I allowed myself to be commandeered by the children. I love it. “C’mon, Grandma! Let’s go to the space ship!” exclaimed William. “C’mon! Let’s go!” re-iterated Thomas in less intelligible terms. So we mounted the wooden hill and made our way to what-I-call-The-Harry-Potter-Cupboard, which is now ‘The Space Ship’.

We fiddled with a few buttons, pressed a few knobs and swooshed into orbit, right across Mars (the landing) into the other space ship (in the main guest bedroom), where we giggled ourselves into position. “Get in, Grandma!” said Thomas. “Quick!” said William, “The Aliens are coming!” (That would be Mummy, who loomed large at the window and grinned at the boys enjoying themselves.) Oh, gosh. We so enjoyed ourselves that William didn’t want to go home. Note to self: must learn to wind us all down at the end of the day….. having far too much fun!

Monday: Oh, crikey! It’s a while since I dropped in to see how Mum is getting on. I thought I ought to see her, so drove over today. Ha! She is, naturally, on top form. She even recognised family members in the photo-show.

“Now, I remember him from his auburn hair!” she proudly proclaimed. Wasn’t sure of his name, or relationship, but knew she knew him! That’d be Paul, then? “Ahhhh…..” she cooed, on seeing a photo of John, “Now, I know him!” Not sure of the name….or who he belongs to, but: “He looks nice, doesn’t he?” I had to agree. He is my husband, after all.

And then we sat silent, as Mum sipped her tea and nibbled her biscuits. She, with her thoughts; and me, with mine. Hers soon led her to hum ‘Que sera, sera’; mine led me to days gone by, remembering when she was a force to be reckoned with. Now, we were just two close relatives, comfortable in each other’s company and no words needed. Gone were the tussles, slights and affronts. Gone were the criticisms, said and unsaid. Just a grateful acceptance of companionship. Praise the Lord.

Once home, I remembered that John had offered to help move Michael’s shed. Other proposed times having come and gone, today had been allocated. “We’re going round to Michael’s about 3,” said Andrew. Yes, John confirmed. So muscles and brains had been booked and ready to help shift the shed.

It was marvellous. John mostly provided the brains; Michael and Andrew mostly provided the muscles. But boy! It was fun! There was a lot of: ‘To you….to me…..no, this a-way!…no, that a-way!… watch out!… mind your toes….’ Even the children joined in ‘moving’ their own shed. And I haven’t seen John so happy for a while.

Family life, eh? Love it! And can’t wait to see the Kenilworth Originals now that they are back home!

Take care everyone. God bless.

And, in case you were wondering…… Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is: ‘Zugzwang‘ [tzoog-tzwung]: a situation in chess (and life) in which a move must be made, but each possible one will make the situation worse.

Boom! What is she talking about?

Well, tablet-gate is over and John is feeling much better now that he is taking his pills! Phew! He didn’t do a great deal yesterday and had a slow start today but he has been out working on the car on both days. So we’re back on track.

I didn’t do a great deal yesterday either, other than plough on with the tidy-up round the house and do some ironing. I am such a messy worker and have strewn things all around over the last few weeks whilst I’ve been decorating. Thought it best to start putting things away….. including clothes from the ironing pile.

But the best medicine? A text message that looked like this:

Whoop! Whoop! was my response. I was so excited that I promised to go to the station to pick the boy up. Regrettably, I mixed up the train times and arrived fifteen minutes late, by which time Andrew had had time to walk up the hill, dive in to the Brickmakers’ Arms and down a pint of Guinness.

I managed to catch up with him at the shops. “You didn’t have to collect me, you know, Mum,” he said, grinning at me from ear to ear and in that tone that patted me on the head. “I know,” I replied. “But I wanted to….” And, as I explained later, collecting him would mean that I didn’t have to wait a second longer than I had to, to see him again.

We had a lovely evening together. I proposed we watch a film but, in the end, we watched trash before John and I crashed out of the running around ten o’clock, leaving Andrew to choose a film/programme he fancied.

I think he must have gone to bed late because he was still in bed at lunchtime today. John and I had done our morning chores, had our lunch and were ready for a nap ourselves by the time he got up! Hehehe.

We did have a nice sit down with a cuppa this morning though. Father Peter called on us, which was a nice surprise. We stopped what we were doing and settled down for a lovely natter. Really enjoyed the conversation and felt blessed with a prayer just before Peter left. “I’m off to the tip now!” he grinned. “Enjoy!” we responded. We do love a good tip trip.

This afternoon, all was excitement (well for me, anyway) as the dining room furniture arrived. Two wonderfully polite and competent men brought the goods in, assembled the table and arranged the chairs. “Lovely,” I said. “Let me show you how to open it out,” one of them said, and he carefully showed me the button to press and how to swivel the leaf to lengthen the table. Then they packed up, ready to go.

Andrew said he thought it was very nice but it wasn’t going to be much good when there were lots of people round, as there were only six chairs. Oh, yes! I hadn’t noticed that!! “Didn’t we order 8 chairs?” I queried. “No,” replied the delivery man, “six chairs,” he said firmly.

Of course it transpired that we had ordered eight chairs. And yes, they did have the other two chairs on the van. And so they brought them in. Phew! Thank goodness for Andrew and his eagle eyes! I’d have let the men drive away…… oh, Lordy, I need a minder to keep me on track!!

John came in to have a look. “Show me how it opens,” he said. Ha! Could I remember a) where the button was; b) which direction to pull the button in; and c) how to swivel the leaf? Err…. that’d be a ‘no’ then.

We pulled, pushed, pressed and wheedled to no avail. Finally, Andrew solved it and we opened the table up. But the swivel leaf? Hmm…. well, you need to be strong to press that in to turn it. Am I strong? Err….. that’ll be a ‘no’ then. Andrew to the rescue again. I definitely need that minder!!!

It’s not the best photo, but here it is – we can now sit together an eat!

We had plans to entertain this evening, so I took Andrew across to the Kenilworth Newbies where he cooked the evening meal and generally entertained the children because that’s what Uncles do. I think they had a lovely time together and Uncle Andrew was roped in to read the bedtime story……. apparently the book was hard. Chuckle, chuckle. The kids look engrossed anyway!

Meanwhile, Margaret and Chris, friends from church, came round this evening to drink Prosecco and wine and eat a few nibbles. We had a good laugh together and properly chewed the cud about all sorts of things. Such a pleasure to be in their company and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Just before bed, I thought I’d investigate the situation with the alarm that was beeping its blooming head off on the solar panel system. It had started at 2.30 this afternoon but, what with one thing and another, I hadn’t had chance to clamber up into the loft. I did the usual thing of switching it all off and on again but it ain’t playing. Booo. Ah, well, a job for tomorrow. *Sigh*

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day yesterday was ‘fremescence’ (19th century): a slow-building roar; a growing sense of unease or dissatisfaction. Hmm………spot on. Shall be phoning the solar panel company tomorrow.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Oh, dear! John, bless him, has been so busy on his car that he quite neglected himself this week. Apparently, on Monday evening he found he’d run out of tablets. Rather than rush out to make sure more were forthcoming, he carried on regardless until this morning when he admitted to me that he hadn’t had any medication for 36 hours.

Hmmm…… I could tell. He wasn’t great at all. He’d got up and gone to the chemists to see about getting some more tablets, only to find that the lady who does them wasn’t in until this afternoon. After a bit of kerfuffle, I persuaded them to give John his anti-depressants at least, and then toddled up to the chemist’s shop myself this afternoon to have a word. All sorted by this evening and it looks like the ol’ man is getting back onto an even keel. But note to selves: mustn’t do that again. It’s not good for either of us!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch……. I was supposed to go over to Lizzie’s yesterday morning for a cuppa, a chat and a cuddle with baby Arthur. However, she texted first thing to tell me that, although she felt OK for me to visit, she had a headache and a tickly throat. Hmmm….. we took a rain check. I’m still cautious about any infection.

Instead of visiting, I took the opportunity to do some resting. I worked a bit on chores, then took myself out into the garden for a cuppa and sat in the sunshine. It was lovely to take in the last of the summer days in the warmth of the day.

I left John beavering away on his car, unaware of the impending ‘tablet-gate’ and sauntered off into town in the afternoon. Traded in my old phone in the Apple shop; upgraded my contract for airtime and popped into John Lewis to buy a new side table for the lounge.

That last bit wasn’t so easy. They thought they had one in stock. “Here, take this receipt to the collection point and they’ll give you said item.” Ha! Of course not! John Lewis no longer stocks anything. So I had to go back into the department to arrange for delivery instead. All in all, it took a bit of sorting out.

By the time that little purchase was completed, my nerves were on edge, it was twenty to four and the traffic was building up. I put off my planned trip to Melbicks Garden Centre. The M42 was rammed.

Despite John feeling very unwell this morning, he had an appointment at the dentist in Kenilworth, so we went. One of his fillings had fallen out so a refill was necessary.

Once we were home, John rested and snoozed in his armchair and I successfully went on the trail for drugs and came home, triumphant, with the antidepressants. We had a bite to eat, then both of us snoozed in our chairs this afternoon. Golly!

I finally woke up about four o’clock, did the final push for all of John’s medication and prepped my kit for an open water swim. I met up with Linda and we had a really good swim. We didn’t push ourselves, but I couldn’t help counting…… did 12 lengths @ 50 metres per length. Pleased with that! Not yet brave enough to do the circuits though……

Home again, and John was looking a lot brighter. Phew! Too poorly to join in with Quiz Night this evening though, so I went solo. It was our turn to be Quiz Masters but, knowing that I was going to be late back, Hazel sat in the hot seat for the first half of the evening, for which I was very grateful. And the quiz evening was fun. So lovely to be among friends and to have a laugh. Lifts the spirits no end.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day yesterday was her ‘regular reminder that ‘lalochezia’ is the use of swearing to relieve pain, anxiety, or frustration.’ Might have found my self in that particular situation several times today……..

Take care everyone. God bless.

As all days now seem the same to us, we don’t really count Bank Holidays, but we know other people do, so it’s always a delight to entertain whenever there is an extended weekend.

On Sunday, we had invited Michelle and Tim to come and visit. They had hoped to come the previous weekend but, with hospital visits and so on, it wasn’t quite the right time then. So they made an extra-special effort to come back up the motorway to see us yesterday. And what a lovely time we had.

The weather was warm and balmy; we had seats and tables outside to sit at; we had food and drink available – so we relaxed into a few hours of chat. I was particularly interested in seeing photos of Michelle’s son, Paul, and his fiancé, Zoe, getting married on Thursday. It looked like they had a fabulous day and they, and their guests, looked beautiful.

Michael and Danielle called in after they had been to a christening and were delighted to meet up with Michelle and Tim. It had been a while, I think, since they had seen each other.

The children were very well-behaved, so we were able to carry on chatting and not be distracted too much. Although I couldn’t resist, and neither could they, of course…..

We were delighted that Michelle and Tim stayed well into the afternoon, but they had a two-hour journey home, so the farewell came all too soon. We were on the doorstep saying goodbye when I suddenly remembered that I’d wanted a photo of us all together. Photo duly taken, Michael chuckled, “That’ll be appearing in the blog tonight!” Ah……. maybe not. Tim wasn’t too keen, so we had another one taken with Michelle…. and here we are! Don’t we look good?

After Tim and Michelle left, we carried on enjoying ourselves en famille, playing in the garden, playing in the house, eating an evening meal together, bathing the children and putting them to bed before we settled to an evening chinwag. Ah….. bliss!

This morning I was up with the lark. At 5.45 William came through and told me that he was awake. “Ahh….. you’re awake?” inwardly groaning, I played for time…… “I think it’s a bit early to get up, so let’s rest for another half an hour, eh?” William, as good as gold, went back to bed for twenty minutes.

Of course, it wasn’t long before Thomas was awake, too. The dog had barked, hadn’t he? Michael wearily came downstairs, Thomas in arms. Gosh, neither of us were on top form at that time in the morning!!! But the children were….

Anyway, we soon got the hang of it and I took the boys back upstairs to play in William’s/Freddie’s room for an hour with the door shut, so that everyone else, including Michael, could extend their shuteye for a bit longer.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our day. We had breakfast of course, early on, but treated ourselves to a mid-morning Bank Holiday Brunch in the newly-decorated dining room. We played a bit and, while Thomas had his nap and Michael and Danielle went to a Garden Centre for an hour, we watched TV a bit, too. When the grown-ups got back, they brought a cream tea home with them for a treat which was lush! I had lots and lots of cuddles with baby Oliver and we felt blessed for the company of family. Bank Holiday? Don’t mind if we do!!!

Take care everyone. God bless.

Well, yesterday turned out quite nicely! We had been waiting for the electrician to call and had half-thought that we may need to do the job ourselves in the dining room if he didn’t turn up. But, lo and behold, first thing yesterday, he and his son both arrived to finish the sockets and fix the light fitting in the ceiling. They were done and dusted and on their way to another job by 9.15. Yay!

I was pleased because it was another step to getting the room finished. The blinds arrived yesterday afternoon, which John promises to fit tomorrow, and I had a phone call this morning to tell me that our table and chairs would be arriving next Friday. Boom! It’ll be done then. Nice. Anyone want to come for dinner?

After the electricians had gone, John was up and about and we were on our way to Birmingham to drop the rear bumper from the Lotus in to the metal finishers to be chromed. Nice, easy journey there and we found the place in depths of Smethwick very quickly.

John hopped out of the car and went in. He was ages. I was beginning to wonder where he’d got to when he emerged. It transpired that the chap was a lovely bloke and he and John had got chatting. Well, that was nice, wasn’t it?

Home again in time for lunch and to prep some bits and pieces ready for a barbecue. Paul had phoned earlier and wondered what we were up to. Not a lot in the afternoon if they wanted to come round? Yes, that would be lovely thank you. Fancy a barbecue? Don’t mind if we do!!

We had a great time. We cracked open the bottle of champagne that Paul had given us on our wedding anniversary and we’d had on ice since then. We chatted and laughed and ate and drank and generally enjoyed ourselves. Freddie was in a bit of a funny mood, but once he started playing with the seed pods from the irises in the pond, he was absorbed and as good as gold.

There was a marvellous moment as we sat at the table when all three of the men reached out and held hands – John, Paul and little Freddie. Male bonding – wonderful.

This morning, John and I had a long lie-in. It was the brandy wot did it! We were alright until we had a glass or two of that last night – hehehe. Neither of us wanted to get up early so we determinedly stayed in bed until we’d had our sleep out.

When we did get up we were equally determined to have a day of rest today. Watching the cricket; watching a bit of Grand Prix practice and qualifying; a little potter here; a little potter there. It’s been a relaxing day. Makes a change from rushing about like a lunatic!!

Take care everyone. God bless.

Round and round and up and down we go! We had a lovely morning this morning. Danielle texted to ask if we were up for a visit and I naturally said yes! We try not to turn down an exciting activity such as seeing the family, if we can help it.

Danielle and the children arrived about ten o’clock. We spent the morning playing with the toys, mostly mixing the plastic food in pots, cooking it in the ‘oven’ (which was under the coffee table or the radiator in the hall) and then doling it out to each other to ‘taste’. Mmmm, sweetcorn leaves? Delicious!

William was keen to go upstairs and play in his ‘space ship’ in the Harry Potter cupboard. “Not you, Thomas,” he said, “Just me……..” and then as an afterthought, “…….and Grandma.” Well, that was fine for a while as Grandpa was entertaining Thomas, but it didn’t last long and everyone bar Grandpa came up to find out which planet we’d landed on.

William really wasn’t keen to be sharing ‘his’ space with Thomas. I think it’s a sibling thing, because he’s always perfectly happy to share the space with Freddie!! Anyway, after a bit of wriggling and squirming with his emotions, I could see he was struggling in coming to terms with the sharing notion of this particular place.

“Come on,” I said, “let’s go and find a space ship for Thomas!” We all trundled into the newly-carpeted main guest bedroom; I put baby Oliver into the very centre of the bed (remembering the latest rolling thing he’s developed); and opened one of the recently-emptied cupboards. “In here!” I declared, setting a blanket inside for them to sit on. “I’ll get a torch.”

I left Danielle holding the baby and, when I came back, found that both the boys were keen to play in the new ‘space ship’. Thomas didn’t mind sharing his space with William at all. And William didn’t mind sharing the space either.

“Get in,” Thomas commanded me. Oh, crikey! Was I going to fit? Yep. I did. There was just enough room for the three of us. The boys were in and out like Jacks-in-the-Box. We landed on a new planet every few minutes, Thomas shutting the door on me every time, with the command: “Stay there!” Both boys peeped in through the window in the cupboard to check I was still there before they went off to search for ‘treasure’. Marvellous fun.

They all went home at lunchtime and John and I had a bite to eat before setting off to Heartlands for an appointment with the oncologist this afternoon.

The news is not quite what we’d hoped for, but were half expecting. The scan has revealed that the cancer has escaped from the prostate. It also revealed that there is an enlarged lymph node nearby and a spot on the pelvis. “The treatment is to carry on with the Bicalutamide drug you started three weeks ago,” said the consultant. “We’ll check your PSA levels today and I’ll phone you on Monday with the result. If the levels aren’t reducing, we’ll start you on another drug, Enzalutamide, instead.” Right. OK. Containment.

So there we are. This is life as we know it. Happy times with the family (and friends) and irritating times with b****y cancer. We both feel exhausted with it all and John feels angry that time elapsed at what may have been critical points of his care. Of course, we can always get in touch with PALS, but have we got the energy? We’ll see. Not today anyway.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Positive thoughts and prayers still appreciated if you are so inclined. They hold us up, knowing that people are thinking of us, so thank you to all who do. Much appreciated.