...24 Days To Moving Day...

Dave caught this Rudd earlier in the year

...Big Isn't It...??

Dave's coarse fishing this morning - he's trying to get a few sessions in before we move - ONLY 24 days to go - then AT LAST we'll be on our way!! This move has been the worse one we've ever had (& we move a LOT, so we know!) - It'll be 44 weeks from putting the place on the market to actually moving out - that's unbelievably long - don't you think??

But at least it'll soon be behind us (in 24 days!!) and we can get on with the next stage of our lives - starting a Self Catering Holiday Cottage Business in the Lincolnshire Wolds (Bumble Bee Country Holidays) - we've already got an eye on a couple of 'cottage possibilities' to view as soon as we get there and we're hoping to have the business up and running by summer '08.

It's so exciting (something we're talked about for years!), but if I'm honest I'm pretty scared about it as well because not only are we leaving an area where we've always lived and going to a completely different one that we don't know that well, we're also leaving all our friends and family behind and going to set up a brand new idea!!

Still if all else fails - we can always come back and think of something else to do -

...We Can Come Back, Can't We...?

...Anyone For Champers...?

...Great Fun at Tony's (my brother) last night, playing on the Wii with the rest of the family - there were 10 of us - the youngest, Krystal (7) was so good at all the games she wiped the floor with us all...

Tony cooked four different concoctions for us all to enjoy and opened plenty of wine - he's a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to red wine - I'm not 'into' red at all, even though he's always trying to convert me. I must admit that it's all 'plonk' to me & this SO annoys him every time I say it - which is the reason for saying it, of course ;0)

I am starting to develop a taste for champagne though (only the 'good' stuff, of course) - this is also due to Tony. He gave Dave & I a bottle for Christmas '06 and OMG it was delicious...I can remember it floated & danced (see I've been reading 'How To Describe' it) down the throat and there was none of that burning sensation or shuddering as you swallowed it - Yeah! we've all been to 'that' wedding, haven't we???

So we took a bottle of the bubbly stuff to Tony's yesterday and sampled it - it was OK but not that great so I've told Dave

..."That we'll just have to keep buying it until we find 'The Perfect One' again"...

...Tom's Back - YIPPEE...!

Tom (youngest son) is here for a few days - he arrived Christmas Eve and is going back to London tomorrow - not that we've seen that much of him as he's been running around catching up with old friends - he did pop back for 10 minutes yesterday though - for a guzzle of milk and change of clothes (he'd been living in the same ones for a couple of days - typical of Tom!) & then he was gone again.

He did spend all of Christmas Day & Boxing Day with us though so we can't really complain - it's just difficult, isn't it? - when you don't see the kids for ages and then they seem to want to spend it with friends rather than you :(

All's not lost though, because he's meeting us this evening at Tonys (my brother) for a family Wii party - and afterwards we're dropping him off at yet another friend for the night...

...Oh Well, There's Always The Next Visit...

...What Gets Your Giggle Going...?

Alan, Doris & Dave

Christmas Day 2007

Doris & Alan (Dave's mum & brother) came over for the evening yesterday - I cooked salmon (not fresh, you understand - didn't want to go too mad!!) & Dave prepared a fresh fruit salad - something quite light after all the over indulgence of the last couple of days - we did however flood the fruit with yummy full-fat cream and Haggen Dazs ice cream - so it wasn't a complete success unless of course you love these things - like me - then it was like Christmas all over again ;-)

...we had a good 'chinwag' & watched re-runs of the Vicar of Dibley - again!! - and giggled all the way through - it always gets my giggle going...

...It Was Nice Family Time...

...Cancel Christmas, Don't You Dare...

Well, that's it then - done and dusted - all sorted for another year - all that build up and poof! it's over - and all that's left are dirty dishes and mountains of wrapping paper - but would I change it - absolutely NOT - I love every over-spending, sprout peeling moment of it.

We ate too much, complained about what was on the television, played silly party games & laughed and laughed until our sides ached.

...Cancel Christmas, Don't You Dare...

...Santa Filled My Stocking...

Just wanted to say that the fat man remembered where I lived, squeezed himself through the chimney and eat all the mince pies!! He left well and truly stuffed but not before he'd found my stocking & filled it with lovely things large and small INCLUDING my 'Oh is that for me' - Ruby ring :0)

...Boy I'm so L U C K Y - I hope you were too...

...I'm So Excited...

Well, it's almost here, it's so close I can smell it! - I'm so excited - only a few more hours until the fat man comes and leaves something nice and small and shiny in my stocking. I do hope that all the hints and Santa notes worked and he was paying attention :0)

But whatever he leaves and he will leave something - won't he?? - I'll be happy just because he called and remembered me - I will, really I will

...Merry Christmas, Everyone & I hope Santa brings everything you wish for too...

...Let's Raise A Toast...

Dave took his mum, Doris to the crematorium this morning to lay a wreath for his dad, Pip (Percy Stenbridge Humphrey, to be exact). I didn't go as I think this is a mother & son thing, but it has got me thinking about the people that will be 'missing from the table' this Christmas.

We have this sort of family tradition that just before we tuck into the Christmas turkey, we toast the people that are 'missing from the table', like Dave's dad Pip, my mum Bobby, my lovely Auntie Joyce and Steve (our eldest) - not that he's dead of course - very far from it - he's absolutely alive and living in Sydney, Oz and is in that 'pinch me if I'm dreaming' stage - but nevertheless, he will be missing from the table again - for the second year - and I'll be toasting him along with the rest.

...so if you have someone that's 'missing from your table' this year - try to think of them (as I do), not so much as missing because they are there, deep within your heart..

Merry Christmas Everyone

ME ;0)

...Is This Chocolate Heaven? - Oh Yes...

The first time I came across a Chocolate Fountain was earlier in the year at a friends 50th birthday bash - it was a huge commercial affair that took centre stage on its own table - I was first in the queue with my marshmallow I can tell you.

So we have bought one (on a much smaller scale) to take to Doris' (Dave's mum) for Christmas treats, with lots of dippy things of course. We went to our local deli and bought the suggested Belgian chocolate buttons suitable for the operation - Dave said that we'll need a lot so we purchased a 3kg bag - that's a lot of buttons, I can tell you - and I said that we'd better try it after tea last night just to check it worked OK. We don't want to get it to mum's at Christmas and find that the thing doesn't work, do we??

So I followed the instructions and - WOW - it actually cascaded over the fountain (as it should) and looked pretty impressive. I then proceeded to dip and dip and dip - until I was stuffed with all things sticky & chocolaty - I'd recommend it to anyone.

However, half an hour later I got the most god-damn awful headache (that'll be my glucose intolerance kicking in) and felt so bad I had to go to bed

...But Was It Worth It? - You'd Better Believe It...!

...We've Sold The Mattress Topper...

For those of you that have been paying attention, you'll remember that we bought a mattress topper to help Dave's backache! (9 Nov. entry - if you can be bothered!) but I couldn't get on with it - so we put it on eBay and yesterday it sold - Great News -

Only problem was how to pack it for the courier to pick up today - Dave found an old Sony CTV box that seemed study enough and we set about trying to get 'The Thing' into a plastic bag and then into the box - well talk about a side-splitting laugh...I tell you Laurel & Hardy have nothing on us... I would like to point out at this stage that it does weigh 12.5kg (that's 27.5lbs in real money) is made of high density foam and has a mind of its own... Finally after a lot of huffing and puffing (on Dave's part, I'll add) we got 'The Thing' into the plastic bag and managed to fold it in half - by sitting on it - and then carried on struggling again for what seemed like a very long time and finally 'We Did It' it was in - YiPPee!!

We then proceeded to tape it in - it isn't going to escape from the plastic bag, study box and a reel of tape - I can tell you

...I do hope that the courier man has help to carry it or at least one of those trolley things...

...I've Got Such A Sore Throat ...

My throat's been niggling for a couple of days and I've been gargling with Doris' (Dave's mum) old remedy of aspirin (dissolved of course, not whole!!) & sucking Lockets (what a waste of money they are) and guess what - it hasn't worked because today I feel as if someones left sandpaper down there & I've constantly trying to clear my throat - such an annoying noise, I know

I've been up since 4am as it was so much worse laying down and I knew that I was rocking the bed with the constant coughing - Who said that I didn't care about Dave's beauty sleep?

...Oh No! The nose is now dripping - where's a hankie?

...sorry to leave you with that visual effect...

...Who's Taken The Scissors...?

I've been wrapping presents for most of the day today and the floor is now covered in tinsel, sticky tape and bits of paper - I only vacuumed this morning - I knew it was a bad idea!! - to vacuum that is not wrap presents.

I love the build up to Christmas and always have. When I was small it was so exciting in our house waiting for Santa and never quite knowing what he'd bring - there was eight of us (including mum and dad) and it was always a big thing in our house. Christmas Eve was 'adults' night when the extended family and close friends would gather in our tiny lounge and exchange gifts - we'd start at around 5pm with a great buffet (dad always bought a whole ham on the bone - yummy!) and most years didn't finish unwrapping gifts until midnight - Yes, Really :0)

My granddad (Papa Jim) always drunk too much whisky and Nanna always moaned at him and it ended in 'words' between them - mum was pretty chilled out & enjoyed the atmosphere and dad was the one who got 'over excited' and ended up shouting at everyone - it was always the same routine - but I absolutely loved it and have such great memories of us all being a family...

..Oh Well! enough reminiscing - back to the wrapping...

...Am I Just Too Sad...?

Saw Doris (Dave's mum) yesterday - we had to find some paperwork that we have stored in her attic...Can you believe that she's lived in the same house for 39 years and she NEVER had anything in her attic - not a bean...?

When we decided to start refurbishing property and knew that we'd be moving 'every' year (EEK - Are We Mad?) we asked if we could use it to store all our treasures and 'rubbish' of course - so as not to have to move it around with us all the time. You know what I mean by treasures - the boys first playgroup creations, their cub scout uniforms, precious photos and the like... things that we'll probably never use or look at again but I just couldn't bear to part with...

...Am I Just Too Sad...?

...Pain, What Pain...?

Weather is dry but mighty cold today - mind you it is December and only 8 days until the fat guy brings me pressies :0)

I'm pleased to report that Dave's back to normal self today - the last four days have been a round of pooing and puking - took me back to the days of when the boys were young and ill. Tom was just like Dave - just can't handle it - moaning and groaning about how bad they feel....

...Get over it - try giving birth - then you'll know what pain is...Right Girls...??

...Welcome To The Real World...

Thomas William Humphrey
DOB: 24.09.84
WEIGHT: 6lb 12oz
5 weeks premature

Spoke to Tom (youngest son) this morning - he's fine but skint!! He and Danielle took on a 'huge' mortgage in June and then changed his job in August for less money than he was earning before and is now feeling the strain of it all - I told him 'Welcome to the real world'.

Dave & I lived from week to week for nearly 20 years while the boys were growing up - borrowing from Peter to pay Paul (and paying the 'important' bills first) - it was hard I can tell you - and there were many weeks when I only bought the essential 'cheap and cheerful' shopping. But we all survived it and I think the boys grew up appreciating the value of things more and didn't expect the latest fashions or toys just because their friends had them - even though it sometimes broke my heart to have to say again and again 'No, sorry we just can't afford it'

...If I Had To Do It Again, Would I? - Bet Your Life I Would...

...Don't Panic, Mr Mannering...

Dave's much better today - Thank Goodness - he was still pooing well into the evening yesterday - where does it all come from?? and the scariest part for me was him passing out....last night, while on the loo (again!). He just sort of lent forward and folded in half (just like a rag doll) and I called his name and shook him and he almost fell onto the floor - B U T I didn't panic - Mr Mannering!!

My first thought was to get him on the floor and then if he was still out cold I'd made up my mind to call an ambulance - but lucky his eyes flicked open and he was OK - I must admit to being very relieve when that happened. He says that he doesn't remember it happening at all and I'm making it up...

..I Can Promise You I'm Not...

...What A God Damn Awful Night...

...That Was...

Dave (Nov '07)

Dave started puking and pooing at 2.30am and didn't stop until nearly 6.30am. The amount of fluids that he emitted from his body parts was really quite frightening and the smell - well I won't go into detail about that!! I apologise if anyone is eating while reading this... He was so hot at first and then so cold he was shivering and just couldn't get warm even with a nightshirt, heavy dressing gown and an extra quilt on the bed - his legs couldn't support his weight properly and then they started to tingle and cramp up - it really wasn't nice - not nice at all....

He finally fell asleep around 7.30 and is still in bed - he has been to the loo again this morning - but nothing like as bad during the night - but found that he was very unsteady on his feet and says that he feels so dizzy.

I've left him with a warm drink and Beattie (the cat) on the bed & I'm going to the chemist to speak to the Pharmacist about him - in case there's anything he can take that'll help but I expect he'll just have to fight it off ......

...Is Everyone Having A Good Time...?

My Dad - Oct. '88

Dave & I went to see my dad yesterday (he's in a home because he has Alzheimer's) and it was the homes Christmas Party, we arrived around 4.30 and it was packed - it was nice to see it so well attended.

Dad was in his room (again!) and didn't want to come down at first - but as soon as we told him there was food and 'possible' drink down there he changed his mind and almost jumped out of bed and got dressed (unaided), brushed his hair and off we went. He had a great time and it was so nice to see him laughing and joking with the other residents and guests & having a good time - I'm so annoyed with myself for not taking the camera....

...we won a bottle of champagne & wine, biscuits & a t-shirt on the raffle - so it was worth buying a tenner worth of tickets...

...I Like Snuggling - Who Knows Where It Can Lead...

Another busy day ahead for Dave & I today. My uncle Eric surprised us this morning with an unannounced visit - it was lovely to see him.

And after lunch we're going into town (More Christmas Shopping - EEK!) there's a new precinct opened so we're going to check it out - I don't expect it'll be that exciting but we live in hope.... :0)

Then we're going to visit dad at Admiral House, we haven't seen him for nearly a fortnight - where has the time gone?? The home are having their Christmas Fayre this afternoon/evening so we're going to support it and no doubt get roped into buying raffle tickets and crafts..

By the time we get back it'll be early evening and we'll have a late meal and snuggle up in front of the television together

...I Like Snuggling - Who Knows Where It Can Lead... :0)

...44 Days Until We Move...

Dave & I were woken up at 6.30am this morning by next door barking dog (again!) - it was obviously outside and barking to get back in - if I'd had a gun I'd have shot the bloody thing!!

This is the third morning running this has happened & what with the slamming of doors all day long, every day and now their dog... the 25th January can't come quick enough I can tell you.

...to move to the country and be woken by the dawn chorus will be bliss

BOY! I can't wait... :0)

...It's Nearly Christmas - YiPPee...!!

Well, The Tree's Up - The Bubbles Are On - Bing's Playing -

- And I'm Just Waiting For Santa -

I feel really Chrismassy today - only another 16 - that's sixteen days - days to go until that fat man known as Santa comes and fills my stocking. I'm hoping for a ruby ring this year & I've dropped loads and loads of hints, left little Santa notes around and made my screen saver a glorious ring - just in case he gets confused and brings me something else that's much more useful but not as stunning as a single gemstone set in 18ct gold in size M

...You Know...Just In Case... :0)

...How Are You Today...?

It's been so wet and windy again today - it was raining when we got up and hasn't eased all day.

We went to visit a good friend in hospital this afternoon - he was rushed there on Thursday because of breathing problems and a x-ray has revealed that he had two blood clots forming - in the leg and on one of his lungs - this is not good news and is very worrying...

Bert is 83 and has been a heavy smoker all his life - so no doubt this is also causing concern but he was very upbeat when we saw him today and was breathing unaided, except for the occasional blast from the oxygen mask - he's definitely lost some weight (he wasn't big to begin with) but said that he felt so much better than he did a few days ago

...it was great to see him looking so much better than we thought we'd find him...

...Thirty Years Together And It's Still Exciting...

Dave & I have had a fabulous day out today in Tenterden, Kent ~ it's so lovely to have been together for 30 years (married for 27 of them) and still find it exciting to spend time walking around shops and just enjoying each others company...How many couples can say that...?

We started off at the doctors this morning - my appointment this time - just a weigh-in (I've lost 18lbs so far) as I'm losing weight because of being a borderline diabetic and having a glucose intolerance - which certainly doesn't help!! I'm only managing about a 1lb a month but have also got the 'excuse' of being menopausal! But what keeps me going is the fact that it's coming off, be it ever so slowly, and NOT going on - which is what usually happens...

And when Steve (eldest son) comes back from OZ for a holiday next summer - I want him to see the difference in me - silly, I know but it's giving me an aim...

...Which Pedal's The Brake...?

Weather is absolutely awful today - so windy and lashing rain - EEK!

I had to go to the Post Office this morning (eBay things!!) and got soaked just running from the car which was parked directly outside it.

Dave drove me, even though it's only just down the road. This is because even though I can drive I really don't enjoy it one little bit and a few weeks when Dave had a small procedure carried out on his toe and he wasn't allowed to drive back - I had to drive home and at the bottom of Hospital Hill (it's really called this) I just forgot for a split second which pedal was the brake and panicked (as anyone would) & just touched the accelerator instead and Dave started shouted, 'What the f**k are you doing?' I found the right pedal pretty quickly I can tell you and you're be pleased to hear stopped the car in plenty of time before the oncoming traffic passed...

However, as you can imagine he now doesn't want me to drive anymore, whether or not he's in the car - so he chauffeurs me everywhere - which suits me just fine :0)

...Shall I Ask Him Or Will You...?

...Guess What...I remembered To Blog Today...Good, Ain't I...?

Not a lot's happened so far today, the removal-man called this morning to confirm the price for moving us in January, from here (Dymchurch, Kent) to East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, I liked him, he was very professional but also good fun to talk to. Dave's working again today (he'll have to be careful in case he gets use to it... :0) and my eldest brother, Paul phoned at lunchtime. He needed to know exactly what was written on mum's death certificate...I told him I had no idea - it was 27 years ago and dad had it at the time. Since then dad's moved, got involved in 'the church', remarried, moved again, become a widower (again!), moved again and now has Alzheimer's. I said to him....

...Shall I Ask Him Or Will You...?

...Hi, All You Bloggers Out There...!!

How Are You Today?

First an apology - I completely forgot to blog yesterday - slap my wrists!! - I don't know how - it's not like I was mega busy or had more pressing things to do - the day consisted of a couple of phone calls to friends and the removal man to confirm the date for moving (AT LAST!!) & food shopping at Sainsbury's (it's not cheap there, is it?), as normal, we only went shopping for a couple of essential things and came out with a trolley full and £75 lighter in the purse area :0(

We also bought a couple of DVD's as stocking fillers for Alan (Dave's brother) & my niece, Krystal - so that's more pressies crossed of the 'stocking wish list'...

Dave's working again this morning at Marys, another friend, she lives on her own and has a long list of 'odd' jobs for Dave to do - I think the list is getting longer by the minute.

...still it keeps Dave busy - he hates sitting still - can't see why, it suits me just fine...

...Why Him, Why Him, Why Him...?

I've just spoken to my dad - he's in a care home because he has Alzheimer's - on the phone and he sounded really good - he knew who I was straight away and asked after the family - again and again and again!! I always try to answer him each time as if it was the first time I've heard it that day - but BOY! it's so hard to keep my voice cheerful and calm each time I say the same thing over and over.... and not to show my frustration and anger at this god awful condition and ask over and over and over

...'Why Him, Why Him, Why Him...?'

- I Love You, Dad -

- I Love You, Dad -

- I Love You, Dad -

...Ever Wonder What The Speed Of Lightning Would Be If It Didn't Zigzag...?

Dave & I have been Christmas shopping again today - there was a couple of local fairs going on, so we went to see what we could find and we did managed to pick up a few bits and pieces for our three nieces - so that's good news! We also popped in to see Doris (Dave's Mum) on the way back as we haven't seen her for a couple of weeks (she only lives about 5 miles from us). We'd bought a loaf from our local bakery (it really is bread to die for!!) - some gorgeous 'on the bone' ham from the local farmer's market for our lunch & it was lovely but boy it wasn't cheap at £1.80 for only TWO slices!!

................................................................................

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

...Ever Wonder What The Speed Of Lightning Would Be If It Didn't Zigzag...?

...Mail Your Packages Early So The Post Office Can Lose Them In Time For Christmas...

Mermaid Street in Rye, East Sussex

Dave & I have been to Rye, in East Sussex today continuing with our Christmas shopping. I really thought that we'd be shopping in Lincoln or Horncastle and somewhere 'different' this year and visiting Lincolnshire villages and getting a feel for Country Christmas living - but as we aren't moving there until January - that'll have to be next years treat....we did managed to find a really unique gift (a sort of dish made from crushed eggshells on bamboo - sounds awful, doesn't it - but believe me - it's not!!) for Jackie (Steve's girlfriend) and will be posting it to OZ soon with a few sweeties inside :0) - but the whole day wasn't completely wasted because...

...we did buy a total of three gifts, however only one was a Christmas pressie, the other two were for me...

...Arh! Isn't Love Brilliant...?

Steve (Sydney Harbour - Feb '07)

Spoke to Steve from OZ this morning he's still mega happy living there and was on his way to see his girlfriend, Jackie - she's from San Francisco, US and is currently working in Sydney on a 4 years work visa - they started dating around Christmas last year and have been very on/off all year, but since October this year have decided to 'be an item' and date properly - Steve is very, very happy about this - he says that he loves her and she IS THE ONE and she feels the same..I'm so happy for him

...Arh! Isn't Love Brilliant...?

...You Never Know Who Your Real Friends Are Until You're In Trouble...

Dave's seeing his old friend, Ron this morning. Their French fishing friend, Alain is coming over from France for the day - not to fish this time but they're all going to the pub for lunch. Since Ron had a heart attack (Boxing Day '05 & then a stroke during March '06) he's been pretty much house-bound. He can still walk, be it very slowing, but has lost the use of his left arm completely

Ron (Dave's friend)

Dave goes over to see him very regularly and also takes him coarse fishing in his wheelchair when the weather is dry and warm - but now that we are in November this hasn't happened recently - I'm not sure what Ron'll do when we move more than 300 miles away in January as Dave seems to be the only friend willing to take him even though Ron has always been a very popular person and has loads of friends

...You Never Know Who Your Real Friends Are Until You're In Trouble...

...Why Do Today, What You Can Do Tomorrow...?

Dave's working again today - he's doing some decorating and moving a door for a very good friend of ours (who's also our Financial Advisor) and then another friend has a long list of 'odd jobs' for him to do on Wednesday - I'm so pleased that he's busy - Dave is one of those people that hates sitting still (...he's been doing a LOT of that while we've been waiting and waiting to move...) - it drives me mad!! - I just can't understand it......because my motto is......
...Why Do Today, What You Can Do Tomorrow...?

...Bumble Bee Country Holidays...

Dave & I had a really busy day yesterday - well really busy for us - we saw dad in the new care home (he was as happy as Larry (despite the Alzheimer's) and already thinks that he's been there for months, when in actually fact he's only been there for 2 days!), went food shopping (sooo boring but essential, I feel), had a look around town for Christmas ideas (managed to buy only one pressie for Danielle (Tom's girlfriend) who is probably the easiest one we have to buy for!) and then went to Eric (Janet's uncle) & Pat's (his partner) for a meal (roast chicken and ALL the trimmings) and a LOT of booze!!

We took champagne to toast because Pat's just become a grandmother to a bouncing girl, whose going to be called Lola May (I like it) & Dave & I have FINALLY exchanged contracts on the bungalow and we really can start to put our life changing plans into action - starting a self-catering holiday cottage business in glorious Lincolnshire Wolds - we're calling it Bumble Bee Country Holidays or bbc holidays

...Catchy, Hey...

...What An Awful Illness, Alzheimer's Is...

My 80 year old dad who has Alzheimer's was moved yesterday to his third care home in only thirteen months. This time it was because the previous one is closing for a minimum of 12 months for complete refurbishment!! The family had only arranged to have him placed there in May this year and we've had to move him again so soon... I thought that when we found Ingles Court, last time, that he would be able to stay there indefinitely - just goes to show that it was wishful thinking & nothing is permanent - except Alzheimer's of course -

We already know that Admiral House (where he is now) can only 'keep' him until he enters the next Alzheimer's stage and who knows how long that might be! - Dad was diagnosised with this horrible desease in 2001 and is still classed as mild-moderate - so it has been pretty slow in progressing so far - this is due to the medication that he's been on since the beginning. I'm sure that if this was stopped it'll be a completely different story.

He knows who we are when we visit and still has his great sense of humour - he's so happy in his own world.

...it's such a shame that he has no idea what's happening in his head...

...Champagne Cork Is Well & Truly Popped...

... U N B E L I E V A B L E ...

We have ACTUALLY exchanged contracts today and will complete on 25 January - I know that this another mind-numbing 9 weeks but at least we now know that everyone in the chain IS committed and it will happen!!

And the important thing is that I can now concentrate on the important issues, such as bedroom colours and the style of the kitchen cabinets :0)

- What a difference a phone call can make -

....Champagne's Back On Ice...

There is ANOTHER rumour that we'll be exchanging contracts soon, possibly even today - I know, I know - heard it all before... but at least we've had confirmation this morning that our buyer still wants to proceed - with all these hold-ups, we'd started to wonder if she's got 'cold feet' - but she hasn't

...her feet are nice & toasty - Thank God...!

...Families Are About Love Overcoming Emotional Torture...

I've been so 'teary' today because Steve (our eldest) should have been coming back from Australia today - he left on 20 Nov '06 on a years work permit and I've been counting the days for months waiting for his return. However, last month he secured sponsorship with an investment bank for up to four years...four bloody years...so he'll be staying there. I want him to be happy & I know that him being in OZ is making him extremely happy but for me there's no happiness - just this sense of loss!

................................................................

THOUGH FOR TODAY
...Families Are About Love Overcoming Emotional Torture...

Our Last Photo with Steve
18.11.06

...I’m Not A Complete Idiot, Some Parts Are Missing...

- Good News and Not So Good News on the property front -

Good news is that the Lincolnshire property will wait for completion on 25 Jan '08 - YIPPEE! - Not so good news is that we're STILL waiting for our buyer to exchange contracts on this property!! OMG, what is going on? Ken (solicitor) & Karen (estate agent) keeps telling us that it's just her inept solicitor not doing the job properly, but Dave & I are concerned that something else is going on like.....Her Changing Her Mind..... and of course, the longer the delay the longer we've got to think about it -

...Please, Please Let It Be Over Soon...

........................................................................................

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...I’m Not A Complete Idiot, Some Parts Are Missing...

ME :0)

...Happy Birthday, Mum...

..It would have been my mum's 77th birthday today (she was only 49 when she died in 1980)
- Happy Birthday, Mum -

I knew that I'd spoken too soon about dad not having an adverse reaction to being told about Jackie's death on Friday - yesterday, Dave & I had to rush over to the home because he was so upset and keep asking 'Where is she?' but didn't know why!! I was so upset to see dad like that and so angry with Tony for making the situation happen in the first place... But I'm pleased to report that when we left him last night he was sitting up in bed laughing and joking. I've spoken to the home today and he's been fine and two of my brothers have been in to see him today and have reported that he was chatty and in good spirits

...hopefully, that'll be it - problem with Alzheimer's is that you just never know what (if anything) is going on in his head...

ME ;0)

...This Would Be Funny If It Wasn’t Happening To Me...

Tony (my second youngest brother)

OOPS! I forgot to blog yesterday - but in my defense I do have a good excuse...

We were on tender hooks all day AGAIN regarding the pending exchange/completion of the 'dreaded' property sale (which DIDN'T happen, by the way) & Tony (younger brother) was telling dad about the death of our sister, Jackie - I was really concerned that he would react badly about the news because of the Alzheimer's - I don't expect that dad'll even remember that Tony's been in and told him but I was worried that he'd be upset and frustrated and not know why - but so far there's been no adverse reaction

...just goes to show what a truly horrible illness Alzheimer's is - when you just forget news like that...

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...this would be funny if it wasn’t happening to me...

ME ;0)

...You Have To Kiss A Lot Of Frogs...

Royal Military Canal on a November morning

Dave & I went out today to get away from the 'silent phone' - we went for a glorious walk along the Royal Military Canal at West Hythe, Kent for a couple of hours (Dave's fishing there on Sunday in a competition - so he had a hidden agenda!!)- it was so sunny and quite warm especially in the sunshine - hardly saw anyone on our walk - it was great to be on our own, mulling over our options if the house chain collapses again!!

...BOY, What A Nightmare House Buying Is...

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...in order to get the handsome prince, you have to kiss a lot of toads...

ME;0)

...Some People Are Alive Only Because It’s Illegal To Kill Them...

STORMY, STORMY WEATHER AHEAD!!

Surprise, surprise we're still waiting to exchange contracts on the place - Our estate agent that has been told that the bottom of the chain is now ready but guess what - NOTHING HAS HAPPENED! - Dave & I just don't know what to do, we feel like we're being taken for a ride.... but feel that we really don't have a choice. If we get the 'hump' and pull out because of all the uncertainty - where does that leave us?? Right back at the beginning having to remarket the place and find another buyer with who knows what sort of chain they might be in!! And we know that it's not an ideal time being so close to Christmas and the press talking down the current housing market situation and the knock-on effect from US with all their current problems

...there really has to be an easier way to sell a property - Answers On A Postcard Please...

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them...

ME ;0)

...If I Start Screaming - I Won't Be Able To Stop - EVER...

I'm SO fed up today - I've spoken to our estate agent and solicitor about our pending move to Lincolnshire - we were suppose to exchange yesterday to complete on 25 Jan '08 - and surprise, surprise it didn't happen!!! There's now another hold-up lower in the chain and it's not expected to be resolved until later this week at the earliest - I'm so frustrated I could scream

...but I worried that if I start screaming - I won't be able to stop - EVER...

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

...imagine how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges...

ME ;0)

..If Only You Didn't Have To Get Old...

Dave & I have been to two care homes today looking for another place for my dad who is currently in care because of Alzheimer's but has to be moved because they are closing the home he's in after Christmas for at least a year for full refurbishment. This was a complete shock for the family as it came out of the blue & dad's only been in this home since May this year...It's so upsetting...we went to one that I didn't feel was suitable for him, there's just something that doesn't 'sit right' if you know what I mean! The other was much better, it's actually the second visit that we've had there - there was a bit of an issue, last week, with the smell of the place. When I mentioned this to them they said that they'd had trouble with a couple of residents having a urine infections so we returned unannounced this afternoon and I'm pleased report that the horrible pee smell wasn't there so I've said yes to dad going there...

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

..If Only You Didn't Have To Get Old...

ME ;0)

...Is That Normal Behaviour For A Drunken Italian ~ Probably...?

We met up with Dave's old boss (who he'd worked with for 17 years) and his partner yesterday for an Italian meal in town, it was lovely to catch up with the latest gossip and the evening was a great success. The owner, Luciano is a friend of David & Jenny's.
He was a very loud Italian having been an ex-referee for high profile clubs and has also worked at The Savoy in London for many years. By the end of the evening he had drunk many glasses of wine and he spoke with a very broken accent at a hundred miles an hour, while consistently kissing my hand and shaking Dave's. When we finally left the restaurant, well after 1am, he was still following us down the road to our car consistently saying, 'It's early stay, stay'.

...Is That Normal Behaviour For A Drunken Italian ~ Probably...?

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

..should vegetarians eat animal crackers...?

ME;0)

...Door Slammers, Who Needs Them...?

If I had doors like this - I really could make an impact!

We live next door to door slammers and boy it winds me up constantly. It starts at around 7am every morning and continues throughout the day until 11ish at night - last night there was a loud slam at around 4am - luckily I was already up as I couldn't sleep!!

...but it still made me want to slam my doors over and over and over and over again....

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let him sleep...

ME ;0)

...FOR SALE: Memory Mattress Topper...

We recently bought a foam memory mattress topper, you know like the Tempur ones that they are always advertising on TV, because Dave suffers with prolapsed discs. We thought it might help to reduce some of the backache that he gets all the time...and it did...he thought it was great... Only problem was that by the third night of sleeping on it, I had developed such backache I could hardly move and I hated the way it 'sucked' me in, that I had to sleep in another room on the spare bed

...needless, to say that's been a total waste of money...

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...you don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing...

ME ;0)

...You Can't Have Everything, Where Would You Put It...?

Steve & Jackie - Oct '07 (Halloween Party)

Spoke to Steve (our eldest) this morning from OZ. He's still loving his life out there and why shouldn't he? He went last Nov - 20th to be exact, flew from Heathrow at 21.30 - Am I counting the days since I've seen him?? Probably!!

He originally went on a years working visa but has fallen in love with the place and an American called Jackie so had decided to stay. He's managed to get sponsorship from an investment bank for 4 years and then will go back to US with Jackie - she comes from San Francisco and is currently in her 2nd year of a 4 year work contract out there - or apply for Australia citizenship

...I want him to be happy, it goes without saying, but why does it have to be across the other side of the world...?

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...you can't have everything, where would you put it...

ME ;0)

...I Used To Have A Sister...

My sister, Jackie died yesterday - she's only 43, an alcoholic and from the age of 14 has been anorexic. We never got on as children and certainly not as adults and haven't had contact or spoken to each other for more than 15 years. I knew that she was going to die (the rest of the family have kept me informed as she deteriorated) - the body can only put up with so much after all - but when my brother phoned yesterday and told me I've been much more upset then I ever expected to be by it....
I've no regrets about not 'being friends' with her - things happen throughout life that make you say 'enough is enough' and I made this decision in my early 30's

...but it's such a waste and I won't ever again be able to say I've got a sister...

...Why Is There Always Puddles...?

Lovely Sunny Day today - quite nippy but dry - our windows were very wet this morning when we got up. Can anyone tell me why this happens, even in the rooms where no-one sleeps, when we have double glazing throughout?

...It's so annoying when we've just finished decorating and there's puddles of water on the sills every morning...

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...no one is perfect until you fall in love with them...

ME ;0)

...I'm Not Holding My Breathe....

Happy Guy Fawkes

A complete nightmare, that's how I would described this house sale ~ spoken to our solicitor and estate agent again today about the first seller holding us all to ransom over the completion date!! Still waiting for a phone call regarding whether or not the Lincolnshire sellers will agree to a completion date 12 weeks away ~

...I'm not holding my breathe....

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

...the older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for...

ME ;0)