General Chat

Hello everyone.
Well yesterday was ... not a good day.
My server was down and I was bereft... I phoned and phoned, and after 9.00 at night was told that the area NN8 (or was it 9?hahaha) was STILL down!
Any way... Colin... I cannot blame the computer for my deleting habit, it is most definitely me... what I am touching is a mystery but I keep doing it.. argg

Bu I have to agree, I am doing well and I am so happy about it. I could so easily have been so badly disabled by it, couldn't I?
BUT I could not have got this far without my *lovely* spell check.... it works harder than I do.

But Gail... it is not old age... I think it is just stupidity... ;-0)
Ann... they just disappear... I do not have the chance to see it go, let alone save it before it goes.
I know I am doing something wrong. I will find out which GREMLIN is deleting my unfinished work
Mary love, you do have a rough life.
I am sure that all the love you have is great compensation for it, but there must be times when you are just SO TIRED.Bless you.

And Liz... I am enjoying my book, well into it now i think you would like it. I am still *suffering* with my old rickety book stand... but I have to use it as my hands are sometimes really too sore to hold a book... and Tony often forgets when he is buying me books and buys nice hard backs which are too heavy.
Bless him he has his own problems too.

Carole I think I have sorted out my Imodium now! But shush... don't say it out loud in case the Imodium Gremlins are about too and decide to show me who is boss.

Well folks... dinner is ready now, late today.
Allan slept until almost 10.00 this morning. If you knew him you would realise how very unusual that is. He is very tired bless him, and is not sleeping too well these nights.
I think he has been worried about Tony, but unlike me he keeps his worries to himself.
I am so pleased that I can talk about my problems... it does help, don't you agree?
Well friends I am off for a while, dinner, dishes, coffee, and watch a film with my husband.
I love retirement... You should all try it....;-0)

And yes... Carole Y is in the throes of organising her new home.

love to all Deanna XXX

Deanna, could this be what's happening, as it's happened to me several times . . after typing, I seem to hit the 'reply' button, instead of the 'submit' button. You are not alone in being button-challenged.LOL.
And by the way, I don't think I have a 'rough life', but it sure is busy LOL.
How many people have the opportunity to truly bond with their grandchildren? I am fortunate in being able to see their progress, share their successes and wipe their tears. My mother came and assisted me during the week, when I was left on my own in 1981, my children have such fond memories of her. I am also grateful I seem to have the strength to keep going, to help Colleen in achieving her personal & work goals. She lost so much time in school when she was having 30-plus seizures a day at age 5/6, and school was always a challenge after that. Another long hiatus when her seizures went out of control again at age 12.
Little did we realise then that she had a brain-damage-onset learning disability, which held her back. Since that was finally diagnosed 3 years ago she hasn't looked back, now having the accomodations to allow her to complete exams etc. Now her marks for the past year have averaged 92%. She deserves the chance to do well, to become a very productive member of society, rather than giving in and accepting a bad situation. She's setting an amazing example for her children. miniMary has become a very good student, not the highest marks but sheer determination and acceptance of responsibility.
Kids have pizza day at school today, so everyone was happy and ready on time. We had no excitement in the parking lot, yes the child-lock button is activated today.
Everyone is so excited (yes even me), about the 2 labradoodles who are being trained for Sarah and Gareth. Anyone who is on Facebook can check out the group 'Paws with a cause', who will assist us with fundraising. they are currently helping a family in Niagara Falls, we'll be next.
Another breakthrough last evening, Sarah brought me a picture card (we use them to stimulate language, but we usually have to initiate it) which had a picture of a dog on it, and she said"want dog". YES!!!!! Half an hour later she brought her coat and picture of the van and said "want to go van". So Colleen took her shopping for her rice milk. I am delighted. May not sound like much to others, but at 10 years old, as tall as me, she is finally initiating conversation & requests. Some days i can feel myself becoming emotional, as I look at her, she obviously understands everything said to her, follows directions most of the time, but I could cry for wishing she would talk TO me. breaks my heart. Gareth however has plenty to say, 2 years ago he only had sounds, screams, now he has a lot of language. Not grammatically correct, which was a hard thing for me to accept, but I've come to realise that the ability to communicate far exceeds perfection of language. His latest achievement is toiletting standing up like boys are supposed to do. Unfortunately he also thinks if he's standing up on his bed, that's a good spot to practise !!

We had a 'family meeting' (of sorts) last evening to brain-storm with ideas for fundraising for the costs of the dogs - Em thinks she will have a booth for 9 year old girls, put her brother in it and let them pay to kiss him !!!! She's agreed to a lemonade stand instead! She started dragging out toys to sell, wants so badly to help.
miniMary also has lots of ideas, like an 'all you can eat barbecue', without thinking about the fact that we don't own a BBQ and that someone has to buy all the food for grilling first. She's offered to do face-painting for children.
Megan's boss has offered to do a gluten-free bake table.
I'm hoping to have 'candy apples' for sale, hopefully donated or reasonably priced for good mark-up. One of the local fruit farms has received a grant to start a separate business making candy & chocolate apples. The apples are on a stick, dipped first in traditional red sugar syrup, then, when hardened, the whole thing is dipped in chocolate, they are SO good, and the business is taking off after an appearance on a TV show, where philanthropists were offering to assist fledgling businesses. The candy apples were a hit and he's getting the grant money.
Sorry to ramble on, once I start there's no stopping me LOL.
Have to water my veggie plants in their little greenhouse. Was hoping to get them outside soon, but unfortunately we've had another cold snap, with snow, temp should be up by the weekend apparently, and my daffodils may bloom for Easter sunday.
Thank you for letting me unload, this thread has helped me SO much in the past year, I can express my self here when I have nobody to talk to otherwise. Thank you. You who are all part of this group are a Godsend, when one is down, others help pick them up, when the rescuers hit bottom, someone else is in their corner.
Mary

No Mary.... there are no fingers and mistaken buttons involved...
if I am hitting a button, it will be with my elbow, wrist... or my mind.... it does do a lot of wandering these days.

My arms are really sore today.
This happens a lot.
I think I need a rest from my 'pooter', but I love it so much and even a day off like yesterday leaves me depressed.

Just in case there is anyone who has not heard... ha ha ha ..... my son is coming home today!
Flying into Birmingham by 10.20 so should get home by 12 to 1.00am....

SO we will see him tomorrow, after he has had a long..... **sleep in his own little room again... **
that is how to show your age isn't it?
I even remember asking my daddy, what that line in the song meant...

Did not miss him one little bit.... you can all vouch for that can't you?
Deanna XXX

WE HAVE TAKE OFFFFFFFFF...
on his way.

Deanna XXX

Ooh excited for you deanna, he will have so much to tell you about his trip.

Ann
glos

Hi Everyone, hope that you all are well.
Eileen, congratulations on another twig on your family tree,it doesn,t seem a year ago since the other little girl was born, i hope that her feeding problems have settled down for your daughter.
Deanna it will be a very happy Easter in your house i suspect. Hope that your son has a very happy flight home.
Ann in Glos, welcome back glad that you enjoyed your holiday.
Hi Gran in Oz thank you for your p.m. that day.
Liz hope that you are feeling better now.
Carole will write to you to-morrow, i have had my grandson up for a few days, he is gone up to his dad for Easter.He is on holidays since last friday, usually they do not get holidays for Easter til Holy Thursday but this year they got a week ear;ier so two weeks this year.
Colin and David, welcome to you both. Deanna sometimes when i have typed a post and go to click on to post it i think i accidently hit the shift button when putting on caps lock and it goes Gods knows where.
Talk later,
Bless,
Lily.

Hello all,
Thanks, Gail, for your message. My sister lives with her husband in a small town of about 500 where she is a teacher. I think she likes teaching but is not fond of the town. Her husband came from there, and they have been back in the town for over 30 years, but of course she is not a local yet. Doesn't live on a farm, doesn't moan about the drought, the government, etc etc.
Mary (Maxi), loved your long message, also Deanna's. I think you are both marvellous.
I won't be on here for a week or so, I am going to see above sister. Will drive, as the bus is not very practical. It's the furthest I've gone for about 5 years, 700 km (400 mi) so I will be careful.
Colin

Safe journey, Colin, we will miss you.

Deanna, bet you are all of a bubble with excitement, hope Tony's journey has been a good one and he enjoyed most of his trip.

Mary, things happening in leaps and bounds eh? Life sounds very good for you now, hope the dogs are all you want them to be and more, won't you have a houseful tho, you already have two dogs? Do you get help for their keep?

Gail, hope you soon feel lots better, must have been all the excitement of the weekend away and mixing with different people with bugs!

Carole, you have to learn to talk back! Should have said to that young lad, is that what your mother says to you, when he said you should have gone before you left home! Maybe he was just trying to make a joke - he might be nervous too really.

Lily, hope all are well, I was thinking about you yesterday. I am ok, just still tired but enjoying the brighter days. Will catch up with you soon I hope, o.h. on 2- midnight next week Tuesday to Thursday inclusive! Hooray!

Must get to bed, take care everyone - sorry to those I missed off my 'list'

love and hugs
Lizxxx

Got a call about flat saying waiting for my people to phone them now to comfirm everything. So i am hoping after the easter break it will be dealt with and can be moving within next 2 weeks

I do hope so as its all getting me very down now.

But i will let everyone know as soon as i get the call.

Hi to everyone, Hope you all have a good easter.

I am going to my uncles 50th wedding annervisory get togeather(cant spell it) tomoro with my sister.

Be nice to see him again as last time was when mum died, And he had a stroke few days afterwards. But ok now.

Also will be seing other family that havent seen for years, So i will be taking note book and pen.

I have also got my uncles(and my mums) mum and dads family on the 1911 census, So got a copy for him.

((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) for anyone who needs them.

Thank you clairjo

Hazel xx

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE...

Tony is home, although we have not seen him yet.
he phoned from the air port at about 10.40 to say he had landed.
Then this morning he phoned at about 10.00 to see if we needed anything.... his daily habit.... but we don't.
They were still in bed and sounded happy, a nice sound.
Karen and her mum had decorated the bedroom while he was away and he was so surprised when he came home.
That is something I really miss... not being able to help them PRACTICALLY.
Allan and I are now just not able to do things anymore.
That comes VERY hard after being a couple who used our hands so well.
Allan was the man people asked to do their gardens, make and decorate the wedding cakes, birthday cakes... decorate and fix things.
I was the one who decorated (but only in our own home), made the wedding dresses, bridesmaids,headdresses.. the flowers.... anything with the sewing machine, hairdressing.
I love sewing, embroidery... again, anything with my hands.
NOW?
I feel useless sometimes.
Still...
I have a good life and I have love, so what am I moaning about all of a sudden? ;-0)

Hazel... you certainly deserve a decent break love, so all WILL go well with your wee home. And you are going to look back on all the bad times RARELY.
Please believe me because I know. I have been there.
Depression Still follows me, but I do know how lucky I am these days.
Am I getting maudlin ???
Well I will SHUT UP!

MARY..... reply button???
Where and what is that?
See, I told you that I was a complete novice when I got the computer, and have really taught myself.... so there are things I still don't understand.

Mary.... Colin says we are marvellous.
Shall we just accept the compliment, and return it??
We think he is marvellous too. ;-0) xx
Colin... my husband says if you go around saying things to me like 'I am marvellous', he is going to have you for libel... ;-0)
Claire... glad you are feeling better.
It is dreadful when you feel that ill, isn't it?
I have not gone back to bed , not even to read, for such a long time.... and it is something I used to enjoy.
No children around, no work to do so why not?

To all of you.. thanks for this thread, I can't even remember how it started... (Carole?) but it has kept me going for a long time.
It is also lovely that no one sees us as ODD... we just need each other don't we?

And Carole Y.... you are settled?
How wonderful.
Enjoy your lovely new home both of you.

Deanna XXX

My wife and I were in a garage forecourt shop, looking at the DVD's and cassettes.

There was a man stood beside us looking at the same stuff. My wife gestured in the direction of the DVD sleeves and said "He's a puff"

She meant the artiste on the sleeve..

The man beside us suddenly had the most startled expression and immediately left the shop. He must have thought she meant him

That must have been a life changing episode

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt me.... Not true ! sometimes words can be deeply wounding

Morning folks.
Well I've had an interesting night LOL. To give Colleen a break I brought Sarah down to sleep with me. Then Em came down crying "Sarah has destroyed my masterpiece", which were painted hard-boiled eggs. Sarah had eaten all the eggs, had I realised that first i don't think I'd have brought her down to sleep with me. The air was foul to say the least. Apparently I sleep more soundly than I claim!! Woke at 2am and she was gone, found the basement door open, 3 wrappers from frozen yogourt and sticks on the floor, orange drink powder over the lounge, and Sarah giggling her head off because she had had a wonderful time. I marched her back to bed and found she'd left a glass of orange drink beside Mary's bed. Another 5 minutes and she slept.
We found out a bit more about the service dogs last evening, Colleen had a lengthy chat with the breeder/trainer, they are named 'Luke and Elmo'. One is black (rare apparently) with very curly coat, the other is yellow with a more fleece type coat, soft and perfect for Sarah who is very tactile.
Hopefully the school board will agree to the dogs going to school later in the year, their current regulations only allows 'service dogs for the blind'.excluding other disabilities.
YCaz I hope your move has been better than expected and wish you much joy and comfort in your new home.
Colin I'm embarassed to be called marvellous, I honestly believe that I simply do what I can with the strength I have. I'm here to live, my mother drilled into me to not waste precious time, I can still hear her voice reminding me, if I sit down to rest my bad leg. Somewhat driven I suppose, on good days, but I finally allow myself some off-days to catch up. For years I've been dreading being this age as this is when my father died, very suddenly, of cancer with 3 weeks warning. Well surprisingly I'm still young in spots and quite healthy as far as I know!! i have finally come to terms with the fact that my lifestyle, especially eating habits, is far better than my Dad's was and I have far too much to do to leave this plane yet. And Colin yes I agree with Deanna, you are marvellous also, along with many others on this wonderful thread.
Liz thanks for the email, you seem to know when I need a pick-me-up

Deanna your 'forwards' give me many a giggle, I delete a lot of forwards but always check yours. I'm sure you are relived to have Tony back. You indeed are marvellous, whatever after-effects are left, your spirit comes shining through, we're proud of you dear friend.

Claire glad to hear you sounding so 'up', please enjoy the walk on the beach for me, I'd love to be able to walk in the sand but it's an 18 hour drive from here ! Not something I can do regularly!!

Hazel sending you hugs. . . .

Carole I empathise with your tummy issues, I am in big trouble if I drink coffee so time my breaks to be near the facilities LOL Can't give up my coffee LOL

AnnG thanks so much for your support.

Eileen appreciate your pm's have a big hug, if I ever get organised I'll do some knitting for you.

Ben, mrs Blue eyes, Kathy, Lily, and anyone I've neglected, have a wonderfully calm Easter weekend.
Mary

Just crawled out of bed to let you know still in the land of the living, just.

Very bad flu this one, headaches are the worst and the spots in my eyes when I cough.

Back to bed as I am now exhausted.

Gail

Havent gone to party as yesterday my husband(we dont live togeather but still friends) was rushed to hospital heart attack,

On the way to the hospital got a call from my son telling me a car has just gone into back of him and they on the way to hospital as well his girlfriend is due her baby in 5 weeks.

Son,girlfriend and baby all ok.

Husband still in hospital having lots of test, got to have the dye put in his viens to his heart to see whats going on.

Thanks Deanna yes i have been in throught this befor about 2yrs ago.So i know i will be in flat but as you know its the waiting.

Thank you maximary for the hug i needed that.

(((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))TO EVERYONE WHO NEEDS ONE.

Hazel

Another gorgeous day here, after a horrible night, the result of eating the second-best pizza I've ever had. The best was a seafood pizza I had last time in Cardiff, some take-away near the Holiday Inn express. I really must cease eating cheese, it is not having a good effect on me these days, since my gallbladder was removed, I can't digest it. besides, I am not supposed to eat it because my cholesterol levels are elevated. I have fought taking the meds to lower cholesterol, , believing that I could handle it with diet, but I am not as careful as I should be, or I'd never have eaten the pizza. It was healthy though because I had salad with it !!! Funny the doc doesn't see it that way LOL.
We are heading outside with the kids, to cleanup the back area, and let them run off some energy, while we work. A winter's worth of dog deposits awaits me . . . . My veggie plants desperately need to move to the garden, I got a little carried-away with planting seeds, and seems I was a bit early for some of them, which are now huge. Looks like I'll have about 18 tomato plants if all survive.
Have a quiet Easter weekend dear friends, Hazel, I hope all is well with your family. I give you top marks for visiting your ex in the hosp, I couldn't do it . . . . . my second ex that is . . . the first one would rate a visit. So much better for the 'kids'.
group hug,
Mary

Yes thats why i have treid to keep the peace and stayed friends for the kids and grand kids.

I am now looking after my grand daugther while my daugther is seing her dad with my son.

Think is my grand daugther is very very close to him, So cant under stand why he hasnt come home. And last time she saw someone go to hospital was my mum and she didnt see her again as she died so not easy for her.

But she spoke to him on phone earlyer so not so bad now.

Hazel

Hazel, sorry to hear about your ex and i hope he improves soc an go home when they find out what the problem is. Nice that you have stayed friends.

Mary, I can't remember where i saw it, may have been on GR somewhere, but somebody lowered their cholestrol by taking one 5ml spoon of Cider vinegar in water once a day. Why is it the foods we shouldn't eat are the ones we like?? Oh dear had a little chuckle about Sarah's escapade, poor Em, all her hard work. still i suppose she is used to it.

I have got fuchsias in the conservatory that have grown very big but i dare not put them outside yet, we could easily have a frost.
Hope you got all the doggy whatsit cleaned up!!

David, that poor man is probably wondering what he did to make your wife make that remark Lol!!!

Deanna, have you seen Tony now and heard all about the holiday?
For all the others on here, hope the sun is in your area as it makes such a difference. My OH is battling with his PC which refuses to start, looks like his hard disc is corrupted although he doesn't think it is a virus. Not that old either.

Ann
Glos
Ann
Glos

Poor Gail, you do sound poorly, I hope you recover soon, meanwhile take it easy and spoil yourself. Do you not have a flu jab?

Hello everyone, I'm at my sisters so can use her computer to send this. I am sorry but I haven't read any of the others, no time, but noticed Treehunters post top of page. Hope it comes of for you Treehunter, I will keep everything crossed for you.
I am getting settled but it's also getting on top of me, wish I was on the internet to keep in with this thread, I need you all just now. I am happy, don't get me wrong, but it has been too much for me and I can't walk very well now, legs are refusing to hold me up. I am also in so much pain at times it's unbelievable, I am going to have to take things slowly and rest when Philip goes back to work next week, he has been a jewel, worked like a trojan because he knows I can't.
Thank you all for your cards, and the cheque and flowers, I must admit I broke down, It was behind the door of the new flat when we arrived after the removal men. My sister had gone up with the men who came to move my hospital bed, no-one else is allowed to move them, and she picked it up.
I hope to get back with my cyber family soon, so until then don't forget me will you lol.

Going home now.
Love and hugs.

Caz xx

good to see YCaz's post but sadly I missed replying to her. will have to drop her a line instead by snail mail.

Happy Easter to you all, I hope you have some relaxing time with your families.

Caz Bless you. I'm so pleased to know you got such a lovely suprise with the money and flowers. xx Take your time, the flat will soon be how you want it.

Tree Hunter hope all turns out well for your family. xx Good luck with the move hope it isn't too long now xx

My apointment on Thursday was okay. She asked how I came to be referred to that deptment. I said it was during a conversation where I told last person I saw about the narcistic mother. I showed her the article I printed, and had with me. She thought it was very good. Her parting words were hold on to any thoughts you have about todays meeting, and what do you want to get from it! I don't know why do people see pychologists? What do they give you? The past can't be wiped clean. I can't say to mum it's your fault I'm so screwed up!

Last night my oh was too hot in bed. I felt it was my fault. I made the bed too hot cause I bought another layer to put on top cause I am always cold. He went to sleep on the setti untill about two in the morning. Why do I feel everything is my fault?

When we are shopping for groceries I follow him round the shop
I feel like everything I put in the trolly he checks the price against something similar, I know he is trying to make money go further but I feel useless.

I keep lots of things to myself because I am affraid he will judge me, or what I do, or who I see, like my mum did. She didn't like any of my friends, goodness knows why she hardly saw them.

She is very critical about others, I know I got it off her, I didn't know any other way, until more recent years, now I look for the good in everyone.

Things people take for granted like learning how to make people welcome into your home, caring for others, I didn't know how to do it, never saw my mum do it to learn from her.

Didn't want to do somethings like cooking, as I didn't want to open myself up for critisisim. I realised through Thursdays sesion I am very affraid of that. I always used to avoid doing anything that might make others laugh, cos I would see it as being laughed at. Starting to see that a different way now. People like to be made to laugh don't they? Thats got all that off my chest!!!

Gail hope you are feeling better soon. xx

Sharron are you and your family okay? I haven't seen you for a while. How is your dad?

Kathy how are you and J? xx

Liz thank you very much for the Easter card. Hope you are not feeling too bad. xx

Eileen you are a fighter I am with you all the way xxx

Dutch how are you? Is Jan better now? He was poorly for ages xx

Clairejo you sound so much happier these days, it's good to read your news xxx

Lily (ha ha ) I'm sorry it makes me smile xx Hope you and your family are okay xxx

Vicky how are you? Hope all the confusion over your daughters money is sorted out and you are more relaxed xx

Deanna have you seen Tony? Did he have a great time? He must have done what did he see and do? xxx

Mary looking forward to seeing pictures of the new dogs! Your pleasure comes through when you talk about your family. Colleen is lucky to have a mum like you. Your post about how you are able to help her after all her problems is another example of how lucky she is. My mum didn't do anything like that to help me. xx

Allison hope you are okay. I haven't seen you about for ages. Kids are off so hope you get time to look in on us all here while you are not at work xxx

Ann I think it's too early to put fuchsias out yet. It's so tempting isn't it when we get a bit of sunshine. Do you have a big garden? xx

Ben missing you x

David I have a habit of opening my mouth like your wife. My daughter tells me off!

Colin now at his sisters, hope he arrived safley and not too tired after such a long drive x

Lancashire witch how are you now? xx

Mrs Blue Eyes hope you too are feeling much better now you have been on the tablets for a few weeks. xx