hi all, just a quick post, apologies wasnt around yest works all day party hum diet gone and hungover but such a good giggle and im so glad im the keeper of the works camera… catch up tomorrow, quick wrapping up for friends then off to party again, this time indoors in scruffs cant beat it… Night all xx
Hi ladies
Carole - I’m so pleased that the house is now definitely getting a move on, how lovely that will be to be speeding at least some time on Christmas day in your very own house again. As you say, a long time coming. Enjoy 
BTW Paris has also had bad winds and loads of rain. I spoke with YD yesterday and she says the days have been OK but then very bad weather overnight.
Lily - ooooh, double ouch 
That really does sound bad and I hope that it does calm down so it’s not causing you so much pain. I know people say ‘there’s nothing worse’ about normally trivial things but I do think it does apply to toothache - it can make you so miserable. Hoping that it isn’t! Yes, I’ve also got loads of wrapping to do, plus a couple of small presents to get but I can sort them out locally - I hope.
Lisa - having fun Good for you. Hope none of those photos will be up on FB to surprise your colleagues? I really hate that when someone puts me on there without me knowing - and I’m not even on FB myself so it’s even worse! I know I can’t be ‘tagged’ but I also know I can be seen by loads of people I only know remotely. So, be kind to those you’ve got on camera, as I know you will be.
Hi to Val, Slenda and Bev - hope all is well in your neck(s) of the woods.
Well, we got the tree yesterday and will decorate it today once YD is home. ED got back yesterday evening and had to put up with watching Strictly with OH and I. Wow, isn’t Harry gorgeous Really loved watching it this year especially as we’ve only ever caught the end of some of the other series. Rest of decorations also need doing today, but mainly indoors so they can be done anytime. A few more lights outside once I can get OH out of bed and up the ladder! Then we will be Christmassy at last.
Have a great day ladies and hope the weather isn’t too bad wherever you are.
Nicky xx
Hope you are all enjoying a calm and peaceful Sunday, doing whatever makes you happy ladies.
Nicky our weather has calmed down now so I’m sure YD will get to you safely on time, enjoy doing the tree as I’m sure you will.
Lisa are you managing to squeeze in a bit of water in between all the drinking??? Only joking, we are so pleased that you are having a lovely time.
Lily hope the toothache is better? You’ve been quiet on here, perhaps it has spread to your fingers LOL. Seriously, as Nicky says there is nothing worse than toothache!
I’ve been busy trying to empty draws and cupboards and then make sure they’re clean ready for our departure. I think it will be best to pack the essential things we need for the few days over Christmas when we should (?) be relaxing, then at least we have the following week to move everything as we have to be out by 31st.
Our friend with the prostate cancer has had the all clear from his bone scan, thank goodness. He has the other usual scans in January. YD and myself are off to spend the day with our friends, remember the lady who had the mini strokes (at 47), well she’s doing well and as a little present I’m taking her a bottle of my sloe gin.
All from me for now, off to see my PS tomorrow but everything is healing very well this time so I’m sure it will be ok.
Love Carole xxx
Dear friends, Well I started, yes started, my Christmas shopping today! Not much to do but will need to do more later on in the week.
I haven’t been feeling great but actually think it is the time of year. My energy levels are low and everyone seems to be scurrying about buying huge amount of things and I cannot get into the spirit of things.
Our Christmas table used to host around 14 and this year we are down to 4. Sorry for a gloomy sounding post. I don’t feel depressed I just think things have gone so over the top when all I want is to have enough to eat and drink and my family around me. As Mum is in a nursing home and my ED is abroad there is too much missing for me. Please don’e think badly of me I am just telling you how it is. I am not the only one who feeling like this but perhaps the only one who will commit it into words. When children are involved it is a totally different magical experience which I embrace with open arms. Have a great Christmas girls. I keep reading your posts though. Hugs to you all, Val
Hi,
yahooo I am back. It was an enforced silence due to a dodgy internet connection. Victor has been dashing in and out up to the DIY store changing phones, sockets, etc and thinks it was an extension cable for the internet when the sky guy moved all the boxes. Victor says it was the cable, funnily enough it was the exact cable that I had told him several times that I found pup licking hmmm. He insists it was not that and that he found it!!! Anyway toothache has (fingers crossed gone) and I last took painkillers 24 hours ago. I am being extra careful as Victor threatened to drag me to an emergency dentist and I refused to go and threatened to scream if he did. Very amusing for everyone else of course.
Val I am sorry that Christmas seems so flat this year but I know it is like that for many people and you must say how you feel. You make me feel very fortunate to have all my children here. My mum choses to spend christmas with just my eldest brother and her brother, who are both alone but she will call in to see us briefly. She finds us too much for very long. Nothing is too noisy for me and I have to confess I find christmas very exciting and as you say with the littles here it is special. Little chap rang me very excited to tell me that father christmas had coming during the night to take his and baby’s lists and he had knocked all the cards over and eaten the biscuit he left out. He is so excited, probably the most exciting year being 6. Baby had managed to worm his way over to the christmas tree and covered himself in glitter. We are not sure how as he can only goes backwards and round in circles!
Peacock happy packing, a labour of love I am sure as it takes you a step closer to having your home again. Really you have been so patient and coped so well at a really tough time :)How did you get on with the good looking PS? Hope all is preceeding well with the healing and shape and everything.
Nicky well you are so organised you put me to shame. I was out shopping again today and got quite a bit but levelling the pressies between the 4 kids is always tricky. It is very hard to buy for YD as she is heavily pregnant, allergic to make up, skin lotions, etc of any kind and allergic to milk so lots of foods out. Her sack is a bizarre mix of wellies, boots, dog toys and dairy free foods and books. I did her a second small sack of new baby items which she will love. Have you got OH up the ladder to put the lights up yet?
Lisa hope your head feels better nad that it was low calorie alcohol Cant wait for the girls to see your jewellery.
It has been a mad panic here as our usual guest from the US announced he arrives tonight. With ED back home we only have one spare room and it was full, completely full of unwrapped pressies. So a nightmare to clear it.So we have blanket covered piles all over the house and hope no-one peeps or the pup eats the chocolate.
Take care
Lily aye x
hi all, want to catch up tomorrow but thinking of you all. Nicky get that tree up lagging behind lol!
Peacock so glad you are progressing towards moving in…
Lily - ah i remember that visitor again!
Val, get some rest and hope xmas days comes with some people you love around you xxx
HO HO HO ladies, it’s Christmas (nearly)
Glad to see you back Lily and that your absence wasn’t down to any health problems or the like. What’s the story with your American visitor, I forget (which is usual these days with only 1 brain cell working). Long may your tooth be free of pain.
Val I know what you mean about Christmas being a bit flat for you, I really will miss seeing our son and grandchildren although Mr P is a big kid at christmas so he’ll make up for it. So I’m sending you a big cyber hug to cheer you up.
Lisa have you managed all the orders? and Nicky I hope your daughter arrived safely from Paris and the other daughter from whichever end of the UK she is in.
YD drove me into our local town this afternoon, she coped much better with the dreaded roundabout but I think she was pleased she did it. It is very festive with lights, lots of characters dressed up and a reindeer pulling a sleigh with Father Christmas on, YD and I had a lovely stroke with the reindeer and they assured us they weren’t going to eat him for Christmas Day dinner!
My appointment went well yesterday, the PS was wearing glasses which I’ve not seen him wear before and they were quite becoming on him!!! He is happy with his handiwork and will see me again in 3 months when we will discuss a nipple - not sure how they’re going to do that, any ideas?
I’m off with a group of ladies tonight who are going bowling, I can’t because of my op but I can join in with the eating and drinking. I’m not used to going out by myself so I’m a bit apprehensive, I’m sure it will be ok.
Take it easy ladies XX
Hello girls,
Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet lately, but thanks for your messages. I’ve been getting on with rads. 1st booster today and just 3 more to go then FINITO! Hurrah. Happy Christmas - then I will really be moving on - like you lot!
We are having a quiet Christmas, but still have managed to have a houseful of wrapped presents somehow. For me thank heavens for internet shopping and OH is a big kid, buys all sorts and disguises the wrapping. A huge box will probably contain a scarf and a brick!
I’m keeping things simple this year, not like me at all. Usually I make everything myself including foodie presents. I don’t feel guilty, maybe it’ll be release from the usual pressure. I have been feeling a bit down lately and anxious about returning to work in the New Year. I want to go back, but am worried about not having enough energy. Memory and concentration are still not very good. Good news though - my eyebrows are coming back and I’ve got downy fluff on my head.
All that talk about dentists - oohh.Good luck Lily. Hope you get yours sorted without breaking the bank.
Peacock - nipples, cherries - just a thought!I hope you enjoy your evening out with the ladies.
Glad you’re enjoying yourself Lisa.
Scottish lass - I hope you can enjoy yourself despite not having loads of people around. My mum is in residential home, but quite nearby. We’ll be going to visit her. It’s the first time she hasn’t been able to come to one of the family for Christmas-so a bit sad, but she’s still doing great at 89 and discussing with me today that she’s going to wear her purple velvet long dress and “loads of pearls” !!
Hi,
peacock have you forgotten the story about my friend’s new nipple? Sorry folks it is going to make you cringe again, legs crossed ready. They cut the nipple off her good side, chopped it in half and made 2 smaller ones out of it and then sewed them on each side. It was the injection straight into it that still makes me want to run for the hills. She is really glad she had it done though and although I have not viwed them myself, she says they are fab. There is a failure rate so you need to find out the stats at your hospital and decide whats best for you. Any scary parts are so brief and she was awake and out in hours so try to look at the big picture. Just make sure it isn’t just to see that doc!! Send him over here please :)Hope you had a nice time this evening.
Slenda well done, how is your skin holding up? We all know how you feel. You so look forward to the end of treatment but at the end it feels like you suddenly have to walk alone again. I sort of felt I was safe while being treated but really that is not the case so be brave and it gets easier to be positive I promise. Annoyingly many people will expect you to be overjoyed and thats that you’re done sort of idea. It takes longer but it does happen, sort of creeps up on you and you will suddenly think I haven’t even thought of Bc today. Hugs to you.
Lisa and Nicky - I am wrapping Hvaen’t got very far though
Took my mother shopping today along with my uncle for his annual xmas shopping. I had to drive her car as I have a 2 seater with a bench seat in the back. Managed to get a few things but very difficult as she walks so fast I can’t keep up and if I stop to look at anything she gets a bad leg and we have to move on. Our planned lunch was put off as she didn’t like the look of the noisy children in there! Oh well back home quicker!
Lily aye x
Hello lovely ladies, what a hectic time I’ve had over the past few days which is why I’ve not been on here either.
Firstly I want to send Val a big cyber hug. Christmas can be such a difficult time for so many that we often forget those that are not caught up with the whole over-the-top-ness of it all. I hope OH and you can have a lovely time with each other and maybe enjoy the quietness of it all, instead of the noise and overeating that some of us might have and do! Do keep reading and letting us know how you feel, you know we understand
P - I must admit I think you are making up reasons to see JB look a like - discussing your nipples, well it’s enough to make him blush 
But I guess that’s his job so I’m sure he’ll have a critical eye (not, aye) and view you as work in progress. As to the method that Lily’s friend had it makes me squirm as well but fantastic if it works - 2 perky nipples! Good for YD with her driving - I suppose it’s the only way to get over the worry that it causes is to keep doing it. Also glad that Rudolph isn’t heading for the pot - or so they say!
Lily - all sounds hectic for you as well, but I know you love it - well, except the visiting American maybe. I have to clear our spare room out for 1 night but think I can manages without resorting to blanket hills!
Slenda - great, only 2 more sleeps and you’re done! Well and truly ‘moving on’ - but don’t move on without us! Glad the hair is coming back - I think there’s always a fear that it won’t. All in all some good steps forward and enjoy your Christmas putting it all behind you. I’m sure OH and you will have a fab time even without the extra bits you say you usually do - something has to give!
Lisa - tree is up, thank you madam. I’ll see if I can take a picky and change my profile but it will have to wait until I’ve done my other chores. Hope you are winding down now at work, working hard on the diet in between celebrating and looking forward to speeding Christmas with Mam and Dad.
Bev - hope all is well with you, OH and family.
So, a quick catch up. ED was back OK on Saturday, trains all on time. YD back a bit late on Sunday as planes not all fine! Decorations up on Sunday and Monday as it was so late when we started on Sunday waiting for YD to come home. Catching up on last minute things on Monday and then visiting a relative yesterday plus Christmas Market with YD - phew! Today will hopefully be a bit quieter and I can sort out a few things at home plus do a bit of food shopping for all the bits that will keep. Unfortunately YD will come along which means the bill will be twice as big! Hoping the weather gets a bit brighter and colder for Christmas day as it’s all gone warmer and wetter where we are - typical, and so different from last year.
Have fun, whatever you are doing
Nicky xx
Oh my word Lily I hadn’t heard the story of your friend’s nipple before, I am cringing as I think about it! One thing I am sure about is, I definitely don’t want that procedure so I hope my hunky PS will have a simpler option for me, hopefully one he can bring along on tray and let me pick which I want LOL. I know that the areola will be tattooed, but I think this is all done under a local. Sorry to hear you missed out on your lunch with your Mum, I think as they get older they get less tolerant of younger children where as we love the bustle and noise and excitement.
Nicky thank goodness your D’s arrived safely and remember not to take them shopping if you want to keep your bill down! I’ve found that Mum and Dad’s supermarket is always worth a visit, if you know what I mean.
Nearly finished Slenda, wonderful and you seem to have got through it so well which is great. When do you plan to go back to work? Hopefully you’ll be able to put your feet up for a bit after Christmas and maybe go back on a part time basis perhaps?
Mr P arrives back sometime through the night, so from tomorrow onwards it is full on with getting the new house set up ready for Christmas. I am excited, but in a way not looking forward to going back to those horrible neighbours we have – never mind, there is a new build taking place in the field next door so maybe the new neighbours will make up for it. Today I’ve been in with YD trying to pack things up, and my cleaning lady (did I mention I was allowed a home help after my operation? She has been great so I haven’t really needed to do much other than cooking dinner each day) has been doing places that I find difficult to reach up like the coving, the light fittings etc. I did clean the oven out today ready for our departure, each job I do is a tick off the list.
Val, Lisa, Bev, thinking of you all!
In case I don’t manage to log in before Christmas (we won’t have internet connection at the new house until next week) I just want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, enjoy time with your loved ones and thank you all for being “here” when I needed you. Lots of love, Carole xxxx
hi all, promise will catch up tomorrow, finished work at last and shattered so off to bed. hugs all xxx
Hi,
oh my days, no you did not mention a home help Peacock, what a fabulous thing. I am greenly jealous but pleased for you. I am sorry I was so graphis about the op but I thought you had already read it. You must have missed that post. She is really pleased and her worst part was walking into the operating theatre so she saw everything. They ahd a quick date and encouraged her, so she went for it and is glad she did. I was concerned that there was quite a high failure rate as I couldn’t see what they would do if it failed, having cut holes in both sides. Luckily she did not have to find out. Wait and see what they have in mind for you as you can have a stick on !!Enjoy all your busy time and your victor home for the hols.Happy Christmas if you are offline for a while.
Nicky I agree, P is definitely making up reasons to see this guy
This is the visitor I like by the way. You may be thinking of the chap who never said please or thank you and was like a big slug? This chap is very amenable and gets on very well with son. I just sent them out with cash so they have been eating a lot and out and about mostly. Everyone has colds here and I just hope they have not used up all my cold remedies by the time it gets to me! Thats what usually happens. Lovely to have the girls back even if they are like tornadoes. Good luck with the food bills.
Hi to everyone else, nearly at the end of the week and hopefully a bit of peace for all of us. Ok not for the cooks!
Well my week off work has not gone quite as planned with my visitor, my 2 little chaps in and out. That of course was a bonus and I drop everything for them. Today we went to a local museum. We carried baby, well took turns really as he is a tank, very heavy and wriggly. he left a trail of dribble as he is teething. Little chap is an intellectual and enjoyed all the interactive gadgets but wa sscared stiff of the models of people. They have a bee colony , enclosed in glass with access to the outside and he likes to watch them. I hate insects and just stare at it looking for any cracks or gaps where they might escape. Speaking of which, we had an enormous wasp appear in the lounge today. Well I ran dragging little chap out, MD ran out with baby. We thought son and american would kill it but no, son ran out too. American was rather bemused to be left alone expected to kill it. We always rely on victor for exterminations and he was at work. We all went out to dinner tonight, which was a hefty bill for 11 of us but victor’s treat as they all came in to see our guest. He is off late tomorrow and then returns in a week. Present wrapping is proceeding slowly with baby’s sack done today. He has mostly a new wardrobe of next size clothes and a few toys but some really cute snow boots I saw and had to buy.Night Christmas aye. OH you little terror, good job I saved it!!
Lily x
Hi ladies
A quick post to wish Carole and her family Happy Christmas in case you’re not here for a while. Have fun in your new home, and send the cleaning lady round when she’s done
A (getting) cold Nicky here. Boiler had a problem on Tues eve when I realised the hot water hadn’t heated up. Called the boiler man yesterday and he luckily turned up late yesterday afternoon and ‘fixed’ it - plus a huge bill as the parts are so expensive! However a bit chilly this morning and then ED has just said the water’s freezing. Arghhhhhh, I do not need this!!! So it isn’t fixed and I’m now 2 days nearer to Christmas. I can, and have, put the immersion on for the hot water but that’s not going to heat the house is it? Maybe I’ll have to cancel the Christmas meal for the oldies as both sets of grandparents are coming over, and staying! Watch this space.
Love to all
Nicky xx
Brrrrrhhhh nicky hope you get some heating back on nothing worse. Hope everyone else is ready for the big day, how come we all get colds and stuff at Xmas?? Woke up at 3am and wanted to sneeze for england and nose was running like a tap…
Well bit of bad news today, my friends mam who found out she had secondaries a month or so ago died this morning. dont think it was so much the secondaires but the chemo, she had one collapsed lung anyhow and they were worried about giving her chemo but dint have other option, her immune system went down and got phnemonia and chemo affected her bone marrow and in turn kidneys - really crap time to happen as its my friends babies first xmas. The lady that died gave me some hematite and bits and pieces the other week as hadnt been wearing them and thought I could use them, i was thinking of making a necklace for my friend her daughter with them but do you think that’s too emotional or insensitive, just thought she could think of her when wear it. bit gruesome this bit but was nice to me in a way, my dad’s a porter so her took her body to the morgue.
Well sorry for that miz moan, on plus side been out for lunch today with mam and uncle and wrapped some pressies, come home to one through my letterbox from Graham’s dad, he didnt buy me last year, but was a card from his brother and family - no pressie - i dont mind but weve always been so close and ive bought all four of them xx
Better get some kip - hope the pressie wrapping coming along and all our sniffles dissapear xxx
Hi sniffles, I may be joining you soon if the heating still isn’t fixed. Well, it’s been ‘fixed’ twice now and still not working. Already warning the oldies to wrap up warm!
So sad to hear about your friend’s Mum. It’s always such a shock when things change so dramatically for the worst and I expect you friend will be doubly upset missing her Mum. I personally think it would be a lovely thing to do to make a necklace with the hematite, it’s such a lovely shiny dark stone, maybe they could even wear them to the funeral in remembrance? It was also nice to know she was in safe hands for her final trip from the ward with your dad looking after her. Take care and don’t let all of this get you down.
No updates from me other than the bloody heating - or lack of it. Luckily I was able to be in all day yesterday but today is a different story. Will have to leave ED in charge whilst I head off for the fresh veggie buying (scramble more like) and picking up my turkey. Wish me well
Love to all
Nicky xxx
Lisa. I think the idea you have is a lovely one and I wouldn’t be offended or upset if someone was kind enough to do that foe me. I think it is a lovely gesture and well done you for thinking about someone else at this sad time. I am glad your Dad did his final bit too.
Nicky I hope you get your heating sorted out soon. Is this someone you know doing the fixing or a large company. I ask because you could try using the “cancer treatment” card to get it sorted as you cannot cope with this as well as your treatment! lay it on think!
Taking about weather I was out shopping later last night and I had no coat, scarf or hat on as it was so Warm here. It had been 2 degrees and jumped up to 11.
I am off to the hospital for my treatment at 3pm so am thinking of making some gingerbread Christmas trees to tie onto the presents or hang them from some red ribbon at the window. We don’t have a tree this year but have lots of candles, flowers and a rather large amount of wine too. Hope all of you are enjoying the Christmas festivities. I feel calmer now that I have all the food shopping done and most of my presents bought, but still to wrap.
Love to you all, Val
Hi to you all and wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy Healthty New Year!! I have had a quick wizz through the latest posts and glad to hear you are all bearing up well and coping with the extra pressure of Christmas there is never enough time is there? Slenda well done nearl there just be paitent with yourself you have come a long way.
So sorry girls I have been off the radar but life has been so full on since we started this business but I have often thought of you all and am still so grateful for all the support you all gave me over the past few years. We are getting into a better pattern with the work situation now and after many agonising months I am getting my head around the Book Keeping and the VAT returns thank goodness.
Anyway I will endeavour to pop in more often again but really wanted to wish you all a Peaceful time at Christmas and my good wishes to you all for the New Year.
love Bev xx
Good to hear things are going along well with your new business. May you have every success in it in 2012. Lovely to hear from you again so do pop back in once you have mastered the Book-keeping. I did Book-keeping or “Principles of accounts” as it says on my O loeles but do not think I would be of much help as that was way back in the 1960s! Have a great Christmas Bev, Love Val
Hi,
sorry been away but had a rotten few days witha sickness and runs bug. Not sure I have ever been so sick and was faint with it as well. Son started it 2 hours after me and even worse Yd who is heavily pregnant and her partner got it too. Victor did a valiant job of keeping us in iced water and water ever else we needed so hope he does not get it next.Poor YD only has one bathroom so very tricky for them. Walking wounded today feeling sick and a bit rough so just sitting about. We all went to dinner on wed night so think we must have got it there.
Lisa I thought your jewellery idea was perfect so yes do it.
Nicky hope the boiler is getting sorted, horrible thing to happen this close to christmas.
Val good to hear you are back on the cooking trail although I cannot think of anything myself just yet.
Bev happy christmas, nice to hear from you
Lily x