stop feeling guilty, small rant (BENCHLAND)

[katytc]

Lovely news Ali, glad you are comfortable now! Where are those creme eggs???
Eve nice to see you popping in, hope you are feeling a bit better, do enjoy the extra super duper comfy sofa.
Good luck to eveyone with appointments, fingers and toes crossed for you all.
Been glorious today, can't quite believe it!!
Still on the olympics bench, do I feel guilty? Not a chance enjoying it too much! xx

[GIJaneH]

Hope appt goes well Eve, and you are "heard".... for me, it felt important to plan treats for the 3rd week after chemo, before I got battered again. Need something to look forward to, in the middle of teh grot - so well done you! Love the Ed. Festival! Totter gently, and see if you can flop into a sofa today, rather than a hard bench - they are dotted around! The Olympics sofa's quite crowded - might need another one...
Jane

[Eve76]

Thought I pop in and see what's been going on in Benchland.
FF - I hope your (ex)friend apologised for the highy insensitive comment. I am all for using the thwacking ladle.
Sorry, but all that talk about snails and froglegs is making me a bit queezy... Am not usually that squirmish so will blame it on the chemo.

Been absent for quite some time, turning into a bit of a hermit. At the end of the second chemo cycle last week things started finally catching up with me, going all emotional. Luckily I had a friend drag me out of the house and we enjoyed a lovely Sunday with a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe, lunch at a restaurant - no cooking for me! - and a glass of bubbly (first one since treatment started) - well deserved if you ask me to celebrate the 1/3 mark of chemo in style.
Had my third treatment on Monday, but felt rougher than last time, so more reclusiveness and plenty of rest to have enough spoons for the one fun outing of the week (which was last night and absolutely worth it). Also bummed I haven't been able to enjoy all the lovely sunshine we've been having - better not dwell on it and chuck the guilt in the lake, watch out...!

Had a quick visit to the 'pissed off' bench - thanks to the benefts' people... (don't get me started).
Now on the 'am not quite sure how I am feeling' teeter totter - as I have my appointment with the Onc later today.
Not sure what to expect...

Hope you all have a good Friday and wonderful weekend! xx

[Ali_H]

Thanks ladies, I'm not bothered by the lack of nipple at all but a couple of my non BC friends thought it was strange to not want one...maybe you don't know till you're there. So I'm pleased to read that I'm not weird after all!! Actually the stick on ones sound like a good compromise. 🙂

Hadn't found the word games Val, will have a look for them. It's nice just to be able to chat to ladies who understand how you feel without having to explain all the time!!

[scottishlass]

I have managed without having a new nipple for 23 years and I wouldn't say I hve missed it. But everyone is different. I am just pleased that my new boob still looks as good as it did when I had my mastectomy with reconstruction. Pity gravity has affected the old one though! With a bra on no one would know anyway and my Oh says he is happy with the way I am and is just pleased I am still around after all this time!
Now going in to have a complete hip replacement as the pin they put in my leg last year has fractured! Any day now. So I am going to sit on the quiet bench to watch the sun go down. Good to see Benchland back as I have missed the thread.
Do all of you know about the word games on the Chitchat (see left hand column) as new people are not joining it and I would love to keep it going.A few ladies have already posted that they did not know it even exisited! It used to be a very active thread and was a chill place to be where you can escape BC yet communicate with other people and get to know them. If you are in Benchland and fancy a game or two we would love you to join us. Val

[RevCat]

That's great news Ali. 18m on I've become totally accustomed to the one side with and one side without nipple look, and actually not sure I can be bothered with the nipple recon option as it will be a minimum of 6m after my symmetry procedure which won't be anytime soon! My hosp offer you stick on ones (made to measure!!) if you don't want a surgical one. There is no right or wrong answer, just what is right for you. I quite like my smooth perky boob!


Hope you continue to enjoy your new look and grow in confidence daily.

[Ali_H]

Yippee!!! Had the cling film and dressings off new booby today (henceforth to be known as 'Perky' for fairly obvious reasons!)... Relief to get all that wrapping off, really pleased with result too, had implant after skin sparing mx. However only got one button on my vest now....is this something you get used to? I've got an appointment in six months with lovely surgeon to discuss creating a nipple, not sure if I want to?

[GIJaneH]

move over..... annual check up tomorrow... Olympics more interesting.... Jane xx

[RevCat]

Well, well, well (three holes in the ground) suddenly I get a notification of new posts on this thread... not had one for yonks (not since that time we've all forgotten when everytime you turned round your inbox was deluged with them).

So, as I'm here I'll top up all the spoons and hankies, and I'll even give you some virtual cupcakes in whatever flavour you fancy. Tomorrow it's two years since I found the lump that started me on this path.... can't believe it's gone so fast. So grateful for the friends I've made along the way and happy to be NEDy (check up in two weeks time... two days before second anniversary of dx....)

Joining you all on the Olympic bench...

[katytc]

Ali, real pleased your learning fast, healthy eating what's that again???xx

[Ali_H]

Oh, and I discovered the olympics bench at last!!! Is there any more gymnastics to come??

[Ali_H]

My sports bra / straight jacket is driving me potty! How long do I have to spend strapped in to this monstrosity? Had mx with implant reconstruction three and a half weeks ago...lol...how impatient am I??

Katytc we have a sweetie shop near us that sells close to date sweeties, crisps etc...so we get Easter eggs in august, advent calendar chocs in feb..mis shapes and weird foreign brands, and after season excess stock .
I've decided to sit on the 'just because I ate that creme egg and really enjoyed it, it doesn't mean I've failed in my healthier eating plan" bench. See, I'm learning to let go of the guilt!

[katytc]

Yahoooooooooooooo!! FF braless no longer!!! I wore a sports bra for months and months they were just so comfortable.
Good luck with your onc appointment on Wed.
Well that's been some weather today brilliant sunshine and torrential rain, it's bouncing down at the moment unbelievable, I had my heating on again for a while tonight, crazy times!!
Ali where did you find creme eggs, this time of year?????????????
Still on the "olympics" bench, it's been soooo good xx

[foxyferret]

Like your benches Ali might join you later.
Today I'm on the happy bench - why? you may ask................. because today is the first time for six weeks that I've been able to wear a bra!! Ta..Daaaaa!! I have been so self conscious about being braless in public. Ok it's only a very soft cotton non wired bra unlike my usual underwired padded ones that actually give me some shape ( I'm very small breasted, and even smaller now!). It's still a BRA!!
I am now four weeks post rads (can't believe how quickly time is passing) and feeling fairly normal again. Still taking work easy and resting when needing to but better. Have an appointment with oncologist on Wednesday and will see what he says but I will be grilling him over the Tamoxifen question again. I need to find out exactly how ER+ I am.

Enough of me and sorry to have bored you with what is really trivia. Aren't we doing well in the Olympics? So much better than I thought we would and I am so pleased for all our medal winners especially Andy Murray yesterday. I am about to move to the Olympics bench now for tonights coverage.

Hope you are all well.

[Ali_H]

Not sure which bench to sit on today, the 'I really enjoyed that creme egg' bench, the ' damn, I was doing well on the healthier diet/ cut out sugar until that creme egg' bench, or the 'hmmmm.....six creme eggs for a quid, pass me my purse and a large carrier bag' bench....



Sorry, don't fancy snails (slugs with a home, my son calls them) but frogs legs in garlic butter are lovely. Food obsessed, me???

[katytc]

Sounds delicious CM !!
Back in the day...................we picked our own wulks (Scottish name) and dulce, so day at the seaside then back home boil the wulks and seaweed and have a feast. Makes my mouth water thinking about it, truly! All had to be covered in vinegar, best ever. Those were the days..........feel a song coming on Mary Hopkins me thinks xx

[ChoccieMuffin]

Snails - garlic-flavoured pencil erasers. A bit like squid or octopus rings, which are just like the rubber bands the posties discard.

[supertrouper]

I've eaten frogs legs - they tasted like chicken. Quite like snails too, take me back to my childhood when my dear Dad used to go to the market on a Saturday and come back with a brown paper bag full of winkles that we used a pin to get out of the shells.
Aye - "back in't day"

[RevCat]

Have a wonderful holiday Vercors - it will be so lovely to speak your first language I'm sure.

Had snails way back in 1975 on a school day trip to France... all I can recall is the garlic butter and the chewiness! I'm sure Benchland snails will taste wonderful. Never tried frogs legs though.

Back to watching the Olympics for me!

[katytc]

WHO turned on that tv????????xx

[katytc]

Never had snails or frogs legs (have led a sheltered life) I think we could munch them around the bonfire with the marshmallows and toffee apples whilst singing merry tunes. Have a great holiday!
Have had to turn off tv and get on with the dreaded H, which includes a bit of ironing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next what to have for tea................................mmmmmmmmm off to sit on the CBA bench instead xx

[Ali_H]

Vercors, lots of macarons please, rose petal is my favourite... Have fun!!!

[vercors]

Nice one twinky!
It's been busy here. Singing starting again. If I join you it will rain even more, so I will sit back and enjoy.
Can't sit on the Olympic bench, it is not comfortable enough for me. Every time I sit on it within minutes I am off do to something else except when the tennis is on.
Now on the hospital bench, having a loading dose of herceptin, tonight rest, tomorrow pack, sunday off home for 3 weeks. Going to the Alps, via Normandy and then visit a couple of Chateaux along the Loire Valley.
During that time I will be a lurker as I will check my emails but it is unlikely that I will post.
Shall I bring back some frog legs or snails to benchland?

[RevCat]

Love the poem Twinky - very thoughtful and thought-provoking.


I did some ironing in front of the Olympics last night - I can multi-task, me! As I did so I remembered an absent friend who loved to iron, and I smiled.

Mysterious golden orb back hovering over Glasgow this morning.... so long as it's not hoovering eh ladies?!

[ChoccieMuffin]

Twinks, did you REALLY use the H word?! Shame on you!

[Twinky68]

Life is short, live it
Love is rare, grab it
Anger is bad, dump it
Fear is awful, face it
A memory is sweet, cherish it

Saw this posted on Twitter this evening by @OfficialCancer.

I too am glued to the Olympics bench. Finding it absolutely riveting & euphoric too & still over a week to go! Housework can wait....

Twinky x

[foxyferret]

Well done Revcat and Katy an amazing performance.
Revcat , that's not good news. Ok your op is not life threatening but a 3-4 month wait turning into 12 for something that's very important for self esteem is unacceptable. I would be doing more than muttering if I were in your shoes.

Yes, there is superglue on Olympic bench I can't get off it. Have just watched Chris Hoy etc. win the gold medal, threw my arms up on the air and have hurt sore boob. The Olympics are dangerous! Haven't we done well today!

Will join you all later at the bonfire after tonights coverage ( go Rebecca!) finishes and the superglue melts until tomorrow.

[Ali_H]

Revcat, muttering is human behaviour and you're allowed. Can I dip my strawbs in melted chocolate please?

[RevCat]

La di da di da di da, la di da di da da.... OK Katy let's get singing!

Defending our title in 2016... yes, indeed quite feasible

Well I'm alternating between the muttering bench and the guilty bench this evening.... muttering cos I rang my PS's secretary to see what was what, only to be told they've cancelled the entire list and I *might* get a date in September but I might not. So annoyed... the 3-4 month wait is heading towards a year now. So guilty... this is just evening up my lopsidedness, it really does not matter if I get bumped (again) for someone having an immediate recon. Oh mutter, mutter, mutter...Not very rev-y behaviour I fear.

Guilt hurled into lake [SPLASH] and off the bench.... now here are some strawberries and cream for anyone who'd like a few...

[katytc]

Well done RevCat, clap clap clap!!! Must say special thank you to you for the sychronised flushing, I would never have made it without you, I knew we would be winners!! Wearing my gold medal just now and still flushing, I think I am going to be available for 2016 (will still be taking tamoxifen) so yippeeeeeeeeee!!!
Toffee apples yum yum, I'm up for the bonfire, can we have a barbecue and a sing song too???
Please, please!
The Benchland choir (who can forget that wonderful singing) re the Summer Panto, c'mon girls!! meet you by the lake on the sandy bit, near the boingy stuff, in between the life belts and the bungees, not far from the trampoline but not as far as the cave xx

[ChoccieMuffin]

Oh yes, toffee apples, I'd forgotten about them! Not with the ones from my garden though, they're a bit sour to say the least. Good in pies though.

I didn't sleep A WINK last night, finally managed to drop off by about 6am, after the dickie birds had started screaming outside my window. And I had to be up at 10, so kept waking up in case I woke up late, if you get what I mean. So I haven't done much today either. Did someone sneakily put some superglue on the Olympics bench?

[beverlie]

Hi all,
I've moved away from the 'still having Herceptin' and 'manic flushes' benches and thought i'd join you on the 'can't stop watching the olympics on TV all of the time' bench, and I should be jumping up and down on the 'working from home bench' but find the answer to that today is I really CBA!
CM - I've a great crop of mint growing, so I'll make mojito's for your bonfire tonight. I may even wander down the greenhouse and plant up some lettuce and feed my tomatoes this aft...if I can peel myself away from the TV that is - my garden (my sanctuary) has been neglected recently due to work (loosely), being too tired (predominantly) and olympics have eaten up all of my garden time and energy.
Laters all, Bev.

[RevCat]

Sorry ladies, been so busy in the Land of NED it's a while since I dropped by to top up the various dispensers. Raised about £400 for bcc Ben Nevis with my coffee morning so very happy about that.

Oooh yes please toffee apples and bonfires - but can I have a fan for my flushes? Speaking of which, Katy and I won gold in the Olympic synchronised flushing, but the tv people obviously don't show such specialist events. I mean, we're only about 50km apart (according to Google) so the skill involved is clearly minimal...

Spoons in, hankies ironed, alligators thwacked and boingy stuff inspected! Back to work now for a rest!! 😉
Enjoy your lunches and gardens!

[Ali_H]

A benchland bonfire, yes please!! I'll just get the washing in first.. Can we have toffee apples? And mugs of soup? Hang on though, it's "summer"... Forget the soup, let's have pimms!
I enjoy reading about your garden, please keep posting about it. I have an undergrowth outside my back door which needs reclaiming, I must get out there soon and make a start.
Foxyferret, thank you yes, I should!! I know I should... Trouble is I felt sooooooooo cr*p on chemo and now I've got a bit of energy back I want to get on with things....but like you say, it can't be done straight away...so frustrating but hey, in the grand scheme of things having to sit down for a couple of hours with a book and a cuppa ain't that bad!
Taking my son out for lunch today to celebrate finishing sixth form and end of exams (a bit late, never mind) so later on I will be on the ate too much bench 😄

[ChoccieMuffin]

I wouldn't call what I've been doing in the jungle "gardening", that kind of assumes a bit of knowledge, and a degree of creation rather than the destruction I've been wreaking. It's more like "garden clearance", the only planty thing I've done is hang up a fuschia hanging basket I got from Tesco! I'm feeling smug though, I managed to overcome my highly sensitised procrastination gene and didn't put off doing the garden "because the blackberries will be ready soon" and it's beginning to look like a proper garden. Next job, clear the gravel to one side, coat the ground with Pathclear, re-lay some ground fabric and put the gravel back. Will have to treat the decking to some loving care as it's looking a bit sorry for itself, and the pergola is still in need of some emergency surgery to prevent it from falling down. Also have to replace the border edging because what was there disintegrated under the weeds. I very much doubt that I'll ever do anything properly creative and actually PLANT anything! There's a very high attrition rate with things that grow in my garden, except for the weeds of course.

FF, I have a kind of triangular plot (it's an inside corner so the entrance is just wide enough to get the car in. When I bought the house the back bit (one corner of the triangle, if you get what I mean) was beautifully done with decking and pergola in the very corner, a border with plants in, and gravel. But the weeds and brambles got it while I wasn't looking. The rest WAS really beautiful as the previous owner was into her garden. I still have a cooking apple tree and a plum tree, and a beautiful magnolia, but I've killed off an ornamental cherry and a pear tree, and the lawn is now an undulating meadow interspersed with anthills.

Goodness me, I would never have imagined ever telling people about what I've done in my garden, apologies for boring you. (It is rather satisfying getting busy with the loppers though.)

And I didn't do the bike today, just a bit more tidying up and construction of yet another bonfire. The one the other evening went up beautifully, so probably another one tomorrow night if it doesn't rain. Marshmallows on sticks, anyone? I'm also going to wrap some spuds in foil and shove them in the bottom of the fire. Won't bother with fireworks, I think there's been enough excitement recently, does anyone want to join me for a Benchland bonfire? Anything else in the form of entertainment?

[foxyferret]

Wow, £2.80!! Don't spend it all at once! Sounds like a brilliant day out. I live fairly near Taunton racecourse, will keep an eye out. Hope you get on all right at the hospital tomorrow. Will keep fingers crossed.
I find I get tired about about three hours after I get up in the morning, so I rest then for a while and then seem to get a second wind and am ok for the rest of the day as long as I don't do TOO much. Which ,of course I'm not doing as I'm glued to the Olympics.

CM, nice to have company on the bench today. Steady on with the gardening, don't exhaust yourself. I am intrigued by what you are finding in your garden. How big is your garden? Mine is about 20' square and all I find is, weeds, and evidence of next doors cat!

Ali H , my advice is to learn to pace yourself............................and if I could just learn to take my own advice I might feel better!!!!!!!We all just try to take up life as normal as soon as possible, and it can't be done.

Best wishes to all.

[Ali_H]

Your day out sounds like fun Katytc, I'll certainly keep an eye out for something like that! Hubby still says no to a kitten....but yes to a new oven!

[katytc]

I'm on the Olympics bench too, I just love it.
Yesterday I went to the races, first time ever and had no idea how to bet or anything so it was interesting!! I did win, wait for it £2.80, yahoooooooooooo!!! It was a day out for specifically for people with cancer, we had our own box, soft drinks sandwiches etc all free due to the kindness of the racecourse manager. His wife had cancer and he wanted to give people a happy and different day out, it was really good fun and we had a lot of laughs. He is hoping it will roll out all over Britain in the not too distant future, so check a racecourse near you.
So off to the "truly tired" bench, early night off to hospital tomorrow, no rest for the wicked.
FF I seemed to have energy whilst having rads but around 2 weeks after finishing I kept falling asleep ( could sleep for hours) it's still early days for you so if you are tired get off to bed and no feeling guilty!!
Ali, hope you can twist your husbands arm and you are allowed a kitty.
Hope you are all ok xx

[Ali_H]

I've been on the done too much and knackered myself out bench - well, bed actually! So had a very pleasant siesta...now of course I won't sleep tonight, ah well.....

[ChoccieMuffin]

I've taken a day off doing stuff today, and have just spent the day with FF on the Olympics bench in front of the telly. Clearly Team GB needed me to be WATCHING them in order to win golds!

Have found lots of other balls in the garden, a toy pistol, several more plastic boxes (no idea where they came from) and a couple of rather nice plants hidden behind the brambles.

Think I'll go and put a new battery in my motorbike and see if it'll start. I don't hold out a lot of hope, it hasn't been used for about 2 years! (Or maybe I'll just watch the gymnastics instead...)

[foxyferret]

Ali H - work on husband, tell him how much a kitten would aid your recovery etc........stroking animals is known to lower blood pressure etc........hmmm.
I nearly aquired a 20 week old cat which was in need of a good home ,I love cats and heard of this one through friends I asked the usual questions (sex/colour/vacinated/neutered) and asked for a picture via facebook. Picture never materialised and I can only presume that the cat has now found a home, as a week has passed.I'm not actively looking for a cat but if one occurs.......

I'm stuck on the watching Olympics bench. Planning work around what is on TV. Thank goodness its holidays so I can work flexi-time. Feeling ok ish, tiredness still hits now and again but I think its getting better, or is that just because I'm spending so much time sitting down watching Olympics?

Hope everyone is all right.

[Ali_H]

I'm on the "I would like a cat" bench. My cat died two summers ago, miss the purring! Two weeks ago my sister bought a rag doll kitten...so cute... Today my aunt took me to help her bring HER rag doll kitten home. Sigh. Hubby says no... 😉

[GIJaneH]

Beverlie - forgive me if you're fed up with people suggesting things, but the best thing I found for stimulating hair growth ws aloe vera gel.... twice a day massaged in to scalp. Feel for you..... love Jane

[GIJaneH]

Really CM, you did NOTHING in the last 18 months??? I seem to remember you did loads (be brave/inspirationa/lookbeautifulwithouthair/assortedotherrubbish) just none of it in the garden! Well done you though! No wonder you were UNDER the bench.... and not from incahol either! I did some gentle pottering and cutting back... and varied what I did regularly, so my arm survived. Tooth didn't! Stopped for lunch and temporary crown showed just what "temporary" meant, adn broke! Been using temporary filling till I can phone the dentist this morning.... time to try soggy cereal now... Mammo this morning.....
have a good week in Benchland.... love Jane

[Ali_H]

Thank you, happy mad etc etc RevCat! Liking spoon theory, makes sense.
Chocciemuffin, my garden is out there somewhere if you fancy another challenge, I vaguely remember it having fruit in it too....

Have a good day ladies, may your cutlery drawer be always full 🙂

[ChoccieMuffin]

I did write a post a few days back, but like so many other people's, it disappeared into the ether.

I'm under the knackered bench. Would be on it, but it's too much effort to get up onto it. I've been out in my jungle (can't call it a garden) for several hours every day for a week, and I am now pooped, but sadly not finished.

As you will understand, I did NOTHING in my garden over the last 18 months, having had other things to occupy my time, but now I've finished Herceptin (yay!!!) and jacked in a job that was just too far away for me to cope with, I thought I needed to do something positive and visible, so have decided to do a lot of decluttering. And seeing as the weather's been so rubbish at the beginning of July, I thought my garden could do with a bit of attention. Can I please have the gold medal for understatements?

While I was clearing just the back bit (a small triangle about 20 feet each side) I found: decking and a pergola (knew they were there, just hadn't seen them for a while), two large plastic chairs (didn't know they were there), a bed frame! (don't ask), a decorative chimney pot, half a dozen balls from various neighbours, four plastic crates, two kids' bikes, four big planters, a table and four chairs (russian vine had grown through them so I had to cut them free!) and privet trees 15 feet tall. I have a MOUNTAIN of cuttings in a pile drying out, that's going to be a helluva bonfire when it goes up.


Almost forgot about the toy lion and a bird's nest (from last year).


Also discovered just how prickly brambles are. I feel like the prince in Sleeping Beauty.


Tomorrow's jobs: emergency repair on the pergola. The weight of all the vine that had grown on it has caused it to crack, so I bought some metal braces today, while out playing taxi-driver, to screw onto it tomorrow. More bramble clearing - just hope the gloves dry out. Might do some stuff IN the house, if I can be bothered. While I've been outside, the inside of the house has turned into a bombsite. Have several mountains of dirty clothes (do they BREED?) and the washing up has taken over the kitchen completely. Oh, and several more trips to the dump. Got to put the bicycles, chairs and assorted bits of crap from inside my house somewhere.


Right, just thinking about that lot has me exhausted, so I'm off to my pit. Nighty night, lovely ladies, and if any of the aligators feel like taking a bite out of me while I lie on the boingy stuff under the bench, they'll soon be put off by all the brambles sticking out of me, so I'm safe.


zzzzzz

[RevCat]

For info on spoons follow this link http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/ it was one of my better finds. Basically spoons are units of energy, and the spoon theory a helpful way of explaining the impact of redcued energy levels to family and friends.

Sorry about you Dad's crass remark... it sounds all too familiar to me and I'm sure to others. You should feel no guilt, chuck it in the lake, and obey the "no fishing" and "no swimming" signs. The lake is the home of the alligators, and they are regularly dispatched back there.

Hope you are OK. All food in Benchland is free of any nasties, so eat up and enjoy. I am very happy cos my coffee morning has raised over £350 towards my BCC Ben Nevis climb. Sold all the cupcakes and most of the 'bring and buy'.
Today my flushes are of gold medal calibre, and my joints uber ouchy, but life is good and I'm a happy, mad, flying, climbing, Catcake-baking, cat-loving, vicar-type person.

[Ali_H]

Have read back a few pages, found the guilt lake. Added to it, mainly my well-meaning Dad's comment that "it's worse for the people who love you, you know". And, how should you react when people tell you how worried they are about you, and how worried your family are about you, and how much worry you're causing...like I've not noticed??? Is there a bench for that, probably the "I didn't choose to have BC " bench....


Could someone explain about the spoons please??? 🙂

[vercors]

On the knackered bench tonight.
Yesterday, we dropped off two kids at Stansted, shipped them off to France where we will join them next week end. Then off to pic up daughhter n1 in Cambridge where she is spending the summer doing research in biology. We decided to do touristy stuff around norfolk. Lots of sight seeing walking and eating. Great week end, I need a rest.
Twinky, I hope you can find a solution toget financial help and rest a bit more.
I can't be asked with the Olympics, still I watched the opening ceremony with the kids. Hubby is watching the swimming while I am on the Ipad.

[foxyferret]

Quiet in benchland today. Everyone watching Olympics?? I love watching (some) sports, it's the nearest I get to excercise! Today I found myself getting quite excited over the beach volleyball. What's going on? I think I've caught Olympic fever! Anyone know of a cure?

I feel sorry for our GB team. The commentators and the press are putting SO much pressure on them to do as well, if not better, than in Beijing. A lot can change in four years. I really hope the media don't make them feel they are failures if they don't perform as well as they did then. To defend a gold medal can't be easy. Maybe I've not put this well but I hope you know what I mean. They have all done brilliantly just to get there!!

Have been baking today, so lemon drizzle cake and cupcakes available (some slightly mis-shapen but still taste good) are on offer by the"have a rest"bench. Go well with tea/coffee/glass of wine.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.