What has made you happy or sad?

[lovetennis]

Three months is no time at all, SG. Life will never be the same again but you will find a new you - give it time.:grouphug:

Can only echo what Alis says SG. Life will not be the same again but over time a new life will grow. Give yourself permission to take things at the pace that feels right for you. There are no rules, everyone is different. :grouphug:

[lovetennis]

Sending you big hugs, Mo :grouphug: I hope it's not insensitive to post happier news, hopefully it will make you smile....I passed my PhD viva yesterday (only two minor corrections):):):) Elated, relieved and but also a bit lost - a big part of my life has come to an end. Pleased Christmas is around the corner, because looking forward to that is helping avoid an emotional cliff-edge. Thanks to all forum friends who expressed an interest and encouragement when we used to chat about my research at DC :thanks: :flowers:

Congratulations Dr RB :bravo: A fantastic achievement. I have a work colleague who finished her PhD a few months ago and she talked about the strangeness of not having the all-consuming thesis etc to think about, but be assured she has re-adjusted and found herself with time to do all the little things she had to forego for so long. Sure you'll be the same and so ready for the next challenge

[anor]

Many congratulations RB, that's great news!

[WimbledonWestie]

Well done RB.

Thinking of you Mo.

[patlowe]

Oh Anna, that is such good news. So pleased for you. What a weight that must be off your shoulders. Congratulation! Sorry to plead ignorance, but what was your research topic? Would be interested to know something about it.

[Alis]

Congratulations Dr! A fantastic achievement - well done.

[Linda]

Well done, RB!

[Teresa]

Congratulations Dr RB:-)

[goldfish]

Congratulations RB - excellent news.

[Genbrit]

Well Done RB :)

[JAMES4578]

fabulous Rosie Bear, well done! Sure a lot of effort involved but worth it-:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[RosieBear]

Thanks, everyone. You're all very kind.:thanks::flowers:

[fah51]

Belated congratulations Dr RB :clap:

[ljs]

Congratulations RB & Best of Luck as you go forward !

[Caro]

You need to find an interest Maureen to give you something to focus on. It does get easier but you have to make the effort

I am sure this was not meant to sound insensitive ... but that's how it comes across I'm afraid. Comments like this are just not helpful. Everyone copes with grief differently but support is what is needed in this case. My sister lost her husband last year. She has many friends and an active life with the church but grief is grief. For Mo, it was only 3 months ago she lost Alan!

Mo - you know how to get hold of me if you need to talk any time xx

And on a happy note, many many congratulation to my very clever friend RB on your doctorate. Well done you xx

[patlowe]

Thanks, Pat! My background is International Criminal Justice, particularly within the Western Balkan context. My research was a consideration of how and why the crime of human trafficking should be elevated from its current transnational status into the realm of international justice. In other words, prosecuted at the ICC and by individual states exercising universal jurisdiction rather than normal territorial principles. If an offence is to come within the international justice system it has to meet certain criteria, so as part of my research I interviewed the (Albanian) traffickers themselves to establish how their crimes meet the threshold - a real eye-opener!

Oh wow Anna. That is fascinating. I'm sure it's well worth a read. Did you draw any really strong conclusions? (Generically incase you can't go into detail here) How long did it take you to complete it? Sorry for all the questions, but I am so intrigued.

[RosieBear]

Oh wow Anna. That is fascinating. I'm sure it's well worth a read. Did you draw any really strong conclusions? (Generically incase you can't go into detail here) How long did it take you to complete it? Sorry for all the questions, but I am so intrigued.

Thanks so much for your interest, Pat. It took five and a half long years! Very briefly so as not to bore others, distilled conclusions are:

The current paradigm of viewing trafficking in purely economic terms, as just another form of transnational crime, is a morally objectionable oversimplification.

Next, trafficking fulfils the dual theoretical bases that underpin crimes that come within ICC and universal jurisdiction.

To establish this in relation to the ICC was straightforward enough, through doctrinal analysis of the Rome Statute (the treaty that directs the jurisdiction of the ICC).

Establishing that a crime should come under universal jurisdiction is a lot less straightforward because, although it is an ancient principle of international law, it is not codified. I argued that the historical development of universal jurisdiction over maritime piracy in the 1600s and its subsequent extension to slave trading (1815) came about due to conditions and features mirrored today in trafficking. I provided a theoretical model which highlighted the conceptual proximity between (i) trafficking and slavery and (ii) trafficking and piracy to advance the claim that trafficking should come under universal jurisdiction. I then empirically substantiated the model's assertions by speaking to the traffickers to show how their moral disengagement is reminiscent of slave trader discourse of the past, and how cross-border traffickers are as much of a logistical challenge to punish as pirates who operated on the high seas.

Have rattled this off quickly, hope it makes some sense! I don't want to hog this thread, or write anything too graphic, but do feel free to PM if you want the more gory details :)

[patlowe]

Thank you Anna. Really interesting especially the historical connection to 17C piracy and 19C slave trading. Having a history degree myself I find this most interesting and it has often crossed my mind is there a correlation between modern day traffickers and slave trading. Piracy didn't enter my head so I did find that particularly interesting. Over 5 years work! Wow! Well done you! Thank you for the info. Might follow up after C'mas!

[Elizabeth]

Congratulations RB - well done.

[Josephine]

Well done RB! A bit late to this thread.

[Jan62]

Have hesitated to post this but devastated last week to have confirmation that my beloved eldest sister is on palliative care only and we expect we are counting in weeks. She has had chemo, surgery, radiotherapy then more chemo in the last 18 months but the latest scans showed further advance. I am heading south between Christmas and new year to visit.

Going to have to take things day to day for the foreseeable and it does put Spain in doubt. I will not be on here much so if anyone needs to contact me about arrangements for Marbs then please DM or text me. I'll contact Sally directly if I have to cancel completely.

I know there are others on here walking a similar dark path, or have done so recently. Life sucks at times.

[patlowe]

Oh Jan, I am so sorry about your sister. That's really hard for you to take. I feel for you. As you say life sucks at times. Sending you hugs. :hug:

[Alis]

So sorry to hear your news, Jan.:hug:

[Teresa]

So sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.

[themass15]

Thinking of you Jan at this very sad time.

[jackie55]

Sorry to hear your sad news, thinking of you at this sad time

[Linda]

Oh Jan, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[anor]

I'm so sorry to hear your news, Jan. Thinking of you at such a sad time.

[RosieBear]

Deeply sorry, Jan :grouphug::grouphug:

[exislander]

So sorry to hear this, Jan. Thoughts are with you.

[Genbrit]

Sorry to hear this Jan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[goldfish]

Sorry to hear your news Jan. ��

[jagmad]

I know there are others on here walking a similar dark path, or have done so recently. Life sucks at times.

It don't make it any easier though, do it?
We have lost an uncle and my brother in law (who helped me learn my trade) two weeks ago on consecutive days.
Sigh.
Chin up and be strong.
:hug:

[supergran]

So sorry Jan. Very sad news indeed. Thinking of you all. X Sending sympathy on your loss Jagmad. X In the midst of life........it's never easy is it? You are in my thoughts.

[Elizabeth]

Sorry to hear your sad news Jan.

[Alis]

So sorry to hear your news, Jagmad - partcularly at this time of year.

[jagmad]

So sorry Jan. Very sad news indeed. Thinking of you all. X Sending sympathy on your loss Jagmad. X In the midst of life........it's never easy is it? You are in my thoughts.

Thanks all. And you, in ours SG.

As I tell my little girl "Life's to short to be sad. Eat drink and be merry, and never listen to the Nay Sayers, let them get down about it."
I guess the answer for me comes in the form of a question.
Does anyone we've lost want anyone left behind to be unhappy?
I think even I could get that one right.
Lord knows I know how hard it is to come out the other side, but we have to some how.

So who ever it is we're missing I doubt they want us to be sad, I believe the best we can do is be as happy as we can.
And don't feel it's ever to early to move on. After all that's what they'd want, and vise versa if the boot was on the other foot.
Although as I hinted earlier I'm finding it really hard with my little girl. (Her pain must be excruciating)
But I ain't gonna give up.
Anyway that's enough of that.
Merry Xmas everyone and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Pete N Lynne

:santa dance::merry christmas::santa dance:

[Elizabeth]

My husband fell from a ladder in October and dislocated his shoulder. The shoulder was put back into place and we thought everything would be fine after a day or so. He waited two months for a Scan of the muscles which he has damaged and he cannot lift his arm. The hospital doctor showed the scan to an older surgeon who said he would not consider operating because of my husband’s age (76). The doctor then spoke to a young surgeon who has looked at his arm and said he would consider doing something but he needs to see a scan of the nerves which he thinks are also damaged. I hope we don’t wait another two months for scan. He gradually became unable to do things and is having difficulty standing up and walking. His GP thinks the shock to his system from the fall has triggered arthritis. He is unable to go out on his own and for someone who was always out walking and was very active it is devastating. Some mornings I have to get him out of bed and help him to get dressed. He had blood taken yesterday morning but we will not get the result of that until 8th January. He is so mad at himself for being up a ladder.

[supergran]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. I do hope that something can be done as I have knowledge of how frustrating it is to be one day active and then gradually lose mobility and confidence. Sending best wishes for January and hopefully treatment which will solve the problem. XX

[Jan]

Sorry to read about various people's sadness - thinking of you all.
:grouphug:

[clancy]

Thinking of those on the forum who are struggling with sadness. I am trying to support my friend/neighbour whose 76 year old husband went missing over a week ago and in spite of intensive police searches there is still no news of his whereabouts.

[JAMES4578]

Sorry to hear of the sad events occurring to some over 2017, thinking of you over the festive period. Know it can be particularly tough at this time of year.

[JerryD]

I am so sorry for your loss jagmad and the news on your sister, Jan. You and your families are all in my thoughts.
I hope they can do something to help your husband Elizabeth, I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Love and hugs to you all xx

[Caro]

Just catching up with this thread ....

So sorry to hear about your sister Jan and your loss jagmad and your husband elizabeth. Sending hugs to all xx

[Jan62]

Thank you everyone for the kind messages. Sadly my sister passed away last week just a couple of days in to the new year. Fortunately I had been able to see her. We are now in the limbo of funeral arrangements and trying to understand what has happened. It's so difficult even when expected.

Andy, tennis, Davis Cup and the lovely people on here saved my sanity 3 years ago when suffering a similar loss so I'm back on to while away some time . Displacement activity I think it's called. Anything to distract me. I will dip in and out, and looking forward to catching up on all the tennis news.

[Alis]

So sorry for your loss, Jan.:grouphug:

[RosieBear]

So very sorry, Jan. But pleased that can take comfort from being able to see your dear sister and say your goodbye. I hope Andy's news today lifts your spirits at a difficult time. Take care :grouphug:

[WimbledonWestie]

So sorry Jan. :grouphug:

[patlowe]

Jan I am so sorry about your dear sister. This is a hard time for you and I hope tennis and DC can give you something to focus on and look forward to. So sorry I won't see you in Spain but I really hope we will get the chance to meet up again in 2018. Thinking about you and you take care of yourself. xx :hug:

[exislander]

So sorry Jan, good that you were able to see her.

[jagmad]

Jan.........

:sad: :hug:

:flowers:
From Lynne and me

[anor]

So sorry to hear the sad news of your sister, Jan. I hope that being able to visit her gives you some comfort. Take care. :grouphug:

[Jan]

My condolences, Jan :flowers:

[cazza99]

:grouphug: Jan

[jeannie13]

I'm so sorry to hear that your sister had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.:grouphug: :flowers:

[Linda]

So sorry, Jan :hug:

[JAMES4578]

So sorry to hear the sad news Jan, at least you were able to spend some time with your sister :grouphug:.

[Teresa]

Very, very sorry about your sister Jan. The only little consolation must be she is no longer in pain. So glad you were able to spend time with her.

[goldfish]

Sad news Jan - sorry to hear this.

[Genbrit]

Jan, my thoughts are with you and your family. :grouphug:

[hfwardhouse]

Oh Jan I'm so sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you all :grouphug:

[JerryD]

So sorry to hear about your loss Jan. You and your family are in our thoughts. Take care xx

[pabbers]

Sorry to hear your sad news Jan.

[Elizabeth]

So Sorry to hear your sad new Jan, thinking about you.

[WimbledonWestie]

Persistence pays! My family and I were delayed 5 hours going to Cork last October. Finally won my battle to get my compensation from Aer Lingus underEU law. Should be in my account by end of next week ( very welcome timing when my big Californian adventure is due to be paid for) . Thanks to all on here who assisted with retweeting my disgust. In the end it was Stobart Air who answered us and sorted it out. They picked the wrong person to ignore #dogwithabone

[Alis]

Well done, Westie - full marks for tenacity!

[JerryD]

So pleased for you ww. I retweeted it everytime I saw it. Glad it is sorted now xx

[WimbledonWestie]

Well done, Westie - full marks for tenacity!

Typical terrier.:laugh:

[WimbledonWestie]

Sow pleased for you ww. I retweeted it everytime I saw it. Glad it is sorted now xx

Thanks, I saw your retweets, very much appreciated!! Patience ( or maybe more impatience) was a virtue. My brother is delighted as his share will help him pay for a weekend break he is planning. My dad is a bit mortified as the trip was a gift so he's made a good wee bit on it. He wanted to split it between us all but I think we've managed to persuade him him to see it as an extra birthday perk- might just about cover the number of times he insisted on paying for drinks!

[hfwardhouse]

Persistence pays. We just got paid compensation for a delayed flight to Tenerife but Air Europa weren't keen and it went legal.... We got there though. I used a compensation company cos I didn't have the time or energy to pursue it and we'd probably have given up at the legal stage. Money paid on Wednesday so delighted!

[WimbledonWestie]

We are a determined bunch we Murray fans. All those Murraycoasters have made us strong!

[anor]

Glad to hear that Jane and Clare eventually got their rightful compensation for delayed flights. I was offered the standard €250 by Flybe 10 days after complaining about my awful return flight from DC in Rouen. Alternatively I could have had a credit note for €350 to use on another of their flights within 18 months. Thought for 3 seconds and decided I hopefully would be around for that length of time but would Flybe, with their track record of losing bits off planes, maybe not. So I used the compensation to pay for last year's Wimbie hotel.

[supergran]

My daughter is now in remission which is very happy news.

[WimbledonWestie]

Very very happy. So glad for you all x

[Alis]

Great news, SG - you must all be so relieved.

[anor]

That's great news, Maureen, I'm so pleased for you and the family.

[pabbers]

For future reference when looking for airline compensation Resolver are excellent. Recommended by Moneysavingexpert. You do a simple online application and they do the rest for you FREE. And no, they don't take a percentage. We used them after a 3 hour delayed flight home from Portugal with Flybe and got a total of £800 compensation which was way above the minimum and far more than we'd hoped for. The flights were only about £35 each.
You can find them here:
https://www.resolver.co.uk

[Alis]

Thank you for that, Pabbers.

[WimbledonWestie]

For future reference when looking for airline compensation Resolver are excellent. Recommended by Moneysavingexpert. You do a simple online application and they do the rest for you FREE. And no, they don't take a percentage. We used them after a 3 hour delayed flight home from Portugal with Flybe and got a total of £800 compensation which was way above the minimum and far more than we'd hoped for. The flights were only about £35 each.
You can find them here:
https://www.resolver.co.uk

We used Resolver initially , we had reached the stage where it could be escalated to involving CAA as at each stage Aer Lingus were not responding. Before taking that step I called them out on Twitter. They replied asking for my case reference and said they'd look into it quickly- so I asked them to do the same for my parents. Within a week my parents had their money via Stobart Air. I'd heard nothing! After another month of waiting ( giving benefit of doubt as it was Christmas- I did message them a few times and was told thet I would hear when they had looked into it) I tried emailing the person who had contacted my mum to get bank payment details . That's when we finally got it sorted. However a friend had a better experience through resolver with another airline during the summer. I'd use them again, it wasn't their fault Aer Lingus wouldn't reply- they apparently have one of the worst records of all airlines for this!

[jagmad]

Lynne and I were traveling to Nottingham today and as we entered the M1 slip road North at jct 22 around 12.30 the yellow information light saying Motorway closed came on as we passed it.
Lynne asked me what it meant and when I told her she doubted me as the traffic was moving normally as we joined the main motorway.
Then as we moved a couple of miles further the blues and twos went by the opposite way. "There I told you" I said "it's going to be shut before jct 23 hopefully there won't be a long delay as we must be one of the first to get to it.
Now the funny thing was that when we started the car, the tyre pressure warning light came on and it took me 10 mins to pump it up.
Good job too.
As we approached jct 23 mile marker there was a couple of vehicles with flashing lights on the hard shoulder and Tyre skid marks going down into the trees.
Lynne slowed down a bit and I could just see what was left of the car.
My view (being the passenger) was better than Lynne's so she said "Are they alright" I replied " Not a prayer from the look of what was left of the drivers front side"
The motorway was closed very shortly after that.
I can't help thinking if I hadn't pumped the Tyre up we could'ave been caught up in that!!!!
:phew:

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/m1-traffic-road-closed-after-1094112

[Genbrit]

My daughter is now in remission which is very happy news.

Excellent news Mo. :)

[Alis]

A lucky escape indeed, Jagmad.

[supergran]

Lynne and I were traveling to Nottingham today and as we entered the M1 slip road North at jct 22 around 12.30 the yellow information light saying Motorway closed came on as we passed it.
Lynne asked me what it meant and when I told her she doubted me as the traffic was moving normally as we joined the main motorway.
Then as we moved a couple of miles further the blues and twos went by the opposite way. "There I told you" I said "it's going to be shut before jct 23 hopefully there won't be a long delay as we must be one of the first to get to it.
Now the funny thing was that when we started the car, the tyre pressure warning light came on and it took me 10 mins to pump it up.
Good job too.
As we approached jct 23 mile marker there was a couple of vehicles with flashing lights on the hard shoulder and Tyre skid marks going down into the trees.
Lynne slowed down a bit and I could just see what was left of the car.
My view (being the passenger) was better than Lynne's so she said "Are they alright" I replied " Not a prayer from the look of what was left of the drivers front side"
The motorway was closed very shortly after that.
I can't help thinking if I hadn't pumped the Tyre up we could'ave been caught up in that!!!!
:phew:

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/m1-traffic-road-closed-after-1094112

You were very lucky. Hate anything like that.

[jagmad]

You were very lucky. Hate anything like that.

Thanks SG and really good news for you and your daughter.
:flowers:

[jagmad]

There's no fun in getting old?

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of
myself and others. I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before
they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer,
until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those
wonderful tunes of the 50, 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish
to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging
body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to,
despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old
one day if they're lucky.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just
as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not
break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even
when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are
what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart
never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of
being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning
gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep
grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died
before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about
what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even
earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I
like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but
while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have
been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every
single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT
FROM THE HEART!

[RosieBear]

There's a worse alternative to getting older....RIP John Mahoney :sad::sad::sad: Frasier was my favourite programme of all time, and loved JM as the gruff dad to the two prissies. Hope he's sleeping peacefully with his Eddie.

[supergran]

Getting old has advantages and drawbacks. I have always been gregarious and unlike my lovely Alan who was quite reserved and a little shy. I sometimes find myself being quite outrageous and my son's advice to me when I go away is "Have a lovely time and don't get arrested".:lol: I have now joined the medication generation as have recently been diagnosed with an under-active thyroid. Symptoms: weight gain, thinning hair, feeling the cold and tiredness, all symptoms which fill me with dismay.:sad: Still, could be worse I realise. I am off to Dubai on the 20th until the 2nd March to stay with my oldest friend, we met when we were four,and have been best friends since then. She has been visiting her son and family since December and invited me when Alan died. I will be there for her 78th birthday and we are both looking forward to having a happy time together.:boogie::party: No doubt Tim will tell me not to get arrested!:rolling:

[JerryD]

I'm always cheap when it comes to buying things for myself. Including cheap sunglasses. Then I insist on taking them off to take photos and Kev goes on about the damage to my eyes. So last year before the inca trail I decided to buy sunnies that I could wear when using my camera and put my hand in my pocket for them. They travelled Peru, Scotland, Wales and England and then on Thursday didn't survive a trip to my local airport just 3 miles or so from my house.

I was sad when I realised I didn't have them at check in but I told myself I must have imagined take them in the taxi and actual lay left them on the hall unit. Then I came home on Tuesday and they weren't here. So I called the taxi company. Everyday, but I kept missing the driver. Then today I was told by someone in the office that he had checked but said they weren't there. As the memory cards from the trail were stolen I was just overly sensitive to losing the glasses I wore on it. It's mad because they are just material replaceable things, unlike the photos lost forever from the sd cards. I knew I wouldn't buy another expensive pair too. Just stick with my £10 pair lol.

Anyway just now there was a knock at the door. It was the taxi driver from the airport run. He asked if I had left something and I told him what it was, he asked for the brand as he had a glove box full of sunnies people had left. Once I told him he ran out to the car and reappeared with my inca sunnies in their case :) it's a small silly thing to be so happy about. But it was more that he had taken the time from his day to bring them round. I will never be reunited with all of those photos taken along the trail or in Cuzco. But it was nice to have my glasses back.

[pabbers]

Maureen..... just bear in mind that it's much easier to get arrested in the middle east than in the UK
:lol:

Nice to know there's still kindness around Jerry

[RosieBear]

This ad in The Times made me giggle. Think Alex is sleeping on the couch tonight.


1371

[supergran]

I am so sad. Actually change that to heartbroken. I am not coping well five months on. I'm going to Dubai on Tuesday and not really looking forward to it. Grief overwhelms me at the most unusual times. Sorry for this but have closed down Twitter and Facebook as can't cope with sharing memories. Did think about ending it all tonight but couldn't do it to my children. I'm a mess.

[patlowe]

Aw Maureen, hang in there. I'm reaching out to you across the sea. There are many who will be doing the same. Maybe when you get to Dubai things might take on a different perspective.....new surroundings, climate, food etc. In the meantime sending you hugs and loads of good wishes.:hug::hug:

[Genbrit]

Maureen, Have your break in Dubai with your friend. Hopefully it will help togged away and talk.

When you come back you may want to consider a grief support group where there will be others who have lost spouses like yourself and that can relate. One of my friends joined one of these groups after losing her husband and said it did help to have people who had suffered the same loss to talk to. She still misses her husband a lot but is helping with a charity project that meant a lot to him.


As always your friends are always here to chat and offer support. Not quite the same but hopefully some comfort. :flowers::grouphug:

[Alis]

Thinking of you SG. :grouphug::grouphug:

[jagmad]

Sent you a PM last night SG. XX

[Rosalind]

Also thinking of you as are many others. I think what Genbrit is very useful. Many have found these groups useful. I hope the sunshine in Dubai will help enormously.

:grouphug::flowers: xx

[WimbledonWestie]

Thinking of you and hope you enjoy the time with your friend in Dubai. Remember we on here are always here for you.
:grouphug:

[Linda]

I agree with what others have said. Keeping you in my prayers :grouphug:

[RosieBear]

I too echo what others have said, especially Genbrit's advice about a support group - of course, accept the love and support of family and friends, but they may not know what to say or do. Talking with other people who are sharing your experience can be invaluable. Thinking of you, SG.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[jeannie13]

Thinking of you-remember that there are many of us who are here to listen & care.

Get some sun & company in Dubai. Take care :grouphug:

[patlowe]

Have a safe and pleasant journey to Dubai today Maureen. Thinking about you. x

[Linda]

Hope you have a really nice time in Dubai xx

[JerryD]

My niece won both categories in her national kickboxing championships at the weekend :) she has already qualified for this year's world championships after her medals last year. There's barely a mark on her so she is very happy. It was her brother's first time in nationals, and he had his heart set on making the team. He did very well but didn't make the cut so has been sulking since. Bless him. He's only 9 and doesn't accept yet that it's not all about the winning!

[RosieBear]

My niece won both categories in her national kickboxing championships at the weekend :) she has already qualified for this year's world championships after her medals last year. There's barely a mark on her so she is very happy. It was her brother's first time in nationals, and he had his heart set on making the team. He did very well but didn't make the cut so has been sulking since. Bless him. He's only 9 and doesn't accept yet that it's not all about the winning!

:bravo: Well done Jerry's niece :clap::clap::clap: And nephew too - that's the spirit, he'll go far, super competitive just like Andy :thumbup:

[JerryD]

He is that. Now we just need to encourage him to stop being horrible to becky and hiding the medals she won at the weekend. I think it's his age,he's just in jealous rage. He'll get there and be himself again soon enough. She is being lovely about it, endlessly patient and understanding ... for now ...

[AllyB]

Is it too old-fashioned to ask why she doesn't just beat him up if he keeps doing it? :gold::gold:

[JerryD]

Her sensei is trying to teach her the importance of discipline and patience so I think philip is trying to provoke a reaction he can report. She, on the other hand is seeing it as a personal test. She hates to fail. She is taking pride in not just shoving him over. Which as she is more the twice his size and far stringer, she could do by brushing past him. He'll get bored soon enough. She had asked my sister not to tell him off for it because she's "handling it"

She initially got into kickboxing to control her temper and impatience. I'd say it's working well lol :) ;)

[patlowe]

I thought I might have been posting on a very happy occasion today. It is the 105th birthday of the dear old lady who I visit. But when I arrived today for her birthday party it was to the news that she had fallen and was taken to hospital. This is the 4th such incident in about 9 days. So the much anticipated (by her) party didn't take place. She is still in hospital and I am concerned about her.

[jagmad]

Unbelievable, well sadly not I guess.
http://www.lifedaily.com/story/englishmans-world-turned-upside-down-when-police-arrive-at-his-doorstep

[JerryD]

I thought I might have been posting on a very happy occasion today. It is the 105th birthday of the dear old lady who I visit. But when I arrived today for her birthday party it was to the news that she had fallen and was taken to hospital. This is the 4th such incident in about 9 days. So the much anticipated (by her) party didn't take place. She is still in hospital and I am concerned about her.

So sorry to hear that pat, my thoughts are with you both x

[patlowe]

Better news today on my 105 year old. She is out of hospital, but she is very tired and frail, though quite with it mentally. She really is quite a character.

[anor]

Best wishes to your friend, Pat. She sounds like quite a trooper!

[JerryD]

As it's now past midnight, yesterday was my baby brother's birthday, at 26 he's not much of a baby. I remember watching the little mermaid with my sisters, while my mum was upstairs in labour and my dad was pacing excited and going on about his birthday present. The boy I should have been. Sadly my dad had already given his name to the first doyle grandchild of my generation (me) so for this boy he had to come up with something special - roan Orion - or boney Roany to me and bendy Wendy. So today it's my dad's birthday, he would have been 58, he didn't make it past 42. Today many of his good qualities live on in us and particularly in roan, who looks exactly like him. People say it all the time, but in this case it's true. I've never known anyone look more like their dad. So happy birthday to my dad, I stargazed tonight (our favourite thing) and I'm sure he'd love that his present looks just like him, even if it creeps the rest of us out sometimes :)

[patlowe]

Best wishes to your friend, Pat. She sounds like quite a trooper!

You are so right there Rona. She is a real trooper.

[lovetennis]

I thought I might have been posting on a very happy occasion today. It is the 105th birthday of the dear old lady who I visit. But when I arrived today for her birthday party it was to the news that she had fallen and was taken to hospital. This is the 4th such incident in about 9 days. So the much anticipated (by her) party didn't take place. She is still in hospital and I am concerned about her.

Sorry to hear that Pat. You've spoken of you friend often. Hope she is ok

[Alis]

I'm indulging myself for Mothers' Day by watching a recording of the 2016 Wimbledon final. Hurry back, Andy - we're missing you!

[JerryD]

At the weekend we booked our flights for our trip to the states. It feels t al now, even though there’s still so much to sort. Hotels, transport, trips to D.C., Boston and the falls, and of course USO tickets. First weekend in March we went to see ed Bryne. We also see him when he’s on tour, he’s so funny. The bad weather meant that a bunch who had tickets didn’t bother but transport was ok and it was just snowing. Nothing a hat scarf and coat can’t fix. It was a great night out. Then last weekend we booked the flights and had a movie night and this coming weekend I’m finally going to see Mathew bournes Cinderella. I’m a big Mathew Bourne fan and have seen most of the new adventures productions but I kept being busy when the we’re doing the Cinderella ballet. Can’t wait for that. I recorded it over Christmas but when I got tock ta I just saved it so as not to spoil it lol. Edward scissorhamds is my favourite of his productions but I’m sure this one will be good too :)

[supergran]

Hello everybody. I'm back from Dubai after my 10 day visit turned into 32 days! My friend's son just asked us if we wanted to extend our stay and we both jumped at the chance. I really did enjoy myself and the weather was glorious every day. I wasn't too keen on the mosquitoes feasting on me, very painful blisters and I think my legs will be scarred. Seeing all the fantastic sights and having so many new experiences was a mixture of emotions as kept thinking that Alan wasn't with me to share. Still, it did me lot of good and I passed the six months anniversary quite stoically. Was happy to come home though. Will spend some time reading all posts I've missed.

[patlowe]

Welcome back Maureen. Funny I was thinking about you today cos it had been a while since you last posted. So glad you enjoyed your trip and it's good to read your more positive words. Looking forward to hearing more in due course.

[jagmad]

Hello everybody. I'm back from Dubai after my 10 day visit turned into 32 days! My friend's son just asked us if we wanted to extend our stay and we both jumped at the chance. I really did enjoy myself and the weather was glorious every day. I wasn't too keen on the mosquitoes feasting on me, very painful blisters and I think my legs will be scarred. Seeing all the fantastic sights and having so many new experiences was a mixture of emotions as kept thinking that Alan wasn't with me to share. Still, it did me lot of good and I passed the six months anniversary quite stoically. Was happy to come home though. Will spend some time reading all posts I've missed.

Yey SG's back.
:dance::boogie::yahoo::wino::party::party::hug::me xican::easterbunny:
Missed you XXX:flowers:

[Linda]

Welcome back, SG! Glad you had a good time.

[anor]

Welcome back, Maureen and so pleased to hear that your trip went well.

[Sallydaisy]

Laughing out loud at some of these 'alternative' Easter treats ...
:barmy:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/4874384c-54a1-42e5-8823-50b7522806d0

[jagmad]

This made me cry with laughter. It's in 4 parts 2 , 3 and 4 followed straight on from this link for me. Enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeiW_bWZ2Is

[hfwardhouse]

Sad day..... My avatar ever since I joined AMFF has been a photo of Barley my lovely bunny. Sadly at the age of 11 he passed away this morning. He's going to be a big miss in our front porch.

[anor]

Oh, how sad for you, Jane. It's so hard losing a pet, particularly when he has been with you for so long. :grouphug:

[Teresa]

Very sorry to hear about Barley. The loss of any pet is heartbreaking. Their lives are far too short.

[Sallydaisy]

:grouphug:

[jeannie13]

Sorry to hear about Barley, Jane.:grouphug:

[Genbrit]

Sad news about Barley. It's hard when we lose our pets who are, after all, part of the family. :hug:

[RosieBear]

Sorry for your loss of Barley, Jane. It's never easy to lose a much-loved pet.:grouphug:

[JAMES4578]

Sorry to hear the sad news about Barley Jane . :grouphug: Don't have the same experience with pets as some others on here though- only had a cat and goldfish (if they count) a long time ago.

[Alis]

:grouphug: R.I.P. Barley.

[pabbers]

:grouphug: Jane. Think that was a good age wasn't it?

[patlowe]

Aw so sorry about Barley.:crying::crying:

[Hawkeye]

This proud dad had the pleasure of watching/listening as his daughter played clarinet in a concert by the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland Junior Orchestra in Stirling tonight.

She gets it all from me, of course...

[RosieBear]

:bravo: Hawkeyetta :clap:

[anor]

Justly proud, Hawkeye! :bravo:

[cazza99]

:grouphug: RIP Barley

[supergran]

Just learned that James Harrison's mother passed away today. She had been battling cancer. RIP lovely Mary.

[Linda]

Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. :(

[JAMES4578]

Sorry to hear the sad news about James' Mum Mary , RIP.

[pabbers]

Really sad. She was a lovely lady.

[supergran]

James gets married next week. He posted today that Mary had given him strict instructions that his wedding day go as planned and it had to be a happy day. So sad for them all.

[Pam]

So sorry for your loss James. She was a lovely lady. She loved her tennis. I met her several times.

R I P Mary

Much love to all the family.

[Alis]

We had a particularly high tide two days ago and since then a neighbour and I have filled four black bin bags and a swing bin, which had been washed up, with plastic waste from the beach in front of our houses. I even took a plastic milk bottle out of the mouth of a Highland cow that was grazing on the seaweed. :sad: Plastic waste truly is a nightmare! :grrr:

[JAMES4578]

We had a particularly high tide two days ago and since then a neighbour and I have filled four black bin bags and a swing bin, which had been washed up, with plastic waste from the beach in front of our houses. I even took a plastic milk bottle out of the mouth of a Highland cow that was grazing on the seaweed. :sad: Plastic waste truly is a nightmare! :grrr:


How awful, well done Alis and neighbour though!

[Genbrit]

Plastic waste certainly can do some damage. When we were in Bandon, Oregon they had assembled a fish from all the plastic that had been picked up out of the ocean or that was washed ashore. They called it "Henry the Fish" and it was displayed, together with an indoor exhibition, to educate people on the horrors of what can happen when this is not disposed of correctly and how it should be recycled. 1378

[WimbledonWestie]

Feeling like a mini Judy after coaching my wee P4s to the local authority Active Schools tennis trophy. So proud of them

[anor]

That's great,WW! :clap:

[WimbledonWestie]

Thank you. It was a wonderful event, lovely to see so many children enjoying tennis. Managed to persuade my boss to buy the proper trainer balls- but had to set up 'courts' in the gym hall using benches for nets. I'm sure Judy would like my innovation lol.

[Teresa]

That sounds brilliant fun. Well done WW.

[Alis]

Good for you, WW and your little stars, of course!:thumbup:

[cazza99]

Well done WW and the little ones :clap:

[patlowe]

My lovely, dear, special 105 year old passed away this evening. She was one very remarkable lady, and after a bit of a struggle today, her long journey on this earth came to an end. I'll miss her so much. RIP my lovely Isobel.

[WimbledonWestie]

Aw, sorry to hear that. What a wonderful long life.

I'm getting used to picking up silverware after my Euroquiz team won the national title on. Onday- getting themselves on STV news in the process ( it's not normally that newsworthy but the event takes place in the scotttish parliament and press were there to cover the Brexit vote so the quiz was rather topical). We've now won 5 times in 10 years- I think that makes me an official geek lol. Best bit was that them knowing wawrinka was Swiss thanks to me drilling them in European tennis players was a big help in putting them in lead in the final head to head round- so peeps, our tennis expertise has many helpful uses!!

[goldfish]

Sad news Pat. Sounds like there will be a lovely smile on your face every time you think of her.

Well done WW on your school tennis and quiz successes.

[WimbledonWestie]

Thanks. I should maybe do the lottery this week lol.

[JerryD]

Sorry to hear that pat, thoughts are with you and her friends and family .

[JAMES4578]

Sorry to hear the sad news Pat, however sure many memories from Isobel's long life. Fabulous for the Euroquiz team WW, well done!

[jackie55]

Sorry to hear your sad news Pat, Isobel sounds like a lovely lady, thinking of you :hug:

[anor]

Oh Pat, sorry to hear of your lovely friend's passing.

Well done WW and your protegees' success. Just proves that tennis geekedness isn't a waste of time despite rolling eyes from friends and family! ;)

[cazza99]

:grouphug: Pat.

[lovetennis]

Sorry to hear your sad news Pat. Thinking about you x

[patlowe]

Thank you all for your kind messages. It really does help, even though when reading them it touched a raw spot and made me tearful. It's been an emotional week as we were sitting with her for most of it, but it's what she wanted, so for her I am glad. Just going to miss her loads. Slowly getting myself back into the tennis and catching up.

[supergran]

So sorry to hear of the death of your lovely friend. She sounds an amazing woman. Sending sympathy and love.

[patlowe]

So sorry to hear of the death of your lovely friend. She sounds an amazing woman. Sending sympathy and love.

She really was. Right up to the very end there was no way you would pull the wool over her eyes! She was a great letter-writer and her hand writing was amazing. And she loved Andy!

[Genbrit]

:hug:Pat. It's never easy losing someone special to us.

[Caro]

Sorry to hear your news Pat. What an amazing age, but however old it doesn't make the hurt and the missing someone any less :grouphug:

[traveller7]

Sorry to hear of your loss Pat. :hug:

[supergran]

I would be happy if you bought raffle tickets. :lol::thanks:

[patlowe]

Sadly I have just learned of the death of Maria Bueno. She was my first tennis "idol" and it was she who drew me into following tennis avidly. What lovely memories I have of following her way back then in the days of no broadband or mobile phones! And at times not even a TV! RIP Maria.

[anor]

I also am so sad to hear of Maria's passing because, like Pat, she was my first tennis idol and her grace, both on and off the court, was amazing. I remember, I think it was 1960, and a schoolmate of mine though a couple of years younger, won a wild card into Wimbie (she was British Junior Hardcourt Champion that year) and she drew Maria in the 1st rd! We were given a half day off school to watch the match on black & white tele. That match stretched my loyalties somewhat. RIP Maria.

[Jan]

Yes, such sad news of a lovely lady and graceful player.

[exislander]

Yes, I remember her as a very graceful player. Sad news.

[JAMES4578]

Sad news on Maria's passing, her heyday was a bit too early for me but heard a lot about her and have seen video clips.

[WimbledonWestie]

So sad to hear Maria Bueno died. Just had the ultimate tennis day. Went up to my club to help out at our French Open junior event all morning, then watched first 2 sets of French final then headed fir a club league match which we won. Deviated briefly with a trip to pub then finished watching of French final. Ideal Saturday.

[Alis]

I do remember watching Maria - a very elegant lady. I also remember her pink knickers causing a storm at Wimbledon!

[pabbers]

Oh no. I remember buying frilly knickers like hers to play tennis in!

[patlowe]

Oh no. I remember buying frilly knickers like hers to play tennis in!

OMG! I had forgotten about the frilly knickers!

[RoastLamb]

Oh no. I remember buying frilly knickers like hers to play tennis in!

:lol:

[Stell]

I learnt, yesterday, my 19 year old Australian cousin has got stage three breast cancer.

[hfwardhouse]

Oh Stell that's horrible - far too young - I hope they have caught it early enough.

[Stell]

I'm hoping as well.

[cazza99]

I'm hoping as well.

Fingers crossed it is the estrogen type and not the other type.

[Sallydaisy]

*beaming*

2 fantastic nights of music at Westonbirt Arboretum!
Last night The Script worked up a hooley.
Tonight it was ex-Beautiful South - and it was brilliant. Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott for 90mins of Beautiful South, a couple of Housemartins songs and some more recent work.

Warm up act was Billy Bragg; he don't change much either!
;)

Outside in the middle of the Arboretum; relaxed festival atmosphere, good food, lots of loos (makes a change!) and the weather behaved and it didn't rain (good job 'cos brollies are banned). Although it was cold enough 2 need a woolly AND a jacket and a 'just in case' blanket ...

:boogie:

[exislander]

Very sad about the destruction by fire of the Glasgow School of Art. The Charles Rennie Mackintosh school was being restored after the fire there just 4 years ago. This time the destruction seems much worse.

[Stell]

I've been told that my cousin is responding well to the treatment, though she's having to pay for it out of her own money.

[Stell]

After her latest round of treatment, my cousin will now have to go back to see the specialist.

[anor]

My younger granddaughter graduated yesterday so I travelled to Glasgow to join the rest of the family for post grad celebrations. I am so proud of her as she worked so hard to get her honours degree. Annie Lennox has just been installed as the new Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian Uni and she apparently gave a brilliant speech at the ceremony. Not sure how much the students knew about her but the parents were thrilled.

[supergran]

Off to say goodbye to an ex-colleague and friend. He was a regular visitor when Alan was downstairs in his hospital bed. Then in January he was diagnosed with leukaemia and treatment didn't work. So sad. He was a well loved and respected teacher and member of staff. A real gentleman and a lovely friend. He will be missed.

[Genbrit]

Sad to hear that SG. Hope he had a good send off. :sad:

My good news is that my son entered the Velothon Wales 140 Cycle Event on Sunday. :bravo: It was the first time he has entered any cycling event and he goes for the longest distance he can. :eek: I'm extremely proud to say that he finished the event, especially as I understand it was hot. :fanning::yahoo:

[anor]

Well done your son, Genbrit! :clap::clap:

[cazza99]

Well done to your son Genbrit :clap:

[goldfish]

Just returned from a 5 day tour in Italy with my choir, Classical Chorus. 170 travelled and performed 4 times - concerts in Verona Duomo, Piazza Signori in Verona, Lazise on Lake Garda and during Sunday mass in St Mark's Basilica, Venice. Fabulous venues and very moving. We sung a diverse mixture of Latin, Italian and English songs, including, amongst others, Panis Angelicus, Jerusalem, a couple from Les Mis and The Greatest Showman plus Va Pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves). We saw the latter performed live in Nabucco in the arena in Verona. It was very hot, about 37C, so the hotel pool was very popular in the short breaks, as was the bar! We had an end of tour party that turned into a pool party in full party dress. We came home buzzing. What a fabulous opportunity.

[patlowe]

What a fantastic trip goldfish. I would have loved every moment of that both for the music and the venues. I've been to Verona but unfortunately there was no Verdi being performed then and it wasn't quite as hot! But I loved it! Love Italy. Your choir sounds awesome.

[anor]

Sounds fantastic, goldfish!

[Jan62]

Wow goldfish, that sounds amazing. What an incredible opportunity to perform in those stunning venues.

[banskogirl]

This sounds amazing goldfish!!!

[JerryD]

For my birthday I decided to row my birthday Age (33) to raise money for my local, amazing, children’s hospital. Alder Hey had some very undeserved bad press this year, I’m better avoiding that topic as my blood will boil over again. But let’s just say it was a tough year for the patients, the staff, the hospital and the charity that supports it. I’m standing with them I had my fair share of abuse. Anyway I wanted to show my support for them this year more than ever. They save and change so many lives. Many of you will remember my nephew who has CP and learning difficulties. Alder Hey have done so much for him, they gave him the operation that enabled him to walk, now he can run, ride a bike, drive is up the wall. They put him forward for a trial to give him use of his arm. The physio and special needs teams there have been amazing. But they have also fixed broken bones and Stitched up wounds etc. They are helping to arrange a trip for a friend’s kid to the states for specialist treatment. We are blessed to have them.
Anyway I set myself the task of rowing 33km in my birthday week. And today I finished it. 8.5km Sunday 10.5 Monday 10 Tuesday and 4 today on my birthday. I have blisters and tired legs, tired everything! But it was so worth it. I have raised money and awareness and have been able to show my support with the help of my friends when they needed it. This is the best birthday present I could ask for. It’s the present I did ask for. I am over the moon, grateful to my supporters and pleased with my effort. It was hard. But so wirth it. If anyone else wants to donate pm me and I will send you the links.

[goldfish]

Well done JerryD - what a great present

[RosieBear]

Saddened by Kofi Annan's passing. Prior to sec-gen, he was special envoy to the former Yugoslavia, overseeing transition in Bosnia from UN troops to NATO's. I know people who worked under him at that time - he was a very well respected man. RIP.

[Elizabeth]

56 years ago today the weather was beautiful here and it was the day I married my husband Ian. Happy memories of that day.

[RosieBear]

56 years ago today the weather was beautiful here and it was the day I married my husband Ian. Happy memories of that day.

Happy Anniversary, Elizabeth :flowers: I hope your husband is doing well.

[Elizabeth]

Thanks so much Rosiebear. My husband has had a lot of physio (NHS and Private) and has been on steroids which are now being reduced. He now has 80% use of his arm and I am so pleased because he can now do things that I had to do when he was unable to.

[supergran]

Wishing you both a happy anniversary and congratulations on reaching 54 years of marriage. Glad Ian is doing better. Hope you enjoyed your celebrations. XX

[supergran]

Just thought I'd let you know that from June 2017 to June 2018 I raised £2,964.71 for the PSP Association. Thank you all for your support.

[Elizabeth]

Wishing you both a happy anniversary and congratulations on reaching 54 years of marriage. Glad Ian is doing better. Hope you enjoyed your celebrations. XX

Maureen, thank you so much. I am so glad Ian is much better as he can drive again and I can take passenger seat. I do not like driving.

[RosieBear]

I am very happy that yesterday the government announced the ban of third party sales of puppies and kittens in England. This will not only help end puppy farming, it will allow a range of animal welfare issues to be tackled. The new legislation is known as Lucy's Law. For those unfamilar with Lucy, here is a link to her story. It is not easy reading, but nothing can be challenged if we turn away: Lucy's Law: The Story of the Dog that Sparked a Campaign https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-45271734

Yesterday's breakthrough was the result of tireless campaigning by Pupaid, led by Marc Abraham (TV's Marc the Vet). He has been incredible in his commitment to ending the puppy trade and deserves formal recognition. I rescued my beloved Rosie from a puppy farm. I cannot begin to describe the despicable and inhumane conditions of such places. The suffering that Marc has helped end is immeasurable. Please join me and give this brilliant man your support too by signing this petition calling for him to be formally recognised:

https://www.change.org/p/theresa-may-mp-marc-the-vet-abraham-deserves-formal-recognition-for-lucy-s-law-becoming-law?recruiter=181596381&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_abi.pacific_abi_gmail _send.variation.pacific_email_copy_en_us_3.control .pacific_email_copy_en_gb_3.fake_control.lightning _share_by_medium.share_by_medium.WEE9p5ozRFS6sE8TX 6i1-A.5&utm_term=sign_checkbox

[Stell]

In Janaury/February, of last year, my dad got diagnosed as having short term memory. It's, slowly, been going down hill. This week, he went dramatically downhill as he now talks to invisible people. It's my parents 50th wedding anniversary in November and I doubt if he'll know about it, as my sister and I were planning on taking them out for a meal to our local National Trust place called Killerton House.

[Elizabeth]

Sorry to hear that Stell I understand fully what it means.

[Alis]

In Janaury/February, of last year, my dad got diagnosed as having short term memory. It's, slowly, been going down hill. This week, he went dramatically downhill as he now talks to invisible people. It's my parents 50th wedding anniversary in November and I doubt if he'll know about it, as my sister and I were planning on taking them out for a meal to our local National Trust place called Killerton House.

I really do empathise with you, Stell, as my husband has auto immune encephalitis which causes short term memory loss. Don't despair about celebrating your parents wedding anniversary though. It was our 40th anniversary on Saturday and our daughter organised a lunchtime party for us. Robin had a great time on the day and although he couldn't remember a thing about it by bedtime, that doesn't alter the fact that he really enjoyed it at the time. Seize the moment!

[RosieBear]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad, Stell. But as Alis says, many people who struggle with their short term memory can have a clear recollection of events that occured further back in time. It's very possible that your dad will have lots of happy memories of his wedding day. I hope you all have a lovely time celebrating a very special day - 50 years, wow!

[Stell]

Thanks for all your support. My mum and I should have spotted the sign that he was getting worse, as he recently went out to get some shopping for my mum. When he returned home, he told her that he'd forgotten which bus to take to get back and had got on the wrong one. So, I have to now take him and my mum out to where they want to go. He does walk off, by himself, when we get to wherever we're going. My mum told me, yesterday. he'd got up in the middle of the night and kept walking around their bedroom. He then went to the spare bedroom and opened the wardrobe doors. He then went back to their bedroom and sat on her side of the bed. He couldn't remember doing it. My mum is now worried that he'll walk out of the front door, during the night, and not come back.

[Stell]

My dad is now losing his appetite. He has smaller dinner portions, but might not eat all of it. Whenever my mum talks to him about what he would like for his dinner or anything else, he just stares at her blankly. He, sometimes, does understand what I'm talking about.

[Alis]

It's a horrible situation, Stell, but there's nothing else you can do but to go with it. Your Dad is still there. I find that having a routine works well - it's incredibly boring but I'm sure it would help your Dad to follow exactly the same format every day. If you are asking him to choose, just give him two options eg 'Would you like tea or coffee?' Saying, 'What would you like?' is just too confusing for him. Don't despair - you and your mum will find a way to cope.

[patlowe]

Feel for you Stell. I have been through a similar situation with my mum and it's not easy. But you and your mum are there for him which is good. Just keep on doing what you are doing and do all you can for him. You will never regret doing that. Good advice from Alis in above post.

[Stell]

I'll be seeing my sister, on Sunday, with her family. We're going to be talking about maybe to start the Act of Attorney, which we had done last year, and put me in charge of our dad's finances. My niece is ten years old and I think seeing him, the way he is now, might upset her.

[supergran]

So sorry Stell. It must be very difficult for you all. Thinking of you.:hug:

[jagmad]

I think Andy backed this in the past:
https://www.facebook.com/LADbible/videos/246299589363343/

Not sure if the link will work or not, did it from my facebook.

[suttontennis]

I'll be seeing my sister, on Sunday, with her family. We're going to be talking about maybe to start the Act of Attorney, which we had done last year, and put me in charge of our dad's finances. My niece is ten years old and I think seeing him, the way he is now, might upset her.

Having lived with Mum from the onset of Alzheimers to her death last year, I can say one thing that relates your comment about young relatives. If anything, mums illness brought her grandchildren even closer to her. They quickly accepted what was happening, and just dealt with it, making each visit even more special. So do keep letting your niece visit. People respond to a happy face, and 10yr olds are good at that.

[Stell]

The good news is my Australian cousin is now in remission of her breast cancer, but is now having problems with the iron in her body (which I also had a few years ago).

The sad news is one of my New Zealand cousins has died of the flu. He was 84 years old and I had planned to visit him and his family, if we had beaten Spain and got Australia.

[JerryD]

So my nephew (9) and niece have qualified for the kickboxing world championships in Portugal. This is the good news and I’m proud of them.

The bed news is that they day before they were going my sister said the person was who was due to have their dog pulled out. Leaving her stranded. I’ve only ever really seen milo in her house and he didn’t seem too bad. She said he slept on his own, in his bed, downstairs. That he was happy by himself and would be ok while I was out. Or while I had stuff to do. That he was a good sleeper. It turns out none of these things are true. He barks whenever he is left alone, wherever I am in the shower on hanging washing out or going the loo. He scratches the door when I’m in the shower and jumps up at it so it’s rattling in the frame.

All I have to do is leave the room for 5 minutes and he’s emptying bins, barking and scratching and he only stops when you are back with him. Then he doesn’t want to play or to go the loo or anything. He’s so exhausted from his tantrum he just sleeps. Which would be great if you could then leave the room. But the second you stand up he’s off again. My sister said to take him to hers when I was out in the day. She said he was used to being alone there and he’d relax but I now suspect it’s that she knew if left alone he’d trash the place.
Aside from the barking all day there is the barking all night. It starts around 1 am and goes on until you get up and stay up. Monday night we had a hour sleep and Kev went down to him a 5am. Last night it was over 2 hours but he was soon off again. Kev left for leamington exhausted and I got up with the dog. We are both so tired already and I keep telling myself he will settle but theee sleepless nights are why we don’t have our own dog. We have too much on right now.

He doesn’t seem trained in anyway. He won’t let you bath him. He goes nuts whenever he’s alone, he begs for food while you are eating and doesn’t follow any instructions. He can’t be off his lead because he doesn’t come back. He’s rough with other dogs too. You take him for a walk but he’s not used to it so you end up waiting for him to decided to start walking again. All of this wouldn’t be so bad but the constant barking is just a nightmare. He doesn’t stop ever.

I thought in the future we would get a dog but 3 days and 2 nights with this one and I don’t know. I’m starting to hear the barking even when he isn’t barking. I can only imagine the person who had him last time said never again. It’s not his fault he’s not trained. Or that he can’t be alone for 5 minutes. And at 5 years old he’s hardly a puppy. It’s kevs birthday tomorrow so I am hoping that he gets some sleep and milo lays off the barking for a few hours. Our neighbours are less than impressed given that he’s woken their baby up on two nights so far. 6 more nights like that and our neighbour may end up calling the environmental health or something. Anyone would think the house was empty or he was being neglected. Not that people are in bed or in the shower or on the loo.

I told my sister how he was behaving and she said that it wasn’t like him at all he sounded like a different dog. But now I think about it how would she know how he is alone as there is always someone in the house or with him. He even goes on the school run in the car. And a number of times I’ve been up to say goodnight to one of the kids when I’ve been there and milo is on their bed. So I don’t think he’s slept alone ever.

If you don’t hear from me again it’s because I lost my mind from constant barking or lack of sleep or I ran away to join the circus :(

[Jan]

Oh Jerry poor you. Sounds like a nightmare. I'm not a dog-person, so really can't offer any words of wisdom. Do hope things improve for you. :flowers:

[RosieBear]

Oh Jerry. But don't worry, you can turn this around. Do you know how to clicker train a dog?

Just re-read and seen it's your sister's dog, not a new one that you've got - don't be put off!

[Teresa]

Let him sleep in your room. It might at least stop the barking at night. For the sake of the fairly short time you have got him, then let him follow you about. The poor chap is probably a bit confused. I wouldn’t waste energy trying to train him. If he is not used to walks, then don’t take him. Survival is your strategy.

[JerryD]

Oh Jerry. But don't worry, you can turn this around. Do you know how to clicker train a dog?

Just re-read and seen it's your sister's dog, not a new one that you've got - don't be put off!

Yeah he’s my sister’s and we only have him for a short while. I can just about get him to go the loo on his walks and eat his dinner. Beyond that he doesn’t listen. And he will go back to carrying on however when he’s home. His walks are bad though. I thought he was socialable with other dogs but actually he is a monster. He took my by surprise on Monday when he tried to charge a passing pug. I’ve been ahead of him since trying to cross the street when a dog approached but yesterday it was a much bigger dog, he just ignored milo and milo then played nice. So today I thought maybe he was just in a mood on Monday so when a woman approached with a shitzu she said don’t worry she’s friendly and she’s not in heat. He approached he nice enough and then jumped at her so I had to pull him back. We are rethinking the idea of taking him to the dog park at the weekend as I think he’ll just cause trouble.

My sisters advice was to not leave him alone when I’m home, but though she is content having him follow her into the toilet and shower, I’m not. It’s not like I’m sat in another room all the time. I just expect to get showered and changed and go the loo etc. . To top it all of he still has the runs even though he’s only eating the foods my sister left for him.

Kev says it’s this one dog not being trained but as my first experience of having a dog this isn’t going well :(

[patlowe]

Aw Jerry. You don't need this. Not too long now and it will soon be all over!

[RosieBear]

Yeah he’s my sister’s and we only have him for a short while. I can just about get him to go the loo on his walks and eat his dinner. Beyond that he doesn’t listen. And he will go back to carrying on however when he’s home. His walks are bad though. I thought he was socialable with other dogs but actually he is a monster. He took my by surprise on Monday when he tried to charge a passing pug. I’ve been ahead of him since trying to cross the street when a dog approached but yesterday it was a much bigger dog, he just ignored milo and milo then played nice. So today I thought maybe he was just in a mood on Monday so when a woman approached with a shitzu she said don’t worry she’s friendly and she’s not in heat. He approached he nice enough and then jumped at her so I had to pull him back. We are rethinking the idea of taking him to the dog park at the weekend as I think he’ll just cause trouble.

My sisters advice was to not leave him alone when I’m home, but though she is content having him follow her into the toilet and shower, I’m not. It’s not like I’m sat in another room all the time. I just expect to get showered and changed and go the loo etc. . To top it all of he still has the runs even though he’s only eating the foods my sister left for him.

Kev says it’s this one dog not being trained but as my first experience of having a dog this isn’t going well :(

Oh bless. Well, you've only got him a little while so can't train him but there are a few things that might help.....if he's being naughty, don't engage with him; to a dog any attention even you telling him he is being bad is better than being ignored, so he'll carry on being naughty if it gets you to interact with him. When he's playing up refuse to look at him, make a point of turning your head away. He only gets your attention when he's behaving in the right way. Also, they work off energy/aura big time - if you are tensing up, so will he ( or get excitable). I know it's hard when he's driving you mad, but sit with him and let him sense that you are totally calm. He will (eventually) follow suit. Then praise his calmness - not a giddy way, in a soothing way. As I say, not much can be done in the short time you have him, but hopefully these broad pointers help. And please don't be put off getting a dog yourself - they are not all like this, and no offence to your sister but everytime I've met a badly behaved dog it's been down to the owner. Most often it's confusion - dogs love, love, love to please, some more than others but it's true of 99.9% - trouble arises when they get mixed messages and they don't know what is expected of them i.e. how to please. Both my Rosie and my mum's dog were rescued from hellholes after the worst imaginable start - they are now *amazing* - can honestly say there is not one thing I would change about my RB, so please don't be put off getting a dog, you've just got to know how to show them the way. Good luck! xx

[JerryD]

the past 5 days have been a bit pants. I started them by having my bad arm seize when I was carrying my all in one pc down the stairs. I tried transfer the weight and failed. Dropped the pc down the stairs and dropped myself down trying to save it. Smashed the pc, dented the floor and the banister and hurt myself. It was clearly an omen of a bad things to come. On the bright side though the screen is smashed, the one off button has given up, most of the usb and sds spots don’t work and the touch screen doesn’t work - I managed to get it on long enough to recover all of my photos and files. It’s seems id lose my 40% discount if I claimed for it on the insurance so that with the cost of excess makes it not worth it. I’ll try getting quotes to fix it. Just looking round for someone. Some good news is due. Especially with kevs birthday tomorrow lol

[JerryD]

Oh bless. Well, you've only got him a little while so can't train him but there are a few things that might help.....if he's being naughty, don't engage with him; to a dog any attention even you telling him he is being bad is better than being ignored, so he'll carry on being naughty if it gets you to interact with him. When he's playing up refuse to look at him, make a point of turning your head away. He only gets your attention when he's behaving in the right way. Also, they work off energy/aura big time - if you are tensing up, so will he ( or get excitable). I know it's hard when he's driving you mad, but sit with him and let him sense that you are totally calm. He will (eventually) follow suit. Then praise his calmness - not a giddy way, in a soothing way. As I say, not much can be done in the short time you have him, but hopefully these broad pointers help. And please don't be put off getting a dog yourself - they are not all like this, and no offence to your sister but everytime I've met a badly behaved dog it's been down to the owner. Most often it's confusion - dogs love, love, love to please, some more than others but it's true of 99.9% - trouble arises when they get mixed messages and they don't know what is expected of them i.e. how to please. Both my Rosie and my mum's dog were rescued from hellholes after the worst imaginable start - they are now *amazing* - can honestly say there is not one thing I would change about my RB, so please don't be put off getting a dog, you've just got to know how to show them the way. Good luck! xx

Thanks RB. I have been staying calm and ignoring him when he’s naughty. Not that there would be much point telling him off as he doesn’t listen lol. He doesn’t really have a routine at home. So he settles whenever. He eats at different time and it’s a madhouse. When my sister got him it was from a woman who couldn’t cope. She had 4 kids, 2 cats, 3 dogs (2 of whom were puppies) and one of those massive rabbits. Milo was called gizmo at the time (don’t ask me why my sister changed his name I told her it seemed wrong at the time as milo (then gizmo) was 10 months at the time. He spent most of his time shut in the kitchen. He was neglected. My sister took him and gave him lots of love and support but no real training or socialism. So though he has a better, living, if somewhat disorganised home he wasn’t really brought out of what had gone before. I think this is why he’s still so needy. Michelle told me they had succeeded in training him but I guess it’s never really tested. None of it is milo’s fault though. It seems if he is alone for example today when I popped to the shop, he didn’t bark. He does it when you are home and not giving him as much attention as he’d like. Or not in the room with him.

[RosieBear]

Thanks RB. I have been staying calm and ignoring him when he’s naughty. Not that there would be much point telling him off as he doesn’t listen lol. He doesn’t really have a routine at home. So he settles whenever. He eats at different time and it’s a madhouse. When my sister got him it was from a woman who couldn’t cope. She had 4 kids, 2 cats, 3 dogs (2 of whom were puppies) and one of those massive rabbits. Milo was called gizmo at the time (don’t ask me why my sister changed his name I told her it seemed wrong at the time as milo (then gizmo) was 10 months at the time. He spent most of his time shut in the kitchen. He was neglected. My sister took him and gave him lots of love and support but no real training or socialism. So though he has a better, living, if somewhat disorganised home he wasn’t really brought out of what had gone before. I think this is why he’s still so needy. Michelle told me they had succeeded in training him but I guess it’s never really tested. None of it is milo’s fault though. It seems if he is alone for example today when I popped to the shop, he didn’t bark. He does it when you are home and not giving him as much attention as he’d like. Or not in the room with him.

Apologies - didn't realise he was with someone before your sister. No wonder the poor little fella has issues - that's madness, and as you say none of it is his fault. I just hope this experience hasn't put you off getting a dog because when done properly it's so life enhancing, plus you've got such a lovely vibe/personality - you'd be the apple of any pup's eye.

[JerryD]

Yeah she was a mother at my nieces school. Her daughter and my niece were friends and my niece told my sister about the puppy. My sister offered to buy him a few times but the woman kept saying she was doing fine. Then when she got pregnant again she agreed to sell him. Having said that my sister hasn’t done much in the way of training him since, both socially with other dogs and to help him with his separation anxiety and neediness. And he has picked up bad habits. For example the kids feed him human food from the dinner table so joe when you are eating he begs at the table. At home he doesn’t each much of his food because the kids feed him theirs all day. So though it is s little of putting even he is jumping up at you while you are eating it’s behaviour he has picked up st my sisters. Last night when I got his lead he was really excited, which surprised me. He’d already had s little walk to go the loo earlier on. It was around 9.30. When he came back he slept on and off. When I came to bed around midnight he didn’t follow. His barking then didn’t start until 5,20. So maybe I will try a late walk again today.

[JerryD]

Well this was posted before I left the gym. 15 minutes later I come home to find that Kev is on a Skype call for work upstairs and milo is barking away in the lounge. When I go in he’s chewed all the door frame, the skirting the beading. All in the 3o minutes Kev was on the call. I don’t even know if wood filler will do it. Kev couldn’t have him upstairs because he was climbing all over him and barking. I guess if kevs working from home I can’t see that as an opportunity to pop put. Yesterday he barked but there was no chewing. It’s not his fault, he’s just all over the place. He has 5 more days to eat as much of my house as he can. Happy birthday to Kev :/

[jagmad]

Well this was posted before I left the gym. 15 minutes later I come home to find that Kev is on a Skype call for work upstairs and milo is barking away in the lounge. When I go in he’s chewed all the door frame, the skirting the beading. All in the 3o minutes Kev was on the call. I don’t even know if wood filler will do it. Kev couldn’t have him upstairs because he was climbing all over him and barking. I guess if kevs working from home I can’t see that as an opportunity to pop put. Yesterday he barked but there was no chewing. It’s not his fault, he’s just all over the place. He has 5 more days to eat as much of my house as he can. Happy birthday to Kev :/

Chain and a muzzle might be cheaper???
;)

[Linda]

Could you get him one of those mats that you put food in - it's supposed to keep dogs busy for hours getting the food out.

[JerryD]

Could you get him one of those mats that you put food in - it's supposed to keep dogs busy for hours getting the food out.

Thanks I’ll look into that. I’m not sure it was being bored. He has all his toys from my sisters with him but he’s only interested in them if you play with them with him. He is so lazy and has no attention span bless him. He is eating his food though. My sister said in the past he goes on hunger strike.

[Teresa]

What about borrowing a dog crate? It might save your house. I am having my Millie’s two pals for five days in a couple of weeks. I will need to crate them at night, or the cat will be phoning the RSPCA again.

[JerryD]

What about borrowing a dog crate? It might save your house. I am having my Millie’s two pals for five days in a couple of weeks. I will need to crate them at night, or the cat will be phoning the RSPCA again.

That’s an idea, better than giving up showering and going to the loo. I’ll ask around. Thanks :)

[JerryD]

So on the milo front - Thursday night he was excited when we said walk. Jumping by the door. Then we went on a big walk and he slept fine. Barking didn’t start until 7 Friday and we were getting up then anyway. Two walks on Friday. He was excited for both. One later to tire him out. I also got him some dental chews from the supermarket which he loved. They improved his breath (thank goodness) and took so long to chew it kept him busy for half an hour. Friday night he slept on the sofa between us until 11.30 and then he took himself to his bed and slept there. He didn’t wake when we went to bed and when he did he came upstairs around 5 but only cried a little. I spoke to him and he calmed and then was quiet until 7 before doing it again. This time he was quiet until I got up at 8. He even just waited in lounge when I ran upstairs for tissues even though Kev was upstairs too. I guess he is finally settling :)

[JerryD]

1397 milo exhausted last night. I have even managed to get him to sit and wait while I out out his food. Yesterday I had to stop until he calmed. We’ve been working on this since he got covered in food on Monday when he kept trying to jump in while I was dishing up. Lol. Today he sat. The stood but didn’t put his head to the bowl :) baby steps.

[JerryD]

In other wonderful news the results are in from the world championships. My niece becky won 4 gold and 1 silver medal and is world champion for a second year. Her brother who is 9 only qualified in the summer after some big wins, he got two silvers :) super proud of them both :)
1398

[JerryD]

Above becky after her win. Below philip less than impressed with second place.


1399

[Stell]

My dad had another memory test, yesterday, with his doctor. As she couldn't spend much time with him, as she'd got other patients to see, she asked him to draw a clock. He told me, he missed out two numbers. He's got to see her again, later this month, for a more thorough test. But, she reckoned his memory is slowly going downhill.

[Stell]

My niece never seems to use the school toilets during the school term. Earlier this year, she got an infection because of it. It cleared up. She's now in hospital, because she got another infection. My sister took her daughter to have a scan and they found my niece's bladder wasn't emptying correctly because she held it in all day. She was given a catherer. The infection got a lot worse and she's been in hospital since Thursday. Tomorrow, my niece will be having another scan on her bladder and one on her kidneys. My sister's been told, my niece might have kidney damage.

[Stell]

My sister had to be shown, by the nurse, how to use a catheter on her daughter. But, the nurse didn't warn my niece and she got upset by it. My niece has now been discharged from the hospital.

[Caro]

I hope your niece will be ok and no lasting damage Stell

[jagmad]

I'm not a massive football fan but when my local team won the premier league I was tickled pink.
It changed our city in such a positive way, beyond belief really.

This last week or so has been the total black to the brilliant white of 2016.
Vichai did so much for our area, he was genuine, and a true gentleman in so many ways.
He will be sadly missed by so many.

RIP

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46083787

[hfwardhouse]

My 30 year old boiler stopped working yesterday .... boiler man is coming today, hoping he can save it as it's been relatively trouble free all those years and the new one we installed in our farm cottage has had to be repaired pretty much annually since it went in ...!

[cazza99]

My 30 year old boiler stopped working yesterday .... boiler man is coming today, hoping he can save it as it's been relatively trouble free all those years and the new one we installed in our farm cottage has had to be repaired pretty much annually since it went in ...!

Hope it is OK. I had a boiler put in on a free grant 10 years ago (no choice in brand) and it was nothing but trouble, needing repairing annually and leaking water often. I ended up having to get a new boiler a few weeks ago - but I did my research and chose a reliable brand with a 7 year guarantee. Fingers crossed.