How are we all doing ?

It's such a wrench to move if you're happy in your surroundings. We have lived in our house since 1988, I personally loathe moving. The moves we have made we have been very fortunate with our neighbours who are so essential to a happy life. Chris 

Hi Chris,I’ve been here since 1998 the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere.I’ve moved over 25 times.We always had good neighbours here but recently there has been some trouble between 2 of the neighbours.I’m in a row of 7 houses and we are all on first name terms.The first house has been sold recently so it will be interesting to see who moves in.I’m trying to decide where to move things in the lounge.I’m having some work done on the alarm system soon but they will need to get to the monitor.There is still so much to sort.I shall try and move somewhere that doesn’t need much work.Jane x

That is a lot of moves involving a lot of work. I don't envy you at the moment, I know it's essential but when you don't feel so great it makes it a lot harder. I really don't see a lot of our neighbours, we do get some shopping for a couple opposite who are older than us and I am on nodding terms with the others in our immediate vicinity but most people keep themselves to themselves. Take care Chris 

I used to help out my next door neighbour a lot but she doesn’t ask me as much since I’ve been ill.The last 5 years have been tough so I’m hoping for more settled times.I’ll have to go back to the dr and see if I can get this stomach/bowel problem sorted out.A diagnosis would be a start.Jane x

If I had those cat problems I would buy a 'super soaker' water pistol/ My dad had us kids trained to lob flowerpots at any feline trespasser as they would spray the box hedging causing bare patches, and he could not abide to find cat poo. Cats were never in danger as our aim wasn't good enough, but it did make them run. Best defence at one time was a lodger's greyhound!

I do suspect cats for two frog deaths, one last year one early this year. First year we have had no frog spawn, which upsets me as we are very frog friendly and so are next door one side. But not the two houses the other side.

Denby

Hi Denby,Sorry to hear about your frogs.I don’t have a pond at the moment but there are frogs and newts close to where it used to be.I started rearranging the books and furniture on the ground floor yesterday.Most of it will be going but I can’t pack anymore until I have more suitable boxes.Mum had a set of old encyclopedias but they are so heavy I don’t want to keep them.John said he will come over soon and we can make some plans on how to dispose of items.I think I will feel better mentally once the house is emptier.If it was just my belongings it would be so much easier.Mum brought items down from London that belonged to my grandpa’s 3rd wife which had been left to her.I have those to dispose of in addition to mum’s stuff.Love Jane xx

Hi,I hope you all enjoying good weather ? Feeling overwhelmed by grief today.I suppose this is what happens.My sister is supposed to be coming over later after work.Another jackdaw came down the chimney yesterday.I managed to get it out onto the balcony and it flew off.I’ve just seen one of them in the next doors Gingko tree and it looks ok.I can hear the blue tit young in the shed.Have a good weekend.Love to you all Jane xx

Just sending hugs for your sadness Jane, you have so much on your plate all the while it must be interfering with being able to grieve properly.

I know what you mean about STUFF, we have ended up with extra from friends and relatives who didn't have anyone else to give it to as family sizes have reduced over the decades. It is sending Mr. D into not being able to do anything at all some of the time.

We soldier on, thinking of you, Denby

Hi Denby,Oh poor Mr D,I completely understand about stuff.I have been lumbered but the vast majority will be going.I just felt overwhelmed and tearful this morning.I walked down to town after lunch.I feel better for the exercise.My sister isn’t coming over now as she has a bad headache.Hopefully I’ll see within the next few days.Love Jane xx

Thanks for the hugs.While I wait for smaller boxes I’m sorting through clothes and material.I cleared out mum’s handbag and found it was full of salt and sugar.Very strange but she did do some odd things when her dementia got worse.It’s too tatty for charity so I’ve thrown it out which was quite hard.Mum fretted a lot about her bag and liked to have it with her.I’ve put out another pile of clothes for charity.They are good quality but a bit too tight over my stoma.Progress is slow but I’m getting there.Love to you all Jane xx