How are we all doing ?

•  Weather very much the same here today. This is looking up the Thames at Gravesend, the one solitary boat you might just make out is the ferry across to Tilbury. Gone are the days where cargo ships used to ply their trade up and down the river towards London, not a ship to be seen. So sad.

I don’t know that area of the country at all but my ancestors worked on the Thames.They were mostly barge builders and Thames lightermen.My aunt has come down to help me out for a couple of days.Trying to get the garden looking tidier.Love Jane 

Hello Jane, my grandfather worked on the tugs on the river and my father-in-law was a captain of a Thames barge before moving onto more modern ships. One of his regular passages was shipping cement down to the Isle of Wight. Always plenty of work in this area because of the river but all the industry now replaced by housing.

Good luck with the garden, it can be hard work especially with the wet weather combined with the sunshine makes it grow twice as fast. Take care Chris.

Hi Chris,that’s interesting.I’ve been trying to find out more about my ancestors who were comnected to the Thames.I’m looking forward to seeing my elderly uncle tomorrow.His friend is bringing him up from Dorset as he can no longer drive.Will have to have an early night as my aunt is wanting to get on early tomorrow.She is a lark and I am an owl but I adapt to her hours when she visits.I shall be totally exhausted by the end of the week.Love Jane x

Seven years ago we had a marvellous family day out organised by my sister in law [now totally lost in dementia, so sad] for her 80th. We rode the Southend Pier train to get on the Waverley paddle steamer which tours the coast annually. We went all the way up to London where they opened Tower Bridge specially and we all waved at the tourists taking photos, felt very regal We were turned by tugs and sailed back down to Southend as the lights began to sparkle. Magical!

Yes sounds a great day out, nothing like a trip up the river. We had a day out on the Waverley some time ago upto the Houses of Parliament. You certainly see London from a different perspective. Southend also holds many memories, used to travel up on the train with my schoolmate, we used to save up our pocket money to spend in the arcades and of course the rides in the Kursaal. Happy Days.

Lovely and sunny here today.Aunt H & I dropped off 10 boxes of books at the book rescue place and have been gardening this afternoon.My uncle came up yesterday with his friend and my sister visited as well so that was good.It’s sad to see how frail my uncle is now and he is so unsteady on his feet.He has some help at home but he really shouldn’t be living on his own.Four boxes went to the charity shop yesterday so quite a productive week so far.Love Jane x

Looks like you’re getting there Jane, you have had so much to sort out it’s quite an achievement, thinking of you and hoping all goes ok, Jean. 

Thanks Jean,The house is much clearer and easier to keep clean now I’m not tripping over boxes.Hope all is well with you ? 

We're fine thanks, last cystoscopy ok, just waiting for next time, it doesn’t end but that’s how it is, as I’m sure all on here can understand.

We have been busy with 2 grandchildren’s graduations and moving into new accommodation, it’s good really to focus on the young and remember what it was like, a long time ago I’m afraid, it was lovely when I got something for my grandson and he said grandma you're the best, that is what makes me happy xx Jean x