Welcome to the new week everyone. Harelady updated us on her return to Suffolk today (Sunday) and she'll be returning to London next Sunday for funeral services the following week.
Lindybird: Thanks for the lovely photo of the poppy.
Pat O: I enjoyed reading about your power-golfing holiday. Hope you have a good trip home.
OG: When do you expect the deck to be done? (Is it a wooden deck or a patio area?)
AQ: Disconcerting that the snowflakes (snowdrops?) are so very early.
Meanwhile, while took Ms D up to the local Natural History Museum last week where, among other things, we enjoyed a visit with some injured and rescued raptors, now living happily ever after in the museum's gorgeous grounds. In the first photo, Ms. D is cozying up to a peregrine falcon that had been shot (she looks a little uncertain, but I know the guy who handles it and he assured me there was no problem). In the second photo, she's looking a lot happier being friendly with a gorgeous barn owl.
That bed will seem heavenly, Pat! But it's good to have adventures :-)
The laundry will get done in its own good time - let yourself breathe slowly for a couple of days while you pick up the threads.
Heather B said:I'm a bit distracted just now, middle daughter is having benefits 'issues'. She works, two jobs, but still gets some benefits, which she relies upon. Now 'they' say that she has been overpaid and have reduced her money enormously. She was in tears on the phone to me. Apparently she phones them every time there is a change in her circumstances and they told her that yes, they have a record of her phone calls. One benefit (child tax credit) was reduced by a large amount. She will phone back tomorrow to speak to what they describe as a case worker. The bank of Mum is in operation but I do hope that she can find out, for once and for all, what she is really entitled to claim. All her wages each month are swallowed up by her private rent. She is on the waiting list for social housing but there aren't any to be had...
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Good evening all. Its been such a busy few days as on top of everything else I have to move house on Friday and still have so much to do and order, so not much time for dwelling on things. It still seems so unreal and I suppose that will remain for some time. All the family are sending each other photos of happier times, birthdays and Christmas - Katie LOVED Christmas and was always badgering me to get the tree up from the 1st of December.
I will be here in Suffolk until Sunday when I go back to London to get ready for the funeral on Wednesday 5th.
As always you have all help me enormously - just reading about everyday things really helps but your prayers and healing thoughts are the things I cherish and I know they are helping. Do please keep them going for me and the rest of the family.
Harelady -- perhaps it's a good thing to be really busy at the moment. But I'll have all my fingers and toes crossed that things will go well for you with the move. If Christmas was a special time for Katie, you will be able to find a special way of remembering the good times, then, I'm sure. Perhaps buying a special ornament and always giving it pride of place?
Take care of yourself. xx
EDIT: I'm so glad to hear that we've been a support to you at this time. {{HUGS}}
Thank you Lindy
Harelady: Gosh, didn't realize you were having to move house on top of everything else. Are you in the same area? Close to family? I was thinking of you while I was in the shower last night and wondering how you were doing - you're clearly not far from any of our thoughts and prayers. Virtual hugs are on their way too! :-)
Heather: Gosh, the benefits people admitted they may have "made a mistake?" Regardless, all needlessly distressing for everyone on the receiving end (or in this case, the not receiving end). Lindybird has a good suggestion if the mix up continues. Your comment to AQ re bridge's history had me going back to see more: Interesting and explains why the bridge seemed somewhat more substantial than might be expected (based on what I'm not sure).
Lindybird: Didn't realize how tall Amber is for her age. Ms. D is 4'2" at 6. And everyone thinks she's older too. Height surprise in our family; is your lot tall? Love the pansy - but fair warning: We shall need multiple photos of the entire garden at this rate rather than these tantalizing snippets. :-)
OG: I remembered something you said some time back about asking EE and J to fill you in on what had happened during your time at the hospital. My sister had had the same questions and I read an article last night suggesting that family members of hospital patients keep a diary of visits/developments because patients often want to know what went on while they were otherwise occupied.
Pat O: Welcome home, sounds like a lovely trip. And as Lindybird, says, the laundry won't go anywhere so don't feel pressured to do it all. Then again, I'm the person who had the beds stripped and vacuum cleaner out before my family barely had a chance to pull out of the driveway last week! :-)
Having a lazy day....take care everyone
Thank you all for support and suggestions regarding the benefits situation for middle daughter.
CLARE,- We may well have to take up your suggestion re MP if they still maintain that daughter has been overpaid by £3000. She will phone the caseworker tomorrow and reiterate that she always phones them about a change in her circumstances. She is more honest than some, I'm sure. If her hours at work are increased, even if only for a few weeks, she always tells them. Grrrr:-(
HARELADY- Our day to day events are trivial, compared to your loss. Always thinking of you.
Harelady {{{HUGS}}} and strengthening thoughts.
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Heather –I enjoy researching the history attached to my photos because I often find such curious things. I forgot to mention that the access to the Redesdale bridge is quite tricky for modern traffic, particularly large buses. There is a sharp right-angle bend in the road at each end of the bridge due to surrounding hills. No problem for horse & cart in the olden days.
Linda – I love pansy faces.
I have a free afternoon for more clearing cupboards while OH has nanny duty.
Good Morning. Dull and grey, with drizzly rain rather than a downpour, here.
AQ - I like pansy faces, too. I thought "Why don't I take pics of all of the flowers in the garden, not just the big ones?" Enjoy your cupboard clearing! I did all of my kitchen ones, but stopped short when I got to the two biggest. They're full of sundry items, and I think I'm afraid that I'll never get it all back in again if I take it all out!!
Not had time to look at your link, yet :-(