Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 18 June 2023

Thank you for your understanding.. My poor OH does get cross when I go over old ground and "if we had the money we could have done.........." At the moment we are thinking of replacing the car and of course it would have been a no brainer in other circumstances. I never did trust my brother and was horrified when he got sole power of attorney (he lived a stones throw from Mum ). Unfortunately I was proved right.

We are seeing my friend and her OH on Wed so will find out more.

DIBNLIB - Horrid circumstances for you. Just please look after yourself and don't incur a solicitors bill because of your ( justified) anger. He will probably plead gambling addiction ...

Dibnlib - I was really sad to read what your brother had done. What an awful thing for you to have to be going through. It’s hard to imagine. My sister and I had joint Power of Attorney for Dad. We were both so careful to account for everything. Sadly, there is always someone who isn’t wired into that way of thinking. It must be so hard not to dwell on what has happened.
Also, your lovely friend. What a wonderful attitude she has. I don’t understand how someone who was obviously guilty can get away with wasting everyone’s time and money by prolonging proceedings. I hope she gets her bionic leg.
Well, I can’t put it off any longer!!! Today is housework!!! My absolute favourite - not!!!
The better news if that I ate my first home grown courgette of the season yesterday and yet another bowl of my own lovely strawberries. We had lots of rain last night and the garden definitely looks fresher today.

Thanks Heather, no solicitor involved. When we first found out what my brother had done (1st Feb 2020) we went to the police. They told us it was nothing to do with them but to see a solicitor. We did this and we were told we would win the case but it would probably cost us £100.000. As my Brothers assets were only a small bedsit and car it wouldn't have been worth it. My OH then wrote to our MP, covid and paper work going astray held things up but eventually we heard back and it was recommended we went back to the police. That was the end of July 2020. Then OH gave a statement and things progressed. We were made aware that the police would not be able to recoup money or assets. Anyway we then got a call from the financial investigation unit (Scotland) who progressed with the case though once again covid got in the way. On the 28th June 2021 bro was charged. At the interview he said almost nothing except (no comment) We knew it would take a long time for a trial but hopefully not too far away now. In the meantime we have been noting any similar cases and have found nothing with anywhere near such a large amount or over so many years to compare with. (£425K over 12 years) The police have assured us their evidence is without doubt proof of his guilt. He will plead gambling addiction I am sure but I hope the sheriff will still give him a stiff sentence. I just hope my brother has had as many sleepless nights as I have had.

Such a terrible account, Dibnlib: I'm sure your sleepless nights have been many. You have every right to be bitter, and to complain of your selfish brothers actions. I'm so pleased to hear that your lovely friend is managing to stay positive after her blow in life. She is an inspiration.

When it comes to gambling, we have no experience of it in the family or with friends but are so disgusted that there is such widedpread advertising now, especially at sporting events. I've signed petitions to try & stop the large adverts on the football grounds and on the football shirts, etc. Gambling is a terrible thing and has ruined many lives.

LINDY Yes, gambling can easily get way out of control. My brothers wife at the time wrote to the boss of the place he did most of his gambling. She explained that this was a married man with 2 young daughters who was gambling the mortgage money and more besides. They replied that he was a grown man who made his own choices and not their problem. Gambling companies tell us they help people with problems.......I don't think so. Mabel was stunned and didn't know what to do. They divorced and sadly she died nearly 2 years ago. Although I knew Richard had a gambling problem I was led to believe it was in the past. I think my poor Mum must have thought the same otherwise why give him sole power of attorney???.

On to happier things.

RUSTY Eating your own courgettes and straws....how delicious.

OH said it was a brilliant evening at Eden Court. The place was full apart from a couple of boxes. There were buckets for donations and they were full to the brim. People can be so generous.

If anyone is interested there is a website. It is The Elsie Normington Foundation.

Morning all:

dibnlib: Maybe you'll have the chance to make victim's statement at the trial?

Good morning. I have just walked down to the local shops for a few bits. Phew. It is humid. We did have rain and thunder earlier but it is dry now.
Lindy - I am sure you must have lots of lovely strawberries on your allotment. Do you find they are sweeter this year? Mine certainly are. No other news. I have a second day at home in a row!! What??? I hear you cry!!!