ToadyI have been mainly Vol. 7

Great news Flower you must be so pleased!

I have just re-read some of the stuff I was given at my Jobcentre appointment. They have the right to withhold any JSA payments for up to 26 weeks, because I left my last job voluntarily, even though it was for health reasons.

That's great news. flower. phoenix, if you can give them the evidence that you resigned for health reasons, they shouldn't sanction you.
Today, I received the news that the mammogram I had two weeks ago showed no signs of BC. So that's that for another three years.

Congratulations, Flower and Anno - you must both be relieved.

I can't compare my routine mammogram with Flower's experience, but it's always been a relief when I've opened the letter from the clinic, giving me the all clear.

Fantastic Anno xxx

Good news Anno and Flower

Today I ventured down the garden which is completely out of control. My shoulders have been quite bad recently and I have lacked the willpower to keep it decent. Some of the invading brambles have actually borne fruit! So I have bitten the bullet and rung up a gardener who did some work for me last year. He may turn pale at the sight of the challenge.

Today we met with youngest daughter's family for coffee and cake by the river. A welcome relief after a sad and hectic week.

DH has become even more "stay at home" and I find it hard sometomes to summon up enough energy for both of us, but it has been such a lovely day today that I insisted we go out to Kathy Brown's Garden at Stevington Manor only about 8 miles from us. It was its last Sunday afternoonn opening of the summer and I was very keen to go! What a beautiful place, and reassuring to know that my verbena bonariensis, ornamental grasses, sedum and echinacea have her seal of approval - OK she has massive borders full of the stuff and we just have one, but it's the thought that counts! We had a little pootle round, bought some honey from their own bees, the obligatory tea and cake (lemon and lavender) in the church hall and all in all a pleasant afternoon out. DH really didn't want to go out at all, but I think he's glad he went! Tough love.

Sounds idyllyc G'mum. I love a good herbaceous border like the ones we saw at Glamis Castle last Monday. There too there was a lot of verbena and echinacea as well as colourful dahlias which were a magnet for bees.

We have spent the last couple of days clearing up in the garden - last week while DGS was here he helped us to sort out the woodshed and stack the wood delivery. DH has done a lot of drastic pruning and had a bonfire - all gradually getting there.

I had a very long hike, six hours, with a climb of 1700'. I am a bit stiff but I will be fine by tomorrow. It was an exciting trip back down as the path zig-zagged about eight times across a sheer cliff face. The path was very narrow and a bit crumbly, with a sheer drop on one side of several hundred feet. Luckily, the commune had bolted a strong steel rope into the cliff face and I was able to hang on to that - it was just a bit tricky changing hands on the hairpins. I won't be inviting my guest next week to try the walk - When is not keen on heights! I am a bit stiff but I will be fine by tomorrow.

My lovely nephew & partner came for lunch. My DDs, their partners and the 4 DGCs all here too..a loud and funny lunch. Thumbs down for rosemary infused cream in the syllabub though! But poached apples with the chicken fricasee met with a surprised approval...some you win......

Nephew's partner is a pilot with Easy Jet..not sure if I am a more confident flyer or not after talking to him!!

Not as exciting as your day GN but we spent part of the day at Foxton Locks and saw a few boats going up and down the 'staircase'. It was a lovely sunny day for it.

GM you have described our garden and it's looking great at the moment but is probably about to 'turn'.

GD has a tummy bug so we didn't visit today instead we had a nice long walk in a country park. The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm, lots of families out riding bikes.

I've been filling bags for the Cancer Research shop, and put all my winter sweaters back in the wardrobes! Bound to be sunny all week now

Bought my ds a breadmaker online for his 40th, and myself two pairs of jeggings to go with my new black suede boots.
Washing brought in off the line, bedroom hoovered, now I'm ready for Downton!

Ooh, yes! Downton...

Washed and dried two loads of washing, changed the duvets from summer to winter tog ratings (so yes, bound to be warm and sunny all week now, Lona) and made a delicious chicken casserole. That's me done for the day!

Been with the two smallest DGDs all weekend, and we marvelling at now fast they grow up, and how independent they are. Nine year old prepared breakfast for herself and her sister, gets drinks, tidies up (in a way!) and then resorts to small girl with thumb in mouth! Been there with the older ones, but it still amazes me.

Went to the Cotswold Farmpark yesterday, then took them to the local Harvester for dinner. You can go to the salad bar as often as you like, you know!

Driving back to Devon later on. Nice to wake up in your own bed. DDiL has to call in on her own mum on the way home, as she's not answering the phone...

Thank you Ana and Lona for guaranteeing a warm and sunny week!! I was on the point of looking out the bags of winter clothes but didn't quite get round to it - so expect the weather to be changeable! Sometines it is a pleasant surprise to fnd things I had forgotten I had (and sometimes I think - oh no, not that old thing again) New black suede boots, eh -nice!

Yeah, but all the grey and black jumpers were a bit depressing!
Need to get some colour in my wardrobe soon.

Clearing up the kitchen after marathon preserving sessions, spicy apple chutney being the latest.
Determined to pick some more blackberries, I set off jauntily, too jauntily it turns out as I tripped over some undergrowth and sat down heavily in a large clump of nettles..... I'm still tingling!

Ouch! OGM. The very thought of that makes me tingle too and not in a good way! My GD did the same recently but I don't think she was entirely sober.
Good session with our U3A writing group this afternoon. Our next topic is 'I don't like Mondays'!

Thanks for the sympathy Anno.
I'm off to U3A writing group tomorrow, subject is Carnival, just 'Googled' Rhosneigr Carnival and there I am!!!! My 15 seconds of fame!

Not a good start to today! I tried to wash my hair in Clinique Foaming Face wash - expensive and not very effective!

Oh kitty what shame! Have you tried Nivea face wash? not pricey and I like it!

Can't done hair any harm