*SUPPORT* for all who are living with estrangement

Had the structural engineer out today for the stairs and he confirmed that in his opinion the stair-lift company used the wrong fittings. Can't see anything else happening now before Christmas, but it's good that he's been and will be getting the report written up.
Got my first Christmas decoration out today. Just a garland but it's a start.

Cheers PF

That's a step in the right direction hugshelp hopefully things will get sorted in the New Year.

Love your friend's story, Petit! A good omen for others, I think.

Smileless, sorry you were feeling low the other day. Cheers to you and everyone here!

Thanks Starlady, I'll 'cheers' you this evening.

Well it's 'put up the decs' day to day. We'd already set today aside, yes it takes that longand seeing as loveOc beat me to it yesterdayit needs to get done.

For goodness sake Smileless!! You mean you weren't up at silly o'clock to put your tree up?!?! Ha ha. Enjoy putting it up. I am sitting here enjoying my 3rd/4th coffee and enjoying the lights on our tree. We need the light as it is so dark here!!

I'll let you know when we're enjoying the lights on ours loveOc.

All done; took for ever because people kept popping in to see us.

House looks lovely and I'm celebrating with a snowball.

Sound nice!! Just got back from walking our son's dog. Sitting down with a glass of white wine. Lovely! Enjoy your snowball - I used to love those, not had one for ages.

It must be Christmas!! that is the first time my smiley faces have worked!!!!! ha ha

Ooh I haven't had a snowball in years smileless and now I want one. Enjoy yours.

Hello everyone. This thread is so heartwarming. Mind if I join you? I'm a newbie to this estrangement experience, but not to worry and heartache.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds sorting out the house therapeutic! My favourite thing is decluttering, which my lovely DH finds a bit alarming but it works for me.
Smileless, you are such a lovely supportive person, its good to see you getting some kindness in return.

Morning Noregrets and welcome! happy you can join us.

Thank you Noregrets; it's good to see you posting here. I was wondering if you might come here and escape the unpleasantness else where.

You are very welcome and you'll find everyone kind and supportive.

Snowballs all round this evening then hugshelp and loveOc. Make sure make your own though, the bottled ones are horrible.

PS I sent you a pm the other day Noregrets did you see it?

Smileless I think your going away next year would be wonderful. We did a different Thanksgiving this year and I actually felt better than I have in the past. Just my DD and mother were my only guests. I decided ( with the help of the psychologist I am seeing) to start to take better care of myself as I have been making myself physically ill from the estrangement and the stress of other family members. Anyways, we all went to the movies and out to dinner. We changed tradition and it helped.
I wish that for you.

Hello Norgrets, good to see you. x
It'll lovely to hear that everyone is getting their decorations done. I loved the reindeer smileless would love to see some more.
I decorated the garland and dug the tree out, but broke off to wrap DHs pressies while he's not here.
Hope you all have a good day. x

I'm glad that a change of plans made Thanksgiving better for you Rhinestone.

It all depends on DS TBH, if he says he's coming to the UK next year than we'll stay here the problem is getting an answer out of him. When you have pets that need looking after you have to book in really early for the Christmas period.

I love your garland hugs. I'll have to get Mr. S. to take a couple of pics and post them on here for me. He's my 'go to guy' for all things technological; he's my 'go to guy' for everything come to that[tschgrin].

One of our sons is exactly the same Smileless. Never get an answer until the last minute! ha ha If your son decides to stay put, go to Aus again. The cost of going away at Christmas is astronomical. I'm sure it probably won't work out much more for your flights.

You're probably right loveOc when the flights to Aus. are astronomical oh and coupled with him saying when I suggested he come for this Christmas 'but mum it's such a long, horrible flight'!!!

No kidding.

hmmm snowball time again before the girls come round for a roast lamb dinner. Yes I know it's only 15.50 but I'm worth it.

I believe you Smileless! It is the parents job to get the 'wrong end of the stick'! in their mind!! Enjoy your snowball, it isn't early, it's late as it is a Sunday!!! Day of rest and all that ha ha. I'm sure I can smell that lamb!!!

Smileless, I have replied, sorry it was a bit late!
I haven't had a snowball since my early teens, but my bff loves them too, so I'm persuaded to give them another go.
Despite the turmoil, all cards sent out and nearly all presents wrapped.
Can't keep a good woman down. Fingers crossed xx

ooh you are naughty smileless

I can't find it Noregrets. Just sending you another one to reply too.

Yes do give the snowballs another go, they're worth it. Good for you on the cards and presents front. No, you can't keep a good woman down so you'll be fine xx

hugshelpwell if you can't be naughty, what's the point.

i totally agree we only get one life

However this time of year is very tough for estranged grandparents

sometimes we just have be sad and grieve for what we have been denied