Support and friendship for those whose lives have been affected by estrangement.

Pleased you had a lovely meet up Whiff, i hope Babs and her family are ok,
Take care all x

Bridey Babs was just like I expected . We have kept in touch since her leaving. As Yogin knows she is lovely . We had lunch and told me it was on her she had already decided. Normally I lunch with friends and we pay for our own. But she had decided and that was it.

As everyone families go through problems but they are pulling together. Her estranged daughter she thinks knows what is happening through other relatives. But she didn't care about her dad last year so Babs didn't expect anything this time.

After lunch we talked in my hotel room for a while before she had to go. I am so glad I went even though I had a nightmare in Euston station and one of the travel assistance workers put me on a bus to go too St Pancras thankfully they helped me. Euston station needs to have training from St Pancras staff how you treat people.

Coming back was still fraught but had taxi from St Pancras to Euston train station . All the trains where running late some cancelled . But thankfully got through train home . And travel assistance at Euston worked this time so took me and got me on the train.
Never going South again if it means going through London. Will stick with across the north ,Wales and Scotland for hols .

But I am so glad I did go met Babs and Lewes is a lovely place and people friendly and helpful.

Just resting today as my body is telling off for over doing it and brain fog setting in .

Afternoon everyone.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with Babs Whiff. It's a nightmare going through London, I haven't done so for a few years and am unlikely to repeat the experience.

We got some 'dog fencing' yesterday to cordon off a safe area for little Ziggy and he loves it. He's had a few zoomies and loves rolling around on the grass. Another new experience as we're gradually introducing him to the world outside.

Thursday will be his first walk on a lead so I'll let you know how it goes .

Sounds lovely, Smileless, having and raising a new rescue dog 😘

He's not a rescue Sparkly he's a puppy, 14.5 weeks old but a lot of fun despite the hard work.

Smileless, ooops, so sorry for assuming. One of mine on my veg planter.

No need to apologise Sparkly, it's always lovely to see you post

.One of mine, ballerina cat. Distraction from Es of course.

Thank you Smileless for those lovely words xx

S/he's beautiful Sparkly . Reminds me of the last cat I had before my Sphynx's. He was an Oriental Black & White; went out one day and never returned. It was heart breaking which is why I only had house cats after that.

I do miss my cats but it wouldn't be practical to have a Sphynx at the lodge and because of the wildlife, I wouldn't want one that could go out.

Well Ziggy had his first walk, wearing his little harness for the first time and did really well. We got him a cat harness because he's so little, the extra small dog harness was too big and bulky.

There were times when he trotted along behind his big sister as if he'd been walking on a lead for ages . With each progression he makes, we feel as if we're gradually getting our lives back.

It's been a long 6 weeks and will be a few more before we can leave him 'at home alone', well with Poppy for any length of time but we're definitely getting there and wouldn't be without him.

Ah, that's heartwarming to hear Smiles

Lovely cat Sparkly

Good to hear about your travels Whiff and your lovely visit with Babs

I was taking my granddaughters to see the terrapins in my local park this morning, whilst their mum/my daughter has physiotherapy on her damaged foot but not looking good with the heavy rain right now. Please for the lawn & flowers though.

Hope you all enjoyed seeing the terrapins and your trip wasn't spoiled by the rain Yogin.

Managed to get Ziggy out for his second walk this morning before the heavens opened.

We but the bullet and both went to Lidl this afternoon, first time since we got him. Knew he'd be safe and couldn't do any harm because he was in his playpen and were back within the hour.

He was perfectly calm when we got back, very excited to see us as was Poppy albeit a little more than she used to be when we had Pip.

He didn't show any signs of being stressed while we were out, unlike me who was anxious the entire time!!!

Morning all

Got to see the Terrapins with my GDs yesterday, in the sunshine as well

You're doing the right thing Smiles just leaving little Ziggy for a short while. He has his mate Poppy to keep him company, so he is fine.

Lovely cat Sparkly, they are so sure footed, we had a cat who jumped out of the bedroom window once, landed on concrete slabs and walked off.
Little Ziggy will soon have a fan club on his walks. He sounds so tiny and everything must be so huge to him.
Hope your daughters foot is soon better Yoga and that your gd enjoyed the terrapins, wonder how big they grow, must look it up.
Really miss an animal in the house, you are never alone and get a great welcome every time you come home, will get one when I don’twait to travel any more.

Thank you Allsorts there were all different sizes; little ones and ones as big as an adult Tortes.

Seen a lot of my DD&GDs over the summer hols. about 3 times per week, due to my DD physio & visiting her dad in hospital nearby. They came for dinner yesterday, but back to school on Thursday for the youngest and then the following week the 11yr old goes to senior school on Monday, starting at 10.30am, so big day for her [& us].

Afternoon everyone, hope you're all enjoying the weekend and the sun is shining. It is here ATM but due to change about 4.00 so we'll take the dogs out when Mr. S. has finished mowing the lawn.

Ziggy had his 3rd walk this morning going a little further than before .

We went out for a light lunch earlier, first time eating out since we got him. He was crying when we left but quietly sitting in his play pen on our return. Doing the same tomorrow and a couple of times next week so he gets used to it.

He's just 'asked' to be popped back in his playpen for a sleep, which he does by sitting beside it so getting him to see it as his 'safe' space is working, and not being undermined by leaving him when we go out.

A big day for your GD starting senior school a week tomorrow*Yogin*; she's growing up for sure. Must be lovely to be able to spend so much time with them.

Hope your DD's physio is going well and that she'll soon make a full recovery.

Thank you to both of you for your replies. 🩷

Morning all

What a little cuttie Ziggy is 'asking' to go to bed, and you and Mr.S getting out and about again, enjoying a meal whilst Ziggy snoozes in his playpen, good job x

Went for an early morning walk on the beach this morning, good job I put my raincoat on as a windbreaker, certainly needed it.

Have my GDs for a sleepover today, as their mum/DD has a training day tomorrow at her work. She is still suffering with her feet, her physio said it will take a year to be fully recovered and back to normal.

Have a lovely BHM all xx

Thank you about my cat Smileless how is little Ziggy settling in? Is it nice meeting other dog walkers when you are out walking him?

Allsorts an amazing intrepid jump for your cat, and landing on concrete!

Yogi thank you.

Afternoon everyone.

Ziggy's settling in really well Sparkly . Not wanting to tempt fate but we've had 3 'accident free' days, in part because we're vigilant but also because he goes outside when the door's open or waits at the door when it's closed.

We have to be quick though .

Today is our 46th Wedding Anniversary . When I think of all we've done and been through, it has to have been that long or we'd never have fitted it all in, but it's still hard to believe.

Happy Anniversary Mr.&Mrs Smiles*

Happy Anniversary Smileless and Mr. S 🥂

Happy Anniversary Smileless and Mr Smileless.

It amazes me how much we can survive and live well. Long may your time together carry on Smileless.

Smiles and Mr S happy belated wedding anniversary. Hope you had a brilliant day. You got married a year before we did. You have weathered many a storm but together you can fight dragons. Wishing you many more happy years together.

Ziggy sounds like he is living his best life and given Poppy( hope I got her name correct ) a new lease of life.
Hope Mr S is still bowling and you are both playing golf.

Did you find a choir to join? I understand why you loved it so much. Making our CD on Saturday seems silly but I am excited about doing it . Not because I am a good singer but because I have missed singing with everyone and looking forward to meeting the other 2 choirs. Yesterday finalising those of us who want to go for a meal afterwards. We are going to a Nepalese restaurant one of our group recommended but she can't go but still organised it. But I did say I would be happy to meet up anytime with those who will be going and those that can't make it for a meal any time. Hopefully we have some new people come on the 23rd when term starts again . I won't be there my last holiday I will be in Dundee. But won't miss anyother dates. At least I know our April concert won't be on the 17th which I am glad of as I and a friend going to hear Sir Bryn Terfel sing at the Phil.

I am way behind on everyone's news I don't know where the days go. Some days even at home the days fly by.

Went to Chester on Friday had a lovely day went into lots of shops and talked to lot of people . Told my daughter about talking to men . She doesn't like me talking to men but we don't make an issue about it. But it won't stop me. When I was at high school my bullies were mainly girls ,but I was friends mainly with boys. I have my brother only one girl cousin who was born just before I was 19. Plus my husband being in the scouts being a scout ,cub and venture scout leader mixed more with boys and men .

Yogin hope you had lovely time with your granddaughters. Sorry it is going to take so long for your daughters feet to recover. Why is it its always parts of your body you rely on all the time that get injured or through health problems? Also why are they the parts that take the longest to feel better and its not as if you can rest them for long.

I had my eldest grandson few weeks ago for couple of hours he wanted to learn to cross stitch . He picked his design and sorted out his colours . I did warn him it is a slow craft but that doesn't bother him he's 8. He did brilliantly. They where here on Sunday and he wanted to carry on with it so supervised in between making a den for his 5 year old brother using clothes airers and blankets. He decided it was a cinema and the film was about his school. My daughter changed my bed and just had a rest. The boys are growing up so quickly. Still get hugs from the oldest as he decided no kisses when he was 6 but hus brother its hugs and kisses. The youngest wants to use my sewing machine told him once he is 6 we will make something. The oldest worked the pedal from 6 . He sat on my step stool with cushion on and worked the pedal he is very good at following instructions. When he is older he wants to use it . It will be up to his parents when I let him. Both boys are sensible and when I say no I mean it.

Funny thing I no longer think about what my other 3 grandsons are doing . Been 6 years so we are strangers. Don't know when I stopped wondering about them.

My youngest friend started college yesterday which is a huge achievement for her as due to health problems she has been home schooled but the college is going to give her the support she needs and its one of the top colleges up here. I knew the vicar would there yesterday morning so popped round with a card to give her as she attends the church and the vicar popped the card through their letterbox. Had lovely message from her thanking me . I do miss seeing the friends I made at the Wombles and thankfully the admin have left me alone as they won't like what I would have done next.

Realised on Friday it is my last visit to Chester. When I am holiday I pace myself and sit down or go back to the hotel to rest then go out again afterwards . But I was enjoying myself and only had 2 sit downs one to have cake and tea in the cathedral and the other eating icecream listening to street musicians. Folk rock music husband played the electric violin with lots if pedals for other sounds and his wife sang . I even brought their CD . I was going to buy a CD player so I can play the CD we are making. Its not big like my old one I got rid of before my move and has speakers, you can use ear plugs/ headphones if wanted even has remote which I won't use.

Sorry this has been all about me. But need to get up now . Move it or lose it class . Our teacher got married on Saturday . Taken me 2 hours to write this . But will be back .

Take care all.

Good morning all.

It's lovely to catch up with all your news Whiff and to see how busy you've been.

It's a good job I'm not a member of a choir because there's no way I could have been involved for the last 9 weeks with little Ziggy needing so much time and attention.

It's been hard work but worth every minute as we are now seeing the rewards. He had his first groom on Wednesday and R said he was so good that she managed to do more than she'd expected.

He now has that poodle face, with the beginnings of a top knot and his little body shape although mostly hidden under a thick puppy coat, is already beginning to look more mature.

I'll get Mr. S. to take a pic for you to see.

We've booked an Italian for tomorrow evening, just a 10 minute drive which will be our first evening out since we got him and we're really looking forward to it, having spent the last 2 weeks getting him used to us going out without him.

He'll have Poppy for company whose 'crate' is opposite his playpen so he knows he's not alone. It's going well with just a few minutes protest when we leave, and quiet until we open the door when we get back.

Oh dear, I've become a 'puppy bore'. Can you imagine how boring I'd be if we had a relationship with our GC .