Black Dog 22

Whiff Your words, as usual, are so honest.

Wyllow3 Thanks, I had a great night - 1 antihistamine and I was asleep by 10.15, didn't wake up for the loo, and slept until 6! I hope all goes well with the new carer. Her company will be something, which will be better than you being alone. I'm sorry you've lost touch with your family. I et they don't know or realise how you feel. Could you contact one of them and start a conversation about something to begin with?

I've done something stupid this morning - I took my evening tablets (AD and BP pills) as well as my morning ones. The AD makes me very drowsy after an hour or thereabouts, so IF Chubby Chops has a nap, I'll need to, too .

Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day x

I’m sorry you had a really bad night, HVDY. You did so well taking chubby chops out after that. A busy family time. I hope the palpitations dont return. Good idea about the antihistamine. Sounds like you’ll have a cat before long.

I do the same in the park, Scardeycat “Always wonder about other people’s lives as we pass each other” you put it well.

Well done indeed for the sort out, Sweetpeasue. Yes we have to let those size 8 go (sigh). Sorry to hear DH really isnt too well.

It’s so understandable how you describe being with others, Doodle. They’re but not there. Oh my yes about switching thoughts off.
I do hope the group helps even a weeny bit.

Poignant wisdom, as ever, Whiff

I’m putting weight on because of the meds even tho I eat very very little and nothing fat or sweet.
Walk today all I can say its better than staying in with these 4 silent walls. New carer comes tomorrow with her boss to see how things go. Atm dont believe it will help but even if I get support for a haircut and getting garden done…. Out of touch with family as nothing to say and cant pretend. Very whats the point, but very aware how many in here feel that

xxx BD's night night to all not in today too.

Whiff I can only imagine your pain at losing your other half. I'm sure your words to Doodle are so heartfelt and you're so good to come in and try to help . Thankyou , as I've not 'been there'.
.

Sorry so many of you are suffering one way or another.

Doodle please stop trying to be brave there is no need. I know because I did that and I was a fool. Please don't wish you where with your husband. You have a life to lead yet plus people who love and care for and would be heartbroken if you died. Being widow is hard .When your darling husband died half of you died to . I know this feeling only to well . 20 years on and still feel have of me is missing. But I know your husband wouldn't want you to give up living. Don't try and cram every moment of your life doing things or going out. You need me time . Which means alone with your grief and let the tears flow, shout ,scream to what makes you feel better. But always think what your husband would want for you . From what you have said how hard he fought to stay alive for you he would hate you to give up. Don't think you have to be happy as you won't be . Suddenly being on your own is hard especially the length of time you had together. Reaching out in the night and finding the empty side of the bed when you you want is your man's arms around you telling you everything is going to be ok. But there never is a ok.But you can still have a life and you owe it to him to live to the full. It's still very early being a widow for you and as the nights draw in it's going to be harder. But take comfort in the life you shared together even the bad times but laugh about the funny times. My husband was a klutz that man could cut himself on a cotton wool ball. But he was my klutz.

I hated ironing but when my husband died what I missed was ironing his shirts every week. If I didn't buy his socks and knickers he would have worn ones with holes. But he was my rock ,my knight in shining armour at bit tarnished at times as we where both stubborn and had tempers . But we where eachothers other halves. As you and your husband where . As I have said before we are the lucky ones to love and be loved so much in returned..

Grief is bone crushing and ever after 20 it can still overwhelm me. Lost count of the times I have shouted at my husband for leaving me . But I see him with that stupid grin on his face .

And I know I have said this before and I say it on the bereavement threads. Grief is the price we pay for love. And it never gets easier as the years go by. But you learn to cope but it takes time.

Please stop being hard on yourself and that goes for any other widows here. This is no right or wrong in grief ..I think your husband would want you to fight to live as he fought so hard to live for you.

Because we where so loved and loved in return we have to live for them as well as us. Please stop being hard on yourself. Grief effects you physically as well as mentally..Took me years to realise that. So it's very important you look after yourself.. And that goes for everyone else here and you have to love yourself. Physical and mental pain is hard to deal with but you can live with it . You all do here and you give hope to more people than you realise . Even at your lowest you fight on and that's takes enormous courage. Be proud of yourselves as none of you have given up fighting to live . Giving up is easy but none of you have taken the easy road..Life is full of hurdles so don't try jumping over them just push them down and walk all over them.

You can all do it you all have for years . And have years ahead of you yet.

Sweet dreams all. 💖

Doodle I'm glad you've joined a bereavement group. Others there will understand what you're going through. I hope you get to chat with other people at church tomorrow.

SweetpeaSue I'm ashamed to say that I weigh more than I did when I was pregnant. I need to sort myself out, but when I'm sad, bored, in pain or lonely, I eat the wrong things. I'm going to take an antihistamine tonight, to make me extra drowsy . The Ramipril was increased 2 nights ago, and I haven't been worrying about anything in particular. Hope your husband might feel a bit better tomorrow.

The little stray cat I've been feeding for a few months now comes into the kitchen for his food (he hasn't been neutered but IF he ends up living here, he'll need to be "done". Off to bed now, got an early start. Love to ALL x

Doodle I'm glad you have joined the bereavement group. It's so helpful to hear others who know have had or are going through the same situations. I'm sure everyone will have other circumstances unique to them but basically be suffering same terrible loss and I hope you won't feel so alone. Hope that church tomorrow you will see friends , even if not wholly 'there' at times.
I certainly need a keep fit video at present . Think that leotard would cut me in half if I managed to squeeze into it now! Hope you sleep well. Big hug.
HVDY I feel tired even thinking about all you are taking on. My days are so boring in comparison. Something must be causing the palpitations if they've suddenly started. I know Rampiril gave my DH a persistent cough which he put up with for a few yrs and it stopped as soon as he came off them. Hope you don't get it tonight. I'm only 5ft 2 and I've put on so much weight now I feel really horrible. I'm as heavy as I was when pregnant. I've a sweet tooth I'm afraid.
DH still not well thanks for asking.

Hope everyone has a peaceful night.

ScaredyCat Your Sunday dessert sounds gorgeous (I didn't have one on Sunday). Do you sit and "people watch"? DH and I love doing that. I wonder what jobs they did, what age people are, and if I see someone whose hair/clothes I admire, I sometimes tell them (most people like that). There was a lady today in a striking bright red trouser suit - loose but very smart, with a matching lipstick, a white blouse and trainers, and highlights in her grey hair. She said she thought Chubby Chops was beautiful so I told her she looked stunning. She was really pleased.

SweetpeaSue No, I didn't have much pain at all yesterday. I wonder if the increased dose of Ramipril (2.5 to now 5mg) caused it - I take it at night. You say you'll never be a size 8 again - I've never been that! Even our 13 yr old GD is a size 12 (she's 5ft 7 and size 6 shoe). I loathe what I now look like, but am too damned greedy to diet. Hope you and your husband have been ok today.

Chubby Chops came at 9.30, had eggs for breakfast, a little packed lunch when we went out, then thoroughly enjoyed the enormous sand pit at a garden centre for 2 hours. Son2 picked baby up at 5. DIL and her girl are in London, Taylor Swift concert tonight then shopping and a musical tomorrow. Son and baby will join them tomorrow evening, staying at a hotel near Stanstead airport before going off to Croatia on Thursday. Baby here 7.30 tomorrow morning .

Hope ALL BDers have been ok today x

*Candy yes I need to build a life for myself too. I do try, I’ve made friends, been to lunches, had people round for coffee. I have done all I can to fill my days. My problem is I’m just passing time. It sounds so awful to say. The people I’m with are lovely but all the time I’m talking I’m thinking why am I here, what’s the point. I’m there in body not in spirit. I just want to be with DH. Had another miserable day today but I’ve been busy and out with others all day.
Gave myself a bit of a talking to tonight and I’m hoping tomorrow will be better. Wish I could turn my thoughts off.
You’re right I do have a lot of support, here and with my family and friends, I just wish I was more comfortable on my own at home. Just to rest a bit and be able to relax.
Glad you were able to get away in the caravan and have a good time. I’m sorry to hear you have some worries, hope all sorts itself out ok.
Wyllow you are right, realising that others are struggling does make you feel not so alone. I’ve joined a bereavement support group and every post I could have written myself. So many out there feeling the same.
I’ve had the same problem sourcing drugs for DH in the past. It’s an anxious time if you think you won’t be able to get what you need.
Just want to say I’m so pleased you are able to write more at the moment, it’s progress and it’s lovely to hear from you.
HvDY your tea sounds lovely. I love pork pies and bits and pieces. My sort of thing.
You are all so kind to me. I could lie and say everything is fine or stop posting but I think you all understand as in one form or another we’ve all been through or are going through tough times.
Sorry you had such a rough night. Palpitations are awful. Hope your day with Chubby Chops went well and you are more relaxed now.
Scaredycat I love lemon posset. Glad you had a nice day. Thank you for your encouragement. It really does help.
You were out and about early. Hope you enjoyed your walk. Early start for me tomorrow. Church starts at 9.
You’re right we never know what’s happened in others lives. What sorrows they’ve had. Just do our best to be kind to others,
Sweetpeasue size 8 😱. Wow you must have been tiny. I’m waiting to see your keep fit video of you earring your leotard 🤣
nadateturbe Ellie Anne Whiff thinking of you all.

Nadateturbe Thinking of you and hoping you're feeling a little better.

Take care all and love to all BDs .

Candy These techy troubles are so frustrating. The printed pages on GN went all extremely tiny on my mobile phone and took me ages to figure out what was happening. Still lots of stuff I don't understand. Sorry to hear of worries and stresses ,it can be neverending sometimes. It's good you're managing to cope. I've found ADs help too.
Wyllow I don't understand why getting our medications is so much of a problem . You must get worried sick that you can't get meds in time and it's not fair -you've enough to cope with. My DH has to contact surgery tomorrow for more Prednisone. He put in the paper given by Rheumatologist over the desk a week ago. Sure he'll have problems again but not going all the way back to hospital like last time. Glad you got your supermarket shop. You are doing your very best in such difficult circumstances and it must be terribly hard alone.
Scaredycat Your Lemon Posset sounded delicious. I feel like you when I see other people and wonder how they are actually coping with their lives. I think most people are 'patched up' it's just we can't see it. Our mooch in charity shop yesterday ended with DH getting 2 excellent books on painting techniques. He's been looking for Gummed Paper Tape - tried everywhere- finally found it today in Hobbycraft. Sure you'd know what it is but I hadn't a clue.
HVDY Oh Im sorry about your awful night. Was it the pain too?I wonder why palpitations have started and if you get them often. I used to get them a lot but not as much now. It's going to be a busy and tiring day for you today too, though I'm sure chubby chops will be entertaining. That posh afternoon tea must have been posher than mine - I didn't have 3 different bread types for sandwiches.

Hope everyone has been OK today.
Finally got to sort through lots of clothes this afternoon. It really made me sad bagging much loved items from my younger slimmer days. I've put on a lot of weight and though I can lose some I know I'll never be a size 8 again-why did I keep it all so long? I didn't think I still had an actual leotard from my dancing class days at 38. Haha Jane Fonda style.
Where did that 'me' go? Ah well. Annie used to say the past is a foreign country.

Hi all.
SweetPeaSue- I,m sorry you,ve had some bad pain but you do seem to be coping with it better- with much courage I might add. Your DH is a determined person too - I think it’s really good that he perseveres with his jobs hopefully it helps him sleep as it must make him weary.
I agree with you - we are all “patched up” people and could definitely have been better if we hadnt had to endure so much both in the past and the present.
Hope today is a comfortable one for you.
HVDY- best not to think too far ahead as sometimes the future seems very bleak especially for the young just starting out in life. All we can do is love our families,help if we can and try to enjoy the day we are in - it’s the only one we can be sure of. Of course constant pain like yours is debilitating and so unfair that someone like you who loves to be out and about has to suffer as you are.
Afternoon tea sounded lovely- all those naughty things on one go. Pudding report from Sunday. Lemon Posset- lemony sort of creamy mousse with fresh berries and 2 big Squares of meringue. It was so nice. Have a good day with Chubby Chops.
Doodle- glad you had a nice lunch- lovely to eat in a quiet sunny garden. I,m sorry yesterday was so difficult for,you. Maybe it was the contrast between the gentle family times and and different company the next day.
You are bound to feel sad - it will strike unexpectedly as well as times when you expect to feel bereft. It’s sort of like riding the waves - then there’s a bit of calm.
Please don’t stop writing - you are in our thoughts every day and wish so much we could do more to take the pain away.
As SweetPeaSue says life is cruel and doesn’t always make any sense but it can also be uplifting.
May your days be kind to you - one step at a timexxxx
Candy- good to see you. It must have been lovely at the caravan - the weather has been nice hopefully. It sounds the perfect place to recharge your batteries and just let the sea and countryside work its soothing magic.
I,m sorry you have worries but good to hear you are coping. I agree with everything you said about ADs.
Wyllow-what you say about meds is so true - it is a scary situation always worried if your vital meds will be available. When we pick ours up such a sigh of relief when they are all there.You do not need that sort of hassle.
You had a walk- that’s so good and hope it made you feel brighter if only for a few moments. Remember we are walking with you.
I went out early- lots of dog walkers. Always wonder about other people’s lives as we pass each other. All will have a different tale to tell and different life experiences - worry,joy,despair,hope- we are not alone.
EllieAnne- how are you?
Nadateturbe- thinking of you and hoping you are feeling more comfortable today.

Whiff,Nanny,Hairspray,Allsorts and everyone who pops in and out have the best day possiblexx

SweetpeaSue We had various finger sandwiches (brown, white and rye bread), pork pie, assorted bits of cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, and unlimited tea. All served on a miniature picnic bench thing (unusual). I don't usually lift Chubby Chops, she's too heavy for me now. Hope you and your husband have a better day today.
Doodle I can't even begin to know how you feel, but the sadness must be horrible. We all know how kind you are to others, and how well you're doing, but please keep posting, we all care here. I hope today will be brighter for you. Seeing the children at church will be good. They're so entertaining.
Candy6 You're always busy, and that seems to help you. We all need to koko, as well as we can. Well done on sorting out your iPad problem. I will have to think about going to aqua and just doing a bit of "jogging" in the water. DH would take me but would need to hang about for an hour to drive me home (I hate having to keep asking him for help). Perhaps next week.
Wyllow3 What a rigmarole to get the drug you need. You don't need the stress when you're not feeling good anyway.

I had a terrible night - it took 2 hours for me to get to sleep, at 12.30 but I kept waking up with palpitations and eventually got up at 5.30 - Chubby Chops will be here in an hour, then we're taking her to meet some friends of ours and later, to a park somewhere. Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day x

Tonight Doodle hugs for the mess feelings and never ever feel you have to say sorry it’s only natural what you feel. You are doing well seeing people but of course it cant work magic.

You are not bringing people down. Quite the opposite. Your honesty shines out...
.... and please dont stop writing. It helps me to understand others as in.....it's not just me and so on ..gives me a chance to try and give something back....

Today was preoccupied with a supermarket shop but mostly a real worrying struggle to source my key drug - ring round chemists, , long wait for phone to get GP to issue new prescription, had to pay for a delivery.
It’s scary being dependant on a drug that seems harder to get.

Same mood inside. Don’t Zoom or anything. I recognise what I should do but some things you cant force.

It must seem never-ending HVDY, and hard, as you are a “do-er” by nature. One day at a time is definitely the best and understand th cant be bothered. Great to hear of posh tea!

No need to be “cheery” Sweetpeasue in here thankfully. Good for going out for the mooch.

Nice to see you in Candy. Well done for sorting out the tech stuff. I remember well when you joined BD’s your feelings about anti d’s and struggles with work. Keeping busy works for you….yes koko as we all do. Hope you can sleep too.

Very best wishes for all BD’s reading or not coming in atm, not forgotten.

Evening all
I haven’t been in for so long but I’m all caught up now. I’m having trouble with my keyboard so I’ve read but not been able to respond because my keyboard went really small on my iPad. Anyway I’ve googled and tried a few things and it seems ok at the moment.
Doodle I’m so sorry today has been a bad one for you. You are doing all you can to get through and you will come through this but it must be so hard for you. You are truly selfless and never apologise for expressing your feelings. It will help. I met up with a friend last week whose Mum lost her DH around a year ago and when I said her Mum seemed to be doing well, she said her Mum had decided after her loss that although her life wouldn’t be the same, she had decided that she would actually have a life but it would be very different and she’s worked on building that. It makes sense but can’t be easy and I hope that you too can build a life for yourself too and be happy again. A different happy, but happy. You have a lot going for you, friends, family, church, hobbies and us. All caring for you and wanting you to win. I hope you have a good rest tonight and you feel better tomorrow.
Sweetpeasue I hope your pain has stayed away today and your DH is well too. Thinking of you both. It’s nice you are enjoying the dog walking too.
HVDY I’m sorry you have to wait for so long for recovery. You are an active lady and it must have been a blow for you. At least you can get out for small outings and your lovely family will help you through. I see some people in the pool I swim in, just walking lengths, obviously recovering from something, but I wonder if it’s something you could do? They say the water supports your joints and at least you would be getting some exercise? It may be something for you to check out. I hope your pain hasn’t been bad today.
Wyllow I’m sorry you too are having days when you are struggling. Do you have anyone you could speak on the phone with? Your sister/gym friends/church friends? You may not feel like it but at least it’s contact. You are doing well though keeping up with the basics. Sending ❤️.
Hairspray100 Hello! I too am another one who didn’t want to take AD’s as I was extremely scared of the side effects. After much dilly dallying I finally bit the bullet and did it and I’m so glad I did. I’m only sorry I didn’t do it sooner then I’d have saved myself years of unhappiness. I don’t care if I need to take them for the rest of my life as long as I don’t ever feel like that again. I hope it all works for you and it will be nice to know how you are doing.
Scaredycat I’m sorry for your sadness over your dear friend. It must be so distressing for you. I hope she is able to feel some comfort from your visits and it’s lovely that you make the effort especially when it affects your health too. Such a distressing illness. Yes, we went to our caravan at the weekend, came back last night. I’m so busy during the week, it’s good for me to get away and be able to relax.
Nadaterturbe sorry you are not able to come in much. I hope this difficult period passes quickly for you and you are managing to keep your spirits up. Sending ❤️.

Very tired tonight. Ive got a few things going on, worries/stresses but am managing quite well and being busy helps. Many people have lots to cope with and I just need to koko. Thinking of Ellie Anne, Whiff and others. Night all . I hope I can sleep xx

Doodle You aren't bringing me down. You have been so kind to me when I've been incoherent and angry with what happened to me. I needed to be believed and you and other BDs did. I'll never forget that. I can't comprehend how it must feel to lose your other half .
I hope you sleep well Doodle and tomorrow is better for you. Xxx

Sweetpeasue thank you. I know I will feel better. I’m not bad all the time. I’m so tired now I will go to bed soon. It’s so strange this feeling unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I keep waiting for it all to end and life to return to normal but that isn’t going to happen and when you realise that is when it gets overwhelming.
You’ve been so kind to me. I should really stop writing for a while I’ll be bringing you all down.

Doodle Oh Doodle, you've lived so long together and it's so cruel to be separated at the end of it. It must be gut wrenching.As HVDY said none of us want to be where you are now but no one knows if we ever will or won't be. I wish I had some words of comfort but all I can think of is I hope / believe we will all meet our loved ones again. Though that does not help the yearning for your DH now. Many , many things I don't understand , and one of them is the cruelty of life. I hope the wine hits the right spot and you get some relief from the crying -sometimes any sort of 'numbness' can soothe a little. ( Sorry- not suggesting you 'hit the bottle' big time) . I hope you can get some sleep tonight and just want to give you a hug but wish from all my heart it could be your own DH, Doodle. Sending love and hope you can see more light in each day that passes. xxxx

HVdY no had lunch in the garden it was peaceful and lovely.
So pleased you had a get together with all the family. That’s lovely.
Long term pain is so depressing I hope things improve for you soon.
Your afternoon tea gift was a lovely idea. How nice to go somewhere posh. Have a lovely time with Chubby Chops.
Sweetpeasue I’m not very good with my hands and the model is difficult but it’s enjoyable too.
I did enjoy my dinner last night thank you. Tonight I’m a mess. Not even the wine is helping. Had things to do today and met up with people but I’m just really sad today.
I’m so pleased things are a bit better for you. You’ve had so much to deal with for a long time. You deserve some better times.
Wyllow I know what you mean. I really hope today has been better for you.
Helping out with children at church thing tomorrow. Hope I feel better. Sorry I’m having my own pity party here. I just feel so bl***y miserable without DH.

HVDY Oooh afternoon tea somewhere posh. I've had that once and it was amazing. Lots of tiny different things on a 3tier plate stand. What did you have? I didn't sort through the stuff! 🫣 .I hope your hip pain will hold off for looking after chubby chops. Your DH will help -don't lift her. It's a very different world now ,that's for sure and one day at a time is good as that's really all we can be sure of.

SweetpeaSue I feel very low if/when I think of the future (particularly for all the children) and try to get through one day at a time (usually easier said than done). DH and I had afternoon tea at a posh hotel 20 miles away (gift from Son2), which was delicious - we went at lunchtime. Son1 and his family have gone to the seaside for the week today. We're having Chubby Chops all day tomorrow and Wednesday . I nee to sort through a lot of "stuff" but can't be bothered . Hope the rest of your day goes well.

HVDY I think we all must be stronger than we realise. We've all been at points in our lives when we really don't want to carry on , yet we did and do. I don't have the mindset of 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger ' though. We're probably all covered in patched up invisible wounds! Not a cheery soul today am I? 🤔 Honestly you are so resilient yourself with such constant pain. Went out this morning for coffee then mooched in charity shop and came home. Trying to summon up enthusiasm to go through wardrobe and drawers for a sort out.
Wyllow Oh so sorry for that ' grim' day yesterday. In spite of such grimness you managed to wash and shower. It's true that aloneness can make days so very long and you need to talk to someone or maybe just be on the outside listening in to others. I wonder if you can go out for a shop for something for your fridge ,even if not needed. Perhaps the more you manage it the easier it will become. I hope you can get a carer soon - don't give up hope. Come in here anytime.

Hope everyone is OK.

SweetpeaSue This pain only started a few months ago but really depresses me and affects every single thing I do, but I know it'll get better, eventually. Your pain has lasted much longer than mine, and I don't know how you've coped with it. As I've said before, you're stronger than you realise. I hope your husband's aches in his arm & hand will ease off if he rests. He tries hard to keep doing jobs, doesn't he?

Wyllow3 You had a shower and did some washing, which is good, but you need the company of others sometimes. Do you still do your online Zoom calls? Yes, both of my sons were cause for concern at one time or another. It's so good to see them both settled and happy now.

Hope ALL BDers manage to have a brighter day today x

Today has just been so grim in my head don’t know how I got through. In touch with no one. Washed clothes and had a shower.

After yesterday HVDY it was nice to read you had a big family meet ups today. I can recall when things were very troubled in your family and realise how much of a difference you made.

I noticed you weren’t in yesterday Sweetpeasue , so sorry your pain stopped you sleeping - you did so well to see Aunt. I was very glad however that DH felt well enough to finish that job yesterday, he must be very tired today.

Good to read you got out to church Doodle and hope Waitrose provided some treats. Hug to keep going.

Love to all BD’s not in today

Night night all.

Doodle Glad you've had company today
with church and lunch with friends. I think of you often and wonder if you're OK, I know we all do. I looked up the Rolife craft things and they look so intricate and detailed. It must be really interesting and rewarding seeing it all build up. I think my hands would be shaking every time I added something. My DH did a model cottage out of plaster. Although I have my piano and love dance and reading I've never been able to do art or drawing. Hope you have enjoyed your dinner and wine. May you have as good a night as possible. X
HVDY I'm really sorry about your pain -it must be terrible to have it constantly. I hardly dare speak of mine in case I jinx things but it's been confined to early mornings mostly so I'm much better than I was thanks, though sometimes get urine retention which sets it off. It is so enjoyable to watch the when they're young like chubby chops - it passes so quickly. You have such a close family -that's lovely.
Hope you don't get too much pain tonight. DH trying to tidy his tools and 'stuff' - he seems to have a lot . He's not been great today at all with the excessive tiredness and pain throughout left arm and hand.

Love to all not in and those who just read. Wishing all a restful night.x

SweetpeaSue Sorry your bladder and stomach pain was so bad. Has it all settled now? Your husband is very determined to carry on doing things, which is good, so long as he doesn't overdo it. (My husband has to be begged, nagged and cajoled before he'll do any jobs at all).

Doodle Did you go to a pub for lunch? Sunday roast?Enjoy your wine. The pain has been bearable, thanks, but then I have sat around all day.

How's everyone else been today? DH and I met up with both sons and their families, which was lovely. Lunch was decent, too, and we sat outside afterwards - baby played in a sandpit there (and ate some ). x