Widowhood.

I would get an iPad, if you buy it from John Lewis they take a lot of time to set it up for you and show you how to use it. I am addicted to my iPad.
On a very bleak day when I have spent most of it at the solicitors trying to sort out probate papers for DH's will you have all made me laugh. I'm now going to be on the lookout for women winking and wearing dressing gowns. Do we think Llandudno is ready for us yet?

When we ought an iPad from the Apple store they showed me how to set it up - gave a lesson and also gave us iCloud storage which all other places were charging about£50 or.

Nah nah sewsilver you are not exempt...... you have to wear a dressing gown and do the winking thing too

Do you mind if I ask how long you have been waiting for probate? It seems to take such a long time.

Okay nannieroz, I'll start practising the winking immediately and buy a dressing gown in the near future. Is any particular colour or type of dressing gown required? DH died 17 months ago so it is taking a very long time to sort all of this probate business out. It's been hanging over me for a while but it felt very sad today to be talking about his wishes.
In some ways it still feels such a short time ago that he was with me and in other ways it feels like a lifetime. Major family problems mean that I am really missing his support at the moment and feeling rather sorry for myself.
Time to shake my tail feathers and pull myself together I think.

Widowhood is bad enough without the added stress of family problems. Wish I could give you a real hug instead of a virtual one. (((hug)))

Dressing gown colour? You choose. Variety is the spice of life. Just don't have a pin as you might clash with falconbirds cardi.

I've been reading all your posts from a distance and it's good to hear that we all have the same feelings. Sometimes I find just talking about 'it' sets me off again which is why I've kept quiet for a bit. I am due to return home next week after a 2 month stay with DD2 in a house full of noise, shouting & laughter and am, to be honest, absolutely dreading it. This time, I have felt J's absence more than ever and lie in bed feeling very sorry for myself, which is quite pathetic I know. I have to make the big decision on whether to sell the big family home and downsize, and if so, to where ... I know I have written about this before, but it is a subject which takes over my whole existence and I feel I am wasting time - or what is left of it!
On the subject of iPads, go for it. I've had mine for a couple of years and wouldn't be without it. As for dressing gowns; I bought a fleecy top with matching trousers (a snip from Asda!) . Great for cosying up in after a bath and watching the telly, smart enough for answering the door to the postman , great for keeping warm in bed while reading and easy to slob around in in the mornings while having breakfast.

Will my Ivory satin (M&S) negligée suffice?
Sorry I keep my house so warm, I don't need anything else.('and it matches my pearls)

I am sure the postman would be delighted Galen

reading the later posts...I think there are going to be some very happy "Postmen" around do you think my "Baby doll" will be warm enough for "Llandudno"! I'm just worried if we are walking along the pier and a gust blows have as good a day as you can everyone.

'Streets!!!
You'll all catch your death of colds.....If you can't resist/ desist from scaring the natives and fending off amorous postmen (I sincerely hope they're of a more attractive variety up there?) I assume long fleecy numbers will be worn, as N Wales can be very chilly

Streets???
'Strewth!

Marmite - I had to sell my big old Victorian House when my DH passed away.
It wasn't easy and I couldn't have managed it without my middle son, who helped me a lot (although he was often impatient and nasty.) You could make a start by beginning to sort out books, ornaments etc., I put a lot of stuff on my garden wall and it all went within a day.

I now live in a nice flat with central heating etc., and the upkeep is minimal.
I don't have a garden and sometimes miss that and because I'm 68 I think the flat is a bit old for me as yet, but it is secure, warm and economical and I will appreciate it more as the years go by. It's a gated community so I do feel safe.

Sewsilver - how's your finger?

Nannie - I've decided to go for the Tablet on Amazon. There's lots of reviews and a 67 year old woman said she set hers up quite easily. If I can't do it one of my sons will help me because they can't resist technology.

for all of us who do struggle without our "blokes."

Falconbird That made me smile as I am a 77 year old woman who has only been using a computer for approx 4 years and I set up my I-Pad myself, so if I can do it anyone can I bought my I-Pad for myself for Christmas,that is how you get the best presents.

Hi falconbird, glad you have decided on a Tablet. I had no major problems with mine (a few hiccups, easily resolved) and thought Amazon delivery was excellent. If I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask. You'll be amazed at all the things you can do with a Tablet.

I will have to think about moving shortly and am in a quandary as to whether to buy a small bungalow or an apartment. But I will have to sell this house first! An apartment would probably be better as I am not able to look after a garden.

Bikergran...... Hope you've had a good day with your family. Don't know how you didn't get arrested in the camping shop!!!!!!!!!

nannie - I didn't move for a whole year after my DH passed away. I would have left it a bit longer but I was living with my son who is in the bi-polar spectrum and can be very difficult. I couldn't go on living in the same house with him. (He was with us before my DH passed away and it was OK then.)

My son help me to move and although he was often quite awful (he was grieving as well). I managed to buy two flats, one for him and one for me.

I don't have a garden and although I miss one at the moment I am glad I don't have to worry about it. I have two bedrooms (one ensuite) and the flat is only about 10 years old so easy to maintain. It is also in a gated community so I feel safe and it's on the ground floor.

Take your time with moving. I think you should wait for a year (that's what the experts say). Have a look around your area and see if there's anything you fancy. You could have your property valued and then you can see what you can afford.

Moving is really expensive - Solicitors, Surveyors etc., and can be quite scary. I don't want to put you off because I am SO glad that I moved and I feel safe for my oncoming old age, but it's early days for you yet.

Falconbird I have spent months going through every cupboard, nook and cranny trying to sort out stuff ready for the day when I come to the Big Decision. I think I am of the opinion that if I can't come to a definite decision it's best to remain with the status quo until I do!

I'd just decided that this year I am going to move when grandson said he was pleased we had bought this house, as it had a bedroom for him to stay in and a nice garden, not too big, and a lovely kitchen.
I might have to put it off another year!
Gives me longer to clear out the rubbish. Moved here nearly five years ago, and just realised there are boxes of paperwork in the shed from when we had the guesthouse in York.
Need to get organised.

You and me both durhamjen

Just thought I would pop in, see what you have all been up to! (and what I've missed) you all seem to have pretty quiet (prob been too busy trying all your nighties/dressing gowns on)

We had a nice family meal last night, mum n dads Diamond wedding, just a small gathering at an Italian, I am having a rest today as been busy painting etc etc at DD house and didn't sleep too good last night (maybe the glass of wine/champagne and a shot thingy)!! kept my mind in overdrive all night!

Been really windy here overnight and wet n nasty this morn, hope you all have something to keep your minds occupied today bfn

my sympathy to all who have lost their partners, mine died in March 20 years ago and I have moved on, I had a partner but somehow it wasn't the same so I got rid of him. I now know Im strong enough to face whatever happens alone, I do get lonely especially at weekends but I don't seriously think I could cope with a man now, although I have considered it.
It is hard for anyone newly bereaved but it does get easier, we never get over it but we learn to live with it and move on

Llandudno ladies....... I have posted two photographs of Llandudno on my profile page. This is the first time I have tried this process, hope it works.

I only hope that should I be widowed that I can be as stoic and strong as the GNs on here.
to a group of amazing ladies x

Oh how I love Llandudno.Until recently we had a static caravan just outside Llandudno, we have spent many hours there and I do hope you all make it there to meet up.

ok I'm off to see nannieroz picys (brb)

ohh lovely nannierroz and well done I can picture myself there walking along the prom, so many memories (painful ones at times) ..looks like you took them from a height somewhere, theres just something about Llandudno, I don't know what it is, and it seems lots of others thing the same.

I was sorting my photos out as I am getting ready to re format my comp, I came across some pics of the little church half way up the Great Orme, I will see if I can find them again ..