Hi Neil,
I love Julian Clarey and remember watching his show with the little dog before he was dropped from tv with the hilarious comment he made hosting some tv awards thing. Should certainly be full of laughs and innuendo’s. You’ll prob be watching the footie now so hope it goes your way but, like you say, if not then it’s not the end of the world.
I’m so very worried that I should have taken Porsch to the vet sooner with her being sick. She’s always been very temperamental and would be sick if she didn’t get treats so I thought there was a lot of that going on. Thought she just needed an appetite boost with steroids like before. I’m waiting now to get the bad news tomorrow. I’ve been so upset about mam that I’ve not been on the ball with everything. It’s so hard to not blame myself. She also has been teeth but I’ve never heard of anyone brushing their cats teeth. She gets treats to chew to help with tartar.
I fell asleep this afternoon and feel totally drained. It feels like my biggest worry is coming true and that I’ll just be waiting now for her to die. Can’t even imagine not being with her to wake me up in the morn. I know she’s had a lovely life and many cats aren’t so lucky but it makes no difference to losing her.
Will let you all know tomorrow.
Lots of love and enjoy your day! xxx
Hi Christine,
It was half term last week. Didn’t do much as it was so cold. Did go to a open garden event with two friends but it was freezing walking round. Also did some gardening at home, my son did come round and finish trimming my laurel tree for me. Being tall it was easier for him.
My pond is slowly starting to clear and I have several water lilly leaves coming up. It’s been so dry had to do alot of watering. But the bit of grass I re-seeded birds keep eating the grass seed and what’s left is not germinating. Will have to try and re-seed again and cover the area this time.
My peony has started to bloom, it’s always a shame the flower heads don’t last long.
I’m have everything crossed for you that Porsch doesn’t have anything seriously wrong and just needs a supplement to get her appetite back and stop being sick.
I’m back at school this week, very busy school exams are on at the moment, lots of last minute revision materials are needed and Yr10s are starting their mock exams soon. Always gets busy in term 6.
The other day I wrote out my notice and printed it off ready for September. As I don’t know when I will get appointment for my knee replacement, I’m getting organised just incase it happens over the school holidays and I’m not back in time for the start of term. Also started clearing and sorting out my filing cabinets, 28 years of stuff. I don’t like throwing things away just incase it’s useful.
Look forward to seeing more of your garden photos, enjoy swimming tomorrow and lunch on Friday with your niece.
Sending love Debbie xx
Hi Nick,
I hope you are okay and not overdoing it in the garden. Have you managed to get out into the park to see all your dog friends. It has been cold on the east side of the country with all that low cloud coming in from the North sea. At least we had a bit more sun today. The weather is supposed to be hot and humid this weekend, we go from one extreme to another.
You take care.
Love Debbie xx
Dear Christine, haven’t posted much recently but as always follow all your news.
Will write more soon but just wanted to write now to say am thinking of you and Porsch and do hope that the test results are all good tomorrow and that she can go back to having treats galore soon!
Hope you manage to have a peaceful night xxx
Congratulations 
Neil, a good result, West Ham have silverware. Well deserved. Have a good day tomorrow too.
Love Debbie xx
Hi Debbie57, yes, I overdid it a bit with the garden at the weekend. Yes, I did spoil the dogs again today but the wind was a bit cold. It is always a bit colder here but we are suppose to get 22-23C for the next 8 days. (Not as hot as Higham Ferrers.)
I have to get rid of some of my brothers cars now. (He wanted to restore them but never did.) I have to make sure that the wheels are turning properly so the cars can be put on a trailer. - I just have to jack up the cars and clean the brakes. Not really difficult but not the best work for a bad back. Otherwise not a bad day today. (I bet there will be some problems, there are always problems. I now have to find all the papers for the cars. ) - Take care, love Nick.
Hi Debbie,
Your roses and peonies are lovely. I’m thinking of digging the peonies up and trying to pot them for the patio in October to see if they’ll flower as they haven’t so far and were beautiful in the old garden. They were pale pink. It has been really chilly. Don’t remember June being this cold.
I’m so worried that I should have taken Porsch to the vet much sooner but she’s always been sick with grass and I thought she was off her food and being greedy for treats. I’ve been so immersed in my grief for mam that I haven’t been aware of what is going on with her. I can’t feel the lump in her neck. Just thought she needed steroids to perk her up. It feels like death is racing towards me and I’m so terrified of losing her. She is everything to me. I hope the vet doesn’t think I don’t love her. I couldn’t tell her how long Porsch had been sick for. I just want everything to be ok again. I feel totally empty.
Well done for planning ahead. Making a start on your clearing out will be daunting but if you do a bit each day you’ll soon get through it. If you imagine being retired with all the freedom and lovely things you will do to fill your days you’ll have a vision of what to take and what to let go of. I find chucking stuff away very freeing. The more we keep the more we carry with us and it can become a heavy burden. Recycling is key and giving to charity. Can’t quite believe your retirement is in sight. Time passes by so quickly when we aren’t watching it.
I keep tryin g to find some comfort in knowing mam will look after Porsch when she leaves me but I can’t quite believe it is true. I hope so. I so want to join them both when Porscha’s time arrives. I amazed at how ell she did today. She loved being in the car and watching everything. I wish I had someone to help me. I’m so very tired having to cope with everything on my own.
Booked my swim for tomorrow but might have to collect the medication for Porsch if she is ill. I’m dreading getting that phone call. Didn’t think things could get any worse. Will let you all know tomorrow.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Palou,
Thankyou. I can’t quite believe I’m having to deal with Porsch being ill as I really didn’t see it coming. I wasn’t aware of how serious it could be. I knew she’d lost weight but didn’t imagine anything really bad. I Googled info and cats can live on medication for years but it depends on how seriously ill they are when it is treated. I should have known. But I can’t feel the lump on her neck. I should have been a better mam to her. Will let you all know as soon as I get the news. I have a swim booked with my niece at teatime but not sure if I’ll make it. I’m happy to see Porsch has eaten quite a bit tonight so have my fingers crossed she won’t be sick.
Lots of love xxx
Debbie, forgot to say that when I seeded my lawn I covered it in compost to stop the birds. My little robin was watching me at the time so I’m sure he got in there but the lawn is really thick now so worked a treat. x
Hi Nick,
I’m so impressed that will be jacking up the cars and cleaning the brakes yourself. I used to work on my own car, doing the spark plugs, changing my tyres, prepping for mot’s etc. Dad always wanted a boy and being the tomboy I am I was keen to learn about cars. Have no interest now. But I can imagine when you are working on the cars you’ll have your brother right there with you. I’ve scrapped quite a few over the years and always got a best price from Redcorn.co.uk. Always sad to see a car go. They become part of you. But to make space by letting them go is practical and very sensible for your well being. Making the space your own will be something you will treasure and make special. Whatever you have to do to get to that point is worth it. Think of the long term goal. And in the future you will look back at all the things you achieved and it will fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
I read that the heatwave is on its way with lots of thunderstorms and downpours. Good for the garden!
Will be popping in tomorrow with news of Porsch (whether she has a thyroid condition after her blood test today).
Lots of love xxx
Hi Debbie
Thank you! A fantastic night for all Hammers fans. Good to see so many fans of other clubs cheering us on as well. On to the theatre today !
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi Tina19, I have found an interesting article about cortisol. Here is the link in case you have not red it.
Take care, Nick.
Hi Nick and all,
Still no news yet for Porsch. Been keeping busy while I wait. I even trimmed the hedge at the front because it was so wild. I said hello and had a wee chat with the new neighbour. She’s lovely. Not moved in yet as had to do the paperwork. I explained why I can’t chat, with the stalking etc. She is downsizing because she had a stroke. Relieved I have a normal person next to me. I said about how awful the parking is here and advised her to get a disabled bay. She was complaining about the big van parked in front of her house so she’s just like me! It’s such an eyesore to have to see when it’s there.
Will post some pics while I wait for my call. So here’s Porsch enjoying her garden. Having a wash.
Watching me while she naps!
Hello!
This is the card posted the other day because I couldn’t chat and feel so relieved I did so it’s not awkward now.
As I was looking about the garden I came across a very tame pigeon. Didn’t budge but just watched me as I passed.
Here’s one of the baby squirrels.
The birds have been stripped whatever they can in the garden. The old dead tree at the top has been great for their nesting.
I’m wondering if the birds are using the old dolls house
and if not them it would be a fab nest for the bees. I was watching this little guy collecting his honey. His leg are full.
Always delighted to see a cobweb on my travels. Reminds me of crochet (and Debbie!).
Found some perfect spaces to plant up the potted hostas and ferns (to save watering them as much when it’s really hot).
Here’s a great den for the fox.
Creep got to work the day after I’d put my trellis up to create another ‘window’ to watch me. It was dense foliage before that. Can’t do anything about it as it’s on his side, but deliberately done.
Came across a beautifully natural form of a wreath in the pergola which reminds me of mam.
Love to see my little angels dancing on a breeze.
Still enjoying my plastic garlands as they twirl and sparkle in the sun
and my windmills at the little pond.
Adorning the garden with objects creates decorative interest
and is also practical as a landing perch for the birds.
Love the white and orange combo to the tranquil green background.
My little nook with Porsch becomes too hot later on so I’ll have to get to work on the other bed.
Hi christine51, I will keep my fingers crossed for Porsch.
I have been working on cars since I was about 15. My brother taught me. We have even repaired gearboxes and engines. You just have to start small. - I am just tool old working on big projects now. And, it is no fun working on a car on my own now. - I have to go and do the next car now. It is a bad one. The second car has been standing for many years.
Will catch up later. - Nick
Hi Nick,
I had to cut my post short and go straight away to collect Porscha’s medication. They think she has thyroid condition but it isn’t classic symptoms (of being ravenous hungry but being skinny). There was always a reason that explained why she was sick as I found grass, furball or lots of water in it. So she is on 2 tablets a day for life. That will be fun trying to coax her into taking it but the vet suggested hiding it in treats of chicken, cheese and primula spread (she’ll love that). And I have some special cat litter which absorbs her wee so I can get a sample to test her kidneys as she wees a lot. My initial reaction to this was panic, fear she would die, guilty that I didn’t know and should have taken her in sooner but they said it wouldn’t have made a difference to the course of action. She’s 17 now so is an old lady and I know there will be some sort of health condition. Just hope she puts on a bit of weight and stops being sick. The vets aren’t too concerned so I can relax again! Dashing off again soon to pick up my niece for swimming. Lovely and sunny / warm out there. But driving in London for traffic is just horrendous. It’s what I’m used to but it’s no fun. Looking forward to my swim.
Nick, I know working on the cars is no fun now without your bro but he would be so very proud of you for getting the jobs done. I’m so impressed with what you can do. My uncle was a mechanic and so dad knew a lot about cars. It’s just a thing now to get me from a to b. No interest in cars and if
Hi Nick,
I had to cut my post short and go straight away to collect Porscha’s medication. They think she has thyroid condition but it isn’t classic symptoms (of being ravenous hungry but being skinny). There was always a reason that explained why she was sick as I found grass, furball or lots of water in it. So she is on 2 tablets a day for life. That will be fun trying to coax her into taking it but the vet suggested hiding it in treats of chicken, cheese and primula spread (she’ll love that). And I have some special cat litter which absorbs her wee so I can get a sample to test her kidneys as she wees a lot. My initial reaction to this was panic, fear she would die, guilty that I didn’t know and should have taken her in sooner but they said it wouldn’t have made a difference to the course of action. She’s 17 now so is an old lady and I know there will be some sort of health condition. Just hope she puts on a bit of weight and stops being sick. The vets aren’t too concerned so I can relax again! Dashing off again soon to pick up my niece for swimming. Lovely and sunny / warm out there. But driving in London for traffic is just horrendous. It’s what I’m used to but it’s no fun. Looking forward to my swim.
Nick, I know working on the cars is no fun now without your bro but he would be so very proud of you for getting the jobs done. I’m so impressed with what you can do. My uncle was a mechanic and so dad knew a lot about cars. It’s just a thing now to get me from a to b. No interest in cars and if I had anything fancy it would be scratched or nicked just out of spite.
Feel better for having a break from the garden yester and today because of the drama with Porsch. And I doubt I’ll be getting much done in the thunderstorms over the weekend. Be good to have the garden soaked if it’s going to be hot. My least fave job is going round with the hose as it takes so long to do properly.
I have new additions to the arches over the lawn area where the climbing rose is so overgrown and needs structure. Always get my hair caught up in it. Need a couple more to finish but pleased with the effect. Here it is.
The climbing jasmine I had cut back has really grown thick and will be lovely when it flowers.
Finally got my other lawn path down in the orchard area
and my little fruit trees planted in.
Some of my honey bushes have withered which is a shame but I do have a healthy one too.
Must dash for swimming but just wanted to let you all know Porsch will be ok on her treatment. They said I couldn’t have known what was wrong. Doesn’t stop me wishing I’d taken her in sooner.
Will catch up again tomorrow by the time I get in.
Lots of love xxx
Dear Christine,
So pleased to hear Porsch will be ok.
Hugs to you both xxx
Hi Christine,
I’m so glad Porsch is okay, as a lady of her age can be. You can relax a bit now.
Also I’m relieved for you that your new neighbours is friendly, it was a lovely card and message you popped in her door. You deserve to have a friendly neighbour with all the weirdos you have at the moment.
Enjoy swimming with your niece.
Sending love Debbie xx
Hi Nick,
You be careful working on cars all on your own. I’m sure your brother will watching over your shoulder so you don’t overdo it.
I just have this image of you having a car jacked up and working on the brakes, I hope not.
Hear from you later
Love Debbie xx
Hello Debbie57, your image is correct, but, I also support the car with an extra stand. Also, I am not under the car. No need to worry, but thank you for warning me.
The worst is that I have to think of my brother all the time and my stomach is giving me problems. We used to work on the cars together. I miss him so much. You can imagine why I have postponed it for so long. - I have to start earlier tomorrow because it was so hot today. The wind did not get where I was working and I had to stop. Will write again tomorrow. - Nick