Goodbye to 2016

Hi all, I cannot believe that Christmas and all of it's shenanigans has been and gone and we are here on the last day of 2016. I also can't believe what has happened to the font on this post. I'm not sure why the font is as it appears but hope that it will right itself at some point! 

 I hope that you all had a happy time over Christmas. We had a very quiet time which, while unusual, was actually really enjoyable. We didn't see much of our family which made me feel a little sad if I thought about it too much but I hope that next year will be different again and that chaos will reign. No doubt I will then hanker for a quieter time. The grass is always greener eh? 

 On Christmas Eve I was inspired after watching a Jamie Oliver programme and so I made a glorious panettone bread and butter pudding with chocolate and marmalade....and tons of double cream....that made my house smell like a bakery. I also tried a carrot recipe which included clementine juice which wasn't so successful and pigs in blankets in a glaze of Worcester sauce and honey which was a total triumph. We went to my daughter's house in the evening and played Articulate, drank prosecco, ate nibbles and got a taxi home at 11pm which was very sensible of us i think you'll agree. *Right, I am trying to upload photos which has never been a problem before but now when I press the upload button all I get is a series of letters and numbers so something is going on here....not only font issues but photos issues too. 

 Christmas Day was mainly spent at home lazing about and eating until we couldn't eat anymore. Boxing Day was spent at Fontwell Park for a race meeting where I backed three winners, my very favourite being a horse called Happy Diva who won by a mile at 20/1 and who I only backed because the name reminded me so much of Phoebe ....well, the diva part anyway! Then it was back to ours for chilli con carne for supper.

 In the midst of all of this there was the stream of news regarding the deaths of George Michael, Carrie Fisher and then her mother Debbie Reynolds among others. This year really has been dreadful for 'celebrity' losses and George Michael dying has to be up there with the saddest for me along with Bowie and Terry Wogan. Listening to his old pop songs and then to his more recent efforts along with watching footage of him via Youtube reminded me how wonderful his voice was. Anyone who has seen his version of 'Somebody To Love' at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert back in the 90's will know what I mean. It was brilliant. 

Hubby and I also got to see Chas and Dave in Brighton. Not everyone's idea of a good night out I know but I absolutely loved it. I have wanted to see them for years and they did not disappoint. A great venue, a great crowd, a great singalong. Brilliant!

 Now we prepare to welcome in a new year....2017. This time last year hubby and I were in Brooklyn after spending a few days in New York. We were preparing to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. I can't believe that was a year ago. This year we will be at home with my daughter and her fiancé. We will eat, drink and be merry I have no doubt. 

 This year has really been the year of the twins, Phoebe and Sam. From the end of January when they were born until now it has been a rollercoaster for all involved. There has been fear, worry and anxiety and there has been joy, elation and happiness. From the earliest days when Phoebe wouldn't feed, developed reflux, threw up after every feed and was generally unhappy, from the twins going home, through their Mummy being so exhausted and overwhelmed that she couldn't function and we were all so very worried about her, to their Daddy stepping up and proving what a top man he is, to Sam being a total joy at pretty much every turn....smiling, happy and content and extra cuddly even now....to both of the twins now sitting up unaided (even if Phoebs does topple over sometimes!)...it's been quite an experience and I have felt privileged to have been a part of it all. 

My pride in my eldest daughter cannot be put into words. She has always been an inspiration to me...and to many others I am sure. Her determination to live her life to the best of her ability has not changed since she has become a Mummy. You just have to see her with her babies to see her love for them and their love for her. She battles every day to stay positive and focussed. I don't know how she does what she does but I love her for being herself. She still thinks of others before herself, goes the extra mile, is kind, thoughtful and considerate and the world would be a better place if there were more people like her in it. 

 Now I have embarrassed her and probably riled a few people without meaning to I shall end by saying: Happy New Year to all of my friends and family. Thank you for your love and support over this last year especially but in general. I wish you all so much happiness, good health and lots of love in your life. 

 To my Rosie and Harry....this year is going to be amazing. You're getting married!! 

To my Lou and Bruce...hope 2017 is wonderful for you 

To my Jack and Geo...we love you and hope all your dreams come true 

 To my Kirsty and Kev...you know how we feel. Proud doesn't cover it. 

To Robyn, Poppy, Noah, Marley, Phoebe and Sam...we love you all very much and will forever.

To Lynne and Mick...we hope that 2017 is a good year for you. Mick, you are an inspiration and Lynne, my little sister, you are amazing. 

 Finally, to my Russell, my husband, my biggest supporter, my rock...thank you for everything xxxx

 Happy New Year everyone. Peace and love to you all. xxxxx

You'd Better Watch Out, You'd Better Not Cry....!

Hi everyone,

This is my second attempt at a quick blog post in 24 hours. I cobbled together a post yesterday in the early hours and then tried to publish it without saving it. Big mistake! My dodgy iPad decided to cease publishing mid process and the post disappeared forever. Never mind. 24 hours later and I've been awake for some time so thought that I might as well have another go and here I am.

I hope that you are all well and that your Christmas prep is well under way. Yesterday we finally managed to get our tree up, put a string of lights outside and hung up some of the cards that we have received so the house is starting to feel more festive which is lovely. We haven't gone mad this year as our Christmas is going to be much quieter than our usual affair. Our children are all grown up and doing their own thing so it will be hubby, myself and the two dogs for the whole of Christmas Day. I was a little peturbed at the thought of this initially but now I think it's going to be great for a change. Just the two/four of us being able to do what we like all day, eat when we want, watch what we want and do what we want. 

The main event of the last few weeks for me has been reaching the end of my contract at my job that has caused me so much stress and anxiety over the past 3 months or so. The ladies that I worked with were/are lovely and very supportive but the job caused me sleepless nights and anxiety attacks every time that I got in the car to drive to work. I'm actually quite proud of myself that I stuck at it and got to the end of my contract when every single part of my inner self was screaming at me to get out...run away and never go back. I couldn't let my colleagues down and I leave with the knowledge that I did what I could and more to help out in difficult circumstances and that I will most certainly not be going back. Quite what I will do next work wise is unclear at the moment but I will worry about that in the new year.

Of course, the last few weeks, work aside, has seen the usual build up to the seasons festivities. Whilst I haven't been able to make it to any of the grandchildren's nativities this year, I have been to a SCBU Christmas party with the twins which was lovely and taken part in my very first Santa Run which has been something that I have wanted to do for ages......and I ran all of the 5k route without stopping! 

        5k Santa Fun Run completed.

      The SCBU Christmas party

     Christmas books for my little people

     Bella getting into the Christmas spirit......sort of!

So, less than a week to go, loads still to do but time now to do it so I'm off to make a list or two (maybe check it twice😂😂) , wrap some presents and prepare for a peaceful(ish) time.

Lots of love xxxx

The One Where We Visit Lapland UK and Christmas at Kew

Good morning all. It's just about 5.30am here and I'm doing my usual 'wake up in the early hours and can't get back to sleep' thing so thought I would blog as I have been meaning to for the last couple of weeks. As per usual, loads going on, days are full and/or I am tired and anxious about one thing or another!
Anyway, on to cheerier matters....Christmas! Yes, it's fast approaching and I have just ordered two festive duvet sets via Amazon on the spur of the moment so I'm looking forward to them arriving.

Two weeks ago I took my three eldest grandchildren and their mummy to Lapland UK in Ascot, Berks for a special treat. It was not a cheap treat and as the day approached I became more and more concerned that this might be just another one of those Christmas set ups that actually end up being rubbish and stories about them are splashed all over the local news. Well, I could not have been more wrong. What a brilliant time we had!
From our arrival at the departure centre where we picked up the children's Elf passports and collected their Jingles ( the only currency allowed in Lapland and which came in a little drawstring bag) through the the Enchanted Forest and our introduction to Elf Sage, onto helping the elves make toys in the toy factory, gingerbread men decorating with Mother Christmas, ice skating and finally meeting the man himself....the whole thing was completely magical and worth every penny. I cannot recommend it highly enough. The children, aged 7, 6 and 4, were the perfect ages for it and to sit and watch them spellbound by the best Father Christmas that I have ever seen was something I will never forget. It brought tears of pure happiness to my eyes.

One week later and it was time to revisit Kew at Christmas, an event that I went to last year with heavily pregnant daughter and her hubby and an occasion that we recall often with great fondness. Basically, Kew at Christmas is a mile walkway of lights and illuminations through part of Kew Gardens. It is magical and very Christmassy. This year it was also very busy! We went on a Sunday evening as it was the only date that we could all do. We queued to get in and we huddled along with the double buggy and hundreds of other people along the trail with little opportunity to stop. I felt a bit like I was on a conveyor belt. It was almost impossible to stop and look at the lights without causing a hold up or a bottleneck.
Last year we enjoyed mulled wine/spiced apple juice and toasted exotic flavoured marshmallows. This year we didn't have the chance to do either of those things. There was only one marshmallow toasting stall and 2 mulled wine stalls on our way around and the queues for them was causing more problems for people trying to get past. A generator had packed up on one section of the walk and so it was very dark there and the illuminations were definitely not as good as last year in my opinion.
I think that we were so blown away by it last year that it was never going to have the same wow factor this time but we all wanted to go back with the twins and especially with Phoebe who, had she been awake for more than 5 minutes, would have really lovely the visual experience. She did see a couple of the trees and was mesmerised by the lights until she nodded off. Sam was awake throughout but was tired and a little grumpy. I think we will go somewhere else next year.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

A xx

The One When Phoebe Was Poorly And Surgery Was Postponed

Hi all.

Before we start, and just to be clear, Kirsty has asked me to share this information. I think she is hoping that it will save a lot of explaining and lots of concerned (or otherwise) phone calls and texts.

Several weeks ago, Phoebe's parents received an appointment date for her cleft palate surgery which was due to take place at The Evalina children's hospital in London. This was to be the first of (possibly) various future surgeries for this little one and quite probably the most important  that we are aware of as the implications of not repairing the palate impact on feeding, drinking, speech and dental progression to name but a few things.

As soon as the date was known, Mum and Dad set about sorting out care for Sam for the duration of the proposed hospital stay, informed their various workplaces and sorted out time off, changes of shift etc. I was asked to have Sam, which I was delighted to do, so I managed to get someone to cover my shifts in one job and had to not go in to my other job which was all okayed by my bosses.

Almost as soon as the date was given, and as is so often the way, both babies came down with colds. So did Daddy! Both little ones sneezed and spluttered their way through for a few days but Phoebe was quite chesty and, as her Mummy described her, was being a 'snotbag'! Poor Phoebe!!
As the surgery date was looming and Phoebs wasn't getting any better, Mummy took both bubbas to the doctor last week where they were both given antibiotics as a precaution purely because of the upcoming surgery.

Yesterday, Mummy, Daddy and Phoebe boarded a train to London, Phoebe still sneezing and now coughing despite finishing her course of antibiotics. I took Sam home with me and the rest of the family went to the Evalina hospital where Phoebe had her pre op assessment. Apparently it was quite clear that the staff felt it doubtful that the surgery would go ahead because Phoebe sounded chesty but they all had to stay there overnight just incase she made some kind of incredible recovery.
Unfortunately, the opposite happened. She had a miserable night. She got barely any sleep and was coughing more than ever according to Mum and Dad who had to share a room with her.
Phoebe also had to be woken up and given a bottle at 5.30 am this morning just in case the surgery went ahead. She took the feed and then threw it up.
When they got to Ocean ward for 8 am as planned, the doctor and anaesthetist basically took one look at Phoebe and said 'No op today, I'm afraid'. They were very apologetic but I think that Mummy and Daddy were relieved. Having a general anaesthetic is a big deal for a child, especially a little 'dot' like Phoebe, and they want her to be totally healthy before she undergoes any procedure.
Mummy, Daddy and Phoebe packed their belongings, went for breakfast and then boarded a train home again with a promise of a rescheduled date for the surgery in two or three weeks time. Kirsty has always said that the op won't happen until just before Christmas so, as usual, she will probably be right!

I took Sam home to his Mummy, Daddy and sister and then bubbas, Mummy and I headed off to the doctor as Mummy had managed to get an appointment. Sam was checked over as he is still coughing but he was fine. Young Phoebe has a fever, a very red inner ear and an upper respiratory tract virus which explains the coughing and spluttering and her general malaise. Calpol and paediatric Nurofen is to be taken regularly for 5 days by which time she should be feeling better. I do hope so. She was in quite a sorry state today. She is so tired and feels so poorly. She just sat being cuddled by her Mummy and could barely lift her head up.

'I'm not feeling very well'.

Phoebe's Mummy and Daddy deliberately only told a few people about the surgery date, just as they didn't tell many people about the date of Kirsty's caesarian op when the twins were born, because they didn't want a lot of fuss and wanted to be able to get on with it and tell people when it was all over. Hopefully, any of you reading this will get all the info that you need for now which, I think, is why Kirsty asked me to write something. 

Sam and I had fun anyway!

Until next time.

Nanny xxxx

The One Where I Start To Plan Christmas...And So Much More!

Well, here we are again. Another Sunday, another blog post. I do hope that you're all ok and had a safe and happy Guy Fawkes night. Due to working, I wasn't able to get to any organised displays this year which was a bit sad as I do love a firework or two. The weather in this part of the world was perfect for Bonfire night. The skies were clear, there was no rain and there was little wind. Hopefully, next year I will be able to have a sparkler and 'ooh' and 'aahh' at the displays. Alternatively, maybe I'll go to Epcot or Disney in Florida and watch their nightly displays!

This last week has finally seen the settling of my dear father in law's estate after a very long, drawn out process for all involved. I never would have thought that trying to sell a flat could be so very complicated. We live and learn I suppose. Anyway, my hubby has been brilliant throughout. He has dealt with everything in a calm and composed way and has been honest and transparent in all that he has done. He has found it upsetting at times and has often been frustrated at every turn but he has seen it through and I know that his Dad would be extremely proud of the way that he has remained composed and together with very little help. My hubby doesn't often get mentioned in my blogs or get a lot of credit but he deserves a mention here for being thoughtful, generous and considerate throughout this process. We love you Grandad Fish!

                                                 Russell and his Dad who would be proud of his 'Son No.1'.

I have had today off and so I have walked the dogs twice and been to the hut for an hour or so too. All of these things were a joy, especially as the weather was so favourable. Walking the dogs is a pleasure when it's not raining. Walking them when the leaves are all falling off of the trees, when it's a bit frosty and when the sun is shining is wonderful. All of these pics were taken at Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is a 5 minute drive from our house. How lucky are we?

                                           Bella and her ball. It goes everywhere with us!

                                                 Harvey dog

As mentioned, and between dog walks, I took a trip to the hut basically to put it to bed for the winter which really means bringing home anything that is going to get damp and mouldy over the coming months. Yet again, the weather was glorious and I sat in the sun drinking hot chocolate for a while before packing everything away. A final sweep of the floor showed signs of mice which was a little alarming but everything is now packed away and any mice that are in there will be undisturbed for a while I expect although trips to the hut in the winter months are actually really lovely so time will tell.

Hot chocolate and biscuits coming up

Isle of Wight in the distance

Amazing weather for November

One last photo before I go!

This week I have been trying to make plans for Christmas and have booked a trip to Lapland UK  for the elder three grandchildren and their Mummy and a trip to Christmas at Kew Gardens which I went to last year with a very pregnant daughter and her husband and which we all adored. We hope to go this year with the twins which will be so lovely. I'm hoping to make some wonderful memories for us all. The invitations from Father Christmas in Lapland have already arrived for the children.

...and hopefully Kew will be just as wonderful as last year.

No bump this year!

 Finally, for now at least, I looked after Phoebe and Sam again in the week while Mummy went to work. It was, as ever, a joy to have them. I still have no idea how Mummy and Daddy stay so calm and unflustered on a day to day basis though! Trying to stick to any kind of routine with them is really hard for me just for a day. However, we made it unscathed through another Wednesday. Hooray!

Happy Phoebe

Smiley Sam

Remembrance Day next week and all things 'Poppy' so I'll leave you with a photo of my poppy which comes from the display at the Tower of London 2 years ago. I was honoured to be one of the many, along with my sister and my niece, who were able to take part in the event. It was a really special day. I've just got my poppy out of its box and it now stands proudly in my garden in the pot that contains the gooseberry bush from my Nan's garden. Thinking about it, maybe I should have it indoors? I'd be heartbroken if it got damaged!

Bye for now. Stay safe and be kind.

xxxxx

The Great South Run, A Birthday and Nanny Stuff

Good morning one and all and welcome to the start of winter. Yep, it's the morning that the clocks go back an hour and the mornings get lighter but the evenings get longer. I, naturally, have been awake since 4 a.m. (or is that 5 a.m.?). I put a load of washing, filled the dishwasher and fed the dogs, had a banana pancake for breakfast and am on my 2nd huge mug of tea. It's still only 7.45 am so lots of time to do plenty more should the fancy take me.

Firstly, today is the 2nd birthday of our 4th grandchild and 2nd grandson Marley. He is a beautiful looking little boy with blonde wavy hair, the bluest of eyes and a love of hats! He is a typical lad of his age. He loves his Mummy and spends most of his time with her and his family and so he tends to find visitors and people that he doesn't know very well quite daunting. I know that, before we know it, all that will change and he will soon be wanting to come to stay at our house  with his older brother and sisters. Happy birthday gorgeous Marley Moo!

This is an old snap of Marley but I love it!

      Marley now💙

Now, regarding my last blog post of a few weeks ago....I know it caused a little concern and consternation. It wasn't written with that intention. It really was just a way of clearing my head and getting my thoughts in order but thank you to everyone who was worried about me. I'm fine! I have had time to think things through and make some decisions. I have a very busy month or so ahead with all manners of commitments and things going on but I hope to be able to hold it all together without having any kind of meltdown. Hopefully this blog will be proof of that but time will tell.

I have had two weeks away from work which has been beneficial but I have not been sitting around doing nothing....at least, not very often although, compared to some people I feel positively slovenly. I have taken the opportunity to meet up with people that I have been meaning to see for ages which has been lovely. Various grandchildren have been to stay and we have visited the beach hut on several occasions too which has been a real bonus and a tonic at this time of year.

My beautiful Pops and Robyn at the local garden centre

Prosecco and the Sunday papers on a glorious day at the hut

Last Sunday my middle daughter took part in, and completed, the Great South Run which is held at Portsmouth every year. I took her to the event and drove the short trip to Southsea in brilliant sunshine. We got there with plenty of time to spare so managed a bracing walk and a cup of coffee before the event started.

I have wanted to go and support Lou in her running for ages but there always seems to be something that stops me but this time I was determined to be there for her. It was nice to spend some quality time just the two of us having a catch up without interruption. This is a rare occurrence as you can imagine for a mum of 4 young children!

I saw her set off, I saw her en route and even saw her as she approached the finish line. She did so well and it was fabulous to see her with her medal. It made me want to run again😱

                                                    Proud Mummy moment

After a long 18 months, it seems as if we are getting to the end of settling my father in laws estate. It has taken so long and has been so very stressful along the way. Hubby has done a wonderful job of dealing with everything but even he has found it difficult to deal with at times. I know that he just wants to feel that he has fulfilled his parents wishes and dealt with the situation as best as he could and he has certainly done that and much more. I know that they would be very proud of him and the way that he has conducted himself throughout.

On to wedding planning and Rosie and Harry's ideas for their big day are continuing to take shape. Yesterday they asked Robyn and Poppy is they would be their bridesmaids and the girls were thrilled. Both girls were given an envelope with a personalised invitation inside which was a lovely touch. The invitations are going to go into their memory boxes we are told. They were both then measured for their bridesmaids dresses and then Rosie, Harry and Harry's mum set off on a search for fabric as the dresses are being handmade for them. How exciting!

Kirsty has returned to work so it's all hands to the pump with childcare plans. I had my first full day with them on Wednesday and lived to tell the tale! In truth, they were as good as gold and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. I'm not saying that I wasn't tired by the end of the day, especially as hubby was away and I had two dogs to walk before and after my 'shift', but I guess at 56 you aren't going to be able to breeze through the day like you can when you are in your 30's.

                                                      Snack time

So, life goes on....thank goodness! Yes, it has its worries and frustrations. It has its highs and lows. There is always something to worry about and fret over(for me at least) but there is always so very much to be thankful for. I'm thankful everyday for my health and for my family. For me I think that should be enough.

Happy Sunday everyone. Stay safe and be kind always.

xxxx

P.S. I have this little guide beside my bed and as my screensaver on my ipad. It's just a reminder to me to actually think about things and I believe it's helping me along the way.