R.I.P. My Dear Mum

My dear Mum passed away recently, aged 93.  She had been in residential care and seemed fine physically.  One weekend morning in March I had a call from the home to say she had to go into hospital as they were worried about her cough, which she had only had for 2 or 3 days.  In the hospital an X-Ray showed that she had pneumonia.  She was kept in for just over 3 weeks and was sufficiently recovered to be allowed out again but had to go into nursing care.  I was fortunate enough to find a suitable place not too far from where we live and we got her moved in.  Mum settled well enough, though by then she was mentally very frail and had been for quite a while.  She had been there just over 5 weeks when on my visit one day they told me she was unwell and did I want her to go back into hospital.  I declined as I felt that the move again would frighten her and they agreed with me but warned that I would have to be strong and to be prepared.  She died a few days later of pneumonia.  She had been ill for 4 days.

I was with her, holding her hand, when she passed away.  My daughter was there also and  Mum knew we were both there with her.  

The Minister who tok the funeral service asked if I would be prepared to write a few words about Mum and think about reading them at the service.  At first I thought that although I could and would write something I would not be able to say it myself for fear of breaking down.  She (the Mnister) told me she would do it if necessary or be on hand to take over if I decided to do it.  I made the decision that it was the last thing I could do for my Mum and no-one else knew her as I did, after all.

This is what I wrote and read out at her funeral service:-

MARJORIE JANE PRESTON

Mum was born in Weymouth on 9 March 1922, a second daughter for her parents, Susie and Tom.  Later the family increased to 5 daughters (Barbara, Marjorie, Pat, twins Cynthia and Sylvia and 1 son Tim.  It was a loving and close family although they were not very well off and Mum learned how to be thrifty at an early age.  This continued throughout  her life.  She left school at 14 and at first worked in the local laundry.  She had a variety of jobs from then on including carpentry work in a factory during the war years where she was voted the girl with the best legs, working for Marks & Spencer as a counter assistant, helping out in the village Post Office and also was a wine waitress at a local restaurant.  She worked until my Dad became ill when she was 60, and she retired.

She met Dad on 3 April 1941 at a local pub.  He was in the RAF and stationed at Moonfleet and had gone out for a drink with his mates to celebrate his birthday.  Before he left that night he asked if he could see her again.  They married the following January 31, 1942 and were together for 40 years, celebrating their Ruby anniversary shortly before Dad died.  Mum remained a widow for 33 years.

Mum was a good homemaker, very houseproud and a great cook.  Because she had to be careful with her household budget she knew how to cook the cheaper cuts of meat and was a dab hand at roasting the most delicious brisket of beef, a skill I have never quite managed.  She also made wonderful cakes and pastry. 

Mum enjoyed her life. 

She loved gardening and took great pleasure in the birds in her garden.

She enjoyed going for walks, particularly across the cliffs and on the beach at Osmington, the village where she lived for about 40 years.

At one time she made wine, her speciality being elderflower, which she would have picked on one of her walks.

She liked to sing, not just around the house but in the local church choir and once sang with other choirs in Salisbury Cathedral, an experience she never forgot.  She was also a member of the Mothers Union and of the WI.

She was an excellent knitter and when I was a little girl she earned extra money by knitting for a pattern designer.  She also enjoyed crochet.  She did some very fine work and once made a beautiful white cotton tablecloth which I still have and use.  When complimented on her work Mum always said the skill was in the design, but we knew she was talented as well and she did win some prizes for her craft work at the WI and various shows.

She liked holidays and went abroad a few times.  The first time was to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau in Austria, another unforgettable experience for her. She loved Austria and went there twice more.  And at the age of 85 she travelled to Australia for a family visit and again about 18 months later when a new great grandson was born.

Mum loved words and until about 18 months ago she read avidly.  Her favourite author, I think was Maeve Binchy but she also read the complete works of Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy several times as well as other various authors.  She was a dab hand at cryptic cross words too, something I never really got to grips with.  She told me that the clues fascinated and amused her.    

She loved to laugh, had a great sense of humour and enjoyed relating anecdotes, even if they were against her.  One story that amused her very much was about a telephone call that she received shortly after her own mother had died.  Mum was preparing a meal one day when the telephone rang and when she answered it, a little old lady’s voice said coyly “I’ll bet you don’t know who this is”.  Mum said she didn’t and the lady said “it’s your mother”!  Well, of course Mum realised immediately that it was a  wrong number and told the lady.  Apparently this old lady had just had the telephone installed that day and was trying to ring her own daughter to surprise her.  All was explained and apologies were made and Mum went back to the kitchen only to hear the phone ring again and when she answered it for the second time she heard “I’ll bet you don’t know who this is” and she had to let the old lady down again.  We imagined that she finally managed to get through to her daughter but the incident made us laugh on several occasions.

Mum was shy, very private, could be feisty but was always kind and loving.  She always greeted me with a smile, even on the night she died.  She came from a loving family and loved her own family very much.  I never doubted her love for Dad and for me and when my children were born she was overjoyed and loved them without reserve.  When her great grandchildren came along, they too were a great joy to her.   Mum believed in God and said her prayers every day and she always included all her family in her prayers.

Towards the end of her life, on occasions, Mum would say to me “I don’t think God wants me”, such sad words.  I would reply, “of course he wants you Mum, it’s just not your time, He knows we still need you”.  Well you are with God now  Mum, and we shall have to learn to live without you.   I love you Mum.  Rest in Peace. 

 

I miss her every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Raspberry Jam in New Zealand!

Husband and I are visiting our daughter, (my step-daughter, actually) and her family in New Zealand, for Christmas.  I may say, a very different experience for us, Christmas in the warm sunshine, however we are making the usual preparations for the imminent festivities.  Except that they are a bit unusual for me. We have been jam making.

Now, in spite of my blogger name, making jam just isn't my forte.  Usually something to be avoided at all costs, as, apart from one very good batch of strawberry jam (obviously), it is mostly disastrous.  Chutney, I excel at, but that is for another time!

So, making jam.  I had been out with SD, picking raspberries from the garden when she declared we would make jam. I demurred, explaining my past history with the procedure, but was told firmly that this was easy, foolproof even and I would be doing her a massive favour if I just got on with it.  So I did!  And it was foolproof!  And the result is delicious!  I am thrilled!

I won't be changing my name of course because it's a whole story how I came by it.

 So the Christmas preparations continue, in the usual? way!  And I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you who read this a Peaceful Christmas Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

ABC WEDNESDAY - H

 

 

 

H is for Hisbiscus

 

 

 

Hosta

 

 

 

and Holly

 

 

 

Thanks to Denise and Roger and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter H, please click here.


 

 

 

ABC Wednesday - F

F is for Flamenco

On a recent holiday in Spain we went to a local restaurant for Sunday lunch and were entertained by Flamenco dancers. 

 

I realise how this next picture appears but I'm sure the only thing he was Feeling was the music!

 

I found these tiny Fans whilst we were on holiday, perfect for a handbag.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Denise and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter F, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - E

Recently our 3 Exhuberant grandchildren (ages 14, 11 and 10) were Expected for a visit.  I was very Excited.

They have plenty of Energy and Enthusiasm so Each day, quite Early, we took them out until Evening to Expend that Energy and hopefully Educate them along the way. They all had different appetites for Eating so a variety of meals was Essential.   Being Elderly (in our 70's), we were glad to Escape to our bed at the End of the day.

We had Exceptional weather Every day, the time didn't seem Endless and we did not Experience Exhaustion, (though it was close)    Their behaviour was Exemplary.  Eventually they left to return to their parents, our home felt Empty and I am Eagerly planning the next visit.


Thanks to Denise and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter E, please click here.

Donkey Derby update

Thanks to everyone who commented on the Donkeys!

The derby did take place last week, the rain held off long enough and only started again during the last race.  They managed to raise £1300 that night.  (the previous week in better weather the total for the night was £1800).  At the end of the six week season the total proceeds will be split between 3 local charities.

ABC Wednesday - D

 



D is for Donkeys

 

Each Tuesday for the 6 weeks of the school summer holidays husband Bob runs a Donkey Derby in aid of local charities.  This is the 29th year and in all that time there have been very few occasions when the event has been called off due to bad weather. 

 

Today has seen darkening skies and downpours of rain, in fact at one point it was a deluge and the streets were like rivers!  However, a few minutes ago Bob set off to see if the event could take place this evening.  Fingers crossed as it is very popular and raises approximately £1,500 each week which will be split between 3 local charities. 

 

Here is a picture of some of the donkey runners enjoying a diet of hay for their dinner (lunch)!



 

 

 

Thanks to Denise and Roger and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter D, please click here.

Another Quick Update!

I look into blogworld so infrequently now that I find it a bit difficult to negotiate my way around (or is it just my age - 70 earlier this year)!

At the time of writing it is 1.20 am.  I have got into a silly habit (not every night) of going to bed, and then sleep, at the usual time and waking about half a hour later feeling completely refreshed.  So tonight I thought instead of reading or playing games on my kindle, I would use the time to see what is happening to my blogging friends and acquaintances.  I am amazed to see how many, like me, have "fallen by the wayside", but I have looked up a few old friends and left a comment. 

A quick update on what has been happening to me and mine.

Husband Bob who suffered an unexpected heart attack in January has been signed off from the hospital.  He just has to "keep taking the tablets" and see his GP if anything else occurs.  He is keeping very well, staying sensible and pacing himself.  We had 3 of our grandchildren (aged 10, 11 and 14) to stay for a few days last week and he was brilliant.

As far as my mum is concerned - well that is a bit of a story!  On her 92nd birthday in early March I felt that she possibly wouldn't see another birthday.  She was sleepy and uncommunicative most of the time, wouldn't do anything or go anywhere.  I asked the staff at her residential home to mention this to her GP.  He is not a new doctor just new to the home as the previous one (who I never really rated very highly) had retired.  So the doctor said to reduce the dosage of the antidepressant that Mum had been on for about 3 years and I noticed the difference within a few days.  I've got my mum back, it's like she has woken up.  So now she enjoys going out in the wheelchair and in particular going onto the sea front and having an ice-cream.  There are other age issues but as I say she is 92 and most of them are to be expected. 

As for myself, I keep very well and count my blessings every day.

See you again soon!

Taken For Granted

I imagine that most of us take things for granted.  I know that I do.  And sometimes circumstances give us cause to think about that. 

Until recently husband and I have said that we know just how lucky we are to be in such good health, given that we are 72 and 69 respectively.  Many of our friends are not so fortunate and are having to undergo treatments and operations and to take all sorts of medication to get by.  We have had to do none of this.  Only the odd headache pill or indigestion tablet and our annual 'flu jab.  Until recently.  Bob was lucky that his heart attack actually occurred whilst he was in the care of the medics in the ambulance.  So now he is on prescribed medication to keep him fit and well and will have to undergo an MRI scan in a few weeks to determine what further treatment may be necessary. 

Yes, we did sort of take our good health very much for granted.  Last autumn some friends suggested that we go on holiday with them in March and we all agreed on 2 weeks in Lanzarote, the holiday was booked and the balance paid just before Christmas.  As we are hoping to go to New Zealand to see step daughter and family for Christmas 2014 we decided to wait until nearer our March holiday to take out travel insurance.  Why not, we are fit and healthy, or so we thought.  Then husband, completely out of the blue, had a heart attack.  His heart specialist has said he feels that we should not go because it is in such close proximity to the MRI scan.  So we have had to cancel our holiday and, naturally, although we have had some money back from the travel agent we did not have travel insurance and have lost about half our money!  A timely lesson. 

A few days ago, as we were sat having lunch, stepson turned up with a large bouquet of flowers for me.

What's this?  It is not my birthday and Mother's Day is a few weeks away yet (March 30 in UK).  They were to say thank you for looking after his Dad so well since his heart attack.  Obviously I thanked him very much and said how much I appreciated the thought.  "Well" he said, "everyone is fussing around Dad and no-one has asked you how you are".  

Not completely accurate but at least he hadn't taken me for granted!

Happy New Year

2013 proved to be a really good year for me and husband Bob.  It all began with his being awarded and MBE in HM Queen's New Year Honours (although we knew about it in late November 2012).  Early January saw us jetting off to the other side of the world to visit daughter and family in New Zealand as well as visiting some other Antipodean countries and returning via Fiji and the USA.  We were away for just over 6 weeks.  Then after a few weeks we had another holiday (this time with friends) in Goa thus spending the best part of winter in lovely warm sunshine whilst the UK was freezing in the ice and snow. 

All through the year we had some lovely weekends away, two more holidays (in Spain) and of course the highlight, in June, was Bob being presented with his MBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace - a very special day and many happy memories.

This year hasn't started so well.  We had a lovely Christmas with family and saw the New Year in with friends.  However on Wednesday 8 January, at around 6.30 am Bob woke saying that he felt unwell and that we needed to call someone.  After a brief conversation when he explained that he had been having burning pains in his chest whenever he walked upstairs and they were now much worse (after 7 hours sleep) and seemed also to be in his mouth and gums, I dialled 999.   The ambulance was with us with a few minutes and although Bob said the pain was now lessening they decided to take him to hospital in Weston Super Mare to be given the "once over".   Did I want to go with them?

I decided against it as I would need to get back home and would need transport for Bob anyway.  They told me to give it about an hour then ring the hospital to clarify the situation.  I went back inside and made another coffee!!  A few minutes later the phone rang and it was the medic to say that Bob was actually having a heart attack and they were now taking him to Taunton (in the oposite direction) and I should make my way there.  That was about 8 am.  I rushed around getting essentials to take to Bob, not really thinking straight, and drove to Musgrove hospital in Taunton (about 35 minute drive).  On arrival at the coronary care ward at 9.10 am I found husband sitting up in bed, quite chirpy and feeing much better.  The doctors and staff had been waiting for him in the car park, took him straight to the operating theatre and inserted a stent into his main artery, job done! Incredible.  I still haven't really taken it in.  He was back at home 3 days later. 

We cannot praise too highly the NHS doctors and staff and the ambulance crew (and the paramedic they also called to administer care on the way to the hospital) for the care and attention he was given.  His other 2 arteries aren't looking too good and he will have an MRI scan in a few weeks to determine whether or not to stent them also.  He is doing really well now and getting stronger each day.  No more pain!  He had had a bad cold over Christmas and he thought the burning pains were a chest infection and had resolved to see the doctor later in the week.  He hadn't mentioned anything about it to me!  Of course we now know it was angina pain.

We are in the second week of February and now all is well! 

I haven't posted anything for 6 months and will try to do more next year (not a New Year resolution)!

However, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Peaceful Christmas and Good Health and Happiness throughout 2014.

A Right Royal Occasion

As you know, until a short while ago I have not been posting anything recently.  We have had a busy year so far but more of that at a later time.  What I would like to tell you about now really began back in late November 2012. 

One morning, about the third week in November my husband received in the post an official looking letter.  Now these letters are not completely unfamiliar because he has, for the past 25-30 years, been very much involved in tourism and has had on occasions had correspondence with our local MP.
So he opened the letter and just stared at it, saying "I don't believe it".  It was a communication from the Prime Minister's office informing him that he had been selected as a recipient for an MBE (for services to tourism in Somerset) in H M Queen's New Year Honours.  If he accepted the honour he was to reply immediately but was requested to say nothing at all until it was announced in the London press on 29 December.  He would hear nothing further until he was sent the date for his investiture. 

He was delighted to accept, of course, and I was thrilled for him. 

We both kept the secret but on the evening of 28 December we rang our 4 children and broke the news, daring them to say anything at all to anyone else, particularly on Facebook, until the following day.   They were all thrilled too.

So the news broke and Bob received countless congratulatory messages but also contacted the investiture office to inform them that we would be away for most of the first 3 months of 2013.  He was duly sent the date of 7 June, to attend Buckingham Palace.  We had 2 months to prepare.  He was allowed 3 guests so for many and various reason he chose our daughter who lives in Stratford on Avon and a colleague of 35 years who has always been a staunch supporter of what my husband has tried to achieve.  And me.

Daughter and I had fun shopping for our outfits and a hat each!  Husband decided to hire a morning suit but stopped short of a top hat.

We made our way to London the day before and were excited to see that the Royal Standard was flying over the Palace indicating that HM Queen was in residence but the following morning the news told us that in fact Her Majesty would be visiting the BBC that day so we were doubtful that we would actually see her.   In fact it HRH Prince Charles who carried out the investitures that day (97 in total).

We arrived at the Palace in due time and showed our invitations and were able to walk through the gates then through the archway that is situated under that famous balcony.  Once inside the Palace we were impressed by the splendour of it all including the horseguards who were stood to attention at various points inside.  We then had to part company with Bob and took our seats in the ballroom (the room where the royal wedding photos are staged).  Bob and the other recipients were in a room to our left receiving instructions for when their turn came. 

It was marvellous.  Just before 11 am 5 Yeomen of the Guard marched in and took up their positions on the dais.  Then the National Anthem was played and the Prince of Wales entered with his entourage and the business began.  It was timed to perfection, each participant being presented and the Prince having a few words with each.  He appeared to be warm and welcoming and very friendly.  Finally Bob's turn and I have to tell you that I was immensely proud.  It was all over by 12.15 pm, we met up with Bob and then made our way to a celebratory lunch at a restaurant overlooking Tower Bridge.

There is so much more I could tell you but have tried to keep it relatively concise.  However, below is a photo of him with his medal, and one of the Yeomen preparing to get into their transport back to the Tower!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day

It is more than 5 months since my last post but I have missed it and was determined to find the time to start blogging again.  Father's Day is as good a time as any to make a start.

Although my own dear Dad is no longer with us I do have 4 men in my life that deserve to be greeted.  Obviously my husband comes first.  He is such a support to me and is a good hearted and caring man, to everyone.  My own son, who this time last year was forced to separate from his wife and family.  No details on that for obvious reasons, except to say that he was heartbroken.  A year on he is in a much better place, sees his 3 children every weekend and is enjoying life again.   My step son in law who was so welcoming when husband and I visited the family in New Zealand in January (more of which in a later post).  Last but not least, my stepson who is a full time fireman.  Also a caring man he lives with his wife and 2 daughter so is a bit outnumbered and takes himself fishing to relax and brings us fresh fish from time to time.  Happy Father's Day to all of them.

Merry Christmas

To all my blogging friends

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

You have all been in my thoughts even though I have not posted much recently.  I hope to be back on a more regular basis in 2013.

Night Thoughts

I'm normally a good sleeper - a very good sleeper.  Bed at 10.30-ish, read for a while and then settle down.  I usually have to get up to go to the bathroom a couple of times but get straight back into sleep and wake up around 7 am.  Occasionally though there is a night when suddenly I am awake and thoughts begin to filter in which keep me awake. 

This summer I have had family problems occupying my thoughts causing a few restless nights but  tonight (it is now 4 am and I have been awake for about an hour) suddenly my mind was filled with the children's cartoon character Pocoyo!  For goodness sake, where did that come from?  And then I remembered his friends Patou and Ellie.  A charming enough programme for small children ( I believe it is Spanish or maybe Portuguese) narrated by Stephen Fry.  My grandaughter Imogen, now 8 years old, always loved it and was always enthralled by it - well I did say it was charming. 

So I then remembered a holiday at Centre Parks Bob and I had with my daughter and grandaughter when she was 2 years old.  We had taken some DVDs with us for her entertainment whilst tea was being prepared.  Her choice was always Pocoyo so one day, feeling we really had seen enough of the dear little boy, we named some of the other choices.

Adults -  what about "Percy the Park Keeper"

Imogen - Pocoyo

Adults - or "Hairy McClary"

Imogen - Pocoyo

Adults - or "Winnie the Pooh"

Imogen - Pocoyo

Adults (desperately) - or (whatever else we had for her to choose from - I really can't remember now)

Imogen gave us a steady look and said "or Pocoyo". 

We laughed, we gave in and we watched Pocoyo for the umpteenth time.  But it was charming and I can still quite see why she loved it.

I have just sent my daughter an email to remind her of the incident which we do mention occasionally.  I do hope she isn't awake at this time of the morning though.

ABC Wednesday - J

J is for:

JACOB, my grandson who will be 12 years old on Thursday. He is still at JUNIOR school and will go to High school next year. After school he JUST likes to wear JEANS and JERSEYS or JACKETS. He writes stories in his JOTTER and loves to tell JOKES which means we all have a JOLLY time. He is a JOY and I love him. Happy Birthday JACOB.




Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter J, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - I

I am not usually INTERESTED IN sport of any ILK, almost completely INDIFFERENT to IT, but I have been so IMPRESSED by each INDIVIDUAL who took part in the Olympics and Paralympics. The Paralympians, IN spite of whatever INCAPACITY they had, perhaps because of IT, have INSPIRED this nation, INDEED, I IMAGINE, the INTERNATIONAL audience.

My grandaughter, IMOGEN IS keen on sport and fully INTENDS to work INTENSELY enough to be able to take part in future Olympics (she is 8 years old).

So, the 2012 Games have been very IMPORTANT in having such an IMPACT on the young, so bravo to each and everyone.



Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter I, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - H

H is for Hedgehog

HERE are some photos I was sent via email a couple of years ago.









It was part of an appeal to prevent HARM coming to the babies from the HAZARDS of cars. HOW tiny they are, especialy seen in someone's HAND.

Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter H, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - G

Very late with the letter G simply because I had to GO away. I went to stay at my daughter's house, whilst she and my GRANDAUGHTER went on holiday, to take care of the GOLDFISH and the GUINEA PIGS, also two cats and some hamsters. Actually the hamsters were GUESTS as their owners were also on holiday. I expect you can GUESS that I had a lovely time. The weather wasn't too GOOD but I did manage at the end of the week to cut the GRASS for my daughter thus GIVING her one less task on her return.

It also GAVE me the opportunity to travel across to see my GRANDSONS and my other GRANDAUGHTER.

I GOT back home last night.

Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter G, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - F

F is for Friends

Where would we be without them. The Following picture is of me with my First Friends



I think we were 2 - 3 years old at the time and lived quite close to each other. The Four of us used to ride and round on our tricycles for many an hour, our Feet going Faster and Faster. Fate took a hand and, sadly, I have no idea what became of them as my Family moved away from the area when I was quite small. The boy was called Roger and his Father was a Farmer. I am next to him and the other girls, Pam and Diane, were twins. Perhaps we should have been called the "Fab Four".


Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter F, please click here.