Here comes the peloton 

Go girlie go! 

Emma Pooley at the front 

 Here are some more photos from Sunday. There are more on facebook if you would like to see them.

Yesterday was exhausting - sitting in our Olympic nest watching - rowing, swimming, diving, equestrian and gymnastics. I am sure my blood pressure will be very high on Friday when I go to have it checked!

In the sunshine 

and the rain! 

Today Josh and Debs move into their new flat in London. They have to drive through London in a van! Hopefully they will be doing it when everyone is in their events.





I am getting ready for our full house tonight. We will all be here ready for our early start tomorrow to the rowing where we hope to see team GB get medals.




My knitting is coming on well. I am knitting a jumper for Ed - it is huge! It will certainly be a warm jumper!








I hope you are all enjoying the Olympics. Do let us know your experiences - it is wonderful to hear other peoples stories and see their photos.

Ed Chloe and I in front row by large union jack flag 

 Yesterday I went to the Olympics - wow! It was SO brilliant! We stood on butterfly bend on Boxhill and watched the womens road race. For those of you who don't need details you can stop reading now! 


But for those of you who like details here we go! I hadn't expected to go to this but Ed and Chloe went on Saturday and then had a spare ticket for Sunday and we decided to give it a go. We left at 6.50 to catch the train to Dorking Deepdene. It was a beautiful sunny morning. We arrived in Dorking at about 8.00 and walked to the base of Boxhill where we were about 20th in the queue. We settled on our picnic blanket and Ed went to find coffee. A wonderful start to our day. At about 9.45 we were allowed through the security checks which was very well organised. All the checks were carried out by very cheerful air force. Ed then left us and raced up to the lower climbs of Boxhill to get a good spot. Chloe and I walked much more slowly to meet him. He managed to get one of the best spots on butterfly bend and we spread out our picnic blanket and settled for the long wait. The crowds all around us were very jolly, cheering as anyone came up or down the road. We were directly opposite a speaker who was giving us information before the race started and then commentary as it took place. Ed had brought a wonderful big flag which we attached to the rope in front of us. We picnicked, chatted to people around us, did crosswords and sudoku and looked up the details of the racers on Chloe's ipad. At 12.00 the race began in London. The commentators did their best to try and bring updates but as for Saturdays race the information coming to them was very patchy. Thankfully I had Theresa, Kit and Josh onto it and they were sending us updates that they were seeing on the TV.  The time past reasonably quickly until we heard thunder overhead and the heavens opened. Luckily just before we left we decided to bring 'wet' trousers and umbrellas. As only we British can everyone just snuggled up and got on with it! Eventually we had signs that they were nearing us. The number of police on motor bikes increased and the first race cars appeared. Then a helicopter flew overhead. We all stood up and the cameras appeared. A long line of cars all with bikes or parts of bikes on their roof racks drove up tooting their horns and waving - the neutral cars and officials. Then more police on motor bikes and then we could see the tiny figures of the girls on their bikes riding up the hill. It was wonderful to see one of our girlies at the front of the peloton. The sound of cheering was deafening. It must have been like a wall of sound to the girls as they arrived. A long line of team cars followed the girls - all with bikes on their roof racks. There was then a gap back to the chasing group and then to some individuals who must have been very encouraged by the cheering they got as they came up the hill. We settled back down again for the wait for the next loop. We could hear the cheering of the crowds above us at the top of the climb and we could just see the helmets of the girls as they cycled up the hill. It was lovely to know we had a second chance to see and take in the spectacle that is the road race. It didn't seem long at all until the whole thing began again, neutral cars, police outriders and then the helicopter. This time I put my camera away and just enjoyed watching it all. Later I will post more pictures from Ed and Chloe's camera - I was just using my phone. The top picture was a screen shot from the internet that my clever husband managed to download. 


Once the girls had passed us for the second time we collected all our belongs and walked quickly (well as quickly as 15,000 people will let you) down the hill to the pub we had seen on our journey to Boxhill. They were showing the race on a big screen. We squeezed in with lots of other people to watch the end of the race. If a crowd of people could have willed a cyclist across a line it was us! The noise of cheering as Lizzie crossed the line in second place was amazing. A silver medal - well done Lizzie! 


We then walked slowly back to the train station - quite weary but very happy. We queued for a couple of minutes and then caught the train to Wokingham (well we thought it was going to Wokingham - but it terminated at Guildford so we had to change - this was the only disappointing part of the whole day and was just a minor hiccup). We arrive home exhausted but so happy that I had been to the Olympics! 


The organisation and planning of the whole day was excellent. We have written to congratulate the team who organised the event. Everything was wonderful - great organised queuing, drinks and snacks available, clean toilets to use and water available to fill up your water bottles when ever you wanted. Wonderful cheerful security and volunteers all along the roads and in the venue. The only thing we would have liked was a screen to watch the race. 

Wonderful to see our GB girlie second 

Today I will be recovering in my Olympic nest and preparing to repeat it all on Wednesday when we go to the rowing. Ben is off to Brighton to help Debs and Josh pack before they move to London tomorrow.  Chloe will be sharing my nest along with Papageno! The Olympics have really begun! 

Here they come 

Our lovely Olympic tea! 

 It is 6 am and I am awake having woken with Chloe and Ed as they leave for the Road Race. They are very excited. They are well equipped with food and flags. 


The opening ceremony last night was amazing. It was poignant, imaginative  and crazy with wonderful music. So many surprises topped by the lighting of the cauldron in the most perfect way. I felt very proud to be British. We had a lovely party and all enjoyed watching the ceremony. Ed's step dad captained the GB hockey team when they won gold in 1988. 

He was invited to be part of the team that supported the passing of the torches to the young people in the stadium. How amazing to be part of it. The flag we have hanging in our lounge is his flag which he was given when they won gold. How lovely to have a bit of the Olympics here with us. 

Chloe and Ed 

So to today - come on Cav. I will be following the road race cheering on team GB as they try to secure the gold medal for Mark Cavendish. They will cycle past Chloe and Ed 9 times. I am hoping they get good photos. I will do a little bit of tidying after last night and then sit in my nest and watch. 

A proper Olympic flag 

 I am excited for the Olympics to really begin. 


Tomorrow I am hoping to go to the womens road race. Chloe and Ed will suss it out today. I would love to be able to go - we shall see. It is walking up the hill that may not be possible. 


I hope those of you going today have the most wonderful time. I will be cheering loudly from my nest - because that will make all the difference in the world!!! 

Chloe's nails

So tomorrow the Olympics begin. We have decorated our lounge and made our Olympic nest where we will sit and watch. Food is made ready for our Olympic party tomorrow evening. We even have Olympic cup cakes. I have bought the radio times with a guide to every day and highlighted the main events. We have flags. We are set! I have been quite tearful remembering being in the hospital and feeling really sad that I might not be alive to see this and here I am. Chloe finishes work tomorrow afternoon and has 2 weeks holiday - perfect timing. Paul is promming but will be back probably in time for the opening ceremony. I have my knitting and sewing ready.

Tomorrow I am flower arranging and I have an eye appointment. I will also do some cooking for our party. I am one happy bunny!

We are nearly there - 2 days to go. I feel very lucky to be able to block out this time to watch the Olympics. I now also have the opportunity of going to the road race on Sunday. Chloe and Ed have tickets to watch the road races at Boxhill on Saturday and Sunday. I am very tempted to try and go but there is a hill to climb and I don't do up!!!! We have decided to see how they find it on Saturday and make the decision then. But we are going to the rowing next Wednesday which will be very exciting. Josh and Debs are moving on Tuesday and then coming to stay here on Tuesday evening as we have to leave at 7 in the morning. Chloe and Ed will be staying too - so a full house. As you can imagine I have printed off all information regarding the rowers we will see - thankfully we are seeing some finals including the mens 8s which will be very exciting. 


I am sorry for all those of you who read my blog and are not at all interested in the Olympics. I think you will find the next 2 weeks very boring! 


Today I am off to help my friend sort, with a little trip to water the flowers in church. They will be very thirsty after this hot weather. I continue to sort boxes here as well. So many lovely memories  flooding back. 


My leg is now much improved. Obviously just a pulled muscle. It is a nuisance to have to worry about such things but it comes with the diagnosis! In August I have renal and oncology reviews with their accompanying tests; blood tests and a mammogram. It has been really nice not going to the hospital for a while. I am also seeing my GP next week - we continue the search for the right balance of blood pressure tablets. I take 3 different tablets to control my blood pressure each with its own side effects. The balance is to control my blood pressure whilst causing the least side effects - something we haven't managed yet. 

I have just been listening to Jenny Joseph's poem - Warning. I am thinking that I will practice today - wearing  purple, learn to spit and go out in my slippers! You can hear it here - 


http://youtu.be/8cACbzanitg


I am loving the sunshine - what a joy. Ben loved it too much yesterday and is now a wonderful shade of ... red! Not the ideal way to look when you are going to your first day of work experience! 


Yesterdays final day of the Tour de France was amazing. The last 1k was so exciting. Chloe and I were yelling at the TV (as if this would help). I would love to be in the Champs Elysees to see the end one year.  It is wonderful to be able to say that - one year! I am starting to think of a future that includes me. But I am hoping that I never lose that sense of joy in life that I have gained by this journey. There is so much to see and do every day and I want to grasp it with both hands. I hope I never lose the wonder of 'my one wild and precious life'


“When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms. 

When it is over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument. 

I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.” ― Mary Oliver

"When suffering shatters the carefully kept vase that is our lives, God stoops to pick up the pieces. But He doesn't put them back together as a restoration project patterned after our former selves. Instead, He sifts through the rubble and selects some of the shards as raw material for another project - a mosaic that tells the story of redemption.

" Ken Gire

My flowers - still a work in progress but I am enjoying learning. 

Sally's lovely altar flowers 

I am so aware that when God stooped to pick up my pieces  he did so very gently. He is putting me back together slowly, taking his time to place each piece where he wants it to go. Sometimes I am aware that I fight and say - no that's not the plan. That piece should go here but I am sure that God's plan is so much better than mine. I am impatient! 

I am so happy to see the sunshine today. At last maybe summer is here. I am very glad for our church holiday club starts tomorrow and having over 300 children in tents in the rain is no fun. My prayers are with you all. 

Today Chloe and Paul are going to Guildford to pick up her stuff and then on to Wisley for lunch. Chloe has one more week at the GPs in Aldershot and then 2 weeks holiday. Unfortunately she has to clear her room for the 2 weeks - What a pain! I am going to make space for the stuff coming back and hopefully fit in some reading on my swing seat before watching the final day of the Tour de France and the last day of the British Open.  What a lovely day!  My knitting is coming on well. These are some booties that I have just finished. I am really enjoying being able to knit again. I am hoping to do lots during the Olympics and to finish my patchwork cushion too.  There will be plenty of time while I try to watch everything!!! I am so lucky to be able to put aside the time to see it all. 

The works of his hands are faithful and just;

    all his precepts are trustworthy. 

⁸ 

They are established for ever and ever,

    enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. Psalm 111v 7-8

This is the God we pray to - he is faithful, just, trustworthy and upright. He is and was and is to come. He is good all the time. 

Last day of term for many of you. I can hear you drawing a huge sigh of relief and then a deep breath as you think of 6 weeks of children home! I have always loved the holidays - my children are real home birds and have loved being at home. It is so lovely seeing Ben relax (he broke up on Tuesday) and he is so chatty. Next week he has work experience in London which will be an exciting experience - we hope! 

Today I am flower arranging, sorting (oh it is taking me a long time to sort as I get so distracted by the things we are sorting which need reading and memories discussing), knitting, Tour de France and golf watching. Ed has introduced me first to the Tour and now to golf. I have really enjoyed watching the cycling - not sure golf is my thing. 

I am very happy to see the sunshine - looks like a good weekend ahead. I hope you all have great plans. 

Great evening yesterday with our house-group. R and M are lovely hosts. They also have very beautiful chickens. I wish I had taken a picture for you all to see. They make such a sweet noise as they are pecking at their food. It was also lovely to meet up with G for  coffee this morning  - she really made me laugh. I am so glad she is part of my life. 


Today - coffee at school, buying flowers for arranging and more sorting. I am very glad to see the sunshine - it looks like we might be having more of it next week - yippee! I am to be a proms widow from now on - the Proms season has started and Paul is off to see his second one today. However Chloe will be back tonight and Ben is here so I will have company. 

Lovely to see the sunshine yesterday - I sat outside with D to have our coffee. The first time we have done so this summer (or what used to be called summer). Hopefully we shall see more sunshine next week. 


I have done something to my leg - I can't work out where or what all I know is that it hurts. Pain anywhere is a bit scary but in bones is very scary. My thoughts fly so quickly to thoughts of secondaries. More practice for me of capturing every thought. I expect it is just a pulled muscle or something - we shall see. This ride never stops! 


Today more coffee with another friend and a meal with house-group this evening. 

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time and yesterday was one of those days. We went to a concert at Ben's school and it was fantastic. The standard of the boys playing and singing was amazing. It was also a wonderful mix of many different types of music, from classical, Irish folk, a fusion of Adele and Indian (sounds very odd but was surprisingly good) and jazz. The highlight for us, of course, was Ben singing - I must have been the proudest Mum in the room! He sang - 'He ain't heavy, he's my brother. with the backing of the senior choir and it was wonderful. It is now locked away in my memory bank with all those other precious memories that our children provide us. It is extra special as 2 years ago Ben was in a very sad place    and now to see him singing so beautifully and so happily. We are truly blessed. 


Chloe managed to make a dash from Aldershot to see Ben too and just managed to arrive as the concert started. She had a slow but steady start at the GPs. 


Today I am having coffee with a friend and sorting boxes. We have emptied one of our loft cupboards and I am now in the process of sorting out boxes. We have made keeping boxes for each of the children which just need adding to. I also have a box full of memories - I sat reading letters which Paul had sent me before we were married; thinking that young people nowadays won't have these. I also found my diary from when I was about 14 - full of teenage angst! Interesting as Paul's teenage diaries are all full of what he had to eat! It is lovely looking back on the childrens first pictures ect.... 


I am SO excited that the Olympics are nearly here. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be one of the athletes who have dreamed of this moment all their lives. Josh and Debs saw the torch going past their house this morning. Josh was delighted as he managed to see it before catching his train to work. He is finding the commuting hard - very long days. It will be much better when they have moved - although I think the travelling will still be difficult for a while as they move during the Olympics. 

 

We have had a busy but lovely weekend. Chloe and Ed came to stay for the whole weekend which was really lovely. Friday started with flower arranging which is such a peaceful way of spending a Friday morning. Ladies bible study lunch/breakfast was great fun with a lot of laughs. (See picture below of us all in our jamas) Not sure how we will top that next year! I so love this group of ladies. 


On Saturday we went to The Crowthorne Flower Festival - it was really lovely. My photos don't really show what is was like as I have taken photos of all the arrangements that would be suitable for church arrangements rather than the more unusual displays! The smell in the church was wonderful - from so many flowers. They also had some quilts and some embroiderers. Chloe had a go at lace making - it quickly came back to her .(My Mum had taught her how to make lace years ago) So when we got home all the lace making stuff came out of the loft and Chloe set to, to make some lace. Mum had collected lots of bobbins from visits to many places so it is wonderful to see them being used. 

Whilst we were in Crowthorne  we popped into see the church we got married in. Unfortunately it was locked so we had to just look through the windows. The memories rushed back - just standing there. We will have to go back some time when it is not locked. _ what a shame that we have to lock churches these days! 

We have been following the Tour de France which is fascinating.  I do so love learning about new things. Yesterday it was great to see the spirit of fair play being upheld by the riders after tacs were found on the road causing many riders to have punctures. 

Sunday saw us all at church and then home for a chicken pie made by a joint effort in the kitchen. Chloe, Ed, Ben and I all made lunch together which was fun. 

This morning Chloe has headed off to Aldershot for her first day with her GP. She will be there for 2 weeks. She is trying commuting from home. Tonight we are going to a concert where Ben is singing - I am really looking forward to it. 

Please see last pots for great news! We are going out for a meal to celebrate - with vouchers!

Today - flower arranging, ladies breakfast - in jamas at lunchtime! Hopefully photos later! Chloe home this afternoon. Flower festival tomorrow. All is well!

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3 v 20-21 


Today Paul had a phone call to tell him that his job is safe. We are still unsure how this has happened. Apparently 2 people have been moved - not quite sure how or where! This has meant that they can now keep Paul. His boss had been in the process of preparing an application stating why they couldn't lose him but in the mean time this has happened. As you can imagine we are delighted. I have regained my lovely life and we have learnt some invaluable lessons which hopefully we won't forget. We take so much forgranted. 


Another lesson in trusting - He is faithful. 

Stewards waiting early morning 

Nicki Whiteman of Radio Berkshire broadcasting from beside me 

Here it is at last 

 Wow! I did it. I saw the torch come through Reading. It was an early start but I am so glad I went. I got there before most of the crowds and asked whether 2 torches would be meeting along Broad Street. A lovely lady organiser said that she couldn't tell me but if I sat just outside John Lewis that would be a good place! So I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat and watched the day unfold. It was a perfect place for people watching and before long I was joined by Nicki Whiteman from Radio Berkshire. She was very chatty telling me about her day yesterday with the torch and her husbands day - he is a police officer and he had been out on the streets. The time past quickly watching the stewards getting ready and the crowds arriving. Soon the torch bearer arrived with her torch and was greeted by her family. She walked around waiting for the flame to arrive giving lots of people the opportunity to touch the torch. 3 police vans drove through closely followed by the outrider on his bike. And then the cheering began and the banging on plastic drums which had been given out to the crowds. There were children waving flags and balloons and enough people to make a crowd but not too busy so that people couldn't see - perfect. Lots of men were there in their suits on their way to work. 


The lady carrying the torch along this stretch was a 73 year old who had had cancer. She had been nominated by her daughter : "Mum is a warn embrace and shoulder to cry on for friends and large family alike."

It was so lovely to see her proud smile as she carried the torch. I was so glad to be in such a great place to see it all and so clearly without any pushing or shoving. 


It is a moment I will treasure for ever. Another forever memory. 

Bike outrider 

2 more torch bearers 

and there it goes 

So thankful for new days and God's hand guiding me. I have just looked back to 2 years ago when I had not restarted chemo after my renal failure. I was concerned that if I couldn't have chemo I would die. I am so glad that they changed their minds and I was able to have the 2 lots of chemo because here I am 2 years later alive and SO much better. I am living a near normal life - well as normal as I will ever have! 


A quiet day today after a busy one yesterday. Paul has just 3 weeks left at work. So it will be all change again as we readjust to that for a while. We are praying that he will be able to find just the right job at just the right time. (My right time is after he has done some painting of our downstairs! His right time is after the proms!) We shall see. 

 Goodness me I can't believe these photos were a year ago today! I have just watched a photo sequence I made last year and cried all over again - remembering what a special day it was. I am SO glad I was well enough to really enjoy the day. It was magical! 
Debs and Josh spent a night at The Hilton in Brighton on Friday evening to celebrate. Life is busy for them now as they get ready for their move to London at the end of July. It will be so much better for Josh then rather than the long commute he does at the moment.  I am looking forward to seeing their new flat. 


Chloe surprised us yesterday by arriving - driving Ed's car. Ed has kindly put her onto his insurance and she is going to take her test again. It is now a race between Ben and Chloe to see who can pass first!!!!!! 

She has a scary week this week - in intensive care and supporting the crash team. I expect some tears, but a great experience for the future. 


I am off now to make cakes, before the day really begins!  

Today church – I am doing prayers. Then slow roasted pork for lunch with Chloe, Ed, Ben Paul and I. Lovely! Then tennis – COME ON ANDY!

This week –

v     Hoping to see Olympic Torch relay in Reading

v     Cooking for Strawberry tea

v     Strawberry tea with our older ladies and gentlemen

v     Tutoring

v     Leavers concert at school

v     Hydrotherapy with a friend

v     Flower festival

v     Breakfast lunch with ladies

v     Flower arranging

A steady but busy week.

Guess what - it's raining again! Surely we have had enough rain now! We need sunshine. 


Yesterday was busy but good. I managed to fit in everything that needed to be done and felt quite glad when it was all over. What was extra good was I managed such a busy day after my busy day at Slimbridge. Very encouraging to know that I can still do more and more.

The flowers look really lovely in church this week. In summer we are spoilt for choice. It is such a joy to be doing flower arranging - learning a new skill in peaceful surroundings with lovely friends - perfect.

Today - a quieter day catching up on home stuff. Putting away the ironing I did at the beginning of the week! Might need ironing again!!!! Watching the tennis - glad there is a roof on centre Court! Looking forward to tomorrows tennis - although will we be able to cope with the tension!

Slimbridge from tower - including flamingos 

Nene - who fed out of my hand 

 These photos don't do justice to the wonderful day we had yesterday or show the variety of different birds we saw. Kitty had a much better camera and hopefully will send me some of her photos later.

We had a great time - much helped by Kit's friend Sally who acted as guided tour. It is a really wonderful place to visit and is great for children.

I saw so many different birds that I hadn't seen before.

Bewick's swans with Dougal 

Signets and many others 

Otters showing us that they can climb trees 

We also saw otters who put on a performance just for us - climbing tress and swimming under water below us.
It was also lovely to meet up with kit's other friend Bex who works at Slimbridge.

I am now going to be obsessed with birds for a while so that I can name more of them when we go next time.

I will add more details in my next post but I need to be off this morning to shop before doing flowers before ladies bible study. Our last study before the holidays - where has the time gone. Next week we meet for breakfast in our PJs at lunchtime! And yes I do think there will be photos!

So today I stop - I am exhausted again! I do love my busy days but....... 

My GP and I had a good chat about my blood pressure tablets and side effects and we have decided to try changing them. I take 3 different tablets to control my blood pressure (one of the functions of the kidney is to control blood pressure) all have side effects and you have to weigh up the pros against the cons! I am changing the one which seems to give me the most difficulties. We shall see! Thankfully my blood pressure was quite good when I went to see her so no big concerns at the moment. 

Paul is immersed in meetings about redundancy and getting a new job. It is hard to keep on being reminded of what is happening. I am already fed up with looking at the prices of everything!!!!! I know I should have always been doing that. In Tescos on Monday I looked at some of the people shopping and thought that this has always been their life and I have been so lucky! Shopping takes sooooooooooooooooooooo long when you have to check all the prices! 

Goodness this is turning into a poor me post! Really there is nothing poor me about my life. It remains wonderful - a life full of joys. I have so much. 

This picture was my lovely goats cheese salad on Monday evening - very yummy. I also had some illegal chips! Good food, lovely location and great company - what more can you ask for. 

Tomorrow I will be sharing my lunch with swans, greenshanks, redshanks, flamingos, godwits, avocets, sandpipers, grebes, little egrets, etc..... I need to get my bird book out so that I will know what I am looking at. I must remember my binoculars (thank you CA) Expect photos in the hundreds! Probably of dots on the horizon! I will also be sharing my lunch with Kitty! 

 Yesterday was yet another day full of surprises. It is good to go looking for joy - because you will find it. Sometimes in unexpected places. 


Church was lovely and we got to meet Miss Sophie Grace for the first time. She is SO beautiful. I am excited to see what God has in store for her. 


The drive to Guildford was fine - just a bit of scary lane changing near Bagshot! I haven't had to change lanes for over 3 1/2 years! I was very glad to be able to do it. 


It was good to be able to see where Chloe is staying and we popped into the hospital so that I can imagine her there. 


Then we ticked another cathedral off my list! Guildford Cathedral is a rather ugly building from the outside but it is stunning on the inside.

 Beautiful pale stone work and long arches complemented by simple but beautiful stained glass. They have some lovely art work dotted around the cathedral. It was very peaceful walking round - only a small handful of visitors. We also had our own organ recital -  an organist was practising for some of the time we were there. 
The flowers - as ever in cathedrals - were very beautiful. I did wonder what their flower budget was and if they had new ones every week. It would be lovely to be able to do flowers in a cathedral - with a lot of help of course! What a privilege to have such lovely flowers to work with. 


Then the unexpected bit of the day - a Teddy Bear shopping opportunity. I am not sure what to call it. maybe you all know about  these bears and their owners but it was new to us. Charlie's Bears. They had taken over the refectory at the cathedral. Charlie's Bears are collectable bears - all handmade - with rather expensive price tags. 

 The refectory was full of about 150 - 200 middle aged women clutching these bears - like children. They were stroking and cuddling them as if they were real. It was quite, quite weird. The bears were very lovely but.......... Chloe and I were both amazed! 


My drive home was also fine - just one point where I stopped thinking I had gone the wrong way but it was fine. I was very, very tired when I got home and I fell asleep watching the football! 

 Today - coffee with a friend, shopping, ironing, tidying, tutoring and a meal out with bible study ladies this evening. 


 This week I have Dr's appointment hopefully to sort out my BP tablets, tennis watching, helping a friend sort, a visit to Kitty's and we are going to Slimbridge, flower arranging and bible study. A steady but busy week. 


My hand is firmly being held as I trust for the future. I am having to keep remembering He is in charge. It is so easy to listen to the whispers of fear that creep into my thinking. 


I am realising how easy it is to spend money - it will be very good for me to think much more carefully about it. It is all the little things we spend which we or certainly I  don't need but just make life pleasant.