Wednesday, March 07, 2012


What’s been happening.



The computer packed up the day we were going to see the consultant so there was little time to fret about it.  As soon as we were seated he gave us the good news and then MTL said what a great job Mr M had done whilst Mr M said what a great job MTL had done.  I suggested perhaps it was team work - to which they readily agreed.  We had the option of never darkening his door again and leaving it to our local doctor or continuing with twice yearly check ups so we chose the latter - simply a blood test in September.  It had – after all been ‘a very aggressive cancer.’



On the way home we called at the Dragon House to book lunch for nine the day our French family leave us for a few days in London and we are joined by our Norfolk daughter and boy friend who were having a few days in Bristol.  I tried to get a special deal by limiting the choices of each course from 6 to 3.  The nice lady we saw thought that would be OK but later the boss said – in the nicest possible way ‘No!’



The French children – two teen age boys and a nine year old little girl are delightful and great fun.  Their English is excellent and I assume so is their French.  The boys used to tease me unmercifully about my French so now I get my own back by giving a tolerable impression of the eldest boy speaking English and sounding exactly like a young Charles Boyer.  D – the younger boy, we discovered has entered on the kitchen calendar their birth dates.  We always do this but hadn’t got round to it.  On December 25th he had drawn a Christmas tree and parcels – lest we forgetJ



After the initial welcome meal cooked by me. The parents took over the cooking which was a treat for us all.  Throughout the week I was given lots of advice about the computer.  I used to worry if I replaced it and all my stuff went on it – surely it would be full before I started so it was a great relief to hear how much room there is now on new computers.  Beyond fathoming.  Excellent advice from #1 son to bite the bullet and embrace windows 7.



Once our guests had bade a fond farewell we high tailed over to PC World and I bought a Lenova – because it was there.  One gripe:  why did nobody tell me that without speakers I would have no sound – AT ALL?  The workshop at Tim’s has transferred the important writing as far as I can tell.  The photos they are still working on and speakers have been ordered.  I have to relearn how to deal with photos; fortunately more family come early April.



Lovely surprise last week-end when an old friend and his wife – visiting Tintinhull asked if they could come and see us.  It was G’s birthday- we are almost exactly the same age which has always been a bond.  The three of us worked together in the theatre club many, many years ago and we had a hilarious afternoon, recalling triumphs and disasters.  They are both excellent actors and A is about to play the old woman in Alan Bennett’s ‘Lady in a Van’ – a gorgeous part.



Some sadness – one of our quartet of friends Joy, lost her husband last week after an increasingly arduous illness.  Margaret – another member of the quartet who now lives in Cheltenham, is coming to stay for the funeral.  It has been a great comfort to Joy that she and her daughter were with her husband holding his hands and communicating.

Rest in Peace dear Mike

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not much happening then.. ;o}

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's husband. I hope she is doing alright, well as alright as she can be.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Lots and lots of news, my dear....SOOOO Happy to read of the Good News about your dear MTL!! A great weight off, isn't it?

You have a really BIG Family, Pat---and what a joy that must be....! The Children and Grandchildren---a Delight!

Navigating 'The Computer Wars' is so daunting. As to Windows 7....I'm avoiding it like the plague...lol! I wish you much good luck with that, my dear....

Sorry to read of the sad news....My condolnces, dear Pat.

Pat said...

Not much happening then.. ;o}

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's husband. I hope she is doing alright, well as alright as she can be.

Anon

Anon: i don't know why your comment hasn't posted.
I spent yesterday afternoon with Joy. I think it was good for her to talk and we did a lot of that. There is so much happening just now. After the funeral we'll have to see.
If there is such a thing as a good death Mike had one. After all the suffering we think it is miraculous and it is an enormous comfort to Joy.

Pat said...

Naomi: I'm afraid there are great grandchildren also:)

Anonymous said...

You've been quite busy, but it sounds like a wonderful time.

BTW, I need a new computer and I'm dreading it. Migrating stuff to a new platform is a real pain.

Cheers.

Mage said...

Wonderful news for the two of you. Yes, I think I too would go back for checkups regularly. Congratulations on the new computer too. Yes, speakers. :) It's good to see you and read the news.

Pat said...

Randall: it's not been as bad as I feared but I'm not out of the wood yet. AND you have the kids to hand.

Mage: my last monitor was a replacement and had built in speakers and a control. It never occurred to me that this - a brand new - fairy expensive one wouldn't. Tim can'tunderstand why they didn't mention it. It's really weird not to even have the 'welcome' sound.

GYPSYWOMAN said...

so happy for the good news for YTL and you, dear lady!!!

and what a wonderful family you have - beautiful - and i know what it means as i cherish my children - and their children so - and now, as you, even great grandchildren - 3 now and awaiting the births of 3 more by summer's end!

so glad you've a new computer as well - and spring almost here to bring such wonderful sunny days and fragrant flowers!

Pat said...

Gypsywoman: lucky you with all those babies to come.
I'm feeling quite cheery having just managed to download my old antivirus programme - at no extra
cost:)

LL Cool Joe said...

Sounds like you've had a wonderful time with your family.

I use a mac, so I have nothing to do with Windows at all. Just Safari. I really love my mac.

Sorry to hear about the death of Mike. :(

Pat said...

Joey: everyone I know who has a mac swears by them but we decided it would probbly be beyond me.
Thank you.

Eryl said...

You have been busy! Good luck with your new computer, I'm sure the two of you will get on brilliantly once you've become accustomed to each other.

Condolences to Joy and her family.

Pat said...

Eryl: thanks - I hope your optimism is well founded:)

mapstew said...

I hope you get your speakers soon, there's a lot to be listening to! :¬)

Wishing you both a lovely weekend Pat. :¬)

xxx

Pat said...

Map: thank you. Hope all is well.
Tim comes tomorrow - hopefully with speakers

Unknown said...

Great news, and have a lovely break! xx

Pat said...

John: hope to continue our games soon:)