Just a heads up because I have been keeping mine down.

I really don’t know where to start but I feel if I don’t start soon I may just melt into the ether and I don’t want to do that!

Perhaps if I just go chronologically things might become clear to you and hopefully to me .

6th September we dropped Ruby off at an “almost sister’s house” to stay for four nights while we were away.

7th September we headed for London, west London to our old stomping ground to meet people we have known on and off for over 65 years. We were meeting up to scatter the ashes of our bestman Bob.

© willowdot21

There were eleven of us present , Bob’s ex-wife and his only son amongst the number. We met at the park at the bottom of the road he grew up in until he married and moved out.

© willowdot21 Bob Last year.

After scattering the ashes we went for a pub lunch and reminised a lot more.

8th September we were packed and picked up my sister and her husband and drove up to Norwich for our niece’s wedding. Late afternoon we arrived at our hotel, after a long and very wet drive. We had a coffee then went to the station to pick up my eldest sister and bought her back to the hotel.

Then we heard the very sad but not unexpected news that our Queen Elizabeth had died. We had a long reflective and chatty dinner.

I was born in 1953 , a few months after the Queen’s Coronation. Therefore the Queen has been the figure head to the background of my whole life. We all knew she would not live forever but , old and tired and yes indeed her hands in the photo of her meeting Liz Truss, our new Prime Minister, looked very bruised, suggesting she had had a canular fitted. Even so her death came as a real shock.

One of my brother’s received a M. B. E. From the Queen, for recognition of his Army Career and service to his country. I saw the lovely photos of him, his wife and daughter at the Palace. My sister Frankie accompanied her husband to a Royal Garden party. We also saw lovely photos of that occasion too.

Apparently the road my family lived in when I was growing up was often used by the Queen on her way to Heathrow Airport or London Airport as it known then. This was before the M4 motorway was built. One day my mum was out walking with me in her arms. The Queen’s car went by, my mum lifted me up and she said that the young Queen smiled and waved…. I was too young to remember.

thank you for your service mam 💜

The 9th of September dawned bright and we went out for a walk after breakfast we found our way out to some woods and found a very spooky looking building which was an Asylum in its day. We met a nice young chap who told us all about the place….he was a painter and decorator and was working in the building behind which is a prison for the criminally insane…..

© willowdot21 .

So then back to the hotel to get ready , then all five of us squeezed into the car…not really it is a big car! Off to the wedding and the heavens opened! ..it rained all through the service , canapes and drinks and the meal and speaches finally it q I’ll cleared up to a lovely evening!

The wedding started normally enough, a friend of the bride was playing the piano beautifully when suddenly she started playing Darth Vader’s theme from StarWars. Low and behold Four Star troopers, Boda Fett and Darth Vader walked up the ailse , apparently they were there so Darth could claim the bride . Thankfully the Groom and Groom’s men successful saw the interlopers off. The service then continued without a hitch!

© willowdot21
All the while the rain was relentless. © willowdot21

Now rain at a wedding is supposed to bode good luck and happiness. It also brings rainbows which are definitely a good luck sign 🌈.

Lots of love for Steve & Sarah. © willowdot21.

10th September we packed up and after breakfast we took eldest sister to the station then went back to pick up other sister and her husband for the journey home. Another long day. In the evening we went and got Ruby back she had had a great stay with her new friend Bo, nearly sister’s new dog .

© willowdot21

Sunday was washing, dog walking and housework and reading book one of a two book series which you will hear more of soon.

Monday 12th started a week of Drs appointments , phone calls, and the like, hubby is still not well and having trouble with his ears and hearing and other worrying things. We have had our seasonal flu jabs and we booked up for our Covid booster. It’s all go here.

Shopping, helping family and neighbours also filled the week, the weekend was busy too and all the while I wanted to blog but just could not settle to it. There were a few family birthdays three infact!

Then Monday 19th was The Queens funeral and yes we watched it for most of the day. It was meticulously done and really very touching and beautiful. The Royal family really had a very long and exhausting fully of emotions and even tears for their beloved, Mum, Gran and great Gran….Rest in peace Marm you have done your bit.. God Save the King, Charles 111.

R.I.P. Elizabeth.

So here we are halfway through another week and all I can ask is that you could be patient and I will try to catch up …as soon as I can.💜💜💜

Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 412 BEAST and Steam.

Haiku Challenge
Ronovanwrite’s .

Yesterday we went to a gentle soul’s funeral. He died too soon, too suddenly but he did not leave this life without touching so many. Go safe Bob.

******

Death is the cold beast
No one ever escapes him
As old as the Earth
We can let off steam and scream
No one ever escapes it.

******

Part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Haiku, though I needed to say more , so I wrote a Tanka.

What day is it Anyway. Saturday 4th July, Sunday 5th and Monday 6th July 2020.

Why is Linda hosting this post.

She said.”Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

Why am I writing this post ? 

Because it’s day ? since we have been told by Bossa to stay home and socially distance ourselves. We are all in different circumstances and yet we are all in the same boat.

Well I don’t think I want to live forever but I would like to live a little longer….maybe a lot longer. Non of us are immortal and after MIL’s passing losing friends over the years it brings it home to you. One day the boys are going to be the ones to step up to the plate and deal with our funerals.

Now Hubby and I had sorted out a funeral plan for ourselves and we have paid up front, about four years ago. When my sister Mary died, she had arranged every aspect of her funeral and the wake and it made things much simpler and less painful.

It’s not morbid really, we decided we had done our wills ages ago why not make it easy for the boys and sort out our funerals too. So it’s been sorted for s couple of years now.

We could never get Hubby’s mother to sort her funeral or arrangements out infact she would get down right hostile about it! It was a great deal of work to sort it all out…. So we decided to sort ours out. Hubby did his on Friday. He designed his order of service, his music and poems and speeches. So I thought I am a captive patient at the moment so Saturday afternoon I set to and have organised my funeral too.

Like hubby,order of service, music, and where I would like my ashes scattered. ( In Pitshsnger Park Ealing London with Hubbys) I, like Hubby want a simple humanist service with a Celebrant. Up beat an hopefully happy.

We are hoping that this way it will be easier for which ever of us goes first and ultimately easier for the boys …. It is not what any of us want to think of but it will make life a lot easier for those we leave behind. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it.

I have thought long and hard about what music I want and come up with these. I want to go in to Canto Della Terra by Andrea Bocelli

No hymns instead The prayer by Donna Taggart

I have written a thank you note to everyone and asked God / Gaia to look after everyone left behind . Instead of a prayer I feel it’s more heartfelt. I don’t want them feeling they have to say a prayer by rote.

I am going out on a high note with Sia’s Your Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.

I was tired after that so I was in bed by 9pm but I was in a lot of pain so I could not sleep but I got through the night. As it was the 4th July both Independence Day film were on , I couldn’t concentrate so we recorded them to watch later.

Sunday 5th July 2020.

Awake at stupid o’clock, my wound was really sore and I had a thumping headache. I had a paracetamol and that helped a little. I rested in bed until 1pm then got up , Hubby and I had a walk round the block to keep my legs working… I rang the changes and wore a different long scarf to hide my bag.

© willowdot21. “Today Mathew I am going to be Sandy Shaw.”

We had a quiet afternoon and at 5pm we went out and clapped for the NHS’s 72th Anniversary and to wave to our neighbours. I was a little disappointed as not many bothered to come out but that’s their choice , those of us who did showed our gratitude.💜

We had our weekly video virtual get together with our friends up the road, it was hilarious as usual. I was tucked up in bed again by 9pm. It took me ages to get to sleep but eventually I did and I slept better and woke up in less pain.

Mondy 6th July

Awake at not so stupid o’clock, and was feeling marginally better. Hubby walked Ruby and did the housework. I rang round and found a dog groomer who would cut Ruby’s claws for us. She has long quicks in them and we don’t like to risk hurting her. I did get her an appointment and hubby dropped her off there and waited while she was done. It only took 5mins and then he took her on for her afternoon walk.

It’s been a quiet day of mixed weather, we have heard from the boys and one of my sisters. I ached today so after dinner I have asked hubby if we can do a walk around the block to ease things up.

That’s about it for now. I hope you are all feeling good, sending hugs to you all.

Time for a happy song.

This is part of LindaGHill’s #WDIIA ?

Be Healthy
2 metres
Be brave, Be safe.

It’s been a long day.

It’s been a long day, a three hundred and seventy odd miles round trip. Left home at 9am and 8.15pm return.

We lost a very dear friend in this last fortnight. Today was his funeral and we had to travel to Devon to attend. It was a long day, a sad day and also a celebration of our dear friends life. His coffin entered to Tina Turners Simply the best, we were invited to sing Westlife’s You lift me up and There is a green hill far away (Hymn) and after two very poignant eluegies he left us to Always look on the bright side of life. Which sums him up perfectly.

So that’s why I have not posted or hardly commented today it’s not that I am ignoring you guys I have just been otherwise involved. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow. Love to you all. I am so tired I am off to bed. Normal service resumes tomorrow.💜

If we were having coffee: Farewells , Funerals and Life

If we  were  having  coffee:

If we  were having coffee:The  weather  is  getting  distinctly  wintry, fogs, rain, frost  and  cold so  lets  all go inside  and  be  comfy by  the fire. Paul  and I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

Do join in

If we were having  coffee: I would have  to  say  take  me  as  you  find  me, don’t  get  me  wrong  I  am delighted  that  you  have  all come. I truly  look forward  to  these  gatherings they  are one of my  weekly  treats. The  truth is I  am not  fully  recovered  from  the  funeral.May I  speak  a little of  it? Has  every  one  got  the  drink of  their  choice  and  a cake  or  biscuit, I  am having  a  hot  chocolate  with brandy.

If  we were having coffee:  We all arrived  on  the  Monday, while  some of  the  family  where  clearing out  M’s  house and  belongings  hubby  and I  had  the  better  task  (  though in  truth  it  was not  a task  at  all in fact it  was  a real pleasure ) of  entertaining  my cousin  and her  husband. We went  for  a walk along  the river  and  talked  about  M  and  the  family, my  cousin’s side  of  the family  ( my mum’s) then  we started on Grandparents  and  great grand parents. In  the  evening  we  all  went  for  a  meal in  a local  pub, it  was strange  to  feel  so happy  and  to  have  all brothers,  sisters,  in laws, nephews, nieces  and  children  tight  around us. Why  had  we left  a gathering like  this  until  the  night before  the  funeral…. why?

The  day of  the  funeral  was heartbreaking.  I accompanied  my  sisters  and one  cousin  to  see M , I could  not  stay in  the  room where  she  was  laid out in  the  coffin.  It  hurt me  so  to  see  the tiny  empty  shell, all that  was left of  my  beautiful  sister. Then it  was like  an interminable wait  until the  actual  funeral. I was grateful  that  all three  of  our  sons  came  they  were  a great  comfort  and  support. They  made  the hubby  very  proud.   Nine out  the  thirteen  nephews, nieces  and godchildren came  to  the  funeral, a  testimony to how much  she was loved. The  church  was  full  and  everyone  stayed  after  for  tea and  refreshments, so  many  people  and  they  all had  lovely  stories  to  tell us  about  our  sister M.

In  the  evening  we  all went out  for  another  meal  to  celebrate her life. There  were  more of  us  there  that  night  and  again  it  was a happy  occasion we  all told  stories  and  shared  memories . I did  wander if  this  was right  to  be happy  after  a funeral. Then after  some  thought I realized  that Mary  would be  so happy  that  we  were  all together  and  happy.

If  we were having  Coffee : Well another  cuppa anyone? I promise that  even  though  I  am still reeling  from  all of  the  above  I  shall not  mention it  again, unless  asked I know  it  happens  to us  all and  that  it  happens all day  every  day  but  it is  the  first time I  have lost  a sibling.

If we  were having  coffee: I  would  say  that  the  rest  of  this  week  after  Wednesday have  past , shopping  , cleaning, going to  the gym, cooking.  I have  made it  thus far and  no  doubt  I  shall come out  the other side  and get on  with life.

We have  also  over  the last  month  had  a  new  kitchen  installed, it is  beautiful and  when I  can  concentrate  on  it  I  shall show  you  it… it is  not  finished  yet.

wpid-img_20151107_144457572_hdr.jpg

Part of the new Kitchen

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: GET WELL SOON PAUL

Get  well soon  Paul

Hello  everyone  I  am sorry  to  announce  that  out  dear  friend  Paul Curran  is  not  well enough  this  week  to  host  his  own  If  we  were having  Coffee get together. I am sure  you  will join  me  in  wishing  him well  and  a speedy  recovery. Now  all of  you  are  very  welcome  to  join  my  gathering. I cannot offer  you  exciting  and inspirational stories  or  the  funny  antidotes  he  comes up  with, mined  from his  rich  and  amazing life. I can however  off you  coffee cakes and  more  and  a  warm  welcome and  chit chat.

If we  were having coffee:The  weather  is  getting  distinctly  wintry, fogs, rain, frost  and  cold so  lets  all go inside  and  be  comfy by  the fire. Paul  and I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

Do join in

If we  were having  coffee : I would  tell  you it has  been  a very  busy  week  full of  funeral  and  floral arrangements, my  sister M’s  Funeral is  this  coming  Tuesday. It  has  been a  very  sad  time  full of  lovely  emails  and  phone  calls  from all types  of  people  who’s  lives  she had  touched.

If we  were having  coffee : I  would  ask  you  what I can  get  you  to drink or  eat, and  say  lets  change  the subject. As I  was  saying it has  been  a busy  week  but I  did manage  to  take  Thursday  off  and  go into  the  nearest  town  with  my  friend L , we  a  bus ride, and  a coffee  and  cake  and  a long  chat  setting  the  world  to rights. We also  went  to  the  gym  twice  this  week and on Friday  I  went  back  to my  Pilates  class, I  have  missed  two  weeks  ( since M died  I  just  could not  get on  with  the normal ) Slowly  I  am getting  there!

If we  were having  coffee : It was  Halloween this  weekend  and I  can  tell  you now  that  it is  getting  really  big  business over  here. Suddenly  it is  very  popular  and  everyone was  busy  celebrating it ! Here  are  some  amazing  photos from one  of  my  neighbour’ s   garden!

IMG_20151030_202514

Scary in the dark!

IMG_20151030_200520073

Witches to greet you

IMG_20151031_103633900_HDR

Inviting you to lunch!

IMG_20151031_103702677

I think they have been waiting a long time

IMG_20151031_103709818

The warthogs look better fed

IMG_20151031_103714590

Don’t recommend the service here!

IMG_20151031_103717913_HDR

OH! the witch is off!!

On  an  other  more  serious  note ,  some  of  the  costumes  being  sold  for  children  to  wear  are  extremely  dangerous  and  children  have been seriously  burned. So  there  are  campaigns  for  safer  costumes  that  are  fire  retardant. Read  here  and especially  here  . Not  nice  so  be careful  out  there!

If we  were having  Coffee: I would have  to say  that  I really  have  to  go now  as  today  has been  a mish mash  of looking after  unwell cats, and  my  friend  who is having  problems  with  her  daughter. If  you  remember  I have  written  about  her  problems  and  the hospital  she has been in and out of . All I can do  is  listen  and just  be  there  for them  when I can.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

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