Dylan

Relaxing as only Dylan can:-) In desperate need of a haircut

Happy Birthday Judy

One of my really good friends is celebrating her birthday today.

She doesn't really the Internet much but I just wanted everyone else to know that I was wishing her a Happy Birthday and that I hope that you have a great day.

One from the Past

Well Done Tigers

What a fabulous afternoon.

Tigers played well and beat London Irish 24 - 22. Good game, with plenty of exciting play and we were surrounded by players and their families - which added to the spirit and fun of the afternoon

Martyn's Birthday & Tiger's First Home Match

What a great day.

My big brother Martyn is celebrating his birthday. Hope you have a great day and hope that you do something lovely to celebrate. Are you off to the Last Night of the Proms I wonder.



And then it is Leicester Tigers first home match - let's hope they play well and beat London Irish.

Good luck The Tigers

Stonehaven is Beautiful

Had a lovely couple of days here in sunny (very) bonny Scotland. Stonehaven is lovely and and the people are very friendly. We have worked on the new WLSInfo Charity website which is looking very exciting.
The flights up to Scotland were great and I am actually quite looking forward to teh flight back - especially as I will see all my boys when I get home.

Stonehaven. Aberdeenshire

Up here on Charity business visiting our IT Support people. Lovely people and a very pretty town

At the Thai Restaurant

In the mens. Nothing so fancy in the ladies

The Athletics Have Started - yeah!!!!!

Well at long last the athletics have started and they are looking really promising. Also still doing well in the sailing and of course the cycling. GB should win plenty in the velodrome.
Dylan, Toby & Jasper are all still doing really well and getting on fine. Last couple of days, Dylan has had a short free run in the park and has thoroughly enjoyed himself. Overall he is doing well. Three steps forward, one back so generally in the right direction.
Off to Aberdeen in a couple of weeks. Flying up on my own - gulp!! but should be an interesting couple of days. Going with Ken from WLSInfo Charity and meeting the website server people for some IT tuition
Flying from Birmingham and going via BMIBaby which will hopefully be OK.
Staying in a lovely looking place called Stonehaven and the hotel is The Belvedere Hotel

Looking forward to it but a bit anxious about the flight.

Enjoyed the Cinema Last Night

Nigel & I went to the cinema last night and saw The Dark Knight The cinema was packed but a nice temperature and we both thoroughly enjoyed the film. It is quite graphic and I certainly wouldn't be taking young children to see it, but it was a great 2.5 hours of good entertainment, with great special effects and some tremendous vehicle chases. I found it very sad to see Heath Ledger who was a terrific actor and was brilliant as the very frightening Joker - I do hope that he gets the posthumous Oscar that everyone is talking about.
Overall I would recommend it to everyone.

Four Days Post Op

Overall Dylan is coping brilliantly with his limited agility - I think that Nigel & I are finding it harder in some ways. In a strange way I think that it is helping the other boys accept him more as they view him as a poorly little boy.
Had a good BBQ a our friends in Peterborough and are having another one today with my brother - if the weather holds. If it doesn't, Nigel will be out there with a brolly and we will eat indoors.
Mixed week weather wise this coming week so let's see what it brings us.

Dylan has His Bilateral Luxating Patellas Operated On

Had to drop our boy off for his operation this morning. He was fine though hungry but managed the busy road with little trouble. Hardest point was getting him out of the car!
1415hrs - just heard from the vets. Everything went well and we can pick him up at 1715hrs.

Dylan

Making himself at home!

Home Check Tonight

Well we are getting really nervous.
We are hoping to adopt a beautiful, but absolutely terrifed,Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel, who is presently just skin & bone with no muscle at all.
He has been rescued by the most amazing rescue centre in South Wales, Many Tears and is now being fostered in Northamptonshire. He arrived with no name and the Centre called him Nobby.
We are having our Home Check this evening and taking our 2nd Carer, Teresa & her Spaniel Bob, to meet Nobby no Dobby, no, hopefully Dylan.
Please keep your fingers firmly crossed for us.

Nobby/Dobby/Robbie

Just another shot to show how thin he is. I have another one of him but it is almost too shocking

Nobby Hopefully to be Known as Robbie

We met this gorgeous little boy today. Fingers crossed and with lots of luck he may be coming to join our family

Another Week Done

I really could get use to working part time - but for full time money of course! Managed four days this week and overall it has gone well. Now, very tired but only got 3 days next week and then a long weekend off.
Nigel is also off Friday to Monday but is off to Silverstone Classic Racing for Friday, Saturday & Sunday. He is really looking forward to this and I just hope that the weather is reasonable.
Not too good a forecast for this weekend but Sunday looking better.
We have been asked to a BBQ on Sunday by our two good friends Helen & Denise. Hopefully this will be OK.
Sadly they lost their beloved Megan a couple of weeks ago. Love to you both plus Monty who is missing his soul mate terribly

MAY I GO NOW?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears. I'll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Our Weekend

Well where has the weekend gone.
Weather has been much better - got loads of washing dry yesterday.
Nigel treated me to an Nintendo DS lite and some games. Started off with a Brain age of 80yrs!!!!!, useless at Mario Olympics and what on earth is WALL-E all about.
Does anyone else think he looks suspiciously like Number 5, laterley known as Johnny 5 in Short Circuit films?

Anyway, today pootled round whilst Nigel worked hard in the garden and washed the cars. Alex, the chap next door is fed up with us as Sheila his wife nagged him into weeding their front otherwise "our weeds will strangle Pip & Nigel's new flowers" Bless.... I suspect we may be off his Christmas Card list
I will post some pictures when I can

Gallstones, Health and the Weather

Gallstones or rather the pain seems to be a bit more under control at the moment. Actually managed a couple of hours consecutive sleep last night.
Health generally pretty poor, aching joints, very painful knee, mood quite low and absolutely exhausted all the time. And I am sure the weather is not helping. Roll on some dry warm weather.

Funny however old you are, when things aren't going well, all I want is to talk to my Dad....

These Flaming Gallstones

Been quite reasonable over the weekend but absolutely pants today. Very drowsy, muffled head and lots of pain.
Ultrasound tomorrow morning. I know it won't solve the problem but feels that it might be one step closer to be getting sorted.
Roll appointment with surgeon

Countdown to 007 Quantum of Solace

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,

her favorite dress tied with a bow.

Today was Daddy's Day at school,

and she couldn't wait to go.


But her mommy tried to tell her,

that she probably should stay home.

Why the kids might not understand,

if she went to school alone


But she was not afraid;

she knew just what to say.

What to tell her classmates

of why he wasn't there today.


But still her mother worried,

for her to face this day alone.

And that was why once again,

she tried to keep her daughter home.


But the little girl went to school

eager to tell them all.

About a dad she never sees

a dad who never calls.


There were daddies along the wall in back,

for everyone to meet.

Children squirming impatiently,

anxious in their seats.


One by one the teacher called

a student from the class.

To introduce their daddy,

as seconds slowly passed.


At last the teacher called her name,

every child turned to stare.

Each of them was searching,

for a man who wasn't there.


'Where's her daddy at?'

she heard a boy call out.

'She probably doesn't have one,'

another student dared to shout.


And from somewhere near the back,

she heard a daddy say,

'Looks like another deadbeat dad,

too busy to waste his day.'


The words did not offend her,

as she smiled up at her Mom.

And looked back at her teacher,

who told her to go on.


And with hands behind her back,

slowly she began to speak.

And out from the mouth of a child,

came words incredibly unique.


'My Daddy couldn't be here,

because he lives so far away.

But I know he wishes he could be,

since this is such a special day.


And though you cannot meet him,

I wanted you to know.

All about my daddy,

and how much he loves me so.


He loved to tell me stories

he taught me to ride my bike.

He surprised me with pink roses,

and taught me to fly a kite..


We used to share fudge sundaes,

and ice cream in a cone.

And though you cannot see him.

I'm not standing here alone.


'Cause my daddy's always with me,

even though we are apart

I know because he told me,

he'll forever be in my heart'.


With that, her little hand reached up,

and lay across her chest.

Feeling her own heartbeat,

beneath her favorite dress.


And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,

her mother stood in tears.

Proudly watching her daughter,

who was wise beyond her years..


For she stood up for the love

of a man not in her life.

Doing what was best for her,

doing what was right.


And when she dropped her hand back down,

staring straight into the crowd.

She finished with a voice so soft,

but its message clear and loud.


'I love my daddy very much,

he's my shining star.

And if he could, he'd be here,

but heaven's just too far.


You see he was a policeman

and died just this past year

When airplanes hit the towers

and taught Americans to fear.


But sometimes when I close my eyes,

it's like he never went away.'

And then she closed her eyes,

and saw him there that day.


And to her mothers amazement,

she witnessed with surprise.

A room full of daddies and children,

all starting to close their eyes.


Who knows what they saw before them,

who knows what they felt inside.

Perhaps for merely a second,

they saw him at her side.


'I know you're with me Daddy,'

to the silence she called out.

And what happened next made believers,

of those once filled with doubt.


Not one in that room could explain it,

for each of their eyes had been closed.

But there on the desk beside her,

was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.


And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,

by the love of her shining star.

And given the gift of believing,

that heaven is never too far

Weather & the Driveway

Weather looking good so hopefully driveway will be finished today. So far so good. Really pleased with appearance and getting lots of compliments

The Driveway

Progress so far. Four days work and looking brilliant

Yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!I

Done it at long last. Knew I would sort it out eventually

Mobile Blogging

This is a test to see if I can sort out this dreaded mobile Blogging

Mobile Blogging

Dont know whether it's me, my mobile or my blog but I cannot post a blog from my mobile. I can if I want to post a picture but not if I just want to write.
Help........

To Prove Nigel Wrong

Nigel and I are having an extended heated discussion as to whether the newly designed roundabout has a lane specifically to the new service station. Nigel still says no. What do you think?

Partly Successful BBQ

The food was fab - well done Nigel. The weather was OK and the company very relaxing but I had next to nothing to eat and what I did came back with avengence!
The pain in my side, shoulder and back is indescribable and making me feel really nauseous. Things can only get better

Come on You Tigers

Just heard this morning that we have been sucessful in securing two season tickets for Leicester Tigers Rugby next season.
Gold tickets in Crumbie stand - really pleased

At Last 3 Hours Consecutive Sleep

Well combination of drugs seem to be doing the trick. Actially managed 3 hours sleep without waking in pain & discomfort. Feeling brighter today and hoping to get into work tomorrow - though I must watch the drugs and driving!

One of Our Hanging Baskets

One on the Eclectus's aviary

Jasper & Bayley

Tolerating one another. A big move for Jasper as he wont normally let Bayley within 3 feet of himself. Progress me thinks!

B*¥#@y Gallstones

Well Ive been struggling the early hours of Wednesday with the worst pain I have every experienced which has been diagnosed as gallstones and infection. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Any tablets not doing much for me and pains getting worse and more extensive. So ventured to ring NHS Direct expecting a long drawn out process. Anyway, first phone call at 1040hrs and by 1240hrs I had been assessed by telephone by a nurse and a Doctor and had also been seen by a Doctor in our new Urgent Care Centre
Very impressive.
More painkillers and antispasmodics and fingers firmly crossed

Mobile Blogging

Well I can do this easily with a photo but can't do it with just text. Usually the other way round!!
Still waiting for painkillers to kick in - not too bad as long as I don't move around too much.
Have a look on here and see what I'm up to

Pip Ostellhttp://www.bebo.com/pipkoi4

Perforated Ear Drum

Well wont try this again.
Due to go to GPs and an hour prior to going, intense pain in ear, side of face and down neck which lasted about 10 minutes. This gradually subsided but left me with a deafness in ear and a sensation of water slooshing around. When I checked it out - it was filled with blood.
Luckily going to GP anyway so got them to check. Full of blood, prescribed antibiotics, anti inflamortories and painkillers
Perforated Ear Drum
Got to go back next week to get it checked out
Nice end to a few days off!!

Happy Father's Day

Our first Father's Day when we will not speak. I hope you liked the card.
I still don't understand what has happened or what I am supposed to have done. However. I believed a Father's love was unconditional. Yours apparently is not.
Mine however is. Whatever you have done or said to or about me, I love you.

People Who Influence Your Life

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the words through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners . Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Second Half

At the Interval

Resting our poor botties

The Stage

Shot of the Stage. Absolutely sold out

Kilworth House Theatre

Just waiting to see Oaklahoma after a lovely pre show dinner
www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk

Teresa and Bob

Honestly she really wasn't trying to strangle Bob!

Teresa and Big Bob

Teresa and Bob visiting. All the boys getting on really well

Remembering My Darling Mother

I cannot believe that it is 26 years today since my beloved Mummy slipped in the next world, after a long illness filled with painful suffering. She was a devout Christian and for her death held no fear - something for which we, the family, were always eternally thankful for.

God made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine,
And He moulded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.

I think about you every day and miss you more today than at anytime in the last 26 years. I hope you know why
Love you
Gussie
xx

Nigel and his Friend

Nothing much to add.

Bayley

Chilling!!

Nigel and Bayley

My two boys caught having a cuddle

Spring Cleaned My Monitor Today

Why don't you.
Just click here to spring clean your monitor

Toby and Bayley

Two of my favourite boys. They shouldnt like each other really but they really do.

Bob Robinson

Bob and his Bandana from Crufts 2008

Wise Words

Lord, as I stumble through this life help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. Never let me grow so big that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and make them forget at least momentarily all the unpleasant things in their lives. And, in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: "When you made my people smile, you made me smile." Amen.

~Author Unknown.

For My Beloved Father

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