Summer Solstice Sensation

lessonlearned

Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink

I noticed today that a TV advert for a certain well known holiday/acitivity company was using a version of this little ditty to sell their wares. My OH and I agreed that the sentiments behind this were so true.

As you know my Oh suffers from a rare and degenerative neurological illness for which there is no cure .......Many of the activities, hobbies and past-times that he loved are sadly no longer possible.

He is very philosophical and is just happy to be at home. (Four months in hospital was more than enough). I think the reason that he is able to accept his changed circumstances with such grace is that, although he will not enjoy the retirement he had hoped for, we have led full and busy lives in the past. Work hard and play hard was his motto. He was a great wit, a fascinating raconteur and always the life and soul of any party.

Even when we were in dire financial straights sometimes we always managed to have fun. Those cheap holidays from the "Sun" newspaper were a life-saver when our boys were young. Later, we saved a few pennies and had so much fun from our £100 caravan - a beach and a bit of sun and we were happy as pigs in muck, as the saying goes.

As we got older and more successful we had some fabulous holidays. OH's dream was to visit China and Egypt. In 2002 we were a bit naughty and did both. I'm so glad we did - and all the other places we visited, and all the other fun things we did - the balloon trip over Bath - OH's birthday present to me for my 50th, my present to him of a drive in a Formula 1 racing car. Sadly he is no longer well enough to enjoy the fun and frolics we used to have but at least he has many happy memories to fall back on.

You never know what life has in store for you - one day everything in the garden is rosy, then out of the blue it all changes - either you or someone close to you becomes seriously ill and your world is turned upside down. So for me the words of that little ditty have a very special poignant ring to them.

As you can see - feeling a little philosophical tonight.

My advice is to live every day to the full - you don't need money to have fun, just the will and determination to squeeze every last drop out of life. Life is for living - every minute, every day. I lost my joire-de-vivre (sp? - my Italian and Spanish are better than my French) for a while but it's coming back. Let's continue on our journey to make life fab again.

Today was lovely - OH and I just sat in the garden and enjoyed the sun - whilst we could.

G.night all. X

lessonlearned

Just for Fun

I think I have one of those faces - you know - the ones that always remind people of someone else.

With my dark (now silver) hair and olivey skin and my Belgian genes I've always looked vaguely European. When in Italy, people think I'm Italian, in Spain, Spanish etc.

The whole lookilike thing first started when I was a teenager when people began comparing me to Ruth from Pan's People (remember them), Cathy McGowan and Sandie Shaw. In my twenties it was Liz Taylor and Gina Lollabridgida (sp?)

However, in the last couple of years it has been - wait for it ........Hattie Jacques (that's when I realised I really needed to lose some weight):rotfl:

Well I was mortified the first time someone said that - they must have realised I was a bit miffed because they assured me it wasn't my looks as such (ha) but rather my personality. I mentioned it to my darling sister and she went suspiciously quiet .....before admitting that yes the thought had occurred to her. Ooer missus.

Bearing that it mind, I just had to watch the play about her the other night. Well - she seemed rather sweet and, ......quite the little sex goddess on the quiet. Just wish they thought I looked like Sophia Loren;)

Anyway, what a glorious weekend it's been - as good as being in Spain.

DS2 and I gave the living room ceiling it's final going over and I even did the coving in the dining room. Mowed the lawn then sat outside with OH helping him do crosswords and quizzes. I just love to feel the sun on my bones.

Today's exercise - all that work plus a few stretches.
Today's treatment - nail & toe nail painting and a good slathering.

Hope you've all had a great weekend and made the most of all this wonderful weather.

maman

lessonlearned wrote: »

However, in the last couple of years it has been - wait for it ........Hattie Jacques (that's when I realised I really needed to lose some weight):rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I'm sure you're exaggerating there, I can't imagine you look like her in those Doctor films! Although I've never 'met' you, you definitely have a much thinner personality!!! All you have to do now is let it out, and WW is going to help you.

I've been thinking a lot about your philosophical post yesterday. You and your DH have certainly had many holidays/experiences to remember. My DH often says how we use our disposable income is all about building up experiences/memories rather than buying 'stuff' as many people choose to do. Yes, I like my home to look good, but give me the choice between a holiday and a carpet - no contest!!!

DH and I managed a walk today so that'll help the exercise routine. I am keeping up the fabness but I'm afraid mine isn't as MSE as yours. I'm off tomorrow to have an eyebrow wax. The beautican charges me about £6 but it gives me a good shape that I can keep up with tweezing for ages. Last time I went was first week in September for my nephew's wedding. On the cheapie side I've been very good about slathering myself in body lotion/foot cream. I think it must be the sun - legs have been on show these past two days!

I'm being really good on the SW plan at the moment. I've just 1lb to go to 2.5 stone and I'm getting close to my preferred weight, maybe half a stone to go. We're away for the next two weekends (not holidays as such, will explain later) so it'll be harder to stick to plan so I'm doing my best this week.

:wave:to all other ladies and lurkers. Have a good week.

MrsWoolfe

Morning all!

Sounds like everyone made the most of the weekend and the glorious weather!

I spent Saturday pottering in the garden and potting up my first lot of seedlings- still ver much a newbie to gardening so am really still just finding my feet! and spent a while trying to decide what to do with the garden, we've realised that the lawn will have to be dug up, there is just no other way of dealing with all the stones :mad: have now decided that I will put some paving/stone about halfway up as that is where the sun hits dividing the garden into 3rds 1/3 will be lawn 1/3 paving and the a treliss up before the last third which is where my raised beds will be with my veggies as that gets the most light and sun through the day...

spent yesterday staining another wardrobe and relaxing with DH made a yummy spanish omlette and we had a nice spread of cooked meats, olives, salads,some cheese and fresh bread- summer food yum!

LL I get what you are saying about working with my GP and I do intend to I think I just got so frustrated that they had insisted I go in even if I couldn't see my usual doc but she was really not v helpful at all, I actually booked a double appt as I thought it would take time to go through things with someone else, but she just sort of rushed through it all and I was out again in 5 mins ( it should have been a 20min appt!)

Did a nice deep conditioning treatment on my hair- I have long curly hair which does need a fair bit of TLC if I don't want to give Tina Turner a run for her money! didn't do alot of exercise over the weekend but was out and about in the garden for most of it and did a fair of walking on Saturday eve ( yes it was between a party and a pub and back but it still counts right?:D)

I see I have tempted a few of you onto the Bombay Duck website:o I do think they are quite reasonable though really and will really add that final wow to the room!

LL's post about living fully really touched me, it's something we've been talking about a lot recently. Sometimes I think we can get too focused on the future working hard to save up- and while that's a good thing I think it can be really easy to forget to stop and enjoy right now iyswim? most of our friends are in their early 30's and I think we are hitting the age where you stop and realise that "one-day" isn't that far away anymore, people are getting married, buying houses, talking about babies, but on the other hand we are still going to gigs, festivals, camping playing music and painting. I

t's a strange time for us all I think, I've always studied hard, got good grades and then worked hard, now I'm looking at things and realising that maybe there's more that I need from life...planning for the future is one thing, but I want to look back and now I had an amazing time so there will be more camping, more trips with friends and I'm on the look-out for some good gig's - we saw some amazing bands last year and it always give me a huge lift to see a band I love live...

crossing my fingers the weather holds out for the weekend- first camping trip of the year- around 12 of us going so should be fun!

Hope everyone is having a good day

MrsW

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Went out with Mum & Dad for lunch today, been feeling a bit guilty because I don't really get to see them too often and as they are 85 and 86 I really feel I would like to spend quality time with them whilst I still can. Anyway now I have carers I will have more time to do things like this.

They are a pair of old sweeties and get so upset about OH that I tend to try and play down his illness, well today they were having none of it so it was a bit of a sad afternoon in a way. I ended up weeping all over them, so silly, tears solve nothing.

Was nice to get "dolled up", they still like me & my sister to dress up so they can show us off.

Popped into garden centre where DS2 works to pick up an orchid plant for Mum. The place was heaving - I think everyone must be going garden mad at the moment. He'll be exhausted when he gets home - at least he's got a car again now. It shaves 1.5 hours of his travelling time - makes a big difference.

You certainly sound very busy Mrs W what with your wardrobe project and your garden revamp. When I get into house/garden makeover mode my OH always calls it "nesting". He's right of course, but I do like my "nest" to be pretty and cosy.

Glad to hear you doing so well on the fab front Maman. Who cares if you spent money on yourself, it's your money and it's so nice to go to a salon and be pampered. Anyway I think your treatments always sound very reasonably priced. I only do most of my treatments myself because I have the training, equipment and ingredients. Which reminds me I shall need to visit the hair and beauty wholesalers soon - time to have a look round and see what's new. I'm particularly interested in some of the "hi-tech" creams and treatments around now.

I have noticed something quite odd, but very nice if it's true. For the past few years I've started to suffer with swollen ankles, not just hot weather end of the day swelling - bit more than that. Anyway over the last couple of days I've not had this problem. Could it be because I've reduced my carb intake? Not sure but I'm pleased.

Just some yoga stretches today. Quite tired now, fish & chips for lunch so better make it a salad for supper. Not sure how I'm doing with WW - I think the weekend was a bit heavy on calories.

Hope the fab quest is still going well.

maman

Mrs W, sounds like you've got a great plan for your garden and your alfresco lunch sounds really lovely. What are you planning to grow in the raised beds? We had great success with courgettes last year, I've still got a few left in the freezer. Great for adding to casseroles. I've got mixed lettuce seeds all ready to plant after Easter (we're away next two weekends so wouldn't be here to look after them if I put them in sooner). I'm hoping to do 'cut and come again' with them, much cheaper and fresher than buying those bags of leaves. I'm going to do some chillis too, partly becasue I think they look pretty and because I buy/freeze them for curries and stir fry.

Sorry you were a bit weepy earlier LL, hope you've picked up a bit since. I'm so glad you've got some time to spend with your parents. I love the idea of them liking to show you off.:)

I had my eyebrow wax at £6 and then went into town and spent an alarming amount of money on myself. I started off sensibly with a skirt from the charity shop (£3.99) then I went to Matalan and got a lacy jumper (reduced to £8) then it got a bit silly. I went into John Lewis and got a stripy top/dress from Jigsaw then 2 skirts from White Stuff. Then (and that was the reason for going into town) I ordered new prescription sunglasses, Raybans:eek:

When I got home DH was delighted as he's been nagging me for ages to treat myself. I carried on with my wardrobe clear out. (9 pairs of black trousers went (4 to charity shop and 5 to bin) and various other bits in charity bag. It was interesting that almost everything that went were Asda/Matalan things. Things that are left that are now fitting me again are my nice Boden cardigans and quality jackets. I hated being overweight and would only buy a minimum of cheap stuff when I had to.

I'm tired now (all shopped out!) plus I've been dancing tonight. Sleep well all.

MrsWoolfe

Morning all,

hope everyone is doing well today, LL hope you are feeling a little better today- but sometimes a good weep can help you too-

I have to say throughout this thread I've found they way you have handled such a raw and painful experience really quite inspiring, it really comes accross in your posts how much you love your OH and I think that a lot of people would be struggling in your shoes. I think you're a :staradmin!

Maman to start with in the raised beds, I'll be putting in some sprouting broccoli, cauliflour, carrots and leeks, I do have some squash seeds ( different varieties) that I need to start and some peppers- trying to restrain myself and not start out with too many....but it's sooooo hard!!!!

I'd love to try some chilli's but that may have to wait for next year think I may have my hands full already! I will be popping down to my butchers soon to pick up some more scotch bonnets though- they are so lovely in there and have starting stocking the scotch bonnets recently- and at a fairly competitive price- I've moved from one side of the town to the other end but still go to my old butchers cause they are so lovely and I much prefer using them for meat and local veg- last time I went in he did say that if I ever had trouble getting over there they will happily deliver to me packed and labeled! how sweet is that? See it pays to be good to your customers, I'll probably keep using them for as long as we are in this area, cost wise works out about the same as the supermarket perhaps a smidge more, but the quality is much better and they are happy to give advice look out for unusual things (e.g. my scotch bonnets)...

The chilli thing came about as I am trying to recreate my Dad's famous chilli sauce- getting closer each time but think I'll always be tinkering with the recipe! I mentioned it to them and the next time I went in they mentioned that they got some and they were selling well!

Looks like the next few weeks are going to be really busy, MUST learn to pace myself, I think I just get so excited at finally having our own place and being to do what we want to it, making our home beautiful just makes me really happy....

have only lost 1llb this week but I know it kind of goes in cylcles so I'm not too worried, I really need to find my tape measure as I think that is really a better way of keeping track, on the good news front DH is still putting on the weight- has a bit of definition on his muscles now so it's all good!

Right, hope everyone has a fabulous day!!!! Am off to attack the paperwork mountain!

MrsWoolfe

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Thanks for your kind thoughts - yes I feel much better today. You're right of course, a little weep now and then probably actually helps, rather than bottling it all up and ending up with a stomach upset. Went to physio this morning.

Well Maman - you are not going to believe this, but another set of coincidences. I too have been thinking about my wardrobe and actually buying some clothes!!!

You're little haul sounds really good. And - after losing 2 stones you deserve a reward for all your hard work. Like the sound of the Raybans.:cool: Wish we had a John Lewis, lovely shop.

I agree about the Matalan/Asda/Sainsbury's/Primark stuff - they don't last very well but, like you I've refused to buy much and pay a lot whilst I'm overweight.

Anyway I've decided on a capsule wardrobe for Spring, had a good look at what I already have and added a few cheap bits to see me through for now.

I have 2 pairs of grey trousers, one pair of jeans and one multi-coloured skirt (mainly tan background). One red suede jacket, one soft grey/blue suede jacket. They are a bit small but can be worn open on mild days. One tan full length suede coat, a little "lived in" but I love it, one black velvet "Russian" style jacket, one thick grey cardi, one lavender fine knit cardi. A red fine knit v neck jumper. And that's about all that fits at the moment - apart from the joggies and manky tops - all now consigned to the pile known as decorating clothes.

I've today bought 4 white tops various styles and sleeve lengths, one red t-shirt, 1 coral coloured t-shirt and 1 denim blue t-shirt. Finally a long fine knit denim blue cardi which was reduced. I shall mix and match and that will last me until I have lost weight. Might buy some new knickers!!

Spent about £40 in all - all from Sainsburys, as well as a few groceries so qualified for my £50 spend to get the offer of 5p a litre off fuel. So - quite MSE in the end.

Liking the sound of your garden Mrs W. It is exciting isn't it, same with house projects. Well, I am just a diy/interior design junkie. I love going round diy sheds and drooling over tools and materials - I'd rather do that than go clothes shopping - at least you don't have to go into changing rooms and look at yourself semi-naked in the mirror:eek: (Well its:eek:for me).

Glad to hear that your DH is putting on some weight and muscle - I'm sure he'll be better for it. You sound very caring about him too. I do struggle and sometimes it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but that's just life sometimes isn't it. It isn't always fair and in the words of the old Rolling Stones song "You can't always get what you want".

Anyway, Mrs W, well done for losing the 1lb, bit by bit, every little helps:D

Sausage & mash for supper (not much mash but plenty of veg for me). BTW, finally succumbed - had cheese on toast for lunch, very good though, meticulously weighed out the cheese;)

By for now.

maman

Glad you're treating yourself LL. Your spring wardrobe sounds very sort of bohemian and glam.

These are my two new skirts from yesterday. Very colourful which is part of my aim to get out of the constant black! I couldn't decide between the two so bought them both! They are both lined and the darker one is a heavy cotton so it''ll be OK for spring and autumn with boots. Today I've had my nails done (another £5;)) and couldn't resist a top (again White Stuff) but this time a CS find, and I only went in for some birthday cards.:o

I'm off to Blackpool on Friday. I don't want to sound ungrateful but it's not my choice of venues. DH's elderly uncle has arranged a sort of family get together. It's quite sweet really as we're all staying in a guest house run by the (Dutch) daughter of the people he was billeted with during WW2. I've been to Blackpool before (for conferences) and the way the wind whistles of the North Sea is ferocious! Shame we weren't there last weekend. I think I'm going back into my winter wardrobe.

MrsW, be proud of your 1lb weightloss! I've averaged 1.5lbs a week since the beginning of October and now I'm just 1lb off losing 2.5 stone and loving it!

Have a good evening.:wave:to lurkers.

lessonlearned

Just a quickie.

Lovely skirts, (must learn to do pictures). Flower prints are right on trend at the moment. As you say the darker one could be worn for any season really.

Blackpool - mm - a place for frolics and fun - there's a poem about it niggling away at the back of my brain - can't quite remember - there's age for you.:D

Yesterday bought some lovely organic free range eggs from happy hens, £1-50 for six, ouch!. Anyway put them in the bottom of my rather large "handbag" - the one I use everyday which holds OH's stuff when we go out. Got home - three of them were smashed. At that price wasn't going to waste them so made myself a three egg omellete - well with what egg whites I could salvage from the bag lining:D.

Washed the lining and it came up ok. However, gave me the perfect excuse to break out one of my Scope bargains - lovely soft tan leather handbag, brand new, still with tags £7. Also picked up a nice black leather, only slightly used £3. Had them both in the wardrobe for ages - had forgotten about them.

Off to bed now.