by pennifold 29 Jan 2023

Hi gals, I've been awol for the bet part of this past week. Last weekend the 22nd was our 51st anniversary and then it was Amy's 40th on Wednesday.

As Amy and the family were away they asked me to house/doggie/kitty sit till this morning.
Today it is Mum's 89th birthday and all of the family gathered together at Ben and Mia's place for lunch.
Jewls and I collected Mum from the Nursing Home and took her out to Ben's place, Trev went in his own car and got there before us. We had a wonderful BBQ lunch and lots of cake for dessert. Presents were handed out to both Amy and Mum and we finally left about 4.45.
Trev had left earlier and the rest of the family about 4.30. It was stinking hot about 35C today and there was a massive storm as we drove Mum back to the Nursing home, which is always a welcome relief when it's been so hot.
Whilst I was at Amy's place I did some sewing, just general stuff, I cut out a circular tablecloth for Mia's kitchen table and will put some bias binding on it this week. I've got four other pieces of fabric all in blues to make and hopefully will get them done this week too. I took up a pair of Amy's lovely trousers and washed and ironed all of the washing that was left. I even ironed Steve's shirts that were hanging "crushed" in his wardrobe - I can't help myself, can I?
I've got three lovely Christmas tea towels to do this week too and as it's meant to rain I'm looking forward to doing some Machine Embroidery.
Tomorrow Mum is having an x-ray or CT scan to see how her neck is going. She has had the neck-brace on much longer than was thought - lack of communication on the hospital's part. She would have had it on nearly 10 weeks come this week!!!!
Anyway enough said, I just wanted to share some piccies with you from today. Mum's conversation is a bit disoriented these days and she's constantly talking about her dead sister and her horrible husband! And of course her Mum and Dad, it's sad to see her regressing, so we just listen and agree with her. We've told her that they died a long time ago but she forgets that and then says the same thing again the next day.
Hoping everyone is keeping warm over in America, we see you are having some dreadful storms. Whilst here in Australia we are sweltering. It's definitely climate change that's causing all this turmoil, mother nature is not happy. Love Chris

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Comments (7)

by toogie 31 Jan 2023

I always love your family pictures and catching up with you. Good to see you all together. Dana looks good and I hope she’s doing good. Ben seems happier. I’m happy for him.❤️Toogie

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by pennifold 31 Jan 2023

Ben is much happier, but do you know he had his appointment with the Registrar again yesterday and still the other party namely his ex wife hasn't done what she'd been asked to do, so no outcome once again. She (the registrar) has given the ex wife 72 hours to get her 'stuff' together. Next appointment is March. I just can't believe this - it's been 4 years this month since Ben and his ex wife separated!!!!!!!!!
Dana is doing really well and is now the Assistant Principal at her Primary school, loves teaching but hates all the paperwork and that's what all the teachers are saying!
Amy is going to gym early mornings and then having a swim. It's helping her RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and her health and well being. I'm very proud of her, can't believe she is now 40. Her cake was lovely and so was Mum's which was a blueberry cheesecake! Love Chris

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by dailylaundry 30 Jan 2023

These are wonderful pictures!! Your Mum looks so happy and so beautiful! Years ago my Aunt Tess would visit us every year - sometimes she would spend 2 months with us - we all loved it. She would always help me hang up and fold clothes - with four very active children - I so appreciated her help. So I know your daughter truly appreciates your help. I know you are having a warm summer - but, we have tons and tons of snow right now!! Hugs, Laura

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by pennifold 31 Jan 2023

Thanks Laura, yes, I keep an eye on your weather over there. It's really humid again today and I've come inside from doing some gardening dripping with perspiration!! Yuck, I don't like this weather. I'd much rather have it cold. Love Chris

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by gerryvb 30 Jan 2023

how wonderful you were able to come together to celebrate with the family. These pictures are so lovely and will be cherished ....😘 Gerry

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by pennifold 30 Jan 2023

Hi Gerry, yes, that was my intention. Thanks for commenting, love Chris

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by basketkase 29 Jan 2023

What a lovely family you have, Chris! I love seeing such close and obviously loving relationships 😍

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by pennifold 29 Jan 2023

Thanks Vicki, yes, we are very blessed to have such a great bunch of kids and grand children! Love Chris

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by dragonflyer 29 Jan 2023

Sounds like a beautiful way to spend the day with your beautiful family...

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by pennifold 29 Jan 2023

Hi Kim, it was lovely, just wish the weather was a bit more comfortable, but hey, that's January in Australia!! Love Chris

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by 02kar Moderator 29 Jan 2023

My goodness your family has been busy! Congrats to you all for achieving impressive milestones. I think now we all want to schedule you to come house sit for us. hehe And you wouldn't have to bring a machine to keep up with your stitching. I'm so sorry your mum is regressing so quickly. I know that is brutal to experience. Hopefully, your mum will soon lose the collar and feel much better. Keep making these wonderful memories and experiencing the milestones.

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by pennifold 29 Jan 2023

Thanks dear Karen, we are doing our best in trying to get Mum as settled as possible. Can't wait for this morning (it's now 7.30am Monday) to get that collar off. I'll keep everyone informed of her progress. Love Chris

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by asterixsew Moderator 29 Jan 2023

Welcome back Chris. I had been aware of not seeing you here but looks like you were having fun. I bet Amy just loves having you to stay if your cleaning and ironing. Your family picture looks like fun has been had by the family celebrating the birthdays. I suggested to one of my daughters that I kept a sewing machine at her house for the many times that I spend there. The other has her grandmothers machine, not that its used much. The weather in my bit of the UK is currently mild and most enjoyable. I do hope that your mums neck brace is removed soon.

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by pennifold 29 Jan 2023

Hi Caroline, yes, I've been flat out, "like a lizard drinking" (which is an old Aussie saying, he he he!)

Amy misses me doing this, but this past year, as you know has not been an easy one for me. I've been so tied up with Mum and so I know what Suzanna is going through with her sister. It's like having a baby!

We had a wonderful day and Mum loved being with everyone, albeit conversation was a bit disoriented. The kids all know that Great Nanna Pat is not like she used to be and they are all very tolerant. It was tiring for her though and as soon as we got her back and dressed for bed, she climbed in and was nearly asleep about 5.45!!!

I like your idea of leaving a machine at your daughter's place, I hate having to move my baby!! Love Chris

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