big Week

Been a very busy week for yours truly,, 3 BIG things happening / have happened which I would like to share, and partially explain my absence from here and my room recently:-

1) On Monday 8th April I start a new job. Sadly, for a few reasons, the position I took with a warehouse storage company when made redundant has not worked out, and I have not been happy there the last few weeks. Anyway, long story short - on 8th April I am back doing what I know best - bulk distribution. I shall be working in the transport office for a large pallet delivery company - Palletforce. ..money is good, hours are quite long but I am used to that, and most importantly, the atmosphere feels good and I have already met my new work colleagues.

2) Some will know I am planning to move house,,,, well, total 360 degree change of plan. When push came to it, I just did not have the desire to leave where I am, and where I have been for a good few years,,
The thought of leaving, while initially exciting, was depressing me. In the last 25 years I have been forced into many house moves which I really did not want but, for various reasons, had no choice in, well, this time I decided to, for once, let my heart rule my head, and am staying where I am for the foreseeable - it makes no sense other than sentiment, memories and just, well, this is a home, not a house....just hope I don't regret this...

3) The 3rd big thing to happen this week is,,, some will know I have the most gorgeous black cat in the whole world "Mariette", well, as of Friday she now has a housemate - yes, we are now a 2 cat family. Yesterday evening I brought home "Coco" from a cat rescue centre about 30 miles from here. I saw her picture on their website and it was love at first sight, lol..
Mariette has been really good about our addition, after an initial "huffy hour" she is now acting like an older sister or mother to Coco and they even shared her cat bed,,
Only problem now is, my daughter wants a puppy!!! How do I tell her that would be worse then World War 3 breaking out,,,,,

Thank you for reading Jx

Show Night

i am just back home from a night out - those that know me will know I rarely go out in the evenings, maybe 2 or 3 times a year - so quite an evening for me. My eldest daughter and me went to a show at the Ipswich Regent - we saw the act, Fascinating Aïda. If you do not know them, please google them, they are just so funny!
"
3 ladies, 1 in their 50's 2 in their 70's.. who sing the most outrageously funny, rude and just downright funny songs you will ever hear, i...incredibly rude, obscene, not blue, but purple, but done in such a funny way you just could not be offended

For example, we were in stitches as the leader of the trio, Dilly, now in her 70s, sang " Please don't be a cu*t at Christmas"... straight after that classic "Dogging" song,, please you just have to google these songs - they are filthy, rude, dirty,,, but as I said, done in such a funny way you just cannot be offended... please please do google their songs, you will love them

The highlight however for me was when they sang the Status Quo classic "Rocking all over the World" can you imagine ladies in their 70s dancing on stage to this rock classic,,,, honestly, tears were streaming down my face - I can only hope and pray I have that energy, and fun in my body when I am that age,, they were just brilliant.

Now Im back home,, 3 and a half hours out on a Saturday night, a taxi into Ipswich Town Centre, mixing with strangers, a packed venue,, afterwards walking back through town centre on a Saturday night,,,

Okay to nearly every one else that is mundane, but a huge event for myself,, I do not expect anybody reading this to understand, but I just felt so,,, can't think of words, umm, so, just normal? well I know what I mean,,lol

What a really enjoyable night, I am buzzing, .. I just do not want this evening to end,,,,

Jx

Abba Concert Day

Abba Voyage Show day out,

The day has finally arrived , Saturday 24th Sept 2022, me and my other half 2 tickets to see the Abba Voyage Concert in London,,, over a year since I was lucky enough to book tickets.

I have spent weeks planning this, taxis booked, train times, meals, concert arrival time, what to wear, etc etc,,, A military operation could not have had more planning time and effort put into it, everything planned to the last minute,

Train arrived at Ipswich station on time, but immediately all my planning is thrown to pot,,, “Engineering works means train will terminate at Colchester, then bus journey to Ingatstone, then another train journey to Stratford” ,,, No need to panic I think, being me I had built in a 2 hour “safety window”.. We should still be fine,,, (I hoped and prayed trying to convince myself),

To be fair, journey went like a dream,,after train, bus, train journey we are in Stratford, London, at about 1pm,, Concert venue is in Pudding Lane,,, A 25 min walk from rail station, or 3 minutes on London Overground LDR line,, no contest,, we went looking for LDR line,
Not sure if you have ever looked for LDR line, but after studying one of those maps at the rail station for 10 mins we decided we need the light blue line, (thank God we are not colour blind). And surprise surprise we got it right,, problem now was “where do I buy ticket?”.. okay , after making myself look about 20 years behind times I realised you do not buy tickets anymore,, you use your contactless debit card,, well no one told me,,, I havent been on a train since 2012!

Now about 1.50pm, concert starts at 3pm,,, we are sat outside the Abba Arena having a drink and I am in Abba Heaven! Everywhere you look people are arriving in hundreds, dressed in the most outrageous Abba costumes, boots, hats,,, blond Agnetha wigs,, huge flared trousers, and that is just the men!
It honestly is one of the most amazing sights I have seen,,, so many Abba fans, not dozens, but thousands, all singing Abba stuff, dancing, comparing outfits,,, this is just mad,, but, but,, I just cannot describe it, i look at those around me,,, men and women, from teenagers to those in their 80’s. I truly have walked into another world and I am loving every second,, trying to hold back tears,, I’m overwhelmed,..

2.30pm, we have spent 30 minutes talking we so many people we have never met before,, atmosphere is just incredible, everywhere are Abba look a-likes, posters, souvenirs, we make our way into the arena, quickly and easily find our seats,,, I’m so happy, we have great seats, great view, show about to start…..

OMG,, 2 hours later,, I cannot put into words the last 120 minutes,, If you have seen this show you will know what I mean, it was just everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be x 1000! I know these were holograms, but,,, no way were they holograms in my head or the heads of 2000 others. I honestly could not tell they were not Abba from 1979 ,, totally incredible.

I will never find the right words,, I have danced in my seat, danced in the aisles, sang at top of voice into the Abba drumsticks I bought outside, Those that know me will never believe that shy me, who never goes anywhere there is crowds, acted like this. It was like being drunk without alcohol, just indescribable!

And the most unforgettable part??? About 2000 totally mad Abba fans, all singing Mama Mia at the tops of their voices, accompanied by 4 the Abba members, all linking arms, hugging strangers, crying tears of happiness,, I just will never ever find the words to describe this feeling,, just, pure out and out happiness and joy! For 120 minutes the real world did not exist, Everyday worries like, utility bills, interest rates, work, health worries, do not exist.

I have made so many new friends, swapped email addresses,, people a few hours ago I had never heard off I have now sang with, danced with, cried with, unashamedly hugged.

Train has arrived back home, it is raining, seems fitting,
Have I dreamt the last few hours? Did I really travel back to 1979?, Did I really sing at the top of my voice in the aisle by my seat?
I check my phone, there is a message from Anja, a 71 year old lady who traveled from Denmark for the concert.. I met her there,we swapped numbers, she saw Abba last in 1977 in Bremen,, we compare notes of our day via text,,..I now have proof, I didn’t dream today's events, they did happen, Anja has confirmed it!

Only 1 thing remains now,, book a repeat trip,, no way is this going to a one off,, I shall tomorrow book for next year,,, and to all who read this,, you just have to do so also,, it rates as one of my top 5 unforgettable days ever,, (after wedding, daughters births and daughters wedding) now where’s my diary?... ohh, maybe a pre christmas visit next time,,, Jx

The day has finally arrived,,,,,,

Well, the day has finally arrived,,,,,

Just over 7 months ago sadly my M.I.L passed away,, months and months of sorting paperwork, house insurance, banks, direct debits, savings, magazine subscriptions, car selling, removing clothes,, etc, etc, etc, etc,, lay ahead,,seemed a never ending task,,,
Fast forward to today,, Just about all tasks have been competed, my solicitor advises Grant of Probate should be complete in approx 10 days,,, sale has been agreed on house,,
Today is a BIG one,, I have hired a house clearing company to assist me in clearing the house from top to bottom, with the plan being, by tomorrow evening, just empty rooms remain,,,

I arrived at the property at 7.30am today to meet “The team”.. Ohhh, 4 beefy guys, all in shorts,,, (sorry I digress), we walked around house, came up with a plan of action,, and, as in best British tradition, I put the kettle on,,, lol
By around 10pm,, all the items I had agreed to sell to the house clearing company had been identified, boxed as necessary, and were removed to one of their 2 vans parked on driveway

Another cup of tea followed at this point, followed by stage 2 of our 3 part plan of action,,, A number of items I wanted to be moved from M.I.L’s house to mine,, e.g. Welsh Dressser for kitchen, 2 wing back armchairs, book case, TV Stand, 2 bikes, 2 garden benches, etc, etc,,, these were loaded onto van, and off we went in convoy to my house - about 2 miles away - and the unloading was carried out,,, now around 1.30pm,, so time for a cup of tea and one of the many chocolate biscuits assortment I had brought with me, - have to keep the workers happy!

Cuppas finished, small talk made, me being teased by team of workers over my choice of hat for the day ( lime green baseball cap) it was onto stage 3 of our plan,, the bit I had been dreading, The removal, clearing of everything remaining in house,, old pictures, dinner sets, holiday souvenirs, beds, bedding, tv sets, cooking utensils,, just a mountain of items worth nothing in monetary terms, but priceless in terms of M.I.L’s memories, and now, all this was to be thrown into a number of black plastic rubbish bins for disposal,,

It is a horrible feeling knowing that something loved and meant so much to one person, you are now condemning to landfill,... but do it I had to,,, watching her favourite dinner set been thrown unceremoniously into a bin, yes, I did shed a few tears,, in her memory, which was spotted much to my annoyance by a couple of new workmate friends,, and so they decided it was a good time to stop for a cuppa and take a deep breath ( and make more fun of my lime green baseball cap),,,

Okay, now 4.15pm, we have finished for the day,, all M.I.L’s remaining possessions lay in a countless number of large black plastic bins,, only the bed, mattress and an exercise bike remain upstairs,,, tomorrow, at 7.30am, my new mates will be returning to take away the bins, bring beds etc downstairs, load onto van,, they estimate after the morning cup of tea at 7.30am, all will be complete by about 10.30am,,,

An odd feeling now, me and my husband sat looking around house now,, a house though not mine I have spent a lot of time in, Christmas dinners enjoyed, Birthday parties, Childrens parties,,
Now,, it is a shell, it is no longer a home, it is a house,, and there is a huge difference, believe me,,,,

Ohh well, time moves on, we move on, a very hard day, a very tiring day, but thanks to the tireless efforts from 4 new “ friends for the day” a day that has to be considered a successful day.
Jx

Birthday treat

So, Tuesday 15th June is my Birthday, sadly I cannot get this day off work, so had today off instead and have just been taken out for the day as a Birthday treat.

It was kept secret from me where we were going,,, now I know, and what a lovely day it has been. We were booked on the " Felixstowe, Harwich, Shotley" Ferry... The sun was shinning in a cloudless sky as we set off,,,

We joined ferry at Felixstowe and it sailed the short distance to Harwich. those who know me will know my love of antique shops, and Harwich is full of them,,, so it was a lovely 90 minutes spent browsing these shops in Harwich before returning to the ferry.

Ferry then left Harwich and made it's way up river to Shotley. Only a short distance and very soon we were sat in the garden of a lovely pub in Shotley enjoying a scampi and chips lunch (and a small glass of wine).

Lunch enjoyed it was then a walk along the coast at Shotley, watching the boats arriving and departing, before it was back on ferry and a return to Felixstowe to complete the triangle.

A lovely, wonderful, peaceful and enjoyable day that was over all too quickly,, If any of you ever find yourselves in Suffolk and looking for a great day out,, take the Felixstowe - Harwich - Shotley ferry.... Okay you need the weather, we certainly had it ( I wouldn't fancy doing this in February, lol), just a lovely day out,,, Jx

continued.......

okay,, update to previous blog.....sun shining, had a long sleep, so today I have to get my arse in gear, go to M.I.L's house and start to find necessary documents, clear fridge, freezer, etc,,,, dreading it.

This was never going to be easy, that I knew, but I have a friend with me to help, 2 cars and feeling strong,,, update later....

Well, started this blog about 10.30am, now back home, it is about 4pm,,, have to say that went a million times better then expected or could have hoped.
The contents of M.I.L's fridge are now in my fridge or bagged and binned, freezer stuff I have left for now, but teabags!!!! 3 boxes of Yorkshire Tea, each containing 240 bags now relocated in my cupboard, I will be drinking tea for weeks! I must admit, it doesnt feel right taking all her food, I feel so mercenary as I load food tins, boxes of cereal, washing powder, 36 toilet rolls into car,, but I keep reminding myself it is this or bin!

The biggest shock was upstairs. In bedroom opened wardrobe, about 20 - 30 shoe boxes, all so clearly labelled, "gas" "electric" "NHS" "council tax" etc.. wow!!! never seen such organisation,, put me to shame.
Gas bills going back to 2008,,,, EVERYTHING kept and so clear and easy,, a box for every utility, share certificate, bank, receipts... suddenly my dreads and fears have lessened, and armed with the latest utility bill from each box, I can now start contacting the relevant people.

Still months of work ahead... how do you clear a house? my husband is an only child so all is now his to keep or not, but as with many older people, the sentimental value of possessions far outweighs the market value, and hard as it is to accept, you just cannot keep everything!
House clearance company? maybe an "open auction"? big skips and enlist help from friends? probably a combination of all methods but just cannot see how to move forward now for a couple of months due to Covid restrictions.
So, immediate plan, is register death, arrange funeral. sort out finances, then move onto house clearing and selling, maybe in late spring.....

It has been a very traumatic last few days, but amazing how suddenly when faced with no choice you find an inner strength to just be practical... now totally shattered but feel huge progress made today...

difficult times

I havent been around too much lately as I simply have been very busy. why???? well,,,,,

As you know I am still legally married, and my Mother in Law is like my 2nd mother, lovely lady... On Wednesday she sadly passed away. I got the message while at work and left work immediately. My "husband" is in pieces, understandably, and has taken it very badly, as have I, like I say, "my 2nd mother". I had to deal with ( as he just couldn't!!!!) police, coroners, paramedics and even removing jewelry from her dead body on Wednesday, I still dont know even now, 3 days later, how I did that..

My "husband" has asked if I can take over all the details, arrangements, etc,, as he just cannot handle it. Okay, I will do that as I loved her, but oh,, where do you start??? I was up till about 3.30am on Wednesday googling what to do, sorting out and freezing her bank accounts, drafting emails to utility companies,drafting a "round robin" email to send to those friends of M.I.L who the news has to broken to, and, well, just finding out,, "what I have to do now " so much,, tax, pensions, council tax, NHS, insurance companies, DVLA,etc, etc, etc ...etc let alone register death and arrange funeral, which I cannot start until coroner releases body.. house to be sold, cleared...it will take months,,, so daunting..

I am a practical person, and I will draw up a "plan of action", checklists, and over weeks start to tick them off... but first most important job.. explain to my 6 year old daughter how her so loved Nan is now with the angels,,,
So, I may be missing on wire a fair bit over next few days, weeks, but thats life (or not!) and sadly something that has to be dealt with...

Day Off Work?????

Hi All Friends. It has been a while since I posted, so here is another offering - you may run now if you wish, lol.

I have a day off work today, so finally I shall do something about that ripped piece of wallpaper on stairs.
It has been like that since my now sadly departed, so loved, dog (Jasper) acquired a taste for wallpaper, and I just didn't have the heart to remove a memory,, daft soppy cow Jules.

But, today is the day to finally do something about it. Dressed to kill in old jeans, old top, flat cap,, i set to work with the steamer about 10.00am.
Why is it in my life things never go plan??? by 10.45am, with my arms burnt several times by the steam, I came to the horrible, inevitable conclusion,,, I cannot strip just one piece,, I have to do whole wall!!!!

By now it is 12.45pm, wall is now stripped..... and instead of the planned "bath, dye hair and pamper afternoon" which I had promised myself.... I now am faced with a whole wall stripped and me thinking "i do have enough paper to do whole wall , don't I?"
To be continued.......

Now 3.28pm,,,, WHOLE wall is repapered, (just checking it is right way up) and I have paste in places I didn't think possible, I ache all over, I'm hot and trying to convince myself " this was a good idea wasn't it"?

Now 4.20pm,,,, Amazing!!! paper is still on wall!!! success!!!... okay, I didn't get to dye hair, Oh well, I will just keep my grey locks (grey?? you mean white Jules) a few more days, but feeling very happy and pleased with myself!
Going to spoil myself now with a orange flavoured Aero choc bar, my feet up, and look forward to going back to work tomorrow for a well earned rest.

Thanks for reading,, you all take care, speak soon I hope, xxxx

sad day

Well, today was supposed to be the day I put up my Christmas decs - yes it is early, but I thought , ‘ what the hell, it’s been a tough year, why not brighten things up a bit” So a slow breakfast after a lay in was planned, ready to start about 10.30am….

Of course, things never go to plan do they., and soon after 10am my eldest daughter told me she had been speaking to Halcyi, the 16 year old daughter of a workmate of mine (Jacki) who has been off work due to illness since June. I have known Jackie about 10 years, a wonderful lady, wicked sense of humour and never short of a smile.
The reason Halcyi had called was to tell the news that yesterday evening her mother (my friend Jacki) sadly passed away. She was 45, I knew she had cancer and I knew the time was not far away, but still it hit me like a brick.
I cried for her, then I cried even more for Halcyi, 16 years old and now lost her mother.. Sometimes you cannot put your feelings into the words that are needed.

So, to be honest, my world stopped for a while. I could not put up decorations - how can you after that news. Instead myself and my oldest daughter (my youngest stays with her father at weekends) went on one of the walks that me and Jackie had enjoyed so many times up till a few months ago, along a riverside and almost complete isolation - somehow today it seemed even quieter.

Well, thats my first blog post.. Not the happiest of starts but, well, it’s real everyday life. Ups and downs, triumphs and failures, good and bad news.

Next post will follow soon as I have another story to tell…. Thanks for reading. x

Why a blog.....

Well, here it is, Jules has decided to launch her own blog Why? You say - well simply really…

I talk about myself a lot in the chatrooms I visit. I talk about what I did today, my thoughts, things that have happened and things I am about to do.
Some chatters have said they don’t like me doing this and rooms should be for general chat, not about yourself. Some chatters say the complete opposite and have messaged me to say how much they enjoy reading what I have been doing and what I have planned.
So I thought, move it to a blog and those that want to read about my day can, those that are not interested ( and why should they be) can simply not read it.

My first entry into this blog will follow shortly. It has been a sad day for me. I am now off to make a cuppa tea, put feet up for a short while, then I shall post my first entry.

To be continued………...