2026
Its still dry although its not been a walk in the park for the first half I have found it difficult to stop myself thinking why am I doing this to myself why should I have to stop myself doing something I thoroughly enjoy doing, when everyone around me does what they love doing, everyday?
I have found an antidote something special that really helps….Appetiser in a wine glass not sure why but I look forward to it like having a drink!
Hopefully it will make the next two weeks easier?
Jamie’s mom & dad asked me to help setup the new computer they had purchased because their old Windows 7 PC had issues, not least that it was Windows 7.
I asked them to load UltraViewer and took over the screen of the new one and straight off the bat sorted Edge out to it used Google as default so we could actually find stuff. Next I loaded up drivers for their printer and got that working.
The scanner was next but to cut a long story short it was incompatible with Windows 11 but because they needed a swift fix they asked me to look at the old pc now to cut a very long story short it like any other 10+ year old computer was full of junk. Its primary issue though which took a while was the icons they “always” use to get to Microsoft products didn’t work but deleting them repairing the installation and putting icons back in positions where they were before was apparently their utopia.
The scanner software had been written over and was difficult to retrieve so I added a recommended 3rd party software that got it up and running and even if it wasn’t the same as before it worked and allowed them to do what they needed to do.
Later they called Jamie and expressed how pleased they were with what I’d done and how much time and money it had saved them, which frustrates me slightly because I could help them any time they don’t need to spend money to fix computers when it’s something I could do for them, for free?
The biggest issue they’ll have now is the old computer works so they’ll gravitate towards what they know and the new fast all singing all dancing, shiney PC in the corner will be an after thought until they’re forced to change….
Later on I think I heard Cliff went out and bought a new scanner so maybe I’ll be proved wrong but only time will tell, I just hope they asked me if they’re struggling, but for now they seem pleased!
Do I have time to send 50 messages a day if I did I would have time to help around the house “do my bit” we all need down time but down time is earned by working hard whether it be at your job or at home making a life. That life can be hard at times, through no fault of your own, but if you work at it and do your bit great things can happen.
I try my best everyday, even if it just by walking into a room and doing something to make it better. I just try to look for ways to help the house run as smoothly as possible. I don’t always get it right but the point is I try.
Today I made a rack for my corner clamps it took all day on and off but around doing that, I walked the dog, up to me mums in the morning for a catch up. I did 2 loads of washing, folded dry clothes, washed up walked the dog again, its not that much just things that need doing but I try to do my bit.
Jamie spent her night on “safeguarding” duties at church because some guy who had the opportunity everyday for the last couple of years to “do his bit” thought the world revolved around him and now when the world told him it doesn’t, he wants everyone to feel sorry for him… today…now…because he wants to say sorry and go back to normal but no-one is listening. So we all suffer while he attempts get the world revolving around him again…
I am no saint, I would never profess to being better than the next man, I am not selfish, I try to think of others first, I do my best to keep what I have and want for very little and I think I benefit from do my little bit everyday.
My Sunday night was spent in a hot bath watching a film, hopefully I earned that?
Reagan was taken Prom dress shopping today by her Mom, Nannie and Auntie Helen and apparently it went very well judging by the photos.
THE dress amongst all the dress was chosen by demeanor as soon as she put it on she came alive smiling from ear to ear and every knew, even the shop staff
I’m 45 years old, and somehow..
I woke up in my 33 year old body.
Just for one day.
I wake up to little hands tugging at the blankets.
“Mommy, wake up!” they shout.
I blink, and I sit up slowly.
My babies. They’re small again.
I gasp. I cry.
They climb into bed giggling, wiggling.
I used to rush through mornings.. but not today.
I pull them close.
I hug them tight.
I kiss their messy hair.
I hold their little hands.
This time, I soak in every second.
I catch my reflection in the bathroom mirror.
No deep lines.
No grey hair.
My younger face…
I used to think I looked old at 33
What a silly thought.
I stare for a moment and think, “You are so beautiful.”
I find my husband in the kitchen, making coffee.
He looks strong, Young.
I wrap my arms around him so tightly.
He looks surprised.
Maybe we didn’t hug enough back then, I think.
We talk about the day nothing big.
But today, it all feels big.
I memorize the sound of his voice.
We pile into the car, kids arguing over seatbelts.
Someone drops a snack.
Crumbs everywhere.
I used to get so frustrated.
I soak in the noise, the chaos I know my car will be quiet and spotless for many years to come.
But I’ll miss the mess.
Dinner is loud and unorganized.
No one wants to sit still.
There’s shouting, giggling, a little arguing and so much life.
I don’t clean up right away.
I just sit and watch.
Trying to burn it all into my memory.
Before bed, I pick up the phone.
I call my mom. And I hear her voice.
Mom..MOM
I haven’t heard this voice in so many years..
I close my eyes and let her words wash over me.
I tell her I love her again and again.
I never want to hang up.
This time, I don’t leave anything unsaid.
At bedtime, I don’t skip pages in the story.
Not tonight.
I read every single word.
Then I ask, “Can we read one more book?”
They say yes.
I don’t want this day to end.
I got one more day.
And this time, I knew.
This was joy.
This was love.
Those little hands.
The loud, messy dinners.
Our strong, young bodies with no aches or pains.
Our parents who are still alive..
It all mattered so much more than we ever realized.
Love you dude!
No, You’re crying…I’m not
Happy Valentine Day
Friday nights sure have changed, gone are those knock off work and get ready for a night out on the town.
Jamie went out to see a mate, Lincoln went skating Reagan went to her room so I ran a hot bath and did nothing but luxuriate
To say Lincoln is a great lad would be the least you could say about him but it would not come close to doing him justice.
We went to school with him tonight to start the journey of options, the subjects that he will study for the next two years and hopefully set him up to succeed.
It was interesting to watch his body language when he got out of the car in his baggy jeans tight t-shirt and hoodie he stooped into the grunting teenager stance and looked too cool for school. It was wierd to watch this boy that lives his life like a volcano erupting drumming gaming skating church drama and everything else he enthuses about all day every day.
In French, maths and to a certain extent Film study his head was down yet all teachers gushed over him while he played the teenager.
Cut to the drama and performing arts classroom, and suddenly Lincoln appeared. The loud, fun-loving, popular boy lit up the room the moment he walked in, before disappearing off with his fellow performers.
We then spoke to Mr Dipple, who could not say enough positive things about our son. He spoke about how far Lincoln could go in acting and performing, especially as talented male performers like him are rare — “like unicorns in the industry,” as he put it. He felt Lincoln could easily progress to one of the top schools and that, as far as GCSE is concerned, a grade 9 would be almost guaranteed.
The other most wanted option which seems to be difficult to fit in is religious studies because ‘Pathway A’ has compulsory French a subject he does not like and feels it would be torture to have to do it for two years instead of learning about religion something he is already passionate about.
Mom and I intend to talk to the deputy head Mr Lal if he is unable to choose RE just because they think he might pass a language exam. I have a feeling if push comes to shove Lal and Miss Naylor the head teacher may have a fight on their hands if they try to push Lincoln down the language route. Mamma bear could be activated….again
It sounds like he is very popular and doing well and I’m sure common sense will prevail
Spent the day not feeling the greatest possibly fighting something off because I have a banging headache that has persisted since yesterday. Anyway it wasn’t bad enough to stop me working so it definitely wasn’t going to stop me playing pool tonight, although getting beat didn’t make me feel any better.
Then the kicker to top not the greatest day the hosting for this website has runout so tomorrow being another day should be better but will need some money to get me back online…
Having walked Billy, cooked tea, took Lincoln to drum practice and finally picking Jamie up from the train station I sat down at 21:45 to relax and watch some TV but nodded off on the sofa almost immediately.
Took my car for a full service today, basically anything that was due I wanted done, because my service book has not been filled in since I bought it in 2022.
I asked Town Bridge Motors, who I know I took it to for servicing if they could fill in the missing entries which they have done today. So now I have evidence of the full service history I knew it had, they even included the new clutch they fitted
I booked it in for an MOT 9th March when it will also have the brakes done which may not pass so I want them doing.
The new registration is going through I uploaded my V5C this morning so now just waiting for next stage of the transfer I guess?