My earliest memory, honestly, goes back a very long way. It's not all that pleasant, either, which may be why it made such an impression on me, but it ends up all right.

I'm in our living room, at West End, and it must be early evening because the light is on and I'm looking at it. I can't move my arms and my face hurts, just for a moment, and I cry. Next thing there's a bottle teat in my mouth and I can taste the warm milk and my mother is cuddling me. That's it - end of scene. Years later I mention the memory to my mother and she tells me I had a boil, spot, whatever on my cheek and she had to, gently, bathe it and squeeze it. She says I was 9 months old at the time.

I must be around the same age for the next memory....

West Ender

Just found out number 2 son (35) has to have an op on his thumb.

He sustained an injury about 18 months ago, due to a fall, (he was a bit tiddly, but what the heck)
He went to the hospital the day after it happened, but they said it probably wasn't broken. He went back a few days later, they said the same thing. Even though it was twice the normal size. Now after all this time and numerous consultations, he has recently found out that, yes it was... in fact the bones are shattered and floating around. He is now due to have an op within a few weeks. He will have pins put in the top half of his thumb, and it will be fused at the top joint. He will have to learn to write with it like that, as this is permanent. As if he doesn't...

Caz

It's about 6 weeks since I first got the quote. I had 3 plumbing firms round but this one, although not the cheapest, impressed me most and I've been able to see examples of this firm's work as 2 of my neighbours used them. Both examples are exceptionally attractive and done to a very high standard.

I rang and said I was happy with the quote and would like them to do the job but he said October 27th was the earliest date as they were going on holiday for 4 weeks. Well, OK, it's not desperately urgent and it's worth waiting for. After all, it's taken me over a year to get round to arranging it, even with the leak. What with being ill and the long, long recouperation it was an effort to get the ball rolling so I wasn't going to...

West Ender

Things coming together now. Picking the keys up at 9.30 Tuesday morning. Will be there waiting with a carload of stuff, and spend the day tooing and froing, getting as much in place as possible. Moving Wednesday or Thursday, depends when brother in law and van are available. May even stay overnight on the Z bed, lol!

Gonna be without internet for a while, till it gets sorted, but could always pop down the road and hijack my daughter's computer!

Lads are getting sorted now, just need their fish and tank collecting tonight.

Student finance finally sorted now, so should have some money in their accounts soon.

Who was it mentioned still cooking too much? Still doing it without thinking,...

Caz

Well, getting used to the emptiness and the quietness now. Been quite busy with everything, so suppose that's helped. Most of the lads' stuff has already gone down to Manchester, including some furniture, so by the time we have got rid of some more clutter, should be quite an easy move this time. Loads of boxes, bins and bags already packed & waiting to go as soon as we get the keys. Clearing out the shed will be the worst job, dread to think what's lurking in there! Getting the dog cage from KSH will make it easier transporting our 4 cats, they'll all fit in there. They are getting used to it in the living room at the mo, going in and out for cat treats. Had three of them sat in together at one stage so should be fine when they are moved....

Caz