Wendy loves her bath. We put her in with her Mum after Mum has finished washing. Wendy kicks and wriggles around vigorously, with an expression of delight on her face. They 'play' together for quite a while, then I get Wendy out and wrap her in a towel. Today Caelyn needed me to dress her, and it is years since I have dressed such a small person, but we managed OK. That is, until Caelyn came in. Then all she wanted was a visit to the milk bar. She is cutting her second tooth so we gave her a slice of apple to chew on and she loved it. She held it against her mouth herself which was surprising. We told the kids that babies must never be unsupervised with apples because of the risk of choking. Caelyn asked what to do if Wendy choked and I told her, so it was all rather a day of discovery.  

A cozy domestic scene, Gran and Baby with the cats around and Skippy never far away. 

See how Fat Father Jack appreciates the fire? That lad is in 7th heaven, isn't he?  

Madam Spikkeldy having a doze near the fire. We put it on so that the room would be warm when we dressed Wendy after her bath. The animals all love it when that happens. 

Wendy is thriving and flourishing, a happy healthy strong and chubby little cherub. See Skippy on the floor. He is never far away from that child. I think he has decided it is his mission in life to watch over Wendy. 

They get on very well together, those two. 

Great Granny - or Gummy - was visiting today too. We watched South Pacific in two separate sessions. Wendy's face always lights up when she sees her Gummy 

Skippy hoping Fat Jack will let him have a bit of food too. In the light you can see what a pretty colour he is. 

I bought a whole lot of fruit today because we have acquired a Juicer, and Caelyn was right there as she loves fruit. I'm disappointed in the juicer from the point of view that it was advertised as easy to clean, but the sieve mesh is virtually impossible to clean properly. 

A cuddle with Gran 

SLIMMER OF THE WEEK YET AGAIN!!!

Look Ma, no hands! She was standing on her own with Auntie Michelle's arms simply there for balance. Michelle was yet again Slimmer of the Week at Slimming World. She has lost her first stone - about 17lb so far, I think. She is doing very well and is justifiably proud of herself. 

Wednesday Morning

I’ve had yet another sleepless night.  Not because I am worried about anything, but it was just one of those nights that I could not settle down.  It happens to people with ME, and it isn’t worth getting upset about.

Sean came last night and we had such a nice, happy and relaxed evening.  It had begun raining heavily when his train was due to arrive so I sent a taxi to the station to meet him.  Just as well, poor lamb!


Robert, a friend of June’s, had sent me a huge bouquet of flowers.  There was a nice “Get Well” card with it.  Sean helped me cut the stems and arrange them.  That surely has to be unique!  The resident boyfriend helping to arrange flowers sent to his girlfriend by another chap?  Yes, it probably is.  But we are so secure with each other that we could have a happy time doing it together, with no embarrassment on my part and no jealousy on his either.  We know each other so well that the question of impropriety just wasn’t in the equation.  

Sean and I are at a time in our lives when we “should” be past all the romantic emotions.  I have never experienced love like this, and it has been incredibly healing.  I had to give up a career I loved, I live in fiscal penury because I am too ill to work and I very rarely feel well or pain-free.  Yet somehow in spite of all those external things, the truth is that I have never been more happy, secure and fulfilled in my life.  
I have no idea how I got so lucky – heaven knows I didn’t deserve it.  Yet this great blessing took me by surprise, and 8 years on, it still astounds me.  How could I be so fortunate?  I don’t know, and probably never will.  One thing is for sure though, and that is I appreciate this wonderful gift and am profoundly grateful for it.

My mum is coming this afternoon to watch South Pacific with me.  I’m looking forward to it.  She watched it when she was 9 months pregnant with me, so as I have never seen it, thought that it would only be right to watch it with her.

Her arthritis has been a big problem lately. At times she hasn’t been able to hold a pen, much less cut up fresh foods.  She has made an appointment with the doctor because there is a lot that can be done to help the problem and there is no point in suffering needlessly.  She has had other troubles with her health too, and has been wondering how much longer she should carry on driving.  When her ankles and back hurt a lot, she can’t manage the foot pedals too easily.  That could be resolved once she gets proper treatment though.  I pray that God will inspire the doctor with the ‘right’ treatment plan for her.  It interferes with her life so much and she doesn’t sleep well because of it so she is tired and often irritable with poor concentration in the daytime.  Poor mum!  Life is not easy for her, and she is functionally more frail than she wants people to guess.  Especially my brother.  She doesn’t really want him to know about her mobility problems and her use of mobility aids.  Why????  Is it a sin???  I don’t know why she tries to pull the wool over his eyes, but she does.  He isn’t stupid though, and she won’t be with him long before he works it out for himself.  

I think all the women in our family are stubborn and stiff-necked!!

She was happier than she looks 

Madame Wendy Woozle is sitting with her Gran 

Just the cutest little girl in all the world! 

Yes?  

The expression on her face! 

Well, I was just thinking that ..... 

She's just like a little doll. 

Our little Woozle is just plain irresistible 

She gets so much love and attention 

Her mum sings to her 

She is such a happy, gurgly baby and she has the most delicious smell 

She has a tooth already, lower left 

And a Woozle by the Harbour. After that we browsed around at the Sunday Market, then Caelyn, Nigel and Wendy took the Water Operated lift up the cliff face, while Sean and I went home. Sean left for Tonbridge at 5, andCaelyn & Nigel went home at around 6. I am going to make a cup of tea to take to bed with the latest Mma Ramotswe book. 

Folkestone Harbout itself.