Friday Sunny Day

We are in the house waiting for the courier to call to collect my Blackberry Playbook that is faulty.  It is a bit of pain having to wait - and not knowing when they will come.  But hey-ho, getting a lot of admin work done!

Gardening

Gardening.... but not in our garden!  Went over to Charlotte and Scott's to help plant up some plants from Mimi.  Also did a lot of weeding.  By the time we left it looked quite respectable with tubs and pots planted up, plus a few more plants in the beds.  Had lunch outside in the sunshine.  C & S are off to Madeira early Saturday morning.  Hope they have a lovely time. 

Photos of Charlie

Just been groomed.

On holiday in Isle of Wight

Fast asleep on the sofa!

Day out in Sandwich, Kent

Charlie on holiday in the caravan wanting breakfast.

With Charlotte at Mimi's house.

Walking with Wendy and Gary

Today we have a date at Hanningfield Reservoir which is just south of Chelmsford.  We are meeting Wendy and Gary for a walk followed by something to eat.  Its always nice to meet up with them for a chat and a walk.  It looks like the weather might be good as well - which makes a change.  Anna is coming over today but will be going to Danny and then staying the night with us.  Tomorrow we are going over to Charlotte's house to help with her garden.  She has got plants from Mimi and we have got lots of plants she can have.  I think the garden needs weeding etc first though.  Then Charlotte and Scott are off on their holiday to Madiera on Saturday. I am hopeful that life is returning to normal. 

Life goes on

Have been feeling so sad about Charlie not being here.  I keep thinking something will happen and it will have all been all a mistake and actually Charlie is still alive and will come back to us.  I keep thinking about how ill he was and I hope he did not suffer too much with the sickness.  I think he was OK because he slept a lot.  It is heartbreaking.  I remember how he was before he got old, especially when we were living in Tunbridge Wells.  I would take him for a long walk in the afternoons up to the park.  He was never much of a running dog, and always preferred to do a lot of smelling!  Its always been me and him.  I have been so used to caring for him.  He was always very definite about what he wanted and what he didn't want!   Every time I talk about him or think about him I start crying again.  But yesterday evening I was beginning to feel a bit better and to accept what has happened.  I know logically that what happened was really the best thing for Charlie but its difficult coming to terms with the loss of him.  I will always  remember him.  He has left a huge hole in our lives.  May he be resting in peace - until the next time!  Charlie - you were the best.
And now we still have Jasper to love and care for.  He's a character and actually has a fan club - all the neighbours think he's great and worry about him on the road.  But Jasper is pretty savvy about the road and often sits in the hedge opposite surveying the world.  He is the last man standing, since Bibi died, and now Charlie gone.

Charlie

Came back last night from a weekend away in Farnham with the walking group.  It was very good and we did lots.  Visited NT properties, did a few walks in the lovely Hampshire countryside, stayed in a very nice hotel and we met lots of new people!

 Charlotte  and Scott were looking after Charlie for us.  Charlie is now very old and feeling the effects.  He doesn't want to eat and has not even been able to drink yesterday and today.  We think this might be the end.  Will phone the vet this morning and take him down there.  We are very sad and keep crying because Charlie will leave such a gap in our lives.  He is such a lovely dog with such a great character.  I really don't know how I will cope with going to the vet.
It is nice to be home, even though we had a good time this weekend.  Jasper was here to greet us.  June, our neighbour has been looking after Jasper.  She is such a good neighbour, so very kind.

Busy Days

WEDNESDAY we went for a 5 mile walk with the Ramblers.  We started off at Foresters Park Golf Club in Great Totham and 2 and half hours returned feeling completely knackered!  Well at least I know I can do it.  We then had lunch at the Golf Club which was nice.  Nice to sit down!  My poor legs.

In the evening Standing Committee meeting at the Rectory.  There was only Ian, Graham, Stuart and me.  We think Michael had forgotten or rather was not aware of the meeting.  I think it was a fairly productive meeting for the first one of the year and all new members!

THURSDAY Ian and I went on a coach trip to London with Stan's Coaches, called Hidden London.  We had a very good guide who told us lots about parts of London. 

This photo is around St Batholomew's Hospital.  Actually the ward where Mark was was to the right of the photo.  This is by the entrance to the church.  Our guide told us of all the films where St Batholomew's Church has featured, one famous one being "Four Weddings and a Funeral". 

We then went on a boat on the canal which went past lots of very nice houses and then past London Zoo.  We stopped at Camden Market.  Ian and I had something hot to eat from one of the little food stalls because I was feeling a bit cold.  Then met by the coach and back home again.  We were in rush hour traffic and it seemed to be taking ages to get out of London.  I phone Peter next door and asked him if he would pop in a let Charlie out for a wee!  Eventually got home at about 7.30pm.  Felt tired.



 FRIDAY was admin day.  Letter and forms for Anna to claim Payment Protection  Insurance on a couple of her bank accounts.  Also had to do the minutes of the Standing Committee meeting and the agenda for next PCC meeting.  The day just seemed to whizz by!

SATURDAY was a bit brighter so Ian and I went out in the garden during the morning.  I planted baby leeks and some more carrot seeds.  Ian tidied up the greenhouse for the grow bags for the tomato plants.  It started to rain a bit so came inside for some lunch.  Then into Chelmer Village to look at tablets (the electronic sort).  Not many 7" screens, mainly 10" which is a bit bigger than I was wanting - not so portable.  Back for Sainsbury delivery at 4pm.

Susie and Laurence were supposed to be coming this weekend but Susie was not feeling well.  We tried to re-arrange but our diaries did not coincide!  Maybe in the summer months.