Friends and family

Tuesday, 9th October

Change in the weather this morning. Pretty miserable. I felt the same at times over the weekend mainly because moving things from John’s room ready for painting. Bobby and Craig moved furniture-managed to fit it into study, so a bit cramped here. It will go back in along with lots of his stuff that I’m keeping.

Kept busy as Isabel Aitken coming. She too has only been in the Pans a year, like Jane in the choir.I met her in hairdresser's and at various coffee mornings etc. as well as in church.We’ve lots in common. Lost her husband four years ago. She has twin daughters, likes music and books. Like me she’s off to a wedding down South, then she’s going to France with her daughter who has a cottage there.

Kay arrived in afternoon with new curtain rail and spongeable tablecloth I had fancied. Good for the bairns drawing.Helped me with some business. Helen came next, so I cheered up a lot Had a good laugh. Brought some more wedding photos. Nice one of me and the boys. Caught up on family news. Gave her cakes I bought for her at stroke group coffee morning on Saturday.They made nearly £1000!

Arthur put out recycling boxes, had his favourite -cup of tea with oatcakes and cheese.

Margo came with Jonathan and Ailie on Saturday. Helped me move clothes from bedroom cupboard. Both of us upset, looking at John's things. Can't bear to part with some of them yet. Went to cemetery with flowers. Ailie helped to arrange them, then she prepared my tea.A lovely salad-artistically presented. She was very proud of it.Felt a lot better after that. I'm so lucky with them all. Jonathan stayed.He’s a really sweet boy. Sat out in the garden with me, then brought me a cup of tea, just like his grandpa.He’d brought a Peter Kay video for us to watch which was hilarious at times.

Lift from Sandra to church. Jonathan came with me as brass ensemble playing. He liked the music, but I’m not sure about the rest! What a shame, I think he just went to please me. Margo came for him, then had a visit from Arthur and Stephen.

Monday morning Rae arrived early. Afraid I was pretty upset as I’d had a dream about John and woke up crying. She was very comforting and soon cheered me up. We used to call her “Rae’s a Laugh” at school. Chris took me up for lunch, so had a good blether with her too.

I know I’m blessed with all those friends and my family, but I miss John so much at times.

“The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall.