P&O Cruisers - What are things like where YOU are?

[Adawn47]

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Pauline put Xmas decorations up in our dining room last night.

Lovely, very festive and cheerful. Me thinks I'll get Frank into the loft later and we can start on ours🎄😁

Avril

Edited November 30, 2020 by Adawn47

[grapau27]

2 minutes ago, Adawn47 said:

Lovely, very festive and cheerful. Me thinks I'll get Frank into the loft later and we can start on ours🎄😁

Avril

Thanks Avril.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, purplesea said:

Looks lovely. When we were growing up ours always went up the weekend after the 14th, which is my mother's birthday, and as old habits die hard I still do.

Thanks Purplesea.

We usually put the decorations up later as well but this year has been a strange year and lots of people seem to be putting decorations up early too.

[grapau27]

25 minutes ago, kalos said:

 

🎶That's another month gone ..another one bites the dust ! 🎶

 

Tomorrows December ! 

 

Lovely tree Graham , yep they do lift your spirits 

 

I would love to get my hands on one of these remote control  one's ..   

 

 

Cheers Kalos.👍

[DamianG]

16 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

yeah that made me cry. 
I used to love my kitchen and now I hate it because he’s not in it. 
it hurts and other things are also falling apart. 
I need to keep it together for the girls

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

[Adawn47]

27 minutes ago, kalos said:

Tomorrows December ! 

 

Thanks for that kalos, no seriously.  I've lost a day somewhere!!!  I've just read you're post and thought 'What's kalos on about?' Then I checked the date. Doh!!!🙄

Avril

[Josy1953]

12 minutes ago, Adawn47 said:

Lovely, very festive and cheerful. Me thinks I'll get Frank into the loft later and we can start on ours🎄😁

Avril

David has just fetched our tree down from the loft.  I usually do our tree 23rd December but as we will be home throughout December this year I have decided to do it this week.

He has just asked which decs I want, I have done all glass with white lights for the last few years but I have told him to get the blue ones out because I am going to have a blue theme.  He put the outside lights up yesterday.

[grapau27]

12 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

Damian.

I'm so sorry to hear everything you and your family have gone through and I'm delighted to hear you have got your foot back onto the employment ladder and hopefully it leads to a more permanent position.

Best wishes from Pauline and myself.

Graham.

[DamianG]

1 minute ago, grapau27 said:

Damian.

I'm so sorry to hear everything you and your family have gone through and I'm delighted to hear you have got your foot back onto the employment ladder and hopefully it leads to a more permanent position.

Best wishes from Pauline and myself.

Graham.

 

Thanks Graham, I'm glad you're on the mend as well.

[grapau27]

1 minute ago, DamianG said:

 

Thanks Graham, I'm glad you're on the mend as well.

Thanks Damian 👍

[Adawn47]

6 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

David has just fetched our tree down from the loft.  I usually do our tree 23rd December but as we will be home throughout December this year I have decided to do it this week.

He has just asked which decs I want, I have done all glass with white lights for the last few years but I have told him to get the blue ones out because I am going to have a blue theme.  He put the outside lights up yesterday.

We used put ours up the week before Christmas, but when our daughter and the two grandsons came to live with us they wanted to put them up the end of November, so we let them. We're late this year bcause we put the tree in the hall, and with David moving all his things out it would have been in the way. I don't put them up by the way, I supervise😁

Avril

[AndyMichelle]

19 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

What a fantastic post Damian, so well written, I was gripped... 

Glad you are seeing a little light, hopefully it will lead to better things. 

Keep positive, 

Andy

 

[DamianG]

5 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

What a fantastic post Damian, so well written, I was gripped... 

Glad you are seeing a little light, hopefully it will lead to better things. 

Keep positive, 

Andy

 

 

Thanks Andy

[kalos]

 

28 minutes ago, DamianG said:

There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

So sorry for your family's problems Damian, some things in life we cannot change and 

just like a bad storm we just cling to the hope ,things will get better over time.

Congrats on getting a job which is a sign of better things and I'm sure you will cope 

with what life flings at you , hang on in there mate .

Best wishes for your family's future .

[ann141]

39 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing.Take Care

[Adawn47]

23 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

That's a lovely supportive post Damian. I know it was written for Vamps, but I'm sure it's lifted the spirits of many reading it today. I knew about your employment problems and I'm glad you've managed to secure some work for a while. I'm sorry to learn about the health issues in your family and the loss of your pet, but you have the most important thing in life. You are surrounded by a loving, caring family, friends and all your CC friends who are always here to listen.🤗⛅

Avril

[DamianG]

3 minutes ago, kalos said:

So sorry for your family's problems Damian, some things in life we cannot change and 

just like a bad storm we just cling to the hope ,things will get better over time.

Congrats on getting a job which is a sign of better things and I'm sure you will cope 

with what life flings at you , hang on in there mate .

Best wishes for your family's future .

 

Thanks Kalos

[DamianG]

3 minutes ago, ann141 said:

Thank you for sharing.Take Care

 

Thank you Ann.

[DamianG]

2 minutes ago, Adawn47 said:

That's a lovely supportive post Damian. I know it was written for Vamps, but I'm sure it's lifted the spirits of many reading it today. I knew about your employment problems and I'm glad you've managed to secure some work for a while. I'm sorry to learn about the health issues in your family and the loss of your pet, but you have the most important thing in life. You are surrounded by a loving, caring family, friends and all your CC friends who are always here to listen.🤗⛅

Avril

 

Thanks Avril

[Peanut006]

1 hour ago, DamianG said:

 

Dear Vampiress

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It will take time but things will get better.

 

It's hard when you feel like you're stuck in a downward spiral (bear with me here).

 

When Brexit was voted in I was worried for my job and sure enough was made redundant in September 2018. I've applied for over 50 jobs but got nowhere and I am now used to not even getting replies.

 

I was originally quoted 34 years worth of redundancy but then they advised that they'd forgot about the "new" 20 year cap so my payout was significantly less than the original quote.

 

My wife got a blood clot on her lung in November 2019 and was seriously debilitated for several months while they found the right combination of medication to keep her stable.

 

In early July 2020 we noticed a lump on one of our son's guinea pig's hips. She deteriorated rapidly and athough I took her to the vets 3 times we couldn't do anything for her and she passed away in just over a week. She was just short of 3 and as the person who did most of the feeding and all the cleaning out I took it way more badly than I would have expected. She was such a lovely, placid animal and I cried as I buried her.

 

In late August my dad suddenly became ill and couldn't move his torso, arms and legs. We kept getting advised that steroids would put him right but eventually I spent over 2 hours making over 100 calls to get through to a specialist who told us to get him to A&E straight away. He's now been in 2 different hospitals and an infirmary over the last 10 weeks and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome so will need to go into full time care. My sister and I have been helping mum as much as we can but obviously it's an unexpected shock for all of us as he has been fit and healthy and looked after himself (never smoked or been a drinker).

 

But...

 

Last week an ex-teammate of mine got in touch asking how things were going. She told our ex-boss that I was not working, he knew someone who was short-staffed and they called me to offer me a temporary contract. It's a job that I can do, I already know all the staff and the pay is good with full benefits such as healthcare. It's only short term but it's been such a boost, not least for my mum and dad who've been worrying about me as you'd expect.

 

Throughout the last 2 years I've kept telling myself we were due a slice of luck. When I've been down I've had my wife, son and family pick me up. My best friends have kept in touch and on my side. We're all rugby fans and they keep telling me that only the strongest "can grind out the hard yards."

 

Then there's everyone on her, the chat, the debate, the fun, the arguments, the things typed in the heat of the moment followed by apologies a day later, the picture threads... I don't really know anyone on here but I feel like I do and I've had my own share of encouragement and advice, especially with regards to my job situation.

 

I've waffled on a bit but in summary, hang in there, it will take time but things will turnaround and pick up. There's better days ahead for all of us and know that you have the support of all the regulars on here.

 

Damian

 

 

 

What a superb post giving positive thoughts when we sometimes think there aren’t any. Thank you for posting, keep safe everyone 

 

Michelle

[purplesea]

Sorry to hear you've had so many family problems. I know how it feels to be made redundant as I too lost my job last year and am still looking to be re-employed, but as I am only two years away from retirement am not holding out much hope. Good luck in you new job and it might even lead to a longer term position.

[DamianG]

2 minutes ago, Peanut006 said:

What a superb post giving positive thoughts when we sometimes think there aren’t any. Thank you for posting, keep safe everyone 

 

Michelle

 

Thanks Michelle

[DamianG]

1 minute ago, purplesea said:

Sorry to hear you've had so many family problems. I know how it feels to be made redundant as I too lost my job last year and am still looking to be re-employed, but as I am only two years away from retirement am not holding out much hope. Good luck in you new job and it might even lead to a longer term position.

 

Thank you. I could take an early pension next year but we were bumped off the final salary scheme onto career average so it's not worth as much as I was planning for. Fingers crossed you find something soon.

[Bloodaxe]

I would also like to add my best wishes to Damian and his family,.

We have also had terrible last year with the loss of our Son and our Grandsons health problems.

It's hard to look on the bright side at the moment but hopefully better times will return for everyone soon.

[AnnieC]

8 minutes ago, Bloodaxe said:

I would also like to add my best wishes to Damian and his family,.

We have also had terrible last year with the loss of our Son and our Grandsons health problems.

It's hard to look on the bright side at the moment but hopefully better times will return for everyone soon.

And all the best to everyone who's had a bad year; let's hope next year is brighter.

 

How is your grandson getting on, Bloodaxe?