How are you all?

[Adawn47]

2 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

I've debated whether to contribute to this thread since I first saw it, and read every response, yesterday.  This group have kept me informed and entertained since lock down and despite not being a frequent P&O cruiser, I have appreciated this forum very much, so here goes.

 

In the last 12 months my lovely charmed world, which I did appreciate, has turned upside down!  I am very lucky in that I have quite a few really good friends but of my 2 closest, one died after a short illness last October. She and I met weekly and often spoke on the phone in between. When I exiled to Hertfordshire for 18 years we took an annual holiday together as well as speaking regularly and visiting.  Big shock.  Then my best friend since childhood, so 60 years, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the end of last year and has struggled ever since.  Another shock.  Next, my previously fit as a fiddle and very active husband was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of March and as his nurse specialist said 'There's never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer but there has never been a worse time!'  And how true that proved to be.  However, his surgery is now behind him and he is in the midst of chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy which, incidentally, was thought unnecessary initially because they believed they could remove the tumour 'cleanly'.  I'm sure you can guess the rest ...... the surgery was put on hold due to Covid, etc etc ..... so by the time they came to remove it, it had spread slightly.  We have every reason to expect a good outcome I should add.

 

Now I am definitely a 'glass half full' person and DH even more so - his favourite song is 'Always look on the bright side ....' so my life is not full of doom and gloom, far from it.  We are comfortably off, pleasant home with nice views and good friends and family.  It's just that sometimes I really cannot believe that life is so different to how it was 12 months ago - and not just because of Covid.  

 

If I previously mentioned a holiday I fancied, DH would say 'Get it booked, we never know how long we will be able to do these things', so we did, and especially last year - lots of land holidays as well as cruises - never imagining anything like the current scenario.  Of course, holidays are no longer my main concern, but like most others on here, I do look forward to being able to plan again.  One thing's for certain, the USA was a major destination for us but it's off my 'wish for' list.  Top of that list is our favourite hotel in our favourite resort on Lake Garda ...... sigh!

 

So thank you to all of you for your many contributions this year, whether it was the frustrated ones re slowness to get refunds, or the light-hearted and jokey ones.  I'm not a frequent poster, but I am a regular reader of others' posts and feel I know some of you quite well 😊.  I also tend to be a bit 'wordy' and for that I apologise if you have read to the end!

I read every word with interest. I've said many times on here that this forum is like an extended family, but Andy's different thread has bought us all that bit closer,  and we now begin to meet the true person behind the Avatar. 

I'm glad your husband is improving and his upbeat nature will help him no end. We can only continue to look forward. Please keep posting as every message posted will be of help to someone.

Avril 

[AndyMichelle]

So, Josy tells us she is going axe throwing today and we haven't heard anything since??? 

A nice new poster has joined us called 'blood axe'... 

Should we be worried!!! 😊

Andy 

[Bloodaxe]

2 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

So, Josy tells us she is going axe throwing today and we haven't heard anything since??? 

A nice new poster has joined us called 'blood axe'... 

Should we be worried!!! 😊

Andy 

No need to worry about the name.

It was my nickname at work, Erik bloodaxe was the VIking king of York

My name is Eric, my workmates seemed to think it suited me, can't think why.

 

[Adawn47]

2 hours ago, Bloodaxe said:

 

The mention of Lake Cards struck a chord with me, last June we returned from a stay at the Lake followed by a wonderful cruise from Venice to Athens.

Then almost exactly one year ago our only Son died suddenly from a massive heart attack.

It really brings it home to you how your lives can be turned upside down in an instant.

 

I'm so sorry about your son. That isn't how life's order is expected to be. I recently lost my nephew, who was only in his forties, to cancer and that was devastating. I can't begin to imagine the pain in losing a child. My heart goes out to you. Stay strong and keep chatting to us.

Avril 

[indiana123]

I thought that Andy!!! But welcome anyway☺️

 

My best wishes and thoughts to all those who have suffered or have lost.  

 

Life can throw some horrible things at us sometimes we, like you, have had our fair share.

 

Like Graham, I too had an 'out of the blue' heart attack.. what a shock... no pain either  OK now but the thought never leaves you.   I find laughter the best medicine of all

[Adawn47]

7 minutes ago, Bloodaxe said:

No need to worry about the name.

It was my nickname at work, Erik bloodaxe was the VIking king of York

My name is Eric, my workmates seemed to think it suited me, can't think why.

 

So you won't be the one throwing an axe at Josy then? Just checking and have your alibi ready.😉

Avril 

Edited August 9, 2020 by Adawn47

[Josy1953]

10 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

So, Josy tells us she is going axe throwing today and we haven't heard anything since??? 

A nice new poster has joined us called 'blood axe'... 

Should we be worried!!! 😊

Andy

No need to worry, we just got home and no injuries to report.  We had a fantastic time and I can recommend it to anyone who wants an hour of fun.  David says that he is glad that we went because he now feels safe if ever I should decide to throw an axe at him because I was absolutely useless 🤣🤣

We also ate out for the first time since February so that was a nice treat.

I am just worried what my sister will buy us for Christmas this year now, every gift from her seems to be odder than the last one.

David is the one throwing, I am just watching.

[Josy1953]

2 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

I've debated whether to contribute to this thread since I first saw it, and read every response, yesterday.  This group have kept me informed and entertained since lock down and despite not being a frequent P&O cruiser, I have appreciated this forum very much, so here goes.

 

In the last 12 months my lovely charmed world, which I did appreciate, has turned upside down!  I am very lucky in that I have quite a few really good friends but of my 2 closest, one died after a short illness last October. She and I met weekly and often spoke on the phone in between. When I exiled to Hertfordshire for 18 years we took an annual holiday together as well as speaking regularly and visiting.  Big shock.  Then my best friend since childhood, so 60 years, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the end of last year and has struggled ever since.  Another shock.  Next, my previously fit as a fiddle and very active husband was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of March and as his nurse specialist said 'There's never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer but there has never been a worse time!'  And how true that proved to be.  However, his surgery is now behind him and he is in the midst of chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy which, incidentally, was thought unnecessary initially because they believed they could remove the tumour 'cleanly'.  I'm sure you can guess the rest ...... the surgery was put on hold due to Covid, etc etc ..... so by the time they came to remove it, it had spread slightly.  We have every reason to expect a good outcome I should add.

 

Now I am definitely a 'glass half full' person and DH even more so - his favourite song is 'Always look on the bright side ....' so my life is not full of doom and gloom, far from it.  We are comfortably off, pleasant home with nice views and good friends and family.  It's just that sometimes I really cannot believe that life is so different to how it was 12 months ago - and not just because of Covid.  

 

If I previously mentioned a holiday I fancied, DH would say 'Get it booked, we never know how long we will be able to do these things', so we did, and especially last year - lots of land holidays as well as cruises - never imagining anything like the current scenario.  Of course, holidays are no longer my main concern, but like most others on here, I do look forward to being able to plan again.  One thing's for certain, the USA was a major destination for us but it's off my 'wish for' list.  Top of that list is our favourite hotel in our favourite resort on Lake Garda ...... sigh!

 

So thank you to all of you for your many contributions this year, whether it was the frustrated ones re slowness to get refunds, or the light-hearted and jokey ones.  I'm not a frequent poster, but I am a regular reader of others' posts and feel I know some of you quite well 😊.  I also tend to be a bit 'wordy' and for that I apologise if you have read to the end!

I am sorry that you have had such a bad time.  I am glad that the worst is now behind your husband and things are looking better for him.  I know that it is had but try to stay positive.

[kalos]

2 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

No need to worry, we just got home and no injuries to report.  We had a fantastic time and I can recommend it to anyone who wants an hour of fun.  David says that he is glad that we went because he now feels safe if ever I should decide to throw an axe at him because I was absolutely useless 🤣🤣

We also ate out for the first time since February so that was a nice treat.

I am just worried what my sister will buy us for Christmas this year now, every gift from her seems to be odder than the last one.

David is the one throwing, I am just watching.

 

180 !!  Glad you had a good day out Josey .

 

Next year ??    Free fall / sky dive /parachuting  would be nice 

[Adawn47]

2 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

where in Norway are you going? 
 

we have the Iona to fjords in July 21 but I can’t even get excited about it. 
If this year had have gone to plan and we’d have already had our big holidays and I’d be planning the Iona one. 
 

I love to research the ships and the places we can go. All the food and the entertainment. I would seriously have a colour coded binder if I was allowed I’m that weird with having to plan. 
 

im gonna wait till Iona has sailed and then start my planning. Just in case we still aren’t cruising by then

I always try to think positively and plan towards the future. It's what keeps me going through life's knocks. So, Norway. 

June 25th, 12 nights,  Arcadia. We're going to -- Stavanger, Olden, Lofoten islands, Tromso, Kristandsund, Andalsnes and Bergen. Also cruising three fjords. 

Avril 

[Josy1953]

3 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

I've debated whether to contribute to this thread since I first saw it, and read every response, yesterday.  This group have kept me informed and entertained since lock down and despite not being a frequent P&O cruiser, I have appreciated this forum very much, so here goes.

 

In the last 12 months my lovely charmed world, which I did appreciate, has turned upside down!  I am very lucky in that I have quite a few really good friends but of my 2 closest, one died after a short illness last October. She and I met weekly and often spoke on the phone in between. When I exiled to Hertfordshire for 18 years we took an annual holiday together as well as speaking regularly and visiting.  Big shock.  Then my best friend since childhood, so 60 years, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the end of last year and has struggled ever since.  Another shock.  Next, my previously fit as a fiddle and very active husband was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of March and as his nurse specialist said 'There's never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer but there has never been a worse time!'  And how true that proved to be.  However, his surgery is now behind him and he is in the midst of chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy which, incidentally, was thought unnecessary initially because they believed they could remove the tumour 'cleanly'.  I'm sure you can guess the rest ...... the surgery was put on hold due to Covid, etc etc ..... so by the time they came to remove it, it had spread slightly.  We have every reason to expect a good outcome I should add.

 

Now I am definitely a 'glass half full' person and DH even more so - his favourite song is 'Always look on the bright side ....' so my life is not full of doom and gloom, far from it.  We are comfortably off, pleasant home with nice views and good friends and family.  It's just that sometimes I really cannot believe that life is so different to how it was 12 months ago - and not just because of Covid.  

 

If I previously mentioned a holiday I fancied, DH would say 'Get it booked, we never know how long we will be able to do these things', so we did, and especially last year - lots of land holidays as well as cruises - never imagining anything like the current scenario.  Of course, holidays are no longer my main concern, but like most others on here, I do look forward to being able to plan again.  One thing's for certain, the USA was a major destination for us but it's off my 'wish for' list.  Top of that list is our favourite hotel in our favourite resort on Lake Garda ...... sigh!

 

So thank you to all of you for your many contributions this year, whether it was the frustrated ones re slowness to get refunds, or the light-hearted and jokey ones.  I'm not a frequent poster, but I am a regular reader of others' posts and feel I know some of you quite well 😊.  I also tend to be a bit 'wordy' and for that I apologise if you have read to the end!

I am sorry that you have had such a bad time.  I am glad that the worst is now behind your husband and things are looking better for him.  I know that it is had but try to stay positive.

[Josy1953]

David, me, my sister and brother-in-law at the end of the morning, just to prove we all survived.

[Adawn47]

18 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

No need to worry, we just got home and no injuries to report.  We had a fantastic time and I can recommend it to anyone who wants an hour of fun.  David says that he is glad that we went because he now feels safe if ever I should decide to throw an axe at him because I was absolutely useless 🤣🤣

We also ate out for the first time since February so that was a nice treat.

I am just worried what my sister will buy us for Christmas this year now, every gift from her seems to be odder than the last one.

David is the one throwing, I am just watching.

Glad you had a lovely day and the plasters weren't needed. Are you sure your hair wasn't longer than that though when you left home😕? 

Avril 

[grapau27]

53 minutes ago, indiana123 said:

I thought that Andy!!! But welcome anyway☺️

 

My best wishes and thoughts to all those who have suffered or have lost.  

 

Life can throw some horrible things at us sometimes we, like you, have had our fair share.

 

Like Graham, I too had an 'out of the blue' heart attack.. what a shock... no pain either  OK now but the thought never leaves you.   I find laughter the best medicine of all

Absolutely agree with you.

I'm happy you are okay now.

Did you have a stent fitted and medicine to take?

I had 1 stent fitted and a bag of medicine.

I totally changed my diet and lost 2 stone and my cholesterol total is 2.5 which I'm delighted with.

I find posting on here is good therapy too.

Graham

[AndyMichelle]

55 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

No need to worry, we just got home and no injuries to report.  We had a fantastic time and I can recommend it to anyone who wants an hour of fun.  David says that he is glad that we went because he now feels safe if ever I should decide to throw an axe at him because I was absolutely useless 🤣🤣

We also ate out for the first time since February so that was a nice treat.

I am just worried what my sister will buy us for Christmas this year now, every gift from her seems to be odder than the last one.

David is the one throwing, I am just watching.

Fantastic Josy, glad you had a great day. 

Looks like fun. 

Andy 

[Vampiress88]

43 minutes ago, Adawn47 said:

I always try to think positively and plan towards the future. It's what keeps me going through life's knocks. So, Norway. 

June 25th, 12 nights,  Arcadia. We're going to -- Stavanger, Olden, Lofoten islands, Tromso, Kristandsund, Andalsnes and Bergen. Also cruising three fjords. 

Avril 

think I’m going to some of those. Will have to look now. 
but you are going first so I might just have to copy your planning if I’ve not done some by then 

[Adawn47]

1 minute ago, Vampiress88 said:

think I’m going to some of those. Will have to look now. 
but you are going first so I might just have to copy your planning if I’ve not done some by then 

We can plan together and exchange ideas. Look forward and keep smiling. A lot can change in a year 😊.

Avril 

[AndyMichelle]

Just now, Vampiress88 said:

think I’m going to some of those. Will have to look now. 
but you are going first so I might just have to copy your planning if I’ve not done some by then 

I know you like to plan, but sometimes an aimless wander around these beautiful towns and maybe a hoho bus or road train is more than enough. 

It is the most beautiful country with amazing scenery that you need to take in. 

Plan your lunches though as I'm sure you know it is very expensive. 

Andy 

[Adawn47]

12 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

Plan your lunches though as I'm sure you know it is very expensive

I've heard so, but I doubt we'll be going again so we don't want skimp, but a coffee or two won't break the bank. I hope😉 We like the HOHO buses and use them whenever we see them

Avril 

Edited August 9, 2020 by Adawn47

[AndyMichelle]

Just now, Adawn47 said:

I've heard so, but I doubt we'll be going again so we don't want skimp, but a coffee or two won't break the bank. I hope😉

Avril 

No, it's not worth skimping but I have seen people caught out with a couple of coffees and cake for about 30 odd quid. 

Then again, we paid 16 Euros for 2 coffees in the square in Brugge, not realising they had a seating fee... 

Andy 

[happy v]

5 hours ago, ann141 said:

I'd planned what we were going to do in each port for our cruise on Arcadia in October which we have now transferred to a cruise next year and like you I love the planning.My husband is always amazed that I seem to know so much about the places we are due to visit but for me it is part of the holiday and I have picked up some great ideas from the posts on Cruise Critic (as well as saving money by doing our own thing.) I am reluctant to start planning for our next cruise in case its cancelled

We are just like you. I plan he tags. Though annoyingly, even though I ask several times, he decides somewhere he wants to see the night before we leave.

[Harry Peterson]

Having just read through the posts here, it's very sad to hear of so many illnesses and losses - yours, Bloodaxe, in particular.  I can't even begin to imagine what the death of a child must be like.  I'm so sorry.

 

With that very much in mind, now's not the time to be whittling on about what are by comparison minor issues here.  Life goes on, it's different, you can't go out, food comes to the door though, and I pine for the days when we could shop at Aldi!  Or buy fish and chips!

 

Things will improve, we'll all adjust, and the bounce-back, when it comes, will be HUGE!!!  🌞

 

 

[happy v]

5 hours ago, Adawn47 said:

Nice idea v in theory. However, we only have very few family close by,  just a daughter who I've mentioned,  another daughter and our two grandsons who live with us. Then there's my grandaughter and family  who we see sometimes. We also have a son who lives in Lincolnshire.Then there's Frank who doesn't feel safe on public transport, not that I blame him, I don't either, but needs must. Added to that our CV19  cases are on the rise again so no-one here is feeling confident enough just now. On the plus side though, because we don't live on our own,  we have our barbecues and small family  get-togethers with the neighbours on either side, socially distanced by the garden fences and weather permitting. We're content with our lot and grateful that our troubles and losses due to this pandemic are lighter than many. However long It takes I'm confident we'll all come out the otherside smiling 😊

Avril 

Sorry Avril, I thought they were closer. I am so lucky we all live very close including my brother and children so we have regular family get togethers.

Not since January this year for all of us though.

[AndyMichelle]

3 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Having just read through the posts here, it's very sad to hear of so many illnesses and losses - yours, Bloodaxe, in particular.  I can't even begin to imagine what the death of a child must be like.  I'm so sorry.

 

With that very much in mind, now's not the time to be whittling on about what are by comparison minor issues here.  Life goes on, it's different, you can't go out, food comes to the door though, and I pine for the days when we could shop at Aldi!  Or buy fish and chips!

 

Things will improve, we'll all adjust, and the bounce-back, when it comes, will be HUGE!!!  🌞

 

 

It's heartbreaking Harry. 

My Mum and Dad lost 2 of my Brothers before they passed. 

I could see the heartbreak in their eyes, devastating. 

But what is not fair is I have to wear a mask to go in a shop... 😊

Andy 

 

[Cruiserjules]

Hi Andy et Al - what a great thread.  Like others have said, though not a regular contributor, this forum has been such a lifeline, and I feel as if I know you all.

 

I always find it difficult on these threads because my job is such a downer to talk about.  After 15 years working in a funeral home, I am now a funeral celebrant in that I speak (used to visit ) with bereaved families, individually write and then deliver funeral services.    I will sum up the whole situation since lockdown as "hellish", and say no more.  Despite all this, I love my job and I hope that I make a difference at a sad time.

 

But, on the whole, we are fine thank you, and most importantly in good health. I have tried to remain upbeat, although I admit that I have been busy, irritable, extremely tired and no doubt, at times, horrible to live with...sorry Dave.  I have drunk too much, eaten too much, and exercised too little.  These few months have been quite a steep learning curve in many ways, and also a time to reflect and think what we would like to change when things get back to "normal".

 

We have barely seen our grandchildren as I consider myself too much of a risk, but a couple of weeks ago, we had the most fantastic news when my newest grandson, 11 months old, was given a clean bill of health after a possible brain problem, spotted when my daughter was 20 weeks pregnant,  and we couldn't resist going to see him and his older brother (4), so we carried on the journey and visited our two granddaughters (12 and 8 ) as well.  Can't describe how wonderful it was, and now we've had contact, we can't wait for them to come for sleepovers again.

 

This virus has taken away life's spontaneity, everything has to be planned in advance, booked etc now, which just isn't "us" , but we're slowly learning to adapt, and I'm looking forward to my big birthday in October and keeping my fingers crossed that  I will be able to spend it with family and friends.

 

Stay safe and well, and thank you all for keeping our collective spirits up.

 

Jules x

 

 

 

Edited August 9, 2020 by Cruiserjules
Taking out an unwanted emoji