tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85510168635459339872024-03-18T06:59:56.197+00:00Margie's CraftsMargie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-86539521042698645582023-09-08T13:52:00.001+01:002023-09-08T13:59:40.415+01:00Eight Years Later Whether we’re mothering, gardening, cleaning or meeting up with family and good friends, Margie is always in our thoughts. This year, Margie’s grandchildren met for the first time when Mel and her family came to stay with Leiny and her family. Margie’s niece Romy came over with her family too, and the reunion was filled with some of Margie’s favourites - chippers, croissants, chats, Earl Grey and sea visits. Leiny also spent some time teaching Margie’s granddaughter Esmé how to knit and together they made a little piggy from Margie’s ‘96 copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/327884" target="_blank">Debbie Bliss Toy Knits</a>, while Isla made an Irish-themed friendship bracelet.
Mel and her family visited Margie’s dad Joe in Ireland before heading home.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE6xzDx3pS0-Cm0wHpjbuMOANU5-U8MuFmDX8vxT0DHSk6rqd08toYI1qjfqRxSE0xciPXFGqvA2k_ETL1uWlqIFbXYGNSVEROus5fFUzKounXQL2JLLOzgdABG_flZi5RPsTgCminCH6AL9KGjKRti4c6nVRgfRt1mjVYHcuHMKNp5vuARDZo-Z6/s4032/728EEE9A-9E29-4BE9-BDCE-1D78DF1C28B8.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE6xzDx3pS0-Cm0wHpjbuMOANU5-U8MuFmDX8vxT0DHSk6rqd08toYI1qjfqRxSE0xciPXFGqvA2k_ETL1uWlqIFbXYGNSVEROus5fFUzKounXQL2JLLOzgdABG_flZi5RPsTgCminCH6AL9KGjKRti4c6nVRgfRt1mjVYHcuHMKNp5vuARDZo-Z6/s320/728EEE9A-9E29-4BE9-BDCE-1D78DF1C28B8.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfWkS8EnU6KKb45uiaa3_z2xt5mMxkwAahx8n6m7Rs_tOAY5VFwWNf0J9G64RLH8TaL6M06gxoG9Kl0QRj-YTWgYzenfiwHey6VZfoFp_rZ14wkIqZ4T-5UnT3JjNx2RsaexPqQXD2SxqvjqVn5IZUOYo8_yz002KSsc63BW8IpIcXwb2jMjmgsa0/s1564/06541BE5-353E-40E2-8C0E-7F1B21721217.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfWkS8EnU6KKb45uiaa3_z2xt5mMxkwAahx8n6m7Rs_tOAY5VFwWNf0J9G64RLH8TaL6M06gxoG9Kl0QRj-YTWgYzenfiwHey6VZfoFp_rZ14wkIqZ4T-5UnT3JjNx2RsaexPqQXD2SxqvjqVn5IZUOYo8_yz002KSsc63BW8IpIcXwb2jMjmgsa0/s320/06541BE5-353E-40E2-8C0E-7F1B21721217.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWQnvHyX127n7UDpa4vGBvMJr_OJOE1-hN858izDJX6W7KJgF6FntAQT7rXbY9sDkaUSHIqtUwqdegUwHfHJ0B75E5OosdAUDoT9M56clQN8RwzcA2vMhQNsI5ZJXQongv9G4BT_v33SRX7LAdafrakVZB-pqro_DtltGrjTYioGSuPpUaDZK7c3U/s1125/18B28396-C479-4089-A8FE-A3FABFBA679B.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWQnvHyX127n7UDpa4vGBvMJr_OJOE1-hN858izDJX6W7KJgF6FntAQT7rXbY9sDkaUSHIqtUwqdegUwHfHJ0B75E5OosdAUDoT9M56clQN8RwzcA2vMhQNsI5ZJXQongv9G4BT_v33SRX7LAdafrakVZB-pqro_DtltGrjTYioGSuPpUaDZK7c3U/s320/18B28396-C479-4089-A8FE-A3FABFBA679B.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdvISR3abGnuc6sJxAkIUbA1ICjBbIvTPyFl2T4tNlWXv-nojWM3u4RbaruVlShyg0Zs7Cqlud3iFjFIDo95hmagSzlbSXpRLvxap4HajiDcc8KsmlQgDIIEfx3wEpM5kPPT0MYj2c258IzwnU67EP8idWoQiqPat4vWPJEpxNg0U6EoyhTIMw5vH/s1943/30277389-5F88-499A-84A8-7F902111AD0F.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="1496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdvISR3abGnuc6sJxAkIUbA1ICjBbIvTPyFl2T4tNlWXv-nojWM3u4RbaruVlShyg0Zs7Cqlud3iFjFIDo95hmagSzlbSXpRLvxap4HajiDcc8KsmlQgDIIEfx3wEpM5kPPT0MYj2c258IzwnU67EP8idWoQiqPat4vWPJEpxNg0U6EoyhTIMw5vH/s320/30277389-5F88-499A-84A8-7F902111AD0F.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu0L8drkkbgYmCtjR57T0AVBMGTkwgjgm-Tmm0kK-5RGj4PSerFRtVISxYfaKF2OZYFHlM3Qwzax1a6IcfDgnZUv8ADsENY7y2IOt6JeydnV88JbwHGOC0JYgldiSI1ZfICkY2sDbSoM5R53COD-zQ4XN-MQHgQ3IRIv0IYo2e2aH--8ZkJ8ZPbF5/s2516/B3B6CFC4-D52D-4E57-B674-37E6E0C90941.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2516" data-original-width="1887" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu0L8drkkbgYmCtjR57T0AVBMGTkwgjgm-Tmm0kK-5RGj4PSerFRtVISxYfaKF2OZYFHlM3Qwzax1a6IcfDgnZUv8ADsENY7y2IOt6JeydnV88JbwHGOC0JYgldiSI1ZfICkY2sDbSoM5R53COD-zQ4XN-MQHgQ3IRIv0IYo2e2aH--8ZkJ8ZPbF5/s320/B3B6CFC4-D52D-4E57-B674-37E6E0C90941.jpeg"/></a></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-64370213637507154072022-09-08T12:36:00.000+01:002022-09-08T12:36:07.043+01:00Seven Years Later<p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like many other families, Margie’s daughters spent the pandemic apart and were delighted to reunite last year in Kerry. The Irish Trip was the first time Pepijn, Margie’s grandson, met most of his family members. A quick visit to Margie’s oak tree (where her ashes mingle among the roots to sustain the new growth) was one of the highlights of the trip. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwrkZQgTgFK8j-U2nfxiQbzypxhVdLq6PtIzRqc3GVXJx1RDtbjQPY3xTzyyeVEpldYF7Nttjm8Cx_xM3JIXTNDqJTiWodPUqpaXP2K3s4RqwqGtINRhTVyNvJuKq_pUmUujcBcQJYT2k7667Q6b1koNSiJea1vnJIy5_LMqYwJY4EELNg7VOcg/s775/10B2D35F-1C69-4D51-BC28-CB7462940B61.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwrkZQgTgFK8j-U2nfxiQbzypxhVdLq6PtIzRqc3GVXJx1RDtbjQPY3xTzyyeVEpldYF7Nttjm8Cx_xM3JIXTNDqJTiWodPUqpaXP2K3s4RqwqGtINRhTVyNvJuKq_pUmUujcBcQJYT2k7667Q6b1koNSiJea1vnJIy5_LMqYwJY4EELNg7VOcg/s320/10B2D35F-1C69-4D51-BC28-CB7462940B61.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mel and Leiny out for lunch in Kerry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsAKR-W4aPZjZDEb2ZUkHIi3XPNCw6qaPEUzUBf99Im8vG2t9bbceNcY3fjfPUfhxcCzLRwM4ZdSaJSk4jok_pL5wLyoH8l7NSEq5LGJgPoih3APUv4DoqncfiBqMK1TVNs8-r7WrVv0CFselrP7_tUSeYJ69rvv0fD7eBgGhlsov-h4F21mFwg/s1092/E64D2423-9C2A-4608-A331-B85F57B69F71.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsAKR-W4aPZjZDEb2ZUkHIi3XPNCw6qaPEUzUBf99Im8vG2t9bbceNcY3fjfPUfhxcCzLRwM4ZdSaJSk4jok_pL5wLyoH8l7NSEq5LGJgPoih3APUv4DoqncfiBqMK1TVNs8-r7WrVv0CFselrP7_tUSeYJ69rvv0fD7eBgGhlsov-h4F21mFwg/s320/E64D2423-9C2A-4608-A331-B85F57B69F71.jpeg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the views of the Irish coast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV97FhnWKMzmbf7zUkB9u2HLZMa8T4ltbjg652-PfgMtWS0GODIONtOR-IxFtlK7zfRRDPn7mfv1ZvFQ4Vd1BPRaN5yEjS2lY_vk_qc-a-7uUkqGSL0dk7X6WRKXy-L0UktKQYy6YkjyFJdFEsLAUT-Vhhh8urd_JfaBP-9N7FARa2wJudUcBhvQ/s2372/D8776266-BD32-492F-B6EC-69B7A715B87C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="1779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV97FhnWKMzmbf7zUkB9u2HLZMa8T4ltbjg652-PfgMtWS0GODIONtOR-IxFtlK7zfRRDPn7mfv1ZvFQ4Vd1BPRaN5yEjS2lY_vk_qc-a-7uUkqGSL0dk7X6WRKXy-L0UktKQYy6YkjyFJdFEsLAUT-Vhhh8urd_JfaBP-9N7FARa2wJudUcBhvQ/s320/D8776266-BD32-492F-B6EC-69B7A715B87C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit to Margie’s tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw27WVUv4mWurdSAXNFdRJKZw7IICQP9KtAd0suROzpMoXCT07A0UPfxO32NpQFbr4Mjldu2_YIQiaPS4bTkBwA1KoL227TVCXLcl9c5Jk8nTBW-5Ejrgmt7dC4hgVgqvTJy8pB_y6db9PWOiDqxgxr6bWYqRPl-ly4to1pF4noKm6K0SrH0NYA/s1600/D61BDC93-029F-49FC-83FD-6AAD86E51C36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw27WVUv4mWurdSAXNFdRJKZw7IICQP9KtAd0suROzpMoXCT07A0UPfxO32NpQFbr4Mjldu2_YIQiaPS4bTkBwA1KoL227TVCXLcl9c5Jk8nTBW-5Ejrgmt7dC4hgVgqvTJy8pB_y6db9PWOiDqxgxr6bWYqRPl-ly4to1pF4noKm6K0SrH0NYA/s320/D61BDC93-029F-49FC-83FD-6AAD86E51C36.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little cousins (Margie’s grandnephews and grandnieces and grandson)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We continue to remember Margie in our creativity, our advocacy, our resilience, and our laughs. </span></span></p>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-41651462119246122512021-09-08T17:48:00.000+01:002021-09-08T17:48:10.971+01:00Six Years Later<p style="text-align: center;">In March 2021, Margie’s words from this <a href="http://margieloveswool.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-response-to-discovery-of-mass-grave.html" target="_blank">blogpost</a> joined other testimonies in a production for <a href="https://www.abbeytheatre.ie" target="_blank">The Abbey Theatre</a> Dublin. <a href="https://youtu.be/6R9FG_H18H4" target="_blank">Home</a> is no longer available to watch online. Read about the report on Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/mother-and-baby-homes" target="_blank">here</a>. As Margie says in the post she "firmly believed" in personal testimony and we are honoured to have her experience recorded alongside the other contributors. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87JyVGdoq_0/YTjlBobc0QI/AAAAAAAADfM/-NWmrUSe7_0QmQErVp8lTIXS92JL0pMQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DD978A63-5B3F-4C2E-B4AE-E685FAAF744E.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87JyVGdoq_0/YTjlBobc0QI/AAAAAAAADfM/-NWmrUSe7_0QmQErVp8lTIXS92JL0pMQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD978A63-5B3F-4C2E-B4AE-E685FAAF744E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margie's Grandson exploring lavender, one of Margie's favourite plants.<br />Pepijn is wearing a cardigan from <a href="https://www.otherchildren.shop" target="_blank">Other Children</a> - Margie's niece Rommeij <span style="text-align: left;">has an online shop providing beautiful handmade personal knitwear from Ireland. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-43808824553332228492020-09-07T22:57:00.002+01:002020-09-08T07:31:29.698+01:00Five Years Later<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> A year for farewell and welcome. We said goodbye to Margie’s mother Sheila Delaney (née Dowling) in November and celebrated her life with endless pots of tea and family gatherings. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu47ZfP5tuA/X1an6_H8QhI/AAAAAAAADZY/zsaJCsVvSssQfghvh6eAkHrYxfJ4jUHlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1748/8E3B96CF-2233-4A34-8680-B936C19D7292.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="1390" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu47ZfP5tuA/X1an6_H8QhI/AAAAAAAADZY/zsaJCsVvSssQfghvh6eAkHrYxfJ4jUHlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w254-h320/8E3B96CF-2233-4A34-8680-B936C19D7292.jpeg" title="Sheila and Margie on route to a Vintage Steam Rally" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheila and Margie on route to a vintage Steam Rally<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdHM4Sa9o6Y/X1apcnCPdYI/AAAAAAAADZ8/7gG-dERD_9UrSDZMlx4Ghy5xTg3wdX4iACLcBGAsYHQ/s1050/0CA4DAA1-70A7-4CF9-8427-466B0C8A5FD0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1050" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdHM4Sa9o6Y/X1apcnCPdYI/AAAAAAAADZ8/7gG-dERD_9UrSDZMlx4Ghy5xTg3wdX4iACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0CA4DAA1-70A7-4CF9-8427-466B0C8A5FD0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rommeij, Mel, Leiny and the girls at the Rock of Dunamaise </td></tr></tbody></table><p>In early March, just before COVID-19 Lockdown, Leiny travelled back to Ireland and we laid the last of Margie’s ashes under her oak tree. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v1qekc8izI/X1apeXjZUeI/AAAAAAAADaE/Xf5OY1RtcYsKG-ee9hLKpcElNQKmu9fWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2046/B6786886-F8E1-4688-B9D0-043D589B09A8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2046" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v1qekc8izI/X1apeXjZUeI/AAAAAAAADaE/Xf5OY1RtcYsKG-ee9hLKpcElNQKmu9fWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B6786886-F8E1-4688-B9D0-043D589B09A8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cole, Leiny, Rommeij, Rosh, Daisy and kids with Kim at Margie’s tree. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>On 21st June, Margie’s grandson Pepijn was born in London to her daughter Leiny.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ_XMzgF3TU/X1apgn1mmUI/AAAAAAAADaI/KcsYyG4savYxQ8z5ok59W8dCQtFlwL3OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D140C870-363F-425E-A586-88B58936F2A5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ_XMzgF3TU/X1apgn1mmUI/AAAAAAAADaI/KcsYyG4savYxQ8z5ok59W8dCQtFlwL3OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D140C870-363F-425E-A586-88B58936F2A5.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepijn wearing a cardigan knitted by his Granny Margie<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5lhr1-FA7Q/X1apc-GxFsI/AAAAAAAADaA/xUzgmrI5dXMB6UXBLHojohqW-VTAdaPdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1113/BF6BC18D-D609-4C40-9F63-7572F1394DF4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5lhr1-FA7Q/X1apc-GxFsI/AAAAAAAADaA/xUzgmrI5dXMB6UXBLHojohqW-VTAdaPdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BF6BC18D-D609-4C40-9F63-7572F1394DF4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A letter written by Margie to her sister Tina after the birth of Tina’s first child, Rommeij, almost 32 years ago. It was lovely to read and gain an insight into Margie’s experience of motherhood. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-35110841385261602882019-09-08T17:15:00.001+01:002019-09-08T17:15:33.929+01:00Four Years Later<div style="text-align: center;">
This year we have partied in true Margie-style. We've planned, decorated, danced, laughed, remembered and journeyed together. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mel and Rommeij in Paris for Rommeij's Hen Party</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z99i3Eg_n4/XXUkuh51gWI/AAAAAAAADVk/5Apa8Zyie50iIZ1LpZHeZymNf7N5UZKdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z99i3Eg_n4/XXUkuh51gWI/AAAAAAAADVk/5Apa8Zyie50iIZ1LpZHeZymNf7N5UZKdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2328.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Decorations for Rommeij's Irish Hen - Margie's Bunting and Sinead's Dreamcatchers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1d4qk_hF7E/XXUkwB2TurI/AAAAAAAADV0/3KD2EldI74gf5qr0E5I_gcA8Cqpsnm7EgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_26aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1d4qk_hF7E/XXUkwB2TurI/AAAAAAAADV0/3KD2EldI74gf5qr0E5I_gcA8Cqpsnm7EgCLcBGAs/s320/fullsizeoutput_26aa.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margie and Fionn's photos along with a photo of Rikki's grandparents and the bridesmaids bouquets at Rommeij's Wedding Reception<br />During the Wedding Ceremony, Rommeij laid her bouquet next to these photos and we all took a moment to remember those who would have been with us to celebrate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rommeij and her bridesmaids - Daisy, Lily, Mel and Lein</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins from either side of the Atlantic Ocean, together at The Horniman Museum in London<br />💙💛 Family 💙💛</td></tr>
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Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-62368690055575405612018-09-08T09:48:00.000+01:002018-09-08T09:48:17.423+01:00Three Years LaterThis year, as in other years, we continue to keep all that Margie taught us close to our hearts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/newhampshiredays/?hl=en" target="_blank">Mel</a>, and a small group of her friends, run the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/End68HoursHungerDerryChesterNH/" target="_blank">Chester/Derry Chapter</a> of <a href="http://www.end68hoursofhunger.org/" target="_blank">End 68 Hours of Hunger</a> in New Hampshire. Everyone is a volunteer and all donations go directly to purchasing food to combat Childhood Hunger.<br />
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Margie's niece <a href="https://www.instagram.com/girlinthepalace/?hl=en" target="_blank">Rommei</a>j is now engaged to Rikki and we are all looking forward to the celebration of love and family next year. <br />
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This year also marks 30 years of life for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lein_m_wouters/?hl=en" target="_blank">Leiny</a> and Rommeij and we celebrated in style halfway between the birthdays in June of this year. With handmade decorations, costumes, good food and great dancing, it was exactly the sort of party Margie would approve of!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJt_cSUppeE/W5OIZ8zezII/AAAAAAAADSs/SVrC87STN3E2O3ZJfJR7EC1bh5RpLI7LgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJt_cSUppeE/W5OIZ8zezII/AAAAAAAADSs/SVrC87STN3E2O3ZJfJR7EC1bh5RpLI7LgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7004.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to '20s and Hello to the '30s </td></tr>
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<br />Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-49562738019361874982017-09-08T08:30:00.000+01:002017-09-08T08:30:23.808+01:00Two years later<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />Another year has gone by. This year our family celebrated. Sinéad's wedding was full of creativity, individuality, and family.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj_DpRmAnic/WbJCbL0MSDI/AAAAAAAADRM/hC3MOlQt8CADFgPGQKLUILljNdUNKtSjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj_DpRmAnic/WbJCbL0MSDI/AAAAAAAADRM/hC3MOlQt8CADFgPGQKLUILljNdUNKtSjwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4148.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margie's sister Sinéad on her wedding day with bouquet by Mel - photo by Melissa Carolan<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For Sinéad's something borrowed and blue (and old too!) Leiny and Mel loaned her Margie's turquoise blue ring. </span><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-67244511300134310822016-09-08T03:37:00.000+01:002016-09-08T03:37:33.689+01:00One year later<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYoFSla4520/V9CTSZcv_fI/AAAAAAAADPU/pBkzeucoFVosYww6q1gnM72CHDbL367cQCLcB/s1600/McCalls%2BFarm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYoFSla4520/V9CTSZcv_fI/AAAAAAAADPU/pBkzeucoFVosYww6q1gnM72CHDbL367cQCLcB/s320/McCalls%2BFarm.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCall's Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOKyYxROnI/V9CUBw-erUI/AAAAAAAADPg/Oq5hSDXbSP8fFI2ZRJk2ICxlg77IUeb2gCLcB/s1600/Poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOKyYxROnI/V9CUBw-erUI/AAAAAAAADPg/Oq5hSDXbSP8fFI2ZRJk2ICxlg77IUeb2gCLcB/s320/Poem.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leiny found this poem among Margie's writings (written 20 years before)</td></tr>
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<b>McCall's Farm, Calverstown</b><br />
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The long armed chestnut<br />
kissing barren ground<br />
beneath leafy branches<br />
waits for me.<br />
That forgotten bridge<br />
which once stood over<br />
a torrent of water<br />
invites my contemplation.<br />
The young oak saplings<br />
bursting to absorb the sun<br />
lure my caress.<br />
I will lie down<br />
in your luscious grasses<br />
and embrace the sky.<br />
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<i><b>June '95.</b></i><br />
By Margaret Delaney Wouters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs7t1uaVyJg/V9CUBZTq3BI/AAAAAAAADPc/TSuV0TKszkU67TDVKtMvQYzkNbiz0XzjQCLcB/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs7t1uaVyJg/V9CUBZTq3BI/AAAAAAAADPc/TSuV0TKszkU67TDVKtMvQYzkNbiz0XzjQCLcB/s320/image4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading Margie's ashes among the roots of her oak tree on McCall's Farm</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBYSDHQ6CUM/V9CTWTSWN0I/AAAAAAAADPY/5eJBNG4Nk3UuOl1xGJKXgWfP-BqCNzMWwCLcB/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBYSDHQ6CUM/V9CTWTSWN0I/AAAAAAAADPY/5eJBNG4Nk3UuOl1xGJKXgWfP-BqCNzMWwCLcB/s320/image3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-15574900948894593822015-09-08T19:49:00.001+01:002015-09-08T20:00:21.206+01:00Peaceful nowMargie passed away peacefully today surrounded by her loving family.<br />
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In lieu of flowers donations can be made to <a href="htttp://www.iwt.ie" target="_blank">The Irish Wildlife Trust</a> and <a href="http://humanism.ie/" target="_blank">The Humanist Association of Ireland </a></div>
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Please <a href="http://rip.ie/showdn.php?dn=265650/Margaret%20(Margie)WOUTERS/Athy/Kildare" target="_blank">click here</a> for further information</div>
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Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-42908159922981422122015-09-04T16:03:00.001+01:002015-09-04T18:17:27.359+01:00An Update on Margie<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Margie went into hospital a few weeks ago and had an N.J. Feeding tube inserted. She didn't react well with the feed. Margie and her medical team made the decision to end all treatment and for her to go home where she could receive more one-on-one care. She is home now surrounded by her family and a home medical care team, making her as comfortable as possible. We thank you for all your well wishes and we ask for your understanding in respecting our privacy. Margie remains her inspirational self. We are so thankful for her courage and determination and to have this time together. Thank you, Mr. Margie, Mel and Leiny. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZcBhu434Dw/VenSIipi3vI/AAAAAAAADM0/T942UwIz9U0/s640/blogger-image-1882173712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZcBhu434Dw/VenSIipi3vI/AAAAAAAADM0/T942UwIz9U0/s640/blogger-image-1882173712.jpg"></a></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-16472272542506580302015-08-06T10:07:00.001+01:002015-08-06T10:07:11.852+01:00Home again ❤️<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2sPzAx2dCCg/VcMjvXEXxRI/AAAAAAAADMY/WlscYMTQ6fQ/s640/blogger-image-1039338753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2sPzAx2dCCg/VcMjvXEXxRI/AAAAAAAADMY/WlscYMTQ6fQ/s640/blogger-image-1039338753.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I have had a tough few weeks, physically and mentally, and emotionally. I got very weak after 16 Taxol treatments and 11 ramucarumab. I was only sleeping for about an hour at a time each night in between recurrent visits to the bathroom, feeling cold and with pains in my legs. I spent a couple of weeks going to doctors and the oncology clinics explaining my symptoms, expecting a resolution but not finding one. It didn't help that my oncologist was on leave either, and my bloods and urine were both apparently within parameters for treatment. I firmly refused treatment and with the help of an excellent oncology nurse I finally was admitted to hospital. At this point I had realised that my ascites had built up and was causing me great discomfort, my weigh had dropped to dangerously low, I was malnourished and weighing 35 kilos.my intestines were not absorbing nutrients and energy. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OTblAHiF_hg/VcMjlNf1D6I/AAAAAAAADLw/3PeG3X8pj-s/s640/blogger-image-918891478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OTblAHiF_hg/VcMjlNf1D6I/AAAAAAAADLw/3PeG3X8pj-s/s640/blogger-image-918891478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I was so weak and exhausted, all I wanted was to be left alone to rest. I was fed up answering questions about my symptoms to doctors, nurses, registrars and all to no avail as I had no resolution. I was on a merry go round that was getting faster with no way off. The last thing I wanted were well intentioned family and friends asking me probing health related questions. I tried to let as many people know that I wanted to be alone, resting and recovering. But sometimes with the best will in the world people do not listen and do not hear, instead of me getting what I needed I had to deal with what others needed. I was being offered all sort of help, that I did not want or need and yet what I was asking for I was not getting. I was angry, tired, physically broken, tormented. I can cope with a lot of things but I can't cope with other people seeing me suffering, that is my private space and how I deal with it is very personal and private. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hxs-fPcczms/VcMjnYQJ1-I/AAAAAAAADL4/gwPaTFduIiY/s640/blogger-image-854470113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hxs-fPcczms/VcMjnYQJ1-I/AAAAAAAADL4/gwPaTFduIiY/s640/blogger-image-854470113.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I had numerous scans, X-rays and finally had an abdominal ultrasound that showed the ascites need to be drained. I had a plural drain fitted and both Mr Margie and I learned how to use the bottles at home. I was sent home with some relief only to realise that I still had frequent bathroom visits night and day. I managed a few nights at home and I finally met my oncologist on her return and she arranged a bed for me back in hospital. I met my surgeon the day after and within ten minutes he outlined my problem. He prescribed a codeine phosphate and a bulking fibre and that night I had the first four hour unbroken sleep in weeks, frequent toilet visits stopped, my potassium was low also. I went on six hour infusions of potassium. I also had a urinary tract infection which necessitated iv antibiotics. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kg9fzyCm520/VcMjrYZxDoI/AAAAAAAADMI/du60h9_q19g/s640/blogger-image--1278143131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kg9fzyCm520/VcMjrYZxDoI/AAAAAAAADMI/du60h9_q19g/s640/blogger-image--1278143131.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I had a quiet private room and it felt like I was where I had to be. The merry go round began to slow down and with my concoction of drugs I slept better and slowly began to feel an improvement. Having the basic care and the head space to reflect and process what I was going through in an environment where I could ask the questions helped me built back my mental and emotional capacity. In the last few days I have recurring heartburn or reflux or whatever it's called post Total Gastrectomy and while motillium helps to prevent it, sometimes it's quite painful, and is in various parts of my upper body, particularly along my shoulder blades and the centre of my back. I met with the dietician and she was very sympathetic and understanding of my diet and way of life. However finding a food supplement without dairy and sugar has been difficult, I have a nutrison peg feed drink that I take orally and that does the trick for me and does not increase the reflux. I know that putting on weight will be slow, as my capacity to eat is poor also. I had some ascites drained last night before I left the hospital as well as having my stitches removed, and hopefully this will improve the capacity to eat. I am so happy to be at home in my own bed, in the peace and quiet, my own boss, in charge of my own merry go round, resting, relaxing, meditating and visualising, all at my own pace. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkst4-FS0TY/VcMjpQef0HI/AAAAAAAADMA/3Ag5qJjxEWw/s640/blogger-image--1771924446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkst4-FS0TY/VcMjpQef0HI/AAAAAAAADMA/3Ag5qJjxEWw/s640/blogger-image--1771924446.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>I have put my birthday celebrations on hold while I am recovering. Thank you so much to everyone who sent cards and gifts. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ry41Cv-7SJI/VcMjtQZX7kI/AAAAAAAADMQ/q4NFYfjVPAA/s640/blogger-image-1603261344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ry41Cv-7SJI/VcMjtQZX7kI/AAAAAAAADMQ/q4NFYfjVPAA/s640/blogger-image-1603261344.jpg"></a></div><br><div>Thank you everyone who sent me messages of support and love, I appreciate each and everyone of your thoughts. I have been smiling and laughing again, maybe it's the drugs! I had such a giggle at this unicorn in the van pic as it I could easily ask that of my friends or family and they would not blink an eye! </div><div><br></div><div>I find Facebook and the blog are the best way of updating people without me having to respond to hundreds of messages, emails, texts and private messages, I just don't have the energy for that. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love </div><div>Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-46091182425086978462015-06-14T11:22:00.001+01:002015-06-14T11:29:30.405+01:00Health update and spring adventuresI started cycle five of Ramucarumab and Paclitaxol last week. I have three Tuesday's of treatment each cycle with one tuesday off before the next cycle starts. I try to travel each time I have the free tuesday. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3CPospFWZY/VX1VvB7XbwI/AAAAAAAADLE/rXKOTI5S3go/s640/blogger-image--1097172803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3CPospFWZY/VX1VvB7XbwI/AAAAAAAADLE/rXKOTI5S3go/s640/blogger-image--1097172803.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>In March Mr Margie and I went to Mullaghmore in Sligo for two nights. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skjd5dy9Vuw/VX1VS9ssMEI/AAAAAAAADJc/-aDtjBeDhd8/s640/blogger-image--1770772519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skjd5dy9Vuw/VX1VS9ssMEI/AAAAAAAADJc/-aDtjBeDhd8/s640/blogger-image--1770772519.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We stayed right on the sea, visited WB Yeats grave, and had a look around the shops in Sligo town.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jUwno3qO9zM/VX1Vf47CGCI/AAAAAAAADKM/TNTJFj2Fpac/s640/blogger-image--2018567973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jUwno3qO9zM/VX1Vf47CGCI/AAAAAAAADKM/TNTJFj2Fpac/s640/blogger-image--2018567973.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then after the next cycle I went to London to stay with Leiny. Mr Margie, Leiny, and our friend James, replaced the head gasket on Leiny's Morris Minor and got it back in perfect working order again.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVZ1uS22Lmg/VX1ViCxJ27I/AAAAAAAADKU/akJfUloy8Ck/s640/blogger-image-862814149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVZ1uS22Lmg/VX1ViCxJ27I/AAAAAAAADKU/akJfUloy8Ck/s640/blogger-image-862814149.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Leiny planted up a mini garden on the gantry. She also gave Maria and I a master class in bread making. After which we took our first visit to the betting shop to back horses in the Grand National. Duane's chosen horse came in second and he won all of seven pounds. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsTtW4KzhYk/VX1VQ899hYI/AAAAAAAADJU/UlmDpN04bHs/s640/blogger-image--946253692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsTtW4KzhYk/VX1VQ899hYI/AAAAAAAADJU/UlmDpN04bHs/s640/blogger-image--946253692.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I went back to visit Leiny after the next treatment cycle and travelled alone for the first time since my diagnosis. I was tired but I was so proud of myself. James drove me from the airport to Lein and Duane's, pointing out all the London hotspots, along the way. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll_7zMCpTQo/VX1VU0qf7VI/AAAAAAAADJk/YXZ_Ons1c7A/s640/blogger-image--1047134796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll_7zMCpTQo/VX1VU0qf7VI/AAAAAAAADJk/YXZ_Ons1c7A/s640/blogger-image--1047134796.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Leiny treated me to a Vegan Afternoon tea in a beautiful hotel central London. On another day we took the train out to Crystal Palace to visit my niece Rommeij. We had a very tasty Vietnamese lunch together. I was spoiled for the five days. Mr Margie joined me for the last two nights. The day before we left we met James and Maria at Syon House for lunch and some retail therapy at the garden centre.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6YVw7Q57kM/VX1VZ9I8UiI/AAAAAAAADJ0/TJ9fJqdDANc/s640/blogger-image-1634837364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6YVw7Q57kM/VX1VZ9I8UiI/AAAAAAAADJ0/TJ9fJqdDANc/s640/blogger-image-1634837364.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Last Monday Mr Margie and I got back from visiting Mel and family in New Hampshire, USA. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nS_S8R2wM-M/VX1VXCQSfkI/AAAAAAAADJs/eOdanQ20N8c/s640/blogger-image--1959286496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nS_S8R2wM-M/VX1VXCQSfkI/AAAAAAAADJs/eOdanQ20N8c/s640/blogger-image--1959286496.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We had eleven nights with our daughter, son in law and grandchildren and enjoyed every minute of it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f508URpdDBQ/VX1Vb8Kv2oI/AAAAAAAADJ8/ilsMbizcDIQ/s640/blogger-image--1808144095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f508URpdDBQ/VX1Vb8Kv2oI/AAAAAAAADJ8/ilsMbizcDIQ/s640/blogger-image--1808144095.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We had fun by the pool, on the swing, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z22iNqAAqds/VX1Vmhb-XiI/AAAAAAAADKk/rztaWhMX2N0/s640/blogger-image-939156428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z22iNqAAqds/VX1Vmhb-XiI/AAAAAAAADKk/rztaWhMX2N0/s640/blogger-image-939156428.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>making towers with blocks, out at the shops,</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7CZ7uc4Nps/VX1VkYzUOEI/AAAAAAAADKc/8HFV4oRD9ag/s640/blogger-image--1133959651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7CZ7uc4Nps/VX1VkYzUOEI/AAAAAAAADKc/8HFV4oRD9ag/s640/blogger-image--1133959651.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>out to dinner, and out to lunch, or at their beautiful home, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1W81cZxBZpg/VX1VonVh7AI/AAAAAAAADKs/wZPaBK98hdg/s640/blogger-image-1663663923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1W81cZxBZpg/VX1VonVh7AI/AAAAAAAADKs/wZPaBK98hdg/s640/blogger-image-1663663923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>from when we woke up until we went to bed. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6tkrOHkHm0/VX1Vd4UeNPI/AAAAAAAADKE/5QPmWb5Gwmg/s640/blogger-image--1977893482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6tkrOHkHm0/VX1Vd4UeNPI/AAAAAAAADKE/5QPmWb5Gwmg/s640/blogger-image--1977893482.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Chris's mum and brother visited as did my cousin and his wife and children. It was so lovely to see the cousins playing so well together. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ekM4cBknr3k/VX1Vq6DPUjI/AAAAAAAADK0/ORuqRklPjQ0/s640/blogger-image-1676152402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ekM4cBknr3k/VX1Vq6DPUjI/AAAAAAAADK0/ORuqRklPjQ0/s640/blogger-image-1676152402.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have contrinued to work part time since February, there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to do the things I want to and as the treatment continues my energy levels are falling. My oncologist is keeping me on the chemo for one more cycle, if I am able for it, then I will have a break from it but will continue on the antibody. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTS5zwdL-xI/VX1Vs6lOrLI/AAAAAAAADK8/07gkHeil0sw/s640/blogger-image-1567998324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTS5zwdL-xI/VX1Vs6lOrLI/AAAAAAAADK8/07gkHeil0sw/s640/blogger-image-1567998324.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Summer has finally arrived at Chez Margie and the Summer House Mr Margie started last summer is nearing completion. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxTk-H55wY8/VX1VxVTfvJI/AAAAAAAADLM/miSVocLqMMs/s640/blogger-image-306341375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxTk-H55wY8/VX1VxVTfvJI/AAAAAAAADLM/miSVocLqMMs/s640/blogger-image-306341375.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I plan to sit and craft in it as much as possible, and spend the evenings soaking up the last of the day light, chatting and spending time with family and friends. <div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-77450247191301218142015-02-22T10:44:00.001+00:002015-02-22T10:44:01.527+00:00Spring and new treatment<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-egsmIyaxveQ/VOmy0ncwoHI/AAAAAAAADHI/AA5zhb8bZjU/s640/blogger-image--20159699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-egsmIyaxveQ/VOmy0ncwoHI/AAAAAAAADHI/AA5zhb8bZjU/s640/blogger-image--20159699.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Merino cat has been keeping me company and bringing occasional gifts of mice. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BkCUCt4b0x4/VOmyvjc5vCI/AAAAAAAADG4/5M5_sVI4Jbc/s640/blogger-image--1755615882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BkCUCt4b0x4/VOmyvjc5vCI/AAAAAAAADG4/5M5_sVI4Jbc/s640/blogger-image--1755615882.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I recently went to see the Shaun the Sheep Movie with Mr Margie. It was so funny. </div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2darvStKXHs/VOmyoF2Rl_I/AAAAAAAADGg/el2NxYx2rKo/s640/blogger-image-1539339316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2darvStKXHs/VOmyoF2Rl_I/AAAAAAAADGg/el2NxYx2rKo/s640/blogger-image-1539339316.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I started a new treatment last week. It's a combination of a new monoclonal antibody called <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Ramucirumab recently approved in USA. It's not available in Ireland as yet, but my oncologist managed to get it as a goodwill gesture directly from the company. I am also getting a chemotherapy often used for stage four metastatic cancer called Paclitaxol. I have had some minor side effects, fatigue and joint pain, but otherwise getting through it. I will be attending the hospital once each week, and it's a further drive to the hospital as I can't have the new treatment at my local because I am the first person in Ireland to receive it and I have to be monitored by my Oncologist. </span></div><div><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RuSUaTUVdzU/VOmy7pqx7VI/AAAAAAAADHg/s-heiy_FXzs/s640/blogger-image--883691547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RuSUaTUVdzU/VOmy7pqx7VI/AAAAAAAADHg/s-heiy_FXzs/s640/blogger-image--883691547.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">On February 1st after a leisurely brunch at Chez Margie, Mr Margie and some of our friends visited Brigid's Well to celebrate the Goddess on what we in Ireland consider to be the first day of spring.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0zPmg6IdWvQ/VOmytAemlRI/AAAAAAAADGw/KEjNLsaJepg/s640/blogger-image-781082193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0zPmg6IdWvQ/VOmytAemlRI/AAAAAAAADGw/KEjNLsaJepg/s640/blogger-image-781082193.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">We also managed to get in a spot of retail therapy at Kildare Village, in my fav Joules shop. </span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I also returned to work part time and am really enjoying flexing my professional brain again. Due to my treatment I am not meeting with groups or the general public. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t1no4Xe-hxc/VOmy236msEI/AAAAAAAADHQ/MnF2E6MEX8k/s640/blogger-image-1620924818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t1no4Xe-hxc/VOmy236msEI/AAAAAAAADHQ/MnF2E6MEX8k/s640/blogger-image-1620924818.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I continue to enjoy making raw vegan cakes and made this strawberry "cheesecake" for Valentines Day. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uFI5rmyGGsg/VOmyyAuqeOI/AAAAAAAADHA/Vym_hVOeNRY/s640/blogger-image-1021696440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uFI5rmyGGsg/VOmyyAuqeOI/AAAAAAAADHA/Vym_hVOeNRY/s640/blogger-image-1021696440.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Last weekend Mr Margie and I joined our friends for a visit to Burtown House near Athy, County Kildare to see the snowdrops.</span></div><div><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bw1D9Vs30Gw/VOmyjXwYYCI/AAAAAAAADGQ/oxqp-VnMRhI/s640/blogger-image-2135879527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bw1D9Vs30Gw/VOmyjXwYYCI/AAAAAAAADGQ/oxqp-VnMRhI/s640/blogger-image-2135879527.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QIR2foCiYjo/VOmylxNG2GI/AAAAAAAADGY/1HebDIlZfAY/s640/blogger-image--1719335627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QIR2foCiYjo/VOmylxNG2GI/AAAAAAAADGY/1HebDIlZfAY/s640/blogger-image--1719335627.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WPKwfTvb2Js/VOmy45ok7PI/AAAAAAAADHY/Ge4tdzg23AY/s640/blogger-image-1520948212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WPKwfTvb2Js/VOmy45ok7PI/AAAAAAAADHY/Ge4tdzg23AY/s640/blogger-image-1520948212.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eKQ0Sg_zmwU/VOmyqlP5pUI/AAAAAAAADGo/EwG8B7f5ZCM/s640/blogger-image--1543779567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eKQ0Sg_zmwU/VOmyqlP5pUI/AAAAAAAADGo/EwG8B7f5ZCM/s640/blogger-image--1543779567.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div>While I enjoyed the snowdrops and the aconites, I think the hellebores stole the show. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Big hugs, </span></font></div><div><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Love Margie ❤️</span></font></div></div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-30328287603519414692014-10-13T23:51:00.001+01:002014-10-13T23:51:06.102+01:00Health update and recent travels<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRphsy_QoYE/VDxXQSCJ6XI/AAAAAAAAC-w/6e2HPbMygWA/s640/blogger-image--1093419578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRphsy_QoYE/VDxXQSCJ6XI/AAAAAAAAC-w/6e2HPbMygWA/s640/blogger-image--1093419578.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>My most recent CT indicated I had fluid in my abdomen. A biopsy of the fluid tested positive for cancer. I can't begin to tell you how devastating this news has been for me, Mr. Margie, Mel and Chris, Lein and Duane, my parents, mother-in-law, aunts, uncles, and cousins near and far, also my dear friends, all of whom have rallied and supported me in the last few weeks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CTn4dTSBPRA/VDxW1COvTLI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/lA9YeIAMH6U/s640/blogger-image-2144085457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CTn4dTSBPRA/VDxW1COvTLI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/lA9YeIAMH6U/s640/blogger-image-2144085457.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I had a PET scan last week, and the results show the cancer is confined to the fluid in my abdomen. As a result I start palliative chemotherapy on Wednesday 15th October. I will be on Folfiri, a cocktail of drugs that have proven to be effective for stage 4 cancers particularly of the bowel and stomach. I will have six 14 day cycles, taking about three months to complete, all depending on how I react and respond to the chemotherapy. My dear friend Ming in Singapore has been on Folfiri since September 1st when he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer also. The good news is one of his two tumours has disappeared after two cycles of the drug. He is my hero, providing me with all the research he completed on options he compiled when he was diagnosed and a daily account of the side effects of the drugs. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w73QgsWDNfw/VDxWzdPrPQI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/PZW4YLTr3Oc/s640/blogger-image-870958933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w73QgsWDNfw/VDxWzdPrPQI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/PZW4YLTr3Oc/s640/blogger-image-870958933.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div>As soon as I was diagnosed Mr Margie and I took the next flight to the uk to have a few days with </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mlpeRYbBG6c/VDxXMR8YbFI/AAAAAAAAC-g/5x-WlFXgrU0/s640/blogger-image-228124228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mlpeRYbBG6c/VDxXMR8YbFI/AAAAAAAAC-g/5x-WlFXgrU0/s640/blogger-image-228124228.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Mel, Chris and girls before they relocated to Boston, and to hug Lein and Duane in person, and we were so delighted to</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h42HXQ0NdFc/VDxWvtcr3QI/AAAAAAAAC9A/0uArgytTys8/s640/blogger-image-1256497499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h42HXQ0NdFc/VDxWvtcr3QI/AAAAAAAAC9A/0uArgytTys8/s640/blogger-image-1256497499.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>have a beautiful meal to celebrate PC Jess passing out and becoming a policewoman. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPrfC1w5IdU/VDxVxKCWRhI/AAAAAAAAC8o/ajIcMi1mlHk/s640/blogger-image--220994431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPrfC1w5IdU/VDxVxKCWRhI/AAAAAAAAC8o/ajIcMi1mlHk/s640/blogger-image--220994431.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We cried and laughed, discussed and planned, looked for solutions and used expletives, and most of all we shared our love of being together.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnkZhai9HUc/VDxXOVpx1WI/AAAAAAAAC-o/7jVmZuMZN4Q/s640/blogger-image--794223914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnkZhai9HUc/VDxXOVpx1WI/AAAAAAAAC-o/7jVmZuMZN4Q/s640/blogger-image--794223914.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had my chemo prep last week and my weight is now 42 kilos, not a bad weight to start with. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bzIvgm0pk3o/VDxW8vBvreI/AAAAAAAAC9o/zyucYJkVBOs/s640/blogger-image-1665355886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bzIvgm0pk3o/VDxW8vBvreI/AAAAAAAAC9o/zyucYJkVBOs/s640/blogger-image-1665355886.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have been eating well and juicing in prep for it. The garden has proven to be prolific thanks to Mr Margie. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rm0HYyt13O4/VDxVzDJ0ngI/AAAAAAAAC8w/Q1CVAXVGQCQ/s640/blogger-image--1577867543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rm0HYyt13O4/VDxVzDJ0ngI/AAAAAAAAC8w/Q1CVAXVGQCQ/s640/blogger-image--1577867543.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>I started making raw cakes too. I have also been walking a few miles two or three times each week. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBt7n5gm8jo/VDxWxgf0AwI/AAAAAAAAC9I/8ZFyfl1uNuk/s640/blogger-image-358506866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBt7n5gm8jo/VDxWxgf0AwI/AAAAAAAAC9I/8ZFyfl1uNuk/s640/blogger-image-358506866.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I hosted knitting group, made family lunch, had friends over for elevenses homemade scones, foraged with Nunny, shopped in charity shops and designer shops, chatted and listened to beautiful music love in my kitchen, lunched out with friends, chatted to Uncle Tony from Australia,</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TLbseZ1QKMM/VDxXV3e2tTI/AAAAAAAAC_I/mJcsUdZz7M0/s640/blogger-image-2098245316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TLbseZ1QKMM/VDxXV3e2tTI/AAAAAAAAC_I/mJcsUdZz7M0/s640/blogger-image-2098245316.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> attended uncle Pats 70 th birthday, locked out Ciaran and Domonie in the rain for forty minutes! and loved living each day.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_z8Vl72Cgqw/VDxXSKykV2I/AAAAAAAAC-4/aIlbAoW45BA/s640/blogger-image-469827458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_z8Vl72Cgqw/VDxXSKykV2I/AAAAAAAAC-4/aIlbAoW45BA/s640/blogger-image-469827458.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> I am feeling strong and thanks to family and friends I have kept positive. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m4-Uv5cqqPw/VDxXIsKuBAI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/s3hcTT2qwvI/s640/blogger-image--2146716962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m4-Uv5cqqPw/VDxXIsKuBAI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/s3hcTT2qwvI/s640/blogger-image--2146716962.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>Last weekend Mr Margie and I went to the UK again.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OuAudHGBAQU/VDxXGo7dkmI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/683pzIyYYUU/s640/blogger-image--189676856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OuAudHGBAQU/VDxXGo7dkmI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/683pzIyYYUU/s640/blogger-image--189676856.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We saw the Ritz, got caught out in the rain, visited a beautiful golden </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uip87qWfHKg/VDxXEuHdkfI/AAAAAAAAC-I/gU5oC_HKVPI/s640/blogger-image-1176031059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uip87qWfHKg/VDxXEuHdkfI/AAAAAAAAC-I/gU5oC_HKVPI/s640/blogger-image-1176031059.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Laudree shop, delighting in the macarons ( I don't eat sugar anymore, but Mr Margie enjoyed one) </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AXPKSxZuaU/VDxXCts3lXI/AAAAAAAAC-A/DzRn39yBaFQ/s640/blogger-image-403792765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AXPKSxZuaU/VDxXCts3lXI/AAAAAAAAC-A/DzRn39yBaFQ/s640/blogger-image-403792765.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and were in awe at the delights of Fortnum and Mason. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LJK8I1GGuLw/VDxW-guHAHI/AAAAAAAAC9w/MwXEEfJ-RWo/s640/blogger-image--1459322541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LJK8I1GGuLw/VDxW-guHAHI/AAAAAAAAC9w/MwXEEfJ-RWo/s640/blogger-image--1459322541.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Lein and I volunteered for the UK handknitters Association at the knitting and stitching show in Alexander Palace. We had a wonderful time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jqeb2MhstM8/VDxW6o4SUfI/AAAAAAAAC9g/KzyC_hv_RxY/s640/blogger-image--815472395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jqeb2MhstM8/VDxW6o4SUfI/AAAAAAAAC9g/KzyC_hv_RxY/s640/blogger-image--815472395.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mr Margie and Lein worked on Lein's Morris Minor (MoMo), then we polished it up. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zj840rF1MJg/VDxVvZ8jePI/AAAAAAAAC8g/VRBQmXPQ_zg/s640/blogger-image--2049182398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zj840rF1MJg/VDxVvZ8jePI/AAAAAAAAC8g/VRBQmXPQ_zg/s640/blogger-image--2049182398.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We visited Kenwood House </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oUK1Okb_U4w/VDxV03Ywl6I/AAAAAAAAC84/V6IBsmJVtkY/s640/blogger-image--1586242937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oUK1Okb_U4w/VDxV03Ywl6I/AAAAAAAAC84/V6IBsmJVtkY/s640/blogger-image--1586242937.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">with our dear friends Maria and James, and Ollie and Alex. We walked in Hampstead Heath.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vQkGHOfECG8/VDxXUAYc01I/AAAAAAAAC_A/wd2uuu3edjg/s640/blogger-image-964682611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vQkGHOfECG8/VDxXUAYc01I/AAAAAAAAC_A/wd2uuu3edjg/s640/blogger-image-964682611.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Duane cooked tasty pasta bakes </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVnOqEXIP0c/VDxXAgVdMHI/AAAAAAAAC94/N2O3K-dccbI/s640/blogger-image-1100017692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVnOqEXIP0c/VDxXAgVdMHI/AAAAAAAAC94/N2O3K-dccbI/s640/blogger-image-1100017692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and I even made my signature pancakes. I really enjoyed the chats, the support and the love. Thank you all so much. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-29096737414967791792014-08-12T21:29:00.001+01:002014-08-12T21:50:51.339+01:00Makeover and relaxation<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_r2AnnSnQQ/U-p9Gy59uAI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RpNelEA1PJw/s640/blogger-image--1045841475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_r2AnnSnQQ/U-p9Gy59uAI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RpNelEA1PJw/s640/blogger-image--1045841475.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The garden is providing an abundance of vegetables at the moment, <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7NNjadktdAo/U-p8gIwNSyI/AAAAAAAAC6M/hpzUVC_yz1k/s640/blogger-image--1974825392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7NNjadktdAo/U-p8gIwNSyI/AAAAAAAAC6M/hpzUVC_yz1k/s640/blogger-image--1974825392.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>the dwarf French beans are ready now and the courgettes are marrow sized and the round ones look like pumpkins. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--LwIjYI8to4/U-p9Ktt3nnI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YCxYzfXsuPc/s640/blogger-image-433807252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--LwIjYI8to4/U-p9Ktt3nnI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YCxYzfXsuPc/s640/blogger-image-433807252.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Mr. Margie planted potatoes with Chris and Lir, they will be ready for Christmas dinner. The carrots look so funny, like they are cuddling, as one of my Instagram followers commented. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gkMjBFpci3o/U-p9EtMn4fI/AAAAAAAAC7U/QQ986Cw49AA/s640/blogger-image--328317412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gkMjBFpci3o/U-p9EtMn4fI/AAAAAAAAC7U/QQ986Cw49AA/s640/blogger-image--328317412.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I can't keep up with the harvest at the moment. The meals I have are full of fresh produce.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BHMmYebx7k4/U-p86nH9LoI/AAAAAAAAC68/EVRHGnFdQdU/s640/blogger-image--438150483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BHMmYebx7k4/U-p86nH9LoI/AAAAAAAAC68/EVRHGnFdQdU/s640/blogger-image--438150483.jpg"></a></div><br><div>Last week my mum, Sheila, my two aunts, Rosie and Essie, and my friend, Sandra, and I, all went to the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort. We all needed a little rest and relaxation, and boy did we get it. We spent a few hours in the Spa, relaxing and resting, our skin felt like silk after and we were all so refreshed and chilled. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mvB3C0w9ZsA/U-p84kzwaII/AAAAAAAAC60/-CF5h36jHp4/s640/blogger-image--1551580605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mvB3C0w9ZsA/U-p84kzwaII/AAAAAAAAC60/-CF5h36jHp4/s640/blogger-image--1551580605.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We retired to the lounge for afternoon tea, a selection of mouth watering sandwiches of egg, smoked salmon and chicken wraps, accompanied goats cheese tartlets, tapenade swirls and deep fried prawns, along with mango and passion fruit mousse, double chocolate cake and macaroons, and to top it all off there were scones, cream and jam, too much for us to finish. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UPx1VS59fQQ/U-p8ZwwnZhI/AAAAAAAAC50/LfH0dnZYTDM/s640/blogger-image-945099413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UPx1VS59fQQ/U-p8ZwwnZhI/AAAAAAAAC50/LfH0dnZYTDM/s640/blogger-image-945099413.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We went home smiling from ear to ear and so chilled and relaxed, promising to return again in a few weeks. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B-9ZrZQFqYo/U-p88urRPpI/AAAAAAAAC7E/sIS1MJi6cdM/s640/blogger-image--1044276542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B-9ZrZQFqYo/U-p88urRPpI/AAAAAAAAC7E/sIS1MJi6cdM/s640/blogger-image--1044276542.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div>While I was having chemotherapy I lay in bed looking at the bedroom furniture. The wardrobe, which came from Belgium over 25 years ago as part of a set, gave me the most grief. It had been accidentally sprayed with metal cleaner a couple of years ago, and looked desperate. I kept thinking "when all this is over I am going to paint that wardrobe". </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lI9By0lWWNA/U-p8b6XwREI/AAAAAAAAC58/S6CkYEB8kfI/s640/blogger-image--77880011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lI9By0lWWNA/U-p8b6XwREI/AAAAAAAAC58/S6CkYEB8kfI/s640/blogger-image--77880011.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I spent a week washing, rinsing, painting and waxing not only the wardrobe, but the bed, bedside lockers and the chest of drawers also. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dt1FACVLGQ4/U-p9CVHb47I/AAAAAAAAC7M/Ci2IobNLLEw/s640/blogger-image--2078035452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dt1FACVLGQ4/U-p9CVHb47I/AAAAAAAAC7M/Ci2IobNLLEw/s640/blogger-image--2078035452.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>What was and still is a mix of furniture </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XtGZ0DL2T6I/U-p8h1TBCCI/AAAAAAAAC6U/EQuiNuZr9sI/s640/blogger-image--70625259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XtGZ0DL2T6I/U-p8h1TBCCI/AAAAAAAAC6U/EQuiNuZr9sI/s640/blogger-image--70625259.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>styles has now been unified using Annie Sloane chalk paint. The best thing about doing a bedroom project is the opportunity to have a lie down when the energy levels drop!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KQDLF6d96Vw/U-p9IuOXCkI/AAAAAAAAC7k/XCw6dU59sWE/s640/blogger-image--1633065498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KQDLF6d96Vw/U-p9IuOXCkI/AAAAAAAAC7k/XCw6dU59sWE/s640/blogger-image--1633065498.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to Kay and Catherine at "Before and After" paint stockist in Carlow who were so excited to see the finished results, and impressed with the scale of the work too. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BHz7o-S2Dxk/U-p8eQ-7NYI/AAAAAAAAC6E/o2pcN-eSI1Y/s640/blogger-image--470346696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BHz7o-S2Dxk/U-p8eQ-7NYI/AAAAAAAAC6E/o2pcN-eSI1Y/s640/blogger-image--470346696.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had a positive meeting with my surgeon last Friday. He said I could try drinking and eating at the same time and begin to introduce some different food and drink. I tried my first tea in eight months, it went down well but I paid for it later. I will try again in a few days. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H7kEK7w7XcQ/U-p82PqSCEI/AAAAAAAAC6s/YaYzkKyuoWk/s640/blogger-image--1275953247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H7kEK7w7XcQ/U-p82PqSCEI/AAAAAAAAC6s/YaYzkKyuoWk/s640/blogger-image--1275953247.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I was so happy to complete the project and to celebrate I baked chocolate end cherry jam cupcakes and a pear and plum dutch cake, for afternoon tea on Sunday. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iXM5mP-V3yo/U-p8j1bisNI/AAAAAAAAC6c/Vd8uOm2KEQ8/s640/blogger-image--479974546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iXM5mP-V3yo/U-p8j1bisNI/AAAAAAAAC6c/Vd8uOm2KEQ8/s640/blogger-image--479974546.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Mr Margie and I were joined by out dear friends Sandra and Des, who brought me beautiful roses. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1PfdoyN11AI/U-p8lxEKRrI/AAAAAAAAC6k/hk23kYcUq98/s640/blogger-image-602253283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1PfdoyN11AI/U-p8lxEKRrI/AAAAAAAAC6k/hk23kYcUq98/s640/blogger-image-602253283.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We drank tea and watched the rain from Hurricane Bertha pour down outside. </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-62891504314520944262014-08-05T22:48:00.001+01:002014-08-05T22:48:59.657+01:00Steam rally and health update<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JW54NKsF33Q/U-FQ7TOle3I/AAAAAAAAC4I/DH8SxEhLzUg/s640/blogger-image--1645911473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JW54NKsF33Q/U-FQ7TOle3I/AAAAAAAAC4I/DH8SxEhLzUg/s640/blogger-image--1645911473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Last Sunday Mr Margie and I went to the Stradbally Vintage Steam Rally with my Mam and Dad in my 1968 Morris Minor. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDjEH5LiXCw/U-FRPnKbX7I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/sMp_6dvN-jQ/s640/blogger-image--1233962228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDjEH5LiXCw/U-FRPnKbX7I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/sMp_6dvN-jQ/s640/blogger-image--1233962228.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>We wanted to recreate a photo taken in 1966,</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIwKOt7nLnU/U-FRH0MafFI/AAAAAAAAC44/g9BHM1UATLc/s640/blogger-image--1713303941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIwKOt7nLnU/U-FRH0MafFI/AAAAAAAAC44/g9BHM1UATLc/s640/blogger-image--1713303941.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>when all three of us posed in front of a steam engine. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vXD5q6QRpFY/U-FRJ8QcyAI/AAAAAAAAC5A/AOnsc113Rxo/s640/blogger-image--2105409156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vXD5q6QRpFY/U-FRJ8QcyAI/AAAAAAAAC5A/AOnsc113Rxo/s640/blogger-image--2105409156.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br><div>We gave our vintage party clothes another wear. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yRFIo2qW0uM/U-FRN9PQ8MI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/3pWkbviuSCc/s640/blogger-image-548309711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yRFIo2qW0uM/U-FRN9PQ8MI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/3pWkbviuSCc/s640/blogger-image-548309711.jpg"></a></div><br><div>I made a picnic lunch and brought my crochet project along.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSPeOGsi698/U-FQ9Qg05kI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/mp1EPv3qnG8/s640/blogger-image--2145773382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSPeOGsi698/U-FQ9Qg05kI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/mp1EPv3qnG8/s640/blogger-image--2145773382.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I am currently trying out the 'V' stitch, </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eoPTFwyFX_Q/U-FRSMX25vI/AAAAAAAAC5g/dqreWl1UX-E/s640/blogger-image--1029494591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eoPTFwyFX_Q/U-FRSMX25vI/AAAAAAAAC5g/dqreWl1UX-E/s640/blogger-image--1029494591.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>the crochet community are all going wild over it, and I was eager to give it a try, it is easy to do, works up quickly, and looks so nice. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ge6J-K6QbNQ/U-FQ5az0KKI/AAAAAAAAC4A/tGLVJx0Eh4U/s640/blogger-image-415437445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ge6J-K6QbNQ/U-FQ5az0KKI/AAAAAAAAC4A/tGLVJx0Eh4U/s640/blogger-image-415437445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Yesterday the garden at Chez Margie was in use again when some dear friends called by, a spot of afternoon tea, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D2zyyVy-eqI/U-FQ2944llI/AAAAAAAAC34/4CCyCmoOf2I/s640/blogger-image-1254566659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D2zyyVy-eqI/U-FQ2944llI/AAAAAAAAC34/4CCyCmoOf2I/s640/blogger-image-1254566659.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I baked some sugarless, dairy free chocolate and sugar free cherry jam cupcakes and a rose water and raspberry cake. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EKe6pMhLSC8/U-FRFpjcR8I/AAAAAAAAC4w/eem_-MQYWDY/s640/blogger-image-965840581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EKe6pMhLSC8/U-FRFpjcR8I/AAAAAAAAC4w/eem_-MQYWDY/s640/blogger-image-965840581.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Chats and some more crochet and knitting with them and Merino cat was just the perfect way to while away the hours. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2-1V_BvbYNw/U-FQ_ls0uMI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/N6xCj5C66qQ/s640/blogger-image-2083230471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2-1V_BvbYNw/U-FQ_ls0uMI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/N6xCj5C66qQ/s640/blogger-image-2083230471.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I visited the hospital again last week for blood tests, port flush and had a weigh in too. I am happy to report that I have put on two kilos since completing the chemo. I am meeting my surgeon on Friday and the next three month CT scan is scheduled for early September. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSItT0oYBao/U-FRDuWfwLI/AAAAAAAAC4o/cH1EwN0Px-I/s640/blogger-image-211055351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSItT0oYBao/U-FRDuWfwLI/AAAAAAAAC4o/cH1EwN0Px-I/s640/blogger-image-211055351.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was sad to say goodbye to Isla, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kv5xqTaB5rE/U-FRBhWMLII/AAAAAAAAC4g/aRlry6Nssmw/s640/blogger-image--1848115298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kv5xqTaB5rE/U-FRBhWMLII/AAAAAAAAC4g/aRlry6Nssmw/s640/blogger-image--1848115298.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Esmé,Mel,and Chris this week but was glad that we got to spend time together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fjDNBX75kKg/U-FRLylDf2I/AAAAAAAAC5I/8hPPNoyK3bM/s640/blogger-image--758549913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fjDNBX75kKg/U-FRLylDf2I/AAAAAAAAC5I/8hPPNoyK3bM/s640/blogger-image--758549913.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>at the National Stud and the Japanese Gardens with our dear friend Bernie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>I have also been nominated for an Irish blog award and am included in the long list under the personal blog category, not sure how it all works but I will keep you all posted. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog. </div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-45174586380303285302014-07-30T23:40:00.001+01:002014-07-31T00:24:28.207+01:0050th Birthday Tea Dance Party and celebrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ugkccptzXL0/U9l9P7GBcSI/AAAAAAAAC3o/vIcPn3lPG8M/s640/blogger-image-1909972855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ugkccptzXL0/U9l9P7GBcSI/AAAAAAAAC3o/vIcPn3lPG8M/s640/blogger-image-1909972855.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Mr Margie turned fifty on July 20th and I turned 50 on July 25th. We spent a lovely evening at the Belgian Ambassadors reception on the 18th celebrating Belgian National Day. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MELgIW2y4SE/U9l9EgaiT8I/AAAAAAAAC3A/1zWI3MBe1WE/s640/blogger-image--1258868142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MELgIW2y4SE/U9l9EgaiT8I/AAAAAAAAC3A/1zWI3MBe1WE/s640/blogger-image--1258868142.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our nephews Cole and Lir joined us, along with Lir's girlfriend Aoife.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TcBucblBTKw/U9l9GkGxiqI/AAAAAAAAC3I/nmcFe5d9MvA/s640/blogger-image--309614766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TcBucblBTKw/U9l9GkGxiqI/AAAAAAAAC3I/nmcFe5d9MvA/s640/blogger-image--309614766.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Considering that the last year has been a very difficult one for me and for all the family, I was determined to have a celebration to mark our birthdays. I was watching River Cottage on tv and saw the episode where Hugh attends a tea dance. That gave me the idea for our birthday celebration. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PAwyMqcj6B4/U9lzE961jnI/AAAAAAAAC0I/VQSJI0dp1ac/s640/blogger-image-1976425713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PAwyMqcj6B4/U9lzE961jnI/AAAAAAAAC0I/VQSJI0dp1ac/s640/blogger-image-1976425713.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Leiny came back to Ireland and took the </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wuf-GWCT1hM/U9lzXUh7wCI/AAAAAAAAC0g/pfE2zKayyMg/s640/blogger-image--42720666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wuf-GWCT1hM/U9lzXUh7wCI/AAAAAAAAC0g/pfE2zKayyMg/s640/blogger-image--42720666.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Morris up to Dublin for a spin. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fiRtSMcTHw0/U9lzCt31iRI/AAAAAAAAC0A/rmugJ5IxeyI/s640/blogger-image-1152076530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fiRtSMcTHw0/U9lzCt31iRI/AAAAAAAAC0A/rmugJ5IxeyI/s640/blogger-image-1152076530.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I went to an Auction with my mum to look for birthday gifts for Mr Margie, </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0H-ldESyeX0/U9lzStw6xzI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OFFC3BgA_b8/s640/blogger-image--301644611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0H-ldESyeX0/U9lzStw6xzI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OFFC3BgA_b8/s640/blogger-image--301644611.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>thanks to Noelle for letting me know there was one on last week. I found a lovely vintage child's high chair, address stamps, shelving unit and cuff links for Mr Margie.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VbieQkylzkU/U9lzn_6jqQI/AAAAAAAAC1A/VckP7vYRmvw/s640/blogger-image--110508241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VbieQkylzkU/U9lzn_6jqQI/AAAAAAAAC1A/VckP7vYRmvw/s640/blogger-image--110508241.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Mel, Chris, Isla and Esmé arrived on the Ferry, Rommeij and Rikki flew in and some of Mr Margie's family arrived from Belgium to help us celebrate. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AlwyBYHQm60/U9lzAZFpw6I/AAAAAAAACz4/rfNR47JvUnY/s640/blogger-image-566231708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AlwyBYHQm60/U9lzAZFpw6I/AAAAAAAACz4/rfNR47JvUnY/s640/blogger-image-566231708.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The garden at Chez Margie was put to good use and many happy hours were spent outdoors.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kDku8wUQpI0/U9l0SLWWh1I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/U7u1ZyqbWAw/s640/blogger-image-1077968358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kDku8wUQpI0/U9l0SLWWh1I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/U7u1ZyqbWAw/s640/blogger-image-1077968358.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The tea dance party was at the local church hall in Athy and t<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he dress code was 1930's- 1950's. Mr Margie and I welcomed our guests and they were asked to sign the guest book on arrival.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K80q6fuupPs/U9l5IDU70aI/AAAAAAAAC1s/jk8boeSJxw0/s640/blogger-image-1104514075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K80q6fuupPs/U9l5IDU70aI/AAAAAAAAC1s/jk8boeSJxw0/s640/blogger-image-1104514075.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>My cousin Alice had put together a play list of music on her lap top over the previous few weeks, she began the night by kicking off with the Tommy Dorsey Band playing Boogie Woogie. The guests mingled in the dance hall while the Tea room was set up. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wpQLmzdwTY8/U9lzaNdfBxI/AAAAAAAAC0o/9f23NksrRUs/s640/blogger-image--1447241862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wpQLmzdwTY8/U9lzaNdfBxI/AAAAAAAAC0o/9f23NksrRUs/s640/blogger-image--1447241862.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mel, Lein, my nephews Cole, Lir and son in law Chris, along with cousin Alice and her partner Caroline,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BoJUTJnBnmw/U9lzUvm1GhI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/8LYCG01yazc/s640/blogger-image-224234963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BoJUTJnBnmw/U9lzUvm1GhI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/8LYCG01yazc/s640/blogger-image-224234963.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">set up the 1930-1950 vignettes, bunting, and stage in the main hall as well as tables and place settings, banner in the hall and more bunting in the tea room, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">while making up a batch of sandwiches to start the ball rolling for the waitresses.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2gRr6-5lowg/U9l0P6pQN_I/AAAAAAAAC1I/bytisHxaPO8/s640/blogger-image-1721494493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2gRr6-5lowg/U9l0P6pQN_I/AAAAAAAAC1I/bytisHxaPO8/s640/blogger-image-1721494493.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Alice also brought along home made Macaroons and a delicious chocolate cake. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uTAdDGfxJTw/U9l9LLIqLgI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/jiG8ptLNQOs/s640/blogger-image--1614221522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uTAdDGfxJTw/U9l9LLIqLgI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/jiG8ptLNQOs/s640/blogger-image--1614221522.jpg"></a></div>I changed my dress when the tea rooms closed. The guests retired from the tea room, full of sandwiches and cakes, back to the dance hall. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_G2V5MxEkK0/U9lzlrCykKI/AAAAAAAAC04/5G381-YGgTY/s640/blogger-image--758429605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_G2V5MxEkK0/U9lzlrCykKI/AAAAAAAAC04/5G381-YGgTY/s640/blogger-image--758429605.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Cole and Des put on a surprise entertainment old style show, which saw the audience singing along to the old classics such as "daisy, daisy, give me answer do..." and "it's a long way to Tipperary". </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIIXJYqBuSk/U9l5L53sQsI/AAAAAAAAC18/QlsTfZhaJhA/s640/blogger-image--1651178050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIIXJYqBuSk/U9l5L53sQsI/AAAAAAAAC18/QlsTfZhaJhA/s640/blogger-image--1651178050.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The regailed us with witty stories and jokes as well as a magic trick. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NMblEiVxjb0/U9l5R0Z5rVI/AAAAAAAAC2U/N-qGeflvVNM/s640/blogger-image-1227261432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NMblEiVxjb0/U9l5R0Z5rVI/AAAAAAAAC2U/N-qGeflvVNM/s640/blogger-image-1227261432.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then Des introduced the "Andrews sisters" who were Mel, Lein and Rommeij in full uniform, they sang along</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ImRNEOBKjEM/U9l5QCAMI9I/AAAAAAAAC2M/J0DJduotsDk/s640/blogger-image-1955756853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ImRNEOBKjEM/U9l5QCAMI9I/AAAAAAAAC2M/J0DJduotsDk/s640/blogger-image-1955756853.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to "don't sit under the apple tree" and "oh johnny", </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Gam2qvfIS0/U9l4u_mvxbI/AAAAAAAAC1k/qYxCD7P4r6c/s640/blogger-image--1176467927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Gam2qvfIS0/U9l4u_mvxbI/AAAAAAAAC1k/qYxCD7P4r6c/s640/blogger-image--1176467927.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">before joining the guests to dance for the following two hours. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ltLV1hL-0A0/U9l5OPIge5I/AAAAAAAAC2E/NPf3cO2b3gM/s640/blogger-image-38433311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ltLV1hL-0A0/U9l5OPIge5I/AAAAAAAAC2E/NPf3cO2b3gM/s640/blogger-image-38433311.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Both Mr Margie and I were so happy to welcome so many family members and </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WKO1wKk7yeQ/U9l9OCOqNGI/AAAAAAAAC3g/-DoDZWxTZGE/s640/blogger-image--2083812529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WKO1wKk7yeQ/U9l9OCOqNGI/AAAAAAAAC3g/-DoDZWxTZGE/s640/blogger-image--2083812529.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">friends from all across the world to our Tea Dance Party. My mums six sisters joined us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tdQqslC-iNQ/U9l5TxFenYI/AAAAAAAAC2c/o8rzGKIF47E/s640/blogger-image--1108995032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tdQqslC-iNQ/U9l5TxFenYI/AAAAAAAAC2c/o8rzGKIF47E/s640/blogger-image--1108995032.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ciaran travelled from Canada, and Brooke came from New York. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-onRirp35rxA/U9l5WauNyFI/AAAAAAAAC2k/42g1YmWedBE/s640/blogger-image--344354180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-onRirp35rxA/U9l5WauNyFI/AAAAAAAAC2k/42g1YmWedBE/s640/blogger-image--344354180.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Maria and James came over from Ascot and Jess flew in as a surprise from London where she has just finished her training with the Police. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQujBxx7Y5Y/U9l5YhZHo_I/AAAAAAAAC2s/A0BEeRhRleQ/s640/blogger-image-725224700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQujBxx7Y5Y/U9l5YhZHo_I/AAAAAAAAC2s/A0BEeRhRleQ/s640/blogger-image-725224700.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anthony came up from Cork. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0RdylE2c1zA/U9l9I5Ho8iI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/KMlrppBP8hI/s640/blogger-image-229237266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0RdylE2c1zA/U9l9I5Ho8iI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/KMlrppBP8hI/s640/blogger-image-229237266.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We had many apologies from loved ones who could not join us, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W1_9PepfQH4/U9l5KIuUC2I/AAAAAAAAC10/gxzY5QC8EV0/s640/blogger-image--564692156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W1_9PepfQH4/U9l5KIuUC2I/AAAAAAAAC10/gxzY5QC8EV0/s640/blogger-image--564692156.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and we appreciate the gifts from everyone near and far. It was the best birthday bash we ever had and a special thank you to everyone who went to the effort to come dressed for the occasion. </span></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div> Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-9934488988169451172014-07-16T20:14:00.001+01:002014-07-16T20:42:25.076+01:00Home, crafting and friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vNIVxS1_aX0/U8bVW8aHDiI/AAAAAAAACyc/RvG3L4VOBOo/s640/blogger-image-37384035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vNIVxS1_aX0/U8bVW8aHDiI/AAAAAAAACyc/RvG3L4VOBOo/s640/blogger-image-37384035.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Since I returned from my post chemo travels, my energy levels have increased. I have less afternoon resting. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hM_8r4JVFdI/U8bVKQ0VpOI/AAAAAAAACyE/lIhSy0AzD9s/s640/blogger-image--1030199926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hM_8r4JVFdI/U8bVKQ0VpOI/AAAAAAAACyE/lIhSy0AzD9s/s640/blogger-image--1030199926.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>The garden is providing an abundance of produce and flowers at the moment. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PaEv_mlqdxw/U8bVa0zbKTI/AAAAAAAACys/anu3vus6iQg/s640/blogger-image--1324425023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PaEv_mlqdxw/U8bVa0zbKTI/AAAAAAAACys/anu3vus6iQg/s640/blogger-image--1324425023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I have begun walking a couple of times each week with my mum and my friend Clodagh. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aGvtLHRTzx4/U8bVTsyFoMI/AAAAAAAACyM/EhkIgfbcdIw/s640/blogger-image-1327443656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aGvtLHRTzx4/U8bVTsyFoMI/AAAAAAAACyM/EhkIgfbcdIw/s640/blogger-image-1327443656.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>I am enjoying the outdoors, decking out in rain jacket and wellies when required,</div><div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-laa1_50sxIg/U8bVeidnSTI/AAAAAAAACy8/leMnjb49eaI/s640/blogger-image-985679751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-laa1_50sxIg/U8bVeidnSTI/AAAAAAAACy8/leMnjb49eaI/s640/blogger-image-985679751.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>most of all I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> enjoy sitting out in the garden </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRie_qv9xLM/U8bVIttpb6I/AAAAAAAACx8/83vmQ4uKRnk/s640/blogger-image-401095483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRie_qv9xLM/U8bVIttpb6I/AAAAAAAACx8/83vmQ4uKRnk/s640/blogger-image-401095483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>at Chez Margie when the sunshines. </span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D9Oy4wHZIxA/U8bVYvI6L9I/AAAAAAAACyk/9rcC12DBxu0/s640/blogger-image-476080526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D9Oy4wHZIxA/U8bVYvI6L9I/AAAAAAAACyk/9rcC12DBxu0/s640/blogger-image-476080526.jpg"></a></div><br></font><div>I have been eating well and I only had one bad day in the last week. I am baking and eating cakes, trying out new recipes, no sugar, no dairy, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-59AljCLH068/U8bVkDCHzUI/AAAAAAAACzU/4WhsHASaVu0/s640/blogger-image-464979958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-59AljCLH068/U8bVkDCHzUI/AAAAAAAACzU/4WhsHASaVu0/s640/blogger-image-464979958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>no eggs and enjoying meeting family, friends and work colleagues.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THz33nqTx9g/U8bVVALgteI/AAAAAAAACyU/2TP42uQIvmU/s640/blogger-image-2088155469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THz33nqTx9g/U8bVVALgteI/AAAAAAAACyU/2TP42uQIvmU/s640/blogger-image-2088155469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Last week I visited my workplace for the first time since I collapsed there last September. My colleagues, manager and the chair person of the board all made me feel so welcome and missed. I chatted with everyone for over two hours and the sunflowers they gave me look splendid on the kitchen table at Chez Margie. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IBZVJmMpBBI/U8bVckrRE5I/AAAAAAAACy0/XrLwi877OjM/s640/blogger-image--1591525529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IBZVJmMpBBI/U8bVckrRE5I/AAAAAAAACy0/XrLwi877OjM/s640/blogger-image--1591525529.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My dear friend Noelle and I have enjoyed meeting up again, she came to visit last week bringing me some vintage fabrics, a lovely plant, candles and a gorgeous basket. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uW8pa527wu8/U8bVG40iLzI/AAAAAAAACx0/rYmr6E_5YWA/s640/blogger-image--154017958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uW8pa527wu8/U8bVG40iLzI/AAAAAAAACx0/rYmr6E_5YWA/s640/blogger-image--154017958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I was so pleased as i had cleaned up the </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqvXvi95ouQ/U8bVghWKOPI/AAAAAAAACzE/6yEMrhalEiw/s640/blogger-image-632967400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqvXvi95ouQ/U8bVghWKOPI/AAAAAAAACzE/6yEMrhalEiw/s640/blogger-image-632967400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>studio and set up my sewing machine for the first time since last summer. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-au_myNSTevo/U8bVEGKtWHI/AAAAAAAACxs/gPzZ2HXeX7k/s640/blogger-image-67564034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-au_myNSTevo/U8bVEGKtWHI/AAAAAAAACxs/gPzZ2HXeX7k/s640/blogger-image-67564034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I visited Noelle yesterday, bringing her a gift of a bag I had made from the fabric she brought me. It was so good to chat, eat chocolate (85% cocoa) and fruit, we got no sewing done. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rUvJSYZ4gwY/U8bViVk1u5I/AAAAAAAACzM/nbmdl7CBalk/s640/blogger-image-1716045351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rUvJSYZ4gwY/U8bViVk1u5I/AAAAAAAACzM/nbmdl7CBalk/s640/blogger-image-1716045351.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My nephew Lir has been helping out around the house and garden doing chores and painting, it's great to have an extra set of hands around, he is also good fun to be with. Both he and Mr Margie enjoy my home cooked meals and used the bistro table to watch the soccer during dinner. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pFldOTvUSo/U8bVl1hJY_I/AAAAAAAACzc/j8CZ9VQsRc4/s640/blogger-image-1280068595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pFldOTvUSo/U8bVl1hJY_I/AAAAAAAACzc/j8CZ9VQsRc4/s640/blogger-image-1280068595.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">M<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">r Margie is working on a garden house, which will catch the sun for most of the afternoon and evening. I am looking forward to decorating it. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-axPDgZletTE/U8bVnsnVKhI/AAAAAAAACzk/28MVweRl3OU/s640/blogger-image--215336084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-axPDgZletTE/U8bVnsnVKhI/AAAAAAAACzk/28MVweRl3OU/s640/blogger-image--215336084.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>My friends Alex, Maggie and their daughter Megan visited today and after lunch al fresco </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vhAK8aGnWZs/U8bU96W_UiI/AAAAAAAACxU/QpkVEJPAlik/s640/blogger-image--2019423405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vhAK8aGnWZs/U8bU96W_UiI/AAAAAAAACxU/QpkVEJPAlik/s640/blogger-image--2019423405.jpg"></a></div>we did some sewing together, Megan and Maggie gave their new Ikea sewing machine a good first outing, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFwQfT3jid4/U8bU_omt7QI/AAAAAAAACxc/sIMfUP2YHRM/s640/blogger-image-799145740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFwQfT3jid4/U8bU_omt7QI/AAAAAAAACxc/sIMfUP2YHRM/s640/blogger-image-799145740.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>and Megan was so pleased to take home her completed owl. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XJoRcXxlWjI/U8bVCCWZF8I/AAAAAAAACxk/77T4qiff8Lk/s640/blogger-image-622919448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XJoRcXxlWjI/U8bVCCWZF8I/AAAAAAAACxk/77T4qiff8Lk/s640/blogger-image-622919448.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I really enjoyed spending time with them all. </div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>Big hugs </div><div>Margie ❤️</div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-84499162636986776982014-07-01T21:54:00.001+01:002014-07-01T23:22:15.598+01:00Post chemo travel 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3mUfHXU9wxI/U7MsVTN8K7I/AAAAAAAACtI/llvHAwkZW10/s640/blogger-image-87920846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3mUfHXU9wxI/U7MsVTN8K7I/AAAAAAAACtI/llvHAwkZW10/s640/blogger-image-87920846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Town centre in Henley was once again the choice venue for a film set, this time for a German series "Valentine's Kiss". <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uxk1Dfx5MyE/U7MsY0tx-aI/AAAAAAAACtY/rkzwajQuE0g/s640/blogger-image--571235109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uxk1Dfx5MyE/U7MsY0tx-aI/AAAAAAAACtY/rkzwajQuE0g/s640/blogger-image--571235109.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>A recently vacated shop was set up as a bridal store, and the locals just went about business as usual while the filming continued. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7SN0IkQ3pY8/U7Mwd-lHoJI/AAAAAAAACv0/pJti2LjgbAw/s640/blogger-image-1605496622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7SN0IkQ3pY8/U7Mwd-lHoJI/AAAAAAAACv0/pJti2LjgbAw/s640/blogger-image-1605496622.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The Henley standard carried the whole story on Friday. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hP9slY_a080/U7MwalnfTSI/AAAAAAAACvk/VfHy5F2KqlQ/s640/blogger-image--683366319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hP9slY_a080/U7MwalnfTSI/AAAAAAAACvk/VfHy5F2KqlQ/s640/blogger-image--683366319.jpg"></a></div><br><div>A visit to Greys Court just outside Henley with Mel, Esmé, Yvette, Ellie Skye, Rose and Isaac, was a real treat for Mr Margie and I. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Rose entertained us with her Hula Hoop and we dined alfresco on the front lawn. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IpdTx24iw-k/U7MvtLDJ7SI/AAAAAAAACu8/b-2qwODXDfw/s640/blogger-image-809096231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IpdTx24iw-k/U7MvtLDJ7SI/AAAAAAAACu8/b-2qwODXDfw/s640/blogger-image-809096231.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After lunch our stroll around the gardens was an absolute delight. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jap3YworIew/U7MsdnNgjAI/AAAAAAAACtw/AmpMUCrqS-k/s640/blogger-image-672384460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jap3YworIew/U7MsdnNgjAI/AAAAAAAACtw/AmpMUCrqS-k/s640/blogger-image-672384460.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Roses, lavender, wisteria, </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QD51mtJ-iJ8/U7MvnMjpBxI/AAAAAAAACuc/xU7IS9B6Dlo/s640/blogger-image--1245566811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QD51mtJ-iJ8/U7MvnMjpBxI/AAAAAAAACuc/xU7IS9B6Dlo/s640/blogger-image--1245566811.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and a white garden with a beautiful pond were all a gardeners treat. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-09ecD7LJx3I/U7Mwfj8WQyI/AAAAAAAACv8/24Qv5gv4AmA/s640/blogger-image--1106877356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-09ecD7LJx3I/U7Mwfj8WQyI/AAAAAAAACv8/24Qv5gv4AmA/s640/blogger-image--1106877356.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><div><br></div><div>In the afternoon a rendezvous with Trish and Bella, and Louise and Amelia by the river and on to the playground was such fun. A special time with good friends and </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Vd85AxLWwo/U7MsTyfxlCI/AAAAAAAACtA/HWaOK66K_kY/s640/blogger-image--539194081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Vd85AxLWwo/U7MsTyfxlCI/AAAAAAAACtA/HWaOK66K_kY/s640/blogger-image--539194081.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>sweet, smiling, happy faces all round. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnCCQXuia94/U7MvqPjXjGI/AAAAAAAACus/-6pQHM0nwyc/s640/blogger-image--436046068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnCCQXuia94/U7MvqPjXjGI/AAAAAAAACus/-6pQHM0nwyc/s640/blogger-image--436046068.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A visit to Henley is never complete without a drive to Turville, </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VEs1ouk1pUE/U7MwZBgvenI/AAAAAAAACvc/e-tdQdmVBSo/s640/blogger-image-1021475454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VEs1ouk1pUE/U7MwZBgvenI/AAAAAAAACvc/e-tdQdmVBSo/s640/blogger-image-1021475454.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a relaxing drink and some storytime under the apple tree </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C2FqiFWB2hM/U7MscFClRzI/AAAAAAAACto/PT8V0ulWOv0/s640/blogger-image--1364140793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C2FqiFWB2hM/U7MscFClRzI/AAAAAAAACto/PT8V0ulWOv0/s640/blogger-image--1364140793.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in the garden of "The Bull and Butcher" </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TAmWvqNzp2w/U7MwXV5DgzI/AAAAAAAACvU/rupaIaZPG74/s640/blogger-image-815896707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TAmWvqNzp2w/U7MwXV5DgzI/AAAAAAAACvU/rupaIaZPG74/s640/blogger-image-815896707.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was followed by a walk through the village and a visit to the church </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JYf6zGQiFfk/U7MsXWhyy4I/AAAAAAAACtQ/8y3jQeWD1LM/s640/blogger-image-804519240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JYf6zGQiFfk/U7MsXWhyy4I/AAAAAAAACtQ/8y3jQeWD1LM/s640/blogger-image-804519240.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and graveyard. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygFGVXuFqRI/U7MviCqnaJI/AAAAAAAACuE/VizgOHj1qc4/s640/blogger-image-453397946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygFGVXuFqRI/U7MviCqnaJI/AAAAAAAACuE/VizgOHj1qc4/s640/blogger-image-453397946.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><br></div><div>On Friday Mr Margie and I drive back to Crystal Palace </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w5UuMETTajs/U7Mvwkwy-8I/AAAAAAAACvM/NKDRC70vVpE/s640/blogger-image-439105629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w5UuMETTajs/U7Mvwkwy-8I/AAAAAAAACvM/NKDRC70vVpE/s640/blogger-image-439105629.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>and Rommeij and I took the train </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D45X29tLwSw/U7Mvu2wtvuI/AAAAAAAACvE/eFfJNDvS-BA/s640/blogger-image-29676479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D45X29tLwSw/U7Mvu2wtvuI/AAAAAAAACvE/eFfJNDvS-BA/s640/blogger-image-29676479.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>and the tube to visit Lein.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kwm6Jl6xtq4/U7M0j-CyaCI/AAAAAAAACwI/dO1ONaQX3_E/s640/blogger-image-2119549828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kwm6Jl6xtq4/U7M0j-CyaCI/AAAAAAAACwI/dO1ONaQX3_E/s640/blogger-image-2119549828.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>Mr Margie and Rikki worked on Lein's Morris Minor. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2vbB6uZQUHo/U7MsfOexGLI/AAAAAAAACt4/x3johP5o8Jg/s640/blogger-image--178107031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2vbB6uZQUHo/U7MsfOexGLI/AAAAAAAACt4/x3johP5o8Jg/s640/blogger-image--178107031.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We really enjoyed saturday morning second breakfast with Lein and Duane at Kenwood house in Hampstead Heath, </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dGFMEKxTEj8/U7MsaYnTUXI/AAAAAAAACtg/PeQ5MNI3Xbk/s640/blogger-image-2115002256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dGFMEKxTEj8/U7MsaYnTUXI/AAAAAAAACtg/PeQ5MNI3Xbk/s640/blogger-image-2115002256.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>and we were happy to spend an hour looking at the paintings, </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1oj5ZWmsYY/U7M0latiGmI/AAAAAAAACwQ/FNnSvrZJNu0/s640/blogger-image-1958432679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1oj5ZWmsYY/U7M0latiGmI/AAAAAAAACwQ/FNnSvrZJNu0/s640/blogger-image-1958432679.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>some Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Constable and more, </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zIyEsqf7wJE/U7MsSHH5MTI/AAAAAAAACs4/A8EpBtc3IC8/s640/blogger-image-1386241582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zIyEsqf7wJE/U7MsSHH5MTI/AAAAAAAACs4/A8EpBtc3IC8/s640/blogger-image-1386241582.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>all bequeathed to the National Trust by the Earl of Iveagh. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RK8pt_ml5H0/U7MwccnRHzI/AAAAAAAACvs/e_CcYRCT0lA/s640/blogger-image--2128636825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RK8pt_ml5H0/U7MwccnRHzI/AAAAAAAACvs/e_CcYRCT0lA/s640/blogger-image--2128636825.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a7y8uLcYyro/U7MvlaYYKUI/AAAAAAAACuU/96yHz0rV1Io/s640/blogger-image-543068467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a7y8uLcYyro/U7MvlaYYKUI/AAAAAAAACuU/96yHz0rV1Io/s640/blogger-image-543068467.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zp6XbastcYQ/U7Mvrge7i9I/AAAAAAAACu0/V3kcOim-5P4/s640/blogger-image-1591066839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zp6XbastcYQ/U7Mvrge7i9I/AAAAAAAACu0/V3kcOim-5P4/s640/blogger-image-1591066839.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The costumes from the movie "Belle" were on display as the characters in the movie were brought up at Kenwood house. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-clMbLGEWs5E/U7Mvj3YKcbI/AAAAAAAACuM/z9uc8bF69WI/s640/blogger-image-959930264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-clMbLGEWs5E/U7Mvj3YKcbI/AAAAAAAACuM/z9uc8bF69WI/s640/blogger-image-959930264.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our post chemo travels sadly came to an end, and we had to say goodbye to all our family and friends until we meet again,and take the road trip home. Thank you one and all for such a wonderful trip, I enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward to our next adventure.</div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div><div><br></div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-15969435541412018952014-06-24T23:16:00.001+01:002014-06-24T23:24:14.947+01:00Post chemo travel cont...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p73ZYsl3bOE/U6n4a7cijmI/AAAAAAAACrE/GLpfnnY3yik/s640/blogger-image--1270395416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p73ZYsl3bOE/U6n4a7cijmI/AAAAAAAACrE/GLpfnnY3yik/s640/blogger-image--1270395416.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Mr Margie and I left Belgium having met up with our dear friend Nathalie for a "missed you, love you, catch up where we left off five years ago" chat. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dbxhgCQKWMw/U6n4Yuyi98I/AAAAAAAACq8/59LeaOOiaMI/s640/blogger-image--1773517066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dbxhgCQKWMw/U6n4Yuyi98I/AAAAAAAACq8/59LeaOOiaMI/s640/blogger-image--1773517066.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We arrived in Giverny on Friday evening and dined by the Seine at sunset in a lovely village, La Roche-Guyon steeped in history with a castle carved in a rock. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x5hFGyXyiNM/U6n4zHfucSI/AAAAAAAACsk/jBz0bjWXB4s/s640/blogger-image--207934699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x5hFGyXyiNM/U6n4zHfucSI/AAAAAAAACsk/jBz0bjWXB4s/s640/blogger-image--207934699.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We were inspired and loved every moment of our visit to Monet's House and Garden, and took a stroll along Rue Claude Monet<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> to the church and his grave.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zqlwL2P_z20/U6n4pWQZt8I/AAAAAAAACr8/uymdH3od__0/s640/blogger-image-1855079943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zqlwL2P_z20/U6n4pWQZt8I/AAAAAAAACr8/uymdH3od__0/s640/blogger-image-1855079943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-egQoFDNAnis/U6n4rB4Rr_I/AAAAAAAACsE/1bLFMwHQ7Uo/s640/blogger-image-87912179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-egQoFDNAnis/U6n4rB4Rr_I/AAAAAAAACsE/1bLFMwHQ7Uo/s640/blogger-image-87912179.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I lit a candle in the tiny church and as we emerged the mid day bells were ringing. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8nn9hVi1Uys/U6n4la-gpgI/AAAAAAAACrs/Uiri46SmJv0/s640/blogger-image-1489993903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8nn9hVi1Uys/U6n4la-gpgI/AAAAAAAACrs/Uiri46SmJv0/s640/blogger-image-1489993903.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We travelled back to the UK that evening and on Sunday the fun continued with a family picnic in Crystal Palace Park, a most enjoyable afternoon of chats, food, champagne, Pimms, pink fizz and lots of laughter and love.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRCK0rSB6Zg/U6n4dtiXDjI/AAAAAAAACrM/UYWSHMc9Wxc/s640/blogger-image-985902184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRCK0rSB6Zg/U6n4dtiXDjI/AAAAAAAACrM/UYWSHMc9Wxc/s640/blogger-image-985902184.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was a real pleasure to meet Rikki's mom and dad too and it felt like we have known each other all our lives, and we had so much in common, Landy's, chickens, crafts, upcycling, birth year, and much more. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sp5tC0-MA4Y/U6n4hZRLDhI/AAAAAAAACrc/37H61jfeO34/s640/blogger-image-132596285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sp5tC0-MA4Y/U6n4hZRLDhI/AAAAAAAACrc/37H61jfeO34/s640/blogger-image-132596285.jpg"></a></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>Yesterday morning the enjoyment continued when we dined and shopped at Wholefoods Market in Kensington with Leiny and Rommeij. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_T-Eftx9bUY/U6n4nFub9fI/AAAAAAAACr0/d7AIJ9anMbM/s640/blogger-image--279681403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_T-Eftx9bUY/U6n4nFub9fI/AAAAAAAACr0/d7AIJ9anMbM/s640/blogger-image--279681403.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Today the beach trip to Boscombe,</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H-2TKxjIOHc/U6n4xNijo6I/AAAAAAAACsc/aXHmKy6ms38/s640/blogger-image-383080689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H-2TKxjIOHc/U6n4xNijo6I/AAAAAAAACsc/aXHmKy6ms38/s640/blogger-image-383080689.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> Esmé 's first beach trip and Isla's first of the year,</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7cSWG14wwrE/U6n4tLWXZxI/AAAAAAAACsM/pQ_dF2UpFio/s640/blogger-image--445788123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7cSWG14wwrE/U6n4tLWXZxI/AAAAAAAACsM/pQ_dF2UpFio/s640/blogger-image--445788123.jpg"></a></div><br></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> sand, seagulls, strawberries, ice lollies, </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GhnmDDkdIdk/U6n4jXmi73I/AAAAAAAACrk/oqgXmJ-ot4M/s640/blogger-image-1363056586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GhnmDDkdIdk/U6n4jXmi73I/AAAAAAAACrk/oqgXmJ-ot4M/s640/blogger-image-1363056586.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and of course the sea provided </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dTDTHtkC9sM/U6n4fiLUwXI/AAAAAAAACrU/cJDMWFxxyLg/s640/blogger-image-1007839882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dTDTHtkC9sM/U6n4fiLUwXI/AAAAAAAACrU/cJDMWFxxyLg/s640/blogger-image-1007839882.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">endless entertainment as did the </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jdxsinPKfTA/U6n4vNf6ywI/AAAAAAAACsU/36zlFjNdpLM/s640/blogger-image-1426175474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jdxsinPKfTA/U6n4vNf6ywI/AAAAAAAACsU/36zlFjNdpLM/s640/blogger-image-1426175474.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">pop up tent particularly when Mr Margie and Mel were trying to put it back in the bag when we were going home. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Tomorrow we are spending the day in Henley, catching up with friends and some retail therapy, I spotted joules have a sale on! </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Big hugs, </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Love Margie ❤️</font></div></div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-41835373164200885452014-06-19T23:27:00.001+01:002014-06-19T23:27:18.202+01:00Post chemo travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RkiLTnFjVXo/U6NjqcgPY9I/AAAAAAAACqI/nQOMVFZwWd8/s640/blogger-image-1724029210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RkiLTnFjVXo/U6NjqcgPY9I/AAAAAAAACqI/nQOMVFZwWd8/s640/blogger-image-1724029210.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Mr Margie and I left Ireland on Friday 13th, driving my Land Rover Discovery with Leiny's Morris Minor on a car trailer. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTzuVQim9j0/U6NjjkGbc1I/AAAAAAAACpo/628vj1eRfYw/s640/blogger-image--843557102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTzuVQim9j0/U6NjjkGbc1I/AAAAAAAACpo/628vj1eRfYw/s640/blogger-image--843557102.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We spent a few days in Henley-on-Thames with our daughter, son in law and grandchildren. They had a beautiful welcome for us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1NPw5K-ERQ/U6NjvEEXvuI/AAAAAAAACqg/m9rBuIaQwwk/s640/blogger-image--465917574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1NPw5K-ERQ/U6NjvEEXvuI/AAAAAAAACqg/m9rBuIaQwwk/s640/blogger-image--465917574.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On Father's Day we all took a boat trip on the river with Lein and Duane joining us on Saturday night. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Ja6h1O9BG0/U6Njw8ReKbI/AAAAAAAACqo/X-oYHjg7Pl4/s640/blogger-image--1211762046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Ja6h1O9BG0/U6Njw8ReKbI/AAAAAAAACqo/X-oYHjg7Pl4/s640/blogger-image--1211762046.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-001mXm6ydFY/U6NjowXuUcI/AAAAAAAACqA/N37N5LKgLuE/s640/blogger-image-1435952541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-001mXm6ydFY/U6NjowXuUcI/AAAAAAAACqA/N37N5LKgLuE/s640/blogger-image-1435952541.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I had lots of hugs and kisses from Isla and Esmé.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uxnJuhcX8WE/U6NjeDHyxVI/AAAAAAAACpQ/iW-20UhD1KQ/s640/blogger-image--1039465122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uxnJuhcX8WE/U6NjeDHyxVI/AAAAAAAACpQ/iW-20UhD1KQ/s640/blogger-image--1039465122.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K96mtp7gp1g/U6NjYuYistI/AAAAAAAACo4/D3Tsndg1-Vk/s640/blogger-image-1840101331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K96mtp7gp1g/U6NjYuYistI/AAAAAAAACo4/D3Tsndg1-Vk/s640/blogger-image-1840101331.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pMGZE8iTrmA/U6Njr3PmxgI/AAAAAAAACqQ/qC0wzm-8mNM/s640/blogger-image--1542995919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pMGZE8iTrmA/U6Njr3PmxgI/AAAAAAAACqQ/qC0wzm-8mNM/s640/blogger-image--1542995919.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Mr Margie and Chris delivered the Morris Minor to Rommeij and Rikki's to prepare it for importing. Rommeij's website Girl in the Palace is just beautiful, her styling and dress sense is not just on trend but setting trends in London. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mr Margie and I left the UK yesterday via the Channel tunnel, I drove the Discovery for over one hundred miles to "le shuttle". Driving through Dunkirk and up the coast to Antwerp, where we spent a few hours with Mr Margie's mum. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JqhuThDpgqw/U6NjnG0sLqI/AAAAAAAACp4/pWPeAyq-D3c/s640/blogger-image--1335094215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JqhuThDpgqw/U6NjnG0sLqI/AAAAAAAACp4/pWPeAyq-D3c/s640/blogger-image--1335094215.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Finally after a long day of travelling we arrived at our B and B, "De Beuk" in Schoten, where we were made feel at home in the Monet suite, a very comfortable bedroom with bathroom and shower room for our exclusive use.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-71vU2guDsLY/U6NjcMkiYsI/AAAAAAAACpI/sAxtlv_KRH8/s640/blogger-image--758122448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-71vU2guDsLY/U6NjcMkiYsI/AAAAAAAACpI/sAxtlv_KRH8/s640/blogger-image--758122448.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgUMcREM91I/U6NjgGCzvuI/AAAAAAAACpY/qn_Pj-81nAA/s640/blogger-image-795839894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgUMcREM91I/U6NjgGCzvuI/AAAAAAAACpY/qn_Pj-81nAA/s640/blogger-image-795839894.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The attentive " Eigenares" took us on a walk around her magnificent garden after a wonderful Belgian breakfast. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SXyonH40mtQ/U6NjasJhTTI/AAAAAAAACpA/_-2n3UwyBoU/s640/blogger-image--1661781719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SXyonH40mtQ/U6NjasJhTTI/AAAAAAAACpA/_-2n3UwyBoU/s640/blogger-image--1661781719.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AEFI1FCXIFE/U6Njthk_OsI/AAAAAAAACqY/tAd1RExGq-Q/s640/blogger-image-2145080615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AEFI1FCXIFE/U6Njthk_OsI/AAAAAAAACqY/tAd1RExGq-Q/s640/blogger-image-2145080615.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HqOV5H4gx9Y/U6Njh4LiwWI/AAAAAAAACpg/WGIBRjpLJT8/s640/blogger-image--519829578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HqOV5H4gx9Y/U6Njh4LiwWI/AAAAAAAACpg/WGIBRjpLJT8/s640/blogger-image--519829578.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1zVp-yCjr1Y/U6Njlug_j3I/AAAAAAAACpw/XaB1DZKO5ig/s640/blogger-image-174626678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1zVp-yCjr1Y/U6Njlug_j3I/AAAAAAAACpw/XaB1DZKO5ig/s640/blogger-image-174626678.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A spot of shopping in Wilrijk before lunch was flowed by a picnic lunch before we spent the afternoon in the Museum aan de Stroom. The views over the city were fantastic and the exhibits were outstanding. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we will drive back along the coast to France to Giverny. Any guesses where we will visit? </span></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-29873403115884038712014-06-06T21:17:00.001+01:002014-06-06T23:11:13.896+01:00A response to the discovery of a mass grave in a septic tank in Galway<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">In response to the discovery of a mass grave of babies and children at a convent in Galway, I wanted to write something about my own personal experience. I firmly believe in the power of personal testimony. I have a story to tell about my experiences however I am currently fighting another fight, stomach cancer. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">In the early 1980s I spent some time at an "unmarried mothers home" run by the Good Shepard Nuns" I was one of 28 women who was pregnant and unmarried, each one of us individuals, all with our own personal stories about how and why we found ourselves pregnant in a society that saw our situation as unacceptable, yet collective, as we were pregnant, at the convent, and the nuns at the centre expected us to put our babies up for adoption, or as they said, at the least in foster care for six weeks. I remained in the convent for five weeks only. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">This may come as a surprise to some of you, while others know my story. I had the support and love of my parents and family members as well as some very good friends, so my leaving the convent ensured that I was able to keep my baby and I became a single mother. This year my baby will be thirty years old. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">My five week stay gave me the opportunity to have a real insight into how the centres were run, and to get to know the girls and women who were there. My first night I made the "mistake" of giving my real name to the people I met, within an hour I was called in to the office, I was told how I was so privileged to be able to give my real name, as everyone else was there in cognito, I was told to stop immediately. I went to chat to a group who were enjoying the evening sun and I asked where they were from, within minutes I was back in the office again and told under no circumstances ask anyone who they were or where they were from. I was naive but learning fast. Not everyone was who they said they were or from where they said they were from. Next morning I recognised someone, and she recognised me, we chatted for a few minutes, again before long I was back in the office. This time I was told I should not have acknowledged the person. I realised that silence was what was expected of me. Those of you who know me personally realise pretty quickly that I am not and never have been capable of silence, so it was no wonder that after five weeks and numerous visits to the office I was asked to leave. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">There were twenty eight women at the centre, ageing from 13 years old to 32 years old. I was 20 years old. Each morning we had chores which involved washing, scrubbing, and sometime packing envelopes, it was as though the nuns felt that water and soap would cleanse us of our shame. Also our unemployment allowance was handed over to the centre, for our keep. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">The convent is now a hotel and spa, when I saw the brochure, I recognised the stairs I scrubbed when I was seven months pregnant. Travelling to Hospital for check ups involved going by mini bus, imagine up to fifteen or more pregnant women on the one bus, some of us with morning sickness or travel sick, once one started getting sick we all did, we never went anywhere without a plastic bag. We were brought in the back door of the hospital sat in rows waiting to be seen, away from the main hospital, more silence expected here. I became aware of what I now call the " culture of silence" in our society. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">The culture of silence that surrounded the need for these centres is still alive and still in existence today. The lack of women's reproductive rights in Ireland ensures that some women still find themselves in situations where their pregnancies are unwanted, and the legal situation ensures that the silence continues. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">A number of years ago I made a video with the Crisis Pregnancy Agency to create awareness of the supports for women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation and to share some of my experiences as a single mother, and later as a parent in a married situation. It was my choice to be a single parent, one I am so glad I made. I realise that I could make that choice and it was one I wanted, other women could not make that choice, and in fact had no other choices. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I am sure there are more graves, I have no doubt there are graves of this type at each of the " Unmarried mothers homes". I believe there will be lots more to come out. The government, the Gardai and the Church ( interestingly the church seems to be distancing itself, in fact separating itself fully, from the nuns and the convents on this scandal) are all panicking and remaining silent, more silence, as they know this is an iceberg in its proportions, right now we only "see" what has been found. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">In my personal experience these convents were shame-and-blame centres on behalf of the church, the state, and a patriarchal society ( one which still exists inIreland as evidenced by the response to this horrific grave) and had the backing of society to hide and cover up pregnancies. The silence of the men involved ensured the woman was blamed. In some cases the pregnancies were the result of abuse, but in all cases the women, me included, were the victims of a patriarchal society where the males involved could be guilt free, and carry on their lives without shame and without blame. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I don't trust the government to get an appropriate solution to the discovery of the bodies, I definitely don't expect that there will be a right to all the wrongs, I so feel for each and every one of the women, who for whatever reason found themselves in one of these so called "homes", who were silenced and who bore the guilt and shame projected on them. Those convents were never homes in the real sense. I feel sad at the cruel and abusive behaviour of the nuns towards the women and towards the children, and my heart breaks at the loss of life at each and every centre across the country. I know of one still birth at the centre where I was, the little boy was laid to rest in the local church's graveyard, a tiny white coffin, carrying a tiny little mite, who wore a knitted christening gown. To think that so many were denied the opportunity to mourn their children, to lay them to rest in a way that is real and meaningful for them,is horrific. We can't change the past but we can change the future. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">As a society we have the power to change how we go forward, learning leasons from the past. I am pro-choice, and unless we re-look at women's reproductive rights, and children's rights, nothing will change. Every woman deserves the opportunity to make a personal choice, in the belief that they are doing what is best at that time of their life, and every child has the right to a childhood and most of all to love and care. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Big hugs, </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Love Margie ❤️</p>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-63101963827583691182014-05-28T22:22:00.001+01:002014-05-28T22:22:27.011+01:00Chemotherapy complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hBZLVnaDqPI/U4ZTjiNNv3I/AAAAAAAACok/j7bXeYpRfYg/s640/blogger-image-375664905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hBZLVnaDqPI/U4ZTjiNNv3I/AAAAAAAACok/j7bXeYpRfYg/s640/blogger-image-375664905.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Today was my last day of chemotherapy. I began the treatment for my stomach cancer over seven months ago. I had three cycles of ECF chemotherapy in 2013, and on January 20 th I had a total gastrectomy, then in March I began another three cycles of ECF. It has been a tough journey and I am so proud I completed it. My hair has fallen out again, I have not shaved it just yet. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FCDxI7Ca7_U/U4ZTfN5uTBI/AAAAAAAACoQ/oa7YshM9xFw/s640/blogger-image--81124192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FCDxI7Ca7_U/U4ZTfN5uTBI/AAAAAAAACoQ/oa7YshM9xFw/s640/blogger-image--81124192.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I had lovely end of treatment gifts in the post this week, some make up from Lein</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LOgIwKVODGs/U4ZTR-0HFyI/AAAAAAAACn0/yLdsySnD49w/s640/blogger-image-1655017078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LOgIwKVODGs/U4ZTR-0HFyI/AAAAAAAACn0/yLdsySnD49w/s640/blogger-image-1655017078.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>and a new lunch bag from Mel and family.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y7PQdns9fF8/U4ZThCtnB4I/AAAAAAAACoc/8NqtamYAKeE/s640/blogger-image--255784257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y7PQdns9fF8/U4ZThCtnB4I/AAAAAAAACoc/8NqtamYAKeE/s640/blogger-image--255784257.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I had my first B12 injection two weeks ago and I drove myself to the doctors surgery. Since then I have sold my Land Rover Defender and purchased a Land Rover Discovery, which a much more comfortable drive. I have a CT scan tomorrow, the first post treatment. I will have a CT every three months for the next five years. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lQ3NABNkMdo/U4ZTZosHqhI/AAAAAAAACoE/sepYR700vts/s640/blogger-image-549886229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lQ3NABNkMdo/U4ZTZosHqhI/AAAAAAAACoE/sepYR700vts/s640/blogger-image-549886229.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span><div><div>I am knitting myself a summer jumper in shiny red,</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1r7-P7ZD0E/U4ZTbRL3nWI/AAAAAAAACoM/rh8YzQu4aG0/s640/blogger-image-1214605649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1r7-P7ZD0E/U4ZTbRL3nWI/AAAAAAAACoM/rh8YzQu4aG0/s640/blogger-image-1214605649.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div> and I am also working on the granny square blanket I started during treatment.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RBimFCQ6TXU/U4ZTW2HjVdI/AAAAAAAACn8/1xSO0IVpUmA/s640/blogger-image-1303094566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RBimFCQ6TXU/U4ZTW2HjVdI/AAAAAAAACn8/1xSO0IVpUmA/s640/blogger-image-1303094566.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>The garden continues to thrive with Mr Margie toiling away each evening. </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-69948911994040757002014-05-04T18:00:00.001+01:002014-05-04T18:08:55.550+01:00Flowers, baking, knitting and chemotherapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7OyZ758HSUU/U2Zx_OEztbI/AAAAAAAACmk/Pcr3VV9KHrw/s640/blogger-image--840111893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7OyZ758HSUU/U2Zx_OEztbI/AAAAAAAACmk/Pcr3VV9KHrw/s640/blogger-image--840111893.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>This round of chemotherapy was difficult at first, I was tired and fatigued, no amount of rest could ease it. In the last five days I have been feeling better, I have some energy and am sleeping well at night.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f9_b1wBRMF8/U2Zx4io51HI/AAAAAAAACmE/8t_IkuV2mbE/s640/blogger-image--1033498654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f9_b1wBRMF8/U2Zx4io51HI/AAAAAAAACmE/8t_IkuV2mbE/s640/blogger-image--1033498654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> Mr Margie continues to work on the garden each evening and at the weekends. Merino cat is always at our feet when we go in the garden, and enjoys every bit of attention we give him. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D0NCyJth2Y8/U2Zx6T501fI/AAAAAAAACmM/jZcgFWIYH7g/s640/blogger-image-1682348529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D0NCyJth2Y8/U2Zx6T501fI/AAAAAAAACmM/jZcgFWIYH7g/s640/blogger-image-1682348529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>He is particularly interested in the fish at the pond and will flit around the edges and run over the bridge chasing flies and bees as well as frogs and birds.<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ls_WqTJvXp4/U2ZyES9Bc0I/AAAAAAAACm8/3YE3L1eHEBE/s640/blogger-image--692367406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ls_WqTJvXp4/U2ZyES9Bc0I/AAAAAAAACm8/3YE3L1eHEBE/s640/blogger-image--692367406.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>It is a pleasure to walk around the garden each day gathering veg for my meals and admiring Mr Margie's handiwork. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uslcXhDB_vo/U2Zx2yw5HEI/AAAAAAAACl8/45GzIH_-U3k/s640/blogger-image-61130360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uslcXhDB_vo/U2Zx2yw5HEI/AAAAAAAACl8/45GzIH_-U3k/s640/blogger-image-61130360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I also enjoying collecting cut flowers for the kitchen table. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tf5S9J0f_xw/U2ZyIMEf41I/AAAAAAAACnM/WrL1FYGTQXA/s640/blogger-image--1813153090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tf5S9J0f_xw/U2ZyIMEf41I/AAAAAAAACnM/WrL1FYGTQXA/s640/blogger-image--1813153090.jpg"></a></div><br><div>I finished knitting the shrug, I was delighted to have enough wool to complete it and love the shades of blues along with the knitted lacy edge. All that's left now if for me to block it and press out the lace edge. <br><div><br></div><div>I had my three month post operative visit with my surgeon last Friday. He was glad to see me looking so well and happy with my eating. I eat six meals each day, starting with porridge and almond milk. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ytfAPC350nQ/U2Zx7xVCk1I/AAAAAAAACmU/le9CxPcOEbI/s640/blogger-image-1919380259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ytfAPC350nQ/U2Zx7xVCk1I/AAAAAAAACmU/le9CxPcOEbI/s640/blogger-image-1919380259.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Second breakfast consists of homemade breakfast banana, blueberry and walnut vegan muffins sweetened with coconut sugar or homemade Chez Margie banana, blueberry and vanilla pancakes. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-avrW_iXJPFc/U2Zx9etF1kI/AAAAAAAACmc/ZJ5whVUGgfQ/s640/blogger-image-137195796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-avrW_iXJPFc/U2Zx9etF1kI/AAAAAAAACmc/ZJ5whVUGgfQ/s640/blogger-image-137195796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Lunch is often a sandwich or bagel of bean pate or fish with little gem lettuce and fresh radish from the garden. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56CvKbxZKWY/U2ZxzfPXNiI/AAAAAAAACls/8THr7IPkrj0/s640/blogger-image-265356321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56CvKbxZKWY/U2ZxzfPXNiI/AAAAAAAACls/8THr7IPkrj0/s640/blogger-image-265356321.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Afternoon snacks include fresh fruit and I really enjoy fresh juice and my favourite is carrot and apple. I often add ginger, celery or melon. For dinner it's either salmon, prawns, fresh sea bass or if I am lucky fresh trout (Mr Margie caught some on Lough Corrib recently) soya mince or other soya products along with fresh garden veg, currently spinach, spring onion, kale,and purple sprouting broccoli. Sweet potatoe, rice, noodles or pasta are all back on my eating list too and I have had oven chips on a number or occasions as advised by my dietician to try keep my weight up. I am currently 38 kilos and hope to gain a couple of kilos. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oah8rd4sa5I/U2ZyKHOpM6I/AAAAAAAACnU/kZySWfr59DA/s640/blogger-image--1047095180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oah8rd4sa5I/U2ZyKHOpM6I/AAAAAAAACnU/kZySWfr59DA/s640/blogger-image--1047095180.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I usually have something to eat before bedtime, tapioca made on almond milk,home made fresh juice ice pops, homemade Chez Margie bread with sugarless jam and a special treat of some 85%dark chocolate. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My surgeon, Professor Ridgeway advised me not to be too hard on myself during the chemotherapy, and not to try too many new food items at the moment. He said that 6-8 weeks after chemo finishes he will challenge me regarding putting on weight. I was so glad he removed the j tube as I have not needed to use it since the surgery and having it flushed twice a week was becoming a bind. I will see him again in three months. I am due to start my final round of chemotherapy for this treatment next Wednesday. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7_Jia1_Hils/U2Zx1HN1SmI/AAAAAAAACl0/B_RvDmk8FPk/s640/blogger-image--1216283968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7_Jia1_Hils/U2Zx1HN1SmI/AAAAAAAACl0/B_RvDmk8FPk/s640/blogger-image--1216283968.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This afternoon we loaded up the Morris ready for a trip to Ballinakill to the bluebell woods, we did not get too far from the house before the engine stopped. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DBNXVBZign0/U2ZyCnUIzVI/AAAAAAAACm0/HC0XFvFxF_M/s640/blogger-image-333372925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DBNXVBZign0/U2ZyCnUIzVI/AAAAAAAACm0/HC0XFvFxF_M/s640/blogger-image-333372925.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mr Margie made a couple of attempts to restart it before we towed it home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zgHKTWnFdAU/U2ZyGaIk6hI/AAAAAAAACnE/PF7hlfEXAxw/s640/blogger-image--201078340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zgHKTWnFdAU/U2ZyGaIk6hI/AAAAAAAACnE/PF7hlfEXAxw/s640/blogger-image--201078340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PHkx_Dh6Y_E/U2ZyL6CGhQI/AAAAAAAACnc/rgWpxBQzUMs/s640/blogger-image-1753740362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PHkx_Dh6Y_E/U2ZyL6CGhQI/AAAAAAAACnc/rgWpxBQzUMs/s640/blogger-image-1753740362.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lVWb24wTko4/U2ZyAxVevOI/AAAAAAAACms/4_XDUMGChdU/s640/blogger-image--422087351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lVWb24wTko4/U2ZyAxVevOI/AAAAAAAACms/4_XDUMGChdU/s640/blogger-image--422087351.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div>We did make it to the woods in Mr Margie's car and were not disappointed with the blooms. Hope your enjoying this bank holiday weekend. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Big hugs, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love Margie ❤️</span></div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551016863545933987.post-73369531907868926422014-04-17T21:31:00.001+01:002014-04-17T21:31:26.363+01:00#5 chemotherapy, crafting and more Easter fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJ1NHcG0XBo/U1A5-M3Wk5I/AAAAAAAACkw/_8CQSPKLyJE/s640/blogger-image-1936501386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJ1NHcG0XBo/U1A5-M3Wk5I/AAAAAAAACkw/_8CQSPKLyJE/s640/blogger-image-1936501386.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I began the #5 21 day chemotherapy cycle yesterday. A long day in the hospital necessitated ensuring I brought my food and some crochet with me. My hair has become really curly in the last week and it has also started to fall out again. I was exhausted after it all, but could not sleep due to the anti sickness meds. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3JotV-6VdlQ/U1A55AsGS2I/AAAAAAAACkY/hX4u4-higiA/s640/blogger-image-744400272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3JotV-6VdlQ/U1A55AsGS2I/AAAAAAAACkY/hX4u4-higiA/s640/blogger-image-744400272.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>I was glad to be awake as Mr Margie was hosting a dinner for our nephew Cole and a dear friend Des, whose wife Sandra is overseas at the moment. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J1A1h8N9R2k/U1A6BREgMLI/AAAAAAAAClA/lYKIWlT2_2I/s640/blogger-image-2113775199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J1A1h8N9R2k/U1A6BREgMLI/AAAAAAAAClA/lYKIWlT2_2I/s640/blogger-image-2113775199.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Easter table was v pretty and the little car name tags a nice touch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J1A1h8N9R2k/U1A6BREgMLI/AAAAAAAAClA/lYKIWlT2_2I/s640/blogger-image-2113775199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9ddEXQtsBgc/U1A6C8QNT1I/AAAAAAAAClI/hHAM19pL-ZY/s640/blogger-image-1443078710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9ddEXQtsBgc/U1A6C8QNT1I/AAAAAAAAClI/hHAM19pL-ZY/s640/blogger-image-1443078710.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>There was even a spot of Easter crafting done. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--a7FsApqnG8/U1A56hoj1tI/AAAAAAAACkg/3J3XfIESai0/s640/blogger-image--1050667529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--a7FsApqnG8/U1A56hoj1tI/AAAAAAAACkg/3J3XfIESai0/s640/blogger-image--1050667529.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>It was a laughter filled evening and a culinary success, </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IZBiUWxLqEI/U1A6EhQqMPI/AAAAAAAAClQ/EUkr8SWXp4c/s640/blogger-image--1976100097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IZBiUWxLqEI/U1A6EhQqMPI/AAAAAAAAClQ/EUkr8SWXp4c/s640/blogger-image--1976100097.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>and the gift bags in tune with the theme of the night. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7GT0Z1bb3w8/U1A58QF4GtI/AAAAAAAACko/Ie5-o5lEUlU/s640/blogger-image-940155391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7GT0Z1bb3w8/U1A58QF4GtI/AAAAAAAACko/Ie5-o5lEUlU/s640/blogger-image-940155391.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Despite a four hour sleep overnight I was delighted to welcome another dear musician friend Mark for lunch. Both he and Cole entertained me for the afternoon. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nlPbfgN6fec/U1A5_k72ojI/AAAAAAAACk4/ZoK3tu1JCiI/s640/blogger-image--1353965609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nlPbfgN6fec/U1A5_k72ojI/AAAAAAAACk4/ZoK3tu1JCiI/s640/blogger-image--1353965609.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My mum and dad dropped by too as did another dear friend Mirielle. She brought some lovely flowers from her garden. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-thItkKHTLJk/U1A6GvNNQTI/AAAAAAAAClY/s1FhghIXXiY/s640/blogger-image-1921486987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-thItkKHTLJk/U1A6GvNNQTI/AAAAAAAAClY/s1FhghIXXiY/s640/blogger-image-1921486987.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was a busy day and I am hoping for a better sleep tonight. I read a quote today and it said laughter and a good nights sleep can cure any ails, and I had plenty of laughter today. </div><div><br></div><div>Happy Easter everyone 🐣</div><div><br></div><div>Big hugs, </div><div>Love Margie ❤️</div></div></div>Margie’s daughter Leinyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13194728773356046447noreply@blogger.com4