Decorating

It's been ages since the flooring went down in the living room, and the wall paper has been in a ciupboard for the last 18 months, so it's about time to do something about that!

I went to try and find some curtains that I can cut up to fit the smaller than average windows and when I got back, Paul had already started the papering.

Lucky I got back when I did, as the paper was a pain to put up, as it was so thick. I kept creasing - that's what you get for buying decent quality I guess, but as we only needed a roll and a half the £14.99 per roll was justifiable I thought at the time LOL.

Snow!

We awoke to snow this morning

Just over a week ago we were on top of Carn Brea releasing balloons, an now look at it covered in snow in the distance!

Farewell To Emily...

Before I tell you about our day, I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for their support and kind words. Our friends have been marvellous, and between them all, have made these last few weeks bearable. Many thanks to Sally-Ann, Mike, Alison K, Kelly, Mandy, Sharon, Alison P, Alison T and Yvonne. I apologise if I have not mentioned you, but you know that I love you all and thank you with all my heart.

Moving on to the day....

Emily's 'Party' is today, in Bournemouth. The only stipulation that has been made for the day is that everyone take a pink helium balloon for her.

As we are a 10 hour round trip from my family, they suggested that we not make the trip, but that we celebrate her life at the same time here in Cornwall, as the service in Bournemouth.

I ordered the pink balloons from Clinton's, and went up to collect them at 11am on the day. The girls in the shop were wonderful. As soon as I walked in they knew that I was the lady wanting the pink balloons for a funeral. Whilst one of the girls went to get them for me, the girl on the til (who was not there when I ordered them, so I had not met) advised me that they thought we might like some little pink cards to attach to each balloon with our messages, and so they had put some in the balloon bag for me. Needless to say, their kindness bought a few tears on my part.

I had also bought some blow up balloons to make the numbers up to 16, and attached them to the helium balloons and tied them all in a 'bouquet' ready for the release later.

Sally-Ann and Mike arrived at our home at 12 midday, ready for the drive up to Carn Brea.
The weather was glorious, and despite the chill in the air, which meant that I covered up my pink jumper with my hideous jacket, the walk up to the monument showed up views for miles.

We then took the photo's for Sandra, so that I could send them to her, to show what we had done for Emily

Having waited for the release time, which San had advised would be 1pm or just before, we counted to 3 and I released the balloons into the atmosphere.

They took off in the direction of the Lizard, and lifted higher and higher into the sky

It was a beautiful sight to see, and such a wonderful tribute to our special little girl.

RIP Emily Charlotte Rose, we love you so much.

Doors and Windows!

Forgive me, for forgetting to get a before picture, but I was side tracked, ordering Emily's flowers!

Sooooo: the old door came out after some pretty heavy duty banging and pulling on behalf of the window / door fitter. These had only been organise two weeks ago, and suddenly it was all happening, and we would soon have a watertight door.

Before long the framework had gone into place, and everything was screwed in

and it was just finishing strips to completed the door and make it all beautiful one more!

Then it was off upstairs to the bathroom - normally a very cold and draughty place as the seals on the previous window did not work!

out came the old one - leaving a pretty awful gap

and in went the new one. - Beautiful! Once the new sill was in place it made the bathroom a haven of warmth.

Great job, messy, but worth it. I want some of the others doing now that's the only problem! Think we need to save up and do them one at a time!

A Huge, Huge Shock

I found out this morning (7th) that my beautiful, beautiful, 16 year old cousin, and our god daughter, passed away on Friday evening (5th).

I was actually chatting with my Aunt on the phone at the time, and she said to me that she had to go, as Emily was being sick.

It turns out that she was choking.

There was nothing that my Aunt could do, and the paramedics could do nothing either.

I am posting this retrospectively one week later (today is the 14th) as I have been unable to bring myself to think about this shocking event without breaking down.

We chose Emily for our family. When I say we chose her, she was adopted by my Aunt and Uncle when she was a few weeks old. Her birth mother did not feel she could cope with a Downs Syndrome child, which is such a shame, but by the same token, very lucky for our family. She was such a joy to be around, and so very loving.

We had the honour of becoming her godparents.

I have just been told today (14th) that her 'party' and celebration of her life, or funeral for those of you who are more traditional, will be on the 23rd. At 1pm we shall be releasing pink helium balloons into the air in her memory.

We love you so much Emily Charlotte Rose. Now you can be with Nanny, Grampi and Uncle Alan - I now you will keep them in line!

Hospital Visit

We had some bad news last night. Paul's Dad has taken a turn for the worse. His chemo seems to be really affecting him, and his kidneys are objecting.

He was taken into Royal Cornwall, so that they could keep an eye on him, and rehydrate him.

Having parked up on the park and ride, we got off the bus at the hospital, and made our way towards Trelawney Wing. As we were walking up we could hear the helicopter coming in to land on the helipad just behind us.

I could not decide if I was being morbid or not, but either way I was fascinated at watching a helicopter come in to land to close to where I was, and so got out my trusty BlackBerry to get some clicks!

Having taken my pictures we walked on through to see Mel, and found that his room overlooked the helipad.

It transpires that the copter was coming in for tea break, according to the nurse who was checking on him, so I felt it would be OK to post these pictures, nowI knew that no-one injured was on board.

Mel is undergoing loads of re hydration and may need a transfusion before continuing chemo, but doing better since arriving here.

Feel better soon. xx

Sally-Ann's Birthday

It's Sally-Ann's birthday today, and we met up for a meal at the Portreath Arms to celebrate.

This place is a definite favourite of ours to eat. The food is always good and prices are very reasonable.

Having eaten our rather lovely meal, we then headed back to theirs for some scrummy chocolate birthday cake.

A lovely way to spend a birthday with friends.

Happy Birthday, Sally-Ann xx

Surprises and Chocolates

I have been looking forward to tonight for over a week! My friend, Sharon, is having a chocolate party! Although I am not sure that I shall be buying anything, I know that it will be great fun, just as her chocolate party last year was.

When I got home from work, the phone rang, and I answered it, to find Adrian on the other end. It transpires that he is in Cornwall, and shall be within 5 miles of us tonight, so wanted to pop around for a visit.

I explained that I have plans involving enormous amounts of choccy, but that we would love to see him.

Fred went do-lally when he saw his mate, and withing 5 minutes had established a guard position next to him, to ensure he could not leave without being spotted!

I was able to spend half an hour with Ade before heading off to Sharon's for the party.

A table was set up in the kitchen with a large selection of what could be bought, with the emphasis being on children and Christmas.

I know I said I would not spend, but actually I did end up succumbing to some items that were not yet on their web site..... very naught of me, but I could not resist!

A few drinks later, and everyone was smiling at their luck in being able to purchase such lovely gifts.

I was home by 9pm, and able to spend a final 5 minutes with Ade before he headed back up to St Tudy where they were staying.

A great evening. Thanks everyone.