Happy New Year

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Roxy and Sam were not too impressed with the place they lived. They had to clean up other peoples mess and I think it was very noisy. They decided to move in with some friends in Northampton who had a spare room and they thought it would be better. Roxanne got a job at the Cinema in Northampton and Sam got a really good job at Barclaycard so things appeared to be going great.
All too soon things started going wrong and Roxy and Sam decided to look for their own flat or house, as they were both in work it seemed a good idea.
They found a lovely 2 bedroom house in the centre of Northampton it was just right for them and they fell in love with it and somehow managed to get the deposit etc.. together. Everybody chipped in with bits and bobs for the house
Roxy was so lucky she has found herself a really nice lad who will do anything for her and absolutely adores her. Now they are planning to get married next year and I can't wait she is the best Granddaughter a Nan could have and I love her to bits.
My story is coming to an end now Lesley and Chris are happily married and settled. Steve and Sarah are also happily married and settled.
Roxanne and Sam have the rest of their lives to look forward too. Frankie is doing good too, I just wish I knew more about him, he has got more detached from us. I feel terribly sorry that I can't write about my daughter Sheila's life but it was curtailed at a very young age.


I hope you have enjoyed the trials and tribulations of our lives as much as I have enjoyed writing it. For what I have been through one way or another I think it has made me a stronger more compassionate person. At least I would like to think so.
I would like to thank everyone who has stuck with me through My Life Story and thank you so much for your comments and support they were very much appreciated.

Happy Christmas to everyone and all the best for the New Year


Thank you

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I settled in the bungalow and really loved it. It was perfect for one person. Being 5 minutes walk away from Steve and Sarah was a bonus I didn't feel so isolated.
Roxanne left school around June 2006 and got herself a little casual job as a waitress at a large Hotel not far from where they lived in Chicheley. At least she didn't have the journey to Bletchley every day and she was earning a bit of money.
Chris was now a Driving Instructor and had a really nice Mini and was doing really well. They had at last sold their house in Bletchley, so that was a relief to them.
Lesley, Chris and Roxanne were not getting on that well but were tolerating each other. It helped having that big house they could escape from each other.
Roxanne got a job at the multiscreen cinema in Milton Keynes and really loved it, she met a young lad called Sam and they hit it off straight away. They went out for a while and eventually decided to live with each other. Some of their friends at the cinema lived in a house that was let out by rooms so Roxy and Sam decided to give it a go. I believe there was some opposition from Sam's Mum, rightly so but she came round to the idea.
They got a room and and were as happy as Larry, Roxanne even got on better with her Mum now she was away from home. In fact the same thing happened to my daughter Sheila and I, way back.
Spent Christmas 2006 at Steve and Sarah's and I couldn't believe it they bought me a larder fridge for Christmas, I was shocked pleasantly, I might add.

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An appointment was made for me to view the bungalow with a lettings officer for the Wednesday 30th November. Steve came with me. It was the end bungalow of just three in a Lane. Just 5 minute walk from Steve and Sarah's house. I was concerned about the size of the rooms as I had quite a large Sofa and chair and it was so comfy I would be loth to get rid of it. I was pleasantly surprised the lounge was quite big it had a recessed window so my dining table and chairs would fit perfectly. The kitchen was tiny but have found it to be very workable for one person. The bedroom was a really good size also. all in all I was impressed and said that I would like to accept it. I couldn't believe it she said I should take over the tenancy on the 5th December which was the following Monday this meant I would have to pack everything in my flat, arrange removal and utilities in both properties, it was impossible. Then the lettings officer said she would ring the gas people as the central heating needed to be checked , the bungalow had been empty for about 6 months and the heating had been drained. They couldn't come until the 6th December so I wouldn't be able to move in until after that , so she gave me another week until 12th December I could breathe again. Moving day came and Steve picked up the van and his friend was supposed to help him but he was not well so there was just Steve and I . Sarah's Dad was going to help us when he finished work. Poor Steve he was amazing he carried things down the stairs on his own like sofa, chair, dining table and chairs I don't know how he did it. I did my bit also like the small things . We waited for Bob to help lift the fridge/freezer and cooker and all the really big stuff. It was really hard work but we managed it and my furniture did fit ok. I stayed at Sarah's that night as I had no curtains up and felt very exposed but the bungalow felt like home and my little dog thought so too. I decided this would be my last move, Steve worked his socks off to get it sorted for me like curtain rails etc.... I think because it had been empty so long even the walls had got cold and it took a good couple of weeks for it to feel warm. Christmas was here again. I spent Christmas at Steve and Sarah's with her Mum and Dad and we had a great time. Lesley and Chris bought Roxanne a moped to help her get around. I was worried sick as she used to have problems with a push bike so heaven knows how she would get on with a scooter, although it only had a top speed of 30mph she also had to have tuition before she could ride it. I really don't know how she coped what with the bad weather and the roads into Bletchley being so busy the journey took about 45 minutes on a good day. Before long she was dashing about here there and everywhere. Frankie seemed to have settled with his Dad and now wife, he was left pretty much to his own devices as they had to run the pub. He also got used to the commuting to school. I am sad to say none of us saw him or heard from him , hopefully that would change ,we did try.

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Roxanne somehow got to school I think she needed to catch two buses. She was now in sixth form and had quite a few free periods.
I received a letter from the hospital with an appointment to have my Gall Bladder removed on October 24th. I couldn't believe it, of all the dates it had to be the same date as Sheila's accident.
It was to be day surgery, so all being well I should be out the same day. Steve and Sarah were going to have Meg and after the operation I was going to stay with them for a couple of days.
What would I do without them, I am so lucky to get on really well with my daughter-in-law. The day soon came and I was terrified , Steve took me and stayed a while until they started to get me ready for the operation it was about 11.00am.
The next thing I knew I was back in the ward the nurses said it was all over, I couldnt believe it I felt ok. They got me out of bed and walked me around the ward , this was to help the circulation I think. I thought it would be painful but it wasnt. I just felt a little wobbly.
Lesley rang me to see how I was and said she would come to the hospital after work . I asked the nurse what time visiting was and she said I would be going home this afternoon. I told Lesley and she said they would come to Steve's house.
At 3.30pm the Doctor came and checked me over and said I could go home and just to take it easy and that I should be able to be back to normal in about two weeks. I phoned Steve and asked if he could pick me up when he finished work but he said he would come straight away.
When Steve came they couldn't find a wheelchair to take me to the car so I had to walk and my legs were like jelly but I managed it.
By the time I got home I felt worn out . I had only been there about 10 minutes when suddenly I felt really sick and I don't know how but made it to the toilet just in time and I was violently sick and felt really unwell.
I went to bed quite early and slept like a log. The next morning I felt quite a bit better and gradually over a couple of day,s felt well enough to go home. This was the first time since Sheila's accident that we hadn't gone to the Cemetary on the anniversary.
At the end of November 2005 I received a letter from the council offering me a one bedroom bungalow near to where Steve and Sarah lived. I couldn't believe it I knew I was on the transfer list but that had only been for about a year and to get a bungalow I was thrilled .
When I went to look at it I fell in love with it. There was a small fully fenced back garden which would be perfect for Meg and quite a big front garden. I could only look outside as I didn't as yet have the keys.

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Lesley had got a job at Sainsbury's but in HR she really enjoyed it, much better than working on the checkout. It was so handy working just around the corner from home. This I believe was full time. Roxanne was now in Sixth Form.
Chris , Lesley's husband was unable to work due to his heart condition but would soon be going to have surgery, which hopefully would drastically improve his quality of life. It was fraught with danger , as any open heart surgery is. It was certainly a worrying time for them both. It would be done at a hospital in London.
All too soon time for the operation approached , it was a double edged sword , as part of you wanted it done but the other half was scared to death. It was difficult for Lesley making the journey from Milton Keynes but she did it every day. His Mum was there also.
The operation had been a success and hopefully in time he would be able to work and enjoy life without having breathing difficulties that held him back.
I think he had only been out of hospital a month when he got himself a job. That proved what a difference the operation had made. I forgot to add previously he had been a PE Teacher until the heart problem reared its ugly head. What a terrible blow that must have been.
Lesley and he were so happy the future looked good and hopefully Roxanne would come to terms with her Mum and Dad's breakup and realise that life is not perfect. In an ideal world we would all like perfect relationships and families but we are talking about human nature and sometimes you outgrow each other. One stands still , no ambition , the other wants to move on in life.
They saw a house to let that they both fell in love with , it was in the grounds of a stately home called Chicheley House near Newport Pagnall very rural but beautiful. They decided to go and have a look at it and if they really liked it they would sell the house. well needless to say they fell in love with it and really jumped in with both feet with out really thinking it through. It would be very difficult for Roxanne to get to school as Lesley didn't drive. They put the house on the market and prepared to move into the house in Chicheley. It was really huge high ceilings beams massive rooms. I could see why they wanted it. Peacocks in the grounds. It was really the fact that it was in the back of beyond.

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It was a really difficult time Frankie going to live with his Dad. I don't think Lesley could believe it but like she said if she had refused to let him go he would never have forgiven her, this way if it didn't work out he could always come home. We all asked him to keep in touch.
Roxanne wasn't too happy at home she couldn't get on with Lesley's boyfriend and I must admit I thought he tended to take over the running of the house. Lesley liked this as Jim her almost ex husband never did a thing. I don't think he knew how to make a cup of tea even.
Lesley's ex husband was getting married to the current girlfriend in I believe May 2004 after a very short time needless to say he didn't invite Lesley but incidentally he did still ring her sometimes. I hope this new lady knows what she is taking on, although from what I have heard she will give as good as she gets. He may have met his match. The bully could be the one bullied.
Lesley also decided to get married in June 2004 it was going to be a small family wedding. Just myself, Steve and Sarah his Mum and Dad and brother and sister and of course Roxanne and Frankie . It was a registry Office wedding and Lesley had laid on a buffet which was really nice. I t was also a really lovely warm sunny day. Perfect for a wedding. We all had a really lovely day and Lesley looked radiant.

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Jim said if there was any problem with his girlfriend then he and Frankie would get somewhere to live on their own. He didn't care what it took he just wanted him with him. He didn't even mention Roxanne.
Several hours later Lesley rang me and said she had spoken to Frankie and he said he wanted to go and live with his Dad as he didn't like Lesley's boyfriend. Lesley was heartbroken but like she said she couldn't stop him going as he would never forgive her. They used to be so close she was definitely being blamed but you couldn't expect the children to understand the breakdown of a marriage.
I rang Jim back and he was in a restaurant with his girlfriend I told him that Frankie did want to live with him and he said "you have given me a problem now, I didn't think Lesley would let him". I then realised he didn't really want him and was relying on Lesley saying no. I could also tell he was drunk so said he could ring me when he was sobre. Then his girlfriend came on the line and said she knew nothing about this but if Jim wanted Frankie then it would be ok. I also suggested that Jim ring Frankie as soon as possible as the poor lad would want to know what was happening. This was a huge thing it could make or break Frankie. I must admit I was proud of Lesley for leaving the decision to Frankie but shocked that Frankie wanted to go. Even more shocked at Jim's reaction. Only two hours ago he would do anything to have Frankie with him now it was a problem.
The next morning Lesley rang me and said Frankie was really upset as Jim had not been in touch with him and was now thinking it was just the drink talking. I said I would ring him and tell him he had to ring Frankie immediately and let him know what was happening.
I did ring him and again he said I had given him a huge problem but I said it wasn't me it was him not thinking things through and not talking it over with his girlfriend. I said that Frankie was now thinking it was just talk and he was so upset. I told Jim that he should ring straight away or risk losing his son altogether. He promised he would and let me know. Jim did ring him and it was agreed that Frankie would go and live with his Dad in Berkhamsted. School was going to be a problem as Frankie really didn't want to change schools
He would have to take the train from Berkhamsted to Bletchey which was a half hour journey each way. It was a bad time to change schools at 13 yrs old. At least this way Roxanne would still see him at school.

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I had a shower and watched everybody eating their breakfast and I couldn't have anything, I was starving. Time was passing it got to 11.30am and the nurse came and said there had been a car accident so the scan would not be free and would I like some dinner. I said yes please.
The dinners were brought round about ten minutes later and it looked delicious and believe me it was. For pudding it was my favourite treacle sponge and custard.
A nurse came to my bed with a wheelchair and said she had come to take me for a scan I said I had just had dinner as the other nurse said it wouldn't be done today. She said I couldn't have it done now as I had eaten , so she was going to ask the Doctor if I could go home and come as an outpatient in the morning.
I waited and waited and about 1 hour later was told I could go home. My appointment for the scan was at 10.00am the next morning. I rang Sarah , as Steve was at work and bless her she came and picked me up and also said she would go with me for the scan. I couldn't have a better daughter-in-law.
Meg had been driving them mad at night she wanted to get on the bed then off the bed then go downstairs she was a nightmare for them. She just couldn't settle. So tonight they would be glad to see the back of her.
I had the scan and it confirmed I had gall stones so now I had to wait to have them removed how long that would take they couldn't say. One thing though it would be keyhole surgery so I would hopefully be in and out the same day. The last operation I had was my tonsils removed in 1951. I was really scared. They did say if the pain came back I must go straight to the hospital.
That night I was dreading the Irishman next door as it was New Years Eve it was bound to be a drunken night.
Jim, Lesley's husband had moved in with his new woman friend, she was perfect for him as she had a pub and drink was no.1 in his priorities. Later that evening Jim rang me on the verge of tears saying he was really worried about his son Frankie , he knew he wasn't happy at home as Lesley had also got a new man in her life and the children were not happy with this. He said he wanted Frankie to go and live with him and would I ask Lesley if he could. I asked him if he was sure and did his new girlfriend want him there. He said yes it was driving him mad. I said I would ask her and ring him back.
I really didn't think Frankie would want to live with them but I had to ask. Lesley was shocked and said she would ask Frankie what he thought and ring me back.

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I somehow got through Christmas Day I don't know how. Taking Meg out was a chore in itself but we managed. Everyone was ringing me to make sure I was ok.
A couple of days before New Years Eve I was really in pain again, the antibiotics had made no difference at all. Sarah rang me and persueded me to go back to the doctor. She came and took me and this time I saw my own Doctor she immediately took me for an E.C.G as she thought at first it was a heart attack so I was duly wired for sound but it came back normal. My Doctor said she thought it might be Gall Stones and said I should go immediately to the hospital and she would ring ahead so they would be ready for me.
I was terrified I had no idea what Gall stones was I had obviously heard of it but new nothing about it. Thank goodness Sarah was with me when we got to the hospital Sarah rang Steve he was at work and he met us at the hospital. We waited for ages before I saw a Doctor and then I was poked and prodded and blood was taken and back to waiting again. I suggested Steve and Sarah go home as this was no way to spend your holiday but they stayed, I was glad as I didn't really want them to go I was scared.
Eventually the bloods came back and they said they were pretty sure it was my Gall Bladder and wanted me to stay in overnight so they could observe me then the next day they wanted me to have a scan to confirm the diagnosis. I really didn't want to stay in but it was best I realised this
The last time I had been in hospital was 1965 when I had the twins. I had to wait a while and during that time Steve and Sarah went to get me some night clothes and toiletries. I was eventually taken to a ward which really took me a back as it was all men I was the only women. Steve and I couldn't believe it and when the Doctor came I told her that I was not going to stay overnight in this ward I would discharge myself first. She said that wasn't wise but I insisted. She went away and a nurse came and said they would be moving me to another ward where I would be more comfortable.
I had no idea they had mixed wards, they were mostly really old men coughing and spluttering and I just couldn't handle it. I was eventually taken to another ward that was all women, much better I could cope now.
I thanked Steve and Sarah they had been amazing and they went home and said they would ring in the morning to see the result of the scan. The nurse came and gave me some special socks to wear she said they were to avoid DVT and I was also given an injection in my stomach to thin the blood another preventative. Getting to sleep was really difficult it was so noisy but I evebtually dropped off and was woken with a cup of tea at I think 6.30am.
I was absolutely starving hungry I hadn't eaten for days but they said I couldn't have anything until after the scan. They did let me have two cups of tea which took the hunger pangs away a little. Also I had no pain at all.

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It was around October 2003 Steve and Sarah were coming to pick me up to go to Costco as I had never been. I was just about to leave my flat and meet them when the telephone rang, it was Lesley, we chatted for a minute or two and then she said that her and Jim were splitting up it was all over between them. I was so shocked it had come as a complete surprise although I thought she should have done it years ago. How she had coped with his temper and selfishness I will never know. I think he was worse than my husband without the physical abuse but he certainly made up for it with the verbal abuse. He was the type of person who belittled you to cover for his own weaknesses. A control freak.
He was staying at the house until he found a flat or house for himself which made life intolerable for Lesley and the children. I don't know where Lesley got the courage from to tell him it was over, as the repercussions could have been horrendous. He was the type of person who had to be the one to get in first and on this occasion it was Lesley who dared to end it.
I went over to see Lel the following day and I could see Jim in the utility room and thought an argument would ensue but no he must have gone out the back way. We had many arguments in the past due to his attitude to the children and Lel.
Finally just before Christmas he found a cottage not far from where they lived and moved out but he would still not let go. I also had to listen to his rantings over the phone he was totally out of control. If I put the phone down on him he would keep ringing. He said some really awful things about my daughter , of course none of it was his fault.
The children were really upset over the split and we dont know what Jim had said to them but it was all Lesley's fault. They really did give her a hard time. Maybe in some ways she didn't handle it very well but it was a very fraught time. He did sign the house over to Lesley on the proviso she wouldn't make a claim for his pension.
A couple of days before Christmas I woke up in the night with the most horrendous pain I had ever had, right in the middle of my chest and spreading to my back I thought it was indigestion and took some Gaviscon but it made no difference at all. I then started vomiting. I just didn't know what to do, it was about 3.00am. I got up and walked around for a bit then I laid down but it made no diference at all. The pain was ten times worse than childbirth. I was in absolute agony. I think if I had been in my right mind I would have phoned for an ambulance but it just didn't occur to me.
By morning it had eased off a little bit but I felt really ill and decided to get in the car and see my doctor. My Doctor wasn't available so I saw another one , I explained how I had been during the night and she said she thought I had a tummy bug that was doing the rounds and she gave me some antibiotics.
It was Christmas Eve and I was supposed to be going to Sarah's Mum and Dad's for dinner on Christmas day, if I didn't feel any better Christmas Day I would have to stay home. I rang and told Steve and he told me off for not ringing them during the night but I didn't see what they could have done.
Sarah rang me Christmas morning and I said I felt so ill I wouldn't be able to go for dinner, I hadn't eaten since the day before Christmas Eve and food was the furthest thing from my mind. Steve and Sarah came over and took one look at me and realised I was ill. I told them all I wanted to do was go to bed. This would be the very first Christmas I had spent on my own in all my 65 yrs.

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They were in Cuba for two weeks and had an amazing time , they loved it so much they are going again 7 years later. It was lovely having them back and settling in their new home as man and wife.
It was a really lovely house and had a cottage style garden with lots of bushes and fruit trees planted in a sort of haphazzard way. All too soon it was back to work for them both.
I missed the garden I had in Milton Keynes this summer being in the flat meant I had to go for a walk to get the sun not as I used to do sit in the garden with Meg. I loved being back in Hemel it was like coming home we had lived here since 1967 so it was home.
Steve and Sarah often came to see me and I went to their house. I was definitely not as lonely as when I was in MK. It had been a good move in spite of the drunken Irishman. Also Roxanne my granddaughter would come and stay with me quite often.
I had booked a caravan holiday for Roxanne, Frankie and myself also Meg my dog in Brean Sands, Somerset for a week during school holidays, it was set right on the beach , just out of the door down a short path to beautiful sand dunes and the sea. This was the first time I had taken Frankie on holiday, Roxy and I had been to Jersey a couple of times. We all had a great time we had a couple of days of rain but the rest of the time was warm and sunny. Meg loved walking along the beach. We also visited Cheddar Gorge and Weston-Super-Mare and loads of other places. All too soon it was time to drive home but a good time had been had by all.
Not long after our holiday Lesley and Jim and the children were going on holiday to Bulgaria and I was going to stay at their house for a week to look after Paddy their Jack Russell and the cat. Paddy and Meg got on really well, they were buddies. It was nice being able to go to the shopping centre as we had nothing like it in Hemel but a week would be long enough.
Christmas of 2002 would soon be with us, myself and Sarah's Mum and Dad and Sarah's Nan over from Portugal were all invited to Steve and Sarah's for Christmas Day. The dinner was superb she had been worrying about it as this was quite new to her. She did really well she did herself proud. I was shocked, her Mum and Dad bought so many presents for Steve and Sarah it was like an Aladdins Cave. my few looked a bit pathetic.
On Boxing Day we went to Lesley and Jim's for dinner. The tradition in our family is that Boxing Day dinner consists of cold meats, turkey, gammon and beef with chips and pickles, red cabbage and onions ,homemade of course. All in all we had a really lovely Christmas. Steve and Sarah were so happy together it was a pleasure to see. He was a good husband too he always helped with the housework and household chores. Theirs was a real partnership. Lesley and Jim's was very one sided Lesley did everything he did nothing, when at home he would lay on the sofa and watch TV and drink or be at the pub.

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The horse and carriage drew up to the reception hall , everybody was waiting for them and they looked really happy.

The food was really delicious and we all had a good laugh at some of the comments made during the speeches. After the reception was over I nipped home , as I was concerned about Meg my little dog, being left for so long as she would be wanting to go for a walk . Believe me she was desperate so out we went in my finery I did feel a little overdressed (putting it mildly) taking the dog for a walk. One had to do what one had to do. Then back I went just in time for Steve and Sarah taking to the dance floor.We all had a really good time and all too soon it was time to go home. Sandi was staying over at mine as she lived in a beautiful little village called Cosgrove just outside of Milton Keynes much too far to travel late at night and having had a few drinks, also we had a lot to catch up on as I hadn't seen her for a while.
Steve and Sarah left to spend the night at St.Michaels Manor Hotel and in a couple of days would be going to Cuba for their honeymoon

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It was getting close to Steve and Sarah's wedding. Steve and I took Frankie to be measured for his pageboy outfit and I bought a really nice hat, not that I liked hats but felt it necessary. Another day Sarah, her Mum myself and Roxanne went for a fitting for Roxanne's bridesmaid dress, it was a beautiful dark blue.
Steve and Sarah had also bought a 3 bedroom house, they had so much to arrange what with the house and wedding. They had arranged a coach and pair. It was certainly going to be a day to be remembered and then a honeymoon in Cuba.
The day of the wedding, 6th July 2002 arrived, Lesley & Jim took the children to Graca, Sarah's mums house and then came to Steve and Sarah's house I met them there to make sure Steve was ready and give him a little moral support. He looked so smart I was so proud of him. Being 6` 2" the long midnight blue coat he wore looked amazing with the cream waistcoat.
We left to go to the church and meet up with everyone, my cousin Anne and her husband Alan from Yorkshire were there and Sandi a friend of mine and Steve's from Ovaltine and another friend of ours Kay and of course Lesley and their Dad. There was also several friends and families of Steve's. The rest were all Sarah's family and friends. We all went in the church Steve stood with Jim and we waited for Sarah to arrive. Suddenly the music started and Sarah entered the church on her Dad's arm she looked absolutely beautiful , following behind were two adult bridesmaids and Roxanne and two pageboys. They all looked amazing. It was very emotional.
The service began it is such a beautiful church and Steve and Sarah were absolutely beaming.
and looked so happy. All too soon it was over and the register was signed and out we went to the grounds for the photographs to be taken. From the very start a vidio was being filmed.
After the photographs were taken we all followed the Bride and Groom to the road in front of the church to where was waiting a beautiful coach and two lovely horses which was going to take them to the reception. It was a superb spectacle. I thought to myself at the time that Sheila would have absolutely loved the coach and pair. She always said thats what she would have when she got married but sadly it wasn't to be.
Everybody else got in their cars and went to the reception and waited for the Bride and Groom to arrive, I must add the weather was really warm and sunny which added to the ambiance. The reception hall was really beautiful with loads of flower arrangements the theme being blue and white. it was a scene to behold.

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The first thing I did on the Saturday was to go and look at carpets as I needed to carpet the Lounge and the hall. I found one I really liked it was terracota colour and quite a reasonable price. I arranged to have it fitted on the Tuesday.
The sofa and armchair looked lost in this huge room but it would have to stay for a while as it was in excellent condition. I also found a furniture shop in Hemel Town Centre and bought a round dining table and four chairs this was going to be delivered on the Thursday, so the carpet would have been laid.
I was so relieved to see there was a walk- in cupboard in the bedroom that had been turned into a wardrobe. This was great because otherwise I would have had to buy a wardrobe. It was a really nicely decorated room and looked really cosy.
I was also quite surprised at how much storage cupboards there were in the hall. The hall was the length of the flat plus an L shaped bit towards the front door. There were loads of units in the kitchen all in really good condition. All in all I think I had made a good move.
When the carpet was down and the dining room suite was in situ if I say it myself it looked lovely. Meg had changed virtually over night, gone was the snapping at everyone now she was pleased to see everybody.
We soon got into a routine with the walks and it worked really well. Sometimes I would take the car and let her run free in Gadebridge Park it was a couple of miles away but she loved it. We had loads of visitors so different to Milton Keynes , old friends looked me up, I think that was why Meg had changed so much we hardly ever saw anybody in Milton Keynes.
One thing Ian hadn't told me about was the drunken irishman who lived next door to me, the racket that came out of that flat was awful, it would start with really loud Irish Music then the arguments would start. Evidently they were a notorious family in this area and a huge family I had seen about four sons and at least four daughters and all the grandchildren who needed to be taught some manners.
Sometimes he would go out and drink then his mates would have to bring him home who were also drunk but not legless like him. On one occasion he came home on his own and tried to unlock my door, when the key didn't work he tried to break it down and I might add he was about 6ft 6ins. This went on for quite a while and then he started kicking the glass doors leading to the drying area, thank goodness they were toughened glass and the language was awful. This went on for about an hour, he then sat on my doorstep leaning against my door so there was no way I could get out so I decided I would call the police , 30 minutes went by and I called again and they said they had been and there was nobody in. He repeated the address to me which was wrong so he said they would be round in 10 minutes.
When they arrived he started fighting them and they had to arrest him in the end, he was completely out of control. This spoilt things for me, I never knew what to expect and dreaded mostly the weekends or St Patricks Day or any other day they could find a reason or excuse to drink themselves into oblivion.

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Ian rang me and said he had received a letter from his council saying all the checks had been made and to just wait for a date to move. I also received a similar letter saying virtually the same. Ian said a friend of his was going to help him do the decorating at the weekend.
Steve had already got me loads of boxes from work so I could now start packing , I didn't think I had so much stuff. It is surprising what you gather over time.
Lesley the children and myself went to find me a nice outfit for Steve and Sarah's wedding, I wanted to do them proud. We went to Jaques Vert the designer store within Debenhams and a personal shopper came to help us. She brought out this amazing outfit which I really liked, it was a burgundy Indian Style trousers and sleeveless top with a long coat all embroidered . Very difficult to describe. I tried it on and it fitted me perfectly, it was very expensive but everyone thought it was well worth it. There was even a bag to match the outfitThe following week Sarah and her Mum came to Milton Keynes to look at wedding dresses and I went with them, she picked a really beautiful dress that looked amazing.
Ian and I both received letters saying the exchange was to be 1st April we could now arrange to hire a van. Steve and his mate Paul were going to move me. Everything was packed Lel and the kids came over to help on moving day and Sarah. It was all rush as we had to synchronise the vans otherwise one of us would have to wait for the other to move out. If we got it right both properties would be empty we we arrived.
Everything was loaded on the van and off they went I followed with Meg and Lel and the children to drop them off at their house and then go on to Hemel Hempstead. Poor Meg she was wondering what was going on.
I finally arrived at the flat and they had almost finished unloading the van. I couldn't believe the change as I walked into the flat it looked so much bigger I think because of the magnolia paint instead of the loud Orange and Blue. He had done a really excellent job. He had even put new worktops in the kitchen. This was the first time Sarah had seen the flat and was well impressed. Meg seemed to like it too. It was going to be a bit of a nuisance for toilet purposes as I had been used to just letting her go in the garden but now I would have to take her downstairs for proper regular walks. We would soon get used to it.