Saturday Soiree -- 20th December 2025

@Blackcloud sorry to hear that your time in that role might finish up soon! regardless of the outcome, i hope you're proud of yourself for trying something new. it's not always easy to gather the courage to try things outside of our comfort zone, but you did it! i like to think of every role as a learning experience - even if it's not for me at the end of the day, at least the role taught me more about my capacity, what i like/dislike in a role, what's challenging/what i want to work on, etc. hopefully it's done the same for you?

@Bunniekins I am sorry to hear that you are starting to get stressed with Christmas coming. It can often be not as great as people make it out to be.

I was getting a bit stressed myself, as it is the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death. So not looking forward to it at all. But I had a realisation a couple of days ago. By him passing on Christmas Day, he has actually saved me a day of sadness. As normally on the anniversary of their death I get sad, and then again on Christmas Day as they are no longer here to celebrate it with us. But this way, I will only get sad once, instead of twice. Since I can't go anywhere because of my surgery, I have decided to get a balloon and write a note to my dad on a piece of paper, and then attach it to the balloon, and release it to the heavens. So that is my way of including him in my Christmas Day.

Can I ask why Christmas is stressing you out? Is it family?

Thanks @GezzaP My surgery didn't go to plan, and an extra surgeon had to be called in. I ended up staying in hospital for 3 days instead of 1. But now I feel fine. As long as I keep the pain at bay with regular pain medication, I am ok. I just have to remember that I can't lift anything over 5kgs or reach or twist my abdomen. I can't drive until given the all clear by the doctor, and I don't see him until the 5th Feb.

Thanks for asking.

Thank you @Cuddlebear. It is nice to be home. My 1 day hospital stay, turned into 3. I am not allowed to lift anything over 5kgs, or drive for 2 to 4 weeks, so it looks like, I am stuck at home. I have decided that I will do some reading since that doesn't include heavy lifting. Lol

My pain level is very good, which I think is why i am struggling to remember, not lift things, as the pain is not stopping me from doing it. Another couple of days, and on the outside, I should feel a lot better. It's the inside healing that will take time.

How have you been?

Thanks @Jynx I am settling in back home ok. I just need to retrain my brain, that i am not allow to life things. So it will be a relaxing day of reading today and seeing what my Elf on the Shelf Mates get up to today. So pretty chilled.

Morning @Mustang67 hope you’re not in too much pain. I love all cats so thanks for that pic!

@GezzaP I know you love the cats, that's why I include them for you.

I am doing well pain wise. as long as I take some pain killers every 4 hours, it covers my pain nicely.

My version of the support button since mines not working again!!!

Check out these two coins I just purchased. I thought of you when I saw them, even though they are leopards and not jaguars.

@Mustang67 oh sweetheart that is a beautiful way to celebrate your dad's memory. letting the balloon go into the heavens is lovely xx. i am super stressed with middle son. it is going to be hard as he wants to stay 24 hours over a 3 day period which just wont work in my little unit. he just doesnt understand. with this heat and my daughter being here it would be a nightmare. i have arranged for day visits which will be so nice to see him then. plus he has wonderful airconditioning in his room wheres i only have a portable a/c unit which really doesnt cut the mustard on these really hot hot days.

i love him dearly and hate to disappoint him..... makes me feel less of a mum

I love all cats the way they move so smoothly - they’re all muscle @Mustang67 !

@MissGremlin Sorry to hear of your loss gorgeous. My sister has been posting photos of my dad on her Facebook and she knows it will cause upheaval. It's hard enough accepting he's gone without being reminded. You're in my thoughts and prayers sweetie xoxo