Lovely Picture Cath.

I am sure that we went to New Quay, as I remember the little quay there. The beach you went to is not clear in my mind, but nevertheless it is a picture of four happy people getting their feet wet. Did I not purchase a sun dial there or was it somewhere else. Perhaps it was Llangranog? The day looks enjoyable. Love you all DadXXXX

No I have tried again with a better picture.

But no I can't do it!

Saturday afternoon walk on Cei Bach.

Not the best picture of any of us but I'm having to relearn how put up photos

This is Cei Bach; in the back ground is New quay, we haven't been to this beach with you Dad as there is a very steep slop down to the beach and I was never sure if Mum and you would get up again to the te bach at the top, also the is very little parking available but this is not a problem in February.

My TV

I know I keep banging on about my TV but I have spent a couple of hours watching some of the best musical programmes I have seen. The first was of Andre Rieu on his first visit to South Africa, where he introduced a black African young lady singer,Timmi to a terrific crowd of about 30,000 on Bloemfontein Football Stadium
She sang Bach's Ave Maria and there were tears from many of the crowd and almost of Andre himself. There were also tears when she sang the most popular of Africaan's love songs Serree Maree (How is it spelt Pete?) Take Me Back to the Old Transvaal, That's where I want to be.....a very emotive song - I had tears just watching the audience who were all standing and singing and crying at the same time.
The second programme I watched was of Swan Lake from the Royal Opera House. What a wonderful show and what terrific dancing and Tchaikovsky's wonderful music. I can now go to sleep happy. Goo' night to you all. love from Dad Boo Hoo !

Hair still here!

Second cycle of chemo started today, it went well and I feel fine, although I can feel the start of the burning feeling in my chest that is the herald of the side affects for me. But all is well.
We had a lovely weekend. Unfortunately we find that Edmund did not, he locked his keys in his flat and could find no one to let him in and so had to walk the street of Gratz until he managed to get back in at about lunch time on Sunday. Then we were having such a good time that we didn't skype him as promised so when John spoke to him today he was very low, but cheered up after talking to John. So I am hoping he is alright.

Darling Cath.

So glad to read that you had a lovely weekend, also with Thomas and Kate and their friends and John in a NEW SUIT !
Glad you enjoyed a nice meal in Aber. Don't forget to wear a woolly bonnet !
June has just sent me a photo of sister Beryl's baptism party, with my Dad's mother, Auntie Dorry and Uncle Jim, and my godparents, in 1925- Mine came two years later!! Love as always from Dad.

Daddy'zome agin

After a glorious long weekend in the sunshine of Bournemouth, I am back again.
Just finished my washing and my faithful Tanya has arrived to help me settle back in my home. She is even going to iron my now clean shirts, including my dress shirt.
Nearly 200 Catenians including their wives had a fantastic weekend. We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of this weekend (Mum an I used to attend, but now, sadly i was par seul, Is that right?) with the theme being "The Silver Screen"
Everyone was kind to an old man with a stick and I was treated right royally. Full English breakfast, a day in the bar with cheap G&T' drinks, and a lovely evening meal, and a comfortable room and bed made this a perfect holiday. The group from Maidenhead were all dressed as the Keystone Cops and others were dressed as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, etc. My meal companion was dressed as Cleopatra and looked really great. Others were similarly overdressed!
Each table was named after an old film. Our table of twelve was 'Breakfast at Tiffanies'. Others were similarly named.
We even had a L & H film show - the first L&H film with wives in it! Another fine mess etc. Our Catenian Province includes Oxford, Reading and Aylesbury, Watford and Rugby so we filled the hotel up completely. All the ladies took pity on a ?Handsome old man and there were queues for kissy- kissy!!

Some lovely Posts.

Here hare here

We have a little joke on Facebook to do with chemo and hairstyles and this image is to do with that and the movie "Withnail and I"

Location:Dürer

Saturday morning bliss

Thomas came home last night with Amy, friend from uni, Hurrah! John picked them up from the Carmarthan bus at 8.15pm and home for curry. Kate went out last night with many friends to a teen disco and stayed at a friends sisters house in Lampy town and has returned on the 9.30am bus having had a good time, John is wearing all the new clothers that he bought in Matalan(the style jury is still out) after our beery lunch in the spanish tapas bar in Aber on thursday! So this morning the sun shines weakly and my kitchen is full of young people and we are all happy. Nikki is on her way from that there Engalnd. The only fly in the ointment is that judging from the way my scalp feels today is the day that my hair falls out. Love you all Cathy xxx

Happy birthday dear boy

Happy birthday Julian. Am on a coach to Bristol with 160 twelve year olds.  Hope you have a calmer day planned to enjoy.  Love to Ruth and Louis.

24 February

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday young Julian, I hope there is a luscious day ahead of you,enjoy lots of love and hugs Cathy xxxx

Telegoons

A very good evening.

Last night a group of us went down to Cirencester for a meeting of Catenians from three other circles to a dinner in the old Royal Agricultural College. Imagine - 105 catholic gentlemen in this old college, reminiscent of an old German Schloss. Visitors from far and wide ie From the Chilterns in the east to some from Abergavenny and Swansea in the west, all travelling to this old building for a meeting and dinner. I was a passenger in my friend Nigel's white BMW on the way down and my other friend Nick Frazer, (from Kings Sutton) on the way back in his latest Volvo.
I was siting next to a Solicitor from Swansea who had a stroke last year and his Swedish wife went off back to Sweden with his children saying that this was not in her marriage contract !! Poor guy. He knew Kings Sutton as he was in the Gliding Club just behind Steve's old bungalow in Charlton.
Just to let you all know that I am still alive, Tomorrorw I am off to Bournemouth on a Catenian "jolly" weekend where we have booked the whole hotel (Day's) for the weekend. Should be a Jolly weekend. Love to you all, especialy Cathy, from Dad XXXXXX

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JULIAN Love to Ruth and Baby Louis

My surfer dudes, last year<3

surf 001, a photo by cathy bach on Flickr.

Margie so is this how it's done?

Margie, a photo by patrickhugh on Flickr.

Never far from our thoughts

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17404896@N00/4348565585/
She could be such fun when not wieght down by worry<3

I remember it well.

Dearest Cathy,
Aberaeron sounds and looks lovely in the sunshine, but dreary in the wet. We went there when I was staying with you. We could not find anywhere in the rain and the trip was unsuccessful as we couldn't find a suitable present for John's forthcoming birthday. I remember, it was your first drive in an automatic geared car but you drove with your usual confidence.
Years ago, Mum and I stayed in one of those pretty multicoloured houses upon the steep hillside behind that new bridge. The one with the atrium at the rear that looked wonderful from the inside, although the view from the rear of the house did not match that from the front, We also ate in the Harbour Master but that was in the summer time when the harbour was full of schoolchildren trying to climb the harbour wall.
I can still taste the ice- cream from inside that little tea shop. Oh! memories. What a friend you have in Nicki , to come all that way from Stonehenge.
I have been thinking of my youth, in bed this morning. Pete was kind enough to help me regain my Dad's Diary, although in the meantime and following my appeal Barbara (Rich) had sent me her copy of the Blog as she follows our family blog. Must get going now as I am reading in Church this morning. The sky is blue and the sun is shining Hey Ho!!

Cabin fever

By this morning it had been raining cats and dogs for about 36hours and we wondered gloomily if we would ever get out for a sniff of fresh air and a change of scene, the end of my second week without going anywhere, home was beginning to lose it's attraction. So grumpily we set out with wellies and raincoats, hoping to look at the sea and blow away the cobwebs. We had not gone far when we spyed blue sky in the west so headed for Aberaerion, the boats jiggled in the harbour and the waves crashed on the shore, the sunshine gave everything a sparkle. Lunchtime! The harbour master becons to us, we sat in the cwtch, it had once been the porch but was now an intimate little sunroom with just one table, there we sat warming ourselves in the bright february sunshine, and we dined on fish. Then off for a walk on the seashore, but a biting wind drove us back into town and along the river Aeron where the water rushed passed at increadible speed, then back home. Where Nikki is cooking venison pie for the home crowd, it smells very good.

Thanks Dad

You will have to get a little netbook(cheaper and simpler than a laptop) then you can sit in your armchair half watching TV and strolling around the internet, I saw Gemma doing it a couple of years ago and I thought that I would like to be able to do that and with Thomas's prompting John and the children bought one for my birthday. It's not so easy to compose on but great for surfing the net and adding one liners!

Counting sheep.

You may recall, Cathy that I recently boasted that I could recall ALL the states in the USA. Well that is how I get to sleep. (Is Washington DC a State) Dad

Howdedo

Dear Cath,
If it would not overtax you too much, you could click on February 2010, which I have just done to read all the blogs from Pete and Steve, and of course me It may be too much for you and, indeed you may not go that far back with any of the computers at your disposal.

I could not get into DAD'S Diary as Google has changed a lot but I read my lovely printout of the time that Mum and I spent at Claire's first birthday. Didn't know that I could be so eloquent,, but even that finished at an important time in our holiday and that is when I tried to recall Dad's Diary, but without success.
If any of you can get a recall on my diary please let me know. My computer is lovely but it is NOT a laptop and is difficult and tiring to read or contribute to, any or many Facebook entries.

Just a reminder for you to put in your diaries. I will be spending next weekend on a Catenian Jolly in the old hotel (Now renamed DAY'S Hotel) opposite the Russell-Coates Museum in East Bournemouth.
I will be travelling with my dear friend Larry and his wife Pam on Thursday am until Sunday pm/ Happy Birthday to Julian. Love from Dad

Favourite hymns...

While we are all remembering dear mum I have to say a tear comes to my eye when I think of this old hymn - Lord of all hopefullness...

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

It was played at a friend's funeral in Botswana after he had sadly taken his own life. Depression is a terrible condition. I thank God mum was such a brilliant wife and mother and gave us all so many years of happiness. I have only joyful memories where she is concerned. What a mum.

With Fondest Memories

Dearest All,

I've been away from the skype and phone this weekend so have not been making my regular calls. Today I'm reminded of the passing of our dear Mother 2 years ago and seeing Steve's post earlier speaks volumes. She was a model person, with a sense of humour and a strong sense of duty.

We love you Mum,

Nic and family.

THANK YOU STEVE

That was Mum's favourite hymn, but she could never get through it without sobbing!
Thanks also for memories of a lovely day and I had a laugh at your cartoon! Love to you all from Dad

comic strip

comic strip
Originally uploaded by crestweed

Alan Carr and Mel Sykes are on Radio 2 and were making me laugh as I sorted through some of my Flickrs

Autumn 2004 Chinnor Hill

Autumn 2004 Chinnor Hill
Originally uploaded by crestweed

I watch the sunrise lighting the sky,
Casting its shadows near.
And on this morning bright though it be,
I feel those shadows near me.

But you are always close to me
Following all my ways.
May I be always close to you
Following all your ways, Lord.

I watch the sunlight shine through the clouds,
Warming the earth below.
And at the mid-day, life seems to say:
"I feel your brightness near me."
For you are always . . .

I watch the sunset fading away,
Lighting the clouds with sleep.
And as the evening closes its eyes,
I feel your presence near me.
For you are always . . .

I watch the moonlight guarding the night,
Waiting till morning comes.
The air is silent, earth is at rest
Only your peace is near me.
Yes, you are always…

Thinking of you all today

I wish I knew how to repost Dads lovely tribute to Mum from two years ago!

Judy and Stan

Hi all,
just an update....

Stan has been moved to Thame Cottage hospital as he continues to make good progress after the thrombosis in his leg. He'll have another week or so there recouperating after which it is anticipated he will come home (next Thursday or Friday) although he will probably have to sleep downstairs for a while. He's a pretty determined kind of chap though and will train himself back to fitness I expect and will soon be up and down the stairs.

Judy goes in for her op on Monday and will be in for about five days. She may be home shortly after Stan. It's half term next week, but after that Jan has booked off a couple of weeks to be at home for them both. Hopefully they will be more or less back to self sufficiency by the end of the month. Judy's diagnosis was only polyps this time, as opposed to any malignant growth like last time, so there is nothing particularly untoward to worry about she tells me. Mind you, she took a good few weeks to recover fully from the anaesthetics last time and she was 14 years younger then....so along with Cathy, keep them both in your prayers...

Love you all muchly
Pete

Cavalry go home

video of the whole troop trooping to Woolwich up the B210 on to RA Barracks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBnGVsPJYlU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my iPad

Oh! keep meaning to ask

How are things going with Judy and Stan, and is Aunty Celia home yet! Love to all Cathy xxx

Todays News

Is basicly no news, I feel fine no real sickness, rather sleepless night probably 2hours-ish but will catch up this afternoon after hot bath and lunch . The sun is shining all is as well as it could be. I hope you can put it out of your minds without having any nasty guilty feelings when it the thought comes. lots of love cathy xx

Dad

Your mobile phone is off the hook after taking to me so can you put the phone down, so that we can use our phone. Much love Cathy

Message from Barbara Malinen (EX Rich)

I’m so sorry to hear about Cathy being ill, and shocked too as I’m sure you must all be. I have messaged Cathy and had contact with Julian and Steve. I will say to you what I have said to them – I’m not sure what I would be able to offer since I am so far away but if there is anything I can do for any of you I am more than willing... In any case I am thinking of you all and holding you all – especially Cath – in my thoughts. With much warmth and love to you Barbara

Newland Family

Hi Steve please send our love to Cathy and let her know that Teresa and I will be thinking of her and the family over the coming months also just to let you know that mum was taken into hospital last night with a suspected stroke (another one). But after a head scan this morning it was confirmed that it wasn't . But the slumping in her wheel chair and not breathing was due to hyponatremia after the doctors got her body temperature up and filled her with fluids she has started to recover, it looks like a hospital stay for a good few days Anyway fingers crossed for Cathy and her chemo. All the best Eddie and Teresa .



Yesterday Teresa O'Sullivan
Hi Steve , Thankyou so much for letting me know , I am stunned,our thoughts our with you all. Xx

letter to all our bloggies

Mr (Brother) Hugh Merrow-Smith, of Kings Sutton, Banbury, appeals to all his friends and acquaintenances, to pray for his daughter Catherine (55 and mother of three) as she has just been diagnosed as having lung cancer , and has just started a period of chemo-therapy in Aberystwyth General Hospital. I recently spent Christmas with Cathy and John,her partner of 22 years, and three children Edmund, Thomas and Kate and she had suspicions of a bad cough, although cancer was far from her mind. She is a non-smoker but works as a chef in a sort of ‘Betty Ford’ Hostel where the patients (Inmates) were all smokers or ‘ex’ druggies., although no blame can be placed on anyone. Love to you all, Hugh

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

On a bright note, Happy Birthdays to Will and to Jen Hui. We must try to keep as normal as we can. Love to you all from Dad.

Cathy's Treatment

Cathy saw her oncologist today and chemo starts Monday. No time to be lost.
Nikki Cook managed to get time off on short notice and was able to take her and John to the hospital.
There's a house full tonight as Kate and her friends from school leave for London to see National Portrait Gallery, John to get'em to the bus for 4am!
I've spoken to June, who has been on the phone to Sue Robert and Rebecca and I've Facebooked Rachel.
On a lighter note Francis Seriau my old drum teacher got himself a taste of Salad Maman Blanc in Raymond's new series.. Salad Maman Blanc cold sausage and potatoes yum!

Keep Calm and Carry On

Originally uploaded by crestweed

Might be worth getting in early on this one-CO-OP Pharmacy
PLUS
Nearby Locations

Just at this minute

I can't remember how to reply to emails..I'll remember in a hour or so so don't worry.
Just to say to you, Dad,I'm sorry about my news no one needs this worry, and I love you. Cathyxxxx