Hi
Yes SS,having done my claculations I should be able to save almost as much as has gone in the last 4 months- which will be a good position to be if I don't have an immediate job. I have also got application forms to complete to be an examiner for one of the exam boards- and moct of that work will come in after the end of this contract and so will supplement my income then,
Yes God is looking after me and I give thanks for it.
The bosy are all settled and doing well at school so life is peaceful at the moment. not sure how it will be when their first w.e with dad happens- 10th-12th oct. So willebjoy the peace while it lasts
Jante

Hi J,

I'll be gone tomorrow, so I'll say happy birthday today.

Happy Birthday!

Do some things for you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

SS

Ops,
Just lost the whole post, and a long one for me this time.

I'll be back but perhaps not until tomorrow.

Must use word processor next time.

SS

I'll look forward to reading it when you get time.
jante

Hi Jante,
I trust you are well today. It's hard to re-construct those lost posts, I hope I can do it though, because there are things I wanted to say.

Our trip was very - interesting. We had a flat tire on the way out to the Grand Canyon, and then another the next morning on the way to start the bike ride. Only one spare, so I left to get the flat fixed. (both flats were on the trailer we haul the gear in, not on the vehicle that pulls the trailer, so we were able to go for help.) We were in a place far from paved roads and repair shops, so it took me about 4 hours to go and return. We started the others riding up the road and they did about 13 miles while I was gone. We changed the tire, and drove home, arriving about 8:00 PM Saturday night. Some trips are like that, but the boys remind me that we still spent time together, even if it wasn't exactly how we wanted it to be. I suppose disasters can create good memories too, even if we don't think so at the time.

I am glad you have more job security now, I hope and I pray (often) that you will be able to get a steady long term job that will meet your goals for security and also being with the boys. I always have positive thoughts when I think about your future. I have faith it will be happy for you and your sons, and your grandchildren when they come. I believe your boys are blessed to have you for their mum.

Some of it comes back, but - some of it escapes me.

I have been in a thoughtful mood the last few days, doing some wondering. I didn't do much of it on the post in question, but maybe I will now. I have done it before, so you are used to it. You are a pretty practical person here, mostly relating the facts, so I hope you don't mind.

You believe life goes on beyond this world we know. I have commented on it, and it is real for me - I have heard it compared to opening the door and walking into another room. It's not something most people think about, or talk about, but I am excited ( though I don't think I am leaving any time soon.) Think about that, we spend a few years here, and eternity there. What's it really like? Is it as good as the bible makes it out to be? I am sure the inhabitants of heaven don't spend their time doing things they don't like to do, and I know God doesn't force things on us. It has to be a nice place, and Christ spoke of mansions, not hovels, so I expect you will have a nice place there. (can I tease just a little while I am being thoughtful?)

Sometimes we think of this life as our home but we are strangers here, and heaven was and will be our home if we desire to return. It's hard to get young boys to think about the things of eternity because they seem to think in terms of what they can feel, hear, and see. Faith can be a difficult concept to grasp - for anyone, not just the young. One of the reasons that I attend church is because I understand that many of the things I learn here will be useless there. How important will it be to memorize telephone numbers when we are there - among those that can create worlds? On the other hand, the things I learn in church will still be important 100, 200, or 500 years from now. I also understand that unless I learn those things, and put them into practice, I may never become the person that will see one of those mansions - except perhaps to mow the lawn at your place. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

The practical takes most of our time, we have to have jobs, we take the boys to football practice. We shop and cook, and clean for them. I hope you have time to think, and that it takes positive directions. I hope you have time to read and study scripture and that God teaches you about himself and about your future. I hope you get those good feelings yourself when you think about that future. He does know all about you. He does care about you, and he is causing things to happen daily that will bring about the best future for you that can possibly be. I know bad days still come, but I pray that you will shrug them off and know who you are, and what you will be one day.

Thanks for visiting with me, W says she hopes you had a happy B-Day too. She hasn't asked about you for a few days, but I keep her up on what you are doing. I know your problems won't go away any time soon, but I trust you will do well with them, and that whatever you can't do, God will do for you. When you plan for your future, think on the things of eternity as you do it. It makes for a little different perspective.

I still wonder about FIL and cancer, I wonder about your Mum, and your sisters, and the boys. I trust all is well unless you tell us differently.
SS

<small>[ October 01, 2003, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

Hi SS

Not much happening in my life so not been back to post. However I have finally talked to the friend I ha- who I liked, and hes told me that while he regards me as a very ggod riend and someone he enjoys talking to he doesn't see me as some one he would date. He was very nice about it. I was upset beforehand at the thought of him saying that- but he wasn't a christian so I know it wasn't really what I should have been persuing anyway- and now I feel perfectly at peace which seems strange as if my feelings evaporated over night.
I had also joined a christian dating agency and have met someone through that- so far just emails and phone calls, but he thinks I'm wonderful! I'm finding a warmth there and and am letting things develop as God wants.
My fil sems to be well at the moment- he and mil are coming to spend christmas day with the children myself and T.
My mum is also doing quite well- she is coming to stay with me in a weeks time. The boys all seem to be doing well and are settled. No more problems with D and school. They go to their dads this w/e for the first time on the new schedule. Going to be interesting.

Hope all is well with you and your family
Jante

Hi J,
I admit I laughted out loud when I read this part. (not laughing at you, but at the way you down play some things.)

Not much happening in my life so not been back to post. However I have finally talked to the friend..........

I don't know how you can put those two sentances in the same post. I am NOT teasing you - but you are cute sometimes the way you say things.

Not much going on, and then you speak to this friend about your feelings. It may be easy for you, but that would be a very BIG thing for me, I was always shy. You do not sound shy any longer - but then, you are lecturing in London, teaching school, and meeting people over the internet, so you have probably changed.

He was very nice about it. I was upset beforehand at the thought of him saying that- but he wasn't a christian so I know it wasn't really what I should have been persuing anyway- and now I feel perfectly at peace which seems strange as if my feelings evaporated over night.

You have been saying you are doing well emotionally, and I believe you, but I still pray for your emotional wellbeing. I kind of continue to bother God about taking care of you, and he seems to indicate he will. I always meant what I said about you need not worry. I still believe it.

I had also joined a christian dating agency and have met someone through that- so far just emails and phone calls, but he thinks I'm wonderful! I'm finding a warmth there and and am letting things develop as God wants.

Good for you. He SHOULD think you are wonderful, because you ARE wonderful. Maybe I should start worrying about you all over again? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

My fil sems to be well at the moment- he and mil are coming to spend christmas day with the children myself and T.

Why am I not supprised? Is this something you want? Or are you doing it for the boys? I AM glad FIL is doing well.

I have never been able to completly shake my feelings of last year that you would end up back with T. Am I nuts or what? Perhaps you best not answer that.

My mum is also doing quite well- she is coming to stay with me in a weeks time.

Good !! She can keep tabs on your phone dates so I won't have to worry.

I really ought to quit teasing you, but it is hard now that I have the habbit. Does it ever bother you? I laughed when I typed this last, you can ignore it if you want to.

The boys all seem to be doing well and are settled. No more problems with D and school. They go to their dads this w/e for the first time on the new schedule. Going to be interesting.

I pray as much or more for your sons as I do for you. I trust you will be fine from day to day, but I was a boy, and I know how easy it is to follow the wrong path at that age. Not that I think they will be guilty of any great sin, but they need to help you - and you have seen enough pain for one lifetime. I am so glad they are doing well right now.

Do you have big plans for the time they are gone? Is your mum coming while the boys are gone, or the next week so she can see them?

I ask a lot of questions, don't I. Perhaps I shoudl mind my own business, but then, you continue to come and post here, so I continue to ask. You don't have to talk to me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Hope all is well with you and your family
We are well. S continues to be a chanllange, but just normal things, nothing out of the ordinary. He is employed where I am, and works afternoons when finished with school. At least I see him every afternoon - and he is a good worker.

We are due to be Grand parents in the spring. A daughter and a daughter in law within a few weeks of each other. Do I look any older? I turned 48 a few days before your b-day. I ought to leave you alone now, you'll tell all your friends I am crazy. I think I know you age, but I won't list it here. You are not too many years away from me, and I have to tell you that it isn't all that bad.

Thank you for the update, I really do care. I tell W someday we'll have to come visit you, and she said that would be fine. We don't have tickets yet, so you can relax. I figure that kind of trip would be a few years off yet.

SS

<small>[ October 09, 2003, 04:46 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

HI SS

Not much going on, and then you speak to this friend about your feelings. It may be easy for you, but that would be a very BIG thing for me, I was always shy.
Actually it was a very big deal for me, and I am still shy though I work hard to overcome it.
Met with the other gentleman friend, this Sunday, and thought it was going well but afterwrds got an email that showed me how little I really know about how mens minds work. As a result I won't be seeing him again.

The children had their first visit to their Dads new home. They returned home yesterday evening and said it had gone ok- however after they had gone to bed A reappeared in tears asking why I hadn't told them they would be meeting T's new g/f!!! I explained I hadn't known he had one, it seems she is a nurse with 4 children and he took them round to see her. I challenged him about it on the phone but he couldn't see why the children had been upset- and insisted he'd told me about her!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I'd forget something like that!
What irks me more about the situation is that C has been asking for a pet of his own, and I had finally agreed and was looking for a hamster. T asked me if I'd consider a kitten for him, which i did agree to, it now turns out the kitten is coming from this g/f's! Perhaps I'm being over sensitive but I'm not happy about it, but as C has already chosen it I can hardly turn round now and say NO. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" />
Oh well I suppose I'd be daft to expect a quie life for long.

Jante

Hi J,
You haven't said how the teaching is going for you now. I hope you are comfortable with it, and having contact with that age group will get you ready for how D will be doing in a few years.

Actually it (talking to friend) was a very big deal for me, and I am still shy though I work hard to overcome it.
Met with the other gentleman friend, this Sunday, and thought it was going well but afterwrds got an email that showed me how little I really know about how mens minds work. As a result I won't be seeing him again.
I have been praying all week that if it was good, if God wanted it for you, that it would work well, and if not, that you would know plainly with out having to wonder. I don't mean to interfear in your life, but If you trust God to do things correctly, then I will continue to pray for you. I would like to know what happened, but since I am trying to learn how to be a gentleman, I won't ask directly. Just so you won't feel like the only one, my W often wonders how mens minds work too. In fact, sometimes they don't work well at all. (I am a often a good example of that.) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

The children had their first visit to their Dads new home. They returned home yesterday evening and said it had gone ok- however after they had gone to bed A reappeared in tears asking why I hadn't told them they would be meeting T's new g/f!!! I explained I hadn't known he had one, it seems she is a nurse with 4 children and he took them round to see her.

I have a number of thoughts about this beyond the surface thoughts. A is a very sensitive person, and it hurt him that his dad has another GF already. Children hold out hope that their parents will reconcile - long after the parents do. S has a friend whose parents have been D'vd for about 10 years. The mother found a nice gentleman and was married a few months ago, and the now S's friend has really gone off the deep end. I think his hope is gone now, and even though his adult life is just starting (he is 18) he cannot get past what has happened. His father has cancer and we don't know yet what will happen with that. Our family has invited them on many outings and usually the father would come with the children, so we know them well. I have had many discussions with him about what happened - trying to help him since I found MB, but many people seem to think that they are unchangable, and they do nothing to learn and make their lives better.

Anyway, A is a very sensitive boy, and it seem he looks to you to protect him. I suspect he did not even talk to T about it, but only to you. That tells me how much he respects and counts on you for strength. I continue to hope God does guide you to the right church - A needs that in his life to reach his full potential. It will hurt him if he does not have spiritial development. (all the boys really, but especially him.)

I challenged him about it on the phone but he couldn't see why the children had been upset- and insisted he'd told me about her!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I'd forget something like that!

I don't think you would forget either. I wonder what he is thinking. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
It seems like he lacks basic understanding of others feelings now. Was he like that before?

What irks me more about the situation is that C has been asking for a pet of his own, and I had finally agreed and was looking for a hamster. T asked me if I'd consider a kitten for him, which i did agree to, it now turns out the kitten is coming from this g/f's! Perhaps I'm being over sensitive but I'm not happy about it, but as C has already chosen it I can hardly turn round now and say NO.
Oh well I suppose I'd be daft to expect a quiet life for long.

You can always hope for some quiet.
That would hurt. Sensitive?
No, and as I told one poster, if you break your arm, and it heals and then breaks again, it still hurts the 2nd time. Emotional pain is still pain, and it still hurts.

I continue to wonder how T's mind works, and admit I do not understand him very well at all.

Tell your mother hello from your friends in America, and if you have a photo of her, I would be happy to see it. I hope you have a good time together.

I hope you are..........I hope you are doing better.

SS

<small>[ October 14, 2003, 03:37 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

Hi SS
Haven't started my new job yet- but have been doing supply in another secodary school today. Its hard work but should be easier once I have my own classes and know what I am doing. They are the age D is now- so I learn as I go along.

I would like to know what happened, but since I am trying to learn how to be a gentleman, I won't ask directly.
A couple of things happened- it became very clear that he was wanting a very physical relationship very quickly- something I wasn't prepared for. Also he seemed to be very controlling- wanting to know what I was thinking all the time- even when not with him, and pushing me beyond a level I was happy with. I was happy to be friends and let the friendship develop but he wanted rather more. Although he said he was a christian his views on the Bible- and with particular reference to sexuality were very diffeent to mine. I fell relieved now to be out of the situation. Its funny as I said above my other friend isn't a christian and yet we share so many more vlaues than I did with this 'Christian'!!

With reference to Trevor
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I wonder what he is thinking.
It seems like he lacks basic understanding of others feelings now. Was he like that before?
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I'm not sure if he was like this before and I just didn't realise - and with others was there to prompt him to undersand anyway, or whether he's just become so thick skinned since he left. He really seems to have no idea how he hurst both the children and myself still with his actions.
I'm on the look out for an alternative kitten rather than having to have the one that would come from his g/f- I hope that will satisfy C. I hate to be the big bad mum and say he can't have the other one unless I have a really suitable alternative.

My mum arrives sunday- i don't have a digital photo to let you see! She is doing well and I will be going back to her home with her for 3 nights while T has the boys here for the start of their mid term break.

Fall has been glorious here, and I'm looking forward to a few days walking amongst the trees.
Hope you are all well and the children as happy at all their activities.
I have settled on the church where I feel at home and like the attitude of the monister and the frinedliness of the people there. Hope to get the boys to accompany me soon.

Jante

Hello Jante,
Always good to come back from a trip and greet my friends.


I can see from the comments you made about your meeting the person you had been conversing with that it is hard to play the dating game again. If you can't depend on matching sites to do a good job, you will just have to depend on prayer and your own feelings. It would be nice to know in advance that you agree on many important things though. It is a wonder - knowing where you met him that his views did not match yours more closely.

I sometimes ponder how the Bible can be the basis for so many different views on what should be the same thing. God's rules are not meant to stifle us, but to keep us safe, and bring us happiness. Were Jesus here, there would not be hundreds of churches, but only one worldwide church, with congregations in every village. I long for that day. I keep praying for you to know what to do. For you to find someone that will help you reach your goals, both temporal, and spiritual. I hope God's timetable will work for you, I know it is hard sometimes.

I think about how lonely you must be. Not always, I know that most of the time you are fine. But I know that there must be days that you long for a companion to love, to serve, and to share with. I pray especially for those difficult times, that you will be able to trust God to take care of you, that he will whisper to you that your day will come, that he will provide. It is difficult to speak of these things sometimes, I am not very good at this. I seek to help, not to further depress, or trouble your mind. I do believe you will know what to do as your life continues to unfold. I often wonder what we are supposed to learn from our trials. If you still have bad days, you are not the only one. I hope you smile more than you frown - that happiness comes easily to you.

Most people that come to MB want to fix something. They want things outlined for them - so they know exactly how to proceed. They want every step along the way, and instant understanding. ( it is not always expected, but it is wished for.)

You know by now that it doesn't work that way. More than anything, we learn principals, and concepts. If we learn how to incorporate those correct principals into our lives, and we succeed more than we fail - that is all it takes to have a successful life. When you have days that you wish you could know the future, remember that few of us are ever given that luxury, and smile, and know that you will make it if you continue to apply what you have learned. You know I hold you in high regard, and one of the reasons is that you have learned the truths, and that you apply them with all your heart. (I realize you are not perfect, but I stand by what I have said.)


With reference to T - He really seems to have no idea how he hurts both the children and myself still with his actions.
I'm on the look out for an alternative kitten rather than having to have the one that would come from his g/f- I hope that will satisfy C. I hate to be the big bad mum and say he can't have the other one unless I have a really suitable alternative.

You probably have a new kitten by now. (after all, you are pretty efficient.) I think it would be hard to be reminded of the source each time you came in contact with the kitten from T's friend. I bet C will be happy with another kitten, especially after a few weeks go by and he has a chance to love it.

My mum arrives Sunday- i don't have a digital photo to let you see! She is doing well and I will be going back to her home with her for 3 nights while T has the boys here for the start of their mid term break.
I continue to believe it is good for both of you to spend time together. I don't know what she is like, not much of that comes through. I have thought about your childhood, about the difficult times, and how you must have come to terms with that long ago. Anyway, I probably talk to much.


Fall has been glorious here, and I'm looking forward to a few days walking amongst the trees.
Hope you are all well and the children as happy at all their activities.

Yes, things are well here. W had an another operation last week on her hip, but it looks like it will finally heal properly, and all the children are happy and healthy. We spent time away this weekend in a tiny town in the mountains close to here. Much cooler there, and we had some nice walks and talks. The twins were bored for the first day, until they got used to being in a different place without their friends. After that, they were fine. We are having a warm fall, it is still in the 80's (F) or 29 deg or 30 deg (C.) I don't expect it to cool off any time soon, last year we had first frost on DEC 6th at our house.

I have settled on the church where I feel at home and like the attitude of the monister and the frinedliness of the people there. Hope to get the boys to accompany me soon.

Do they still resist? It is hard for them to understand at that age. It is like school in a way. We go all those years and some children hate it and feel it is a waste of time, but they get a job and do well and those skills had to come from somewhere, not out of thin air. Church is like that too. We go, we wonder what we learn, and then we have a crisis and we draw from our faith and the stories of others overcoming their hardships, and we do what we have to do to get through ours. It is difficult to have faith in God without knowing of his dealings with men in times past. I've been praying for your boys too - I hope you don't mind.

SS

Hi SS
Thanks for your post and your prayers.
Had a traumatic week last week. Did some days supply teaching and was a ttacked by one of the 15 yr old girls!! As you can imagine I left the school and won't be going back! It made me wuestion again why I would want to go back into teaching!!??
Also had my trip to lonon to speak at the conference which they all said went well. I had an opportunity this time to spend night in London and visit with a friend, and see some of the sights which was fun. Met up with T while there to make a final arrangement or him to pay me back the money he owes me- he still pleads poverty but agreed to pay it in installments. I haven't had any success in sourcing a kitten yet but will keep trying.
Then yesterday I met with a new friend for coffee. This is another gentleman I've met from a dating site. this wasn't a christian site, but the gentleman in question is far more on my wavelenght regard relationships and the physical side- more so than the one from the christian site. However I feel at the moment that friendship is all I want and he is happy with that.. While I'd been away T had had a chat to A aboiut his dating and salso the possibility of me dating and had told him it was something he should accept, and not be selfish over!!
Will see what happens in the future.
Glad you had a good time away again. I trust that your ife is fully recovered now.
Jante

Hi again J,

Had a traumatic week last week. Did some days supply teaching and was a attacked by one of the 15 yr old girls!! As you can imagine I left the school and won't be going back! It made me question again why I would want to go back into teaching!!??

I am so sorry that happened, it must have been a frightening experience. I hope you are doing better now. I believe you must be. Why in the world did she do something like that? Makes me really wonder about some kids. I hope she can get help for whatever caused her to do that. Are you OK now?

You want to teach because it fits your other goals. I can see you not going back to that school, but does this mean you won't be teaching at all? I mean, if you were that kind of person, you would have never had a second child after the pains of having the first one!


Also had my trip to London to speak at the conference which they all said went well. I had an opportunity this time to spend night in London and visit with a friend, and see some of the sights which was fun.

I would like to hear you speak. I really would. After all you have been through, it must be very rewarding to do something like this and do well at it. The Jante I know is a very talented person.


Met up with T while there to make a final arrangement or him to pay me back the money he owes me- he still pleads poverty but agreed to pay it in installments.

There is almost always more to meeting T than you tell us. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />
By now you probably feel little or nothing when you speak with him. It is a wonder to me how so many people can destroy such a wonderful thing as a marriage partnership and a family with so little apparent thought or guilt. At least it seems you no longer live in the past, and you realize your future is bright.

I haven't had any success in sourcing a kitten yet but will keep trying.
What is C saying about that?


Then yesterday I met with a new friend for coffee. This is another gentleman I've met from a dating site. this wasn't a Christian site, but the gentleman in question is far more on my wavelength regard relationships and the physical side- more so than the one from the Christian site. However I feel at the moment that friendship is all I want and he is happy with that.

I continue to pray that God will lead you to the right person. Someone that will treat you as a lady ought to be treated. Please don't settle for anything less than what you desire and expect. You should be able to tell how he will be after dating him for a time. Your prayers will help you to know also.

While I'd been away T had had a chat to A about his dating and also the possibility of me dating and had told him it was something he should accept, and not be selfish over!!
God did not intend you to be single, and you can tell the boys about that. They won't yet understand about companionship, and love, however if you talk to them and assure them of your love, they should be able to adjust. I feel to encourage you to continue looking. Just continue to protect your feelings and go carefully. As well as you have done, you still need some time to adjust. What has happened to you is not a small thing.


Glad you had a good time away again. I trust that your wife is fully recovered now.
She is doing better, but still has a ways to go. I can't get her to sit still long enough to heal.

Please let me know that you are OK from the attack at school. I know you well enough now that I should not worry about you, but it seems I still do. I hope you had a good time with your mother and that she is doing as well as she can for the conditions she lives under. I hope she is happy - and I hope you are happy. I suspect the boys are happy whether we want them to be or not.

We helped our married daughter move last night. She lives much closer to us now and W is happy because it will be easier to see the baby after it comes this spring. Life always seems to give us some good with the bad, I hope you find part of your good this week.

SS

<small>[ October 30, 2003, 01:50 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

Hi SS

Why in the world did she do something like that? Makes me really wonder about some kids. I hope she can get help for whatever caused her to do that. Are you OK now?

She was upset because after 3 warnings to put her cell phone away I removed it from the desk. She and her friend had refused to work and had been messing with the phone and with make up. She came screaming down the classroom at me, tried to pull the phone out of my hand, pulled at me and pushed me. I went for help from a male teacher, all the time she was pushing at me. I'm ok now but was very shaken after the event. I'm going back into school- my new one next Friday which is important so I don't build it up to much in my mind.

There is almost always more to meeting T than you tell us.
Exactly right- I saw him walking towards me across the station concourse and felt nothing- infact I wondered what I'd ever seen in him!!

I've just got back from a lovely three days with my mum. I took her home on Saturday and stayed until today. We used the journey home to visit her grandparents birth place which she really enjoyed. Then on Monday I took her on a tour of Lancashire- fun for both of us even if I did get lost once or twice!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />
Travelling around the countryside was glorious. This autumn has been so dry that at one point the leaves were drifting down like golden snow- I was amazed to see it. We don't get dry autumns in the UK very often. My mum remains fairly well. Unfortunately my MIL seems to be having problems- more so possibly than my FIL - we are waiting for the results of an angiogram next saturday!
Glad your wife is getting better- but try and make her rest so she heals well- though I can understand the problem! I'm as bad when not well! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
Have a good w/e
Jante

<small>[ October 31, 2003, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: jante ]</small>

There are some good things about your life right now. You may have never been able to spend time with your Mum as you have this week. What a good thing for her to have you there with her. What a blessing. We tend to get wrapped up in our own problems and don't understand our parents very well. (at least it is that way with me) Sometimes I marvel at what they were able to do in my behalf. I left home at 19, and my father lived all those years with me and never killed me. What a patient man he was. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

We have dry autumns every year - I can't ever remember wet leaves. I smiled when you related that. Living in the desert can be difficult, but it has it's own charm. I can't imagine how my ancestors were able to come here in the 1850's and do so well in such a hot, dry place after being in London in their early lives. More reflections, you make me think sometimes.

I sometimes wonder what I would do if someone came after me the way that girl did you. I have never been in that kind of situation. I think you did well not to let her continue playing. Some children think they can do anything they want with no consenquences. It is well for them to learn that there are indeed consenquences for all their actions.

Do you have any nicks or dents in that new table yet? Hope your boys are better than mine were. One day we came home to one of them pinning the other down on the table - seems there was an arguement going on. At least they get along well now, can hardly be separated on their days off work.

I'm counting on that gentleman friend of yours to remain a gentleman. You can tell him I said that.
Bring him round and introduce us, we'll set him straight on how to treat you. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

If he gets out of line, there is always the good old MB 2x4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />
I can't believe I said that. Just teasing?
You decide.

You have a good weekend also, I suspect it will be relaxing to be home. Hope the boys are well.

SS

<small>[ October 31, 2003, 06:49 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

Hi

SS good news today I have found a kitten for C - we will be going to choose it and bring it home on Monday. Phoned T to tell him- he sounded upset at my decision but didn't argue.
MY gentleman friend is being all gentleman- he is very apologetic if he thinks he may have sad anything to upset me- but so far he never has. We haven't planned to meet up again, and at the moment I am sure he is just going to be a friend. I continue to pray about all of my life!
It was good to spend the time with my mum- but I wouldn't have had that at the expense of my marriage, howeve being in the situation I am in I will certainly make the most of my free time.
Have a good sunday
jante

Oh, Heavens, I gave the wrong impression. I didn't mean not having a marriage was good so that you could spend time with your M. I meant that being flexible at work may be a blessing for your Mum because you could spend time with her but still do reasonably well at maintaining an income.

No, please forgive me for not being more clear.

I spend a lot of time praying for you the last two days, not sure why. Perhaps it's just that your happpiness is important to your friends.

Glad that C gets his kitten. I could never have one because I was allergic to their fur, and it made me sneeze, and rub at my eyes when I was small.

Please have a wonderful evening, you may as well.

SS

Hi SS
Don't worry that I got the wrong impression, Iwas possibly tired when I read your post and not thinking clearly. yes it was good to have time with my mum, though as it was half term from schools here it could have happened in any teaching job.
The kitten has settled into her new home, though its like having a new baby again! Cameron of course is thrilled.
I walked into my kitchen tonight to clear the dishes and gave thanks to god for what he has given me- peace seems to reign in my house these days most of the time.
Have a good day
jante

Here, I'll help you count your blessings today.


Don't worry that I got the wrong impression, Your mind works well enough to get impressions. Sometimes mine does too, sometimes it does not.

Iwas possibly tired when I read your post and not thinking clearly. You are alert enough to realize you are tired.

yes it was good to have time with my mum, though as it was half term from schools here it could have happened in any teaching job.

They have schools where you are. You have a Mum and get to spend time with her.

The kitten has settled into her new home, though its like having a new baby again! Cameron of course is thrilled.
You don't raise cats for food. Yuck, I should leave that one out. Cross it out in your mind.

I walked into my kitchen tonight to clear the dishes and gave thanks to god for what he has given me- peace seems to reign in my house these days most of the time.
You have a kitchen, and dishes too !! You know who God is. The boys love their Mum, and ever respect her most of the time!!

You don't have to visit your crazy yank friends in person !!

As good as I could do on such short notice. Perhaps I can improve with time.

I only ramble, and tell bad jokes on weekdays, and weekends. All the other times, I am normal.

Ah, smiles are good, hope you get your share today. And BTW, I did have a good day - thanks. Won't you do the same?

SS

<small>[ November 04, 2003, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: still seeking ]</small>

Hi SS
Yes I have plenty of reasons to count my blessings.
The new kitten is settling in well with the family- though my other pets aren't too sure!
Had a visit to my new school ;last wek and I know its going to be a good experience. Start fulltime next week.
Heard today T's new g/f has dumped him- he sent me an email and told me. One day he's going to wake up and realise its him that has to hcange.
A came to the new church with me yesterday and enjoyed it- though he hesitated to admit it!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
Oh well one step at a time!
Jante