Kinky Boots on Broadway!

Kinky Boots on Broadway!

Hiya!
Greetings from the BIG APPLE!
It’s great to be back.
Talk about the city that never sleeps!
We had a monkey of a time getting through JFK customs and passport control last night. Two and a half hours in a very hot, crowded, tunnel-like corridor.
No info, no help for the elderly, nothing.
And all over the walls there were posters saying 
WELCOME! BIEN VENIDA! WILLKOMMEN!
Bloody useless springs to mind.
Then we got accosted by a sleezy looking character right outside the terminal, hustling for a taxi fare.
Just what you need after a 7 hour flight 
and a 2 1/2 hour endurance test.
The good news is I’ve been here before 
and I know better than to get into an independent cab.
I had 2 questions for him.
“Yellow Cab? ” No, black cab.
“How much to Manhattan?” $100 + toll fares + tip
On your bike matey!
YELLOW TAXI EVERY TIME.
$59 + tip
If you ever make the trip to New York, bear this in mind.
I know a lot of Brits get scorched that way.
Grace was already waiting at the hotel.
It was sooooo good to see her.
She looks so well and happy.
So what’s on the menu today?
The Stardust Diner, where the waiters sing,
and then
Our hotel is just round the corner,
literally a five minute walk!
one minute from Times Square
two minutes from what they call Restaurant Row.

If you ever want a reasonably priced, very lovely hotel 
in Midtown Manhattan, 
smack bang in the middle of theatreland,
I will be happy to share the details with you. 
But now Paul and I are off to explore early morning New York 
and then hook up with Gracie .
Comfy shoes on and off we go !!!
Kinky boots for the evening!!
Love & Hugs,
Barb
xxx

140 thoughts on “Kinky Boots on Broadway!

  1. A shame you had all that hanging around after a 7 hour flight. Lovely that Grace was waiting for you at the hotel though. You and Paul have a great time and enjoy your Mum and Daughter time with Grace.

  2. Aw Barbara, you sound so happy. That makes me feel happy for you. Seeing Grace, and that she's happy and healthy must have helped no end. Sounds like you've got a brilliant time planned. Can't see me ever having the chance to see the world, but I can kind of live it through your eyes, especially with how well you describe things. Hope you have a brilliant day, and evening. Love Brenda xx

    Blue badge saga, tried phoning 3 times so far. Always goes to answer machine. I did leave my name and number the second time, and remembered to turn the sound back on on my phone – that's another ongoing problem! Will she ever get back to me and how long could it take if she does? My CFS has taken a huge nose dive, from all the stress and mental effort of it yesterday, with worse to come tomorrow (weird 48 hour CFS thing). And then today's stresses of the phoning on top…. I have emailed my garden volunteer guy, to warn him, with much apologies, that this is looking like something me no can do. I just want to go to bed, pull the quilt over my head and give up on everything, got too hard! But I'm fighting on, so far, going to get my graphics programme copied back onto my new hard drive so I can properly crop the photo for if the blue badge mess ever gets sorted. Then I've got to get on with the ATCs for next week. And so much more, overwhelming me just now, so much to do, so much up in the air, changed, not happening or whatever, and when I do try to tackle something it's all going wrong or turns into a huge drawn out mess. Like that most of the time for me, but this last wee while has got extra bad, with so much stuff piling in. No one's been to see to the dog mess so far, don't know how long that will take either.

    Do you know, it's a year next Friday that my support service ended. Social worker disappeared a month later, apart from the one week in January she reappeared. I've been battling on myself all that time, and going through some tough times too. It's taken a huge toll on me, one that I don't that often admit to, even to myself, because that's too scary to contemplate. And it's not positive thinking to do that is it. But it is real, reality. And the amount of face to face human contact I have had in the past 11 months is probably less than most of you have in one week! This is not me going poor me, I don't do that, this is me going – aaaaaagh enough now, and being honest about the reality I've been forced into for the past year, but I'll shut up now, and get back to fighting on more quietly. Sorry

    1. Brenda – please don't apologise for letting all of this out, this is the place where we can all do just that. I totally understand the 48 hour time lapse, when your body and mind gets hit, with all of the turmoil that you have been through. I think that you need to forget about the dog mess at the moment-there is no way that they will respond to that straight away. You have done really well in phoning and leaving a message – on the answer-machine. I also have problems with speaking to people on the phone, but I am very fortunate to have Neill to do that for me. You have done well to email your garden guy – a very positive step, Again, I recognise that feeling of wanting to just go to bed and cover yourself with the duvet and just generally opt-out of the world in general. Actually – you might benefit from doing that, just for one day, but you know your own body, I can only speak from my experience. Perhaps you could leave your ATC's for the moment, as it's really obvious that you are the one in need of that a RAK at this moment in time. Does it help to put these things that are ongoing and up in the air, onto a written list – to get them out of your mind for a little while and then approach them one by one, a day at a time. This has been my strategy in the past – but I realise that it helps me with my CFS/ME – but you have your aspergers to contend with too, which maybe would make that worse for you. So sorry I can't be of more help, except to say that we are all here for you and want to listen, even if we can't physically help. Love and hugs, Gilly xx

    2. Hi Brenda.
      You will get through what you need to do and get things sorted out. Well done for leaving a voice mail. That took a lot of courage.
      Just keep on asking for the support you need and I am sure that persistent asking will get you there. We are here for you when you need our support.

    3. Hi Brenda, I left a post for you this morning on yesterdays blog. As Gilly says please don't apologise. It's good that you can let your feelings out. I hope it helps. Sometimes just getting it down on paper lifts a weight. You did brilliantly ringing the Blue Badge people. Hopefully they will get back to you soon. We are all here for you so sound of as much as you want. Hugsxxx

    4. Brenda I am so proud of you, you are doing so well sorting your computer out emailing your gardener and trying to tackle the blue badge problem and on top of all that you are coming on the blog almost every day – what a big acheivment for you. I hope your gardening man can help you out, he can have a cheeky hug from me too to hi along with Dots. Sending you and Daisy a big hug, be kind to yourself xxxxx

    5. Brenda remember the small steps all add up to progress, you have phoned the council and if they don't reply you will be able to do it again because you have done it before. Lots of people without Asperger's would get very worried about dealing with these things so you are not alone in that respect. Remember that they should be used to dealing with elderly and frail or vulnerable people otherwise they would not be giving out the badges xx

    6. Oh Brenda, I so wish I lived round the corner from you. But what a lot you've achieved this week! Your telephone call, your e-mail to your gardener, all the great advice and insight regarding your condition written so well on here. All of this despite the fact that you've been feeling far from great. I'm with Diane in feeling so proud of you. I think you need some time at the campsite my friend. I even promise to leave the Nutella at home!!!!!
      Sending you love and lots of hugs. You could give one to your gardener from me too! If he's married I hope his wife doesn't object to all of these virtual hugs coming his way hahaha!
      You take care my friend and keep remembering that we're all here for you. xxxx

    7. Thanks everyone, and Pam below, for all your supportive words and thoughts. I kept trying to phone all afternoon but went onto the answer machine and she never phoned me. She was there because there was 7 rings before going onto the machine, except the last one when it went on almost immediately, guess that was her off home. If she doesn't answer and doesn't phone back, and there's no one else to help with blue badges, what are you supposed to do? My garden volunteer said he'd look at it next week. I feel awful, the amount of stuff he's doing for me just now, he's always extra busy at work, and social services are a nightmare for him trying to actually speak to someone so takes a lot of his time, Daisy yesterday, garden visit on Wednesday. He won't say no to me, that's who he is, I guess he would have to if I was asking him to do stuff I can do. I always make sure it's a last resort thing, going to him with a problem. He has a partner but I think she's already resigned herself to the fact he spends most of his time working, so a few virtual hugs from all you guys shouldn't be a problem!!! Now I've got all weekend to get more ad more scared and upset of the blue badge stuff, and having to try phoning all over again on Monday. Trying already today doesn't make it easier, it makes it harder because I never got anyone to talk to, so it makes it more scary, new fears added in, and more time to get more and more scared of what I am doing – phoning, and what am I going to say and stuff. My Asperger's doesn't let me switch off from stuff like normal brains can, it's not for the lack of trying either.

      You'll never guess! You know how I'm gradually rebuilding my laptop, software wise. Today a huge upgrade from Microsoft, that I had no say in, and guess what, caused software issues, and wiped out some of the drivers and settings and stuff I've only spent the past week doing! Do you think someone up there is trying to give me a message, a not good message!!! So no crafting, hours gong round in circles on the laptop instead. I think I've mostly got it back to where I had it before Microsoft messed it up. The one huge flash player issue I couldn't work out how to fix, I seem to have, or the laptop has sorted it out without me knowing.

      I need to make the ATCs, it's something to put on the positive side of the scales, something that I've completed and done with no problems, but I've got until Wednesday. I've got so much craft stuff needing done, finished and started and have every intention to do something each day but all this problem and head stuff just goes on and on and on and then new things get added in, and that's each day gone, and I'm a wreck in my head so can't even settle to craft at night. And poor Daisy must be feeling off colour from her immunisation yesterday, and she's been getting so little attention from me today, which I'm feeling so guilty about. I need to give her even more to make up for it. She wasn't interested when I was interacting with her, and the couple of times she's come looking I've been on here sorting stuff, given her a wee tickle and then she's disappeared again. When she's like this I need to actively, spend time with her, boost her up as she withdraws more and more if left to it. Her ears must have been burning, she's just appeared 🙂 I'm off to make a big fuss of her. She must be feeling better too – sneaked behind the sheet I got keeping the sun off my craft stuff, thinking I wouldn't know if she can't see me!!! And now she's asking to play, so must be feeling ok again.

      I got your message Susan, thank you. Got everything crossed and sending psychic healing energy for the best result for you from your chemo. You deserve it. And for Neill's radiotherapy too.

    8. Brenda, so very impressed with your resilience, don't give up! The amount of stressful situations you are having to face up to would test the strongest people, you must believe in yourself. And as for unfinished craft projects, oh I am not going to admit how many things i start and have every intention of finishing, and I will, as long as I live to about 130…!! Sending love and all good wishes, Ruth

    9. My dear blog ⭐️️ Give daisy and extra cuddle from me and a big hug for you be very proud you have achieved so much far more than I every could look at what you achieve with your lap top .give your gardener a hug from me too for helping you .do you think he would be able to take you down to the library as you said it's not far away then they would sort your blue badge if you explain your circumstances .its not good that your left to sort your life alone it's diabolical of social services . I wish I could help you more I'm very lucky as I have tom my partner /full time carer/ and now my crafting helper too bless him .keep comming here we are here to share your day hugs xxx
      Did you put in your clarity order ? Xxx

    10. Thanks Ruth. But you've got it wrong. We WILL, we MUST finish all our craft projects and use all our stash before we die, it's got to be 😊 xx

      Just been thinking, you'd think we were trying to join MI5 or something, instead of just trying to renew our blue badges!!!! Something that makes it a tiny wee bit easier to manage our lives. With all these complex questions about all sorts, and permissions to check out data held for this that and the other from all sorts of places. And a certified birth certificate to prove who you are. It's ridiculous. It doesn't even stop fraud, anyone could take someone's birth certificate if they have access to it, get it copied and signed as a copy and say it's theirs on the form. It proves nothing does it. It's the Tories, sorry any Tory voters, but if you're on this end of their austerity cuts, so they can pay to give the rich tax cuts you'd be feeling as dejected, rejected and unwanted as I do. I can't help being born with Asperger's, losing my mental and physical health trying to give to society for as long as I could, we don't choose these disabilities and ilnesses for ourselves. All these new complicated forms and things they want is only about making it so hard that people give up trying to get what they are entitled to. And if you do manage to fight your way through to the end, your prize is a £20 fee for their trouble! Blue badges were free until the Tories got in. Social services, they've slashed the budget that much that folk like me, who everyone has been saying for years I should have a social worker, I need one, get endlessly told no, and the one time I got that desperate a few years back that I tried for myself I was told, literally, to go away and sort it out for myself! They have had a duty of care to me for a year now with me being vulnerable, housebound and with literally no one, yet it's acceptable for them to abandon me and give anyone who questions it the run around! That's the reality of being disabled, ill and on your own in Great Britain today, society doesn't want to know. I just hope none of my bloggy pals here end up in the same boat as me, it aint fun I can assure you, far from it. And now I'm off to do my usual – metaphorically stick my 2 fingers up at the lot of them, stuff the lot of them, I'm going to bed to craft and get my happy Mindfulness watching Barbara on top form from the weekend. I've survived 50 years of battling through bad stuff from people, I'm not going to lie down and let them finish me off, it will take a lot more than that. See, I worked it out many years ago, hurt me, harm me, neglect me, make me struggle, whatever, and I'll find a way to use those feelings, that energy, to stand up and fight on past them, metaphorically sticking my 2 fingers up at them as I go and rubbing it in with finding a way to smile and laugh and find pleasure and beauty in my life. That's my secret to survival when the odds are very much against you from day one. It's very hard work to do, and getting harder, but is doable if you put your mind to it. I'm proof of that. No one is going to hand it to you on a plate, it's up to you to fight for it quietly on your own, only you xan do it, and you can, everyone can, if you want it bad enough, whatever 'it' is to each of us.

    11. Thanks Sheila, I'll keep the library in mind, I can speak to him on Wednesday, see if the lady speaks to me with any help by then. Yes order for baby gelli bundle and Jayne's flower stamp bundle done 2 days ago I think it was. How did you get on today, was it GP appt today, or have I got the weeks mixed up? Have you managed any craft? Going to keep me company crafting a wee bit just now, could do with some crafting along company xx

    12. All my bloggy pals here do help me, more than you can ever know. I too wish some, all of you lived near, but not to be. In the past year being totally alone so much, here is my friends and extended family. Apart from my brother, I literally have no one xx

    13. Brenda if you read my comment down below it tells you about my Drs and my crafting .im so pleased you have put your order in for your clarity goodies you have taken my top spot as I've not fell of the wagon😢 keep it warm for me as hopefully I will be back soon 😊 ,I'm sitting watching you craft I can see daisy putting her paws on your groovi blue mat we should meet at the campfire over weekend to share a cake xxx

    14. Sorry Sheila, I never saw it before I was writing. A wee bit carrot cake for me, I can worry about the eczema after I've eaten it. Daisy's gone back to bed on top of the fridge freezer, she really must be feeling not too good. Didn't even want to catch her treats, a wee game she normally loves to play. Aye I think I spent enough for both of us and some!!!! I hope you're soon back top dog faller off the wagon too 😉 just going to be doing some sticky tape sticking, maybe a wee bit knitting, boring for you to watch, but I found Maria's last show so got that on the telly to keep you entertained xx

    15. Evening my friend sorry you've got yersell in to a wee bit o a pickle
      wi stuff that's nae fault of yer ain just phoned my daughter in law
      her Mum's got a blue badge she said she couldn't figure out the form
      or how to ansewer some off the questions so like you phoned and managed to do it over the phone still had to send copy of birth ceriticate she got a neighbour a teacher to counter sign it and send
      photo and that's how she got hers maybe wee garden man can sign it
      as he will have been passed to work wi someone like yourself.
      Anyway hen thought that would maybe help.
      Re dog mess was happening to me to so phoned the council took them
      a couple of weeks then posters near house and around went on lampposts
      with a warning and fine no seen any doggy mess since must have got the
      message eh!!
      So wish I could drive see you and me and youre blue badge it wid be
      like that Thelma and Louise film rolling along wi oor two fingers up
      ti the world but just say the word my friend I've got my bus pass
      and I'll be there for yi you know that.
      Big cuddle heading your way …. Love Thelma you can be Louise…xx

    16. Or bless daisy she must be comfortable up there enjoy your knitting I will get tom to get some carrot cake and a lemon drizzle see you at the campfire and all who join us I know Dorothy likes a wee bit of cake Donna too gilly and morag also goodnight hugs xxx

    17. Aw thanks so much Dot. Maybe that's why the lady isn't answering her phone, if she's inundated with us all needing help to fill in the new form. I'm not sure if his job title will be seen as acceptable to them, but fingers crossed, and there's always his manager who knows me, if that's acceptable. I'll just have to wait and see. But it makes me feel better knowing it's not just me struggling with it all. Sheila did too. Fingers crossed I won't need the blue badge for anything between mine expiring and getting the new one. I can photocopy everything needed on my printer and print off the right size of photo, that's all ready. If someone fills the form in, it's the signing the birth certificate that's the issue. My garden volunteer is really good for knowing someone who knows someone, but not sure that will stretch to someone acceptable for this!!!! I think he's having a think about it, in case he can't. Maybe not so good an idea offering to come down here Dot, might just take you up on it one of these days 😉 You're so kind and caring of me, even though you've got all your family, and especially wee Amy and your mum to look after. I've got dark brown hair so I'm ok with being Louise 😉 That would be brilliant Dot, what a laugh, we've got to fit in swimming with dolphins in the wild though, and we're no driving off any cliff mind!!! 😉

      What is this lemon drizzle cake? I'd never heard of it until you guys started talking about it.
      Morag must really be feeling sorry for me if she's offering to leave her nutella at home!!!!

      I feel a bit calmer now

  3. Hi to all my lovely friends on here. Hope you all have an enjoyable day. Thinking of you all, especially hoping that Sheila is not in so much pain today. Also that Chris and Morag are on the mend now. Brenda hope you are less stressed today, be lovely if one of us lived around the corner and could give you a hand when you're having difficulties. Gilly hope Neil doesn't have any after effects after his treatment today and that you manage to cope with it all together. Love and hugs to all who need them. Thinking too of Donna, Diane, Dot, Julia, Pen, Su, Ruth and am sorry to anyone I've missed out. Have a great weekend to everyone. Doubt I'll get on again today as going to Son's tonight for a take away Chinese meal and my Niece and her hubby are coming too. Probably be a very late night but a brilliant one.xxx

    1. Hi Pam, thank you for thinking about me. I'm fine, I've been working lots of overtime this week and now I'm finished for the week. Pj's are on and I have a glass of wine by my side. Just about to watch another of Barbara's shows on catch up. That's not a bad way to end the working week. I hope you are well and your back pain is easing.

    2. Hi Pam hope you had a good time tonight had a good laugh at yesterdays
      post and just to let you know you get wee knitted covers for they
      winter thingy's …I know trust Dot ti keep it going..XX

    3. What are you all like. You're all a case, but I wouldn't want you any other way. We all need a laugh now and then don't we? Had a brilliant night last night. My Niece is such a laugh too and when we all get together with my Son it's great, doesn't happen often enough though. We never got home until 1.15 this morning.xxx

    4. I've got plenty scrap bits of wool, if you all want to give me measurements and colour choices I'll get knitting, made to order!!!!! Mind don't be going on what your other halves say as measurements, I've been told about that one before!!!!!! 😉😉😉😉

  4. Brenda you try to keep up that positive fighting spirit that I know you have, look back at how you have coped, that's something to be very proud of. You cope so well with the computer technology stuff that I haven't a clue about, you really amaze me. Stay on here Brenda we're all behind you and really need to know you're ok. Love and hugs to you and your darling Daisy.xxx

  5. So JFK hasn't changed, then. We had the same issues and even with a yellow cab and listed fare – the driver, who didn't know Manhatten, wouldn't lets us out until Mike produced a bigger tip. Although it wasn't a great start, it got better by the day, so have a great time. ;~}

    1. Hi Sheila, I was adding the stamped images to my sister's 'C' cards (got all the Gelli backgrounds done this afternoon.) Off to finish them. Hope your medical appointments have helped you. ;~}

  6. Hi Barbara – sounds like you are having a ball! Enjoy every moment, and I for one would love to have details of that hotel (at some point) as I have got a trip to NY on my list of things that I would love to do – eventually! Love and hugs, to you Grace and Paul xxx

    1. Hi to all of my lovely blog friends – not long got back from the hospital, having stopped off at our quite new Waitrose store for a meal. We can't face having fish and chips on Friday anymore – so we have decided to do this instead. Unfortunately, Neill has had his worst day so far and had to have 3 attempts to get things sorted, so that he could have his RT. They are going to speak to the boffins – to see if the parameters can be changed slightly, to help him. Apparently, the cause is that the radiation irritation has got much worse and will continue to do so next week. I really wish I could help him – it's heartbreaking to watch him suffering. However, I have to put my positive and helpful head on to try and help him cope. Just 5 more treatments to go now. Fingers crossed that he won't be told that he needs to have more than that. We are supposed to see the Oncologist on Monday for a revue – which is a little bit scary, but again I must keep totally positive. Just off to have a sleep now – hope to talk to you later! Love and hugs, Gilly xxx

    2. Hi Gilly, I left a post this morning on yesterdays blog. So sorry Neill has had a bad day. I remember when I've had radio therapy the men having problems. Great if they are able to change the parameters a little. Hope the appointment with the oncologist goes well. As you say keep positive, only five more days to go. Hugs Susanxx

    3. Sorry to hear you have had another bad day Gilly, the Waitrose dinner sounds like a good plan though. I've got my fingers crossed for you both for Monday. Sending hugs to you both xxx

    4. Hi Gilly. Poor Neil! Hubby used to spend quite a bit of time lying on the bed with a fan directed at his sore bits. I knew it would give him quite a lot of relief, as I used to do the same at times when I was having RT.
      I am praying for you that this time next week it will all be over and done with. Stay strong my friend. Love and Hugs xxx

    5. Dear gilly hope Neil has a more restful weekend and you can both rest up together are you spending a little time in Edith thank you for sharing your tough day we are hear to listen always hugs for you both thinking of you both xxx

  7. Have a fantastic time and treasure your time with Grace. I too am having a daughter day as Heather has come home for an overnight stay from uni. It has been lovely as Hubbie and son have gone down to Birmingham to stay with my cousins while they go to the Star Trek convention.
    Looking forward to tomorrow as it it Clarity Glasgow and I can craft all day with all my clarity friends.

    1. That sounds like a wonderful way to spend a weekend Fiona. enjoy every moment. I'm half way through the first Outlander…and I'm loving it. Hubbie is just waiting for me to finish it!!! Love and Hugs xxx

    2. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, a wee bit anxious that I wont be at the standard of the group but will work very hard to not hold anyone back… Love, Ruth

  8. Sorry you had such an terrible time at JFK. All US customs/passport entry points are inhospitable and about as unwelcoming as anywhere could be. It was SO awful on the few occasions I've been (all different places) it would take something totally irresistible to make me go back. Of course, you have at least two lovely reasons to visit – have a wonderful time.
    Tonbridge Sue

  9. Hello Barbara and Paul

    What a 'mare of a journey! I love love love Kinky Boots and have seen the film lots of times. One of my daughters and I are going to see the stage show (in London) on the 26th. It is based on a true story about a local firm.

    Love
    Roz.x

  10. Hi Barbara, what a frustrating way to start your time in New York. I expect you feel quite at home there after your visits and living in America(even if it was the other side!) I wondered if Paul had been before. It's always fun showing someone round who hasn't seen it before. How wonderful Grace was waiting for you at the hotel, what a lovely welcome. Enjoy the show.xx

    1. Hi Susan, I left you a message on Wednesdays blog, thinking it was Thursday!! I'm not sure if I'm on head or heels this week! I hope you're having a good day. Love and hugs xxx

    1. Hello lovely blog friends I hope all is well. Yeah it's the weekend. Donna you can play now. Sheila I hope you are feeling brighter today. Sending hugs to everyone xxx

  11. Sorry you had problems getting through customs. My niece and nephew (Americans) experienced something similar at Gatwick airport when they came over a couple of weeks ago. So frustrating for everyone.

    I hope you, Paul and Grace have a fab day and enjoy the show xx

  12. Never been to New York so good to have tips on how to avoid being stung. Probably applies to any major city. Bad luck with customs, how tedious. Have a great time.

  13. As long as the boots are the only kinky experience!!
    The taxi touts in Rome are as bad, they have white cars like the official cabs and they line up in the official taxi rank outside the station – beware!!
    Hugs to Grace xx

  14. Hello bloggy pals. I am much better now and have just been catching up with the blog. We had a lovely stroll out yesterday but I was quite weary after so just read Barbara's post.
    Morag I'm so pleased to see you back. Perhaps we can think of somewhere halfway for the three of us to meet before the weather gets too cold xx

    1. Hello Chris, I'm sorry you've been so poorly too. As soon as Alison returns we'll sort something out to meet up. Somewhere south of Darlington…if that would be the right direction?? Love and Hugs xxx

  15. Hello Barbara. It's pointless me saying that I hope you have a wonderful time….as you obviously are! Kinky Boots sounds marvellous. I loved the film version. Love and Hugs xxx

  16. Hello my dear friends. I hope you're all as well as can be. Sheila I hope you are feeling a little more rested today. It's not fair that you have so many different health problems to have to deal with. Take care my dear friend. Love and Hugs xxx

  17. Hello Barb,
    I was going to say "Are you there yet". After nightmare trail through customs and passport control you are free to have a wonderful time with the lovely Grace and Paul.
    Enjoy Kinky Boots and everything else that NY has to offer.
    Maureen xx

  18. Hello Barbara/Paul brilliant that you have arrived safely and met up with grace at the hotel and it's a lovely place to stay have a fabulous time hope Dave is keeping busy xxx

    1. Evening dear family of blog friends heartfelt hugs to you all I've been thinking of you all thank you all so much for your caring wishes, I had a Drs appointment this afternoon to up date him on my hospital appointment yesterday which he was pleased with I showed him my fingers as they seen to be less swollen and I can bend them easily now so looks like the steroid injection is starting to work I do hope so .i got my diabetic machine now so can keep a diary on my readings each day the nurse took the time to show me how to use the machine even though I didn't have an appointment which was very kind of her I'm very fatigued and have been in bed since 7.45 resting up as my friend called at 5 till 6pm to catch up thank goodness it's weekend no appointments might even get to put a groovi card together xxx

    2. Hi Sheila, so pleased to hear that there is some improvement after the steroid injection, it's been a long time coming. Have you done your challenge cards yet. I'm not sure I'll be able to do the calendar challenge as I don't have the stamps or the inks but I do have plenty of stamps and some alcohol inks so I'll see if I can improvise. I have no idea where to start with the circle or square but I'm hoping to make it as Sarah's birthday card so might use the square letterbox alphabet thingies. Her birthday is on the 25th. I picked up the pendant and bracelet this week and it has worked really well, I'm sure she will be delighted.

    3. Hi Julia I've entered my blog challenge it's on the blog already I used a card I made a while ago using the elephant groovi that came with the diamond club as couldn't make one now with the pain and feeling so unwell I won't be doing the calendar challenge as it's too much for me at present .
      Have you got any trees have you got any distress marker pens or inks as you could put it straight on the stamp instead of re inkers .have you got any stencils squares or circles? Your card for Sarah will be beautiful she will be so happy with her presents enjoy your wine and chill out after your stressful week and busy hours at work lots of warm hugs xxx

    4. Hello Sheila, I left a post for you on yesterdays blog this morning as I went to bed before I had finished. Glad to hear the injection could be working. Hope you have a restful weekend.xx

    5. Awe there you are my wee Sheila so happy you have got well just
      a wee bit comfort to keep you going you just take it easy now and
      hopefully the steroids will kick in to give you a we bit more
      comfort I can't tell you how much I admire how you are so caring
      to me and us all here you're a wee star here to..xx

    6. Bless you Dorothy this here blog has a wonderful community of crafting folk it's a privilege to be among them each one of us going through life traumas and helping others along a kind word a helping hand a loving hug makes our day special xxx

    7. Hi Sheila, when I was finished commenting on here I went over to the challenge blog and saw your entry and I am so impressed. Forgive me for saying this but with all your health problems I don't expect you to be able to do complex pieces but I always love your entries and I know that might sound patronising but I don't mean it to be. I love your style and your use of colour. I worked out a while ago that we like similar stamps/stencils/plates. Whilst himself was watching man tv I was watching catch up and I've had the start of an idea for the circle and squares but I need the new gel petites. Yes, I treated myself and I also bought the agapanthus and fuchsia stamp sets…oops. If I don't treat myself nobody else will.

    1. Clink Clink a girl after my own heart let's sing hope yi know the tune..xx

      Here's a little song someone wrote
      You might want to sing it note for note
      Don't worry be happy
      In every life we have some trouble
      But when you worry you just make it double
      Don't worry be happy

      When you feel sad and blue
      Just log on here someone will be here for you
      Don't worry be happy
      There's alway's one wee nit
      That will make you laugh about being Mr's Pitt
      So don't worry Be happy
      Don't worry be happy

      So if ever you've lost your way
      just come on here join the CCA
      Don't worry be happy
      Don't worry be happy now

      Just be Happy ..Love Dot..xx

    2. Dot, you are a sweetheart, thank you so much for your wee ditty, I'll be singing that song all day in my head now. Unfortunately, I'll need to watch what I say on the blog from now on as I discovered that he has been following the blog as well!!!

    3. Hi Julia – what a wonderful ditty from Dot!! So sorry to hear that he has been following the blog, as that means that you will be restricted on what you can say. Not to worry, he will see just how much support that you have here. If he is reading this now – I would just like to say to him 'Be fair and think of your children – they should be your main concern. Just do all that needs to be done in a fair and amicable way, so that everyone can move forward. Having watched many people facing the necessary treatment for their cancers, over the last 8 weeks – is a great leveller. It puts everything in life into perspective. Don't waste your life being bitter and unfair – one day, you will have to face up to your actions'.
      I hope that you don't mind me saying this here – Julia. Lots of love and supportive hugs, Gilly xxx

    4. Afternoon Dorothy love your little wee ditty wee hugs xxx
      Afternoon Julia it's such a shame your husband has to read this blog to see what your saying I agree with what gilly says above, this blog is a place you should have felt you can share a bad day or a happy day like your card came in the crafting blog top 5 and your proudness of your daughter been nearly eighteen like your youngest daughter working bless you thinking of you enjoy your new crafting goodies looking forward to your blog entry .
      You comment on my elephant card above my crafting is all I do now tom does everything else even helps me with my crafting at times if you look on the elephant inspiration from Barbara number 7 that's what I did but with my own twist on the boarder I do a little each day or on days I can do it I find the groovi relaxing as I can do it in bed /conservatory / lounge /craft room /depending on how I am feeling that day it takes me many days to complete but worth the pain energy ect to see the completed card or art work and no your comment was not patronising have a look at your elephant inspiration sheet and give it a go .take care hugs for today xxx

    5. Hi Julia, I know I have never spoken to you through all this, I didn't/don't know what to say to you, and didn't want to say something wrong. I am a victim of abuse though, so I do know that side of it, and what you must be going through, and the strength it took you to say 'no more'. Been there twice myself, in different circumstances to yours. It will get easier, and you will come out the other side, free to be you and be happy again. Well done you for managing to find a way out, even though it's a hard and upsetting one. Some people never manage to escape. You should set up a private facebook page or something, that your friends here who do facebook can join, that way it's totally private and you can still have an outlet and support when you need it. It will make you ill to keep it all inside you xx

  19. Sorry getting into the country took so long but great to see Grace straight away when you got to your hotel Barbara, I'm sure it wasn't a moment too soon. Hope you and Paul have had a great day and enjoyed Kinky Boots. x

  20. Have a great time Barbara and buy some kinky boots you know you want to
    feed our Paul up on those big portions so he gets some meat on those lovely
    bones a wee cuddle for wee Grace have a ball looking forward to what you
    have been up to Take care both of you…hugs to Dave to…xx

  21. Hiya Barb Hope you enjoy the show. Bit late today with message had terrible trouble this week picking up a prescription ( you know chemist blaming doctor and doctor blaming chemist ) Wouldn't mind but it was for my pain patch so i'm 3 days late taking it thanks to the tooing and throwing But hay ho do believe at 3 am this morning it might finally be kicking in WOOOHOOO so will love n leave and try to sleep xxxxxx

  22. Hi Barb, have a great time. Spent 5 hr designing and making groovi card only to b****r it up with lines of adhesive showing through! Needed to get it in post first thing some 90 min later, just after midnight, finally done. Must be mad as it's for my brother in law who will barely glance at it!

  23. Hi Barbara – Glad you're there safe & sound. All worth it to see Grace I'm sure 🙂
    I was in NY earlier this year with couple of friends (one has her Mum still living in Upper Manhattan). We saw Kinky Boots – it was a fantastic show & the lead was a real character – how he danced in those platforms God only knows! I'm sure you'll have a great time.
    Have fun & be safe, Carole x

  24. Hi Barb

    Happy to hear you both arrived in one piece albeit such a long delay at customs! The same happened to us when we visited New York, the delay in customs was awful

    Enjoy your time in the Big Apple and your daughter too

    June x

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