October 7th - Renal tests bring it on!!

"You ready?"
"Yes love off we go" Sue smiled coming out the door. Now don't get confused.... there is Sue i.e. Missy moo Copeman who lives the other side of Bingley.  Then there is the other Sue who lives opposite me who came to Cyprus with me in April when I first met Lee.
"I'm dreading this" I sighed as I drove out the grove Sue in the passenger seat.  "Its more blood tests and its gonna be hunt the vein again!!"
"You don't know that be positive".
"Loosing my ability to be positive these days" I told her... "I've got shit veins... chemo is gonna be interesting they'll never get it through a vein cos all they do is pop".


We arrived at nine thirty and for the first time ever got a parking space straight away then it was straight up to Nuclear medicine to begin the testing. I was sat in the waiting room when someone came out of a corridor and said 
"Loraine, I thought it was you... I saw the name and thought I must go see if its the same one..."  It was one of the women from weightwatchers and I feel really rotten cos I don't know her name ... I do its on the tip of my tongue.... but ... nope its gone. She's lovely chatted to me as I sat in the waiting room with Sue. Asked all about my illness and about Lee.
"Oh I'm so sorry Loraine" she looked genuinely sad when i told her about it being pallitive care treatment only.  
"But there is some good news... I'm getting married... I met Lee in Cyprus"
"Well show us a photo then" 
"Yep I have one on my phone... hang on a sec" I pulled up the photo on my phone.
"Oh he looks nice"
"He is... from Grimsby" I told her.  "Only I can go all the way to Cyprus and meet a Yorkshire lad ha ha" we laughed.
"Are you okay if I tell Jean I've seen you?" I smiled. (Jean was our leader of weight watchers meetings.
"Yeah course you can I have her email I think she still has mine. Tell her I will keep in touch I'll send her a link to my blog she can follow my progress and pass it on to you".
"Its been lovely seeing you Loraine"
"Its been nice to see you too". She gave me a hug. 
"Good luck for the future"
"Thanks".
"Loraine Mooney" a voice called.
"Yep that's me" I got up to follow the young girl that had come to get me.
"Shall I come or stay"
"We won't be long you can wait here" the girl told her.
"Ah okay see you in a minute"... I told Sue and smiled and she sat down. I was shown into a room.
"Right what we do today is inject you with some radioactive dye" then in two hours we take some blood from you. Then in another two hours we take some more blood from you... then you're free to go".
"You make it sound easy" I smiled. "Good luck on the vein front ... I was here a while on Tuesday.."
"Really?"
"Yep, really she ended up in my right wrist. Although she had to wiggle it a bit"...
"Oh.. "
"Yep oh... I'm dreading chemo on Tuesday.. they'll never find a vein".
"Oh well lets see what we can do..."
Three attempts later.....and finally we struck gold and she managed to get the dye to run into a vein...
"back in two hours and we'll take some blood"
"I wish I could say it had been fun" I grimaced... my arms black and blue and aching. "Okay fresh air needed" I announced to Sue in the waiting room.
"Oh my look at the state of you..."
"Yep human pin cushion that's me. Only another four hours to go!"
"Oh you poor love"
"I know... Chemo... Tuesday... wonderful... Not I just know they're gonna struggle Sue and they're not listening" I told her.

Both arms covered in plasters and four hours later at approximately two o'clock we headed for home!!! My arms and wrists were bruised from puncture marks and failed blood taking attempts....
"What I need is a bloody lie down... i'm knackered" I told Sue.
"I'm shattered for you love" Sue sympathized.... but once these tests are over you'll just be having chemo and you'll know where you are then".
"Yeah I know... if they get a vein". I sighed... "Not looking good is it?"
"It'll get better".
"It bloody better!!"

October 4th - Radioactive???

I waited patiently for Sue to arrived on Tuesday 4th I had to be at hospital at ten am to see Dr Jagdev followed by a lovely bone  scan.
"I'm lost" Sue wailed down the phone.
"Describe where you are??"
"There's a school on my left"
"Whats it called??"
"They're wearing red jumpers I'm on Southdale Road" 
"Okay I know where you are are you facing down hill or up hill?"
"Downhill"
"Okay go to the bottom of the hill and turn right"
"Okay I'm just trying to get out of the junction... right now what?"
"You will pass a pub on your left called the thorntree.."
"Yep."
"Okay left after Wakefield bathrooms"
"Yep okay I'm there" she replied after a pause.
"Okay follow the road to the top of the hill second right headlands grove see you soon".


"Hi" I waved to the clinical nurse Louise as we got onto outpatients. She smiled and came over.
"How you doing?"
"I'm fine thanks"
"How was the holiday?"
"Wonderful" I grinned and held out my hand so she could see my ring. 
"Oh Loraine its beautiful" 
"Thanks" I smiled.
"So did he go down on one knee and everything?"  I nodded and told her how Lee had gotten down on one knee in front of all the bar.
"Oh I'm so pleased for you" she smiled.
"I've got a bone scan at half past should i go there and come back to clinic?" I asked her.
"Well lets do your height and weight first then you may as well go and get your injection and then come back"
"Okay". 
"Not too bad you've lost another three pounds, is it becoming a problem?"
"Nope loosing weight is the good bit... have to fit in that dress" I told her grinning. "Right come on missy moo radioactive time" I laughed and we headed for nuclear medicine.


"Sorry" the nurse grimaced.  "One more attempt" I nodded. She was trying to find a vein I knew it would be an issue since surgery last year and ten weeks of pain medication later I didn't have any veins left at all.  "I'm gonna try your wrist but it may hurt" I smiled and nodded okay...  It did hurt.. I nearly hit the ceiling in all honesty... but it worked she got the radioactive stuff into my vein... "Right you need to come back at 1.30 for us to do the bone scan, okay? In the meantime no contact with pregnant ladies or small children for the next five hours"
"Okay. See you at one thirty then". 


Next it was my appointment with Dr Jagdev... I haven't seen her before. Prior to this I saw Dr Collinson but she's moved on now its Dr Jagdev. She seems okay but when she asked if I had any concerns once again I said I was concerned about Chemo and them finding a vein. 
"They struggled with that radioactive stuff it took five attempts" I explained.
"Oncology are very good at finding veins trust me it won't be a problem. If it is they can always put in a permanent line above your chest bone and they can give you chemo and take bloods from you that way"
"Okay well that's probably the way to go" I told her.
"So anymore pain?"
"My left kidney"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes after all the reflux's i had as a kid I know its my left kidney its really sore"
"Mind if i examine you?"
"No that's fine" I smiled.
I laid on the couch and she felt around my right side then around my left...
"Ouch"
"Okay you are very tender there. I think we'll get a urine sample and just as a precaution we'll give you some antibiotics and do an ultrasound"
"Okay,"
"We'll send you for more bloods too"
"Okay" I nodded. "So if you go have your bone scan and then go to ultrasound for a kidney scan if there's any problems we'll keep you in...if not you're free to go I'll give you a prescription for pharmacy."
"So i might have to stay in"
"Only if there's a problem on the left. If not then you'll come back for the renal function test on Thursday then pre-assessment Monday and start treatment Tuesday"
"Okay thanks". I came out in  a bit of a daze about what was happening first but Sue put me straight.
"I'll go to pharmacy, you go get your bloods done and I'll see you in the blood room".
"Okay see you in a bit then".


It took two attempts for blood on this occasion, she was good!! Hardly felt a thing!! By the time we'd been downstairs to the canteen for a coffee and a snack it was time to go back for my bone scan.


Why is it when someone tells you you have to lie still you suddenly develop an itch.....a big itch.... I laid there and apologised... 
"Sorry I'm gonna have to ..." I apologised.
"Its okay scratch now then we can begin" she told me. I'd taken some oramorph the problem with oramorph is it makes you itch and now I needed to lie still I felt like someone had sprayed me with itching powder!!
"Right okay.. now I'm ready" I announced and lay still. I remembered the breathing my hypnotherapist Jacqui had taught me to get me relaxed.... the next minute she was waking me up... I'd fallen asleep during my bone scan.... ah well at least I don't move in my sleep eh??


Next it was radiology for my ultrasound. It was now knocking on for two thirty when we sat down. I was knackered. 
"I think there's been a mix up Miss Mooney you were due down here for your ultrasound before lunch"
"You're joking?"
"No, was there any reason you weren't here?"
"I was having my bone scan" I told the nurse. "I was told to go get my bloods done have my bone scan and then down here for an ultrasound in case i needed to be kept in".
"Well I'm afraid it will be when we can fit you in now"... I sighed I was knackered we'd been here since nine thirty and it was now after two thirty....
"You're joking we've been here since nine thirty, Loraine's got terminal cancer.... she's knackered" Sue piped up....
"We'll see what we can do". Ten minutes later a doctor showed me into an ultrasound room for my scan to commence... Sue comes in very handy sometimes... she is loud thank goodness lol.
"So you've been getting pain in your left kidney"
"Yes its been really bad"
"What about the right?"
"No that's been fine" I told her.
"Okay lie down lower your trousers lift up your top and I'll squirt you with some warm jelly before we begin".
"Okay thanks" I laid on that bed and prayed for a break.
"Well I can't see anything at all in forms of lumps or shadows Loraine so i'm pretty certain there is no cancer in your kidney but obviously its not one hundred percent accurate. Your kidney on the left is pretty dilated though"
"Ah, well its always been bigger than the right more swollen etc" I told her.  "I have no idea why but it has been".
"Right well the antibiotics should help if there is any infection there but I'm happy for you to go".
"Nice one, thanks" I jumped off the bed beaming and went out to the waiting area, which now was pretty crowded. "Good news the cancer is not in my kidneys yet!" I yelled and clapped. Sue laughed and looked round at the other four people sat there and they cheered on my behalf.  "I get to live another day Sue lets get out of here eh?"
"Your wish is granted." she laughed. "Bye all" we smiled and left.


However, I am still dreading chemo I just know they won't find a vein!!! 

Monday 3rd October - My Birthday.

 I woke to a lovely birthday greeting from Lee on the morning of my birthday it read : "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS MCEVOY I DO LOVE YOU XX XXX". I came downstairs and opened the pink envelope that lay on the table inside was a card which read "To my wonderful Wife Happy Birthday. Inside it read sending all my love to you on your special day and always Happy Birthday inside the handwritten message read with all my love Mrs mcevoy xxxxxxx I want to be your hero, i want to take away the pain, I want to live with you forever you just take my breath away". I sat and cried and rang my mum and read it to her and she cried as well. The words are from Hero by Enrique ... the song both Lee and I have picked out for my funeral.


My mum and dad had got me £50 worth of vouchers for La Femme a beauty clinic where I live. My sister had got me £20 worth of vouchers. So I should look stunning when Lee comes home if nothing else lol. Logan presented me with a card saying "To my Mother" Hm mm not sure what to think of that  and another box of choccies.... I will be huge by the time this chemotherapy finishes ha ha.


I was due to meet my friends from work for a meal at six that evening. But at twelve I arranged to pick Lorna up so i could go shopping for my wedding gift list, Lee had said to choose what i wanted so with shopping in mind that's what we went to do!  


We sat down at the desk in Debenhams and were greeted by an Indian girl who was cross eyed..... I couldn't help it we both had trouble making eye contact.  It was fun running round with a scanner though and £830 later I felt a hell of a lot better.


Next came clothes shopping I bought a blouse in teal coloured satin and a pair of black leggings with buttons at each ankle.... I looked good even if I said so myself. Ready for my night out anyway.


I turned up at six to be greeted by Kath, Rebbecca, Jack, Becky Clare and Clare's daughter Holly. I was a little disappointed at the numbers. There were a few people who I knew couldn't make it Wes, Charlene, Vicki and Colleen....they'd all apologised that they couldn't be there...as for the rest... obviously I wasn't that popular... ah well you win some you loose some eh??


We all stuffed ourselves silly with course upon course of Chinese food I hadn't eaten that much grub in a week. I had at least five fresh made pancakes for afters.... and we were kept entertained by the banter round the table. Jack is very amusing and I haven't seen anyone eat as much as Becky did and Rebecca's face watching her was a picture.... it was actually a really good night and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  Jack nicked two plates that the sushi was served on for his flat... well smuggled them out in Rebecca's bag to be precise....no one noticed. It was funny though.
I am so looking forward to seeing the pictures that were taken of Jack and I sitting on the Rickshaw that's on display in the window downstairs not to mention the photos of Becky trying to get her leg over to get onto it!!!Ha ha ha. A good night had by all.

October 1st- The Mooney's arrive!!

Okay so I have to apologise to everyone who reads my blog for the long delay in updates. In all honest I've been too bloody knackered!!!


On Saturday the 1st my family arrived from Scotland. As I'm Scottish, something not everyone is aware of (I was born there), all my aunts and uncles and cousins are still up in scotland however, they are all spread out a bit.


My dads the eldest, followed by my Uncle Douglas, who's married to my Aunt Mary. They live in Paisley and have one daughter Maureen, Maureen I believe is about six years younger than me. She's married to Colin and they've been married about seven years I think. They have two children Finlay who I think is four and masie who was born this year at easter.
Next is my Aunt Margaret, my dads sister (she is currently recovering from breast cancer and has just finished radiotherapy). Married to my Uncle Iain and they have my cousin Ross who is a month older than Jenna. Yes my aunt margaret and I were pregnant at the same time... how weird is that? Ross isn't married he's at uni but is going out with claire, so she'll be coming to the wedding with him, Claire is lovely and I think there will be a wedding there at some point in the future. Then last is the youngest on my dads side my Uncle Alan, who's married to my Aunt Shirley ( uncle Alan is currently having chemotherapy for cancer too). I think he's 51...but that would be a guess I'm crap with ages. They have Eleanor and David. Eleanor married John in March this year and we went to their wedding in Aberdeen. David is about to become a branch manager of a bank and has just moved in with his girlfriend who i've yet to meet.


Anyway Aunt Mary and Uncle Douglas unfortunately couldn't come down for my birthday as they were in Ireland and Maureen and Colin couldn't come with the kids but everyone else came for my birthday. I felt very very special for everyone to come, especially Uncle Alan who hasn't been at all well.


I'd been shopping prior to going to my mum and dads I'd bought a new dress in teal, the one on my profile pic on facebook, some matching shoes and a bag. There was a sale in Debenhams ... quickest shopping trip ever it took me twenty minutes to go in try on and leave. I knew the family were arriving at my mums so I was in a rush. I nipped home to get some make up and pick some bits up so I could get changed at my mums as we were going out for a meal. My dad rang me asking if I wanted picking up so I could leave the car at home and have a drink.
"I was just going to ring you to ask you if you could pick me up great minds think alike dad" I laughed.
"Okay on my way" he told me.
I arrived at theirs to be greeted by Lorna (my sis) Andy (her partner) Jordan (my nephew). Jenna and logan (my kids), Mum, Dad, Aunt Mags, Uncle Iain, Ross and Claire all sitting in a circle.  
"Hi all" I greeted,
"You're looking very well" my aunt mags told me.
"I know I feel great" I laughed. "Just getting tired easy".
"Me too".
"So where's the drink?" I asked.
"We're on tea and coffee" my aunt mags told me.
"Where's the alcohol?"
"We haven't been offered any" Aunt Mags told me.
"Its a bit early" mum commented.
"Its my birthday, lets get this party started wheres the alcohol?" I asked.
"There's wine in the fridge" mum told me.
"Three bottles, you do know this is a mooney gathering and Aunt Mags is here don't you?" I asked them both.
"What do you mean?"
"Well Aunt mags and I can demolish three bottles in the space of an hour" I laughed. "Trip to the supermarket is defintely needed!"
Aunt Shirley, Uncle Alan, Eleanor and David arrived shortly after and £150 and a supermarket trip later and the party was definitely underway.  I can't wait for Lee to come over and partake in a Mooney gathering... he'll love it!!
I  opened pressies from the aunts and uncles and Jenna insisted I opened hers too. Two bottles of champagne one from Aunt Mary and Uncle Douglas and one from Aunt Shirley and Uncle Alan and a box of chocolates.... lovely. Jenna got me a bottle of perfume "Lola" and I opened Jordans pressie and got a  bottle of Ghost. So I'm not doing bad for perfume what with that and the two bottles of duty free at home Hugo boss sunset and Jean paul gautier... I'm being spoilt!!
The champagne is staying in the fridge until Lee arrives then i'll open it.


It was a special day we all went out for a meal to the Bullshead in horbury I'd ordered Kettle of fish unfortunately my appetite is quite crap at the minute and I couldn't eat it all, but what I had I thoroughly enjoyed it was gorgeous.


More pressies followed at dinner another two boxes of choccies one from Eleanor  and one from David. I'm gonna get fat me thinks.


The following day I went down to my mum and dads to say bye to my Aunt Mags, Uncle Iain, Ross and Claire. They handed me a card with £40 in.  I was very very happy not a bad birthday at all and it hasn't arrived yet!! lol

Thursday 22nd September - Thursday 28th September. Holiday

Our holiday was fantastic the weather was gorgeous and I can honestly say the only bad point was a minor disagreement between Jenna and I over her spending all her money in the first four days.... but although we struggled a bit financially throughout the holiday it was still fab.


Our days were filled with sunbathing on the beach and the evenings at Rives with Lee. On the Thursday evening Lee had the night planned out as he had the night off. We were going to the Barley Mow in Paralimni, not far from Protaras to see his friend Steve Fury perform.  Steve sings and does all old jive tunes and Elvis etc. He's a brilliant singer and with the lights down he resembles Patrick Swayze, same high cheek bones and similar hairstyle to the one he had in Dirty Dancing. Lee announced our engagement and Steve asked to see the ring and then asked for a magnifying glass and proceeded to try and find out from Lee how much he'd spent on it. It was amusing. 


Steve's sister Tina and Lee used to go out together. Lee calls her the dyslexia Jiver as she does jive dancing by herself whilst Steve sings and doesn't seem to know what to do with her hands whilst she dances.... hence Lee says she's dyslexic (sorry if anyone finds that offensive) but you have to see it to believe it!!


I'm not sure Jenna enjoyed the evening it wasn't her type of music and I'd fallen off my wedge sandals on the way and  hurt my foot. By the time Steve's set had finished I was in dire need of Morphine as I'd left it back at Lee's. So we headed for the bus stop to get the bus back!!


We waited for that bus for what seemed like an eternity and then this boneshaker turned up boy it was old. We got off and headed down to Rives which was fairly quiet!! A good night however, was had by all.


On Saturday I was meeting Lee's parents and absolutely dreading it! Why? I have no idea Steph and Barry are lovely people and made me feel so welcome I needn't have been so worried. Steph had brought a gift for both me and Jenna, a bracelet each, and I felt a tad guilty for not bringing them anything. Jenna was suffering from a hangover as she'd gone to Ayia Napa with Luke, Mike and Rosie the night before and hadn't gotten in until five am., she spent most of the afternoon in the loo. We had lunch together and it was a really nice afternoon. Steph told me they would both be at our wedding. We gave them the passport Photos that Lee had had taken and his dad shook his head. 
"I don't think they'll accept them Lee" he sighed. "They are all done on a grey or fawn background these days that's what I've been told. Let me get them checked and if need be we will have to get them redone".
"Okay" Lee nodded. "We can go back to photographer during the week".
"Well we were going to ask if you both fancied coming over to ours before you go home Monday or Tuesday maybe and we can show you around the island first maybe?"
"Ooh yeah that would be lovely, fancy that Jenna?" Jenna nodded.
"Well shall we pick you up about 1ish on Tuesday?"
"Yep that sounds good".
"And we will take you to the airport on Wednesday so you don't have to pay Loraine?"
"oh that's not necessary Steph"
"No we insist" she told me smiling.
"Okay thanks".


The next few days flew by and Tuesday arrived and our trip with Steph and Barry. We went to see Cape Greco from the land side where Logan had jumped off the cliff back in August. It actually looked higher than it had from the boat and I found it quite unnerving especially when i saw the amount of rocks that he had had to clear in order not to land on one.  Next stop was the church in a cave, i forget where it was but it was on the way to Lee's parents place in Frenaros. Above a cave opening is a cross and some steps descending into a cave which holds portraits on the walls of Jesus. (I'm not a religious freak i don't go to church.  I believe in spiritualism and the after life simply because of readings I've had in the past and i believe in something I'm  just not totally sure what it is that i do believe in...). But, walking into that cave i felt a shiver down my spine and a calming e peaceful feeling came over me. It was a lovely warm feeling and on my way out there it was.... another white feather....make of that what you will!!
We went to a little taverna next in a village near to Lee's mum and dads I've forgotten the name of it unfortunately I'm sure Steph and Barry will remind me.  I shared a Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with Steph as there was no way I could eat one on my own as I had no appetite.  Jenna had chips and gravy (the gravy made specially for her) and Barry had Scampi and chips. Lee came to meet us there just after we had finished eating . We had a drink together and then we headed for Frenaros to Steph and Barry's house. Even from  the outside it was gorgeous a big arched wooden door led straight into the front room which was big and spacious with a winding stone stair case to the next floor up complete with a wrought iron banister it was gorgeous to look at. All the floors were marble. The living area swept straight into an open plan kitchen with gorgeous solid wood units and patio doors leading to the pool outside. Steph led us round to the snug a covered area at the side of the pool ...It was a lovely outside area and on the wall of the house steph has it decorated with ornamental lizards on the back wall, all different colours.. in fact I've seen a bronze one recently and i might get her it for Christmas.


On Wednesday we were due at the airport at nine o'clock for our flight at eleven so Steph and Barry arranged to meet us at teatime steph and i were going to happy feet to have our feet munched by tiny little fishes.  I was dreading it... but you know what... for eighteen months my foot has been scaly first it was athletes foot then i got told it was eczema then it was psoriasis.... steroid treatments, athlete's foot treatments creams in abundance.... ten minutes with those little fishes (and a bit of a pins and needles sensation) and my foot is cleared up... sorted no scaly foot no peeling no nothing it feels wonderful!!!


My farewell to Lee was very tearful on Wednesday evening he had bought me a cross on a silver chain to make up for the one that I lost (I swear its still in his flat somewhere). Lee wanted to say bye at Waves but I insisted he get in the car so i could hold on to him a bit longer. We pulled up outside Rives and Jenna went in to say bye to Rosie. I jumped out the car and threw my arms around Lee and cried on his shoulder.... 
"I'm gonna miss you".
"Its not long now. I'll be with you soon, I promise" he kissed me. I held onto him tighter...
"One more kiss". I smiled... "Right I'll see you soon"
"Ring me as soon as you get home"
"I will I promise. I love you"
"Love you too" and with that we jumped back in the car and headed to the airport with Steph and Barry.

Wednesday 21st September – The Proposal

Why I thought setting off at six would be early enough when check in started at seven. I had no idea! It was twenty past six and according to the sat nav we had another forty five minutes to arrival.... that was pushing it! I have no idea what time check in closes but I'm pretty sure we were cutting it fine.

We arrived at Manchester airport at seven thirty I was still panicking because I have no idea what time check in closed if your flight is booked to leave at nine

“have you left the men at home?” The check in guy asked me.

“There aren't any at home” I replied. Jenna laughed.

“Is it mother and daughter travelling?”

“Yes”

“And how long are you going for?”

“Just a week” I replied.

“Okay boarding is at Eight fifteen gate 23” he told us. I'd been watching the weight of the bags as the weighed them praying that none of them were over. We were allowed 10k each on board and Jenna's suitcase weighted 7.5kgs and mine had come in at 8.20kgs. Now for the big suitcase it had weighed 20kgs exactly at home so I was worried over this one... I needn't have been it was only 18.24kgs.

“Okay, tickets boarding passes and passports, enjoy your flight”

“Thanks” we said in unison and headed through security to the departure gate.

We called at the toilets then at WHSmith to get drinks for on the flight. When we headed for the gate and they were already boarding I was surprised I have no idea why it was twenty past eight after all... I think I'd been in a bit of a daze cos it was only when we sat on the plane in our seats that I realised how close I'd cut it to get our flights. 

We arrived half an hour early and I rang Lee excitedly to tell him. "Jen's picking you up who got you last time with Logan" he told me.  "I've just got in so I'll make sure everything is spotless, ring me when you get your case".

"No problem. See you soon". I smiled at Jenna and she smiled back. "Welcome to Cyprus, told you it would be hot!"

"I'm glad I wore my dress now, I'm boiling".

"Well hopefully we won't have long to wait for the case" I told her and we headed down to the baggage area.

Our case was first off and we headed outside to wait for Jen and sat on a wall at the side of the cafe outside Larnaca airport. The sun was blazing and I was desperate for a shower!!

"Hi Jen"

"Hiya, been waiting long"

"Nope only about ten minutes. This is Jenna my eldest. Jen meet Jen" I introduced.

"Hi" Jenna greeted.

"Its nice to see you back, how long you here for?" 

"Only a week. The last for a while"

"Yeah Lee told me, sorry about your news".

"Thanks."

We nattered in the car on the way to Lee's and I told Jen about Lee moving over and how I'd be meeting his parents this time. She seemed genuinely happy for me.
"So has Lee got you a ring?"
"Yep and I've got him one... problem is I've left it at home. I don't think he'll be very happy". Jen laughed.


An hour later we arrived at the flat just as a young lad was coming down the stairs with a backpack on.
"You must be Loraine, pleased to meet you let me grab your bag" He carried it up the stairs to the flat. He was followed down the stairs by Luke who was grinning from ear to ear.
"Hiya babe, good flight?" 
"Yeah" I smiled and hugged him.  "This is Jenna" I introduced Jenna who was still at the base of the stairs.
"Nice to meet you" Luke grinned. Standing behind Luke was Lee grinning who pushed him out of the way and grabbed me.
"God its good to see you" he grinned and I grinned back.
"Its good to be here" I smiled back. "Come on in" I walked into the flat and was amazed. It was spotless.
"Wow. What happened have the cleaning fairies been?" I asked sarcastically.
"Come see this" Luke showed me the balcony where there was now a table with two chairs covered in a table cloth with candles in the centre.
"Wow I'm impressed". I hugged Lee. "You've done a great job. It looks fab" I told him.
"Only the best for you two" he smiled.
"I have a confession to make"
"Whats that?"
"I forgot your ring. Its on the fireplace at home. I got it out the suitcase to show Clare yesterday and forgot to put it back I'm sorry".
"Its okay we'll just have to wait til christmas to exchange rings"
"No, you can't do that" I protested.
"Christmas isn't far away"
"It is" I protested again. "Anyway I've made up for it I've brought you something else" I handed him the box containing his earrings and the bottle of aftershave I got him on the plane".
"\Wow I love the earrings"
"Great. I thought they were different"
"They're lovely but your still not getting your ring til Christmas" he told me.
"Not fair" I protested.
"Life's not fair" he laughed."Go get changed and we'll go for a drink before I start work"
"Okay".


We were sat in Rives chatting away Jenna and I with Luke when it happened. Lee got up on the microphone... I thought he was gonna sing instead I heard the words....
"Loraine, will you come and join me please"
"Whats going on" I looked at Luke who was grinning from ear to ear.
"Go find out" he told me. I walked down to the back of Rives where Lee was standing with the microphone.
"I've worked here a lot of years, the past seven to be exact and women have come and gone. But one woman came along in April to change all that. My girlfriend Loraine. Here she is" he gave me a kiss and the crowd clapped.
"So Loraine I have a question to ask you" he got down on one knee and I felt the colour rise in my cheeks. "Will you marry me?" I grinned and nodded unable to speak as he held a ring out to me. It was gorgeous white gold with a star setting at the top and a diamond in the middle and two love hearts either side of the setting on the band of the ring. 
"Do you like it?" Lee asked as he hugged me.
"Its stunning I love it" I replied. "Thanks".
"I love you Mrs Mcevoy".
"I love you to Mr Mcevoy. But you didn't need to do all this".
"I know I wanted too.... happy?"
"Very". I gave him another kiss and hand in hand we walked back to our table.

Monday 19th September - Too much to do!!

It's four fifteen am on Monday morning and I am wide awake on the Internet looking at motability cars... well that's not strictly true... I'm on Citroen's website configuration a Citroen DS3. Bugger having five doors and sticking with a C3 this car is awesome. I've chosen polar white with a red roof, red leather interior. It has wifi on board, blue tooth, mp3, air con, CD player, fog lights, led lights, I am in love with Lee Mcevoy and now with a Citroen DS3. Of course, if I do get it I will have to give her a name. For instance Missy Moo's last car Betsy the Micra (who incidentally had eyelashes) went to heaven on the 5th of September because the car doctor couldn't make her better. She now has a purple Corsa called Custard... (due to it being the colour of rhubarb I think), which is much better. So I have to compete and come up with a name for my new car when I get it. See I've got it already... and its free!!!Well that's not strictly true I have to give them the mobility element of my Disability Living Allowance but its only fifty pounds a week. Also I'd save on the car insurance because its included. So its a win win really. I can now get a blue parking badge and park where i like ha ha ..... I am so desperate to get my own back on that traffic warden. MM with a disabled badge can you park in a permit holders only space? If you know the answer to that one add a comment please.

Right now i have got all of this off my chest I'm gonna go attempt some more sleep... I am desperate for some. I'm off for my nails doing at 12.30 and I need to ring about fridge freezer first thing find out when he's coming. Hoping its Tuesday although I do have plans in the morning so I'm praying he'll do it Tuesday afternoon/evening. I have so much to do and so little time... we are all packed though apart from make up so we're nearly there ...

I rang the fridge freezer repairman at 9am.
"We're waiting for the part to come in love, its due some time today when I get it I'll give you a ring to book you in the diary".
"I'm going away to Cyprus on Wednesday morning..."
"Well all i can do is give you a call when we get the part". At 12 still no call so I rang him again..
"Its Ms Mooney again, has the part arrived".
"Yes it has love I'm just waiting for the engineer to get back so as we can book you in". he told me. "Won't be long I'll ring you back".
"Can I give you my mobile number cos I've got an appointment this afternoon".
"Sure you can" I read out my number and he read it back to me. "Right Ms Mooney as soon as I have spoken with the engineer will give you a call".
"Thanks". I put the phone down not entirely filled with confidence but i had to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I went and had my nails done at La Femme with Debbie we had a long natter about life mine in particular. We had met when I'd first gone there when I'd gotten out of hospital my mum had got me vouchers for my fortieth and then I'd been ill that it was October before I used them. (Debbie had been so open and friendly that I'd found myself telling her everything that had happened to me. She had been really shocked by my story and has been so supportive ever since throughout and had been really happy when I'd announced I'd met Lee after my first visit.
"When the phone rings I have to answer it, it could be the fridge engineer.. at least I hope it will be" I told her.
"Okay that's fine" Debbie smiled. "Still not fixed then?"
"Nope and I'm totally stressing" I laughed. "Just what I need". My nails finished and still no phone call half an hour later I left in a grump and headed home to ring them again.
"I'm still trying to get the engineer I will ring you" he told me. So I busied myself with the final wash load and waited... I packed my case, unpacked... repacked... still nothing.  I cleaned the house... had a nap.. nothing... at five thirty I rang again.... they'd gone home for the day!!! Charming!!


I went to bed fuming.... they were in for a shock tomorrow morning I wasn't going to be nice!!!