Has it really been that long...

Hadn't checked in for a while - but didn't think it had been as long as it has. A LOT of catching up to do.
Sat here, on Colin's birthday part way through watching HP7 Part 1, when Colin was called out on a mission for his Mum.
Ray hasn't been great lately - in fact he's been in and out of A&E and Hospital since Saturday - came home today - TOO EARLY in our opinion but hey ho!
Colin is now working for DHL at JLR in Solihull since the demise of Auto Windscreens earlier this year. He is happy there, but was working last night so finally arose at around 13.30 after catching up on some ZZZZZs.
Josh was the only one of our children to be at school today as the others had a Teacher Education Day, but he managed to see his dad before he went to school as he arrived home shortly before Josh was due to leave.
When everyone was back home we travelled to Stratford to MAPLIN to pick up Colin's birthday present - a portable DVD player with Freeview. He wanted one of these to use whilst at work (when he isn't driving off course).
After that we took the children to eat at The Horse and Jockey - we had a lovely meal and followed that up by taking cake round to Ray and Brenda's to share. Ray looked a little better than he has been but still isn't 100%.
Alzheimers/Dementia is terrible disease - and with his recent complications, care issues have been challenged.
In the past few months he has managed to 'escape' the house (the doors need to be kept locked all the time now) - the last time managing to travel about a mile away where he was taken in by some very nice people living on Malvern Road (35). He managed to tell the people he was from Newcastle but was very reluctant to go anywhere with the Police who we had contacted to help find him.
Mum rang whilst we were in Maplin to say she had a moving date set for the 21st April - she has finally sold her home and is moving about 15 minutes away to Woodville, to a new three storey property - she is excited about the impending move. Let's hope all goes well.
Stacey and Ian are expecting - baby is due September 6th.
Colin's niece, Lynsey is also expecting a baby with her partner Stuart - they are due July 12th.
I am going to have to look a bit more closely at all the exciting news that has been omitted and fill in the gaps.
Some of the gaps to fill...... Scarlett Marie Thompson! More information to follow.

Until tomorrow I bid you adieu.......