Really sorry that suspension is ongoing. Missing the interaction, at least we can still communicate via our blogs.

Hope we're back on soon Brian.

Today was lovely for me and hubby. Spent it with our daughter and her hubby, part of the "Cheshire set."  They were away in Scotland over Christmas and New Year, so today was a belated birthday and Wedding Anniversary surprise for us. Beautiful meal, she takes after me in that respect, a good cook. Fine wine, balloons, prezzies and to top it all, she'd arranged a moving video link to our son in the Baltics.

Son, his partner and darling grandson, waved, sang and made it perfect. I could even see the snow falling through their windows.

Magic.

Out walking this afternoon, when we came across three adults who were deeply concerned about a horse lying trapped at the bottom of a steep field. Her back legs were wrapped round a fence post and she'd skidded into the wire, there was no way out for her without help.

One chap had took off over the fields to find which farm she belonged to, a half hour trek. Power to his legs and a great pat on the back. Meanwhile, more adults had gathered, all trying to calm her and see if there was anyway of freeing her. One took charge, he was an off duty fire fighter. My hubby John, got stuck in to help and two chaps from one of the farms appeared with ropes. This was of no use either, six men couldn't shift her.  Another half hour, poor horse becoming exhausted, when four burly stablehands arrived, summoned by mobile phone. More roping, and heaving but to no avail. It was then decided to rip out the fencing so she could be dragged onto a flatter bit of terrain. Marvellous, it worked. Eleven men, lots of rope and Emma was freed to great cheers and clapping.

Not the afternoon walk we had expected, but wonderful to have been a part of the rescue.

Mum came home from hospital today. We can de-stress and have a go at Christmas now. Phew.

My 80 yr old Mum was rushed into hospital for an emergency op on Wednesday. Because of her age she had an epidural which she thought was fantastic as she could eat as soon as she came back from theatre. She is making good progress but it has thrown the Christmas spirit awry. With a bit of luck she may be home next week.  We are upset and stressed, but fingers crossed she will be okay especially when visiting today she said she was dying for a fag. Think that's a positive sign.

Just going down with the dreaded lurgy. Feel absolute rubbish. Want to crawl away and hibernate.

Hate being ill, don't have the time. Son brought it home, so he's not in my good books.

I feel a few whiskies coming on. Domestos kills 99% of germs, whisky does 100%. That's my theory and i'm sticking to it. Off to get sloshed.

Out walking th'ills of Owdham this affy, pretty parky, then what comes from the sky?

A very light sprinkling of the white stuff. Just a bit, enough to look like bad dandruff on our coats.

The gritters are out in force tonight. A sign of things to come. The cars are frosty white. Brrrr.

Today I had a lovely email from Julie, another new found Wigan rellie to add to my ever increasing Howarth Family History.

She found me by visiting my blog, so glad I started one, otherwise we would probably never have crossed paths.

All down to Wiganworld.

Today, my son had to say goodbye to his best little friend, Turnus.

On Friday an alsatian type dog, savaged his lovely cat of 12 years. Leaving him paralysed with a fractured spine and large tear in his side. The vets did their best for him, but i'm afraid, he could not recover from his injuries. The dog has since been destroyed.

Turnus was a well travelled puss, with his own passport, having gone to various countries with my son, who is very upset to have lost his companion in this way. With his partner, they built a little box and he now rests in the corner of their Russian garden. A granite flagstone sits on top and they lit candles, then toasted his life with a glass of champers.  I am very moved.

R.I.P Turnus.

Just want to share this. Fantastic.

Put a posting on People about my rellie the Wigan Rugby player and it has brought great joy to both Deano [Phil] and myself. We have lots to catch up on, and input on the family from him. Thank you Wiganworld, without you this would not have happened.