I have been so busy I haven't had time to download my photo's of Tommy's party, write my blog or read my 'friends' blogs. Must do something about this...
We're off to Devon tomorrow for a short break which I'm looking forward to. A family break as Vera, Roy and three of their boys (out of the four)with wives/girlfirends and kids in tow make up the party.

Tommy was over the moon with the UK turnout for his bash, his friends constructed a fake cake and one of them jumped out of it dressed as a girl in an orange wig - he got smothered in cream and had to go and change but a good time was had by all.

Most importantly, I discovered I'm expecting a baby! We have been trying for over 6 months now and so it came as a bit of a surprise. I was told I only had a 10% chance every month! We're so excited. Strange that I should celebrate my first born's entrance into adulthood as I discover this wonderful news.
Life never stops fascinating me.
I'm not planning on telling anyone till the first trimester is up, reason being (we're back to statistics) 40% chance of a miscarriage in the first three months, but as Paul says, his family will see right away that I'm not drinking this weekend, that and a small belly is a dead give away. I'm not too fussed to be honest but it's really early days.
Only big obstacle is darling Wendy. Paul's twin's wife. They've been together for 10 years now, married for 5 and trying for a baby for 5. They've been through test after test after test and I know it's going to be a blow for her.
I would love to 'save' her from this but I don't know how.
Why do some people (and she is truly lovely and would make a wonderful mother) have such difficulty and then we see other mothers giving birth to children they never have time for? Like the couple who left their toddlers in a closed bedroom to play with matches while they enjoyed a romantic evening?
If I could make a wish it would be for Wendy to fall pregnant.

Coming from a break up in my own marriage and child of a broken marriage you begin to wonder, is it today's culture that we can't stick together anymore? Is it down to TV, films, media and so on. Or worse still ...is it me???
However, I'm off to Vera and Roy's 50th wedding anniversary bash tonight.
They've had more that their fair share of ups and downs and have had their struggles over the years. But they stuck it out and didn't stray.
Seems as if their formula wasn't anything special, mutual respect, trust, love and caring. Got that on both parts seems like you're onto a winner.

On Sunday he'll be 18. My boy, my 'cucciolo'.
I remember the day he was born, I discovered what a hair lip was and a cleft palate. What an entrance to the world! His father nearly fainted but I was fine, I 'knew' everything was going to be alright. 1 month later I was 22.
We were in and out of hospitals for the various stages of his surgery, the first time when he was only 6 months. All of his surgery was done in the hospital at Vicenza (north Italy) and I quickly realised by looking around the ward that we were the 'lucky' ones. There were babies suffering with tumours and others who had their ear on the top of their head instead of at the side. some of them had travelled from Sicily to be treated by the excellent doctors there and it must have cost them and their families a fortune.
I think Tom's mark made him a special lad and even today he is caring and sensitive towards others.
I'm looking forward to going over to Italy for his party. All of his friends will be there and I have watched them all grow over the years. Living in a small mountain village means you start nursery and finish high school with the same companions leading to good strong friendships which hopefully will go through his life with him.
We had our ups and downs, adolescence was no joke!
Found the condoms under his bed.
Discovered the porn on top of the wardrobe.
Fished out the fags from his jacket pockets and later on, I swear it looked like maria or was it tea leaves as he said???
He threw up a bottled of Sambuca in my brand new Clio a couple of years back - and yes I dragged him out of bed thge next morning at 8.00 and told him to clean it. The electric window was always a bit dodgy after that.
god only knows how many phone calls from the school saying he had bunked off yet again. He never did take to school.
I comforted him when our Rottweiler 'Tyson' died of old age a couple of years ago. It was very hard for him.
At 14 in Italy you're allowed to ride a motorbike up to 50cc. Far too big an engine!
He came off it (he was looking at the scenerey) and the handlebar smashed into his thigh gouging out a fair chunk (my brother has since told him to tell the girls it was a shark bite) he also smashed his kneecap on the fence he flew over leading to another year in and out of hospital to correct a wonky leg as it calcified too much on one side. Another complicated operation taht we could have done without.
Anyway, for his 18th the lad is in one piece. Seems reasonably mature (she says holding her breath) and armed to face The Big Wide World.
I will always be there for him. I wish I could have more of his time, all of it. It's hard to let go on one side but it's just such a wonderful feeling of pride to watch him carve out his future.
Love your boys. xx

I'm off to Italy again this weekend on a cheapo Ryan Air. The occasion? My 'little' boy will be 18. god it seems yesterday that I gave birth and now he' coming of age and excited about his first vote, wants to make his mark on society!
Where's the problem?
My husband left me in 2003 for a younger girl (half his age...and mine!) and I still haven't come completely to terms with the idea. On a good day I want her blood, I won't go into the bad days right now. This person is now living in my house with my ex-husband and my kids. Using my plates, washing machine, telephone etc etc etc.
This Saturday at Tommy's party I shall be seeing her for the first time since 2004 (when I came back to the UK as I didn't want to live in the same village any more). Trying my best to not kick her, strangle her or worse. I won't do it because I'm there for my son and wouldn't dream of ruining his moment.
So I'll just have to look drop dead gorgeous (I'm skint so can't go out and treat myself to new stuff and would in theory have to lose half a stone) be funny, witty, kind and all the rest.
But my god, it's been on my mind now for over a month.
Luckily my fella will be with me, my mum will be there and the naughty teenage daughter mentioned earlier.
Cross your fingers we get through this one.

Morning all and what a cold one!
I'm off to Manchester for the first time today. Business trip and shame it's so cold.
Glad to see I had one visitor over the weekend, I still have to sort out my blog with photos and interesting anecdotes. All in good time.

Wow, an idea just came reality but pressing buttons through curiosity I've already lost it and here I am again for the second time! Looks like it's going to be fun.

I'm 40 this year - Bring it on! I spent 20 years in Italy and left in 2004 leaving my two adolescent kids (their choice to remain)with their father. We're now going through the frightening process of divorce, trying to make it easy for the children - never easy.

I have just got back from a trip to Italy to see my daughter 15 who is struggling with adolesence and growing up. she's heard a lot of things from her dad that are true but maybe weren't necessary for her to know about. Therefore I want to put the record straight for her. I want to tell her my story, good and bad, sad and happy so she 'knows' what went on and doesn't resort to second hand stories from other non caring people who are just busy bodying around in our lives.

She doesn't yet know about this idea. the tale is a long one to tell and also will interweave with my current life which cannot be ignored.

She told me the other day when I was over quite defiantly 'I'm not a virgin any more.'
Not much I could say to that, the deed had been done. I said kindly, I thought she was too young and that I hope dshe wouldn't regret it later on in life. I hugged her and asked her to at least make sure she wore protection always.
How can we put our mature head on such young shoulders? We know they have to make their own mistakes but I don't want her to suffer, I'd love to be able to take that away for her.
We'll see.
I can't update now till Monday when I'm sure there'll be more to tell, there always is. So have a good weekend and stick around.
I shall be so curious as to see if anyone's had a look. Please give advice, I'm open to criticism
ciao a tutti x