All your love and positive thoughts have been, and are, so welcome about our little kitten...
Not only little Murphy, but the countless times you've given me links to everything from the British Army in Bermuda...which gave me all the information I needed to fill in gaps in someone's family tree...to the benefit of salt lamps...and very many more in-between.
Someone was muttering once about people who post to the Lung Forum on subjects which have nothing to do with illness or the difficulties we face with breathing...
But we don't want to remain defined by our illness...I don't. I'm Vashti... who lives in a leaky cottage in the west of Ireland...who used to be able to climb five barred gates and likes nothing better than poking about among the graves of an old burial ground...I read voraciously, sew patchwork and crochet blankets...spend hours searching through records to compile family trees...
The fact I have stage four of COPD is something I live with...but it doesn't define the person I am.
I love seeing photographs of other peoples gardens and their much loved pets...it appeals to the voyeur in me.
I like the willingness of everyone on the forum to share the ups and the downs of their days...
The weekend Trolls can be a pain in the bottom but sometimes even they make me giggle...I did so like the person who accused me of plagiarism and called me a trollop...
A trollop...all flouncy skirts and low-cut blouses...but no knickers...I think Moll Flanders could be called a trollop.
There are the odd glitches, of course there are...when you put a group of people together it'd be odd if there were not the occasional sharp word or grumble...but I think of you as friends...
I do so wish you could all come here...I'd feed you with fresh baked soda bread and blackberry jam...we could go out for a walk down the old bog road...dragging our oxygen tanks behind us...you could meet with Tom actually...stand in the road while he moves his Bull and pretend you know what you're doing.
You'd meet Himself...he's a bit odd actually...and deaf in one ear. I think you'd like him though.
What I'm saying is Thank You...for being the people you are who support and show you care...
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I do so agree Vashti, i am Margaret and not defined by COPD & other illnesses. In fact rightly or wrongly, my view is being reduced to a illness, a non- person can be depressing.
Fortuneately, i have a great medical practice, from the GP's to the receptionists. Sometimes I want to giggle at a joke, and share parts of my life & read with interest about the lives of others. At others I seek support support and information.i think many of us are the same. The variety on this site is great. Your stories are a joy Vashti. Thankyou. Love Margaret x
Oh Vashti, I so love reading all your posts, it works both ways you know, you give us all a lift, and make what sometime, can be a dull or miserable day, a lot brighter. I would love to come visit you, you make it sound idyllic. Himself sounds a bit like my Hubby, He's deaf in one ear too, although sometimes I think it's more like selective hearing !!!!I I agree with what you say about letting our illness define us, and you are an inspiration in all you still manage to do, and all the extras we get on here, jokes, pics, advice on other things, go a long way to give us a much needed smile, in times that sometimes are very stressful. Trollop, you? well I can think of worse things I could be called (I think), conjures up pics of a feisty, sexy lady, with maybe, a very colourful past.
Please keep on sending your amusing, informative and wonderful descriptive posts.
Another great post,how can any of us feel down after hearing all the great things you talk about,the funny antics you use to get up to,and the piccies of your lovely cottage and garden,and now cute little Murphy will add his antics to our enjoyment. Long may we have your posts to make us smile.
.... And why shouldn't we write about things that cheer us up? Vashti you keep us all entertained with your stories. You are my next best soap next to Corrie 😊
Yes we sometimes need a moan and a rant, but if we only ever wrote about our problems we would all be as depressed as hell by now. As my friends I look to you too cheer me up not depress me. Keep the photos coming and the funny stories, but we'll be here if you want a moan too.
Your input, Vashti, help make his forum light hearted and entertaining ,it help to balance out all the problems and awful worries we voice and makes, for lots of us, a daily must.Even the trolls must be interested. Legend Lady!!! that is you. Go on in strength and always keep your interests alive 'cos we need you. Polly x x
I can only echo all the sentiments that have been said. Vashti, you can use words and phrases to make such interesting reading. I've a mind to print them all off into a A4 book. Greating reading XX and a X for Murphy.
Thank YOU dearest Vashti! I have kept copies of your interesting essays such as the Hedgerow Schools, the ghosts, all kinds of subjects. Just to have a look at to cheer me up if I feel down.
Some those trolls are hysterically funny. I got called names too, I can't remember them now. They all get reported. It would be fun to tease them, shame it's against rules
It's a bit like slugs and wasps really, they don't appear to have any use at all. They are still part of the tapestry of life.
We have all been longing to hear news of darling Murphy. Please keep us updated. So glad he was able to come home for a visit. I hope he is back soon and getting into mischief!
I saw some Irish soda bread for sale in Asda the other day. It looked rather pale and unappetising, I thought your soda bread would be far nicer.
It's a pleasure to read your posts whatever they are about, you take care of yourself and hope young murphy is getting better
Every day I plan to do some early jobs but as soon as my phone rings letting me know my daily email arrives everything else stops till I have read the posts. I look for helpful suggestions to help cope with my condition and also gain such a lot from reading such positive posts as are yours, and others that refuse to give up on life, due to the daily grind we have to put up with. Keep your stories coming Vashti.
what a privilege it is to share the lives with all their ups and downs, of such a great group of people. when we are feeling good hopefully we can lift the spirits of those that are down, and when we are low a few kind words from a caring stranger who has become a friend, is such a comfort. Only those with similar ailments can really understand the difficulties we may face and when you meet a friend in the street its always 'how are you' "Oh, I'm fine thanks" - not always true but people are often in a hurry these days. Best wishes to all, L ove Iris x
Another great post from you Vashti, just what we have come to expect. How miserable would life be if we just dwell on our ailments, lets have a laugh and tell each other about our lives and families and anything else that affects our daily living.
I for one really enjoy your posts, keep them coming. I do hope Murphy is getting better now.
Your life sounds idyllic and I agree it is lovely to see posts other than lung conditions. Pets always brighten our day they certainly do mine. Carole x
I am a bit of a watcher and rarely post but I read every day and always look for your posts first. Funny, well written and informative. Bless you for being you.
Well you don't have to ask twice, I'll.be over to chew the fat with you in a heartbeat Vashti! being half deaf like your good man that should be a giggle !😀
I'm so pleased your Murphy is on the mend that's great news, hope he's hopping all over ancestry again soon 😺💙💙💙
How lovely Vashti and you are so right. It is nice to mix things up a little. I care for Pete but feel more than a carer on here and enjoy the banter, the photos, the fun and support. There is sadness and anger at times but that's life isn't it. Pete's health is up and down but I feel blessed to be with him and to be part of this wonderful, uplifting, inspiring site. I do love reading your wonderful posts too and am willing Murphy on to good health.
Your leaky cottage looks and sounds lovely and I am packing my bag to come and see it. Pete won't notice if I'm gone for a few days....will he?
I can only agree with what everyone else has already said. We all love your posts. Your stories are entertaining and brighten up a drab day.😊 we are all individuals and not just a medical diagnosis. Your stories, photos of pets, jokes and just all around chatting make this site what it is. Here I am Ruby-- crazy cat lady from Usa! 😊😊That was a wonderful post. One of your best yet.😊
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Ventolin now being replaced 
Made it home ok thanks all. Another day another saga. 
Boxing Day Walk- Me Too
