Neamhai | ExpatWoman.com
 

Neamhai

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Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 17:25
Thank you Cornish Pixie we are situated in KSA now. Just in Dubai for a few days. So good to see your here :)
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Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 16:06
Sorry I cant offer an practical advice. I just wanted to send best wishes at this troubling time. God bless you
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Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 15:12
[b'>An update on my Post[/b'> Sorry for not posting earlier, but finally, I got some relief, I had run from pillar to post to find some relief and also hired a real-estate expert advocate to legally help me, he was bit expansive but could help me getting court order to serve notice to tenant to evict my apartment irrespective to his agreement with Max. Court ruled that eventhough he have ejari and paid 1 year rental to Max, it was Max who did the scam of signing agreement with tenant for period more than agreement with landlord. Court also stated that tenant also made mistake of not verifying all documents with real landlord. Court advised all tenants to cross-check all documents before signing any document. Judge ordered tenant to vacate my property within next 30 days and I agreed to give him another 15 days, so I'll get my apartment back by end of February. Thanks ladies for your support, which I can see from "[b'>thumbs-up[/b'>" on my post. :cool: edited by AB-dxb on 01/02/2015 You won't get any thumbs up from me, I for one feel sorry for the tenant who has paid a years rent and will be homeless in 4 weeks. If I lost 6 months rent I would be hard pressed to remain in Dubai ! It is very hard to check documents with the real landlord, I have tried in the past - I now tell our employees to only pay the landlord NEVER the agent unless there is a full Power of Attorney, stamped by Dubai courts, and with the original available to view. Too many people here intent on cheating others. edited by Cornish Pixie on 01/02/2015 Cornish Pixie, you have never said anything more true & real. We had the whole screwed by a Landlord situation some years ago. We left Dubai in debt having gone there to help pay our own mortgage & help our family because our Country has been particularly hard hit by the economic down turn. Every way we looked to try & get justice would have cost us money. The Landlord took 1full years rent even though we had given the appropriate notice. He had our cheques which we had to get back before leaving . He had us over a barrel. I truly believe what goes round comes round though !!!! Heres hoping :) Hope your well CP. I am the user formally known as Nobby
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Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 14:47
If you live in Dubai you've made it in every imaginable way .......... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 14:44
Hello LT & Nomad I hope you & yours are well & happy :) Im in Dubai for a few days . The wind has been making it really uncomfortable blowing the sand around. On the other hand the cloud cover has kept the temperature down. So quite nice to walk as long as you can keep the sand out of your eyes. It was freezing when I was at home & they had some snow again yesterday. That's three times in about two months. !!! That's more than I ever remember. Im praying they have a good Summer. Wouldn't it be lovely to distribute the heat a little more evenly & the cold of course :)
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Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 17:13
Hello Claire, I live in Riyadh . I am not a Muslim so Its not mandatory to cover my hair. I do so however out of respect & also I don't stand out as much. I wouldn't wear the hijab mentioned it would make me claustrophobic & to hot. A scarf will suffice & you can chose when & if you wish to wear it. Enjoy your visit to KSA :)
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Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 22:54
Hi Neamhi, Happy New. Year to you too !! When Admin add PM I will drop you a line. Sorry for the drift......OP. How are you Nomad, thinking of you the other day :) Happy new year . Looking forward to hearing from you
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Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 21:43
I hate Turkish air lines with a vengeance . I hardly ever log in to EW any more but decided to just to comment here. Firstly Istanbul airport is disorganised & always seems extremely full no matter what time of the year it is. The security staff are rather ignorant & when you have a problem with your flight ( Missed connection because Turkish took off an hour late ) they are unhelpful & incompetent. The cabin crew are hit & miss . Mostly miss & on one occasion the senior member of the cabin crew became rude & loud when dealing with a problem that was of his making. We were told later by another crew member he had high blood pressure !!! The food I never eat so I cant comment on it. On occasions I have ordered a fruit meal which generally dosent materialise. The flights I have been on have been late departing about 50% of the time. My last flight the in flight map wasn't working for the entire flight the connection to my last flight the wrong time showed on the map system ie time to destination . I am actually taking a longer & more expensive flight because I just cant tolerate the idea of flying with Turkish air. I am really quite reasonable & Im happy landing safely at my destination. Turkish air are the only airline Ive ever actually had any huge problems with. Oh as for making a complaint ........ Please don't waste your time they don't respond . Travel safely Ladies & Happy new year
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 16:42
Hello Nomad, Im well thank God. I met Wuffles !!!!!! Shes lovely & we had beautiful afternoon tea with her beautiful china. Im going home for Christmas. :) How are you & yours? God bless you :)
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 17:18
Hello Ladies Some of these made me smile so thank you. I had to get a new password just to log in for this :) So here are my contributions " Baby Daddy " & " come with" Then theres pacific not specific & something that sounds like prolley but should be probably. " going forward " seems to be one of those terms in vogue now. Those are the votes from the Riyadh jury said in a BBC voice. Well for now anyway until our language evolves ( or not ) further
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 17:14
Thanks for letting me know TB. :) Sorry Im no help, as my 8 year old grand daughter says at the height of exasperation " Nanny my head is wrecked" Good luck Sponge monkey Ive always enjoyed your posts.
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:53
Anyone know where sponge monkey is? She was called sponge monkey wasn't she !! She had one of the highest postings. When I came to Dubai initialy it helped me as I was extremely lonely & not very good at going out & meeting people. I used to be on every day for hours. Always something interesting or funny sometimes sad. Now as another person says I can forget for weeks.
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:43
LT how are you? I hope you & yours are keeping well. :)
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:42
Desert Rose & Joyce how are you both ? I hope you & yours are keeping well. AKA Nobby
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:40
Take my junk are first class. Who ever you donate to Im sure will be very grateful. :)
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:40
Im a newbie after 5 years ????? Oh well ..................
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 16:08
We are both well Thank God, KSA is fine. Im getting to know some lovely Ladies & waiting for Wuffles to arrive here. Take care Nomad .
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Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 16:32
We had a digital frame with us in Dubai. It changed frequently showing photos of our grandchildren. I asked my LSH long suffering husband to leave it at home. As seeing the photos made me cry & feel sad. Thank God I get home quite regularly to see our family . Hello Nomad How are you?
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Latest post on 20 March 2014 - 21:02
We live in Riyadh now & have for a year. AD Dubai & Kuwait before that. Its certainly different here, but I can honestly say I like it. I live in a small compound ( no barbed wire fences or civil defence) people are friendly but we don't mix much . As we enjoy our own company. We don't have kids here, so no concerns about school runs. I decided not to drive in the ME so that's not a problem either. Saudis are quite friendly & I would welcome the chance to mix more. It really is what you make it the same as any where. Muttawa don't give me any problems as I chose to cover my hair, as a mark of respect for the culture I live in. Its much easier when you make the decision & are happy with it. We tend to go to the supermarket just as prayer time ends. Its quiet then & by the time your finished prayer times is over. There are always taxis dropping people off so quite easy to get one from a shopping centre. Hope that helps.
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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 16:11
Great thank God. Heading home to the land of the green in May & also to Sheffeild to see our new grandson. Cant wait !!!
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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 16:07
Hello Mother inferior. How are you? Happy St.Patricks day to you & yours.
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Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 17:40
Hello Weebles, There are several things I would mention, I generally don't extend my hand to shake the hand of a male here in KSA unless they offer their hand first. Then they can decide if they are comfortable with shaking hands. I do cover my hair although as Izzy says you don't have to. I believe people appreciate that I cover my hair out of respect, especially as it isn't mandatory for me. If you really want to cover all bases you could wear closed in shoes. But again not necessary. If your offered tea coffee its polite to accept, I have to say I don't always as Ive got a wonky stomach, anything that isn't my regular tea & .............. Getting to that bring tissues with you as some toilets don't have enough. I try to greet people with peace be with you in Arabic. They tend to like that too. Im curious about your boss bringing you here? As he isn't your male " guardian" technically. Or is he? Its usually very difficult to get a visa for a woman unless they have a male guardian here or they are travelling with one. I read quite a lot about etiquette before I arrived . Thank God so far so good . :) Have a great time & don't worry to much, Saudi people are very hospitable.
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Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 17:41
Why couldn't this be in Riyah? :(
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Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 17:40
Hello saj0309. we don't have any children here ours are all grown up. So I cant help at all with schools, sorry. We live in a very small compound & its the first we have lived in so my experience of compounds is limited. Can I suggest you look at the blueabaya sight & Kiwiin Saudi sight. Both Ladies answered questions for me before & since I arrived. They are much more knowledgeable than me. Sorry for the late reply Ive only just seen this .
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Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 21:05
Hello PCW & good luck with your move. We both did our medicals in KSA. We were at home for the visa application & Im almost sure that is pretty standard. The visa for KSA has to be applied for in your home country. We both came in on 90 visas & they were changed to Iqamas once our paperwork had been completed. I would suggest that your husband apply pressure where ever possible regarding your visas as some companies aren't very proactive. Also having all relevant documens ready will help. Hope that helps
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Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 23:53
Hello A Rancher, Happy new year. I will email Wuffles now with your message
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 14:57
Just wondering if any one has employed an actual Nanny? Ive often wondered, I know its been mentioned that its very difficult because of the visa regulations. Obviously it would be more expensive if you wanted actual Nanny qualifications. So have you or someone you know? Just curious .
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 14:52
Hello TDB , Happy new year from a rainy wind swept Ireland. Hope your blessing was as wonderful as you deserved. Good luck with the new baby.
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 14:46
Thank goodness I will never have a maid. I do feel for you who need a maid though. It really seems like Russian roulette, most of the time. Good luck Ladies
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 14:33
Hello Wuffles , Happy new year to you all. Hope to see you soon. Irisverity, Happy new year to you also. My husband entered Riyadh on a 90 visa & it was changed when his Iqama was granted. He did the medical in Riyadh which really is about as basic as you CANT imagine . I entered on the same visa had the same "medical" & received my Iqama. I think I was waiting just under 3 months at home. We are both English . Compounds are a law unto themselves really. People put their names on lists & even when they have found accommodation they don't remove themselves from lists. So constant phone calls will help, to remind compound admin that your there your ready & waiting. We were extremely lucky & found an apartment on a small compound reasonably quickly. That was simply by checking every day. If your DH has a PRO or someone with local knowledge that will obviously help. Cant help with shipping as we travel light. Just to say Ive re entered several times now, no questions no problems no searches. Also it really does matter if the company is proactive regarding pushing your visas. Good luck . Hope that helps.
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Latest post on 06 January 2014 - 21:49
KSA is fine for us. Non drinkers * I have no wish to drive. Abaya ( I have fallen over got caught in the shopping trolley got stuck standing still by standing on the back & front hem at the same time) But I am used to it & it certainly helps with " does my bum look big in that" question. :) Just met some great Ladies after 6 months so thank God for that. I had a terrible 13 months Sept 2012 to Oct 2013. My Mum died my big brother died unexpectedly exactly 1 month later my brother in law died. I have 2 cousins in different parts of the world with huge life changing problems that Ive just heard of . SO really hoping & praying things get better for them with Gods help. How are your children & your lovely maid? well I hope. God bless Happy new year to you may all your wishes come true. Moschino I hope you get a position that your happy with. God bless.
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Latest post on 06 January 2014 - 14:22
Hello Sandfly , A very Happy new year to you & yours, from a cold wind swept Ireland. We live in KSA now. Always good to see your posts often wonder how you are ? I won my case in England, which I needed your advise on the term, I think it was called a "Hard stand"? God bless you AKA as Nobby
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Latest post on 31 December 2013 - 00:13
God bless you & yours Desert Rose. Wishing you al a happy new year & Hogmanay. Still hoping to meet up with you & your gorgeous tall son in some airport some where some time :) Happy new year & Hogmanay to you LT.
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Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 16:56
Thanks SD I will. Mother inferior is still in Dubai. I saw her post a few months ago & asked if she was the original. I was so pleased to hear she is doing well. Anyone know where KKS & Wikkid? Is QoD still in Dubai ? How is her little girl? What about biscuit mountain?
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Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 19:17
Good luck Geordie & Kenza
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Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 19:15
Cheers SD, Happy Christmas to you. I had CT's email but lost it when I changed computers. What about Mrs. K she was in Oman? What about the really outs spoken lady ...... trying to think of her name??? Ive got it Gerrys ? I wonder if KKS has gone home? She did some great work. By the way I was Nobby .
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Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 19:01
Desert Rose how are you ? Happy Christmas to you & yours. Does anyone know where cyclone T , Mrs K , & Hiccup, KKS are? There are others I miss but cant recall the names just now.
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Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 15:18
Hello Dinky29, Im afraid I cant answer your question. But may I make two suggestions? Repost your question on the Dubai forum, many Ladies living there have lived in KSA. Secondly you could find some names of Insurance companies that cover KSA & ask them directly. My medication is pretty bog standard but its cheaper to buy here than my home country & is available over the counter. Hope that helps a little.
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 16:52
Hello DL, From what Ive read they are confiscated. Having said that my bags have never been searched when arriving in KSA. If you want to bring decorations try not to be to obvious with them. \May be put them in separate cases.
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Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 16:53
What language do the Jews speak if its not Hebrew? I always thought that was the spoken language. Depends on where they are from. I did a semester on Biblical Hebrew, and Greek at Uni (dropped it halfway through it was a bit tricky!) we covered some history (which I made it through) then tried to learn the language (which I didn't make it through!). So Biblical Hebrew (although I don't think they call it that) is understood by many Jews but only used for prayer and religious studies, it is a sacred language reserved especially for this purpose. Therefore Jews throughout the world spoke regional languages sometimes with their own dialects. The most well known would be Yiddish spoken by Jews of Eastern Europe. Yiddish is a mish mash of High German, Aramaic, Hebrew, Polish and Russian. Yiddish phrases are prevalent in modern english (perhaps other European languages too). Words like klutz, bagel, blinz, nosh, spritz, lox and of course oy vey come from Yiddish. (plus a few rude ones I won't mention). I don't know much about other Jewish languages but many Jewish communities had their own dialects wherever they were located. They often wrote using Hebrew characters but in the locally spoken language. I do not know why but if I had to guess it would be because they learned how to read and write in religious studies and then just used the same writing skill for day to day use. As another poster said Arabic is spoken by many communities around the world and when Jews lived in the Middle East (Sephardi, Mizrahi and Maghrebi communities) they spoke Arabic as well. There are still Jewish communities in Iran who speak Persian and Judeo dialects of Persian. As for modern Hebrew about 100 years ago some guy decided it would be a good idea for the Jews to have a language. So he taught his son exclusively Hebrew and no other language and thus modern Hebrew was born. Probably the reason why many people think Hebrew is a spoken language by all Jews is because Israel has tried to eradicate languages spoken by people such as Arabic and Yiddish and replace it with Modern Hebrew. Many observant Yiddish speaking Jews (the ones with the hats, hair on their temples and tassels) refuse to learn Modern Hebrew as a spoken language and reserve Hebrew exclusively for prayer. So in summary Modern Hebrew is not the language of the Jews, it is the language of Israel. Jews outside Israel (over 55% of world population) have no common language, except for prayer in which biblical Hebrew is common. Much like Latin is common for Catholics over the world but Irish-Catholics in America for example do not learn Italian. Hmm my language history knowledge really is totally exhausted now! But what is more interesting is the question is there a difference between Quran Arabic and Standard Arabic. Would for example an English Muslim who has only learned Quran be able to come to Dubai and speak to local people in Arabic? Or is Standard Arabic very different? Should the two be different then perhaps the OP query of causing offence may be solved, ensure the tattoo is in Standard Arabic. Of course if the language is largely unchanged then it may leave a question over whether it will cause offence or not. Perhaps consult an Imam, I have found many Imam's here very approachable when asked sensible questions about Islam. Finally as another option what about a string of flowers such as the UAE national flower the tribulus omanense which if well done could look lovely as a tattoo across a foot (I'm really not a tattoo person but think it could look nice). Good luck making your decision. Excellent!!! Very informative . Thank you :)
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Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 16:46
Im not a Muslim . I did think the foot was probably an unwise area. I think its very considerate & respectful of you to ask. :)
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Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 16:40
We fly from Riyadh to Dubai & then on to Dublin with Emirates. Having said that our flights are usually booked 8 to 10 months in advance. I haven't flown with S.A. I did ask someone about flying with them & lets just say the reply wasn't favourable. Nollaig shona dhuit !!!
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Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 16:36
Thank you Ladies for your kindness. Nomad hows the weather with you? We are going home for Christmas & its going to be COLD !!! God bless you .
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:10
Thank you TDB, I don't usually share that part of our lives as I know there are may Ladies who may be pregnant & the last thing I want to do is frighten anyone. It was horrendous & now 33 years later still is. At 18 I wasn't very good at standing up for myself or my SOn, which just increses the guilt. I should have protested I should have done something. In a hospital run by Nuns a womans voice in labour didn't really account for much. Unless you were connected or had enough money to become a problem. My children have grown up visiting there brother & now my gran children do the same. His life & death are a part of our lives even with the next generation. My grandson aged 5 on a visit to the cemetery wanted to know why we couldn't have a party. His sister at about the same age said we should bring a birthday cake. I have an angel in heaven of that Im certain. He has watched over us all these years & helped us through many tough times. Sorry for hijacking your thread.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:00
I used to spend hours on EW when I arrived in Dubai some years ago. Now I have a look & usually don't bother to log in. I miss many of the former posters Wikkid, Cyclone T, Hiccup, biscuit mountain , Shellly, Mrs.K to name but a few. I posted when I was very new to expat life & my daughter had some scary problems that only became apparent when I had left. I was totally beside myself with fear & guilt that I wasn't with her. Many wonderful Ladies replied & were so kind. I don't see those type of human interest stories much now. I think it may be because some people feel the need to be critical. My feeling about that is there but for the grace of God, go I....... Have a great day Ladies.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:54
ANother thing that might be useful, is that granted certain questions come up so many times - why not make them sticky threads? So the information is readily available and easy to find and posters can just add new info as and when it changes. Save the same thing being asked a bazillion times. a lot of things are answered elsewhere on the site but how many people ever look anywhere but the forum ? I know i don't but there is masses of stuff on here... It's normal social interaction to ask someone rather than do an encyclopaedia search. Especially when many forum users are looking for a Chat & Share experience. Personally I don't have an issue with repeat questions. Mainly cos I don't bother opening those threads unless I know I have something to contribute (positive or negative). I hate those cliffhanger thread titles that promise mystery and suspense but turn out to be someone looking for clear nail varnish or something. Me too !!! :)
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:47
Hello Laura , Sorry I cant help as Im in KSA. WIsh I was closer would love to help. I miss our children & grand children terribly. Good luck with your search.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:44
My first son was born after 24 hours in labour & then a C section. I was 18 yrs old & had a very healthy pregnancy apart from the fact that my sons head never engaged. He had been turned but refused to stay in the correct position. I was in hospital throughout the labour. But my son went into fetal distress & the nurses were reluctant to call the surgeon at an unsociable hour. By the time the C section was started my son was already fairly distressed, when he was born he didn't breath for 11 minutes. He eventually died 10 days later from the traumatic birth & pre birth conditions. I also felt it must have been my fault. My sisters could almost deliver a baby while washing up . SO it must be me ?? All I can say to you is thank God you are both safe & well. Im not trying to diminish your feelings. Please know as a mother whatever we do for our children its almost never enough. God bless you & congratulations .
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:32
TDB, I love your posts, sense of humour , & no nonsense approach. You often make me smile so thank you. To add my wedding story, My second marriage to a wonderful man. Completely determind to have with us on our special day those nearest & dearest to us. Invited all our family( many in a different country) So it was a small personal wedding. I refused to invite my brothers drunken trouble making girlfriend, which totally put my Mothers nose out of joint as that could have endangered her favourite grandson attending. When I arrived at my Mothers house elighted & excited to show her my grand daughters flower girls dresses & my grandsons suits. She only wanted to argue with me about her favourite grandson. To say I was hurt dosent come close. My Mother died recently & this event still sadends me. Her complete lack of interest in OUR special day with Our children & grandchildren. Its not easy especially as you have gone all out to make this a wonderful day, but enjoy it to the full. Your DD will I have no doubt. :) Many congratulations on your marriage & the new baby. God bless you all, ( Wish I could see the photos, I know they are going to be amazing ) :)
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Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 16:17
You could try taking the labels off large coke bottles, filling them with water & lying them in your garden. The cat sees its reflection. thinks its another cat & retreats ( supposedly ). It has worked for us before. Hope that helps.