They come not in single spies

Kate, I'm so sorry your friend died, you have my sympathy.

Yes, funny in an odd sort of way. ;-}

Indeed not. I hope you hurties go away soon.

Beverly

Thank you. Me too.

Sending hugs and pat-pats to Kate.

I am very sorry for your loss, Kate, and also the family left behind. It is so sad to loss someone dear at any time, but around New Year's always seems to be the worst time. (((((Many Hugs))))) Emily

Kate, I'm sorry things are so low for you right now. I hope you are feeling better soon. I send my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of a good friend.That's a pain that hurts as much if not more than a physical one. Big Hugs, Juno

Ta - much appreciated. News we've been waiting for, unfortunately.

My loss is minor compared to some here. Makes me feel very mortal as she was much the same age as me.

I'm really just so sad for those boys. One in his final year of school, one not long at uni.

Unfortunately one of those we had time to get used to beforehand... A case of 'when', not 'if'.

Many thanks.

I went through something similar last April. But she was younger than I, a good friend and former co-worker, an absolutely terrific person. It took only a couple of months, and sporadically we hoped for a miracle, but at the end it was a blessed relief for her and for us. But I miss her so much.

Poor Kate. I don't care how long you've been expecting it, and how much people say "it's a happy release", unless the person is well over the allotted threescore and ten, it is STILL a shock when it arrives. Perhaps it's a blessing (or counter-irritation??) that you have to make a gents tailored suit in a short time. Keep your mind off things a little.

Sympathies. And to those poor boys.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Even knowing you are going to lose someone dear doesn't make it an easier does it. I think we all hope for the miracle that we know is not going to happen. Juno

Not so much 'happy' as 'blessed' release and relief. I am hoping that once the funeral is over, proper grieving can start for them.

I've known this lady for almost as long as I've known Alan. They started as friends of mutual friends, but were honorary and honoured members of our circle of uni friends, known as 'The Durham Group'. She was one of those usually quiet people who occasionally let out a heroic cackle of laughter, was dry of wit, a consumate professional, and a lady of many tallents.

And the suit? Yerse, wel...

The bit I thought I remembered was not exactly what I remembered it as... No, rather than a plain black wool mix, it turns out to be a very fine wool Venitian cloth: that sort of wool satin used for the lapels of the very best DJ's... NOT what we want at all! Mind you, in the same box is a very dark navy, almost black pinstripe wool mix, with a collar piece (not sure I'll use that) and lining... Except that I appear to have chopped a bit off the lining for something else and will have to order some more! Typical!

Ho hum... So zip, lining, buttons, more fusible hair canvas (this will be speed tailored), pocket canvas, and some fast work with the sewing machine once I have the pattern sorted and printed. I can do the pattern tomorrow, and possibly even mock up a quick toile for the jacket. Alan has very flat shoulders.

And I also found and dug out a blue pinstripe bit that I bought along with some remnents a few years back. It was a bargain then, and is an even better one now! Lovelly stuff, in a sort of almost Airforce blue with a fine pinstripe at about 5/8" intervals. That one WILL be properly tailored!

I'll post progress as and when.

Diagnosis on this was about 8-9 months ago... It feels like longer on the one hand, but has been so swift on the other. You feel you have got used to the idea, but you are never quite as well prepared as you think you are.

You lot... See, I knew you'd know what it was like.

{{{{Kate's friends, Kate & family}}}}

Lizzy

I am so sorry!!!! ******HUGS*****

Thank you.