Thanks so much @petalpower . She had her 'big op' our time 9 pm last night, out at around 3 am our time. She is currently under heavy sedation and not expected to be brought out of it until tomorrow. The operation went well it seems. My dad is staying in a hotel near the hospital and said people were very pleased with how it went.
The Dcs and I are due to head off there in 2 and a bit weeks. It feels like an eon away really. She is expected to be out of hospital / isolation in around 10 days.
I hope your FIL is well and your dad too.
It's so hard!
Thinking of you @autumnangel . You have had just so so much to deal with over months- not surprising to have a huge emotional crash now.
thinking of you. xxx
@Peridot1
. I bought blue lobelia too yesterday! I have re-started my spring/summer habit of buying a pot plant every time I go to the supermarket to fill in gaps in the garden beds. One particularly bare bed is beginning to look very full!
@mumofoneAloneandwell your DD is going to have happy memories of the World Cup! As I get older I have come to truly believe in the principle of celebrating everything you possibly can. It's joyful!!
I have my lobelia to plant today and some purple dhalias also. Our cleaner has been and gon and so I tend to use Thursdays to catch up on batch cooking and laundry as I don't feel the compelling presence of the Unwashed Floor following me around grumbling. 
Love and hugs to all on our lovely thread- and to lurkers too. ❤