My goodness, so much to catch up on and worried I'll miss you of you out so apologies in advance!
Dry and MrDry Well done on the jump and well done for coping w/ the anxiety of it Dry.
MrsR wise wise words- I have the mantra that it is easier to change my response to something than it is to change somebody else's behaviour. I had a cold distant Father who also lived abroad (not that I am saying that yours is cold and distantMarsha) and I never approached him about it because I knew he'd cut me off. But I should have done for my own sake. He ignored my nephew, leaving my sister distraught and was odd w/ the rest of us.
Carrie well done on the holiday and that is such a typical older child reaction. My grown children now appreciate all the travel they experienced even though they were sometimes as stick in the mud as a pair of ninety year olds. The 'highlight'? My DD tantruming upon being taken on a surprise trip to EuroDisney aged 8. She wanted to go to Derby to visit a relative instead 
I've been to Anna Maria Island along w/ Sanibel/Captiva. They are blissful Castaway islands. Lucky you.
Foxy I totally get it. I always hammer it home w/ DH that this kind of upheaval whether it be due to building/redesign of living space is profoundly disturbing for some people (I am one of them) and he has to allow for that. Can you find a painting/sculpture/ornament or something to place in your new room that you can focus on, something from the old room? Scent is important-find a familiar comforting scent to spray in there and dim the lights to blur the 'contours' of the room until you have acclimatised.
Ruby it is the navy wool for me. Did you see that article on how navy is the true style choice? My style crush Kate Phelan always wears simple yet beautifully cut navy pants.
Linus I have a similar snake print silk shirt that i wore to my Brothers wedding years ago (1997) still looks good. They don't date.
Sleep They are SEXY shoes. Absolutely splendid. I covet them (we need a covet icon). As Anni commented, they are like the Gucci ones from Tom Ford's time. They'd look wicked w/ a slouchy suit.
Novice You rock girl (and maybe need an assistant to sweat the small stuff?). I too am a writer of last minute stuff. I have to give the odd lecture at the local school of nursing and wing it all the time although not to over a 1000 people! Good luck although I suspect that none of your achievements are down to anything other than sheer bloody hard work. Luck doesn't come into it.
Queen personal training sounds perfect. I'd need it to get my lazy ass into action. No good at motivation. I used to facilitate the relaxation classes for patients years ago but I'd be useless at that myself. I don't do group activities well.
One How's the wounded soldier getting on 
? I hope you are healing and doing as you are told. 
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I bought some squishy cushions this weekend from Matthew Williamsons Debenhams range here and here to go w/ last years brushed velvet Chinoiserie style ones. DH sorted out one of the spare bedrooms into a better office for me to write in which was so kind of him and put in a little armchair so he can sit in there w/ me and watch TV/ paint his watercolours because I hate being shut away on my own and I can work through any amount of noise. We are having a blind made from this Marimekko Gingko fabric. I love it. Am looking for a navy/white geometric print rug to go w/ it and some pale orange/melon fabric to cover my existing chair and make cushions from.
I have another writing commission from Creative Fiction website so am very happy. I may ask you all for feedback on my drafts if that would be okay. They are very rough at the moment so it'll be some time.
I am very tempted by this Tory Burch sheepskin coat. What do you all think? too much? Worth waiting for further reductions? Another possibility is this Moschino check coat. I quite like this J Brand but the high neckline might be too hot for me. even in Winter, I find the city never feels truly cold although that may be my age.
This Westwood coat is a good bargain as it will not date.
I hope against all hope that my favourite Miu Miu coat on NAP will come onto OUtNet but i know in my heart of hearts that it will not. I may give in and shell out megabucks for what is an exquisite piece i have lost my heart to. DH keeps trying to persuade me to get it but I just cannot even though i have spent much more on a bag.