Steph - my Mini Bio

Where to start ? Ok, I am 59 years old.
I am the eldest of five siblings, one sister, three brothers. My mum
died in 1985 age 60 (eek - only 11months away!) and my Dad dad a month
ago after a stroke.
I am married to Den -come Sept it will be 41 years. I know it's a
cliche but he is my soulmate.
We have 3 sons Paul, Jason and Dean - all in their mid to late 30s.
We have 5 grandchildren, three girls and 2 boys although we
don't see one of the boys.
The others are Jess 16, Emily 9, Lauren 8 (going on 20),
and Jordan 6.

I had to retire from work 2 years ago because of poor health.
I have insulin dependence diabetes. Not normally a problem although
it does go haywire occasionally. I hate the injections - 4 a day, but
they are a necessary evil. I have lymphodema of legs/feet and
have more or less permanently swollen legs and feet. They can be
painful, but generally just very uncomfortable,

I have a heart problem and had a heart attach a few weeks ago.
Another big problem is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
This gets very bad and I often only
have to walk a few steps before I am gasping for breath. I am on
inhalers etc and have a nebuliser on standby at all times. It's a real
nuisance at times and totally restricts what I do. I rarely go out on
my own unless it is just to go to the doctor or podiatrist.

However, on the bright side, I have more time for my hobbies of
comping, crafting and reading - and of course the computer.
Mind you, being home all day, the time goes very quick and before
I know it the men are home at the end of the day (middle son
Jason still lives with us - he is dad to Lauren and Jordan but he
split from their mum about 4 years ago and came home.His two
spend most weekends with us).

I have tried most things in crafting. I used to make designs onto
plates with Fimo. I made a terrific little business with this, but
eventually, working at another full time job and doing the crafts
evenings and weekends took it's toll and I couldn't keep doing it.
I also used to make and sell jewellery.
Nowadays I stick to more gentle things- crafting at the dining room
table although crafting and writing are getting harder as arthritis is
starting to kick in. As most of you know, I also enter competitions
and have done so since 1969. I love reading, but you are more likely
to find me reading a reference book rather than fiction. I love 60s-
70s music most - can't stand the rap stuff they churn out. Love
watching films and being home I have been able to catch up on lots
of films I have never watched.

Steph - how lovely to read all about you. It has spurred me on to doing my own mini bio now. Maria has said she won't do hers until I have done mine, so I had better get weaving. I am sorry you have poor health - it is so very lucky to have everything working well and no illness at all ... I count myself so fortunate. Right - off to think about my bio!!!

Lovely bit of writing there, Steph and a super idea to put your piccie in too.