Just have to tell someone...

[vikkib]

... I've been AWOL again for a while. This last 12-14 months seems to have just been one traumatic event after another.

Anywhooooo... latest crisis was waking up a couple of weeks ago to find OH having a seizure in bed (didn't know it was a seizure at the time, really thought he was having a heart attack) and him being rushed into hospital. I can honestly say I've never been so utterly petrified in my whole life.

Having spent all day in hospital I came home the first evening, OH still in hospital, and just crashed out... completely forgetting about my two trays of tomato plants that had been out during the day.

Needles to say they didn't appreciate the frost and only a couple survived and those are barely struggling on at the moment. Despite having other, bigger, things on my mind when I realised what I'd done I just cried my eyes out.

I've since planted some more seeds but they are clearly going to be very behind and might be too late. I didn't really want to spend money on shop bought plants as they are so very expensive and cash isn't all that free flowing at the mo!

I had resigned myself to very few tomatoes this year until my luck today took a turn for the better!

I was lucky enough to be offered a portable TV in freecycle as mine has just blown up and when I popped out to get it I saw the person's neighbour had an honesty stall in their front garden... complete with Money Maker tomato plants at 30p each! I had enough cash on me for 6! Woohoo!

Silly as it seems I had the biggest grin on my face on my way home whilst simultaneously getting all choked up and a bit tearful

[Seahorse]

You've really been through the mill, you poor thing!

Isn't it lovely how small acts of kindness can help you see a brighter side?

How is your OH now?

[Sanjo]

Hope things improve for you soon Vikki. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to your husband too. Life can be s**t sometimes can't it. Life since last October has been pretty grim but we have to struggle on. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
(And no - it isn't silly or unreasonable to be upset because you lost your toms. It's the proverbial straw isn't it. I always regard my seedlings as my babies and I cannot bear to just dispose of those that are weedy and feel they deserve as much of a chance as the others. You feel guilty but really you shouldn't. It was one of life's accidents and with all that was going on something had to give.
Hope things improve for both of you.

[Liza]

Hey Vikki, I wish I was a bit closer as I have plenty of tom plants and could help you out

Better out than in ! Tears are good sometimes and I bet you feel a little bit better after x

(((hug)))

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I hope your OH is getting better. If you lived nearer I could have given you some toms. At least you've now got a few babies to grow this summer

[Glutton4...]

Hey Vikki, sorry to hear of your situation - I hope your OH is on the mend now. We all think we're invincible, and it's a real worry when something goes wrong.

I'm about half an hour from you, and I always grow far too much of everything, just in case, and then run out of space for it all. If you get stuck for anything, send me a PM, and I'll see what I can do.

Fingers crossed things are looking up.

[janeyo]

Maybe things can only get better?
I have some toms at various stages, some that are past the seedling stage but not yet got delicate flowers on. PM me you address and I will package a couple up very carefully and send them to you

[Pumpkin Becki]

Poor vikki! I'm afraid I can't offer you tomato plants as mine are in the same state as yours (oops), but I hope that your OH is making a good, speedy recovery and that no long term damage has been done.

((((((((((((((((((BIG HUG))))))))))))))))))

PB xx

[Liza]

Right I think a whip round for Vikki is needed !

Let us know what you need and we will do what we can postal wise and get the Essex girls/guys to rally round.

[Jax]

Big hugs to you, I so hope things get better for you soon.

[lizzylemon]

These things never happen by halves do they. I'm sorry its been a difficult time for you and your family, including the toms.

I hope that you will all find your selves on an even keel soon and that your newly acquired seedlings fill your bowls with juicy ripe toms that will be even more delicious for being a happy surprise from the start.

Take care. Big hugs XX

[northepaul]

Hi Vikki
I would have said exactly the same as everyone else, plenty of toms you could have had if you were nearer.
I am glad that you got some & hope your OH recovers soon. Thingswill look upwards for you
Seding you virtual good luck xx

[Flummery]

Best wishes for your OH's recovery. It's amazing how you can be scared but stay strong through a crisis then break into bits at something comparatively trivial isn't it? Hope things look up for you soon.

[Florence Fennel]

Hope everything is now going to come good for you Vikki.

[vikkib]

Aaaaaw! You guys are the best! I'm welling up all over again!

Thanks so much for all the kind offers and even kinder wishes of wellness!

OH had some tests in hospital including a CT scan which was clear so at least we know it's nothing critical. We're waiting for an outpatient appointment for an EEG but they said that could be a few weeks away. Apart from having hurt is back while the paramedics were trying to manoeuvre him into a chair to take him down the stairs he seems fine.

I'm on hyper-alert mode though and wake up at the slightest little thing. He's always been one to twitch quite a bit in his sleep and now I'm so paranoid I'm jumping every time he moves!

I'll see if I can keep these little'uns going before I take anyone up on their very kind offers I should have enough to keep me going... I've managed to keep all my chilli's and pepper's going so I'm risking running out of GH space!

You guys really have made my day... well, week... well, month really!