Life is full of setbacks, at least mine is. They appear out of the blue and upset the apple cart. One such derailed the blogging back there and I was all set to either delete the blog or carry on. All or nothing, because you can't archive it, which is a shame.

I had some lovely emails checking I was ok, and some notifications from ravelry pointing out my patterns were no longer accessible. Hadn't thought of that. So I thought, bite the bullet and get over yourself.

Then two weeks ago on Wednesday, while I was getting ready for work, Frank the cat collapsed. I threw on some clothes and rushed to the vet, dripping wet from the shower and very worried.

Twenty minutes or so later and he'd died. He was 5, and the vet hasn't a clue what happened to cause it. Most probably an undiagnosed underlying condition. The girls are gutted. Frank was a gent and a real character. The house is quiet without him, less messy, less smelly, less fun.

I am resolved to have no further pets. Probably.

I still don't know whether Rattling On has a future or whether it's come to a natural end. The longer the break goes on the harder it is to contemplate showing you the cardi I made or the knackered stepladders I bought to tart up.

So, anyway, that's where I've been.

PS Comment moderation is on for now...

Comments

[Val]

Sorry about Frank... life can certainly pummel us at times ..and it's usually the build up of smaller sad things and disasters that can be so very disheartening.
It was lovely to see your blog ping up again this morning... and I rather like seeing your pictures and hearing your views on life ...so if you feeling sharing them I shall say yippee ..so I'm keeping my fingers crossed ..and if life is getting you down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrdEMERq8MA

[Jenny Debeaux]

All I can say is that for me "Rattling on" is the first blog I read every day but I realise that that in itself may be of little help or comfort when things go wrong! If you feel like continuing, we'll be glad - and if you don't we'll understand, which sounds terribly noble but there is a hint of gritted teeth there, I'm afraid!!

And I'm really sorry about Frank; it's a bugger when a much loved animal dies like that.

Please, please bring on the cardi and the knackered stepladders - we can't wait to see them!

[Aloadofoldtat]

Sorry to hear your sad news.

[Maureen]

It's good to see you back here. I am sorry about your cat; it is devastating when a beloved pet dies. I hope you will all be feeling better soon and that you decide to carry on entertaining us with your views on life, your superb photographs and all those recipes and projects that keep me busy!
Very best wishes.

[Helen]

I'm venturing into print (having 'lurked' for a long time) to say how very sorry I am to hear about your sad loss of Frank. If it helps at all, I'd like to say how much I enjoy reading your blog. I think it's the sheer diversity... and the unexpectedness. I don't know anyone else who can mix stately homes with stepladders, not to mention all the other things.

I have been wondering what had happened and was on the point of demanding to know what Typepad had done with you. I didn't want to sign in, nor any of the odd options they proffered - I just wanted to read. Still do!

Whatever you now decide to do with your blog, you have brought so much enjoyment and humour to your readers.

[Sue]

So sorry to read about Frank, cherish your memories of him.
On a happier note, glad to see you back, for however long you decide to stay.

[Purlrose]

Your blog has always been well worth reading. Thank you so much for making the effort to write it and for taking all the great photos.

I would not have visited Buxton this summer without your descriptions and pictures - I would have missed a great couple of days, thank you for that too.

Sorry about your recent troubles, life can really slap you sometimes. Here's hoping you get some good breaks soon.

[SmallP]

I am so sorry to hear about Frank. How awful to lose one so young. I think that once you have lived with animals though it is very hard to live without them. They bring such joy despite the mess.

Just like Jenny above, you were the first blog I discovered (via your tea cosy pattern) and I have followed you avidly ever since. Your blog is an absolute pleasure to read so selfishly I really hope that you keep going with it. Would love to see your cardi and your stepladders.....

SmallP
xx

[SmallP]

I am so sorry to hear about Frank. It is so hard to lose one so young. I do think that once you have lived with animals though it is very hard to live without them. Despite the mess, they bring so much pleasure.

Like Jenny above, you were the first blog I discovered via your tea cosy pattern (said tea cozy is still going strong even thought it is quite tea stained now!). Selfishly I really hope you keep blogging as your posts are always such a pleasure to read. Would love to hear about your cardi and your stepladders. How are you getting on with your dolls houses too?

SmallP
xx

[Kate Townsend]

I am so sorry to hear about Frank. It is so hard to lose one so young. I do think that once you have lived with animals though it is very hard to live without them. Despite the mess, they bring so much pleasure.

Like Jenny above, you were the first blog I discovered via your tea cosy pattern (said tea cozy is still going strong even thought it is quite tea stained now!). Selfishly I really hope you keep blogging as your posts are always such a pleasure to read. Would love to hear about your cardi and your stepladders. How are you getting on with your dolls houses too?

SmallP
xx

[Sonata]

Very sorry to hear about Frank . Losing your cat is always sad , especially so suddenly . Frank's successor will appear when the time's right ...
Like all your other faithful readers , I wrestled with Typepad but eventually retired defeated , so it's lovely to see you again . We're all in need of another dose of cardi and cake , stepladders and postboxes ... not to mention Finished Projects ( my favourite , since I never seem to get that far ! )
Good to see you back !

[Lizzy]

I had wondered what had happened, tried to open your blog the other day, but it said that I needed a password. I didn't know how to forget in touch with you either, so felt a little sad. I have been following you for sometime now although I don't comment very often. I just enjoy reading your views on things and your observations on life in general. I would be disappointed if you stop writing.
I was also sorry to hear about Frank, a shock for this to happen out of the blue..
Best wishes, Lizzy

[sarah]

So So sorry about Frank. Whatever you choose to do with your blog, it has always been the one I called at first each day. Mine has gone to pot. Life just gets in the way sometimes.
Sarah

[Shandy]

How sad about Frank! I really missed your blog. I always enjoy reading about your baking and your DIY projects. You hint about your divorce sometimes so you are obviously going through difficult times. Blogging can be a way of celebrating the good things in your life - and reminding yourself that there are still things to enjoy.

[Joanne]

I'm so sorry to hear about Frank.

I'm a terrible lurker but had to comment after missing your blog. It is one of my favourites and comes across as an interesting and real life. Unfortunately real life has a way of overwhelming us now and then.

Whatever decision you make, take care x

[Anne Donald]

Please keep blogging - I have been reading your blog for so long, it would leave a big hole if you gave up! I am so sorry about Frank - people who have never had a pet don't realise how they worm their way into our affections (I cried for days when my gerbil died ...... and I was in my twenties!)
I need more stories about your pond, your garden, the birds, your trials and tribulations at work - and we all want to know if you stuck to the Fast Diet ........ and how is your hair with the conditioning regime???
AND - I miss your baking!!!!

[Mrs Albion]

I've been lurking for a long while but felt compelled to leave a comment. Really sorry to hear about about Frank the cat and was equally sorry when you broke the news about Bunty - particularly as I have a chocolate lab.

I love reading your blog and like many others it's always been one of the first I like to check as I enjoy the ecletic mix of topics and great photographs. It's left a real hole not being able to access it over the past few weeks.

However, I understand that maintaining a blog demands time and energy and sometimes there are just too many calls on our resources and something has to give. Your blog provides ideas and inspiration to many people and even when life is not so rosy, many readers are going through similar experiences and can identify with you.

I, for one, am keeping my fingers crossed that you decide to continue.

[Milo]

Sorry to hear about your loss, very sad, especially at such a comparatively young age.

I think all bloggers go through 'shall I / shan't I' keep going periods. I've been through many of those over the last 5 years on my blog, too. A timeout is often a better thing to have, rather than do a full blown 'delete'. Especially when you think how many tens of thousands of words are in the blog, pictures, effort, conversations, etc. Easily enough to fill a book!

[Toffeeapple]

I have to agree with everyone else - sorry to hear about Frank, sad to think you might give up the blog and happy to have seen your post today. I hope you carry on with it.

[Sarah]

Hi Dawn,
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. That is so sad to lose a cat at all, let alone one so young and so suddenly. My greatest sympathies to you.
xx

[Sarah]

Also, I love reading your blog but I know what you mean. Sometimes it all seems a bit pointless, especially when life is hard. We should keep in touch anyway and maybe even meet one day! x

[Anne]

I'm so sorry about Frank. I know exactly how you feel.

Like many of the commenters above me, yours was one of the first blogs I came across (a long time ago) and have read it faithfully since then. I would be sorry if you stopped but it's not about me, it's about you and how you feel. If you decide to stop, thanks for the wonderful things you've blogged about. You will be missed.

Take care!

[Frances]

Delighted to have you back..please keep going with the blog, you are always so interesting and varied. Yours was the first blog ( via MrsC ) I read some years ago, and it led me to others that I have also enjoyed over the years. So sorry to hear about Frank.....what a horrid shock for you and the girls. X

[Martha Ellen]

Sure hope to see your blog in the future. Life does take its twists and turns. Sorry about Frank. It's hard losing a member of the family.

[driftwood]

so sorry to hear you've been having a tough time, and such sad news about Frank. Sending you a big blog hug x