WLM Member Monday – Julia Merrick

Victoria Twead‎:

Morning all! Big thanks to the lovely Julia Merrick who has agreed to be our Monday Member and is happy to answer all our questions today. As usual, 2 prizewinners will be picked at the end of the day.

Janet Hughes: Good morning Julia Merrick, here’s some sustenance to see you through the morning See that blur in the background? That’s Victoria Twead filching all the chocolate croissants

Sue Clamp: Good morning, Julia! Why were you locked in a padded cell?

Shirley Ledlie: Morning Julia -I wanted to get in quick because I am really busy again today and I missed yesterdays spot. Wow there is a lot there to interest me! I don’t want to hog all the Questions :-)))). So you usually work under women! you must find that ok, I guess, I have only worked under women twice and hated every moment. Give me a man boss anytime. So have you enjoyed this or just had no choice?

Julia Merrick: Morning Janet, thank you (any chance of a bacon butty as well)

Janet Hughes: One like Julie Haigh’s yesterday?

Julia Merrick: Morning Sue. I was working in a locked psychiatric ward, horrible old hospital infested with cockroaches – any way, this ward had padded cells for dangerous patients. We weren’t supposed to unlock the door on our own, but I had to do the drug round on my own. I opened the cell, went to give the patient her medication and a patient shut it on me! . Controlled panic whilst smiling and acting normally, with quiet asides asking to be let out. After a few minutes ( years) I was released.

Janet Hughes: *Tsk, tsk* drug round on your own ?

Julia Merrick: Hi Shirley, don’t really mind, a couple were off their trolleys, but, no real problems.

Shirley Ledlie: Maybe I was just unlucky Julia but they seemed unable to leave ‘family’ problems at home and also their pmt lol

Julia Merrick: Yeah, butty looks great .

Cherry Gregory: Hi Julia. Why/ when were you shot at?

Julia Merrick: Janet Hughes, I’m going back many years, i was only young. First time i was assaulted by a patient, I was told I’d been ‘initiated’!

Janet Hughes: I used to work as a psychiatric nurse, had a few hair raising moments myself! Locked wards were phased out, but they opened a secure unit later to facilitate discharges from Rampton. Never worked on it though.

Frankie Knight: How did you nearly do away with your father, Julia! Oh. good morning by the way!

Julia Merrick: Well Shirley, maybe it was the work environments, patients came first, no time to really think of yourselves.

Janet Hughes: I bet she’s got a mouthful of bacon sarnie Here’s a large coffee to help it down Julia

Sue Clamp: What a pretty coffee!

— How long did you work there, Julia?

Janet Hughes: That’s why we got a ‘psychiatric lead’ payment. Sometimes other patients used to come to our rescue, either by calling for help or actually wading in… they were very protective of us

–There’s loads more Sue Clamp, help your self

Sue Clamp: Danger money!

— Cheers, Janet!

Janet Hughes: More like don’t kick up a fuss money…

Julia Merrick: Hi Cherry Gregory, I had joined the Q.A.s ( nursing in the army) and – being already qualified- had been posted to a military wing of a civilian hospital in Northern Ireland. It was the height of the troubles. I was in uniform walking back to our quarters when I was shot at. Had only been there a couple of days and was still too English to hit the deck!!.

Frankie Knight: Many of these old hospitals were shut down in the early 80’s to make way for ‘care in the community’. Sadly that hasn’t worked as it should have done. Where were you based and is it still open?

Janet Hughes: The most dangerous psychiatric patients are little old ladies with chest or urine infections, who go suddenly bonkers and get admitted to a general psychiatric ward at the weekend. They fight dirty, and you can’t restrain and control them effectively as you are quite likely to bruise them or break bones….! Plus you can’t medicate them cos they’re old. One of these little old dears, complete with a fetching lilac rinse, once broke MY wrist. *rubs right wrist* still hurts now 26 years later.

–Crumbs Julia Merrick, Old Florence was right, don’t wear your uniform outside of the hospital! That must have been really scary, were you hit?

Cherry Gregory: Wow, Julia, you’ve been in a lot of dangerous situations.

Julia Merrick: Hi Guys,

— ops!. The hospital was Cane Hill in Coulsden, I think its closed down now. In N.I., everyone wore their uniforms, so I never thought to question it. We a

— double oops!. We were all in the military wing and no, i wasn’t hit – they missed by about an inch!. sorry about my broken responses but have been set up a couple of minutes ago to reply on the ‘big’ computer and keep hitting the wrong button!.

Valerie Robson: Hi there! Tell us about the adopted family please, it sounds fascinating… xxx

Jill Stowell: I know Frankie Knight has already asked the question but i can’t see an answer. So tell us how did you almost kill your father? I’m presuming it was an accident but maybe…

Julia Merrick: Hi Frankie Knight, the story is long but will make it short as poss. I was about 9 or 10 and on my own in the house (mum and dad at work). I was bored +++. Had a couple of pellets in my pocket that my older cousins were shooting with day before. I knew my dad had a 303 rifle in the bedroom – so – found gun, KNEW i wasn’t allowed to go into their room let alone touch his gun – but ???. Pellets wouldn’t fire – and wouldn’t shake out of the barrel. I got a crochet needle and tried to waggle them out, but the needle slipped and I couldn’t get that out either!, so I found another one and did the same damn thing!!. Snuck the now blocked gun back back and said nothing. Next day mum said dad has gone to Bisley – a shooting range he belonged to, i went into brain freeze. Later, a phone call – mum called me and i had nearly killed dad, she was a volitile woman and was soooo very quiet. Hours later dad come home. He quietly sat me down and explained that if he hadn’t checked the barrel and seen it was blocked i could well have killed him. No recriminations, tears, shouting or punishments – and that was the lessen that i never forgot.

Frankie Knight: OMG! I can imagine the ‘quiet’ reprimand would be even more impressive! When my son was in NI he was not allowed to wear his uniform outside unless on duty. Had to grow his hair long for when he went out and could only visit permitted places. How come that didn’t apply to you?

Julia Merrick: Hello Valerie Robson, we were on our first holiday in Gambia. It was a bit nerve racking at first as the airport reminded me a bit of ‘Raid on Entebbe’. Where we stayed, it seemed everyone was 6ft or over. I generally felt I’d be murdered in my bed that night. The next morning when we actually got to know the people we found out what a gentle caring and honest society it was. The lady who looked after the villa where were staying managed to be persuaded to cook traditional food for us, and our friendship developed from there. Eventually she invited us to meet the family and her wonderful mother.

–There were forty of her family living in the compound at Manji Kunia. The little that they had was shared without question, no jealousy or greed. Since that day we have stayed in touch and tried to help with sending food and clothing. I still feel though, that since meeting them they gave us more than we could ever give them.

Julie Freed: Good morning Julia Merrick – Please tell us about beating cancer!

Nancy McBride: Good Morning! Tell me the differences in your experiences between working under a man vs a woman, please.

Julie Haigh: It’s wonderful to see you have beaten a battle with cancer, have you thought about writing your memoir about it because you don’t see many books from this side-I’ve only read ones before where people had lost their fight- it would be helpful for others to read and know there is hope. Did you read any of these type of memoirs when you were going through all this?

Julia Merrick: Hi Frankie Knight unlike the actual soldiers, we were on a 1 year posting with only (4) short breaks home. Don’t really know why it was different for us, maybe the top brass thought ‘ladies’ would be safe – who knows??

–Hi Julie Freed – Phew what a question. I guess it was 100% faith in my specialist and his nurse plus of course, the powers that be.

–Thank you Julie Haigh. Did not read any memoirs – never thought of it, just got on with things. I did have some funny – hilarious moments – but not enough for a memoir I don’t think.

— Greetings Nancy McBride, I grew up in a female environment. Two sisters, and went to an all girls school plus all my nursing training was generally with females,. I have no problems workikng with men, but do find that the short ones are particularly arrogant.

Dodie Shea: Good morning Julia. Could you tell me here you live and what took you to Gambia. Over here it’s not a place you would usually think to vacation in.

Frankie Knight: Julia, I reckon that applies to all little men! LOL!

Julia Merrick: Morning Dodie Shea – I live in the UK. One of my travelling companions insists on heat (boy she sure got it). We all just wanted somewhere a bit different, and again we sure got that too, it was lovely.

Dodie Shea: How long have you sponsored the Gambian family? Do any of them want you to sponsor them to come to the UK?

Julia Merrick: About 5 five years now Dodie. No, no one has ever asked for sponsorship to the UK, Why?

Nancy McBride: Julia, I find that often true of short women, too. Odd that height in itself is intimidating and puts some on the defensive, Napoleonic attitude. My best boss was a man who’s bottom line was kindness. It wasn’t complicated. by height or power or topic of the hour. We felt empowered, respected, like partners appreciated for our contributions, and boy did we love working WITH him!

Janet Hughes: Roberto! Roberto! Set up the table ready for our 5th May lunch will you poppet? Yes, Mexican buffet today, sorry? No, best not put out the chicken that Pancho’s been gnawing on… Honestly! You can’t get the staff these days.

Julia Merrick: Wow Nancy he sounds like a lovely chap. You were very lucky.

Janet Hughes: Julie Haigh, here’s yours… *plonks tray down and runs to hide behind Brad and Roberto*

Julie Haigh: Lovely thank you Janet. X

Janet Hughes: Ginger beer?

Frankie Knight: Are those sausages I see Janet????? Can’t remember when I last ate a sausage….

Janet Hughes: All yours Frankie Knight

Julie Haigh: that looks a funny colour though Janet?

Frankie Knight: No, No, no! I’m being weighed on wednesday!

Julie Haigh: Here, have one Frankie-or are you vegetarian now?

— its ok these are very low fat ones

Frankie Knight: Vegetarian? Moi? No way! I love my steaks….

— Oh, well if they really are low fat, then here goes….. I shall blame you if those scales are not kind to me on wednesday…..

Janet Hughes: Brad! Brad! Her Haighness is at it again! Pop down the supermarket and get some darker ginger beer. What? Use your imagination…. yes you can take Julia Merrick with you, but only if she wants to go…. Remember what happened last time? :-0

Shirley Ledlie: STOP IT! it is a fast day for me

Janet Hughes: Shirley Ledlie for you

Julie Haigh: aw Shirley it’s bank holiday! Enjoy your water then x

— what foods do you like and dislike Julia? (like the name by the way-it’s the posh version of mine! )

Shirley Ledlie: Look girls I have no willpower so it is too late – sausages and ginger beer nom nom

Julie Haigh: Go for it Shirley-a little bit of what you fancy is very good for you!

— now where’s Shirley gone off with Brad?

Julia Merrick: Oh yeas Julie Haigh, it is awful posh!. I eat virtually all food, but do believe you can’t beat a farm produced Cumberland sausage!

Frankie Knight: Aw, c’mon, that really is not fair. I’m drooling like a great dane here…..

Charlotte Smith: Hello Julia – hope you’re enjoying yourself here today. Question from the animal nutter, do you have any pets?

Julia Merrick: Yes Charlotte Smith, but only pet hates! . Would like them but holidays and work don’t really make it practical.

Charlotte Smith: I do understand that Julia. Sometimes I dream of how easy my life would be if I didn’t have pets – unthinkable for me though. Let me know if you ever change your mind and I’ll find you a lovely furry friend

–What are those pet hates of yours?

Janet Hughes:

Peggy Penn: Hello Julia Merrick good to have in the members box today and hope you enjoy it.

What sort of Training Company did you have?

Charlotte Smith: Haha if rain is one of them you should come and live here in sunny Spain

Julia Merrick: Thanks Charlotte Smith, will do. Pet hates, bad drivers particularly those who don’t indicate, dogs barking at first light and benefit scroungers – sure there’s more though! !.

Janet Hughes: Just bombing your Fred Julia Merrick with something for Charlotte Smith. Hope you don’t mind.

Julia Merrick: Thanks Peggy Penn, it was a First Aid training company, (HSE approved of course! ).

Charlotte Smith: None of the drivers in Oman used their indicators and it used to drive me mad (no pun intended) so I share that pet hate with you Julia

Julia Merrick: No problem Janet Hughes

— Is it just me or is there a lot of Snoopy fans out there?

Charlotte Smith: Guess who’s going to steal that Janet Hughes?

Peggy Penn: What made you start your company up?

Charlotte Smith: Yes I love Snoopy

Fran Macilvey: I’m a snoopy fan too! We had every single book, at one time!

Julia Merrick: Well Peggy Penn, i was an Occupational Nursing Officer for a bit company running my own satellite clinic when they moved me to running the First Aid training. I was going all over the country when they decided it would be more cost effective to fire me and have me back as a contractor. I got so much experience i decided to give it a go myself! .

Peggy Penn: Was it a successful move?

Julia Merrick: Definitely. I had qualified contractors, all had first hand experienced in the field (ex police, paramedics etc). I could never take on the two big guys obviously, but it was great working for myself.

Jill Stowell: I understand you were at Exeter university. Were/are you attracted to the idea of living in the West Country or do you prefer being where the action is?

Julia Merrick: Oh Jill Stowell, when my friend set my profile up …

–Sorry Jill Stowell, my profile was set up wrong! South London was my earlier stamping ground, don’t think I’ve ever been to Exeter.

Jill Stowell: I see techno-phobia is still alive and kicking, join the club. But does the idea of living in the country (trees, sheep, narrow lanes) appeal or appall?

Julia Merrick: Appall, nice for a few days otherwise not a country girl. Ideally, I’d love to live by the sea.

Jill Stowell: Brighton then?

Julia Merrick: Jill Stowell, that would be my idea of heaven! The sea reacting to different weather, I know some great seafood places and , oh yes, in a nice part though! . Where do you live?

Karen Knight: Hi Julia, can you tell us more about your clairvoyant experience please x

–By the way I live on Brighton!!

Julia Merrick: Karen Knight, you lucky sod!!. Do you go to the Regal restaurant near the Hilton?

Karen Knight: I know it well. I am currently battling with agoraphobia but it’s had so much character .

–Shoreham harbour is the place to be to get fresh fish straight from the boat.

–where a bouts did you meet your clairvoyant as there are plenty in Brighton

Julia Merrick: Sorry Karen Knight, replied to second comment first. Yes, someone recommend a clairvoyant living nearby. She was amazing. Tarot first then she held an item of yours than had never been in water. A lot of relevant details given on each visit (i was one of the first to buy her book). She said i would meet two people who would be very important to me, described my future specialist down to a tee and then gave (eventually) got it spot on, and it’s an uncommon name too. Never warned me of the cancer though – maybe thought best not to? ?.

— Shoreham hmm, sorry Karen Knight, love to see the boats coming in, but lazily don’t want to have to cook them! . It’s actually the REGENCY restaurant. Sorry about your agoraphobia, it must be horrible. The clairvoyant was in Raynors Lane.

Karen Knight: There are lovely restaurants at Shoreham that cook the fish as it lands!!!

–Is the Regency restaurant the one that was used in the film with the mods and rockers in it?

— http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1…

–Happy memories x

Julia Merrick: Oh Karen Knight, you sure are luring me towards Shoreham, girl, my mouth is watering! !. Don’t know about a film but it has been there for a long time – very popular.

Susan Joyce: Good morning from Uruguay Julia! Delighted to see you in the tell all seat today. Welcome! What an amazing life you have had. Just catching up on the thread and will ask a question later.

Julia Merrick: Looking forward to hearing from you.

Karen Knight: It used to overlook the west pier, which sadly has been eroded away by the sea

Julia Merrick: That’s the one! !. You guys are so clever sending links etc!

Gramma Lupcho: What of your experience with the Gambian family??

Susan Joyce: Julia Merrick, you mention cancer only briefly. How did you handle the news? Did the fact that the clairvoyant didn’t mention it help you feel it wasn’t a major obstacle in your life?

–Julia, just re-read in the above about the clairvoyant. So no mention of cancer, but described the specialist and gave name of nurse. That’s amazing. I’m a believer in information coming through on other levels of thinking.

–Knowing that information ahead of time must have been comforting to you.

Julia Merrick: Hello Gramma Lupcho, I found them to be poor in material goods but so rich in the sense of family, love and sharing etc. Strict Muslims, they showed me the true way real Muslims are, and respect to them. The only thing that puzzled me was when we offered to pay for medical cover, they asked for satellite tv instead! ! (much to ‘mothers’ delight). I still cannot understand.

Nancy Gould Gomoll: Hi Julia Merrick. Just catching up on all the comments. Looks like you have had a busy day so far fielding questions. Thanks for spending time with the WLM members. I have a busy day today so will catch up again later on the chatter. Love learning a little about you. Enjoy your day today.

Julia Merrick: Well Susan Joyce, to be honest, I kinda suspected that after the biopsies it was breast cancer. Don’t know why. The clairvoyant i think is not allowed to tell you bad news, doesn’t bother me, it wasn’t until quite a while after the first op that i remembered what she had foretold. I’m also a true believer now BUT have never been to one since – charlatans !. My lady has since retired, i think they ‘broke the mould’.

–Thank you Nancy Gould Gomoll.

Susan Joyce: I’ve always been psychic so value the energy exchange when it is given in a helpful way.

–Julia, have you ever had your astrological chart done? I find astrology to be so right on.

Cherry Gregory: I’ve had breast cancer too, Julia. Had the op, chemo etc. They gave me below 50 % chance of surviving 5 years, but I’ve survived 7 years now. Nice to meet a fellow survivor!

Linda Kovic-Skow: You’ve had an interesting life Julia Merrick. So glad to hear all is well after your cancer scare. How long did you work as a psychiatric nurse? Now that would make a great memoir.

Susan Joyce: Cherry, great news! Julia, how long have you been cancer free?

Julia Merrick: No Susan Joyce, only checked my birth date on the Chinese calendar! !. Wow, I’m getting your book ‘lullaby illusion’ tomorrow, do you talk about your psychic abilities? Fascinating.

Susan Joyce: Yes, Julia Merrick, I do. Thanks for ordering it!

Charlotte Smith: Julia you are in for a real treat with Lullaby Illusion. Fantastic book

Julia Merrick: Good on you Cherry Gregory, well done girl. I’ve just reached the 10 year mark, so pat on the back to both of us ( and all the others).

Shirley Ledlie: Julia, we have something in common. I had a meeting (by phone) with a clairvoyant about a month before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told me I would have a health problem (at the time I thought I was healthy) very soon but I would make a recovery. At the time I couldn’t think what it would be but found a lump about a week later.

Julia Merrick: Hi Linda Kovic-Skow, I got my qualification – 3 years – and got the hell out of there! You are the second person to mention a memoir, sounds good but I think I’d need head surgery to get it out! !. Loved your book, don’t know how you guys do it.

–Hey Shirley Ledlie, boy, does sound impressive, but, playing Devils advocate, over the phone, it could have been a long shot – would also have been true if you had come down with the flu?

Shirley Ledlie: Yes, true but there was also something else. I have gone ice cold just thinking about it! She said there was somebody working at our house (we had a builder there for a year) then after a few mins she said she had a man telling her she had the father of our builder with a message for him! I don’t know how she knew we had a builder let alone his father was dead. He was a young man and his father had died when he was a teenager in a horrific traffic accident.

Karen Knight: Hi, I’m four and a half year breast cancer free, although have other problems now. I had it diagnosed and full mastectomy and reconstruction all done in the space of 6 weeks at the age of 41. But through it all I knew that I had cancer even before it was diagnosed.

Shirley Ledlie: There seems to be a good few pink warriors amongst us :-)))

Karen Knight: There have been many occasions when I know those that have died are around me. Also I knew when both my grandparents died before I was actually told.

–We should have the WLM pink ribbon day! X

Julia Merrick: Yes Shirley Ledlie, that is a bit spooky.

–Hey Karen Knight, you’re right, we should have a pink lady meeting, at whoever lives at the most exotic location! I’m stuffed, I live in Watford! !. Well done to you too, we are all winners!

Susan Joyce: Karen I like your idea of honoring the pink ribbon ones.

–Yes, you are all winners.

Dodie Shea: Definitely need to have a pink ribbon day. So many courageous survivors!

Cherry Gregory: I think medical science is making giant strides against breast cancer. Even since I had it, there have been vast improvements in chemotherapy etc. I’m sure one day we’ll defeat it.

Susan Joyce: Julia, what’s your favorite pastime? There’s a wonderful book called 1001 places to see before you die. Is there someplace special on your wish list to see?

–Just had an idea. for the WLM Pink Ribbon Day. Send me a photo of you holding a pink ribbon or wearing one in your hair, or wherever. I’ll organize a collage of you winners and post it on WLM. You can send photos to me susanjdub@ml1.net

Sue Clamp: Lovely idea, Susan!

Julia Merrick: Hey Susan Joyce, my favourite pastime is sitting (ideally with a bevy), just watching the sea. I have no particular place I’d like to see, but I’m the only one in my family not to see Hong Kong, so, logic says. …

Cherry Gregory: I’ll get my pink ribbon out!

Susan Joyce: Julia, I can relate to that. I just sit and let my mind roam wherever it needs to roam. So you’re a dreamer too?

Julia Merrick: Susan Joyce, being a techno rubbish, how on earth would i do this? Last time I tried do a selfie, i nearly blinded myself! !.

Susan Joyce: Julia, ask someone else to take the photo. A techno.

Cherry Gregory: I’m exactly the same, Julia. I usually hold the camera the wrong way. But I’m going to get my husband to take it.

Julia Merrick: Hey Susan Joyce, i think that when real life keeps smacking you in the face, you do need a to dream and chill.

–Oh Cherry Gregory, yes, of course (wry smile), obvious isn’t it. Will do, thanks

–Taking a break for a few minutes for a bite of dinner, I’ve got chicken, but thanks Karen Knight, can only think of fish now! !

Betty Sue Brewster: I’m a survivor also – I think 17 years. 2 lumpectomies and radiation. Thankful to be healthy now.

Susan Joyce: Betty Sue Brewster, go girl! That’s great! Happy you’re healthy now.

Julia Merrick: Hi Betty Sue Brewster, words cannot express how great your input is, it lifts all of us. Thank you.

Linda Kovic-Skow: All of you with pink ribbons are inspirational! I’d love to see all of your smiling faces in a picture!

Susan Joyce: Julia Merrick, tell us more about the Gambian family you adopted. Are you in touch with them through FB?

Julia Merrick: No Susan Joyce, they now have mobiles (and glasses to read messages with). The community is slowly changing, getting more and more European and American visitors. I hope they keep their basic values. Having extended family in the Bahamas, I have seen (not in the tourist areas) this happen before.

Susan Joyce: Yep, time marches on. Ch-ch-changes. Do hope they keep the basic values. In Uruguay it’s so refreshing to see how important family is to the people.

Julia Merrick: Oh Susan Joyce, you are so right.

Nancy McBride: Susan Joyce, just bought Lullaby Illusion. I have isolated times of strong psychic connection (death and profound sadness), especially with a man I met who lives in Sweden.

Terry Bryan: I think we need some liquid refreshment for Cinco de Mayo. Julia, I’m enjoying your thread.

Julia Merrick: Hey guys, apologies to all of you who asked to be my friend, I honestly cannot reciprocate to you all as I’d never have time to go to work, hope you understand, but I do appreciate your asking.

— Terry Bryan, you star, got the refills ready?

Susan Joyce: Nancy McBride, thank you! I hope you enjoy it. I still feel very connected to a friend of mine who died of AIDS many years ago. He’s my spiritual guide on so many levels. I think the more open we are to other ways of communicating, the more ways we will discover to communicate.

–Julia, do you work at home or in an office? Are you a consultant?

— Thanks for the margaritas Terry! Cinco de Mayo all the way today. Thanks Janet for the Mexican buffet!

Julia Merrick: Actually Susan Joyce, i had a career change and now sell new homes via a national builder, it’s very arduous and fascinating how peoples attitudes change when, instead of helping, you are selling! . But it’s still great working with the public.

Terry Bryan: Of course, Julia…who’s ready?

Ann Patras: Julia it sounds like you’ve been around quite a bit (in the nicest possible way). If you had to live somewhere else other than the UK, where would it be?

Susan Joyce: Terry, a bit to wet my lips. Thanks! Julia, your new career sounds like fun.

Ann Patras: Oh, and sorry I’m so late joining in, and then I had to read all the posts on the Fred. Very interesting stuff.

Julia Merrick: Oh heavens Terry Bryan, bring it on girl:)

— Hi Ann Patras, I honestly cannot think of anywhere else I’d rather live. Having been to a few countries, i still prefer good old UK, warts and all! . Let’s face it, besides all else, where on earth beside home can you get a good British breakfast! !??.

Julie Haigh: And you get to experience a wide variety of weather-sometimes all in the same day! (I’m from UK Julia- Huddersfield, Yorkshire.)

Karen Knight: What is your favourite book you have read ?

Julia Merrick: Well, Susan Joyce, my new job, it’s SO different, imagine a lady, covering A+E, if I asked her to take her clothes off, she’d be naked in no time, but try and sell the same lady anything, …boy, what a change in attitude! !. Logical, but interesting.

–Hmm Karen Knight, i think i have to say one the first ‘proper’ books I read, Major Barbara, by George Bernard Shaw, made me think.

–Terry, hello, glass empty – if you please

Karen Knight: Not read that Julia

Julie Haigh: Julia, what book are you currently reading-is it a memoir?

Julia Merrick: You are so right Julie Haigh, spot on

Julie Haigh: What about Julia-do you mean the UK and the weather?

Julia Merrick: Well Karen Knight, probably not to everyone’s taste, but as a kid I found it most thoughtful.

Karen Knight: Off to bed now for an early night. Thanks Julia for a very interesting chat. Will sort out pink ribbon photo tomorrow cx

Julie Haigh: That’s why I love reading memoirs-I get to travel all over the place all the time without actually going anywhere and no plane delays and hassles!

Julia Merrick: I have just finished tottie limejuice last book (what a lady) and am starting Susan Joyce illusions tomorrow, so a rest tonight.

Julie Haigh: Its been a fab day Julia-really enjoyed finding out more about you, really interesting.

Julia Merrick: Julie Haigh, yes. My favourite season is spring, the birth of all new things, animals, plants etc, and the thank god winter is over-no more trying to drive in snow and ice! !.

Susan Joyce: Julia, I’m delighted to know you. Thanks so much for sharing your time and adventures with WLM today. Have a lovely evening! It’s dinnertime here.

Cherry Gregory: Thanks, Julia, for a fascinating interview and letting us get to know you. I’m turning in now, so goodnight to everyone reading this thread. (I’ll find my pink ribbon and take the photo tomorrow.)

Julie Haigh: Have a good rest tonight-you’ve certainly earned it. Another great Member Monday-it’s sort of like someone writing a memoir every Sunday and Monday live as everyone watches!

Julia Merrick: Terry Bryan, tel, tel, getting dehydrated here old bean! !.

Nancy McBride: True! What a wonderful way to get acquainted! I like so many of the questions asked. They pulled out information that really expanded the story, and opened up the cancer survivor discussion, for example! Who knew?

Julia Merrick: Thanks all, it’s been fun, though knackering! !. Enjoy the evening.

Julie Haigh: You’ve been a real trouper, night Julia x

Susan Joyce: Here’s to Julia, a real trooper!

Peggy Penn: Here here well done Julia. You deserve a good rest and a few drinks. Terry where are you??

Susan Jackson: Just got home–busy reading the thread–you sell homes in London?

Julia Merrick: No Susan Joyce, in the Thames Valley area, but would be happy to help you if I can.

Susan Jackson: Nope–it is Susan Jackson not Susan Joyce

–I lived at Lower Basildon and Mildenhall

Julia Merrick: Oops, sorry.

Victoria Twead: Oh my goodness, I turn my back and this Fred is over 200!

Julia Merrick: Hey guys, definitely signing off for the night, it has been wonderful and inspirational to meet you all, thank you so much for your input

Let me know about the pink pictures, this technophobe will do her best.

Susan Jackson: It is OK–mix up happens all the time with us–never sure who someone is talking to.

Terry Bryan: I’ve been slack…sorry…Andy had to have a bath as he’s traveling tomorrow.

Terry Bryan: Julia Merrick…you’ve been great…I loved what Julie Haigh said…mini-memoirs. Thank you for sharing your life.

Victoria Twead: Thank you so much, Julia, for yet another amazing Member Monday session! now you have the hard job of choosing two winners!

Next day …

Julia Merrick: Victoria Twead I’m trying to message you, looks like your networks down.

Karen Knight: Julia have you tried using messenger on Fb x

Julia Merrick: Yes thanks Karen Knight have tried but mo joy. X

Karen Knight: Dislike button needed xx

Julia Merrick: Sorry Victoria still cannot connect to your email

Julie Haigh: The suspense is killing us!

Victoria Twead: Julia Merrick has named the WINNERS! Congratulations to Karen Knight and Gramma Lupcho! Please choose your books from the header, and Gramma, please private Message me your email address. Thank you!

Susan Joyce: Congratulations to our winners, Karen Knight and Gramma Lupcho!

Karen Knight: Wow it must be my lucky day, I won the spot prize today. May I have Rebecca Moores book please xx

Shirley Ledlie: Well done!

Julie Haigh: Congratulations Karen and Gramma! Enjoy your books.

Frankie Knight: Congratulations Girls! Enjoy your reading!

Patti Cramer: Ferraro You can also flip it around and just make them use it all the time, overuse it until they stop. Its funnier.

Sue Clamp: Congrats to Karen and Gramma!

Terry Bryan: Karen Knight (tired of writing your name) and Gramma Lupcho!