NOW then, why don’t just you sit yourself down and I will make you a nice cup of tea.

In that one small sentence we have Lancashire folks’ answer to most of life’s little problems and, strange as it seems, it works.

For quite often a lot of our problems can be solved with a bit of straight talking; as my mum always used to say: “Margaret, for heavens sake, why don’t you just sit down and get it off your chest, whatever it is?”

Over the years I have come to the happy conclusion that folk who live round here are the most caring and compassionate you could ever wish to meet.

Why do I say that? Well, if you are unfortunate to trip, or drop anything, there is always a passer by willing to give a hand.

The other day I recalled that I had forgotten something and paused to think – within moments a stranger asked “are you okay, love? Can I help?”

I didn’t need any help, but it’s really nice and comforting to know that people care.

I went to see a friend of mine the other day. I try to visit her about once a week she, who was so active and always so involved, is now not only house bound but chair bound.

Life is so cruel. One minute you’re the centre of everything, then bang your life is dependant on others.

But, it is so fortunate that in the age in which we live, with telephones, televisions and laptops, contact and updates are readily available, so people don’t need to feel quite so isolated.

Well, well here I am, still planning my ‘bucket’ trip and it’s getting longer by the minute.

There are so many places and people that I want to see before – before what?

I do hope I am not getting a bit morbid, then I recall the famous saying that |John was always quoting: “Come, link your arm in mine, dost not know lass the best as yet to be?’ Well, I do hope so, cause I’ m banking on it.

These days it seems I am always watching what I eat, and just how many calories I am consuming, but is it making me happy? No!

I have to pause and chastise myself with “Margo, that’s no way to be thinking. Be positive. Put the chips in the bin and eat the salad”.

So, yes, I promise that I will eat the salad – as soon as I have finished the fish and chips!

I don’t know how it is, but the minuteI decide to slim, then food becomes my main and constant thought....