The 'Fleet's in...

...in this case, CitraFleet. It's like Picolax.

Yes - it's that time again. I've got my first post op routine colonoscopy tomorrow so I'm staying close to home today. Need to be fleet of foot.... (Stop it! - ed)

It's not a good way to start the first week of my holiday but it has to be done. J is going to come in with me. Of course, I'm concerned about it but I'm still so raw from mum's death that it's hard to tell what's what emotionally.

Tribute

This is the wonderful tribute that my brother Owen gave for mum at her funeral on Tuesday. I've posted it here for those friends who weren't able to be there with us:

Whilst this is probably the saddest time I have ever known in my life, I felt compelled to stand up and say something today. Perhaps I should have just let this very sad day wash over me but I can feel mum behind me saying – ‘Go on, it will be OK.’ I’ll do my best to keep it together.

Today I want to pay tribute to the kindest, warmest, most loving person that I will ever know.

I’m very proud of my mum. I get all my best qualities from her. She touched the hearts of so many people. She believed that you should be good and kind and generous and look after one another. She believed that you should see the best in people and she reached out to everybody in the same way, with love, humanity, compassion and boundless energy.

Her faith was devout and strong and she knew that she was here to be a channel of God’s love on earth. Like her, I have an unshakable faith that she is in a much better place now. I feel sure that they will get Radio 4 there! She would have wanted her funeral to be in this church where she attended the 8 o’clock service until she was too ill to come. She still had communion at home right up to the end of her life. This church was also where mum and George got married and the photo in the Order of Service is from that very happy and special day in her life. We are very grateful to Walter for taking the service today as he did on that day too.

My mum could have had a simple straightforward life but that was not her way. She would not have been so strong in her faith and so loving a person if she had not seen life’s difficulties. Her life was a lesson in overcoming adversity and proving that, if you kept on believing and loving, you could have a happy ending. She knew this herself too – there’s a notice in her study which reads – ‘you’re never too old to have a happy childhood.’ Mum’s father died before she was born and her mother sadly passed away when she was a young girl. Mum was a fiercely proud woman and she would not want me to talk publicly about the traumas of her personal life but suffice to say her faith and her immense strength of character saw her through the darkest of times.

Her choice of careers reflected her personality. At first she was a nurse in Salisbury. After she’d raised us three boys, she went back to college and qualified as a teacher. Never wanting to take the easy road, she taught in a pretty difficult school – it’s a bit disconcerting when your mum comes home and says she was threatened with a knife today. In the end she taught at Frenchay and combined both careers as a teacher at the Hospital School. She was very happy there and really felt that she had made a difference to those young lives albeit for a sometimes short and traumatic time. She took a well-deserved early retirement at 50.

I’m glad she did, because it allowed her to indulge her new career of keeping in touch with people. It’s as though it became her new job to spread warmth, love and happiness. Only two days before she died she was still furiously scribbling letters to people. She was happy to use email, but she knew how good it was to receive a real letter. So many people I have spoken to have said – ‘but I was only on the phone to her last week’ or ‘I’ve just got a letter from her’ or ‘we called in last week’.

We often wondered why she would never rest and was always worrying and planning things. We used to tell her to relax but I think she knew she didn’t have long on this earth and she had to cram a lot in. One of the few joys at this difficult time has been realising just how many close friends she had – these were not just casual acquaintances, these were people who loved her deeply.

When I think of my mum, I think of the sacrifices she made when we were growing up. I remember odd things like her sleeping in the dining room at Filton Road so that we could each have a bedroom. When one son plays the guitar, the other the drums and the other is in to amateur radio, that’s probably a good idea anyway! She carted my drums to band practices in that old Morris Minor of hers without complaint. I’m sorry I never made it as a rock star mum, but there’s still time!

Her sacrifices were a lot to do with her desperately wanting us all to have a good education and I guess she was very proud of the way we all turned out. There was a section in her filing cabinet called ‘Famous Sons’ and it contained various snippets like newspaper cuttings. She would say to me – that’s a nice picture dear but I wish you wouldn’t have that spiky hair.

Most of all though, when I think of my mum I smile to myself. I think of the great times she had with her boating friends in Bristol after the three of us left home – driving around in her bright green Triumph Spitfire. All those powerboat parties! I think of her meeting George again after all those years. What a fantastic story that is! I think of their happy times together in their ten years of marriage, whether it was travelling the length and breadth of Britain on their narrow boat or holidays to far-flung places or doing housesitting for people or pottering about in the garden. More recently, the flat in Cornwall was somewhere beautiful for them to visit and relax. She doted on her grandsons, Nattie and Ben. She loved those boys in a joyful, wide-eyed way that only a grandmother can. She was never happier than when she was playing with them. I’ll never forget her excitement at seeing a photo of Nat in his new school uniform for the first time a few weeks ago.

I think of her funny little ways – furiously circling things in the Radio Times that she wanted to watch or tape (but I don’t watch much television dear): her owl collection that Nattie like to rearrange for Grandma: the radio tuned to Radio 4 morning noon and night; eating cold chips from the fridge the morning after (a bad habit I have inherited). As I said, she would insist on seeing the best in the most difficult of people – something that used to infuriate me at times – but she was right and I was wrong.

The music today is something that we particularly shared mum would have wanted. There is no way that mum would have chosen any gloomy hymns – Lord of the Dance is mum to a tee – it sums up her faith and her approach to life. I first saw The Seekers in pantomime at Bristol Hippodrome when I was five. Apparently I was captivated by Judith Durham and her voice. Mum and I saw them at the NEC on their reunion tour. The two of us also watched Judith at the Hippodrome a few years ago from almost exactly the same seats as we had 40 years earlier. The song Colours of my Life reflects, for me, her life. They sing about shedding black and grey to take on red and blue and that is a perfect metaphor for her 69 years on this planet.

Shores of Avalon, at the end of the service, is quite poignant. When mum was in hospital at the end of June, she asked me to buy her a novel from the hospital shop – something light dear, not a thriller. She got most of the way through this Josephine Cox book, but it wasn’t until after she died that I realised that it was titled Journey’s End. I felt awful but then realised that perhaps it was just meant to be. I chose Shores of Avalon because it’s a beautiful song and then afterwards I realised that the last line of the song also talks of the journey’s end – but a journey’s end together.

I try not to think too much about her last couple of days, but how she dealt with her illness summed up her character. The last year since her diagnosis was very difficult. She showed such courage despite the agonies that come with a cancer in your spine and she rarely complained. She was still the same person – always warm and loving and anxious to know your news. During this time, George worked ceaselessly to look after her and make her comfortable. Nobody could have done more and loved her more than you George and I want to thank you publicly for that. Even when she was in hospital, one couldn’t suppress her zest for life. On the bedside table there was a card from Walter thanking her for her recent £100 donation to the African village with which this church has a connection. Even twelve hours before she died, she was getting me to introduce her to the woman in the opposite bed and apologising that she wasn’t well enough to have a chat. She was looking forward to visits from Nattie, from my Goddaughter Lucy and from Grace her latest adopted grandchild.

After mum died, we came back to the house. I went into the garden and there were hundreds of butterflies everywhere. Despite being in floods of tears, I knew that she was very close. Later on, Simon and Andy mentioned that they had noticed the same thing even though they were in a different part of the garden. A few days later I watched a video of her sitting in the garden chatting away to Simon and it helped to erase the memory of her last hours. Seeing her chatting away, worrying about whether I was going to get to Wembley to watch Rovers, cheered me up immensely and I felt I’d got my mum back.

That’s all I wanted to say. I really do hope that in these few words I have done justice to this wonderful, vibrant and caring woman. I am so proud to be her son. She was my inspiration and my guide and I have so much to thank her for. I loved her more than anybody could ever know.

Jean

Mum and Natty
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi

On Wednesday 25th July my darling mum Jean died in Hereford Hospital. She had been ill for the last year but we'd all hoped for so much more time.

We are all devastated. But also amazed - how could one person have so many close friends?

If any of those friends who knew her would like to get in touch with me off line then I can give you details of the arrangements for her funeral.

If any one would like to make a donation in her memory, then it would be wonderful if you were to make a contribution to either:

Cancer Research UK

or

The Macmillan Renton Appeal for Herefordshire


I'll be back here again when I can

Simon

Exhibition Down, Exhibition Up...

Gallery Glue quivrs
Originally uploaded by grewlike

Ironically on the same weekend that S and I took our exhibition down, I heard that my photo that is part of the Quivr Quilt is showing in Newcastle. I hope to get up to see it this week. Funny how that image brings back so many memories...

A quiet weekend at home - getting ready for another hard week at work. ( Three weeks till I'm on holiday!) A nice Skype call with friend D in the States yesterday.

( Oh - and talking of the States, I suppose I really need to be thinking about who I hand over the reins of power to on August 13th...)

Haven't started at the gym yet - tummy still a bit sore. I think I'll wait until I see the doc in three weeks.

Headed Home...

..after a lovely relaxing few days away at the Latitude Festival in Suffolk - staying in a nice little cottage in Walberswick. ( Photos here) J is staying there for the rest of the week to get some writing done but I have to come back for meetings in London tomorrow.



It's been a good test of my fitness too - loads of walking at the festival itself and on the beach. ( Chickened out of swimming though!) I definitely feel fitter and maybe even slightly more toned.



I think now is the time to start getting myself properly fit.



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Zeds

I'm in Birmingham today and tomorrow and then off for the weekend with J on Friday.

And I'm SO tired! I was in bed and asleep by ten last night and I think it'll be the same in the hotel tonight. I think it's just with having to do longer hours to make up for my days off this and next week - and I had an early start this morning. ( Slept on the train...)

Apart from that I'm.......zzzzzzzzzzz

Raced For For Life ...

Well - S and A did it! On behalf of their investors, I can provide the evidence.

Alfie and I went to cheer them on - in the sunshine for once.

And it was very moving to see who they were running for....

(Thanks and well done! x)

The Good Life

Having a nice quiet Saturday after a grumpy hard week at work - and next week doesn't look much better. ( Until Friday of course....) So Alfie and I are just chilling today. (J is still away at a conference in Lisbon. She says the fish is great!) A kebab beckons later.

Of course I should be dieting really. Yesterday I had two meals out! At lunchtime I went to meet some former colleagues ( to catch up on professional gossip..) at Cafe Lilli in Norton and last night saw friend C for a great meal at As You Like It in Newcastle. Both places highly recommended.



( so - your tummy's OK then..? - ed)

Brothers

Brothers
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi

I really like this picture - taken at my mum's birthday party at the weekend. Looks like I'm always destined to be the shortest...

Commuting

I'm still away in the Midlands.



We had a lovely birthday time with my mum over the weekend but she is really not well at the moment and G is on call for her 24/7.



J and I met up briefly in London on Saturday to see Lou Reed (who was superb) - really lovely to see her. We're both looking forward to a longer break together in a fortnight.



I'm commuting into Birmingham today and Tuesday and driving back home on Wednesday morning. It's meaning long days but at least I get to see something of mum and G inthe evenings.



Healthwise I'm OK. My tummy is still a bit upset and I tripped in the street today which jarred my hernia site. No damage done but I'll be glad of hot bath when I get in tonight!



More when I'm home.







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Reading

This Rest Of Your Life Thing is really peculiar. On the one hand, I've been feeling a bit odd, sort of disconnected and panicky this week. J my counsellor and I have talked about it a lot - it almost feels Existential - which would make some sense. I'm worried about my colonoscopy ( delayed now until August) and frustrated that I can't get myself fitter. It's like my life has a kind of judder in it at the moment. ( And of course, as Jules has just discovered, the cancer thing or its possibility is always there - usually hidden, sometimes less so.)

On the other hand, I've just finished reading my first proper book since I discovered I had cancer more than eighteeen months ago. It's been so frustrating continuing to see or hear about all these amazing books, buying them and then watching them pile up unread or partially read just because I couldn't concentrate on them. ( Physical or psychological? - I'm really not sure)

But this week, I did it. So thankyou Lionel Shriver for your amazing novel We Need To Talk About Kevin.

Catch Up

I just realised that it's been a week since I updated this. It wasn't actually conscious but I am beginning to wonder whether I still want to be regularly updating a cancer-related blog when I'm trying to move on from that. I won't just drop it though - but I may think about moving over to the old blog for day to day stuff ( have to update the design a bit though!) and just keep this one for occasional health updates. I'll let you all know if I do though.

Anyway. It's been a busy week with work but my health seems to have been OK generally - some days have more trips to the toilet than others or I'm a bit more sore but all manageable.

Nice to get an email from Ian my Cancer Voice. He was really helpful when I was deciding about chemo. I think I might find out about becoming one myself - it feels like there has to come a point when one feels that cancer is more er.. behind you than in front, if you see what I mean.

Pacing

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good so I decided to make a start on weeding the back garden with a view to moving on to mowing the lawn. I very quickly discovered how much I still have to pace myself - I was tired and achy ( and sore at the hernia site) after about 10 mins of weeding. OK - they were big weeds but still...

In one way, it's really frustrating - I hate it that it all looks so untidy and I feel like I'm letting things slip.

But I am NOT going to mess this up now by being silly. So the lawn will have to wait - along with the rest of the weeds.

Exhibition

Well - here it is - your own virtual tour. Took us a while to set up but I hope you'll agree - it looks pretty good!

Latitude

Friday night at last. Kebab time. ( It's the County Durham version of Margherita Time...)

Loads to do this weekend. Putting the exhibition up tomorrow morning and then my Intermediate Documentary Film Course starts in the afternoon. Busy Busy.

My tummy's been upset for a few days - not sure what that's about. Manageable - but I wish it wasn't happening.

But heh! Now there's Latitude! J asked me today if I'd like to go with her. Like a shot!

Race For Life

My friend S and her daughter A are doing the Race for Life in Durham on July 8th. It's a cause close to my er.. heart.

Blue

Door
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi

In the pandemonium of image
I present you with the universal Blue
Blue an open door to soul
An infinite possibility
Becoming tangible

Derek Jarman - Blue ( 1993)

These are the images I'm going to use for the joint exhibition with S at the weekend.

Cheers!

You know, I think I almost enjoy J's birthday as much as I enjoy my own. Almost.

We had a great time in Newcastle. Shopping. A posh drink ( or two) . Dinner. Hotel. Culture.

It was really nice just to chill together. And laugh.

I'm feeling good at the moment.

End of the week....

...and finished in what is beginning to become the traditional Friday night style with World of Warcraft and a kebab. ( OK - it's boy thing...)

I hada low point last night when I got back from London - tiredness really I think - but I've been OK today. Work has been steady but not frantic and healthwise I'm fine - nothing special to report at all really.

J is over in the morning. It's her birthday on Monday so we're spending the weekend together in Newcastle as a treat. A chance to chill - and I suspect there'll be Big Dinners and Shopping too.

Routine

I saw Mr Bain my consultant again this afternoon - a routine check after the hernia op. He says that all is well but that I can't start back running for another six weeks and it's another three months before I can go to the gym! I can see Alfie getting some very long very brisk walks...

He took blood today to test my CEA markers ( they were fine last time) - my next routine investigation will be a colonoscopy in July (picolax again!) and then another appointment with him in the autumn. ( Oh - and he says that aspirin is a good idea)

It's going to be this sort of routine for the next four years. That's OK - but I always feel low after these visits. It's the feeling of being snared I think.

Awaydays

Mum and Alfie
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi

A lovely few days away with my mum and G in Hereford. Always a few family worries and sadneses but we laugh through most of them. Alfie was a big hit (and very well behaved) - seen here trying to drive off with mum...

I drove back via J's last night nd we had a great afternoon sorting technology. Then a pub meal and DVD. Today I had to put Alfie back in the kennels as I'm away with work a couple of times this week : (

The other main highlight this week is my check up with Mr Bain on Wednesday. I've got a few questions to ask but generally I think he'll be pleased how things are going.

Good to be home

The trip away went fairly well - but I did find it even more tiring than I'd imagined. The problem was lugging the overnight bag on and off trains - it wasn't that heavy but was awkward and made me feel vulnerable in case I hurt myelf. And if the scar wasn't hurting the other soreness came on… In the end I decided to get taxis everywhere - it cost me a small fortune but was easier in ( and on..) the end...

But of course, I also met up with J in London and we had a great night seeing The National and a bit of time on Oxford Street before I had to go into work on Wednesday morning. That made it all worth while.

And today I was up early working so that I could pick up Alfie from the kennels when they opened. Going to see my mum in Hereford this weekend so I want to leave at lunchtime tomorrow - that's meant a harder work day but worth it.

Tonight out for a nice meal with S & A to celebrate my photo sale.

Back

I took Alfie back to the kennels this afternoon - both of us are going to be away from home after 3 1/2 weeks together. It's been great having him here all that time - he's settled a lot more and ( as much as one can) I think I understand a bit more how he thinks. He's quite a nervous dog really - but SO affectionate. Getting him is definitely one of the good things I've done. I pick him up again on Thursday morning after my trip away.

I've been feeling quite nervous all day about the trip to Birmingham and London tomorrow. I'm sure it'll be fine. And I get to see J in London tomorrow night as we've got tickets to see The National.

Sold!

Summer Flowers
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

When we turned up yesterday afternoon to take the exhibition down, it was S's daughter A who noticed that one of my photos ( this one) had gone. Quickly discounting theft we discovered that yes, it had indeed been sold, to a real bona fide buyer. I'm really chuffed - and grateful to S for sharing her space with me. ( She's found us another place to exhibit - starting next month as well!)

J over last night - a lovely evening catching up and watching DVDs. And today I'm trying to forget that work begins again tomorrow - my first trip away on Tuesday for five weeks - Birmingham and London.

Still feeling pretty good in myself and desperately trying to resist the temptation to do too much...

End Of The Week...

...and I'm exhausted!

But actually it has felt good to be back working - to be proactive. Not that it's been easy - why is it you always remember the good bits with work and forget that most of it is routine hijacked by moments of blind panic - and, if you're lucky, occasional illumination?

Healthwise things are better - I can go huge stretches of the day and forget completely about the scar - and Alfie and I have done a two mile walk every day bar one for the last eighteen days. So I am getting better finally. That feels good to say.

And now it's Friday evening, I've had my kebab, I'm on my second beer and World of Warcraft beckons. ( Level 27 might even be possible tonight)

Spag Bog

As J is currently in Bologna with work, I decided to make myself Spaghetti Bolognese last night - a sort of holding hands across the pasta thing...

Mistake.

Something in it didn't agree with me. A definite stress on the bog part today....

Bump

Sunday night
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Sunday night and all is well. A quiet day at home and a walk with Alfie this afternoon.

I'm going to start back to work properly tomorrow - working from home Monday and Tuesday and a there-and-back to Essex on Wednesday. See how I go.

I know I'm not fully sorted yet, but things are much much better and I think I can be sensible enough to pull back if I feel it's too much. (Yeah.... ed)

Feels a bit scary though - like there's a small bump in the road ahead. Easy really - but just a chance I could trip over it.

Tagged

Apologies to everyone who was Tagged by me earlier - the system went mad with my address book without me realising and I've had a few bemused replies. I've also heard from a few people who I thought I'd lost touch with so it's not all bad. But please feel free to ignore it if you get one.

At The Bottom Of Everything

Regular readers will know that music is and has been really important to me throughout this whole thing but that every now and again I come across a song that really says something to me. This is one of those - from the magnificent Bright Eyes:

So there was this woman and

she was on an airplane and

she's flying to meet her fiancé

sailing high above the largest ocean

on planet earth and she was seated

next to this man who you know

she had tried to start conversation with

but really the only thing

she heard him say was to order his bloody mary

and she's sitting there and she's reading

this really arduous magazine article about this

third world country that she couldn't

even pronounce the name of and

she's feeling very bored and very despondent

and then suddenly there's this huge mechanical failure and one of the engines gave out

and they started just falling thirty thousand feet

and the pilots on the microphone and he's saying,

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Oh My God, I'm Sorry"

and apologizing and she looks at the man and she says,

"Where are we going?" and he looks at her and he says,

"We're going to a party, it's a birthday party.

It's your birthday party, happy birthday darling.

We love you very, very, very, very, very, very, very much."

And then he starts humming this little tune and it kind of goes like this:

One, Two, One, Two, Three, Four

We must talk in every telephone, get eaten off the web

We must rip out all the epilogues from the books we have read

And to the face of every criminal strapped firmly to a chair

We must stare, we must stare, we must stare.

We must take all of the medicines too expensive now to sell

Set fire to the preacher who is promising us hell

And in the ear of every anarchist that sleeps but doesn't dream

We must sing, we must sing, we must sing.

And it'll go like this

While my mother waters plants my father loads his gun.

He says, "Death will give us back to God,

just like the setting sun

is returned to the lonesome ocean."

And then they splashed into the deep blue sea.

It was a wonderful splash.

We must blend into the choir, sing as static with the whole,

We must memorize nine numbers and deny we have a soul,

And to this endless race for property and privilege to be won

We must run, we must run, we must run.

We must hang up in the belfry where the bats in moonlight laugh

We must stare into a crystal ball and only see the past

And in the caverns of tomorrow with our flashlights and our love

We must plunge, we must plunge, we must plunge.

And then we'll get down there,

way down to the very bottom of everything

and then we'll see it, oh we'll see it, we'll see it, we'll see it.

Oh my morning's coming back

The whole world's waking up

Oh the city bus is swimming past.

I'm happy just because

I found out I am really no one.

Good Things

• My massage last night - felt great afterwards

• My kebab afterwards - good in a bad way...

• Aspirin
  

Moving Forward

A progressive couple of days - the longer walks and stretches seem to help the discomfort ( now relegated to a feeling of indigestion - but in my groin - if that makes sense) and I'm picking up a bit of stuff for work via email. If all goes well, I'll go back to work fully next week and even try a day trip to London if I feel up to it.

And I'm beginning to think about moving! I've been here three and a half years now and although I love the house, the village isn't so great. I don't always feel entirely safe when I'm out and about, there's no good pub in walking distance and I just want to be more in Durham.

So I'm on the lookout for a house. I saw this one yesterday - it's the sort of thing I'm after I think. Will see the building society this week to see how much I can afford.

Footloose

After a day where I felt bored and sore and frustrated with my lack of progress, I decided to take Alfie for a walk at about 5.00pm. We drove to the Country Park and as we got out of the car, it started to rain. Deciding that this was typical for how my day was going I decided to press on.

I'm so glad I did. The sun came out, I picked up my pace and walked a full two miles - trying just to gently stretch a little. It really worked - I've come home now feeling a good deal less sore, more flexible and definitely better in myself.

Not Easy

You know - in many ways, this is one of the hardest parts of the Whole Thing. The bit where I can't DO anything - I just have to rest and wait. I mean - give me something to do, a target to hit, a goal - and I'll do it.

But this time I have to wait, be slow. Take it easy.

Easy is hard, you know...

Pictures at an Exhibition

A nice morning with S & A putting the paintings, prints and photos up at the Botanic Gardens where they'll be for the next fortnight.

They were great with helping me with the lifting - all I had to do was buy the tea!

Feeling pretty good today - the soreness is still there but it's not worrying and I can get about OK.

And a Bank Holiday tomorrow! ( Hey - you're off sick anyway! - ed)

One Step Back

I've just been to see the doctor. I had another sore night last night and so I just wanted him to check me over before I started travelling with work next week.

He says that everything seems fine but it's all still very swollen under the surface so he's not surprised it's sore. He strongly advised me against travelling ( it's the bag carrying really he says) and has signed me off work for another week.

Of course it's sensible and I'll do as I'm told. But it's also very frustrating and I can't help feeling I'm letting people down. But that's just me I suppose.

Levelling...

Ironically, on the night I got to Level 20 in World of Warcraft ( previous blogs refer...) there was this item on the news...

But levelling seems to be a theme so far this week. I'm taking it very easy this week - just checking and sorting emails. No trips away ( Alfie is delighted) and just concentrating on getting better. It was a good day yesterday but last night I slept on my side and woke up very sore. ( This morning it feels like I've been kicked!) Nothing serious but it does show me how careful I have to continue to be. ( Reminder to self: Op was only two weeks ago today...)

Walkies II

Debbie and Alfie
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

A quiet weekend draws to a close. A nice visit from friend D today - over from the States. We took Alfie out for another walk - he must have thought all his Christmases had come at once! Nice to be out in the fresh air - but it does still take it out of me. ( You op wasn't even two weeks ago... - ed)

I'm going to start work again ( from home ) tomorrow - see how I get on. There's the option of a day trip to Birmingham on Wednesday but I'll see how I'm doing before committing to that.

Walkies

Although things are much better now I've had the stitches out, it's still quite sore on the wound - not least of all because I've got a huge great bl**dy bruise there still!

Picked Alfie up rom the kennels this morning - he was pleased to see me but I could tell I'd left him too long. Took ages for him to calm down. But we went for our ( and my ) first long walk for two weeks this afternoon. I took it slowly and it was great to be out in the sunshine, but I was very tired when I got back.

Taking it easy for the rest of the day.

Stitchless!

Ah - that's better - all the staples out now. Feels a lot easier. It was quite painful though - the nurse kept trying to give me breaks and I just wanted her to get on with it!

I was going to pick up Alfie from the kennnels today but I think I'll get used to my stitchless state first ( maybe try a walk on my own this afternoon) and pick him up in the morning. ( It's less him pulling on the lead that I'm worried about, than him jumping up.)

Sunny day here.

Difficile

It's suddenly not difficult to realise why I was given so many antibiotics when I left hospital....

The Road to Recovery

For the first time since my op just over a week ago, I woke up ( yes - woke up - that means sleep!) feeling better. The ache has decreased substantially and the only real soreness is from the stitches pulling - and they'll be gone in two days.

But I know me - this is the time to really take it easy....

One other thing - I subscribe to quite a few blogs and other feeds ( all hail Google Reader!) but I've cut down on the number of cancer-related ones for obvious reasons. One of the ones I've kept on is Leroy Sievers. He posted this yesterday. It's absolutely spot on and just how I feel.

Music

Still not feeling great - there's less soreness maybe from the actually wound but I'm still not getting much sleep and when I do, I have horrible nightmares. As I said to a friend earlier, I think I'm just processing all my worries about this op and how I'll be in the future.

That said, I'm taking it easy during the day - reading and a bit of WOW ( Level 16 now!) - oh, and music. Thank goodness for music.

Start of the week

I hope that some of you might be able come along and see the exhibition.

I also hoped to get to Newcastle at the weekend to see my part of the quivr quilt but it was just too much. Looks like it all went well... Want to try again to get there myself later in the week if I can.

So a quiet weekend as you might expect - J came over and we did geeky stuff in the afternoon and watched the beginning of two films before my antibiotics kicked in and I had to go to bed. ( No -one can quite tell me what I've been given them for but they make me feel cr*p. Another bad night last night - but I took the last one this morning thanks goodness.)

On Sunday the nurse came over. She took the dressing off and checked things - all is fine so no more dressing needed. Stitches out on Friday.

And so it's Monday morning and I'm still a bit more sore than I thought I'd be. Amazing to me that it's less than week since my op - it feels like longer (and to your readers - ed) .This week coming am going to try and take it easy - no work for a few days more yet - but I'll ring them later today to make contact.

Surf & Turf - an unashamed plug...

Surf & Turf
Exhibition of paintings, prints and photography inspired by coast & garden
Sandra Haney & Simon James
6-19 May 2007
Durham Botanic Garden
South Road Durham

Good Morning!

Good Morning!
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

A fairly good night's sleep - but I'm still very sore indeed. Walking around and sitting are still quite difficult. The hospital THINK that a District Nurse is coming to check my dressings today but no-one seemed quite sure...

For me, another quiet day - and er... a shave....

Home

Well - it's definitely nice to be home but I'm still d*mn sore from the op. ( It is only two days since you had it - ed)

I've spent the day quietly at home - sitting is quite painful so I've been lying down and napping most of the time. Going to cook some tea now - most things in the freezer were still solid so I think the house electricity only went off yesterday...

Then an early night.

More again soon.

Sore

i feel llike I've been 10 rounds in the ring! But slept well. Hopefully they'll let me eat and drink properly today! Just had sips of water so far. Thanks for all your good wishes.
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Off to Hospital

Drank a bit too much last night :(( - I think it's probably allowed occasionally...

I'm off to hospital now. They rang a while ago and there's space on the list for me this afternoon - so I get the op a day earlier! Should mean I'm out earlier eh?

I hope just to be in for a few days. In any case, I'll Twitter (even if I can't blog - and who knows, that might be possible too…) so you'll be able to see my latest news in the "at present" box in the left sidebar.

Actually - I'll probably Twittter very shortly...

See you

xx

Thanks

Battles to Fight

I thought I'd inroduce you to Menage - my Level 14 Gnome Mage in World of Warcraft. Spot the likeness?

I was talking about playing WOW in my counselling session on Friday. J my counsellor very sensibly pointed out that it's all about battles and strategy - of course I'd be interested in it at the moment! You know, I hadn't even thought of that - but it makes perfect sense. ( And provides you with some much-needed justification - ed)

A quiet day at home ( and on the battlefield ) - Alfie and I went for a walk this afternoon in the sunshine and friends and family called to wish me well for tomorrow.

I'll blog again tomorrow before I go into hospital - I have to ring at lunchtime just to check there's a bed for me.

In the meantime, I've got a nice bit of salmon cooking and I may have a little go at Level 15...

The Inconstant Gardener

For weeks, I've been looking out at my increasingly weedful back yard ( my pride and joy) and feeling guilty about not getting out there and doing something about it. And also feeling guilty that I might be using my hernia as an excuse - after all, it rarely hurts, just aches a bit...

So today, Alfie and I went out there in the sunshine and did some basic weeding - me hoeing and him, scrabbling.

Twenty minutes into it I had to stop ( should have stopped after ten really) as I had the most awful back and stomach ache. It seems to have eased now.

Daft S*d - you may think ( A theme for this week I reckon...) - but I had to try. And the garden does look better.

Ah well - who's up for a hoeing party? ( A Hoe Down? ed )

Taking it easy now - a bit of gentle Warcraft I think....

Grumpy

It's been a long grumpy day.

I can just feel my interest in work slipping away as the op approaches - and of course, Sod's Law says that that's in direct inverse proportion to the urgency and importance of the things that I need to get done before the end of the week. If it was Christmas or a holiday next week, it would be fine - I'd still have all this to deal with but also something nicer to look forward to than er... bedpans.

(Stomps off to take the dog for a walk in the evening sunshine...)

On Reflection

My day in Brum is about to begin. It's warm and sunny - not a good day to be in the office wearing a suit and tie! Back home tonight.

So far, this trip has been fine - the inevitable urgent-thing-no-one-told-me-about to get sorted - but I think that goes with the job, and I'm actually quite good in those situations.

But the bagdrag to the station yesterday and to the hotel last night and in this morning has made me realise that once I've had the hernia op, none of it will be possible for a few weeks. I foolishly imagined that I would be back at work a week after the op - just having " to be a bit careful". Silly.

I'm now telling people to expect me to be off for at least a fortnight. I need to recover properly this time - and certainly after the reconnection, I know I went back too soon.

ho hum - have I just had an attack of Sense? It'll never last...

Surf and Turf

The Expedition
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

So an Easter Weekend draws to a close. Quite a nice one really - the weather was good, I did the jobs I wanted to do - saw the friends I wanted to see.

( Played the online games you wanted to play - ed.

Look - I know you'll think I've gone mad/reclusive/ubergeek but I love playing it! Relaxing and taxing - what more do you want from a hobby eh? In spite of the inherent dangers I achieved Level 12 this weekend...

Only another 48 levels to go then - ed)

I went over to see S on Saturday morning. She's kindly invited me to take some space for a few of my photos at an upcoming exhibition that she's got and so we met to plan it a bit more. The working title is "Surf and Turf."

Sunday I went over to see J and we spent most of the afternoon with her daughter D taking photos for her Final Portfolio. Great fun - and as you can see, we took the expeditionary dog with us. ( Sadly he had to go back to the kennels for a couple more days this afternoon as I'm off to Birmingham again tomorrow. )

In the evening, a Big Roast Lamb Dinner and too much Easter chocolate. ( Oh and wine...)

Lots of food eh? Maybe I should take warning?

But, that aside, I've been OK - the hernia is a bit irritating and I still have a sore neck but that's about it. The train at 6.30 am tomorrow will be the test of (that and) anything else...

Who wears the trousers?

Back home after three days away.

I hit a kind of brick wall when I got in last night. Just absolutely exhausted. The hernia had/has grown a bit. I had/have a sore neck, I couldn't think straight and ( of course) couldn't sleep either...

Today was purposefully very slow. Workwise, I did what I had to do and no more.

Later I picked Alfie up from the kennels after nearly three weeks in there. He berated me loudly in the car, went apesh*t around the house, slept solidly for two hours and now it's like he's never been away. All he really wants is a person.

And before that, I had my pre-op Hospital Assessment. It was fine - after all, I've done this twice before in the last year or so. The only bad news is that I've put on a stone since November. (Well, actuallly, it's bad news from my POV - the hospital are pleased. But they don't have to buy the new trousers…. ) Nurse Mel thinks I'll be in for three or four days.

Damien Rice

Damien Rice
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

A great weekend up in Edinburgh seeing Damien Rice and a brilliant support set from Fionn Regan.. All those talented young men!

Really nice to spend time with J . We always have a class time in Edinburgh.

Back home now and getting ready for an early start to London and Birmingham for the next three days : ((

Man At Work

Just to prove that I HAVE been working while I've been away! (If you call this work - ed)

Having a slow Working At Home day today.

No speeches.


( Photo: Courtesy: Trevor Smith)

Homeward Bound..

..although it's going to take a while. My train left Southampton about an hour ago and is due into Durham in another five! Ah well - at least I'm on my way.

That was the last of the series of regional events that have taken me all over the country for the last three weeks and I can't say I'm sorry! Particularly this week I've found it physically draining with the hernia really feeling quite sore. The op in three weeks will be very welcome.

I'm working at home for the rest of the week and then to Edinburgh with J for the weekend. Oh - and a massage tomorrow night!
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Sunday Night

Gosh! A busy week and a busier weekend! But happy.

A lovely evening in with J last night watching the new Leonard Cohen Video and then a rush on Sunday morning (because we forgot that the clocks had gone forward...) to Hexham to see her get awarded a bursary from New Writing North.

Healthwise, things have been pretty much OK - not much soreness at all.

And I've now got the date confirmed for my hernia op - April 16th. Three weeks tomorrow.

But before that, a lot more travelling. London tomorrow night and then Southampton. Back on Wednesday night. Then it all goes tiny bit slower.

I can't say I'm sorry...

Emails

Just a note to those dear friends (you know who you are...) who've emailed recently and not got much of a response.

Sorry. It's hard enough to even blog occasionally at the moment - but I'll be in touch soon.

I promise.
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Wolverhampton...

... And a long week draws to a close. I'm finally home tomorrow night and I really can't wait. I'm tired and sore and feel like I could sleep for England.
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London Bound

London...

I left the bitter cold and snow of Durham a couple of hours ago on the start of a four-city, four-day jaunt around the country with work. London tonight, Coventry tomorrow and then Bristol and Wolverhampton.

But it seems to be a fine sunny afternoon as I head south on the train.

In a way it's good to be away from my desk for a few days - everybody, whether clients or colleagues are stressed and overstretched (that's March in the public sector for you) and so there's a lot of tetchiness about.

Bound...

I think that the increase in my medication might be working - it's certainly slowed things down. And yes, maybe slightly less soreness. But extra strain on the hernia in return.

Who said that this was about winning...?
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Self Portrait

Self Portrait
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Quite pleased with this one. Taken in the Projection Room at my Film Documentary Course this afternoon.

Medication

I talked to my Colorectal Nurse this morning about the problems I've been having. She still thinks it's basically because I've got in to a vicious cycle of going to the loo and getting sore. So I'm doubling up my medication to see if that works. ( From 4 a day to 8 a day - for those in the know...)

And so to my weekend. Alfie came home this morning - lovely to have him around again. ( Dogs are so forgiving!)

As those of you who monitor my Twittering will know, I'm currently developing a new obsession. Expect more of that this weekend.

But tonight it was my favourite film on the telly. As I've said before - almost a motif for this whole d*mn thing.

Battered Hero...

A successful week at work - I won more money for the firm and so I am the Hero Of The Hour - but it's also exhausting. I've just embarked on a series of regional consultation events with teenagers on the educational reforms that will soon affect them big time.

It's very hard work - apart from the travelling (Newcastle today and Sheffield tomorrow. Newcastle was easy anyway...) there's also the fronting events for 70 teenagers and their teachers, supporting my team, problem solving, schmoozing. And still seven more to go...

Not easy with a hernia - and Other Soreness. Yes - that's back again. I've tried everything this week - careful diet and no alcohol for five days. Hasn't made any difference. I'm going to have to go back to the doctor.

And as I'm really not at home much for the next fortnight, Alfie is in the kennels. He's with me at the weekend, but in again next week. I knew it would be like this month but that doesn't make it any easier.

It's Life, Gym....

I've just been to the gym for the first time in seventeen months! Because of the hernia I had to be ...er well-supported, but I managed 20 minutes on the running machine and felt pretty good after it. I was in two minds whether to go as I've been particularly sore recently but I decided that I had to give it a go. And I must admit that I feel pretty good now - a bit achy but that's to be expected. It hasn't made much differerence to the soreness really - and the hernia's fine. I'm going to make it a regular thing from now on.

A nice evening at home with J last night after a visit to see my former parents-in-law R and C in Doncaster on Friday. Somewhere in between I managed the second session of my Documentary Course (editing) and of course, Alfie. ( He had to go back to the kennels for a few days this afternoon as I'm away a lot with work next week.)

All in all, a pretty busy weekend! But fun.

Mobile Blog

I thought I'd have a go at doing this again. I'm on the train home from a day working in Leeds. Out tonight for a lovely Greek meal with J's daughter D.

Already it's feeling like a long week and there's still quite a bit more of it to go. The soreness is back again today too - I think it may have been triggered by something I ate yesterday but I'm not sure what. I'm glad I'm working from home for the rest of the week though!
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Eclipsed

Eclipse
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Someone texted me that this was about to happen this last night - and I'm glad they did! It was really good - even though this photo wasn't. (Particularly compared to this - also taken in the North East of England... )

A nice Saturday - a walk with Alfie in the morning and then up to the Tyneside Cinema for the first session of the "Introduction to Documentary Film Making" course that I enrolled for. I'm always a bit funny about going on courses ( arrogance - you think you can't be taught anything - ed) but this was great fun. The tutor had us using cameras straight away - my group got to go up and film the guy in the Projection Room. Next week - editing...

A long week at work but successful. Some big contract wins which mean that we can all pay the rent for the next few months and I have shown that they didn't employ a fraud... (Always a concern)

Today, just relaxing at home. Watching the day get greyer and greyer as I caught up with emails to friends and family. Almost like sleet out there now.

Next week is pretty much OK travelwise - just one day trip to Leeds. But after that it's awful for the next three weeks - I'm on the road for 4 days each week speaking at conferences. I think I'm going to have to learn how to mobile blog again!

Back Home

Just a brief note for anyone who might be concerned.

I got home last night after three long days away.

I'm fine - very tired and looking forward to my weekend.

More later.

Quivr @ Bykr

making a point
Originally uploaded by Pickersgill Reef.

Well - here we all are! One of those curious occasions when a Virtual community Actually meets.

A nice afternoon. More of my photos here

Avatars

Talking of avatars.

Of course it's only right that Alfie should have his own.

And he does - it appears on my computer every day. ( When I have to use a PC that is...)

Limecat

As you know, I've used this avatar for the last couple of years - I was originally pointed to it by a friend.

It's brilliant to learn that it has an active fanbase! and to have been invited to join it.

Diligence

A long day in Coventry yesterday pitching for more work - we'll hear on Tuesday. As I got back home at about 9.00 pm on Friday evening, there was a salutary reminder that some travellers didn't....

This morning I picked up Alfie from the kennels. He was pleased to see me and after a mad half hour, he settled like he hadn't been away! The rest of the day has been spent quietly and diligently tidying the house up - I suddenly decided that it looked like a tip this morning. It looks slightly less like one now.

Am slowly getting used to the Blackberry but was surprised that it seemed harder than I thought it should be to get set up with email and web-browsing - I just couldn't get a data connection. Several calls to the Vodafone Helpline later and some Googling myself led me to discover that I have to buy a seperate data plan to go on the internet! The plan I've just upgraded to ( that comes with the Blackberry) er... doesn't include data transfer... I'm annoyed, as I specifically asked about this when I ordered it. And of course, no-one is around on a Saturday afternoon to sort this. I pity the poor s*d who gets my call on Monday morning!

The hernia is still uncomfortable - lying down is such a relief! But the other soreness has been fine for three days now so, apart from the bloated feeling that I was told to expect from the Fybogel, ( swings and roundabouts eh?) I think that that may be sorted.

Evening Chronicle Thursday February 22

Evening Chronicle Thursday February 22
Originally uploaded by grewlike.

Look - I'm Famous!

I'm going to the official launch of this on Sunday - that's my shot of the beer glasses to the right of the photo.

virb

I got sent an invite for the beta testing of virb today. Think of a less-cluttered MySpace.

This is what I did with mine. I've got a few invites if anyone would like one.

Seaham Beach

Alfie at Seaham Beach
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Finally made it to the beach with Alfie this afternoon! I'd tried yesterday but er.. got lost. No mistake ( and a map) this time. We had a great time - and I even risked taking him off his lead.

Back to work tomorrow - working from home - but loads to prepare for a trip to Coventry on Friday :(


It's been nice to be off - but I don't feel I've taken full advantage of it. Too much mooching about. My hernia is still quite uncomfortable - I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to need to ask for the op to be brought forward if possible. Soreness much better though.

But I managed to treat myself - it should arrive tomorrow.

Overcast

A bit low today.

The weather's been foggy and overcast and so have I. A mixture of post-birthday glums, guilt that I'm not at work ( I know...) and my hernia is a bit sore and achy.

But a nice call with my sister S this morning and the discovery that Alfie is a fine catcher of the ball!

And listening to Regina Spektor...

Birthday!

HMV
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Birthday

I've had a lovely 48th Birthday weekend with J - lots of presents and cards ( 17 - I er..counted ) and a great time working on images for her current poetry collection yesterday. As you can see, we even made it for a walk in the sunshine with Alfie - and if you think, last year on my birthday I could hardly walk!

Alfie's starting to show his character a bit more now. On the first night J was here, he wouldn't let her back in the room until I said it was OK! And he has adopted the blanket that she gave him as his toy - he loves playing tug with it. He's great fun - just wants to please, but gets a bit confused as to how to do that sometimes...

In the evening we went out for a pub meal and then to the Fishtank in Durham to see a covers band called Skint. They were OK - always good to see blokes my age having such a great time - but after about an hour of them - and a realisation that most of the songs they played were identical ( So were the originals: ed) - we left.

It's now late Sunday afternoon ( J went home this morning) and I'm feeling nice and relaxed (just been out for a walk with Alfie ) and I'm still off till Wednesday!

I'm also beginning to think that the treatment Mr Bain suggested might just be working! I'm still free from soreness and going to the toilet less often.

Invitation

qb flickr invitation
Originally uploaded by grewlike.

You may remember that I blogged
about this a few weeks ago.

It's next week. I'll definitely be there!

The Return

I collected Alfie from the kennels this morning - bless him - he went demented when he saw me - dragged me off to the car. He'll want the car keys next...

Trying to relax after a very hard week at work - have to keep reminding myself not to check work emails and to ignore my work phone when it rings. Am spending the day quietly - over to see my counsellor this afternoon - and then J arrives at about 7 for my birthday weekend. Two days of pure geekiness and slovenly behaviour in prospect! Oh - and dog-walking...

Healthwise, it's hard to tell whether the new regime is having any effect yet. I certainly have been less sore but that can be the case for a couple of days anyway sometimes.

The Word Of God

I saw Mr Bain this afternoon. He said he thought I looked well, in spite of what I told him about my problems. He checked me over and said that the surgery is healing well, but I definitely have a hernia and so will need to go into hospital ( provisionally mid-April) for a minor op to sort that. ( He seemed more concerned that it might be his surgery rather than my abuse that might have caused it...)

And he said that the soreness and bleeding is basically caused by going to the toilet too much - he said he'd be the same if he was going as much as me! So I've been prescribed something to slow me down - I know that some of my readers have suggested that before. Have to see how it goes.

I asked about exercising and he said that that was fine - "If the hernia pops out, just pop it back
in again!" - so I'm going to start back with running - hopefully this weekend. That'll give Alfie a shock when he comes back on Friday!

They also did a blood test to check my markers - I think they only call me if there's something wrong, but expect a lot of number obsessing over the next few years...

Overall I feel upbeat as a result of the appointment. As I hoped, I feel signed off from the surgery now and can get on with things. J said later that it's funny how we complain when doctors act like God, but actually that's also what we want them to be sometimes.

Another trip away tomorrow - Coventry this time. And then off for a few days!

Pending

I woke up in quite a lot of discomfort this morning - I'll spare the details, but I'm glad I'm seeing Mr Bain tomorrow. I've also just realised that it's three months today since my operation - time to get all this niggly stuff sorted.

The London day was long and tiring. I know I'm doing too much but it's hard to know how to untangle that.

Kennels

I had to take Alfie back into the kennels for a few days this afternoon - a pre-planned stay. I hadn't wanted to do it so soon but I need to be away from work for a couple of days this week and I'm afraid it's something he'll have to get used to. Still not an easy thing to do though - we've had a great weekend. But I've got Friday off and a few days next week too.

London for the day tomorrow. Wish I didn't feel so weary....

Sunday Morning

Alfie
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

Well - we've made it so far! I think he slept fine downstairs - it was just me that lay awake fretting. We're breakfasted and a walk is planned....

Bonding

Back yesterday afternoon after most of the week away in London with work. A hard week - but enjoyable in a worky sort of way. J came down on Thursay night and we went to see The Decemberists play at the Shepherds Bush Empire. A great night - pictures here and videoclips here. Then some birthday shopping for next weekend and the train back up through the snow. We had a quick turnaround and then out last night to hear Michael Heller read. It was a bit hard to keep my brows that high after a long week but it was still enjoyable.

And today...

Well - today I got Alfie! Picked him up this morning and brought him home. We spent about an hour following each other around the house and then staring at each other but now he ( and I) seem to have settled a bit. He's just lying here at my feet as I write. Already I've sat down far more on a Saturday than I usually would - if I move, he jumps up and looks worried - so that has to be a good thing. More about all that over the next few days I'm sure.

Healthwise, it's a bit strange at the moment. I feel pretty much OK in myself but I'm still rather sore and I'm pretty sure I've got a hernia at my operation site. Apparently they're not that unusual ( I really have tried to take care - honest!) and it doesn't hurt at all but I'm aware of an odd lump that shouldn't be there. I'm seeing Mr Bain on Wednesday so I'll just leave it till then ( and be very careful) - unless it starts hurting of course... Just have to see what he says.

So - back to my dog then...

Sunday Sunset

Sunset
Originally uploaded by Menage a Moi.

- and the weekend draws to a close. A nice walk out in the sunshine this afternoon and I feel rested. Good job really - on Tuesday morning I go to Sheffield for a meeting and then to London for the rest of the week. The good side of that is that J and I are meeting down there on Thursday night to go to a concert and then taking Friday off together to maybe catch an exhibition before heading back up North.

And then on Saturday I pick up Alfie! I got him a lead this weekend...

Geekend

Well - I had the quiet weekend I wanted - but I don't think I expected to spend so much of it in front of the computer! But in a good way...

It all started after a power cut here on Friday. When I went to restart my PC, my Firefox browser had crashed and all my bookmark settings and plug-ins had been lost - three years of history!

Rather than restore them all on the PC I decided to use that as an excuse to transfer my browsing more over to the iMac. (I've been using it for that intermittently but as it's mainly for video editing I hadn't really wanted to distract myself with the web.. ) That all went well ( Camino feels much more stable - and there are safeguards you can build in.) and then I just spent hours on the mac updating and installing applications, trying to remember how to build websites and well, just playing. ( You can see see some of the history of that on my Twitter box at the bottom of the sidebar - just click on the downward triangle.) It's my birthday in about a fortnight and J is coming over for a geekend to do video and webstuff ( as well as take me for a nice meal!) and so some of the stuff I was doing was to check that I could remember things for that.)

It was brilliant! ( If you like that sort of thing - Ed) The mac feels much more like my main machine now - I'll always need a PC for Outlook ( I need to sync Tasks and Contacts to my ipaq and although there are mac solutions, they're still a bit crumbly.) but for most other stuff the mac is much much better.



But now - it's Sunday lunchtime and I need some fresh air!

Fish on Friday

Thanks for the feedback on the blog everybody - looks like it's working again OK.


Funny that a week that started so work-loaded has ended so slow and stodgy. I put it down to the cold I've had this week - since Wednesday I've been dealing with everything through cotton wool. Not so bad actually...

But some great bits to my week as well - a meal in Leeds with J's daughter D on Tuesday, a brilliant massage on Thursday followed by a catch up meal with former colleagues K and M and now fish and chips!

I've got a quiet weekend planned - busy busy again next week. I also want to get out in the sunshine a bit if I can - shake off some of these cobwebs.

Blog Problem?

A couple of people have told me that they've had problems getting to the blog in the last few days. As they ( obviously) can't contact me via the blog, can I ask that people who are seeing this fine let me know please? ( I've checked it myself on various PCs and Macs and I don't have a problem.)

Either just leave a response to the blog or email me at:

moi@menage.me.uk

Thanks