LIFE IN WINDERMERE

Jo McGowran - Rest In peace

2011-10-26T22:54:00.003+01:00

Dear bloggers

This is the post I didn't want to write and it is the post you did not want to be reading.

Jo fell asleep on Thursday 20th October and moved gracefully towards peace over Friday and Saturday before passing over at 5:30am on the 23rd October 2011.
To all her friends and colleagues thank you for the love you gave to jo over the years. Jo's mum, Jean, her son Peter and I have been comforted by all the warm and generous support offered to us over the last few days.

When the end came for Jo it cam very quickly. Following another stay in hospital at the start of October Jo was determined to have her 47th birthday at the Trafford Centre in Manchester indulging in her favourite past time, shopping. We spent all day there and Jo completed most of her Christmas shopping and had a great time. This was the 12th October and after the surgery of last year this was the birthday the medical professional told her she would not celebrate. The following day Jo was tired and on Friday became ill. Over the weekend Jo deteriorated and by Thursday 20th Jo fell asleep. Jo regained consciousness so that Pete and her could have one final conversation and on the Friday when one of her closest friends came to see her. After that Jo was at peace and pain free. At 5:30am on 23rd October Jo passed over.

We will be having a funeral service on Monday 31st October at 11:00 held at the Church that Jo loved so much, St. Mary's Church Windermere. There will be a private family burial after the service at the Glebe Cemetery in Bowness-on-Windermere followed by a funeral reception at the Burnside Hotel in Bowness. Jo will now be placed next to her beloved father, Peter Dyson, I've been able to secure the plot next to her Dad. Jo never got over the passing of her dad.

All the details of the service are posted on Jo's facebook page as an event. I also placed a notice on her facebook page on Sunday to inform the world of her passing and we have been overwhelmed by the number and heartfelt nature of the tributes that have been left.

It is my intention of collating all the wonderful tributes to Jo and publish them in a book to give to her mum and Pete and closets family and friends. I then plan to publish the tributes on this blog as a final posting that can be added to.

The blogosphere and her flock of followers were hugely important to Jo and I want to reward you all for all the love, happiness and support you offered to Jo over the years. Hence the final post will be a collection of tributes to Jo.

Jo felt her purpose in life was to be a light to others. The tributes received absolutely confirm that this purpose had been achieved. Jo's purpose now is to be the fuel that burns in lots of lights around the world. The blog community that you share is full of shining lights, now allow Jo's light to help your light burn brighter and carry on her work.

directions to the church can be found at the following website:

http://www.achurchnearyou.com/
and entering the postcode LA23 1BA.

Directions to the Burnside Hotel can be found at the following website:http://www.burnsidehotel.com/

Can I ask that if you plan to attend please either RSVP on Jo's facebook page or email me at paul@lakelandpeopledevelopment.co.uk

Flowers only from family members please. Can I ask that instead of flowers you may consider making a donation to either St. John's Hospice (Lancaster) or to St. Mary's Church Windermere.

Please send any donations via the funeral directors, Edmondson Longmire Funeral Services, 3 Oak Street, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1BH, 015394 43427.

True to form Jo had a special request about her funeral service. let's make it as joyous a celebration of her life as possible. We will be adopting a tone to match this. As part of Jo's request please feel free to add a splash of colour to your clothing, and of course being Jo, if possible make that colour YELLOW. All this means is to add a little bit of colour, i.e. a tie, a handkerchief, a scarf etc. No need to be fully decked out in yellow. Of course, if you prefer to retain a more traditional approach we will totally respect your wishes. Jo's major regret was that she would not be there and would be denied the opportunity to give a speech. I'm sure Jo will be talking to us all on the day!

Already we are hearing that where friends cannot attend they are determined to be wearing something yellow on Monday as a tribute to Jo.

Yours

Other Half

An Ode to the English Plural

2011-05-01T15:46:00.003+01:00

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that, and there would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England. We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?
If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.

In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship...
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,
while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

And in closing, if Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop?

My aunt sent me this an email and it is particularly apt since teenager is knee deep in revising for GCSE's. Folks- a lot of people are asking why I am not posting. All is well and I am will catch up very soon. We are busy and in a good way pretty much. I am having bother with nerve pain in my right leg which is causing havoc with my foot. As a result of this I am having a procedure to help with the pain mid May. More about this next time I write. So dealing with this takes some dealing with every day including a daily long sleep. That takes up some time of course. I am good spirits and enjoying the sunshine. Be in touch soon. JoXXX

so what's going on?

2011-03-20T20:16:00.007Z

I know I have been quiet on news. This means I have been a busy Lakeland Jo. My life is never boring- good or bad, but never boring!

I had a couple of weeks of saintliness where I looked at clothes and bought nothing. The halo got broken at some point and a few new bits and pieces have appeared in the wardrobe ready for the elusive spring and summer weather.

If I can explain myself a little. I have always been overweight. Sometimes a bit, sometimes a lot. I always tried to look nice. I bought good quality, well fitting clothes and interesting jewellery and I think I looked very nice a lot of the time. But I was big, and I took little interest in clothes really. More interested in what fitted me and where I could get it.

But now, many stone lighter I have suddenly become rather obsessed with fashion and clothes. I am still losing weight slowly but surely- my appetite is small but no longer non existent. I graze and make an effort to eat regularly. I eat good stuff most of the time but not a great deal. I used to be very greedy; now I spend time when I can looking obsessively at what other people are wearing and making inner judgements about smart or interesting they look.

I had plenty of chances this weekend. While teenager went on rugby tour in Scotland, other half

and I went to stay with our lovely friend Martin in Newcastle, and we went to the St Patrick day race meeting at Newcastle race course. The fashions were out and about. I managed to find somewhere to sit down so I could watch the show. I was glued. In between ( some very successful) betting there was plenty to watch. Some very ill advised dresses, gallons of fake tan, tons of spidery false eye lashes and enough make- up to sink a ship. I was mesmerised. There were a lot of 'off the shoulder' outfits, some very short skirts, some very tight fitting suits on men with bright ties. We are country folk these days, and our eyes were on stalks.

I didn't see a horse in the flesh until the end of the meeting. It was a packed event. Badly organised, with queues every-where for everything. We arrived early and were lucky to get a seat. It was too cold to go outside but too crowded to stand on the balcony. We had a tv next to our table. I could see my winners on there!

Other half and I went to London this week to the Royal Marsden. They want me monitored closer to home now. I will be looked after by a local team. They can't make anymore interventions now, and they are keen not to keep trailing us down to London for no reason. It was hard to accept though knew it had to come. I love and trust my lovely surgeon Mr Barton. His work is done and he needs to move onto other worthy souls. It is hard parting with him!

However, I won't miss the long trips and having other half take two days out of office. I won't miss waiting in line for the clinic ( this time running late a spectacular two and a half hours!). It is very tiring and it makes sense now to keep it local.

I will, however, still go and stay with my dear friend Louise who has been such kind and splendid hostess to me and my family while we have been involved with the Marsden. She is not getting rid of us- that's for sure. And neither is London and all its delights. We will be back soon.

Anyway, I need to go. I have an Elle magazine to read: wall to wall fashion. And a round of applause please: this was my first post typed on my new Apple Mac pro. Lovely :)

The Pastor's business card

2011-03-14T21:40:00.002Z

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one
house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to
his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on
the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his
card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis
3:10..'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales
of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and
knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was
afraid for I was naked'

'A cheerful heart is good medicine' (Prov. 17:22)

sweet sixteen

2011-03-12T17:01:00.004Z

( bottom picture- Pete in South Africa with a new friend! He had an amazing time on his trip)

Regular readers will be know that I never get bored with a particular subject. My son ! He is my pride and joy and inspiration.

A year ago I was told I was going to die- probably within twelve months. I prayed that I would get to see my boy get to sixteen. It seemed unlikely at the time, but it was something I focussed on and wished for, and prayed for. I had an operation which at best has saved my life and at worst has bought me time. It's been a long journey later but I saw it through and.....teenager was sixteen this week. We ate cake, we ate chinese, we sat and celebrated as a family. It was wonderful. I hugged and hugged him and celebrated with such joy.I am so glad I got to see that day. Funnily enough it was a typical kind of day.... he had mock exams ( worst subjects of course) and exams the following day. It was a school week, the weather was awful, it was a week when we had to keep the celebrations low key. But all day I glowed. And now my next goal.

I want to see my mum's birthday ( June), and my own birthday ( 47 in October) . And dare I focus of teenager's seventeenth. It's already being prayed about. Please pray with me.

here are a few of my favourite things...............

2011-03-05T17:04:00.011Z

Coach

Pandora

Jo Malone

Today I went out with other half to my favourite shop Marks and Spencer ( now usually known as M and S). I love going for a coffee there and buzzing round the clothes; ranges change regularly and are very reasonably priced. Now I fit Per Una (a woman's clothes range) I am usually found in there these days. I don't always buy but I am always tempted!
Our local M and S in Kendal is not a large branch by any means. It is great for me though as it is easy to park there and there is not much walking involved (sometimes I can't walk too far if my leg is sore). It has everything I need. A coffee shop, a great food department and clothes to lust after.
It got me thinking about other things that I really love and that cheer me up, and things that are very hard to resist. I mean material things of course ( I am not including human beings in this post!!)

The pictures above are the clue.

Coach

First discovered many moons ago in Florida USA. I went into a shopping mall and it was love at first sight. Holiday spending money- vanished. Since then every time I go to the US I buy Coach bags and wallets. I just love their designs. Imagine my horror to discover it wasn't in the UK anywhere. It came to Harvey Nichols ( in London) as a concession a few years ago... then it vanished. The products were great but the prices were ludicrous. Now they are back again in Westfield Shopping Centre in London. This is great news. But I dearly hope that the prices aren't ridiculous. My lovely friend Bobbie brought me a FABULOUS Coach bag back from Seattle recently. It is amazing. I am very happy about it especially since I won't be back to the USA for a long time ( this is agony for me I love it so much). I can't get holiday insurance to go and I can't afford to get 'caught out'. If I got sick there and was un-insured- we would have a really bad problem on our hands.

Pandora

I have loved Pandora jewellery for so long I can't even remember where I first saw it! I think it may have been in our local jewellers. I liked it a long time before it became hugely popular. I got my mum a bracelet a few years ago and now we both collect the charms. My bracelet is now full. I need to start a new one! I also have several rings and ear-rings. I think the products are beautiful and I think it is really clever how they have diversified their ranges so quickly so they don't go out of fashion. It certainly hasn't with this customer.

Jo Malone

First smelt on my friend Helen, but introduced to me by my friend Karen ( again- she has wonderful taste), the first shop I went to was in Glasgow. I soon followed up with a visit to a branch in Bond Street ( or nearby) in London. I am not sure the first product I ever bought but since then I have become completely addicted. I love their candles, fragrances, soaps.... you name it. My favourite fragrances are :Lime Basil and Mandarin and Black Cafe Vetyver. I usually ask for Jo Malone for my birthday and Christmas. We don't have a local store so if I get the chance to visit one I usually stock up. Now also a firm favourite of my mum's!

The White Company
First introduced to me by my friend Karen in Scotland. I think it was the Edinburgh branch. I thought it was so fresh and clean. Fabulous bedding, towels and clothes. I was far too big for the clothes in those days. I used to just look. However, as time went buy and a few stone vanished off my frame, I started to dabble with a few clothes. Then I started replacing all our bedding ( teenager excepted- he has his own stuff he likes). Now I am a serial clothes shopper in the stores and my most recent purchase was a fabulous pale grey cashmere cardigan. It has dented my Christmas money, but it was worth any penny (yes- I actually have Christmas money left).

Other things I just love : Chanel make up, Mulberry bags, Jaguar cars, I phones and apple stuff, Monsoon ( now that if fits me- hurray).............. as you can see I love my luxury, but I think--- why not? Life is for living.

Tell me about your favourite things?

Happiness- two photos

2011-03-02T20:35:00.002Z

Teenager dancing in South Africa- he had a fabulous time. More pics to come!

The very latest picture of me today at a friend's birthday lunch. I hate that damned hair! One day I WILL be blonde again. At least I look very happy - which I am.

Perception- women friends chatting in the office

2011-03-01T18:30:00.003Z

Women Friends chatting in office.

Woman 1: I had a fine evening, how was yours?

Woman 2: it was a disaster. My husband came home, ate his dinner in three minutes and fell asleep in two minutes. How was yours?

Woman 1: Oh it was amazing! My husband came home and took me out to a romantic dinner. After dinner we walked for an hour. When we came home he lit the candles around the house and afterwards talked for an hour. It was like a fairy-tale!

At the same time, their husbands are talking at work.

Husband 1: How was your evening?

Husband 2: Great. I came home, dinner was on the table, I ate and fell asleep. It was great! What about you?

Husband 1: It was horrible. I came home, there's no dinner because they cut the electricity because I hadn't paid the bill; so I had to take my wife out to dinner which was so expensive that I didn't have money left for a cab. We had to walk home which took an hour; and when we got home remember there was no electricity so I had to light candles all over the house! After all, I was so aggravated that I couldn't fall asleep and my wife was jabbering away for another hour!

A mother's cunning

2011-02-27T18:12:00.000Z

Simple But Brilliant

Peter invited his mother for dinner and during the course of the meal she couldn't help but notice how lovely Peter's flat mate, Joanne, was.

She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Peter and his flat mate than met the eye.

Reading his mum's thoughts, Peter volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Joanne & I are just flat mates'.

About a week later, Joanne came to Peter saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the frying pan, you don't suppose she took it do you?

'Well I doubt it, but I'll e-mail her just to be sure' said Peter.

So he sat down and wrote

DEAR MOTHER,

I'M NOT SAYING THAT YOU 'DID' TAKE THE FRYING PAN FROM MY HOUSE. I'M NOT SAYING THAT YOU 'DID NOT' TAKE THE FRYING PAN BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT IT HAS BEEN MISSING EVER SINCE YOU WERE HERE FOR DINNER.

LOVE PETER

Several days later, Peter received an email from his mother which read

DEAR SON,

I'M NOT SAYING THAT YOU 'DO' SLEEP WITH JOANNE, AND I'M NOT SAYING THAT YOU 'DO NOT' SLEEP WITH JOANNE, BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT IF SHE WAS SLEEPING IN HER OWN BED, SHE WOULD HAVE FOUND THE FRYING PAN BY NOW.

LOVE MUM
________________________________________

a case of mistaken identity

2011-02-16T21:43:00.006Z

On Tuesday my mum and I went to a local get together. Chin wag and a cup of tea type of event. I haven't been seen out and about much so most people there haven't seen me for months, and certainly not since my operation in September 2010.

A lady remarked quietly to my mum that my sister looks very like me. My mum, puzzled, pointed out that I don't have a sister.

Are you all confused yet?

She thought I was my sister. I look so different. Lost so much weight. Short hair. Dark hair. Instead of longish blonde hair in a bob, and very chunky monkey.

People walk past me in the street and blank me in the bank.
It is very odd.

I HATE HAVING DARK HAIR. I have no problem with other people and their lovely brown or black hair. But........it doesn't work on me. I am blonde at identity level.

As soon as my hair is strong enough to get the foils out...........I will be blonde once again. But this time I will be a skinny minny. Let's here it for the new Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham shaped Jo ( well- perhaps not).

As Arnie once said: ' I'll be back'. I just can't wait.

Andre Rieu in London playing Sirtaki greek greece dance

2011-02-13T15:57:00.000Z

The Vampire

2011-02-11T23:02:00.005Z

I am not far becoming a real vampire. After a trip to the Royal Marsden last week for a check up (which went really well) it was discovered yet again that I was becoming seriously anaemic (again). The doctor waved his magic wand and on Wednesday I trudged off to our local (not- twenty five miles away ) hospital once again for a blood transfusion. I expected one unit, perhaps two. I was given three. It is a very long day. The process is not as simple as folk think- I used to think it was case of them identifying your type then whoosh... off we go. In fact, the blood sample you give is carefuly analysed. To check for fun stuff such as anti- bodies. This takes about two and a half hours, perhaps longer.

Anyway, the point is that I have been told not to stress about the need for tranfusions. I may need quite a few more this year. My body is not strong enough yet to keep my blood levels where they need to be. Resources are scare, and demands are many.

So, I have an idea. Rather than bother with hospitals,drips, waiting around.....I just thought I would start eyeing up a few juicy necks. If someone inadvertently tells me they have my blood type ( when I casually ask) I will duly sink my ever longer teeth into their neck for a quick top up.

If you are going to meet up with me I suggest you wear a scarf.

working away

2011-02-02T06:19:00.004Z

I have been over to Red Neck Mommy's blog and she has written a great post about parents who work away from home to make a living. I love the fact that she mentions that parents who are away miss the 'quick and dirty' of family life. It's a great way of explaining it. A couple we know are divorcing and they have four kids of different ages. The husband explained that what he misses is exactly that: ' the quick and dirty'. The mundane, the magic unexpected moments, the not magic difficult moments. The kids stay with him but they don't live with him. It is just different.
I am no stranger to this situation which is why it resonates so much with me. My mum and dad were never really away for me. I can't remember them being away other than once when my mum looked after my cousin. I remember being calmed and excited that I had dad and he was promising treats and a change of routine to distract me, but I felt an emptiness and distractedness. I just wasn't used to it. Full stop.
However, things have been different for the teenager. When we first got married I was a training consultant used to working away in hotels in different venues most of the week. Once I had the baby boy ( pretty much nine months after we got married- honeymoon baby) I knew my routine had to stop. However, I was the main earner at that time ( other half worked and also helped me with back up in the business) and we had a lot of bills to pay. We had given up our jobs to start a new life in the Lake District. Now we had a baby. Self employed and not maternity leave. I worked until the day before he was born ( he was early by two weeks) and I went back four weeks after he was born. It was hell. But needs must. First time I had to go away I cried for two and a half hours en route.
But we made it work. I only stayed away two nights a week. I got sleep. Heh Heh. Other half did all the nappies and night feeds when I was away and developed a bond with the little fellow which is stronger than steel. Two peas in a pod. Teenager worships his dad. I am sure it has so much to do with those early years. My mum and dad who lived in the North East at the time had us to stay lots when I was working with my main North East customer. They developed a strong and loving bond with teenager, they loved looking after him, and it left other half free to work. Then they sold up and moved over, and my problems dissolved. We now had a brilliant childminder, and mum and dad as back up. They had him a lot and he loved it. And I was calm.

For quite a few years this arrangement stayed in place. I would still travel but kept to my two night rule except in very exceptional circumstances. I had good back up when I did go and I am forever grateful for that. I was confident in his carers and I could concentrate on my work. I found it tiring to drive so far, but sometimes I got a lovely rest and some time out on my own. Was I guilty. Oh yes- as hell. I am over it now. I see we did a good job. But at the time it was so hard and other people's opinions weren't always helpful. A woman travelling away to earn a living when she had a child? Shocking. But needs must and life goes on.

In January 2007 I was diagnosed with cancer and went off sick for ten months. It was really tough. Other half had to move into position and run the business including front of house work. By then he worked full time for our business which was really well established. He trained hard to get qualifications and experience. He just got out there and did it. He developed a team to support our work. When I came back things were different and my own life was less pressurised but I went back to being away. By now though my spirit and body were weak. I was finding the pace tough. In March 2010 I was diagnosed with a re-occurance of the cancer. I immediately went off sick and have been off ever since. I nearly lost my life- and now at the grand old age of forty six I have retired. No more work or travelling for me. Enough is enough. The career girl has hung up her driving gloves.

As a result I am here at home all the time except when I go for hospital checks. I see teenager every day. I am here to sort him out. He is as needy now as when he was a little boy but differently. It's now to do with food and getting kit ready and encouraging him with the much loathed English ( Northanger Abbey at the moment). It's about being here and listening. I love it and see how precious it is. It is a real luxury. It makes up for early years and I still can steal lots of hugs.

And now- other half travels away. Sometimes too much. In fact recently I have given him a red card and asked him to have a few weeks just in the office and near home. I want him around for me, and for teenager. Last year proved how important it is to stay connected. You do what you do and sometimes it is hard. The key is to notice and manage the impact. It is odd as the roles have reversed and I am happy to be just a mum who sometimes goes out to coffee with other mums to chew over the latest gossip.

Great post Red Neck Mom, and I amazed to see how many folk are in the same boat.

eerie

2011-02-01T04:55:00.002Z

My next post was going to be about the trials and tribulations of getting to bed and how many jobs are associated with it. Just as I was going to start writing my mum told me that the lovely Busy Bee Suz had beaten me to it. So go and read up and see what you think- is your bedtime such hard work as ours.....I thought it was just me!!

Purple Lake by Evie Plumb

2011-01-30T07:28:00.000Z

It's the bladder post- you thought I forgot?

2011-01-28T22:38:00.008Z

This is a picture of a urostomy bag. Pre- September I had never heard of such a thing. Had never heard the term. Never thought that people could live a normal life without a bladder. Why would it occur to me? To any of us? When people take a while in a public loo I have been less than patient huffing and puffing and wondering why they are taking so long. It never occurred to me that they might be sorting out 'a bag'.

I was told I was going to be a 'urostomate' the day before my operation. I was given a leaflet and a booklet and some sample bags. I was in such a daze I couldn't really take it in. I was too busy trying to absorb a few other facts- a 50% chance of not waking up, having a stroke, waking up permenantly disabled and not able to walk again- these were the things in my prayers. A urostomy bag didn't seem to be such a big deal.

I was also told I may have to have a colostomy too- but in the end I didn't need this. I was having dreadful trouble with my bladder. I knew it had to go and I was pleased to let it go. It was killing me- plain and simple.

Urine never stops coming and there is a clever pro- cedure where the urine can be channelled into what is known as a stoma. It's a clever little thing on the right hand side of the tummy. I am now too sure about how they do it, but my surgeon was called Mr Christmas. How sweet is that? Anyway, the urine comes out and is caught in the bag. There is no off switch.... so changing the bag can be quite tricky. It takes a while and to start with I really despaired of ever being able to do it. I need to clean the stoma, use stoma paste to help with leaks, cavilon protection to protect my skin...... it's pretty fiddly. But I have slowly got used to it. Other half is brilliant and a great help, but between us we can cover it. If anyone out there ever needs one, or knows someone who might in the future, really it is fine. It doesn't stop you doing anything- I can swim even, but haven't yet.

At night I have a night rack where a bigger bag is attached to the smaller one. The little bag drains into the big bag to save you getting up to empty the bag when you are asleep. It is lovely on winter nights- I never have to get up into the cold air. Also, I never have the urge ' to go' anymore... I just need to remember to empty the bag regularly through the day.

If they asked me if I wanted my bladder back I would now say no. Really I find it just fine.

I ring for supplies whenever I need them to a lovely company in Scotland and they are delivered next day. They couldn't be more helpful and informative. It's a competitive industry so they have to maintain high standards. It's impressive.

Sometimes the bag starts leaking. I have to have spares at all times. It happened tonight when I went up to my friend's for a drink. I sorted myself out in a flash and I was so proud of myself. Only a few months I never thought I was master it- now I doing it all in the blink of an eye.

I hope this post will raise awareness and perhaps give someone confidence in the future. Like anything- it takes a while. If it isn't your cup of tea all this- your probably didn't get to the end of the post. No more medical ones now for a while I promise XX

The floor sweeper

2011-01-28T08:37:00.002Z

Not sure if it was my gran, or even mum who had one...... but somewhere in the mists of my youth I remember a floor sweeper. It was whisked out to sort crumbs out. I thought even then it was pretty cool. So much quieter than the vacuum cleaner ( I hate the noise to this day) and so much lighter.

Since there are men in the house, and particularly a teenager variety, we have a lot of crumbs.

So yesterday I went to Lakeland and bought- a floor sweeper. A simple plain no frills type. And today it gets its first outing. Just a quick rampage round the kitchen and lounge, and I we will see if this is the start of a love story. Anyone else out there a fan?

Simple pleasures

2011-01-26T21:36:00.008Z

I want you to think about stuff you enjoy doing every day or every week. Just simple things-nothing exciting. Things that aren't complicated or expensive, things that just give your life a bit of structure and perhaps routine. Stuff that you don't really notice- until it is suddenly taken away at a moment's notice- for months.

I haven't done an awful lot of that type of activity for months- since last March really but certainly hardly at all since September 29th ( operation day). Let me give you a few examples: going for coffee with the girls after school drop off in the morning; driving even short trips; little walks round the block and to my dad's grave ten minutes away; going to Church; going to the supermarket; talking strategy about business stuff with other half and crayoning on the big office whiteboard with chunky pens. Even making teenager's tea ( yes I am serious).

One day I could do it- and pretty much the next day I couldn't. And I am just getting back into it and it is a total joy. I don't take anything for granted these days. Having the strength to have a shower is wonderful. There was a point where I went to bed without a teeth clean- I just didn't have the strength. Now when the brush is flying I thank God that I can do it twice a day and easily. Putting a load of washing on- pride. Making any type of a meal. Success. Brewing a cuppa for a visitor- goal scored.

Today I was able to get up after a great continuous night's sleep. I was able to go with other half to school drop off. I then went to the supermarket to meet my friends for a coffee. We used to meet a few times a week. Today I was celebrating the first visit for months. And it felt great. What a tonic. What a strength those ladies are. I love them to bits. I don't think they read this blog- so I am not being a creep honest. It was just good to chat about the usual stuff - the kids, plans for half term, exams, possible social activities. Oh happiness. And when I got back I hopped on the sofa and slept- a tired but happy sleep.

Please think about all that routine stuff and enjoy it. Appreciate it. I never did really- til I lost it. And now I have a chance to enjoy it again- I am going to enjoy every drop.

Bearing gifts

2011-01-20T20:44:00.007Z

It is fun after Christmas to reflect on the gifts you receive. What your favourites are and what will end up in the Church raffle.

I loved my 'toy watch' black and white see above (mine has sparkly face), and my pandora ring from husband. I got lots of lovely bits and pieces. However, my best present was from my Jeannie. It was a very intuitive gift. She bought me a lovely notebook, a smart pen and a book called The Romancer ( on being a writer)... Wendy Robertson. I often been told to write a book. Lots of people think I should write about last year, but frankly I don't think anyone would want to read it, and I have no real desire to recount it. I didn't keep a diary, don't have a good memory for detail, and frankly would like to forget most of it. I would like to be an inspiration and I need to find a way of doing that, perhaps through the medium of a book. But detailing the pretty gruelling details of last year and treatment would probably send the majority of people fleeing to the hills. No- that won't be the subject.

I look at the notebook and know that one day soon I will be inspired. I won't start til the muse inspires me. I will keep reading the book though.

What was your favourite present?

(PS- I am doing ok - the last few days have been very positive. Progress is painfully slow but I will prevail. And I will stay positive and hopeful, and eat lots of sweeties. Heh Heh)

Light at the end of a tunnel...

2011-01-14T18:22:00.008Z

or is a a train?

Since my last post full of enthusiasm about resolutions, life has not been fun for Lakeland Jo or her family. I have been really poorly, ending up with an unplanned visit to the Royal Marsden. I won't bore you with all the details but the headline out of all it is that I STILL have a wound infection, and I was severely anaemic. Two units of blood and shed loads of tablets later I managed to not get admitted ( stayed with my wonderful friend Louise, and of course other half was with me) and escape after two days.

One piece of good news is that I had a CT scan and they were pleased with the results. It showed nothing sinister or worrying. This is the first scan since the operation so it was a headliner really. And it means I don't have to an MRI for now.... just clinic in February. So it's not bad really.

Today I have really started to feel better. Damned shame I have to start more antibiotics because it kills my appetite stone dead. It's not hearty now, but at least I can graze happily. I am losing weight quickly (this sounds like good news to me...) but apparently too quickly. So next week will a challenge. I need to keep munching or I start feeling really sleepy and weak.

I have much to look forward to if I can stay well and get fitter. A trip (cancelled at Xmas) to see the family. A visit to Cambridge while other half is on business. A leisure trip to London while teenager is in South Africa (yes- he is off again). It could be all go. I just need to make progress. And the Spring is coming.......

Thanks to mum for being a wonderful nurse, other half for his patience and comfort, and teenager for helping out without grizzling. I have been in bed for a couple of weeks and they have done everything. I really appreciate it. XXXX

Resolutions 2011

2010-12-31T17:38:00.004Z

When I was at school I learnt to play the clarinet. I played for six years. It got to the stage where the theory associated with the inevitable and interminable music exams got too damned difficult for this right brainer. It really put me off. I gave up.

And I haven't played again.

In fact other half doesn't really believe I play at all. This is partly because I haven't been seen with it for years. It is ( I think and I hope) locked in a filing cabinet in the garage. Go and get it? It is locked. Not sure where the key is. Looks like a new year lock breaker.

I am determined to find it and play it. If I can't find it ( and that would be awful) I will get another one. I am really excited about it.

I also want to start singing. My voice has never been brilliant. It has never been trained. It is ok- describable as a 'good choir voice'. So I hope to join a choir too. I want more music in my life.

At the moment I can't imagine ever feeling well enough to sing or blow into an instrument but I know it will come in time. And the thought of it makes me feel happy.

Happy New Year to all my bloggy pals,stalkers and occasional visitors. I hope 2011 is peaceful, healthy and prosperous for all of you

Over optimism, great expectations and differences

2010-12-27T21:20:00.014Z

Peter and Santa Peebles 2010

Much is written every year about how many of us have too high an expectation of the festive season. I think I fell foul of this a little this year- and I think I can definitely be forgiven.

As regular readers know, this was the Christmas I wasn't supposed to see. And if it had been left to the local oncology team I definitely would not have been a participant. Making it through, therefore, is an odd experience, and I suppose if you haven't been through it I think it would be hard to imagine quite how it feels. I suppose a reprieved prisoner on death row might get it... that's as close as I can think of. I have sometimes felt like a last minute guest: delighted and surprised to be invited to a party which I really wanted to be at, knowing that the invitation only arrived in the nick of time.

So, expectations? Other half, teenager, mum and I were booked into Peebles Hydro Hotel in Scotland for Christmas. Four nights. 23rd- 27th. It is a great place to spend Christmas. Lots to do for everyone- an easy place to relax. The trip became the family goal, the light in a dark world, something to be aimed for and get excited about. Something for me to work towards as I convalesce( ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE........?)

I suppose you know what's coming. All of you who have similar 'damn and hell' type of festive seasons. Can you hear bells ringing?

Thursday 16th December Midnight. I woke up with teeth chattering violently, followed by dramatic soaking sweats. Sky high temperatures. Not good. Down the drain goes the three day break to visit other half's family in the North East. I had a wound swab taken and a water sample. The surgery rang to say the latter looked dodgy so I had to go straight away onto MORE antibiotics. I duly did so, and immediately developed an intolerance to them. I will spare the details. Needless to say they had to be stopped.

I crawled on through the weekend temperatures roaring and appetite gone again. Boy- was I feel sorry for myself? I looked like hell. I felt like hell. I felt the pressure mounting. And I was so tired ......... all those last minute jobs were not being attempted. I had ground to a complete halt. In bed. Asleep. Again. No appetite and brimming with self pity.

Monday limped around and daktari was on the phone again. He had some good news ( really?). No urinary infection. Brilliant. So could it be flu then- it certainly felt like it? No- 'it is a wound infection' he announced cheerfully. Welcome to new and different antibiotics. I was relieved that at least I knew what the problem was, but daunted that we were just starting to tackle it on 20th December. I continue to sleep, sweat, shiver and grumble... and grumble.... and grumble.

23rd December lift off to Peebles. I felt like death warmed up. I felt like hell on wheels. I looked like something from ' Night of the Living dead'. Other half had done all the packing. I had pointed weakly from packing pile to case. But I was DETERMINED to get there. After all..... this was the big pay out. The reward for being a good patient. This was going to perfect? Er........

And we got there. Brilliantly navigated through the wintry weather by other half. We made it. But inwardly I fizzed. I raged. I didn't feel much better. And I was so convinced I deserved to be better. It was nearly a week, but still I limped on with boiling hot face, or shuddering freezing body. This was my holiday in Peebles. And I was ill again. I felt guilty to be an atmosphere hoover to the others, sorry for myself and as angry as hell that I was missing out. Great expectations. Dashed. I slept on. I ate very little. I sulked.

And then on Christmas morning, I felt a lot better. Was I starting to recover at last? We opened our presents, we had a lovely day. I saw Santa. But I didn't finish dinner, and was in bed by nine. I missed the music and the dancing. Small but slightly optimistic sulk.

Boxing day. I woke up full of life after a lovely long night's sleep AND NO TEMPERATURES. No flannel on the face, no fantasies about rolling in the snow naked, no more layering myself up with woolies and hot water bottles when the cold struck. And energy. After a week of absolutely none at all......I could feel it fizzing through my veins. A song in my heart, a zest, and a bit of appetite....

So I sprang ( well....) out of bed. Breakfast ( yes food- finally!). Festive flower arranging. Fab. Sugar craft mice ( picture tomorrow- very proud of). Brilliant. Quick rest. Bar. Dinner. Cabaret. Coming to life and ready to start the holiday. 27th December. Check out. Home. Bah wretched humbug. I was starting to get into the swing of it all. And like Cinderella......... home too early.

And to cap it all we came home to very heavy snow. Sigh. More snow.

So, what have I learnt from all this? To be honest that is still percolating. However, I do know for sure that I had a massively over- optimistic view of how well I would be by Christmas. I am still amazingly frail and susceptible to bugs and beasties. I am glad I have an cheerful and determined outlook but sometimes it can trip me up and give me false perspectives. This can lead to disappointment. I don't ever want to become someone who always expects difficulty ( self fulfilling prophecy) but sometimes I need to be better at just accepting and enjoying things the way they are. I need to get better at letting go of frustration and irritation, and be more accepting and cheerful of the situation as it is. I have given the Grinch a run for his money this year- unattractive behaviour and not fun to be around. Understandable and forgivable, but toxic all the same.

To finish on high note. One thing I haven't had to worry about this festive system is overindulgence. For once, no post festive remorse and diet plans for me. A blessed change. I have lost lots more weight.I am getting to be quite the sylph. My liver is healthy and smiling as I haven't been drinking. I will enjoy looking at the sale clothes- for once I can shop anywhere.

The other thing I realise, having had a nasty blip, is how far I have come since 29th September... how much more independent and sprightly I am now compared to those first dark days. Much stronger, much more resilient, and hopefully wiser.

I hope your festivities went well. I hope the bugs and beasties, bad weather and lack of parcel deliveries didn't spoil your fun.

I will continue to get well again......I need to get a spring in my step for New Year's Eve.

Christmas drinks 2010

2010-12-13T18:22:00.006Z

Wonderful friends

Wonderful husband

Last night some lovely friends of ours invited us to Christmas drinks at their beautiful hotel the Linthwaite House Hotel ( staying in the Lakes? stay here. Fab views, fab decor and fab food). I had a very weary sleepy day yesterday and didn't think I would make it ... but I was so determined that I got dressed and thought 'I'll give it my best shot'. I am so pleased I did. I had a wonderful time.

Once I walked into the hallway I started to perk up. Such lovely decorations. Such lovely smells. Such a lovely welcome. Before long I was sitting with a bacardi and coke, with energy rising by the moment.

When our friends invited us to join them for supper at a local bistro we decided to go along. And again- had a great time. It all felt very festive. And as these folk all have boys in teenager's class we never run out of things to talk about. The boys are all very good friends and through them the parents have become very good friends too. I love it. For the record I had a very nice seafood and spinach pancake and salad.

Thanks so much to Gail and Simon, Wendy and Tony and Lilla for a very happy evening. Thanks to Wendy for the photographs.

I savour every moment of a nice time these days- not one drop passes by without me relishing it. I would never wish serious illness on anyone but it certainly does make you stop and appreciate the good things in life- especially lovely friends and a wonderful family.

Life savers

2010-12-11T21:54:00.004Z

Teacher was teaching about taste using Lifesavers sweeties.

The children began to identify the flavours’ by their colour:
Red......................Cherry
Yellow...................Lemon
Green....................Lime
Orange ............... Orange

Finally the teacher gave them all HONEY lifesavers. None
of the children could identify the taste.

The teacher said, 'I will give you all a clue. It's what your
mother may sometimes call your father.'

One little girl looked up in horror, spit her lifesaver out and yelled,
'Oh my God! They're ass-holes!

The teacher had to leave the room.

Wellingtons ( thanks to my aunt for this one XX)

2010-12-06T17:05:00.000Z

(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!)

Did you hear about the Pre-School teacher who was helping one of the children put on his wellie boot's?

He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little wellies still didn't
want to go on. By the time they got the second wellie on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, "Miss, they're on the wrong feet."
She looked, and sure enough, they were.
It wasn't any easier pulling the wellies off than it was putting them on.
She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the wellies back on, this time on the right feet..
He then announced, "These aren't my wellies."
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to.
Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting wellies off his little feet..No sooner had they got the wellies off when he said, "They're my brother's wellies, my mum made me wear them.’
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry.
But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the wellies on his feet again.Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your gloves?"
He said, "I stuffed 'them in the toes of my Wellie's".

She will be eligible for parole in three years!

No waiting!

2010-12-05T16:14:00.004Z

Last year mum and I made these penguins at Peebles hydro hotel where we spent Christmas 2009. We had such a happy family Christmas. I never dreamt I would have such a traumatic and turbulent year in 2010. I didn't realise that 2009 could have been my last Christmas. We never know what is round the corner- good or bad. Just as well I reckon! We booked last year for this year- Christmas 2010. At times we thought we would have to cancel the trip but we didn't. And now, against all odds we will go again as a family AND I AM SO EXCITED. I have never taken my wonderful family for granted. Since I lost my dad in 2001 I learnt that nothing lasts forever. But this year I love them more than ever and value them more than ever. Not only have they all put in a tough emotional and physical shift on my behalf, they are without doubt the focus and priority in my life.

Through the grace of God and a million prayers from all over the world I will see this Christmas after all. I felt odd about Christmas for years after dad died- I found it so hard to feel happy without him there. But someone pointed out to me: would you like teenager to feel the same way about Christmas if you died? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I want him to celebrate my life when I die and feel happy and grateful at Christmas, valuing friends and family and having a great time. My dad loved Christmas and I have now promised myself that I will throw myself into this time of year whole heartedly as long as I am here to do so. I am sorry that I was sometimes down and miserable and negative about it. Never again. He is happy and at peace now ( and if heaven is all about doing what we loved to do - he will be at the Ashes at the moment with other half's dad!!!)

A friend suggested we have a low key budget Christmas this year. I told her she must do what she feels is right for her BUT FOR ME NOT A DAMNED CHANCE. I am going all out to have a ball. No budgets, no economies, no quiet and no low key for this girl. I feel like Scrooge after the three spirits- it's all out.

Much as changed for me since last Christmas. I am now vegetarian on doc's orders ( though I can eat fish thankfully). I now comb M@S shelves for veggie ideas. Also, I now longer have a bladder!! Now that's a bit different eh? I am now known as a urostomate which means I wear a urostomy bag to catch urine. Its a big transition and I really knew nothing about it pre my operation. But every cloud has a silver lining. I don't have to get up to the loo in the winter nights, I never have the urge to go to the loo at an inconvenient moment, and I have a ' NO WAITING' card. This explains to long queues of people that I should have immediate access to the toilet in the event of needing to get in there ( in case the bag needs replacing or emptying - then it is damned urgent let me tell you!), they should step aside graciously. I have only used it once thus far ( today in fact) and everyone was really lovely. I was nervous but there was no problem. I thought - I guess there has to be some compensations. And having no bladder means it can't cause me anymore bother, pain and nuisance. And that suits me just fine.

Enjoy your preparations and take a moment to think. If you knew this Christmas was indeed your last, would you view in differently?

Tales of the Royal Marsden and the road to recovery part three

2010-11-29T10:59:00.000Z

Before I say anything else in this post I must announce that we have had the first snow of this winter season. I opened the blinds and there was Narnia. All white and freezing cold. And since then we have had a few more snow showers just to keep levels up (but not enough to shut the schools or close the main roads) and we are waiting (according to the forecast) for more arctic blasts. Some parts of the UK have been affected really badly and it's not even December yet. It doesn't take much here for chaos to reign. The joy of rural living.

I went down to the Royal Marsden a few days ago. The first visit post op. I was supposed to go a few weeks ago but was so pole-axed with anaemia I had to wait til my blood was topped up. It went well. The surgeon is pleased with my progress. I need a lot of physio and time before my leg will be ok to drive. A few nerves muscles and blood vessels went the journey during the operation and there is no saying yet what damage will be temporary, and what permanent. They think there maybe cancer cells still around ( likely because of the scale and complexity of the op) but nothing that can be seen by the naked eye or a scanner. Pretty amazing- a miracle really. Any of you who have had dealings with cancer know there are no promises. Living with uncertainty is something of a skill that has to be learnt.

So three options: chemo ( but we have established it doesn't seem to work for me; radiotherapy-but they would need to target carefully and there is nothing to target or measure; or leave me alone to heal and get strong. Their decision is the latter. Thank God!!

So onwards and upwards. I need to go for a baseline scan on 18th December and all progress will be measured from that. Nerve -wracking but then scans and results loops are and I should be used to it by now! I was hoping to avoid any more London trips until after Christmas but the consultant seemed pretty set on the idea. He also suggested that I stuck to veggie food from now on ( easier on the bowel which has been rather chopped around I think) which suits me fine as I can't bear the thought of meat at all. I can have plenty of fish though.

And one more thing.... he is pleased that I have lost weight but would like me to lose more. I have lost two stone post op, and could do with a couple more off. Mind you- I would be fine with two more gone. It's all on my tummy!! Classic apple shape.

So nice veggie recipes please?

Rules for being human

2010-11-27T19:08:00.002Z

The Rules for being Human

When you were born, you didn't come with an owner's manual; these guidelines make life work better.

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's the only thing you are sure to keep for the rest of your life.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "Life on Planet Earth". Every person or incident is the Universal Teacher.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of experimentation. "Failures" are as much a part of the process as "success."

4. A lesson is repeated until learned. It is presented to you in various forms until you learn it -- then you can go on to the next lesson.

5. If you don't learn easy lessons, they get harder. External problems are a precise reflection of your internal state. When you clear inner obstructions, your outside world changes. Pain is how the universe gets your attention.

6. You will know you've learned a lesson when your actions change. Wisdom is practice. A little of something is better than a lot of nothing.

7. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" becomes a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that again looks better than "here."

8. Others are only mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another unless it reflects something you love or hate in yourself.

9. Your life is up to you. Life provides the canvas; you do the painting. Take charge of your life -- or someone else will.

10. You always get what you want. Your subconscious rightfully determines what energies, experiences, and people you attract -- therefore, the only foolproof way to know what you want is to see what you have. There are no victims, only students.

11. There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences. Moralizing doesn't help. Judgments only hold the patterns in place. Just do your best.

12. Your answers lie inside you. Children need guidance from others; as we mature, we trust our hearts, where the Laws of Spirit are written. You know more than you have heard or read or been told. All you need to do is to look, listen, and trust.

13. You will forget all this.

14. You can remember any time you wish.

(From the book "If Life is a Game, These are the Rules" by Cherie Carter-Scott)

The mountain goat

2010-11-25T19:07:00.001Z

http://www.odditycentral.com/videos/the-tree-goats-of-morocco.html

After a tough few years and recent months of defying all odds, I often describe myself as a tough old mountain goat.

I love this link. Hope you can pick it up ok.

Paraprosdokian anyone?

2010-11-20T20:48:00.001Z

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.

Ø I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Ø I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

Ø Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

Ø Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Ø If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

Ø We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

Ø War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.

Ø Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

Ø A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. My desk is a work station.

Ø How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Ø Dolphins are so smart, that within a few weeks of captivity they can train people to stand on the edge of the pool and throw them fish.

Ø I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a paycheck.

Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.

Ø Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "In case of an emergency, notify - - -", I put "DOCTOR."

Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?.

Ø Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

Ø Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Ø You do not need a parachute to sky dive. You only need a parachute to sky dive,,,, twice.

Ø The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

Ø Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

Ø I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.

Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others, whenever they go.

Ø There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.

Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.

Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as opposed to when you are in it.

Ø If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?

Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Ø When something works just fine,, DON'T fix it !!!

Ø Insanity is contagious, you get it from your children.

Ø Hire a teenager,, while they still know everything.

Number five by Lynette is my favourite!

2010-11-20T09:33:00.001Z

1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY? (written by kids)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is.......

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

oops I did it again

2010-11-10T21:32:00.001Z

There is a new post under the previous one about the charity fund raise- I forgot to change the dates on the new one which I had in drafts. One day I will learn..............

Louise Shepherd is fundraising for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

2010-11-06T16:42:00.000Z

Louise Shepherd is fundraising for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Please have a look at this page folks. My very dear and oldest friend Louise is walking for the Royal Marsden Hospital and we are trying to raise a £1000. We started with a target of £300 and smashed it. And now we are being ambitious. My friend Bobbie is walking with Louise for company too. We are going to go down to watch and cheer them on. Even a couple of quid/dollars will help. Thanks XXX

Tales of the Royal Marsden and the road to recovery part two

2010-10-26T08:28:00.006+01:00

I have pinched this great picture from my good pal and fellow Geordie Clippy Mat. Check out her most recent post about emigrating to Canada many moons ago. It reminds me ( and lots of others) of our own story, and we were just moving 120 miles to the lake district. It is worth a look. Oh and by the way, for those of you not in the UK, a Geordie is a person who ( and there is much debate about this) was born in Newcastle or not far from the river Tyne. Look at google for the definitions. I was born less than a mile from the river Tyne ( North side) at North Shields ( near the Tyne mouth) and I constitute the real thing for sure. Pride Pride.

I confess I have been neglectful of my blog and I will do better in the next few days. I have a few mitigating circumstances. My blood level ( HB level) got so low I had to go to hospital overnight for a blood transfusion. Since then I have been a different woman. My energy is so much better. Before I felt like a dishrag- no motivation and asleep most of the day. Now I am buzzing and have a bit of colour ( rather than being as white as a ghost - white lips to match the skin tone).

Inspired and full of beans I got up on Sunday to do a long blog post but our internet had crashed. We had to wait for a powerpack which came yesterday. Wi- fi back on now and normal service is resumed again.

I try to do a few little jobs every day. This has involved all sorts of stuff such as thank you cards and replies to emails, cheery little texts in reply to all those I got in hospital, ordering bedding, starting on line Christmas shopping, sorting out teenager's incredibly busy diary, sorting out a new bathroom ( walk in shower etc), ordering a radar key for access to disabled toilets which are locked, getting a sweep organised ( pre -real fire season), getting a decorator to quote, ordering some grab rails for the front door ( I am no good with steps and won't be for a while). And the best bit-I am strong enough for visitors now and I am catching up with my wonderful friends. IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE THEM AND THEY ARE THE BEST MEDICINE. I am sure you love your friends folks and I am sure they are lovely, BUT MINE ARE THE BEST EVER!!!!!

I haven't watched much TV. I don't have a tv in my bedroom ( and have no desire to have one) and have enjoyed just sitting on the bed reading mags or facebooking. However, I have struggled through to the lounge for Downton Abbey ( fabulous), X factor, recorded cookery programmes watched with my mum ( we like the Barefoot Contessa), and the football ( of course). I sleep a lot too still but not nearly as much.

I have been out shopping at Marks and Spencer - it was wonderful. I have been out for two lunches too. We don't stay out for long but every minute is such a treat. Slowly but surely, I am gathering my strength.

And of course, I haven't forgotten about the 'no bladder' post!! Coming soon at a Lakeland Jo blog near you.............

Home. part one of my adventures at the Royal Marsden

2010-10-19T08:11:00.011+01:00

Isn't this a great shot of Derwentwater? I love the lighting

I am finally home. Arrived back from hospital on Sunday night after one of those 'will I ever get out of here?' difficult mornings. I was in there for eighteen nights.It was a five hour journey and mercifully it went pretty well. I slept for most of it.

It sounds like a long time but it went pretty fast. I remember very little of the first week particularly, I was in ICU for most of that. All I can remember of that part really is hallucinations, and Pete visiting and having to wear a pale pink apron which caused some smiles amongst the family. ICU ( intensive care unit) is like Star Wars. Just a lot of screens and machines and wires. It is very alien and odd. The care is one to one 24 hours, and so specialised. Like being a new baby again.
One morning two teams of doctors came in at the same time. I was drifting in and out of the scenario, but i remember it well because there were so many of them, and all I could see were peering faces. I felt like 'exhibit a'. Two of the more senior doctors were having a disagreement about something. I forget what now. Lots of people were loading notes in laptops. Most of the doctors didn't look much older than teenager to me. All peering at my wounds and discussing them.
I was lucky regarding the aforementioned hallucinations. They were very weird but I wasn't frightened by them which I think can happen to some people. Caused by all the different medicines and drugs, they sure do alter the mind. I told my mum (who was with me during the ICU period bless her heart- just sitting patiently with me) that the nurses bay outside was a toy shop, a book shop and then a chocolate shop. I then decided it was a library. I could see a lot of space type figures wandering around (especially stormtroopers), and I also decided that we are all really IPODs and all we need to get better at things is to be upgraded regularly ( i.e. - if you want to be a tennis pro, get an upgrade. Learn Italian? Get an upgrade etc). It would be good if life was as easy eh?
It must have been hard for the family to make sense of me making sense of my world in there. Other than the strange visions, I also used to use the wrong words to describe what I wanted, and would regularly fall asleep mid sentence, totally denying that we were on the subject when I woke up again.
The operation I had was huge. I can't really say exactly what it was because the title is a paragraph long full of latin phrases. I did ask for a short version and was told the nearest is ' a total right side pelvic re-section'. I think that will do. It sounds general and large scale enough. Lots of people do ask about it and its good to have a simple short reply- not that it really explains a lot. Lots of slicing, strimming, removing, and painstaking work. Oh yes- and I now have no bladder. This will be a different post altogether ( I bet you just can't wait). The tumour has completely gone. That was the complex bit- so near the sciatic nerve and 'involved with' so many different parts of the area, it is a miracle they got it.
Those of you with a less medical disposition can avoid the 'no bladder' post but I want to be honest and open about it all in the hope it may help someone else in my position. Anything that supports someone else is worth writing about. If it raises awareness and helps us all know and appreciate what others are dealing with, or could be, then it's worth writing about it. As regards the bladder I wasn't sorry to see the back of it. I had done me great service but latterly it was causing me some really big problems. It had to go and I have accepted it. Now I have something caused a urostomy bag. Another post that one. I was told I may end up with a colostomy bag but didn't in the end: that was very fortunate. I was pleased when I woke up and found out.
So now I am waiting for the district nurse. The post surgery/ wound dressing circuit that I am sure a few of you maybe familiar with. This afternoon the stoma (urostomy support) nurse is coming to see other half and I. That will be good. We would like some help- it is a lot to take in and learn.
And I will relax like I did yesterday. Spend time with my beloved mum ( she is bringing me a latte in from Costas!), hang out with teenager who is on half term, read blogs and play on facebook. And most of all enjoy looking out of the window at the autumn colours, appreciating that I am alive and feeling better every day. Thanking God.

Life in the Royal Marsden

2010-10-13T16:08:00.000+01:00

Thank you first of all for your kind comments in response to other half. It is so appreciated. And I know all the positivity and prayer on the day of the op were essential to it's success. I would like to do a lovely long post but because it's being done on the iphone, that makes it a bit tricky. Suffice to say the plan is for me to leave for home on Sunday. So next week expects some long sagas.
In brief, it's been a roller coaster and the week post off was the longest of my life. A real physical slog with lots to come to terms with. But above it all has been the feeling- I made it, and the operation was a success. Wonderful. Everyday my progress improves. I am sleeping again after last night, I am starting to eat again, and my stitches and staples are all gone. I haven't had time to be even remotely bored, and celebrated my 46th birthday in hospital yesterday with a glass of fizz.

The Operation...

2010-09-29T22:51:00.002+01:00

Its finished!

At 9:45pm the surgeons called and told me that the operation was finsihed. The surgeons were happy that they had been successful and believe that they have been able to remove all the tumour. Plenty of tissue samples have been taken and sent for analysis to confirm everything has been taken out. This is a result beyond our wildest dreams. Jo did extremely well during the op, I'm sure proud of her!

In all the operation took about 13 hours and Jo will be recovering for a long time. Knowing Jo as I do I urge you all to keep an eye out for new posts from Jo by Saturday or Sunday.

Finally, as a person who is known to you all as 'other half' can I express my sincerest thanks to all of you for the constant support you have given Jo. As a community you are all important to Jo and I know Jo draws a huge amount of strength from you all. Jo and I talk a lot about all of you and the connection Jo has with you is hugely significant to her. You are her 'public' and extremely important to her and therefore important to me - please keep the connection and the support going.

Other Half

The Operation

2010-09-29T20:01:00.002+01:00

An update on Jo's operation.

As of 5:45pm this evening the operation going very well with no complications. The surgeons have removed lots of tissue and lymph nodes for anlysis and all samples have come back negative, indicating no spread of the disease. A good result!

Jo is stable and her condition is good.

The team of surgeons have been working slowly and steadily in the pelvic wall area remving the tumour millimetre by millimetre. This is the area with the greatest risk, lots of blood vessels and nerves. So far so good.

The surgeon I spoke to said they expect to be working for atleast another 5 hours, so expect to see another post later.

Can I ask everyone to maintain their strong positive focus for Jo throughout the night. Your thoughts and prayers will all be received by Jo and your strength and energy will be used by Jo in her quest to overcome this.

Teenager, mum and other half are doing well, just having a quite day.

I will post again later with more news.

Jo's Other Half

Where to start?

2010-09-27T08:51:00.004+01:00

Where to start? Last time I posted I was under the weather with an infection. A lot of rapidly moving water has been under the bridge since. My lovely friend Bobbie turned up for a visit ( from the US) but after one day of her arrival it was clear that I was skating on thin ice as regards a possible hospital admission. Since I was due in hospital in London for more tests and scans the following week my GP suggested that a local hospital admission would 'put a spanner in the works'. Too stressful to contemplate. So I left my friend holding the fort with mum and teen,and other half and I came to London. This meant if I needed admission I could go straight to the Royal Marsden. Luckily I avoided admission and the tests and consultations proceeded as planned.
Bobbie, abandoned by me in the North, had a lovely time with teenager (her Godson) and my mum. Luckily she has since followed me down to London so I get to see her after all!
On Thursday I finally got the decision about the operation. It would take an age to explain why but the answer was No. Total devastation. I have never felt so wretched and low. However, remarkably and through the power of prayer and patience, on Friday the decision was reversed. Joy.Sheer joy.
On Wednesday the operation will go ahead. It will take 12-14 hours. It is very risky. They may not get all the cancer out. I will have quite a bit removed partially or totally. I will be in hospital a long time. Recovery will be slow. There are absolutely no promises. But I have been given a chance. That is all I have ever wanted. A chance. To see my boy get to eighteen. That is what I am focussed on. If I don't make it at least we gave it a go. Took the bull by the horns. I gave it my best shot. I have looked the cancer in the eye without fear. I will take my chances. I am at peace knowing I have done everything I can. Now I trust in God and what will be, will be.
Pray for me on Wednesday.

The good news and the bad news

2010-09-14T09:28:00.004+01:00

Take one look at the picture. It gives it all away. On Saturday I came down with an infection. It could be one of many things but I have spent the week so far either shaking with cold, fainting with heat, fast asleep or taking some tablet or another. It is now official I rattle when I walk. Mum as ever has been completely steadfast. Sitting with me, bringing me coffees from Costas ( my passion is going out for a coffee often with mum, so she has collecting one for us instead), trying to improve my increasingly grizzly mood. Other half has been insisting that I eat ( it is not a good sign when I don't fancy eating- I am such a bon viveur), bringing me a continuous supply of ribena ( which I crave) and generally calming me down.
I need to make progress. I need to get better for London next week. I get my decision a week on Thursday. Will they or won't they operate? I will find out on that Thursday. So it is tough at the moment- no point dressing it up.
But I am so blessed to have a lovely family to support me, and friends who shower me with cakes and flowers and cheery texts.
And the good news- my pride and joy passed his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, and continues to be my inspiration and strength.

It's been a while.............

2010-09-10T21:31:00.007+01:00

A year ago teenager did his practise Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. A year later it is finally the real thing. And much has happened since then.

Thanks for all the good wishes while I was in hospital recently. It has been a whirlwind. I ended up in hospital for two weeks including a transfer my ambulance from Barrow to London. 300 miles, and actually it wasn't as bad as I thought. I was looked after very well by two lovely ambulancemen: Trevor and Alan.

I had two operations under general anaesthetic within a week. One to find out the source of the bleeding, and one which was a scheduled exploratory at the Royal Marsden as part of the ongoing tests to see if I can have what I now call ' the big op'.

While in London I also had a PET scan which is the final piece of the jigsaw. I haven't had the results yet. I get these on 23rd September, the day I find out whether the hospital is in a position to do the 'big op'. It is stressful waiting but it seems to be the way it is... forever waiting for some test or result. The life of a cancer patient.

When I got out of hospital in London, and waited for the scan., I stayed with my lovely friend L who has been my dearest pal since we were at school. We met when we were eleven- quite a few years ago............ As comfortable as a pair of slippers our relationship. As soon as enter her home I feel relaxed and comfortable, and she is a lovely hostess. Perfect for relaxation and recuperation. Aren't I so blessed to have such a dear friend in London so near the hospital? It is such a relief.

And now I am home. Three weeks later I am back. It is lovely to be home with my boys and my mum, and in such a lovely inspirational place. I plan to rest and build my strength for the next part of the adventure.

The long stay

2010-08-26T06:09:00.000+01:00

I am posting from my iPhone! So this won't be a long post. Just to say I have been in hospital since last Thursday! I won't go into the gory details here. Suffice to say there is unstoppable ( at the moment!) bleeding going on. So I am having lots of care and transfusions, and staying in Cumbria until next Tuesday. I will then be taken to London in an ambulance on Tuesday! That's 200 miles folks! From next week the Royal Marsden will look after me. I am being well looked after and will blog when I can. Xx

The second opinion

2010-08-18T17:25:00.003+01:00

Since my local hospital had told me that my tumour was inoperable and incurable I came to the decision that I needed a second opinion. It may sound odd, but I did not come to this conclusion quickly or easily. I suppose I have been in shock.

My GP suggested I go the Royal Marsden, a cancer hospital in London with a wonderful reputation. It is a long way to go, but worth every mile.

I have been three times now, and every time I have been impressed. They are friendly, efficient and knowledgable. It is such a relief.

Yesterday they told me that they DO consider me to be a candidate for surgery. I need to have another detailed scan, and more exploratory tests so it is not definite yet. However, if these further diagnostics go well I will be operated on mid September. A major operation. Complicated and challenging, but I feel so blessed to be even given the chance.

I am pretty shellshocked by the news. So is my family. I want to get excited but don't want to get my expectations up too high until I have had the tests which happen at the end of this month.

My advice to anyone out there who isn't happy with a first opinion on a medical matter, take all your courage in your hands and ask for another opinion. Another pair of eyes. I am so glad I did.

The trip to God's own country

2010-08-15T17:18:00.004+01:00

We have been to the North East of England for a few days. We were staying with other half's family. We had a lovely time. The weather was pretty moody, but on Thursday it was pretty good so we went to the beach. This is Tynemouth beach and it is very near where I grew up in Tynemouth village.

We went paddling and here is a picture of teenager with his cousin.

We also went to see NUFC ( Newcastle united) at a training session. It was a free event and thousands turned up.

Teenager got his very first season ticket. This means he can go to every home match. He has been over to Newcastle on the train with his friend, so he is hoping to go to lots of matches.

There was a first team player signing session and teenager got lots of autographs and photos, including this one with new signing Sol Campbell.

I love living in the Lake District and can't imagine every moving from such a beautiful place. I am always so happy to be back and inspired every day by the beauty and peace. But Newcastle will always be home.

Two great books

2010-08-08T22:09:00.003+01:00

My good friend Ann has lent me these books. I have read them both. They are excellent and I found them inspirational. The sort of books you can't put down. Has anyone read them? Let me know your thoughts if you have.

Since I stopped working I have started to read voraciously again. I am really enjoying it. I would love to hear about any books that you have enjoyed and would recommend.

Regrets.... I have a few....

2010-08-01T20:46:00.008+01:00

There is nothing more sobering than sorting out pension paperwork and realising you probably won't be around to take advantage of all that saving up and sensible planning. It makes me think- so what is all about? Life.

As you can see I am in philosophical mood today.

We have been burning old financial paperwork and filing important stuff away. I found a large box of photos and started sorting them out and labelling them.

There are some wonderful ones and I can wait to start scanning so I can start posting a few.

Everything from me at sixteen, college shots, shots of our engagement and teenager as a teeny boy. Holidays, parties, nativity plays and weddings. Where does the time go?

All over in what seems like the blink of an eye. And so much change right in front of my eyes: people who have moved away, people who have died, people who we don't see anymore, people I can hardly remember, people who have divorced, people who have re-married. Fascinating.

And all those different haircuts, and fashions... and remembering how I felt and what I was doing at each stage of my life. What was important, what motivated me, hopes and fears. Memories captured on paper, bringing back lots of different emotions.

It makes me realise what a great life I have had. I have made mistakes and have taken wrong turns, but perhaps these things have made me what I am today. Perhaps they were all part of learning lessons.

The bad things seem miniscule and irrelevant to me now. They are firmly in perspective now. In fact, my main regret is that I worried as much as I did.

Jo update

2010-07-29T19:41:00.005+01:00

Teenager in Chicago- summer 2010

Teenager had a wonderful time in Chicago. Here he is at a Chicago Cubs match at Wrigley Field. How lucky is that! I am glad he had a lovely time. Chicago is such a fab place. Thanks again to my very good pal Expat Mum and family.

I have been for a second opinion consultation with the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. It was impressive. Organised and friendly. I felt happy to be there. I told them I had been very poorly after my last lot of chemo and that I wanted a break. They agreed that since it does not appear to be working, I should have a break. They advocate listening to your own body and instincts. Refreshing and hurray. They want to try a different regime further down the line, but not now. What a relief. Chemo is ok if you know it is making a difference. I feel instinctively that this is making no difference at all other than making me ill and down hearted.

Royal Marsden continue to consider options to get me the best possible outcome. To help this I go for a scan next week down in London. I am going to stay with my friend Louise. We were at school together and London flatmates in earlier days. It will be like old times. It will be great fun to be girls together again- shopping and eating I hope... and going to the cinema.

So we are focussing on symptom control and having a happy and fun time at the moment. Especially during August when teenager is off school and on holiday. Not only do I need a holiday- the family do too. Having some normality will be good for all of us.

Meanwhile, three friends of mine are in hospital at the moment. What's going on? Wherever I look someone seems to be struggling.

I am so glad I have my faith. I don't know what I would do without it. I went to a worship session at the Keswick Convention last week. It was uplifting and comforting. When nothing else seems to soothe me my faith brings me peace. Be still, and know that I am God.

Reality time

2010-07-16T10:59:00.004+01:00

( Picture taken by my fab photographer sister in law Karen at Christmas 2009- they are both much taller now!) Teenager and his cousin.

I like to post pictures of teenager when I am in need of focus and inspiration. And it has been one of those weeks where I have needed a large dollop of both. Post chemo wasn't much fun for a couple of days. I will spare you the details ( too much information!) but the positive thing is that I feel a lot better and brighter today. Back to fiesty self just about. Sleep is a blessing and I have spent most of my time asleep. I feel like I have come out of hibernation. The weather has been helpful- wet and grey- I haven't felt like I have missed a thing on that front.

And I have had my mum here to look after me. It has been a real comfort. She has been my inspirer and chief caterer in charge (the whims of the chemo patient are pretty astonishing).

And... my letter arrived today from the Royal Marsden Hospital. My appointment is next Friday in their Chelsea hospital. It is a reality now. Trains to organise, accommodation, logistics and diary changes. It starts now. Already, we have time clashes all over the place- this is when keeping focussed on the priority is helpful. And this is it- the priority. So all systems go to make it happen.

Teenager's holiday continues to go brilliantly with lots of exciting treats including water trampolining in Indiana. He leaves Chicago on Monday, and back to mum and dad, jet lagged no doubt on Tuesday. I can't wait to see him. It has been a joy hearing what a great time he is having.

where has she been?

2010-07-13T20:59:00.006+01:00

Picture taken in San Juan islands near Seattle on last year's holiday.

I am afraid that google/ blogger decided to lock me out of my blog for a while. It kept saying that my password or user name was wrong. Eventually I tried the 'forgotten password' route and it has worked. Very odd. Anything like that ever happened to anyone else?

Anyway, quite a bit has been happening at this end. I spent a few days last week in Newcastle ( upon Tyne) seeing other half's family. It was a lovely trip. A couple of nights with my mum in law, and then a couple of nights with our friend Martin who has a flat in the city. Other half was working so I had a chance to hit the city centre for a few hours alone. I had a lovely time. Lunch in Yo Sushi, a chocolate shot at a chocolate fountain at Thornton's, coffee in a fab coffee shop called Central Bean, visited a new part of the Eldon Square shopping centre... bought books and clothes. Found out that Jo Malone is coming to Fenwicks, and that White Company is already there. Heaven.

Ok, so I overdid it a bit. Walked further than I had for an age, didn't take as many breaks as I could have done, didn't take enough heed of the warm temperatures AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. WHAT A TONIC.

We had a nice meal out in a restaurant called the Black Door brasserie. Very good. We had lunch in a vietanemese restaurant called Little Saigon. All in all, very successful.

It was hard to walk into chemo again on Monday morning after all that fun and sensory delight. But I did it and day two is now complete. One more and it's done for another four weeks. Reaction to chemo has been mild,so that is great news.

Meanwhile I have a referral to a hospital in London. It is the Royal Marsden and is the main cancer hospital in the UK. A second opinion. I am hoping for a consultation date soon so fingers crossed and prayers this way please. It has been a big decision because of the logistics but I feel I need to seek some more answers and perhaps some other avenues. What will be, will be, but I have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Teenager is in Chicago with Expat Mum and is having a ball. She is a good friend to us. What an opportunity for a fifteen year old. He is very happy and settled and I get to chat to him every day on facebook- easy and relaxed. Bless it- for all the criticism of it it has many advantages.

Fabulous sunset

2010-07-04T20:47:00.003+01:00

I took these photos the other night from my bedroom window.

I was amazed by the beautiful sunset. Breathtaking. These pictures only give a hint as to how lovely the sunset actually was.

Inspirational and comforting at once.

I am feel blessed that I can look out of my window and see such a stunning sight.

School's out and off on holiday.........

2010-07-04T14:28:00.004+01:00

Teenager ( far left) on the last day term June 2010 with his pals. And now his case is packed and he is off to stay with Expat Mum in Chicago. She is a good friend to us and I appreciate it XX

Other half and teenager are setting off tonight, staying at the airport tonight ready for the flight in the morning. I will miss him such a lot, but I know he will have a lovely time.

Sports Day

2010-07-01T21:32:00.002+01:00

Teenager and I at his sports day on Tuesday. What a great day- full of fun and laughter.
Lots of fresh air and sunshine was had by all.
And teenager's house 'Strickland' won the competition this year.
And yes- that is still my hair ( just!) after three cycles of chemo.
I am now chemo free until July 12th and making the most of feeling like a human being.

Food for thought

2010-06-28T17:06:00.001+01:00

( Picture- Seattle 2009)

Maya Angelou

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

a tag from Expat mum's page

2010-06-26T20:54:00.007+01:00

I found this meme on Expat Mum's Page. Hope you fancy joining in.

1. Which do you prefer city or country?

Countryside but near nice stuff to do like shopping and restaurants. I crave quiet especially at night.

2. Do you feel old?

I feel as old as I am -no older, no younger!

3. What was your most embarrassing moment and can you share it?

Meeting Pele the footballer, not recognising him and not knowing who he was when I was told.

4. What was the best thing you ever did at school?

Enjoy it. I really did. I had some really good friends. Also I won a drama prize. I am still proud of that.

5. Who do you most aspire to be like?

Not a particular person. I admire traits in many people. I like to notice what people do well and try to model it if I admire the gift.

6. Do you think you are ambitious?

No. Not anymore. I was once. I don't value the same things as I used to.

7. If you didn’t do what you are doing now what would you like to have done?

I think I definitely ended up in the right line of work. No regrets. Politics perhaps if I had a tougher skin!

8. What would be your most perfect meal?

Not so much what to eat but where. Paris or Nice with other half, and lovely wine.

9. Have you ever broken the law?

It's impossible not to break the law in Britain these days-there are so many laws to break!! Hopefully that will change now. I have had the usual run of parking tickets and speeding fines. Nothing else springs to mind.

I went on a speed awareness course a few months ago. I was very sceptical about going and went instead of getting points. In fact, I learnt a lot and haven't done any speeding since. I am especially careful in built up areas.

10. What songs would be in your Top 3?

She's Gone. Daryl Hall and John Oates

Every Little Thing She Does in Magic- The Police

World in Motion- New Order

Guinness

2010-06-24T06:15:00.004+01:00

Anyone who knows me well will understand that my favourite tipple is wine. I love red wine, I love white wine, I enjoy the odd glass of bubbly. I used to be in the industrial quantities league (in my thirties) but for the last few years I have been able to say that I stay well within my healthy number of units quota ( boring health stuff that the GP always nags about) without my tongue going black. Not because I care a fig for the government's need to scrutinize and nag about my intake, but because I just can't get through the stuff these days. One large glass and I am usually done.

However, looking forward to a glass of wine is still one of my true great pleasures. It is therefore pretty miserable that the chemo schedule has put me off the grapey stuff for the large part. Sometimes the thought of it makes we wince, other times I just feel ambivalent to the point of putting the kettle on instead.

So.... imagine my surprise yesterday when I was overwhelmed by a desperate urge for Guinness. I am not a beer drinker by any stretch of the imagine but all I could think about was...... It hadn't gone off by yesterday evening. I could not think of anything else! Eventually husband and teen set off to the supermarket in the village, returning with some tins. I had a half. It was nectar. It was heaven.I enjoyed every drop.

I am going to have another one tonight. I can't wait.
Apparently is is good for iron levels and is seen to be a tonic by some. Whatever works- bring it on

Feel sorry for myself- me?

2010-06-20T20:55:00.006+01:00

An innocent picture of the teen at the school's Midsummer Ball last night.

But if you are eagle eyed ( or not as the case maybe) you will spot he is on crutches.

On Friday, as I was settling down to my post chemotherapy sleep the phone went. Teen had sprained his ankle badly. Could I take him to urgent care to get an xray? The school nurse was concerned- it was badly swollen. Perhaps broken?

Ever had a moment when you wanted to scream and yell and shout NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

This is the second bad sprain in three weeks.

Ever feel like it's raining, it's pouring. I fancied having a tantrum. Instead, it was off to the urgent care centre and an xray. They are hoping it isn't broken but can't tell til Wednesday this week because of the swelling. He seems happy enough and isn't in pain. He is missing work experience but is getting to revise for exams next week instead ( every cloud?)....

He still got to the Midsummer Ball. He danced on crutches. As you do. It's just a question of getting on with it isn't it? Looking for the best in a challenging situation.

Onwards and upwards. It is scan and results week for me- please send prayers for a good outcome. I will post at the weekend.

A new post but showing up in the wrong place

2010-06-17T16:56:00.001+01:00

I have put another post up. Please look at the one before the FBI job post. I can't work out how to change the date on a post that has been started on earlier. Help on this please. Thanks. Enjoy the meme.

Job at the FBI

2010-06-16T08:30:00.000+01:00

Job at the FBI

The FBI had an opening for an assassin.

After all the background checks, interviews
and testing were done, there were 3 finalists;
two men and a woman.

For the final test, the FBI agents took one of
the men to a large metal door and handed
him a gun.

'We must know that you will follow your
instructions no matter what the circumstances.

Inside the room you will find your wife sitting
in a chair .. . . Kill her!!'

The man said, 'You can't be serious. I could
never shoot my wife.'

The agent said, 'Then you're not the right man
for this job. Take your wife and go home.'

The second man was given the same instructions.
He took the gun and went into the room. All was
quiet for about 5 minutes.

The man came out with tears in his eyes, 'I tried,
but I can't kill my wife.' The agent said, 'You don't
have what it takes. Take your wife and go home.'

Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given the
same instructions, to kill her husband. She took the
gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one
after another. They heard screaming, crashing,
banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was
quiet. The door opened slowly and there stood the
woman, wiping the sweat from her brow.

'This gun is loaded with blanks' she said. 'I had to
Beat him to death with the chair.'

MORAL:

Women are creative problem solvers. Don't mess with them

a meme- thanks to French Leave

2010-06-12T14:51:00.015+01:00

( Picture- Mount Rainier- Seattle from our holidays last year- fabulous eh?)

I got this from a blog called French Leave and thought it was rather interesting. Anyone else fancy a go?

What music/tribe defined you as a teenager?
I loved ( loved!) the Police and Sting, and punk.

Urban or rural?
Rural mostly but not too much. I wouldn't like to live anywhere too remote. What I like about where we live is it is a great combination of scenery, but there are lots of shops, restaurants and things to do. We can be in fabulous remote countryside in five minutes, or busy madness by the lake in the same amount of time.

Worst relative story?
What? On a public page? Hardly!
Seriously - I have a very small family and they are all lovely. Very lucky

What are you reading at the moment?
Load of books on the go. Even more than usual! Here's a few:

Shattering the cancer myth - Katrina Ellis - lots of good information

Northanger Abbey- Jane Austen

The White Witch- Phillipa Gregory

Who pushed/inspired you to start blogging?

Expat Mum

You have her to blame- heh heh ( and it was inspired)

Are you a learner or a teacher?
I don't think you can be a teacher if you are not a learner. I would like to think I am both. I have 'taught' for a long time, and have always been committed to my development.

What is your pet hate?
At the moment it's the horns on the World Cup matches- sounds like a hive of bees. So annoying.
Millionare socialists get on my nerves as well. Spouting about social conscience and fairness with thirty million in the bank.

Swanky bars, and sawdust on the floor affairs?
Former always. Dislike latter immensely.

What will you be doing while the football world cup is on?
Watch it mostly- but those horns are putting me off!

What picks you up when you're down?

My mum. Spending time with my other half and lovely teenager. Coffee with my friends. Going to lovely shops. Wine! Talking to resourceful positive and optimistic people

Indian or China...we're talking tea here, not economics...

I like both and drink both

What do you value most about blogging?

It is like a diary for me. I love it when I find out family and friends are reading ( even if not commenting). I love my longstanding blog buddies. It is a really supportive community.

What can't you bring yourself to throw out of your wardrobe?

I love leggings. Too old for them for sure- but they are sooooooooooo comfortable! And handy

Would you rather someone didn't ask your views on controversial issues?

I don't mind a bit. As long as they don't mind a controversial answers!

Do you recommend people..and then wish you hadn't? A couple of times I have recommended colleagues who I trusted to clients and it turned out to be a disaster. But usually it works really well. I have learnt from it.

Do you own up to reading light novels, or hide them under the cushions if visitors arrive?

I don't read them. Not snobbery but I just don't. I like mags like Hello and OK though

Content with your own company or gregarious?

I am very gregarious but increasingly happy with my own company.

One thing which would noticeably improve your life.

Better health. But really I am very blessed indeed. I have people to love and people who love me. It doesn't get any better than that.

My questions are:

If you could only visit one foreign country which one would it be?

Ironing or hoovering?

Football or rugby?

Have you kept any soft toys from childhood?

What is your favourite film and why?

What is your idea of an entertaining evening?

Do you have a favourite place?

Extravagant or thrifty?

What is your favourite shop?

School day memories. Happy or sad?

There's more than a grain of truth in this...........

2010-06-12T09:08:00.001+01:00

This is funny & obviously written by a former Soldier ....

I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I'm too old to track down terrorists.
You can't be older than 42 to join the military.
They've got the whole thing backwards.
Instead of sending 18-year olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys.
You shouldn't be able to join a military unit until you're at least 35.

For starters:- Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds.
Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy.

Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. 'My back hurts! I can't sleep, I'm tired and hungry'
We are impatient and maybe letting us kill some ratbag that desperately deserves it will make us feel better and shut us up for a while.

An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10 a..m.
Old guys always get up early to pee so what the hell.
Besides, like I said, 'I'm tired and can't sleep and since I'm already up, I may as well be up killing some fanatical son-of-a-bitch.

If captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them.
In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser.

Boot camp would be easier for old guys..
We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we're used to soft food.
We've also developed an appreciation for guns.
We've been using them for years as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling.

They could lighten up on the obstacle course however.
I've been in combat and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training.

Actually, the running part is kind of a waste of energy, too.
I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet.

An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him.
He's still learning to shave, to start up a conversation with a pretty girl.
He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head.

These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm's way..

Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten coward terrorists.
The last thing an enemy would want to see is a couple of million pissed off old farts with attitudes and automatic weapons who know that their best years are already behind them.

How about recruiting Women over 50 ....in menopause!
You think Men have attitudes! Ohhhhhh my God!
If nothing else, put them on border patrol....
They'll have it secured the first night!

Looking for trouble or looking for blessings?

2010-06-09T03:34:00.007+01:00

Another fab photo taken by our very good friend Martin- thanks for letting me use it.

My mum and I often laugh about the fact that we don't have to look for trouble in our family because it always finds us easily. Anyone else know that feeling?

What we have learnt over the years is that it is easy to look through the prism of life and experience one problem and challenge after another. It is very daunting. But we have always learnt that if you look for blessings these are there too. Every day and even in the most trying of circumstances. It is a much better frame through which to see life. No doubt about it.

Some examples. Yesterday evening I found out that my chemotherapy has been delayed another week at least because of my blood count. This happened last time. I should be going in today as an inpatient for chemo cycle number three. So teddy and toothbrush are unpacked again. I told quite a few folk straight away as they were involved in the inevitable logistics of the week, and I received lots of texts and messages saying how sorry people are for me about it. I appreciate their kindness and concern. They think I will be keen to get on with my treatment,and to some extent they are right... but....

There is an element of disappointment and frustration in there, but it is just an element. It is is what it is, and what will be, will be. I decided at the beginning of this stage of the journey that I would just go with the flow, just float along in the river of life and not cling to the sides too much. It is a strategy that is working well for me. It is less tiring and frustrating than fighting every inch of the way.

My wonderful friend B is here to see me from Seattle ( yes- Seattle USA- she came over for a week to see me and her son). The postponement means I get to spend another day with her. She was our matron of honour and is teenager's Godmother and one of my oldest friends. It is a great support for me to have her here. We can spend more time catching up and drinking coffee. Excellent. She leaves on Thursday.

The delay is much better for other half. He is around much more next week and will be here while I get my treatment which takes pressure off the system all round. Much more relaxing for me while I am recovering from the impact of the treatment. Much less strain on him.

I get the chance to look after teenager while the rest of this exam week works its way through. I will be here to pick up, drop off and cook lovely healthy brain boosting food.

I can spend time with mum going to drink coffee at Blackwell House or Marks and Spencers. I can drive about and feel vaguely normal for a while longer. My brain is sharp, and my energy is great. I will still have hair for at least another ten days or so. I can go to Church on Sunday. I can have coffee after school drop off with my school mum friends tomorrow, Friday and next Monday.

And next week, I will probably get my treatment. It is waiting for me, and next week I will even more prepared, and stronger.

Sometimes it takes a magnifying glass to spot the privileges and benefits in a diffcult situation. I know this very well, but I getting to be a master at it, and it is definitely the best way and the only way to live in my opinion. Call it silver lining spotting, call it frustatingly optimistic, call it deluded. It maybe all of those things, but it really works.

High and Low Pressure

2010-06-02T07:11:00.005+01:00

For those of you who have visited the English Lakes, it doesn't take me to tell you that we are rather blessed with amazing scenery. Walk around the corner, or drive around the next bend and your senses are assaulted by something fabulous and inspiring. It is no surprise that folk travel from far and wide just to soak in all the marvellous sights.

However, there are disadvantages to living in such a great place. The first one is tourists, but it goes with the territory of course. I am pretty sanguine about it at the moment, but ask me again in August...............it's not the people ( mostly), it's the cars and parking. Sigh.

The other disadvantage and 1000x worse than the tourists is the low pressure weather systems which come in and hang around. We have had a lot of low pressure here recently. Grey cloudy skies that feel if they are touching the top of your head, and a heavy soporific atmosphere which seems to encourage pro-crastination and irritability. It was a pretty rare situation when I lived on the North East coast- the sky always seems higher and more expansive, and the winds kept everything very fresh. But here sometimes..............inertia. It is unpleasant. It is a 'being surrounded by lakes and mountains' issue.... but....

It was very much like it yesterday............very wet. very dark, unpleasantly sticky and heavy. Everyone seemed to be moping about. AND THEN SUDDENLY- it lifted. At about eight pm. The sun came out, the skies lightened, the rain stopped and energy lifted.

So much so that other half and I decided to go out for a walk by the lake. We met some friends who have a cafe down there and they had suddenly decided ' to do some late evening jobs'. There they were with tool kits and drills happily doing bits and bobs. Families were milling around feeding ducks, tourists were out with cameras. It was busy. It was buzzing. On the way back we saw two more friends in their car with two cups of tea. They had put cling film over the top of the cups and had driven down to the lake to enjoy the view, rather than sit in front of the tv. We had such a laugh.
We got back in at half nine. It was spontaneous and fun. Unexpected after a draining energyless day.

And it looks like the high pressure is back again today. Better get going...........

Round two- over!

2010-05-22T08:14:00.009+01:00

I am sitting early on Saturday morning, looking over the already pleasingly sunny and bright garden. Teenager is at a sleepover party ( I will never get used to it...) and other half is away to work today.

I am looking forward to a day of post chemotherapy rest. I have had another three sessions this week and that is the second one finished. I was very glad that my blood count was ok to go ahead this time as I was ready to get on with it.

It was not an uneventful week. Last time I had one of the chemotherapies ( cisplatin) in 2006 I had quite a serious allergic reaction to it. I ended up in hospital after the last dose. Unfortunately, the allergic reaction has started again, and after I had it on Wednesday I ended up with a puce face and a spreading rash. When I went in on Thursday they nearly admitted me but after some more drugs and observation I perked up enormously. I am much better now and look like a human being again, rather than something from out of space.

So, next time I will be going in as an 'in patient' the night after the cisplatin day so I can have IV anti- histamine and hydro -cortisone, and be observed. All lot more relaxing for everyone concerned.

Just another little interesting challenge. The fact I have been able to tolerate it at all is a miracle really so every cloud has a silver lining.

And now, I have at least three weeks of re-cuperation ahead. Today I will take it very easy. Maybe go out for a coffee with my mum and sit by the lake, and sleep this afternoon. I am storing up all my energy and strength for the Cartmel Race Meeting next weekend ( bank holiday). We are members of the race-course and it is a lovely happy family time with picnics and friends and lots of fresh air. I am determined to be there putting my bets on with everyone else. Let's hope for great weather.

reprieve!

2010-05-15T08:09:00.004+01:00

I ended up not having chemotherapy this week. My blood count wasn't good enough. So I was told 'come back next week.......'. I quickly got my head around it. Another week with hair! Another week of feeling well. And most importantly the chance to spend my wedding anniversary ( sixteen years on Sunday) with other half, having a nice lunch and celebrating without feeling under the weather. Why would I be sorry?
Inconvenience, waiting around, disappointment, changing plans, being able to make very few plans at all, shock and fear all go with a cancer diagnosis. It is so important to take all of it and reframe it quickly. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes kindness to self. But it is important and liberating when you get into the hang of doing it.
I am used to having a busy diary, carefully scheduled, with logistics planned, hotels booked, alarms set and to do lists up to date. Suddenly it is all gone. Suddenly it all seems irrelevant. I thought I was in control, and now I laugh that I ever thought I was. And that it is part of the learning in all this- realising that none of us are. It really is just an illusion! So enjoying something about every day, however challenging that day is, is a good place to start. Getting used to 'going with the flow' and appreciating what you have right now, rather than what will be happening next week, is another good learning point. Especially for me. I concentrate on the moment. It isn't a habit quite yet,but I am getting there.
And all this resting.... and taking it easy, and listening to what my body needs. Different. Interesting.
So life is good here. Tomorrow I will be celebrating sixteen years of a very happy marriage with my lovely husband. We will have a lovely lunch somewhere with teenager, looking out over the lake. What could be better?
I hope you are all having a happy and sunny weekend.

Glenn Harrold

2010-05-09T16:50:00.004+01:00

Regular readers may or may not know that my husband is a clinical hynotherapist and NLP specialist ( neuro linguistic programming). I am therefore completely bought into the benefits of hypnotherapy. I do a session every day with my IPOD and headphones.
I have been so pleased at how many people have tried and liked the Creative Visualisation book I recommended the other day, so I thought it maybe good to introduce Glenn Harrold who is a well known hypnotherapist and producer of 'off the shelf' hynotherapy solutions. These can be bought on CD or can be downloaded from his website. The above CD is one of my favourites and I think it is his bestseller.

Hypnotherapy is proven to help people achieve good states of relaxation.It reduces blood pressure, can help sleep patterns and also can help with states of motivation about particular goals, or can aid with phobias and so forth. It is well worth investigating. It is completely safe and can be done in the peace of your own home. The average track is about 30-40 minutes and is much more refreshing than a nap.

I am listening to specific healing tracks, and have one which boosts the immune system. When I lost a lot of weight I listened to weight loss and exercise tracks.

I hope you give it a go and get the benefits I have received from regular use.

To be young again

2010-05-08T23:29:00.001+01:00

I could get down but I don't think I could get up again these days..............

Teenager and friends in Germany

2010-05-06T14:35:00.001+01:00

My joy and inspiration always. I would walk a thousand miles for one of your smiles!

Creative Visualisation

2010-05-03T22:50:00.003+01:00

I promised to start sharing books and resources which have helped or are helping me with my health issues. I would like to start with Shakti Gawain who wrote a great book called Creative Visualisation. It isn't specifically a cancer book- it can help anyone with any issue. It is a positive, uplifting and practical book and it really works well. Books such as this start giving you a strong feeling that you have some control when you feel as if you have very little. Getting control and choice back is such a key part of the healing and learning process I think. I often use the techiques described in the book. I like listening to guided visualisation hypnotic inductions on my ipod using headphones. Very very relaxing and enjoyable.

a favour- please publicise

2010-05-02T09:41:00.003+01:00

What a great idea. Here's an advert for my good friend Sandhy's fairy cake fund raising party in Exeter, South West England. Please go if you can. Please sponsor her if you can. Please send her a note of encouragement ( we all can!).

And also, can you publicise the fundraiser and the blog to raise awareness.

Thanks folks- a very worthy and important cause.

Sandhy is a real inspiration to me.

Black Forest Gateau in the Black Forest

2010-05-01T19:05:00.002+01:00

Son and heir sent us this picture of cake he had in Birklehof in the Black Forest. Real Black Forest Gateau laced with brandy apparently! And beside it a cup of hot chocolate......... how the other half live.........

Birklehof

2010-04-30T22:12:00.002+01:00

Teenager flew into Switzerland this morning, got the train to Germany and is now in Bavaria at a school called Birklehof. He is there on a social and cultural visit with four classmates. Tomorrow they are going on a sixteen kilometre hike in the local hills. He will be involved in visits, team games and general great fun.

When he was born other half and I wanted him to have as many opportunities as we could manage to provide and facilitate. I realise that we have had our dream. He is truly international, and has had some wonderful adventures and chances to try things.

We have worked hard to achieve it. It's been worth every pound.

Watersports, football, rugby, horse-riding, swimming, hiking, travelling, sports events all over the world...........

He wants to go to South Africa for a couple of weeks with school to work at a charity next year. We hope we can manage that too as apparently it is a marvellous experience. I want him to see the world and what it can offer.

Opportunities and understanding choices. That's what being young is all about.

In fact, that's what it's all about full stop for all of us!!

First three days over

2010-04-25T17:55:00.003+01:00

I hope you like this picture of the lovely teen. It was taken by my fabulous photographer sister in law Karen McGowran (see my blog list for her blog- brilliant wedding photographer based in the North East of England).

Anyway, while said son prepares for a four day trip to Germany next weekend ( Friday to Monday), I am recovering from my first three days of chemotherapy. I was glad I didn't get another allergic attack on the first day. Lots of drugs helped head that off at the pass.

It was a little bit nerve-wracking but I am still here. Feeling a bit worse for wear today, but glad the first cycle is over. I had a lovely day yesterday: lots of husband time. We had a coffee beside the lake in the warm sun, we had a drink at a local hotel overlooking the lake high up in the hills on their fabulous terrace ( Linthwaite House Hotel), we had a rustic picnic in the garden in the evening to finish it all off.

It was lovely. I intend to enjoy every second I can. I notice how much more I am paying attention to and enjoying.

Mercury in retrograde?

2010-04-22T20:16:00.004+01:00

Mercury is in retrograde a good friend tells me. I seem to remember that this means that technical stuff tends to go a bit haywire. That is definitely true in this house. Teenager's computer has died. My computer has been broken for two days and I have managed to resurrect it tonight, although it it is slow and sullen.

So haven't blogged as much I have wanted to. Nevertheless, I can give quick update now while things are co-operating. Other half has been in Brighton a couple of days so he has his computer with him. Technologically challenged. He is back tomorrow and we are all off to PC world tomorrow. Not my favourite place but needs must.

So, I have had two days of chemotherapy. Day one was rather nerve-wracking. I am having two different types and I have had one of them before. And I was badly allergic to it. An overnight in hospital's worth of allergy. Mmmh. So I was a tad apprehensive on Wednesday. I was promised lots of antihistamine, cortisol and steriods to protect me, but with the real threat of having a rapid episode when the chemical hit the veins, cat on a hot tin roof was the word. I was watched very carefully, the nurses were eagle eyed but calm. I was fine. I was comfortable, and I have been pretty good so far ( thanks to the blessed steroids which make you feel a bit more like a human being).

I have one more half hour session tomorrow, then I am finished for just under three weeks. Phew. I am on the path, and a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first steps.

Thanks for all your continued support and kindness. I really appreciate it. I am hoping over the weekend to start sharing some of the things that are really helping me deal with this situation in a positive way. I hope sharing may help other people.

And I still I rise

2010-04-20T16:35:00.001+01:00

Newcastle United - championship winners!

2010-04-19T21:15:00.001+01:00

Winners of the Championship. Promoted to the 2010/2011 premiership. It feels so good to be winning. Howay the Lads and Toon Army forever!

The New Hair

2010-04-19T21:12:00.001+01:00

Thought you might like to see the short haired version of Lakeland Jo!

technical advice needed

2010-04-18T09:35:00.002+01:00

I would like to put a 'you tube' link up on my blog but I don't know how to do. I have tried, and as yet it hasn't worked.
Help fellow bloggers. And please give detailed instructions. I am technically challenged.

If I can get it to work- I promise you a treat.

2010-04-17T16:40:00.003+01:00

Clippy Mat has dedicated a blog post to me and an award to0. I am so chuffed about it. Thanks Clippy- you are a pearl. The support is so helpful and so powerful.

My pride and joy

2010-04-17T09:15:00.003+01:00

Unashamedly happy to publish another picture of my wonderful boy. He is my pride and joy. My inspiration and focus. It wouldn't be possible to love him anymore than I do.

The joys of technology....

2010-04-16T08:23:00.003+01:00

I have just posted a new entry but it had an old date on it because I started it ages ago. So you can scroll down a couple of posts or click here
The joys of techology.

Tourists

2010-03-31T05:48:00.004+01:00

I know this may seem like a shameful confession but I find the tourist visitors to the Lakes damned hard work. I understand why they come here of course. I understand that the national park is a national treasure and is enjoyed by everyone, and indeed should be.
I know I am equally annoying when I myself visit other places around the globe as a tourist.
I appreciate that without tourists our local lakeland economy would be totally unstuck. I appreciate that I benefit ( indirectly as our business is not tourist related) from the money that flows into the area via our visitors.
Indeed, I am a grumpy old woman.
But when driving and parking within two or three miles of your house becomes a federal issue, when you can't even find an illegal parking space to nip into the post office, when the queues to find parking swirl round and round local roads, it is difficult not to snarl and rage under the breath. I have lived here nearly twenty years and I am starting to get territorial and possessive. It isn't attractive I know, but there you are.
HAVING SAID ALL THAT.
I do feel mightly sorry for all the tourists at the moment especially those with kiddies. They have come seeking the majestic splendour of the daffodils. Said lovely flowers are still hiding largely. The weather is extraordinarily awful. Lashing rain, howling winds, freezing cold and dark. It is not happy holiday weather. It is 'driving round finding indoor places to hide' weather. Only the truly brave (mad?) would set out to walk in this. Anyone who goes walking is not only crazed but selfish. Conditions are dangerous. All in all. My advice is head for the airport..... oh no.... I forgot.... strikes.......

An award- share your flair

2010-03-28T18:09:00.003+01:00

Thanks so much to Hadriana for this award- much appreciated. She deserves an award herself- a great read. Why not pop over?

Getting on with living,,,

2010-03-28T09:28:00.007+01:00

I have given myself a bit of time before I write this post. It's like writing difficult news to a good friend- finding a way of spitting out the message in a way which 'softens' its impact. I have come to the conclusion that there is no way of dressing it up. I just have to spit it out, as it were.

In 2007 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, After surgery and treatment, and ten months of work I have managed to get back to good health ( with the little gall bladder blip last year!!). I found out recently that the sciatica I posted about is in fact a tumour pressing on my sciatic nerve. The cancer has come back. Almost certainly a secondary, a re-occurence. Damn.

So huge shock. Trauma. Upset. Life knocked over like a bowling ball getting a strike on skittles. It has been a tsunami in our world. And of the last few weeks we have been to sort it all out on an emotional, and physical level.

And it's the stuff between the ears which has needed the most work.

Without going into specific details, the way the news was handled was not good. It was a complete mess. Indefensible really. Over the phone, careless, negative, frightening. I am not easily daunted and being of a usefully irrepressible nature, I don't stay down for long. But this time it has taken a while.

I had an operation last week. The one I was scheduled to have last Thursday was cancelled because my consent form got lost. It was a day that the best fiction writer could not make up. It was burlesque really. But at the time it felt like something from a Stephen King novel. The bright side of it was that I had the operation the next day in another hospital ( Furness General in Barrow in Furness) which is a lovely place. I really liked it. They looked after me really well. I was supposed to be a day case, but ended up staying in for three nights ( look on it as a mini break) because my blood pressure reached stratospheric proportions ( probably stress related). Now all my treatment has been moved there. I am happy about it. I feel safe and comfortable there. It is easier for my friends and family to get to. All in all- it is so much better.

Next Wednesday I start six cycles of chemo over eighteen weeks. We have cancelled the much looked forward to trip to the States this year in July. It's all hands to the pump to get me well again. I will lose my hair this time, so today I am getting it all cut off. It's a bit of an adventure really. I am trying on wigs and scarves this weekend. I will experiment and have a laugh with it.

I have learnt a lot about myself in the last few weeks. It has been very difficult, but I have had the time to reflect and think, and take an increasingly long range view on my life. It is interesting. Very interesting. And damned tough.

I am blessed in being surrounded by a wonderful support network. I couldn't have a better one. I am surrounded with loving arms, kindness, wisdom and experience. I am surrounded by strength and compassion. I have time to just be me. To rest. To relax. To think and make sense of it all as best I can.

So I am at the beginning of a interesting leg in the journey of life. I will keep you up to date on how I am doing, and what I am noticing.

Best get ready for the hairdresser. A very short new style awaits me.

I could have danced all night......

2010-03-21T15:08:00.005Z

You all know by now that I need no excuse to publish pictures of my wonderful teenager. This was taken last weekend just before he went off to the Year ten and Year eleven 'prom' ( seems to be the new word for ball or party these days...).
He had a great time. Meal, band and lots of dancing. Everyone in their glad rags. Bless them. Mum and Dad playing the perfect role of the Saturday night taxi driver.
Sound familiar to anyone? Waiting for the 'come and get me text'. Other half and I stayed in and had chicken salad, watched tv, lit candles and relaxed. It was lovely. Mind you, I didnt make it for the return trip- I was too tired and went to bed leaving my hero to do the midnight collection. Middle aged? Me?

A letter to the Secretary of State

2010-03-19T14:58:00.002Z

Subject: New money making scheme
THIS IS A COPY OF A GENUINE LETTER SENT TO DAVID MILIBAND .....................

NIGEL JOHNSON-HILL, PARKFARM, MILLAND, LIPHOOK GU30 7JT

Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA),
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

16 July 2009

Dear Secretary of State,

My friend, who is in farming at the moment, recently received a cheque for £3,000 from the Rural Payments Agency for not rearing pigs. I would now like to join the "not rearing pigs" business.

In your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to rear pigs on, and which is the best breed of pigs not to rear? I want to be sure I approach this endeavour in keeping with all government policies, as dictated by the EU under the Common Agricultural Policy.

I would prefer not to rear bacon pigs, but if this is not the type you want not rearing, I will just as gladly not rear porkers. Are there any advantages in not rearing rare breeds such as Saddlebacks or Gloucester Old Spots, or are there too many people already not rearing these?

As I see it, the hardest part of this programme will be keeping an accurate record of how many pigs I haven't reared. Are there any Government or Local Authority courses on this?

My friend is very satisfied with this business. He has been rearing pigs for forty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was £1,422 in 1968. That is - until this year, when he received a cheque for not rearing any.

If I get £3,000 for not rearing 50 pigs, will I get £6,000 for not rearing 100? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 pigs not raised, which will mean about £240,000 for the first year. As I become more expert in not rearing pigs, I plan to be more ambitious, perhaps increasing to, say, 40,000 pigs not reared in my second year, for which I should expect about £2.4 million from your department. Incidentally, I wonder if I would be eligible to receive tradeable carbon credits for all these pigs not producing harmful and polluting methane gases?

Another point: These pigs that I plan not to rear will not eat 2,000 tonnes of cereals. I understand that you also pay farmers for not growing crops. Will I qualify for payments for not growing cereals to not feed the pigs I don't rear?

I am also considering the "not milking cows" business, so please send any information you have on that too. Please could you also include the current DEFRA advice on set aside fields? Can this be done on an e-commerce basis with virtual fields (of which I seem to have several thousand hectares)?

In view of the above you will realise that I will be totally unemployed, and will therefore qualify for unemployment benefits. I shall of course be voting for your party at the next general election.

Yours faithfully,

Nigel Johnson-Hill

What's a girl to do?

2010-03-18T20:36:00.004Z

I went into the hairdresser today for the full works. Cut, colour and a french manicure to finish off.
While my hairdresser Harriet was putting on the foils ( a long and tedious process ending up with me looking like an electrocuted tin man), she mentioned that she is leaving the salon next week. She is off to Manchester to sample city life. Good for her. I applaud her. I wish her well. I praise her endeavour. I think it's a great decision.
But the thing is- who is going to do my hair now?
Sigh.
I get very attached to my hairdresser. At least the manicurist ( who is amazing!) has no plans to leave her Thursday slot. At least she hasn't said so...
Maybe I will have do what Jordan does, and fly to LA to get my hair sorted out. It's a thought?

Fame!

2010-03-14T20:49:00.002Z

My good friend Expat Mum has a blog called Pond Parleys. And guess what- I am interviewed on it this week. So why not take a look? It's a great blog anyway.
Thanks to Expat and Mike for featuring me.

Spring in Windermere

2010-03-13T18:28:00.007Z

We went to the Linthwaite House Hotel for dinner last night with some friends. We had a great night. The food was lovely. Great company. Lovely wine. I had Goosnargh duck confit with tiny little fruits and brioche, turbot and fennel cooked in orange, and rhubard with baked egg custard. Divine eh? We have some great hotels here in the Lakes,and lots of them are within a couple of miles of our house. It is very tempting! If you like pottering, eating and relaxing the lakes is a great place to come. Never mind hiking up hill and dale, let's hear it for those of us who just love the scenery and the coffee shops.

We have been happily very busy in our business which is coming along from strength to strength. Never complacent, we keep working away on it steadily building the reputation and the range of services. It is very exciting.

Teenager is now fifteen. His birthday was on Wednesday. He got lots of lovely cards and gifts, and hopes to go paintballing with his friends and dads in the summer as his celebration. He is doing really well all round- we are so proud of him. He is becoming ever more independent. Out with friends as I write, and off to the cinema. He would like picking up after the event. He still needs us! And like so many mums and dads we find ourselves as a bed and breakast, laundrette and taxi service. We love it really though. Great to see him blooming.

I now have my orthotics- tailor made inserts in my shoes. I collected them today. They are very light and comfortable. I wear them about half an hour a day and increase gradually. I hope they will make a big difference to my back. It is much better and the sports therapy and exercise programme seems to be working well. One thing I have found out- my back hates driving. I always feel it the next day. Will have to keep an eye on that one!

I have started gym sessions again. Yesterday saw number two session. I did bike, cross trainer, boxing, steps, light weights and some abdominal work. It all sounds impressive doesn't it, but it was at the most basic level, and very slow paced. I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo unfit. It will take a lot of time to build my core strength up again- once I do that- my back will get better and better I hope.

I hope you like my daffodil picture. It is from last year. They aren't quite here yet, but I am optimistic. The weather during the last week has been fabulous.

A true story.........and truly brilliant

2010-03-09T19:40:00.000Z

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

Phillip Hewitson, an elderly man, from Norwich UK, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"

He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30.

Then he phoned the police again.

"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them." and he hung up.

Within five minutes, Six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Hewitson`s' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to Phillip, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

Phillip said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

(True Story) I LOVE IT!
Don't mess with old people

A smart fisherman

2010-03-08T11:52:00.001Z

A Smart Fisherman
A guy is 72 years old and he loves to fish.

He was sitting in his boat the other day when he heard a voice say, 'Pick me up.'

He looked around and couldn't see anyone.

He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say again,'Pick me up.'

He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog.

The man said, 'Are you talking to me?'

The frog said, 'Yes, I'm talking to you. Pick me up then, kiss me and I'll turn into the
most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I'll make sure that all your friends are envious and jealous because I will be your bride!'

The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully and placed it in his front pocket.

The frog said, 'Hey, are you nuts? Didn't you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I
will be your beautiful bride.'

He opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said, 'Nah, at my age I'd rather have a talking frog.'

With age comes wisdom.

What happened to January and February?

2010-02-27T16:38:00.006Z

I know, I know it has been a bit of a long time no blog situation. In fact, I can hardly believe it is nearly March already. I haven't been posting very much at all. What has been going on Chez Lakeland Jo?

Looking at this picture ( taken September 2009) of other half and teenager, it is obvious lots has been going on ... for a start teenager is pretty much the same height as dad now!

Since January I have been struggling with sciatica. It is the most miserable condition. Are you familiar with it? I hope not but I believe it is very common. It started just before Christmas and got really bad during January and February. I enlisted the help of an osteopath to start with, and now I am seeing a sports therapist regularly and that has worked really well. It has made a big difference. His advice though was to go to a bio mechanical podiatrist. I am flat footed, uneven shouldered,and walk like a drunken sailor, which is apparently putting strain on my whole system, especially by back. Hence the pain and problems!

I need to get orthotics in my shoes, I need to work on my core strength. I need to improve my ( non-existent) fitness, and I need to lose more weight.

So, I am going to take Fridays off from now on. Having our own ( expanding) business this is a big and significant move. However, I need to be fit and healthy on the four days I am working, and investing time and energy on my body on Fridays seems like a damned good idea. So I am going to have a gentle gym session, some sports therapy, some fresh air and some pampering. That will be my Fridays from now on, and I will let you know how I get on.

So, managing my lack of sleep and the constant pain has battered both time and the creative muse. Hopefully I will be a more consistent blogger from now on. If we get some lovely spring weather now ( after the worst winter certainly in my memory) I will be flying.

Happy Spring to you all

If I were a ....................

2010-02-25T14:33:00.007Z

I got this from GBerger's blog- I think it's great. I hope a few of you have a go. Thanks Karen

If I were a month I’d be October
If I were a day I’d be Friday
If I were a time of day I’d be morning
If I were a planet I’d be Venus

If I were a sea animal I’d be a dolphin
If I were a direction I’d be North
If I were a piece of furniture I’d be a big comfy sofa
If I were a liquid I’d be an elegant white wine

If I were a gem stone I’d be a diamond
If I were a tree I’d be a fir tree
If I were a tool I’d be a welding iron
If I were a flower I’d be a Rose

If I were an element of weather I’d be a sunbeam
If I were a musical instrument I’d be a clarinet
If I were a colour I’d be gold
If I were an emotion I’d be happiness

If I were a fruit I’d be a raspberry
If I were a sound I’d be a harp
If I were an element I’d be air
If I were a car I’d be a Jaguar

If I were a food I’d be shortbread
If I were a place I’d be Winter Park in Orlando
If I were a material I’d be cashmere
If I were a taste I’d be coffee

If I were a scent I’d be black cafe vetvyer ( Jo Malone)
If I were a body part I’d be a hand
If I were a facial expression I’d be a smile
If I were a song I’d be Jerusalem

If I were a bird I'd be a robin
If I were a gift I'd be a pandora charm
If I were a street I'd be Park Avenue in Winter Park
If I were a door I'd be open

If I were a pair of shoes I’d be sparkly and glamorous!

2010-02-14T10:12:00.005Z

This is one of my favourite pictures of teenager. It was taken New Year 2009 when he was still thirteen and as I look at it I realise how much he has grown up in the last year. He really is quite the young man now. Full of independence and heading quickly towards being fifteen in March. The time goes so quickly.

For those of you reading with small children- enjoy them- it passes very quickly!

Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh for a couple of days. We are staying in apartments. Other half and I will be there Monday and Tuesday but teenager will stay up there til Friday. He is staying with his school friend and parents who are up there all week. On Tuesday we are going out for dinner all parents together. Another family who we know are up there as well, another school friend of Pete's. The three teens want to go out on their own- parents left to drink wine.... someone has to do it.

I can't believe how little I have blogged so far this year. It has been very hectic with one thing and another. Mostly in a good way. Lots of business, interesting developments all over the place, mum's flooded bathroom sorted out ( and it looks lovely). Bad points- endlessly cold weather, bad ice, car problems ( don't get me started) and sciatica. What a nightmare that is. If you haven't heard of it-----------it's a horrible bad back condition.

Overall though this year is shaping to be a good one. Just need a few daffodils, and we will be all sorted!

Valentine's Cards

2010-02-13T13:37:00.000Z

A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged,
balding man standing at the counter methodically placing
"Love" stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over
them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying
scent all over them.

His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the
balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says
"I'm sending out 1,000 Valentine cards signed, 'Guess who?'"

"But why?" asks the man.

"I'm a divorce lawyer," the man replies.

The Black Bra

2010-02-07T21:10:00.001Z

The Black Bra (as told by a woman)

I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends.
One is engaged, one is a mistress, and I have been
married for 20+ years.

We were chatting about our relationships and decided
to amaze our men by greeting them at the door
wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes.
We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.

Here's how it all went.

My engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he
found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask.
He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams.
I love you..' Then we made passionate love all nightlong.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was
wearing a raincoat, under it only the black bra, heels and
mask over my eyes.. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word,
but he started to tremble and we had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra,
black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes.
When he came in the door and saw me he said,

"What's for dinner,Batman?"

Exercise for people over 40 years

2010-02-07T15:15:00.000Z

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 40

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side .

With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

2010-01-26T21:44:00.001Z

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods there be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud;
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the master of my Fate;
I am the captain of my Soul.

William Ernest Henley

January

2010-01-24T14:12:00.004Z

I have had some lovely comments about the photo at the top of my blog, and must give credit for this to our very good friend Martin who is a great photographer. He took the above too. I think it a fabulous shot. It is a picture of our friend Mick ( our best man) on a walk that the lads did in 2008. An annual event, other half and his mates ( and now teenager) go off for the weekend to walk the beautiful lakeland hills.
I can hardly believe that January is coming to a close soon. Some people say it is a long month, and indeed the freezing cold and dark can make it feel that way. For us though it has been going at a tidy gallop... with a lot going on.
I am still on my diet and it is going well. It has been very tough in the cold. I suffer from chilly extremities at the best of times ( too much info?) but the low calorie low fat diet makes it doubly frosty. I am so glad I got going on it though- two weeks gone. and rid of the festive excess and five extra pounds. Folk are starting to notice progress again: always gratifying.
I really hoped to get exercising again but unfortunately have been struggling with sciatica.
It is a damn nuisance and caused ( according to osteo) by a fallen arch on my right foot. I now have some foot inserts on my right boot/shoe and it is helping slowly. I start physio soon too which should make a big difference. What a bore and back pain ( as I am sure many of you out there will know) is very wearing and tiring. I have avoided chugging back too many painkillers- they can cause problems of their own.
Exciting times at work. Our new training room opened on Friday. We started a programme involving ten people, two trainers and two assistants. It is beautiful and I am very proud of it. Pictures when I can! It has been a lot of hard work and determination but worth it. It is a real milestone for us both. The year is looking promising, but we are too long in the tooth to be complacent.
Hope your January is going well and that the weather is being kind to you!

Bedtime story................

2010-01-20T20:57:00.002Z

A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?

The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, and even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound; a sound like no other that he has ever heard. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, We can't tell you because you're not a monk.

The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery.

The monks again accept him, feed him, and even fix his car..

That night, he hears the same strange mesmerizing sound that he had heard years earlier.

The next morning, he asks what the sound was, but the monks reply,

We can't tell you because you're not a monk.

The man says, all right, all right. I'm dying to know.

If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?

The monks reply, you must travel the earth and tell us how many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk.

The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, I have travelled the earth and devoted my life to the task demanded and have found what you had asked for.. There are 371,145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth.

The monks reply, congratulations, you are correct, and you are now considered a monk .
We shall now show you the way to the sound.

The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, the sound is behind that door.

The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked.. He asks, May I have the key ?

The monks give him the key, and he opens the door.

Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone... The man requests the key to the stone door.

The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire And so it went on until the man had gone through doors of emerald,...

...silver, topaz, and amethyst.

Finally, the monks say, This is the key to the last door ..

The man is relieved to be at the end.. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is astonished to find the source of that strange sound. It is truly an amazing and unbelievable sight .......

.. But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk.

DON'T SWEAR AT ME;
I'M STILL HUNTING FOR THE IDIOT WHO STARTED THIS!

2010-01-17T22:11:00.004Z

Thanks very much to one of my favourite bloggers Diane at Diane's Place for sharing this blog award with her fellow bloggers. I always love reading what Diane is making for Sunday dinner. It always sounds delicious and interesting ( and unusual for those of us who live here in the UK-stuff like Mexican Chicken Casserole but made with cheese...). I am drooling so better stop thinking about food.
Part of the deal is to write seven things about yourself that your readers may not know about you...
Here goes:

1. I live in Cumbria but I am very proud to be a Geordie ( ok- so you all knew this).
2. I am a Christian and my faith is very important to me. I have an active role in my Church which is also a central part of my life. I have been going there ( St Mary's in Windermere) for nearly ten years, and have some wonderful friends.
3. One of my very dearest friends lives in Seattle. She met her husband at our millenium party! We visited last year and have booked again this year- hurray.
4. I met the footballer Pele and didn't know who he was, even when he told me. Oops. I was a teenager.......
5. My favourite place in the world ( that I have visited) is Florida. I love the US.
6. I hate rain ( this is no news to my family) so it's odd I live in the Lake District!!
7. I am not very keen on tv- I really can take it or leave it.
8. I really dislike the British soap operas and don't watch any of them.
9. I had cataracts in both eyes at the age of forty.
10. I have never been to New York and it has always been a big goal of mine. This year- I will achieve it!

If you would like to take part, you need to pass the award on, and join in the meme. Enjoy!