Birklehof

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

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?

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

Newcastle United - championship winners!

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

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

technical advice needed

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.

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

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....

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.