Angels.............

After my 'Grandchildren' post yesterday I must complete my family album for you.

photographs copyright 2007

This is Reece and Sophie, our two eldest grandchildren. Reece and Sophie are our eldest son's children from a previous relationship.

Reece was born in August 1990 and Sophie in July 1993 and they joined the angels in 1996, Sophie in July just before her third birthday and Reece three weeks later.

Reece and Sophie were born with a genetic disorder so rare the doctors couldn't put a name to it.

We were all overjoyed when Reece was born - our first grandson, what could be more perfect, and he was, at first. Within a matter of weeks Reece was in hospital with doctors fighting to control the constant fits he was suffering. Eventually we were given the devastating news that our precious boy had a condition that not only could they not name, but they couldn't cure and he would deteriorate. As with anything that life throws at you we coped. Whilst expecting Sophie's arrival we prayed, as you can imagine, that history would not repeat itself but it did.

Although unable to speak, move without assistance, or even sit up unaided, Reece and Sophie taught us so much. They hold a very special place in our hearts and are remembered every day in our prayers. Our family has been truly blessed with seven children, each of whom has brought something very special into our lives, be happy for us.

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt.........

I joined in Stine's Photo Scavenger Hunt - Water, here's mine...

Photograph copyright 2007

This is the pool at the boutique hotel we stayed in last year in Gocek, Turkey.



My knee
Saturday 31st March
Doing well, so I'm going out today!

Friday Feast...

I joined in Claire's Friday Feast....




Appetizer
What are you proud of?
My sons.

Soup
What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?
Two first class rail tickets to anywhere in the country. It's the only thing I've ever won.

Salad
Name something you do that is a waste of time.
Try to grow my nails. Whatever I do it doesn't work!

Main Course
In what year of your life did you change the most?
2003 - I was attuned to Reiki.

Dessert
Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?
Lying on a beach somewhere hot and sunny, listening to the sea.

Grandchildren...........

Photographs copyright 2007

We had a lovely time with Kai yesterday, he arrived in his Postman Pat outfit looking more like Benny Hill!

It wasn't long before Kai shed his coat and got Granddad to work building him a house out of Lego.

I didn't get to play with the plasticine (damn!) I just had to go through the all the goodies for his shop, explaining what everything was and how much he should sell them for. Then before we knew it Kai's mummy arrived to take him home, never mind we'll see him again this afternoon.

I think it's time to introduce you to the rest of our grandchildren

so, here's Nate (Nathaniel), Kai's brother, pulling funny faces - that's his latest trick!

And one of Nate looking totally cute!


Kai and Nate are my youngest son's boys.

Then we have our big boy Sam, the eldest, he's 8 this year.

As you can see Sam is a Spiderman fan!






Here's Harry (Harrison), Sam's younger brother.

Harry likes chocolate, as you can see, the more the better!

Just look at those eyes, aren't they just to die for?

And, last but not least, here's Sam & Harry's little sister, our granddaughter Gracie Jean.

She's a typical little girl, tiny like her Mummy, but she rules Sam and Harry with an iron fist! We can tell who's going to be boss already!

Sam, Harry and Gracie Jean are my eldest son's children, I hope you've enjoyed meeting them all. We are very lucky grandparents!

My knee

Friday 30th March

I think a fairy must have been at work whilst I was asleep last night because my knee feels a whole lot better today!

Playing today........

Photograph copyright 2007

We will be spending today playing with Kai! We are looking after him for the day because Mum is going to a funeral. He has just gone off with Granddad to the supermarket to do the weekly shopping, so I'm taking the opportunity to do a quick post.

Kai's daddy has built him a shop, so Nanna (me) and Granny (MIL) have a cupboard full of loose items because Kai needs the packets and boxes for his shop!

Granny brought a big bag of packets last night so we will be sorting through those and putting prices on them ready to go into the shop.

No doubt the LEGO will come out at some point today and Granddad will become chief builder. Granddad is Kai's favourite person in the whole wide world - because Kai has him tightly wrapped around his little finger!

I get to play with the plasticine because I'm good at making things and Granddad isn't, otherwise Granddad would be doing that as well!

My knee

Thursday 29th March

Improving all the time.

My First Outing...........

was very intoxicating! No I don't mean I got rip roaring drunk, I was intoxicated with the fresh air.

We are very lucky in that we are only 15 minutes drive away from Ashworth Moor - wide open countryside adored by fresh air fiends and ramblers.

We set off with the windows of the car wide open letting the breeze whip through our hair. The weather was absolutely beautiful - bright sunshine, 17 degrees C and a light breeze. Our destination was a country pub called "Owd Betts". Owd is Lancashire speak for Old (for my visitors from over the pond).

All photographs copyright 2007 Click on photographs to enlarge

Owd Betts is isolated on the moor and overlooks Ashworth Reservoir, which is quite beautiful, as you can see from the photographs.

With the moor as a backdrop

Owd Betts is a typical country pub - all beams and copper kettles and has a long and interesting history, including being haunted.

The legend on the right reads:

Owd Betts was built in 1796 by Richard and Mary Ashworth as a farmhouse. In the mid 1800's they passed ownership to their son, Richard and his wife Betty and the building became an Inn called 'The Hare and Hounds'. When Richard died, Betty continued to run the pub alone until she died in 1893 at the age of 93. The pub now acquired its nickname "Owd Betts" but it was not until the 1950's that the name was changed.

A portrait of "Owd Bett" now has pride of place in the pub. All new tenants have said to have been visited by her ghost. They have all testified to mysterious events in the pub like the switching off of electrical items together with footsteps heard crossing upstairs rooms.

The interior is what many people describe as the typical English Country Inn and many are captivated by its charm and history. There are panoramic views over Ashworth Reservoir and Cheesden Valleys where the remains of several old mills can be seen. It is overlooked on the far side of the valley by The Peel Tower (a monument to Bury born Sir Robert Peel - Prime Minister and founder of the Police Force). To the rear of the building stands Knowl Hill (1371 feet) nestled in Ashworth Moors.

We chose a quiet table by the window (Cream will appreciate the signficance of this!) and browsed the varied menu.

There was plenty of traditional food on offer - Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding etc along with the not so traditional - Rogan Josh and Tai Green Curry!

I chose the home-made Cheese and Onion plate pie with Salad and Potato Wedges and MWM had a Ploughman's Lunch. The portions were huge and neither of us were able to eat everything on our plate.

Actually there was a portion of blue cheese on MWM plate which he really doesn't like, so I wrapped it up in a napkin and brought it home for my supper!

I had a small glass of chilled Pinot Grigio and MWM had a glass of orange (well he was driving) and we sat and enjoyed our lunch looking through the window at the reservoir.

On the way back from Owd Betts we passed another famous local restaurant "Nutters". This restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter and was originally housed in a another old farmhouse about five minutes drive down the road from Owd Betts. However, because of its popularity Andrew has now moved to this impressive building.

Nutters is very, very popular as the food is exquisite and the service is excellent.

Andrew was a pupil at the school where I work, and the school is very proud of his achievements. He still keeps close links with the school by coming in to do demonstrations and taking up to four of our pupils for Work Experience for two weeks every year.

Well that was my first outing since my operation and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. There'll be no stopping me now, except the weather which unfortunately is due to turn nasty again. Never mind as soon as the sun comes out again we'll be off into the wild blue yonder!

My knee

Wednesday 28th March

So, so much better today. I am not having to concentrate on working the muscles when I want to move my leg, it's become much more automatic now. I think it must have been all that fresh air, which , incidentally made me sleep like a log last night!

Fresh air........

Today I am going out into the fresh air instead of just looking through the window!

MWM is taking me out to lunch and it will be the first time I have been outside in four weeks.

I have just finished preening myself; doing my hair and make-up - it's so long since I put make-up on I didn't recognise myself when I'd finished! I just have to decide what to wear now but that is determined by what shoes I will wear. I can only wear flats of course because of the difficulties in walking, but hey pumps are big fashion at the moment so I won't look odd.

So, readers, this is just a quickie today. We are going to a lovely country pub we know with spectacular scenery, and the weather is glorious so I will take the camera so hopefully I will get some photos to show you. I will post more about my outing tomorrow,

My knee
Tuesday 27th March
Getting there slowly.

My claims to fame............

My first claim to fame is that I have been on television!

In 1981 MWM and his Mother were contestants on a game show called "The Generation Game" on the BBC with Larry Grayson as compere. My mother and myself went with them to London, as guests, and spent two nights in a top London hotel all expenses paid. We travelled down to London by train on a Wednesday morning and had Wednesday afternoon and evening free to go sightseeing and have a lovely meal at a nearby restaurant.

On the Thursday morning MWM and MIL and the other six contestants were whisked away to BBC television studios for a tour, where they saw Blakes 7 being recorded, and then each couple met the script writers and director to discuss the show and work out the details of their interview. They had already supplied details of themselves on the form they had to submit to be chosen for the show. In the afternoon they were all returned to the hotel for a brief rehearsal. of their entrances and interview with Larry. Of course they couldn't rehearse the actual games because they do not know what they are expected to do until the show is being recorded.

My mother and I spent the day shopping - of course, and when the contestants returned we all had a meal at the hotel and got to know each other. After the meal the contestants were taken by limousine to Shepherd's Bush Studios to record the programme. All the guests were ferried to the studios by taxi and whisked past the waiting crowds through the stage door!

Although the actual programme was only screened for an hour it actually took two and a half hours to record. During the interview Larry Grayson had cards with details of each contestant and on MWM's it said that he and I played charades whilst shopping in the supermarket - which we did sometimes. I had only found out at dinner that evening that I was to be part of the show and was expected to stand up and signal something to MWM, as though we were in the supermarket to see if he knew what I meant. The crucial point came in the interview and Larry shouted "where are you P.....?", so I stood up and said hello. He then asked me if I would signal something to MWM which I did and of course he got it right - well we had rehearsed it! That was my claim to fame - not much I know but as far as I know I'm only one of a handful of guests to take part in the show.

It was only after the contestants had been introduced that they discovered exactly what they had to do and the looks on their faces was a sight to behold I can tell you! Their first game was to join a girl's marching band with MWM twirling and tossing the baton and MIL playing a pair of huge drums that she could barely carry! They did very well and got top score for that game. The second game was putting well known phrases and saying into order and unfortunately they got one wrong because they were rushing - ironically enough the phrase was "More haste, less speed" and they put "Haste more, speed less"! So, that was them out of the game. It didn't really matter that they bombed out because we all had a fabulous time and once the recording had finished we were all ferried back to the hotel and ended the evening at a local Indian Restaurant. Of course we have the whole thing on tape and when we want a good laugh we watch it.

The following day after breakfast we said our goodbyes to our new found friends and set off back to the station to catch our train home. We spent the whole journey reliving our claim to fame.

Whilst MWM and MIL didn't win the big prizes all the contestants did get a momento of the show in the shape of a silver door with their name engraved on it and a plaque on it saying "Larry Grayson's Generation Game 1981" and here it is:

My second claim to fame is that MWM, my youngest son, DIL and I appear on the Peter Kay DVD "Live at the Bolton Albert Hall(s)". The Albert Halls are situated in Bolton Town Hall which is Peter Kay's home town, and this was one date during his 180 date "Mum wants a bungalow tour". On the DVD you can clearly see son and DIL going into the town hall and then during the show the camera pans into the audience and there we are - MWM and me! You wouldn't think anyone would notice would you, but let me tell you I've lost count of the number of people (who know us obviously) that have said "That was you on the Peter Kay DVD wasn't it?"
You can see some Peter Kay video clips here:

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-676501116729178500&q=peter+kay

Have you got a claim to fame?


My knee
Monday 26th March
Great sleep last night and now I am able to do a straight leg lift whilst sitting in a chair! No mean fete I can tell you and it hurts like hell, but part of the exercises so must be done.

The Prisoner........

We got to talking about the cult television programme from 1967 called The Prisoner starring Patrick McGoohan. The series deals with the predicament of a top-level government agent who resigns his job and is kidnapped and imprisoned in a mysterious place called the "Village". His captors attempt to break him, while he resists and tries to escape. This conversation led to us looking through our photographs of our visit to Portmerrion in Wales, which is actually the "Village" from the series.

All photographs copyright 2007

Portmerrion was built by Sir Clough Williams Ellis in two stages: from 1925 to 1939 the site was ‘pegged-out’ and its most distinctive buildings were erected. From 1954-76 he filled in the details. See here .

It is a truly remarkable place with architecture mainly Italian in design, but with lots of quirky additions such as the stone boat in the harbour.

The Human Chess game

The mini mokes used in the series.

Here's the beach where they filmed the scene of Patrick McGoohan being chased by the giant ball.

There are also spectacular gardens and you can even stay there in the Portmerrion Hotel

There is a shop selling memorabilia from "The Prisoner" and a shop selling the famous Portmerrion pottery.

So, as you can see it is a beautiful and interesting place to visit, you can walk round for hours and spend lots of money, if the mood takes you.


My knee

Sunday 25th March

Not much change today - no better but no worse - so that's OK.

My friend.........

Queenie has had a fall and has broken her wrist. This is a really bad thing to happen, as those of you who read her blog will understand, because she is on crutches because of her hip.

Please spare her a thought and some good wishes.

Update - Sunday 25th March - Queenie's wrist is badly sprained and bruised not broken thank goodness!

I have relinquished my throne...............

and my high chair. I will explain.



Before my operation I was assessed, at the hospital, for disability aids which the local authority provide. Because of the nature of my operation it was decided I needed the following:



A bathboard - which enables me to get into the bath and because we have an over the bath shower I can have a shower sitting on the bathboard.



A perching stool - this means I can sit at the washbasin to clean my teeth etc.



A high chair - this was a godsend when I couldn't get down low enough to sit on my beautiful leather sofas.



A throne - it's not really a throne but a contraption that fits over the toilet to make it higher, with sides on to help you elevate yourself off the toilet. Here it is...........

Not very elegant I'll admit but it has made my life easier this past four weeks! However, as I can now bend me knee past 90 degrees I no longer need it - hence the title of the post.

My knee

Saturday 24th March

Knee feels good today - see above.

Withdrawal.............

Those of you have have read my blog before will know that I absolutely adore shopping, so being laid up for almost 4 weeks not being able to get out there spending money is taking its toll.

You will also know that I love shoes and handbags (clothes also but that's another post). What you don't know is that I love jewellery as well. I have lots of jewellery - very expensive jewellery- but I can't resist costume jewellery, I have tons of the stuff and guess what I bought some more!

Not deterred by the fact that I can't get out I bought some online and it's just arrived - look!

I adore crystals so this set grabbed my attention right away - can't wait for an outing so I can wear it. I suppose I could wear it around the house but at the moment it's taking me all my time to have a shower and keep my hair in some semblance of order. Never mind hopefully it won't be long before I can show it off - I have just the outfit in mind to go with it.

My knee
Friday 23rd March
I couldn't get to sleep last night so was up at 2 a.m. reading again. I think there's a pattern emerging here! Still my knee is good today, definitely getting stronger and not as stiff.

Reflexology.................

I am a happy bunny! My friend has just left after giving me a reflexology treatment and my knee, and everything else, feels wonderful.

After the treatment she correctly said I had been having trouble with my back and shoulders, which I have from sitting at the computer too much - RSI!

About three years ago after giving me a treatment she urged me to go to the doctor because she said there was a big black splodge (her words) showing up on my foot in the area of my uterus. At the time I knew I had a fibroid but it wasn't troubling me at all. I promised I would go to see the doctor but promptly forgot all about it. About six weeks later I was rushed into hospital because I was unable to pass water and after doing scans and tests they discovered that the fibroid had grown from 7cm to 17 cm and was obstructing my bladder. This was the splodge! All this resulted in me having an hysterectomy, so now whatever she tells me she sees/feels in my feet is taken very seriously indeed!

Reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China and was introduced to the West round about 1900 by Dr. William Fitzgerald. He had noticed that reflex areas on the feel and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone. It was further developed by Eunice Ingham in the 1930's into what we now call reflexology. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.


My knee
Thursday 22nd March
Great night's sleep again and no meds during the night. I have managed to cut all meds down by half now. Knee much more flexible since my lovely friend's administrations this morning!

A hug...........

can say, "I'll miss you," or, "I'll be thinking of you,"

It can say, "You're someone special,"

or, best of all, "I love you".

it can soothe a hurt, or calm a fear,

or cheer us when we're blue -

It almost seems a miracle

all the things a hug can do!

by Emily Matthews

A dear friend sent me a get well card with this verse on it, I felt the 'hug' as soon as I read it. Thank you Helen.

Another friend called to see me today, we had a good old chin wag for an hour. When she was leaving she gave me a hug. It's true "It almost seems a miracle all the things a hug can do!"

Thank you Sylvia.

My knee

Wednesday 21st March

Had a good night's sleep again last night and have cut my painkillers by half today! MWM say's I'm moving a lot quicker on the crutches now - he'd better watch out! :)

Hello............

Our telephone just rang, a little voice said

"Hello".

"Hello sweetiepie" I said to my 3 year old grandson Kai.

"Where's Granddad?" asks Kai

"He's here, do you want to speak to him darling?" says I

"Yes"

"Okay I'll put him on" I hand the phone over to MWM.

"Hello Kai how are you?" asks MWM

"I have a Bob the Builder work bench Granddad" informs Kai

"You do, can I play with it next time I visit you please?" says MWM

"Okay, can I speak to Nanna now?" MWM hands back the phone to me.

"Hello sweetiepie, I love you" I say

"I love you too, Bye" says Kai.

End of conversation! Aren't they wonderful!

My Knee

Tuesday 20th March

A wonderful night's sleep last night, didn't wake up for my dose of painkillers until 7.30 - 3 hours late! I feel much better today.

Room 101 .................

Here's my list for room 101

1. People :
Double Glazing Salesmen - why, when they can see you had new windows put in last week do they still knock and ask if you're interested?

2. Television & Culture:
Text Speak - I don't understand it and I can't do it!

3. Animals:
Wasps - what are they all about? They don't serve any useful purpose at all as far as I can see.

4. Places:
Doctor's waiting rooms - after waiting there for a hour you've forgotton what you went for!

5. Sports:
The High Jump - this is what caused me to have a bad knee in the first place.

6. Food, Fashion & Style:
Aircraft food trays - Why is it when you've finished eating you can never fit everything back on the tray again? Well, that is unless you're MWM or my friend K, who have the knack of making it look as though it's never been opened!

7. Other:
That renegade sock - you know, the one that's always missing when you empty the washing machine!


Feel free to vote and I'll update with what's going and what's not.

Critique my blog gave me a really nice review recently see here.

My knee
Monday 19th March
Well I thought it was too much to expect more than a couple of restful nights. I had about 3 hours sleep all told, don't know why I just couldn't get comfortable. Stragely though, my knee feels better this morning - C'est la vie.

My Visual DNA.........

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Thanks Maryam.

My Mother's Day..............

My two wonderful son's came to see me yesterday as they are unable to visit today and wanted me to have my Mother's Day Cards and presents when I awoke this morning.

My eldest brought me a beautiful card and gift vouchers for my favourite store, so I can treat myself once I am able to go shopping again - I'm hoping that will be soon!

This is my very own Olive Tree! My Mother's Day present from youngest son, with a card that reads:

Mum, Happy Mother's Day!

Something for you to help grow, as you helped me grow.

Love you, D xxxxxx

It will have to be kept inside during winter but I will be able to put it out on the patio when the weather gets warmer. It came with instructions of how to harvest the olives - I love olives, but most of all

I love my boys!

My knee

Sunday 18th March

Another good night's sleep with my pillow! Why didn't I think of it before?

If you were wondering what my knee actually feels like, it's like wearing one of those tight (very tight) knee support bandages all the time, very uncomfortable.

Mother's Day...............

For my Mother who is with me in spirit and my Mother-in-Law whom I love dearly.

A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away....
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never falls or falters
even though the heart is breaking....
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation...
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

Helen Steiner Rice

What the fox that..............

How surprised were we to see this visitor to our garden?

It was sitting scratching itself as large as life in the middle of the afternoon. MWM crept outside to get a photograph and Freddie just looked up at him as if to say "Yeah, what?", finished scratching then hopped over the garden wall, down the drive and into the street!

Neighbours have seen two foxes recently so we are keeping our eyes open for some little ones, fingers crossed.

My Knee

Saturday 17th March

Eureka - I've discovered the secret of a good night's sleep and a more comfortable one! Something so simple I can't understand why I didn't think of it 2 weeks ago - a pillow under my knee! Ah blessed relief!

Cn u rED DIS?........

Am I the only person in the world who doesn't do text speak? Not only do I not do it, I can't understand it and it absolutely infuriates me! Although I text a lot to family and friends I am incapable of using it, I have to spell out every syllable, comma, exclamation mark and full stop, and perfect spelling. My texts sometimes run to 3 pages but it has to be right. Maybe I suffer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) !

Are we breeding a generation who won't be able to spell or use grammar by condoning text speak? I work in a school and have seen evidence that students carry this shorthand through to their school work and they think that it's perfectly acceptable. Now that can't be right can it?

Am I just an old fuddy duddy?

My Knee

Friday 16th March

Another bad night last night. Went to bed at 10.30p.m but was still staring at the ceiling at 2 p.m. so I got up and finished my book. Took another dose of medicine at 4 a.m. and went back to bed. I managed about 3 hours sleep. Never mind I'll probably sleep tonight. The good thing is my leg doesn't look as knock-kneed today perhaps because the swelling is going down! :)

How do they do that.............

Men I mean. Or maybe it's just MWM that does it. What am I talking about? Well since I've been laid up with my leg MWM has been doing the household shopping and he's saving me a fortune.

He's just come back from the supermarket with everything we need for the coming week, including Easter Eggs for all the grandchildren, nieces and nephews and the bill came to half of what I would have spent!! He manages to do it every time and I really don't know how.

The only thing I can think of is that he just gets what's on the shopping list, unlike me who is a sucker for BOGOF's. If there's an offer on I have to buy it, but only if it's something we use I should add. Then there's the 'Oh those look nice, I think we'll try them', or I can't remember if we have any Tuna in the cupboard so I buy another four tins, only to find when I get home that we could stock the supermarket shelves with what we've got in our storecupboard! There again I have a thing about Tuna I can't walk past it, I just have to buy some - it's some sort of mental block I think.

Anyway I'm not complaining, MWM is keeping me well fed and we seem to have everything we could possibly need, plus we've still got money in the bank - what more could I ask. This could mean I will have enough in my account to buy another pair of shoes or/and a handbag when I'm back on my feet - now that can't be bad can it?

My Knee

Thursday 15th March

I had a bad night last night so feel tired today. I may just have a little nap this afternoon. The knee is getting stronger but just seems to be aching a bit more today, perhaps I've done a bit too much with the exercises. I suppose I will have to get used to having up and down days.

What colour is your brain.........

I found this here , thanks bonnie ann. Thought you might like to try it.


Apparently my brain is Green.........

Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

What Color Is Your Brain?

Singing..........

I was watching an interview with Lesley Garrett this morning as she was talking about Comic Relief Does Fame Academy, which is on BBC at the moment and for which she is one of the judges. She said that anyone, regardless of their voice, can be taught to sing! I'm sorry but I just have to disagree with her.

I agree that if you can sing vaguely 'in tune' then, with training, you may be passable, but there's no way that TPT and Colin Murray are ever going to be able to hold a tune no matter how much training they're given. I'm not being cruel here, just realistic. Not only can they not sing in tune, what comes out of their mouths is absolute torture to the eardrums. Their saving grace is that they are making utter fools of themselves for charity - now that's commendable.

I don't consider myself a singer - that reminds me of an old joke............They're all singers in our family except the sewing machine and that's a Jones! Sorry I digress. I'm not a singer in the sense that I would embarrass myself by getting up at a Karaoke night at the local pub, but I was always chosen to be in the school choir, so I must be able to hold a tune together. I do love to sing along - as long as everyone else is joining in, or I'm alone and listening to some favourite songs. I find it accutely embarrassing watching programmes like CRDFA. Pop Idol, X Factor and the like when people, who I can only describe as delusional, have the nerve to stand up and become figures of fun because they think they can sing. Let's face it some people should restrict their singing to the shower!

My Knee

Wednesday 14th March

Getting better every day. I now have two sleeping positions in bed -

flat on back bad knee straight or

turned on right side bad knee straight left leg stretched over right.

This is an improvement, a small one but it means a lot and means MWM does not have to put up with as much snoring!

Line Dancing............

Some years ago MWM and I used to go line dancing every week! Unfortunately because of my knee we had to stop, but it is my dream to return to it once I'm up and running (so to speak).

How it started

I have always loved country music and when I noticed an advert for beginners classes in line dancing at a venue close by I persuaded MWM that we should go. He's not a natural dancer but I was sure he would be able to manage, so he agreed under sufferance.

I can't begin to describe the fun we had from the very first lesson. Of course we started off with a very simple dance 'Elvira' but were all soon in fits of laughter because invevitably some of us turned to the right instead of the left and ended up facing the wrong way. We went every Monday evening for many months and soon became quite proficient at it - even MWM! It must be eight years since I stomped out the dances I came to love - One Step Forward; Haunted Heart; County Line Cha Cha; Tush Push;Cowboy Charleston; Black Coffee; Tropicana Parking Lot; Cajun Skip; so, if/when we do return to it we will probably have to start at beginners again.

It's not only great fun but it's great exercise too, I lost almost 2 stones whilst line dancing so you can understand why I'm keen to get back to it!

What made me think of this today? Well see below for today's report on my knee.

My Knee

Tuesday 13th March

There has been a dramatic improvement in my knee overnight! Much of the swelling has gone down so there is definitely some shape to my knee now. Alright it's less Betty Grable more a lumpy potato but it's there! Suddenly I can swing my leg out of bed without supporting it in my hands, I can do a straight leg lift from a sitting position and can lift my leg hip high! All this may not seem very much but believe me when you think you may never walk properly again it's fantastic. I'm feeling good today. :)

Reiki............

I knew, sooner or later, I would have to do a post about Reiki, because it is such a big part of my life.

The photograph is of an original print of the Reiki Precepts by which I try to live my life. My translation of the Precepts is:

Just for today, do not worry
Just for today, do not get angry
Just for today be thankful for your many blessings
Just for today, be honest in your dealings with people
Just for today, be kind to all living things

By thinking of these precepts daily my life has become calmer and happier. My aim is to pass on this wonderful healing to as many people as possible. I am a Reiki practitioner who believes wholeheartedly in the power of Reiki to help heal the mind, body and spirit.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is the name given to an ancient system of natural healing which was re-discovered in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui (d.1926). Dr. Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings after many years of study, research and meditation. He spent the rest of his life practising and teaching Reiki. Today, Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed down from Master to student.

There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive or learn to give a Reiki treatment, the only prerequisite is the desire to be healed.

A Reiki Treatment

A Reiki treatment is a very relaxed affair. You may either lie on a couch or, if this is not possible, you can receive Reiki sitting in a chair. No clothing needs to be removed to have a Reiki treatment, the healing energy is able to pass through anything, even plaster casts! The practitioner places their hands either non-intrusively on the recipient in a sequence of positions covering the whole body, or may even give Reiki without actually touching the body at all. A full treatment will take between 1 - 1½ hours. A Reiki treatment is concerned with treating the whole person rather than specific symptoms. Reiki can be used to help heal at any level of being: physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Reiki healing can be given anywhere, at any time, as no special equipment is needed. The practitioner is a channel which the energy is drawn through by the need or imbalance in the recipient. Neither person has to use any effort of will or concentration during this process.

Reiki can be used alongside any conventional medicine. Here are just some of the benefits that can be obtained from receiving Reiki:

· Promotes natural self-healing
· Balances the energies in the body
· Heals holistically
· Strengthens the immune system
· Relieves pain
· Relaxes and reduces stress
· Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver

The aim of Reiki is to restore the balance. To be ‘unbalanced’ is to be unwell. The Reiki energy tries to remove any blocks to achieving balance. It always works for what is good or best for the receiver. Reiki cannot be misused and can only do good. Reiki always comes in the quantity needed at that time and for the greatest good of the receiver. A Reiki receiver can ask for Reiki for something they specifically want it to work on, but it may be that the Reiki comes in response to the ‘need’ of the recipient rather than the ‘want’. Words used in an attempt to describe Reiki energy are love, compassion, nurture, support and peace.

At the very least a full Reiki treatment should give you an hour’s relaxation. Most people report feeling calm and totally relaxed in mind and body after a Reiki treatment. Reiki is an individual experience, no two people will experience the same feelings.

I found out about Reiki purely by accident whilst searching the web or information on something totally unrelated. What I read fuelled my imagination so much that I proceeded to find out as much as I could about it. I spent many hours reading information about what Reiki is and what it can do, before I decided to study Reiki and become attuned. I have completed both the Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 courses, which now qualifies me to practise Reiki professionally.

From the day I was attuned to Reiki 1 my whole outlook on life began to change. When you are attuned to Reiki you are given the five Reiki Precepts, which govern the way you think from thereon in. From day one I have found myself trying to live my life by the precepts as given by Dr. Usui.

My Knee

Monday 12th March

It feels much better since the clips have been removed, not as tight. The muscles are definitely getting stronger - I can lift my leg a bit higher now!

Needless to say I have been giving my knee plenty of Reiki.

That will be me.................

I came across this poem and thought "That will be me", I can just see myself. In fact I do some of these things already, but I'm not telling you which!

Warning (Jenny Joseph, 1932)

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddently I am old, and start to wear purple.

My Knee

Sunday 11th March

The nurse has been to take out the 28 staples in my knee - ouch that made my eyes water! It's not a pretty sight but it has healed well, just needs cleaning up and pampering now. I have some Aloe Vera and Vitamin E cream to pamper it with.

Handbags.........

My good friend and fellow blogger queenie wrote yesterday about her weakness for buying shoes and, quite rightly, said I suffer from the same disorder. I am afraid to count how many pairs of shoes I have, but I also suffer from another disorder I cannot resist buying handbags! I have just had a quick count and am ashamed to say there must be at least 50.


I took three of my favouite handbags out of the cupboard and took the photograph (left). The black one is a Gucci, soft leather and my most expensive. Can't say how much just in case MWM reads the blog. The tan one was an absolute bargain from a charity shop. It looks like crocodile skin (not sure if it is) and was obviously very expensive when new. The turquoise one was very reasonably priced at around £25, it is the softest suede and holds an entire wardrobe if I need it to and I love the colour.


I know I do not need all these handbags - I can only use one at a time - so why do I buy them? The same reason I buy shoes I suppose because I like them! It's strange that no matter how many pairs of shoes or handbags you have, when you buy a new outfit you always need new shoes and a new handbag to complete the ensemble - or is it just me?


My knee
Saturday 10th March
I had a much better night's sleep last night with my full quota of drugs. I slept until about 5.15 a.m. took another dose then slept until 9.30 a.m. MWM says I look much better today - must be the sleep!

Elephants..........

I love elephants.

As you can see I have a small collection of elephants made from various materials - wood, glass, alabaster, resin, precious stones - all collected on my travels. The large figure in the middle of the picture is Quan Yin riding on an elephant. Quan Yin is the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy and important to me in that I call on her when practicing Reiki. (Reiki will be another post somewhere down the line).

I don't know what it is about elephants that I love - perhaps their gentleness, slowness, the fact that they live in family groups and really care about each other. They are fiercely protective of their families and grieve for their lost ones.

I have been lucky enough to see elephants in the wild, so to speak, whilst in Sri Lanka we visited an elephant orphanage where lost and injured elephants are looked after. The orphanage didn't just look after young elephants, there was an old bull elephant that had been badly injured by poachers who were after it's ivory, the poor animal ended up blind. However, it was well looked after in the orphanage. I also got to ride an elephant on the beach in Sri Lanka, which had been a dream of mine for a long time. You can guarantee if there's a programme on the television about elephants I'll be watching it!

My Knee
Friday 9th March

I had a really bad night last night. I ran out of Codiene which I had been given from hospital and was reduced to just taking Paracetamol - unfortunately this is just not enough to kill the pain! I was up at 2.30 a.m. reading, trying to take my mind off the pain until 4.30 a.m. when I could safely take some more. I have telephoned the doctor this morning to ask for a prescription - the receptionist said she will see what she can do and I have to ring back at 3 p.m. There's going to be trouble if I don't get them!

PS 3.35 p.m. got my drugs - phew!

Sounds..........

Is there a sweeter sound than a child's laughter? My main aim when our grandchildren visit is to make them laugh. I have yet to meet anyone who does not smile when they hear a child laugh - it's infectious, it lifts your heart and your spirit.

There are other sounds which bring joy to my heart - the dawn chorus, a blackbird's song, our two collared doves cooing, the sound of trees swaying in the breeze, a babbling brook, music and best of all MWM's voice when he tells me he loves me. I'm thankful I can hear.




My Knee
Thursday 8th March
My knee seems to be getting stronger, the exercises are becoming a little easier. It's still very painful and I have some spectacular bruising aroung my ankle - don't ask, I don't know why my ankle is bruised. I have been home a week today as MWM reminded me - he also said he sees a definite improvement in my knee so I'll take his word for it.

Aromas.........

I woke up this morning to the smell of baking bread. MWM had put ingredients into the breadmaker last night and set the timer so we would have a fresh wholemeal loaf for our lunchtime sandwiches today. This got me thinking (I seem to be doing a lot of thinking lately!) about our sense of smell and the feelings it can invoke.

The sense of smell is as wonderful as sight, in that it can bring back long forgotton memories and good feelings. The smell of lavender always takes me back to my childhood sitting on my grandmother's knee. The smell of coaltar shampoo takes me back to when I was thirteen and first met MWM - he used to use it then. Wave some Tabu perfume under my nose and I will be transported back to when I was 18/19 years old - it was my favourite then. So many aromas, so many memories.

Then there are everyday aromas which give us a feel good factor. We all have our favourites, here are some of mine:

The smell of a baby, just bathed and powdered; Bedding that has spent the morning blowing in the wind; Grass that has just been mown; The soft aromas of the flowers floating gently past on the breeze as I sit enjoying my garden; The sharp bracing smell of the sea; MWM's favourite aftershave - delicious; I can even smell snow believe it or not! My most favourite smell of all though is God's good fresh air - you can't beat it!

What are you favourite smells and what do they conjour up for you?

My Knee

Wednesday 7th March

The nurse came yesterday and changed the dressing on my knee. She was really pleased with how it is healing, no problems at all (she said) and it was the first time she had been able to say that all day! I won't see her again until Sunday when she comes to take out the clips - ouch! After feeling a bit despondent yesterday I feel better today. Although my leg is still swollen and sore the exercises seem a bit easier today and I can actually lift my leg off the floor when I am sitting which means I can put my own pants on! That's an achievement! :)

Colour.........

It was lovely to look out the window this morning and see not only bright sunshine but these lovely crocuses in my front garden.

When I woke up I was feeling decidedly woeful. I'm usually a patient person by nature, but I soon get crochety with myself when I get held up in things I want to do. Of course this is what is happening to me at the moment, whilst recovering from my operation, things are moving very slowly and I am dependent on others for so many things. MWM is fantastic and does anything I ask of him, willingly and lovingly, my problem is I like to be independent, so all this is totally alien to me.

However, when I saw the sun and the colour I suddenly felt a whole lot better.

Colour is a wonderful thing, don't you think? It can make you happy, sad, excited, relaxed etc., etc. I love all colour but I love what I call the mediteranean colours best - terracotta, rich browns, orange, sunny yellows. I would be happy living somewhere the sun shines every day, where there's always some sort of colourful plantlife to look at. I hate winter - the dark days, the lack of colour, the cold, the wet, so thankfully spring seems to be on the way. I can't wait for the warmer, sunnier days when I can sit outside and take in the colour in the garden - I just know I'm going to feel better.

My Knee
Tuesday 6th March

Still stiff, swollen, sore - getting on my nerves now. Waiting for the District Nurse to change the dressing. Think the clips are due out on Friday but she will tell me today no doubt.

Holiday homes................

After reading Queenies blog about her holiday home it got me thinking, again, about where I would like a holiday home or a place to retire to and I know exactly where it would be.......

Juan-les-Pins, on the Côte d'Azur (the picture is a view of the Med there at night).

I truly thought that Jaun-les-Pins was just some lyrics in a song, namely

'When you go on your summer vacation
You go to Juan-les-Pins......'

from "Where do you go to my lovely" by Peter Sarstedt.

I've never been any good at geography!

That was until we stayed in Nice some years ago and hopped on the train and hopped off again at Juan-les-Pins. From the very first I was totally smitten with the place. I can't explain what it is about it, I just feel totally at home there. We only spent a day there and it is probably nothing like I think it will be to live there, but that's my dream. Also its famous for its Jazz Festival in July and I love Jazz.

My knee
Monday 5th March
Didn't get a very good night's sleep last night. My knee seemed a bit more mobile whilst doing my exercises this morning but I have to realise it's going to be a long, slow process - MWM has reminded me "it's only a week today since you had the op remember"!

THE NHS...........

Having recently been on the receiving end of NHS treatment I would like to give my honest opinion of the one thing that, quite rightly, is probably the envy of the rest of the world.

OK, it’s not perfect, but where else in the world can you get immediate treatment for anything from a wart on your hand to full blown intensive care for a heart attack, without having to produce your credit card?

I have had a number of major operations, over the years, and can honestly say I could not fault the treatment I have been given. Yes, I know I’ve paid for my treatment in National Insurance Contributions, but it’s like savings – you don’t miss a regular donation to the savings fund but you sure as hell wouldn't be able to find the cash for the final bill would you?

I’m not sure how much Knee Replacement surgery costs, but I could guarantee it’s got a few noughts on the end! Where would I find that sort of money, it’s not something you start saving for like an old age pension is it?

The NHS staff are, on the whole, fantastic. Yes, there are one or two who are in the wrong profession, but in my opinion they are few and far between. As in any other profession the ‘troops’, in this case nurses, are the lowest paid and I have to confess I wouldn’t do their job for a gold clock every week! Whenever I have been in hospital I make sure that whatever any of the NHS staff do for me I remember to say thankyou. It may be their job but everyone likes to feel that what they do is appreciated. I have seen, so many times, patients being rude to hospital staff in a ‘you get paid for it’ attitude. I find this totally repulsive and have very often gotten myself into hot water for sticking my oar in situations like this, I make no apologies for this and I would do it again and again and again. My niece is currently training as a nurse and is loving every minute of it. She knows at the end of her training she will struggle to get a job and if she does get one she will be working for a pittance but is not deterred. Without people like her our Health Service wouldn’t exist – it is a true vocation, no-one could say someone goes into the medical profession for the money; well maybe the top consultants reap the benefits but let’s face it they have worked for many years to get to that position so they deserve it.

No, don’t you dare call the NHS to me, I’ve had more than my money’s worth of excellent care and attention and will continue to pay my contributions willingly until I retire, hopefully I won't need any more operations but you never know..............

My knee

Sunday 4th March

Knee very painful and stiff today, I'm trying to move around as much a possible and doing my exercises - inbetween messing around on the net.

I'm back.............

to report on how my operation went - if anyone's interested.

Monday 26th February

I was very brave and had a spinal anaesthetic with only a little sedation which meant that I was wide awake during my operation. Whilst lying waiting for the lower half of my body to become numb I was a bit taken aback to see this leg appear in front of me. It took me a few seconds to realise it was mine! Of course I hadn't felt anyone move my leg - it was such a strange thing to happen I burst out laughing and have to say that set the trend for the whole operation!

During the operation I could hear the sawing and banging and whilst not feeling any pain I certainly felt the vibrations of the sawing of my bones which set me off laughing again - the surgeon asked me if I would please try not to laugh as it made my knee jiggle about which interfered with his sawing. The operation took about 2 hours but it passed so quickly and I felt absolutely fine. I spent an hour in recovery until they were sure the feeling was returning to my lower body - which it was in the shape of pins and needles - most annoying, then they took me back to the ward. I felt so well they allowed me (only because I insisted really) a couple of tuna sandwiches and a lovely cup of tea. I was starving as I hadn't eaten since 7 p.m the previous evening. I had a couple of drains in my leg and a saline drip in my hand, I was on oxygen and I also had a PCA (think that's what it's called) so I could administer my own regular doses of Morphine - great pain relief!

Tuesday 27th February

The drips, drains etc., were taken out and the physiotherapist got me up out of bed and sitting in a chair. When she asked if I would like to try walking with a zimmer frame I jumped (not literally) at the chance as I desperately wanted to get mobile so I wouldn't have to use a bedpan anymore - yuk! Once I got started on the zimmer there was no stopping me and I was amazed that although I wasn't able to put my full weight on the operated leg I was able to stand on it without pain. She then took me through all the exercises I have to do to get my leg mobile and said she was amazed that I could get a 45 degree bend in it already. Later I was taken for a post-op xray on my knee and I couldn't believe just how straight my leg appeared! It truly is amazing what they can do.

Wednesday 28th February

My Consultant's registrar popped in to see me wanting to show me the post-op xrays but I told him I had already seen them. He said they were all really pleased with how the operation had gone, it had been a complete success. He commented on how well I was doing as the physiotherapist had reported this morning that I could now get an 80 degree bend and do a straight leg lift. This is unusual, apparently, so soon after the operation. I progressed to crutches today as I am doing so well.

I didn't get much sleep last night as the goings on during the night resembled a badly rehearsed farce!

The other ladies on the ward were all in their eightees. One lady was arguing with the nurse that the blood she was being given was not her own and she had been told her own blood from the drain would be given back to her. This was possible as that is what had happened to me. However, for this to happen there has to be enough blood to transfuse within 6 hours of drainage and apparently this was not the case with her. As she needed a transfusion they had to cross match it and have it delivered from the Transfusion service. The poor nurse was trying to explain all this to the lady but she couldn't seem to grasp it at all, she knew all about blood she said, she'd been a donor for 30 years. Eventually she settled down with the transfusion but once the nurse had left the lady in the bed next to me began winding her up saying' if you don't want that transfusion, don't you have it gal'. Peace rained at last and I dropped off to sleep. Suddenly all the lights went on and alarms were ringing. Another lady had apparently collapsed in the toilets and was rushed back to her bed in a wheelchair whilst all the staff on the floor arrived with the crash trolley etc. After much bustling and toing and froing the lady came round and it was decided that she'd only fainted! Panic over.

Ah peace at last you might think. Not so, just as I'd settled into a peaceful sleep I was awoken by the sound of security alarms. Another lady had mistakenly opened the security doors by mistake whilst looking for the toilets. Bear in mind this lady had been on the ward all day and been to the toilets umpteen times. The sainted nurses pointed her in the right direction and the alarms eventually went off. Back to sleep, but not for long. The blasted alarms went off again- the poor old dear had got up for another wee and opened the wrong doors again. This time the transfusion lady must have woken up thinking she was at home because she started shouting 'You'll wake the neighbours up, put the code in or it'll never stop' and proceeded to give the security code for her own alarm at home.

By this time it was 4 a.m. and all sleep had forsaken me so I got my book out and waited for my first cup of tea for the day at 6 a.m.

Thursday 1st March

Had a fantastic night's sleep last night - I think we must have all been drugged!

My surgeon came to see me and said he was extremely pleased with how the operation had gone. I had to demonstrate my straight leg lift and bend and he said I could possibly go home tomorrow.

The physiotherapist put me through my exercises and was amazed when I managed to get 90 degree bend. She said there was nothing else she could do for me it was just a matter of me religiously doing the exercises for my leg to improve.

I then had to go to see the Occupational Therapist who wanted to see how/if I could transfer from crutches to chair, toilet, bed, bath and make myself a cup of tea. Needles to say I passed everything with flying colours - I had been determined from the start that I would get home as soon as possible. The length of stay in hospital after a total knee replacement is usually 5 - 7 days after the operation. This was my third day.

After I had been back on the ward about an hour the sister came to tell me that the Physio and OT had passed me fit to go home and I could go later that afternoon. MWM was overjoyed when I rang to give him the news and promised to be there for 6 p.m. with everything I needed.

It felt so good to be home, and we had a Chinese takeaway to celebrate. Thankfully I didn't have any trouble getting up and downstairs with my crutches, the physiotherapist had given me some instruction on them and I remembered how to do it from the first operation I had on my knee. I suppose it's a bit like riding a bike - you never forget! Getting in and out of bed took some manoevering, it being a waterbed, but I got there in the end.

Friday 2nd March

Had a wonderful night's sleep in my floating island, so comfortable after the hard hospital bed. MWM helped me get onto the bathboard so I could sit and have shower whilst he passed me the shampoo and shower gel. He then helped me out and dried my legs as I couldn't reach down to do them. He then very kindly slathered me in my favourite body lotion and helped me dress. I could probably do all these things for myself but I would really struggle but as he's only too willing to do what he can to make things easier for me I am really grateful for his help.

Saturday 3rd March

Had a bit of a disturbed night last night, for some reason I seemed to have a bit more pain than usual. I awoke about 3 a.m. but it was too early to take any more painkillers so I drifted in and out of sleep until 6 a.m. when I took another dose. I managed to sleep again then until 8.30 ish when the whole rigamarole of showering and dressing started again.

My eldest brother brought his son and my father up to see me this afternoon for a couple of hours and they had no sooner gone than my youngest son brought Kai and Nate for a visit. I find sitting in a chair for any length of time uncomfortable and have to continuously jiggle my foot and flex my knee to stop the pins and needles.

I am supposed to do my exercises every hour but obviously that is impossible when you have visitors. I am up and down stairs frequently so I suppose this is good exercise too.

My leg is very swollen, especially my ankle but I was told this could take a few months to subside completely - something to look forward to!

Well readers, that's the story up to now. I'll post any progress or setbacks (hopefully there won't be any of those) in the days, weeks, months ahead,

I can honestly say, at this moment in time, I am happy that I've had the operation because I can see already, even with the swelling, that my leg is straight now and the same length as the other one.

I'll keep you posted and post some before and after photos eventually.