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.