17 July 2009
So much upheaval over the last month! OH's toe is much better he says, having survived the wearing of sandals to work and managing to drive himself to work eased the load a bit but Robinson decided he would become "obstipated" requiring hospitalisation, enemas, drips et al but thankfully he seems to be much recovered now, to the extent that he has decided that my knee is as good as OH's to sit on - only taken ten years!
My singing lessons are a joy and I am re-discovering old friends which I have not sung for at least fifteen years and all I need now is the discipline to practice each day but singing at church is now a pleasure not a nervous worry that my voice might crack at the important times which have certainly happened at the beginning of the month when our Flower Festival was launched and culminated in a visit from the Bishop.
The church looked stunning with the story of the church's year depicted in flower arrangements. The most emotive one for me was the Crucifixion which was three simple iron stands with phormium leaves and large lilies simply arranged and casting a shadow which was breathtaking but the most glorious was the Ascension, a burst of crimson arum lilies with silver ribbons reaching the ceiling of the church. It was all absolutely stunning and well attended, actually making a profit for the church. The Bishop is an absolute dish and when we were having our photograph taken after the service commented that he would like to get out of all this clobber and have a glass of bubbly! He also casually took off his mitre and threw it on his chair, then promptly sat on it.
Last weekend there was a big wedding which was certainly a "stage set" with not a great deal of regard from the bride for the religious aspect as she was constantly turning away from the celebrant grinning and looking at the congregation, several of whom turned up over half an hour late and she herself was over 20 minutes late. We sang very well but it is doubtful if we were heard over the chatter whilst we sang! I know I am old-fashioned but this total unawareness of respect for what other people (in this case having been asked by the bridal couple) are doing is something which still surprises me as does having three photographers, two of whom had video cameras to capture the whole thing in a relatively small church full of flowers.
Still we did our bit properly which is all that should concern me but it upset all of us that the ceremony was made to feel like a performance rather than a religious occasion and it made me feel grumpy.
I have secured the services of a young man to do all the heavy work in the garden, such as cutting and trimming shrubs but so far he has only managed to give us one afternoon as the weather has been so awful and in fact today I have had the heating switched on for an hour or so because I got so cold. I must remember that this is global warming.
So much upheaval over the last month! OH's toe is much better he says, having survived the wearing of sandals to work and managing to drive himself to work eased the load a bit but Robinson decided he would become "obstipated" requiring hospitalisation, enemas, drips et al but thankfully he seems to be much recovered now, to the extent that he has decided that my knee is as good as OH's to sit on - only taken ten years!
My singing lessons are a joy and I am re-discovering old friends which I have not sung for at least fifteen years and all I need now is the discipline to practice each day but singing at church is now a pleasure not a nervous worry that my voice might crack at the important times which have certainly happened at the beginning of the month when our Flower Festival was launched and culminated in a visit from the Bishop.
The church looked stunning with the story of the church's year depicted in flower arrangements. The most emotive one for me was the Crucifixion which was three simple iron stands with phormium leaves and large lilies simply arranged and casting a shadow which was breathtaking but the most glorious was the Ascension, a burst of crimson arum lilies with silver ribbons reaching the ceiling of the church. It was all absolutely stunning and well attended, actually making a profit for the church. The Bishop is an absolute dish and when we were having our photograph taken after the service commented that he would like to get out of all this clobber and have a glass of bubbly! He also casually took off his mitre and threw it on his chair, then promptly sat on it.
Last weekend there was a big wedding which was certainly a "stage set" with not a great deal of regard from the bride for the religious aspect as she was constantly turning away from the celebrant grinning and looking at the congregation, several of whom turned up over half an hour late and she herself was over 20 minutes late. We sang very well but it is doubtful if we were heard over the chatter whilst we sang! I know I am old-fashioned but this total unawareness of respect for what other people (in this case having been asked by the bridal couple) are doing is something which still surprises me as does having three photographers, two of whom had video cameras to capture the whole thing in a relatively small church full of flowers.
Still we did our bit properly which is all that should concern me but it upset all of us that the ceremony was made to feel like a performance rather than a religious occasion and it made me feel grumpy.
I have secured the services of a young man to do all the heavy work in the garden, such as cutting and trimming shrubs but so far he has only managed to give us one afternoon as the weather has been so awful and in fact today I have had the heating switched on for an hour or so because I got so cold. I must remember that this is global warming.
21 October 2009
On Saturday we went to see my son as it was his (big) birthday and we took him out to lunch at a nearby market town which has a really good outdoor market. We were able to park quite near the shopping centre and as the area is quite hilly, I could hear that OH was puffing a bit whilst wheeling me round so we stopped for a chat so that he could regain his breath.
We then started off to the market which was down a smallish slope and I suddenly realised that both OH and R were laughing and I wondered why. I soon discovered though, when OH drew level with the wheelchair and I realised he had stopped controlling the thing and was letting me run away by myself. I did not think it was funny as it is quite scary being out of control but it obviously provided a great deal of amusement for them. Huh!
On Saturday we went to see my son as it was his (big) birthday and we took him out to lunch at a nearby market town which has a really good outdoor market. We were able to park quite near the shopping centre and as the area is quite hilly, I could hear that OH was puffing a bit whilst wheeling me round so we stopped for a chat so that he could regain his breath.
We then started off to the market which was down a smallish slope and I suddenly realised that both OH and R were laughing and I wondered why. I soon discovered though, when OH drew level with the wheelchair and I realised he had stopped controlling the thing and was letting me run away by myself. I did not think it was funny as it is quite scary being out of control but it obviously provided a great deal of amusement for them. Huh!
10 December 2009
Well, it's official - I am now falling apart. I saw a biomechanic podiatrist on Tuesday who confirmed my chiropodist's opinion that my right leg is shorter now than my left, my left leg has Achilles tendon damage which means is has lost elasticity, my arches have collapsed and I have pronation. Also the differential is nearly one inch which explains my increasing difficulties in walking and the constant pain. Good eh? On top of that my asthma has been awful so I am taking the dreaded steroids which means I am not getting much sleep and wandering about a cool house at 4.30 am drinking tea is not my idea of fun.
The good news is that this chap thinks he can make some orthotics (I am learning a whole new vocabulary) which should help to pull my spine and hips straight again and ease the discomfort of walking although lately I have not actually been out much as the changes in temperature make breathing a whole new challenge.
For my birthday recently, OH bought me a Nintendo DS and I have become addicted to the Sudoku which has kept me in one place and entertained so I am thankful for that although it is a two-edged thing - on the one hand it is stimulating (possibly too much so at times) but on the other is very frustrating as the numbers will not go where I want them to. I am keeping on because it is good for me!
Well, it's official - I am now falling apart. I saw a biomechanic podiatrist on Tuesday who confirmed my chiropodist's opinion that my right leg is shorter now than my left, my left leg has Achilles tendon damage which means is has lost elasticity, my arches have collapsed and I have pronation. Also the differential is nearly one inch which explains my increasing difficulties in walking and the constant pain. Good eh? On top of that my asthma has been awful so I am taking the dreaded steroids which means I am not getting much sleep and wandering about a cool house at 4.30 am drinking tea is not my idea of fun.
The good news is that this chap thinks he can make some orthotics (I am learning a whole new vocabulary) which should help to pull my spine and hips straight again and ease the discomfort of walking although lately I have not actually been out much as the changes in temperature make breathing a whole new challenge.
For my birthday recently, OH bought me a Nintendo DS and I have become addicted to the Sudoku which has kept me in one place and entertained so I am thankful for that although it is a two-edged thing - on the one hand it is stimulating (possibly too much so at times) but on the other is very frustrating as the numbers will not go where I want them to. I am keeping on because it is good for me!
Wonderful and rare painted apse
13 August 2009
We have had a really relaxing week in Norfolk with reasonable weather and really good food. It is only when you eat in a pub or restaurant which is not part of a chain that you realise quite how good freshly cooked food can be. We saw some of the beautiful buildings and churches and by far the most surprising was Wymondham Abbey with an incredible gold screen behind the altar which is dedicated to those soldiers of Wymondham who gave their lives in the First World War. It is truly breathtaking.
OH managed very well wheeling me round in my "pram" although there were a few hair-raising moments crossing thresholds when I nearly entered cafes head first! It is a learning curve for both of us and I really dislike the feeling of being out of control, or at least completely in someone else's control particularly when we were in shops when OH appeared to be aiming me directly at oncoming pedestrians. I suspect it is some time since OH wheeled a pram and even so, at least the child is strapped in. I was not which I think makes a difference.
Sunshine today but I wonder how long it will last. This summer we either start off, as today, with blue sky and sunshine which gradually disappears by lunchtime or grey and misty with a window of sunshine about 2pm and then back to mist. I don't think we have had more than three days this whole summer/spring when it has been sun all day and I am very disappointed with the garden - some of my begonia tubers are still not in flower despite me chitting them indoors before I planted them out. All the pansies and violas have gone, either succumbed to the blasted snails and slugs or mildew. I will have to have a rethink of my pots as even some bulbs and dahlia tubers have just done nothing - possibly just too cold for them and I have lost some clematis which is not unusual as they are awkward, fussy things but others have been riotous. Just goes to show that gardening is always a challenge!
We have had a really relaxing week in Norfolk with reasonable weather and really good food. It is only when you eat in a pub or restaurant which is not part of a chain that you realise quite how good freshly cooked food can be. We saw some of the beautiful buildings and churches and by far the most surprising was Wymondham Abbey with an incredible gold screen behind the altar which is dedicated to those soldiers of Wymondham who gave their lives in the First World War. It is truly breathtaking.
OH managed very well wheeling me round in my "pram" although there were a few hair-raising moments crossing thresholds when I nearly entered cafes head first! It is a learning curve for both of us and I really dislike the feeling of being out of control, or at least completely in someone else's control particularly when we were in shops when OH appeared to be aiming me directly at oncoming pedestrians. I suspect it is some time since OH wheeled a pram and even so, at least the child is strapped in. I was not which I think makes a difference.
Sunshine today but I wonder how long it will last. This summer we either start off, as today, with blue sky and sunshine which gradually disappears by lunchtime or grey and misty with a window of sunshine about 2pm and then back to mist. I don't think we have had more than three days this whole summer/spring when it has been sun all day and I am very disappointed with the garden - some of my begonia tubers are still not in flower despite me chitting them indoors before I planted them out. All the pansies and violas have gone, either succumbed to the blasted snails and slugs or mildew. I will have to have a rethink of my pots as even some bulbs and dahlia tubers have just done nothing - possibly just too cold for them and I have lost some clematis which is not unusual as they are awkward, fussy things but others have been riotous. Just goes to show that gardening is always a challenge!
8 November 2009
This morning I sang at the Remembrance Day service at my church and I have spent the day feeling emotional to say the least. There were the uniformed groups, guides, scouts and little ones, a beautifully turned-out police officer (who looked about 12 but then they all do to me) and a local band who played with the utmost sensitivity.
Our morning service starts at 10am so we have plenty of time to get ready for the silence at 11 am. Our local Highways people came to direct traffic as the church is on a main road and they were splendid. Al the cars came to a halt at about 10.55 and stayed in respectful silence until after Reveille and the National Anthem and I struggled to remain composed as so many were remembering those who not only gave their lives in conflict but also, as my Dad, were gravely affected for the rest of their lives by their service in the wars.
During the silence, two robins sang to each other over the quiet and that was probably as moving as anything else.
This morning I sang at the Remembrance Day service at my church and I have spent the day feeling emotional to say the least. There were the uniformed groups, guides, scouts and little ones, a beautifully turned-out police officer (who looked about 12 but then they all do to me) and a local band who played with the utmost sensitivity.
Our morning service starts at 10am so we have plenty of time to get ready for the silence at 11 am. Our local Highways people came to direct traffic as the church is on a main road and they were splendid. Al the cars came to a halt at about 10.55 and stayed in respectful silence until after Reveille and the National Anthem and I struggled to remain composed as so many were remembering those who not only gave their lives in conflict but also, as my Dad, were gravely affected for the rest of their lives by their service in the wars.
During the silence, two robins sang to each other over the quiet and that was probably as moving as anything else.
8 October 2009
Whilst waiting in the inevitable queue at Sainsbury's where I always seem to pick the wrong check-out, my head was full of the music I had been singing during my lesson with my lovely singing teacher Liz. As I was having a bit of a difficult time we decided against my usual heavy classical stuff which is full of Italian angst and melodrama and do some songs from the shows including "Mem'ries" and "out of my dreams and into your arms" and the melodies were buzzing round my head as I leant on the support of the shopping trolley.
In front of me were two ladies in their seventies who were obviously close friends and who were discussing another close friend.
" She won't marry him, you know!"
" Why is that"
" Well, she doesn't marry them because she wants to keep her independence. Anyway that one is a cross-dresser so I wouldn't think he was suitable as husband material"
" Does she know?"
" What difference would it make?"
What liberated times we live in!
Whilst waiting in the inevitable queue at Sainsbury's where I always seem to pick the wrong check-out, my head was full of the music I had been singing during my lesson with my lovely singing teacher Liz. As I was having a bit of a difficult time we decided against my usual heavy classical stuff which is full of Italian angst and melodrama and do some songs from the shows including "Mem'ries" and "out of my dreams and into your arms" and the melodies were buzzing round my head as I leant on the support of the shopping trolley.
In front of me were two ladies in their seventies who were obviously close friends and who were discussing another close friend.
" She won't marry him, you know!"
" Why is that"
" Well, she doesn't marry them because she wants to keep her independence. Anyway that one is a cross-dresser so I wouldn't think he was suitable as husband material"
" Does she know?"
" What difference would it make?"
What liberated times we live in!
16 October 2009
Well, Robinson has been fighting again. He went off his food and looked miserable on Tuesday and by Wednesday night it was obvious that something was wrong so an appointment was booked with the vet. It has to be evening time as I cannot manage Robinson, a cage and a walking-stick but by about 5 o'clock on Thursday the horrible wet patch on his head began to smell absolutely foul and at the vet's a couple of hours later it was becoming unbearable.
I won't go into the horrible details of what the vet did; suffice to say that it was an abscess which caused the aroma and the vet dealt with it whilst OH turned his face to the wall and I had to do the stroking of the cat's cheek and holding him so he didn't bite the vet! Sadly, I think that he is no longer able to back off from confrontation as he is stiff and getting slow but as the vet said he is a feisty and not frail 15 year old so maybe he initiated the fight - who knows. Anyway, he had an antibiotic injection and we have tablets to give him which may be problematical as he is still off his food but I am sure he will improve - at 5.4 kilos, even having been off his food for a couple of days he can probably afford to lose a bit of weight.
Whilst we were waiting in the surgery a magnificent Irish Wolfhound was brought round from the kennels to be taken home. He must have been at least four feet tall from head to toe and his tail was at least two feet long although as the end of it was encased in a sterile dressing I could not be sure how much was tail and how much was dressing. He showed great interest in Robinson whom I am sure was pleased to be in a cage but the funny thing was that the furry dog started Robinson sneezing! We knew that the cat suffered from hay-fever but as we (sadly) do not have a dog had no idea that he would suffer so from another furry creature!
It is a glorious day here and the colours of the hills and trees have to be seen to be believed.
Well, Robinson has been fighting again. He went off his food and looked miserable on Tuesday and by Wednesday night it was obvious that something was wrong so an appointment was booked with the vet. It has to be evening time as I cannot manage Robinson, a cage and a walking-stick but by about 5 o'clock on Thursday the horrible wet patch on his head began to smell absolutely foul and at the vet's a couple of hours later it was becoming unbearable.
I won't go into the horrible details of what the vet did; suffice to say that it was an abscess which caused the aroma and the vet dealt with it whilst OH turned his face to the wall and I had to do the stroking of the cat's cheek and holding him so he didn't bite the vet! Sadly, I think that he is no longer able to back off from confrontation as he is stiff and getting slow but as the vet said he is a feisty and not frail 15 year old so maybe he initiated the fight - who knows. Anyway, he had an antibiotic injection and we have tablets to give him which may be problematical as he is still off his food but I am sure he will improve - at 5.4 kilos, even having been off his food for a couple of days he can probably afford to lose a bit of weight.
Whilst we were waiting in the surgery a magnificent Irish Wolfhound was brought round from the kennels to be taken home. He must have been at least four feet tall from head to toe and his tail was at least two feet long although as the end of it was encased in a sterile dressing I could not be sure how much was tail and how much was dressing. He showed great interest in Robinson whom I am sure was pleased to be in a cage but the funny thing was that the furry dog started Robinson sneezing! We knew that the cat suffered from hay-fever but as we (sadly) do not have a dog had no idea that he would suffer so from another furry creature!
It is a glorious day here and the colours of the hills and trees have to be seen to be believed.