Tuesday 18th September
At last... Hermione allowed me a day out in London!
The weather was cold, but the sky clear and ideal for taking photos. We had hoped to be in time for one of the 500 tickets released daily to see the Terracotta Army Exhibition, but it was not to be.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Any Excuse...
Even without seeing the exhibition, a trip to the British Museum is always worth the effort.
Big Windy Cold Tent... Otherwise Known As The O2 Dome.
After the obligatory trip along Tottenham Court Road, we decided to go and see the O2 Dome.
A Fruity Conclusion...
Earlier in the day Steve Jobs had visited the Apple Store in Regent Street to announce when the Apple iPhone would be on sale in the UK. The evening papers were filled with speculation and even a photo of Steve at the store. While the announcement was made the shop was shut to the general public, so our last visit of the day had to be to go and see if there were any iPhones on view. (there weren't!) I did have a play on the new iPod Nano, which is great for viewing photos and videos on its large screen, but soon lost interest. So while Robert queued up to handle the new iPod Touch, I took some photos which have all had over 1000 hits on my Flickr site...
IN BRIEF
Monday 17th September
Why are Monday mornings so manic, even when you think you are organised?
Enjoyed Jewellery Class, we made a Twisted Stranded Bracelet, although didn't quite have time to finish off. I have two support workers for the lady in the wheel chair, so one is free to help another lady who has learning difficulties. I bought a tube of black and silver beads for the chap who attends on Thursdays, thinking that no one would chose that colour combinations - of course there were none of those left at the end of the lesson!
Two piano lessons and a reasonably gentle evening catching up on the website.
Tuesday 18th September
Managed to swap round this evening's piano lessons so that Robert and I could spend a day out in London. (see above)
Wednesday 19th September
Catch up day
Sent Robert on his first solo drive to buy another tube of beads for tomorrow's Jewellery class. Unfortunately, the last one had been sold that morning...
Thursday 20th September
Busy morning with piano lesson, then dash to Allenton for class. After all that, chap didn't turn up, so extra tube of beads not needed!
Evening entertainment provided courtesy of Morrisons.
Friday 21st September
At last, the day arrived for my second Herniogram. (see below)
Robert made second solo journey to collect Lucy from Ben's
Saturday 22nd September
Robert drove the car to Leicester to take Lucy to De Montfort University.(see below)
Sunday 23rd
Missed out on our Sunday dinner as Robert had suggested we go to Kedleston Hall to watch the kite flying. For one reason or another it was all a bit of a damp squib, hardly any kites, cold and windy and we couldn't even seek refuge in the house as it was shut due to filming (starting the following day).
Monday 17th September
Why are Monday mornings so manic, even when you think you are organised?
Enjoyed Jewellery Class, we made a Twisted Stranded Bracelet, although didn't quite have time to finish off. I have two support workers for the lady in the wheel chair, so one is free to help another lady who has learning difficulties. I bought a tube of black and silver beads for the chap who attends on Thursdays, thinking that no one would chose that colour combinations - of course there were none of those left at the end of the lesson!
Two piano lessons and a reasonably gentle evening catching up on the website.
Tuesday 18th September
Managed to swap round this evening's piano lessons so that Robert and I could spend a day out in London. (see above)
Wednesday 19th September
Catch up day
Sent Robert on his first solo drive to buy another tube of beads for tomorrow's Jewellery class. Unfortunately, the last one had been sold that morning...
Thursday 20th September
Busy morning with piano lesson, then dash to Allenton for class. After all that, chap didn't turn up, so extra tube of beads not needed!
Evening entertainment provided courtesy of Morrisons.
Friday 21st September
At last, the day arrived for my second Herniogram. (see below)
Robert made second solo journey to collect Lucy from Ben's
Saturday 22nd September
Robert drove the car to Leicester to take Lucy to De Montfort University.(see below)
Sunday 23rd
Missed out on our Sunday dinner as Robert had suggested we go to Kedleston Hall to watch the kite flying. For one reason or another it was all a bit of a damp squib, hardly any kites, cold and windy and we couldn't even seek refuge in the house as it was shut due to filming (starting the following day).
Hermione's Presence Is Confirmed...
Friday 21st September
If you've ever experienced one herniogram, you would never willing go for a second, unless the rest of your life depended on it...
So it was I found myself sitting on the same padded bench in the same corridor reading the same notices on the wall of 'X-ray 2' at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary as I had on March 15. The only thing that had changed were the people (I didn't recognise anyone) and my eyesight (I didn't seem to be able to decipher the words as easily!) I was soon invited to part with my clothes in exchange for a nightie and dressing grown of dubious quality and sit and wait in the allotted alcove.
Eventually I was called in and met with the same doctor as last time. Such is the trickiness of this procedure, there is only one person capable of performing it. After having everything explained to me that can go wrong - for a second time - (puncturing bladder, bowel, risk of peritonitis etc etc) I duly signed the consent form and wished myself in the future by about a day when it would all be over.
It's surprising how much the brain choses to forget of a traumatic experience- lucky really, but second time around it all comes flooding back. All the scary bits, when you wonder if the person sticking needles into you really does do this procedure every week or is a member of some sadistic fraternity...I digress. Of course he knew exactly what he was doing! Last time I lost the sense of left and right, this time I tried so hard to follow directions I nearly fell off the table!
However, there was no doubt as to the result, there was hermione on the screen, I tensed and she waved...
If you've ever experienced one herniogram, you would never willing go for a second, unless the rest of your life depended on it...
So it was I found myself sitting on the same padded bench in the same corridor reading the same notices on the wall of 'X-ray 2' at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary as I had on March 15. The only thing that had changed were the people (I didn't recognise anyone) and my eyesight (I didn't seem to be able to decipher the words as easily!) I was soon invited to part with my clothes in exchange for a nightie and dressing grown of dubious quality and sit and wait in the allotted alcove.
Eventually I was called in and met with the same doctor as last time. Such is the trickiness of this procedure, there is only one person capable of performing it. After having everything explained to me that can go wrong - for a second time - (puncturing bladder, bowel, risk of peritonitis etc etc) I duly signed the consent form and wished myself in the future by about a day when it would all be over.
It's surprising how much the brain choses to forget of a traumatic experience- lucky really, but second time around it all comes flooding back. All the scary bits, when you wonder if the person sticking needles into you really does do this procedure every week or is a member of some sadistic fraternity...I digress. Of course he knew exactly what he was doing! Last time I lost the sense of left and right, this time I tried so hard to follow directions I nearly fell off the table!
However, there was no doubt as to the result, there was hermione on the screen, I tensed and she waved...
Lucy Makes The Break...
Saturday 22nd September
This was the first day of Lucy's new life at De Montfort University in Leicester. It was a warm day for the time of year and the sun came out just long enough to capture the grotty car park at the back of the Halls of Residence in a favourable pose.
At first sight everything looked so well organised; we were waved into the last parking space at the front of the Hall and handed a piece of paper stating our time of arrival and alloted time to unload (half an hour). After an hour and 10 minutes Lucy finally reached the head of the queue and was handed her keys (an electronic eye, which was impossible to work without detailed instruction) and we began our transfer of belongings from car to room. I'd forgotten how small student rooms are - but very tardis-like with many nookes and crannies for storage (inside bed cavity and on top of wardrobe etc) Amazingly the room has an ensuite complete with shower. With the time now 1.30pm, we trekked into the centre of Leicester in search of some lunch. Eventually our meals arrived (I think I may have eaten anything by then) and my salmon and asparagus salad was delicious.
Back at Lucy's room, we tried to settle her in before leaving. But as the time came to go neared, tears overflowed. We left hoping that the sudden attack of homesickness would be short lived...
This was the first day of Lucy's new life at De Montfort University in Leicester. It was a warm day for the time of year and the sun came out just long enough to capture the grotty car park at the back of the Halls of Residence in a favourable pose.
At first sight everything looked so well organised; we were waved into the last parking space at the front of the Hall and handed a piece of paper stating our time of arrival and alloted time to unload (half an hour). After an hour and 10 minutes Lucy finally reached the head of the queue and was handed her keys (an electronic eye, which was impossible to work without detailed instruction) and we began our transfer of belongings from car to room. I'd forgotten how small student rooms are - but very tardis-like with many nookes and crannies for storage (inside bed cavity and on top of wardrobe etc) Amazingly the room has an ensuite complete with shower. With the time now 1.30pm, we trekked into the centre of Leicester in search of some lunch. Eventually our meals arrived (I think I may have eaten anything by then) and my salmon and asparagus salad was delicious.
Back at Lucy's room, we tried to settle her in before leaving. But as the time came to go neared, tears overflowed. We left hoping that the sudden attack of homesickness would be short lived...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Long And Winding Path...
Sunday 16th September
With Graham on his way to America, Robert and I decided on an outing to Cresswell Crags. He got his maiden voyage on a motorway and I got a flat area to walk on.
Having taken on the important role of co-driver (while Hermione dictates what I can and can't do), it is with great sadness that we learnt today of the death Colin McCrae and his five year old son in a helicopter crash.
With Graham on his way to America, Robert and I decided on an outing to Cresswell Crags. He got his maiden voyage on a motorway and I got a flat area to walk on.
Having taken on the important role of co-driver (while Hermione dictates what I can and can't do), it is with great sadness that we learnt today of the death Colin McCrae and his five year old son in a helicopter crash.
Over The Hill And Far Away
Sunday 16th September
The path around the lake at Cresswell Crags wasn't the most exciting we'd encountered. Suggested we follow a footpath which looked inviting. Trouble was, although interesting it went on for miles and miles without a hint of going in the direction we wanted. We did come across some pheasants which were unusually black in colour and some very tasty blackberries. Eventually we made it back to the car six minutes before they locked the barrier, phew...!
The path around the lake at Cresswell Crags wasn't the most exciting we'd encountered. Suggested we follow a footpath which looked inviting. Trouble was, although interesting it went on for miles and miles without a hint of going in the direction we wanted. We did come across some pheasants which were unusually black in colour and some very tasty blackberries. Eventually we made it back to the car six minutes before they locked the barrier, phew...!
IN BRIEF
Monday 10th September
Today was my 'big day' at Sure Start. Would the 24 students all turn up to my jewellery class and could any of them be persuaded to come on Thursday instead? I think we had 15, luckily some are happy to come on Thursday. We even a chap from Matlock who arrived over an hour late as he'd read the train times wrong.
Bit hectic, but everyone left happy
Tuesday 11th September
Felt decidedly depressed today. It would have been first Tap Class of the term, but thought I should wait until after I've had my herniogram next Friday before joining in.
Wednesday 12th September
Robert and I drove up to Alfreton tp collect Lucy's previously poorly, now well computer. Took Robert over to South Wingfield afterwards, plenty of narrow roads and steep inclines to get your teeth into. Thought it would be good experience...
Thursday 13th September
Robert caught a train back to Cambridge at 11.00am, ready for his car test tomorrow.
Second session at Sure Start today. Had 7 students, so comparatively quiet compared with Monday. Friendship bracelets all completed by end of lesson.
Friday 14th September
Set off for Rycote Centre plenty early to secure a car parking space. Have arranged cover for my class next Friday when I'm at the hospital. We made name tags from shrink plastic today, which went really well. Person who will take my class hadn't used it before, so came and joined in - the more the merrier...
Lucy made own way to Ben's to stay over the weekend
Robert eventually rang at 2.30pm... to say he had in fact passed even though he managed the maximum amount of 'minor' mistakes.
Saturday 15th September
Graham busy in the allotment and getting things ready for his flight tomorrow. Lunch out and trip to shops in the afternoon to coincide with Robert arriving back from Cambridge. Celebrated by encouraging him to buy a new pair of shoes!
Monday 10th September
Today was my 'big day' at Sure Start. Would the 24 students all turn up to my jewellery class and could any of them be persuaded to come on Thursday instead? I think we had 15, luckily some are happy to come on Thursday. We even a chap from Matlock who arrived over an hour late as he'd read the train times wrong.
Bit hectic, but everyone left happy
Tuesday 11th September
Felt decidedly depressed today. It would have been first Tap Class of the term, but thought I should wait until after I've had my herniogram next Friday before joining in.
Wednesday 12th September
Robert and I drove up to Alfreton tp collect Lucy's previously poorly, now well computer. Took Robert over to South Wingfield afterwards, plenty of narrow roads and steep inclines to get your teeth into. Thought it would be good experience...
Thursday 13th September
Robert caught a train back to Cambridge at 11.00am, ready for his car test tomorrow.
Second session at Sure Start today. Had 7 students, so comparatively quiet compared with Monday. Friendship bracelets all completed by end of lesson.
Friday 14th September
Set off for Rycote Centre plenty early to secure a car parking space. Have arranged cover for my class next Friday when I'm at the hospital. We made name tags from shrink plastic today, which went really well. Person who will take my class hadn't used it before, so came and joined in - the more the merrier...
Lucy made own way to Ben's to stay over the weekend
Robert eventually rang at 2.30pm... to say he had in fact passed even though he managed the maximum amount of 'minor' mistakes.
Saturday 15th September
Graham busy in the allotment and getting things ready for his flight tomorrow. Lunch out and trip to shops in the afternoon to coincide with Robert arriving back from Cambridge. Celebrated by encouraging him to buy a new pair of shoes!
Sparkle...
Think how good this could have been if I'd used the Olympus 300 and a star filter.
On my Christmas list perhaps...
On my Christmas list perhaps...
Monday, September 10, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 3rd September
Hectic morning trying to update the website and remember to go to Sure Start for an enrolment session in the afternoon. Was surprised to find that my jewellery class is well over subcribed and may warrent putting on an extra class. The only down side of the day was that my Course File seems to have disappeared.
Phoned Direct Line and paid for Robert to be put as a named driver on my insurance. It has cost £50, which seems quite cheap if it means I can cope over the next few weeks and help Robert pass his driving test.
Tuesday 4th September
Robert and I went and did the food shopping, then I drove to Halfords to purchase magnetic 'L' plates. Robert had a small run round the car park in the car and then drove home. They say it's not easy teaching a member of your family to drive - and they're not wrong! Since then we have had several minor 'falls outs' and then hugs and 'make ups'. So far I haven't made a lunge for the steering wheel and things are improving...especially for Hermione...
Wednesday 5th September
Took Lucy to Ben's in the morning and in the afternoon, Robert and I took Lucy's 'all singing all dancing' reconditioned ibook to Gordon Harwood's at Alfreton to be mended. Graham was in London all day, so we went out to Shipley park in the evening and Hermione managed a walk round.
Thursday 6th September
My Course File still hasn't turned up. Have resolved not to get upset until after I have visited the place I left it and checked myself. Robert and I went to town to put cheque in bank and look for presents for Lucy's birthday tomorrow. Hermione quite happy to walk round.
Friday 7th September
Lucy's Birthday - and amazingly she was up around half past 6! Unfortunately, we had to leave Lucy on her own while Robert drove me to Rycote for another enrolment session. Very little to do as only two people turned up. This was two more than the other tutors had... Surprise, surprise, my Course File was sitting exactly where I'd left it. Apparently, they'd been looking for something with 'Crafts' written on it and I'd told them that it ws purple and it was in fact green...least said soonest mended as they say...
We went shopping in the afternoon and out to dinner in the evening. Lucy's chocolate ice cream sundae was delicious...
Monday 3rd September
Hectic morning trying to update the website and remember to go to Sure Start for an enrolment session in the afternoon. Was surprised to find that my jewellery class is well over subcribed and may warrent putting on an extra class. The only down side of the day was that my Course File seems to have disappeared.
Phoned Direct Line and paid for Robert to be put as a named driver on my insurance. It has cost £50, which seems quite cheap if it means I can cope over the next few weeks and help Robert pass his driving test.
Tuesday 4th September
Robert and I went and did the food shopping, then I drove to Halfords to purchase magnetic 'L' plates. Robert had a small run round the car park in the car and then drove home. They say it's not easy teaching a member of your family to drive - and they're not wrong! Since then we have had several minor 'falls outs' and then hugs and 'make ups'. So far I haven't made a lunge for the steering wheel and things are improving...especially for Hermione...
Wednesday 5th September
Took Lucy to Ben's in the morning and in the afternoon, Robert and I took Lucy's 'all singing all dancing' reconditioned ibook to Gordon Harwood's at Alfreton to be mended. Graham was in London all day, so we went out to Shipley park in the evening and Hermione managed a walk round.
Thursday 6th September
My Course File still hasn't turned up. Have resolved not to get upset until after I have visited the place I left it and checked myself. Robert and I went to town to put cheque in bank and look for presents for Lucy's birthday tomorrow. Hermione quite happy to walk round.
Friday 7th September
Lucy's Birthday - and amazingly she was up around half past 6! Unfortunately, we had to leave Lucy on her own while Robert drove me to Rycote for another enrolment session. Very little to do as only two people turned up. This was two more than the other tutors had... Surprise, surprise, my Course File was sitting exactly where I'd left it. Apparently, they'd been looking for something with 'Crafts' written on it and I'd told them that it ws purple and it was in fact green...least said soonest mended as they say...
We went shopping in the afternoon and out to dinner in the evening. Lucy's chocolate ice cream sundae was delicious...
Charles and Sebastian, Where Are You Now...?
Saturday 1st September morning
We awoke to a glorious day, warm and sunny with just a hint of a breeze. I'm sure Castle Howard would have looked good whatever the weather, but to be able to photograph it with a clear blue sky was a real bonus.
From the moment we stepped from the car , we knew we were in for a special treat. There was even a glass workshop selling my favourite dichoric glass at the entrance.
If you've never visited, put it on your list now - even the £10 entance fee seemed cheap!
We awoke to a glorious day, warm and sunny with just a hint of a breeze. I'm sure Castle Howard would have looked good whatever the weather, but to be able to photograph it with a clear blue sky was a real bonus.
From the moment we stepped from the car , we knew we were in for a special treat. There was even a glass workshop selling my favourite dichoric glass at the entrance.
If you've never visited, put it on your list now - even the £10 entance fee seemed cheap!
Fountain, Castle Howard
Saturday 1st September am
Castle Howard was sheer delight to visit - from the laid back peacocks to the contents of the house. I even recognised my hero's (William Morris) hand in the furnishings - he had designed the stained glass windows in the chapel and countless wallpapers in the rooms we explored. Hermione coped reasonably well, keeping to the flat terrain and was rejuvenated by the best pork chops she had ever eaten.
Castle Howard was sheer delight to visit - from the laid back peacocks to the contents of the house. I even recognised my hero's (William Morris) hand in the furnishings - he had designed the stained glass windows in the chapel and countless wallpapers in the rooms we explored. Hermione coped reasonably well, keeping to the flat terrain and was rejuvenated by the best pork chops she had ever eaten.
Scarborough Beach
Saturday 1st September pm
Our trip would not have been complete without an afternoon at the seaside. Scarborough welcomed us with open arms (we last visited in 1983 - our first trip out in our first car), the sun shone, people were swimming in the sea and fishing off the pier.
Even Hermione enjoyed herself...
Our trip would not have been complete without an afternoon at the seaside. Scarborough welcomed us with open arms (we last visited in 1983 - our first trip out in our first car), the sun shone, people were swimming in the sea and fishing off the pier.
Even Hermione enjoyed herself...
Whitby Abbey At Sunset...
Saturday 1st September Evening.
We arrived at Whitby just as the sun was dropping down behind the moors - a photographic opportunity not to be missed...
We arrived at Whitby just as the sun was dropping down behind the moors - a photographic opportunity not to be missed...
The Taste Of The Seaside...
Saturday 1st September Evening
Even though we'd had such a wonderful meal at Castle Howard, I had been looking forward to 'proper' fish and chips from the seaside.
We were not disappointed...
Even though we'd had such a wonderful meal at Castle Howard, I had been looking forward to 'proper' fish and chips from the seaside.
We were not disappointed...
Tea At Fountains Abbey
Friday 31st August pm.
From Harrogate we made our way to Fountain's Abbey. I'd heard so much about the Abbey and waited so long to visit, that it was almost a disappointment. The ruins are magnificent and you can see the sandstone used was hewn from the valley sides. We walked up to the water gardens, but straight back. Hermione had trouble with the incline, which was a shame when there was so much walking and so many other features that could have been visited. We made it back to the Visitor's Centre just in time for a cup (or three) of tea and a suitably sticky cake.
From Harrogate we made our way to Fountain's Abbey. I'd heard so much about the Abbey and waited so long to visit, that it was almost a disappointment. The ruins are magnificent and you can see the sandstone used was hewn from the valley sides. We walked up to the water gardens, but straight back. Hermione had trouble with the incline, which was a shame when there was so much walking and so many other features that could have been visited. We made it back to the Visitor's Centre just in time for a cup (or three) of tea and a suitably sticky cake.
Lunch In Harrogate
Friday 31st August
As soon as Graham decided we needed to cancel our trip to America, he booked up a week-end in York. Hermione was not in the mood to go away, but with a bit of a struggle, we managed it.
On the way up we stopped off at Harrogate and at last found all the interesting shops - they're at the highest point (for future reference), just past this interesting looking building.
As soon as Graham decided we needed to cancel our trip to America, he booked up a week-end in York. Hermione was not in the mood to go away, but with a bit of a struggle, we managed it.
On the way up we stopped off at Harrogate and at last found all the interesting shops - they're at the highest point (for future reference), just past this interesting looking building.
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