Sunday, July 08, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 25th June
Not particularly busy. Two piano lessons. Went to Rycote for a meeting about 'Embedding RARPA'. For those of you not 'in the know', I won't bother explaining what it means, merely point out that every job has it's own jargon - worse than that , it is changing all the time. You just get the hang of the last Acronym and it changes and you're back to square one! Only six people attended and of those three had attended the previous tutor meeting. It just seemed a shame for the managers who had organised it...
Severe overnight rain.
Tuesday 26th
Lucy off to spend the next three days in Manchester, accompanying Ben who is taking part in a Trading Standards Quiz. Set off to take her to the station and soon got stuck in the gridlock around Derby due to the floods. Had to deposit her round the back of the station, but decided to return to the city centre to take pictures of the floods. Eventually found a parking space and armed with the Olympus E44 and my Canon off I set on my adventure. The Derwent was incredibly high, only just able to force itself under the arches of the main bridge by the Council Offices. Had great fun snapping away, although with an Easterly wind, it was incredibly cold. On the way home stopped off at some flooded field just as someone decided he had to collect something from the waterlogged field. Was pleased that I've lots of hits on Flickr showing the chap walking away with the water at the top of his wellies.
Beginning to think I can can now 'take up my bed and walk', with every old routine that I attempt I know I am getting better. Today I decided it was time to return to tap lessons. Everyone was lovely and supportive and asked lots of questions. When you're incapacitated as I was, you desperately need the support of other people, but it's so difficult to make the effort to return to your 'normal' life. Five minutes before the end I felt I'd had enough, but I felt a great sense of achievement from having gone and joined in. (I hurt less than after every lesson in the last 18 months!)
Thursday 28th
Graham working from home in the morning and left about 1.00pm. I was busy making up a sample of felt for my class tomorrow - trying to remember the sequence of things I'd learned from a course I'd attended a couple of years ago. Collected Lucy from the station just before 2pm. Delivered parcel to Graham (only they'd sent the wrong stuff) and did the food shopping on way home. (Lucy was not happy as it turned out she'd not gone to bed until 4.00am and she'd not had any lunch)
Friday 29th
Postal strike on, so the wool for felting I'd ordered from Wingham Wools and pleaded with them to deliver by Friday failed to turn up. Luckily I had ordered some more from eBay 'just in case', but the colours weren't the best. Lesson went well for most. One of the students who has a helper, decided she'd get upset because she found the technique of teasing out the wool a little difficult, but everyone else was happy enough and I was plaesed with the results. Had another session in the afternoon making felted balls for a bracelet next week. Took a break and looked at some felted websites on the internet which worked very well.
Met Lucy in town afterwards and had a look round the shops. Took Lucy over to Ben's (she's going on holiday with him and his family for the week) bought fish and chips from Heanor for tea (quite a rarity). Because the evening was sunny and mild Graham and I went to Duffield for a photo jaunt. Got some lovely photos of reflections in the flood waters etc. Quite a full day all told.
Saturday 30th
Graham at work until 3.30pm, then we had a quick visit to Ilkeston and back. Robert had spent the day travelling to see his mate Warren in Uttoxeter, then on to Sherwood Forest with lots of other mates (in two cars) to see Travis and other bands perform in the pouring rain. We were well asleep by the time he 'rolled' in.
Sunday 1st July
Graham busy being a professor in the garage for most of the day. Took Robert to the open day being held at Banks Mill Studios in Derby where the two jewellers I tried to organise a trip to see are. Very interesting to see all the craft units and the activity going on there. Surprised at the standard (not good) of some people's work compared with others. Gave me hope to see people working there who were older than me, perhaps there is hope yet...Had a pang of the green eyed monster on finding a tutor I vaguely know obviously pally with one of the occupants. Felt a bit put out when she was exceedingly 'arsey' (as Robert would say) when I tried to make conversation. Found a chap there who is a Product Designer and left Robert to chat with him for an hour. Had a surprise encounter with Juliette Hemmingway - famous for her amazing ecclesiastical robes (she designed the ones for the Bishop of Canterbury when he was inaugurated) as I knew two people in her employ and had often wondered what she was like.
Came home and then put Robert on the train at 6.00pm
Monday 25th June
Not particularly busy. Two piano lessons. Went to Rycote for a meeting about 'Embedding RARPA'. For those of you not 'in the know', I won't bother explaining what it means, merely point out that every job has it's own jargon - worse than that , it is changing all the time. You just get the hang of the last Acronym and it changes and you're back to square one! Only six people attended and of those three had attended the previous tutor meeting. It just seemed a shame for the managers who had organised it...
Severe overnight rain.
Tuesday 26th
Lucy off to spend the next three days in Manchester, accompanying Ben who is taking part in a Trading Standards Quiz. Set off to take her to the station and soon got stuck in the gridlock around Derby due to the floods. Had to deposit her round the back of the station, but decided to return to the city centre to take pictures of the floods. Eventually found a parking space and armed with the Olympus E44 and my Canon off I set on my adventure. The Derwent was incredibly high, only just able to force itself under the arches of the main bridge by the Council Offices. Had great fun snapping away, although with an Easterly wind, it was incredibly cold. On the way home stopped off at some flooded field just as someone decided he had to collect something from the waterlogged field. Was pleased that I've lots of hits on Flickr showing the chap walking away with the water at the top of his wellies.
Beginning to think I can can now 'take up my bed and walk', with every old routine that I attempt I know I am getting better. Today I decided it was time to return to tap lessons. Everyone was lovely and supportive and asked lots of questions. When you're incapacitated as I was, you desperately need the support of other people, but it's so difficult to make the effort to return to your 'normal' life. Five minutes before the end I felt I'd had enough, but I felt a great sense of achievement from having gone and joined in. (I hurt less than after every lesson in the last 18 months!)
Thursday 28th
Graham working from home in the morning and left about 1.00pm. I was busy making up a sample of felt for my class tomorrow - trying to remember the sequence of things I'd learned from a course I'd attended a couple of years ago. Collected Lucy from the station just before 2pm. Delivered parcel to Graham (only they'd sent the wrong stuff) and did the food shopping on way home. (Lucy was not happy as it turned out she'd not gone to bed until 4.00am and she'd not had any lunch)
Friday 29th
Postal strike on, so the wool for felting I'd ordered from Wingham Wools and pleaded with them to deliver by Friday failed to turn up. Luckily I had ordered some more from eBay 'just in case', but the colours weren't the best. Lesson went well for most. One of the students who has a helper, decided she'd get upset because she found the technique of teasing out the wool a little difficult, but everyone else was happy enough and I was plaesed with the results. Had another session in the afternoon making felted balls for a bracelet next week. Took a break and looked at some felted websites on the internet which worked very well.
Met Lucy in town afterwards and had a look round the shops. Took Lucy over to Ben's (she's going on holiday with him and his family for the week) bought fish and chips from Heanor for tea (quite a rarity). Because the evening was sunny and mild Graham and I went to Duffield for a photo jaunt. Got some lovely photos of reflections in the flood waters etc. Quite a full day all told.
Saturday 30th
Graham at work until 3.30pm, then we had a quick visit to Ilkeston and back. Robert had spent the day travelling to see his mate Warren in Uttoxeter, then on to Sherwood Forest with lots of other mates (in two cars) to see Travis and other bands perform in the pouring rain. We were well asleep by the time he 'rolled' in.
Sunday 1st July
Graham busy being a professor in the garage for most of the day. Took Robert to the open day being held at Banks Mill Studios in Derby where the two jewellers I tried to organise a trip to see are. Very interesting to see all the craft units and the activity going on there. Surprised at the standard (not good) of some people's work compared with others. Gave me hope to see people working there who were older than me, perhaps there is hope yet...Had a pang of the green eyed monster on finding a tutor I vaguely know obviously pally with one of the occupants. Felt a bit put out when she was exceedingly 'arsey' (as Robert would say) when I tried to make conversation. Found a chap there who is a Product Designer and left Robert to chat with him for an hour. Had a surprise encounter with Juliette Hemmingway - famous for her amazing ecclesiastical robes (she designed the ones for the Bishop of Canterbury when he was inaugurated) as I knew two people in her employ and had often wondered what she was like.
Came home and then put Robert on the train at 6.00pm
Trip To London 24th June
Great day out with Robert in London viewing this excellent photography exhibition.
Highlight of the day was lunch - Salmon and haddock fishcakes at The Tate!
More photos of trip on Flickr
Highlight of the day was lunch - Salmon and haddock fishcakes at The Tate!
More photos of trip on Flickr
Thursday 22nd June
Eight photos published in the Derby Evening Telegraph since February, time perhaps now to capitalise on the situation. So it was that a couple of weeks after my hernia operation, I gathered up all my courage and made a phone call to the paper. What to say?: "Do you ever let people come and shadow one of your photographers?" I asked tentatively. The voice on the other end was very calm and understanding and luckily didn't think my request at all strange. "Yes," he said " we get requests from students all the time, just send in an email and we'll get a date fixed up" Sending in an email was the least of my concerns, it was the word 'student' which really worried me...
Date arranged, I rose early and arrived with minutes to spare. I was greeted in the foyer by Steve, the same chap whom I'd spoken to on the phone. He was really great and spent the whole day explaining his work to me to the 'Nth' degree. We got on like a house on fire - I don't think he even noticed I'm probably old enough to be his mother...!
Eight photos published in the Derby Evening Telegraph since February, time perhaps now to capitalise on the situation. So it was that a couple of weeks after my hernia operation, I gathered up all my courage and made a phone call to the paper. What to say?: "Do you ever let people come and shadow one of your photographers?" I asked tentatively. The voice on the other end was very calm and understanding and luckily didn't think my request at all strange. "Yes," he said " we get requests from students all the time, just send in an email and we'll get a date fixed up" Sending in an email was the least of my concerns, it was the word 'student' which really worried me...
Date arranged, I rose early and arrived with minutes to spare. I was greeted in the foyer by Steve, the same chap whom I'd spoken to on the phone. He was really great and spent the whole day explaining his work to me to the 'Nth' degree. We got on like a house on fire - I don't think he even noticed I'm probably old enough to be his mother...!
First task was to catch a photograph of the person who'd been a 'bit naughty', outside the Magistrates Court. Steve attached his biggest lens to his camera and we set off on foot in hot persuit. It wasn't the easiest thing to do when you have no or little idea of what the person looks like. Steve had been told the man resembled Mr Burns from The Simpsons, so there was no way I'd be able to help in the identification! As time edged towards the court appearance time, it looked as though we were out of luck, so we made our way into the Court - bags had to be searched, cameras left at the desk and you had to go through a metal detector. Having never been inside a real life Court Room, I was surprised how small the space was - there seemed to be screens everywhere (perhaps for people giving evidence from other rooms) As we sat there in hushed silence, I was suddenly overcome by an attack of the giggles. Being there reminded me of a television programme being shown currently where couples accuse each other of things they'd rather not do in the bedroom and the jury has to decide who is guilty (or not). Luckily Steve realised that as the man was up for sentencing (a) he wouldn't be getting a photo of him leaving the building and (b) it was getting dangerous close to our next appointment time. So we gathered our belongings and headed back to base.
The next assignment was to photograph a cyclist who was going to take part in the Welsh Tryptk and raise money for the Derbyshire Association For The Blind. The distance was only as far as the Court House, but to have walked would have meant crossing over a dual carriageway. Steve had spoken to the chap before we left the office to ask him to come prepared looking as though he was just about to depart. He managed to bring his bicycle, but no helmet or rucksack etc! It was here that F-numbers were explained to me. It's not the first time by any means, but perhaps the first time that it registered exactly why you would want to dictate your depth of focus. If you widen your aperture to a low number, taking care to check that your film speed doesn't fall below, say 100, then the background will be out of focus (smaller depth of focus), thus highlighting your subject by being in focus! (It's only taken me 30 years to get the hang of F-numbers)
Next up was the yard of a pub, transferred into a paradise of pretty flowers and wanting promotion for its entry in 'Derby in Bloom'. Steve mentioned that this would be a good opportunity for me to take the photo with my camera and have it printed in the paper. But as he took it out of the camera bag and handed it to me he must have caught the look of panic on my face and instead, set it up for the lighting conditions and handed it to me to use in any case, but without real instruction. I thought my photos came out really well!
Then we grabbed a sandwich (there isn't really a lunch break as such) and returned to the office where I watched and tried to take note of what Steve was doing. Basically, he downloaded the photos, choses three or four from each event, tweaked them, saved them in a certain type of folder which was then send to Victoria's computer and saved in another folder showing the date. (All photos had to be named and allocated a number which denoted the photographer by initial and included the date) A black and white picture of the photos was printed to show roughly what they looked like. Another thing, all photos had to be taken in both portrait and landscape mode to make such one of them would fit the space earmarked for the photo. I then sat with Michelle, who along with three others was responsible for the layout of each page. It looked highly complicated, but as she said, once you know how to do it, it's more or less a case of copy and paste as everything goes to her fully written, all she has to do is pop it in and sometimes resize the images. The good thing about her job was when you've finished for today , you really have finished!
Things had slowed down a bit by now, which was good as it meant there was time to get to know the other photographers. Jon, who as I said " looked as though he'd done a full day's work by 1.00pm (he'd been on a 'stake out' at Wirksworth since 5.30am - something about a man and his dog...) and Ian who had years of wisdom stored up, but seemed only to be able to take very dark photos - well it was a rainy day...Adam popped up sometime later, the joke on him was that he was fresh out of college, which of course he wasn't he just looked (as they all teased) about 12!
Victoria spent all day disappearing into important meetings and never spent more than a few minutes in the same place. She buzzed with the same amount of energy whether the clocked showed 9.00am or 5.00pm and she was great fun too. Things had now ground to a halt and then Victoria found she needed one last photo to go with a story of someone who had received an on the spot fine for dropping litter. Steve collected up all the empty containers he could find and the rain having eased off we headed off for a likely location (about 10 metres away!) He staged the photo with litter strewn about next to a plastic bag. He then posed me to look as though I was walking away dropping an empty can from my hand. The shot was taken. Then I pointed out that the person fined was male, so shouldn't I take a photo of him as the culprit. As he'd already set up the photo, all I had to do was press the shutter... success... 'My' photo credited with my name appeared on page 14 of the DET the following morning.
The start of a new career...?
Then we grabbed a sandwich (there isn't really a lunch break as such) and returned to the office where I watched and tried to take note of what Steve was doing. Basically, he downloaded the photos, choses three or four from each event, tweaked them, saved them in a certain type of folder which was then send to Victoria's computer and saved in another folder showing the date. (All photos had to be named and allocated a number which denoted the photographer by initial and included the date) A black and white picture of the photos was printed to show roughly what they looked like. Another thing, all photos had to be taken in both portrait and landscape mode to make such one of them would fit the space earmarked for the photo. I then sat with Michelle, who along with three others was responsible for the layout of each page. It looked highly complicated, but as she said, once you know how to do it, it's more or less a case of copy and paste as everything goes to her fully written, all she has to do is pop it in and sometimes resize the images. The good thing about her job was when you've finished for today , you really have finished!
Things had slowed down a bit by now, which was good as it meant there was time to get to know the other photographers. Jon, who as I said " looked as though he'd done a full day's work by 1.00pm (he'd been on a 'stake out' at Wirksworth since 5.30am - something about a man and his dog...) and Ian who had years of wisdom stored up, but seemed only to be able to take very dark photos - well it was a rainy day...Adam popped up sometime later, the joke on him was that he was fresh out of college, which of course he wasn't he just looked (as they all teased) about 12!
Victoria spent all day disappearing into important meetings and never spent more than a few minutes in the same place. She buzzed with the same amount of energy whether the clocked showed 9.00am or 5.00pm and she was great fun too. Things had now ground to a halt and then Victoria found she needed one last photo to go with a story of someone who had received an on the spot fine for dropping litter. Steve collected up all the empty containers he could find and the rain having eased off we headed off for a likely location (about 10 metres away!) He staged the photo with litter strewn about next to a plastic bag. He then posed me to look as though I was walking away dropping an empty can from my hand. The shot was taken. Then I pointed out that the person fined was male, so shouldn't I take a photo of him as the culprit. As he'd already set up the photo, all I had to do was press the shutter... success... 'My' photo credited with my name appeared on page 14 of the DET the following morning.
The start of a new career...?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 18th
Signed off and supposedly back at work. Luckily not having to teach last class at Allenton, but spent much of today sorting out paperwork to send to person who is covering for me. Strange she hasn't got back in touch!
Lucy managed to oversleep on the morning of her 'big' Maths A Level exam. Was so grateful to find that Graham had left his car for me to drive, should there be the need.
Went for short trip out after tea and I drove back in 'my' car. It felt so 'stiff' and 'heavy' - unlikely that I will ever go back to driving it and having a bit of fun!
Tuesday 19th
Lucy off to school early and came back with considerably more smile on her face than went she returned home from Maths exam. Only one more left, which means she'll only be at school until Friday. (Makes me feel old, my children are no longer children)
Weather (and poorly foot) allowed me to do some gardening at lunchtime.
Wednesday 20th
Lucy at home revising. Managed to 'bag' the computer in the morning to work on website and write lesson plan for Friday. Left at 1.00pm for appointment at Nuffield hospital. Surgeon was surprised that it's still tender near site of wound, offered reassurance with the words: "Give it another 6 weeks to settle" Those 10 minutes will cost me £75!
Went into town and collected mug for Graham I'd had printed with his Honda 400/4. Disappointed that it's a bit on the dark side, but pleased that I actually got round to doing it. (Only 3 days late for Father's Day) Needed a comfy pair of shoes for tomorrow another £40.00. Took Lucy to Garden Centre and frittered away more money...
Thursday 21st
Day out at Derby Evening Telegraph. Had an amazing time with Steve (photographer). Read about it above with more photos on Flickr. Would love to do the job, and have resolved to learn all about and understand F numbers, aperture settings and film speeds. Watch out for next time...
Friday 22nd
Back to teaching at Rycote. Students happy to see me. It was lovely that they all (but one) turned up. Even Line Manager came down especially to welcome me back. I don't think anything has changed there...
Lunch at Sainburys, but had to collect and take Graham back to work now that he has changed offices.
Robert won tickets to go to race meeting at Goodwood. Unfortunately Graham didn;t have time to go too, but Robert made it there, even though it took him 6 hours . Good for you Bob, hope you had a great time, can't wait to see your photos!
Monday 18th
Signed off and supposedly back at work. Luckily not having to teach last class at Allenton, but spent much of today sorting out paperwork to send to person who is covering for me. Strange she hasn't got back in touch!
Lucy managed to oversleep on the morning of her 'big' Maths A Level exam. Was so grateful to find that Graham had left his car for me to drive, should there be the need.
Went for short trip out after tea and I drove back in 'my' car. It felt so 'stiff' and 'heavy' - unlikely that I will ever go back to driving it and having a bit of fun!
Tuesday 19th
Lucy off to school early and came back with considerably more smile on her face than went she returned home from Maths exam. Only one more left, which means she'll only be at school until Friday. (Makes me feel old, my children are no longer children)
Weather (and poorly foot) allowed me to do some gardening at lunchtime.
Wednesday 20th
Lucy at home revising. Managed to 'bag' the computer in the morning to work on website and write lesson plan for Friday. Left at 1.00pm for appointment at Nuffield hospital. Surgeon was surprised that it's still tender near site of wound, offered reassurance with the words: "Give it another 6 weeks to settle" Those 10 minutes will cost me £75!
Went into town and collected mug for Graham I'd had printed with his Honda 400/4. Disappointed that it's a bit on the dark side, but pleased that I actually got round to doing it. (Only 3 days late for Father's Day) Needed a comfy pair of shoes for tomorrow another £40.00. Took Lucy to Garden Centre and frittered away more money...
Thursday 21st
Day out at Derby Evening Telegraph. Had an amazing time with Steve (photographer). Read about it above with more photos on Flickr. Would love to do the job, and have resolved to learn all about and understand F numbers, aperture settings and film speeds. Watch out for next time...
Friday 22nd
Back to teaching at Rycote. Students happy to see me. It was lovely that they all (but one) turned up. Even Line Manager came down especially to welcome me back. I don't think anything has changed there...
Lunch at Sainburys, but had to collect and take Graham back to work now that he has changed offices.
Robert won tickets to go to race meeting at Goodwood. Unfortunately Graham didn;t have time to go too, but Robert made it there, even though it took him 6 hours . Good for you Bob, hope you had a great time, can't wait to see your photos!
Monday, June 18, 2007
First Outing, Post Op...
This has been my goal over the past few weeks, to drive to the station, catch the train and take up an invitation to spend the main part of the day with Les at the Birmingham School of Jewellery (where he is a senior lecturer). The weather forecast was torrential rain, so it seems a perfect day for spending indoors being shown round. No hold ups and good to have the excuse for a taxi from the station. The doorman was great, they tend to act like human rottweillers, but as soon as they know who you've come to see, they act like puppies, all sweet and loveable and can't do enough for you. I can't remember the last time I saw Les and was worried that I wouldn't recognise him, I needn't have worried, he was just the same. (Dead ringer for Terence Stamp)
Oh To Be Back At School...
The School of Jewellery is a beautiful building which has been totally rebuilt from the inside to provide light and airy accommodation. The Atrium gives the idea of being the centre of a posh ship with handrails of polished light wood and barriers of metal rods to stop you falling through. Even the floors in their Pacific Green hue are reminiscent of the colour of the sea. I was given a guided tour starting at the top of the building and working down. I had imagined that this was normal, but in fact Les was keeping the best till last! Walking the decks, we saw students past and present, all very busy getting their creations finished for next Tuesday's deadline. Les was most proud of one of his previous students, she'd originally been trained by him under a YTS scheme - but there again, the whole place was about success stories.
As we wandered round the classrooms, I was introduced as: "the wife of Graham Curtis, who had made his Honda 400/4 bike" it all got very complicated and then he'd add: " Geraldine teaches jewellery" which was a little embarrassing as the jewellery techniques I teach are nothing like the jewellery technology taught there - where you start with a piece of metal and depending on how you cut, bend, hammer, draw, file etc etc the finished product is a work of art with hours and hours of work behind it. Me, I just do things with beads...
As we wandered round the classrooms, I was introduced as: "the wife of Graham Curtis, who had made his Honda 400/4 bike" it all got very complicated and then he'd add: " Geraldine teaches jewellery" which was a little embarrassing as the jewellery techniques I teach are nothing like the jewellery technology taught there - where you start with a piece of metal and depending on how you cut, bend, hammer, draw, file etc etc the finished product is a work of art with hours and hours of work behind it. Me, I just do things with beads...
'Les' Grotto'
Leading me down into the bowels of the building, Les almost became restless with anticipation. Was it the rows of lathes and metal cutting machines that had caused this raise in heart rate, or the computer software that 'did the designing for you'? No, shepherding me into an enclosed room with neither natural light nor fresh air, it became apparent that here lay Les' 'Piece de Resistance' (electrical current is involved!!) his 'high altar', or as I renamed it; Les' Grotto. This was the Electroplating and Electroforming laboratory... Les' Room of Alchemy... He is a leading expert of these techniques and has even written a book on the subject. For Electroplating, you take an object made in any metal, attach electrodes it to, submerge it in a special solution, switch on the current and depending on how thick you want the metal deposited, leave it as long as it takes. The clever thing about Electroforming, is that you don't need to start with something metal. (But do watch out for the vat containing cyanide!)
One of the examples in his book shows a piece of jewellery, an oval shape (in metal) that has been wrapped with real spider's web..., sprayed with a metal conductive paint, it has then been electroformed in 18 carat gold - you can't get much closer to true alchemy than that! For one of the recent G8 Summits, the School was chosen to produce the 'token' silver pens handed out. The form was first designed and made in wax, painted with the special metal paint, this was electroformed, melting the wax and leaving a hollow for the pen refil to be fitted into.
One of the examples in his book shows a piece of jewellery, an oval shape (in metal) that has been wrapped with real spider's web..., sprayed with a metal conductive paint, it has then been electroformed in 18 carat gold - you can't get much closer to true alchemy than that! For one of the recent G8 Summits, the School was chosen to produce the 'token' silver pens handed out. The form was first designed and made in wax, painted with the special metal paint, this was electroformed, melting the wax and leaving a hollow for the pen refil to be fitted into.
The Secret of Alchemy...
With my head buzzing with all this new (to me) technology, we went upstairs for a quick cup of tea and a short sit down. Next Les talked me through the display of the Final Year Student's work. The majority was well thought out, beautifully executed and a joy to admire, it was all getting too much, like an intoxicating scent or the sound of Jason's Sirens, you just wanted the opportunity to join in. Four o'clock soon came round, taxi back to the station, appalling weather and back to reality - but I do have the key to my new found alchemy, Les gave me a copy of his book...
Friday, June 15, 2007
Morley Garden Party
Saturday 9th June
This is a reminder of the glorious weather we had at the week -end, amazingly hot with not a cloud in the sky. (I still have the strap marks on my shoulders where the sun didn't reach.) We missed Eddie, and didn't win anything on the tombola, but Graham enjoyed his tea and cake and I saw one of my piano pupils.
Greatest achievement was walking there and back, something I couldn't have contemplated the previous week...
This is a reminder of the glorious weather we had at the week -end, amazingly hot with not a cloud in the sky. (I still have the strap marks on my shoulders where the sun didn't reach.) We missed Eddie, and didn't win anything on the tombola, but Graham enjoyed his tea and cake and I saw one of my piano pupils.
Greatest achievement was walking there and back, something I couldn't have contemplated the previous week...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
IN BRIEF
Tuesday 12th
Thought I should 'show willing' and attend Tutor meeting at Village Learning Store. First outing on my own in the car. Great to see everyone again and everyone was very supportive. Only when I reached home realised what a big milestone it had been and how much it had taken out of me. Felt better after half an hour in bed! Last day of hot weather
Thursday 14th
Graham left early for Birmingham airport to fly to Stockholm. My big day out in Birmingham (nearly missed the train as Graham on phone) Had a great time - see above. Link to Les' book disappeared by the end of the day, so have now found a link to Amazon
Home by 5.30pm
Friday 15th
Decided it was time for some retail therapy, so collected Lucy from bus and off we went to Buton. Sunny skies when we got there, torential rain as we attempted to get back to the car. Can't remember a time I have got so soaked!
Tuesday 12th
Thought I should 'show willing' and attend Tutor meeting at Village Learning Store. First outing on my own in the car. Great to see everyone again and everyone was very supportive. Only when I reached home realised what a big milestone it had been and how much it had taken out of me. Felt better after half an hour in bed! Last day of hot weather
Thursday 14th
Graham left early for Birmingham airport to fly to Stockholm. My big day out in Birmingham (nearly missed the train as Graham on phone) Had a great time - see above. Link to Les' book disappeared by the end of the day, so have now found a link to Amazon
Home by 5.30pm
Friday 15th
Decided it was time for some retail therapy, so collected Lucy from bus and off we went to Buton. Sunny skies when we got there, torential rain as we attempted to get back to the car. Can't remember a time I have got so soaked!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Fly Away Peter, Fly Away Paula...
Having just written to the local paper to ask if I can go and 'shadow' one of their professional reporters for a day, I went outside to take advantage of the glorious weather and seek inspiration for my next project. I was standing next to the flower bed when a pot of seeds began to tremble and heave. As I have been playing sandcastles with our local mole all week (you build 'em up and I'll knock 'em down) I dashed in to retrieve my camera and get a moving picture. Of course, he must have felt 'the earth move' ( no erotic innuendoes intended) and decided he was camera shy after all, so I gave up and went in and made a cup of tea.
Standing outside, cup in hand, I espied our baby Blue Tits about to make a break for it. Their parents have been incredibly camera shy all week, but the babies were clearly ready to take centre stage. Luckily, my camera makes very soothing (bird-like?) noises and they seemed to want to make friends straight away! There were two babies, one scruffy and one very sleek. The sleek one appeared to push past my camera and flew off. Incredibly he made it onto the nearest roof, hopped on to and clung to the vertical wall and on up to the highest point he could find, the top of our chimney.
The last I saw was a flutter of wings, flying off into the distance, we can learn so much from observing...
Standing outside, cup in hand, I espied our baby Blue Tits about to make a break for it. Their parents have been incredibly camera shy all week, but the babies were clearly ready to take centre stage. Luckily, my camera makes very soothing (bird-like?) noises and they seemed to want to make friends straight away! There were two babies, one scruffy and one very sleek. The sleek one appeared to push past my camera and flew off. Incredibly he made it onto the nearest roof, hopped on to and clung to the vertical wall and on up to the highest point he could find, the top of our chimney.
The last I saw was a flutter of wings, flying off into the distance, we can learn so much from observing...
IN BRIEF
Monday 4th June
The start of a new week and completely on my own with Lucy back at school. Needn't have worried as first up had a phone call from my sister (rare occurrence). After the formalities of establishing that I had had the operation she offered to visit me on Thursday as she is in Matlock for the day 'doing' a workshop.
Weather very pleasant, so spent a very happy half hour weeding in the allotment. Made more pleasant by bumping into a neighbour en route, who offered the immortal words: "don't over do it" ah, somebody cares...
Graham was also seen to care today, when an enormous bunch of purple and yellow flowers arrived at midday, complete with trendy gift box and helium balloon with the words "I love you" inscribed on it, ah thanks Graham...
Realised that I had not let my 'old neighbour' know of my predicament, so sent an email last thing at night.
Tuesday 5th June
True to fashion, Judith had replied while I was still asleep and offered to come and see me this afternoon. Excellent - some company at last! Managed more weeding in the allotment, unearthing baby lettuce and parsnips which then needed to be transplanted. We spent the afternoon catching up on news about children, holidays, mutual acquaintances, and she brought me a bunch of flowers. We walked up to collect Lucy off the school bus, still trying to increase the frequency of short walks.
Lucy helped me with the watering of the allotment later. Disappointed to see that everything I had so lovingly transplanted, had wilted beyond recognition in the heat!
Wednesday 6th June
Another day at the computer and hey presto another phone call from an infrequently seen school friend. Geraldine, (my name sake) and I were at school together and for the first few years were best friends and always sat together. (Much to the consternation of teachers) We eventually grew apart in the fifth form, when it became increasingly obvious than in my country bumpkin ways, I could no longer compete with a highly intelligent teenager (or is that an?) who always managed higher marks than me. I left after 'O' Levels and went to my local grammar school, where the pace was much slower and I could be 'top swot' ( I don't mean it quite like that, but the pressure was definitely reduced) We had no further contact until I noticed in an 'old girl's' magazine at my mum's, that she was now living about 20 minutes away - so I made contact and after initial fervour, to establish old links we have seen little of each other in the last couple of years. I have to say I was overjoyed at receiving this phone call and to see her again after all this time, even if her exact words were: "I was keeping this week free to go to Australia, but as that has fallen through, I thought I'd visit the sick instead"!
Thanks for the delicious strawberries!
Thursday 7th June
A Red Letter day. As part of my rehabilitation, Lucy offered to take a break from her 'A' Level revision to escort me to town for a meal at Nandos. I was so tense about the whole thing...first bus ride, no escape route, seeing people...Anyway it all went much smoother than expected with Lucy the perfect escort and morale supporter (as long as I paid for everything!) We even saw someone on the bus on the way home that I'd not seen in ages, so more 'catch up' achieved. Again, time spent on feet was too long, but if you don't push the boundaries you will never get better (I keep telling myself through gritted teeth) Hoping to seek sanctuary in bed when I got home was short lived after listening to a message on the phone announcing the imminent arrival of my sister. She arrived from Matlock having spent the day 'teaching' bereavement counselling to a group of local volunteers.
Friday 8th June
Lucy missed the school bus, having left the house and returned three times for essential items. It was her 'Leavers Do' and with me not driving, had made the decision to stay at 'the boyfriend's' to get ready, rather than coming home and me taking her. (She wasn't at all happy with this arrangement, but there wasn't a lot I could do about it...) Busy day on the website. Great weather, so lots of walks.
Was very privileged to witness the first flight of our Blue Tit fledglings. (See above) Felt sorry for the scruffy one as he (she) only managed to fall out of the nesting box and land directly underneath it, leaving itself worryingly exposed to attack. Decided to intervene by popping him back in the box for another 'go'. The box was definitely empty by the following morning and I thought I saw him hopping from branch to branch in the plum tree, but no sightings since...
Monday 4th June
The start of a new week and completely on my own with Lucy back at school. Needn't have worried as first up had a phone call from my sister (rare occurrence). After the formalities of establishing that I had had the operation she offered to visit me on Thursday as she is in Matlock for the day 'doing' a workshop.
Weather very pleasant, so spent a very happy half hour weeding in the allotment. Made more pleasant by bumping into a neighbour en route, who offered the immortal words: "don't over do it" ah, somebody cares...
Graham was also seen to care today, when an enormous bunch of purple and yellow flowers arrived at midday, complete with trendy gift box and helium balloon with the words "I love you" inscribed on it, ah thanks Graham...
Realised that I had not let my 'old neighbour' know of my predicament, so sent an email last thing at night.
Tuesday 5th June
True to fashion, Judith had replied while I was still asleep and offered to come and see me this afternoon. Excellent - some company at last! Managed more weeding in the allotment, unearthing baby lettuce and parsnips which then needed to be transplanted. We spent the afternoon catching up on news about children, holidays, mutual acquaintances, and she brought me a bunch of flowers. We walked up to collect Lucy off the school bus, still trying to increase the frequency of short walks.
Lucy helped me with the watering of the allotment later. Disappointed to see that everything I had so lovingly transplanted, had wilted beyond recognition in the heat!
Wednesday 6th June
Another day at the computer and hey presto another phone call from an infrequently seen school friend. Geraldine, (my name sake) and I were at school together and for the first few years were best friends and always sat together. (Much to the consternation of teachers) We eventually grew apart in the fifth form, when it became increasingly obvious than in my country bumpkin ways, I could no longer compete with a highly intelligent teenager (or is that an?) who always managed higher marks than me. I left after 'O' Levels and went to my local grammar school, where the pace was much slower and I could be 'top swot' ( I don't mean it quite like that, but the pressure was definitely reduced) We had no further contact until I noticed in an 'old girl's' magazine at my mum's, that she was now living about 20 minutes away - so I made contact and after initial fervour, to establish old links we have seen little of each other in the last couple of years. I have to say I was overjoyed at receiving this phone call and to see her again after all this time, even if her exact words were: "I was keeping this week free to go to Australia, but as that has fallen through, I thought I'd visit the sick instead"!
Thanks for the delicious strawberries!
Thursday 7th June
A Red Letter day. As part of my rehabilitation, Lucy offered to take a break from her 'A' Level revision to escort me to town for a meal at Nandos. I was so tense about the whole thing...first bus ride, no escape route, seeing people...Anyway it all went much smoother than expected with Lucy the perfect escort and morale supporter (as long as I paid for everything!) We even saw someone on the bus on the way home that I'd not seen in ages, so more 'catch up' achieved. Again, time spent on feet was too long, but if you don't push the boundaries you will never get better (I keep telling myself through gritted teeth) Hoping to seek sanctuary in bed when I got home was short lived after listening to a message on the phone announcing the imminent arrival of my sister. She arrived from Matlock having spent the day 'teaching' bereavement counselling to a group of local volunteers.
Friday 8th June
Lucy missed the school bus, having left the house and returned three times for essential items. It was her 'Leavers Do' and with me not driving, had made the decision to stay at 'the boyfriend's' to get ready, rather than coming home and me taking her. (She wasn't at all happy with this arrangement, but there wasn't a lot I could do about it...) Busy day on the website. Great weather, so lots of walks.
Was very privileged to witness the first flight of our Blue Tit fledglings. (See above) Felt sorry for the scruffy one as he (she) only managed to fall out of the nesting box and land directly underneath it, leaving itself worryingly exposed to attack. Decided to intervene by popping him back in the box for another 'go'. The box was definitely empty by the following morning and I thought I saw him hopping from branch to branch in the plum tree, but no sightings since...
IN BRIEF
Monday 28th May
Bank Holiday, so free day for Graham, but oh, the weather! It poured all day as it did yesterday. Decided that a drop of rain would not prevent me in my quest for getting better and we walked 'our circuit'. Unfortunately, two and a half miles was way too far at less than two weeks post-op recovery.
Tuesday 29th
Ordinary day, but feeling the full effect of yesterday's trek. Managed some beading in bed while feeling sorry for myself. Did do some ironing for Graham's imminent trip.
Wednesday 30th
Got up at the crack of dawn to wish Graham 'bon voyage' (off to America again) and went back to bed and to sleep. Lucy left at 9 to go on a shopping expedition with friends. My mum and dad arrived at 20 past 11, having come the scenic route up the M1! Hopes of help around the house soon dissolved as it became apparent that out of their own environment, one has difficulty locating items due to loss of sight and the other nearly deaf. - Kept me on my toes with all the extra work involved!
Straight after lunch, they took me back to the Nuffield where I spent a short 20 minutes regaling the surgeon with my story of haematomas and wounds bursting open, to which he quickly brushed aside any sympathetic murmurings to tell me that he knew exactly what I was going to say before I said it. Apparently you are pumped full of heparim before the operation to reduce any chance of getting a thrombosis and this invariably causes a haematoma at the site of the wound as your blood temporarily forgets how to clot. (I'd read that on the the internet by then anyhow) Pity no one thought to either tell me or inspect the wound before I left to check and explain...
Thursday 1st June
Was taken shopping to Morrisons after lunch, then after a short time back at the ranch, we all 'hot footed' it to the Designer Outlet to see what bargains we could extract. I bought a nice top from M&S, wintery, not summery, but after an hour on my feet I was struggling to get back to the security and comfort of the car.
Friday 2nd June
After a long morning with lots to do on the website, we all went to Horsley Lodge for a spot of lunch. I can never work out whether you do get value for money there. The menu is full and varied, the surroundings very picturesque, but by the time you've moved three times to avoid getting boiled in the conservatory part of the restaurant and waited at least half an hour for your food, the novelty of having a meal out has worn off!
Monday 28th May
Bank Holiday, so free day for Graham, but oh, the weather! It poured all day as it did yesterday. Decided that a drop of rain would not prevent me in my quest for getting better and we walked 'our circuit'. Unfortunately, two and a half miles was way too far at less than two weeks post-op recovery.
Tuesday 29th
Ordinary day, but feeling the full effect of yesterday's trek. Managed some beading in bed while feeling sorry for myself. Did do some ironing for Graham's imminent trip.
Wednesday 30th
Got up at the crack of dawn to wish Graham 'bon voyage' (off to America again) and went back to bed and to sleep. Lucy left at 9 to go on a shopping expedition with friends. My mum and dad arrived at 20 past 11, having come the scenic route up the M1! Hopes of help around the house soon dissolved as it became apparent that out of their own environment, one has difficulty locating items due to loss of sight and the other nearly deaf. - Kept me on my toes with all the extra work involved!
Straight after lunch, they took me back to the Nuffield where I spent a short 20 minutes regaling the surgeon with my story of haematomas and wounds bursting open, to which he quickly brushed aside any sympathetic murmurings to tell me that he knew exactly what I was going to say before I said it. Apparently you are pumped full of heparim before the operation to reduce any chance of getting a thrombosis and this invariably causes a haematoma at the site of the wound as your blood temporarily forgets how to clot. (I'd read that on the the internet by then anyhow) Pity no one thought to either tell me or inspect the wound before I left to check and explain...
Thursday 1st June
Was taken shopping to Morrisons after lunch, then after a short time back at the ranch, we all 'hot footed' it to the Designer Outlet to see what bargains we could extract. I bought a nice top from M&S, wintery, not summery, but after an hour on my feet I was struggling to get back to the security and comfort of the car.
Friday 2nd June
After a long morning with lots to do on the website, we all went to Horsley Lodge for a spot of lunch. I can never work out whether you do get value for money there. The menu is full and varied, the surroundings very picturesque, but by the time you've moved three times to avoid getting boiled in the conservatory part of the restaurant and waited at least half an hour for your food, the novelty of having a meal out has worn off!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Do Bees Ever Get Tired?...
Saturday 26th
Yesterday included a small 'milestone' as I was due to have my stitches out. Had a feeling that all was not well, so went back to the Nuffield 'just in case'. Everything seemed fine afterwards, and we went home. Later we went shopping for clothes and food and then went for a walk. I was just changing out of my tee-shirt when I noticed something on it and thought I had split something. On closer inspection it was blood which had seeped through the dressing and reopened the wound. Luckily one of my piano pupils is a nurse, so while I sat very still in bed expecting all my insides to drain out, Lucy rang her for advice. Ten minutes later she cheerily knocked on the door as she does usually on a Monday evening, but this time came upstairs. I held my hands over my eyes while she gently prodded and poked and then bandaged me up similar to a nappy on a sumo wrestler. Am I down hearted? Yes, very,... but it meant I had an excuse to ask Graham to take me down the road to my favourite shop to cheer me up. There was just one ring that caught my eye and thought I'd try on, it must have been waiting for me...
Yesterday included a small 'milestone' as I was due to have my stitches out. Had a feeling that all was not well, so went back to the Nuffield 'just in case'. Everything seemed fine afterwards, and we went home. Later we went shopping for clothes and food and then went for a walk. I was just changing out of my tee-shirt when I noticed something on it and thought I had split something. On closer inspection it was blood which had seeped through the dressing and reopened the wound. Luckily one of my piano pupils is a nurse, so while I sat very still in bed expecting all my insides to drain out, Lucy rang her for advice. Ten minutes later she cheerily knocked on the door as she does usually on a Monday evening, but this time came upstairs. I held my hands over my eyes while she gently prodded and poked and then bandaged me up similar to a nappy on a sumo wrestler. Am I down hearted? Yes, very,... but it meant I had an excuse to ask Graham to take me down the road to my favourite shop to cheer me up. There was just one ring that caught my eye and thought I'd try on, it must have been waiting for me...
IN BRIEF
Monday 21st
Managed to load dishwasher and set it going. Hurray, first time in two months! Struggled to do some work on the website. Luckily nothing too pressing, but finding it very difficult to (a) sit at desk for any length of time and (b) hold concentration for more that ten minutes. Graham came home and cooked me chicken and chips (He doesn't know how to cook anything else, which is good, as it is my favourite!)
Gave two piano lessons, wasn't quite sure how body would cope, was OK until five minutes before end of lesson, ouch!
Tuesday 22nd
Cherry Blossom picture published in local paper. (see image below)
Told next door neighbour about the demise of Hermione, she was surprised, but I heard more about her dad being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last September and of work colleague who has brain tumour and 8 weeks to live. (Her dad has responded so well to chemo, his secondary cancers have disappeared and tumour has shrunk to size of walnut - hope prognosis is as good for her work colleague)
Spent 10 minutes playing the piano, first time in nearly a fortnight.
Gave two piano lessons
Walked up to The Mound and back
Had phone call from an old friend of Graham's - Les Curtis - (we haven't seen him for years, but he's one of the few people who will talk to you as though he sees you every day.) He said he'd had a hernia 25 years ago and spent 10 days in hospital. As we got chatting and I explained that I'd been teaching jewellery this last year - he invited me down to Birmingham University where he teaches jewellery/silversmithing. It's brilliant, because it has given me a goal to aim for. I need to be well enough to get to Birmingham on the train and walk to the University before 23rd June. Not sure at the moment that this is achievable...
Wednesday 23rd
Less time spent in bed, lots more sitting in front of the computer
Had handmade card from one of my students from Craft class, thanks Kay! Also had call from a Learning Partner reaffirming her offer of a lift after half term if I feel up to teaching, but not driving. She'd just spent a week in Turkey on holiday, except she'd got bitten by an insect on her ankle on the second day and spent the whole time with her foot up as it was so bad. Bad luck, Irene!
Gave four piano lessons during the day.
Walked up to The Mound and back
Had phone call from my collage friend in Weymouth. Was thrilled that she had actually phoned and surprised that she sounded and confessed to being more tired and fed up than me!
Thursday 24th
Suddenly feel today as though I have turned a corner. The 'mend' has become easier and I now feel as though I can get better. Walking, bending, carrying etc almost as normal...
Monday 21st
Managed to load dishwasher and set it going. Hurray, first time in two months! Struggled to do some work on the website. Luckily nothing too pressing, but finding it very difficult to (a) sit at desk for any length of time and (b) hold concentration for more that ten minutes. Graham came home and cooked me chicken and chips (He doesn't know how to cook anything else, which is good, as it is my favourite!)
Gave two piano lessons, wasn't quite sure how body would cope, was OK until five minutes before end of lesson, ouch!
Tuesday 22nd
Cherry Blossom picture published in local paper. (see image below)
Told next door neighbour about the demise of Hermione, she was surprised, but I heard more about her dad being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last September and of work colleague who has brain tumour and 8 weeks to live. (Her dad has responded so well to chemo, his secondary cancers have disappeared and tumour has shrunk to size of walnut - hope prognosis is as good for her work colleague)
Spent 10 minutes playing the piano, first time in nearly a fortnight.
Gave two piano lessons
Walked up to The Mound and back
Had phone call from an old friend of Graham's - Les Curtis - (we haven't seen him for years, but he's one of the few people who will talk to you as though he sees you every day.) He said he'd had a hernia 25 years ago and spent 10 days in hospital. As we got chatting and I explained that I'd been teaching jewellery this last year - he invited me down to Birmingham University where he teaches jewellery/silversmithing. It's brilliant, because it has given me a goal to aim for. I need to be well enough to get to Birmingham on the train and walk to the University before 23rd June. Not sure at the moment that this is achievable...
Wednesday 23rd
Less time spent in bed, lots more sitting in front of the computer
Had handmade card from one of my students from Craft class, thanks Kay! Also had call from a Learning Partner reaffirming her offer of a lift after half term if I feel up to teaching, but not driving. She'd just spent a week in Turkey on holiday, except she'd got bitten by an insect on her ankle on the second day and spent the whole time with her foot up as it was so bad. Bad luck, Irene!
Gave four piano lessons during the day.
Walked up to The Mound and back
Had phone call from my collage friend in Weymouth. Was thrilled that she had actually phoned and surprised that she sounded and confessed to being more tired and fed up than me!
Thursday 24th
Suddenly feel today as though I have turned a corner. The 'mend' has become easier and I now feel as though I can get better. Walking, bending, carrying etc almost as normal...
Published Again...
I invite you to visit my Flickr site, someone called Ian has written me a fabulous critique of this picture - makes me sound as though I knew exactly what I was doing...!
IN BRIEF
Wednesday 16th
Discharged from hospital around 10.30am, Graham at dentist until 10 o'clock. Can't remember much about the journey home except that every bump hurt!
Eventually room stopped going round and I began my first project, a miniature cardigan. (picture up shortly) Graham at home to look after me, Lucy at home with 'flu!
Walked to end of Lane and back
Thursday 17th
On my own all day. Didn't appreciate next door's having cavity wall insulation fitted, which involved drilling holes in the wall. The vibrations made me hurt! Found some frozen soup in the deep freeze for lunch. Robert phoned during the afternoon, it was so good to hear a concerned human voice.
Walked to end of Lane and back
Friday 18th
Body trying very hard to resume some normality of function. Can still only get up for a drink and go back to bed immediately. Began beading project using Peyote stitch. Don't seem so reliant on painkillers. Had call from one of my jewellery students, they have a replacement tutor for 6 weeks. Didn't know whether to feel relief, (can take my time to get better), or worry that 'my class' will be taken over and not want me any more. Decided in the end that this is probably a good thing and that I should feel it is a positive step for all concerned.
Managed to walk to allotment twice, end of Lane and down to corner of track in opposite direction.
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th
Bad day: first stomach has taken on a ghastly yellow hue as the bruising starts to 'come out'. Didn't remember to take enough pain killers, so got into a vicious circle of too much pain and too little relief. Lucy at work as usual and Graham too busy for any tcl.
Wednesday 16th
Discharged from hospital around 10.30am, Graham at dentist until 10 o'clock. Can't remember much about the journey home except that every bump hurt!
Eventually room stopped going round and I began my first project, a miniature cardigan. (picture up shortly) Graham at home to look after me, Lucy at home with 'flu!
Walked to end of Lane and back
Thursday 17th
On my own all day. Didn't appreciate next door's having cavity wall insulation fitted, which involved drilling holes in the wall. The vibrations made me hurt! Found some frozen soup in the deep freeze for lunch. Robert phoned during the afternoon, it was so good to hear a concerned human voice.
Walked to end of Lane and back
Friday 18th
Body trying very hard to resume some normality of function. Can still only get up for a drink and go back to bed immediately. Began beading project using Peyote stitch. Don't seem so reliant on painkillers. Had call from one of my jewellery students, they have a replacement tutor for 6 weeks. Didn't know whether to feel relief, (can take my time to get better), or worry that 'my class' will be taken over and not want me any more. Decided in the end that this is probably a good thing and that I should feel it is a positive step for all concerned.
Managed to walk to allotment twice, end of Lane and down to corner of track in opposite direction.
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th
Bad day: first stomach has taken on a ghastly yellow hue as the bruising starts to 'come out'. Didn't remember to take enough pain killers, so got into a vicious circle of too much pain and too little relief. Lucy at work as usual and Graham too busy for any tcl.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Hermione Goodbye...
Warning: Not to be read by those of a nervous disposition or those who can't stand the sight of blood!
Tuesday 15th May
How to start this epic journey? The day dawned dismally with heavy skies and intermittent showers. First hour spent on the website, then when my brain could no longer be 'occupied' I slowly got all my things together. I'd asked Graham the night before: "Do you know where the Nuffield is?" and realised as the reply came: "Of course!" that I'd mentioned one too many things about the 'big day'. So when he steered the car to a premature exit in the direction of Stoke I had to take a deep breath and ask gently if he knew a way there that I was previously unaware of. We did manage to turn up on time eventually and with my bell boy in tow, were directed down a corridor towards Room 20. The 'hotel' room was comfortable enough, carpeted, ensuite with a view onto open grassland. There was a constant stream of people coming in and out as soon as we arrived . One of the first visitors was the surgeon (funny how you greet all these people as long term friends, unaware that they are to become the enemy in a very short time, slicing knives into you ) He threw his ample briefcase on the bed, got out a white board marker and began drawing vague arrows, dashes and dots on parts of my anatomy in the hope that at a later date he would remember how to join up and locate the area to be operated on. Then came nurse after nurse, to note weight, height, blood pressure, leg measurement (true, as I was handed a pair of very fetching 'impossible to get on' socks to combat DVT) and complete files and files of forms, which basically said who I was and why I was there. I'd rung up the day before to check the time of the operation and been told 4.45pm. I was now slightly fazed to find that I was 'down' for 3.00pm. This meant that I had little chance of finishing reading 'Why I Married My Uncle's Niece' in the magazine I'd brought (what a relief!) By 2.00pm, I was ready and waiting in my hospital gown, refusing to exchange my nice (lucky?) M&S pink briefs for the 'modesty knickers' supplied by the hospital. 10 to 3 came and in burst my captors ready to 'frog march' me down to theatre. ( I was told we'd walk down and ride back - how considerate!) I hastily swapped my undergarment on my last trip to the loo and got into step...
I was surprised that I was then led into yet another tiny room just big enough to hold the three occupants (time for one last confession, perhaps?) Here we all sat down and double double checked my two wrist bands for spelling and punctuation...Now a chap took over proceedings, inviting me to remove my 'fluffy pink dressing gown' and hop onto the 'chariot' outside the theatre. Even in his theatre make-up, it was clear why all nurses who came within a three mile radius had swooned, giggled and said:" Oh, have I forgotten to put something on the form?" in a casting couch sort of manner. Even his blue wrap around hat perching on a shaved head appeared as this year's must have fashion statement and he had tatooes down his arms to rival Robby Williams. Luckily, I was not over come by his charms, especially when he began attaching even stranger fashion statements to my lower legs. Eventually, out popped the anaestist from the theatre like the fair weather man of a weather station, stuck a large needle in my hand, and as I felt the anaesthetic pump into my arm I knew war had been declared...
Waking up in unfamiliar surroundings has never been my forte. I can remember as a child coming to in a strange bed on holiday, to find that everyone had got up and disappeared and dissolving into tears. Well imagine that kind of feeling, but worse. Having experienced a laparoscopy last September, I knew that I would indeed wake up again, but also that I would go into what felt like shock, only this time with ten times as much anaesthetic in my system, it was ten times worse. I 'surfaced about 10 to 5 (I couldn't focus, but knew from the position on the hands on a clock that that was the time.) I spent the next half an hour trying (a) to stop shaking violently and (b) to catch my breath...it was a really frightening experience and after half an hour one which I thought I would never recover from. Nobody seemed in the slightest bit bothered, they covered me with more and more blankets, until even I felt smothered and still nothing made it better. It's strange how acutely aware you are of your surroundings when your senses are impaired. I couldn't see anything properly, but could hear every snippet of conversation which seemed to consist of someone called Sheena on the phone arranging an appointment for her son to be seen by the surgeon. Was I witnessing some queue jumping? I jolly well hope not!!
At half past 5 they wheeled me back to the room. Poor Graham, who was getting a little concerned when I was an hour later than expected, took one look at me and said: "Well, I don't think you'll be going home tonight..." Thanks for the reassurance mate! Apparently I resembled an alien with an odd purple hue, but after another half an hour some colour had returned to my cheeks. What didn't come back though was my ability for speech...I say speech, I developed a curious affliction of only being able to say swear words and thought I'd developed Tourette's Syndrome, it b*o**y well hurt!. The surgeon chose unwisely to come back in the next half an hour: "How do you feel?" he asked (was he expecting me to congratulate him on his handiwork?) Mustering all my strength I replied "Oh absolutely ****ing wonderful!!!" . OK, so I didn't actually swear at him, but I can't help wondering why I was discharged without him coming to see me the next morning, was it something I said...?
Tuesday 15th May
How to start this epic journey? The day dawned dismally with heavy skies and intermittent showers. First hour spent on the website, then when my brain could no longer be 'occupied' I slowly got all my things together. I'd asked Graham the night before: "Do you know where the Nuffield is?" and realised as the reply came: "Of course!" that I'd mentioned one too many things about the 'big day'. So when he steered the car to a premature exit in the direction of Stoke I had to take a deep breath and ask gently if he knew a way there that I was previously unaware of. We did manage to turn up on time eventually and with my bell boy in tow, were directed down a corridor towards Room 20. The 'hotel' room was comfortable enough, carpeted, ensuite with a view onto open grassland. There was a constant stream of people coming in and out as soon as we arrived . One of the first visitors was the surgeon (funny how you greet all these people as long term friends, unaware that they are to become the enemy in a very short time, slicing knives into you ) He threw his ample briefcase on the bed, got out a white board marker and began drawing vague arrows, dashes and dots on parts of my anatomy in the hope that at a later date he would remember how to join up and locate the area to be operated on. Then came nurse after nurse, to note weight, height, blood pressure, leg measurement (true, as I was handed a pair of very fetching 'impossible to get on' socks to combat DVT) and complete files and files of forms, which basically said who I was and why I was there. I'd rung up the day before to check the time of the operation and been told 4.45pm. I was now slightly fazed to find that I was 'down' for 3.00pm. This meant that I had little chance of finishing reading 'Why I Married My Uncle's Niece' in the magazine I'd brought (what a relief!) By 2.00pm, I was ready and waiting in my hospital gown, refusing to exchange my nice (lucky?) M&S pink briefs for the 'modesty knickers' supplied by the hospital. 10 to 3 came and in burst my captors ready to 'frog march' me down to theatre. ( I was told we'd walk down and ride back - how considerate!) I hastily swapped my undergarment on my last trip to the loo and got into step...
I was surprised that I was then led into yet another tiny room just big enough to hold the three occupants (time for one last confession, perhaps?) Here we all sat down and double double checked my two wrist bands for spelling and punctuation...Now a chap took over proceedings, inviting me to remove my 'fluffy pink dressing gown' and hop onto the 'chariot' outside the theatre. Even in his theatre make-up, it was clear why all nurses who came within a three mile radius had swooned, giggled and said:" Oh, have I forgotten to put something on the form?" in a casting couch sort of manner. Even his blue wrap around hat perching on a shaved head appeared as this year's must have fashion statement and he had tatooes down his arms to rival Robby Williams. Luckily, I was not over come by his charms, especially when he began attaching even stranger fashion statements to my lower legs. Eventually, out popped the anaestist from the theatre like the fair weather man of a weather station, stuck a large needle in my hand, and as I felt the anaesthetic pump into my arm I knew war had been declared...
Waking up in unfamiliar surroundings has never been my forte. I can remember as a child coming to in a strange bed on holiday, to find that everyone had got up and disappeared and dissolving into tears. Well imagine that kind of feeling, but worse. Having experienced a laparoscopy last September, I knew that I would indeed wake up again, but also that I would go into what felt like shock, only this time with ten times as much anaesthetic in my system, it was ten times worse. I 'surfaced about 10 to 5 (I couldn't focus, but knew from the position on the hands on a clock that that was the time.) I spent the next half an hour trying (a) to stop shaking violently and (b) to catch my breath...it was a really frightening experience and after half an hour one which I thought I would never recover from. Nobody seemed in the slightest bit bothered, they covered me with more and more blankets, until even I felt smothered and still nothing made it better. It's strange how acutely aware you are of your surroundings when your senses are impaired. I couldn't see anything properly, but could hear every snippet of conversation which seemed to consist of someone called Sheena on the phone arranging an appointment for her son to be seen by the surgeon. Was I witnessing some queue jumping? I jolly well hope not!!
At half past 5 they wheeled me back to the room. Poor Graham, who was getting a little concerned when I was an hour later than expected, took one look at me and said: "Well, I don't think you'll be going home tonight..." Thanks for the reassurance mate! Apparently I resembled an alien with an odd purple hue, but after another half an hour some colour had returned to my cheeks. What didn't come back though was my ability for speech...I say speech, I developed a curious affliction of only being able to say swear words and thought I'd developed Tourette's Syndrome, it b*o**y well hurt!. The surgeon chose unwisely to come back in the next half an hour: "How do you feel?" he asked (was he expecting me to congratulate him on his handiwork?) Mustering all my strength I replied "Oh absolutely ****ing wonderful!!!" . OK, so I didn't actually swear at him, but I can't help wondering why I was discharged without him coming to see me the next morning, was it something I said...?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Hermione Can't Wait...
Tuesday 15th
One of the scary things about life is when something becomes imminent. Life changing experiences like getting married, having a baby and giving birth, moving house,...and having operations, fall into this category. Questions become unanswerable, are you prepared? Are those around you prepared? Is there anything you absolutely need to do beforehand? Does anything really matter? It's all getting a bit much...
I'm taking a big breath and preparing to take the first tentative step into the unknown...
One of the scary things about life is when something becomes imminent. Life changing experiences like getting married, having a baby and giving birth, moving house,...and having operations, fall into this category. Questions become unanswerable, are you prepared? Are those around you prepared? Is there anything you absolutely need to do beforehand? Does anything really matter? It's all getting a bit much...
I'm taking a big breath and preparing to take the first tentative step into the unknown...
Monday, May 14, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 7th May
Bank Holiday, but more or less a work day here. Was a relief not to have a class to teach. Lucy working hard towards Textile deadline at end of the week, but was easily swayed by friend to go (a) shopping and (b) spend lots of money. Perhaps I am jealous...
Sun came out late afternoon so had a drive out to Alport Heights. Glad of the break and change of scenery and the fact that Classic FM was playing the top 100 film tunes. (Think I missed 50 of them) Richard E Grant was co-hosting the programme, which made a welcome change and was surprisingly knowledgeable. Great to hear insight on how a composer approaches the task of writing film music. Lucky that my new phone has a radio and felt privileged to be able to take photos and listen to my favourite music.
Tuesday 8th
Back to school day
Wednesday 9th
Had a letter from the Nuffield and 'welcome' pack setting out all the scary things that can go wrong with the op. Also included was a demand for the money it will cost 'to be paid 7 days before the first day of treatment' - Hang on a minute, I've only got 6 days left. Phoned up and offered credit card details, which seems all wrong, paying for something to make you better on the same bill as the car service!
Went to town to put cheques in and have quick walk round. Then on to Banks Mill Studios to see Rachel and Natalie who are jewellers and have studios there. I've organised a trip there next Monday for my jewellery class to see exactly what a real jeweller does. I think it will be very interesting for them to see people who work with precious metals. Both were extremely welcoming and happy to talk about what they do. It's a long time since I've done any enamelling or silversmithing, but it bought the memories, seeing all the tools, annealing torches, pickling baths, drawing machines etc. Talking through some work Natalie had seen gave me a really good idea to do some innovative designing myself.
All the things I'll be able to do when I'm mended...
Thursday 10th
Had an appointment to have my hair trimmed just before 1.00pm and collected Graham's diabetic prescription on the way. As I don't know when I'll be able to drive again thought it good to get these little jobs done this week. I can't say I find having my hair cut enjoyable, but most of the trauma has now gone and I can look forward to a neat edge and my hair feeling a little thicker when I wash it.
Rest of afternoon very busy on website.
Friday 11th
Bit late setting off as having to iron the clothes Lucy helped me wash last night. Such is life at the moment, no food (I'm exaggerating a bit), no clean clothes, untidy house... the list goes on.
Line Manager a bit 'off' with me: "When do you think you'll be back?" - he was thinking of getting someone to cover me, but had left it too late to arrange anything before my students went home. Had to say I'd be back after half term, but feel I'm under pressure to return however I feel. Everyone gets time off work to recover it seems, except me! (Sorry about the whinge) A week off the website would be so good, but the work will just 'back up' if I don't keep on top of it.
Felt exhausted by the time I got home and even an hour's sleep later didn't rejuvenate me. Lucy did help with tidying up and a bit of hoovering, that was until she went out...
Monday 7th May
Bank Holiday, but more or less a work day here. Was a relief not to have a class to teach. Lucy working hard towards Textile deadline at end of the week, but was easily swayed by friend to go (a) shopping and (b) spend lots of money. Perhaps I am jealous...
Sun came out late afternoon so had a drive out to Alport Heights. Glad of the break and change of scenery and the fact that Classic FM was playing the top 100 film tunes. (Think I missed 50 of them) Richard E Grant was co-hosting the programme, which made a welcome change and was surprisingly knowledgeable. Great to hear insight on how a composer approaches the task of writing film music. Lucky that my new phone has a radio and felt privileged to be able to take photos and listen to my favourite music.
Tuesday 8th
Back to school day
Wednesday 9th
Had a letter from the Nuffield and 'welcome' pack setting out all the scary things that can go wrong with the op. Also included was a demand for the money it will cost 'to be paid 7 days before the first day of treatment' - Hang on a minute, I've only got 6 days left. Phoned up and offered credit card details, which seems all wrong, paying for something to make you better on the same bill as the car service!
Went to town to put cheques in and have quick walk round. Then on to Banks Mill Studios to see Rachel and Natalie who are jewellers and have studios there. I've organised a trip there next Monday for my jewellery class to see exactly what a real jeweller does. I think it will be very interesting for them to see people who work with precious metals. Both were extremely welcoming and happy to talk about what they do. It's a long time since I've done any enamelling or silversmithing, but it bought the memories, seeing all the tools, annealing torches, pickling baths, drawing machines etc. Talking through some work Natalie had seen gave me a really good idea to do some innovative designing myself.
All the things I'll be able to do when I'm mended...
Thursday 10th
Had an appointment to have my hair trimmed just before 1.00pm and collected Graham's diabetic prescription on the way. As I don't know when I'll be able to drive again thought it good to get these little jobs done this week. I can't say I find having my hair cut enjoyable, but most of the trauma has now gone and I can look forward to a neat edge and my hair feeling a little thicker when I wash it.
Rest of afternoon very busy on website.
Friday 11th
Bit late setting off as having to iron the clothes Lucy helped me wash last night. Such is life at the moment, no food (I'm exaggerating a bit), no clean clothes, untidy house... the list goes on.
Line Manager a bit 'off' with me: "When do you think you'll be back?" - he was thinking of getting someone to cover me, but had left it too late to arrange anything before my students went home. Had to say I'd be back after half term, but feel I'm under pressure to return however I feel. Everyone gets time off work to recover it seems, except me! (Sorry about the whinge) A week off the website would be so good, but the work will just 'back up' if I don't keep on top of it.
Felt exhausted by the time I got home and even an hour's sleep later didn't rejuvenate me. Lucy did help with tidying up and a bit of hoovering, that was until she went out...
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Joy Of Music...
Monday 7th May
Very uplifting being able to take photos to the sound of The Warsaw Concerto, Ladies In Lavendar, Schindler's List, Dances With Wolves, and many more, ringing in my ears...
Very uplifting being able to take photos to the sound of The Warsaw Concerto, Ladies In Lavendar, Schindler's List, Dances With Wolves, and many more, ringing in my ears...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Will You Bring Me Flowers...?
Friday 4th May
I didn't really know what to expect on my first visit to a private hospital. Perhaps large cheery bouquets of flowers dotted about and subtle canned music? No, quite a few receptionists, lots of corridors and consulting rooms, that's about all and all on one level which seemed odd. Got there just on time, even though I'd attempted to be early. Filled in a sheet of 'personal details' and ticked the box to say that I'd pay - having answered 'no' to the question: "Do you have medical insurance"? (Isn't there a Monty Python sketch, the one...you're not allowed to *** unless you pay...?) Form completed, I got to play a Goldilocks and the Three Bears game... The waiting room was decked out with all manner of different sized chairs. One continuous padded bench against the window (like a pub), then lots of different sized chairs and ones that didn't match the colour scheme of red (blood red- appropriate I suppose for a hospital) in the centre. There was even a daddy sized chair...well it was enormous, I couldn't help but think of the size of rear end you'd need to have to fit it. Perhaps they cater for Americans? Anyway, after a five minute wait, (I'd assumed wrongly that everything would be on time) the surgeon collected me from the waiting area, I thought he'd have a secretary to do that... Mr Lingham was lovely (he is highly recommended, but you always have to meet someone yourself to be convinced, I think) Filled in a few more forms, (consent form comes with my own copy) very brief examination ( hope he appreciated new M&S knickers) and then came the ultimate question; " When do you want it done? As soon as possible, please" to which he took me at my word and said he'd had a cancellation for next Tuesday 8th (I told Graham I'd get myself fixed before he got back!!) Perhaps just a little too soon. We agreed on the following Tuesday 15th and as I post this part of my blog I'm thinking: "This time next week, it will all be over..."
I didn't really know what to expect on my first visit to a private hospital. Perhaps large cheery bouquets of flowers dotted about and subtle canned music? No, quite a few receptionists, lots of corridors and consulting rooms, that's about all and all on one level which seemed odd. Got there just on time, even though I'd attempted to be early. Filled in a sheet of 'personal details' and ticked the box to say that I'd pay - having answered 'no' to the question: "Do you have medical insurance"? (Isn't there a Monty Python sketch, the one...you're not allowed to *** unless you pay...?) Form completed, I got to play a Goldilocks and the Three Bears game... The waiting room was decked out with all manner of different sized chairs. One continuous padded bench against the window (like a pub), then lots of different sized chairs and ones that didn't match the colour scheme of red (blood red- appropriate I suppose for a hospital) in the centre. There was even a daddy sized chair...well it was enormous, I couldn't help but think of the size of rear end you'd need to have to fit it. Perhaps they cater for Americans? Anyway, after a five minute wait, (I'd assumed wrongly that everything would be on time) the surgeon collected me from the waiting area, I thought he'd have a secretary to do that... Mr Lingham was lovely (he is highly recommended, but you always have to meet someone yourself to be convinced, I think) Filled in a few more forms, (consent form comes with my own copy) very brief examination ( hope he appreciated new M&S knickers) and then came the ultimate question; " When do you want it done? As soon as possible, please" to which he took me at my word and said he'd had a cancellation for next Tuesday 8th (I told Graham I'd get myself fixed before he got back!!) Perhaps just a little too soon. We agreed on the following Tuesday 15th and as I post this part of my blog I'm thinking: "This time next week, it will all be over..."
Monday, May 07, 2007
Serenity....
It's been a while since I put any sunsets up on Flickr. I didn't think I had caught anything 'worthwhile', but to 'crop' is to 'accentuate' and I'm quite pleased with this image.
Who needs details when you can have colours...
Who needs details when you can have colours...
IN BRIEF
Monday 30th April
Emailed hospital in the hope of reminding them that I'm still waiting...
After a pretty tough weekend, finally felt well again today! Had phone call from Line Manager: "Why hadn't I put the display up I'd promised to last week." She 'backed off' when I explained I'd not been well... and assuaged her with the promise of coming in early. Didn't quite manage the 12o'clock deadline, but display was up and "Alles Ist In Ordnug" seemed appropriate. 10 to 1 and who should arrive at the main desk, but a diminutive Inspector...just my luck! However, she was very pleasant and smiled appreciatively as I recounted my anecdote from the Phobia programme the night before, how this lady had a phobia about buttons and couldn't bear them to be near her...and here was my class making necklaces from them and telling stories of how they all had a button basket handed down from their mother - fond memories... After an hour, she delivered me feedback, was mostly very complimentary, tiny amount of constructive criticism, and with what I believe were the words: "It was a privilege" she left.
Tuesday 1st May
Poor day healthwise. Struggled to get Graham's ironing done and to cook lunch. Must make mental note: "Can no longer bend down to put things in oven"
Doctor phoned at lunch time to check what it was I wanted him to include in letter to hospital. Very close to tears at the thought that yet another week had passed since my last visit to see him and no farther forward. Have to realise that he has lots of other patients to administer to...In response, phoned local Nuffield Hospital, surprised that hernia operation not as expensive as I thought it would be. Discussed with Graham, that dependent on what doctor says tomorrow, only solution may be to 'go private'.
Wednesday 2nd
Graham left at the crack of dawn for another trip to the US. Seems to take less and less time to get there. This time phoned me before half past 4, only 7 and a half hours!
Mary came for piano lesson today instead of tomorrow. Good to have someone to talk to albeit briefly. Doctor's appointment 10.50. Very surprised when I was called in after only 5 minutes wait. He seemed to think that I'll be lucky to have operation within 4 months. So after brief discussion, he wrote a letter of referral for The Nuffield, which I took home with me.
Bluebells on bank breathtakingly beautiful on way home in full sunlight. Took advantage of weather and went back to photograph them in the afternoon. Not so bad walking down (nowhere to park), but bit of a struggle walking back up.
Lucy watered the allotment for me and cut some asparagus (my new staple diet for tea) unfortunately not embracing her new gardening role to its full potential. Probably something to do with stepping on something sharp - she insists on doing the watering bare-foot...
Thursday 3rd
Seemed to spend all day organising my lesson for tomorrow. Also put my panoramas of The Almshouses on Flickr together with photos of Morley and surrounds for chap from Parish Council to update website with. Sent email apologising for delay, but he seemed happy enough. Steven and Lucy went off to Morrisons to do the food shopping for me. Apparently Steven was in awe of Morrisons, as though he'd never been food shopping before...thought the loaf I like called 'pain de campagne' looked like a giant cob. If you knew Steven and the size he is, 6'2" and about 18 stone, you'd see why this was funny! Later took Lucy down to Breadsall to vote - her first time. Came home discussing why I gone to the 'disabled' booth (she said it was bigger than the rest, I said: well I am disabled) and why there are only children's pencils (short stubby ones) to make the cross with. Imagined that perhaps there are little fairy people in the collecting tins who are employed to rub out the crosses and change them, thus fixing the result!!
Friday 4th
Nick the caretaker was waiting in the car park to take my things in when I got there for my class...aaw, thanks Nick, nice to know someone cares...
Off to my appointment at The Nuffield at 20 to 3 and my first experience of a private hospital. (see above)
Monday 30th April
Emailed hospital in the hope of reminding them that I'm still waiting...
After a pretty tough weekend, finally felt well again today! Had phone call from Line Manager: "Why hadn't I put the display up I'd promised to last week." She 'backed off' when I explained I'd not been well... and assuaged her with the promise of coming in early. Didn't quite manage the 12o'clock deadline, but display was up and "Alles Ist In Ordnug" seemed appropriate. 10 to 1 and who should arrive at the main desk, but a diminutive Inspector...just my luck! However, she was very pleasant and smiled appreciatively as I recounted my anecdote from the Phobia programme the night before, how this lady had a phobia about buttons and couldn't bear them to be near her...and here was my class making necklaces from them and telling stories of how they all had a button basket handed down from their mother - fond memories... After an hour, she delivered me feedback, was mostly very complimentary, tiny amount of constructive criticism, and with what I believe were the words: "It was a privilege" she left.
Tuesday 1st May
Poor day healthwise. Struggled to get Graham's ironing done and to cook lunch. Must make mental note: "Can no longer bend down to put things in oven"
Doctor phoned at lunch time to check what it was I wanted him to include in letter to hospital. Very close to tears at the thought that yet another week had passed since my last visit to see him and no farther forward. Have to realise that he has lots of other patients to administer to...In response, phoned local Nuffield Hospital, surprised that hernia operation not as expensive as I thought it would be. Discussed with Graham, that dependent on what doctor says tomorrow, only solution may be to 'go private'.
Wednesday 2nd
Graham left at the crack of dawn for another trip to the US. Seems to take less and less time to get there. This time phoned me before half past 4, only 7 and a half hours!
Mary came for piano lesson today instead of tomorrow. Good to have someone to talk to albeit briefly. Doctor's appointment 10.50. Very surprised when I was called in after only 5 minutes wait. He seemed to think that I'll be lucky to have operation within 4 months. So after brief discussion, he wrote a letter of referral for The Nuffield, which I took home with me.
Bluebells on bank breathtakingly beautiful on way home in full sunlight. Took advantage of weather and went back to photograph them in the afternoon. Not so bad walking down (nowhere to park), but bit of a struggle walking back up.
Lucy watered the allotment for me and cut some asparagus (my new staple diet for tea) unfortunately not embracing her new gardening role to its full potential. Probably something to do with stepping on something sharp - she insists on doing the watering bare-foot...
Thursday 3rd
Seemed to spend all day organising my lesson for tomorrow. Also put my panoramas of The Almshouses on Flickr together with photos of Morley and surrounds for chap from Parish Council to update website with. Sent email apologising for delay, but he seemed happy enough. Steven and Lucy went off to Morrisons to do the food shopping for me. Apparently Steven was in awe of Morrisons, as though he'd never been food shopping before...thought the loaf I like called 'pain de campagne' looked like a giant cob. If you knew Steven and the size he is, 6'2" and about 18 stone, you'd see why this was funny! Later took Lucy down to Breadsall to vote - her first time. Came home discussing why I gone to the 'disabled' booth (she said it was bigger than the rest, I said: well I am disabled) and why there are only children's pencils (short stubby ones) to make the cross with. Imagined that perhaps there are little fairy people in the collecting tins who are employed to rub out the crosses and change them, thus fixing the result!!
Friday 4th
Nick the caretaker was waiting in the car park to take my things in when I got there for my class...aaw, thanks Nick, nice to know someone cares...
Off to my appointment at The Nuffield at 20 to 3 and my first experience of a private hospital. (see above)
Saturday, May 05, 2007
The Two Gs...
I was very lucky to be paired up with a good dancer again this year. Slightly odd that she is known as George and a bit camera shy, as you can see by the fact she had removed her tap shoes before I could persuade her to have her piccy taken with me.
IN BRIEF
Monday 23rd
For all the extra attention to detail I tried so hard to include to extricate myself from the chasms I managed to fall into last Monday, were all to no avail. I still managed to have the wrong date on my lesson plan and my Line Manager was not impressed. She seemed to think I should bow to the pickiness of Head of Service and suplicate myself without further ado. I still think I should show individuality and not conform. As the 'day' approaches I expect to capitulate...
Tuesday 24th
Another trip to the doctors, but no further forward. Although, having seen a different doctor who's a bit more down to earth in his approach, I do feel that he will do his best by me even if all I can expect is yet another letter stating: "Please sort this neurotic woman out before we have to refer her to the men in white coats brigade" It was a little worrying that the consultant had written stating that I have a suspected Peritoneal hernia, which the doctor couldn't find a reference to on Google. I, on the other hand have found lots of references to it, one of them is entitled 'Chronic pelvic pain in females and obscure hernias' - now there's a coincidence!!
Was met with great jubilation from the 'girls' at tap on my return. I do have a 'stand in' for Friday's Tap Competition, but she assured me she was not keen to take my place on the front row. More good news, we received certificates from the show at Shepshed and found out that we had been awarded fourth place (87%), ahead of the advanced group!
Wednesday 25th
Tried very hard to have a normal day. Went to Morrisons as we were out of bread, collected a printer from a centre, had a dental check up ("oh" they all said, "haven't seen you for 6 months then - and we were just getting used to your daily visits!" Cheek!! Well at least they missed me...)
back to another centre to put up a display and home via Darley Park for photos of cherry blossom and Morrisons for photo paper. Trouble was as soon as I was home felt I couldn't move a muscle. (See photo of Cherry Blossom)
Thursday 26th
After yesterday, felt as though I was in quarantine! No doubt I'll be out by tomorrow in time for lesson I'm teaching...
Went to dress rehearsal for competition tomorrow. Will miss my fellow tappers next week. (See photo)
Friday 27th
Have to give special mention to Nick at the Rycote centre, and Pete at the Step In centre on a Monday. Both have been really good about helping me carry all my 'stuff' in when I go teaching. Of course, I've had to listen how Pete has had a hernia for years now, in fact he was just due to go into hospital to have it sorted when his wife died and that was 5 years ago.....it's never bothered him....and.... Nick had been for an x-ray the Friday before as he'd got a 'swelling', but the doctor had assured him that it was probably something to do with the 'snip' he had 10 years ago and was something that comes and goes'. This is not to belittle the strange conversations I've had with these two blokes over the last couple of weeks, but to show that having shared my diagnosis, I've received more sympathy from males than females.
Graham insisted on taking me to my Tap Competition at The Derby Arts Festival, which was very good of him...unless it was the fact that there were belly dancers also taking part... We came second out of 2, which was very disappointing, but I consoled myself with the fact that I actually managed to take part! (See photo) send comment?
Monday 23rd
For all the extra attention to detail I tried so hard to include to extricate myself from the chasms I managed to fall into last Monday, were all to no avail. I still managed to have the wrong date on my lesson plan and my Line Manager was not impressed. She seemed to think I should bow to the pickiness of Head of Service and suplicate myself without further ado. I still think I should show individuality and not conform. As the 'day' approaches I expect to capitulate...
Tuesday 24th
Another trip to the doctors, but no further forward. Although, having seen a different doctor who's a bit more down to earth in his approach, I do feel that he will do his best by me even if all I can expect is yet another letter stating: "Please sort this neurotic woman out before we have to refer her to the men in white coats brigade" It was a little worrying that the consultant had written stating that I have a suspected Peritoneal hernia, which the doctor couldn't find a reference to on Google. I, on the other hand have found lots of references to it, one of them is entitled 'Chronic pelvic pain in females and obscure hernias' - now there's a coincidence!!
Was met with great jubilation from the 'girls' at tap on my return. I do have a 'stand in' for Friday's Tap Competition, but she assured me she was not keen to take my place on the front row. More good news, we received certificates from the show at Shepshed and found out that we had been awarded fourth place (87%), ahead of the advanced group!
Wednesday 25th
Tried very hard to have a normal day. Went to Morrisons as we were out of bread, collected a printer from a centre, had a dental check up ("oh" they all said, "haven't seen you for 6 months then - and we were just getting used to your daily visits!" Cheek!! Well at least they missed me...)
back to another centre to put up a display and home via Darley Park for photos of cherry blossom and Morrisons for photo paper. Trouble was as soon as I was home felt I couldn't move a muscle. (See photo of Cherry Blossom)
Thursday 26th
After yesterday, felt as though I was in quarantine! No doubt I'll be out by tomorrow in time for lesson I'm teaching...
Went to dress rehearsal for competition tomorrow. Will miss my fellow tappers next week. (See photo)
Friday 27th
Have to give special mention to Nick at the Rycote centre, and Pete at the Step In centre on a Monday. Both have been really good about helping me carry all my 'stuff' in when I go teaching. Of course, I've had to listen how Pete has had a hernia for years now, in fact he was just due to go into hospital to have it sorted when his wife died and that was 5 years ago.....it's never bothered him....and.... Nick had been for an x-ray the Friday before as he'd got a 'swelling', but the doctor had assured him that it was probably something to do with the 'snip' he had 10 years ago and was something that comes and goes'. This is not to belittle the strange conversations I've had with these two blokes over the last couple of weeks, but to show that having shared my diagnosis, I've received more sympathy from males than females.
Graham insisted on taking me to my Tap Competition at The Derby Arts Festival, which was very good of him...unless it was the fact that there were belly dancers also taking part... We came second out of 2, which was very disappointing, but I consoled myself with the fact that I actually managed to take part! (See photo) send comment?
Pole Dancing...
Saturday 21st
After lunch at the Tutor Conference, we were invited to take part in a 'Fun Exercise' which became known, through Chinses whispers as 'Pole Dancing'! Pretty tame as it turned out, but as you can see everyone is smiling (even Head Of Service, top left)!
After lunch at the Tutor Conference, we were invited to take part in a 'Fun Exercise' which became known, through Chinses whispers as 'Pole Dancing'! Pretty tame as it turned out, but as you can see everyone is smiling (even Head Of Service, top left)!
Published Again...
Saturday 21st
Not a day I was looking forward to as we had our Annual Tutor Conference. However, having another picture printed in the local paper and the fact we could claim for half of the day helped to ameliorate the time spent there.
Have to mention the keynote speaker: Andy Cope who lectures at Loughborough Uni and is doing a PhD at Bristol. The title of his talk was : "How To Be Brilliant" a lively study on positive thinking, interjected with such evocative terms as 'Mood Hoovers' (like living with Eeyore at the office) all highly entertaining - as was his suntan...
Not a day I was looking forward to as we had our Annual Tutor Conference. However, having another picture printed in the local paper and the fact we could claim for half of the day helped to ameliorate the time spent there.
Have to mention the keynote speaker: Andy Cope who lectures at Loughborough Uni and is doing a PhD at Bristol. The title of his talk was : "How To Be Brilliant" a lively study on positive thinking, interjected with such evocative terms as 'Mood Hoovers' (like living with Eeyore at the office) all highly entertaining - as was his suntan...
IN BRIEF
Monday 16th
Up early in anticipation of the workmen arriving. The scaffolders arrived first, but not much before 9, followed by three blokes from Alpine Windows about half past. Weather still brilliant and everything very much relaxed. Managed to upset them as I wasn't there to make them enough cups of tea. Have promised to mend my ways by tomorrow, if I can find any sugar as we are dangerously low on supplies!
Dug myself a rather large hole at Jewellery Class. Was feeling quite proud of myself having organised the caretaker to help me carry my things in, only to be thwarted by Head Of Service dropping by on a pre inspection visit, finding everything wrong/incomplete/out of date and I'd committed the cardinal sin of having promoted the English custom of Happy Easter in my last lesson...
Tuesday 17th
Attempted to mend my ways by making as many cups of tea in a day (I feel a Guinness Book Of Records challenge coming on) and by sorting out lesson plans and such like. Spent morning learning the new skill of putting images back on a camera memory card so I could then take them to the centre where I teach and print them on their equipment. Found Head of Service lurking at the centre and narrowly avoided bumping into her. Piano lessons went well and then came the prep for tomorrow's Colonoscopy...
Wednesday 18th
Big day, but went OK. 'Prepping' not nearly as bad as I'd been led to believe. Didn't really miss not having food as trying to drink as much as possible to avoid risk of becoming dehydrated. Walked from hospital car park and lady giving directions to find department was someone I used to teach silk painting. Surprisingly, not exactly in the mood to swap top tips. Forgive me for recounting a little of what took place, but it was quite interesting... especially after the initial hilarity of having to sit on whoopy cushion seats in the waiting room (I won't say any more..) I got to wear a rather fetching (scratchy) hospital gown and dressing gown (only one tie at the top) I witnessed very little of the actual proceedure. Once in the room, a needle was inserted into a vein in my wrist and then having been positioned on my side, I was given a seditive via the needle and knew very little about anything - until I heard the doctor mention the word 'polyp' and I opened my eyes and tried to focus on the screen in front of me as the camera appeared to be whizzing through a myriad of channels. It was a particularly wierd sensation knowing that there was a tube inside you and that you could feel it being pushed and pulled, but it wasn't too uncomfortable. The next thing I knew was waking up in another room and being offered a cup of tea and a choice of biscuit - food, brilliant! Celebrated by buying fish and chips for tea on the way home.
Friday 20th
Chaps completed sofits and facias about half past 2, just right for an early Friday finish. We will never again need to look skywards and comment about the state of our guttering! Hooray!!
Monday 16th
Up early in anticipation of the workmen arriving. The scaffolders arrived first, but not much before 9, followed by three blokes from Alpine Windows about half past. Weather still brilliant and everything very much relaxed. Managed to upset them as I wasn't there to make them enough cups of tea. Have promised to mend my ways by tomorrow, if I can find any sugar as we are dangerously low on supplies!
Dug myself a rather large hole at Jewellery Class. Was feeling quite proud of myself having organised the caretaker to help me carry my things in, only to be thwarted by Head Of Service dropping by on a pre inspection visit, finding everything wrong/incomplete/out of date and I'd committed the cardinal sin of having promoted the English custom of Happy Easter in my last lesson...
Tuesday 17th
Attempted to mend my ways by making as many cups of tea in a day (I feel a Guinness Book Of Records challenge coming on) and by sorting out lesson plans and such like. Spent morning learning the new skill of putting images back on a camera memory card so I could then take them to the centre where I teach and print them on their equipment. Found Head of Service lurking at the centre and narrowly avoided bumping into her. Piano lessons went well and then came the prep for tomorrow's Colonoscopy...
Wednesday 18th
Big day, but went OK. 'Prepping' not nearly as bad as I'd been led to believe. Didn't really miss not having food as trying to drink as much as possible to avoid risk of becoming dehydrated. Walked from hospital car park and lady giving directions to find department was someone I used to teach silk painting. Surprisingly, not exactly in the mood to swap top tips. Forgive me for recounting a little of what took place, but it was quite interesting... especially after the initial hilarity of having to sit on whoopy cushion seats in the waiting room (I won't say any more..) I got to wear a rather fetching (scratchy) hospital gown and dressing gown (only one tie at the top) I witnessed very little of the actual proceedure. Once in the room, a needle was inserted into a vein in my wrist and then having been positioned on my side, I was given a seditive via the needle and knew very little about anything - until I heard the doctor mention the word 'polyp' and I opened my eyes and tried to focus on the screen in front of me as the camera appeared to be whizzing through a myriad of channels. It was a particularly wierd sensation knowing that there was a tube inside you and that you could feel it being pushed and pulled, but it wasn't too uncomfortable. The next thing I knew was waking up in another room and being offered a cup of tea and a choice of biscuit - food, brilliant! Celebrated by buying fish and chips for tea on the way home.
Friday 20th
Chaps completed sofits and facias about half past 2, just right for an early Friday finish. We will never again need to look skywards and comment about the state of our guttering! Hooray!!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Another Dream Fulfilled....
Thursday 12th April
As we flew into Amsterdam airport, we caught a tantalising glimpse of coloured strips of tulips. Having to wait to see them close to until the next day was disappointing to say the least and then parking anywhere near became a real challenge. But, the rewards...all the colours and textures,... just heavenly, mesmerising, inspiring.
We didn't get long and, I suppose, one tulip field is very much like another. Roll on next year when I hope to be well enough to cycle round at a more leisurely pace.
As we flew into Amsterdam airport, we caught a tantalising glimpse of coloured strips of tulips. Having to wait to see them close to until the next day was disappointing to say the least and then parking anywhere near became a real challenge. But, the rewards...all the colours and textures,... just heavenly, mesmerising, inspiring.
We didn't get long and, I suppose, one tulip field is very much like another. Roll on next year when I hope to be well enough to cycle round at a more leisurely pace.
Takes Your Breath Away...
I just had to take this photo, the colour of the field was so fantastic. What is missing is the scent. As I opened the car door in flooded the heady aroma of all those hyacinths...
Smile Please...
When we went to Rome in December, I happened to be in the right place at the right time when a newly married couple had their wedding photographs taken overlooking The Forum. Here, equally fortuitously, another couple pose just after tying the knot. The photo was taken as we drove past with the window down.
Wonder where they are now...
Wonder where they are now...
Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside...
Yes, these people are enjoying a paddle in the North Sea on 12th April 2007. While the others got their feet wet, I had a nice walk round the shops.
Well, it looks as though I joined in...
Well, it looks as though I joined in...
Not Spanish or Globe Trotting...
Haarlem is yet another example of all the towns in Holland... picturesque beyond words, canals at every corner, huge imposing church in a big square usually opposite a town hall - with bicycles everywhere.
After two days, I began to think I should have a bell attached so that cyclists could look out for me instead of the other way round!
After two days, I began to think I should have a bell attached so that cyclists could look out for me instead of the other way round!
Visit to Delft Pottery
Friday 13th April
A trip to Delft would not be complete without a look round "the only one of two" workshops where Delft pottery is still hand painted. It was very small, with only three people engaged in hand painting at the time. Most of the work is done using 'out-workers'. It is all very beautiful (and pricy), but we couldn't resist buying a tile to remember it by.
Surprisingly, their emblem is a peacock...
A trip to Delft would not be complete without a look round "the only one of two" workshops where Delft pottery is still hand painted. It was very small, with only three people engaged in hand painting at the time. Most of the work is done using 'out-workers'. It is all very beautiful (and pricy), but we couldn't resist buying a tile to remember it by.
Surprisingly, their emblem is a peacock...
Reaching Up To Heaven...
Delft church has an amazingly tall spire: " ...built between 1396 and 1496. The present spire dates from 1875" . It stands in a large square opposite the town hall and is flanked by gift shops and restaurents. Inside is the grand tomb of William of Orange. (I think there were four of them all together) The history of the Netherlands is very much on a parallel to ours and the point where it crosses over is when William of Orange (III) married Mary and became our king. The history was very interesting, but complicated and confusing. Perhaps best just to note that, as usual, it was all down to politics, he being a protestant...
Too much to take in all at once, perhaps, but provided a good excuse for a lovely meal sitting outside next to the canal watching the world go by.
Too much to take in all at once, perhaps, but provided a good excuse for a lovely meal sitting outside next to the canal watching the world go by.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Into, Out Of...
It was Robert's request that we visit the Escher Museum in Den Haag and I'm so glad that we did. Escher was a Dutch Graphic artist who captured everyone's imagination with the staircases that go back on themselves and bending lines that tease the brain. I took photos of perhaps his lesser known prints - there are lots more on my Flickr site.
Which Way Is Up?
This was the finished picture Robert painted for his Art 'A' Level in 2002. Not as detailed as Escher's real work, but still interesting and well composed.
Note Robert's hallmark of incorporating his favourite colour.
Note Robert's hallmark of incorporating his favourite colour.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Saw A Mouse...
Our trip to Holland would not have been complete without a close up view of a real live windmill. Alas, we didn't visit Leiden, (which has a full size windmill in the centre of the town), until late Friday, so missed seeing inside.
Perhaps next time...
Perhaps next time...
End of our second day in Holland
Watched the sun going down on another glorious Spring day. Sat down by the side of a canal and had a wonderful meal. I had fish with asparagus, mange tout and roast potatoes. Robert, as usual had been adventurous with his choice and ended up with whole crabs (albiet miniature ones) complete with shells. He did his best to crunch though them, but eventually had to admit defeat...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Now You See It...
Robert came home with a new phone last weekend and as I've been thinking of upgrading mine (I'd managed to damage the screen) we went to the O2 shop and upgraded - all for free!!
On the downside, it's loads more complicated than my last one, which is disappointing as I thought Nokia made 'simple to use' phones. But it does have a radio and camera and best of all you can play with the loud speaker and not have to hold it to your ear.
Robert is getting a little tired of my: "How do you do this?" calls...
On the downside, it's loads more complicated than my last one, which is disappointing as I thought Nokia made 'simple to use' phones. But it does have a radio and camera and best of all you can play with the loud speaker and not have to hold it to your ear.
Robert is getting a little tired of my: "How do you do this?" calls...
Now You Don't...
Having tried to be a bit more imaginative with my photography, I have also been attempting to master a few of the tricks of Photoshop, (thanks for the coaching, Robert!) Here are the results...
Vodaphone had a double page spread in the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine this weekend. I've managed to remove their logo and the pen I propped my phone on its side with. Hope you're impressed!
Vodaphone had a double page spread in the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine this weekend. I've managed to remove their logo and the pen I propped my phone on its side with. Hope you're impressed!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Read The Notice!
Sunday 8th
Middleton Top Engine House, watching the wheels go round. Not a lot to see and the engine is now run on compressed air. Thought I'd re-create its heyday by taking a photo or two in sepia...(others on Flickr)
Middleton Top Engine House, watching the wheels go round. Not a lot to see and the engine is now run on compressed air. Thought I'd re-create its heyday by taking a photo or two in sepia...(others on Flickr)
Swans at Straw Bridge...
If you have the time on a warm spring day, a walk around Straw's Bridge is a very pleasurable experience...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Published Again...
Thrilled to see my fourth photo in The Derby Evening Telegraph today.
Nearly didn't get this photograph as it was alternately blowing a gale and hailing. It was so windy Graham had to hang on to my coat for fear of me blowing away on the way down. (ha, ha!)
Think "Winnie The Pooh and The Blustery Day"...
Nearly didn't get this photograph as it was alternately blowing a gale and hailing. It was so windy Graham had to hang on to my coat for fear of me blowing away on the way down. (ha, ha!)
Think "Winnie The Pooh and The Blustery Day"...
IN BRIEF
Monday 2nd
Took Lucy to station to catch 9.57 train to Cheltenham to spend the day with my parents. Just think, this time next year I'll be able to jump on a train and go any place, any where, any time (I hope).
Rang my consultant's secretary, but as results of the herniogram may take up to two weeks to get back to the City Hospital, I have absolutely no chance of finding out what sort of time scale will be involved waiting for an operation. Was very close to getting upset. Felt like saying: "Hermione and I..." (Have decided to name my hernia as we may be together for sometime yet)
Did lots to website and in the afternoon made a necklace using knitted wire. (Will post an image soon) First time I have made anything for such a long time.
Collected Lucy just after 8.00pm, accompanied by think black clouds in the shy. - Some bright spark has decided to illuminate the Derby sky by setting light to £500,000 worth of astro turf. Just what we need...a bit more arsenic in the air! Went on to Sainburys for some provisions. The shop is open until 11.00pm and at 8.00pm there was hardly more than a handful of people there - must have been all outside watching the smoke.
Tuesday 3rd
Morning's excitement was putting a load of washing on with Lucy's help. Steven came to show Lucy his 'new' car and stayed 2 hours helping her with her Biology cousework (he typed while she dictated - don't you love a woman in authority). Afternoon proved a little more exciting, drove to Nottingham and bought beads from the Bead shop and stocked up with lots of pretty lacy vests from Primark. (When is Primark coming back to Derby?) Decided to travel back via Ilkeston. Had sudden urge for chocolate so stopped off at Tescos, have you tried their Tarte au Citron...wundabar! (The chocolate was good too)
Wednesday 4th
Staggered out of bed 'early' to let Graham in the house, only to discover later that his plane had landed an hour late. He was home by 9.30am, had a bath and left for work before 10.30pm.
Had nice surprise as my fourth picture was printed in the local paper. Need something to cheer me up!
Took Lucy to Ben's for 12.00pm, did some work , then went to town to buy some things Lucy needs for her textiles project. Found myself lurking near doors waiting to catch other people opening then as I just can't managed them any more.
Amazingly beautiful warm sunny day - had to resist temptation to go and photograph anything, did take a few of the sunset
Thursday 5th
Graham back at work, as were the rest of us until half past four when Lucy and I skived off and went to The Designer Outlet at Junction 25 (M1). Made a couple of purchases...you can never have too many tops!
Friday 6th
A Bank Holiday with a difference, beautiful weather. Graham spent the day tidying the garden. I did manage some pruning as the fruit trees out the back were crying out for it. Went for a walk at Straw's Bridge near Ilkeston, where lots of swans hang out. (See photo above)
Monday 2nd
Took Lucy to station to catch 9.57 train to Cheltenham to spend the day with my parents. Just think, this time next year I'll be able to jump on a train and go any place, any where, any time (I hope).
Rang my consultant's secretary, but as results of the herniogram may take up to two weeks to get back to the City Hospital, I have absolutely no chance of finding out what sort of time scale will be involved waiting for an operation. Was very close to getting upset. Felt like saying: "Hermione and I..." (Have decided to name my hernia as we may be together for sometime yet)
Did lots to website and in the afternoon made a necklace using knitted wire. (Will post an image soon) First time I have made anything for such a long time.
Collected Lucy just after 8.00pm, accompanied by think black clouds in the shy. - Some bright spark has decided to illuminate the Derby sky by setting light to £500,000 worth of astro turf. Just what we need...a bit more arsenic in the air! Went on to Sainburys for some provisions. The shop is open until 11.00pm and at 8.00pm there was hardly more than a handful of people there - must have been all outside watching the smoke.
Tuesday 3rd
Morning's excitement was putting a load of washing on with Lucy's help. Steven came to show Lucy his 'new' car and stayed 2 hours helping her with her Biology cousework (he typed while she dictated - don't you love a woman in authority). Afternoon proved a little more exciting, drove to Nottingham and bought beads from the Bead shop and stocked up with lots of pretty lacy vests from Primark. (When is Primark coming back to Derby?) Decided to travel back via Ilkeston. Had sudden urge for chocolate so stopped off at Tescos, have you tried their Tarte au Citron...wundabar! (The chocolate was good too)
Wednesday 4th
Staggered out of bed 'early' to let Graham in the house, only to discover later that his plane had landed an hour late. He was home by 9.30am, had a bath and left for work before 10.30pm.
Had nice surprise as my fourth picture was printed in the local paper. Need something to cheer me up!
Took Lucy to Ben's for 12.00pm, did some work , then went to town to buy some things Lucy needs for her textiles project. Found myself lurking near doors waiting to catch other people opening then as I just can't managed them any more.
Amazingly beautiful warm sunny day - had to resist temptation to go and photograph anything, did take a few of the sunset
Thursday 5th
Graham back at work, as were the rest of us until half past four when Lucy and I skived off and went to The Designer Outlet at Junction 25 (M1). Made a couple of purchases...you can never have too many tops!
Friday 6th
A Bank Holiday with a difference, beautiful weather. Graham spent the day tidying the garden. I did manage some pruning as the fruit trees out the back were crying out for it. Went for a walk at Straw's Bridge near Ilkeston, where lots of swans hang out. (See photo above)
Monday, April 02, 2007
Competition Time, Shepshed Dance Festival.
Saturday 31st March
This is the advanced group complete with 'mascot'. The next time we all compete is at The Derby Arts Festival. If you'd like to come and support us, the event takes place at The Guildhall in Derby on Friday 27th April (evening).
This is the advanced group complete with 'mascot'. The next time we all compete is at The Derby Arts Festival. If you'd like to come and support us, the event takes place at The Guildhall in Derby on Friday 27th April (evening).
Competition Time, Shepshed Dance Festival.
Saturday 31st March
This is our group waiting nervously to go on stage. (I took the photo)
When it came out in conversation on Friday at the hospital that I was intending to take part in a tap competition the next evening, the doctor advised against it. When I conveyed this information to the tap dance teacher, I had an email back which said: : "I think it would be disasterous if you couldn't compete."
Obviously; "The show must go on"!...
This is our group waiting nervously to go on stage. (I took the photo)
When it came out in conversation on Friday at the hospital that I was intending to take part in a tap competition the next evening, the doctor advised against it. When I conveyed this information to the tap dance teacher, I had an email back which said: : "I think it would be disasterous if you couldn't compete."
Obviously; "The show must go on"!...
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