Katy goes to the cinema
Katy gets me out of bed. She is going to watch Percy Grainger and the Sea Monster, with her friend Lewis H, for his 10th birthday. She does her homework, while I make breakfast. Martha gets up with a cold. She is hot and has big bags under eyes. I fill both girls with medicine - calpol for Martha and Katy's ongoing dose of ibuprofen for her knee. Katy's knee is improving.
Martha does her homework
Full of calpol, Martha does her numeracy homework (long multiplication), and spellings homework (finding words with prefix tri, and prefix quad). She then retires to the sofa and a computer game.
I don't do much at all. I am still feeling very low. I have headaches, my eye is puffy, I feel lethargic.
Katy's desk
When Katy comes home, we clear her desk and a shelf in her room. Katy is a hoarder! She has a story for every little item. She knows who gave it to her, or where she used it first. Her eyes sparkle as she shares her story, and why she has to keep it. It is painful to see, for her mother. Her room looks a lot better. We still have a way to go.
I go to bed for a sleep. Katy sits on my bed and continues with her homework. I manage to sleep while she designs a sarcophagus and decorates it with hieroglyphics.
I wake at swim club time. Katy swims; Martha chooses to watch. She has to get dressed to go to the pool.
Smoothie maker explodes
During tea, the smoothie maker explodes. Katy has just said that she can smell burning, then there is a loud pop and sharp flame. Katy was really close to it, and fortunately was only shocked, not hurt at all. Banana milkshakes became strawberry ice cream and banana.
Hairy Biker Dave gets through
Nit checks, Strictly Come Dancing, and Bed. Hooray! Hairy Biker Dave gets through :)
Wishing you all a good week
love
Sarah xxx
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Saturday, 5 October 2013
My car has gone :(
We all get up late
First out of bed at 8.45 am, I make breakfast for Martha and Katy. Katy joins me in the kitchen, and finishes her literacy homework. Martha watches the end of the Johnny Depp Alice in Wonderland film; she is in her bedroom on her futon chair, all cuddled up in a blanket. She looks really cosy, in her getting-tidier bedroom. I am going to tidy out her wardrobe, next.
A scarf arrives in the post.
This is a gift from my sister, Bev. It comes with instructions on how to tie it 40s style. As you can see, we couldn't get the hang of it. I will practice again tomorrow :) Thanks Bev!
My try ...
First out of bed at 8.45 am, I make breakfast for Martha and Katy. Katy joins me in the kitchen, and finishes her literacy homework. Martha watches the end of the Johnny Depp Alice in Wonderland film; she is in her bedroom on her futon chair, all cuddled up in a blanket. She looks really cosy, in her getting-tidier bedroom. I am going to tidy out her wardrobe, next.
A scarf arrives in the post.
This is a gift from my sister, Bev. It comes with instructions on how to tie it 40s style. As you can see, we couldn't get the hang of it. I will practice again tomorrow :) Thanks Bev!
My try ...
Martha's attempt ...
and Katy's solution
Martha and Katy go conker collecting.
Dave arrives while they are out, and goes to help them. When they return they think they have 100 hundred conkers. My estimate is 300. They spend time counting every conker, and go and get one more to make the final total 350.
Martha is looking conkers!
Max and my Mum arrive
I am swapping cars with Max. We had agreed that I would sell her Rover, but changed our minds about this, as it will be much easier for the owner to sell the car. The first problem we had was that my car wouldn't start. We called the RAC for help, and went to school BBQ for a burger. Martha and Katy went there on their own, while we called the RAC. I am not feeling well. I have been in tears with Max. At the BBQ, I am trying not to cry, and we don't stay long, to get back for RAC. Martha and Katy stay and come home later with Lisa and Iona. A new battery later, and a basic service and Max has a car with pumped tyres, oil and water checked.
We then sort out insurance, so that both cars can go back to Bristol. I have not been organised about this, and Max's insurance on the Rover ended at one thirty in the afternoon. Amazingly, we find one day car insurance online for £25, so Max drove the Rover home, and my Mum drove home my Zafira. I am relieved that I don't have to sell the Rover.
I am upset to give up my car. I am sure this will pass. The problem is that giving up my car represents a change in my life. I am not allowed to drive for two years. This is an adjustment that I am forced to make. I am very grateful for all the lifts that other families are offering Martha and Katy, so that they can continue to attend their clubs. I will soon be an expert on the bus and tram system, and we will of course be out and about on our bikes, when I am fit enough.
I am upset about other things too. I just have to relax and live in the moment.
Hair cut
I don't think I have let my mum cut my hair since I was 15. Today, I asked her to cut off my hair that is really painful when it is moved. I now have a bit of a monkish look - but I am hoping to sleep better tonight. I will wear Bev's scarf tomorrow (ha ha).
Steroids and paracetemol
I am sluggish, have headaches, my left eye is swelling from time to time. I remain on 0.75 mcg steroids, but I am taking loads of paracetemol to combat pain. I am going to stay on 0.75 mcg for another week. I am not ready to reduce my steroid dose any further right now.
Let's have a better day tomorrow
Have a good weekend
Love
Sarah xxxx
Friday, 4 October 2013
Even slower day
No walk today - I have a bad headache and go home to get paracetemol.
I fall asleep watching TWS (The Wright Stuff), and wake at 11.30am. I panic, thinking that I have slept through, and that I have missed my appointment with my Macmillan nurse. He arrives at this moment, so I am half asleep, no scarf, need a wee and totally unprepared to meet him!
It is good timing for a visit, because I don't feel well. We conclude that it is my steroids. My plan had been to reduce from 0.75 mcg to 0.5 mcg, at the weekend. It is agreed that I persist with 0.75 mcg until I feel better. Or, if I do not feel better, that I increase the dose back up to 1mcg. We talk about lots of things: Martha and Katy, travel insurance claim, my letter to the doctor's, my fears for the future, his visit to my doctor's surgery, chemotherapy - next phase ... He decides to come back next week, his main aim is to check how I am getting on with the steroids.
Lunch - I have Tanya's chilliless chilli for lunch. I add some fresh chilli :) Thanks loads, I enjoyed it.
In the afternoon, I potter about. Being home, sick and poorly, is a great way to get spring cleaning done. I empty Martha's shelves and reorganise all the games. I syphon off some activities to sell, and some for the charity shop. She won't miss any of it. I also find an activity book about dragons, that Katy is really excited by.
Katy's knee
Katy has taken maximum dose of ibuprofen, and is walking more normally on her knee. I rang the doctors for an appointment on Monday, and was told that the only doctor available was Doctor Black, so (if Katy needs to see the Doctor) I have to ring on Monday to try for Tuesday. In the end, I am going to have to change surgery, because Katy is missing out on seeing a doctor, because I don't want to see Doctor Black. This is not fair to Katy.
Katy comes home with a merit certificate for her art work, and a level 2 bikeability badge. She has a great report, and her eyes are bright with pride. Lovely to see.
Martha walked to the park with friends from her class. There were about ten of them, a small crowd, all fizzing along Beech Road to the park.
Gremlins
We finish watching Gremlins. Martha and Katy love the film. Gremlins 2 is on order! We finish off reading and settle down to sleep.
I hope to sleep well tonight.
Have a great weekend
love
Sarah xxx
I fall asleep watching TWS (The Wright Stuff), and wake at 11.30am. I panic, thinking that I have slept through, and that I have missed my appointment with my Macmillan nurse. He arrives at this moment, so I am half asleep, no scarf, need a wee and totally unprepared to meet him!
It is good timing for a visit, because I don't feel well. We conclude that it is my steroids. My plan had been to reduce from 0.75 mcg to 0.5 mcg, at the weekend. It is agreed that I persist with 0.75 mcg until I feel better. Or, if I do not feel better, that I increase the dose back up to 1mcg. We talk about lots of things: Martha and Katy, travel insurance claim, my letter to the doctor's, my fears for the future, his visit to my doctor's surgery, chemotherapy - next phase ... He decides to come back next week, his main aim is to check how I am getting on with the steroids.
Lunch - I have Tanya's chilliless chilli for lunch. I add some fresh chilli :) Thanks loads, I enjoyed it.
In the afternoon, I potter about. Being home, sick and poorly, is a great way to get spring cleaning done. I empty Martha's shelves and reorganise all the games. I syphon off some activities to sell, and some for the charity shop. She won't miss any of it. I also find an activity book about dragons, that Katy is really excited by.
Katy's knee
Katy has taken maximum dose of ibuprofen, and is walking more normally on her knee. I rang the doctors for an appointment on Monday, and was told that the only doctor available was Doctor Black, so (if Katy needs to see the Doctor) I have to ring on Monday to try for Tuesday. In the end, I am going to have to change surgery, because Katy is missing out on seeing a doctor, because I don't want to see Doctor Black. This is not fair to Katy.
Katy comes home with a merit certificate for her art work, and a level 2 bikeability badge. She has a great report, and her eyes are bright with pride. Lovely to see.
Martha walked to the park with friends from her class. There were about ten of them, a small crowd, all fizzing along Beech Road to the park.
Gremlins
We finish watching Gremlins. Martha and Katy love the film. Gremlins 2 is on order! We finish off reading and settle down to sleep.
I hope to sleep well tonight.
Have a great weekend
love
Sarah xxx
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Slow Day
A dopey walk
My meadow walk was hard work this morning. Even the most gentle slope was a huge challenge. I am out of breath and looking for somewhere to sit down. I keep going, but I was glad to fall into the sofa, as I return home.
The meadows are lush with long grass, creepy tall nettles and looping large dock leaves. Today, a tractor has been cutting lots of it back. I walked with the smell of cut grass, across discarded tufts.
Cup of tea and straight to bed. I then sleep until 2 pm which is nearly 3 hours sleep. I keep expecting my sleeps to get shorter, but they are staying long and deep. I must give up wishing to be awake all day! When I wake, I remain dopey. I forget that Dave said he would pick girls up from school, and only remember when I see his car in the car park. He has come over with a heavy cold, so I chose not to get in the car with him! Dave took Martha home, and I waited for Katy to come out of guitar.
Katy's knee is still in bad shape
I phoned my doctor's this morning, but could only get an appointment with Dr Black (my GP, who I do not want to see at the moment). I had to decline the appointment, and will call tomorrow to try to get an appointment for Monday.
On the way home from school Katy hurt her knee again. Her whole body arched in pain, and she was instantly in tears. She is walking like she has a board strapped to her leg. I think something in her knee is inflamed, so I am giving her nurofen regularly. We are following ICE - ice, compression, elevation. I am wishing her to be fit enough to play football in the girls league over the next few weeks.
Gremlins
Martha watched this at Anya's party. She has talked about it endlessly, so we have rented it from love film. We watched half of it tonight, with a piece of chocolate cake. I don't think I have ever seen all of it before - it was released the year that I went to uni. This is a time when I disconnected from the real world for a few years. My younger brother (14 years younger) called his cat Gizmo, after the first Gremlin.
Ebay
I have put my electrical products on ebay. I don't expect to make much money - I am just passing them onto someone else who will want them, and passing them out of my bedroom. The one that made me laugh was the microphone; it is in the original packaging, with instructions, except that everything is in French. I bought this when I was teaching in France for my PGCE placement.
Have a good day
loads of love
Sarah xxxx
My meadow walk was hard work this morning. Even the most gentle slope was a huge challenge. I am out of breath and looking for somewhere to sit down. I keep going, but I was glad to fall into the sofa, as I return home.
The meadows are lush with long grass, creepy tall nettles and looping large dock leaves. Today, a tractor has been cutting lots of it back. I walked with the smell of cut grass, across discarded tufts.
Cup of tea and straight to bed. I then sleep until 2 pm which is nearly 3 hours sleep. I keep expecting my sleeps to get shorter, but they are staying long and deep. I must give up wishing to be awake all day! When I wake, I remain dopey. I forget that Dave said he would pick girls up from school, and only remember when I see his car in the car park. He has come over with a heavy cold, so I chose not to get in the car with him! Dave took Martha home, and I waited for Katy to come out of guitar.
Katy's knee is still in bad shape
I phoned my doctor's this morning, but could only get an appointment with Dr Black (my GP, who I do not want to see at the moment). I had to decline the appointment, and will call tomorrow to try to get an appointment for Monday.
On the way home from school Katy hurt her knee again. Her whole body arched in pain, and she was instantly in tears. She is walking like she has a board strapped to her leg. I think something in her knee is inflamed, so I am giving her nurofen regularly. We are following ICE - ice, compression, elevation. I am wishing her to be fit enough to play football in the girls league over the next few weeks.
Gremlins
Martha watched this at Anya's party. She has talked about it endlessly, so we have rented it from love film. We watched half of it tonight, with a piece of chocolate cake. I don't think I have ever seen all of it before - it was released the year that I went to uni. This is a time when I disconnected from the real world for a few years. My younger brother (14 years younger) called his cat Gizmo, after the first Gremlin.
Ebay
I have put my electrical products on ebay. I don't expect to make much money - I am just passing them onto someone else who will want them, and passing them out of my bedroom. The one that made me laugh was the microphone; it is in the original packaging, with instructions, except that everything is in French. I bought this when I was teaching in France for my PGCE placement.
Have a good day
loads of love
Sarah xxxx
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Trip to Aldi
Trip to Aldi
Martine (Martha's friend Izzy's mum) gives me a lift to Aldi, straight from school. Martine and I are good friends - we knew each other in the early 90s - she had a shop in Affleck's Palace - and then we met again as Mums ten plus years later. Martine is also a fan of camping, like me, and has her own business providing furnished bell tents (I think). My shopping bill was very small - Aldi does have low prices.
We go back to Martine's for a cup of tea. I have never been to her house, before today, because I was too poorly when she moved house, some time before my diagnosis. I am very glad to have been there; it is a light and spacious house with a good garden.
I come home, have a bite to eat and head to bed.
Ewa cleans very well
My cleaner comes for the second time. I have clean sheets, and I am starting to see a real difference in the background cleanliness of the house. Ewa has vacuumed under my bed, and cleaned the skirting boards. It looks so much better. Both Martha and Katy's rooms are taking good shape too.
About to start ebaying
I slept for about an hour today. When I wake, I potter. I end up sorting out the boxes under my bed, that are full of electrical products. I now have a big pile of unused items to sell on ebay. They range from a computer microphone, that I bought in France, to a video camera that I bought when Martha was a baby. And loads of other wiry products in between.
Martha walks home from school on her own
This was my first experience of waiting for Martha to walk home from school, on her own. The clock has been ticking very slowly.
I then go to school to pick Katy up from choir. Poor Katy has an ongoing problem with a sore knee. Tomorrow, we will try to get a doctor's appointment; Katy was in tears when we left school tonight. What the problem is, I have no idea. It is slightly puffy, and little jolts are causing her a lot of pain. She wants to play football next week, in a girls football league. I really hope she is fit enough to play.
Martha and I walked to guides together. Katy was at home watching Superman, and setting up Monopoly. Katy and I had a lovely time together playing the game. At bed time, we counted up our money and mortgage values, and Katy was very excited to win the game.
Travel Insurance
A letter arrived today that outlined all the evidence that I have to send to my insurance company, so that I can claim travel insurance. It is so complicated. I have posted the medical form to my current GP. I have a letter that gives my date of diagnosis. Aurigny (airline) have (kindly) sent me a summary of the changes to my booking, but I don't understand it. Tomorrow, I will call them and ask them to go through it step by step. Guilty feelings about this, but the information does not make any sense to me.
Refund for reverse osmosis system
This is a system that you can use to take all the additives out of household water. When the system arrived, it was too big, and impossible for me to fit, so I returned it. I returned it on 3 August. The story is that there was no-one living at the address that I was given to return to. The post office left the package in a depot, and I discovered this when checking delivery, using the tracking number. The supplier gave me an address in another town to send the system to, and luckily the post office delivered to this address. Checking my bank account, I received no refund. In between all of this, my Amazon account is deleted by Love Film (when I was trying to get Martha's kindle to receive Love Film Instant). This meant I had no record of purchase. Somehow, I have got there in the end, and at last, the refund has appeared in my account. This has consumed hours, but hooray!
Next task - I cancelled my AA membership, and received a letter confirming this. The AA have since taken my quarterly payment. I have got to chase this up tomorrow... I think I discarded the letter, but I am sure the AA will refund this amicably.
Chilliless chilli
Tanya (Rosy's mum) left me a vegie chilli on the doorstep tonight. On her way home, she realised she hadn't put any chillis in it - very funny. I will add chilli today. Thanks Tanya.
Wishing you all a gentle day tomorrow
lots of love
Sarah xxx
Martine (Martha's friend Izzy's mum) gives me a lift to Aldi, straight from school. Martine and I are good friends - we knew each other in the early 90s - she had a shop in Affleck's Palace - and then we met again as Mums ten plus years later. Martine is also a fan of camping, like me, and has her own business providing furnished bell tents (I think). My shopping bill was very small - Aldi does have low prices.
We go back to Martine's for a cup of tea. I have never been to her house, before today, because I was too poorly when she moved house, some time before my diagnosis. I am very glad to have been there; it is a light and spacious house with a good garden.
I come home, have a bite to eat and head to bed.
Ewa cleans very well
My cleaner comes for the second time. I have clean sheets, and I am starting to see a real difference in the background cleanliness of the house. Ewa has vacuumed under my bed, and cleaned the skirting boards. It looks so much better. Both Martha and Katy's rooms are taking good shape too.
About to start ebaying
I slept for about an hour today. When I wake, I potter. I end up sorting out the boxes under my bed, that are full of electrical products. I now have a big pile of unused items to sell on ebay. They range from a computer microphone, that I bought in France, to a video camera that I bought when Martha was a baby. And loads of other wiry products in between.
Martha walks home from school on her own
This was my first experience of waiting for Martha to walk home from school, on her own. The clock has been ticking very slowly.
I then go to school to pick Katy up from choir. Poor Katy has an ongoing problem with a sore knee. Tomorrow, we will try to get a doctor's appointment; Katy was in tears when we left school tonight. What the problem is, I have no idea. It is slightly puffy, and little jolts are causing her a lot of pain. She wants to play football next week, in a girls football league. I really hope she is fit enough to play.
Martha and I walked to guides together. Katy was at home watching Superman, and setting up Monopoly. Katy and I had a lovely time together playing the game. At bed time, we counted up our money and mortgage values, and Katy was very excited to win the game.
Travel Insurance
A letter arrived today that outlined all the evidence that I have to send to my insurance company, so that I can claim travel insurance. It is so complicated. I have posted the medical form to my current GP. I have a letter that gives my date of diagnosis. Aurigny (airline) have (kindly) sent me a summary of the changes to my booking, but I don't understand it. Tomorrow, I will call them and ask them to go through it step by step. Guilty feelings about this, but the information does not make any sense to me.
Refund for reverse osmosis system
This is a system that you can use to take all the additives out of household water. When the system arrived, it was too big, and impossible for me to fit, so I returned it. I returned it on 3 August. The story is that there was no-one living at the address that I was given to return to. The post office left the package in a depot, and I discovered this when checking delivery, using the tracking number. The supplier gave me an address in another town to send the system to, and luckily the post office delivered to this address. Checking my bank account, I received no refund. In between all of this, my Amazon account is deleted by Love Film (when I was trying to get Martha's kindle to receive Love Film Instant). This meant I had no record of purchase. Somehow, I have got there in the end, and at last, the refund has appeared in my account. This has consumed hours, but hooray!
Next task - I cancelled my AA membership, and received a letter confirming this. The AA have since taken my quarterly payment. I have got to chase this up tomorrow... I think I discarded the letter, but I am sure the AA will refund this amicably.
Chilliless chilli
Tanya (Rosy's mum) left me a vegie chilli on the doorstep tonight. On her way home, she realised she hadn't put any chillis in it - very funny. I will add chilli today. Thanks Tanya.
Wishing you all a gentle day tomorrow
lots of love
Sarah xxx
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Biking to school
Biking to school
On bikes to school (not me). Katy has Bike Right lessons, and Martha is proudly riding her new bike. At home time, Mr Longworth tells me that the front forks are on back to front. I had been warned of this by Cherry (Louise's mum). Luckily, Dave works out how to fix it, so the forks are now the correct way round.
I go for my morning walk with Ann Evanson, and her dog. Another lovely morning on the meadows.
Pottering
My travel insurance letter arrives. The claim process looks really complicated. I have a medical form to get my GP to fill in, and loads of documents to compile. Maybe it will become simple, as I get into it.
I potter in my bedroom. Gradually, I am getting back to the walls - I still have some way to go, in reaching what I think is a tidy house, but bit by bit, I am making good steps towards smartness. I don't think I will ever make it completely, because I have always had some untidy corners!!! :)
Ewa comes tomorrow - hooray!
I have a chat with Margi on the phone, and then have a sleep. I sleep until 3.0 again. I am not worried about this, I just keep hoping that my sleeps will start to get shorter.
Polly comes to play with Katy
I collect Martha and Katy from school. Katy invites Polly to play, and they have a good time on their bikes. Martha watches TV, and then we all head off to pick up Sasha from school. Luckily, Dave arrives, so he takes Martha to pick Sasha up for both girls to go to drama club. Martha is dressed as a tennis player. Katy and Polly have strawberry milkshakes (from the blender - loads of fresh fruit), and then Katy goes swimming.
My diet
I haven't researched any recipes yet. It is very much on my mind. This is a project that I will get started on tomorrow.
Have a good day everyone
love
Sarah xxx
On bikes to school (not me). Katy has Bike Right lessons, and Martha is proudly riding her new bike. At home time, Mr Longworth tells me that the front forks are on back to front. I had been warned of this by Cherry (Louise's mum). Luckily, Dave works out how to fix it, so the forks are now the correct way round.
I go for my morning walk with Ann Evanson, and her dog. Another lovely morning on the meadows.
Pottering
My travel insurance letter arrives. The claim process looks really complicated. I have a medical form to get my GP to fill in, and loads of documents to compile. Maybe it will become simple, as I get into it.
I potter in my bedroom. Gradually, I am getting back to the walls - I still have some way to go, in reaching what I think is a tidy house, but bit by bit, I am making good steps towards smartness. I don't think I will ever make it completely, because I have always had some untidy corners!!! :)
Ewa comes tomorrow - hooray!
I have a chat with Margi on the phone, and then have a sleep. I sleep until 3.0 again. I am not worried about this, I just keep hoping that my sleeps will start to get shorter.
Polly comes to play with Katy
I collect Martha and Katy from school. Katy invites Polly to play, and they have a good time on their bikes. Martha watches TV, and then we all head off to pick up Sasha from school. Luckily, Dave arrives, so he takes Martha to pick Sasha up for both girls to go to drama club. Martha is dressed as a tennis player. Katy and Polly have strawberry milkshakes (from the blender - loads of fresh fruit), and then Katy goes swimming.
My diet
I haven't researched any recipes yet. It is very much on my mind. This is a project that I will get started on tomorrow.
Have a good day everyone
love
Sarah xxx
Monday, 30 September 2013
Podiatrist
Walk after school drop off
Martha rides to school on her bike, of course. She is very happy with it. I go for a walk down the meadows, after Martha and Katy go into school. I'd like to say that I am picking up my pace, but someone did walk past me, and they were only dawdling! The good thing is that I am out of breath, even if my pace is only slightly faster than extremely slow.
At home I have a bite to eat, and then head back to bed.
I am still sleeping a long time (more than 2 and a half hours) in the day. I set my alarm for 2 pm, and wake at 1.45 pm.
Trip to podiatrist
I take Katy to the podiatrist, on the bus. We go from Chorlton to the curry mile, in Rusholme. There is a small clinic behind the Sher Khan restaurant. Katy already has orthotics, and is fitted with a larger size. She has feet like mine - she walks across her big toe, forcing it into the middle of her foot. The orthotics make sure she is walking straight along her big toe. Here is Katy enjoying the "dentists chair", May she grow up with straight toes!
Katy goes to cubs later, with a lift from Joe. Martha decides to make a tiramisu. Hmmm - this will not be part of my diet!
I am back in bed. I have to say that, in my awake time, I have felt quite well all day today. :)
Have a good day tomorrow
love
Sarah xxxx
Sunday, 29 September 2013
New bike for Martha
A lazy Sunday
Nothing much has happened today, apart from baths and nit checks, and then a trip out with Dave to buy Martha a bike.
Against my moral objectives, we bought her bike in Tesco for £50. Martha is delighted. I am going to peel off the label that says "TESCO"! Many Chorlton mums campaigned against Tesco opening express stores. We now have two of them. I have to confess to being amazed at the sale price of the bike - it is good value for money.
Reflection
My diet - I am working towards:
- low carbohydrate
- no processed foods
- low wheat
- low dairy
- low sugar
- high in beansprouts
- high in raw food
- high in oily fish
- high in pressed juices
- organic
Have a great week everyone
May the sun continue to shine :)
love
Sarah xxx
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Beautiful Day
Iona and Katy
Lisa sent this picture over of Iona and Katy, at school.
Lisa sent this picture over of Iona and Katy, at school.
Martha loses a tooth
This is Martha's tooth, before she bravely pulled it out herself. I hope the tooth fairy remembers to visit tonight!
Morning Walk
Martha and Katy stayed with Dave, last night. I had another bad night's sleep, but was able to have a late sleep and a potter. I managed to do a bit of DIY - a job that I have been meaning to do for a couple of years. I have glued the door handles to all the bedrooms. I also rearranged two cupboards in the kitchen, so that I can put all my healthy teas in one cupboard, and fit my glasses and cups into another cupboard. I go for my walk around the meadows. I bump into Ann from school, and an old mum friend, who had not heard my news.
I took a picture of what was a giant blackberry bush, that has now turned into a plateau of lily looking convolvulus or bindweed (thanks Cherry).
Into bed for a sleep, and woken by Martha and Katy coming home.
Beautiful day in the park
We meet Anna and Sasha in the park. Martha and Sasha learn a poem together and make up moves for it. They will perform this in school on Wednesday. It is hilarious. We have a squabble over our game of rounders, and we abandon the game. Katy's friend Ella joins us when we get home, and we all enjoy a barbecue in the garden. It was only a sausage in a bread roll and a chocolate banana, but the girls all loved it. It sounds like a busy afternoon, but mostly, I had to do nothing because Martha and Katy were both engrossed in playing with their friend. It is a strange balance of dynamics - add a couple of friends and mum has a good long rest.
Strictly come dancing night in front of the TV
We have had a summer's day, and we are ending it with winter TV.
May the weather continue ...
love Sarah xxxx
Friday, 27 September 2013
Baby Dawson
No walk today
After school drop off, I get a taxi to see Jim and Anna, and baby Isabelle Sarah. Isabelle is one week old. Jim and Anna are colleagues of mine from Chorlton High. Jim was my head of dept. He is now Assistant Head teacher. Baby Isabelle looks just like Jim. Anna is looking very well. It was great to see them so comfortable as new parents.
Late sleep
I did not sleep well last night. Would shortening my sleep in the day help me sleep better tonight? I postpone my sleep by watching Blade Runner on BBC iplayer. This was featured in "The Sound of the Cinema", which I have watched over the last few weeks. It is the story of soundtracks from silent movies to pop music to synthesised music.
When I do go to sleep, I can't wake up. I stir at 3 pm. My conclusion is that in future, I must just continue to stick to how I feel. If I need to sleep - go to sleep.
Going out tonight
Dave picked Martha and Katy up from school. We all go to the bike shop to look at the correct bike size for Martha. Her bike is too small, even though she thinks it is fine. Dave has taken the girls to stay with him tonight. I am going out with some mum friends for a birthday drink for Lisa Watson (Iona's mum). I don't expect to be out long, but I am very happy to be going out. I had half a glass of cava with Helen; I might have a couple of shandies tonight. Basically, I will come home as soon as I start to flag.
Travel Insurance
I have started my travel insurance claim. I tried to claim for missing Rolling Stones concert - my tickets were with Helen and Gee. However, my insurance is invalid because I did not have any accommodation booked.
My other claim is for my trip to Herm. Amazingly, I can claim for my fare changes and Martha and Katy's. This is great news. I thought I could only claim for my fare changes. My insurance company are sending me all the documents to complete.
Apple Crumble
Issie Tooher and Debra bring round an apple crumble. I will eat this with Martha and Katy tomorrow. They have used apples from their garden - always the best!
Have a great weekend. I hope the weather holds. I keep imagining it is Spring.
love
Sarah xxx
After school drop off, I get a taxi to see Jim and Anna, and baby Isabelle Sarah. Isabelle is one week old. Jim and Anna are colleagues of mine from Chorlton High. Jim was my head of dept. He is now Assistant Head teacher. Baby Isabelle looks just like Jim. Anna is looking very well. It was great to see them so comfortable as new parents.
Late sleep
I did not sleep well last night. Would shortening my sleep in the day help me sleep better tonight? I postpone my sleep by watching Blade Runner on BBC iplayer. This was featured in "The Sound of the Cinema", which I have watched over the last few weeks. It is the story of soundtracks from silent movies to pop music to synthesised music.
When I do go to sleep, I can't wake up. I stir at 3 pm. My conclusion is that in future, I must just continue to stick to how I feel. If I need to sleep - go to sleep.
Going out tonight
Dave picked Martha and Katy up from school. We all go to the bike shop to look at the correct bike size for Martha. Her bike is too small, even though she thinks it is fine. Dave has taken the girls to stay with him tonight. I am going out with some mum friends for a birthday drink for Lisa Watson (Iona's mum). I don't expect to be out long, but I am very happy to be going out. I had half a glass of cava with Helen; I might have a couple of shandies tonight. Basically, I will come home as soon as I start to flag.
Travel Insurance
I have started my travel insurance claim. I tried to claim for missing Rolling Stones concert - my tickets were with Helen and Gee. However, my insurance is invalid because I did not have any accommodation booked.
My other claim is for my trip to Herm. Amazingly, I can claim for my fare changes and Martha and Katy's. This is great news. I thought I could only claim for my fare changes. My insurance company are sending me all the documents to complete.
Apple Crumble
Issie Tooher and Debra bring round an apple crumble. I will eat this with Martha and Katy tomorrow. They have used apples from their garden - always the best!
Have a great weekend. I hope the weather holds. I keep imagining it is Spring.
love
Sarah xxx
Thursday, 26 September 2013
CHS open evening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOrDu7yd4ws&feature=youtu.be
This is a video of Katy and Ella at Royal Northern College of Music in July. I was sent this at a time when I was deeply worried about how Martha and Katy were dealing with my news. It is so joyous, it still brings a big smile to my face. I have just worked out how to upload it onto you tube.
Walk
My day yesterday was a walk, a little shop (where I discovered that my new fruit and veg shop takes my tag card, giving me 10% discount).
Longford Park, looking stunning.
I rested most of the day, to prepare to go to Chorlton High School open evening. Martha has already chosen this school. The trip was to help Katy decide where she would like to go in 2015 (when I am 50!). Helen was also coming to join us.
Chorlton High School
Martha and Katy enjoy a chicken pasta that Lisa Watson left us, and then we get ready to go out. Helen arrives, and we walk to the school on the route that Martha will take next year. It is up an alley along side Chorlton Park. I can't help but give guidance that they must not ever walk through the park when it is dark. It is black dark (I have been through it on my bike) - you really can't see a thing, even with a bike light.
As an ex-employee from the school, I know most of the teachers. I also know about a quarter of the parents. CHS open evening is a challenging experience for me. I feel ok in myself, and I feel very positive. If I had been returning to CHS with depression, I would have felt completely different; I am comfortable to go back and share the news of my cancer.
I did try to speak to the head teacher, but I quickly concluded that it was not the right time and place. I ducked out the queue and took the lift to the maths department (I cannot walk up the stairs). They were all really happy to see me, and me them. Helen and I cannot find Martha and Katy. We agree to do one lap, of this floor, and that I will then wait in the foyer until Helen has found them both.
They are found in food tech making bread rolls. Katy makes a plait, and Martha and peaked bun. We take these to bake at home. Helen and I have a lovely meal together, and put the bread in the oven. When we returned to it, both creations were dark brown and burnt. Oops!
This is a video of Katy and Ella at Royal Northern College of Music in July. I was sent this at a time when I was deeply worried about how Martha and Katy were dealing with my news. It is so joyous, it still brings a big smile to my face. I have just worked out how to upload it onto you tube.
Walk
My day yesterday was a walk, a little shop (where I discovered that my new fruit and veg shop takes my tag card, giving me 10% discount).
I rested most of the day, to prepare to go to Chorlton High School open evening. Martha has already chosen this school. The trip was to help Katy decide where she would like to go in 2015 (when I am 50!). Helen was also coming to join us.
Chorlton High School
Martha and Katy enjoy a chicken pasta that Lisa Watson left us, and then we get ready to go out. Helen arrives, and we walk to the school on the route that Martha will take next year. It is up an alley along side Chorlton Park. I can't help but give guidance that they must not ever walk through the park when it is dark. It is black dark (I have been through it on my bike) - you really can't see a thing, even with a bike light.
As an ex-employee from the school, I know most of the teachers. I also know about a quarter of the parents. CHS open evening is a challenging experience for me. I feel ok in myself, and I feel very positive. If I had been returning to CHS with depression, I would have felt completely different; I am comfortable to go back and share the news of my cancer.
I did try to speak to the head teacher, but I quickly concluded that it was not the right time and place. I ducked out the queue and took the lift to the maths department (I cannot walk up the stairs). They were all really happy to see me, and me them. Helen and I cannot find Martha and Katy. We agree to do one lap, of this floor, and that I will then wait in the foyer until Helen has found them both.
They are found in food tech making bread rolls. Katy makes a plait, and Martha and peaked bun. We take these to bake at home. Helen and I have a lovely meal together, and put the bread in the oven. When we returned to it, both creations were dark brown and burnt. Oops!
Martha level 6 group and Katy team leader
Tired and exhausted Martha received more good news yesterday. She is one of six pupils who have been put into a group to work towards level 6. I have some reservations about this - my instinct is that at primary school she should be focused on the basics and lots of fun - however, we will go with it. I am delighted for her.
Katy has been made a team leader. Two children per house have special duties to go round the school and collect the points from each class. She is really proud of herself, and quite rightly. Katy also has a place in digismart. Martha did not get into this group.
Grab Rail
This has been fitted into my shower. Only small, it makes a massive difference to my safety and feeling of comfort while I shower.
I am sure I will recall more later on.
Enjoy the good weather
love
Sarah xx
Brief update
It was Chorlton High School open evening last night, and Helen joined us. No time last night to write BLOG. I will write later. Just letting you know in case you think my absence is due to illness. I am not ill, just tired.
seeya later
Sarah xxx
A few other updates:
1) I have reduced steroids to three quarters mcg per day.
2) My next appointment with consultant is on 16 October. This is when I will start next chemotherapy programme.
3) I have posted letter to my doctor's surgery, asking for my case to be reviewed.
seeya later
Sarah xxx
A few other updates:
1) I have reduced steroids to three quarters mcg per day.
2) My next appointment with consultant is on 16 October. This is when I will start next chemotherapy programme.
3) I have posted letter to my doctor's surgery, asking for my case to be reviewed.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Jackie comes for lunch
Early morning for me
Another terrible night of broken sleep, I got up and watched TV for a while. Up at 6am, I have so many chores before school that I have to make a list. Martha is going on a school trip - I make a packed lunch. Katy has bike right - I pump up the tyres on her bike. I get Martha out of bed to comb her hair for nits. Three breakfasts made and served. Martha is upset because she is tired, and fed up with feeling tired. When we get to school, Martha is crying and we have a talk with her teacher.
I walk home. No walk today, because I had fitters coming to install a grab handle in my shower. When I get home, I have a call saying that they can't make it until Thursday.
I go back to bed.
Later, Jackie Brennan arrives. Jackie is an old work and hockey pal. We have a cup of tea, and then head out for a short walk. On the way back, we head into "on the corner". This is a local café that serves healthy food and drinks. We are offered raw food - it is raw food day. I had eaten a lovely bowl of broccoli soup (this was kindly left on my doorstep by Vicky McAffer, like a pint of milk) before we headed out for a walk; I was not hungry at all. Jackie opted to try a meal, and I picked a little of it - delicious. On the corner offer workshops for people to learn to cook raw food - I will book into the next workshop.
I go back to bed.
I am woken by my alarm, and head back to school. I have agreed to meet Martha at the end of the day to check if she is OK to go for second cross country run. Katy comes out and asks me to take her bike home and bag. I sit and wait for Martha. It takes me some time to realise that Martha has not come out, and I twig that she has already left through another door. I take bike and bag home, and head to the park to watch the cross country. I get into the park and see the girls cross country run start. Martha is really unhappy with her performance. She is crying and distressed that she didn't get into the final. She still wants to go to the Girl Guides swimming gala - this is where she is now. I wait to see how she gets on - I am praying for a win and a smile! Katy is at Stretford Swimming Club.
They meet their family counsellor on Friday.
Letter to Doctor's surgery
I sent the letter to my Macmillan nurse. I have received a reply saying that I should send it as it is, and wait to see their response. The letter is basic and asking for a reflective review, to see my notes, and asking for some key points to be considered. I will post this tomorrow.
Lisa Watson has just dropped round a chicken pasta dish. I am so grateful for this kind of help.
Enjoy the lovely weather
love
Sarah xxx
PS Martha comes home from swimming gala delighted - she has been chosen by her peers as patrol leader. She remains tired, but this is a great pick-me-up.
Also, the gala was a play in the pool. No racing.
Another terrible night of broken sleep, I got up and watched TV for a while. Up at 6am, I have so many chores before school that I have to make a list. Martha is going on a school trip - I make a packed lunch. Katy has bike right - I pump up the tyres on her bike. I get Martha out of bed to comb her hair for nits. Three breakfasts made and served. Martha is upset because she is tired, and fed up with feeling tired. When we get to school, Martha is crying and we have a talk with her teacher.
I walk home. No walk today, because I had fitters coming to install a grab handle in my shower. When I get home, I have a call saying that they can't make it until Thursday.
I go back to bed.
Later, Jackie Brennan arrives. Jackie is an old work and hockey pal. We have a cup of tea, and then head out for a short walk. On the way back, we head into "on the corner". This is a local café that serves healthy food and drinks. We are offered raw food - it is raw food day. I had eaten a lovely bowl of broccoli soup (this was kindly left on my doorstep by Vicky McAffer, like a pint of milk) before we headed out for a walk; I was not hungry at all. Jackie opted to try a meal, and I picked a little of it - delicious. On the corner offer workshops for people to learn to cook raw food - I will book into the next workshop.
I go back to bed.
I am woken by my alarm, and head back to school. I have agreed to meet Martha at the end of the day to check if she is OK to go for second cross country run. Katy comes out and asks me to take her bike home and bag. I sit and wait for Martha. It takes me some time to realise that Martha has not come out, and I twig that she has already left through another door. I take bike and bag home, and head to the park to watch the cross country. I get into the park and see the girls cross country run start. Martha is really unhappy with her performance. She is crying and distressed that she didn't get into the final. She still wants to go to the Girl Guides swimming gala - this is where she is now. I wait to see how she gets on - I am praying for a win and a smile! Katy is at Stretford Swimming Club.
They meet their family counsellor on Friday.
Letter to Doctor's surgery
I sent the letter to my Macmillan nurse. I have received a reply saying that I should send it as it is, and wait to see their response. The letter is basic and asking for a reflective review, to see my notes, and asking for some key points to be considered. I will post this tomorrow.
Lisa Watson has just dropped round a chicken pasta dish. I am so grateful for this kind of help.
Enjoy the lovely weather
love
Sarah xxx
PS Martha comes home from swimming gala delighted - she has been chosen by her peers as patrol leader. She remains tired, but this is a great pick-me-up.
Also, the gala was a play in the pool. No racing.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Friends from Australia come to visit :)
Bike Right course is tomorrow
Katy wants to cycle to school, and I agree to this. This means that I cycle to school. Hmmmm! I really struggled. Martha and Katy disappear into the distance as I struggle to get going. It was not a good thing to try.
Tomorrow, Katy starts her bike right course. This is a course that builds up to what we would know as the old cycling proficiency test.
Morning walk
We were a group of three today. Sarah, Anna and Mike - all parents from Chorlton CE Primary. We had a really good chat and enjoyed the dewey meadows.
Snack and sleep
I have a snack and then go to sleep.
Jo Myers visits
All you Lufbraites will remember Jo Myers! We have stayed friends through uni, Jo's emigration, Sydney Olympics, her trips to UK. Martha and Katy have met Jessie and Charli once before, and the four girls bonded again, instantly. We have had a lovely evening together, catching up. Thank you for coming :) We will go to visit them in Brisbane one day.
Jessie, Martha, Charli and Katy
Jo and me, doing "thin arms" Mine are thin steroid arms!
Time for me to go to sleep
Martha is very tired: we have quite a long talk where she is telling me that she does not like being tired. She is tired all the time. She doesn't know why. I don't know why either - is it puberty; is it not enough sleep; stress from my illness; hormonal? Who knows. All I can do is listen. We agree to get to bed earlier and see if Martha feels better. If no improvement, I will take her to the doctor's.
Martha is very tired: we have quite a long talk where she is telling me that she does not like being tired. She is tired all the time. She doesn't know why. I don't know why either - is it puberty; is it not enough sleep; stress from my illness; hormonal? Who knows. All I can do is listen. We agree to get to bed earlier and see if Martha feels better. If no improvement, I will take her to the doctor's.
Have a good day
love Sarah xxxx
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Street BBQ
I have another night of being mostly awake. I get up late at 8.45 am.
Martha and Katy have breakfast, and I have egg on toast. Katy gets into completing her homework - she has created her world. If she was Coraline, and crawled into another world, the she would live on a football pitch, with a goal made into a bed; boys wear skirts, and girls wear shorts. She has a toilet and shower, and sweets are healthy. Her drawing is bright and labelled. Good work Katy! Martha has been writing a journal of news. Her work is very neat and well presented.
Katy making a chocolate banana smoothie. The smoothie maker has no lid because my mum left the packaging on the train, and didn't notice that she left the lid in it. This makes me smile. It works, so it is fine.
Martha's friend Lauren comes over to play, and Katy's friend Iona. They have a great morning together, while I create a proper chicken kiev and sunday roast. This was my first every chicken kiev, following an online recipe. I was pleased with it. The crust was crunchy. All four children ate everything, even all the sugar snap peas.
I then head up for a sleep.
Dave texts to say he has returned from his holiday. He heads over to see Martha and Katy, and takes them to swimming club.
Street BBQ
Beautiful BBQ weather, we have a street event. This is a fantastic place to live - my neighbours are all amazing.
love
Sarah xxx
Martha and Katy have breakfast, and I have egg on toast. Katy gets into completing her homework - she has created her world. If she was Coraline, and crawled into another world, the she would live on a football pitch, with a goal made into a bed; boys wear skirts, and girls wear shorts. She has a toilet and shower, and sweets are healthy. Her drawing is bright and labelled. Good work Katy! Martha has been writing a journal of news. Her work is very neat and well presented.
Martha's friend Lauren comes over to play, and Katy's friend Iona. They have a great morning together, while I create a proper chicken kiev and sunday roast. This was my first every chicken kiev, following an online recipe. I was pleased with it. The crust was crunchy. All four children ate everything, even all the sugar snap peas.
I then head up for a sleep.
Dave texts to say he has returned from his holiday. He heads over to see Martha and Katy, and takes them to swimming club.
Street BBQ
Beautiful BBQ weather, we have a street event. This is a fantastic place to live - my neighbours are all amazing.
Have a good weeklove
Sarah xxx
Saturday, 21 September 2013
Warm Saturday
Terrible night's sleep
My sleep was disrupted over and over again by fever, and middle-of-the-night worries about petty issues. I had to get up for the toilet four times as well. Paracetemol don't help me settle, but do help my fever. I wake in the light annoyed because it is time to get up. I take a bath and wash my hair.
Guinea Pig Cleaning
Martha's school friend, Saskia, comes over to learn about how to clean out a guinea pig. She is thinking of getting one. It usually takes only about 15 mins, but today Martha and Katy were showing off, and the clean up took about 2 hours! They did a thorough job, and Saskia was fully involved at every stage.
Fan Return
A friend of Louise, who loaned me a fan in the hot summer bobbed in to collect it. I am hoping to see her at Louise's 40th.
Mum and Max
Max brought mum up to collect all her stuff. She didn't bring the bike because the gears were not working. I wait to see if the local bike shop can find a suitable bike for Martha. If not, it may be a trip to Decathalon. Her knees are up around her ears when she peddles.
Max helps me organise the cellar. I haven't been in the cellar since May, and I know that it was disorganised down there. One of the supports for the shelves was missing, so the shelves were wonky. I had kitchen stuff in camping space, and pictures and posters in the cellar that were meant to be in the bin. She moved the heavy stuff down into the cellar, that I have not been able to move. My house now looks a mess again, because space has been opened up, that was hidden away.
Parties
We take Martha to Anya's birthday party. She dresses in white dungaree shorts, t-shirt, cardi and long boots. I think she looks fantastic.
Katy goes to play at her friend Lewis'. When she comes home, she is caked in mud. They have had a water fight and been sliding in the mud. The mud is all up her back too. Immediate shower!
Car Sale
My brother has accepted the offer of my car. He has partner and 3 children. My car has optional 7 seats. We have yet to talk about it further, but I am happy that the car is staying in the family.
Sleep
I sleep while Martha and Katy are at their friends. I have little walk on Beech Road, but basically do nothing while they are out.
Hoping the weather stays warm tomorrow
lots of love
Sarah xxxx
My sleep was disrupted over and over again by fever, and middle-of-the-night worries about petty issues. I had to get up for the toilet four times as well. Paracetemol don't help me settle, but do help my fever. I wake in the light annoyed because it is time to get up. I take a bath and wash my hair.
Guinea Pig Cleaning
Martha's school friend, Saskia, comes over to learn about how to clean out a guinea pig. She is thinking of getting one. It usually takes only about 15 mins, but today Martha and Katy were showing off, and the clean up took about 2 hours! They did a thorough job, and Saskia was fully involved at every stage.
Fan Return
A friend of Louise, who loaned me a fan in the hot summer bobbed in to collect it. I am hoping to see her at Louise's 40th.
Mum and Max
Max brought mum up to collect all her stuff. She didn't bring the bike because the gears were not working. I wait to see if the local bike shop can find a suitable bike for Martha. If not, it may be a trip to Decathalon. Her knees are up around her ears when she peddles.
Max helps me organise the cellar. I haven't been in the cellar since May, and I know that it was disorganised down there. One of the supports for the shelves was missing, so the shelves were wonky. I had kitchen stuff in camping space, and pictures and posters in the cellar that were meant to be in the bin. She moved the heavy stuff down into the cellar, that I have not been able to move. My house now looks a mess again, because space has been opened up, that was hidden away.
Parties
We take Martha to Anya's birthday party. She dresses in white dungaree shorts, t-shirt, cardi and long boots. I think she looks fantastic.
Katy goes to play at her friend Lewis'. When she comes home, she is caked in mud. They have had a water fight and been sliding in the mud. The mud is all up her back too. Immediate shower!
Car Sale
My brother has accepted the offer of my car. He has partner and 3 children. My car has optional 7 seats. We have yet to talk about it further, but I am happy that the car is staying in the family.
Sleep
I sleep while Martha and Katy are at their friends. I have little walk on Beech Road, but basically do nothing while they are out.
Hoping the weather stays warm tomorrow
lots of love
Sarah xxxx
Friday, 20 September 2013
Learning my limits...
Katy heads off to school early. I catch her up with Martha, who has slept in my bed again. She is at that age where she really struggles to get up in the morning.
I have written in Katy's link book a note for her teacher. She got offered a place in the steel pans, when she wants to learn the trumpet. I have asked her teacher if she can be reconsidered for the trumpet group. She has been saving for a trumpet all summer, and when she didn't get a place in trumpet, has asked me if she can pay for lessons instead. We were hoping the trumpet would help her with her asthma too.
After school drop off, I head off for a walk around the meadows with Anna. We have a really good chat about everything from holidays with no car, to hair loss. Anna has shaved her head and posted her hair to the same charity that took Jesse Jay's hair. I am going to ask Dave to shave my hair and I will do the sore bits. I can then put gel onto my stinging scalp.
A few jobs. a visit and sleep
I receive my council tax number. I have thrown away so much paper, I don't have the basics left at all. I had to write to council to send me the number. With the number, I can finish Martha's application to secondary school. I still have to wait for bills to arrive from gas, elec etc to send off my proof of address.
I listen to phone messages and make the return calls to all the health professionals who are helping me. I leave messages saying that I feel fine and don't need a visit.
Lizzie (old hockey pal) comes to visit, with baby Martha. I call her "Martha the second". She is a beautiful baby girl; a third child. Lizzie is trying to get fit, and has started playing hockey. We realised that she must live near another hockey friend, Kate, who also lives in Macclesfield. It was great seeing them.
When I wake, I find that Chris has called (old close friend from uni).
Soup and bread and cheese
I enjoy some bread, soft cheese and soup. Chris calls, and we agree to talk through me munching.
Shopping
I have more time today, because Martha and Katy have gone out to play with friends, straight from school. I then head out to post my letter to France and to pick up a few bits of shopping. This is where I discover my limits. I am too tired to complete my voyage to post office and Morrisons and back. I have to have a rest - I go to Battery Park for a vegetable juice. I struggle to leave. What I want to do is lie down and go to sleep. Motivation is what I have to conjure, to get myself home. My learning is that if I go for a walk, that is my exercise for the day.
Aubergine and tofu thai curry
After a rest, I make a delicious curry with a Lloyd Grossman sauce. It didn't take long, and tasted excellent.
Martha and Katy come home
They are such opposites. Katy wants to do her homework before the weekend; Martha thinks she can do it another time.
Here is a picture of Katy, very proud with her introduction to refereeing certificate. Just like Aunty Bev! They are similar in looks and interests; Bev is a qualified referee.
Katy has nearly finished her homework. Martha hasn't started yet ...
Have a good weekend everyone
love
Sarah xxx
I have written in Katy's link book a note for her teacher. She got offered a place in the steel pans, when she wants to learn the trumpet. I have asked her teacher if she can be reconsidered for the trumpet group. She has been saving for a trumpet all summer, and when she didn't get a place in trumpet, has asked me if she can pay for lessons instead. We were hoping the trumpet would help her with her asthma too.
After school drop off, I head off for a walk around the meadows with Anna. We have a really good chat about everything from holidays with no car, to hair loss. Anna has shaved her head and posted her hair to the same charity that took Jesse Jay's hair. I am going to ask Dave to shave my hair and I will do the sore bits. I can then put gel onto my stinging scalp.
A few jobs. a visit and sleep
I receive my council tax number. I have thrown away so much paper, I don't have the basics left at all. I had to write to council to send me the number. With the number, I can finish Martha's application to secondary school. I still have to wait for bills to arrive from gas, elec etc to send off my proof of address.
I listen to phone messages and make the return calls to all the health professionals who are helping me. I leave messages saying that I feel fine and don't need a visit.
Lizzie (old hockey pal) comes to visit, with baby Martha. I call her "Martha the second". She is a beautiful baby girl; a third child. Lizzie is trying to get fit, and has started playing hockey. We realised that she must live near another hockey friend, Kate, who also lives in Macclesfield. It was great seeing them.
When I wake, I find that Chris has called (old close friend from uni).
Soup and bread and cheese
I enjoy some bread, soft cheese and soup. Chris calls, and we agree to talk through me munching.
Shopping
I have more time today, because Martha and Katy have gone out to play with friends, straight from school. I then head out to post my letter to France and to pick up a few bits of shopping. This is where I discover my limits. I am too tired to complete my voyage to post office and Morrisons and back. I have to have a rest - I go to Battery Park for a vegetable juice. I struggle to leave. What I want to do is lie down and go to sleep. Motivation is what I have to conjure, to get myself home. My learning is that if I go for a walk, that is my exercise for the day.
Aubergine and tofu thai curry
After a rest, I make a delicious curry with a Lloyd Grossman sauce. It didn't take long, and tasted excellent.
Martha and Katy come home
They are such opposites. Katy wants to do her homework before the weekend; Martha thinks she can do it another time.
Here is a picture of Katy, very proud with her introduction to refereeing certificate. Just like Aunty Bev! They are similar in looks and interests; Bev is a qualified referee.
Katy has nearly finished her homework. Martha hasn't started yet ...
Have a good weekend everyone
love
Sarah xxx
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Local shopping
Walk = shopping trip
We have a good morning and get to school early. I organise one of the lifts that I need for Katy to get to cubs.
My morning walk, today, is to do my shopping. I take Martha's pink trolley bag with me to school, so that I can use this to carry my shopping. There is a fruit and veg shop next to Barbakhan (baker and delicatessen), that I have never been in. It is recommended to me by Anna. When I go in, I discover a fantastic array of other goods - a small supermarket of Asian food and british basics. I buy eco friendly cleaning products in Unicorn (vegan delicatessen) and a couple of salads. I buy fruit and veg and other basics in fruit and veg shop. I discover on the way home that my usual fruit and veg shop gives 10% discount to local shoppers with a tag pass - which I bought recently. I buy meat in Frosts, the butchers.
The other part of my trip was that it was sunny when I left. Leaving home, I am wearing my Herm sweatshirt only. When in Chorlton it starts to rain, very hard and it doesn't stop. I have a decaf coffee to wait for it to pass (in the deli) but, in the end, I have to accept that I will get rained on. I get very wet.
Guitar lessons
At home, I make an early lunch and then head off to bed. I set my alarm to wake me in time for school pick up.
Martha and Katy's guitar teacher calls to organise their lesson times. He doesn't think they should be in the same group, and I agree to them being in different timed lessons. Martha is more advanced in her playing than Katy. However, I forget that they have booked other school clubs around the time of their lessons from last year. When the call is over, I remember, and ring him back. I get an answering machine. The time of the lessons mucks up both their clubs - Katy can't go to running, and Martha misses most comedy club. I have to sort this out tomorrow.
Letter to French friends
I wake early, and I do two things. Firstly, I have a look at Macmillan website. I find that they do teaching days in schools, so I have enquired about this.
I then write a letter in English. I change it into use of verbs that I am comfortable with, and check translation on line. I write the letter by hand. I know the French is not perfect, but I am quite pleased with myself. I have been meaning to do this for months (before diagnosis). I wrote in French on my BLOG, but I do not think my French pals picked it up, These are my friends that I met when I was teaching in France, as part of my teacher training.
Home with Martha and Katy
I go to pick up the girls, not really knowing what time they will appear. Katy has missed running club and appears from guitar. Martha has managed to do both, to a point and shows up forty five minutes later. Martha and her friend want to go to the park, so I invite Martine for a cuppa. I then extend this to share a spaghetti bolognaise. We have a lovely evening together.
Enjoy the end of the week :)
We have a good morning and get to school early. I organise one of the lifts that I need for Katy to get to cubs.
My morning walk, today, is to do my shopping. I take Martha's pink trolley bag with me to school, so that I can use this to carry my shopping. There is a fruit and veg shop next to Barbakhan (baker and delicatessen), that I have never been in. It is recommended to me by Anna. When I go in, I discover a fantastic array of other goods - a small supermarket of Asian food and british basics. I buy eco friendly cleaning products in Unicorn (vegan delicatessen) and a couple of salads. I buy fruit and veg and other basics in fruit and veg shop. I discover on the way home that my usual fruit and veg shop gives 10% discount to local shoppers with a tag pass - which I bought recently. I buy meat in Frosts, the butchers.
The other part of my trip was that it was sunny when I left. Leaving home, I am wearing my Herm sweatshirt only. When in Chorlton it starts to rain, very hard and it doesn't stop. I have a decaf coffee to wait for it to pass (in the deli) but, in the end, I have to accept that I will get rained on. I get very wet.
Guitar lessons
At home, I make an early lunch and then head off to bed. I set my alarm to wake me in time for school pick up.
Martha and Katy's guitar teacher calls to organise their lesson times. He doesn't think they should be in the same group, and I agree to them being in different timed lessons. Martha is more advanced in her playing than Katy. However, I forget that they have booked other school clubs around the time of their lessons from last year. When the call is over, I remember, and ring him back. I get an answering machine. The time of the lessons mucks up both their clubs - Katy can't go to running, and Martha misses most comedy club. I have to sort this out tomorrow.
Letter to French friends
I wake early, and I do two things. Firstly, I have a look at Macmillan website. I find that they do teaching days in schools, so I have enquired about this.
I then write a letter in English. I change it into use of verbs that I am comfortable with, and check translation on line. I write the letter by hand. I know the French is not perfect, but I am quite pleased with myself. I have been meaning to do this for months (before diagnosis). I wrote in French on my BLOG, but I do not think my French pals picked it up, These are my friends that I met when I was teaching in France, as part of my teacher training.
Home with Martha and Katy
I go to pick up the girls, not really knowing what time they will appear. Katy has missed running club and appears from guitar. Martha has managed to do both, to a point and shows up forty five minutes later. Martha and her friend want to go to the park, so I invite Martine for a cuppa. I then extend this to share a spaghetti bolognaise. We have a lovely evening together.
Enjoy the end of the week :)
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