Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka
The big news of today is that the year 6 Christmas production will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Martha is a budding actor, who has already started preparing herself for the audition.  She has to sing "Pure Imagination".  This is the song that Willy Wonka sings as they enter the giant room with the chocolate river, and trees that are made of "candy".  The timing is very tricky.  Her teacher is definitely trying to test their ability to perform.  The auditions are next week, so watch out!  I will be singing the song too...

Faster walk
I made it out for my walk.  The bank of the Mersey is decorated with beautiful purple flowers. 

Macmillan nurse
My Macmillan nurse came, and we had a good talk. He keeps reminding me that it is only 4 months since my diagnosis, and that I have been through a lot of trauma in between then and now.  I am going to stay on 0.75 mcg steroids for another week, and make sure I am settled at this level.  I will then cut it down to 0.5 mcg, all being well.  The signs are good.  I am definitely feeling a lot better today.  My eye remains swollen, but my activity levels are higher than they have been.

I have realised that I cannot go back to work after half term.  I am nowhere near ready to start work.  It seems crazy that I thought I would be able to go back.  I have (finally) got a doctor's appointment, one for me and one for Martha (ongoing loose cough).  Katy's knee is fine now.  I will be collecting another sick note.

Harvest
I went to see the Harvest Service at school.  Year 4 performed the service, and Katy sang in the choir.  Year 4 look so grown up.  Last year, they were so little.  Martha looks really old, now that she is in year 6.  It was an enjoyable school event.

Rehearsals
So, my evening at home has been a bit of pottering, while Martha rehearses; Katy has been doing the computer for her and giving very constructive advice.  Katy also went and found her a Willy Wonka outfit.  When invited, I have watched Martha perform.  She doesn't know all the words confidently yet, but her performance is very powerful.  She has a gift for engaging her audience with looks and moves.  By next week, she will know all the words and will be able to produce a memorable performance.

Thanks also to Diane for Groundhog Day.  We will all watch it together.

Have a good day tomorrow.
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Groundhog day

Groundhog Day
Someone has sent me a copy of Groundhog day.  Thank you very much.  My life at the moment is very like the film.  Every day has a similar pattern.  Drugs, breakfast, breakfast for Martha and Katy, walk to school, go for a walk, have a sit down, go to sleep, go back to school, tea and clubs, homework/reading, bed.  In Groundhog style, maybe I can work my way back to not having cancer.  Ok, I'll settle for a handsome man instead! :)

Walk
I am feeling a lot better today.  Anna and I went for a walk together this morning, and we were both delighted with how we got on.  I was feeling much more physically able.

At home, I have rested and then done a little housework.  I am turning into a housewife!  When you are at home, and unwell, you can use up 30 awake minutes here and there, doing little jobs.  Today, I put a pile of things for the charity shop into my new shopping trolley bag.  My aim is to take this to the charity shop next trip out. 

Sleep
Back to Groundhog day - sleep. 

Pick up girls from school
Pick up three girls from school; Martha is taking her friend Anya to drama club, on a take-a-friend day.  I hear about Martha and Anya's day - they have been teaching all the year groups across the school.  Martha has been teaching numeracy using leaves.  It has been a beautiful day, so perfect for working outside.

I then leave Martha and Anya at home, and take Katy to see asthma nurse.  Katy is doing very well, and knows how to use her inhalers properly.  Katy was given an anti-flu injection, which then lead to her choosing not to go swimming.  She has a sore arm and feels under the weather.  Her knee has recovered, I am very glad to say.  She can't wait to play in the girls football league on Thursday - she is counting down to it.

Books and bed.

Handsome Man?
Groundhog Day:  no handsome man yet.  Maybe tomorrow!

Hope the sun is still shining tomorrow.  I can't believe I have been wearing only a t-shirt outdoors this afternoon.  It was really hot.  I did wonder, was it hot, or did I have a fever?  It was definitely hot.

I am feeling a lot better:)

Enjoy your week
love
Sarah xxx

On the mend, I think

Under the weather
I am still upset about my car.  It represents the changes in my life, at the moment.  I am annoyed that someone has parked outside my house!  Around this, I feel generally "off colour".  I think it is the steroids.  However, I am going to persist at taking 0.75 mcg.  I don't feel too ill to carry on with it.  Hopefully, my body will start to create the steroids that I need to improve my general well being.  The occasional puffiness of my left eye makes me very tearful.   My Macmillan nurse will come back on Wednesday to check how I am getting on. 

I went for a morning walk
My walking style is that I am looking for somewhere to sit down and have a rest.  I have not sat down at all, but my mind is not walking freely.  I am out of breath when my pace is less than a dawdle.  I walked through Longford Park today, to go to Barbakhan (Polish deli) to pick up a loaf of bread and a packed lunch for Martha.  I forgot that she was going on a trip today to see Jackie Kay (a poet) at the Royal Exchange Theatre.  She really liked her lunch - easy to please, with a ham sandwich, chocolate cake and a smoothie. 

Bed for me.  I just get to sleep and my mobile rings with a call from "Look Good Feel Better".  This is a service from Christie Hospital that I have been told to make the most of.  You go to a make up workshop and get sent home with loads of high brand freebies.  I accepted the appointment for tomorrow, put the phone down, and looked at my diary; I realised that there is no way that I could go - Katy has an asthma appointment tomorrow that we have been waiting for since the Sunflower incident at the end of August.  I have had to decline the appointment, and postpone it.  I am told my appointment will be in the New Year.  Let's wait and see.  I hope to be back in work by then.

I switch my phone off and sleep until 2pm. 

I pick Martha up at 3pm and bravely leave Katy for football club.  She is moving normally when she gets home, so I think her knee is now settling well.  I am keeping up the ibuprofen.  Martha and I have a good evening while Katy is at cubs - Martha writes a poem about a canal (three times spelt cannal (ha ha)) - it is really quite moving.  She then catches up with her news journal.  Every day, she is writing news into her journal.  The school guidance is to do this for a whole month, and she is determined to do a piece a day.  I want her to be less thorough ...


My 40s looking scarf
I have never been good at tying scarves!  Here is the 40s look.  A bit better than yesterday!

Have a good day everyone
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Pyjama day

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

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 ...

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

 

 

 

 



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

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

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

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

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





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

I have started to drift away from this.   My goal for this week will be to put together some recipes for five different meals, that I can start to use regularly.

Have a great week everyone
May the sun continue to shine :)
love
Sarah xxx

Beautiful Day

 Iona and Katy
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



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

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!

 

 

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.

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.

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.

 

Have a good day

 

love Sarah xxxx

 

 

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.

 



Have a good week
love
Sarah xxx