Visiting Mum in “jail”

That was what this dratted hospital reminded me of. That and the fact that the so-called infection control seems to be non-existent.

At the entrance to the wards, there are pumps that dispense this grotty alcohol free anti-microbial gel. I went to use the one that was outside the ward, only to find that it was empty. So, as I entered the ward area, I found another dispenser, liberally coated my hands and told one of the auxiliaries that seemed to be doing very little.

“Ok – I’ll get that sorted out”

No worries there – or so I thought. I located where Mum was (she looked pretty good, all things considering), and sorted out a seat for myself. Now I know from past experience that when I have been to visit Mum in hospital, it was almost a hanging offence to sit either on the bed, or the chair that was beside the bed, as there were chairs in the day room that visitors were supposed to use.

This time, I could have sat on Mum’s bed without anything being said to me. Not a good indication as far as I could see for infection control. Then the sadists turned up (sorry – I mean physiotherapists).

Now when Mum had her hip sorted out, it was a rule that no patient was allowed out of bed without putting slippers on. This time? Mum could have walked all over the ward in bare feet, and not one person would have said a damned thing to her.

Add into this mix, the mere fact that it was a good thing that Mum had taken some of her own medication into hospital with her, and you get the impression that I am less than impressed with the standards that I have seen. It turns out, that no medication has been sorted for Mum, despite the fact that she gave the pre-operative clinic all the information.

I made my escape, and on the way out, checked the dispenser that had been empty as I entered the ward, and found that it was still empty. To be honest, the sooner I can get Mum back home, the better. I really don’t want her staying in that fleapit of a hospital any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Guess I should call this quits – I’ve got to call the playpen and see if I can book some extra time off, as I don’t have the foggiest idea when Mum is going to be allowed home.

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Leaving Mum

Well, I’ve just dropped Mum off at the hospital. What a depressing place. You can tell that the architect used to design prisons…

The car park was easy to find – once you knew where the hell you were aiming for. It’s almost like the disabled car park location is a state secret. Mum and I found where she was supposed to go, and got checked in by the nurse.

As per normal, Mum hadn’t had the results of the MRSA test (I read the admission card – she’d tested negative) and there was little information about her medication (despite the fact that she’d given the pre-admission clinic a complete printout from the GP as well as writing it out!)

Because there was no point me hanging around, I headed for home, via the nearby Tesco, as there were several things that I wanted to pick up whilst Mum was in hospital – milk, bread and potatoes.

That was where the fun started. As the weather has been somewhat inclement (ok – it’s snowed here, and the roads that haven’t been gritted are like skating rinks) the car park was just a sea of white. No indication of the parking bays or anything else. God help you if you were unsteady on your feet, because it was lethal underfoot as well.

The store itself looked like it had been hit by locusts – there was very little fresh fruit or vegetables, but I guess that it could have been due to the time that I was there – just after 08:30, but equally, it could have been due to the fact that the delivery truck hadn’t made it.

Honestly, it does make you wonder at times. Two flakes of snow, and the entire country grinds to a halt, and you get panic buying at the supermarket. Well, that’s something I won’t be indulging in – I’ve got everything I need, and if not – well I'm sure that I can do without for a couple of days.

Back tomorrow – I want to try and get some sleep…

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

After the Holiday – and looking forward to the New Year

Well, it’s back to the playpen for me. But only for about 2 ½ days, as the powers that be seem to have been supping on the Christmas spirit. Not that I'm complaining at all – the only thing that is bothering me is boredom.

Yes – boredom. Simply because most sensible people are on holiday, and I’ve got very little to do – apart from surf the web, and plan what I'm going to do whilst Mum is in hospital (ok – that’s only an overnight stay) and generally trying (and succeeding) in avoiding work.

Smeg – looks like someone has found me something to do…

Back when I get the chance…

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Getting over Christmas and going to the Sales…

As Christmas day was on a Friday, and Boxing day was on a Saturday, I’ve had today off as my “Boxing Day”.

That suits me down to the ground, as it meant that I could go shopping in Solihull with Mum, so that she can get the last minute stupid bits and pieces before she goes into hospital on Wednesday.

But that wasn’t the only reason that I was happy… It meant that I could visit my favourite shop (Lush) and stock up on the Christmas stuff (it’s limited edition and I adore most of it, and miss certain products really badly when I’ve used them up!).

But, I have to admit that I was really lucky when I went into the Solihull store. Lush are having their post Christmas sale, and it was a case of “Spend £20 and get either a grab bag worth £20 with a selection of things in it or choose from a selected range of gifts”. The grab bag wasn’t really an option for me – it would be just my luck to get things like the Strawberry Santa shower jelly that I really hate (but that’s only because I hate strawberry!)

So, I indulged my passion, and got more than I’d expected – as in I managed to get two gifts! (Yes – I spent just over £40, but that was a real stock up, as I’d run out of most of the stuff that I use!)

But Christmas itself was a really good time – Mum was overjoyed with the waist bag that I got her from Kipling

I didn’t realise that she could use it either as a waist bag or a shoulder bag – bonus as far as I am concerned!

Me? Well I did ok – including a fabulous washable suede coat. Yes – you read that correctly – a washable suede coat.

Plus, I also got a pair of beautiful cobalt blue washable suede gloves. They’ll go brilliantly with my back coat, so I am one happy little tigger at the moment.

My Secret Santa was also something that I really appreciated – two packs of Taylors Hot Lava Java coffee. Yes – I do like my coffee, and I will make a point of drinking it, as whoever bought that for me has taken the time to get me something that I would appreciate.

The only gloomy point over my Christmas break, was the fact that I didn’t see my beloved, but the weather was so bad, I really didn’t want him risking travelling up. But, that will be rectified soon enough, as I'm seeing him on January 2nd, so that’s something for me to look forward to.

Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I'm due back to the playpen tomorrow.

Back when I get the chance.


Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Getting the news

Well, I’ve had the ‘phone call that I have been waiting for. Mum’s got to go back into hospital to have all the metalwork in her right leg removed.

It turns out that Mum should have had this metalwork removed when she had the first part of the broken screw removed back in 2006. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and at least the surgeon is going to get Mum sorted out.

He said that the one piece of screw is making a break for freedom (again) and the Russell Taylor nail that is in her right femur has dropped down slightly, straightening the bent screw. In a way, this isn’t such a bad thing, but the nail runs the risk of eventually dropping down on to the knee cap and causing problems.

Because this needs sorting, the surgeon has put in the notes that the metalwork is causing an infection, and that Mum needs to be treated as an urgent case. She had the option of going into hospital next week, but she has decided that she will go in on Wednesday 6th January.

Ok – that’s not a problem, as I’ve booked the time off (there is no way that I am going to allow anyone else to take Mum into hospital) and it should only be an overnight stay, and I have no intention of being in the playpen whilst Mum is in hospital – I was nearly worse than useless when she had the partial hip replacement.

But, as far as I am concerned, she’s in the best hands possible – she’s seeing the sawbones that put her back together after the car accident, and that’s all I can ask for, as the guy is a human being first and a surgeon second. Now I know that sounds really mean, but I’ve had the misfortune to be treated by surgeons who are only interested in the bit that is being treated – they tend to forget that there is a patient attached.

Ah well, guess I should get some work done before I log off (and go bowling)

Back tomorrow with the results of the bowling….

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Making an escape…

Well, I’m back from Chester, and am back in the playpen. Nothing seems to have changed but I really don’t care. Why? Because I’ve got the start of a cold, and am slowly but surely, losing my voice.

Aside from that, the trip to Chester was just what I needed. Friday, Mum and I headed for Cheshire Oaks. (See Chesire Oaks Designer Outlet )  It’s a shopping outlet village, with shops ranging from good old Marks & Spencer to places like Tag Heuer, and Bose, with everything in between.

It was a rather peculiar layout I have to admit, and I can’t see that there would be much room for expansion, but that didn’t put me off – especially as there was one of my favourite shops there – Cadburys. Ok – I’ve heard all the jokes about women and chocolate, but there are two chocolate bars that I am very fond of – one is the Fudge bar, and the other is the Curly Wurly. So, I will admit I took the opportunity to get some.

But that wasn’t the only thing I found. I found something rather special – mulled apple juice. No – I’m not joking – this has the traditional mulled wine spices in fresh (cloudy) apple juice and tastes… Mmmmm – perfect.

As Mum and I were leaving, there were people driving around the car park, frantically looking for spaces, and I remember thinking that we had been right to get up at the crack of sparrow fart, otherwise we may have struggled for a space…

We were staying at the Premier Inn near the park and Ride (think it’s the one attached to the Twirl of Hay). Now I have no complaints about the service – far from it. The staff were superb, and the only thing that let the accommodation down (in my opinion) was the pub / restaurant that it was attached to.

The menu was (again, in my opinion) lacking in imagination, and the tables were crammed together, making you feel like you were having an intimate dinner with the couple on the next table. Add into that, the service was not exactly wonderful, and you begin to get the gist of my grump.

Aside from the grumps about the service, we had an “extra” in our room – a cluster of ladybirds that were trying to hibernate. One was rather adventurous, and kept walking all across the walls and ceiling of the room, so we christened that one Ranulf Fiennes (after the explorer).

Chester itself was beautiful, and I’m still amazed at the number of independent jewellers that are there. In a way, I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised, as it’s jokingly refered to as “footballer country” as it’s within easy commuting distance of Manchester.

Aside from that, Chester seemed relatively unscathed by the recession – but I know from experience that appearances can be deceiving. There were quite a few empty shops on the split level shopping rows, but talking to the staff in a wonderful shop called The Royal Perfumery said that the empty shops tended not to stay empty for too long.

The Royal Perfumery itself is a little goldmine. I went in, out of pure curiosity, and found perfumes and aftershaves that I’ve not seen for many years, or been able to find on the mainland (things like Monsieur Balmain – a wonderful lemon scented aftershave). The last time I was able to find this, was on Jersey, in a shop called Au Caprice. Like Au Caprice, The Royal Perfumery does mail order, and unlike purchases from Jersey, I don’t have to worry about Customs!

The one thing that I did notice was the number of little coffee shops and snack bars – all of which were pretty much packed out. But Mum and I did strike lucky – we found a pub serving food, and had a table outside.

Now I’m not normally a great fan out outdoor tables – especially in December, but the inside of the pub (can’t remember what it was called for the life of me – just remember that it was up a set of steps and was up almost a little back alley way) was like an oven – not something that would do me much good, or Mum for that matter. The food wasn’t bad at all – I had a Panini with ham, cheese and pineapple salsa – very tasty.

Sunday, we were heading for home, and we made several stops en-route – one of them was to a craft centre that was between Bridgemere Garden World, and Stapely Water Gardens (again – can’t remember the name of the place) and we saw pieces of Lorna Bailey’s work (the Collectable Cats) for very reasonable prices, as well as pieces of Moorcroft – again for prices that are a fraction of what I had seen them for at antique and collector fairs here in Warwickshire.

The real fun started when we got home though. Mum had turned the central heating boiler to low, meaning that the heating wouldn’t run whilst we were away (and waste gas / heat with no-one there to benefit). She tried to turn it back onto the timed settings, and… Pop. The main breaker blew in the garage. We tried about four times, with the same result each time – the main breaker blew. Thankfully, both Mum and I had hot water bottles, which were cuddled with my glee (mainly because they were so warm!)

Yesterday, we planned to go to Milton Keynes (the last time we go down there before Christmas – it was nuts enough trying to park as it was!) Mind you, this wasn’t helped by getting caught in the aftermath of an accident about ¾ of a mile away from the island where the A5 crosses the A43.

It looked like someone had tried to overtake, and met another vehicle coming the other way. To be honest, there wasn’t much left of the one car – the front end was all bashed in, and the other car wasn’t in much better condition – I could see that both airbags had been deployed.

We got thought that little hassle, and then got into the centre of Milton Keynes. Ok – the centre itself is totally pedestrian friendly, but there is parking very close by – if you don’t mind paying (I think) £1.30 an hour. But, it’s free if you have a blue disabled parking badge.

What I was amazed at, was the number of people that seemed to be in the centre. It was almost as everyone in the local area who wasn’t working had decided to descend on Milton Keynes.

We didn’t get very much – ok – I managed to get a book I’d been after in Waterstones - I’d seen it in hardback, and was unwilling to pay £25.00 for it – it was £10.99 in paperback. It’s called Atomic - The First War of Physics and the Secret History of the Atom Bomb: 1939-49 by Jim Baggott.

We then headed for home (having stopped off to do some food shopping) and decided to have another try with the boiler, before we called British Gas, to get them out to sort the dratted thing out (again).

Only for the dratted thing to fire up, and start working. What caused it to blow the breakers, I have no idea at all, but I’m not one to look a gift horse (or in this case a boiler) in the mouth.

Ah well, guess I should get on with some w*rk, but I’m suffering from a severe case of TNFI.

Back later,

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

My mother is a sadist.

Why? She's only gone and booked my damned flu jab for Friday 13th. It turns out that I am eligible for the annual flu injection – all I have to do pay for the prescription. Ok – not a problem, in theory. In practice, I hate injections, so this is not something I am looking forward to.

But, hopefully, this will stop me doing my annual nosedive with the ‘flu, and wrecking my New Year plans – something that has happened to me the past two years in a row, and has caused mayhem for me and my family.

Ah well - guess I should call this quits - it's nearly time to leave this playpen.

Back tomorrow.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

What the hell is that???

The title of this entry sums up my reaction when I saw the top of Mum's left leg - right where the scar is from the hip replacement. Her leg was red and blotchy and according to Mum, itched like hell.

So, rather than risking our holiday in 9 days time (I'm not counting down - honest!) I took the decision to go over to Warwick Hospital. Not my first choice I can freely admit, but I was unsure if Rugby's St Cross hospital has a casualty unit, as it's services have been severely reduced over the past 10 years or so...

Whilst I was waiting for Mum to finish locking the house up (and making sure the furry fiends were OK) I made a call to my beloved, as I was supposed to be meeting him for dinner at the Green Man this evening. His 'phone was turned off, and I will admit I must have sounded slightly anxious (OK - terrified!) that there was something seriously wrong with Mum.

Once Mum and I got there, it turned out that there is and out-of-hours GP service there. OK - not a problem as our GP practice comes under the South Warwickshire health authority, so we didn't forsee any issues.

Until we were told that the first available appointment was 10:10 (and we got to the hospital at 08:45.) Mum was not in a good mood, and I will admit growling at her, and telling her to take the appointment, as I had no intention of taking root in A & E for an hour or more.

She agreed, and we headed into Leamington to kill the hour and a bit before the appointment. The time wasn't really wasted, as I managed to go to the bank and get some money from my account. (It's all very well having the cash card, but sometimes it's faster (and safer) to use cash.)

So, we returned to the hospital, and got our selves booked in, and then proceeded to take root, as the service was running late. But I can't fault the treatment - the GP on call was a real gent, and said that the problem could be one of two things - either a bite or a mild case of cellulitis (a skin infection) which could be treated quite easily with antibiotics.

Mum couldn't remember being bitten, so the doctor prescribed antibiotics for her, and said that she should notice an improvement in the next 24 - 48 hours, and if there was no improvement, then she should go and see our own GP.

So, as I walked back to the car, I will admit to feeling an incredible sense of relief, and called my beloved to give him the good news. The call went to his voice mail as he was at work, but as I was driving towards the exit of the hospital car park, he called me.

He said that he was glad to hear that Mum was OK, and that she was making jokes about the problem, and if we hadn't been able to meet up tonight, he would have come up to see me, as there was no way he was not going to see me before I went on holiday! That really brightened me up, and I will admit I laughed when he said I would do anything to get an extra cuddle!

As Mum and I couldn't go to Banbury as planned, I suggested that we went to a garden centre - Melbicks - up near Birmingham Airport. Mum was quite amicable about that, and even teased me about the reason for me wanting to go there... She said that I only want to go there as there was a Cotton Traders store there. Partly that, and partly because it's one of the few garden centres in the area that isn't owned by Wyevale!

Well, the trip was a success. I managed to find a skirt (yes - it does happen - I do wear a skirt occasionally) and Mum manged to get some hyacinth bulbs for Christmas. But the best bit for me, was knowing that Mum is going to be OK, and that I can go and see my beloved tonight.

Ah well, guess I should log off and bog off - I've got to go and get ready to go out - a girl's got to look her best when she's seeing her beloved.

Back tomorrow...

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Mea culpea

OK, so I failed miserably to keep the blog going. Partly because things were getting hectic (both in my personal and professional life) and I suffered a severe case of TNFI (totally no ******g interest).

So, a brief summary - I've been back to Madeira (and am escaping in September again) and have been lucky enough to find someone who means the whole world to me, and more to the point, has allowed me to relax enough and drop my guard. I've also bought myself a new car - a Peugeot 207 Sport 120... More on that in a later post...

Aside from that, Mum has had a partial hip replacement, and is now walking much better than she has been (i.e. seven and a half years ago since the accident). As for me, as I've said, I'm seeing someone who makes me blissfully happy, and helps me see that there is more to life than the playpen that I call an office...

Playpen. A good term for the office, and for certain members of staff. Including the one that sits next to me. She's so blinkered about life, it's not true. She's also of the misguided opinion that F1 is the be-all and end-all of motor sport and wont' even contemplate any criticism of Lewis Hamilton.

Don't get me wrong, he's a good driver, but he's been lucky. He's had a good car (i.e. reliable) and a good backup team. But what annoys me is that she just won't accept ANY negative comments and throws a real paddy when you try and say otherwise.

As you can tell, I'm not exactly a member of her fan club, and there have been suggestions that I bury the hatchet with her. I would do so, but I'm afraid that it would be in the back of her skull.

Ah well, guess I should think about doing some work, but I'm afraid I'm suffering from a severe case of TNFI....

Back later.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Planning another escape (or four)...

Yes, I'm back to my usual tricks - planning escapes - both with Mum and on my own. The first escape is going to be one on my own - a singer that I like - Gary Moore - is going on tour, and I'm hoping to persuade my beloved to take a day or so to head up to Wolverhampton to go and see him with me.

The other escapes are going to be with Mum - we're going back to Jersey at the end of March for a week, and back to Madeira the end of June for a couple of weeks - but I'll be back in time to get down to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix with my godsprog.

As for other escapes, well, I'll just have to see what heads my way and see where life takes me - but I know that there is another possible escape on the horizon - again, with Mum.

This time, it's another weeding (I mean wedding) - my cousin Alex is getting married the beginning of September in Brighton, so that means I've got to find a decent top to wear with my dark suit - there's no way I'm going to get anything else (like a dress) as I know damned well that I would never wear it again - well voluntarily anyway!!

Ah well, guess I should think about doing some work, but I'm suffering from a sever case of TNFI (totally no ******g interest) - and it's only Tuesday!

Back when I get the chance...

Karen

I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

A new year, and fresh hopes

Well, Quentin is on the road to recovery, but is still very ill. Julian did have a New Year celebration - he spent it with Mum, me and a couple of close family friends, as Mum said that there was no way that he was going to spend New Year's eve on his own.

Me? Well I'm not quite sure what this year will bring me - apart from more surprises - especially where my beloved is concerned. But, I'll cross those bridges as and when I come to them - no point in trying to add stress and hassle to my life!

Guess I should call this quits - Jules is ready to head to the hospital to see Quentin, and I said I'd go as well...

Back when I get chance..

Karen

I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

Midnight Blues

Well, I'm back from Cornwall. I will admit, although it was nice to see my family, I'm only too glad to be back home.

Why? Because the old joke that "God gave you your relatives, but thank god you can choose your friends" has never been more apt at times.

Ok - maybe I'm being a little unkind to my family, but compared to the rest of the family - I'm subdued! I felt a little out of place at times, but as things started warming up (and the drink started flowing - I was driving so I didn't drink that much at all) I started feeling much more at ease with things.

However, it was when I was settling down, that I started to feel blue, and the song by Gary Moore - Midnight Blues sums up how I felt some nights...

It's the darkest hour

Of the darkest night

It's a million miles

From the morning light

Can't get no sleep

Don't know what to do

I've got those midnight blues

When the shadows fall

I feel the night closing in

There must be some reason

For this mood I'm getting in

Can't get no sleep

Don't know what to do

I've got those midnight blues

Every evening after sundown

As the light begins to fade

I feel so low, but I just don't know

Why these blues won't go away

Every evening after sundown

As the light begins to fade

I feel so low, but I just don't know

Why these blues won't go away

It's the darkest hour

Of the darkest night

It's a million miles

To the morning light

Can't get no sleep

Don't know what to do

I've got those midnight blues

I've got those midnight blues

I've got those midnight blues

I've got those midnight blues

Ah well, guess I should call this quits - I need to make peace with Fred.

Back tomorrow.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Preparing to make another escape

No sooner am I back from a holiday, than I’m preparing for another one. This time, it’s because I’m going to my cousin’s wedding in Cornwall.

Mum and I are leaving on Saturday, staying for two nights in Indian Queens, and then heading to Truro, to meet up with the rest of the family.

The reason that we’re doing this is because once the family know that Mum and I are in the area, we won’t get any time to ourselves, as the family have a habit of organising things.

But, there are things that I want to do whilst I’m in Cornwall – one of them being to visit the Eden project (again) and go to Lands End and the Tate gallery in St Ives. Hopefully, the family will allow us time to do this, but I’m not sure what the arrangements will be.

I know the wedding is on Wednesday (apparently, farmer’s weddings are always held on a Wednesday or a Sunday – don’t ask me why!) but I’m hoping that Mum and I will be able to escape on our own.

Guess I should call this quits – I’m supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back when I return from Cornwall…

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

Back to the playpen (I mean office)

No, I was right the first time. Playpen.

You go away, and people say "oh yes, don't worry about your work, we'll look after it for you." What a pile of crap.

I got in, to discover that only the bare minimum had been done, and that there was an awful lot that I had to sort out, not to mention placating colleagues and customers who felt that they had been neglected whilst I was away.

So, I've spent most of the day chasing my tail, trying to get everything back under control, and ready for another hand over, as I'm only in the office for 10 working days due to the fact that my cousin is getting married down in Cornwall.

As I managed to avoid the last weeding (sorry - wedding!) I have to go to this one, especially as this will be the first time that I've seen the rest of my family since Dad's funeral. As he once said - the only time our family get together is for weddings and funerals - and at the moment, that seems to be horribly accurate!

Guess I should call this entry quits - I've got a home to go to.

Back tomorrow if i get the chance...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Recovering from the weekend...

What can I say about the weekend, apart from WOW!

It was the sort of weekend that you dream of having - even if there were a couple of scares - including me scraping a wasp out of my hair - without realising what the damned thing was!

Saturday, Mum and I went to the Town & Country festival at Stoneleigh, and as Mum had a motability scooter, it meant that I was able to walk at my normal pace, knowing full well that Mum was able to keep up with me.

I should have guessed that things were going to go right for me, when I found the last two pieces of a set of Beswick Thelwell figures..

The figure on the left was the one that I liked (I can't find a picture of the one that Mum bought for my birthday - she's always stuck what to get me!) So, that means that I now have the complete set of the unlimited edition figures, as I always disliked the limited edition figures...


Aside from that, we managed to get all sorts of silly bits and pieces - including a hematite necklace for me, and a new handbag. Yes, I've heard all the jokes about women and their handbags - but this was quite reasonable, and will be really useful for me as it's big enough to get my various bits and pieces into...

But, the highlight of the day was the Battle of Britain memorial flight - two Spitfires and one of the two Lancaster Bombers still flying! It was a real treat to see them flying, and they did about four fly-pasts over the showground. I was cursing the fact that I didn't have my camera, as I would have loved to have taken some photos of them in flight, but the memories of the noise and the actual sight of the planes flying will stay with me for a long time...

Sunday was a quieter day, as Mum and I had planned to do very little. Ok - plan and reality had very little in common, but I manage to complete my wedding outfit by getting a rather simple, yet bold camisole from the same shop as my suit.

Today. A different kettle of fish altogether. Mum and I went to Derbyshire to a couple of these so-called outlet villages.. Mum wanted to get some shoes - Fly-flots - and suggested that I had a look as well, as she said that she found hers very comfortable...

So did I - and I ended up buying two pairs - one pair of black toe post sandals (ok - posh flip-flops) and a paid of ajustable mules with diamante detailing in a powder blue... I also managed to get a pair of loafers - something I have been searching for high and low, as I refused to pay £50+ for a pair of shoes that I wasn't very keen on...

I will admit, I did enjoy the driving as I'd volunteered to do so, due to the fact that I wanted Mum map-reading / navigating as well as speed camera spotting as I had no intention of getting nabbed for speeding...

Time to call this quits - I'm shattered, and all I want to do is curl up and sleep!

Back tomorrow...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Getting Amber's print...

Well, I decided against getting the print for Amber. Ok - let me re-phrase it - Julian said that it was "bonkers" to spend so much on a print for Amber... In a way, I can see his point, but I still like it myself, so I might well get the print for me!

But, I've not given up on the idea of getting a decent Concorde picture for Amber.. I found a reasonable price print on a website I stumbled across whilst web-surfing, called All Posters. (See http://www.allposters.co.uk/)

The print is called Supersonic Countess (See http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?item=350351&AID=423786166) and is a lot more reasonable at £26 (including the post & packing) The only thing I'll have to do is get the print framed and then it's ready to give to Amber for her birthday... But, that's not an issue as I know a good gallery who have done several framings for Julian in the past and I'm more than happy with their work...

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working - and I'm suffering from TNFI as per the norm!

Back later if I get the chance...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Off to the Motorcycle Museum...

Mum and I have been on about going to the Motorcycle museum for a long time - well before Dad died! But, for whatever reason, we never managed to get around to it - until now.

So, we decided to make a trip up to the museum - and see what they had done to the museum since the devastating fire - and I was wondering if my favourite bike - Slippery Sam had survived...



The museum itself was as good (if not better) than I recalled it, and I have to say that the website doesn't really do the new displays justice... There were also little boxes attached to the wall for donations to help restore / replace some 250 bikes that were damaged or destroyed in the fire.

Whilst I was wandering around the museum, I had a message arrive on my 'phone from my daft hog riding friend..

Hi I bet you're sitting by the telly watching the GP. It's sunny here and I have a monster headache - all my own fault - too much to drink last night...

I sent a reply saying that I was at the motorcycle museum, and I got a surprise when I read the message that he'd sent back...

Oh I wanna go to the motorcyle museum. When you taking me then?

Excuse me - I didn't realise that was on the cards! But, given that he's been kind enough to invite me south again, I think it's the least that I can do is get him back up to my neck of the woods and show him around here...

Guess I should be thinking about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from TNFI again...

Back when I get the chance...
Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Planning another escape...

Well, the ball is rolling and I'm planning another escape. It's with my good friend, and if everything goes to plan, it should be a weekend to remember.

As it stands, I've got time to go and see my Godsprog and see how she's getting on with Kipper (her Shetland pony) as she keeps telling me how well she can get Kipper to do what she wants, and then go and get changed (so I don't stink of horse) and then head into Stratford to meet up with my friend...

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back later if I get the chance...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Soreness and stiches

Mum came home on Friday afternoon, and was quite well considering the operation was only in the morning...

Admittedly, she didn't feel like eating very much, but I was just glad to have her back home, and I know that the furry fiends were glad to have her back as well...

She seems ok in herself, and has said that the sawbones came to see her before she was discharged, and told her that the operation had gone quite well, and that the wound was very deep.

Not surprising really, when you consider that the screw had made it's break for freedom through the bone in her right leg, and then migrated outwards and upwards through the muscle layers, and the only thing keeping it in place was her skin!

Ok - I know that sounds revolting, but it's the best way to describe what happened...

Time to call this quits - I need to get some sleep tonight, as I'm back into the office tomorrow - worst luck.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Fingers crossed...

Well, I'm sitting at my computer again, this time waiting to for the hospital to call me and say that Mum's ready to come home.

We got to the hospital at 07:00 this morning, and I'll say one thing - I can see why people pick up infections - the ward wasn't terribly clean, and I was more than a little reluctant to leave Mum there!

Don't get me wrong - I've got nothing but praise for the nurses and the sawbones - who actually listened to what that patient said.

He gave Mum two options - one involved having bone chipped away from the head of the broken screw so that the whole thing could be removed, or the option that Mum has chosen - which was to have the broken piece removed and leave the other bit in place, as it wasn't causing her any problems.

So, I left the hospital at about 08:45, and headed for home, and started playing on the computer - ok - I started to write an Access database to help me at work, but that quickly lost its appeal and I've been alternating between playing Divine Divinity (I've still not finished the game yet - I keep getting wiped out by the end bad guy!) as well as attempting to update the blog.

I've got a feeling that this might have to go on hold for a while, as Mum's not going to be too steady on her feet - ok - I'll rephrase that. She's going to need me around to make sure that she's ok, and that the dressings are ok...

Time to call this quits - I need to go and get the 'phone in case the hospital call me...

Back when I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings