Midweek....

Well. There’s not much to update so far this week I guess. It feels like we’re getting back in to some sort of routine with both of us getting up for work now.

I had physio yesterday, which went quite well, working my way round the gym at the hospital for half an hour before going to work. Then line dancing at night. And DH went to physio today so they could see how he’s getting on ‘on land’ after having the hydrotherapy. 

I’ve done more crocheting (will post an updated photo of my temperature blanket at the weekend) and have completed lesson three of my online conservation studies course this week along with a bit of background reading for lesson four. 

I’ve also had Titch at the vets again today, just for a check up. I don’t think he’ll ever be back how he used to be, but he seems happy, has a good appetite, and continues to improve on his cuteness factor! 

#cutecat #crochet #physio 

Another weekend

Here we are again. Another Sunday night. After another busy weekend. 

DH had his third session of hydrotherapy on Friday. We’re not sure if that’s his last session or not yet as his physio wants to see him ‘on land’ before making a decision. But things are looking good. And I went line dancing again on Friday night. The Wednesday group that I used to go to ended up closing as numbers had dropped too much, but they decided to have social nights once a month - just dancing, no teaching - so Friday was their first one. Quite a few people turned up so it was really good. 

Then last night we went to see DD and open our presents off her Auntie in Sheffield. They went to see her last weekend. We would have gone with them ordinarily, but I’d booked my tree identification walk for the same day without realising it. It felt a bit strange opening Christmas presents last night! 

Then today we’ve been for a very short walk. We mentioned where we were going to go to DD last night who then asked if she could come too. So we met her in the car park at a local nature reserve. It wasn’t very big, but it was nice just to get out. 

And of course we had to have hot chocolate when we got back to the car. Which also meant sharing it with DD.

#walking #greatoutdoors #iphoneography 

Thursday thoughts....

It’s been a bit of a tiring week. After having had such a lovely weekend it was back to work on Monday, and the start of my first four day week. And it was also DHs first week back at work too. So no chance to recover from a busy weekend. But we’ve both managed four days each, albeit on reduced hours. 

It’s a shock to realise how tired you get when you’re still recovering, as you like to think you’re almost back to normal. And you are, mentally. But physically it’s been tough. Especially as I went line dancing again on Tuesday (perhaps not really a good idea but good fun all the same!). And I’m out again tomorrow night at another line dancing social event. 

So I think we might have to have a quieter weekend this weekend. Or if we go out anywhere we’ll stay local. And try and chill a bit, and look for signs of spring. Last weekend we saw some lovely snowdrops coming out. Hopefully we’ll find some more. 

And as it’s January 25th, what else could we have to eat tonight but haggis! I know we’re not Scottish, but it’s Burns night after all, so we always have haggis today. I know lots of people don’t like it - it’s very much a love it or hate it food I think - but we like it. What’s not to like about those furry little creatures running one way round a hill with two legs longer than the others then they don’t fall over?..............

#scottish #burnsnight #haggis #spring 

Walking weekend

We made it! We made it up to the Lake District on Friday after DH finished his hydrotherapy. After leaving home with no snow around we arrived at Pooley Bridge to spectacular snowy hills. 

After we’d taken our bags to our room we just had time for a short walk by the shore of Ullswater before it went dark. 

We had a lovely room. And the food was good too. And after a good nights sleep, and a very tasty breakfast, we headed out again along the shore path. 

It was a bit overcast when we set off .... 

....but it was fabulous to see the snow on the hills. 

After we’d walked for a while DH found a bench to sit down while I carried on a bit further. 

As I headed back to meet up with DH the sun started coming through and gave everything a completely different look!

Amazing! 

It was hard to leave as it was so beautiful. But we will be back in the Lakes in a couple of weeks. 

And today I’d booked myself on to a Winter Tree Identification day through the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The weather wasn’t very nice, with drizzle then sleet as we walked round, and it was very muddy, but it was a really good few hours learning how to identify certain trees in winter. And it ended with a hot drink and quiz under canopies in the trees! I’d been nervous about going, but I really enjoyed it, despite the weather. 

It’s been a busy few days which has also been very tiring. But all of it has been so worthwhile. Of course we have Monday again tomorrow, and back to work. Even DH starts back at work tomorrow. But the weekend has been fantastic. We’ve been outside in the fresh air, walking, talking, and enjoying the views. Fingers crossed for more like this in the coming weeks. 

#lakedistrict # recovery #iphoneography #walking #nature

Starting again

So, quite a busy week this week so far. Physiotherapy went really well on Monday morning, with a new exercise added to the list to help with strengthening my muscles. Followed by day one of three at work this week, building up slowly on the hours and days that I'm doing.

Titch was seen by the vets on Tuesday afternoon, and as he seems to be improving very slowly we've agreed to keep him on his tablets on a reduced dose and keep an eye on him. He seems happier in himself, is still eating, still likes his cuddles, can get downstairs on his own now (at one point he wasn't able to keep his balance enough to do that so it's a major improvement for him), so there's not a lot more they can do for him. As we weren't expecting him to survive beyond about 6 months initially, and he's now 13, I think he's doing well! 

And Tuesday night was back line dancing for me, and a few more dances for me this week which was really good (and it's good exercise for me so good for my recovery too - that's my opinion anyway!).

Then yesterday I decided that I wasn't quite sure the temperature blanket was working out right. I'd decided to do just half a row for every day as a full row seemed to be too much, and I'd read lots of stories of people saying they turned out huge! However, after checking the size of what I'd already done, and working out how big it would be, and discussions with DH, I've started again. This time with a row for every day as I don't think it will turn out enormous, mainly due to the wool and the size of the crochet hook I'm using. And after a couple of days of redoing it, I've managed to catch up and be completely up to date with the rows......Possibly lots of shades of blue for a while! 

And tomorrow DH has his second hydrotherapy session. The aim after that is to head up to the Lake District, but we don’t know if we’ll make it. The weather has been very wintery, with lots of snow and some roads closed. So we’ll see how it goes and see where the day takes us ...... 

Weekend

Well. Another weekend is closing and a new week about to start. And time keeps going ......

DH had his first session of hydrotherapy on Friday and said it went really well. And then after I’d dropped him off to spend some time seeing some work colleagues, I went to see my mum. 

Yesterday, despite the cold, we opted to go out locally for a short walk. I think all the recent driving has upset my back as it’s been quite painful for a few days, so not much travelling and a short, flat walk, seemed a good idea. But it was soooo cold!! We walked along the edge of Lower Rivington Reservoir. It’s quite a while since we last went as we’d started going to more remote places. But it was just what we needed to get us out walking. 

Thankfully we made it to a cafe, but ended up having to sit outside because it was so busy. But the food was good. And after a hot drink we headed back to the car. And warmth! 

And then for an exciting Saturday night? Continuing to crochet my stripey throw! I’m loving the pattern and haven’t got much to go now. 

And today was a take it easy kind of day. Ready for physio tomorrow, three days at work, a trip to the vets on Tuesday, probably line dancing again, and a night away in the Lake District on Friday.

#walking #crocheting #physio

Weekday update

It’s been a busy week so far, and the weeks will only get busier and busier from now on. 

I was back at work on Monday, and it’s really the start of returning to normal life now as I slowly build up my hours over the next few weeks. I did Monday and Wednesday this week, just a few hours each day. Having sort of caught up with my emails it now looks like I’m all set to try and remember how to actually do some work next week. That should be fun as I’m not sure I can remember all the procedures! We’ll see how it goes.......

DH had an assessment with his employer this week to see what they recommend for his return to work which should be in a couple of weeks time. They’ve made suggestions, and he’ll be on a phased return like me. So we’re both heading back in to employment again. Scary, but heading in the right direction. 

And today we’ve been out again. This time on a research trip for my course. The lesson I’m currently doing is all about wetlands. So what better way to research than to visit a wetland centre! So off we went to Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Neither of us has been there for years, so it was lovely to go back. The weather was good, with blue sky for most of the time we were there, but very cold. 

We started off by seeing the otters being fed before heading off round the wildfowl areas. 

We met a cheeky little robin along the way ....

..... and after lunch in the cafe we spent time in the hides watching the wildlife ...

There were signs of spring along the way too ... 

And then back home to warm up! 

And another bit of my temperature blanket which is coming along nicely. 

And just to finish for today it’ll have to be one of the cutest photos of Titch. I’m sure he’s getting cuter as he gets older .......

#cutecat #crochet #recovery #wildlife

Walking again

It’s surprising how much you realise you’ve missed the outdoors once you’ve had a taste of it. And after being out walking last weekend the plan was to go out again yesterday. 

Well. That was the plan until I woke up. Complete with migraine. After a busy Christmas, and lots of driving, I think it had all become a bit too much and I ended up spending most of the day in bed.  I’d been fine on Thursday, taking DH to see his mum again. And I’d been fine on Friday, and had a lovely lunch with my friends who bought me two wonderful charms to represent our little group of Ladies who Lunch - a teacup and a best friends charm ....

And then I woke up feeling pretty rough yesterday. So no walking at all. Just a day in bed for me. I started feeling a bit better later on, thankfully, as one of my cousins turned up out of the blue with a belated birthday card and present! It was lovely to see him and his wife and daughter as I don’t see them very often. I’m just glad I wasn’t in bed at the time! 

So today we decided to head off up to the Lake District again, and back to Rydal Water and Grasmere. It was a beautiful day, and also really busy. The carpark was full but we just managed to squeeze in at the end. Although it was chilly it was great to be out again. And the views were fabulous! 

You could just see a bit of snow on the hills in the distance. And of course I had to take a couple of close ups of nature .....

We didn’t go as far as we’d planned as the path became a bit icy which made us both quite wary, especially as we saw other people slipping on the ice. So, only a short walk. But so beautiful, and so worth the journey. 

#walking #Lakedistrict #iphoneography #greatoutdoors

Turning 50

Another birthday. And now I have to say I’m in the 50+ range when completing any questionnaires. Only just though, from today ......

And while the original plan was to be away for my birthday, things don’t always go to plan, so you have to rethink and change things. So we did. The original idea was to be in Scotland, but considering everything that’s happened over the last six months we just physically couldn’t go. So, after opening some fabulous gifts, including some beautiful jewellery from the Isle of Skye, DH had booked for the two of us to have Afternoon Tea out, which was lovely. 

The food was delicious. And then when we got home DH finished off the birthday cake he was making for me. I don’t normally have a birthday cake as it’s usually me who does any baking, so when I jokingly mentioned about having a cake for this birthday (well, you’re not 50 every day!) the challenge was set! 

DD and her boyfriend came round after they’d finished work, with DD being very excited about what she’d bought me. At first sight it was 3 balloons and a box. But not just any balloons. These were balloons with clues and glitter inside just waiting to be popped. So the glitter went everywhere. And I had to piece the clues together!! It was a very fun way of finding out she’d got us two tickets to see Wicked, the musical, and a two course meal booked before the performance. (I like to think I’ve trained her well over the years with all the fun stuff I’ve done for her with gifts.......)

DH did a lovely meal for us all. And then brought the cake out, complete with lit candles. 

What a day! 

I want to do it all again! 

#birthday #afternoontea #family #

Goodbye 2017. Hello 2018!

Well, hello world! What a year it's been!! Just a bit of a warning as this post may be a bit long as so much has happened over the last 6 months .....

So lets go back just over 6 months, and two 10k races I did with DD in May. One, very close to where DD now lives, on a hot day on a fairly flat, two lap route, where we didn't rush, stayed together, and didn't get very fast times. And the second, two weeks later (called the Crazy Cow 10K) where I ended up going on ahead of DD and managed to keep going for the whole route, no stopping at all, and did my fastest ever 10k! I was so pleased after that race!

And then, a month later, we headed off on holiday, back to Ullapool, to spend a week there with DD and her boyfriend. DD arrived in her new car, surprising DH as he didn't even know that she'd changed her car as we'd all kept it quiet! We had a lovely week, with time spent on both the hills and the beach with Oscar. Lots of good food and drink, and lots of beautiful scenery, with a run out in DD's car one day which was lovely.

We went to Lochinver (for pies of course!) and had a lovely walk ......

And we finally managed to show DDs boyfriend Balnakiel beach! Every time he’s been with us so far it’s either been misty or full of cows. This year though, it was a lovely day and we were able to walk quite a long way on it.





We also managed the walk to the beautiful Sandwood Bay while the weather was good. 

We had our share of sunsets.... 

.....and plenty of amazing views....

We walked up Ullapool Hill ..... 

.... with amazing views from the top 

We had an odd visitor to the cottage! 

...... and lots of beautiful things to see while we were out 

And then our week came to an end .....

At the end of the week DD and her boyfriend set off home first, with us following behind in our van. After a change of drivers at Inverness, with DH taking over, we carried on along the A9 heading south.

That's when everything changed and suddenly our lives were turned upside down...............

I won’t bore you with all the details, but we were involved in a head on crash with another van. We were both taken to Inverness hospital initially. All I remember is trying to tell everyone to get in touch with DD to let her know what had happened, and then speaking to her later on. After a couple of days in Inverness hospital we were transferred to Aberdeen were both DD, her boyfriend, and DHs daughter came to see us. I had a fracture on my lower spine, a couple of broken ribs, open fracture on my right arm, broken upper jaw and fracture of my left eye socket. DH had a smashed pelvis and damage to his right leg amongst other injuries ( he had to be cut out of the van and flown to hospital by helicopter). The following week was a bit of a blur to say the least, with both us having surgery to put us back together. DD stayed until I came out of the surgery to fix my back (with plates and pins).  Until that point I’d not been able to sit up at all or roll over. I then had surgery to fix my jaw, which was the most awful thing I’ve ever been through. DH had a very long surgery to try to fix his pelvis (just over 13 hours) which is now well and truly plated and pinned! 

The hospital staff were absolutely brilliant. When they knew that they had patients who were husband and wife they did their best to keep each of us updated on the others progress, and even wheeled me round in my bed to see DH in his ward! I won’t go in to the antics of the other patients on my ward in Aberdeen, but let’s just say it was quite entertaining at times despite the trauma. 

We both transferred to Preston hospital after nearly two weeks, with me going first, taking six hours by ambulance. Again, the hospital staff were brilliant. I can’t fault them at all. We had more visitors once we got to Preston, and it’s there that physio got me back on my feet and had me shuffling down the ward to visit DH. Who knew it was so hard to learn to walk again after being in a hospital bed for 2 1/2 weeks!! 

When they eventually discharged me, I didn't go straight home. My wonderful DD let me go to her house and looked after me until I was fit enough to go back to my own house. I stayed with her for five weeks, slowly building up my strength to walk with my stick first of all, then without it, gradually walking a bit further each week. All the while I was living with DD she faithfully took me to visit DH who was still in hospital. Then, finally,  after 8 weeks, he came home. We'd had to get a sofa bed for downstairs as he was in a wheelchair and couldn't walk at all at that point.

Over the weeks we have progressed from being totally reliant on other people (neither of us was driving until mid September), to finally being able to get out on our own, with me driving, and DH now using just a stick to walk short distances until he builds up his strength to walk further and, eventually, unaided.

It's been a long uphill struggle to get where we are, and not without it's setbacks. I've had to deal with the responsibility of looking after DH, putting the sofa bed up and down, deal with the commode while he couldn't get to the bathroom, while still recovering myself. It's been hard, there’s no denying it. 

But, we’ve kept ourselves quite busy while we’ve both been off work recovering. We’d planned to get some decorating done when we got back from our holiday. However, our injuries meant that we couldn’t do the jobs ourselves. So, we organised a carpet fitter, decorator, and plumber to get on with a few jobs, including new carpet on the stairs, landing, our bedroom and DDs old room, decorating of the hallway, stairs and two bedrooms, new doors downstairs and a long overdue new boiler. We’ve also completely transformed DDs old bedroom in to a light and comfy guest room by changing all the furniture (we’ve become quite good at understanding flat packed furniture with a lot of help from DD and her boyfriend!). I’ve done a lot of crocheting over the weeks, including finishing a huge blanket for DD that was started in February, a rainbow throw that now covers the chair I sit on in the lounge, and I’m currently on with two more throws - a grey striped throw for the lounge, and my first attempt at a temperature blanket (for those who don’t know, basically you record the highest temperature every day of a particular place that you choose, and you allocate a particular colour of wool to a certain temperature, or range of temperatures, and crochet either half, full row or two rows a day in that colour). So I know one blanket at least will take me a year, but I’m quite excited to do it! 

I’ve also started an online course in Conservation Studies. Having so much time off work has given me time to reflect on what I really want to be doing, and sitting in an office in my current role isn’t it. Not in the long term anyway. Unfortunately, with the injuries I sustained, it’s going to be a while before I can consider any kind of outdoor, physically demanding job. But until then I can at least try and gain some extra knowledge in the area I want to work in, whether that be office based or outdoors. 

And there is now light at the end of the tunnel as they say. Just before Christmas I went back to work, after nearly six months off. I'll be building up my days and hours over the next few weeks, gradually, to get me back in to the swing of things. I have a new desk, a new chair, a new mouse, and hopefully that will all help with my back and arm. DH is due to return to work in January in some capacity, which is yet to be discussed. I started driving again in September, and while initially it was terrifying, I'm feeling quite confident again now.

And for those who have read my blog and seen so many walking photographs, hopefully they will return! Over the years I have made a point of going out on my own at least one day before Christmas, usually Christmas Eve, but whichever day looks the best for the weather. I wanted 2017 to be no different, despite everything. So, armed with a small rucksack, a flask of hot chocolate and some sandwiches, I set off the for the Lake District on 22 December. It was pretty emotional as I approached Rydal Water and Grasmere after a six month break. But I realised when I got there just how much it means to me to be out in the beautiful countryside. The views? well, they weren't exactly far reaching, but to me, after not being out for so long, they were breathtaking........

I walked a short path that we haven't done before, just off our normal path round Grasmere. And my highlight of the day was to see not just one, but two red squirrels!!! I had to keep stopping to just take everything in.

As I headed back to the car the mist had started to lift just a little bit .....

So, despite the weather, it was so good to be back out walking. 

Christmas was wonderful this year for many reasons. After having years of being DD and my mum on Christmas Day, and sometimes having DHs mum too, this year DH's daughter and partner also joined us. We normally only see them on Boxing Day, but they drove up on the day to be with us, bringing their new puppy with them. I say puppy, but he's six months old now and very well behaved. So we had a full house for the meal which was delicious (even if I say so myself after cooking it!). Spending the day with our two girls, who must have gone through the most terrifying time of their lives when they found out we’d been in the crash, made it so special, aswell as being with my mum. That’s what it should be about - being with the people who mean so much to you. DHs daughter and partner stayed overnight too, in our newly finished guest room. 

Then yesterday I took DH out. Back up to the Lake District. Back to Rydal Water for a short walk. The first time he’s been there for months. The weather wasn’t particularly good, but it was enough just to be out. 

We’ve started to look ahead and have booked a holiday for the end of September, in Ullapool. And for the first time we have also booked tickets for Loopallu, the music festival held in Ullapool at the end of September each year. There was talk of last year being the last one, so when we found out it was going to be on again it just felt right to go, to do something we haven’t done before. So that’s what we’re doing. Trying new things. Making possibly different decisions than we had previously. Having your life turned upside down makes you stop and think. 

So, 2017 has gone, and I’m heading in to my 50th year (where have the years gone?!).  What started out so well ended a little different to how we thought. We’ve had some amazing times, and some pretty awful times. We’ve had to say goodbye to Squid earlier in the year, and then our dear Oscar who didn’t survive his injuries in the crash. I’ve also said goodbye to my wonderful Freddie, always the special one, who decided her time was up while I was still in hospital. And Aveline, shortly after we both got home. So we just have Titch now, who was always the baby but is getting older now. 

So watch this space for the temperature blanket. There’s not much to see after one day, but there will be soon.

I’ve missed my blog. 

It’s good to be back. 

#walking #scotland #recovery