tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35505428189939571252011-10-17T10:17:40.048+01:00A sustained attempt to bring beauty to blogging by recording those fleeting things that may otherwise go unnoticed.seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.comBlogger2321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-50347774003927076702010-05-01T12:20:00.001+01:002010-05-01T12:27:25.614+01:00

We all know how we feel about being disabled, right? And how it feels to be on the receiving end of disablism. But what happens when we encounter people with whom we both share so much and understand so little?I met up with two friends recently who have a young son with a learning disability. And their experiences opened my eyes to my own views about being disabled and left me with all sorts of

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-22350799724344140442010-01-01T19:45:00.003Z2010-01-07T20:36:04.051Z

Through the railings...

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-33650247669168413152010-01-01T19:41:00.003Z2010-01-04T13:09:36.755Z

Winter structures... working in harmony

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-71950063811737851802010-01-01T19:22:00.005Z2010-01-01T19:55:15.307Z

A walk in the park on New Year's Day...

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-63152801029721772782009-12-31T19:35:00.002Z2009-12-31T19:55:17.647Z

Living in a twilight world between the well and the ill I feel not entirely comfortable in either sphere.Words like recovery, improvement and cure don't sit easily with me. There is no such thing as recovery as we can never recover what we were before illness struck. Illness changes us and it is to be welcomed for doing so. We grow and gain insights that we never had before. Improvement suggests

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-66580244459010207922009-09-12T14:22:00.008+01:002009-09-12T15:12:12.916+01:00

It may seem as though getting my wheelchair heralded the end of my blog. Nothing is further from the truth!I may, when I look back, have experienced that sinking to the floor common at the end of a marathon (though I don't recall any turkey foil). And that may have led me to not blog for a while. But actually I haven't been on the floor all that time, I've found myself adjusting to life being

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-80401021592796864582009-05-22T14:59:00.003+01:002009-05-22T16:01:08.782+01:00

I thought I'd leave it a week or so before posting about my new NHS wheelchair. You know, the one that took three years getting to me.Well, it works and boy has it changed things.I confess that at first I felt a little unsure. The way you feel when you've been trapped in a really bad relationship and aren't convinced you can love again. That's how it was with my scooter. I suddenly found myself

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-3781339784388407472009-05-16T01:10:00.001+01:002009-05-16T01:10:26.347+01:00

Part TwoI'll be honest and admit that what I needed was something far more soulful, more engaging and rewarding. And because I don't leave the house much, I looked to my garden to provide. And this is the strange thing...why the garden? I was never into gardening before I became ill, so why now, especially now that I can't physically do anything?I don't know. Well, perhaps I do. I think it has a

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-91624282508586381172009-05-10T22:43:00.001+01:002009-05-10T22:43:25.954+01:00

Part OneFalling in love is often unexpected. Even more so when a former plant witherer falls in love with gardening...but can't actually garden.Well, I'd like to qualify that statement for starters because since I ejected the word can't from my vocabulary I've surprised myself with the number of things I actually can do.Gardening without moving is about time, patience, imagination and design. It

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-38044340917349162622009-05-07T01:06:00.005+01:002009-05-07T01:51:51.161+01:00

I have the good fortune to live very near one of those Tardis-like corner shops which sell just about anything dating from the 50s to the present day.With old stock goes old traditions. So it'll be of little surprise to people that trying to convert my local shopkeeper to modern eco-friendly ways is proving a bit of an uphill struggle.It's not like I go in there banging on about air miles,

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-52497879779206217392009-05-03T20:28:00.003+01:002009-05-07T01:04:02.569+01:00

There have been so very many great pieces of writing, artwork and all manner of posts for BADD this year. I've decided to do a roll (to the left) of my faves so far. Bearing in mind I've read about half the entries. It's been like an intensive session with a Sunday paper. Only much, much better.My fave find has to be Rae at A Load of Old SquitHumourous and packing a punch at the same time...(

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-13659779239704200262009-05-01T01:38:00.002+01:002009-05-01T02:15:47.197+01:00

We seem to spend a lot of time, as people with disabilities, fighting.Fighting can be tiring, energy-sapping. But it can also be invigorating, life-affirming. Not fighting is invariably depressing, because it usually indicates that we have given up. I’ve yet to meet a person with a disability who hasn’t had to fight for something.We have to fight for things we need, fight prejudice, fight for

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-85737405054927091232009-04-17T23:20:00.002+01:002009-04-17T23:26:16.150+01:00

May 1 is when bloggers unite against disablism worldwide for Blogging Against Disablism Day. It's become a truly powerful and inspirational event.Check out the blogroll at Diary of A Goldfish and you'll see who's registered an interest so far.One thing I'm going to set myself for this year is to get to know four blogs that I've never read before in the build up to BADD. So I'll be seeing what's

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-28345210039815990402009-04-13T21:28:00.000+01:002009-04-13T21:29:32.070+01:00

I want to tell a story about my garden, but I'm not flowing at present, so for those who've seen the first part of the story, it'll be back soon after some rewriting.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-40567677621542774482009-03-18T00:23:00.010Z2009-03-23T00:21:21.751Z

In winter the garden is alive with ghosts

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-87769756266399522392009-03-14T21:33:00.009Z2009-03-15T00:24:24.078Z

Every year they do it. And every year it reinforces false messages. There's a kid called Danny. He lives with his Mum and Dad. Mum has MS and is housebound, Dad suffers with depression and agoraphobia. They never go out. They need Danny to do most of the chores around the house. Danny works so hard that his schoolwork suffers. He has few friends. He is exhausted and lonely.This is the typical

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-57360522481446805412009-03-12T00:57:00.002Z2009-03-12T01:01:56.004Z

I have been neglecting this space at a cost recently. Trying to accomodate my brain going from first to fifth gear has resulted in chaos. Some of it good, some of it not so good.I'm now in hyperdrive and desperate to get off. Pitching from days of no sleep to sleepathons where I only seem to get up for breakfast with my son before returning to bed until he gets home from school.The best thing to

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-295724363592712632009-02-12T00:53:00.008Z2009-02-15T21:30:31.497Z

I was taking photos on and off, more off than on, through the winter months...but not posting them due to extreme motivational problems and January lethargy.As it's February I can say I'm over that now and treat you to a gallery.None of these are particularly good but they do show what I've been up to recently.Maybe one day I'll figure out how to do one of those funky slideshow things.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-47571800170067565452009-02-12T00:38:00.003Z2009-02-12T00:52:02.681Z

Several things of late have made me feel happy. Simple things like snow, my son's rosy cheeks after hours going AWOL with friends in the park (this'll be a winter to remember I think)...and some serious cooking to brighten up January.I cannot extol highly enough the virtues of a home-made chicken and ham pie. And whilst you're at it, make an apple pie using double the pastry recipe. And, if

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-69705889263165943822009-02-02T23:52:00.002Z2009-02-06T01:35:24.446Z

And this happened!Awesome. Update: May I just add that the song title has nothing to do with me posting this...it was far more a case of being blown away by seeing a full orchestra and choir giving an album I have sort of thought about buying the big treatment. I used to play in an orchestra and sing in a choir too, so this was an emotional experience. I've actually never heard Seldom Seen Kid

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-32464591572259351682009-01-30T21:53:00.007Z2009-01-30T23:23:23.704Z

This really is too much. The PC brigade has got its hands on The Drunken Sailor. Captain Pugwash will be turning in his watery grave. Along with Seaman Stains and Master Bates. Remember them? Aired on primetime kids' telly throughout the glorious 70s.What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor is a fabulous, rumbunctious, hale and hearty shanty which I can remember singing when I was small with a

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-13960443662025027332009-01-18T00:32:00.002Z2009-01-18T00:42:24.128Z

I am currently pondering the following:Cold weather payments and the logic or lack of logic therein. Much head scratching.The Marmalade Festival and the possibility, or not, of entering depending on how tomorrow's exploits turn out. Marmalade with cloves, marmalade with cardamom and marmalade with Triple Sec (that's sec...but how I am tempted to change the labels on my entry, should I enter).The

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-80639468818808157262009-01-07T15:08:00.002Z2009-01-07T15:37:49.053Z

So the humble light bulb is being phased out. Most people are in favour of switching to low energy bulbs, and indeed already have.Most of us that is apart from those for whom low energy bulbs pose a significant problem. I was pleased to see the BBC's latest on this issue made passing reference to migraine sufferers, who can be triggered after a mere 30 minutes in the presence of one of these

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-4097847326213752652009-01-05T00:13:00.004Z2009-01-05T01:45:44.307Z

I confess I entered Woolworths at the weekend with two ulterior motives. The first was pure Schadenfreude. The second was I was bloody freezing.But truth told, it was chilly in Woolworths. Icy cold. Eerie. This was the final weekend of trading for a household name, the King of Pound Shops, Queen of the Five and Dime, or Emperor of All Tat, depending on whether or not you were a fan. Most of the

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-85979359370138379972008-12-28T23:32:00.004Z2008-12-28T23:58:22.396Z

And lo, it came to pass. And it passed. And Christmas became bearable, and then quite cheerful. And there was peace on earth and goodwill to humankind once more. And my sister said she needed to think about the very long letter I wrote to her, the one where I spell out that it's okay to be disabled. And that's progress, believe me. She's thinking. I'm very glad.You really have my aunt and uncle

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-17991111749654457572008-12-21T22:04:00.004Z2008-12-21T22:24:37.180Z

Right, forget the compilation CDs because this is the only Christmas song you're going to need. To be sung with gusto (or with Shane MacGowan)... Christmas is bollocks!A fa la la la laaaaaaaaa.Christmas! Bloody bollocks.A fa la la la laaaaaaaa. Bollocks to fairy lightsAnd bollocks to wineAnd bollocks to Christmas cardsTo thee and to thine.Christmas is bollocks!A fa la la la

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-66827011310307990562008-12-20T17:19:00.002Z2008-12-20T17:43:48.520Z

My sister yelled at me today:"You want to be treated like an invalid, like a, a, disabled person. I'm not going to, you're not a disabled person."I am a disabled person. I screamed it down the phone at her: "I am a disabled person."But no, apparently I'm not disabled because I walked in town last weekend. This 'miracle' proves that I am not disabled. Forget the fact that I was in bed for several

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-14540611597538085572008-12-06T18:50:00.002Z2008-12-06T18:55:48.615Z

There's something about it that reminds me of fairytales. Probably because I'm reworking one at the moment. I don't understand this song at all! Is that why I love it?

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-68324730607140958132008-11-27T14:12:00.002Z2008-11-27T14:20:48.060Z

Ahem. There's a quiz over at Donimo's Chronic Holiday blog. And so the Monday quiz lives on, popping up from time to time amid assorted postings on DDT wallpaper, Warholian hamburger eating and all manner of strange and wonderful material. It's been some time now since Donimo was turfed out of her home by a large amount of sewage. Blogging from a hotel room is tricky, but she's managed to put

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-74658387176008638442008-11-13T16:11:00.003Z2008-11-13T16:19:21.068Z

I am pleased to report that having got over yet another wisdom tooth infection, I have had a few days of general contentment.We have put some curtains up in the front room. This makes us both feel cosy and warm (er). We have been baking cookies and cakes. Watching a couple of good films. Drinking hot chocolate. And last night, because access, so it turns out, is so good at a theatre in town, we

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-30285046097171666802008-11-04T13:07:00.007Z2008-11-04T13:50:34.969Z

It's interesting not having your regular PA for a while. Mine is off for a few weeks having just had her sixth child.So in the meantime there have been two regulars. And then last week happened. Both my regulars were off for half term so we got a replacement. All I can say is the agency was struggling, and a lot of regulars had colds. It started with the bathroom...Me: Could you clean the

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-457109574145304492008-10-28T00:01:00.004Z2008-10-28T00:46:43.853Z

It's nearly upon me. A whole ten months have gone by and I will in a matter of days be free of benzodiazepines.Before I harp on I know there may be some people reading who use or have used these drugs, and sometimes for good reason. In fact there are often sound reasons why people turn to prescription medication. But in my own experience the damage far outweighed any benefit there could have been

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-9633997210519074872008-10-16T23:59:00.003+01:002008-10-17T00:19:13.067+01:00

Well it's been manic since the fire. And mania is my least favourite state. Fuelled by shock, benzo withdrawal and lack of sleep, I have found myself engaged in compulsions that must be broken.Like weighing every single item from my Grandmother's house clearance that has been demanded by She Who Hath No Name and Lives Abroad. In a bid to get on top of the situation I went a bit OTT on the postage

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-11580039264941557272008-10-07T15:20:00.005+01:002008-10-07T15:45:56.524+01:00

Well, someone somewhere has a sense of humour because having moaned about being cold we had a house fire on Sunday night.My son was getting ready for his customary bath when a tealight caught the shower curtain and within seconds we had a raging inferno (well, okay, a not insignificant fire). So what do you do? Ignoring all advice I hurtled into the bathroom, grabbed a basket and bailed some of

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-57097572370554411332008-10-03T20:07:00.002+01:002008-10-03T20:31:12.473+01:00

So my plan to not have the heating on until November has fallen at the first hurdle. It's cold. I am ill. I need to be warm. So on goes the heating. Damn.It really pisses me off that you have to be elderly in this country to get help with heating bills that's actually worth having. A winter fuel payment, a social tariff that's guaranteed to pay...yes I know it's still a drop in the ocean for

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-60120739682916371662008-09-28T22:58:00.003+01:002008-09-28T23:29:32.706+01:00

I had a moment of extreme sadness tonight where I suddenly felt, quite strongly, the full force of unlocked potential.It's one thing to have one's own ability to enjoy and perform music impaired, but quite another to not be able to pass down musical ability and nurture it in someone you love.I've done my best with piano lessons but my aunt and uncle weren't wrong when they suggested that perhaps

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-79738879082932801022008-09-21T19:35:00.003+01:002008-09-21T19:47:43.434+01:00

I have some news, and a tendency to wiffle at the moment so this will be brief.Contrary to what my brain and body are both telling me is possible, I am attempting something rather ambitious. I am doing it on the precept that:The foggy mind is equally valid and so should be given the chance to express itselfAnd so, I am embarking on a course in writing plays. The absolute bottom line for me is

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-47905658472377441582008-09-17T15:05:00.002+01:002008-09-17T15:23:16.702+01:00

An email. Just to show that I think about more than what I'm having for tea on any given night ;-) I sent this at the weekend to the organisers of this year's local arts festival.I am writing with some thoughts about scooter hire for future festival events. I was hoping to come and see my sister in a choir performance at the museum and art gallery tomorrow at 4pm. A phone adviser informed me,

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-13763681911523173052008-09-16T00:34:00.002+01:002008-09-16T00:40:18.537+01:00

Yes, okay a shameless Withnail and I quote. I don't do it often but it really fits the occasion as yesterday I had my first red meat for a long, long time.I did years on the theory that red meat exhausts the chronically sick body and should therefore be avoided. Then I read the opposite just before the weekend and thought "Sod it."So yes, another post about what I'm eating. But the joy of

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-63574009862017825772008-09-09T13:02:00.002+01:002008-09-09T13:09:39.230+01:00

Slow cooking.I won't go on at length but we've been stuck in a rut food wise for quite a while. The less energy I have the less imaginative I become. I needed a kick start and found this, which takes you to a goldmine of slow cooker recipes. And within this site, there's another link to even more recipes.There are two advantages to slow cooking. One it's incredibly cheap (a slow cooker consumes

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-53377536251266922492008-09-01T17:42:00.005+01:002008-09-01T18:01:16.419+01:00

Much excitement all of a sudden. Due to not doing much at all this summer I have managed to save enough for a small greenhouse. The one that I uncovered from the undergrowth last year proved to be beyond my capabilities where renovation is concerned so I gave it away on Freecycle.Now, there are several things that get me very excited about resurrecting my greenhouse project. One, we will pay for

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-40452281220581118982008-08-30T23:15:00.002+01:002008-08-30T23:33:25.092+01:00

This is exciting. I am blogging from my phone. Only a couple more days til i return to the big screen though. Can't be doing with texting at length!

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-36063042814413627962008-08-21T00:03:00.006+01:002008-08-21T00:19:03.299+01:00

Jungle safari. Just to prove the sun did shine in August in the UK! No, actually this has turned into the month where there's been a collective and yet independently arrived at summer holiday from blogging. A stupendous notion. Lots to tell on our returns and a break from late nights and eye strain (in my case anyway) in the meantime. And if it becomes regular, I feel that September will have

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-7536909935736398582008-08-09T20:03:00.001+01:002008-08-09T20:03:43.292+01:00

Hi allAway for a few days but okay.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-47605184831377278092008-08-01T19:38:00.003+01:002008-08-01T19:55:05.585+01:00

I'm not going to try and predict the future but I do have to say that things may be a little unpredictable around here for a while.The highs and lows are really draining me. This is typical benzo withdrawal behaviour. Sometimes I even question my quest to come off the nastier of my prescription medication. Why not just have a quiet life? I also question being in therapy as I think I'm hitting a

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-42547205184885679292008-07-28T00:04:00.012+01:002008-07-28T00:49:58.623+01:00

Well today was very British. A 1940s theme at Avoncroft museum, complete with music, rationing, identity cards, air raid sirens and a skirmish between the Allied Forces and the Germans. I feel that for once, pacing and keeping calm has seen me through a wedding, a night away and a day out all in 24 hours. Here's how I did it: I rested for two days, paced throughout last night and booked a carer

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-37931346895623813122008-07-25T23:54:00.002+01:002008-07-26T11:48:54.409+01:00

Last night was great. My neighbours had a sixties summer CD on and it drifted across to me, which is always a good way for music to happen where I'm concerned. I was having a bath and looking out of my window at the tree against the sky.Windows open, sound of the city outside (why does it always sound better in hot weather) and The Kinks and co wafting over from next door.I'm going to a wedding

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-48154399817839184572008-07-20T20:01:00.005+01:002008-07-20T20:19:51.144+01:00

Sometimes the truth hurts. This is going to cause a big collective Ouch! or possibly a Meeeow! It contains a valid point though so I'm posting it.My ex is as I write still caught in what must surely be one of the biggest traffic jams ever known, trying to extricate himself and our son from a festival site. I was low on sympathy and big on self-pity today as I was looking forward to spending some

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-76207136275055937542008-07-12T20:58:00.008+01:002008-07-12T21:50:44.752+01:00

It's quite reassuring having a whole load of photos to look at when I've not been out. These are from the local Open Gardens scheme which is becoming an annual favourite of mine. It's very accessible, serves top cake and is in many ways more interesting than visiting a public space because each back garden is so different and so lovingly tended. I think one of the attractions with this event is

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-39488073471205237082008-07-08T16:25:00.003+01:002008-07-08T16:46:42.115+01:00

I've had two little friends causing me a bit of bother of late. Sadly not imaginary, nor particularly welcome.One in particular was causing mighty interference with my inner workings. So, yesterday Little Ms Fundal Fibrous Polyp was forcibly evicted, leaving Little Ms Fibroid sobbing "All By Myself" into an imaginary microphone, Bridget Jones stylee.This is a brief post. Polyp removal is

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-51867757523622170982008-06-28T17:24:00.004+01:002008-06-28T17:43:19.836+01:00

Today I had a toilet installed by social services. Readers of a sensitive disposition are assured that no major detail will be gone into, though mild toilet humour may be evident.It has been christened Bob The Talking Toilet. As I think I explained previously, this is a toilet that does everything but talk. It is both toilet, bidet and warm air blower all-in-one. It has elbow activated controls

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-52845284625900006012008-06-21T21:17:00.013+01:002008-06-21T22:18:28.098+01:00

There's a lushness sweeping over the country at the moment. Although the unpredictable bursts of rain have been frustrating at times, the result is rich and abundant growth in parks, gardens, hedgerows and roadsides.I'm noticing it every time I go out. I even want to do a Front Gardens Project on my route to school, celebrating everything that is good about making an insignificant patch of gravel

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-17283511076873317252008-06-14T16:07:00.003+01:002008-06-14T16:52:55.620+01:00

This week I was sent a questionnaire by my local council. They are modernising services for adults with physical disabilities.Modernising. This word is used in conjunction with the phrase 'more choice and flexibility'. As if the former is needed to achieve the latter. Maybe it is. But something jars, as if a 'more modern' way of thinking has to be adopted to achieve social inclusion. What does

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-21137314901333507512008-06-12T18:06:00.002+01:002008-06-12T18:38:20.907+01:00

I discovered loose chamomile tea at a teashop last week. Whole flowers at £3 for 50g. Lovely taste but expensive. So I thought "I know, I'll grow my own."This seemed like a great idea. I remember when I was very ill, a friend of mine had some Bulgarian friends to stay. They were shocked by my sickness and jaundice and when they all went off camping they spent a prickly hour handpicking me nettles

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-5148439107947311182008-06-10T23:41:00.005+01:002008-06-10T23:54:13.893+01:00

Well, since its repair my scooter has made it further than you think.All the way to Canada in fact where it features in Donimo's Monday Quiz over at Chronic Holiday.I've been a fan of these quizzes for a while and it was both an honour and a giggle to be asked to put one together. Be there or be square. What a great expression that was back in the day. But why was square considered so insulting?

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-4434706659200485282008-06-04T19:44:00.005+01:002008-06-04T19:53:43.623+01:00

This morning I was bereft. My scooter sort of blew up yesterday. Well, that's an exaggeration but there was a lot of smoke. A repair bloke told me over the phone he didn't want to charge me the call out only to tell me it was beyond fixing. Which was nice, but heartbreaking.Then, after much persistence, I found a small family run company with no call out charge. They came to my house within an

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-48819898010819353442008-06-01T00:01:00.008+01:002008-06-01T00:47:01.437+01:00

It's OK. You Don't Have To Think So Hard About How To Say You've Been Thinking About Me. Because I Know You Haven't.The thing I love most about half term is time off from the playground. I hate it in there. It's a minefield of intricately woven social networks to which I no longer belong, unspoken prejudice and judgements and largely former friends who now ignore me or default to pleasantries.To

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-30297668783538894362008-05-29T22:02:00.003+01:002008-05-29T22:38:19.512+01:00

This has had me sufficiently baffled twice now. Baffled enough to post here and ask:"Why, why has Homebase got 36 barbeques currently on offer?"I mean, come on. A cheap one, a mid-price one and one, just one, of those very silly ones I can understand. Maybe even two of the cheaper ones, but 36? What has led a DIY store to believe that people need this amount of choice, especially after last

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-13471191840876108472008-05-25T22:39:00.002+01:002008-05-25T23:07:52.290+01:00

Okay so we’re all hard up these days. Even the rich are noticing that food costs more. Gordon Brown is stacking up a raft of tax breaks to help them out. Isn't that nice of him? I'm sure the 10 pence tax band casualties will be thrilled. Some rich people are even forsaking Waitrose for less salubrious aisles.I shop at Iceland, and for two reasons. It’s cheap and it’s the nearest supermarket for

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-44278559085203595922008-05-17T17:47:00.006+01:002008-05-17T18:33:24.122+01:00

I surprise myself with joy. And feel more joyful at the surprise.I ebb and flow. Eyes open. Eyes shut.I move with caution. I move with abandon. I can be reckless without you even noticing.I no longer ask "Why?" but "Why not?"I know that I am alive. My heart bursts at the smallest thing.I create.I nurture.I feel.These days.This is my belated post for ME/CFS Awareness Day, which was on Monday. I

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-14138110903763453112008-05-16T00:05:00.001+01:002008-05-16T00:18:48.525+01:00

This had me in tears of laughter. I feel a traitor to the city my father was born in, but take a look at what the BBC has uncoveredI confess I felt a twinge of nostalgia at seeing the concrete monstrosity that was the Bullring market. The church of St Martin's was famous for being blackened by traffic fumes. These days, after a multi-million pound facelift the shopping centre is still a concrete

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-77705467835661754532008-05-08T21:20:00.004+01:002008-05-09T13:33:06.834+01:00

How do people feel about a book of BADD posts? It can be done with the full involvement of anyone who posted and wants to be part of a book that brings together a truly great event.There are two main reasons behind this, and I really don't want to let it fizzle out. The main one is that I know I for one would pick up a book more often than search around the web specifically for BADD posts. That's

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-16901179576087576832008-05-02T21:52:00.006+01:002008-05-02T23:08:28.552+01:00

I haven't been able to stick to my intention of getting around a lot of Blogging Against Disablism posts in a very little time, but I'm glad that Lady Bracknell and others have done so. It's great to be able to share the little I have read, but to be honest a huge relief and pleasure to follow my own suggestion and make discoveries via other people's recommendations. This is particularly useful

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-35721649826361977492008-05-01T22:27:00.009+01:002008-05-02T00:32:51.423+01:00

Great things are going on over at BADD Here are some of the first posts I have managed to read. There are many more to come over the next few days, and I'm sure the debates will continue around here. Yes, you people have got more than just me thinking.Wheelchair Dancer is at her finest with a blast at something both ugly and deplorable.Lady Bracknell's Editor provokes feelings of disquiet and

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-90281031376327667272008-05-01T00:49:00.003+01:002008-05-01T00:59:18.550+01:00

Yes, I am angry. Now what do I do?I am writing about anger for BADD because I know it’s an emotion people know very well when living with a disability. And when you carry around internalised anger it can be very damaging. This I know myself as I am profoundly damaged, physically and mentally. And if my therapist has his way, anger will prove to be at the root of all my ills, we will talk out my

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-1291588914248584262008-04-28T00:04:00.003+01:002008-04-28T00:13:37.432+01:00

Is it me or is everything a lot greener this year? I hear that one of the joys of withdrawing from benzos is that you get colours back. It's like there's a gradual notching up of the colour and contrast settings in my brain. Brilliant!There are no photos to go with this observation as I was out unexpectedly for a walk along a canal towpath and didn't have my camera. Even if I had I feel I would

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-65107344500604665482008-04-21T13:53:00.004+01:002008-04-21T14:01:52.742+01:00

My need to examine this latest dilemma has only arisen by accident.As many of you will know, commenting on BBC blogs such as Ouch now requires a quick and easy sign-up to the BBC in general. A couple of minutes and you can comment anywhere and post on BBC messageboards.This is something I had been doing for a while over at BBC Gardening (yes, I know...I don't actually garden but I do want to know

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-72118673272793742702008-04-18T22:25:00.005+01:002008-04-18T22:42:05.347+01:00

Hurray, it's that time of year again. May 1 has so much more meaning since the birth of Blogging Against Disablism DayTwo years ago it was this event and occasional and very selective blog reading in the months around it that sparked my interest in, well to be honest, life and the outside world again whilst I was still in the depths of a deep depression and physical meltdown.Really, it was that

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-63458240463775214852008-04-13T21:51:00.013+01:002008-04-13T22:58:42.888+01:00

I went out into the garden today to check out the pond on a whim. I know very little about pond maintenance, other than that ice and choking blanket weed is generally not good for pond life. Both have been a factor in recent days, the blanket weed being the more persistent problem.Having spent two whole days in bed I felt blessed with a little energy, and couldn't resist the urge to grab a rake

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-76416146129639155532008-04-10T22:43:00.003+01:002008-04-10T22:59:07.145+01:00

Unless your mountain happens to be a set of stairs and you are all of a sudden given the green light for a stair lift. Whoosh!Well ok, not whoosh. The rep showed me the seatbelt that is 'advisable' on 'helfnsafety' grounds. I laughed my head off and asked him what speed it does. "About one and a half mph," he said, with a perfectly serious countenance, which made me crease even more.My brain has

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-11108316731143599972008-04-06T21:19:00.004+01:002008-04-06T21:23:40.726+01:00

It was the way the sun and blue sky looked against the snow that took my breath away when I opened the curtains this morning. It's still snowing now. It really does make me feel five again.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-131126997237077652008-03-30T19:53:00.002+01:002008-03-30T19:57:40.098+01:00

Just don't ask me. I changed my mobile clock myself, the heating seemed to do itself thank God, but my computer has had me foxed. When I just saw it was nearly 9pm I was quite shocked. It took me quite a while to work out that if a machine has better cognitive ability than you do, best leave it to sort itself out, rather than try and be all clever and change the clocks on it manually only to have

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-74617857365885076962008-03-29T23:06:00.002Z2008-03-29T23:10:24.507Z

The will to communicate is there but the brain is not computing. I so want to write. Just so you know that I still really want to connect and engage and have discussions and all that stuff. Soon, hopefully. In the meantime, sleep. There. One paragraph on how I can't write at the moment. Progress, of sorts.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-49916362085927875402008-03-26T17:08:00.003Z2008-03-26T17:48:26.915Z

Ages and ages ago Goldfish tagged me with a recipe meme. My brain is too foggy to remember the details or find the original link, but I have been cooking quite a lot lately.So here are a few of my favourite easy recipes for those with low energy levels and low budgets...ooh hang on, must just grab that hot cross bun out of the toaster.Mmm. Right.Hot Cross BunsI plan to launch a national campaign

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-77996272809757142082008-03-21T23:32:00.003Z2008-03-21T23:41:44.770Z

Well, apart from anything else we have another excuse to pig out. My faith of late has been sorely tested so I am seeking solace in making carrot cake. This came about purely by chance. My PA didn't show this week. It happens every so often only now I have back-up. An agency who on this occasion sent a lovely woman who looked a little old to be doing agency work (not ageist, just concerned) and

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-9554477617728196502008-03-17T23:34:00.005Z2008-03-18T16:59:24.712Z

Last week a member of my family needed to call out paramedics following a distressing incident. Things haven't improved. A full-blown mental health relapse has ensued, with accompanying, but not necessarily related, chest pain.Chest pain, so often put down to stressnanxiety, can also be more serious, particularly in those with high blood pressure, who are of a certain age and who have been under

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-63318923206010662332008-03-16T19:20:00.006Z2008-03-16T19:46:11.749Z

If you have time, take a few minutes to watch the whole video before you decide what you think.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-30148446335245083082008-03-11T22:04:00.002Z2008-03-11T22:17:05.717Z

Sometimes being disabled makes me angry. It's usually when I'm in a situation where I feel vulnerable, looked down upon or exploited. This week has unfortunately seen such a situation arise.The fact that I am also a female came into it too, so I'm doubly exploited and so twice as angry.It's all to do with some work we had done at a family property. Work that didn't come up to standard. Work that

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-80050086945780175742008-03-06T23:42:00.002Z2008-03-06T23:59:40.659Z

Me on a mobility scooter, he dressed as Mr Twit. It was Roald Dahl Day today."God, I'm so embarrassed," he muttered as we were halfway home."Why? Is it the scooter?" I teased, knowing what was really up."Uh...no," he sighed, rolling his eyes. "It's because I'm wearing purpley velvet girl's trousers," he hissed."Well, just walk close to the scooter then people will be far more interested in that

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-89150411055477591062008-03-05T12:03:00.004Z2008-03-05T12:15:00.816Z

I'm exhausted and depressed. And the more exhausted and depressed I become, the less creative spirit I can harness to pour into this site. It's beautiful outside but too cold to venture out on my new wheels. But the steps that were blocking the way to freedom have been dropped so technically it's a possibility. Waiting for inspiration. Maybe I'll just go out and find it. When the weather is

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-45162000986380673532008-02-29T20:06:00.004Z2008-02-29T20:22:23.675Z

Doo dobe doo doo bee doo...And more of the same, tra la...And hopefully that's got that song out of my head. One of the most irritating of late, it has to be said. I'd rather be afraid to be honest. But at least I didn't have to resort to whistling.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-35148362348407166092008-02-26T23:02:00.003Z2008-02-26T23:13:21.400Z

A whopping £70 for The Dogs Trust. Incredible. Enough to feed a dog for about two days I reckon, the amount they manage to wolf down.But seriously, my heart was warmed by the sheer effort put in by my son and his friend. Okay, so maybe the jams and chutneys lurking at the back pushed up the profits a little but the kids were the ones racing around school just before the evening finished cornering

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-44409956322966870292008-02-25T22:36:00.002Z2008-02-25T23:26:02.309Z

Before I start this rant I must make it very clear that I have nothing against strikes. In fact I have been fortunate enough to be involved in more than one picket line in my time.I, along with many others, shouted "Scab!" with gusto at the poor sods who had no choice but to go through the revolving doors and keep the company going whilst us young, child-free and carefree workers threw caution

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-19536876505810368332008-02-14T21:55:00.011Z2008-02-14T22:19:32.623Z

latethanneverdon't you agree?

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-71836012127734339802008-02-06T22:26:00.001Z2008-02-06T22:49:02.165Z

My Dad died ten years ago today. And again the sun shone with a special brilliance, just like it did on what would have been his 70th birthday.I hadn't planned on going anywhere, just like back in November when I planned to stay in bed. I only knew I wanted to mark this special anniversary in some way, even by simply lighting a candle before bed.But the sun shone so brightly, and it shone all day

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-21711838124606108332008-02-04T23:14:00.000Z2008-02-04T23:54:19.198Z

The other day I found myself enjoying some music. That means getting into it and feeling transported rather than feeling like crying.I'm so impatient to be able to listen to music again, really listen and enjoy. Three years is a long time to live in silence. So I'm making it happen, a bit like forcing bulbs into flower by bringing them into the warm. It doesn't feel quite natural but I want to

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-67909990505297453982008-02-01T22:47:00.000Z2008-02-01T23:09:15.696Z

Some excellent news. Social services have increased my direct payments package to four hours a week. That's double what I was receiving before. I look forward to feeling less done in and hiding many more melons around the place.Some more excellent news. My home support service, withdrawn without notice or explanation, is to be reinstated. I can't stress enough how important having continuity of

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-42700826295671561612008-01-26T17:22:00.000Z2008-01-26T18:09:11.709Z

On Tuesday my body will be free of Zopiclone. It's a nasty psychotropic, hypnotic little bugger. A sleeping pill that, in my case, eventually stopped working and actually kept me awake, because once the body gets used to benzos, it inevitably wants more of them, leading to agitation of the central nervous system and alteration of brain functioning.Since starting to reduce it, I have found my

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-48671655825121319852008-01-22T23:28:00.000Z2008-01-22T23:48:12.893Z

A really eventful year, recorded in a most haphazard fashion and brought to you with the aid of photographs and much wittering.This year will be equally eventful. Because life is full of events. I can never understand people who say "Nothing much" when you ask them what they've been up to. Perhaps they are just being polite, thinking that I do bugger all because I'm ill. Or perhaps they think "

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-87530880344561248482008-01-21T17:13:00.000Z2008-01-21T18:04:12.777Z

It is the eve of the first birthday of my blog and I had planned to write something momentous, as befits the occasion. But, and I think this sums up blogging nicely, I have just received a comment on an earlier post:Seahorse: Thanks for making me laugh today - but can I say that you've got me worried that those melons might still be sitting forgotten in the piano stool...Thank you anonymous. On

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-40202499939982360952008-01-19T13:53:00.000Z2008-01-19T14:40:20.421Z

Life continues to be quite eventful. In the past week I have:Received money from the social fund to carry out alterations to my storage space to house a wheelchair/scooter.Nearly bought a scooter, only to be told by a mechanic at the 11th hour that what seemed like a bargain was in fact, well, quite possibly not. Beware machines with hard-to-obtain parts.Looked around at other scooters...my

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-88238016957110310702008-01-14T22:41:00.000Z2008-01-14T22:52:03.049Z

On the eve of my long-awaited consultation to discuss withdrawal from some of my atrocious psychiatric meds, this song has come from nowhere and been playing over and over in my head.And watching the clip, I think I understand why. Sometimes you just have to pray. And it is a very beautiful, soothing and peaceful song. I hope it stays in my head a while longer.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-68707996594099592492008-01-09T22:10:00.001Z2008-01-09T22:19:28.740Z

Horrible horrible horrible. Thought at one point today I was going to die. But my son has made a full recovery and ate everything my sister put in front of him this evening, whilst I was upstairs throwing up.She had it over Christmas so I'm fortunate she felt able to come near the house and help out. The advice, for anyone just coming down with it or fearing they may, is to eat little bits of

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-70521409054237709952008-01-07T20:54:00.000Z2008-01-07T21:00:26.578Z

I thought we'd escaped. How wrong I was. This evening my son suddenly projectile vomited on the rug and in the course of a mere couple of hours has been ferociously set upon by The Norovirus.Of course being a self-centred neurotic, once I'd got him sorted with water, Calpol, bed and sick bucket my mind turned to the awful prospect of me getting it. Post wisdom tooth infection, weakened, half-mad

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-67310046373624491372008-01-02T18:35:00.000Z2008-01-03T23:03:34.320Z

I wrote something about not twisting my melon the other day. So imagine my surprise when I happened upon two melons languishing in my vegetable rack this morning. Yes, yes, I know they are strictly fruit but have you ever seen a fruit rack? Actually, come to think of it, why are there no fruit racks in the world? Who says that only vegetables deserve the status of a rack (complete with wheels

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-15444253667541894382008-01-02T18:23:00.000Z2008-01-02T19:52:47.242Z

A cat in the (and I truly mean this) expert care of my sister has died whilst the owners were away. How very ungrateful of it. I don't have all the details, just a fraught text saying she's about to have to tell them. She is a professional cat sitter. What a nightmare.Update: The cat was run over. The owners are abroad and can't be contacted but their daughter was telephoned and received the

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-41578238945637823802007-12-31T14:23:00.000Z2007-12-31T14:42:58.242Z

Christmas was good, all remained calm. Boxing Day was also good. Mum and Gran came for lunch and all still remained calm....right up until the 29th when I woke up with another wisdom tooth infection.But, although I write in between doses of the largest antibiotic known to man or woman (like swallowing a torpedo) and although being a bit fuzzy affected what I could do on my birthday yesterday (we

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-988767966374489392007-12-24T16:46:00.001Z2007-12-24T17:31:39.804Z

So we've made the mince pies, I've wrapped the presents and, um, most of the gingerbread men have been scoffed. The Christmas carol concert at school has been attended, people have called round with cards. Now, all is calm. I'm enjoying looking at the magic stained glass biscuits my son and I made this week:Reflections on my first Christmas separated:Sharing my son with my ex hasn't been as

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-22582541596151347692007-12-23T19:25:00.000Z2007-12-23T19:27:52.015Z

Unfortunately there may be a delay in bringing our Christmas tale to you, as 'a number' of our cast of extras have mysteriously disappeared....

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550542818993957125.post-53853028966717860862007-12-19T23:27:00.000Z2007-12-19T23:31:53.139Z

The Tale of the Errant GingerbreadmenWe made some for Christmas. They have got a bit out of hand.

seahorsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04006649663400552591noreply@blogger.com2