Better and Better

At the beginning of the year I reported that there were now signs of healing with Pauline's femur.   However, things started to go downhill until Mr Mel Jones said it looked like a bone graft would be necessary.   However, he decided to discuss this with a colleague who suggested it might be worth removing the screw just above her knee and shunting the nail upwards.   She had this done as day surgery on 15th July.

When we went to see Mr Jones at Ysbyty Gwynedd in August he pointed out the x-ray signs of healing beginning to work.   We went on holiday for three weeks in September in Spain and the many swimming sessions in the pool seemed to remove the pain.   Since coming home the leg has improved greatly.   It is only when we know we shall be needing to walk longer distances that we put the wheelchair in the car.

Last weekend saw a visit from our oldest friends, Alan and Ann Eastwood.   It was amazing to see Pauline walking across the car park to the Black Lion where we had an evening meal together.   Pauline appears to be healing properly at last!

This weekend sees a visit from our son, David, and his family followed by a short stay for Emelia, his middle daughter.   We take her back to Rochdale on Wednesday.   It's all action, I can tell you!   After more than a year of pain and suffering we are on the up and up.   We have booked our 2014 holiday already!   This time we are travelling to France and Aquitaine.   The crossing by Brittany Ferries will be 12 hours instead of 24 hours and the travelling to our destination will be one day instead of two days.   We love the treatment we get on Brittany Ferries (except when we are caught up in strike action on the part of the crew).   The ferry between Dover and Calais may be a short sail but it's not up to the standard we see with BF.

So, we are looking forward with great optimism to 2014!!!!!

From Bad to Worse

Unfortunately, since coming home from holiday at the end of September, the healing of Pauline's broken femur has been very slow and has disappointed her surgeon.   But, after a visit to see his registrar, the bone is now healing at a faster rate.   Apparently, because she has osteoporosis, Pauline's balance is worse and this contributed to her fall.   She was booked in to have a bone density scan last spring but was unable to have as she would not have been able to get onto the scanner.   A short time back we went to have the scan and the result was that her density now is a minus quantity.   We think it was minus 1.6 or thereabouts.   We hope that her limp might become reduced once she has an appointment with the orthotics specialist and they devise a heel support to equal out her effective leg length.   This might just help the level of walking pain to go down.

 

During 2012 Pauline also experienced an increasing pain in her right hand which is arthritis - not helped with osteoporosis.   Then her left hand flared up and has become worse than her right hand.   Now she cannot shower, wash and dry her hair, use door handles, lift full drinking beakers or the kettle.   It had even become impossible to cut her food up.   At present, driving is not possible either.   This means that she is increasingly reliant on me for help.   For me this is no problem at all but it means she is losing a large measure of independence which all of us value highly.

 

Because of this last year's experience she has now applied for the care element of Disability Living Allowance, and, if successful, I shall make a claim for Carers Allowance.   I would rather not have the allowances and Pauline be free of pain and have full mobility, but this is not how things are developing.  

 

In September we are travelling to Andalucia again to the property we rent for two weeks.   It is all on one level, just like at home, and I can help Pauline into the swimming pool whenever she wants.   How difficult swimming will be has yet to be seen.   But we have decided that I shall be travelling to the Eroski hypermarket near Velez-Malaga to do the shopping.   The place is too large to get round for Pauline.   We travel through Spain via Santander and Toledo to get there and we know the hotels so well that we are assured of it all being viable.   The hotel in Santander has offered to set up a special device to help Pauline in and out of the over bath shower.   We always get a great welcome at the two hotels we use.   We would have liked to try other places but have decided to stay with what we know for now so Pauline gets value from the holiday.

 

Whilst 2012 was a traumatic year we are still hopeful of better times ahead.   If we get the allowances we shall be more likely to achieve different aims for Pauline, and that is very important.   At present she is unable to continue with her landscape painting.   Having said that, she was able to complete one a few weeks ago and it is now hanging on the lounge wall.   Sometimes she gets a little less pain and is able to do a little.   So the plan now is continue that way.   She really has a talent for landscapes and seascapes.   Her depiction of water, snow, and mountains is very good.

So, that is the story so far.   Watch this space!

Ready, Steady - GO!!!!

It is wonderful to see our Paralympians walking off with a variety of medals.   Inspirational is the only word I can think of here.   Sadly, we shall not see the whole Games because we are off to Spain on Tuesday.

I thought I had covered everything last year when I bought hi viz vests, a first aid kit for the car and a set of lamp bulbs.   I already had a warning triangle.   Britanny Ferries emailed me to say bonvoyage and included tips for the holiday.   It was then I read that in France you need one warning triangle but in Spain you need TWO!!!   Luckily Britanny Ferries sell these on board their ships so I can become legal once more.   At least I don't have to carry a breathalyser set for the French limit.

When we go we shall be taking some spices, cook books etc to compliment what is already provided in the house we rent.  This time we should keep our weight from increasing.   We have just bought the Hairy Dieters cook book and there are soem excellent recipes.   With this book and regular gym visits I may lose even more than the 2 stones I have already shed.   Watch this space  - but don't hold your breath!

This year we shall be spending two days in the beautiful city of Toledo that used to be the Spanish capital.   It is know for the peaceful co-existence of Muslims, Jews and Christians in mediaeval times.   The cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Spanish church.   It possesses some of the most wonderful and priceless paintings by artists renowned throughout the world.   But Toledo's claim to fame is that it was the home of the painter, El Greco.   Seeing some of his paintings, I can see why he is so venerated.   There is also a house where he is reputed to have lived and this contains some marvellous pictures, in particular the Tears of St Peter.

It is from the main square, Zocodover, that a tourist road train called the Zocotren leaves every half hour when you can enjoy a fun way of seeing Toledo.   The ride lasts 50 minutes and is well worth the ticket!

On arrival in Santander on the ferry we shall go to Hotel La Roca where we stayed twive last year.   When I booked our stay this year via Booking.com I got an email from the owner of the hotel asking which room we would like!   Safe to say that we are expected!

If you want updates on our visit to Spain visit my other blog, the Andalucia Report.   Just use this link:    http://keithalexanderinspain.blogspot.co.uk/

Olympics and Chickens

For the past 10 days I have been the temporary custodian of a rabbit, a guinea pig and three chickens.   Each day I have popped into the village to our friends' house to feed and water their livestock.   For the most part, my granddaughter, Ellie, dealt with the smaller creatures as she has experience in keeping rabbits.   My task was to see to the three chickens.

Now, when last entrusted with their care I copied the routine from August 2011.   I allowed the birds out.   Whilst I cleaned their containers and replenished them with food and water the birds would wander round the raspberry canes and jump up to grab occasional raspberries.   Getting them back to the coop was easy.   All I did was to bend down  and they crouched whilst I picked them up, one by one.

Back in February I was asked to look after them and so let them out as usual whilst I performed the tasks of topping up food and water.   But there was one awkward bird with a red ring who ran for it every time I approached.   I am not equipped to chase birds anymore!   Eventually I did, by stealth and guile, get her back to the coop.   All this activity and tension created asthma symptoms, so I was not best pleased at having so much trouble.   For the rest of the time I ensured they never left the coop!

For the past 9 days I have followed the same policy.   But today was so lovely and warm that I dropped my guard and, being the amiable fellow that I am, let the birds out for my final day in charge.   When it came time to get them back in the coop I approached them quietly and looked for the one with the red ring.   She was the troublesome one back in February.   There was a piece of body language that seemed to separate her from the others.   But I had been there before and grabbed her before she could dive behind nettles!   After this the other two were easy and soon there were 3 happy birds clucking away in the coop and sampling replenished food and drink.

So that was the excitement for the week?   Not a bit of it!   We were watching the Olympic Games and seeing our athletes doing incredibly well in their various sports.   Last Sunday was quite unbelievable.   After hoping against hope that Andy Murray would win Wimbledon each year we went crazy when he achieved a gold medal against Roger Federer.   Now there is proof he can win.   He even beat Novak Djokovic in the semi final!   Pity that he could not win a second gold medal in the mixed double with Laura Hobson.

Last night, Nicola Adams won a gold medal for boxing and here was another joyful occasion.   It all reminds me of the day we spent at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and saw Jonathan Edwards and Paula Radcliffe win gold for England.   It was lovely weather and there was a very friendly crowd there to see the athletics.   There were no traffic problems because Manchester had such good plans to accommodate spectators and their cars.   We went early but didn't need to because everything appeared to be organised as if they had been doing it for years!

So this week ends successfully and peacefully and I forgive the chickens for previous misdemeanours and their poor record for laying eggs this time!   Our grandchildren have been returned home and peace returns to the Alexander household.   What bliss!

Highs and Lows

Last week at Amlwch English Methodist Church saw our 32nd Flower Festival and it was a huge success.   More publicity was created and the weekend coincided with the Bi-annual Viking Festival.   On the first day we sold the food we had purchased for both days.   On the second day we sold as much again.   The event proved to be extremely popular.   The Sunday saw our usual Songs of Praise re-scheduled to be the morning service with a difference.   We had a large congregation with 30 members of the family of the late Barbara Tudor present to share the dedication of the new flower stand in church.   Barbara was the one who first suggested a Flower Festival in the church.   Our theme was "The Easter People" and each display told the story from Palm Sunday to Easter Day.   It was a truly inspiring experience this year.

A few days later on 1st August (today) I was due to appear as a witness at Caernarfon Crown Court in a fraud case.   That meant being very stressed.   We (the witnesses) we were advised that it would be a long day.   Then the news came in that the case that had run over from the previous day was delayed because members of the jury were delayed getting in.   An articulated lorry had overturned on the A55 near Abergwyngregyn and huge delays were happening.   The outcome was that our case was re-scheduled for 22nd November!   I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.   All the stress will now happen again in November.   I suppose the good side was that I had already seen the court arrangements and would be better prepared in November.   2/3 years ago I was on jury service at the previous location of Caernarfon Crown Court, so I am getting some experience there!

On Sunday, 29th July, our youngest granddaughter, Emelia (Meme, age 10) came to stay for a few days.   Then yesterday, 31st July, our oldest granddaughter, Eleanor (Ellie, age 15) came to stay.   Just now we have two grandchildren (cousins) staying with us.   They have spent most of today baking in the kitchen!   Emelia goes home tomorrow, so I have a 250 mile journey to do, there and back.   The good news is I can do it in the day instead of staying overnight with my son and returning on the second day.   Never a dull moment!!!

Good Samaritans

This week saw Pauline's stress levels rise.   She had promised to paint a picture of the cottage our son-in-law's parents had once lived in whilst in service.   It is their Golden Wedding soon and Derek wanted to give them something different.   The clock was ticking and Pauline was getting more afraid of not being able to deliver on time.   It quickly became apparent that she would not finish in time for the painting to dry and be framed professionally.   The answer was to find a ready made photo frame that would fit.

I went on line and determined that I could buy a frame from Wilkinsons in Holyhead.   Pauline also needed some low odour white spirit for her painting work.   I could kill two birds with one stone if I could get some in Holyhead.   On Wednesday afternoon, whilst she went off with David and Liz to get a manicure etc, I drove over to Holyhead.   On the way I encountered a rock in the road and it punctured the front nearside tyre which was new the previous week.   The incident happened on a quiet narrow country lane.   My first thought was how to tell the RAC where I was as it is sometimes difficult to convey Welsh place names over the phone.   I was part way between Llanerchymedd and Trefor.

A car pulled up behind me and the driver asked what was the problem.   I explained and he just got out of his car and set about changing the wheel!   However, he was trying to raise the car with the jack without ensuring the jack was placed under the correct jacking point.   This meant that he simply dented the underside of the sill!   I managed to convince him to move the jack to the right place and the job went ahead.

Soon, the car was ready to drive again and I thanked the man very much.   I told him that not many people would have stopped to help in those circumstances.   His puzzled look told me he thought anyone would have done what he did.   That is the mark of a Good Samaritan!   What he did came quite naturally.

Next day I took the car to the tyre fitters in Bangor and they popped on a new tyre  and all was well.   All this was at no cost as the car is leased through Motability.   All's well that ends well.

Later today the new craft shop at Brynrefail has its official opening.   It is a venture by a new church in Anglesey called, appropriately, Good Gifts.   Once a month they meet to hold a service in the Roman Catholic church at Llangefni for young people with learning difficulties.   The craft shop is to sell goods created by people with learning difficulties and our friend, Lucy, is their champion knitter.   She makes some wonderful knitted scarves in many different colours.   Also on sale are other items from local painters and craftspeople who share the profit with the shop.

Next week is a busy time for our church in Amlwch as it is the time we hold our Flower Festival.   I am looking forward to seeing what inspirational designs are created.   This is our 32nd festival, which was the brainchild of the late Barbara Tudor back in the seventies.   In fact, at our Songs of Praise on the Sunday morning, we shall be remembering Barbara, who died last December, and dedicating a new flower stand for the church.   This is being given to the church in her memory by her family.

In the swim

Recently, Pauline has experienced a lot of pain which is rheumatism in her right wrist and lower arm.   This has made it very difficult to perform a multitude of tasks in daily life.   At one point it was almost impossible to use a knife when she was spreading marmalade on toast.   In the end I finished the spread and cut the toast for her.   Another vital activity is walking with a single crutch or walking stick.   The rheumatism makes it very difficult to place weight on a crutch or stick.

We decided enough was enough, because she was also struggling to operate her wheelchair when in a supermarket.   After checking the wheelchair today we found she could use it better.   She had been to see her doctor on Wednesday and was prescribed some anti-inflamatory tablets which are working now.   As early as Wednesday this week she came from the doctor's room to reception waving her crutch to show me she was walking unaided.   She certainly impressed the staff there!

As we were approaching the leisure centre in Amlwch she suddenly asked me to collect a programme to see when she could try swimming.   It was necessary to locate a convenient slot for "public access" between specialist sessions.   She meant me to collect a programme when I attended the gym there an hour or two later.   I pulled in and acquired a programme there and then.   Looking at it we saw she could attend the pool whilst I attended the gym an hour later.

Soon we had had lunch and changed into leisure centre clothes.   Off we drove to get the show moving.   I went to the gym and Pauline went to the swimming pool.   An hour later she emerged to tell me she had swum twenty lengths of the 25 metres pool.   Not bad for someone with a healing broken femur!   This morning she had, for the second time, gone into the shower unaided and without anti slip mats.   It worked!   The shower tray has anti slip characteristics which mean we have normally had no problem when using it.   With all the confidence in the world she went in and came out as if she had been doing it for weeks!

Now this is what I call progress.   I had, the previous day, asked the British Red Cross to exchange the wheelchair as we thought it was the problem.   Today we discovered it was not.   I tested the wheels and all was normal.   Pauline used the chair in the kitchen and it did all she asked it to do.   Where was the problem?   There was no problem!   The answer is that the new tablets are working and normal service has resumed.   Doesn't it make you happy?