Quad Bikes

We certainly have enjoyed our evenings on this holiday.  Its the best all inclusive we have been on, the beer is good, the wine is usually good and the cocktails are strong but a little sweet for my taste.  The food is very consistent and they make a special effort with their presentation.  Since the weather changed for the better on Wednesday, its sunshine all the way and even the evenings are not cold.  We discovered the pool bar on wednesday night because it was Greek night and they held it there.  We have been out with Shane and Holly every night so far; there is usually a few others join us as the night progresses.

The only trouble with the pool bar is that they serve all drinks in plastic cups.  I guess that everyone walks around all day with bare feet so they cant risk broken glass in the area.  By the time we go to that bar we switch to vodka and sprite or orange so you get more for your small cup.  They only let you get two drinks each but you don’t all have to be at the bar so we tell them that there are twice as many of us as there are.  Once a cup is empty we stack them in the middle of the table; last night we counted 50 by the end of the night.  I guess its a good rule that they stop serving free drinks at 11 pm because the night naturally slows down and stops then.  However we do tend to stack a few up ready for the end.  Otherwise we would never get up the next day.  It works for us because we don’t like late nights these days anyway.

Here is one of all the girls together, plus a pink panther?  He is a Romanian guy, he's really good with the kids in the early part of the evening.

Nine o'clock sharp on Friday morning they turned up in a van to take us to get our quad bikes.  There were quite a few people hiring them so one person had to drive a quad bike back for us all to fit in.  That was Shan because both he and Holly have driven them quite a few times.  Because he helped them out they said that we could have their largest 250cc bikes for the same price as the 150cc ones we had hired.  I though that I would take to it like a duck to water because I have been driving all sorts of vehicles all my life and always do when confronted with a new one.  How wrong could I have been, I was hopeless.

I had a little drive around a green before going onto the road but I couldn't steer it.  I wanted to drive it like a bike and lean with it but you cant with 4 wheels, in fact you have to lean the other way if anything.  You just turn the handle bars like a wheel but it was totally unnatural to me.  When we went on the road I followed Shane towards the petrol station but I was so unsure and couldn't seem to get around the corners and went really slow.  Shane stopped to wait for me but as I approached to stop behind him I lost control and drove straight into a parked car.

I decided then that I would put a little petrol in and take it back to the shop and swap it for a motor bike.  I just put €5 in and we turned back to the shop.  The guy was very helpful but seemed reluctant to let me on one of his bikes because I haven't passed my bike license.  He talked me into trying the big blue monster quad as the steering wasn't so heavy and I had another go around the green first and I did find it a little easier.

Once we were off proper I soon picked it up and we were away for the day.  I was a nightmare, both Holly and Shane were experts, I felt like a real fool.  Especially because I had my normal problem; finding a helmet to fit me.  They had dozens in the shop and the lady said that she would find something but after I had tried the Xlarge and the XXlarge she had to resort to the old favorite.  It was more like a First World War pilots hat than a crash helmet, but it did fit.  It had no visor and didn’t go over your head, but it sits on top of your head like a cycle hat.  When the lady first put it on me Claire almost wet herself.  How come everyone else looks really cool in their helmets and I look more like a comedy character than the Steve McQueen I imagine myself.  All that choice of colour and design with helmets like Lois Hamilton and Sebastian Vettle’s and I get the one thats like Billy Bunter goes Biggles.  Shane was doing donuts around a bit of waste ground and Holly drove like a demon;  all I could manage was to crash into the occasional car looking like a numty.  It seemed that everyone we drove past started laughing when they saw me.  Several people on bikes actually fell off laughing.  While we were driving through Kassiopi I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a shop window.  If I hadn’t been on 4 wheels I would have fell off myself.

Anyway we drove west along the north coast as far as Sidari then turned back and stopped for lunch at Junipers in Kassiopi.  Not all the restaurants are open for the season yet so we had limited choice.  However, our choice turned out to be a good one, we all had a two course for €10 each.  Really good value and quality home made food.  Claire had a giant prawn cocktail and we all had mushrooms in garlic and cream sauce.  I ended up with a chicken curry because they recommended it and it was fabulous; first class.  As they made the food fresh you could have it as hot as you like but not at the expense of taste.  The girls had the home made burgers which turned out to be superb but a little too large for Claire to finish.  The best thing was the proper home made chips, I was so pleased I had half and half rice and chips.  Definitely worth a try if your in the area.

The lady told us that there was a huge cave not far away and gave us directions.  The roads went a bit off road but perfect for our quad bikes.  It was right at the top of a mountain so the views just kept getting better.  Once we reached the end of the trail we had to park the bikes up and climb the rest of the way.  Hard going with rugged stones and nettles lining the trail.  Wasps and bees were buzzing all the way down there so Claire turned back and waited for us.  You know what she is like with wasps.

The trip down was worth it the cave was much larger than I had imagined.  We took some photos and headed back but it was far tougher going up hill than down.  Especially if you are my size, it nearly killed me, I couldn’t even talk.  Worth it though for the sights.  Photos never really catch things of this proportion or size but I did my best.

Claire was glad to see us when we got back because she had to keep swatting and running from all the bees.  We headed back down the trail and then stopped at “Ice Dream” for one of their famous home made treats.  All the ice cream is home made and they certainly pulled in the customers.  The lady at Junipers also told us where this was and said that people come from all over the island for one.  They also do home made waffles and other sweets with ice cream; what a great way to finish such a great day off.  All we have to do now is get in the shower and wash of the days dust and sweat and get ourselves back down to that pool bar.

Mareblue Beach Resort

As you all know, we like our cheap holidays.  This one so far has turned out to be a gem.  We really like the hotel and service and the food is great which seems to have made us very lazy.  Its Thursday already and these are the first words I have written and its the first time I have downloaded my photo’s.  In fact I only just booked the internet for a week with only have of our week remaining.  However, it doesn’t seem to work; another trip to reception I suppose.

We arrived in Corfu about 15 minutes early but had to wait for an age before our bus left.  When he did leave, he went so slow it was painful.  We were desperate for a drink before the bar closed at 11pm.  If we had a man with a red flag walking in front of us it would have gone faster.  There were five drops at different hotels but thankfully ours was the second drop.  However it still took an hour and thirty five minutes of driving and an hour before we left.  This is the reason that we don't normally take the transfers.  We had about 20 minutes while the bar was free then we had to pay for it.  We had been talking to the couple behind us on the coach, Shane and Holly who are both 25.  We ended up with a session at the bar with them until about 2.30am and couldn’t find our room in the dark.  We hadn’t even took our cases back to the room.  Claire gave up and went to sleep in the middle of the path while I eventually found it, dumped the bags and when back for Claire who was being helped up by two couples.

We felt like death in the morning and following breakfast went back to bed and not emerging until lunch time.  We had a shower, went for lunch and then back to bed for the afternoon.  It was raining anyway.  We met up with Shane and Holly again for dinner and had another session.  Shane had started at around 10am so we had some catching up to do.  The following morning it was sunny so we went for a walk to the beach and around our surrounding area.  Very little around other than a restaurant and a supermarket.  There is not even an ATM so I am very short on money.  Good job we don’t need any.  Claire lost her handbag last night and it had all her credit cards, phone and Kindle in it.  Luckily someone had handed it into reception.  Tomorrow we have booked a quad bike for the day so we are looking forward to that.  Shane and Holly have one as well so it should be fun.

Sorry I haven't took many pictures yet but we have either been in bed or at the bar.  Claire has gone down to the pool but its too hot for me; I refer to stay in bed and read as its nice and cool.  I took a picture of this little bush because it plays music.  They have them all around the grounds and I love them.  Shame I cant find Claire’s camera because I know she has took more pictures than me.  I need to take my computer to reception to see if I can get wifi reception there and log on to post this.  I guess that I will do another post after our little outing on the quad’s.

Corfu

The Greek Island of Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands.  The first settlers were from Corinth around 730BC but it appears to have previously had a stream of emigrants from Eritrea.  It appears that everyone has had a piece of Corfu throughout its long occupation but from about 1400 onwards, Corfu was controlled by Venice for many centuries which repulsed several Turkish sieges, before falling under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars.  Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864.  It was occupied temporally by the Italians in 1941 and again by the Germans in 1943.  During German occupation they shipped the local Jews to Auschwitz where only 200 out of the 1900 escaped.  It was liberated on 14th October 1944 by the 40th Royal Marine Commando’s and they weren't even wearing underpants.  Until the early 20th century, it was mainly visited by the European royals and elites.  It was then visited by middle class tourists, mainly from the UK, Scandinavia and Germany.  More recently it has become the Greek lager lout Island.  As usual, I found this holiday on the internet at a bargain price that I couldn’t refuse.  Claire had been wanting to go to a Greek Island for some time as we had never been there together.  I had been when in previous relationships and Claire had had previous relationships there while she was a travel rep on mainland Greece in a previous life.

Corfu is about 40 miles long by 20 miles wide at its widest point.  The Island is divided into 3 parts by 2 well defined mountain ranges.  The northern part is very mountainous, the middle part undulating and the south is low-lying.  Corfu is located near the Kefalonia geological fault and so does experience earthquakes from time to time.  The highest point, Mount Pantokrator is 911 meters high.  It has a coastline of 217km that consists of 92 shingle and sand beaches.  It has a Mediterranean climate but is far greener than most of the other Greek Islands indicating that it has more rain than most.  There are over 2 million olive trees in Corfu.  The capital, Corfu town is just off the Albanian coast.  At its closest point its only about 2 miles away and the Albanians sometimes swim across to steal boats.  In my experience there are lots of illegal Albanian workers hidden away in the kitchens and the like.  Corfu Town still has lots of 16th century architecture from its Venetian rule around the city although some were destroyed by the Germans in WWII.

We are staying in the Mareblue Beach Resort in the north east of the island.  It is supposed to be a 4 star all inclusive holiday, which including flights at £199 each.  There followed the extra’s such as, transfers, luggage and booking charge.  They also even have a payment charge these days, where not only do you pay extra to cover credit card charges but you also pay extra however you chose to pay.  These cannot be avoided which is a con.  Trouble is, if that loophole is closed, another one will open.  Anyway, on the north east side of the island is another, smaller island called Lazaretto Island with an area of only around 17.5 acres.  A monastery was built on this island and they used to ship the lepers there.

Corfu is twinned with the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia.  Prince Philip was born in Corfu as Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark.  Phil Krause had his first honeymoon in Corfu.  Looking forward to my All Inclusive Moussaka and chips and my second honeymoon!

A Dolly Mixture of a week

This past week has been like dolly mixtures, a real mixed bag.  Personally I would have preferred Starbursts, they are simple and sweet and from the wrapper, you know exactly what to expect.  Mind you, we didn’t help ourselves much by starting the week with hangovers but that was self-inflicted so no sympathy is expected.  Phil was really suffering but I had arranged to meet Harriet at David Lloyd so no time to linger and feel sorry for myself.

I didn’t have time for a workout so I met up with Harriet & Billy in the Jacuzzi; Billy had to leave to go to work and me and Harriet did a few lengths in the outside pool which blew a few cobwebs away I can tell you.  We would have swum longer had it not been for the ducks that decided to join us.  This meant a swift exit, Harriet has a phobia of birds and I was worried about them pooping.  We swam some more in the indoor pool but Harriet takes longer to get ready than me so I left her to beautify while I went back to the flat.

Despite his sorry state, Phil had the roast chicken dinner under control and even had time for a shower.  Harriet joined us for lunch and Phil served up dead on the dot of midday and very nice it was too.   The fold-up wheelchair that I’d ordered on the internet was delivered just after I’d shoved the plates in the dishwasher, which was just as well because time was of the essence.  We chucked Harriet out and drove to the hospital for Phil’s appointment at the hospital but not before she had a whizz round in the wheelchair.  Children and I include Phil in that statement!

We had to wait forever to see the consultant at the MacMillan unit at MKG.  Phil saw a new consultant but he was very nice.  Thankfully Phil’s PSA result was 1 which was brilliant and he won’t have to go back for another 6 months.  Unfortunately his blood sugar was the highest it’s ever been and Phil promised me that he would cut out the sweet stuff.  He came back from his mum’s the following day with a Tesco trifle so this promise didn’t last long. After hospital I caught up with a cup of tea with Sue who was worn out after visiting her dad and meeting with a social worker. Monday evening was early to bed.  How middle-aged are we?

Phil was up early on Tuesday morning and on the road to Melton Mowbray to see his mum by half seven.  I did some jobs and then went to DW for my workout; I wanted to do some food shopping in ASDA and I also wanted to pay a quick trip to Primark so it made sense.  There was just enough time after the gym for a little bite to eat at the flat before I had to go to Rachel in Newport to get my hair done.  Rachel is cheap and good and although I hate getting my hair done, my grey roots were really showing.  Harriet popped in for a cup of tea and Rachel gave her a quick free trim.  Phil wasn’t late back from Melton; he just had time for a shower before being picked up by Jim to go to the cinema to see ‘Oblivion’.  I gather it didn’t have a good write up but the boys enjoyed it and they got their escapism.

At the end of the afternoon I nipped over for a cup of tea with Vanessa as I hadn’t seen her for ages.  There is a lot going in the Ford household.  Chris, Van & Alex have just returned from a 10 day holiday in Turkey.  Alex is just about to start his GSE’s, Shannon takes her ‘A’ levels next month and Vanessa has been busy training for the MK marathon on the 6^th of May. I have the greatest respect for this girl, only 2 weeks after running the marathon she is climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco.  Of course all in aid of Willen Hospice which is such a worthy cause and one close to my heart.  Vanessa has raised nearly 7.5k for this charity so if you haven’t done so already my MK friends, please sponsor her.  You just never whether you or yours will be in need of our local hospice in the future. https://www.justgiving.com/user/10128899

On Wednesday morning I went to David Lloyd; it feels a little weird going back there and funnily enough it’s not as good as I had remembered.  But it is on the door step which for one saves on my travelling time and also saves money on petrol. Lunch was something out of the freezer and straight after we drove to Overstone to pick up the post and sort out the caravans.

Our objective was to turn on the water, turn on the gas and make up the beds and generally make good everything for when Jan & Steve stay, giving both the mums a little bit of a mini break next week. It should have been easy but it wasn’t. Phil got the water turned on easily enough but had problems lighting both the boilers.  In the end he had to call Dennis next door for some help.  We had to pay him for cutting both lawns anyway and Den is always happy and willing to help.  He soon got the boilers lit but suggested that we get them both serviced.  We should do this every year but with everything going on with mum and dad there just hasn’t been a chance.  I came away happy, sofas cleaned and in place, showers scrubbed and hopefully J&S will enjoy their stay.  I just hope the sun shines for them but I have no control over that one.

Wednesday evening I picked up Sue and she came round for our usual Wednesday night supper. I did lamb chops which were good but I bought cheats potatoes daphonoise and these were pretty crap.  I don’t think she or I much cared after consuming the red stuff but hey ho, some old.  It wasn’t a late night which was just as well because Phil & I had to be up and out and on the road by 9am to go to London to meet with our solicitor and a barrister.  We drove to Finchley central then took the northern then the central line to Chancery Lane. 

It was a big day because by hiring the barrister we were to find out whether we had a chance of taking our case to court and winning.  The barrister was very thorough, mind you, I expected him to be for a fee of 5 grand.  The meeting was intense and went on relentless for 2 hours.  Phil has specifically asked me not to mention the outcome and I must respect his wishes.  He is being I feel, a little paranoid and fears that the bastard FA and the handyman is able to read our blog even though I have been forced to make it private. I don’t think is the case but anyway, if you want to know the outcome please email either me or Phil directly.

I felt both physically and mentally exhausted when we got back from London, totally wiped out as did Phil.  Perhaps a slight exaggeration but you get the gist and I make no apologies.  I can be a bit of a drama queen sometime and I know it. Thursday night was quiet.  It would have been nice to lie and dwell on the events of the day before but no chance for us Krause’s as we had to be up and back on the road again to Melton Mowbray by 7am.

The purpose of our visit was to take dad to Leicester General for an appointment with the Oncologist and Urologist.  We kind of thought this appointment was a generic one, i.e. a patient must be seen within 2 weeks by a consultant after being discharged from hospital.  My gut feeling was that I should cancel but then I would have never forgiven myself if we didn’t get dad there and he were to miss out on any treatment.  This didn’t happen but nonetheless I was glad we made the effort.

Mum had to arrange the carer to come in early specifically for the hospital appointment.  We arrived at 8.30am, and bar a slight toilet mishap, we successfully manoeuvred mum and dad into the car and were en-route to Leicester by quarter past nine.  I am pleased to say that my newly purchased portable wheelchair worked a treat. Phil dropped us all off, chair and we were all in outpatients 2 in no time. Unfortunately the OP2 was packed and we had a half an hour wait but all was good. No toilet accidents and actually P’s dad was alert and awake for the whole time.  When we finally got our slot we saw the registrar rather than the consultant but this was fine.  To be honest, we all didn’t know what to expect and actually I am not sure what or how much dad or mum understood.  The bottom line is that dad has kidney cancer, prostate cancer and the brain scan shows evidence of a recent stroke which explains the confusion.  They are not certain that it has metastised but they confirmed that surgery or radiotherapy is not an option and they will not be doing biopsies or any other tests.

I feel I think, more for the loss of dignity than the loss of life, or to be blunt the end of life.  Why oh why did the consultant have to put his finger up dad’s bum to check the size of his prostate. Phil has had this done and knows not just how embarrassing this is, but just how painful.  I would have stopped this intrusive test had I of known what they were doing when they closed the curtain.  If it is a given fact that every 87 year old man has prostate cancer, and given one with other cancers then why?????  I have to give all credit to Phil’s dad, he was brave and he was very polite.  Part of his lucid brain was there on Thursday but maybe some part of me wished it wasn’t.

The one good thing is that George currently, as I type, is not in pain; if he develops pain at a later date, then the only treatment he will get is end of life care and/or palliative care.  We learnt that actually, the kidney tumour is not making him unwell, it is his failing heart; it will be cardiac failure that will finish him off. It’s so sad, but I suppose at least we know and if he goes without pain and his heart gives up in his sleep that will not be so bad.  I sound heartless, I know, but such is life.  87 is not a bad age to say goodbye.

I sound sad but it wasn’t such a bad day on Friday, in fact it was quite a positive one.  Between the two of us, we managed to get dad and mum to hospital and the newly acquired wheelchair was a success. On the back home we stopped off at Aldi in Syston and that made mum happy.  We picked up their prescriptions from the chemist and afterwards got fish and chips which made for an easy lunch.  Just a shame that dad had a toilet problem as soon as we got into the bungalow which meant by the time mum got to the table we’d already wolfed our little bit of fish, chips and mushy peas and mum’s plate must have been stone cold.

Phil cut the grass and we left Melton around quarter to three.  A good ride back and we were back in MK by 4pm.  I was up bright on early on Saturday morning and did Sainsbury’s, Primark & Lidl before half nine.   I did an hour in DW and then got some bits in Asda.  Phil too had also had a productive morning, he’d booked our transfers and written a letter to dad’s GP.  It was such a lovely day that we decided to walk to the pub for a spot of lunch. I really wanted to go to The Nags Head but Phil made me to the Giffard.  Yesterday afternoon it was domestics, washing, ironing and manicures and pedicures in readiness for our week away.

We have deliberated and deliberated as to whether to go away or not but we finally made a decision on Wednesday.  We did ask Steve & Jan if they wanted to go in our place but the dates didn’t work for Jan.  Also we received an email from Purple Travel on Monday to say that actually the change of name cost wasn’t £35 as originally advised but no, it was £195.  So when you factor in the Ryanair fee on top, the change of name would have cost more than we paid for the holiday in the first place.

And so we are leaving on a jet plane tomorrow morning for a week of escapism in Corfu.  I am feeling a little guilty about leaving mum and dad and there is a worry that something may happen in the week we’re gone but if it does, we shall simply fly home.  I think Phil & I both need a break away, if nothing more but to make us strong enough to face the months ahead.  I have a feeling in my waters that they are not going to be good.....................

Spice up your life!

The choice of my lead photograph may seem a little random but all will become clear a little further on, I promise.  As always, it’s not so easy posting a whole weeks’ worth but I’ll give it a go.  Hear goes. Last Monday Phil got up early and drove to Melton to see mum and dad.  He wanted to go early so he could be there when the social services turned up. Phil had made an appointment for a representative to come and fill out the care allowance forms to see if mum and dad were entitled to any money.  We didn’t think they would be entitled because of their savings and sure enough, they didn’t qualify for a bean but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.  It wasn’t a wasted visit because the social services lady thinks they might be entitled to receive incapacity benefit.

I, on the other hand, had a rather indulgent Monday.  I met up with Billy & Harriet at David Lloyd and Harriet & I signed up for a 2 week membership for only 10 quid.  Phil couldn’t believe I was trying out DL again after we fell out with them so spectacularly a few years ago.  But I was curious to see if the club was as nice as I remembered; besides 10 quid is peanuts and I can never resist a bargain.

Once signed up, I did a short stint in the gym.  The layout has changed since I last went and I have to say the gym equipment is not as good as DW.  Sure they have more machines but quantity is not always quality.     I joined Harriet in the pool and Billy had to leave early to go to work.  

After a shower and change, I treated HH to lunch at The Barge.  This turned out to be a bad choice.  I hadn’t been to this pub in ages and I was disappointed.  The menu was not very exciting and the dishes were expensive.  Harriet opted for the Hunters chicken and I was boring and went for the fish and chips.  I have to say my fish was delicious but Harriet’s dish was bland, it didn’t help that it was served with a hair but we couldn’t rule out that it was one of Harriet’s so we didn’t complain.  Harriet & I went our separate ways after lunch and the rest of my day was uneventful.

On Tuesday, I went back to David Lloyd and managed a fairly good workout even and afterwards I donned my cosie and had a rather exhilarating swim in the outside pool.  And that’s the thing that DL has over most clubs in MK, the pools.  The indoor pool is a good size and its fabulous being able to swim outside in the winter months.  I recognised a few of the members and I see there are still a few yummy mummies and the tennis tribe that still go.  I won’t be signing up though; being able to swim a few lengths in the cold weather just doesn’t warrant the inflated membership fee. Nope, it’s DW all the way for me.

We had homemade chilli and rice for lunch and then drove to Overtone, picking up our post from the Manor on the way to the site.  We’ had just gone over the roundabout by the A45 when we witnessed a police chase, it was most exciting; Phil drove very fast trying to catch up behind the police car so we could see the outcome but in the end we lost them.  That’s the first police chase I have witnessed and amazing that it should happen in the leafy lanes of Overstone.

I was surprised to find both caravans in fairly good nick but then I remembered I had given both of them a very thorough clean before we locked them up.  There were no sign of dampness which was good.  I did give both vans a hoover and we had a chat to our neighbours Vikki & Dennis next door.  They are both nice people and have been very helpful to us since we arrived.  Phil wasn’t in the mood to linger at the caravan so we didn’t stay long.

On Wednesday, Phil picked up Steve early, then they picked up the hire van and drove to High Wycombe to pick up a sofa and an armchair that Phil had found on the internet.  They were a real bargain and looked just like the photographs on the web.  Phil took Steve for lunch at the Manor and then they returned the van.  Thanks Steve for giving up your time and of course for your help.  Certainly saved my back!

Actually I would have gone with Phil but I’d already arranged to go to London with Sue.  We’d booked to see Viva Forever and had got a deal which included a room at the Travel Lodge in Covent Garden and tickets at Piccadilly Theatre.  I could say that I don’t know how we decided to book this particular show, but I won’t lie, it was after a Wednesday session with wine and seemed like a good idea at the time!

The train ride down went like clockwork and we got to our Travel Lodge at 2pm.  They wouldn’t let us check in so we decided to have a drink at the bar.  Big mistake.  We ordered two glasses of Merlot with the intention of only having the one each, when the barmen plonked the bottle on the bar and said if you buy 2 glasses you get the whole bottle.  Oh dear.  We hadn’t even finished our first glass when Sue’s mobile went off and it was the care home to say that the hospital had called to say that the CAT scan her dad had had the week before had shown a lump on his shoulder.  This was a biggie because they’d found a shadow on his lung which they were certain was lung cancer and the lump on Bill’s shoulder is most probably the cancer spreading to his bone.  Unfortunately, Sue knows a thing or two about cancer because of Alan and her dad’s confusion suggests the cancer has spread to her dad’s brain.

So sad; we downed the wine, chucked our bags in our room on the second floor and headed to Covent Garden.  Covent Garden was buzzing and I’d quite forgotten how much I liked it. We walked the square, stopping off to look at various stalls and to listen to some of the music.  It was great but we only had an hour and a half before we had to head back for a quick change.  No rest for the wicked because I’d booked a table at Cotes in the West End.  Our meal was good which was just as well, because only haven eaten a pork pie all day, we were starving.

We thought we’d got loads of time to get to the theatre in Piccadilly Circus but not so, we struggled to find the theatre and everybody we asked, kept pointing us in different directions.  

EVENTUALLY we found the theatre, just giving us barely time to have a wee and grab a drink.  

Our seats weren’t great but they weren’t expensive so we couldn’t really complain.  Now, I don’t really know whether to write this next bit because it makes me out (& Sue) to look like fools, but I must be honest.  How niave where we to think that Viva Forever would actually have the real ‘Spice Girl’s in.  Oh no, can’t believe I have just confessed to that.  But what is worse, is that I’d totally got my wires crossed.  I’d read that the person that produced ‘Mama Mia’ also produced ‘Viva Forever’ which is the reason I wanted to see it but for some weird reason, I thought that the show was about the Spice Girl’s raise to fame.  Wrong.  Wrong on so many levels.

Because we were expecting something else, we both totally didn’t get the first half. Instead we spent the first half trying to work out which Spice girl was which.  Talk about missing the plot, we even got told off from a bloke in front for talking.   Talk about messy.  We sat through the second half, sang along with the songs and finished the evening with a drink in ‘The Punch & Judy’ in Covent Garden. Unfortunately the P&J was dead as a dodo. We stayed for the one and then went back to crash at the hotel.

The plan on Thursday morning was to shop till we dropped, but it was raining, we were tired and hung-over so we pigged out on a full English breakfast, read for a bit in the room and then got the tube back to Euston.  We were lucky and caught the Manchester train and were back in MK by lunchtime. Phil picked us up and took Sue back home.  I felt like chilling out when I got back to the flat but no chance because I had to finish off our end-of-year accounts.  A few hours later and they were done, they were surprisingly easy this year which makes me feel like I have missed something.

It was an early start on Friday and we were on the road and on our way to Maidenhead to see Rashmi, our accountant.  The roads weren’t too busy, I suppose because it was half term.  We were early so we sent to the petrol station for a Costa coffee and a sausage bap.  Naughty but nice.  Rashmi was in good spirits and we enjoyed hearing about his recent trip to Goa.  The meeting went well, Rashmi filed our P35 and gave us our P60’s.  No doubt there will be some queries when he actually gets to vet the accounts but we came away happy.

On Friday night we walked to The Ship Ashore in Willen to meet up with Cameron & Pauline and Sue & Brian.  We were there for a meal to celebrate Cameron’s birthday the day before. Aside from the breakfast bap, I hadn’t eaten very much but come dinner and I just wasn’t hungry so I just had some breads, some of Sue’s mushrooms and a cheese board.  It was a nice evening but not late one which was just as well because I had to drive the following day.

I left the flat before 8am on Saturday and got to Melton by half nine only to find Phil’s mum in a real flap.  The carer was there and they hadn’t even had their breakfast.  Apparently the carers had been coming in early and disturbing their breakfast so mum had decided to do breakfast after the carers had been.  George was much the same, sleeping most of the time but very confused when awake.  But it was mum I was concerned about; caring for dad has taken its toll, her arthritis has flared up and sciatica has kicked off.  She winced in pain with every step she took and it was very sad to see.  Thankfully she did let me do jobs. I stripped the bed, remade the bed, did 2 washes, got everything dry on the line and did all the ironing. I helped with lunch, cleaned the windows, went through the post and hovered all through. After I left I knocked on Joan’s door to drop off a card.  She invited me in and it gave me a chance to thank her for all her help with mum and dad.  I got home after 5pm and Saturday night was Cracker recordings and a fairly early night.

It was so nice to see the sun and blue skies yesterday.  I went to the gym, did some domestics and Jan & Steve picked us up at 1pm.  Jan had booked a curry and a pint Groupon deal at the rugby club near Westcroft.  We had a drink at Jan & Steve’s house before walking to the rugby club.  It was a nice if not a little muddy walk to the club, such a lovely day.  It was only 4 quid a head for a curry and a drink so we didn’t have any high expectations, but do you know what, the curry was really good.  We had a few drinks and then a few more back at Jan & Steve’s.  I am not sure what time the taxi got us back to the flat but judging my head, I think a good time was had by all. Thanks guys!

This blog has gone on and on and I really most sign off and get on.  Phil sees the consultant at 12.50 pm @ MK General so it’s a big day and I really do need to get my head together.

Karaoke, Thai & the old folks

Once again another week has whizzed me by and a start of a new month.  I do sometimes wonder where the times goes and how I manage to fill my days especially when I don’t have a project to work on.  I am spending a lot of my time worrying about Phil’s mum and wondering how much longer she can carry on looking after dad at home.  The carers are helping and at least she has someone to chat to but it’s not nearly enough.  Poor mum is now having to sleep in the same bed as dad as he has gone all nocturnal and is up for the most of the night.  Not surprisingly considering he is asleep for most of the day.  Getting old is no fun.

Phil went down on Tuesday to Melton and had a good visit.  Dad seemed a little better and Phil was kept busy with jobs that his mum wanted him to do. He fixed the washing machine and took mum to Tesco’s and to the doctor’s surgery to put in her prescription. I stayed home and did domestics in the flat, I had wanted to go to the gym but that didn’t happen.

On Wednesday I went with Sue to see Dr Medhi at MK General; he was the first doctor to start all of her investigations.  It is quite an experience going to Sue’s appointments, because her condition is so rare, she is being used as a case study in various medical fields and we get treated with almost fame notoriety. Sue has been discussed at a conference in America and the cardiology at MKG is writing a journal which he hopes to publish in the medical world.  Sue won’t be named, she’ll just be referred to as ‘white female 54 year old woman’ but it will be interesting to read.  She has asked for copies.

I did make it to the gym on Thursday morning which is the first time in a while and it wasn’t too painful.  Phil picked up Georgina and took her to see her grandparents.  I had a snack for lunch and then picked up Sue and we drove to her appointment with Professor Grossman at Oxford.  We had a good run in although not enough time to grab a cup of tea in the main building.  The Professor commented on how well Sue looked and gave her the all clear; he also pronounced her as ‘normal’ although I’m not sure I would agree with that! We managed to avoid the rush hour by the skin of our teeth and I got back to the flat before half five.

I was feeling jaded from a late night on Wednesday and not feeling much like going out but I’d promised to join Sue, Brian, George and Pauline for karaoke at The Canon in Wolverton.  Sue, Pauline & George got up to sing but thank goodness, I didn’t.  There was much persuasion from the others but the ones that did get up were very good, almost professional which put me off.  It was fun and a ‘one off’ but we won’t be going back or at least I won’t.

Phil went to the doctors for the results of his blood tests but the new computerised appointment system didn’t work and the surgery had no record of his appointment.  It was a shame really because I was keen to find out his PSA result. Never mind he is booked in to go back on the 17^th.  Actually he will get his results before that as we are going to see the consultant on the 15^th  at MKG.

Friday was a lazy day just catching up but Friday night was good.  We joined Brian & Sue for a glass of Proseco at Sue’s house and then Phil drove us over to The Blue Orchid in Aspley Guise.  The meal was part of Sue’s birthday celebrations.  This girl certainly has celebrated her 55^th and with good reasons after all the shit she has been through.  Phil said that Sue has had more birthday celebrations than the queen!  The Blue Orchid was packed out; we were there on a Groupon coupon which seemed a like a good deal but probably not so cheap when you factor in a few bottles of wine.  The food was really good and we had a great night.  Sue treated us to supper so cheers for that girlfriend, we owe you one!

It wasn’t a late night which was just as well because I had to drive to Melton on Saturday morning. I wasn’t up that early, I was on the road before 9 and landed in Melton about half tenish.  Only to find poor mum in a terrible state when I got there; she’d been up all night and the lifting with dad has made her arthritis ten worse.  It was obvious she was in great pain.  The slightest of effort made her wince and a couple of times she nearly lost her balance.  Of course she doesn’t help herself and is up and down like a yo yo. I helped with lunch, hung the washing out, hovered the bungalow and took her to Tesco.  I came away feeling useless though, what she really needs is help with dad and his personal care.  She is depressed and it’s obvious to me that things can’t carry on as they are.

All in all, our weekend has been quite depressing.  Phil went over to the caravan on Saturday whilst I was at mum and dads and I had wanted to go to the caravan yesterday but Phil wasn’t keen.  He hasn’t been sleeping and didn’t get up until after 10 and by the time breakfast and showers were done, half the day was gone.  So our Sunday was a day full of nothingness, shame really because it was such a nice day and it would have been nice to be and out and about.  But sadness and nothingness just about sums up how I am feeling right now in time.  I’ve got a couple of socials this week which should be fun but I am thinking come Saturday, I might just take to my bed.  I feel like hiding from the world.

Before and after Easter

I seemed to have lost last week.  It didn’t help mind you that on Monday morning I woke up with a stinking cold.  It definitely wasn’t flu but more irritating than the runny nose was the brain fog.  It made even making the smallest of decisions painful.  In the afternoon I popped into the Mobility shop in Newport to get a few things to help Phil’s dad.  This is my first experience with incontinence and the man in the shop wasn’t that helpful.  Still, I came away with incontinence pants, pads and a waterproof cover for dad’s armchair.  These few items cost 45 quid but if they help then the cost is irrelevant.

Phil went down to see his mum and dad on Tuesday.  I sent him down with a chicken casserole that  I’d made the day before to save mum from cooking.  Phil said his mum liked it but the smell of it made Phil’s dad feel sick so he just ate his pudding.  I was expecting social services to call round to do a home assessment but they didn’t turn up at the time they said they would.  I phoned them again and they said they would be out on Thursday. 

On Wednesday I drove down to Surrey for an overnight stop over with Christine my ex boss.  Paul was away playing golf and she was keen for me to see their new house.  I had cancelled once before and did think about cancelling again because of my cold but I thought this would be rude.  Luckily the M1 and M25 were fairly clear so I had a good run down.  Unfortunately the heating in the car made my cold worse and I was coughing and spluttering like crazy.  It was nice to catch up with Christine but I had wished that I’d just gone down for lunch. The dogs remembered me which was sweet but it was a long visit and obvious to me that Christine and I really don’t have a whole lot in common these days.  Friendships have to be nurtured but sometimes you can’t go back in time. Sometimes you need to fast forward.

I had a good run home on Thursday and was back in time for lunch, lamb chops and mash, one of my favourites.  After lunch, Phil phoned mum to see how she’d got on with social services only to find out that once again they hadn’t been.  I saw red and got on the phone and gave them what for.  It did the trick and later in the afternoon they went round with some equipment and the promise of daily carers starting on Good Friday.  The carer came round and George had his first body wash since coming out of hospital.

We have had a rather indulgent Easter in spite of Phil’s dad’s failing health.  I left home at half past seven on Saturday morning and got to Melton by 9am which was fairly good going seeing as I went the back way.  Phil’s mum was okay, a bit tearful and obviously exhausted from disturbed nights.  I have to say I was shocked at how much George had deteriorated since I last saw him.  He was totally reliant on the walking frame and not able to get to the toilet or his bedroom without mum’s help.  He cannot even feed himself.  While I was there, the carer came and gave him a wash.  It is a help for Phil’s mum and at least she gets to see someone every day albeit for a short while. It is so very sad and I felt so guilty leaving the pair of them to fend for themselves.

It was Sue’s birthday on Sunday and she decided to celebrate with a house party.  Steve & Jan picked us up at the flat and we were the first guests to arrive on Saturday night.  No surprise, Sue was totally organised and ready for her guests.  It was an unusual party in that lots of different people that didn’t really know anyone but I think it worked.  I had a good time anyway and so did Phil.  The food looked great, just a shame that I forgot to eat anything.

One of Sue’s friends Tom, decided that he was going to be waxed in aid of the British Heart Foundation.  It was interesting that only the female guests went upstairs to watch and to be game, I did a couple of strips and quite enjoyed inflicting pain.  It was a bit uncomfortable watching Jenna waxing Tom’s nipple especially as he was dressed in the smallest of white briefs but it was for charity and I think he raised £200.  Well done Tom but now I know for sure that you are totally bonkers!

I think most guests left around midnight but no surprise, Phil & I along with Tom & Lynne were the last guests to leave.  Phil had a tidy up while me and Lynne put Sue to bed;  we shared a taxi home and I think it was 4am by the time me and Phil climbed into bed.  We really could have done without the clocks going forward but you only have one life and sometimes you have to live it.  I tried to phone Sue to see if she needed help clearing up but it went straight to answerphone so I pulled on some clothes and went round anyway.  Lynne was already there and Sue had already started the cleaning up.  The damage wasn’t too bad considering she’d had 60 guests in her house. I did some bleaching and some hovering and then went back home to shower.

Phil was feeling very sorry for himself and it was like raising the dead but somehow I managed it and were back round Sue’s for about quarter to one.  I told Sue she was mad when she inviting us for Sunday lunch with her family but she choose to ignore me.  We opened the wine deciding hair of the dog was the order of the day.  Sue’s family turned up at half one and she somehow pulled off a lovely roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings for 10 people.  Phil helped a little in the kitchen and then Stuart and Matt helped clear up afterwards. 

It was great fun only spoilt a little by a phone call from Phil’s mum just before we ate lunch.  Apparently dad hadn’t been able to pee and she’d phoned the emergency doctor.  We phone mum at least 3 times a day to check up and I’d told her that we were at Sue’s yesterday afternoon.  The emergency doctor wanted dad to go to hospital but somehow mum got dad to pee and hospitalisation was avoided.  For now.  I fell asleep on the sofa after we got back from Sue’s and we had an early night but Phil couldn’t sleep even though he was knackered so he got up.  It’s a familiar pattern these days but not surprising with all the worry of mum and dad.

I could easily have been a couch potato yesterday but it was not to be because I had invited Harriet for lunch.  I did Harriet’s favourite roast chicken and I think it was okay. The afternoon was slob out with films on the sofa.  I do like to party but unfortunately it takes me days to recover.

It doesn’t work when I don’t blog for over a week because I have too much shit to write in one posting and I tend to go on and on, just like today.  Phil got up early this morning and being a good son has already left for Melton.  I got a few ready meals to take down because I think if George doesn’t eat then neither will Bet. I haven’t gone down although I did think about it.  I need to get my life in order, catch up with some domestics and get back into a normal routine.  Normal is good, right?