Better

Gosh, well I am getting better even if it is sometimes difficult to express in words. OK I just had a bath. Got out, standing in the bathroom. First of all I was bending over to dry both shins/calves without having to hold on for balance, summat I couldn't do a month or 6 weeks ago. THEN I was able to dry my right leg with my right hand, summat I haven't been able to do for nearly 12 years

Shopping

And we went out today and tried to find the shop on the corner of the market where I bought eye patches in the past but couldn't find it anywhere. We looked all around town and couldn't find any pirate eye patches

Dinner

And I made our usual Friday night dinner and had naan bread pizza and chips. Just yum yum in the extreme

Gym

And went back to an actual Gym class today and it was run by Sam. And when I was there she got me to do that getting down to the floorband then back up thing and even I am astonished at how much easier it is now. And she commented on how much thinner I am which was nice. Even the stepping up and over thing is so much easier now.

I was torn, I really like the benefits of gym but doing the actual exercises is mind boggling dull

Aardvarking

So we went to Aardvark and did most of my weeks shopping. Will go to supermarket on Sunday and get the rest

Biting Nails

So after breakfast I got stuck into a session of biting my nails. But it hasn't been a 'bad habit' for some years now, I looked at my hands, thought "Them" and bit 3 of my finger nails, so now they are all of acceptable length

And now I won't bite them again until they need it

Short Term Memory Improving

So I got up  s'morning and left my bedroom, I thought "On the way to kitchen got my iPod thingy from where it has been plugged in in't living room", got it and then opened the door into the kitchen

• So my short term memory is better about some stuff some of the time

Gym

Then after lunch we went to gym. Oh such fun, but I did my exercises and cycling

Bungalowing

So s'morning we had nowt to do so we went over exploring an empty house which actually seems to fit all my criteria, including price. And while we were parked out the front we met one of the neighbours and it seemed pleasant

Multi Shopping

When we were on our way back from the house we called into 2 shops, first of all to Tesco for some more sweet potato oven chips then to Farmfoods to pick up more Linda McCartney and there we discovered big tubs of Thorntons Ice Cream for next to nothing so I had to buy a couple of those.

I have just had my first half a tub and it was delicious 

House

And we popped up to look at this new house tonight, it looks nice but it is miles away from anywhere. Dunno if that would be a problem for me, I don't see any friends here, but dunno, I am a bit scared to invest in somewhere even more isolating

Got It

And we went and got my new car s'morning. It is good, slightly bigger than the old one, ultra filtered Diesel, and I can get in and out no problem

• It is nice

Gym-ing

And about lunchtime we decided to take on a busy gym and it was OK. First of all we got Sam (yes, she is still back) to add some other machines to my key that is supposed to measure how much I do, then went off and did 3 machines then 20 minutes cycling.

Right Hand

So earlier I was walking with my walky-stick in my right hand. Which I am a bit gob smacked about, yes it is slower etc but I just couldn't manage it a few weeks ago, a few months ago, a few years ago or even 15 years ago

PIN

And Denyse emailed me today with my PIN for the car. Not too excited but...... I feel a bit strange. I was given a car 3 years ago, given, and I have used and abused it, now I will give it back and be given another

Bankers

And we had to go to Lloyd's TSB and tell 'em that my petty cash card had stopped working. She looked at it in a machine and said "Yes, will order u a new one, confirm your address?" but there was no confusion with Anthony's address and name etc, so I should get it in a few days. So I will have to transfer cash to my account to cover the deposit for my car and pay it on my card but that's fine

Hooray

And we went swimming today. (*****). Oh it was such fun being in a way too busy swimming pool with loads of kids. But we did it, 4 lengths and loads of stretches and balances which even impress me

Out

And we went out tonight in SmallPaul's new van as I don't have enough diesel in't car and am too tight fisted to fill it up, it goes back in 2 days and I will get a new car then. Anyway we headed to Haverford West which is where SP lives as he had seen a closed down shop where the C had come off the sign, leaving it a bit more appropriate for me

Shopping

So me and SmallPaul went shopping s'morning as it seems a bit better on Sunday. But the fresh naan bread would be off but as we had already looked in the frozen section we had that instead

Cooking

And I was cooking with my right hand much more tonight again, it still doesn't work as well or as comfortably as my left hand but it is so much better than it was a time ago so we need to keep practising

Roasting

And we are having roasted veg for dinner again tonight but the veg have been changing over the last few weeks, different ones coming into season etc

Potential

So me and Gareth nipped out to have a first look at a property, it is a bit out of the way but has potential. Dunno..... but it is cheaper because it is out of the way....

Then we saw another which had potential, then another, all 3 have potential if they are not leaping out at me. And one of the last 2 was in a street called Gelli Aur (Golden Grove) which was the name of the place I went to college and did my HND

Making Pizza

So I made pizza for dinner tonight (as I always do on a Friday). Now I was grating cheese when I suddenly realised, I was using my right hand!! So it is becoming habit again, after how many years?

Spending Loads

And before that we had gone to Aardvark, parked in a bay a bit up the street and appeared at shop on my own two feet. And today as well as apple and banana I brought some dates which are proving delicious as this meals fruit/veg section

She's Back

So then in gym class Sam was back. Gareth was still "running" the class with her assisting and it went well. I got down on the floor (second attempt) which she has never seen and she was impressed with my general movement and weight loss. And I think I was still turning up for class in my 'chair when I saw her last whereas today I went to gym without it

Got Cash

And my new petty cash arrived s'morning and I am struggling with "Not taking up their expensive/important time reading emails from Neil that just say Ta"

I'm So Excited

Tonight we are going out to... (noisy link)

And it was good, someone who wasn't there last month said "How long is it since I saw you?" as I wasn't there month before that..... just generally it was well good and did include a new singer who wasn't in the habit of singing in public but was excellent

AND they were proud to tell me, they had a vegetarian (actually vegan) bitter beer on sale. VBG, it's good to make a difference

Denyse-ing

So Paul had to do my feet early today as when he is still in handover Denyse might arrive.

She is bringing my will for me to sign and I wanna ask her about digicam courses

Phew she is gone now. We signed my will and about a dozen other pieces of paper but now it's done and witnessed. Denyse talked about me doing the photography course, with someone videoing it and with a special round neck cam which is designed for folk with memory issues and apparently it works dead well

Big Walky

And because gym was full of kids doing some kind of swimming exhibition today me and SmallP went for a walk over the Pont King Morgan footbridge in Carmarthen. Then when we walked all the way to the other side we turned back and crossed it again. It was good exercise. SP pushed my wheelchair and I didn't sit in it until half way back when I sat down for 5 minutes, didn't move and got back on my feet and walked back to the car

Early Gym

It wasn't in my diary to go 'til later but as it' the summer holidays we went to gym over lunchtime today. I did 3 stretching/lifting exercises then my 20 mins on the bike. It is still difficult but definately easier than in the past

And once more we left the house with no wheelchair in't boot

And while I was there I bumped into Sam, yes, she's back. She commented on how much thinner I look today as opposed to the 2 months ago when she saw me last, she commented on "Where's your wheelchair?" and how cruel she was gonna be to me on Friday

Right Hand Again

I tried walking s'morning with my 'stick in my right hand but it proved impossible. Later, after Alex had fitted my FES I tried again and it was well possible. Dunno if it is the FES making a difference of whether I was just trying before I had woken up properly, I will see tomorrow.

But for now, in the house, I am walking with my walking stick in my right hand. My posture is better etc, it is just better

AND it seems to have improved my "walking more uprightly, not leaning over one way" when holding my stick in my left hand (see the pic of me holding it straight down), so......

Here we go....

Not Buying That

So it's on the market, possibly a bit too dear even for me, and an anti bungalow, so no ta, not this year

Wow

Just wow, what a session with the physio lady. First of all she has been working with me for 2 years and she said that my walking today was the best she has ever seen.

Then after a bit more walking practice she got me to start walking with my walking stick in my right hand. What a difference, I am more upright, better at walking (although much slower for now) just WOW, what progress. So she said "Practice this and I will see you in a fortnight"

AM

And it is a quiet morning today, then after lunch the Physio lady is coming to see me and no doubt.......

Out

So me&Paul went out tonight, to see how far away Kidwelly was.  Then we drove thru 3 town centers looking for an open shop to buy some ice cream which we found in the in Spar in Kidwelly, after looking elsewhere. And it was half melted anyway

Quiet Day

A quiet day. So s'morning Paul said "Supermarket today?" not knowing that we had to sneak in on Friday

Mended?

Well it's working in the kitchen now, I haven't been on my PC yet but...

And I have just (had a poo then) come into the living room and it all works, so shrug

Aargh

So on my  PC and the iPad in the kitchen my webspace has disappeared but on the iPad in my bedroom, it still works. Puzzled

Quiet

So nowt on today, a quiet day

Super-dooper-market

So while we were at the supermarket s'afternoon a chap came to try to deliver summat. I had asked them to leave it and they did. So my new blueberry protector is protecting them

Aardvark-ing

So s'morning is my biggest shop trip to Aardvark, followed by a gym class. Dunno if Sam is back this week or next but......

Well they sold me loadsa stuff, so ta to them. As we were advised by Timmy we park on the double yellow lines outside the shop, walk in, do my shopping and walk back to the car

Then just before lunch we had to go back to the "Last Samless" class at gym. I think that she hasn't seen me for 2.5 months she is going to be astonished at what I can do now. I was being a bit astonished myself since last weeks  class

And I had my FES fitted but didn't switch it on today

And then as I have to go to the supermarket to pick up some blueberries later (they had none in Aardvark s'morning) I figure I might as well do my whole weeks shop, I think I will be able to get stuff with a long enuf date

Gym (again)

So I went to gym and 20 minutes on the bike, it was well hot. But I noticed again that my knee isn't turning in, like it wasn't when Paul took a photo on Tuesday

And I didn't have my FES fitted, but we went without my 'chair and I walked in

Heat

So it was so hot last night that I took my trousers off before bed. But that only let out about 8 inches of leg between my boxer shorts and my sockings
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Wonky Mind

And I woke up with my wonky memory s'morning and still remembered to walk into the living room first and take the iPad off charging and bring it into the kitchen

No Pissing Often

And I seem to be able to wait reasonable length of time between pisses, as I was in't 'wimming pool s'morning, so I am going for my nap now, piss first and wait and see

And it seems to have worked, no infection today

 

'Wimming

So me & Timmy went swimming s'morning and.... and.... it wasn't too bad.

There were plenty of kids there but not too many, although they did nick our floats

How To????

 

Out Again

And we went to look at another house tonight and I think I like it and wanna buy it. Hopefully Denyse can come and look at it when she is here on 31st and then put stuff in motion

Gym

Then we went to gym early but it was too hot to do anything but cycle but I managed 20 minutes
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Out

So we went to look at one house s'morning and the house looked promising but I am put off by the pylon wire thingy at the end of the garden
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Right Hand

So I got up s'morning and on the way to the kitchen I called into the living room to fetch my iPad which had been charging. As usual I carried it in my right hand and held my 'stick in my left. So I reached the table where it sits on a stand. Then today, for the first time ever(1) I didn't prop up my stick and use my left hand to put it on, I just used my right hand to move it about a foot forward and a bit up and set it on the base, my right hand

So obviously everything is getting better, just so slowly...

(1) Ever, I didn't own one of these before my accident, so the first time ever

Allergic To Swimming Pool

So today I behaved just like after I went swimming last week but it finished quicker today. So after my swim and lunch etc I went to bed for my nap. I had a pee then went to bed. But 20 minutes later I had to get up and pee again. Then after another 20 mins of sleep I went to the loo again. Since then my bladder has calmed down but I couldn't hold it in earlier, even a 20 minutes later so small pee.

But it's back to normal now....

Out

So me and Alex "went out for a bit" early s'evening. First of all we found a coffee shop and had a coffee there then we went exploring and went to another obscure shop which didn't have what we were looking for, but did sell us some bird bath thingy

Looking

So me and Paul are going to look at 2 bungalows tomorrow, we have made appointments with estate agents etc

'Wimming

So we went swimming today, yes it was crowded with kids (now it's the summer holidays) but we managed, mostly exercises not lengths but we did get 3 lengths done

And I did that jumping up and down exercise, it's getting easier every time

Actually I would praise todays swimming session.... "No Neil, shhh"

Shopping

So we went out to Morrison's s'morning and the old Tesco's for some cleaning stuff. This evening we went to look at a couple of houses, one of which seemes rather nice and the other of which had no mobile signal

Mowing

Then Gareth was cutting the grass today but I had to stop him, walk over and take over. It was very hard, walking on an uneven surface but I managed, I even kept the mower on target

Under 17

And at last, after 3 weeks at 17-1 I weighed 16-13 today

VBG

Shopping

So as we had to go out to Morrison's Stores to pick up some soap for the staff loo and then, as we were in town, I suggested that we try that "T" place to get some Sweet Potato Oven Chips which are a bit delicious and slimming too

I Recalled How

And I remembered s'morning how to...... so I took the lead out of the pretend plug thingy, plugged it into a socket on the front of my PC (having already removed another lead) plugged it into my Kindle and copy and pasted a book from M: drive onto my Kindle

Wedi Gorffen

I have just finished my book, which is a novel occurance since my accident, but VBG

Right Hand

So I was cooking pizza for dinner. There I was chopping mushrooms when suddenly I thought "With my right hand!". I hadn't decided to use my right hand instead of my left, it was just force of habit.

So my old habits are waking up once more

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Razing

And I had another shave with my new razor s'morning and just wow it works so much better than my previous....

Busy Morning

So I need to go get my weekly shopping in Aardvark then go off to the Drs to have an injection in my bum then to my gym class, the only one I actually attand a class

Then catch my breath and relax

Well, first of all I was wheelchaired across the road to Aardvark, I left my wheelchair outside then did my shopping. Then we put the shopping in't boot and went to the Drs and I walked in there and stood up while she injected my arse. It doesn't hurt at all now, obviously she was good and steady handed.

Now we came home, put my shopping away and we will be at gym in about 20 minutes 

And on reflection we had to go back to Aardvark to but the rest of the veg that we forgot s'morning. My excuse is the assistant was so beautiful that I was eager to see her

Out - chairless

And we went to our local pub tonight and when I walked in there a local commented on "Where's your wheelchair?" which was nice

Visitors

And Julia's parents came in to see me today. And Brian, who I saw last year, commented on how much better I was.

Which was nice as I can't tell how much better I am getting...

Physio-ing

Then we had a long session with Sara Davis the physio. She txted me s'morning and said 'Shall we paddle today?' but as my ex- inlaws are coming to visit me I wouldn't have time. So we did loads of practicing walking with no walking stick which if difficult was very good

'Wimming

And we went off and did 4 lengths swimming, loads of jumping up and down and being pushed nearly over. OK, it wasn't 'over' but if my balance wasn't so good it would have been

And I had a bit of an issue with the shower at the changing room

Walking

And I am walking today without an FES being fitted and without a s(t)ocking being fitted because we are off to the swimming pool in a bit, but I am so impressed with how little my right foot is turning over the wrong way. Dunno what or who to thank but a combination of factors have worked big style

Napping

And it feels odd but nice. Firmer (but no phnaar phnaar)
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And it feels odd, the mattress is about an inch thicker than the old one and it seems really strange getting on to my own feet as the floor is further away...

Nap-worthy

So I am just about to go for a bath and my first nap on my new mattress

Gym-ming

Off now.....

And oh what fun we had. So first of all I did 3 exercise machines then 20 minutes on the bike. It's definitely the right way round to do it, after cycling I would have no energy for machines but t'other way round I have some for the bike, after 10 mins I am knackered but I just carry on

And we left my wheelchair here and went without it. Walking is still difficult and slow but I am 100 times better at it, I find it easier, than last week

And today we were walking in thru the café when we were called by 3 women from Tuesday class who recognised me. "Where's your wheelchair?" they said, they haven't seen me since I was attached to my 'chair so were just generally pleased and praise worthy to see me on my own 2 feet

Deliverer

So I was half way thru eating breakfast s'morning when my mobile rang. It was a chap saying "We weii be with you within an hour", then after I finished my coffee and about another 12 minutes the mattress delivery people arrived. We had just finished taking the old one off and putting it in the garage when the new one came. They dropped in into the bedroom then Timmy took charge. I have only sat on it so far but it felt really comfy.

So when Paul has recovered and is back at work we can put the old one in the back of his van and take it to t'tip

Hooray

Off swimming in a bit, hip hip......

(swear word)

And it wasn't too unpleasant, yes, chaotic and grubby but not too bad, I am so much better

Sandwitches

Then we went down to the park looking for this gig. We couldn't find it, there was some kind of war re-enactment thingy on in the main bit so we were about to head off. I said "Can u push me to the loo first?" so we went right round behind the wartime actors then suddenly heard music, Sandwitch were playing to almost no-one on the other side but by god they were excellent with it

Toast And....

So earlier on today because my usual lunch stuff of bread rolls had ran out I took 2 pieces of bread out of the freezer (OK yesterday but...) and had it for lunch today(1). It was lovely, toasted with jam which I did all the 'putting it on' myself

(1) We shopped before lunch time today but that wasn't planned, so I had to eat defrosted bread for lunch anyway

More Reasons To Shop At.....

So we nipped to Morrison's s'morning to get a few bits to let me relax tomorrow morning etc. So when we went in there was a woman stood in front of us, with a big trolley to fill up with food, and her 2 yo daughter standing picking up a basket. Mummy was saying summat along the lines of "Put that back, hold onto the trolley" so I got stuck in. I caught daughters attention, held my hands out and said "Can I have that basket please?", she didn't even hesitate, held her hands out and said "Here you are"

So I carried that basket around and filled it with my shopping

Knife

And when I was cooking tonight I actually used the full sized 'bread' knife to chop the vegetables instead of the much smaller knifes I have been using for ages. Dunno why, at a guess I was just too scared of not being able to handle the big knife but it is actually much easier to use, with a longer cutting stroke too

Emergency Shopping

Then we had to go shopping to buy some more "cover your plants" stuff and it seems to have worked, Alex had to get stuck in with scissors and string but it seems to have worked now

Tomorrow

And we were a bit confused. Alex said "Shall we go out today" but it turns out he was mistaken, where he planned to take me was on tomorrow but it does seem relatively good, and I hope Gareth will enjoy it too tomorrow

Little Old Lady

Sara Bailey came into check on my "speech and language" and my swallowing and choking etc s'morning and was very pleased and positive. I last choked about 5 months ago and her 'eat like this' methods have become second nature for me now.

So it was a positive visit

Busy Morning

So at about half past ten when they had finished the handover me and Gareth went to look at a house. It wasn't bad, it needed some work but I came away being relatively positive. So when Denyse is back from holiday next week I will ask her to come and look

Then I went to gym and did my usual workout. When he was doing the lift arms exercise I was impressed, my right arm now lifts as far as my left. It takes a lot more effort to get it there but it goes

Then we nipped to Aardvark and spent loads on food etc

It was nearly 3 o'clock by the time we got home but a useful days activity compressed into a morning 

Out Tonight

And we went out tonight (as I couldn't see to cook) and used up the £25 voucher I won last time. Which was nice

Clinic

And we got ta go out s'afternoon to a diabetes clinic where they are going to...... dunno

And they put some eye drops in and took photos of both eyes. Dunno why but she will send the results here when she knows.

Now I can't see, not to drive or use heavy machines....

And I can read emails again now, we have been out for a couple of hours now my eye works again

Looking At Houses

And we went out s'morning 7 miles north of Carmarthen, OK it seemed like 20 miles but we were only 7 away and went to look at a house. But it was beautiful but too many stairs inside, up and down.

On the way back we went to look at another house that Timmy had seen on the 'web s'morning and it looked well worth a second view, so we will have to phone agents etc etc. It is bigger than it looks in pic, it goes far back

And after a phone call we will go and meet them tomorrow morning

Tongue Brushing

And as instructed by my dentist today I have just, for the first time in my life, brushed my tongue after my teeth
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Walkies

So we took my wheelchair to the dentist but left it in the car. I walked in and the lady behind the counter noticed and commented. On the way in I took the long way round, avoiding the steps, but on the way out I walked up about 8 steps and across the car park to my car

Dentistry

And I am off in half an hour to see my dentist for another checkup

And I saw the hygenist and then the dentist and just "Wow" I didn't need any fillings etc, not one

Agents On T'Phone

And my phone rang s'morning, I answered it and it was an estate agent telling my that they have made an appointment for me to look at the house tomorrow morning

Camera Everywhere

And today I took a picture in the loo. When I had my old Nikon I would have set it down and nipped to the loo but nowadays my digi-cam is in my bumbag, it travells everywhere with me

Foot

So s'afternoon I went to bed for my nap. I dried myself after my bath and lay down on the bed. As it is summer I was able to lie there without pulling covers over. I was warm enough, my left foot was, my boll#cks were, my hands were but my right foot, the one with the bent over toes, felt freezing

Gym

And we went to gym s'afternoon and it was as much fun as ever. We decided to do my other exercises first before the cycling and I think that was good, after cycling first I am too knackered to do exercises.

Woe Is Me(1)....

So in a couple of weeks I will do longer able to go swimming as it will be too busy with school holidaying kids....

(1) or should that be "Wow" or other happy chappy noises

Dunno

Perhaps this new one is worth it, pop over and have a look s'afternoon

No wasn't, house looked OK but the garden was well hilly.

However we received another email s'afternoon so we will pop over and have a look

And the last one seemed rather nice, 4 miles further away from Carmarthen but very good all round. So he will phone 'em in't morning and make arrangements for a proper viewing

'Wimming

So me and SmallPaul went off swimming s'morning and it wasn't as bad as expected. I got on well with the new x-r-cises I have been told to practice... and it is just not as scary as it used to be
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More Reasons To Shop At......

Well as me and SmallChap will probably be busy tomorrow I'd better go shopping today. First I need to finish salad etc with lunch then hopefully I will get a fresher one....

(noisy second link)

Fever

And it occurs to me that I have been suffering from hay fever this year but I haven't had any medication, just frequent blowing nose etc. This is how I remember being before my accident so possibly that is calming back down once more

Hopefully

Paranoia

So I was cooking the dinner, roast veg. Ed said "Make sure it's not overcooked like last times" but as I had just added the Linda McCartney Sausages I couldn't say "It's ready now"

But phew, it had been cooked for half an hour less than last time and it was all delicious tonight

Cut it off, it's all grey

So as Ed is working today I had another haircut. Which was fine etc.

But before he cut it I went for a look in the mirror, summat I haven't done much of recently. So I looked at my hair and thought that when Gareth had cut it last he had taken all the colour away, it looks grey now

It Sucks

ABI sucks, big style