Happy Christmas

Well this last few days have been a bit up and down. Down in the respect that I have picked up a dose of sinusitus again, just what I don't need during the break on chemo, hopefully the antibiotics I have from the docs will clear it enough for me to have my next round of treatment, which happens to be the halfway point already. I'm quite excited about that as it means that my scan is not far away and we will be able to see how well the chemo is working, so fingers crossed.

It has been up becuase Christmas is nearly here, and it's one of my favourite times of the year with the kids, family and of course friends. Last year was pretty rubbish if I am honest as it was during the "tough" part of my chemo. This year apart from the cough, all should be ok, so I plan to make the most of it.

Yesterday I took Freja driving again, and its remarkable the amount of progress she has made in one week, I was very  confortable with her driving, and at this rate she will pass in no time, no pressur ethere then Sis!!!

Anyway, I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year whatever you are doing and whoever you are with, and that the New Year brings you everything you dream off.

12.12.12

Today is the 12th December, or 12.12.12, or my daughter Freja's 17th birthday. Happy birthday darling and I hope your first driving lesson with JEM Driving  http://www.drivejem.co.uk/  or Aunty Emma as we know her, goes well this afternoon.

Monday saw me have round 2 of my chemo, so that's 30% of the way there. They cannot tell if it's working yet until I have my next CT scan at the end of round 3, so towards the end of January, but they are not concerned about anything at the moment. I still have very few side affects, just tiredness, and I think my hair may be starting to go, as I have lost a few strands the last couple of days. At least the forecast is to get warmer though.

Over the last coupe of weeks, I have been busy getting on and enjoying things, Christmas and birthday shopping, going to my allotment and enjoying the outside, and watching Max and Leisha playing football. Leisha has a cup semi final this weekend and I hope to be over the tiredness enough to go, ad they have beaten the top teams to A&E it this far so have a grate chance to make the final.we have also had parents evening at school for both Freja and Anya, and I am so proud of them doing so well, given everything they have to deal with.

Looking forward to Christmas and New Year, this should be a much happier for me, not least as I will be at the end of this round of chemo and should be feeling quite good. Last year was very tough. I plan to cook Christmas dinner as usual, last year was the first time in early 20 years I didn't cook, and I found it very tough, just sitting and being quiet. This year we are having turkey from Holborn's in Nutfield, and and old cut of beef called an H or Aitch cut. Grandad used to say it was the best roasting joint so we are giving it a go. Of course we do our own ham as usual, so I will be busy from Sunday onwards preparing the meal. If anyone is around and wants to call in, please do. My next chemo s scheduled for New Years Eve but this has been moved to 2nd January, so we can celebrate New Year too.

Every few days Sarah posts me a little message on facebook, and one last week really captured our feelings over this whole episode in our lives. It came with a cute picture I can't add here, but the quote is "Don't count the days, make the days count".

Probably wont update again until next week, but be safe everyone

round 2 part 1 update

Well that's the first part of round 2 over, I hope, and its been much easier than last time, thank goodness, but we still have been very busy.

The treatment itself seems to be easier on me, I really have only had soem tiredness hit me, Friday afternoon to be exact. It really abated yesterday, as we went down to the town and did some shopping, it was good to get some outside air, and for once the sun came out, but only for 2 minutes. Apart from that, its actually been ok, although I know it may get worse as the number of rounds progresses and the cumulative affects kick in, but fingers crossed that will be fine too.

So I say we have been busy and I mean the royal we, as I have actually not done much at all. Saturday saw Ross and Norman turn up bright and early, and 4 hours later Freja and Leisha had a new wardrobe built and installed. Surprisignly, as Ross built half of it, it's still standing, so Norman did a good job "advising" him. Sunday saw the girls get the remainder of their clothes from storage and put away.

Saturday also saw Sarah go to see Robbie Williams with good friend Michelle. Michelle thank you so much for letting Sarah join you, she had a really great time. Paul took them up to the O2 and Freja went too, to have dinner and a trip to the cinema with Paul, who is her godfather. However she was a little put out that Paul went to so many places to get a decent coffee, in a proper cup!

Today is Anya's 12th birthday so we were all up bright and early, well early anyway, and she was very happy with her gifts and cards. Tonight we have the grandparents coming round so the party will continue for her.

So what am I going to do wth the time I have in between treatments when i am feeling good. Well the plan on my behalf is quite simple. I will be trying to sort the allotment out, doing the Christmas cards, and maybe shopping/wrapping, some cooking, maybe some shooting, I maybe even do a little work. What Sarah has planned for me however remains to be seen ...

Here I go again ...

Little while since the last post, as I have been pretty busy.

The diagnoses that I needed to get back on chemo was pretty depressing for a day or two, as I just did not see it coming, Then, I was back to my old self, lets face it, fight it, and get going. That's why I have been so busy!

Firstly, I have had quite a few tests to make sure I am ok for the chemo, which I seem to have passed ok. I even had an MRI on my head as I have had some vision issues since the charity ride, but they are slowly getting better. It was a relief to get a call from him personally to say all was ok, before he even called my Oncologist. Sarah wanted to know if I had a brain, seeing as it is not working too well. He confirmed I did have a brian, but was unsure if it was working or not!

In the mean time I have been decorating the girls bedroom, which we finally finished on Saturday. It looks very grown up, and they have made good choices, all I have done is do the work and pay for it. We still ahve to build the new wardrobe, which we hope to do Saturday depending on how I feel, and what offers of help we get - nudge nudge!!

I also went to a heavy metal concert on Thursday at the Hammersmith Apollo. The group, Steel Panther, were fantastic, but don't look them up if you are easilly offended as they are very over the top. It was agreat gig, made the more funny as we had a pint beforehand, and as you know I have pretty much been tea total. Well one pint of Fosters, and believe it or not I was staggering.I am surely a cheap date now LOL.

Saturday saw us host a small party to celebrate my one year since diagnoses, and it was a scream. We had a live band, Fret 14, who were great. The band, all school friends of Freja, are only 16, are very gifted and very tight. They also write their pown material so are not just a covers band. Yuo can find out more about them on the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/Fret14
http://www.caterham-independent.co.uk/latest-news/1502-fret-14-wins-battle-of-the-bands-
http://www.muzu.tv/liveandunsigned/fret-14-live-unsigned-basildon-regional-final-music-video/1329327/

Sunday saw Anya's confirmation, and as you know I just love going to Church, It was quite a long service starting at 6.30pm, so finished pretty late for those with little ones. Either way Anya looked beautiful and she made me proud as she has chosen this herself. We had to go tot eh church hall afterwards for some tea with the Bishop, which was interesting. I was somewhat surprised he made references to Jimmy Saville in his sermon however, it struck me as inappropriate considering the occaision.

So yesterday I finally got to the hospital in Guildford for my first round of chemo. We realised that I was wearing very similat clothes to my first treatment last time, so hopefully thats a lucky sign. The chemo this time is much easier, only 3 hours long but I do have it in tablet form to take for the next two days as well, but thats fine. Itr means we miss the rush hour traffic chaos of the M"5 both ways, which was not the case before. I also have no tablets to take other than the 3 days of chemo, and some anit sickness tablets if I need them as needed.  I was pretty tired last night, but I expected that as you can see I had been pretty busy. Woke up this morning at usual time and started on the tablets staright away. Not because I have to take them at a set time, its because I cant eat for 2 hours afterwards and I wanted my brekkie. So here I go again, ready to face what comes, and in the words of Whitesnake, and Here I go Again ...

No, I don't know where I'm going
But, I sure know where I've been
Hanging on the promises
In songs of yesterday
An' I've made up my mind,
I ain't wasting no more time
Here I go again
Here I go again

Tho' I keep searching for an answer,
I never seem to find what I'm looking for
Oh Lord, I pray
You give me strength to carry on,
'Cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An' here I go again on my own (with Sarah, the kids family and friends)Goin' down the only road I've ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An' I've made up my mind
I ain't wasting no more time

It all starts again

Well what a rough time we have had recently. Firstly, my Mum got burgled and she lost a lot of very sentimental items, jewlery from Dad and her parents, but at least she is ok and safe. What makes lowlife's do such things, really think we are too liberal in this country sometime's. If they are ever caught, they will probably blame poor upbringing, lack of opportunities etc, well we all make do, and then they get a pat on the back and sent on holiday, then again I have always thought they have it too easy.

I then had my scan, at which I said I did not anticpate any issues. Well I won't be that cocksure again, as the C is back in several small areas, and that meant we wnet on holiday, taking Mum, pretty downcast. But the oliday came at exactly the right time, as we all able to spend some really good quality time together, all leaning on each other, and able to start looking forward again.. thank you Patty, Graham and Simon, we had a really good time.

Yesterday I met with Julian, my oncologist, and he confirmed that i will need a new round of chemo. Its pretty similar to before, 6 rounds of treatment, 3 weeks apart. I start a week Monday, on the 19th November, so the blog will become more active again I suspect as I keep you all informed.

Looking forward though, the treatment dates work pretty well for Christmas, so hopefully I will be better company than last year, and it should once again leave summer clear to enjoy.

and I'm back!!

Hi all

Back from my ride and now back at work too. the ride went very well, you can read more and find out how much I raised over at www.wrongwayround.org.uk.

What to tell you all, well next week see's my next 3 monthly scan, followed by a meeting with the oncologist about 10 days later, I fell really good so do not expect any bad news on that front. Inbetween the scan and the meeting we are off to Cornwall on holiday for a week, taking Mum along too. We are looking forward to a relaxing time, and trying out Rick Stein's fish and chips in Padstow.

Sarah has me decorating the kids bedrooms, all before Christmas, so if anyone wants to lend a hand with the painting, let me know!!

Will update every week or so as we move forward

Bye for now

I'm off

As you all know I am off tomorrow on my little scooter ride so to keep everything simple for me, I wont be posting on this blog while on the ride, only on the ride web site, www.wrongwayround.org.uk, and of course if you have not yet sponsored me there is still time!

Please keep up to date with my progress and feel free to post comments, they will help keep my backside from getting to sore!!

The roller coaster continues ...

Now back from france and had a great time, meeting up with Duncan & Sara, Andrew & Mary, and being joined after a few days by Garry & Alison, who were camping virgins. The weather was, in the main, pretty good. we arrived to near 40 degree heat, and it made putting up our trailer tent interesting. to say the least. however we were up and running and started to relax. After a few days the virgins arrived, and we promised not to take any video or photos of them putting up the tent, despite plenty of pleas from other friends. We I can say they did a good job, and they seemd to enjoy it, and are even talking about going back next year!
The trip home was great untill reaching Calais, where the ferries were in big trouble due to a broken down ferry. We finally left some 5 hours late, which meant we got home at 4.30am instead of before midnight.
The weekend then went downhill when we had a call to say my Grandad had passed away. He was in hospital, but had only been in a couple of weeks. He was 93 and still lived in his own house and was very independant. Sleep peacefully Grandad.
This means I have to re-schedule the latter part of my ride, as the funeral is 24 September. Therefore I am flying back from Scotland and then going back up to re-start the ride. Thanks to JoeFish and C90Club.co.uk for looking after the bike for me, really appreciate it

Now for those of you who have not yet shared my ride with all your friends or sponsored me, please do. The website is www.wrongwayround.org.uk

Its all over, the Olympics that is

So the Olympics are over, but wasn't it great. I seriously enjoyed all the different sports, from dressage (I am not a horsey man) through to, and including the cycling of course. Was a little surprised how some sports did not cope well, swimming and atheletics did to name two. I am not sure the excuse of home pressure works, we all have pressures in life and as elite atheletes they should be able to cope, and should have the back up team in place as well. Overall though it truely showed the Great in Britain. Why am I mentioning this, well to me the last year has been my personal Olympics, and I think I have the gold medal. The back up team, has been superb! Maybe I also missed my calling. I found an old shot of Team GB (that's Geoffrey Butler Cycles) from the mid 80's, can you tell which one is me?
Click on the picture to enlarge it!

Now don't forget to share my website about the ride with your family and friends, and maybe even sponsor me - www.wrongwayround.org.uk

We're all going on a summer holiday

no more working for a week or two
fun and laughter on our summer holiday
no more worries for me and you, and you, and you etc

Can you tell I am getting in the holiday spirit? When I was first diagnosed I set myself a number of targets to acheive. Seeing my holiday next week and the chairty ride in a few weeks time, means I am almost at the end of that original list. So while in France n holiday, I need to get my thinking cap on. I knwo I want to help Freja learn to drive in December, and a visit to the Tour de France next year on a new motorbike are certainly on the list. but apart from that, erm, that's it for now. If you have any sugestions, let me know.

As to the charity ride, well yesterday I planned a full days riding, with the bike fully loaded, including all the accessories and camping equipment. I got all loaded up, then noticied I had a flat tyre. Picture below is of the bike ready to go, except for the flat!!

Seeing as I will be on holiday in France very soon, I may not post up for a couple of weeks, but be sure to keep checking, just in case! Before I go, big shout to Team GB at the Olympics, well done all!

Rolling, rolling, rolling

Keep them results rolling.

I have had a great few days, the best of which was yesterday, when I had my first 3 month check up with my oncologist. The great news is that things are continuing to improve, and that I do not need to see him for another 3 months. So now I can concentrate on holidays, enjoing myself, and ohh the return to work!

Saturday and Sunday found me working at the 2012 Olympics, for the cycling road races. I was in Bushy Park for the morning, and just after Hampton Court for the afternoon. I had a great time, and the crowds, which were huge, were very friendly. Tomorrow I am also working at the cycling again, this time trials. I dont know where i will be yet, as they haven't told me, but wherever it is, I will see lots of action as this is an individual sport, with the riders starting 90 seconds apart.

The other benefit of the 3 monthly review is that I am now all set and confirmed for my charity ride for St Catherine's Hospice, so if you have not yet sponsored me, you better now do it.

Olympic opening Cermony rehersals

Last night I went to the opening rehersal to the 2012 London Olympics, have to say didnt like the first part too much, but it got better and better. These are the only pictures I can share, as we have to #keepthesecret

It's not unusual ...

I forgot to add to my previous post that the day before, along with some friends and my mum, we went horse racing at Sandown Park. The evenings racing was followed by a concert by Tom Jones. The racing went well, although I did not win anything major until the last race, when I won enough to pay for the ticket, and a little extra. Garry won on the last race too, but he was not as extravegant as me, so won about £10 less. Amazing what an extra 50p can get you when you bet on an outsider. Mum unfortunately did not win anything! I did offer to be her bookmaker, but she wanted to use her official one. Tom came on and played about an hour or so. Well for a man in his 70's he can really hold a tune. He was great!

Saturday found me back at Sandown, along with quite a few hundred other people for my final Olympic training. Well I can say that us British know how not to do things, but I am sure it will be alright in end, probably because we are British! We are there for 5 hrs, when I get back I run through it with Sarah in under 5 mins, they need some professional communicators and events people to run it, anyone know any that are any good? It starts off with nearly 1.5 hours of repetition, we go over all we have previously been told/taught, and our online learning we had to do prior to attending. Then we get another 45mins telling us what the events are, when they are, and how any will be participating. Cycling takes about 15 mins, then we cover triathlon and road running and walking. No one around me is involved in those events, so we switch off. After a break, we then get down to the nuts and bolts of what have to do.

This is where the confusion really starts! We are told that if we are in sectors 3-6 then we meet at Hyde Park. This throws all of us, as no one knows what sector we are in, and we all have been told to meet at Sandown. The guy next to has to stay at a hotel, and booked one nearby and is now told he is no where near where he needs to be. The presenter tells us all emails have been very clear, and even begs to differ when told they have not been clear, surely it's us as the receivers who can say if they are clear or not! We all think we are working in the Mall and or Hampton Court, in fact none if us are! I am in the middle of Surrey on the outward leg. So will see the race after about 30 mins, then I am stuck for the next 6 hours untill I can leave. To be clear I am happy to help and be involved, just dissapointed I am not on my expected location. But then so was everyone else in the room. The confusion continues when the presenter reverses his original point about the meeting location he was wrong, and we are all actually meeting at Sandown after all! Finally we get down to the actual role, and as a crossing point marshall, it's not really that hard. As said previously, 5 mins would have been enough. Still they gave us lunch so it's not all bad.

Anyway enough about that, but staying on a cycling theme, this weekend I saw something I never ever thought I would see. The Tour de France winner, respendant in his yellow jersey, leading out the world champion in his rainbow jersey, to win the final stage in Paris. And they are both British. I dont think this will ever happen again, for any country. Well done Brad, Cav and of course the bet supporting team ever led by Vroom Froome. This has been one good thing about my illness, I have been able to watch nearly every live minute broadcast, almost, almost made my year, but it's topped by my results, roll on next week and a different colour yellow.

Almost forgot, off to the technical rehearsal for the Olympic grand opening tonight, pictures to follow soon!!

Latest test results

Yesterday afternoon found myself and Sarah down at Gatwick Park again for my latest CT scans, a procedure I am becoming increasing used to. After catching up with all the staff, who all know me by now, it was off to get changed into my gown. My consultant walked straight past me in the corridor, and completely ignored me, I don't think he recognised me now I have hair again. In the scanning room, I have the cannula fitted, this is the point where the radioactive dye enters my blood stream. I have had so many jabs now this is no long an issue. After a couple of test runs, they are ready to inject the dye, and then it's all systems go. Now when ever I have had this before, the only side affect I have is a metallic taste in the mouth, this time however I think I am on for the full house. Firstly I get a warm wet feeling down below. I fear I have embarrassed myself, however I have to lie with my arms above my head so cannot check. Then the metallic taste starts, no worries on that one, I am well used to it. Then off we go for the first scan. We are just about to start the second scan when I fear I am about to be sick. The feeling comes on like a light switch. I wave my hands above my head, but off I go again through the scanner. As I come out, out come the staff, who are most concerned. I am however most concerned they have a kidney bowl with them, they do, and I use it. In fact I used about 3! Within 3 or 4 minutes however I am back to normal. They explain that I was just about to do the last run, and they took the call to put me through. No problem with that, I explain, I just didn't want them to have to wash the nice shiny scanner.

After a nice cup of tea, just what the English like to do after a drama, it's off to see the consultant. He loads not only my current scan, bit also the last one, so he can compare the two. Then he loads the very first scan, all the while explaining to Sarah and I the various changes. And the good news is the changes are quite dramatic. I still have a number of tumours in a number of places, but they continue to get smaller, or not change at all, which is all very good news. He also explains that he thinks some of the larger masses may in fact be scar tissue, but we wills need a bit more time to be sure, or a biopsy. All in all we are very happy, and now go to meet the oncologist on 30 July fuly expecting to hear that we now continue for another 3 month cycle of no attention, and then review again. This is all just great news ahead of the kids breaking up for the summer today.

Another week of firsts

Here's a quick update on progress and a week of firsts. Firstly, I have escalated my working week, up to a full 2 half days a week. Today I went to London to meet with the EMEA management team and many of my European colleagues. It was great to see everyone, really made me feel part of the team again.

Monday night the whole family went swimming, me included. This was the first time I have been swimming since eing diagnosed. I only managed 10 lengths but it felt very good. The kids managed well over 50 lengths, but hey ho, they are a bit younger than me!

On Friday I plan to see the Olympic flame for the first time, as it passes through Redhill and Reigate. Parking may well be a nightmare, but I am sure we will find somewhere

Lastly, on Thursday, I have my first 3 monthy scan, where I expect to get some initial results. The meeting with the oncologist is at the end of the month.

UPDATE

Had to go to hospital last night with a very painful foot, seems I might have gout!! Makes me laugh as they said if you drink smoke and have a poor diet, then this could be a cause. Bearing in mind I have never smoked, hardly drink and in fact did not for 6 months, and for the last 8 months have been on probably the best diet of my life, I must just be unlucky!!!!

That was the week that was

Well that went well. My first week back at work proved to be eventful. My working week is pretty hectic, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am til 111am to start with, for a couple of weeks. The it will increase slowly, provided I am ok, until. I am back to full time, or as full time as I can manage. To give you a flavour of my week, here's a short run down of what I did

Cleared 5,000 emails. this was a mammoth task, made much easier by cntrl + Alt + delete. This selected all emails and deleted them. I kept everything within the last 6 weeks for me to review. This was on the basis that anything older was defunct. Then after reviewing those I had left, I was left with 7 to actually worry about. Great, less than 1 a month I have been off. Only wish that was the case normally.

Made some decisions. I actually got asked 3 questions that needed an answer. One answer was to send the person to someone else. They told me they were harder to get hold off than me, exactly I replied! The 2 others were pretty simple as well.

Networked. One thing I was tasked with was to find out how the business had. Anged and to network again. This was my easiest task, as you know I do like a chat. So at least 2 hours this week was spent catching up on issues with various colleagues. Next time we meet, I will have to ask about work rather than everything else. If I did not catch up with you, sorry, will try harder next week.

Review new IT systems. I also took the time to learn the new IT systems, namely time recording and expenses. These look pretty straightforeward, and better that anything we had before, which makes a change

Meetings. I even managed to sneak in a couple of meetings, mainly about coming back to work.

And that was it. So now I am off to enjoy my 4 day weekend, have a good one all

Work

Freja's prom on Friday night went very well and I must say she, and her friends, looked amazing. We organised a 1950's London bus to take her and a large group of friends to the prom, and it was great. Wasn't too keen on the 5am call to pick her up from the after prom party though!


Tuesday is a big day and milestone for me, I finally go back to work. Its only for a couple of hours, for a couple of days a week to start with, as we all, me, the firm & the occupational therapist, want to make sure its an easy and gentle start back. Every couple of weeks, the hours will increase. Good job the British summer is so hot, so I can enjoy the time I am not working!!

I should say at this point a very big thank you to work, both Towers Watson as a firm, and all the people there. They have been very supportive to me over the recent months, and I realise that I have not really said thank you. The firm have not put any pressure on me to come back, in fact they are holding me back a bit, but I know that's actually for the best. And my work colleagues are really the best, I am looking forward to seeing you all again very soon.

I'll end today's short update by saying well done to Spain for winning the Euro 2012 Championships, and in the best match of the tournament!

Dont forget to sponsor my ride at www.wrongwayround.org.uk

I told you on Monday that I was off to collect my Olympics accreditation and uniform, so here's the proof. I don't know what I am accredited with, but I hope it's not the design!!

As you can see it's a stylish number, good job they went to my size

My job is a crossing point marshall at both the Mall (road races) and Hampton Court (time trials). These happen to also be the start and finish area's, so I am very lucky. Only downside is I live about 5 miles from Box Hill, which is the most scenic location, and also where most of the action should happen. Instead of this short journey, I have to get into central London on all 3 days. So if you see anyone doing the pose below on TV, you know it's me and someone is trying to cross ...

The guidelines you get are quite extensive and tell you what and how to wear every item, I think I know which way round they go! This extends to how to carry the jacket, the trousers and even what socks to wear, still they did stop at socks!

Today I have a meeting at St Catherine's Hospice, with the fund rasing manager, to really get the ball rolling for my charity ride in September. If you have not checked out the website yet, please do. www.wrongwayround.org.uk

Been a couple of weeks ...

Since I Last posted and just to reassure you all, I am still here and well. News on the recovery front is again based on taking my time to recover slowly, and still having the occasional bout of tiredness. What have yo been up to I hear, well as usual the kids dominate our time, all of the 3 youngest have had residential school trips, Leisha has been to Gaveston Hall, Anya to France, and Max is off to France today (Monday). Why can't the schools co-ordinate these so they are all away at the same time? And Max's school have annoyed me by charging £350 for the trip, then we get told he needs £1 for a workbook on the coach, this should have been part of the overall cost!! Freja has her leavers prom this week, which she is early looking forward to, we are all avidly watching the weather forecast, fingers crossed it stays dry for her and her friends.

As for me, well I have played some golf, managed all 18 holes but needed a buggy. Started quite well, with the longest drive, not bad especially after I have not played for about 3 years. However went down hill after about midway, due to tiredness I think. Had a really good time though, and am looking forward to the next one. Today I am off to London to get my accreditation and uniform for the 2012 London Olympics. This will be another ride on the scooter lol. Hope to meet up with Kieron afterwards, as he is leaving to live in the US soon, for his new job. If we don't manage to meet up, good luck mate.

The biggest news is that I only have some more week of freedom, as I plan to start back at work the first week of July. This will be a very gentle re-introduction back to the workplace, only a couple of hours a day for a couple of days, but it's a start, and is another step back to normality.

Getting back to normality - slowly!

Hi all, long time no post, sorry!

Well since I last wrote I have been extremely busy, doing all sorts of great things. In no particular order I have:

• been to Leisha's 10th birthday party
• family day out at Thorpe Park with some good friends
  
• been clay pigeon shooting - twice
• been to loads of BBQ's over the Jubilee weekend
• attended the Jubilee dinner dance in Nutfield
• hatched a new chick - just one, the others unfortunately died
  
• taken the kids to see night time cycle racing round the streets of London
  
• broke and fixed Freja's car
• Sopoken to a new prospective sponsor for my ride and been offered some interesting new technology to take with me
  
• caught up with some old friends, who I have not seen for over 20 years
• attended my first Olympics training camp
• had a coulpe of meetings at work re my return
  

It may seem as though I am having a ball, and I am enjoying all of these activities, BUT this list is stretched out over a couple of weeks and I can assure you that I need time to recover after each one and still have to take it very easy in between. However, I seem to be coping much better and notice other improvements in my general well being.

This coming week is also busy, tomorrow I am playing golf with my Dad's best friends. This should be good fun as I have not played for at least 3 years. The down side is the weather is not forecast to be brilliant, nothing new there then. The upside of not being able to walk round is that I will have a buggy, so if I do really badly, I might try a spot of buggy rallying! Tuesday I must get down tot he jungle, or allotment, as this wet weather following the hot dry spell, has encouraged lots of vigorous growth. Shame it is the weeds not my plants. Then Wednesday I am off to Wales on my big motorbike for a few days.

One last thing to share with you all was a quote I heard today at my Olympics training, from a British para-Olympic swimming champion and multiple world record holder, as it fits exactly with my own personal ethos. When asked how he coped when he lost the use of his right arm, he answered ..

"I focused on what I could do, not what I couldn't"

Recuperating, well sort of

Thank you everyone or your messages, I have had so many I have not been able to reply to them, but I really appreciate it!

The last week or so has been tougher than I expected, coming off all the drugs has allowed my body to find its own level, and it is certainly starting to catch up. I have not been so tired since the early days of my chemo. I have been sleeping around 12 - 14 hours a day, normally in two blocks. Maybe 2 hours in the afternoon, and then the rest at night. One unfortunate side effect however is that I have started snoring again, but it does not bother me. However yesterday was the first day I felt back to normal, whatever that is, as I did not have a siesta and it was about 10 that I went to sleep, so fingers crossed I have crossed that bridge.

I have been pretty busy even given the tiredness. Last week we managed to find Freja her first car, although she has a few months before she starts driving, it was too good to miss. She has already given it a name, FiFi, as it is a little red Fiat. It felt great to get her the car ready for her driving, note the first lesson is already booked with Aunty Emma at JEM Driving, but it also made me feel pretty old. Speaking of birthdays, Leisha was 10 last weekend, and we have her party on Saturday. She is going indoor rock climbing and then I think we are all off to Nandos, should be fun.

Cricket has started at last now that summer has finally arrived and he rain has gone, and is been good to be able to go and watch, I have not been to any of the kids activities for so long. It was also good to just sit and watch, as I used to be so involved I hardly saw the game. As the weather is now here, Sarah and I have finally started to use our National Trust membership, so I expect to visit many fine places over the coming weeks.

Lastly, I have been doing more to get ready for my charity ride later this year, but more on that on the website - www.wrongwayround.org.uk

Enjoy the sun everyone, being in the UK you kit won't last ...

Tonight's the night, and the result is in

And the result is not half bad. The news is that I am now off further treatment, at least for the foreseeable future. Basically almost everything has gone, and what is left is much much smaller. So I will have scans, blood tests, and consultations every 3 months. So long as nothing is growing or being aggressive, then no more treatment. It might never go completely, but I am not going to let that worry me, after all, anything could happen.

So today is the start of the rest of my life, so it's time to enjoy it!!

I will keep this blog running as I think this story still has a long way to go .....

Tonight's the night ...

... That I have my next meeting with my oncologist to find out the next stage of treatment. Obviously I am hoping that it will be minimal, given all the good news I have had. I have enjoyed not being poked proded or pierced over the last few weeks, and would like that to continue if at all possible. As the meeting is not until this evening, we plan to go shopping in Guildford beforehand, to while away the hours, and avoid the traffic as we will otherwise have to travel in rush hour. Can you all therefore keep your fingers, arms, legs, eyes and anything else you can think of crossed at about 5.45pm for me!!

Ola

Well, we are back from sunny Spain, to sunny Britain. For those not in the UK, that is a bit of British humour, as we had a drought annonced a couple of months ago, and since then we have had rain nearly every day, but the drought still goes on! We had a great relaxing time, its amazing how much we did not have to do, and it bought home how much Sarah has done over recent months. We spent most days either driving through the mountains, which were spectacular or lazing in the sun. Well Sarah lay in the sun, I was not allowed to, so had to keep to the shade. Most afternoons I took part in the very agreeabe Spanish custom of a siesta, and very nice it is too.




We ate out at resturants nearly every night, but it was very appararent how quiet Mojacar was, this was definatley a knock on of the current economic climate, not only in Spain but across Europe. We went to some really good resturants, only one did not come up to scratch. If you are ever in Mojacar, try out the Bay Bistro. This is a new resturant, only been open 3 weeks but the chef is a runner up in the UK Michelin Chef of the Year competition, and the food and wine was great, and only a couple of Euros more than the standard fare on offer elsewhere. Praise from me is praise indeed where food is concerned!





One really good thing while we were away was that I finally finished all my tablets, so no more medication for me for a while, however I have been very tired the last couple of days or so, so I hope that is just a combination of coming of the steroids, which I am told will have an effect, and the travel home, as that was a long day for me, with no siesta! I wuld like to say a very big thank you to Ros and Roger for the use of their appartment, and also to Ross and Ali for being taxi to and from the airport, we are both very grateful to you all.

That's the last week dealt with, so what's coming up, well the main focus for me is next Tuesday, 15th May, when I go back to the oncologist, and find out what is next for me. Obviously i am hoping for the best, and all the results seem to suggest that, but I am also prepared for more treatment if need be. Aside from that, I reall need some dry weather, my allotment needs some serious time spent on it, but it is just too wet. We also have a chicken who has decided to go broody, this is good as it means we can get some fertile eggs for her to hatch and be a mummy to. We need some more hens as most of my girls are getting on and no longer lay, and we really like our fresh eggs. So I need to prepare the nursery as "munm" will need the peace and quiet. The picture below is of the type of hens we are expectinmg once they hatch and mature, bit like a ginger chicken afro!

I am also preparing to have a haircut this weekend, I have long thin whispy bits left over from the chemo, but my underlying hair is coming back but needs a tidy up. I just hope I don't end up like the new chickens!!!

Getting back to normal

Today I went for a walk in the woods and round some fields with my friend James. It's the longest I have walked in months, and it was great to back doing another thing I enjoy. The fact I bought something home for the freezer is an added bonus!

I have also updated my road trip website with the detailed route. If anyone wants to join me for a day, or more, or offer a cup of tea, then this will help you plan your day. Check it out at

www.wrongwayround.org.uk

We are off to Spain on Saturday for a week, so I might not post much while away, but it will be good for Sarah and I to have a week with nothing to worry about!

Recuperation continues

My recuperation continues apace. After my scans last week, I have also continued my reduction in medication. This is starting to affect me a litte I suspect as I seem more tired than expected, however I am also doing more, so it's probably a combination of the two. I have been continuing to listen to my body, so a nap in the afternoon is still sometimes required.

I have also been continuing to work on the a Wrong Way Round ride, updating the website, making more contacts, and finalising the route details, check out the site to see what's new, and to sponsor me if you wish. You have plenty of time to do this, but I will mention it every now and again. www.wrongwayround.org.uk

Sarah and I are off to Spain in a few days for a week in the sun. Well it will be for Sarah as due to my medication I am not allowed to sit in it yet. Never mind, it will be great to have some time with no appointments other than at the bar to worry about!

More results are in ...

Went in to Gatwick Park yesterday for my follow up CT scans, and was somewhat dissapointed my consultant radiologist was not there. He normally gives me an update after the scans so we had to resolve ourselves to the fact that we would have to wait 3 weeks until we get to see the oncologist again. How pleased was I last night when the radiologist called from the car on his way home, not only that but he had already dictated his report so the news was not provisional! As always there is good news and not so good news, but it's not bad news. The news is that my liver is nearly clear. The are a couple of small tumours left but these are much smaller than they were. The tumours in my pelvis are also much smaller than they were. Overall this is great news, but I did not get the chance to ask if as they were all much smaller, this meant they were still dying off or if they had just shrunk. So now it's a 3 week wait to see the oncologist to find out what, if any, more treatment is needed. I am quite optimistic about this as the radiologist was at pains to say how good this news was and that he was extremely pleased to see such good progress. So now it's onwards and upwards, we have a busy weekend, again, and a few things planned for next week, mainly getting ready for our break in Spain. Have a good weekend all.

Update from Fins open day

Fins open day was a great success and my little stand raised £140, plus I got to meet Charley Boorman and Russ Malkin, of The Long Way Round fame. Added to the £140 raised is another £60 from the sale of a C90 engine, so all in all a good day fund raising.
Click here to find out more

Busy week!!!

Well for the first time in 5 months I have been able to enjoy a lot of quality time with the family, as my "good" week coincided with a school holiday for once. I think I felt even better this week as I know I do not have to go back in on Monday for more treatment. We have been out every day since Friday in some shape or fashion. This includes meeting friends for lunch at theirs, going to mum's for Easter Sunday lunch, meeting friends for lunch out, meeting friends at the beach, and boy was it windy and cold, going to Borough Market in London with my mum, and enjoying the food. Do you sense a recurring theme here? Yep, friends and food, two of life's great pleasures.

Today I am off to Fins Motorcycles in Redhill for the grand opening of their new store. Fin is sponsoring my charity ride, www.wrongwayround.org.uk - and he has Charley Boorman from the series Long Way Round coming down to open the store. Nice tie in there, you would think I worked in marketing and planned it, but I am afraid it's all a coincidence as I planned my name last year. If you are free 12 til 2 pop on down.

Yesterday I heard from the hospital that I can start reducing my tablets by a measured amount so that in 3 weeks I will be tablet free and not on any medication. This again is a good sign, I hope! All in preparation for my next, and hopefully last for some time, set of scans, which is on Thursday, so I have that to look forward to.

Lastly, Sarah goes back to work on Monday, and the kids go back to school, so I will be on my own for the first time. I have a lot planned, so don't expect to be lonely, and Sarah has a lot of jobs planned for me to do around the house, so I won't be bored either. Freja only has a couple of weeks left at school, then she will be on study leave ready for her GCSE's, so my "isolation" won't last long!

Dene's Easter message

Sorry it's been a while since my last post, the last round took a while to go, typical of the last one, make sure I remember it. Did not really feel up to posting til Friday and we have been busy since then. As usual, overnight it was like a light switch, went to bed feeling rough, woke up feeling really good. That was lucky as we had planned to catch up with Roseanna and Gavin, which was really good. Yesterday we hada day at home, but had a few visitors, Tracey and Tony came in the morning, followed by Sarah's mum and dad in the afternoon bearing Easter eggs for the kids, we counted 21 this morning! Today we have been to my mum's for dinner, where they got another one each making 25. Sarah and I might have to help them eat them all. As the kids are on the Easter break we have a lot planned for this week, including catching up with more friends and relatives, and trips to London and the coast, all provided I am feeling up to it of course!

Looking forward further, the following week is already pretty busy too, and that's also the week that Sarah goes back to work, but I will save that for another post

Now it's time for my big announcement. I am planning to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice later this year, as they have been so good to all the family and do so much good work for so many cancer patients and their families. Please take the time to read all about it by following this link, and if you feel inclined, please sponsor me.

So excited

That's it, number 6 done and dusted, as I type this. Just a few weeks after effects to go, then I can concentrae on getting better and stronger. Hopefully thats all anyway. The good news is my blood markers have continued to fall, nearly halving again. I am now awaiting for a date for my next set of scans which I hope to show that we have reallyerradicated a lot of the tumours and got on top of, or better still beaten this.

I must take this opportunity to say thank you to the nursing staff here at the Nuffield in Guildford, they have been brialliant, helping Sarah and I to feel relaxed. Thats not easy when I have had so many needles inserted, litres of blood taken, strange drugs to be adminsitered, and enough pills to keep a nightclub going for a few nights! They even had to change their shift patterns as I am first in and last to leave, which is after their normal finishing time.In the picture on the left are Maggie, Shelia and Imelda, Micky was unfortunately off today. Thank you very much ladies!

The last week has been very starnge to say the least for me, and has highlighted I really need to get my brain in gear. Firstly, the tiredness continued untill Wednesday, which also happened to be the day my sense of taste came back, luckilliy this was whilst having a pub lunch of tanmdori chicken, Sarah knew without asking as she could tell by my smile. The tiredness did not fully go, but was better, although the afternoons were the worst. BUT its my brain I worry about, I am showing all the signs of getting old, I don't know what's more worrying, that or the wait to see the oncologist in May!! Let me explain. I have always tried to work and aim at little steps on this journmey, some short term, some mid term and some longer term. As the news has got better, I have naturally been focusing on the longer term ideas, and this is first instance where I have come unstuck. I decided I wanted a coupe of grape vines for my greenhouse at the allotment, which would not fruit for 2 years. So I was looking over the a couple of websites and found one which had a red and a white at the right price. I book marked it to purchase after I had discussed it with Sarah. We then discussed it and agreed it was a good thing to do, so back I went to the internet, but by now I had found a site for the British Vine Society. We had a long email exhange and I agreed to buy 2 vines from them, the cost was lower and the support was much better. The two vines duly arrived, except they sent 1 red and 3 whites. Never mind I thought. 2 days later Sarah comes home and says there is a large box by the front door for me. We get it in and open it, low and behold, it has 2 vines from the first company. Now I remeber looking and bookmarking it but at no time do I remeber actually getting my wallet out and paying for them!!! so now I have 2 in the greenhouse, the others I have planted out and will set up a trellis, so look out for Vino de Marsh, from the sunny side of Redhill, with a lovely bouquet of nearby water treatment plant!

Unfortunately that was only the beginning. I also have been looking at a site called Approved Food, this is a site that sells food items which are near to there best before date ie still good to use for a long time, but difficult for shops to sell. They have a wide range of unusual items, sometimes in catering packs, which for my large family is ideal. This time I know I placed the order, and was very happy with it. at least I was untill the next day when I received the order confirmation email, showing I had ordered 11 packets of Dr Otker's lemon jelly. Now this would not be too bad normally, as we all eat jelly, unfortunately this was a catering pack, so each pack made 100 jellys, what on earth am I going to do with 1100 portions of lemon jelly!!! So I quicklly phone them to explain and I am promised that the order would be amended and I would have a call confirming it had been done, along with a refund. However the call didn't come so I emailed, detailing who I spoke to and the issue etc. Tuesday there is a knock at the door, and there is the courier with 3 VERY large boxes for me. We take them in and open the first one, oh no, 11 packets of jelly. They did not alter it after all. We open the next box, and whats this, another box of jelly, that makes 12, or 1200 portions if you like. Also in this box is the pick list. We open the 3rd box, and there is another pick list. OMG, they have sent the order twice, once as originally ordered and one with the amendments. So we now have double of everything I ordered. ARGHHHH. I get the iPad out to email them, and notice I mail, which I read first. There in my mailbox is an email from them, to confirm they had indeed chnaged the order and refunded my money. So for the grand total of £30, including shipping, I am now surrounded by items with a retail value of £250, not a bad result after all. Funny enough I have not sent the email, and will wait for them to contact me, which they have not yet done.

More to follow later this week, if my brain reminds me, enjoy the sun everyone

Mothers Day

So here we are, it's Mothers Day, and its a good time to do an update. Let's start with my treatment and the latest news. Well it is more good news, on Thursday I had a meeting with my urologist to follow up on my catheter removal. Well the good news is that I don't need to see him again, he has signed me off. Not only that, but he re-confirmed that my blood counts are very much in the normal range for someone of my young age, and that as I am still on treatment, they may get even lower still. But what was most encouraging was discussing possible follow up treatments post chemo, which of course are the descion of the oncologist. His view was that I would stay on my 3 monthly injection and close monitoring for up to 2 years, and provided no issues arrive,then I could come off the injection, I am not counting any chickens but to say I would be happy with that outcome is an understatement! It also seems I am an unusual case, nothing new there then. It is extremely rare for someone my age, in very good general health, to walk into his surgery, and actually have the problems I had. Then make such good progress towards recovery in such a short time. You all know me, well most of you do, but I like to do things differently!

Against that good news, the ongoing chemo is starting to have an effect as I have mentioned before. Mainly it's the tiredness, which is starting to last longer. Normally by now I am back to normal but it is starting to edge over into this last week. Nevermind, only one more dose to go. As I have a busy week planned, in fact I only have Tuesday free, I will try and not let it get in the way.

I'll end this quick update by wishing my Mum, and Sarah's Mum, happy Mothers Day. Of course I also wish Sarah a happy Mothers Day from the kids. In fact Max has already given Sarah his present, a load of washing, by being sick in his bed at 1am this morning!

Morning all

Number 5 done, could say done and dusted but not quite yet. It's definately getting tougher, the culmination of the chemo seems to be having a small effect but this is tempered by the fact I have one more treatment left planned. 3 more weeks!

I have definately been tired this last week, but the biggest difference has been my sense of taste, yesterday I coud not taste anything, and for a foodie like me, thats hard. Sarah made a great looking cottage pie for dinner followed by a rice pudding, think it was good, certainly looked it, and smelt good, but to me, it had no taste at all. Everyone said it was good and the empty plates showed it was. We took the kids and the dog to Earlswood Lakes for a walk as the weather was so good. I stayed in the car and read the Sunday papers, enjoying people enjoying themselves, and waited for them to come back, ice creams and all. Next week I know I coud join them, so it's just frustrating I coud not yesterday.

Biggest shock this last week was Max deciding that he has not done enough exercise, this morning he was up at 6, and went for a run with the dog. Must be something in the air .....

Not huge amounts planned for this week at the moment. Most exciting thing that springs to mind is seed planting. Will let you know of anything more exciting!!

News flash - The results are in

Good news yesterday, all my bloods are now back in the normal range, and this is with 2 cycles still to go! The oncologist is very happy with the results, they are better than he hoped for. The upshot is that provided the scans after the last round support this, which he has no reason to doubt, then we have managed to control it as much as possible. Follow up treatment would be a regular injection and monitoring, then I can get on with the rest of my life, no radio therapy, no more chemo. Currently planning to get back to wrk in June, and the charity bike ride is panned for September, so watch out I will be chasing you for sponsorship. Shame it's my bad week otherwise the champers would be out, never mind will save that for next week.

One more down, one more to go

Hi all. Back in for treatment number 5, only one more to go after this - yipee!!. Have not got my blood test results yet, look out for an update later tonight or tomorrow, hoepfullt its good news still. I also hope that I can have the chemo, as I had a cold last week which has left me with a cough, but they do not seem to worried. Last week was one of my best weeks, both physically and mentally, I think having my catheter out has a massive part to play, did not realise how uncomfortbale it was and how it was stressing me, still its gone now, hopefully for good. We went shopping last Friday and when I saw this t-shirt, I just burst out laughing in the store, and had to have it. Sarah has just taken a photo of me wearing it




It has Bugs Bunny and Elma Fudd on it, and Elam is asking "Has Anyone seen my hare?" Most appropriate don't you think? Good to see I am still laughing and smiling

I had such a busy week last week its all a bit of a blur, but here's the highlights. I managed to get another business sponsor for my charity scooter trip, Finns the local motorbike shop. I also managed to find my scooter and also rode it home from Hampton, next to Hampton Court. Like me its an old un and a good un, just needs some TLC LOL. The pic below is of the new/old scoot along side my big bike, which is under the cover, there is quite a size difference!

The guy I bought it from, said he had put enough fuel in it to get me home, so Sarah followed me for some of the way just to make sure all ok, then left me to it. Now I hadn't ridden a bike of any sort since the end of October and it was great to be on 2 wheels again, but the attitude of drivers hasn't changed, as i was nearly knocked off about 5 miles into the ride. On short section of duel carriage way, a learner driver was in the outside lane on the exit from a roundabout, now this scoot has a top end of about 55mph, and it takes a little while to get there, but it was still faster than the learner. Also in the outside lane was a Jag. driven by an older guy, with his lady next to him who was held up by the learner. Being a considerate sort of biker, I held back to allow the learner to pull infront of me back to the inside lane. now they or the instructer did not move back and this frsutrated the guy in the Jag, so low and behold, he indicates he is moving left, and nearly hits me. Now as you know I am not a small person, and was also wearing my dayglo yellow jacket, so am quite visable. I hit the horn with my left hand and waved "politely" to let him know I was there, and what would happen to him if he did not back off. Luckilly he saw me and moved back. Now all this was witnessed by Sarah, and was a good indication of the risks I take to be on two wheels, but boy did it get the adrenaline running! Shortly after this we got to the A3, and were stopped at the traffic lights. I told Sarah to go on ahead as all was good, the bike purred along at 45, no problems at all. Sarah left me and we got onto the A3. Now hindsight is a great thing, so all those petrol stations we had passed should probably have been visited to fill up, to be on the safe side. So you can imagine how I felt as just after starting on the A3, the bike began to buck and surge, oh no, I am out of fuel!! I managed to find a safe place to stop, no mean feat on that road, and called Sarah. She was several miles ahead, but turned round, tooted me as she passed down the other side of the A3, and came back a short while later with a new petrol can for me, of course it had petrol in it too. Refueled, we set off again, and safely made it home with no more drama's.

On Wednesday, we had a day out to Ikea in Croyden. We plan to decorate the kids rooms later this year and wanted to look at wardrobes for them as we have something quite specific in mind and Ikea had something is stock which seemd to fit the bill. We also took Mum with us to give her a day out. We arrived at about 10am and first things first, went for breakfast and coffee. Now I struggle to walk far or fast at the moment, and this was bought home acututly when I had to ask mum to slow down! She won't rush anywhere and walks very sloe, but I amde her look likme Ussain Bolt. After breakfast we finally got back to shopping and after the long meandering path Ikean take you on, just to try and sell you more stuff, we got to the bedroom furniture area. After looking at the wardrobe we had seen online, we decided it was not very good, and had another look around. We found something much more suitable, but at twice the price, oh dear, in both senses of the word.Still we know what we need now. We spent at least 2 1/2 hours wondering around, and then guess what, its time for lunch. Ikea's meatballs, chips, gravy and red sauce are one of the wonders of the culinary world, they are superb. After that we then went to B&Q to get the last bits for our last major event last week, the grand allotment dig weekend.

Saturday dawned gery and overcast, after two weeks of lovely weather, it was not what I wanted to see. The forecasts were mixed, the BBC xsaid heavey rain all day from 10am, the iPad said patchy rain. We decieded to press ahead. I was there from 9.30 setting up the Cafe - tea/coffee/soft drinks/sauasage and rolls/and a good selection of cakes. 10 am came, as did the rain and our first helpers. It did not look good, but everyone wanted to get started, so start we did. I don't know where the BBC gets its forecasts from but they need to get better, because the rain left by 11, and by 12 we were all in t-shirts, as the weather turned lovely. Can't say the same for Sunday mind! I cannot say thank you enough to all involved, but the plot went from a right mess, into a lovely looking place. With all the beds weeded and dug over, compost spread, broken fruit cages removed, and bags of rubbish packed. So a very big thank you to Mum (tea lady), Sarah and our kids, Ross & Alison & Flynn, Daph and Norm, Tara, Lisa, Clare, Morgan, and Wendy. I have added a photo albulm on the right hand side of the page, before and after photo's, or you can just click here.

About to sign off now, as just had the second lot of chemo started and lunch will be here soon. As usual this week, probably will not post again, apart from update on scans, til the weekend. Hope you are all well.

999

Yesterday got a call from the police, no they had not found the lost, lost property officer, but they had finally located my stolen items at the station. The officer on the phone even offered to hand delver them back to me, now that's what I call service. 20 minutes later he was here with my strimer and my rotavator. This is just in time for the big allotment weekend. Now I just need them to find the winning lottery ticket for this weekends draw which I have also lost!!

Weekly update

It seems now things have settled down that I am doing fewer but longer posts, so here's an update on the last week or so.

Well I think the chemo is starting to have a slight cumulative effect, as last week the tiredness, and broken sleep, continued a couple of days past where I expected it to end. Luckily I have no other real side effects still, apart from the hair loss, so it is reasonably easy to manage. Even so its a . good job I only have two more sessions.

Aggie, the dog, was looking very disheveled, and so we took her to a new dog groomers, Scruffy to Fluffy, run by a friend of a friend. She was are redundant last year and wanted a new start, so she took her grooming qualifications and has set up h new business. Must say she has done a great job, and a fair bit cheaper, and easier to get to than our old groomer. She loved Aggie, and Aggie showed how much she liked her by licking her to death, but she does that to everyone!

I also found the time to get to the police station to try and reclaim two items which were stolen from my allotment shed back in early December. I heard from the council that they had my items at Reigae station, so off we went. God help us, it was torture, and is till don't have them. On Wednesday I was told that they had lost the lost property officer, which gave me a giggle, but hat they would be in touch. Come Friday and no call, we went back. This time I was told to ask my mate, a sergeant and who had reported it for me, to sort it out. When I explained it was not a good use of a sergeants time, the guy behind the desk went to make a few more calls. Mow it turns out they do ave two items which match my items, but before thy can be released by the property office, note not an officer, maybe that's why they could not find him, they would need an email from the investigating officer. I was Dudley given his contact details for Saturday, his next shift, and told to call him. Now Friday night we went to a quiz night, more later, and my sergeant mate came with us. I told him the saga, to his rolling eyes, and when I told him the name of the officer I had to call he just laughed. Apparently, he reports to my mate, but more importantly, he is a PCSO, a community officer, and he had no authority to release property anyway! So my Mae had to get involved in he end and apparently I will get a call tomorrow (Tuesday) to confirm when I can get my stuff back. However they need to find it first as it has gone missing at the police station, it is not in an of the storage areas. Maybe it's been stolen?

Friday night saw us at a quiz night, raising funds for a friends daughters trip to Indis. We had a great time, and for once were in with a chance of winning. We had quite a big lead about midway, but started to falter, losing a point here, a point there. The most frustrating element being the points we lost, we should not have, as generally we had the answer written down but changed it. We had a one point lead going into the last round, and true to form, we then lost by 1 point, losing 2 points in the last round, again we had the correct answers but chose another. It was good to get out, and have a relaxed, fun evening.

I also have spent quite a bot of tie working on my planned find raiser, finalising routes, camping sites and more importantly looking for the right scooter. I even got to test ride some, bot was it good to gt on to wheels at last, after nearly 4 months. I don't thinking could ride my own bike, it would be too heavy but these little scooters are fine. One thing which is apparent is that when I find a good one, I need to go fr it, as there are quite a few rough ones out there, which is not surprising beating in mind I am looking at something the best part of 30 years old.

I am having an allotment weekend this weekend with lots of friends volunteering to help me get this in shape ready for this year. I have managed to get down there to check what needs doing, but only have a week every cycle where I can do anything, and then it's quite limited. We are providing food and drinks to all the helpers, so have spent time planning and organising, almost feels like being at work again.

Finally yesterday I got to go out shooting with James. This was what was called roost shooting,whereby we would normally walk round the wood where we have permission, and shoot the pigeons on their arrival to roost. To help me James drove me to a good spot, so I did not have to walk, dropped me and my gear, removed te car and then came back. I was able to use my grandads shooting stick, this is a walking stick with a fold out seat. It must be 35 years old but ws great and was a very big help. I only fired a few shots but got one pigeon. Tat shot was the best shot I have ever done, so was very happy. It is now in the freezer ready for later in the year. We were only out an hour, but as with the scooter ride, this was the first thing I have done purely for me, for 4 months. On the subject of shooting, and as I share my interests with you, the next bit is about how and why I shoot.

This one may be a bit controversial to some of you, as covers my newest hobby of shooting. As you can see from previous posts re my allotment, and the fact I keep chickens at home, I am interested in food and self sufficiency. Being able to shoot my own meat, whilst helping the farmer, is something that has been on the back of my mind for years, but it was only in the middle of last year that I actually decided to do something about it. Thanks to a friend at the allotments, who shoots, I was able to try it out. Now I know that to some of you this is against your views, but I would rather eat some meat hat has lived a life in the open, in the way nature intended, than some factory farmed meat where te animal has had no quality of life. To give you an idea, I am lucky to bring home a couple of items per session, although I hope to get better with more practice! The types of things I target are those which I am legally allowed to shoot, and which help the farmers, so mainly for me it's wood pigeon, and rabbits, both of which are very tasty. If you saw the amount of food a pigeon can eat in one go, and they eat 4 times a day, then you would know why these are rightly classed as pests. We also target Corvids (crows, rooks etc) and foxes. Now you might ask why crows, well they eat and destroy songbird nests and young, so we are actually hoping these bird populations in a time when they are struggling in the UK. I must make it clear that I do not agree with trophy shooting, ie large animals to hang on the wall. I just cannot see the point of it, or indeed how it can be classed as sport. In fact I find it abhorrent

Anyway, enough from me for now, keep well everyone