Further tales of a 'space boot'

PJ is managing very well to get around but is still in pain, I think he will soon have tablets coming out of his ears!!

We did attend the Open Day at Tyseley but it was a complete washout for me......... I was so wet I had to come home but PJ and his Scouting friend stayed all day.  The visiting engine was so small I missed it parked up at the entrance!!  I am not deriding it, I was expecting a 'grown up' engine like all ours (not being technically minded I should be excused!!).

We have missed a few films due to the accident and the old PC is still playing up.  I bought a larger external hard drive and lost a lot of files during the transfer - I think this little lady was a bit put out!!!  I struggle on though, until we can save enough money for a new one and then ..........

We saw Superman......... sorry.......... Man of Steele this week.

 
We travelled in by bus, different route which was a bit easier for the 'boot man'.  We arrived early so stopped at Greggs for a coffee and cake - didn't know they sold coffee, so we tried it and it's great.  We sat out in the sunshine to eat and still had time to spare so had a wonder round.  I picked up a couple of books from a charity shop and then we went into the cinema.
We thoroughly enjoyed the film, me cos it was still in the 'Superman Tradition' - lots of flying around in and out and through buildings, too fast to keep up!  Never been one for the 'Superman Tradition' PJ didn't know what to expect but he enjoyed it as well.  The story line was setting the scene (once again!) so I am hoping that there will be more from this set up.  Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner added some 'names' to the film but between the man and his enemy there was plenty of eye candy.  The girls weren't bad either!!!

Friends and Neighbours

I have a friend a very good friend who lives miles away, I've never met her and the chances of ever meeting her in the flesh are very slim.
We met on the internet in a craft group, exchanged posts and I, like others, looked forward to her posts.  Sometimes life gets in the way, even on the internet, and some of us left the group.  Some completely, some just visiting, and some of us just communicated 'on the side'.

I have 'lived' with her family, friends, going ons etc for a fair few years now.  My DH agreed that we must go and visit them but the opportunity never came.

and now she's leaving

I am bereft

Can someone please explain how a lady and her lad, moving miles from where she lives so that she can be nearer her family, can leave me with these feelings?  
It isn't as if I shall never see her again - I have never seen her.
It isn't as if I shall never hear from her again - she will soon be back on the web.
So why am I so sad?

I am sad because I cannot be there in person for her.  I am terrified that it will be too much, so afraid I shall never hear from her again, I am praying for their journey even now, before they start.  I so want to be there and be doing things, I cannot bear the not knowing what is happening.

She is making a journey, across thousands of miles to start a new life, a happier life with family and old friends.  
I am a little envious but applaud her endeavours, pleased that she is being so realistic - when wasn't she! - happy that she will be with her family.

One day her post will appear in my box............. a long, detailed post with lots of pictures, funny stories, hilarious times and the knowledge that all is well with my dearest friend.

Until then my friend, my dearest cyber friend, I shall be with you in thought and prayer.

I have read a book!!!

I can't remember the last time I read a book ............... nope!...........can't!

PJ bought the book while browsing and waiting for me to finish shopping.  'it looked good' was his excuse as it wasn't his usual kind of book but there you go.  He thoroughly enjoyed it and recommended it to me............. I don't read books anymore........ the act of concentrating makes my head hurt ......... honest ........... honestly!  I have tried reading a couple of books but no ......... one more thing that has gone............

As we were going to the hospital, and we knew there would be waiting times, I picked up the book........... I didn't have to read it  ............

I read a few pages in A&E, a few more in X-ray, a few more waiting for PJ to be plastered .......

The Book:- ISBN 978-1-444-75449-0

 
The pages were quite large text so I don't know if that is what helped but I just loved this book.  Such a simple story, bits of info and a lot of love.

I could've read this in a couple of hours in the distant past, it has taken a bit longer now, but such a lovely story.

If you want a quick read which leaves you with a happy feeling ......... this is it.

Way to spend a Tuesday! Not!!

Last Thursday DH came home a very sore bunny, he tripped over at training and hurt his ankle. 

 HURT HIS ANKLE!  

Oh! My Goodness! 

 It was swollen and going blue.   
 I immediately put a cold compress on and made him sit with it raised. 

He admitted it was very painful but did the 'manthing' and carried on............  Eventually I persuaded him to phone the Doctor who spoke with him on the phone and said that if it was still painful on Monday to come to the surgery!


Monday dawned with the ankle not only lurid shades of blue but swollen all round with lumps and bruises everywhere

After a painful, limping, painkiller tablet taking weekend he saw the Doctor. 






 She sent him to hospital for x-rays.






So on Tuesday we spent the day here.

I have to say that the signposting and attention by staff was excellent, we were very impressed. 

It was decided that he needed to be plastered and transport was arranged to take us from one department to another, carparking payments were re-arranged so that the car could be collected later etc.


The ladies in the Plaster department were so helpful and cheerful.






Our Daughter N came from work and picked us up in our car and brought us home.



No sooner were we home than felt tips came out!!!






N arranged to come and collect us the next morning as we had to go back for a permanent plaster.



The Doctor looked at the x-rays and said that DH could have a 'walking plaster' ........... fun.

After a night in plaster the swelling had gone down some.

The 'space craft' was enabled and instructions given and also the usual manual, one page English, 55 in other languages!

.................case is wrapped round leg, safety harness buckled down here........



and here..............

and here...............



Twist this button then press the plain black one...............

DH is able to get about with the help of crutches AND.........AND......... we still have my wheelchair!!!  Going to have fun.......... oh! yes!

Blognix 2013

Blognix was brill!!
Super group of girls and boys.
Super venue.
Super food.
Super prizes.
Super speakers.
Are you getting the idea?

 I had a fabulous time at the Custard Factory, met a great group of people from all walks of life, ate my fill of delicious food and .............. and............ managed to explore a little of the non-office part.

Sooooo where do I begin?



I was a bit nervous about going as I sorta knew I would be the golden oldie (or in my case silver!!) but everyone was so friendly and the event was so well organised by Elizabeth, with lots of lovely little touches - big congratulations in order here!!

The room was just down the stairs, lots of glass and banners - pretty banners with picnic rugs at the ready.




The tables were set out, one for the sign ins and badge collecting, one for the cake - yeah! our own bake off! - and one for the picnic later.  

After collecting a coffee and croissant I sat down and chatted while we waited for the start.  

El (one of the organisers) had an accident the night before so couldn't attend and I (plus several others) was gutted not to meet her after following her blog for so long. (Get well soon El and I pray you heal ok)

Jen was really interesting, informative from the off and gave us insight from both points of view when it came to PR.

Emma explained about Social Media use, which, for me, showed that it was far more useful than I thought - note to self: must reassess Twitter!

We then had a very interesting Q&A time, with it ending up as more of a discussion - again lots of points of view and information.

We then broke for an explore of the venue, which surprised me as I have only visited the offices before this.  There was a lot going on; 



sponsored abseil right on down past the 'man'.





musicians entertaining round the pool,

Vintage fair

as well as food stalls, sweet stalls, art galleries etc. all spilling over into the car park.



Once back into the picnic area we mingled and ate.  The buffet was delish.  The prize winners were announced and presented with their prizes and then we divided into our Workshops.  There were three and we could each choose two.

' Effectively Monetising your Blog' was interesting, did not really apply to me but the information still kept flowing.  I also like the fact that we introduced ourselves to the group and Colleen.

'Blog Design' was full of information, delivered with a very personal touch and again the information gave food for thought.

Effective workshops? yes! they were!

Then the photos were taken and we dispersed homewards.

What a brilliant day!  I am so pleased I went, even if the decision was last minute.

Well done to the organisers is all I can say and if there's another one - I'll be there!

For further information see Elizabeth's blog...........

Busy, busy..... talky, talky.......eatey, eatey.......sleepy, sleepy........busy....

Yes! I have been very busy ........... and the rest.

There will be a flurry of postings going on here over the next few days ........... maybe a change of scenery (again!)............. lots of exciting films seen, places visited, people met, PC problems............brain is in a whirl but all should calm down this coming week - hah! fatal last words!

But the garden is looking lovely!!!