Happy New Year

Photo Copyright: Maggie May

Forgive the quality of this photo. It was night time and I used a setting that I thought would come out well and only found out later that it wasn't very good and I only took this one.

A few days ago, we went for a walk around Clifton Suspension Bridge just as it was getting dark, for a little exercise.

I'd never crossed the bridge before when it was all lit up.

I've been extremely busy with my daughter and grandsons' visit.

I accompanied them to see the boys' other grandmother, who lives in Birmingham and also to Sidmouth to see the other grandfather. It was good to be able to go further afield as it is some time since I managed to get out that far. I really enjoyed the change of scenery.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas, as we did. It went far too quickly and we ate too much, as usual. I will not make another New Years Resolution to lose weight, as I did last year, as I will probably not live up to it, just as I didn't last time.

Harry has not been at all well since his last chemo and has not picked up very well. He is suffering from anaemia and has oedema of the legs and tummy which the doctor is treating with different drugs. I hope he will respond to these.

I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year.

The Big Freeze

Photo copyright: Maggie May

How the weather has changed from my last post when we went on that lovely walk. Ever since, I have been a prisoner in the house. The side roads where I live are treacherous and ungritted and the pavements are like ice rinks. Unfortunately I just cannot take the chance that I might break a bone, as that would land me in big trouble.

My poor husband, who is not well himself, goes out and risks his neck and gets supplies in for us both.

My daughter drove back to the east coast on Sunday. I felt really sad to see her go and worried about her journey. However, within three and a half hours she rang to say that they'd arrived safely.

My son is still in Japan but comes home this weekend.

He left me a message on his blog for the new Year that touched my heart. Please look it up if you have the time. The Mighty Sam....... arigatou.

I will be so relieved when he comes back.

This weather has proved to be the spanner in the works as regards my treatment because I am so dependant on my husband for everything. Lifts to the hospital, getting food supplies in.......everything.

Within a short time I have gone from being a capable granny in charge of children and working in two responsible jobs, to a person who has been plunged into the role of a much older, housebound pensioner....... just because I can't get out.

I am feeling stronger and this is my best week out of the three weekly sessions of treatment. I should be going for walks and building up my strength. However, even the new hiking boots that my daughter bought for me while she was here, do not grip on the ice and I am experiencing foot problems with peripheral neuropathy (a side affect from chemotherapy) that stops me feeling at the bottom of my feet, properly. Very scary on the ice as I cannot tell where my feet are placed.

Sorry to moan, but I do feel really cut up about this with no prospects of the weather getting better.

I live within sight of the shops....... but the roads I have to go down to get there do not seem to thaw at all and there is not other way.

I HATE THIS WEATHER!

My hair is falling out very slowly, strand by strand.

Bridge That Gap.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

I met up with my good friend, Hetty and she took me to this wonderful place, Clifton Suspension Bridge, that is the pride of Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel the work on the bridge was started in 1862 and completed in 1864, five years after his death. So he never got to see it!

The bridge spans a great chasm (known as the Avon Gorge) there is a span of 213 metres and is 61 metres above the River Avon.

A favourite place for rock climbers, the Avon Gorge can provide plenty of practice but it isn't for the faint hearted. It's a long way down!

Had to risk life and limb to get this picture! There is a toll to get across the bridge but nothing to pay if you go on foot as Hetty and I did!

Even walking on this footpath makes you feel a bit giddy when you look down and the bridge does shake and rock a bit when traffic goes over it.

Look at the lovely view though, and the tide was in on this occasion. We are looking out towards the Bristol Channel that meets the Avon just beyond the corner, on the horizon of the water.

Hetty and I sat for a while on the other side of the bridge and had a good gossip. Then we walked back again, had a walk on top of the cliffs and ended up in a little cafe in Clifton village. We gossiped some more before going home. Hetty is one of those friends that you could say anything to and she accepts you just as you are.

A real, true friend and good company! Hope you are reading this Hetty!

Photostory Friday is hosted by Cicely and MamaGeek. Why not pay them a visit?