Tuesday 24 June 2014

Freedom!!






I saw the consultants
last week and...
they are both delighted with my progress



As for the pain in my back.....
I'm told it may never go....



I won't know..
how good..or bad
it will be..
for at least another...
12-18 months!




The good news is...
that the fusion seems to be working and
the bone grafts are taking...
so that should stabilize my spine..
against any more slippages!!



AND!!!!!
I'm aloud to DRIVE AGAIN!!!!
Short distances for now....
and I have to say
it's still very painful trying to move my legs...
and the muscles have degenerated
so that sometimes, I have to physically
lift them ...by hand...sort of..
so I won't be tempted to drive too far.




BUT
I can get out without having to bother
any of my wonderful friends
who have stood by me
on those many non-driving times
over these last six and half years!!



Actually...
I'll let you into a secret.....




Now that I CAN drive....and go out
I don't particularly WANT to!!




Isn't that typical?!

I wonder whether you have found yourself
thinking just the same thing?



Do You know....?
I just love to chat to you like this...
while we meander
around this beautiful garden.

It's one I can easily manage on the crutches
that I'm told I'll be using for some time.
So I can concentrate totally
on all the interesting things...
that you're sharing!



It's one of my favourites places..
and I know I've brought you here before
But...
every time I come...
I'm struck by something different....




something that takes my breath away...
and it's soooo good
to share it with you.....thank you!



Again....I have brought you
to the walled garden at Picton Castle




The flowers are just so beautiful
at this time of year



It seems to go from one...
"OH, just look at this...to the next"!!




One of the many things...
 that I love about this garden
is the change in shapes and texture
where ever you look..
Strong and tall
against



sweet and delicate!



Paper thin poppies
against


strident succulents!


The contrasts....
The beautiful blue sky
and 
the red....red...roses!


I so enjoy this place
and really hope you do too?



At this time of the year...
some local villages
have 'open gardens'...
when some of the homes open their gardens
to raise money for charity.
I love going to these
...and...
last weekend we went to one
near my daughter's home.
We called in for a cup of tea and
sat in the garden
relaxing whilst
the children played...
Suddenly my daughter said...
"You've got a butterfly on your sunhat, Mum"

Now...
I HATE having my photo taken
and I had no makeup
or any idea of what I looked like
when I crammed my sunhat on....
but....
I just felt I had to show you these photos...
that is...
only if you promise not to laugh...
or...
make comments...like...
'the camera doesn't lie...'



Plus
I had to stay really still
so it didn't fly way



Worth it though!!








17 comments:

  1. So lovely to read this post from you this morning, Joan! Such a good report from the consultants! I do sincerely hope this latest surgery will be the one that makes all the difference and that you find yourself more and more painfree as the days pass!

    Wonderful pictures of the garden! Wish I could see them in person, but I doubt that will ever happen as I seem to be one who will not be traveling outside the states.

    Have a glorious day!

    xo Nellie

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  2. Really wonderful Joan to hear your good news!!!!Great to hear things are getting better for you!

    I always say there is nothing like an English garden in summer and if it is a castle garden too well they are usually fabulous!!!
    enjoy!

    Amanda xx

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  3. YEAH, wonderful news!!! You will be able to bring your leg up by itself, but you need to start with baby steps and then gradually do a bit more and more. Your muscles are not used to doing much yet. The first three flowers are beautiful and I have not the faintest clue what they are. I wish I could walk around this beautiful garden with you!

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  4. Wonderful news that you are well enough for driving short distances if you wanted/needed to. Lovely garden photos. Butterfly on hat - rare. Lovely to see you.
    Joy

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  5. I'm so glad to hear that you can drive! Bravo! I enjoyed each and ever flower photo and especially the one of you and your butterfly. Enjoy your growing health.. it will all be better everyday now! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  6. I'm so pleased for you! and it doesn't matter that you don't feel like going out now that you have the go-ahead. Just enjoy the knowledge that you could if you wanted to! Thank you for the garden tour - have a wonderful day! xox

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  7. Dear Joan I am so pleased that you are making good progress. Even if you don't want to drive at the moment it must be a good feeling that you can be independent if you so wish.
    The flowers are so lovely. That is a lovely photograph of you and the butterfly ( I don't like having my photograph taken either )
    Hugs Anne x

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  8. Terrific news that you are healing up so nicely and able to drive now. That is so wonderful. Love all your flower photos, so beautiful.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  9. Oh Joan yippee you are doing so well and now to be able to drive fantastic. I think you look beautiful as beautiful as any flower in the garden that is why that butterfly landed on you my dear. Oh I am so happy for you Joan. Hugs lots of hugs. B

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  10. I like that word . . . FREEDOM!
    Wonderful news . . .
    Gorgeous gardens, flowers, photos!
    And you in your bonnet with Mr. Monarch . . . perfect!
    I am so happy for you Joan . . .
    Love and hugs!
    Lynne

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  11. Joan, What good news, even in bits and pieces. I know you feel like a butterfly with shiny new wings to fly...but please don't over do. Take care . Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  12. Wow Joan, all that news is good news, it's all progress. Good for you. I love the shot of you hosting the butterfly on your hat, maybe it mistook you for a flower?

    blessings,
    Diana

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  13. I will walk around a garden and chat with you anytime. No better way to spend the time than in the company of a fine woman and beautiful flowers.

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  14. Fabulous news, Joan! I am celebrating with you! The flowers and butterfly and you are beautiful. xx

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  15. Joan, a belated comment on how good it was to read that the surgery was successful and that you are out and about and taking and sharing lovely photos with us. The butterfly was lovely on your sunhat.

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  16. Forgot to add that I believe your flying friend is calles a red admiral.

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  17. I unplugged for a bit so I'm really behind with everyone's news. So happy for you that things are looking up :)

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