Tuesday 3 October 2017






Sooooo Sorry!!!

Our hearts cannot understand
how
in this day
such an awful attack should have happened
to ordinary people
enjoying an evening of music.

There are no words to convey what is in our hearts.
To all affected
not just those who were there
but the wider society
of families, friends neighbourhoods
and those dealing with the awful aftermath
we send our heartfelt love
and support!



Sunrise over the mountains.
A start of a lovely day!
Today...
We had to travel
100 miles to the hospital where 
I had major ankle surgery
last December
for my final check up.
The surgeon is very pleased and
I've been discharged
so that is good.
What is even more good 
is that for the first time in 9 years
I can walk without crutches.
Something to celebrate!!





I have continued doing voluntary work
at a local castle.
I started last year just to get me out of the house and
meeting people again
and loved it!!


Last year I also
started training as one of the 
Castle Guides.
I have always loved visiting
the castle and its
beautiful grounds.....
in fact...
I have shared many photos from
the gardens in the past.
So it is a no-brainer
that I love 
introducing people to
the castle
and its history!




As we walk through the arch
and see the start
of a castle built
in 1300s
the story unfolds....



It was actually attacked
in the Civil War



and there are many
tales
of rich and famous!



What else has been happening??
Well



I had a pergola in the back yard.
The operative word being HAD.

I decided to strip
all the plants and climbing roses off it
as they had gone 
well past it.

I went to work
and came home to discover
that hubby had decided to'help' me!
Which apparently meant
firing an arrow 
over it to carry rope
and then attaching it to the car to pull
et voila!!

A half down pergola


He pulled the rest down the next day!
Such a good help.....
NOT!!


My university course
starts again this weekend.
As you may remember, it is a distance learning one.
I was in my fourth year last year
but
was so unwell 
after my ankle op .....
that
I just couldn't keep up
and had to defer to this year!
I love the history component and probably
could have managed that
but the Latin
I just floundered at!
Ah well
Let's hope I do better this year !!




I am continuing to 
enjoy working in my planners...
decorating etc


Especially in my TNs.

I enjoy finding quirky pictures 
and sayings to use


I particularly enjoy
using questions from people like
@theresetgirl
to stimulate thoughts and ideas!


So....
that's me....
at the moment.
What about you.....?
I think it's time that I closed the computer
and started visiting!



13 comments:

  1. It is so very nice to see a post from you. I was away from blogging for a while so have missed your previous posts.

    I am thrilled that your ankle has healed and that you are a tour guide in the castle. How very wonderful is that!!!!

    Good luck on your course of study. I know you will do well.

    I am really sorry about your pergola. That is kind of sad. xo Diana

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  2. Lovely to read your blog today and welcome back.
    Joy

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  3. I remember you! Because of the gorgeous cliff with the bird flying overhead. I am so glad to see you again, you have a wonderful blog. And I am glad you are keeping busy after your surgery. What an awesome job it must be shoeing people this castle! Like stepping into history every day. I love the photo of it with the flowers in the foreground. Is your University course working toward a job or degree, or for learning only? Your life sounds pretty fun to me!! Hope to see you soon!

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  4. I'm so happy you paid me a visit-it brought me to your very interesting and picture perfect blog! First, thank you for the condolences on the tragedy that took place in Las Vegas. It makes no sense to any of us. I've been there so many times, it is fun and vibrant and has an incredible celebratory atmosphere, its just hard to watch the footage.

    I'm happy to hear you have made a good recovery with your ankle. And you are able to get about doing the castle tours? Now that's a wonderful job!

    Best wishes on your classes. I love your artwork, you are very creative!!

    Jane x

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  5. I'm glad you got a good report on your ankle. You've sure been through a lot and for a very long time! Love seeing your planner...I've been wanting to start one for this coming year. And you need to find an old book to cut up! heehee! I'll just warn you though....it's addictive! I love to cut them up now! They still have to be 'beat up' or cast out for me to cut one but they turn out so cute with book rings. Hugs, Diane

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  6. That castle is just amazing! What fun it must be to get to visit often and now be a tour guide! So glad that your ankle is healing nicely. I'm sorry you spent so many years using crutches. Our hearts here in the US are so heavy for what has happened in Las Vegas. Thank you for your kind condolences.

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  7. What an interesting post! So happy for your healed ankle and you getting around better. Enjoyed reading about the lovely castle and all of the fabulous interests you have.

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  8. Wonderful post . . .
    Loved hearing about all the things you are doing . . .
    Happy for your successful healing . . .
    Would love a tour of that castle with you as the guide!

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  9. So glad to hear that you are recovering. It must be wonderful to walk without assistance now. And what a wonderful job you have! I would love to visit a castle let alone be a guide for one. Just imagine all the stories it could tell -- all the lives that it touched.

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  10. Good to see you back in blogland. Glad your health is better.

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  11. Hello,it was lovely to read your comment on my Blog. I have not long returned from a week in Wales. We stayed in Conwy,in a converted Stables. it was lovely there. I went to a Craft Event - a crop on the Saturday, though not much crafting. Lots of chatting and eating :-) - that was in Llandudno. It was a much needed holiday and my brother and sister held the fort as it were re Mum. I am pleased to hear you are in better health. Wonderful that you can walk without crutches now. Mum has quite a way to go yet - taking a few steps, with a lot of help. It is a very difficult situation and I am not sure what will happen next.
    Take care and I hope your studies progress wel.
    Anne x

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  12. Hello Joan! What joyous news to hear that you're able to walk without crutches, AND give Castle tours! (The words "a local castle" are magical ones to those of us on this castle-less side of the pond.)
    What a very enterprising husband. Was it difficult to convey proper gratitude for his efforts? ;)
    Enjoy your journalling, and good luck with your course.

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  13. That tragedy in Las Vegas was heartbreaking! And now there are devastating fires in CA. My heart goes out to them all! So happy that you are able to walk without a crutch! That really is awesome. Your planners look so fun and I love that you help at a castle.
    hugs,
    Jann

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Thanks so much for commenting on my blog. I look forward to reading your thoughts and ideas!