Sunday at its best

This morning I had a relaxing walk with Cuddy and Xali. I took my new camera to see what came up for me to snap, and have put together this offering. 

And then messed about on the PC - I am pleased to say the translation of 'The Magic of the Camino' into Spanish is coming along nicely, thank to Victoria - just 10 chapters to go, and the work Victoria has put in is excellent and much appreciated.

And whilst on the subject of books - Yesterday (after a full day of teaching) I finished the final edit of 'Take Two' and it has now been released on general sale: I just need to come up with an effective method of marketing for the novels. Without the niche market that 'The Magic' has it is proving much more difficult to push the sales forward.

Later on this morning I decided I would throw together a coffee cake. (more info on my other blog page). which I have just enjoyed with a nice cuppa. What more can one need on a Sunday afternoon than a good book to read, a slice of cake and a cuppa?

So how did you spend your weekend?

Magnificence and Beauty

Has pretty much filled my day- magnificent friends and colleagues, and beauty all around.....

OMG just one day to go now then and reality is hitting- I'm going on a long walk on me own. Fear not trusty blog readers I'm not wimping out. In fact I'm kinda relishing the idea of being alone out there in the world, especially knowing that experiences, new friends and time for reflection awaits me. Who knows how I may return.

Today I had a wonderful Skype video chat with Michelle, all the way down under in Australia. Chatting to a like-minded soul and sharing our passions is beautifully reaffirming and confidence boosting, so thank you Michelle for the amazing connection this morning. Isn't it wonderful that we can connect so easily, both through the technology and from my heart to yours.

At lunchtime I had an appointment with JanWillem, the Vet who does the magic energy healing. I had decided I would top up on his brand of healing before going, just as a precaution, for I know I am going to be fine throughout the walk, in fact better than fine- I am going to be incredible, just like the paths I will be walking. I came out again feeling energised and 'floaty'.

This afternoon I went web-surfing and found some more info on places along the way. Looking at a couple of the pictures I felt a little overcome- I just know these places have something in store for me. I've also been wondering if I may get to Santiago a little ahead of schedule and then will be able to continue to Finisterre. Or perhaps I'll just find a few places along the way where I'll spend a little more time and arrive to Santiago just in time for my home flight. Whatever, I am ready, willing and able.

This evening I took my books and keys back to school, and said 'au revoir' to Iolanda and Ellen.  Ellen & I had previously spoken about putting an excerpt from 'The Magic' on the school's website, so I sent her a couple of files this morning, and she has said she will be uploading it to the school site tomorrow.

After dropping my books and keys off I met up with Sue (and Lily) for a 'see you later' drink. We always have a good old chin-wag and catch up when we meet. On the way back I dropped into the supermarket and picked up a few bits and bobs. Then a little further along the road I saw this amazing tree. Each year it's blossoming takes my breath away. Unfortunately this photo taken on my mobile doesn't quite capture its magnificence.

This evening I am spending time with my family here in Casa TulStig, as I'm sure in a few days time I will be missing them all....

FIRE, Walking and Writing

FIRE

First of all a quick update on last night's awful events, which I originally thought I had overdramatised slightly..... 

This evening walking home from school I looked up at the hills behind our house and was shocked to see the awful effects of the fires, and even more shocked to see just how close they had come to our house. It was great luck that the wind died down and the Bomberos took control. The helicopters etc are still flying around and keeping an eye on everything, but it looks like we're in the clear.

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WALKING

This morning I dragged out my rucksack and started the preparations in earnest for next week. This of course included a trip to Decathlon this afternoon on my way to a class in Sitges.

I checked out the rucksacks to see if there was a lighter model, but decided I would stick to my old faithful. I did, however, get myself some nice new  bright white socks, some smart sunglasses and a new pair of lightweight shorts. Little by little I'm getting there....

Don't forget to join me on TWITTER and help me on my way by tweeting back. It'll also mean that you'll be there as my next Camino Book takes on its own life.

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WRITING

Today I am ashamed to say I haven't written anything in Take Two, but I shall rectify that tomorrow with a special extra push. 

I spoke to Michael this week and he sent me the first part of the translated (into German) Winner. He's translated the first five chapters and says he's getting a feel for it.

As for The Magic of the Camino Victoria is pushing on with the Spanish Translation well, and I'm really enjoying reading my story in another language. It's like a whole new story and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Amn't I lucky to have such wonderful friends who buy into my passion so well. With a bit of luck sales will go wild and both will be recompensed more than any of us can imagine.

Walking and writing - FIRE

The morning started with a flood from the washing machine which doesn't seem to be draining properly. So that's something I need to check out before leaving next week (huh). To put me in a better frame of mind I went for a walk along the cliff-tops to Sitges and back. It was blissful, and early enough to be very quiet. After  about two and a half hours I was home revived and energised.The countryside around here is so beautiful and often under appreciated.

Arriving home we had a delicious mixed veg soup for lunch and I picked a load of our Cherry tomatoes as a side dish. 

 

I then settled down in front of the laptop for about an hour or so and thumped out just over two more thousand words. Take Two is coming along nicely.

This evening I had a couple of classes, Just before  I was due to go out we noticed the light had changed significantly and though perhaps we were expecting a storm, until I got out onto the main road and saw a huge plume of smoke. Looking into the hills I could see that here was obviously some sort of large fire. On arriving at school I found out it was a forest fire just to the north of VnG. The town is now on alert and we have been advised to close our windows and doors- ash is falling all over. I really don't like these types of drama!!

At least when I came home this evening the smoke had lessened, as had the wind which was blowing the fire our direction. 

The word is that it is a case of arson, which makes me really sad. The countryside here is so beautiful and to think that someone might get pleasure from destroying it is awful, and the thought of all the animals running for their lives saddens me even more. Tonight we are hoping the fireman stay safe and get their job done. Apparently there are over 40 teams out there, over 200 men and women risking all.  Watch this space....

Writing and Walking

OK - catering assignment all over and sorted now this week I am concentrating on writing and walking...

This morning I spent a lot of time between the pages of 'Take Two' whilst Tony did a bit of editing and proofing - what a great team we make. By lunchtime I had written over 2200 words, and am more than happy in the way in which the story is progressing. However, there is more to the story than I first though¡, so finishing before I go away could be a bit of a BIG ask. I shall be working away diligently towards that goal, but may have to leave the final few chapters until I return in July.

This afternoon I did a bit of reading in the sunshine, and a bit of Camino research. My flight is an early one - especially after Vueling changed the time (ie. made it even earlier) and I was wondering just how to get to the airport.  I checked the RENFE website for train times, having already found out that the night buses would not get me there on time, and found a train that will get me there in perfect time. It will all mean that I have to be up and out by four o'clock in the morning, but hey ho I'll just have to have a siesta in the hotel when I get there.

Oviedo here I come - well in just over a week...

Passion

What a fantastic word- that's for starters!

If you asked me what my passion was I think my first answer would be LIFE!!

On further thinking about this I would probably say that my passions change from day to day, week by week, month by month - get the picture. I'm not saying I'm fickle, but more that I like to do what I like and that's how I assuage  (another nice word. not sure if it really fits though?) my passions in many different ways and it all depends on so many factors.

At the moment I'm sure some of you could say what my passions are without even having to think about it. Got them- well at least the top two?  Right at this very moment my passions are writing and walking, or walking and writing, or maybe more precisely The Camino and Writing.

It's just TWENTY ONE days until I set out again on The Way, and I'm getting a tad excited. I'm busy setting up and preparing. And if you want to follow me day by day (phone coverage permitting) I will be Tweeting about my adventures when I can and feel the need to do so- So if you aren't on Twitter yet get signed up and start 'Following' me. Twitter is simple to use (I'm using it :-}) and you needn't really do anything once you're signed up and following me- you'll simply get the updates as I post them. If you want to reply all you have to do is write a tweet yourself or use the 'reply' thing at the bottom of my tweet- simples! 

On my new android phone, which by the way I am getting more used to each day, I have also installed 'Blogger' so hopefully with connectivity and if I'm not completely exhausted, or partying I will be sending back a daily blog. I'm also hoping to include pictures this year- wait and see how that turns out.

Another application I've installed is WhatsApp  -this is a free messaging service for android phones iphones. This allows me to send pictures free, so if you want pics from me too sign up for this if you haven't already- you can download it from your Apps-Store (hark at me sounding like I know what I'm talking about)- any questions just ask me- and I'll pass them onto my techie adviser - Nick!!

So that's the Camino passion. My other passion writing takes up a lot of my day at the moment too. I made a commitment this week to write at least 1500 words a day to try and get the sequel to Winner completed before I set off. So far so good. this afternoon I've been sitting in the garden typing away on my laptop and hit the 1850 mark, or just over and am very happy with my progress. Reading it back I like the way it sounds and think I know where I'm going with it all. I've even written a few song-lyrics to fit in with the story- yep I was amazed at that too!!

So tell me one and all- what's your passion today, this week, this month.. well you get the picture. I'm awaiting your comments just to prove someone is reading this and all my techno trials are worthwhile!!

Beginnings

Out of endings come beginnings -who said that?- well maybe no-one exactly but that's what I've been thinking of today.  

First of all the wonderful Michelle offered a one off oracle reading - and mine was beginnings. I thrive on change, and beginnings have played a big part in my life. At the moment I am in the middle of a beginning (if such a thing is possible)- of becoming comfortable in my 'new' role as an author. 

At this time of year classes at the school are coming to an end. This week I am completing a course for a local business and today had set an exam for my class to do for the end of the course.  This generally means I have little to do during the class, but plenty of marking and report writing later. Today I decided to take advantage of the quiet time and started to make my list of things I need to get and pack for my upcoming Camino. This set me to thinking about my last Camino- The Portuguese. 

For some time I have been wondering about writing a book similar to 'The Magic of the Camino' about this walk. Well today I set pen to paper and have a rough draft of the first chapter. I may need a bit of help with remembering the sights sounds, smells and the such like so will be calling on Janey and Sussi for help,e specially as my note-taking wasn't so prolific on this walk. However I know there's a book there -again we saw some wonderful sights, met some amazing people and were affected by the whole journey.  So the beginning is there, I just need to prioritise which I write next.... but just for now here are some photos from the Portuguese Camino

A little self-promotion....

Today I've had a busy day, despite feeling quite fatigued when I woke this morning.

Walking the dogs, and further than usual (Xali was up for a good run), blew the cobwebs away and I returned home feeling slightly more energetic. 

Time for a bit of self promotion I decided. Spurred on by Nick the other day I have been shamelessly promoting my books through Twitter and am really starting to get my head round it all.  I've even got a couple of new (literary) followers and have started following some folks in the literary world too.

Anyway today I set up a 'page' on facebook for 'The Magic of the Camino'.  Why I didn't do it before I don't know- well I do- something to do with being afraid of self promotion. Anyway I set the page up and let it go live at about 14.00. It's now just 22.30 (more or less) and already I've had 28 'likes' and a host of comments and questions on how to get hold of a copy.  Fantastico. 

This promotion meant that some of my chums from the Camino got in contact too, and so my mind went racing back to The Way, and how much I enjoyed the experience and value the friendships made on it.  I added a few photos to the page as well and the memories flooded back as to where, when and why I took the photos. Ah good times.

 Day One: Daybreak in the Pyrenees.

And a little further on with new friends.

OH, how much am I looking forward to getting back out. I am sure the Camino Primitov has more adventures in store for me....

Next job - to improve my profile on Amazon..... so if you have read 'The Magic' and you use Amazon please (pretty please) would you mind going to 'The Magic of the Camino' sales page and leaving a review... Thank you.

Goiong my way

Wednesday and back to school after a wonderful long weekend (puente).

Today we popped round to the lumberyard- yes you did read that right- the lumberyard - to try and get another quote for replacing our doors. The main problem we are having is that the doors are all different sizes- so far from 'standard'- well of course it is our house. We want to standardise the sizes simply so I don't bash my head intermittently, mainly because I don't have any hair on top for protection or to hide the cuts when I do bash my head! So the upshot of our visit to the lumberyard is that we need to get a paleter (builder) in first to resize the frames. Fortunately the man at the lumberyard (yes I do like that word) has a brother in law who is a builder who can help. We got his number, I called him as soon as we got home and he's coming round tomorrow. Let's hope this is the step forward that we want.

This afternoon I finally got on and designed my t-shirt and cap for this year's Camino. I had been putting it off as, although outwardly I was being brave and saying everything was ok, inwardly I was worried that my back/leg problem would prevent me going. After the weekend's walk I'm confirmed back on my Way. Once the designer-ware arrives I shall model it and post pics.

Later on I started a new private class. It's with a previous student of mine who is taking a University entrance exam in a few weeks and needs a bit of revision. I was a bit worried how the lessons would pan out as it's a one-to-one whereas before we had a whole class. Within minutes I realised everything was okay, and it adds a little more to the coffers.

And the upshot of all this rambling.....well I guess I'm just grateful that things are still so much going my way.

From where I'm sitting, everything in the garden looks rosy - and I mean thgat literally as well as figuratively.

Walking and stuff

Today was a beautiful day -despite weather forecasts to the contrary.

Having walked Xali first thing I put the washing out, that I'd set off when I went out, then picked up my rucksack and set off along the coastal path to Sitges.  IT was a warm and beautiful walk and I so enjoyed it, being the first time since I have walked since having a gammy leg and back. Fortunately I had no pain along the way, or have I had any since.

Arriving in Sitges I was supposed to meet Denise and Paolo, but they were caught up with a dog found loose near their house, so were just over an hour late, which gave me time to read more of my book out in the sunshine whilst sipping an ice cold beer.

Returning home Tony had prepared a delicious soup, after which I picked up the laptop and wrote a bit more of 'Winner Too'.

This evening we have spent the evening watching TV together.

Tomorrow is a holiday here so another great day looks likely... but for now here are a couple of pictures of the walk, and if you'd like to see more go to my google plus album (click the link or one of the photos to get there, then scroll down)

  Leaving VnG

 Broom in flower -memories of the Camino

 The sea was a little wild this morning

And the Pay-Off on arrival in Sitges

Midweek

Had a lazier day here today, but fairly productive. 

Of course there was the usual housework, and a few school hours, and today I've been researching 'The Camino Primitivo' as my walk for this year looms closer and closer. I had put it on the back burner and had even forgotten how far I was going to be walking- It's just 280 kilometres this year.  Today I've been checking out the slopes and the albergues, and as far as I can tell they all look worth a visit, although one looked  a little dodgy. Well I'll not go on about it for now as there will be more of this over the coming weeks. However I must just mention my technological advance for this year- I've bought a 'Dictaphone' to take with me to talk to and intend to be writing about my adventures sometime later in the year. Of course I'll be updating the blog as often as I can whilst on the road too.

For lunch today we didn't have our usual soup. Instead I had a bocadillo de tortilla de patatas  with tomato and rocket - Yummy. Tony who was feeling a little off colour earlier settled for a cheese and tomato sarnie.

However this evening we've had one of Tony's signature dishes- Chilli, and yup it was just as hot as ever!!  Served with Jacket potatoes and a salad on the side, and cottage cheese as a cooling agent.

Is food my life?

Most of tonight's post is about food and what I've been eating recently (perhaps I should have maintained my other 'foody' blog).
 
Last night we had one of our favourite meals - Rice,Peas and gravy. Nothing cordon blue, but something we love all the same. Last night I had it with Potato Salad and Rocket. At this point I was going to insert a photo of said dinner, but it seems the memory card wasn't properly inserted in the camera, so here's one of Xali and Vinci in an intimate moment.

 

Today we've been to Beverly Hills (an American Style restaurant on the main Rambla) with Julie for lunch, as we were both working this morning it seemed like a good plan, and indeed was. It's been an age since we lunched together.  Starters of mixed veggies fired -yummy and a pasta dish for me for main course- nice but not wild. Tony had a burger (yes he's off the veggie wagon these days) and Julie had a Californian Club Sandwich, all washed down with a  little wine. 

Tony had been round the market before meeting us and had bought a tray of strawberries (I feel a Jam making session coming on), some tangerines (Marmalade perhaps) and some tasty looking plum tomatoes.

And just this minute I've just had a delicious Cheese and Ham Toastie - Yes veggie products are getting better and better here, and more available, although the veggie ham here is not as good as the stuff I usually buy in Sainsbury's in the UK.

But to end I just want to mention the counter up in the top right of this page- yes it's now less than two month's before i set off for Oviedo an my next Camino. This week I had an e-mail from Vueling who I am flying up there with, to tell me that the flight time had changed. I'm now leaving BCN at 7.30 in the morning which means I have to be there for 5.30- now that creates a logistic problem- looks like I'll have to get the night bus, unless anyone fancies an early morning trip to the airport.

On the same/similar note my credencial arrived (forwarded by Janey) this week- This is my passport for the Camino and gets me into the albergues. Step by step things are starting to come together.... and yes one of my concerns for the walk is what will I eat....

It's raining, it's pouring....

Yup the old man is snoring- taking his afternoon siesta, so whilst I wait for my mona to bake and my eggs to harden (Fnaar) I thought I'd update t'blog.

• April Fools Walk in Sussex & buffet.

Last Saturday I flew into Gatwick for a few days at Andrew and Jane's house, primarily because we had organised the, what looks like will be the annual Sussex pre-Easter walk.
Everybody involved turned up in good time. Jan got a little lost but was only at the end of the road so we were out of the house and on our way just before 11.00am.
Our first stop was in Fulking, at the Shepherd and dog.  It seemed right to walk about an hour before breaking just as we started each day on our Caminos. It had been many years since I had been to the Shepherd and of course it had changed. It has almost all been renovated, losing a lot of its old charm, but nonetheless it was still a suitable place for a stop, before climbing the Fulking Escarpment.

This is quite a steep incline, which caused some of our party a little aggravation, and it forms part of the South Downs Way, which Jane intends to walk next year.  However we all made it to the top without incident, and enjoyed the views it afforded us of the Sussex countryside, which were spectacular.
Along the ridge we traversed next, passing the Upper Beeding/Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel, to a steep drop just before stopping at Tottington Manor.

This is the Hotel Caroline & I managed just over 30 years ago. We worked here with Hatty and Rosie, and many assorted chums.  To say it was a 'Fawlty Towers' experience would be both over-rating and under-rating it at the same time for differing reasons. It was hard work but great fun.
We were met here by Carla, Nick and Frankie for a quick and refreshing pint, before we were back on our way for the last and short leg back to Andrew and Jane's place for a spot to eat:
 

Before I left yesterday Jane and Kerri were already planning a route for next year, probably to include Shoreham.

• Shopping with Janey

Well I kinda think the picture says it all- We just enjoy our shopping trips and always end up being silly!!

• A family Day out in Chichester & Arundle

On Tuesday Andrew took a day out of his busy schedule and we had a day out in Chichester. We started with a bit of shopping around the old town shopping centre, and stopped for a late breakfast at Greggs the Bakers, where they make the most delicious veggie Pasties:

 After a little more shopping and a car trip around the edges of Arundle Castle we stopped  at a little pub by the river Arun, but unfortunately as we hadn't booked the couldn't fit us in -all the tables were full, apart from the ones outside, but by now it had started spitting and had cooled down too much for our liking. SO Andrew drove on to a little pub in Houghton called the George and the Dragon, where the service was very friendly and the food delicious- now for me that's a huge compliment as although I'm not fussy I do too often think  'Ah I could have done better at home!'.

 

•  A Cuppa with Hatty & Rosie.

On Monday Jane and I had to pop into Steyning (where I went to school) to do a bit of banking and as I had spoken to Hatty the day before we arranged to meet at the Steyning Tearooms. Jane and I arrived first and took a seat, soon to be joined by Hatty, Rosie and Rosie's daughter Amy.  I hadn't seen Hatty for over 10 years, and Rosie and I hadn't met up for about 20 years. Needless to say we had loads of catching up to do., and the conversation flowed. The waitress didn't appreciate our custom, and was less than friendly telling (or rather growling at) us 'Can I take your order now, as you area big party and we're going to be busy in a minute". Later on Annie and Julie joined us (Julie I hadn't seen for about 25 years!)- The waitress was most put out that our party had increased and checked with Annie and Julie 'Are you going to order then'- we decided she must have gone to a wonderful charm school!! The place is very well decked out but the prices and surly service mean we won't be returning there again. Hatty and Rosie have now promised to pop over to Casa TulStig for a break soon. Julie also wants to visit and with a bit of luck she'll drag Annie over with her.

• Family Nonsense.

Whenever we get together Andrew and I usually have a least one round of giggling like kids till we cry. Well we did just that again. On Monday evening we had the leftovers from the buffet (Kerri's chilli was even better the next day!!) so bought some tortilla wraps to have with them. Andrew, being a slightly fussy eater, didn't want any of the usual buffet fare so had a cheese and onion pasty and Ham wrap.

  

During dinner we got the giggles over something that if I could remember it wouldn't be funny now, but all four of us (Amy joined us) were laughing till we cried. 

• A new addition at Tottington Drive

Since Jane's cats passed away she has had a hankering to get another. Recently one of Andrew's clients: a Cattery (Cat's boarding kennel) had received a visitor- a kitten. The cattery traced its owners, and found them to be quite uncaring of what happened to the kitten. o they took him in and Jane got in contact with them saying she would like to take him.  On Wednesday morning, before I flew home, Jane and I went to pick up Bertie, as she named the young man. He's a delightful chap and so friendly. He's settling in quite well,, but doesn't like being kept in, which Jane has to do for a while or the little blighter might just wander off again.

• Home again

As Always its nice to go travelling, but just as nice to get home again. I managed to stuff my case with loads of goodies once again - Marmite being the most important.  Toady it's been raining most of the day, and I've been catching up on some of my PC chores and stuff, as well as making Easter Eggs and a Mona cake for Julie. I'll probably update n how that all went tomorrow.

But I think for now that'll do. As you have seen I've had a wonderful little break and now am looking forward to a relaxing Easter weekend.

Home Again

This is just a quikie update to let you all (both?) know that I'm back home in Casa TulStig after a fantatsic stay in deepest Sussex.

I intend to do a full update tomorrow which will include:

• April Fools Sussex Camino & post walk buffet
• Shopping with Janey
• A Family day out in Chichester and Arundle
• Meeting up with Hatty & Rosie
• Family nonsense
• A new addition at Tottington Drive! 
• Home again

And for anyone (anyone??) waiting on the most recent TulStig Newsletter I'll be finishing that off in the next couple of days too- I really ran out of time before I left for Blighty!! 
For now here's a teaser photo of the April Fools day walk:

My kids....

This morning I took Cuddy and Xali on a slightly longer walk, feeling that my leg was well enough to do so. I really love the way the gamble around. Cuddy loves water and after the rains of a few days ago there's a huge puddle on our walk that she loves to play in. She's completely crazy playing in it, and sticks her head right the way under, blowing bubbles, just so she can find just the right stone to carry around for the rest of the walk.

Xali is more reserved and gently walks along the edge of the puddle occasionally sipping as he pauses. However he does love to run in the sports field, and it is a pure JOY to see him gambling about, and a relief to see he is still full of the spark of life. He may be heading towards 13 years old, but still acts like a puppy now and again.  At times I feel like I am dragging myself out of bed to take them out, but as soon as we get in the fields and they start their antics I realise it is all, and always, worthwhile. 

The cats are happy the sun is out again too, and have spent a lot of the day running, or rather chasing each other around the yard and back in. This does means that the floor is grubby as quickly as it is cleaned, but their games give me the greatest of laughs too.

If you didn't know by know, my animals are my JOY and get and deserve the love I lavish on them. I couldn't imagine our house without them.

Moving, keep moving....

This morning was my quarterly check up at the docs- and I am more than pleased to report that everything is just about tickety boo - including a drop in my cholesterol levels to 4.0.

After the meeting with Doctor Dishy - and that is no joke he's seriously date-able and so much more - I had my final treatment with JanWillem, the vet. Once again I left there floating and hopefully things will continue to improve. I haven't had any real pain today so that's a plus one... I'll be keeping you posted.

Driving up into the mountains the rain was lashing down and it so much reminded me of the day on the Camino when Jane and I walked in the rain for almost the whole day down from O'Cebreiro... oh such happy times.

Waking

Over the past few days the sun has been rising noticeably earlier, which means I am waking earlier, which is a good thing as during the longer nights of the winter months I have become a bit of a stay-a-bed. Waking earlier means I either have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the peace of the early mornings, or that I can get up and start my day.

For the past couple of days I have chosen the later, being up and  out with Xali and Cuddy earlier than they have recently been used to.  Whilst walking I have also notice that so many of the plants and trees are waking after their winter slumbers too. The main rambla which crosses our walk of a morning is lined by cherry trees which are starting to become festooned with blossom, making the world a prettier, brighter and more wonderful place.

On a deeper level I am also grateful that the inner author in me has been awoken from its slumbers over the past year, and continues to fill me more and more. I'm not saying that I no longer have doubts about my writing ability, but more that I trust that what I write is 'good enough', and anyway I'm doing something I love, whether this later translate to my first best-seller, well we'll have to wait and see.

My back/leg continues to be a source of pain and annoyance, but this week I am stepping into the unknown and seeing a local practitioner who has success in the past in totally curing a bad case of sciatica- I have my fingers crossed and my hopes high. The treatment will be over four days, and is much like Reiki, alongside the homoeopathic remedy I'm taking I hope I shall be back to fully functioning soon. My biggest fear being that this condition will not improve enough for me to be able to walk in the summer- no scratch that -I will walk, I may just have to take it slower and carry more painkillers than before!!

BACK

Well I guess today's title for the blog says it all! So I'll shut up then- yeah and you all know that'll be the day.

I've been a little (read 'a hell of a lot' for that) uncommunicative of late as I've been busy concentrating on excruciating pain- there I've said it. Short of detailing everything just to say I have had, and still have sciatica. But I'll not moan about it (unless you ask). It's being alleviated now by a heat pad for which I am more than grateful. I thought I had a high pain threshold but by golly this one sucker punched me for sure. But enough of my back - I'm back.

Yesterday for the first time in over a week I took the dogs for their morning walk- lucky we have a garden or the flat could have got a bit messy!!  I enjoyed a gentle walk round the fields and was amazed and delighted to find spring blossoming out all over the place.

I'm not sure what these flowers are, but they remind me of my nan's favourites 'cowslips'.

Whilst out I decided to hug, well touch up more than hug, a tree- and was amazed by the jolt of energy I received from it. It was amazing and so so pleasant. I used to 'chat' to this tree quite regularly, but we kinda fell out of conversation- having renewed our acquaintance I'll be keeping well in touch- it really was/is good for me. 

I'm hoping our back garden will be blooming well soon too -I bought 101 bulbs some time back and planted them so we're waiting expectantly. There area few sprouts peeking out of the ground and as soon as there's anything to report pics will be on here. Tony's been busy out there re-varnishing the table and chairs etc -and a blooming good job he's done too. 

Spring is springing!!

Whilst out walking with Cuddy and Xali yesterday morning I noticed the bloom on the trees is starting to appear. The temperatures are starting to rise, and creativity is in the air. TO me that all means spring is on the doorstep, knocking and will be in soon.

Keeping Toasty

Still blinking cold here, but so bright and crisp it's a pleasure.  Out walking with Xali and Cuddy in the early mornings does mean I need to wrap up warm, but with my new jacket, bought last year, a scarf I got as a Christmas present from one of Tony's sisters, and the hat that Tony bought me I stay rather toasty. 

I've even taken to wearing my new hat to school to keep my head and ears warm- which has created a bit of a stir amongst the other teachers- well a giggle really -Sue said it even looks like I have pigtails, but I still refuse to answer to 'Heidi'! The other morning when Liam picked me up at the roundabout down the road for our trip to Ikea he commented that he wasn't looking for father Christmas  when he pulled up at the kerb!