The clock has sprung forward; the one time when we don’t mind losing the hour’s sleep through the night. The spring lambs are running around joyfully in the fields and the yellow daffodils dancing in the March winds a welcoming sight even on the coolest of days. This coming weekend is Easter. Will the Easter Bunny leave an egg in our house?
I am looking forward to the month of April and hoping the temperature will increase; after purchasing a small amount of seeds and plants I am eager to get more in the pipeline. There are some beautiful violas now in the hanging basket at the front door, ready to give visitors a colourful greeting. Alexandra and I planted some sunflower seeds, my 7 year old granddaughter’s delight when the first plant poked a little green sprig through the compost was priceless. If I could bottle her excitement when she called on me on Monday morning I’m sure I would make an awful lot of people feel very happy when they heard or saw this; best medicine in the world – being together, happiness and love.
Have a wonderful Easter. If you can, keep that frown upside down and smile each and every day.
It’s the beginning of 2023 and what better time to tackle something. Push myself through the barriers and spend quality time with my precious beloved beautiful Labrador Bella. Doddie Aid is back and I’m walking with Bella to help raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This amazing event not only raises awareness, gets everyone together, helps encourage exercise; no matter if you can take a couple of steps or run a marathon you can get involved. You certainly don’t feel excluded. Doddie Aid 2023 raises much needed funds for My name’5 Doddie Foundation which invests in research to find treatment for MND.
In the year of 2017 the gentle Scottish giant Doddie Weir told the world he was living with MND. Being the person he was he wanted to raise awareness, educate others and help find a cure for this disease.
Doddie may no longer be physically present on this earth. However he will always be in our hearts. The work he started will carry on in many others. You only have to look at the photographs and film footage to see what joy and hope his presence brought amongst others. The look on faces full of grit and determination.
Doddie Weir you were a strong courageous man. I will be taking part in this 6 week event with privilege. Now that Doddie Aid is back I will be walking with Bella rain, hail or shine. Fingers crossed we will clock up some miles for Team Edinburgh.
When my 20 year old son walked in the door with a cat box and said surprise I was not expecting to see a little fox red Labrador puppy. First instinct oh my goodness he is beautiful but going to be a lot of work. How wrong I was. Stuart and I tossed and turned for an hour or so deciding on a name for this absolutely stunning little boy. And finally it was decided Buddy was his name. From the beginning he followed me around, no matter where I went he was there; whether it was the sitting room, kitchen or bathroom he was by my side. One day my blood sugar dropped like a stone so quickly, he seemed to know, he tapped my leg and started whining. I most certainly wasn’t feeling too good. Checked the old glucose level and it was sitting at 3.1. This little guy was onto something. He carried my clothes, giving sets for my feed, he became my assistant. Very soon he was my “Buddy’ our amazing fox red Labrador.
Buddy was a gentle lab. Despite being of a big frame he cuddled me softly. Walked at my pace. Super with children and other animals. So much so with other animals we got him a wife. A stunning yellow Labrador called Bella. They became inseparable; very much husband and wife. I bread them and had two litters. Buddy was at the birth of both sets and very hands on the the puppies. A very modern parent. We keep in touch with several of the owners and they have visited and brought the labradors back to visit.
Buddy as an assistance dog was so amazing. He always knew what made me tick. Tended to know I needed to sit down before I did. Such a clever clogs. He always knew best, would jump up on the sofa beside me and snuggle in and we would fall asleep in the afternoon. Or reading a goodbook, or listening to music; any track, just ask my Alexa to play it or listen on my phone using my Amazon music app . So calming and most definitely make me feel at ease. One day my nurses were in to give me my treatment, there were two of them. One nurse took a seat to read the notes whilst the other was drawing up the meds, etc. Buddy walked over to the nurse that had the notes and gently tapped her on the leg with his paw. I asked her if she had ate breakfast. Bearing in mind it was 11.45am. She said no I skipped it this morning. Buddy tapped her again and again. I asked if she would take her blood sugar level with my machine. Which she did. Her level was sitting at 3.6 – Buddy knew it was below 4 and she was hungry. She ate something and immediately her levels increased. Buddy was happy and the nurse felt better.
Did this dog complain about anything? Heck no. One day he had really sore pads on his feet and I rubbed in balm. You could see he was in pain – he never pulled away, barked or winced. He trusted me implicitly, if I said this is what we should do he would let me do it.
What he loved was to cuddle in, go for a ride in the car and most of all walk in the back field. He was a home bird, right to the end. Buddy was only feeling poorly for a couple of days and died in my arms at home with Bella and my hubby Steve by his side. Just what he would have wanted.
It Has been a whole week now without my beloved boy. Bella and I are helping each other through it. Bella has never been a dog on her own. She will miss having him here as much as I will. Although he was a placid quiet dog, the house is eerily quiet without him. Yes I am very upset and could cry a river at the thought of him no longer being at my side but what I have to remember is all the wonderful happy times we had together. The great many years and joy he brought not only to me but to us as a family. Thank you my beautiful Buddy our amazing fox red Labrador for being part of our lives. I love you.
If you enjoyed reading this post please feel free to read further posts on my blog page. Or you can read some medical based posts at my other site EJY Medical Writing.
My Buddy boy loved to help with carrying my socks. I loved to buy quality socks for all the family at The Socks Box
The summer has been fairly kind to bikers this 2022 in Scotland. A great many dry sunny days and even on the cloudier days the sun has made an appearance on several occasions. For many friends they have been attending bike rallies, going off on super runs. No matter if it is long or short just the getting out for a while whether it is with a group of mates or a solo run. That feeling of freedom with not a care in the world and to cap it all the fabulous scenery that our country has to offer is most definitely worth taking to the road for. However I have had a medical issue with my gastrostomy tube and wasn’t feeling too great at the start of the season. Not like me at all but I welcomed my regular visit to one of my consultants. We had a long chat and it was decided I would get my lifesaving rig removed and a further procedure performed in hospital. Once this is done hoping I will be back on the Harley-Davidson® in no time.
True to his word I faced 13 medical professionals in the operating theatre just short of 4 weeks later. Getting the new tube fitted was most definitely daunting. The staff that look after me are absolutely amazing and when my heart rate dropped extremely low that the alarms were ringing they all remained so calm. Quietly I could here the radiologist say Elizabeth’s lips and feet are a lovely shade of blue. A nurse came and held my hand reassuringly and gently put a foil blanket over, ‘you are a tad cold’ she said and then continued to massage my feet. Once it was over and I was back sitting up and eager to go home one of the nurses that worked in London introduced me to a fabulous new dressing for around my tube. She gave me a pretty floral one and told me I could purchase them online. They are called G-tube dressings and are washable. Fabulous.
I got the talk about taking this easy when I got home. I so have to admit I never anticipated how long it would take for me to feel like ME. But what I can say is 4 weeks after normality started to set in. Since I have had it done I’ve enjoyed riding pillion three times;l. Gosh the relief I can have my feed running and it isn’t leaking out of me. Or more importantly the balloon can no longer explode inside my tummy. What a relief. I enjoy plenty of relaxation time; meditation and wellbeing top of the list. And of course a lot of reading snuggled into my beautiful labradors. As well as picking up a book and sifting through the pages which I so enjoy I enjoyed many books on Audible – Amazon do super deals including the first three months for 99p. This is one of the best and most used subscriptions I have taken on. If you enjoy reading and audio books you will absolutely love Audible If you don’t have Amazon Prime, it is worth joining. I wouldn’t be without it. Orders delivered next day, music, videos, etc. Superb prices. Fabulous.
The runs are very different, the first was just Steve and I tottering around our own area on my birthday on the 6th of August. We enjoy touring the Glide a little East Lothian Route, starting and finishing in Pencaitland. Taking in East Saltoun, Gifford and Haddington. The second was a ride to Stirling to meet up with some members from The Dunedin Chapter. A quick hop on the A1; stopped at Elginhaugh to meet up with Deke and then onto the bypass, joined and rode up the M9. A natter with fellow bikers and then back home. And finally a third run to Gullane to return granddaughters school bags.
The runs were enjoyable, the first most certainly very scenic and enjoyable for pillion view. Riding along single lane country roads – so easy on the eye. Chocolate box houses, overhung trees, lambs running in the fields. However on the ride to Stirling the smooth run up the dual carriageway of the A1 with the forth to my right. A perfect clear view of fife and the only distraction was the crops in the fields as they swayed gracefully and rhythmically as if they were dancing in time. The Sunday run to Gullane was a beautiful one. Living in East Lothian it is easy to take for granted such beauty; riding through the championship golf course I watch the golfers enjoy their activities and then take in the quality and beauty of the course. The greens looking in super shape. The course comprises of many shades of green and I think of my parents and the discussion we had many years ago as we looked at a globe and as a child I asked what is Gods colour Blue or Green.
These runs are in preparation to go to Aviemore with Steve. This year in Aviemore we will see many people with motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons® It will be lovely to go into the hive of activity. I never once thought when I was up in Aviemore every other week skiing, climbing and endlessly hill walking over a duration of many years would I be a granny riding pillion on a Harley-Davidson®.
I have been looking at books – quite fancy treating us to this one; Britain for Bikers
August was always a month of celebration, I was born on the 6th of the month in 1966 and married on the 22nd in 1986. However when my fabulous Mother died on the 9th of August in 2013 I felt like the life had been sucked out of me. And most certainly did not feel like celebrating. As the years have ticked on I have found I miss her more each day. The telephone rings first thing in the morning and I still expect it to be my Ma. My heart aches, I yearn to sit and chat and share a story or two like we always did. There is so much I want to tell her and the best place to do this is having a blether and a walk in the sunshine.
On Saturday I took a walk in the sunshine. I walked 100 yards from our house in the beautiful sunshine. Walked my Labrador Bella up the garden and let her run free in the field. I admired the beautiful field of everlasting flowers. I sat in the field looked at the stunning carpet of purple. Dancing were several rogue vibrant red poppies. Swaying back and forth, on looking at them if one had a vivid imagination such as mine they look like they are chatting on the dance floor. As I sat I thought of Mum, she would never want me to be sad. Think happy thoughts she would say. Smile and the world smiles with you. On the last day of her life she said to me I will never leave you and I believe her. I still feel her love.
I also feel her love through my beautiful grandchildren. They are very happy loving funny children. Our grandchildren most certainly keep me going and help me all my daily battle. I can now understand how my mother fought so hard when she was diagnosed with lung cancer and struggled on even in the darkest days. The shrieking laughter, the fingerprints on the glass cabinets they leave behind. The little stories they read to you are such a tonic.
I enjoy most of my time with my amazing labradors, very rarely there isn’t a dog at my feet. Bella was on the walk with me on Saturday. We look after our dogs and make sure they get well fed and appropriate supplements. One such supplement is Premium Omega Oil Capsules. You can buy them from Amazon and get them delivered straight to your door. I give both my labradors these super supplements. It comes in an easy to use pump and keeps their skin and coat in great condition. Buddy and Bella love the taste so its so easy to give.
There are many days I am shattered. Would I have life any other way? No not at all.
Have a grand day everyone. And thanks ever so much for taking the time to read this short blog post.
Already we are half way through the year of 2022. Finally after the last few years of PPE, mask wearing during covid and lockdown we are getting some normality in our lives. Covid will never disappear however we are dealing with things and actually getting out meeting each other and it feels so good. Most of us have missed out on something in our lives, a celebration, graduation, that wonderful holiday we had planned. Sadly there has been difficult times where we have not been able to be together and sickness has kept us at arms length. I most certainly cannot fault the way I have been treated by our good old NHS. My treatment has never stopped or home visits from my District nurses right through the pandemic. Now that time has moved on many people are planning trips to other countries, including three of our friends from Switzerland. Whilst on their trip to Scotland we managed to finally have our bikers BBQ
I am fairly certain that covid will not leave us in a hurry and at the moment it is rearing its ugly head. With a notable increase in diagnosis again. However that is most likely to us all mixing and going out on adventures. A very large majority of us are vaccinated, it won’t stop us getting covid but should hopefully lower hospital admissions and death rates. I have been extremely grateful for the care I have had all the way through. The vaccines I have had. And the continued care and management I get with my cancer team. When I am up to it I enjoy time with buddies and going out on the Harley-Davidson® with my hubby.
The final week of June is always an eventful one for us. A birthday for Steve and brother in law Alan. So now three years later our buddies could finally ride their NC500 trip, travelling from Switzerland on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We were so happy to spend the final three days with them. Hear of their travels, have a BBQ at ours, go out to The Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh, and on their final day travel with them on their way to the ferry and visit Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. What fun we all had.
The BBQ was great fun, we chatted, laughed, there was lovely food cooked by head chef Steve. A warm fire pit for those that felt the chill in the air. Steve, Deke and Ewan treated us to some tunes and kept us entertained. I am pretty sure everyone went home with full bellies and pretty satisfied and happy. Our dogs loved having everyone round.
The most important thing I have learnt from hitting the brick wall that day and hearing the words incurable is life is for living. I love and value my family, good friendship and spending some time to get out and see the sights can be energising. However, I do so enjoy taking time for myself. In the way of putting my feet up, sitting in silence and enjoying a jolly good rest with my most beautiful labradors, Buddy and Bella.
Nearing the end of March and we have sprung forward for daylight saving. Lost an hour in our bed did that cause any upset. Gosh no, woke up to a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, the fresh dew glistening on the blades of grass as I drew back the curtains. Six year old granddaughter Alexandra was getting her breakfast then off to dance. She attends a dance class every Sunday which she absolutely loves. For later in the day when she was back at ours it was arranged that we would go out on an adventure. This would include a drive to a Forrest Park and then there would be Frogs, nest building and watching by the pond.
My sister Hazel and her Granddaughter Lily came to mine and picked up Alexandra and me. We travelled the scenic route from our home in Boggs Holdings, Pencaitland to Glentress, Peebles in The Scottish Borders. We headed along familiar roads, up the granite hills, driving up the hills straight through the golf course in Innerleithen. Looking out the window at sheep and their newly born lambs dancing around the bushes.
As we approached the Glentress Centre we drove through the well sign posted road to the upper car park. Got out the car. And went on an adventure. Tummy’s were rumbling, so first of all it was time to feed the girls at Glentress Peel Cafe – this was a super place to have something to eat. Catering for all, adults, children, decent enough vegetarian option and dog friendly. Beautiful outlook with a pond just outside.
The pond was a great attraction. Alexandra and Lily excitedly watched the frogs swimming. Eagerly took in all the pond had to offer including frog spawn, insects galore and many plants. I have to admit I was in my element sitting on the bank watching and taking photographs.
We took the steady incline back up to the car park. The girls ran around laughing and playing catch. Alexandra collected a fairly large stone, the girls went on in search for moss and they started nest building. The Ranger walked by and smiled. A few minutes later she came back, as we were sitting at the picnic table she presented the girls with activity sheets and coloured pencils. She said well done on their nest building.
As the girls sat and drew pictures and coloured in I took in the breathtaking view. Watched some mountain bikers. And looked out onto the hills with the Glentress Forest Lodges that are available to rent. With the thought that one weekend that would be a lovely stay for a night or three.
All in all what a great way to spend a few hours on a Sunday.
How on earth did that happen? Where has time gone? My shining light, dependable caring compassionate granddaughter is a whole six years old. Wow! Alexandra is a crazy funny girl who makes me laugh and always has my back. Chattering away playing at ours, rattling the keys on the keyboard together with me as I write she is the most wonderful company. Since she turned 6 months old she has been coming to our place, for an afternoon, then an overnight, now its for whenever the need is there or she wants to come and stay. Our home is her home just as it should be for grandchildren. On her birthday she came to ours in the afternoon to blow out her candles on her birthday cake – let us celebrate because our beautiful box troll has turned six.
As a family we enjoy spending time together. At our home, it may involve cutting the grass on the lawn tractor. Going on holiday together, or to an event. Out for a walk with the dogs – my precious labradors. And most definitely celebrating a birthday like this one. It doesn’t have to be a big affair, just who matters sitting on the sofa singing happy birthday. It’s been a funny old time especially for a child of late with the pandemic, isolation and face masks, no birthday parties. However the most important thing has never left – love. Knowing that we are loved we can get through anything.
Our 6 year old sunshine girl Alexandra turned 6 – my I blinked my eye and she has grown……….
Over the last few months life has certainly had its up and downs. As usual getting the usual carcinoid syndrome treatment. Not feeling the best at times and all that comes with it. However on the plus note covid restrictions have been a lot better, I have seen my family much more, Steve has been on the Harley-Davison®. We managed an evening out to see Del Amitri live in Edinburgh, at the Queens Hall. Our youngest son graduated from university. I got head hunted for a job from a very reputable company. We have a lot to be grateful for. As I was sitting working on my computer my phone gave a familiar bing. I looked over, it was letting me know my screen time was down. Most likely because I have been writing more this week, and I have gave the social media platform Facebook a wider berth over the last few weeks; mainly due to seeing the same old…… Although I have to confess I did see a few things on it today that made me smile, and other things that put me off…… on reading down the page I thought what has made me smile today?
Firstly waking up and being alive makes me smile. Every day is a bonus. I love where I live and who I live with. I open the curtains, roll up the blind in the morning, look out my bedroom window and the view of my back garden is a huge field where I enjoy walking my loyal Labrador Retrievers.
Buddy sitting at the front door
My boy Buddy is my assistance dog. He takes great care of me. Knows when my glucose levels drop. When my heart is misbehaving. He was such a great chap and tapped my nurse on the knee on Wednesday when she was attending to me, I asked her to check her blood sugar level it was sitting at 3.9 – he knew she was hungry.
My family not only make me smile they make me laugh. We have fabulous times together. Play old fashioned games, sit and talk, sing together, dance in the house and most importantly love each other.
Writing keeps me sane as well as makes me smile. Jotting down in a diary, keeping a journal, and writing for a living. I simply love it.
Listening to music most definitely made me smile today. Whether it is music on Apple Music, reminiscing about times gone by, Steve strumming his Martin guitar and beautifully singing along or Alexandra practicing her heart out on the violin or getting a guitar lesson from her Grandad. All those tunes give me such a warm feeling inside. It made me remember about that time……well will keep this one to myself…….
Remembering yesterday, listening to stories about the trip out pumpkin picking and dancing around the house and face painting.
It was the bank holiday weekend and the sun was shining. For more than a year I could only fantasise of meeting up with friends or going out to events with fairly large numbers. The run up to the weekend was fairly difficult, my gastrostomy site was leaking, the pain set in and my skin became red raw. By Wednesday, treatment day with my nurses I was needing a swab taken and had a bit of a temperature. GP phoned me at 7.45am on Thursday morning to let me know antibiotics were ready for me. Woo hoo, what kind of person gets excited about antibiotics. One that wants to feel better. This weekend would normally be TITG® – our annual bike rally hosted by The Dunedin Chapter in Aviemore however it was cancelled due to Covid. Fortunately there was still time for fun and an alternative weekend in store for us down here in East Lothian. It still included some time with some Chapter members and the Harley – on Sunday I had a grand day out at Newhailes House.
As Alexandra and I arrived at Musselburgh the honest toon was looking very busy. Families walking in the direction of the estate of Newhailes House. This Sunday was a special day, there was an open day inviting members of the public. It was mainly a classic car event, with other super side lines. Dunedin had the Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, there were some sports bikes too, the fire brigade were there, the police, a fantastic array of stalls, and of course amazing classic cars. Plenty to keep us occupied.
Alexandra loves this tractor
As we walked into the grounds of the estate we could hear a very familiar sound. The roar of her Grandfather’s Fatboy. Parked in a line – the Dunedin Chapter Members and their Harley Davidson® Motorcycles. There was an eager bunch of kids waiting to sit on the bikes, lots of smiling faces. As we walked up towards Fattie we saw Steve giving a demonstration to a happy lad.
Alex and I walked round, thoroughly enjoyed the sights. Totally loved the cars, bikes, stalls, etc. Soaked in the atmosphere. Sat on motorbikes, looked at beautiful classic cars, clambered on tractors, enthusiastically stood in the long queue for the sit in the fire engine. We had a fabulous day all on our doorstep. I’m sure the Dunedin members enjoyed their day.
My first memory of London; I am 11 years of age and in London with my Mum and Dad, we are passing a lamppost with ER printed on. Dad says “Biscuits look at that Elizabeth Reigns, you work hard sweetheart and you can be a boss too” My folks always gave me the encouragement and love needed to go forward in life. They helped me feel safe and secure. In 2012 I took the train with my hubby to London, this time not for a holiday but to see the expert Professor Caplin at The Royal Free. Despite needing diagnostic tests and treatment for incurable stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid syndrome Steve and I found time to explore new avenues. See museums, art galleries, The Tower, take in a show. One thing I am most certain of London, the city that keeps me alive more ways than one is my most favourite city.
Since 2012 I have been and continue to travel up and down the train tracks between Edinburgh and London. Had countless appointments with the Prof, attending clinics, grateful for but not particularly enjoying gallium pet scans, various treatments, glowing like the Readybrek kid, setting of alarms here there and everywhere, and many many blood samples on ice and some taken in special light conditions and immediately put in a Black bag. So tired that when I escape from the delightful cancer team we go to the West End show – We Will Rock You. A musical I have wanted to see for some time, the first half I sit, smile and sing along, the second I sleep right through, with the audience loving the show, singing at the top of their voices. The staff at the UCL Hospital and The Royal Free in London have been outstanding and for that I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
The last year we have had a year of corona, crisis and challenges. But let us not forget that the breakthrough of the vaccine has allowed us to start to come out of lockdown and find some sort of normality, try our best to get back to work, start socialising and enjoy life.
Steve and I in London with the Fatboy
July 2021 we decided not to go to London tandem but to go with my sister Hazel and her husband Alan. The boys rode the Harley-Davidson® motorcycles down and Hazel and I took the train first class from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross. I have always wanted to ride pillion over Tower Bridge. As well as having a fabulous 4 days Finally got my wish. Riding over Tower Bridge was as good as I expected, it was very busy, both lanes used, cyclists going as fast as us. Beautiful red double deckers travelling along with smiling faces looking over the Thames. Black cabs going no where fast. All of us sitting in the two lanes travelling along at 10 miles per hour, superb for me as a pillion taking in the view, people watching, loving the sights. Gathering my thoughts.
We crammed in what we wanted to do, Steve and I have done lots before including The Tower, The British Museum, various parks and lots more. This trip was to be relaxing, however there were a few places we wanted to tick the boxes. Namely Ace Cafe, The Bike Shed and Warrs Harley-Davidson®
Alan and Hazel
very popular arrival at Ace Cafe
Inside Ace Cafe
A selfie at Ace Cafe
Friday morning we gathered our bearings had a doddle around on foot, enjoyed some squares such as Russell and Tavistock Square, walked through St James’s Park, had lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe, Picaddily Circus, saw some of the sights on foot and then took a taxi back to the hotel looking forward to Friday night on the bikes.
We teamed up with our Sena Communication kits and rode the Harley’s up to Ace Cafe on Friday night. Friday night is bike night. Oh boy what a fabulous evening it was. There were car park Marshalls when we arrived, 20 minutes later I could see why. The entire car park was full of bikes. I’ve got to say anyone we spoke to was so welcoming and friendly. We first off hooked up with 4 young lads with Harleys. They don’t belong any Chapter, just friends riding their bikes. Went into the cafe for a cola and a scout around the shop. Came out and if possible it was busier than before. A familiar Harley fist bump came my way from Gerry; a member of The III Rivers Chapter, there were two members together, they welcomed us into their abode; great guys. Looking out onto the road there were motorcyclists doing wheelies up and down the road, burning tyres. Revving their engines, screaming up and down. So loud, vibrant and exciting. Gosh it makes a girl’s heart fair beat. One of the highlights of the evening was the calm Great Dane in the sidecar, sitting watching all going on taking in everything. What an unforgettable night.
Saturday we took the bikes for a tour of London, did what I’ve always wanted and rode over Tower Bridge, drove through Marble Arch, passed St James Park, Covent Garden. We followed our Harley-Davidson® noses to London’s Dealership Warrs. The Dealership is fabulous, as well as great bikes, superb range of accessories and clothing, they have a museum including Evel Kineval’s bike. Not to mention their very helpful outstanding staff; Holly and Edwardo. They sponsor the HOG Chapter Chelsea and Fulham. We met a lovely Chelsea and Fulham Chapter member at Warrs : Steve. He came with us for a tourist ride round London. Then the five of us went to the amazing Bike Shed, terrific experience from start to finish. As we arrived we were shown where to park, the great think is you can ride the bikes right in and ride passed tables as folks have a drink. Undercover safe parking, so secure you can leave your helmet on the seat of your bike. The staff warmly greeted us, we were an hour early, she asked if we could be fitted in would be like an earlier table – hell yes! We toddled the dozen steps to the shop, treated ourselves to a t shirt and some patches for our cuts, had a good look round, amazing bikes. There is a barber shop too. Our table was ready and the food did not disappoint.
As always I enjoyed my time in the big city. Our final evening after packing and getting organised we ventured round to quiet Bloomsbury for a cocktail.
From as long as I can remember my parents encouraged me to listen to others and always speak up to others and tell the truth no matter what has gone on. I have always taken this with me, passed this on to my children; said to them whatever has happened just tell me and we will deal with it. This has I believe gave us a trustworthy bond between parent and child no matter what their age. My lads are in their 30’s and we still talk, I trust them and they trust me. Growing up I knew I could go to my parents and talk to them about anything and everything, I always knew whatever I said to my Mum or Dad it would go no further. They were full of fabulous advice, helped me transform from teenager to adult. Who do I talk to now? I chat to a couple of friends about everything and anything, one in particular we know we can discuss ‘our laundry’ with each other. However, my ultimate bounce off and discussion partner is my hubby Steve, we are partners in life, super friends, chat about all and sundry and most importantly there is that Element of Trust
Steve and Me
So what is trust? I believe it is when someone can be relied on. Their honesty and integrity shines through. If I trust someone it means I believe they are who they say they are and they will always do what they say they will do. Most importantly what comes out of their mouth or from their written hand is the truth. They will not lie to me.
I pride myself in having a fabulous circle of friends, a beautiful family and most certainly a very close knit few that I value and trust with my life. Recently I have been disappointed with acquaintances. When I got told a lie from someone I actually never thought I would. That kick in the shins fairly knocked the stuffing out of me for several reasons………
There have been people in my life recently that have been irritable, non trustworthy, tit tattling to other people. These reprobates aren’t worth worrying about.
Building up trust: has not always made me popular but I’m a believer in say what you mean and mean what you say. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Remember the role of respect.
I have counted my blessings. Enjoyed being with friends and family. And relished that special time with my most loyal trustworthy labradors, Buddy and Bella; now they could teach a few humans a thing or two.
Buddy & Bella walk with steve
Bella & Buddy help steve
So for me, trust is important, especially in building up relationships. For those who know me, I’m a very happy honest human who enjoys life. Every day is precious and I am continuing to enjoy life with my beautiful family. On Saturday Steve took time from his busy business we spent a precious day together, Steve did a wonderful job gardening, Bella watching every step. Sunday we both took an amazing trip on Fattie our Harley-Davidson® to Moffat, St Mary’s Loch and Peebles with some friends. Sunday; beautiful scenery, lovely weather and great friends; a fabulous recipe for an amazing day out. Just the tonic to end the week.
smile each and every day 