Spending Net Cancer Day in Church

It’s the 10th of November, and for us Zebras, it marks the annual Net Cancer Day, which is celebrated worldwide. This Sunday is important for people. Remembrance Sunday gives time to reflect on many ways to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. This zebra had a lovely Sunday, spending Net Cancer Day in Church.

I had the privilege of attending the service at Pencaitland Church, where the service began with a 2-minute silence. We heard a tribute to those who served by not one but two ministers, Rev Andrew Dick and Rev John Hunter helped all commemorate respectfully. The busy church was decorated with vases of bright red poppies. The community choir sang two beautiful songs. It was so lovely to see youngsters in the church, filling the rows were brownies, guides and cubs.

The church was a warm, inviting place, with big singing voices. I was heartened to see the interaction between the minister and the children during the service. He chatted about the significance of the poppy and the colour, walked over to where the children were sitting and asked a couple of questions, they keenly put their arms in the air and answered.

As the service came to a close we were invited for a cuppa, for those who were able we walked to the memorial. The youth groups proudly carried their flags, walked to the memorial and waited their turn to lay their wreath.

It was such a lovely day. Pencaitland did themselves proud.

As I sang in the church, I needed no reminding of how lucky I was to be there. The journey of carcinoid syndrome is far from easy. When I was first told, “It’s incurable” – I felt like I had hit a wall. However, once realisation kicked in, I have come to understand what is important to me. I’m the lucky one and have learned to take every day as it comes, life is for living.

Life isn’t easy, and I don’t always feel on top of the world. Stomas, peg feeding, and fortnightly treatment are all a way of life. And my goodness, please don’t mention the hypos, my ever-intrusive Abbot App keeps me on the right track. Whilst I have a different journey from what I planned, I see it as a turn in the road I now need to take and be grateful for all the help on the way, including the relaxation provided spending net cancer day in church.

Beehive Toys

If you want to look at or buy prints, country clothes, gifts, wellies, our lovable Elf on the Shelf, or some quality Christmas perfume for a loved one, or grab yourself a bargain at the clearance warehouse, Click on any of the images, and they will take you directly to the safe sites.

ABC Prints The Green Welly Stop ABC Prints

Clearance XL The Elf On The Shelf Clearance XL

Perfume UK

The House Nameplate Company

Xander Kostroma

A grand day out at Newhailes House

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.