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.
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.
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.
My Labradors are content at our holding. Buddy never really leaves my side, goes wherever I go, literally with me into the bathroom, etc. The clever clogs knows when my unusual body is playing up and despite having my peg feed on my blood sugars drop and he comes to my assistance. He knows when my heart is banging so hard I can feel it pounding. Buddy is a wonderful assistance dog to me, my right hand boy. He wanders around the house, pads up and down the long hall. If I was to put a pedometer on him I could imagine his step count each day just in the house, never mind the garden would be pretty high. Bella gets a free reign to. They love their runs in the back field, especially with granddaughter Alexandra. However, when my sister Hazel said she had booked www.unleasheddogparks.co.uk for Buddy, Bella and her young border collie Jed I never anticipated what was in store – a fabulous afternoon at the dog park
Unleashed dog park is only literally a three minute drive from our home in Boggs Holdings, Pencaitland. It provides a wonderful safe environment to let your dog run free and get plenty of exercise. There are great quality equipment for the dogs to play on, a sensory area, a sandpit.
The massive bonus for us is you drive your car into the field you will be using. With my health the way it is, I’m certainly not up to walking my babies a long walk. Places like the dog park in my area are just perfect for a treat. They enjoy running around as they do on our wide open fields but with the added extras of the sensory garden, the equipment to climb on. A fabulous and safe place to train or treat your pampered pouch.
Buddy on his favourite ramp
My only disappointment was photography is a huge passion of mine and I neglected to take my Nikon camera with me I took all my photos on my phone. Don’t get me wrong I was really pleased with the results on my Apple
Bella eager to get going, but will pause for a photo if you bribe her 😝 “Look at me go”, says Border Collie, JedBella ready for an adventure
Since March 2020 life has been a funny old world for us all. The arrival of Coronavirus and the devastating effects it has had on us. Many of us have had life changing situations and learned to live with a new normal. We have lost people we love, heartbreakingly not been able to be with them in their hour of need. Staff have courageously battled on through conditions many have never seen before. For all the dedication of workers, volunteers, families, friends, loved ones, etc I thank you. Without the help and love of others it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now sitting writing this on this Thursday morning in April 2021 in my sitting room, I feel a whole lot more positive than I did this time last year. The vaccine is going well. Yes we are concerned about blood clots, but that’s a whole different story and I believe the benefits outweigh the risks. The restrictions are lessening here in Scotland.
My District Nurse, Jennifer was in yesterday she commented how peaceful and relaxing our home is. I told her yes with my carcinoid syndrome fatigue is a huge problem as well as nocturnal diarrhoea so quietly listening to music and writing is relaxing and helps a great deal. Buddy and Bella help too. Snuggling up on the sofa with my Labradors can be just what the Doctor ordered.
The stressful year has affected us all. For me the best way I cope is having my glass half full not empty. Taking the dogs to the dog park such as Unleashed helps blow away the cobwebs. It benefits both the human beans and the K9s.
If you haven’t been to a dog park before and you are swithering, give it a try, Buddy is ten years old, Bella eight and my sister’s border collie, Jed is only nine months. They all had an amazing time. Got home tired out and I’m sure they are looking forward to their next visit.
Since March we have had lockdown, restrictions, a new way of life. And I do believe we need to get used to it. This coronavirus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Some of my normal life still happens; my nurses come in and look after me. I get my awful needles injected into me for my treatment. I still enjoy writing very much, , making up stories and doing charcoal drawings, taking photographs, snuggling into my beautiful labradors. Trying my best to live life with a half full glass. I do miss getting out on the harley with Steve, going to see our friends at the Dunedin Chapter http://www.dunedinhog.com, and I miss my meetings at The Ann Edgar Charitable Trust http://www.taect.scot. Ive been inspired by walkers, and triers in life, so when Jean ann from The Dunedin Chapter set up a virtual walk for charity I decided to take part. This little piggy is donating money and taking part in the NC500 Virtual walk.
The idea is members of our chapter can register to take part in the event, we walk on our own, walk as little or as much as we want and are able. Basically it is a virtual north coast 500. We take note of our mileage, pay £1 for each mile walked. Someone like my sister, Hazel who has registered is very fit, walks many miles per week, she will clock in the miles. I’m proud of my sister she will do well. As my hubby Steve, he walks many miles in a day, he thinks nothing of walking 8 miles. Me, I love walking, its just a struggle. Imagine carrying a rucksack on your back filled with sand, you are walking up a steady incline and it gradually gets steeper and you begin to feel the strain. This is many a day for me. You can feel your heart beating and the thumping in your ears is getting louder. The beads of sweat appear on your forehead and you know its time to take a breather. Its all about pacing oneself and knowing my limits.
I have my sidekick most of the time. Buddy the fox red Labrador. He knows when the nets/carcinoid syndrome are playing up. He is clever enough to work out when the blood sugar is dropping below 3, or when my heart rate is beating too fast or going so slow it needs some intervention. He is my knight in shining armour. Buddy and our other Labrador Bella will be walking with me.
Buddy and me
Dunedin Chapter do a lot for charity, as members we raise a lot of money for charity throughout the year. This walk will raise money and it will go in the charity pot. Me personally, as well as doing the walk, I will put £1 in every day until the end of the event. I intend to walk 1 mile every day. There are 50 days left, which means I will put £50 in. My reasoning we have been given the privilege of one year free membership to Dunedin, so this is my contribution, giving £50 to the charity pot.
I got a delightful message from a Dunedin member and friend Scott Anderson. Scott and his wife Shirley, both members, both ride Harleys. The message asked how I am and noted that I am doing the virtual walk and they would like to sponsor me. They said the reason they chose me is because they have absolute respect for me doing it and they know that it will be a huge effort for me.
When I read this I could have cried. We have only known Scott and Shirley this riding season, but already they have become firm friends. You know when you get that feeling about folk.
Buddy in training
Sometimes we choose to sit on our bums and complain, do nothing with our lives. I prefer, the hard life, the trying. That thought when I’m out doing something and I need to stop for a rest and I think why the hell am I putting myself through this, oh yes that great feeling of reward and friendship.
Life is a journey; mine is wonderful folks; be all you can be xx
I’ve been out of the hospital for 10 days. It’s been a mixed bag of a week. I’m feeling ever so much better – with worse episodes in between, if that makes sense. The good periods make the unwell, sickly and painful events bearable. I can go for that.
My amazing district nurses have been coming in and changing my dressing, cleaning and observing the leakage area. Applying the appropriate creams; hydrocortisone first on the affected areas and then my saviour – the wonderful cavilon. No matter how busy the nurses are they always make you feel important to them and they make time for a natter. I have a vision of them chasing their tails by the end of the day. Especially with gabby folk like me.
Community dietician was in for a visit this week. With a student in tow. This time the student was a mature male. Keen, thoughtful and already has a good bedside manner. My usual dietician noticed an improvement in my skin, but was concerned that I looked ‘wabbit’ I came back with I think I may have sofa and daytime TV fever. We agreed perhaps a wee drive in the car and if I felt up to it, a small outing with Steve and the dogs might be just what I need. Steve wasn’t too keen on me taking on something too ambitious – I agreed. The Labradors excitedly got into the car wagging their tails frantically. Buddy panting heavily, Bella looked at him as if to say why are you making all that noise – you would think we never went anywhere. I turned and looked at him and said don’t get too excited Bud – you never know, you could be going to the vet. Bloody crazy we are; having conversations with dogs. We stopped near Garvald and let the dogs out for a run. They loved it. Muddy puddles especially. The cool crisp air was wonderful. Watching the dogs run with endless energy is a beautiful memory. The short walk for me was a tiring one, every step sapped me of energy. However the walk did have its benefits. My brain was re-energised. The outing filled me with a feeling of warmth and happiness – I was with my hubby of 29 years and my loyal Labradors.
smile each and every day 