Mouse Meltdown and Marvellous Musicals

Hi all from a very windy Hampshire. It's been blowing a gale here all day. When we popped to the hut this morning the wind caught the door and nearly took my arm off! Very blustery down at Hayling this morning....

We had to go down today, despite the weather, due to my mouse drama the other day. For any of you who may not have heard about it, this is the story. For those of you that do know, I apologise for repeating the story but I was traumatised!

Last Wednesday was a nice bright sunny day and so I decided to go to the hut, sugar soap the exterior and prepare it for painting. As I am on holiday from work, I thought I could spend all day there and get a lot done.

First off , when I tried to unlock the 5 locks on the hut there was one that refused to budge. I couldn't get the key to turn in the lock no matter how I tried and I didn't want to use too much force just in case I broke the key. It was a good 10 minutes before I tried the lock for the umpteenth time and, hey presto, it opened. I was mightily relieved. I took all of the gubbins from the car and put it in the hut and set to work.
I knew that, in one of my two bench seats which double up as storage, there were some paint brushes and bits and bobs which were left by the previous owner and which I had never used. My waste not want not mentality meant that I was determined to put the items to good use but I couldn't remember which of the storage seats they were in. I went through box one...buckets and spades, children's beach shoes, a few paperbacks and a game of Ker-plunk but no decorating stuff. So onto box two: a beach umbrella, some blankets and towels, a pillow and...hooray...the decorating stuff....and A MOUSE!!!
Yes, as I put my hand down to the bottom of the box to bring out the paint brushes etc a mouse appeared and ran across the blankets and disappeared. I froze and then I screamed (ridiculous, I know) and then I ran out of the hut and shook like a leaf for about 5 minutes sitting on the shingle while my panicked brain tried to come up with a plan of action that didn't include going back into the hut.
I have a very long standing fear of mice that goes back to when I was a child. Among other things, it's the way that they move and it's there tails that I don't like.
I really didn't know what to do and, by now, my panic and anxiety were rocketing skywards. All I could think about was how was I going to shut up the hut without going inside it again. My coat and my car keys were in there for starters.
Fortunately I had my phone. I rang hubby who, very fortunately, was in the area and he agreed to come and help me. There then followed half an hour of absolutely the most overblown meltdown I have had in a very long time.
I got my umbrella from the car and stood in the doorway of the hut and leaned in and hooked my coat and my car keys out and then sat in the car and cried. Yes, I actually cried/sobbed. I know i must have looked a wreck. I couldn't control my thinking or my anxiety either to be honest! I kept thinking that I would never be able to go in the hut again, that all of my plans for it were over and that I would have to sell it. Talk about overreaction.
By the time hubby arrived I was in bits. He was great. Calmed me down and then went inside the hut and started looking for the offending rodent. In my mind there was a nest of babies and who knew how many mice running amock in my hut.
He went through the box and found the mouse who was obviously terrified. Hubby went through everything and there was no sign of any other mice so he decided that the mouse would be disposed of via the bag that it was sitting in which actually lines the storage box. However, the mouse had other ideas and it jumped out of the box and disappeared down the back of the hut. That was obviously not the best outcome for me because it meant that I wouldn't go back in the hut again and hubby had to put everything back in the hut before we locked it up....with no idea whether the mouse was inside the hut or not!
I drove to the local hardware store and picked up some expandable foam to fill any holes from the outside of the hut....I couldn't go back inside in case the mouse was still there....and I tried to buy some mouse traps but I couldn't even bring myself to touch one. I got my hand to within 6 inches of the container on the shop shelf and then snatched my hand away again because the box had a picture of a mouse on it. I kid you not.
Today I went into the same hardware store and picked up the traps without much more than a second thought. The trap is in place and we will see how things go. I do know that I won't be able to go to the hut on my own all the time that there might be a mouse in a trap. There you go....mouse meltdown indeed.

On a much brighter note, yesterday I went to London with one of my daughters and we went to see 'Beautiful', the musical based on the life and music of Carol King. We had a lovely day and the musical was fantastic. It's by far the best show I have seen in a very long time and the actress who plays Carol is brilliant. She has an incredible voice and hearing many of the songs that Goffin and King wrote together all those years ago just reminded me of what an incredible talent that had both individually and as a team. Their songs were covered by The Drifters and Little Eva and many more but it was the songs from Tapestry that were the show stoppers. Natural Woman and You've Got A Friend gave me goosebumps. If you get a chance, do go and see it. It is superb.

We also popped into The Waldorf hotel (as you do) and had pre show cocktails....

....a Green Aldwych

....and a Mai Tai.

So, it's been an interesting week one way or another and that's without touching on the walking and the bad back and father in law and work and...and...and...

I'll leave you with a picture of my hut as drawn by one of my granddaughters. The grandchildren love the hut almost as much as I do so, mouse or no mouse, I need to get it shipshape and sorted out for the summer and I must do it very soon.

Nanny's Hut by Poppy, aged 4

Have a great week everyone.

xxxx

Walking the Walk

Hi all. It's Sunday so it must be blog update day. Woohoo!

I'm at work again whilst typing this and the sun is streaming in through the windows and making me feel that I'd rather be somewhere else... garden, beach hut.... anywhere but here. I'm sure there are a lot of people feeling the same way.
Today's meanderings are going to start with aches and pains and we will see where it leads us to. I have noticed, more and more especially over the last few weeks, that more and more bits of me are starting to ache and ache for a lot longer than they used to. My hip is an ongoing issue and has been for years ( thank you Mum 😉). It clicks and creaks when I turn over in bed and catches me out from time to time. I've been known to swear when it suddenly reminds me that it doesn't like a position that I'm in.
Well, to add to my hip pain I now have a back ache that refuses to go away completely - Google says its sacroiliac joints so I'm doing exercises and stretches- and a shoulder that clicks every time that I reach up. The weirdest pain that has developed though is in my feet! My feet have never let me down before and I'm shocked that they've decided to play up now. I was woken throughout the night last week with very specific foot pain and had no idea why. Apart  from that episode, my tootsies are generally stiff and uncomfortable which I'm having an issue coming to terms with to be honest. I'm debating with myself about going to a physio for my back and hip or a podiatrist for my feet. Me being me, I'll leave it for a while I expect and try some alternative treatments before splashing the cash on anything else. Ibuprofen obviously will help a lot too.

The stiffness and aching was there before I started upping the ante for my upcoming 26 mile walk but  it has definitely got worse since. On Wednesday last week I walked 5 miles up and down hills and on rough uneven ground. The weather was spectacular and I was listening to music through my earphones and singing loudly along with every song that came on, enjoying the beauty of nature and loving life. I had the dog with me and it was glorious. I felt no pain...only joy and elation at being able to enjoy such an experience. I really felt as though I could have walked and walked forever. There followed a day in the garden pottering about generally being busy.

It was only later that night, when I tried to get out of the bath, that I realised that I had probably overdone it a tad. Whén I finally managed to get dressed and fall into bed I discovered that it's really very uncomfortable trying to turn over when every muscle in your back and pelvis is yelling at you to stop moving. And, if I'm honest, things are not much better 5 days later. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad happening, it's just my body reminding me that I'm not as young as I used to be and that, probably, I need to be a little more considerate to it if I want it to keep on going through the rigours that I occasionally demand of it. All of that was after only 5 miles.

My concern is that I might not be able to complete the 26 miles in a couple of weeks. I'm a very determined (some would say stubborn) old bird and I'd be gutted if I had to give up halfway round. I'm hoping that painkillers will carry me through and then whatever pain follows in the following days I will be able to deal with it. I don't want to let anyone down, least of all myself if I'm honest.

 

I think I may have used this pic before but it shows one of the hills that I'm trying to walk up and down at least three times a week in an effort to reach some kind of level of fitness. 

I must also mention the fact that we have been receiving sponsorship for our walk from people that we don't know but who have be fitted from the work done at The Stickler Diagnostic Clinic by Martin Snead and his team. This is very humbling and makes me doubly  determined to do this and do it properly. It also encourages me to carry on with the fundraising as I know that it's going to make such a difference. Jams and pickles, cake and sweet sales and fun days are all in my mind for later this year.

I'm really excited about it all but I know I must take on one thing at a time. Focus on the walk for now.

Have a great week everyone. Hopefully I'll report back next week and will be ache free but somehow I doubt it!!

Much love ️xxx

Mother's Day and Memories

Hi everyone and thanks for taking the time to read this blog.
I am constantly amazed that anyone reads this. I know that I tend to just type away at random and let my thoughts spill out onto the page and that must be very annoying to a lot of people. I think that it's fortunate that most people that read this are people that know me and know what I'm like!


Today has been Mothers Day here in the UK. A day to spoil your Mum and make her feel special...although quite why there has to be a special day set aside to this this is a bit sad. Anyway, today was the first Mother's Day in 32 years that I haven't seen at least one of my offspring. However, due to the wonders of the internet I was able to Facetime one of my daughter's who had sent a parcel to me and had given me express orders to not open it until she could see me do so. I did as I was told and opened my Cath Kidston goodies with delight while hubby held my phone so that daughter could see my reaction.
Typically of me, as I opened each gift I had a good look at it to make sure that all was in order. The first gift I opened was a wash bag and inside was a small mirror. When I looked at the mirror closely I was disappointed to see that it was scratched and a bit 'used' looking. It was only after inspecting it more closely that I realised that there was a film covering the mirror to protect it. I peeled the film off to reveal a pristine mirror that will be a joy to use! I know...hopeless, aren't I?
I also received other lovely bits and pieces from my girls and was treated by my son to a burger and chips at Five Guys last Friday.
I know I've broadcasted it several times over the pages of this blog but I'll say it again...I feel so blessed to have four such wonderful children. I love them more than they will ever know. Of course there have been tough, difficult, heartbreaking times but I am incredibly proud of each of them and proud of the adults that they have become. They are all as different as chalk and cheese but they are all a piece of me and I love that. As they have grown up I can see parts of my character or personality in each of them and it does make me smile. They aren't aware of it (most of the time!) but I can see it.


Of course, days like today are incredibly difficult for those who are without their Mums for whatever reason. I am without my Mum for the 7th Mother's Day. I went to the crematorium and took her some flowers as I try to do on such days as today. I usually take fresh flowers but the deer tend to eat the heads off of the flowers overnight so I took some artificial flowers in the shape of a posy for her. They looked pretty so I hope that they will last a little while.
Memories of my Mum are never far from the surface. Like me with my own children, my Mum is a part of me and she goes with me wherever I go. I think of her every day and wish that she was still here to see how we are all getting on. How she would have loved all of the (so many that I've lost count) grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would be getting all of their names muddled up just like I do with my own grandchildren!
Mostly, I miss my Mum because she's not here. I know that sounds stupid but it's just that I can't pick up the phone and chat to her whenever I need reassurance. Her very presence in my world was enough to keep me going sometimes even if I hadn't spoken to her for ages. Just knowing she was there was enough. Typing that has actually made me cry....I'm at work and I can't cry!!..
At the age of 54 you would think that I would be 'over it' and I am really but sometimes it does the soul good to stop and think about things. To think about the people that we miss. To take time to appreciate the impact that they had on our lives.


I know that I will never stop missing my Mum. Despite the hurt and anguish that I felt towards her at times I never wanted to be without her. There is, of course, so much that I want to tell her, so much that I want to explain. Maybe, one day, I will get the chance.


You see, another random ramble that has taken me from joy to sadness and then out the other side again.


To my children....I love you. To my Mum....I miss you.


And to my husband who, today, made me a playlist of songs about 'us' on Spotify...possibly the most romantic thing he has ever done for me...I love you too.


Stay safe and look after each other,


xxxxx

Walking, Dancing and Hut Decorating

Hi everyone,

You join me as I have just been dancing around the lounge to the Comic Relief Danceathon which is on BBC on the red button. It's currently the 'musical theatre' section but I was boogieing to the 80's section....Boogie Wonderland et al. Brilliant!
The dancing took place about an hour after I returned from another hill walking practice which was actually a little easier this time. I think walking up the hills slowly and steadily is the way forward for me. There is no point in me trying to go fast and then having to stop half way up a slope because I can't breathe!

Oh wait......they're dancing to the theme from 'Grease' now. I'll try not to join in...

This week has been fairly uneventful. Father in law remains in hospital but is, once again, medically fit to leave hospital despite acquiring another chest infection. The search is on for a suitable nursing home for him this time and hubby and his brothers are out visiting three suggested options as I type this. I do hope that this can all be resolved soon. The situation is starting to take it's toll on everyone.
I have been attempting to 'up' my walking...especially incorporating hills....with limited success. I'm also very aware that I need to increase my actual mileage because, although it's 'only' walking, it's walking 26 miles and a good pace. The last time that I walked the same distance when I took part in The Moonwalk about 6 years ago (?). I walked on my own and I found it really tough. My legs hurt then more than they did after I completed the London Marathon and I'm no spring chicken so, as the date of our event looms ever closer, my optimism decreases and my confidence wanes but then.....I think how great it will be to do something that is such a challenge and how good it will be to face a challenge with my son again and I feel excited.

Yesterday (Saturday) was a glorious Spring day. I had to work in the morning but decided, while I was at work, that there was only one place for me to spend the afternoon and that was at my hut. I drove home after my shift, got changed, put some milk and a bottle of water in a bag...along with some sandpaper...and set off with hubby the (now, since our house move) relatively short drive to the beach. It actually takes about 20 minutes which is fabulous.
There were a lot of other owners who obviously had the same idea as me. A lot of the huts were open and spring cleaning and airing was evident all along our row of huts. Deckchairs, barbecues, bicycles and boxes were spread out in front of the open huts. The area was a hive of activity and it was great to see.

We unlocked our hut and opened it up and I felt elated and happy immediately. I just love my hut so much. It brings me so much pleasure.
Hubby put the kettle on and made his first cuppa in the hut and I got the sandpaper out and started rubbing down the outside of the hut as I must, must paint the outside of it this year. The exterior is actually in quite good condition but there is still a little damage from last years storms that needs to be repaired. However, this will not stop me from starting my painting but.....decisions, decisions....what colour? At the moment the hut is white with yellow trim and I think I'm going to change that but I'm not sure to what. The fact that it's white and yellow makes it stand out and the grandchildren know  that Nanny's hut is white and yellow so I don't want do change it too drastically. We shall see. Whatever I decide on, I need to get cracking on it. Today would have been a good day....no rain...but I tweaked my back a few days ago and reaching up is a bit of a problem today. Let's hope we continue with dry weather, my back gets better quickly and I can get it sorted.

Before I go I would like to say a huge 'well done' to my brother in law who has, today, completed a 10k run and raised a load of money for charity in memory of his Mum. I knew he would do well and it's always a huge motivator to have a personal reason for completing any of these challenges. Marathon next then Craig?

Also, a huge happy birthday to Craig's youngest daughter and my youngest niece who will be 1 tomorrow. Isla, happy, happy birthday!

Have a wonderful week everyone. The Comic Relief Danceathon is now onto the 90's...acid house I believe which passed me by completely. I don't know any of the music but it's very energetic!

xxxxx

Always Up for A Challenge

Hi everyone.

Happy St. David's day as it is here in the UK and happy birthday to my big brother. Yes, his name is David...but we call him John as we have another David in the family and it was very confusing in our house! Spring has sprung and daffodils and snowdrops are popping their heads up all over the place. It's really lovely and makes me long for warm sunshine and longer days.
As I'm typing this I have the Ireland v England rugby on in the background which I'm sure is very exciting. I actually prefer the build up to the game where the players and the fans sing the anthems with such passion and there are fireworks...in the middle of the day!

It's been a fairly ordinary week. I got my test results back from the GP. All fine which I was very relieved about. My chest pains have miraculously all but disappeared. The mind is a very powerful thing and I never get over how it can make me feel. I know it's easy to say 'it's all just psychological' and 'pull yourself together. You've had this before and it was fine then' but it isn't as easy as that. I really do try to stay positive and upbeat but sometimes things get too much. Anyway, all is well and long may it continue...especially with our challenge looming ever closer.

I find it incredible to think that, this time a year ago, my son and I were getting ready to take part in the Silverstone half marathon. A whole year ago! Now that was an amazing positive experience. I trained so, so hard for that and then got an ear infection 2 days before hand and had to complete it under the influence of antibiotics but complete it I did.

My/our challenge this year takes place on April 4th and that date is coming around very quickly in deed. I have been walking as much as I can but really not enough to be honest. I haven't had to buy any extra equipment as I have some old walking boots that will be fine. I toyed with the idea of using poles but have decided against it. I do tend to get carried away when I do these challenges and end up spending a lot of money on equipment that I really don't need.

So the Surrey Three Peaks challenge and 26 miles await us as we endeavour to raise funds for The Stickler Diagnostic Clinic via Addenbrookes Hospital and this week these arrived....

When t-shirts arrive it always makes everything seem very real all of a sudden!

My son is able to put one of the collecting tins in his shop in Guildford which is brilliant AND any funds that we raise will be matched by his employers again so please do bear that in mind if you are thinking of sponsoring us. Your donation will be doubled by Superdry!

The best news that I have had this week is that, due to our fundraising efforts, Addenbrookes fundraising department have decided to make a separate section for all funds that are raised for The Stickler Diagnostic Clinic. No-one has ever fund-raised for the clinic before and this absolutely ensures that ALL funds raised by us and by anyone in the future for the clinic will go to the clinic and nowhere else in the hospital which is brilliant. So, if anyone reading this would like to sponsor us or support The Stickler Diagnostic Clinic via us please click on the link below:

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/sticklersyndrome

The link will give you a few of the reasons that we are doing this and Jack wrote this for his Facebook page:

Hey everyone, it's my annual fundraising time! My Madrè and I are doing the Surrey Hills Three Peaks Challenge at the start of April, which involves walking 26 miles pretty much up constant hills (hence the name). We're doing it for a really good cause that's very close to home, Sticklers Syndrome. They've done some amazing work for 2 of my sisters that suffer with it and without that clinic I know BOTH their lives would have been a lot more of a struggle than they have been. I would love to be able to give a detailed explanation to what Sticklers is, but due to the lack of knowledge regarding it's cause, not that much is really known about it!
I'm not worried how much or little you guys donate, just that you do.
This is also the first time the clinic has had any fundraising done for it, and we can promise all money is going 100% towards the Sticklers Diagnostic Clinic, not a penny anywhere else!
I think I can speak for Angela Fisher and I when I say we are so excited to be given a chance to be the first people to fundraise for them, as its giving us a chance to repay them for all the hard work they've done through the years supporting my sisters!

We destroyed our fundraising target last year so let's make it 2 in a row and help out an incredible clinic!!

Big love x

So,there you have it. We don't need any other reason than our family to raise money for this wonderful clinic. Please do donate if you can.....as Jack says, it doesn't matter how much or how little anyone donates. All donations will be hugely appreciated.

Thank you all for your support.

xxxxx