La Hogue lunch surprise

Lunch at La Hogue today

Today our son Chris and grandson Edward are staying overnight. As a complete surprise, we went to the La Hogue farm shop/cafe and met our other son Tim and granddaughter Amandine. We had lunch together and the little ones enjoyed the slides,swings and toy tractors. It was delightful. We then all returned to Burwell.

Evening stroll

Every morning and every evening, usually, I do a walk "around the block" of around 400m, without any walking aids and alone.  This is to help me with core strength and to improve my balance. My physio sessions in Newmarket gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays also help with stamina and balance.

When I first did this walk, months ago, I used a walking frame and my wife used to come with me in case I fell. Since I have been home from hospital (January) I have not fallen once.

So, my walking must be much better than it was. Trouble is I find it hard to remember how I was back then.

The walk is around our Close and back past Burwell Windmill. These days, my wife says I look "normal" when walking, with no "old man" stoop. I long for the day when I do this walk and feel properly fit again.

Stroke "progress"

I am still very frustrated by my slow recovery: although I can eat many foods now - all by mouth - drinks are still a problem by mouth. I still feel slightly sick in the stomach all the time when awake and am still giddy, as if drunk, when walking. I just hope these issues will all improve given time. I am hopeful that I'll be able to drive again in a few months.

Tomorrow, all being well Nutricia will be collecting all my unused liquid feeds and the pump to put them into me via my stomach Peg.  All I now use is a syringe to put water and some medicines into my stomach. When I can get all my medicines and liquids in by mouth, the stomach Peg can be removed.  I am looking forward to that day.

Ken Clarke

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28291281 .

So Ken Clarke is leaving high office. He was a smoker and supported the smoking lobby (if I remember rightly) , but overall I though he was fair and was a good representative for the Conservatives. He came over as "the common man" and not a toff. I wish him well on the back benches. He is probably the best Conservative Prime Minister we never had.

Real kindness

This morning, I was reminded yet again just how kind people are.

Already, I have had three kind and generous offers to build and test my Ultimate-3 beacon kit, an  amateur radio project  which is currently beyond my building skills because of my brain injury. I still hope to build this myself, but may wait a few more months until I'm less wobbly and clumsy.

This is not the first time I have been touched by the genuine kindness of others. It restores one's faith in humankind: there are some truly kind people around. These people seek no reward, no money - they are offering because they are genuinely kind and caring.  Thank you all.

Sometimes we hear about all the bad things in this world. Believe me, the world has very many kind and caring people in it. This last week I have be so touched by the love of caring people.

I have come to the conclusion that there are far more kind and good people than evil, cruel people. It is up to us all to share this love with others.

Museum Fete

Yesterday,  our local Burwell Museum held its annual grand fete to help raise money. This shot shows the restored windmill with the WW2 Nissan hut and the blacksmith's forge on the right. There were quite a few stalls out of shot.  Unfortunately, weather was mixed.

I keep recommending the museum, because it is so very good. Believe me, there is so much to see you are very unlikely to be disappointed. Many hours could be spent here seeing the many exhibits.

Our grandchildren love going.

Rear Lawn

Our rear lawn is about twice as big as the front lawn. I cut the front lawn a few days ago. Although I started on the rear lawn, I've had to take a break as it is still much too wet in places. Another hour or so and I should be fine.

Rear lawn

The last time I cut the rear lawn it I needed 4 breaks, but think my stamina is a bit better now, so fewer breaks were needed. Although not perfect, it is much better for being cut.