I haven't posted any photos in a while - got rather side tracked with Percy's health problems.
I am pleased to report that so far he has responded really well to his first Chemo treatment and steroids. He is walking much better, wanting to play with his ball and much brighter in himself so that is a good sign.
Last week there was a beautiful sunrise (I think it was, I've forgotten now what time of day I took this!)
The roses that I heavily pruned are starting to sprout.
Yesterday afternoon it snowed.
This morning the birds were all gathered round the bird feeders
Blue Tits visiting the feeder as well as Great Tits,.
A Blackbird and Robin were also seen.
A Dunnock was foraging from the ground.
Love their speckled backs.
Oh and I almost forgot, we had a little group of Long Tailed Tits visit a few days ago. What a delight that was. They took delight in visiting the feeder and bathing in the bird bath.
Stanley just loves the snow and refused to come in today until it was dark.
His true genetics and heritage showing I think.
Sadly I could hear another tree being destroyed today in one of the neighbouring streets. The council is supposed to be replacing any trees cut down, but of the six large trees cut down near us (including the two Oaks) none have been replanted.
The days seem to be speeding by, and we are still in a complete muddle, although I guess we are slowly getting there. I haven't felt at all like getting ready for Christmas, and last week especially had quite a Bah Humbug moment when faced with all that needs to be done to clear, sort and tidy the house after the bedroom renovations. Despite loading up the car with stuff for charity shops, there still seems to be a mountain of stuff to sort through and find places for. Does it keep multiplying? It sure feels like it, there still seems to be stuff EVERYWHERE!
Anyway catching up on the last couple of weeks...
The carpet was laid on the 7th December (or was it the 6th?)
Bare floor.
Carpet! Although we have since discovered that the skirting board and radiator pipes were damaged in the putting down of it and we now have a small leak so not very happy with that, and hoping it will 'self seal' as it sometimes does with such hard water as ours.
New quilt cover.
The furniture has since been moved back in, but I haven't taken a photo of it yet.
We are slowly reclaiming our lounge. One end of it is tidy anyway.
A few decorations have gone up, but only a few.
Santa came up our road a couple of nights ago.
Colourful lighted sleigh.
Christmas leggings were put on today to try and get me in the festive mood. My son bought these home for me from Alaska I think it was.
Last Sunday we woke up to thick snow fall.
So of course had to take a few photos!
Stanley loved the snow
He couldn't get enough of it and didn't want to come in.
Percy on the other hand, wasn't so keen.
Two heads are better than one??
He couldn't wait to get back inside.
That's better...he doesn't look very happy about having gone outside!
I started the post below 13 days ago!
Goodness it is already 5th December, where on earth do the days go?
Exercise machine for the month of November : 15/30 = 50%
Physio Exercises: 22/30 = 73%
Clarinet practise: 16/30 = 53%
Both the exercise machine and clarinet practice are down on last month due to me being ill quite a bit this month with various cold/flu type viruses, obviously attacking me on those twice weekly train trips into London. However, although the clarinet practice was down in terms of how often I have played, I am able to play for longer now, so it probably evens out.
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Since the above, I have now finished the acupuncture sessions. I was supposed to have one this Thursday but unfortunately I have a funeral to go to so have had to cancel. Apart from the very first session when I had an easing up of the pain in my right elbow for about 11 hours, I can't really say I have noticed any improvement. The same applies to the physiotherapy. The sessions are hard work and painful as are the exercises I have to do at home. They really don't feel like they are getting any easier. The pain in my body is still pretty intense at times and since last Tuesday when we went out for a Christmas Dinner (lunch) with family I have had stomach - or at least pains in my lower chest and back ever since, and a general feeling of being 'not right' So much so that the pain has kept me awake for the last three nights. So this is 'new'. I wish I could see a bit more improvement, it would at least be encouraging. Last week I just felt so down about it all, but today is the beginning of a new week, and although I had a bad night last night again, and I have been in a lot of pain today, I feel more positive again, which is always a good thing.
I recorded myself playing last night. I have a long way to go before I get back to the standard pre-surgery almost ten years ago, but I am enjoying my practises despite the pain and that is the most important thing. Hopefully I will be able to look back on this and see the progress I have made.
