January that was.

The month of January seems to have absolutely flown by.  What a month it has been!  My son and his beautiful fiancee got married, and it was an amazing wedding and I had the BEST of times.  I have continued my weekly physio treatments and daily exercises, although the treatments have possibly come to an end for a while.  My physiotherapist has left the practice to set up on his own, and I am thinking after just over three months that perhaps it is time to reassess how I think the treatments are or are not working for me and have a break for a while and just continue with the daily exercises.  Finances, or rather lack of them are also contributing to this decision.  Today I thought I would start trying the 'Walk at Home' 1 mile workout by Leslie Sansone that is available on Youtube.  (The only frustrating thing is having to sit through the adverts beforehand).  If it is manageable (time will tell how my body responds)  I will get the DVD.  I want to continue trying to help myself as much as possible with getting my body and pains sorted and healed.  

I am slowly working on trying to clear and sort things in the house, and this is a bit hit and miss depending on how I feel, although earlier this week I did finally take about 10 bags of stuff to the charity shop, so that IS progress.  

After the lovely day we had yesterday, today is dismal and wet and rather dark.  Percy (the Chihuahua) has refused to go outside this morning!  Stanley the Sheltie, did but then wanted to come back in, not because of the weather, but because his big little brother hadn't gone out with him.  

To brighten up what is going to be a dull, wet and windy day, fortunately I took these photos yesterday as I had a wander around a rather damp and messy garden.

The daffodils have buds on them.

As does the rhododendron.

A little bit of colour on the plants outside the conservatory window.  I can see these from my kitchen sink so nice to see a bit of colour.

A Canal Walk

We had a lovely walk this afternoon along the canal.  The sun was shining and everything looked bright and cheerful.  

It was the first time we had walked along the canal in this direction.

These fascinating gazebo/summer houses jutting out over the canal were very interesting.

I can imagine they must be really lovely on a warm summer afternoon.

They have a fascinating history as can be seen on the sign below.

It is wonderful that these were in fact restored and not just left to rot completely.

This one was the first to be restored.

We continued on our walk.

These birds were waiting for their regular Tuesday afternoon feed from a couple who told us they come here once a week to feed them.

It was interesting to see the canal boats moored up for winter.

Wonderful reflections.

We stopped at the nature reserve.

A wide variety of birds can be seen in this reserve through the year.

I didn't have my big camera with me, so this is the closest I could zoom in, but you can see their are several species of birds gathered on this little 'island'.

We walked up one side of the canal, and then crossed over and walked back on the other side.

By the end of our walk it had clouded over a bit so we timed it about right.

Nice to get out in the fresh air with the dogs and have some exercise.

Is it never going to get better?

Feeling rather despondent, after 9 acupuncture sessions (which finished in December) and 11 physiotherapy sessions, plus weeks of daily exercises, I had hoped I would be feeling  the difference, instead I feel like I have just as much pain as ever, if not worse!  The last few days have been particularly bad and I just don't know what to do with myself as I can't get comfortable sitting, standing, lying down or moving.  Obviously the excitement and adrenaline and sheer determination to enjoy last weekend was what got me through, not an improvement in the pain levels!

The Wedding.

On Friday we set off for Cornwall to the wonderful wedding venue Trevenna Barns near Bodmin.  

The weather wasn't brilliant and on the Saturday the wedding day, it rained all day although it didn't manage to dampen anyone's spirits and an amazing and fantastic day was had by all who attended.  I don't think I have ever had such fun in a very long time.  So much laughter, dancing and enjoyment of the whole time we were down there.

Sunday morning was a complete contrast, a beautiful blue sky.  It was a real shame it wasn't like this on the Saturday as no outside photos were able to be taken due to the constant rain, but hopefully once we get the photos we won't be disappointed.  If the engagement photos were anything to go by, the wedding photos should be equally as brilliant.

I didn't take any photos while I was there, so am relying on a few photos taken by other family members.  

The reception was held here.

The ceremony was held in the room to the side, an intimate setting, and a beautiful ceremony, personally written by both the bride and groom.

The very delicious wedding cake and yes that is a Lego topper!

Sunday morning pictures of the venue.  As you will see, it is very picturesque and tranquil.

(Actually I did take these photos)

We bought home one of the table flowers and our wedding favours, name cards (not in this photo) and glass decoration toppers.

I am so very proud of my son who organised it all himself.  Both him and his bride make a wonderful couple and we wish them much happiness in their future life together.

A Wedding Garter

Yesterday I got out my lace and ribbons, and made the garter for my future daughter in law to wear at her wedding.  I think the lace is possibly vintage as it was in my grandmother's 'stash' so this might be the 'Something Old'  covered as well as the 'Something New', although of course her wedding dress is also new so that is well catered for.

A Wedding Ring Cushion

I spent all day sewing today...planning, drawing, tracing, practising, painting, handsewing, more hand sewing, some machine sewing and more hand sewing and finished the ring cushion.  It is not as perfect as I would have liked, but it is done and the bride and groom are happy with it, which is the main thing.  I wanted to make it earlier enough (okay so only 10 days away from the wedding) that if they didn't like it they could buy one.  Fortunately they do like it.

The little ribbon tag on the side says 'Mr and Mrs' 

Trying to get a decent photo at 4 pm in the afternoon is virtually impossible, the light is so poor.

My trusty Featherweight 222K did well on the few machine sewn parts.