Tonight was Helen's night at the Pizza Hut with her friend Hilary, meantime our friend Graham came around to visit. Enjoyed listening on-line to some Cajun/Zydeco on Radio Free New Orleans and to Brian Parker's All That Jazz ... I just love the mesmerising visuals on both Real Player and WMP. After that switched to BBC Radio 7 for a bit of spoken word.
The moon tonight was especially prominent, no attempt being made to hide it's doleful countenance, As I leaned over the stable door, at the rear of the house, it was the first time I had observed glow-worms at the more tamed end of the garden ... if M won't go to the mountain then, the mountain must come to M! For all my ailments, I simply love this world of ours!
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
More diagnostics
With much prompting and organizing from my beloved, visited the doctor's surgery this afternoon with regard to my inexplicably swollen & painful thumb and, the persistent sores on my leg. Tomorrow, I have to visit the hospital for an X-Ray of my thumb and some further blood tests. The cause of the thumb problem is unknown and, the sores on my lower limbs are either Discoid Eczema or Bowens Disease. At the moment she has prescribed some stronger steroidal cream, which should clear the patches up if it's eczema, otherwise Bowens is definitely in the equation. I'm hoping and praying that the eczema diagnosis is the correct one. I have a return appointment with this particular doctor in two weeks time.
Visits to the hospital are becoming, pretty much, an all too regular part of my life but, it does make me grateful that we have a National Health Service, rather than a totally market-based one. At times like this, one learns to appreciate what can so easily be taken for granted!
Visits to the hospital are becoming, pretty much, an all too regular part of my life but, it does make me grateful that we have a National Health Service, rather than a totally market-based one. At times like this, one learns to appreciate what can so easily be taken for granted!
The land of dreams
Just how long do dreams last, apart from the whole of one's life? Do they have any purpose? Perhaps what I am now offering will prove a delight to the psycho-analysts! An exercise in vulnerability perhaps.
Last night, retired to bed at 11.00pm but, was then laying awake until at least 1.ooam. Sometime between 1.00 and 2.00 I must have been asleep because I awoke from a dream shortly after 2.00am. In this dream, I'd paid several visits to a large chapel where, the minister was well known to me. The chapel wasn't particularly well attended, (that bit I presume was quite true to life!), and the cleric seemed to have a personal word for everyone in his address but, when it came to me ... nothing .. (that certainly seemed quite normal).
After the service, his reverend self took yours truly aside; I sensed this was some kind of special commission. Next time I turned up at the chapel, I found myself directed to the vestry door and a different minister pointed me to another door; I felt like telling him I was only there to read the meter but, instead I followed his command.
Somehow this door led me into the back of the balcony. The hall was full to bursting and I was passed over the heads of the assembled throng. That's when the panic struck but, by this time, all eyes in the building were focussed on me ... I started to run ...
Next thing I know, I'm wide awake and it's shortly after 2.00am. By 3.15am arrived, I'd given up on thoughts of getting back to sleep so I went downstairs to get a bite to eat. Returned to bed about 3.45 and slept until, I was vaguely aware of the better half making herself an early morning cup of tea.
The next I knew, I was at some sort of college and, found myself roped in to a dramatic production, to play some sort of sinister Beckettsian clown type figure! Called in to see my parents in some war-stricken village and, Mum said how proud she was that I'd been honoured, or at least trusted, in this role.
It was time to head back to the college so, small suitcase in hand, I headed off to do my duty. This is when I began to get lost but, several hours later I found the college. A general buzz of excitement was in the air, the only problem was that I couldn't find the dressing room. Perhaps this wasn't too major a problem as I had already donned some grossly oversize trousers en route. This was the moment to panic ... "I don't know the lines" was the refrain that kept echoing through the corridors so ... I ran.
This is the point when I got lost in the surrounding countryside but, not yet total panic. Turn a corner and a large petrol tanker is heading towards me; "this must be a punishment for chickening out" was the thought reverberating through my head. The tanker drew closer then, it suddenly swerved, veered over a cliff into a large sea loch ...
My wife entered the room, this bit was for real ... the dream was over. Do dreams ever have a resolution? How long does a dream last?
Last night, retired to bed at 11.00pm but, was then laying awake until at least 1.ooam. Sometime between 1.00 and 2.00 I must have been asleep because I awoke from a dream shortly after 2.00am. In this dream, I'd paid several visits to a large chapel where, the minister was well known to me. The chapel wasn't particularly well attended, (that bit I presume was quite true to life!), and the cleric seemed to have a personal word for everyone in his address but, when it came to me ... nothing .. (that certainly seemed quite normal).
After the service, his reverend self took yours truly aside; I sensed this was some kind of special commission. Next time I turned up at the chapel, I found myself directed to the vestry door and a different minister pointed me to another door; I felt like telling him I was only there to read the meter but, instead I followed his command.
Somehow this door led me into the back of the balcony. The hall was full to bursting and I was passed over the heads of the assembled throng. That's when the panic struck but, by this time, all eyes in the building were focussed on me ... I started to run ...
Next thing I know, I'm wide awake and it's shortly after 2.00am. By 3.15am arrived, I'd given up on thoughts of getting back to sleep so I went downstairs to get a bite to eat. Returned to bed about 3.45 and slept until, I was vaguely aware of the better half making herself an early morning cup of tea.
The next I knew, I was at some sort of college and, found myself roped in to a dramatic production, to play some sort of sinister Beckettsian clown type figure! Called in to see my parents in some war-stricken village and, Mum said how proud she was that I'd been honoured, or at least trusted, in this role.
It was time to head back to the college so, small suitcase in hand, I headed off to do my duty. This is when I began to get lost but, several hours later I found the college. A general buzz of excitement was in the air, the only problem was that I couldn't find the dressing room. Perhaps this wasn't too major a problem as I had already donned some grossly oversize trousers en route. This was the moment to panic ... "I don't know the lines" was the refrain that kept echoing through the corridors so ... I ran.
This is the point when I got lost in the surrounding countryside but, not yet total panic. Turn a corner and a large petrol tanker is heading towards me; "this must be a punishment for chickening out" was the thought reverberating through my head. The tanker drew closer then, it suddenly swerved, veered over a cliff into a large sea loch ...
My wife entered the room, this bit was for real ... the dream was over. Do dreams ever have a resolution? How long does a dream last?
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Preparing For Changes
Well, we've had the first plumber in, to estimate for a re-vamping of our bathroom and, we are impressed with his down-to-earth suggestions! [By the phrase "down-to-earth" I did not intend to imply ridding ourselves of a WC!] I've a feeling we will be sticking to a shower in a bath, as per current arrangements and, perhaps later on, we'll have a shower cubicle in one of the bedrooms which currently has a washbasin fitted.
The major change will be the shifting of the wash basins position, installation of an extractor fan and, perhaps, re-boarding of a currently problematic ceiling. The plumbing to the shower will, this time be concealed. I am anxious to see the changes but, not looking forward to the necessary disruption. My current state of health makes it difficult to cope with any changes but, with a little faith and perseverance, I'm sure we'll get by.
Two more plumbers will be calling round later in the week and, I'm just a little curious as to any suggestions they may have.
The major change will be the shifting of the wash basins position, installation of an extractor fan and, perhaps, re-boarding of a currently problematic ceiling. The plumbing to the shower will, this time be concealed. I am anxious to see the changes but, not looking forward to the necessary disruption. My current state of health makes it difficult to cope with any changes but, with a little faith and perseverance, I'm sure we'll get by.
Two more plumbers will be calling round later in the week and, I'm just a little curious as to any suggestions they may have.
Thumbs Up!
A bruised and sprained thumb did little to affect my reputation for wonderful cuisine! A simple tuna pasta, instinctively spiced and herbed, provided a most satisfying repast.
And what of the abnormal thumb; I have no idea where/when the injury was sustained and, I'm trusting the discomfort will disappear as swiftly as it emerged last evening. One lesson I have learned, in this short time, is just how versatile (in synchronicity with other digits) this thickened and shortened finger is!
And what of the abnormal thumb; I have no idea where/when the injury was sustained and, I'm trusting the discomfort will disappear as swiftly as it emerged last evening. One lesson I have learned, in this short time, is just how versatile (in synchronicity with other digits) this thickened and shortened finger is!
Feeding Time
Having contributed, in the past hour, to Heterocon's rant "Can there be smoke without fire", I feel surprisingly calm and at peace with my world.
Just popped out to the garden, to feed the fish, which brought about the usual flurry of activity in the pond and, am currently contemplating the preparation of a meal for my beloved and myself. Hopefully, our response to the meal will not produce such frenetic activity.
How fortunate and privileged we are to 'know' where our next meal is coming from!
Just popped out to the garden, to feed the fish, which brought about the usual flurry of activity in the pond and, am currently contemplating the preparation of a meal for my beloved and myself. Hopefully, our response to the meal will not produce such frenetic activity.
How fortunate and privileged we are to 'know' where our next meal is coming from!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Escapist Delights
Two evenings running my beloved and I have revelled in a bit of pure escapism. Last night we watched, and recorded to DVD, "The Mask Of Zorro" for some quite captivating buckling of swashes. Tonight it was the turn of "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" which, despite the gratuitous violence, is redeemed by the pure unreality of a tale excitingly told.
Tonight's viewing was accompanied by an appropriate, typically Oz, wine. Very gluggable but, totally upfront in both fruit and oak - 'Penfolds Winemakers Selection Chardonnay, 2004'. If subtlety is what you seek, neither the wine nor the film are to be recommended; it so happens that, on this occasion we enjoyed both!
Tonight's viewing was accompanied by an appropriate, typically Oz, wine. Very gluggable but, totally upfront in both fruit and oak - 'Penfolds Winemakers Selection Chardonnay, 2004'. If subtlety is what you seek, neither the wine nor the film are to be recommended; it so happens that, on this occasion we enjoyed both!
Of Exercise, Sleeping and Eating
My mid-morning awakening led to the saga of the mysterious intruder, recorded by Heterocon but, since that time, there have been no major incidents to report. Fish-feeding routines, at both the garden pond and the aquarium, have been efficiently performed and, shortly before five pm, I even managed to get out for a (not so) brief, (not so) brisk, walk around some of the more tree-lined roads and avenues! The combination of sunshine and breeze was just about right for me and, didn't interfere unduly with my hypersensitive eyes.
Shortly after the return home, old Morpheus really held me in his thrall; a shock awakening, actioned by my beloved, signified it was almost time for dinner. An almost vindaloo heat minced beef Rogan Josh variant, prepared by yours truly on Saturday evening, went down bootifully with new potatoes, broccoli and leeks. Yesterday, we'd had the traditional saffron rice but, these days, I'm equally happy with pasta accompaniment. 'Tis the quality that counts!
Shortly after the return home, old Morpheus really held me in his thrall; a shock awakening, actioned by my beloved, signified it was almost time for dinner. An almost vindaloo heat minced beef Rogan Josh variant, prepared by yours truly on Saturday evening, went down bootifully with new potatoes, broccoli and leeks. Yesterday, we'd had the traditional saffron rice but, these days, I'm equally happy with pasta accompaniment. 'Tis the quality that counts!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
An attempt to overwhelm tiredness
This afternoon's short walk proved quite enjoyable but, I was certainly ready to slump down on return; that's what ten minutes gentle exercise does for one! Subsequently began to feel extremely tired, in spite of interesting company.It's been rather a weekend for entertaining! This afternoon, Phyllis a friend from Helen's schooldays has called in with her son Sharif.
In order to prevent myself falling asleep, as if I hadn't already had enough, Helen suggested I pick up the laptop and, that is why you are being confronted with a further brief report on my day so far. My eyes are suffering from (an imagined) sleep deprivation so, that's it for now!
In order to prevent myself falling asleep, as if I hadn't already had enough, Helen suggested I pick up the laptop and, that is why you are being confronted with a further brief report on my day so far. My eyes are suffering from (an imagined) sleep deprivation so, that's it for now!
Ah! ... that's a refreshing change
Awoke, for the second time, at around 10.15 am but, after a further snooze and relaxation, finally plucked up the courage to disengage myself from bed around the time that Helen returned from her second visit to chapel at 11.40. I must admit to feeling quite refreshed today and, I've actually managed a bbw this afternoon. I'm certainly feeling much more alert than I did at the corresponding time yesterday.
Before my venture into the bed-free domain, I enjoyed playing around with Photo Story 3, creating the odd mini-video on my laptop. Oh what a life of luxury I lead.
Before my venture into the bed-free domain, I enjoyed playing around with Photo Story 3, creating the odd mini-video on my laptop. Oh what a life of luxury I lead.
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