I have not really stopped for the last few months. Work at my normal place went quiet and l enjoyed getting out and about and seeing how the other half lives. Last night was the first night l have slept in my own bed for over a month. The time l was home over Christmas and wasn't working it was too cold to sleep upstairs l huddled under duvets on the sofa with heating on and doors shut.
I went to stay with a friend for 3 days down London but then the first lot of snow hit and l was stuck there for a week. Finally got home at just gone midnight of the Friday missed 3 nights work and felt awful for having let them down even though there was nothing l could do and they were fine knowing l would never let them down on purpose.
Work has carried me down to the south of England where l stayed with a friend of ours in Hastings Brian was his surrogate Dad.
I drove to work up in Sussex and Kent and back each day and worked at l think it was 5 different practices in 2 weeks but have lost track. The round trip was about 140mile each day, but l would rather stay with a friend so l didn't care. What l hated was the bit of M25 l had to drive on OMG the thought of doing that daily would drive me nuts.
His crazy dog, a Labrador, need l say more ate the bag of double pink poppy seeds l took down for him to plant in Brian's memory. However poppies will grow all over the small woods l am sure as Rosie was dashing around off a lead in the undergrowth!
I met a friend of his who has become a fantastic new friend to me, he has driven me to distraction at times, although good friends do that.
Kev was the only one l would allow to come with me to Brian's inquest. By that l mean anyone was welcome to go but l didn't want to sit with them. Kev isn't a skydiver he is is a fireman who teaches BA and has never met Brian.
I felt that Brian's death had hurt so many not just myself but skydivers, l knew l would find the inquest hard and couldn't l suppose the word would be "carry" more hurt from his friends mine was enough to cope with that day.
A lot offered and l couldn't explain easily so if they read this l hope they understand why l said "no thanks l want to be alone, but you are welcome to go just not with me". It was not them it was how much l felt l could carry.
I have already put a small bit in about the inquest in an earlier blog. It is over it was the expected verdict, and it changed nothing in that Brian is still dead so there really is nothing to add.
I worked at a place in a town with a weird name won't say where as l really disliked the practice, although the locum vet (only the 2 of us there) was lovely. The up side was l was placed in a nice huge pub for B & B.
Down to the Fenland's of Cambridgeshire, 3 different practices and staying in 2 different towns to the practices that was yet more driving. My sat nav broke on me. Thankfully he came back on but l had a nasty shock. Luckily l managed to remember part of my route and then it came on again, no tom and l go into meltdown.
My final practice for 2 weeks before Christmas them Christmas week off and worked over new year was one in Bristol. Which l enjoyed it was all night work but they were very quiet.
I decided to treat myself to a new sat nav as tom has played up a couple of times, he is nearly 4 years old and as stated my sense of direction is abysmal.
I am now the proud owner of the Tom Tom live 1000 not all the functions are working yet but they are coming on line. It guides me round traffic jams, at junctions splits into lane view so l can work out what road to go on. Tells me street numbers and names all sorts of nice things I did look at the 1005 it has a 5" screen as opposed to 4 3/4 but decided the present one fits in my little case and l would need to pay a fortune for another one.
Health wise end of year sort of crammed it in. Washing machine died on me so l have another coming have had to change delivery date 2xs due to family and work.
I got multiple chomps on the hand from a dog, luckily smallish dog but still left a few deep holes which l decided to get antibiotics for as being run down l knew sods law would get infected a 3 hour wait at an empty NHS walk in did not do my temper any good.
I had to go to the emergency dentist while l was away due to a cavity, he put me on anti B for an infection, took an x-ray and talked garbage telling me that the bone was fine. WTF l didn't expect it not to be, he told me off for putting in temp filler from the chemist. I don't like BS and wasted money but l was in too much pain to argue.
My dentist went nuts at other dentist (didn't ring him but was tempted)& said l didn't need anti B l needed it filled and my temp. fill was why the pain died away, the nerve that was exposed and swollen and got a rest.
I had a huge build up of my allergy. Have never discovered to what exactly just general chemicals seem to affect me, think being all over and the different washing powders etc triggered it. I was dosing myself with antihistamines 3xs a day to try hold the itching off. I finally caved in and had to get some stronger ones from my idiot Dr. 3 weeks later l am finally less purple on my legs and not scratching myself raw.
The worst one was the leptospirosis (weils disease) scare. This is one of the few notifiable diseases in humans. In fact in October 10 it killed an Olympic rower.
I was intense nursing a dog and asked a couple of vets about lepto but was told no way, then he died and life moved on.
I went back over the new year to be told "we were trying to decide if we should tell you sammi died of lepto, but l decided to tell you as l don't think any one else was going to bother to."
I was furious, one of the minor side effects can be death or any or all of the following liver, kidney, heart failure. It is a very painful disease having seen dogs with it and knowing a vetnurse that caught it.
It can manifest as severe headaches something l had been having but figured was the tooth due to nerve problems to be sure l rang the OOH Dr who agreed but we had a pleasant chat, then she commented about the cold like symptoms.
I burst out laughing at this point and told her it was either going to be swine flu or lepto so there was no point in worrying. Thankfully l was ok but l was not a happy puppy.
Had we not known fine but to know and try to decide whether to "bother" telling someone is another thing entirely.
So now we are into 2011. No proper work on the horizon but to be honest l need a bit of a break. I recon Brian is behind this work bottleneck to force me to rest, work will come in when he unblocks the log jam l have no doubt.
Showing posts with label Off Duty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Off Duty. Show all posts
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Monday, 23 August 2010
This wire goes....?
A few days off at last been a bit busy l have worked 24 days out of the last 28 days, fair to say l am now wilting somewhat.
The day shifts were at a small practice run by a South African vet who has just bought into a game reserve that attaches to Kruger National Park. I told him that as soon as it is sorted to let me know l would love to visit.
I also nicked the South African Country life magazine that was there, actually l am returning it once read but l want to savour it. It is what magazines used to be like. Packed full of info, good articles, food and no "celebrates" and their cheap lives. I looked into getting it sent over but it is £75/year so idea on hold.
My slow cooker is fantastic so far done couple of stews, sausage casserole and a shoulder of pork and all of it was edible. I thought that a 3.5ltr slow cooker sounded very small but it is actually big enough for several days meals.
Brian's boet came round tonight to put Brian's computer back in. It had been repaired and he had his laptop in. His boet runs a large ISP company & knows his way round a computer Brian's wiring drove him nuts. He did it eventually but he was sweating with stress muttering about why can't Brian do things simple. I told him that's why l left it for him to do, reckon Brian was in fits of laughter at the pair of us scratching our heads & mumbling blankly, pulling wires trying to work out what went where and get the mouse to work let alone work out the usb hub and how it got it's power.
The day shifts were at a small practice run by a South African vet who has just bought into a game reserve that attaches to Kruger National Park. I told him that as soon as it is sorted to let me know l would love to visit.
I also nicked the South African Country life magazine that was there, actually l am returning it once read but l want to savour it. It is what magazines used to be like. Packed full of info, good articles, food and no "celebrates" and their cheap lives. I looked into getting it sent over but it is £75/year so idea on hold.
My slow cooker is fantastic so far done couple of stews, sausage casserole and a shoulder of pork and all of it was edible. I thought that a 3.5ltr slow cooker sounded very small but it is actually big enough for several days meals.
Brian's boet came round tonight to put Brian's computer back in. It had been repaired and he had his laptop in. His boet runs a large ISP company & knows his way round a computer Brian's wiring drove him nuts. He did it eventually but he was sweating with stress muttering about why can't Brian do things simple. I told him that's why l left it for him to do, reckon Brian was in fits of laughter at the pair of us scratching our heads & mumbling blankly, pulling wires trying to work out what went where and get the mouse to work let alone work out the usb hub and how it got it's power.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Sighs!
When l started this blog in September 2008 l couldn't think what to call it so choose veterinary nursing and life. I still can not think what to change it to. I was thinking of the Barefoot Veterinary Nurse as l dislike shoes and avoid wearing them. That limited me to just veterinary nursing, or A Barefoot View of Life and Veterinary Nursing, that's to long.
So l stick with what l have, still undecided on a name but this one seems to work and on the basis if it isn't broken don't fix it l shall stick with the "temporary" name.
Fed up just been into town to upgrade my phone to an iphone it will have to go on hold as they want £154 for the basic 3Gs. It is all to do with fact it is a mid term change, l am not primary phone on the contract (business one) and they just want to gouge us for it. And if we get it we have to agree to keeping our contract with them for another 24 months.
This is the only reason l vote Suffragette
Dry Bones
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Life up to Date
Garr fighting off another bought of bad throat and high temperature. Thank goodness for throat lozanges. My idiot Dr who, after a lot of abuse from friends and family l visited about 3 weeks ago as l was getting over last 2 month session, said in one breath. "Well it could be a low grade virus you can not shake due to stress. (You don't say!) BUT as you tested negative for a hiatus hernia 10 years ago l am going to treat you for acid reflux here is a script for omipramizole (strong antacids)
I have come to the conclusion my idiot Dr thinks "If it looks like a horse, and sounds like a horse, it must be a lion eating a tomato"
I am looking for a new Dr l can not handle the total cretin l have any more. He and his partner are worse than useless.
On the subject of medicals l have the meeting re scheduled for 17th May with the local nhs over the complaint for my dads discharge in January. They cancelled the last one as some head of nursing who "Just has to be there" was ill.
We had a letter through asking if we wanted to opt out of all our data going onto the nhs computer. I thought that the computer had been cancelled? Anyhow l filled in the don't put us on it part.
I was getting excited as up to now we have had no paper work through the door about the election but nulab spoiled it yesterday when l got home. There was a "thing" through the door. All the more reason not to vote for them they spoilt my no info yet boast.
Anyway l can not see who is worth voting for they are all as corrupt and scummy as each other so l will vote because of the suffragettes, but l will spoil my paper as A) This area is so solidly labour over 3/4 of the residents who normally vote would need to fail to turn out to make a difference B) I hate all politicians as being corrupt, insipid, self serving clones made out of some spoiled dough. I was hoping that a hung parliament means 300+ politicians hanging by their throats from parliament rafters. I am assured though it doesn't mean that, still l can but dream.
I have a long stretch of nights from Friday 8x 22:00-08:00 on the trot. I am hoping that they are fairly quiet.
I did 2x 17:30-03:30 over the weekend and the nights were manic. It felt like every animal in the area seemed to decide to become ill, get hit by a car or get bitten by another one.
Had a dog in with a tracheotomy tube. What a sweetie to treat, he would sit and lift his head to have his tube cleaned and suctioned every 2hours, l wish more patients were as cooperative.
One of the regular night vets is on holiday so a day vet covered. He has a worse memory than l do which was great as l am usually the bad memory person. He is having a "Come dine with me" night with the staff l was going to go, but, l think as it will be my first night off after my 8 night marathon, l won't make it.
Have been on days yesterday and today at a different vets. One of my semi regulars. It is novel working the whole shift in daylight and ending at 19:00 like regular vet staff. Going to be busy today though as we have a load of ops, l am sole nurse from midday and apart from ops and cleaning post op (theatre, kits, general prep area)and putting away the order l also have quite a few nurse appointments to do as well as all the discharges as patients recover.
Just hope the purified water gets there this morning for the autoclave or several ops will be cancelled. Someone forgot to order any last week but l think l got the phone order through in time to the supplier. If it all goes "tits up" it won't be my problem thought. The joys of being a locum cover, we have to have some perks.
Hub has been away since thursday last week. Langer have had a big skydiving meeting. He lead the SOS (Skydivers Over Sixty) attempt on a UK record over the weekend. They managed a quick 9 way but did not declare it as no one was happy with it. For goodness sake l give up. They got a 9 way, they got a UK record, every jumper was a brit and well over 60 but nope.. they weren't happy. I think the SOS stands for Senile Old Sods or Stupid Old Sods. Later on the Saturday they tried for an 11 way but it wasn't to be.
He is home tonight to do paperwork and l have made the big decision to go into town tomorrow and get an iphone 3gs. I have been dithering since February over that or Blackberry Bold but decision made (l think)
Oh well off to work this getting up in the morning for work is a very novel feeling. I can stand it occasionally but not regular.
I have come to the conclusion my idiot Dr thinks "If it looks like a horse, and sounds like a horse, it must be a lion eating a tomato"
I am looking for a new Dr l can not handle the total cretin l have any more. He and his partner are worse than useless.
On the subject of medicals l have the meeting re scheduled for 17th May with the local nhs over the complaint for my dads discharge in January. They cancelled the last one as some head of nursing who "Just has to be there" was ill.
We had a letter through asking if we wanted to opt out of all our data going onto the nhs computer. I thought that the computer had been cancelled? Anyhow l filled in the don't put us on it part.
I was getting excited as up to now we have had no paper work through the door about the election but nulab spoiled it yesterday when l got home. There was a "thing" through the door. All the more reason not to vote for them they spoilt my no info yet boast.
Anyway l can not see who is worth voting for they are all as corrupt and scummy as each other so l will vote because of the suffragettes, but l will spoil my paper as A) This area is so solidly labour over 3/4 of the residents who normally vote would need to fail to turn out to make a difference B) I hate all politicians as being corrupt, insipid, self serving clones made out of some spoiled dough. I was hoping that a hung parliament means 300+ politicians hanging by their throats from parliament rafters. I am assured though it doesn't mean that, still l can but dream.
I have a long stretch of nights from Friday 8x 22:00-08:00 on the trot. I am hoping that they are fairly quiet.
I did 2x 17:30-03:30 over the weekend and the nights were manic. It felt like every animal in the area seemed to decide to become ill, get hit by a car or get bitten by another one.
Had a dog in with a tracheotomy tube. What a sweetie to treat, he would sit and lift his head to have his tube cleaned and suctioned every 2hours, l wish more patients were as cooperative.
One of the regular night vets is on holiday so a day vet covered. He has a worse memory than l do which was great as l am usually the bad memory person. He is having a "Come dine with me" night with the staff l was going to go, but, l think as it will be my first night off after my 8 night marathon, l won't make it.
Have been on days yesterday and today at a different vets. One of my semi regulars. It is novel working the whole shift in daylight and ending at 19:00 like regular vet staff. Going to be busy today though as we have a load of ops, l am sole nurse from midday and apart from ops and cleaning post op (theatre, kits, general prep area)and putting away the order l also have quite a few nurse appointments to do as well as all the discharges as patients recover.
Just hope the purified water gets there this morning for the autoclave or several ops will be cancelled. Someone forgot to order any last week but l think l got the phone order through in time to the supplier. If it all goes "tits up" it won't be my problem thought. The joys of being a locum cover, we have to have some perks.
Hub has been away since thursday last week. Langer have had a big skydiving meeting. He lead the SOS (Skydivers Over Sixty) attempt on a UK record over the weekend. They managed a quick 9 way but did not declare it as no one was happy with it. For goodness sake l give up. They got a 9 way, they got a UK record, every jumper was a brit and well over 60 but nope.. they weren't happy. I think the SOS stands for Senile Old Sods or Stupid Old Sods. Later on the Saturday they tried for an 11 way but it wasn't to be.
He is home tonight to do paperwork and l have made the big decision to go into town tomorrow and get an iphone 3gs. I have been dithering since February over that or Blackberry Bold but decision made (l think)
Oh well off to work this getting up in the morning for work is a very novel feeling. I can stand it occasionally but not regular.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Parachute Hangup
Found this in one of hubs skydiving books. A famous story of how back in the 70's a student in UK had a hang up in a cessna. His deployed his reserve to early before he was free and while he was still attached to the plane the photo is from the top of the photo downwards:
Reserve parachute
Student (black dot in middle)
Plane
Click on the photo a couple of times to enlarge it and read the full story.
Reserve parachute
Student (black dot in middle)
Plane
Click on the photo a couple of times to enlarge it and read the full story.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Life's Ripples
I thought it about time l return to bloger land. Update everyone about things and get reading all the blogs l enjoy but have let lapse over the last 2 or 3 months.
My dad’s funeral was on Friday and l have to say the funeral home made it go very smoothly and have been excellent. It turns out they have a tie in to the co-op group. We get free legal aid but when the legal department rang me l had done all that was needed so far. A big relief l now know l have done the correct things just a few jobs left l asked about but those were also confirmed as right. Thank fully because all was in joint names l do not need probate, that was so far my biggest worry.
It was nice to see the family and some of their youngsters who l haven’t seen for years. Boy the small “kids” have grown!.
I gave a eulogy at the funeral and managed to hold it together although l nearly broke down a couple of times. Thankfully there was a mic there I have yet another bad cough and lost/husky voice, a flare up of my before xmas problem.
2 Days after my dad passed another special friend Adrian died. It was to be his 65th birthday on the Saturday and he was a very special person. He had a massive heart attack. Speaking to his wife he also had a horrendous time in hospital. I am not sure if she will take or further.
I have had a letter back from the hospital in sympathy for my dads passing and if l prefer to have the complaints results in writing they understand. If l want a meeting with some deputy head of nursing let them know. I want the meeting and have told them l will let them have some dates.
Work was hard going during January and February l was on the 22-08 shift while a new nurse was found and employed. I was only getting 2 to 3 hours sleep day or night l think through stress. That let this blasted cough hammer me again. I have been doing 13:-23 shifts last week, problem was l did not have a meal all week just a sandwich and bag of crisps each night instead which didn’t help my on board reserves so am feeling even more drained.
I am doing nights this weekend and then a week off and then 13:-23 shifts for the foreseeable future while another new nurse is found. The present one is off to the “dark side” as we call nhs nursing.
It has been a mixed bag at work. The normal amount of dangerous dogs spending the night before going off to kennels, some very sweet others totally evil. The usual misconception that big is nasty and breed specific, when all too often the small and/or other breeds can be just as bad.
The government are on in lala land trying to make everyone have insurance for their dogs. Get the animals, neutered, get trained dogs AND owners and then worry about insurance.
Problems come in batches and we seem to have had lots of epileptic dogs in the last couple of weeks. Before that we have had the diabetic animal batch. And as always the RTA cats come in. Petplan estimated that a cat was hit in the UK by a car every 2minutes. Judging by the amount we have in via one small corner of UK that may not be a high enough figure.
Nearly got myself clawed badly by a cat on Thursday, l was holding for the heart referral specialist to scan. The cat came out of his sedation unbeknown to us as the lights were off…ok and we were chatting which was interesting as both of us have bad coughs and throats. All was well until l stretched my one arm in the air, the arm that had not even been holding the blasted cat.
The cat decided to go nuts on a ketamine bender. I managed to pin it so that MH could get more sedation in it’s iv catheter before the cat ate us both. Of course this happened 5 minutes before we finished so the cat slept another 40 mins more than it needed to had it just stayed relaxed.
Cat’s own fault he had to wait an extra couple of hours for his chicken. Something he loves and was already angry at having missed a couple of good meals of during the day as we k new he would be sedated.
I organised the night staff “post xmas” bash, after a complaint was put in that turning down night staff for a 4.99/head xmas meal was tight to say the least considering it is a dedicated night staff who only work unsocial hours a change of heart was had. As l live down the road from the pub l said l would do it. Was not to bad 16 managed to arrange to come. The one that h/o cancelled before xmas had 21 but a couple of staff had left and others were unable to come for various reasons.
I have worked at a couple of other “normal” day vets which has been nice, seeing life during the day, doing nurse clinics and home sensible hours. Having said that l still enjoy the locum work and do not want to go back to set shifts, asking for time off and the general dog eat dog work of a set routine. No matter how much l may moan about work.
I went mad and bought 14 books off Amazon ¾ of a series of books l have been reading. Not ordered books off Amazon before and was pleasantly surprised all arrived even the ones from Germany and US, they got to me quicker than the uk ones.
I held off getting the books in the l have read will get those soon and a couple are just out so still very expensive. Brilliant writer she writes a lot of different supernatural books. These are sort of vampire based the series called the Dark series by Christine Feehan
Her one book Dark Celebration is set at Christmas and as a treat has 40pages of chocolate deserts at the end of it that people have sent in. I wish l could cook instead l sit and drool looking at them.
My dad’s funeral was on Friday and l have to say the funeral home made it go very smoothly and have been excellent. It turns out they have a tie in to the co-op group. We get free legal aid but when the legal department rang me l had done all that was needed so far. A big relief l now know l have done the correct things just a few jobs left l asked about but those were also confirmed as right. Thank fully because all was in joint names l do not need probate, that was so far my biggest worry.
It was nice to see the family and some of their youngsters who l haven’t seen for years. Boy the small “kids” have grown!.
I gave a eulogy at the funeral and managed to hold it together although l nearly broke down a couple of times. Thankfully there was a mic there I have yet another bad cough and lost/husky voice, a flare up of my before xmas problem.
2 Days after my dad passed another special friend Adrian died. It was to be his 65th birthday on the Saturday and he was a very special person. He had a massive heart attack. Speaking to his wife he also had a horrendous time in hospital. I am not sure if she will take or further.
I have had a letter back from the hospital in sympathy for my dads passing and if l prefer to have the complaints results in writing they understand. If l want a meeting with some deputy head of nursing let them know. I want the meeting and have told them l will let them have some dates.
Work was hard going during January and February l was on the 22-08 shift while a new nurse was found and employed. I was only getting 2 to 3 hours sleep day or night l think through stress. That let this blasted cough hammer me again. I have been doing 13:-23 shifts last week, problem was l did not have a meal all week just a sandwich and bag of crisps each night instead which didn’t help my on board reserves so am feeling even more drained.
I am doing nights this weekend and then a week off and then 13:-23 shifts for the foreseeable future while another new nurse is found. The present one is off to the “dark side” as we call nhs nursing.
It has been a mixed bag at work. The normal amount of dangerous dogs spending the night before going off to kennels, some very sweet others totally evil. The usual misconception that big is nasty and breed specific, when all too often the small and/or other breeds can be just as bad.
The government are on in lala land trying to make everyone have insurance for their dogs. Get the animals, neutered, get trained dogs AND owners and then worry about insurance.
Problems come in batches and we seem to have had lots of epileptic dogs in the last couple of weeks. Before that we have had the diabetic animal batch. And as always the RTA cats come in. Petplan estimated that a cat was hit in the UK by a car every 2minutes. Judging by the amount we have in via one small corner of UK that may not be a high enough figure.
Nearly got myself clawed badly by a cat on Thursday, l was holding for the heart referral specialist to scan. The cat came out of his sedation unbeknown to us as the lights were off…ok and we were chatting which was interesting as both of us have bad coughs and throats. All was well until l stretched my one arm in the air, the arm that had not even been holding the blasted cat.
The cat decided to go nuts on a ketamine bender. I managed to pin it so that MH could get more sedation in it’s iv catheter before the cat ate us both. Of course this happened 5 minutes before we finished so the cat slept another 40 mins more than it needed to had it just stayed relaxed.
Cat’s own fault he had to wait an extra couple of hours for his chicken. Something he loves and was already angry at having missed a couple of good meals of during the day as we k new he would be sedated.
I organised the night staff “post xmas” bash, after a complaint was put in that turning down night staff for a 4.99/head xmas meal was tight to say the least considering it is a dedicated night staff who only work unsocial hours a change of heart was had. As l live down the road from the pub l said l would do it. Was not to bad 16 managed to arrange to come. The one that h/o cancelled before xmas had 21 but a couple of staff had left and others were unable to come for various reasons.
I have worked at a couple of other “normal” day vets which has been nice, seeing life during the day, doing nurse clinics and home sensible hours. Having said that l still enjoy the locum work and do not want to go back to set shifts, asking for time off and the general dog eat dog work of a set routine. No matter how much l may moan about work.
I went mad and bought 14 books off Amazon ¾ of a series of books l have been reading. Not ordered books off Amazon before and was pleasantly surprised all arrived even the ones from Germany and US, they got to me quicker than the uk ones.
I held off getting the books in the l have read will get those soon and a couple are just out so still very expensive. Brilliant writer she writes a lot of different supernatural books. These are sort of vampire based the series called the Dark series by Christine Feehan
Her one book Dark Celebration is set at Christmas and as a treat has 40pages of chocolate deserts at the end of it that people have sent in. I wish l could cook instead l sit and drool looking at them.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Update on Life
Not forgotten the blog just been a hard time with getting my head together to write much, l have done short tweets though usually from work.
My dad has been in the care home and we have visited pretty much every evening. I have also been on nights and my body has had a hard time this time adjusting. I have averaged 2 or 3 hours sleep a day or night depending if l am on or off duty and the rest of the time l have just been lying around like a wet noodle just feeling to drained to do much.
Last week l went and got another of my bad coughs and have now pretty much lost my voice again so waiting for it to all clear up.
The hospital social worker has not been to helpful she took on my dads case. I have extended his care home stay 3 times as my mum did not feel up to coping and my dad was not 100% happy about being able to manage. The worker was all "he can stay as long as he wants don't worry" but as soon as l went to arrange things l would get a huge lecture.
last week she visited my mum and made clear that there would be no extensions he was coming home this Tuesday regardless. I pointed out the ambulance transport was booked. She was not listening to me just chanting he can not stay ANY longer he HAS to come home. She visited my father told the care home we demanded he goes home no matter what and told him that it was "not his choice to stay in his own home once home" I had to try and calm him down as he was very upset at this. My plan was as soon as he was home the ss was out and a new care worker in l was not having her around.
Last thursday he started to get a bad chest infection, something he is prone to. I got some anti B from the Dr. Only amoxycillan as useful as sugar water but it was something. I wanted him to stay in the home till he was over the infection, the home were happy but no point in speaking to ss as it was made clear no was going to be the answer.
So dad got back on Tuesday at about 15:00. My mum was worried about how he seemed, l put it down to her usual 'molehill out of a mountain'. When l got back at 18:15 he was not good. About 19:30 It took hub and l to get him up to go to the loo and he was not too coherent. The carer's turned up at 19:40 to put him to bed but l decided to send them away and got him an ambulance.
As usual a fantastic pair but after getting him on 02 asap as his saturation was 60% and his pulse was all over between 20 and 49 his temperature was not registering in one ear and 33 in the other he went straight into resus. The stabilised him and he is back in hospital. When hub and mum visited yesterday they said he looked to be dying. Lips blue, non responsive and incoherent. Today the physio rang me to get an idea of what he could or couldn't do and said he was sitting up, and asking for another cup of tea.
The care home said he had not slept the night before he was due home and then he had the ride around in the ambulance till he got home and we all feel it tipped him over the edge. Had he been allowed to stay in the home till he recovered he would have been ok.
We will possibly look at longer term care say 3 or 4 months then reassess if he can cope at home. The care home he was in are happy to have him back they all love him, the only problem was distance for my mum, we will see what happens.
I am fairly slow on work at the moment a big worry for me. Hub doesn't worry l do will see what happens.
My dad has been in the care home and we have visited pretty much every evening. I have also been on nights and my body has had a hard time this time adjusting. I have averaged 2 or 3 hours sleep a day or night depending if l am on or off duty and the rest of the time l have just been lying around like a wet noodle just feeling to drained to do much.
Last week l went and got another of my bad coughs and have now pretty much lost my voice again so waiting for it to all clear up.
The hospital social worker has not been to helpful she took on my dads case. I have extended his care home stay 3 times as my mum did not feel up to coping and my dad was not 100% happy about being able to manage. The worker was all "he can stay as long as he wants don't worry" but as soon as l went to arrange things l would get a huge lecture.
last week she visited my mum and made clear that there would be no extensions he was coming home this Tuesday regardless. I pointed out the ambulance transport was booked. She was not listening to me just chanting he can not stay ANY longer he HAS to come home. She visited my father told the care home we demanded he goes home no matter what and told him that it was "not his choice to stay in his own home once home" I had to try and calm him down as he was very upset at this. My plan was as soon as he was home the ss was out and a new care worker in l was not having her around.
Last thursday he started to get a bad chest infection, something he is prone to. I got some anti B from the Dr. Only amoxycillan as useful as sugar water but it was something. I wanted him to stay in the home till he was over the infection, the home were happy but no point in speaking to ss as it was made clear no was going to be the answer.
So dad got back on Tuesday at about 15:00. My mum was worried about how he seemed, l put it down to her usual 'molehill out of a mountain'. When l got back at 18:15 he was not good. About 19:30 It took hub and l to get him up to go to the loo and he was not too coherent. The carer's turned up at 19:40 to put him to bed but l decided to send them away and got him an ambulance.
As usual a fantastic pair but after getting him on 02 asap as his saturation was 60% and his pulse was all over between 20 and 49 his temperature was not registering in one ear and 33 in the other he went straight into resus. The stabilised him and he is back in hospital. When hub and mum visited yesterday they said he looked to be dying. Lips blue, non responsive and incoherent. Today the physio rang me to get an idea of what he could or couldn't do and said he was sitting up, and asking for another cup of tea.
The care home said he had not slept the night before he was due home and then he had the ride around in the ambulance till he got home and we all feel it tipped him over the edge. Had he been allowed to stay in the home till he recovered he would have been ok.
We will possibly look at longer term care say 3 or 4 months then reassess if he can cope at home. The care home he was in are happy to have him back they all love him, the only problem was distance for my mum, we will see what happens.
I am fairly slow on work at the moment a big worry for me. Hub doesn't worry l do will see what happens.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Bella Mouse and Meetings
I had an update today from a friend about an illustrated book he (author) and his wife (illustrator) are bringing out for children ‘Bella Mouse at Mobberley Edge’. Everything is clicking into place with the publishers and the book should be out around March/April time. I will put up more details then on the storyline, where it will be available and price. I do know that they want it keep reasonable which is missing in a lot of book prices nowadays.
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After cancelling the night staff Christmas party and upsetting all the night staff one of the more polite vets drafted a letter of complaint which a lot of us signed. It was then sent to hr at head office, and we heard nothing about it, nor did we expect to.
At the night staff meeting the other day the regional director was a bit upset at the letter saying no-one had asked him. He gave his blessing for it to go ahead if someone would organise it and also arrange for everything to be prepaid. As l am just along the road from where we are going l said l would.
A bit later on he muttered a bit sheepishly, “I didn’t know about it but IF anyone did ask me l would probably have said no before l found out how cheap it was for the meal”. Then he changed the subject, taking time to glare at me for bursting out laughing and telling him that “honesty is the best policy”.
As usually the rest of the meeting was a waste of time but the one admittance to putting his foot in it and a go ahead for the party made up for it.
I also got an ok to put publicity info out in all the surgeries on ‘Bella Mouse at Mobberley Edge’ when the book comes out, no point on missing a chance to help friends if l can.
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I have been trying to get used to posting on Twitter using my mobile phone. The main problem is that it doesn't tell me on my phone how many characters l have used so it is a bit hit and miss at the moment. I won’t Twitter much when l am off duty, unless l happen to be doing anything interesting which is rare.
I like being able to do short notes on things that may not merit a full blog, or l may be able to build into a blog at some later date. The idea is as l get used to it more to give a flavour of life behind the scenes at a vets.
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After cancelling the night staff Christmas party and upsetting all the night staff one of the more polite vets drafted a letter of complaint which a lot of us signed. It was then sent to hr at head office, and we heard nothing about it, nor did we expect to.
At the night staff meeting the other day the regional director was a bit upset at the letter saying no-one had asked him. He gave his blessing for it to go ahead if someone would organise it and also arrange for everything to be prepaid. As l am just along the road from where we are going l said l would.
A bit later on he muttered a bit sheepishly, “I didn’t know about it but IF anyone did ask me l would probably have said no before l found out how cheap it was for the meal”. Then he changed the subject, taking time to glare at me for bursting out laughing and telling him that “honesty is the best policy”.
As usually the rest of the meeting was a waste of time but the one admittance to putting his foot in it and a go ahead for the party made up for it.
I also got an ok to put publicity info out in all the surgeries on ‘Bella Mouse at Mobberley Edge’ when the book comes out, no point on missing a chance to help friends if l can.
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I have been trying to get used to posting on Twitter using my mobile phone. The main problem is that it doesn't tell me on my phone how many characters l have used so it is a bit hit and miss at the moment. I won’t Twitter much when l am off duty, unless l happen to be doing anything interesting which is rare.
I like being able to do short notes on things that may not merit a full blog, or l may be able to build into a blog at some later date. The idea is as l get used to it more to give a flavour of life behind the scenes at a vets.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Close Call
I took my mum to wynsors shoes a couple of days ago. There was a woman in a bulky Arab dress with headscarf on sort of like a semi burqa just sitting on the isle end on one of the stools if you want to change footwear.
She looked odd from the start and l got bad vibes off her, there was no kids around with headscarves or anyone else who appeared to be with her, she had no shoes around her as if she had been trying them on and was not gazing around the shop looking at the shoe isles. She was perched and just didn't fit in.
My mum got some shoes and sat about 7 foot away and slightly offset opposite the woman to try them on, then walked round to test them. As l was watching her test the shoes something made me spin round, burqa woman stopped dead a couple of feet from the handbag and looked in her bag, snapped it shut and started to walk round the store. She made my hair rise and hackles it was just to false.
I went straight to the bag and hunted in it checking purse, card holder and anything else, all there. My mum looked up and asked what l was doing. I didn't want to worry her so said oh just being a nosey cow, she went back to her shoes.
My skin was crawling at burqa woman walking around the isles, she was not browsing just vaguely acting like she was. I went to an assistant and asked about her and was told..."she asked about extra wide shoes.. come to think of it it was a long time ago".
I told the assistant what had happened she got worried but not sure if she told anyone. I hope so no way was that woman genuine. I am not sure if she had the "dress" as a handy bulky place to hide her stolen items inside or to yell racist if caught, possibly both.
Handy place shoe stores, woman leave their bags and walk about look down a lot so if you go shoe shopping and do try shoes ... carry your handbag. My mum was just bloody lucky.
WATCH YOUR PURSES/BAGS WHEN SHOPPING
She looked odd from the start and l got bad vibes off her, there was no kids around with headscarves or anyone else who appeared to be with her, she had no shoes around her as if she had been trying them on and was not gazing around the shop looking at the shoe isles. She was perched and just didn't fit in.
My mum got some shoes and sat about 7 foot away and slightly offset opposite the woman to try them on, then walked round to test them. As l was watching her test the shoes something made me spin round, burqa woman stopped dead a couple of feet from the handbag and looked in her bag, snapped it shut and started to walk round the store. She made my hair rise and hackles it was just to false.
I went straight to the bag and hunted in it checking purse, card holder and anything else, all there. My mum looked up and asked what l was doing. I didn't want to worry her so said oh just being a nosey cow, she went back to her shoes.
My skin was crawling at burqa woman walking around the isles, she was not browsing just vaguely acting like she was. I went to an assistant and asked about her and was told..."she asked about extra wide shoes.. come to think of it it was a long time ago".
I told the assistant what had happened she got worried but not sure if she told anyone. I hope so no way was that woman genuine. I am not sure if she had the "dress" as a handy bulky place to hide her stolen items inside or to yell racist if caught, possibly both.
Handy place shoe stores, woman leave their bags and walk about look down a lot so if you go shoe shopping and do try shoes ... carry your handbag. My mum was just bloody lucky.
WATCH YOUR PURSES/BAGS WHEN SHOPPING
Thursday, 12 November 2009
L8 Arrivals
Had to share this. Hub does skydive coaching for new exp. jumpers on the way up the system at the centre he jumps at. As so many do not want to leave the nest and he has to almost boot or bribe them up a next level he has decided to start an 8way team for competition with the hard core ones that do not want to leave and hang on in there with claws dug into the nest screaming and crying excuses.
He has decided to call it L8 arrivals. It is all a play on words 8 as it is an 8 way team, L8 arrivals is for those who do not make it into whatever formation as they are to "late" and also for those who are always delayed getting kit or whatever.
It is going to be a very "serious" team and one of the members has taken the liberty of doing the first official painting of the team (the L shaped item on the right of the picture is the plane on take off) As you can see the team are in perfect harmony and will go far.
The wording that doesn't show to well as l had to shrink the pic says.."I forgot my helmet" This is the artist who did just that as about to climb into the plane last weekend.
He has decided to call it L8 arrivals. It is all a play on words 8 as it is an 8 way team, L8 arrivals is for those who do not make it into whatever formation as they are to "late" and also for those who are always delayed getting kit or whatever.
It is going to be a very "serious" team and one of the members has taken the liberty of doing the first official painting of the team (the L shaped item on the right of the picture is the plane on take off) As you can see the team are in perfect harmony and will go far.
The wording that doesn't show to well as l had to shrink the pic says.."I forgot my helmet" This is the artist who did just that as about to climb into the plane last weekend.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Did You Know
Wow l have got so out of kilter with my blog over the last 3 weeks or so mainly since l got ill. Anyhow l am in the middle of writing a long one and this is just a quick stop gap for a chuckle while l catch up. I am on night 2 of 4 nights so won't be much good for brain work anyhow.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Live Safari SA
I have discovered a fantastic new site. It is called Wild Earth TV. It is based at Djuma Game Reserve in SA. They have a fixed cam at the waterhole and a roving cam that goes on safari twice a day, three on certain days. It is all live and best savoured with sound as the presenter talks you through things going on. They have the full spectrum of game there all the big 5 and nothing is set up. There is certain regular animals seen a lot from buffalo to leopard and hyenas who all have names.
On the night safaris it has night vision so you get a better view of things. When not on night safari they have a "fireside chat"
There is a small chat room attached to the site and the control watches that and relays info. You can also send in questions and comments direct via email which they try and answer during the safari or fireside chat. It is very interactive, with regular viewers being an important part of the overall safari with their feedback and they also hunt answers for the presenters. It is like no other show l know, a schedule is posted so you know what is going on when.
Below are a couple of links for it l have found the first link the better one but it seems to vary for different people:
Link 1
Link 2
Enjoy, just don't let you boss catch you at work
On the night safaris it has night vision so you get a better view of things. When not on night safari they have a "fireside chat"
There is a small chat room attached to the site and the control watches that and relays info. You can also send in questions and comments direct via email which they try and answer during the safari or fireside chat. It is very interactive, with regular viewers being an important part of the overall safari with their feedback and they also hunt answers for the presenters. It is like no other show l know, a schedule is posted so you know what is going on when.
Below are a couple of links for it l have found the first link the better one but it seems to vary for different people:
Link 1
Link 2
Enjoy, just don't let you boss catch you at work
Saturday, 29 August 2009
"Operation Revenge" on the Para
It was back in the 80s and l was manifester at Capital City parachuting based at Biggin Hill airfield, the famous WW2 airfield in Kent, our DZ was 9 miles next to Brands Hatch racing.
The Saturday weather at the DZ was not good enough for jumping as cloud was at floor level. The committee of “Operation Revenge” leapt into action.
Pete C was steered into the canteen with the offer of free coffee and snacks by a regular who wanted to ask him some questions about formations. Others stood as watchers so if Pete decided to leave the canteen they could pass word.
When he was out the way students who arrived for the day’s parachute course were grabbed by their necks in friendly embraces, taken to one side and given muttered instructions- "Something strange is going to happen during canopy handling, do not tell anyone keep it quiet, your instructor knows nothing" They looked bemused but followed instructions by keeping silent and walking off like nothing had happened.
The best 2 packers were locked in the packing shed. Certain people walked to their cars to collect plastic bags, they slid to the packing shed trying to look innocent. The 2 guards at the packing shed were leaning across and blocking the door talked innocently about canopies and formations. They glared at the bag holders, checking the contents and making sure the passwords were muttered. The bags were pushed into the packing shed and the suppliers whistled away innocently. No entry of anyone was permitted.
The course instructor went to the loo with severe stomach cramps and all other instructors were unavailable. Pete C an instructor, aka Red Devil aka Member of the Parachute Regiment worked for us part time was asked to run the course. His ego carefully polished when told how excellent he was as an instructor and we were so relieved he would step in and do the course, Pete was turned loose.
Excitement started to build; the packers needed more ammunition so members of the club were hauled by their throats into quiet corners and gave what they could when the nature of their giving was explained. Pete had pulled to many stunts on to many people and it was payback. Finally and just in time the ok was given from the packing shed, the rig looked perfect no one, not even an expert, and Pete C was an expert, could see or feel anything wrong, the bomb started to tick.
The students walked out behind Pete who was in his element. Talking and preening to a group that contained pretty single women. His luck had to be in the way they stared at him like he was a god, if only he realised it was staring at him with eagerness at what was coming which was not what Pete had in mind.
The group went out to begin canopy handling. They learn what a parachute looks like, how it comes out when you leave the plane, how to control it. He glanced at the bigger than usual crowd that had collected on the veranda. He decided that as they were not jumping they obviously had nothing better to do.
Brian the CCI (chief club instructor) ambled over to a group of regulars who seemed to be behaving strangely. Strangely = how a group of regulars and instructors, came to be standing outside in not nice weather, watching a class of students doing canopy handling. As he opened his mouth to ask what was up he was shushed by an instructor and got a kick in the shins (the kick was from me) He tried to glare but another regular told him to shut the *&&^ up. Brian, as is usual for those in charge, was the last to know what was happening. He had been busy so missed the briefings held in the bar some time before. The drama unfolded:
Pete grabbed the rig that a minion handed him. He talked to the class about the rig, showed them all external parts and explained their uses. Next he attached the leg straps to the pegs to keep the rig still.
The observers stopped pretending they were talking and waited, holding their breath……
“As you fall away from the plane the static line will start to pull away from the pack.” He looked at his charges making sure they were following him. They seemed to be.
“Next the top of the para… WTF out came bras, panties, thongs, jockey shorts, petticoats stockings. He stopped dead and stared, his jaw hit the ground, he pulled more in disbelief and underwear and bits of clothing flowed out of the bag. The class and the entire DZ collapsed in a heap, tears rolling down the faces of many.
He just looked up and mouthed … “You Bastards” at his audience in front of the clubhouse but even he had a good chuckle, when he recovered.
The Saturday weather at the DZ was not good enough for jumping as cloud was at floor level. The committee of “Operation Revenge” leapt into action.
Pete C was steered into the canteen with the offer of free coffee and snacks by a regular who wanted to ask him some questions about formations. Others stood as watchers so if Pete decided to leave the canteen they could pass word.
When he was out the way students who arrived for the day’s parachute course were grabbed by their necks in friendly embraces, taken to one side and given muttered instructions- "Something strange is going to happen during canopy handling, do not tell anyone keep it quiet, your instructor knows nothing" They looked bemused but followed instructions by keeping silent and walking off like nothing had happened.
The best 2 packers were locked in the packing shed. Certain people walked to their cars to collect plastic bags, they slid to the packing shed trying to look innocent. The 2 guards at the packing shed were leaning across and blocking the door talked innocently about canopies and formations. They glared at the bag holders, checking the contents and making sure the passwords were muttered. The bags were pushed into the packing shed and the suppliers whistled away innocently. No entry of anyone was permitted.
The course instructor went to the loo with severe stomach cramps and all other instructors were unavailable. Pete C an instructor, aka Red Devil aka Member of the Parachute Regiment worked for us part time was asked to run the course. His ego carefully polished when told how excellent he was as an instructor and we were so relieved he would step in and do the course, Pete was turned loose.
Excitement started to build; the packers needed more ammunition so members of the club were hauled by their throats into quiet corners and gave what they could when the nature of their giving was explained. Pete had pulled to many stunts on to many people and it was payback. Finally and just in time the ok was given from the packing shed, the rig looked perfect no one, not even an expert, and Pete C was an expert, could see or feel anything wrong, the bomb started to tick.
The students walked out behind Pete who was in his element. Talking and preening to a group that contained pretty single women. His luck had to be in the way they stared at him like he was a god, if only he realised it was staring at him with eagerness at what was coming which was not what Pete had in mind.
The group went out to begin canopy handling. They learn what a parachute looks like, how it comes out when you leave the plane, how to control it. He glanced at the bigger than usual crowd that had collected on the veranda. He decided that as they were not jumping they obviously had nothing better to do.
Brian the CCI (chief club instructor) ambled over to a group of regulars who seemed to be behaving strangely. Strangely = how a group of regulars and instructors, came to be standing outside in not nice weather, watching a class of students doing canopy handling. As he opened his mouth to ask what was up he was shushed by an instructor and got a kick in the shins (the kick was from me) He tried to glare but another regular told him to shut the *&&^ up. Brian, as is usual for those in charge, was the last to know what was happening. He had been busy so missed the briefings held in the bar some time before. The drama unfolded:
Pete grabbed the rig that a minion handed him. He talked to the class about the rig, showed them all external parts and explained their uses. Next he attached the leg straps to the pegs to keep the rig still.
The observers stopped pretending they were talking and waited, holding their breath……
“As you fall away from the plane the static line will start to pull away from the pack.” He looked at his charges making sure they were following him. They seemed to be.
“Next the top of the para… WTF out came bras, panties, thongs, jockey shorts, petticoats stockings. He stopped dead and stared, his jaw hit the ground, he pulled more in disbelief and underwear and bits of clothing flowed out of the bag. The class and the entire DZ collapsed in a heap, tears rolling down the faces of many.
He just looked up and mouthed … “You Bastards” at his audience in front of the clubhouse but even he had a good chuckle, when he recovered.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
July Braai 09
Well l survived July Braai by Wednesday when we got back people were already pulling in people were pretty much ensconced by Thursday night so the gate will need to be manned from earlier next year. The official braai runs fri/sat/sun most people going home sunday but this time a large amount stayed.
I much preferred Beechwood as a venue, lots more trees and separate areas, noisy party field, quieter mid field and silence end or POTS field. There were a few problems. One was the water the showers were on the incoming water main section and siphoned it all the rest of the camp got a trickle so the camp owner is putting in a new water main. The new shower and toilet block, half built will be online and from what l understand new power points in the main field. We need to have parking organised better as well and the usual organisational items that appeared as “oh if we did/have…” One idea for next year we are going to have those grabbers for litter. If not l am on strike.
We had a few small scale sellers of clothes, food and DVD’s and some lovely artwork for auction all of which went down well they are all regular club members. Friday and Saturday there was a pig roast to provide a nice hot snack which proved very popular.
There was up to 1500 people there did not sure how many and the place was packed with tents and caravans. Next year l am not moving from my planned spot. We were asked to move sideways to a different part of the area we were in and ended up being very cramped in our section next year l am parking by the road and planting the wheels so deep into the ground we won’t shift without a pull that should sort things.
I only made it to POTS once it was too far to hop but when l saw it on the Friday it looked ok space wise. I had crutched down to do gate duty but when l got there it was fully manned on the gate so l went back and did bar ticket sales.
The bar was the best yet in layout. We had one marquee which was the bar, with a nicely constructed bar as opposed to the “bodge jobs” that have served for the last 20 years, then 3 new large marquees joined on with a stage in the middle section at the back, so a very big area under cover and it made a hell of a difference.
Due to my ankle and crutches every time l stood up to do everything l was met with a barrage of and what do you think you are doing??? SIT. So as l felt guilty not doing enough l did 2 ticket selling stints for bar drinks about 13hours each. I also got up very early cleaned the marquee and bar and restocked fridges. By the time anyone arrived and had a go at me l had at least done something constructive.
The bar sold out of beer and spirits on Friday and Saturday nights and needed total restock, the total was 26 barrels of beer and god knows how much spirit.
There was a small memorial service on Sunday afternoon a new idea and organised by one of the club members. The idea was just a quiet good bye to those who have passed on. Pretty much everyone who was left at the camp attended.
Neil from Msasa Video piped the service in. A few words were said, names of those who were being remembered read out and we all had our quiet memories of all mentioned or not who have passed over the years, it ended with a reading of ”At the going down of the sun…” while Neil piped it out quietly as he moved away. A very moving ceremony, many a silent tear was shed.
I hope that it becomes a yearly event and people can bring pictures of those who they want to remember and pin them on the board. Even if names are not mentioned it is just a lovely memorial and quiet unwind time.
We were very lucky with the weather we had mixed on Thursday but sun on Friday and Saturday, Sunday was mixed, Monday take down day was very wet but at least it was not during the event. As we were about 20 miles from the parachute centre and the weather passed over us l was an outlying weather station for the parachute club.
Our camper hemmed in on all sides
The main party field early in the morning
Selling Dry Goods
Chill time during the day in the marquees sales tables and a music session
The bar and marquees at night
The last bits of the bar being taken down
I much preferred Beechwood as a venue, lots more trees and separate areas, noisy party field, quieter mid field and silence end or POTS field. There were a few problems. One was the water the showers were on the incoming water main section and siphoned it all the rest of the camp got a trickle so the camp owner is putting in a new water main. The new shower and toilet block, half built will be online and from what l understand new power points in the main field. We need to have parking organised better as well and the usual organisational items that appeared as “oh if we did/have…” One idea for next year we are going to have those grabbers for litter. If not l am on strike.
We had a few small scale sellers of clothes, food and DVD’s and some lovely artwork for auction all of which went down well they are all regular club members. Friday and Saturday there was a pig roast to provide a nice hot snack which proved very popular.
There was up to 1500 people there did not sure how many and the place was packed with tents and caravans. Next year l am not moving from my planned spot. We were asked to move sideways to a different part of the area we were in and ended up being very cramped in our section next year l am parking by the road and planting the wheels so deep into the ground we won’t shift without a pull that should sort things.
I only made it to POTS once it was too far to hop but when l saw it on the Friday it looked ok space wise. I had crutched down to do gate duty but when l got there it was fully manned on the gate so l went back and did bar ticket sales.
The bar was the best yet in layout. We had one marquee which was the bar, with a nicely constructed bar as opposed to the “bodge jobs” that have served for the last 20 years, then 3 new large marquees joined on with a stage in the middle section at the back, so a very big area under cover and it made a hell of a difference.
Due to my ankle and crutches every time l stood up to do everything l was met with a barrage of and what do you think you are doing??? SIT. So as l felt guilty not doing enough l did 2 ticket selling stints for bar drinks about 13hours each. I also got up very early cleaned the marquee and bar and restocked fridges. By the time anyone arrived and had a go at me l had at least done something constructive.
The bar sold out of beer and spirits on Friday and Saturday nights and needed total restock, the total was 26 barrels of beer and god knows how much spirit.
There was a small memorial service on Sunday afternoon a new idea and organised by one of the club members. The idea was just a quiet good bye to those who have passed on. Pretty much everyone who was left at the camp attended.
Neil from Msasa Video piped the service in. A few words were said, names of those who were being remembered read out and we all had our quiet memories of all mentioned or not who have passed over the years, it ended with a reading of ”At the going down of the sun…” while Neil piped it out quietly as he moved away. A very moving ceremony, many a silent tear was shed.
I hope that it becomes a yearly event and people can bring pictures of those who they want to remember and pin them on the board. Even if names are not mentioned it is just a lovely memorial and quiet unwind time.
We were very lucky with the weather we had mixed on Thursday but sun on Friday and Saturday, Sunday was mixed, Monday take down day was very wet but at least it was not during the event. As we were about 20 miles from the parachute centre and the weather passed over us l was an outlying weather station for the parachute club.
Our camper hemmed in on all sides
The main party field early in the morning
Selling Dry Goods
Chill time during the day in the marquees sales tables and a music session
The bar and marquees at night
The last bits of the bar being taken down
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Hole lot of Trouble
Saturday morning l decided to do heavy work as opposed to the paperwork. We loaded the van with all sorts and the 3 big marquees.
Got to the party field and l held Wib’s while l got out the van. Next thing Tony (the driver) said l yelped and folded he said all he could see was me trying to save Wib’s from bring hurt as we disappeared from view he ran round. My foot had gone straight down a hole hidden by grass.
I lay for a few minutes things swirling and feeling sick made him move my ankle so l could "know" it wasn't broken, don't ask where the logic is l was too sore to think.
I would add l had shoes on and the only time l get into a problem and hurt myself is with shoes on they are dangerous.
The marquee group dropped me back at the camper to get Wib’s bed and water bowl and then at the cabin to do paperwork that l had tried to avoid. Matching guest passes, tickets for drinks, braai packs, boerewors packs (type of South African sausage), and putting them into envelopes with members names on and what was in each envelope which are handed out during booking in. This was started at 9am and ended at about 19:00 to put it in polite terms it is a sod of a job.
My foot swelled and got discoloured but by my reckoning not to badly. l soaked it in a bowl of water and ice. Great this for someone who microwaves salads and ice cream as l hate the cold so much.
I was upset that l missed walking the marquee over we left up post POTS l was looking forward to that.
Later on l managed to hobble back to party field and helped put up the other 3 newly bought marquees and got in trouble for not resting, but l felt guilty not working as l went there to work.
That afternoon back to do paperwork and then join hub at the van for dinner, he arrived back from the parachute centre which is fairly close. A friend gave me a bandage and hub wrapped my ankle with that.
Sunday just sat and talked to friends and took it easy. The bulk of the work was done. The lads were building the bar, others went home during the day, we came home Sunday evening and are meeting back Wednesday.
Monday l had hub drop me at A & E about 7am so l could get the ankle x-rayed and prove to my Mum who was already in major panic over the thing it was just badly strained. A & E was nice and quiet as expected at that time. The nurse practitioner was worried about blood flow but l pointed out that pressing and getting 5mins of white until the blood flows back is normal for me, she wheeled me off for an x-ray not believing me.
I get so envious at human radiography, l realise not all is easy but pretty much none of the veterinary is easy unless the animal is comatose and lying on its side. Other than that they need a GA or very deep sedation.
Back to wait for the xr to be delivered and then wheeled back to a bay, this time the nurse prac. Checked both my feet and finally realised that l was right both feet had big white depression spots waiting for blood to get back to them......eventually and were cold.
After a good look at the xr and a poke and twisting from her with whimpers from me the decision was a severe strain and a pair of crutches with instructions to stay off it. So a few days rest before braai then there is lots of work to do.
These elbow crutches are not easy to use still l am getting the hang of them just what a start to July braai week can not believe it.
Got to the party field and l held Wib’s while l got out the van. Next thing Tony (the driver) said l yelped and folded he said all he could see was me trying to save Wib’s from bring hurt as we disappeared from view he ran round. My foot had gone straight down a hole hidden by grass.
I lay for a few minutes things swirling and feeling sick made him move my ankle so l could "know" it wasn't broken, don't ask where the logic is l was too sore to think.
I would add l had shoes on and the only time l get into a problem and hurt myself is with shoes on they are dangerous.
The marquee group dropped me back at the camper to get Wib’s bed and water bowl and then at the cabin to do paperwork that l had tried to avoid. Matching guest passes, tickets for drinks, braai packs, boerewors packs (type of South African sausage), and putting them into envelopes with members names on and what was in each envelope which are handed out during booking in. This was started at 9am and ended at about 19:00 to put it in polite terms it is a sod of a job.
My foot swelled and got discoloured but by my reckoning not to badly. l soaked it in a bowl of water and ice. Great this for someone who microwaves salads and ice cream as l hate the cold so much.
I was upset that l missed walking the marquee over we left up post POTS l was looking forward to that.
Later on l managed to hobble back to party field and helped put up the other 3 newly bought marquees and got in trouble for not resting, but l felt guilty not working as l went there to work.
That afternoon back to do paperwork and then join hub at the van for dinner, he arrived back from the parachute centre which is fairly close. A friend gave me a bandage and hub wrapped my ankle with that.
Sunday just sat and talked to friends and took it easy. The bulk of the work was done. The lads were building the bar, others went home during the day, we came home Sunday evening and are meeting back Wednesday.
Monday l had hub drop me at A & E about 7am so l could get the ankle x-rayed and prove to my Mum who was already in major panic over the thing it was just badly strained. A & E was nice and quiet as expected at that time. The nurse practitioner was worried about blood flow but l pointed out that pressing and getting 5mins of white until the blood flows back is normal for me, she wheeled me off for an x-ray not believing me.
I get so envious at human radiography, l realise not all is easy but pretty much none of the veterinary is easy unless the animal is comatose and lying on its side. Other than that they need a GA or very deep sedation.
Back to wait for the xr to be delivered and then wheeled back to a bay, this time the nurse prac. Checked both my feet and finally realised that l was right both feet had big white depression spots waiting for blood to get back to them......eventually and were cold.
After a good look at the xr and a poke and twisting from her with whimpers from me the decision was a severe strain and a pair of crutches with instructions to stay off it. So a few days rest before braai then there is lots of work to do.
These elbow crutches are not easy to use still l am getting the hang of them just what a start to July braai week can not believe it.
Friday, 17 July 2009
A Wind Up
Well l am off for the weekend l will probably be back Monday for 2 days then off again till the following Monday so not deserted life just having a break. It is the Rhodie/Zim groups big yearly bash about 1000+ people expected. This weekend is put up and next weekend is the braai.
So l will be back just not sure of when over the next week. In the mean time a bit more about Tenerife Zoo.
*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*
Back in Tenerife and l was at Tenerife Zoo having a quiet amble around when l stopped to chat to the 4 Macaws. They were put out daily under a small thatch covered shade and the visitors could stroke them, feed them and take a chance on having fingers ripped off if the birds felt in the mood.
Have to admit l do not recall hearing they had ever ripped a finger off just that being a parrot they are perverse enough to do it if they take a want to.
I had a pocket of peanuts and was standing there chatting and feeding peanuts to them when one started to itch his head on my hand. I should have guessed there was something up as the others stood back almost whistling in innocence. Without warning the setup was sprung my head rubbing friend leant forward and grabbed the side of my watch and ripped the winder out. I stared in disbelief. That huge beak and my tiny winder from my lovely almost new only 6month old sekonda waterproof watch.
The bloody bird added insult to injury by playing with it in his beak. He rotated it like a redneck chewing on a toothpick, stuck it gently upright under his tongue and moved it round delicately. Pushed it flat and lent to his feed bowl took a sunflower seed out, shredded the skin and ate the seed. Pushed the winder out at me and cackled.
Went back to playing and took it out in his claws daring me to reach for it and making the evil heavy duty beak somehow prominent without trying. Ate some more food and shoved the winder back. Then ate food and held the winder under his tongue.
I tried blackmail, l tried to swop some nuts for the winder. He got the nuts l did not get the winder. His cohorts and dodgy macaw friends sat in smug silence watching this interplay nibbling on the odd treat from the food bowls and delicately scratching their heads as the mood took them.
Finally after 5mins l gave up and after a good swear went to walk away. With a harsh grawwk the bird delicately spat the winder out into the sand and gazed at me with the look that said “got you bitch now go grovel at my feet and look for your bloody winder”
I took the watch in for repair and it was, Tenerife fashion. I have the winder back in the hole, can not change the time, nor is it waterproof. I did use the watch for another couple of years getting into confusion at time changes till my own body clock readjusted. Now the battery is dead and the watch sits gathering dust in my draw till l get it repaired, one day.
So l will be back just not sure of when over the next week. In the mean time a bit more about Tenerife Zoo.
*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*
Back in Tenerife and l was at Tenerife Zoo having a quiet amble around when l stopped to chat to the 4 Macaws. They were put out daily under a small thatch covered shade and the visitors could stroke them, feed them and take a chance on having fingers ripped off if the birds felt in the mood.
Have to admit l do not recall hearing they had ever ripped a finger off just that being a parrot they are perverse enough to do it if they take a want to.
I had a pocket of peanuts and was standing there chatting and feeding peanuts to them when one started to itch his head on my hand. I should have guessed there was something up as the others stood back almost whistling in innocence. Without warning the setup was sprung my head rubbing friend leant forward and grabbed the side of my watch and ripped the winder out. I stared in disbelief. That huge beak and my tiny winder from my lovely almost new only 6month old sekonda waterproof watch.
The bloody bird added insult to injury by playing with it in his beak. He rotated it like a redneck chewing on a toothpick, stuck it gently upright under his tongue and moved it round delicately. Pushed it flat and lent to his feed bowl took a sunflower seed out, shredded the skin and ate the seed. Pushed the winder out at me and cackled.
Went back to playing and took it out in his claws daring me to reach for it and making the evil heavy duty beak somehow prominent without trying. Ate some more food and shoved the winder back. Then ate food and held the winder under his tongue.
I tried blackmail, l tried to swop some nuts for the winder. He got the nuts l did not get the winder. His cohorts and dodgy macaw friends sat in smug silence watching this interplay nibbling on the odd treat from the food bowls and delicately scratching their heads as the mood took them.
Finally after 5mins l gave up and after a good swear went to walk away. With a harsh grawwk the bird delicately spat the winder out into the sand and gazed at me with the look that said “got you bitch now go grovel at my feet and look for your bloody winder”
I took the watch in for repair and it was, Tenerife fashion. I have the winder back in the hole, can not change the time, nor is it waterproof. I did use the watch for another couple of years getting into confusion at time changes till my own body clock readjusted. Now the battery is dead and the watch sits gathering dust in my draw till l get it repaired, one day.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Weekend Relaxation
Had a nice weekend away at the braai where l did not clean any loos but did a lot of running around, fetching and carrying.
The campsite Beechwood is very relaxing with lots of trees all over it, they provide a nice dappled shade in the sun, when the sun appears that is. There is fishing ponds for those into fishing and you can either camp or hire one of their log cabins. A small onsite shop has bits that are needed.
Heard the unheard of comment that one of the members about his Labrador that is very sweet and a dustbins on legs (as are all Labrador's). She was so stuffed with food she refused her breakfast Sunday morning. On the Saturday during the pig roast she munched on slices that she was given by the cook, one for the plate one for Judy.
Lengths of biltong (dried meat) that she nicked from the butcher for which she did a spell of “jail term” on her dog lead.
The Morning After the First Night
Setting up the Pig
Roasting Well
People Arrivng, We Took Over 3 Fields
The campsite Beechwood is very relaxing with lots of trees all over it, they provide a nice dappled shade in the sun, when the sun appears that is. There is fishing ponds for those into fishing and you can either camp or hire one of their log cabins. A small onsite shop has bits that are needed.
Heard the unheard of comment that one of the members about his Labrador that is very sweet and a dustbins on legs (as are all Labrador's). She was so stuffed with food she refused her breakfast Sunday morning. On the Saturday during the pig roast she munched on slices that she was given by the cook, one for the plate one for Judy.
Lengths of biltong (dried meat) that she nicked from the butcher for which she did a spell of “jail term” on her dog lead.
The Morning After the First Night
Setting up the Pig
Roasting Well
People Arrivng, We Took Over 3 Fields
Thursday, 18 June 2009
The Stray
I write a bit of poetry and thought l would post some of the poems every so often, l wrote this a few years ago. I left the type of animal and sex out deliberately. All too often people walk past averting eyes as they do with humans but the stray can not talk or beg often they are in a lot of pain and/or totally debilitated. By the time they get to the vet it’s to late to do anything. This is my quiet honour to all strays that end up suffering whether it is just from being lost, lonely and hungry to being in extreme pain.
THE STRAY
Eyes full of sadness
Hope has left,
Hunger gnaws the belly
And pain cries from the body.
Yet in that hell, is left a trust.
That the next human along
Will reach and not cuss.
The touch is gentle
A soft caress,
A whispered goodbye
And slowly you die.
Life has gone,
Pain and sorrow too,
Now peace your soul will find
Rest…you deserve it friend
© CL VN 6/7/03
Eyes full of sadness
Hope has left,
Hunger gnaws the belly
And pain cries from the body.
Yet in that hell, is left a trust.
That the next human along
Will reach and not cuss.
The touch is gentle
A soft caress,
A whispered goodbye
And slowly you die.
Life has gone,
Pain and sorrow too,
Now peace your soul will find
Rest…you deserve it friend
© CL VN 6/7/03
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Pamper Day
Well my Dad is out of the hospital and now in respite care. He has been there just over a week. At the place he is at they can spend up to 6 weeks on rehab. He is very weak and is trying to build his strength up. So he can for instance stand up on his own again and walk round. Once up he can get about a bit but not to far as his legs are “wobbly”.
His tum is still not 100% but hopefully that will sort it’s self out.
The other good thing is visiting times. The hospital was only 19:00-20:00 and if you were lucky you got in at 19:10. As they had such measly visiting you would think that they would go all out to make sure relatives got the full hour, no chance.
As l work so many nights l was able to get special visiting permission for when l was doing nights so that helped a bit otherwise l would never have seen my Dad.
At the home we can visit at all sorts of times and spoilt for choice. They only ask for no visiting during mealtimes which is fair enough.
I have been in touch with a group of carers so that my mum can meet others who look after family/friends and we sent to a meeting the other day. It was not the best of days to go for a first one as it was their mini fair for carers with all sorts of help stands there.
Met some friends of my Mums from Age Concern who asked if my mum was going to the pamper day. I said yes (got bleak looks from my mum) but l wasn’t sure where it was. We all got ourselves confused as there was 2 lots of pamper days running on the same day, different groups. I had booked into a rival one. The upshot was l was also asked as there was some spare spaces did l want a treatment so l said go ahead.
So the next day we trotted off to the club it was held at and l had a face and head massage and my mum a neck and face massage. Not sure how mum liked, she has not had a massage before but think she enjoyed it and l thoroughly enjoyed it. I got home and fell fast asleep. Mind you as l had done 2 nights of end work at 03:30 and get up for 10am as well as the 4 other nights of 22:- 08 l was probably ready for a sleep.
Apparently there is some more pamper days coming up so l will try and at least get my mum onto them. It is great for carers as there is no charge. The 2 lasses doing it were from the local hair and beauty college and were trainee teachers. So everyone wins. Carers get a lovely pamper and the college gets to help the community.
I did not contact the other group about their pamper day. When l had rung for directions a few days before the bloke l spoke to was very rude. I said l was dropping my mum off and he kept telling me it was only for carers. I told him about 4 times my mum WAS the carer l was just the driver, but he wasn’t listening. In the end l lost my temper with him. Snarled that my father was in hospital my mother was his carer l was just the sodding driver and a few other comments, I may have penetrated his only brain cell as he gave me directions. I slammed the phone down without thanking him. But with that attitude l did not feel obliged to let them know we weren’t going.
His tum is still not 100% but hopefully that will sort it’s self out.
The other good thing is visiting times. The hospital was only 19:00-20:00 and if you were lucky you got in at 19:10. As they had such measly visiting you would think that they would go all out to make sure relatives got the full hour, no chance.
As l work so many nights l was able to get special visiting permission for when l was doing nights so that helped a bit otherwise l would never have seen my Dad.
At the home we can visit at all sorts of times and spoilt for choice. They only ask for no visiting during mealtimes which is fair enough.
I have been in touch with a group of carers so that my mum can meet others who look after family/friends and we sent to a meeting the other day. It was not the best of days to go for a first one as it was their mini fair for carers with all sorts of help stands there.
Met some friends of my Mums from Age Concern who asked if my mum was going to the pamper day. I said yes (got bleak looks from my mum) but l wasn’t sure where it was. We all got ourselves confused as there was 2 lots of pamper days running on the same day, different groups. I had booked into a rival one. The upshot was l was also asked as there was some spare spaces did l want a treatment so l said go ahead.
So the next day we trotted off to the club it was held at and l had a face and head massage and my mum a neck and face massage. Not sure how mum liked, she has not had a massage before but think she enjoyed it and l thoroughly enjoyed it. I got home and fell fast asleep. Mind you as l had done 2 nights of end work at 03:30 and get up for 10am as well as the 4 other nights of 22:- 08 l was probably ready for a sleep.
Apparently there is some more pamper days coming up so l will try and at least get my mum onto them. It is great for carers as there is no charge. The 2 lasses doing it were from the local hair and beauty college and were trainee teachers. So everyone wins. Carers get a lovely pamper and the college gets to help the community.
I did not contact the other group about their pamper day. When l had rung for directions a few days before the bloke l spoke to was very rude. I said l was dropping my mum off and he kept telling me it was only for carers. I told him about 4 times my mum WAS the carer l was just the driver, but he wasn’t listening. In the end l lost my temper with him. Snarled that my father was in hospital my mother was his carer l was just the sodding driver and a few other comments, I may have penetrated his only brain cell as he gave me directions. I slammed the phone down without thanking him. But with that attitude l did not feel obliged to let them know we weren’t going.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Devonshire Arms - Buxton
Yesterday (Friday) l took my mum out for a drive to Buxton with the idea of seeing some of the peak district national park and getting some lunch, taking her mind off things. My sat nav gave me a lot of motorway so l kept making it recalculate taking that out. Great this brilliant insite into my lack of navigation skills put us in middle of Manchester going out via Longsite, Stockport etc. mile upon mile of traffic, people, traffic lights and stinky city.
We finally got onto the A6 and saw some green countryside as opposed to brown bricks before getting into Buxton. We had Wibble with us as it was a hot day and l figured if we could find a pub with a beer garden and dog friendly we could sit outside.
Just on the very outskirts of Buxton on the A6 we found the Devonshire Arms. It is just off the main road on north road sitting on a small green. There was some outside seating and big umbrellas and a border collie running around, so l did not need to ask if they were dog friendly.
Mum had a prawn sarnie and l pigged out on cheesy baked spud and a portion of chips. I realise artery food but l just fancied it. The food was excellent. The chips were browned and crisp not yellow and soggy as so many are. Prawns and Baked spud had a fresh salad of tomato’s, cucumber, mixed peppers in sections not those ugly big slices that annoy me so much, when you try and cut them they wave about and fresh crisp lettuce leaves.
The cheese was piled high on my spud and prawns were thickly heaped on the sandwiches, but not so high that my mum struggled to eat them.
If that was the standard of meal for their basic dishes then their main courses must have been mouth watering. I almost wish l had had a steak.
They have accommodation there and l recon if anyone was looking for a break well worth looking at.
The border collie called Holly as it turns out was very sweet, well behaved and as most BC are hyper active. She did a quick hello to Wibble but Wibs was curled up in her bed and too hot to do much other than a hello back, which was no fun so Holly darted off.
After lunch we gave Wibble a quick walk around the green so she could have a sniff then we set off back, via a different route. I decided to go back via Macclesfield. It meant more of the Derbyshire dales and avoided most of bloody Manchester.
I had forgotten it also leads up the Snake Pass The Snake Pass runs for 15 miles between Buxton and Macclesfield. A mix of fast sweeping bends and tight hairpins, and lots of motorbikes, some of the riders really shouldn’t be up there they took rather stupid chances on overtakes and speed. On the summit is the Cat & Fiddle pub the second highest pub in the UK.
Oh and my mum was not feeling to good with the hairpin bends.
Anyway we got back in good time and got to the hospital for 19:00 visiting which of course means the doors do not open until 19:10.
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