Porridge for Breakfast, The Ordinary Life of a TTP Survivor

I have read some posts recently that say you don't need to take on new resolutions at this time of year.  I guess I can see that may be right for some, it's not right for me. I've had a wonderful Christmas.  Family, children, lots of laughter.  It's been one of the best.  We didn’t manage a Christmas Day walk this year, the weather stopped that with a toddler, however we did get to the park another day with a football.  We fed the squirrels (with nuts bought from the park cafe).  We ate fruit cake and plenty of cheese and biscuits.   Treasured moments,  memories made. Now New Year is rushing towards us and more young members of our family are staying over.  We have children in sleeping bags on floors, and more laughter.  It's an absolute tonic and more treasured moments.  Today we walked on North Hill, and down the ZigZag path.  It was wild and windy and we all enjoyed a good stretch and the excitement of walking through t...

This post is a bit random for Christmas Day.  I began it a few days ago and didn’t get around to finishing it, now it’s another combined diary entry, even if shorter. It’s Christmas morning.   I’m first awake and so I’m the one to put the kettle on and the Turkey in the oven.  My family peeled the potatoes, carrots and parsnips yesterday evening and the pigs in blankets are ready for roasting.   Sorry, no vegetarians in our house although I’m inclined more to the vegetables. The house is very still.  I’m in the lounge with the tree lights on.  It’s a calm moment before the day begins.   We’re at the point where we have what we have and will do without what we don’t.  We’re so much luckier than so many others. I wish everyone the best Christmas possible with lots of love and laughter.  My heart breaks for those without.   The cakes are decorated,  not brilliantly, one had to be redone,  it's turned into a blood bath after the re...

It’s very important for me to achieve goals.   I don’t quite understand where that comes from, however (John says I shouldn’t ever say but!) I always feel a great sense of achievement when I finish something.  At the beginning of the year I began a virtual walk to the Arctic.  To be honest, it wasn’t anything like I imagined it would be. The route mainly followed one road, The Dempster Highway, and the scenery was unremarkable.  I’m not sure what I was expecting 🤔.  Yes, I do.  I was expecting snow! A virtual postcard from The Arctic Challenge. Not quite the finish I was expecting!   This is Tuktoyaktuk, Canada.  I really should read the small print 🤔 Anyway, I reached my virtual Arctic, and am looking forward to a different walking challenge next year.  I’ve had four trees planted on my behalf, and I get a medal.  The trees are actually twiglets, but the intention is there. I walked with friends today at Washford/Old Cleeve, on a rout...

I'm always a bit of a late starter with Christmas preparations.  Some friends have their cards sent and presents wrapped before I even begin.  So, today, as a second string went up to hold cards, I know its time to begin mine. My hubby worked in retail for nearly 40 years, he worked until late on Christmas Eve and much of the prep fell to me.  I never minded that, when the children were young I loved it, but of course I was younger then with a sackful of energy.   Now I'm very pleased that we undertake preparations together! Card writing is not my favourite task.  Maybe it's because so many friends sigh as they tell me how many hours they have spent writing messages and letters to family and friends.  I know it should be done with goodwill, I know, I know.  But somehow,  when I haven't heard a word since a Christmas card last year,  it just feels a bit false.  Is that totally wrong?  Am I sad or bad to feel that way.  We h...

It's a while since I posted.  I've had a horrible cough and cold, but thankfully got rid before visiting family.  I've had an annual review at our medical centre, apparently my blood pressure is high again.  More investigation will take place. The weather continues to confuse us.  Wet, wind, a sharp drop in temperature giving us our first frost this winter,  and now it's wet again here in the South.  North is suffering with zero temperatures and power cuts.  Its something to be grateful for,  at least we have a roof and heating.  First Frost My trip to London mostly involved child minding.   A real treat and always fun.  The temperature outside was below zero and we didn't go far, but there's always plenty to do indoors and this week we decorated the tree 😀 .  As our little one said, ‘Amazing!’ ❤️ I made it into town one day, I really wanted to see the tree in Trafalgar Square but unfortunately it's wasn't up ...