Countdown to the wedding

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/


Here I sit - it's Saturday night, and, just for a change, it's me that's home alone. Why, you say? Well, it's Carole's Hen Night and Jo's gone off there - the theme is dark/satanic/vampires/goths etc - generally black all round. It took an age - and lots of stress, but here she is:

You want a close-up?:

Scary, eh? But then again, she always was!

Anyway, I had my fun last night at the headbang at Dave's - check http://banchoryheadbangers.blogspot.com/ for details. It was nice to get out and enjoy myself and not be restricted by the lack of movement in my knees.

The Sunday Times and the Challenge Cup semi-final between the Jags and Ross County should keep me fairly occupied tomorrow - then it's back to work Monday/Tuesday - that is assuming I can get a lift from Jo and/or Ross.

Friday on my mind

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Going to Dave's tonight for a headbang - something to look forward to anyway - and get me out of the slough of despondency I've been in since yesterday. My right knee has got a lot worse over the last 24 hours and the pain when I bend it is incredible, so I'm trying to do a lot less today and give it more time to mend itself.

Jo was going to Dobbie's today and asked me if I'd like to chum her along - so I did. Nice place, and we had lunch there too. When it opened earlier this year, I remember some publicity about the unusual urinals in the Gents - and I got a close-up look at them today:


That's your lot for now.

Autumn Almanac

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

From the dew-soaked hedge creeps a crawly caterpillar,

When the dawn begins to crack.

It’s all part of my autumn almanac.

Breeze blows leaves of a musty-coloured yellow,

So I sweep them in my sack.

Yes, yes, yes, it’s my autumn almanac

The first verse of Ray Davies' famous song came to mind when I awoke early this morning and noticed the trees outside turning - it's coming to that time of year again.

I had my first appointment with physiotherapist Joan McLoughlin - Jo drove me up, but I said I would walk back home myself. Joan briefed me on what I should and shouldn't be doing. She was very happy with my left leg - it's coming along nicely - but my right leg is stiff and sore - I need to get more movement in it. Swinging from a table top and cycling from a static bike with an elevated saddle were suggested. Also, use my walking poles to support my bad leg.

So off I trotted down the hill back home, trying hard to walk properly like I was told - "no peg legs". Well, it didn't work - I made it home, but several times I pulled up in excruciating pain. It was a beautiful day and everyone seemed to be out walking - and they all spotted me, doubled up in pain. I assured them I was OK and I would make it home alright - and I did - but the sharp pains above my knee have increased in frequency and severity. I need to be very careful from here on in.

So that's been my day - I kept myself busy on the computer, reading and digitising some of my old LP's. Golf on the TV was from Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and St Andrews - all courses I know - and they looked terrific in the bright sunshine, so that helped pass a bit of time as well. Am I missing work? I'm missing the freedom to make that choice, that's for sure.

Sorry these blog postings are all medical reports just now, but that's all that's going on in my life just now - and I'm afraid it's likely to continue for a wee while yet.

Wednesday woes

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

No real complaints today, so forgive the use of alliteration in the title. I had arranged to go to Fraserburgh this morning - Ross would drive me as Jo was heading back to Glasgow to pick up her dress for the wedding - it's annual Union negotiations, and, fortunately they went quite well.

We stopped off for lunch at the Mustard Seed coffee shop in New Deer of all places - it's attached to the church there. Very nice, but we were careful not to read any of the literature there - Jo might have appreciated it a bit more than us.

Ross bought what was advertised as "toffee", but, for those who don't have an affiliation with the North East, this would be described as "tablet" in the West of Scotland. Pure sugar.

Back home for the afternoon, I decided I would try and walk to the golf club for a beer - and I managed - eventually - not without some heart-stopping moments, but I got there - and back - OK.

Tomorrow is my first physio visit - and I've decided that I'm not going back to work this week - I can do stuff at home instead.

Tuesday goes too slow

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Sitting around all day doesn't burn up a lot of energy and so, despite the prospect of breakfast in bed for the 3rd day in a row, I was up at my usual crack of dawn today and have since been trying to while the time away with some work on the laptop.

I walked to get the paper this morning - fancifully, I thought I could manage along to the High St, but, after 20 yards or so, I realised that wasn't going to happen, so I stopped at the garage instead. My knees aren't strong enough yet to go any further.

It's going to be a long day today. At least yesterday I had the Ryder Cup to watch. Ross is driving me to Fraserburgh in the morning - that'll help pass the day. I'm so bored I'm even thinking of going along to watch a beginner's bridge class that Dan Corbett's running this afternoon!

Monday at home

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

It's Monday morning and I survived the weekend boredom - thanks primarily to the Ryder Cup. A few "how are you" phone calls and a brief visit from Syd, who popped in after Sunday morning golf, helped pass the time as well - as did the Sunday Times.

Did a bit of planning for this Friday's headbang as well, and I was in touch with Kelly to start planning our time in Oz.

Today, Jo's driving me back to Albyn for my appointment with the cardiologist, and, later on, it's my GP to check my blood counts after a month of taking statins. Do I feel like an invalid? Well, yes actually.

Incidentally, the surgeon on Friday put some lubricant in my knees, but I didn't realise it was so much that I would be slurping up the stairs! Where does it all go, I wonder?