Merry Christmas

It is the time of year when we need to shine our light brightly. Not just because it is dark and wintry in the northern hemisphere but because we need to share our light so that those around us can feel lighter and brighter.

Last year, as you know, was a difficult time for me to write about any form of Christmas cheer or to focus on shining.

This year, as you can imagine, is still difficult but I am in a place where I can accept that shining one's light is the only option I have. 

                             Sometimes a picture appears and the future seems a little clearer.

         Sometimes a light lifts the dark thoughts and the present becomes a little brighter. 

               Cherishing a memory always fills the heart and the past becomes a blessing.

 

 

Friendship

 

Recently I have been pondering on the subject of friends and the power of friendship. The reason being, that although I have been blessed with great friends, my life just now would be a lot less bearable without these wonderful people in my life...

Not wanting to be maudlin, just stating the facts. Yesterday I met up with a school friend from Primary School. We met over a lovely, Italian lunch in Glasgow and chatted about our circumstances and the many people in our lives who have come and gone since we first met 66 years ago. 

Grazie mille Liz. I know that you are reading this because you always do...

Then there is the friend who travelled up from England to see if I really was ok and not just saying so on the phone. 

Grazie mille Lynn. 52 years since we shared a flat in Glasgow.

There are friends closer to home, who keep in touch and other friends, far flung who drop a line, send a card, lift the phone or email from time to time. I am blessed to know you and have you in my life...

Sometimes I meet a friend for coffee and a chat or go with them for a swim or a walk. Even the occasional lunch goes in the calendar and always time flies when true friendship is present at the table.

Adventuresome!

 For many years,  Andy and I would visit the Tuscan village of Castagneto Carducci in September to celebrate my birthday. Andy used to say it saved him thinking of what to buy me as a present! He just took me to a place we both loved to visit.

Our visits began by travelling to different places in Italy until we found a view that was unforgettable... one to enjoy every minute of the day, from dawn until dusk.

So this year I gave myself the present of returning to this special place and hosting various family members in La Casina, a very rustic, typically Italian establishment that offered various apartments to accommodate my visitors.

Residence La Casina

There was Grainne, my close friend who travelled out with me; Maggie, Andy's cousin from Canada and her husband Mark. 

Maggie, Eileen and Mark

Then Grainne went back to Scotland and Gordon, Rosie and Murphy came with Kenneth and Natalie.

Santa Lucia

 So many happy mealtimes, in so many wonderful locations. 

Yes, we were able to include mealtimes at the beach. Santa Lucia is a particular favourite of mine. I had spent many a birthday meal in this seafood restaurant usually for dinner so it was good to enjoy a lunchtime menu...

However this time we made new memories for my birthday dinner and found an osteria, Sambastiano, a new establishment in the village that looked after the extended crowd of us very well

 

 

 

 

 

Sambastiano

Then it was time for Maggie and Mark to travel onwards to Lucca and Andy's brother Robin and sister Chris joined us for a few days.

There was much to-ing and fro-ing involving Pisa airport and various apartments were used. 

I settled into Casa Melograno by the pool side which became the hub for many celebratory meals... and drinks. 

 The view from my patio was something to drink in, especially when enjoing an Italian breakfast.

 

... or enjoying a splendid Italian sunset.

 and yes there was a big focus on meal times and celebrations as it was not just my birthday to celebrate but also Gordon's. 

His was a pizza night... with enormous pizzas. 

Much fun was had and every day there was something to enjoy.

However it was adventuresome, as I entitled this edition!

My arrival in Italy came with chest pain as I descended from the plane and thank goodness Grainne was travelling with me as she looked after me so well on that first day.

Then I became unwell and it was surmised that I had eaten a dodgy prawn as I was the only one who was unwell and the only one who had eaten the prawn. It was an unwelcome,  welcome to Italy that had not been on my itinerary!

So Grainne, grazie mille for being there. I have no idea how I would have managed without you...

After this inauspicious start, things began to look up and the following is a compilation of a few photos, reflecting what my September 2024 birthday celebration has been all about...

 

I think these photos will show why this place was so special to Andy and myself.

Thank you all, for making my birthday month such an unforgettable one. These new precious memories will be stored away for future recollection. Every photo taken is a precious memory of our recent time together. 

Grazie mille...

p.s. I also experienced a torrential flood, that was seemingly, the worst weather since 1968! Fortunately Kenneth and Natalie were still staying with me and they got to share the experience of Casa Melograno being flooded. Thank goodness it wasn't when Grainne was there. Or I don't think she would ever speak to me again!

Reaching out

A  heartfelt request...

 Help us raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis this September

Over 5,000 people die from PF in the UK every year, and cases are on the rise. Diagnosis often comes too late, and we urgently need this to change.

This month is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness month. It is a national campaign focusing on the signs and symptoms of this devastating disease. The Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis charity is wanting people to become more aware of the symptoms of persistant cough and breathlessness and to attend their GP with the question "could this be Pulmonary Fibrosis?".

As you know,  IPF, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and just to confuse is also termed ILD, Interstitial Lung Disease... was the condition that my husband suffered from. At present the condition is poorly understood, its cause is unknown and arrives in a person's life as a terminal diagnosis.

I couldn't have written this blog 10 months ago, but after Andy's death I became involved in the local Ayrshire PF Support Group. We meet every month, giving support to patients and carers by helping each other through some traumatic times but also sharing uplifting moments. These are when we come together for a common goal.

Recently our goal became wider than monthly meetings and finding speakers. Some of our members are part of a research group, others are cycling to fund raise and the group itself is now taking on the challenge of fund raising for an Ayrshire based ILD specialist nurse. A much needed resource for those already diagnosed and for others who may find that this month's national campaign strikes a chord with how they have been feeling.

Zoom yoga class taken during lockdown

Early diagnosis can help to access the best treatment pathway. Although there is no cure, some medicines can slow the disease and attending a pulmonary rehab programme also helps. Andy played tennis and golfed as long as he could. That was his pulmonary rehab routine but he also attended a yoga class... 

Yep, I was his teacher. Simple breathing exercises make a big difference. You can tell he is enthralled...

Check out the lockdown hairstyle

Andy knew what the condition would do to his health but he maintained his fitness level in anyway he could, including yogic breathing. He was an inspiration in how he continued everyday to make the most of everyday. His example is something I have taken to heart.

My ask of you, is to share the information from the APF National Campaign and if you feel you can, donate either on the website or get in touch with me and donate to our local support group. Or you can visit the website  www.actionpf.org for more information.

Every month I write about what is happening in my life and this September, the awareness campaign is the most important event I have been privileged to be part of in a long, long time.

Summer time.

 

Do any of you remember the song that went like this...  "Summer time when the living is easy"?

 Not sure who the singer was, but I am certain he didn't live in Scotland and wasn't looking after children during their school holidays! 

Fortunately, whenever I have been involved in looking after my grand-kiddies over the summer, the sun has been shining.

Yes shining! I know ... well I did say fortunately! and I have the photos to show for it.

This summer has flagged up so many memories for me of the times when I spent my summers with my gran in various places, visiting relatives around Scotland. 

We stayed on Islay - flew there;  Appin - by train and bus; Inveraray - by car; Stornaway - ferried and some really remote places that didn't even have a name, and I have no idea how we got there.

Strange how memories surface unexpectedly... and yes, I remember idyllic sunny summers, although I also can recall wellingtons being the go-to form of footwear.

So my summer has gone swimmingly, thanks for asking. By that, I mean I have swam a fair bit myself,  have taken the grandchildren to the pool at Seamill Hydro and The Portal in Irvine but our best swimming experiences were at the Auchrannie Hotel on Arran...

Blue sky view of Goatfell from the bedroom

 ... where we stayed for a couple of days and swam twice a day! Played havoc with my hair, but it was worth it.

 No photos poolside... but here are the kiddies and their food... yep, food was a highlight too.

Murphy and Rosie tucking into two healthy starters... their choice, honest.

It was a delight to see them eating so well. I am thinking that two swims a day can give you a bit of and appetite.

Another highlight was when Jodie, our waitress, joined in with our I-spy game. She was a bit of an expert..

However we did also have a traditional summer treat, an ice cream.

... they soooo deserved it, as they had walked miles. 

Literally miles... from Auchrannie, over the golf course to the shops for a football! 

... as you do, when football is your main passion. Murphy's that is, not mine.

More about ice cream later, as we also had a couple of days experience of the Edinburgh Festival staying with my friend Grainne, known to the kids as Aunty G!

Grazie mille Auntie G, what a wonderful time we had...

Festival treats...

Lots to see, lots to do... posing, that was Rosie... eating, that was both

and always smiling, well... nearly always.

Choc sauce. choc ice cream combo

on tram at the end of the stay.

Now, I wonder what is going to happen next month...

Old Haunts

 Went a walk down memory lane this week. 

Well more like an amble down a few well known streets, where I once lived...

It started when an open invitation to stay with Kenneth and Natalie was accepted as a break away from my usual weekly activities. You know the regular swimming, crosswords, duolingo, reading my kindle and shopping in Morrisons.

Tuesday evening I was treated to dinner out at Crabshakk, Vinicombe Street, in Glasgow's West End.

Yes, that is how you spell it! I enjoyed a sumptuous meal of scallops, rollmops and crab fish cakes.. and yes I love sea food.

Not only did I enjoy the meal but I intend to go back and share the gustatory joy with a friend. 

So the visiting old haunts story started with the meal on Tuesday evening, as I once shared a tenament flat with friends in Vinicombe Street. 

We lived above the Hotspot, a local curry restaurant, which is no more as it was demolished and a modern building put in its place.

Modern Build

 Opposite the flat was a Picture House called The Salon. Andy and I, would of a Saturday night date, go for a curry at the Hotspot and then pop accross to The Salon to watch whatever two films were on offer. They were usually in the category of an A and a B movie. One combo I remember vividly, was 10 Rillington Place and What's New Pussycat! Odd combo, I know

Ah, to be young and in love... 

The Salon is now a restaurant and club... and looks very posh from the outside. But I have fond memories of inside...

I know, I know... it is a saga this month. Forgive me...

Wednesday morning dawned and I thought that I would take a short walk across the Botanical Gardens and peruse a few shops on Byres Road.

Well plans change. I entered the leafy walkway and considered my choices. Down the steps I went and was offered the Kelvin Walkway as an alternative route.

You see, I walked the Kelvin Walkway with a friend a few years back and if I walked to Kelvin Bridge I would pass Otago Street where Andy and I had our very first home...

 I told you it was a walk down memory lane. Well probably more a trudge, as it took a lot longer than the walk in the park that had been my intention. But I loved the Roots and Fruits association with the street where our married life had started all those many, many years ago.

There are lots of photos of my Kelvin River adventure that day but it is not necessary to share them all. This blog episode is a record of what happens when one changes direction. When one right decision leads to another path and a bucket full of memories flood back just like the River I walked along.

My days away were supposed to be R and R but were so much more. Thank you Kenneth and Natalie for helping me have a special interlude of reflection... and of course, the fabulous dinner at Crabshakk!

Om Shanti... peeps.

p.s. I returned the short way back through the Botanical Gardens after a shopping trip on Byres Road and sustenance to keep me going. 

Now don't judge me! I deserved it...

So much shorter on the way back...

The sun shone, the shopkeepers loved me... or so it seemed. 

Then maybe it was just my credit card.

I returned to K and N's eyrie. Well, their flat is on the third floor! and felt very satisfied by my day's trip down memory lane.

Happy with my purchases and content with my memories of many days of fun and laughter when Andy and I were west end dwellers, I was able to retire to bed with lots of blessings to write about and a blog to want to share...

Wisdom and courage

 

 Sometimes you find the inspiration or the strength to carry on...

Namaste

Head in the sand and other misconceptions

Many, many years ago I had a picture cartoon of an ostrich with its head in the sand and the caption was as below: "Please don't tell me to relax - it's only my tension that's holding me together!"

I used to use it when I was referring to how people mistakenly think that the practice of yoga and learning to relax wouldn't be helpful. The implication was that, like the foolish ostrich, they were ignoring what was obvious to everyone else and they were avoiding dealing with whatever needed to be accomplished...

Well imagine my surprise when, not only did I come across this cute ostrich photo with a familiar caption, but it would appear that ostriches don't put their head in the sand and never did. They have been the subject of  'Fake News' from long before we knew there was such a thing!

Talk about sitting up and taking stock of what belief structures I have been holding onto... just because someone once said it! 

and yes I have been avoiding dealing with lots of stuff and ignoring what has been obvious to everyone else.

But not anymore.

So, there are two parts to this blog this month...

The first  - is that I am relearning to relax, despite my changed circumstances. I do not believe that it is only my tension that is holding me together as I am becoming more aware that it is my support group of family and friends that are influential in helping me stay in the moment ...

and importantly, enjoy those passing moments more and more.

The second - is back to the ostrich! To escape detection, chicks and adults lie on the ground with their necks outstretched. A habit which may have given rise to the mistaken belief that the ostrich buries its head in the sand when danger threatens! They are being smart, not foolish

and also they dig a shallow hole in the ground for their eggs, so from a distance, it looks as if their heads are in the sand. 

It's all about the perspective. We need to make sure that what we are seeing/believing is showing us the truth

Sunshine and showers

April has certainly delivered on its sunshine and showers. Sometimes in the same day, sometimes alternating days, but always keeping us on our toes.

The grandchildren are confused by Scottish weather. Most people are, I suppose. They think that when the sun shines, it is summer, so they may well be disappointed when summer does eventually come along...

Blue skies and 'Blue Sky' thinking, naturally go together. You know the optimistic outlook on life... easier when the sky is actually blue. But worth while whatever the weather.

Extended family catch up at Kelburn Cafe last weekend was blessed by clear skies, great food, kiddies climbing walls ( not the parents!) with no obvious fear ...

  and for me, a new baby to cuddle. What's not to like!

and on the subject of climbing walls...

everyone was getting in on the act on Saturday!

Not sure, what is the best metaphor for the captions but I was inspired by goats and children alike. They don't accept the boundaries that we have, either in the literal sense or in the thinking sense. They don't think of walls as obstacles, but think, "Ah, a wall, must climb!"

Onwards and upwards as they say...