Hi Troops,
Great day, today. The sun has shone all day though it has been a little breezy. We walked for miles from Sable Blanc (at one end of Concarneau) to the Ville Close (at the other end). All this after being nagged into lunch at that centre of French cuisine and excellence - Buffalo Grill. James is a committed carnivore and you get at least half a bison on each plate. This is grease city, death by meat, a vegetarian's nightmare (apologies to any who are reading).
On a positive note my mean spirit was satiated when I got the kids to collect enough drift wood for tonight's fire thus saving 5 euros. Here lies a plan - guess what we're doing tomorrow, off to the beach kids? 'Why is the log basket in the boot dad?'
On the Wii front Carys (aged 7) soundly thrashes me every time we try tennis - is hers an innate ability I wonder?
The change of clocks, the hours difference in France and being so far west here means that it 8.35 pm and still light - how cool is that - summer here we come! Well time to walk round the postcard sized estate prior to TV, vin and fire.
Have a great evening everyone.
Luv Dave xxxx
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Some Photos...
Ah.... Bisto...
Hiya
James finally stopped honking... we can use the bowl for salad again now (only joshing!). We had to stay in yesterday morning to allow James to sleep till 12.00. Went out for lunch to Pont Aven to a regular Italian haunt of ours. Much to James' horror (as regulars) we are always kissed by the lady owner - now, at my age 'any kiss will do 'but James is 12 and 3/5ths and mortified by public snoggage. After lunch we hunted for a wine cooler in anticipation of chilled 'al fresco' plonk in the summer.
Can't believe how quickly my little garden grows here; we're watching the clematis take over the shed at about a plank's growth a day - only other thing that grows so quickly is Sam (my nephew) lovingly known as Roswell on account of his big eyes and lanky frame. I'm known as 'ping' on account of my shaved head resembling a ping-pong ball. Carys is known as 'Fang' (occasional strops) - we'll leave it there...., Amy is 'Mu' after Mu Barek the president (ex now I think) of Egypt. Teresa is 'Her Ladyship' or more recently 'Florence'. James is 'Smudge'.
Today is Sunday. The nearest protestant church is 45 miles away so no hearty Methodist singing, however Sunday lunch is under construction even as we speak. Much to our sad delight the local supermarket has opened a British section complete with salad cream, Birds custard, PG tips and Marmite. What's more Bisto to adorn aforementioned Sunday roast. When in Rome do as the English do. We are resisting the footie shirts and lager though. Well I am - Florence is Florence you know.
On to the boring stuff - swallowing is causing a few problems again - I have to eat s-l-o-w-l-y. As a concept I don't do 'slow' so this is a challenge. It's always the same at this point in the chemo cycles. If it wasn't for my extra week off I be on round #4 on Wednesday. At this stage the intravenous stuff is wearing off and the blasted tumour starts growing again - hence the swallowing problems.
I had a little bit of an emotional wobble yesterday. The first three months have been MAD. Tests, chemo, three trips here, dying grandparents, MA dissertations. From next Monday life begins again. I'm not up to working (too tired) and resting horrifies me, need a strategy - please resist any references to 'Be still and know that I am God'. God knows me and knows me 'still'. Honest.
Reading, light gardening, macrame - who knows?? Seriously, our amazing church can always use help - watch out for the best Methodist web-site on the planet and Youth Group meetings that will win awards for ingenuity, creativity and content!
Once again you fantastic bunch thanks for being there for me. Thanks for your 'posts' Sian, Chloe, John, Mu, Lyndsey and others.
Time to shower now else 'Ping' will become 'Pong' and that will never do. Do however have a fresh bar of Imperial Leather from the British section at 'Intermarche'.
Luv ya
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxx
James finally stopped honking... we can use the bowl for salad again now (only joshing!). We had to stay in yesterday morning to allow James to sleep till 12.00. Went out for lunch to Pont Aven to a regular Italian haunt of ours. Much to James' horror (as regulars) we are always kissed by the lady owner - now, at my age 'any kiss will do 'but James is 12 and 3/5ths and mortified by public snoggage. After lunch we hunted for a wine cooler in anticipation of chilled 'al fresco' plonk in the summer.
Can't believe how quickly my little garden grows here; we're watching the clematis take over the shed at about a plank's growth a day - only other thing that grows so quickly is Sam (my nephew) lovingly known as Roswell on account of his big eyes and lanky frame. I'm known as 'ping' on account of my shaved head resembling a ping-pong ball. Carys is known as 'Fang' (occasional strops) - we'll leave it there...., Amy is 'Mu' after Mu Barek the president (ex now I think) of Egypt. Teresa is 'Her Ladyship' or more recently 'Florence'. James is 'Smudge'.
Today is Sunday. The nearest protestant church is 45 miles away so no hearty Methodist singing, however Sunday lunch is under construction even as we speak. Much to our sad delight the local supermarket has opened a British section complete with salad cream, Birds custard, PG tips and Marmite. What's more Bisto to adorn aforementioned Sunday roast. When in Rome do as the English do. We are resisting the footie shirts and lager though. Well I am - Florence is Florence you know.
On to the boring stuff - swallowing is causing a few problems again - I have to eat s-l-o-w-l-y. As a concept I don't do 'slow' so this is a challenge. It's always the same at this point in the chemo cycles. If it wasn't for my extra week off I be on round #4 on Wednesday. At this stage the intravenous stuff is wearing off and the blasted tumour starts growing again - hence the swallowing problems.
I had a little bit of an emotional wobble yesterday. The first three months have been MAD. Tests, chemo, three trips here, dying grandparents, MA dissertations. From next Monday life begins again. I'm not up to working (too tired) and resting horrifies me, need a strategy - please resist any references to 'Be still and know that I am God'. God knows me and knows me 'still'. Honest.
Reading, light gardening, macrame - who knows?? Seriously, our amazing church can always use help - watch out for the best Methodist web-site on the planet and Youth Group meetings that will win awards for ingenuity, creativity and content!
Once again you fantastic bunch thanks for being there for me. Thanks for your 'posts' Sian, Chloe, John, Mu, Lyndsey and others.
Time to shower now else 'Ping' will become 'Pong' and that will never do. Do however have a fresh bar of Imperial Leather from the British section at 'Intermarche'.
Luv ya
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxx
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sunday's Report
Well Sunday didn’t work out quite like we were expecting.
Church happened without too much drama, we were asked to share about Stockholm which was a real privilege. We ate the Lord’s Supper together and Graham Miles our minister preached. As always we had a great time with God.
In the afternoon we headed off to Shepperton studios near Heathrow to see the recording of ‘Gladiators’ with our friends the Goodsons. Unfortunately there was mix up, over tickets and we couldn’t get in. So we headed off to Windsor for a few hours instead. Believe it or not this was somewhere Teresa and I had never been. It’s a beautiful town, the river is lovely and the castle spectacular. We had tea and scones and did some window shopping – very English! It seemed blissfully inexpensive after Stockholm which is ‘nose bleedingly’ expensive, £6.50 for a beer and no wine under £30 a bottle, eek!
Got quite a week coming up. Chemo #5 on Wednesday, a consultant’s appointment tomorrow. I’m really not looking forward to the chemo, the last dose was nasty.
Have a good week friends.
God bless
Dave
Church happened without too much drama, we were asked to share about Stockholm which was a real privilege. We ate the Lord’s Supper together and Graham Miles our minister preached. As always we had a great time with God.
In the afternoon we headed off to Shepperton studios near Heathrow to see the recording of ‘Gladiators’ with our friends the Goodsons. Unfortunately there was mix up, over tickets and we couldn’t get in. So we headed off to Windsor for a few hours instead. Believe it or not this was somewhere Teresa and I had never been. It’s a beautiful town, the river is lovely and the castle spectacular. We had tea and scones and did some window shopping – very English! It seemed blissfully inexpensive after Stockholm which is ‘nose bleedingly’ expensive, £6.50 for a beer and no wine under £30 a bottle, eek!
Got quite a week coming up. Chemo #5 on Wednesday, a consultant’s appointment tomorrow. I’m really not looking forward to the chemo, the last dose was nasty.
Have a good week friends.
God bless
Dave
DIY!
Hi Guys
Not a lot to report today!
James spent the whole night (until 4.30 am) honking for Britain. Lost track of how many times I cleaned out the sick bowl! No one else is ill so must be a 'bug'. Also, I'm having lots of bad dreams so you prayer people please pray that the Lord will protect my dream life tonight.
It's been raining today so I've done DIY. Sanded and varnished the dining table and chairs and put up some shelves; again all very relaxed and therapeutic.
Florence is on grub duty tonight - so signing off now for dins - dins.
Have a good evening.
Luv
Dave xxxx
Not a lot to report today!
James spent the whole night (until 4.30 am) honking for Britain. Lost track of how many times I cleaned out the sick bowl! No one else is ill so must be a 'bug'. Also, I'm having lots of bad dreams so you prayer people please pray that the Lord will protect my dream life tonight.
It's been raining today so I've done DIY. Sanded and varnished the dining table and chairs and put up some shelves; again all very relaxed and therapeutic.
Florence is on grub duty tonight - so signing off now for dins - dins.
Have a good evening.
Luv
Dave xxxx
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bonjour!
Hiya Mad Bloggy Friends,
Firstly thanks for being there for me - you're all brill!
Had a fantastic day today. We slept till 9.00 (lazy or what?) and then I indulged in one of my favourite pastimes - gentle gardening! We did all the hard work last Easter, so it's just a bit of hoeing and mowing, trimming and clipping - very therapeutic. Teresa did some spring cleaning. After lunch we hit the beach at Pont De Trevignon and played footie. Carys and I lost to Teresa and James 8 - 4. The weather was lovely - we've all ended up with red, sun burnt faces even though the temperature was only 15C - better 'lotion up' tomorrow. I was on dinner duty tonight and now we're 'veggin' with trashy TV.
Not felt 100% today, stomach's been dodgy, indigestion a pain but apart from that OK.
I'll blog again tomorrow.
Love
Dave xxxx
Firstly thanks for being there for me - you're all brill!
Had a fantastic day today. We slept till 9.00 (lazy or what?) and then I indulged in one of my favourite pastimes - gentle gardening! We did all the hard work last Easter, so it's just a bit of hoeing and mowing, trimming and clipping - very therapeutic. Teresa did some spring cleaning. After lunch we hit the beach at Pont De Trevignon and played footie. Carys and I lost to Teresa and James 8 - 4. The weather was lovely - we've all ended up with red, sun burnt faces even though the temperature was only 15C - better 'lotion up' tomorrow. I was on dinner duty tonight and now we're 'veggin' with trashy TV.
Not felt 100% today, stomach's been dodgy, indigestion a pain but apart from that OK.
I'll blog again tomorrow.
Love
Dave xxxx
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Derbyshire - The Channel - France!
Hi Everyone!
I’ve been a very bad blog-boy, sorry! Back on track now. Thank-you Chloe for covering for me yesterday - mad but wise badgerwiseroonie! Hero Nanny! Au Pair extraordinaire!
The Ruby wedding party in Derbyshire on Sunday went really well. Congratulations Joy & Bob; 40 years! It was great to meet relatives I never new I had, Great Auntie Doris, second cousin Anne, second cousin (once removed) Victoria – loads of Redferns I never knew existed.
Our weekend with my brother Adrian was brill, we bought the kids a Nintendo Wii on Saturday and basically spent all weekend playing on it. Easter Sunday at chapel lived up to all our expectations – mad as ever and a real celebration; the best Christian festival of the year. Well led Mu! Waking up to an inch of snow was strange though. Since when does it snow on Easter Day??
After the party we had a fantastic evening with John & Amanda – we laughed like drains (do drains laugh?). The kids went back with mum and dad so we had a very civilised Easter Monday breakfast and morning before heading off to my parents who took us out to lunch. Perfect weekend!
I spent the rest of Monday evening working on the dissertation. Teresa got up at 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday morning and proof read for 4 hours. What a hero – thanks Florence. Brace yourself, it’s finished! Printed off and posted! Three years work in the bag – let’s hope I pass, I need 50% at least!
Tuesday was mad. Our mates (Nick & Sarah) had Carys for the morning whilst we packed, copied dissertations, did the banking and shopped! My scan was at 1.50 – all pretty straightforward, I get the results in 10 days time. I’m still feeling really well.
We set off at 4.30 p.m., got to Portsmouth by 7.00 and got straight on the boat. We had a great meal in the posh restaurant, a bottle of plonk and hit the sack by 9.30. We had a perfect smooth crossing, breakfast (posh restaurant again) and got off the boat by 8.00. We reached the cottage at 11.00 this morning and everything was fine. Teresa loved the work we’d done here a few week ago’ phew! The fire’s lit, the heating on and we’re watching ‘Bargain Hunt’ on Sky; how said is that! Thank goodness Freeview reaches Brittany.
You’ll all be pleased to know we’re not planning on doing much over the next ten days. Just chillin! Promise I’ll blog every day – honest.
Anyone reading this who knows us or works for us can use the cottage here for free –anytime apart from school holidays when we’re here. No charge but you’ll have to mow the lawn, weed the flowerbed and clean. We don’t hire the cottage out but love to let friends use it for nowt. E mail us if you’re interested on peaktandd@aol.com.
The picture is me with hair still but minus James (middle one); not sure where he was!
Signing off now – the joy of daytime TV is just too much.
See ya.
Dave. xxxxxx
I’ve been a very bad blog-boy, sorry! Back on track now. Thank-you Chloe for covering for me yesterday - mad but wise badgerwiseroonie! Hero Nanny! Au Pair extraordinaire!
The Ruby wedding party in Derbyshire on Sunday went really well. Congratulations Joy & Bob; 40 years! It was great to meet relatives I never new I had, Great Auntie Doris, second cousin Anne, second cousin (once removed) Victoria – loads of Redferns I never knew existed.
Our weekend with my brother Adrian was brill, we bought the kids a Nintendo Wii on Saturday and basically spent all weekend playing on it. Easter Sunday at chapel lived up to all our expectations – mad as ever and a real celebration; the best Christian festival of the year. Well led Mu! Waking up to an inch of snow was strange though. Since when does it snow on Easter Day??
After the party we had a fantastic evening with John & Amanda – we laughed like drains (do drains laugh?). The kids went back with mum and dad so we had a very civilised Easter Monday breakfast and morning before heading off to my parents who took us out to lunch. Perfect weekend!
I spent the rest of Monday evening working on the dissertation. Teresa got up at 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday morning and proof read for 4 hours. What a hero – thanks Florence. Brace yourself, it’s finished! Printed off and posted! Three years work in the bag – let’s hope I pass, I need 50% at least!
Tuesday was mad. Our mates (Nick & Sarah) had Carys for the morning whilst we packed, copied dissertations, did the banking and shopped! My scan was at 1.50 – all pretty straightforward, I get the results in 10 days time. I’m still feeling really well.
We set off at 4.30 p.m., got to Portsmouth by 7.00 and got straight on the boat. We had a great meal in the posh restaurant, a bottle of plonk and hit the sack by 9.30. We had a perfect smooth crossing, breakfast (posh restaurant again) and got off the boat by 8.00. We reached the cottage at 11.00 this morning and everything was fine. Teresa loved the work we’d done here a few week ago’ phew! The fire’s lit, the heating on and we’re watching ‘Bargain Hunt’ on Sky; how said is that! Thank goodness Freeview reaches Brittany.
You’ll all be pleased to know we’re not planning on doing much over the next ten days. Just chillin! Promise I’ll blog every day – honest.
Anyone reading this who knows us or works for us can use the cottage here for free –anytime apart from school holidays when we’re here. No charge but you’ll have to mow the lawn, weed the flowerbed and clean. We don’t hire the cottage out but love to let friends use it for nowt. E mail us if you’re interested on peaktandd@aol.com.
The picture is me with hair still but minus James (middle one); not sure where he was!
Signing off now – the joy of daytime TV is just too much.
See ya.
Dave. xxxxxx
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Mad Badger Chloe here...
Firstly I feel a tad nervous about this but thought "nah I'll just tell you all that Mr David has been doing." From what I've seen. He's just the same person, he eats well and his food seems to be going down a treat (haha) I think he mentioned previously we had a turkey over the weekend and it was so like Christmas! Turkey, stuffing, snow AND even Teresa bought us all a Nintendo Wii. Today David & Teresa went to get David's scan for the "latest" going ons inside him. Just want to say here if I can be cheeky and say, lets all pray that whilst David & Teresa are away, that they will both find peace. Just rushing out a hospital onto a Ferry is a little tiring (can't say I've done that) and whatever thoughts are going through their minds right now, I just pray that they're at peace. He will hear the results when they get back from France.
So I will be honest, I've not seen much of David over the weekend and yesterday. He's been putting the finishing touches to his dissertation. Teresa has been sitting in the kitchen with her red pen, proof reading it all. When I've been in and out of the study I've been teased constantly. (Nothing new there though!)
Right now he and the rest of the Redfern crew are on their way across to France as I type this.
I think now would be the right time to share with you something (uh oh) It's actually something I've been hearing and reading constantly since David was diagnosed. It's that word we all are doing right now "yearning." For those who don't know I worked and lived in Texas for a while and when I was out there I went through changes in my life that I didn't want to really accept. Nobody settles to change instantly, it takes time and a lot of tears at times too. The song that's recently been on my i-pod is a song called (quite simply) Yearn. At the bottom you can click on play and hear the song, but really listen because I really do believe that this song is meant for a time such as now. Maybe this is my time to share just this song...waiting to hear the results about just what this bugger (sorry) inside my Jewish Pappa is doing and where it's going. Honestly though, really hear what is being sung, I know it's on all of our hearts.
I'm still only "wee" but since the New Year, and the great changes we've made here in the Redfern household...I've also found that. No matter what becomes of the future, we have to stay in the now. I came across a quote earlier today that said "Do not be afraid of tomorrow for God is already there." I don't know about you but as I read that I started to let go of my fears for the future. If we could wake up in the mornings and just really (honestly) thank God that He has blessed us with a new day, then why wouldn't we want to just live that day? Also, I know the news about David has shocked us all, yet I've heard so many stories about people being healed. Healed emotionally. See? God does heal. I do believe God can heal anybody, yet God has a reason for everything. His timing might not see perfect through difficult times, yet really? It is. I don't think I'd be this positive if I weren't around David all the time. We all see and feel that contagious radiance within him. Look closely! He actually has wrinkles! I like to call them smile lines! So it's all his fault as to why I'm being so open and positive. “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”
Right well I best stop here, It's been nice to take "power" of this blog post. Oh! Also, Happy Easter too! I know it's been and gone already BUT Jesus has risen!
I hope I've managed to do an ok job of this? Yikes. It's a little scary. I'd like to now randomly talk about other things...Oh I know. Church on Sunday was nice. We all went and had breakfast, IN THE SNOW! Although typical England it had melted by lunch! I managed to make a tiny snowman with a group of the Church youth. Then when we got home we had a little snowball fight whilst making our way into the house. Poor David has the David Beckham look going on (no hair) so his head was a target.
Thanks for reading this guys. It has been fun but I must end it now. Mad Badger Chloe for a reason!
God Bless You all and have a grrrreat rest of the holidays.
Luv Chloe
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Fires, Snow & Turkey - Easter or Christmas?
Happy Easter everyone!
Easter Saturday and as the snow falls I'm reminded of spring! I did some gardening yesterday but today I'll settle for banking up the fire and getting out the port. Mind you, did that yesterday as well!
Adrian & Ann and his three children (Sam, Ben & Rachel) are with us for the weekend and we are having a great time. They brought their Wii with them which is fab on our big tele. We've boxed, played tennis and bowled - quite energetic. This was coupled with a giant beef caserole and lots of winter Pimms (very warming). The ladies and kids are off to Bedford to sort out bridesmaids dresses and wedding stuff this morning and Adrian and I are in charge of a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings - just as well mum taught us to cook.
We are off up to Derby tomorrow for a big family party - my auntie's ruby wedding anniversary which should be fun. After that a night with John & Amanda (the kids are at my mum and dads).
Health wise I'm doing OK - got a few hand problems (Hunter Palmer syndrome) which is a side effect of the chemo and I'm a bit tired but generally OK. The sickness that I have in the week - 10 days after chemo has gone now again. Only got another 5 days of tablets and then two weeks off.
We all have breakfast at church tomorrow, we're in charge of eggs for 40 - Easter Sunday is always an exciting day; a real celebration. I'm really glad I follow the Lord of resurrection, I can truly say that I don't fear death at all. I don't want to die, but if it's my time I'm not scared because I know what I know and He'll see me right. This is not morbid - it's hopeful! They told me at diagnosis that I'd have three months without chemo so from this point onwards I'm in miracle land - chemo and prayer the powerful combination!
Well God Bless everyone and once more happy Easter!
Love
Dave
Easter Saturday and as the snow falls I'm reminded of spring! I did some gardening yesterday but today I'll settle for banking up the fire and getting out the port. Mind you, did that yesterday as well!
Adrian & Ann and his three children (Sam, Ben & Rachel) are with us for the weekend and we are having a great time. They brought their Wii with them which is fab on our big tele. We've boxed, played tennis and bowled - quite energetic. This was coupled with a giant beef caserole and lots of winter Pimms (very warming). The ladies and kids are off to Bedford to sort out bridesmaids dresses and wedding stuff this morning and Adrian and I are in charge of a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings - just as well mum taught us to cook.
We are off up to Derby tomorrow for a big family party - my auntie's ruby wedding anniversary which should be fun. After that a night with John & Amanda (the kids are at my mum and dads).
Health wise I'm doing OK - got a few hand problems (Hunter Palmer syndrome) which is a side effect of the chemo and I'm a bit tired but generally OK. The sickness that I have in the week - 10 days after chemo has gone now again. Only got another 5 days of tablets and then two weeks off.
We all have breakfast at church tomorrow, we're in charge of eggs for 40 - Easter Sunday is always an exciting day; a real celebration. I'm really glad I follow the Lord of resurrection, I can truly say that I don't fear death at all. I don't want to die, but if it's my time I'm not scared because I know what I know and He'll see me right. This is not morbid - it's hopeful! They told me at diagnosis that I'd have three months without chemo so from this point onwards I'm in miracle land - chemo and prayer the powerful combination!
Well God Bless everyone and once more happy Easter!
Love
Dave
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Good News All Round - Blood & Ben!
Hi Guys
The XLR8 Passover meal was fantastic! David & Mu (my co-leaders) had put so much time into it and the young people really enjoyed it. It was so interesting to really understand what was involved and the history about it. Mu had carefully tracked down a Christian version which ends with communion.
My dissertation is in the final throws - yippee, made it finally (bar the proof read and that's Teresa's job).
We went for Teresa's final PIC line lesson at the chemo ward today. They've given us the supplies for Teresa to re-dress me whilst I'm in France next week. Just as well we're not flying or they'd never let all those needles onto the plane. I had a blood test today and great news - they were all 100% normal, even the white count that was really low before. Round 3 has been quite kind and I get an extra week off this time for Easter and good behaviour!
My mum, dad and brother head back from Cornwall today having done a great job (along with Joy & Bob) at Granddads; the house will be going on the market soon. Adrian, Ann and their kids are with us for the weekend and then we're heading up to Derby on Easter Sunday for my Auntie & Uncle's Ruby wedding party. We're going to spend the night at John & Amanda's and head back on Easter Monday. It's my big scan on Tuesday and then we're off to France for 10 days rest!
Congratulations to my nephew Ben who has passed his audition for Derby Cathedral Chior as a chorister. He'll look lovely in a ruff! Seriously, he's done really well to get in out of so many, we're really proud of him!
Easter Sunday at Church will be fantastic. If you're local and not doing anything then we have a great family service at 10.30. You can get directions at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk. You'd be really welcome.
I'll keep posting over the Easter weekend and try and send some photos too.
God Bless. Dave. xx
The XLR8 Passover meal was fantastic! David & Mu (my co-leaders) had put so much time into it and the young people really enjoyed it. It was so interesting to really understand what was involved and the history about it. Mu had carefully tracked down a Christian version which ends with communion.
My dissertation is in the final throws - yippee, made it finally (bar the proof read and that's Teresa's job).
We went for Teresa's final PIC line lesson at the chemo ward today. They've given us the supplies for Teresa to re-dress me whilst I'm in France next week. Just as well we're not flying or they'd never let all those needles onto the plane. I had a blood test today and great news - they were all 100% normal, even the white count that was really low before. Round 3 has been quite kind and I get an extra week off this time for Easter and good behaviour!
My mum, dad and brother head back from Cornwall today having done a great job (along with Joy & Bob) at Granddads; the house will be going on the market soon. Adrian, Ann and their kids are with us for the weekend and then we're heading up to Derby on Easter Sunday for my Auntie & Uncle's Ruby wedding party. We're going to spend the night at John & Amanda's and head back on Easter Monday. It's my big scan on Tuesday and then we're off to France for 10 days rest!
Congratulations to my nephew Ben who has passed his audition for Derby Cathedral Chior as a chorister. He'll look lovely in a ruff! Seriously, he's done really well to get in out of so many, we're really proud of him!
Easter Sunday at Church will be fantastic. If you're local and not doing anything then we have a great family service at 10.30. You can get directions at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk. You'd be really welcome.
I'll keep posting over the Easter weekend and try and send some photos too.
God Bless. Dave. xx
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Carbis Bay & Passover = Shalom!
Home Again!
Sorry that my blogging has been a bit patchy over the weekend, all these hotels promise broadband but it’s always a pain to get on line.
As I said on Sunday the Boskerris Hotel; in Carbis Bay was fantastic. One of the best little hotels we’ve ever stopped in, perfect!
On Monday we all met up at my Granddad’s house and then drove down to the chapel where the funeral was held. The minister did a great job, my dad gave the eulogy (which was brill and no notes!), I did a reading. The singing was great we had ‘Abide With Me’ and ‘And Can It Be’ and raised the roof (nothing worse than a funeral with lacklustre singing!). He was buried at Phylack Churchyard which is literally in the dunes. The grave is dug in the sand and the sea is just a stones throw away – quite a spot. After that we all went (along with guests) to the Carbis Bay Hotel for a ‘bit of a do’ and a good old reminisce. The view from this place was amazing , right across St Ives Bay. It was great to catch up with my Grandma’s old friends. She died in the 80s when I was at Cliff College and I’d not seen many of them since I preached at the chapel when I was 16.
After the wake we invited everyone back to our hotel for drinkie poos at our hotel before all going out for a bracing walk and Italian meal in St Ives in the evening. My mum and dad and auntie and uncle left the ‘youngsters’ – all the cousin in St Ives.
We set off at 8.00 am this morning and were back home by 2.00 pm. I picked up Rosie, unpacked and made dinner. Off tonight to help lead our fellowship’s youth group (XLR8) we doing a Passover Meal with it being near Easter and all. Don’t worry, I’m not doing too much I slept from St Ives to Bristol (3 hours!).
I'm feeling OK, a bit sick and not too much in the way of an appetite as the day goes on but generally OK.
I let you know how the Passover went tomorrow.
Shalom.
Dave
Sorry that my blogging has been a bit patchy over the weekend, all these hotels promise broadband but it’s always a pain to get on line.
As I said on Sunday the Boskerris Hotel; in Carbis Bay was fantastic. One of the best little hotels we’ve ever stopped in, perfect!
On Monday we all met up at my Granddad’s house and then drove down to the chapel where the funeral was held. The minister did a great job, my dad gave the eulogy (which was brill and no notes!), I did a reading. The singing was great we had ‘Abide With Me’ and ‘And Can It Be’ and raised the roof (nothing worse than a funeral with lacklustre singing!). He was buried at Phylack Churchyard which is literally in the dunes. The grave is dug in the sand and the sea is just a stones throw away – quite a spot. After that we all went (along with guests) to the Carbis Bay Hotel for a ‘bit of a do’ and a good old reminisce. The view from this place was amazing , right across St Ives Bay. It was great to catch up with my Grandma’s old friends. She died in the 80s when I was at Cliff College and I’d not seen many of them since I preached at the chapel when I was 16.
After the wake we invited everyone back to our hotel for drinkie poos at our hotel before all going out for a bracing walk and Italian meal in St Ives in the evening. My mum and dad and auntie and uncle left the ‘youngsters’ – all the cousin in St Ives.
We set off at 8.00 am this morning and were back home by 2.00 pm. I picked up Rosie, unpacked and made dinner. Off tonight to help lead our fellowship’s youth group (XLR8) we doing a Passover Meal with it being near Easter and all. Don’t worry, I’m not doing too much I slept from St Ives to Bristol (3 hours!).
I'm feeling OK, a bit sick and not too much in the way of an appetite as the day goes on but generally OK.
I let you know how the Passover went tomorrow.
Shalom.
Dave
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Cruising Down The Atlantic Highway!
Hi Guys
Just a quick blog to let you know that we made it to Cornwall, met up with the family, had lunch and booked into the most fantastic hotel in Carbis Bay (The Boskerris). The views over the bay towards St Ives are amazing - we're really slobbing out and enjoying every minute of it.
Lynne and Nick in Devon were (as always) amazing hosts; it was great to see them and they were heading down this way this morning too. We followed them down the A39 (The Atlantic Highway) past Newquay and into Hayle.
My mun, dad, auntie and uncle has done a great job on my granddad's house, starting the big clear - up. My cousin Julia and her partner Chris are here and my baby brother AD turned up this evening. The funeral is at 1.00 tomorrow (Hayle Methodist Church) with a Cornish cream tea at a local hotel afterwards. We're planning a night out in St Ives in the evening.
Please don't worry that I'm doing too much. Florence is looking after me and ensures I'm tucked up every night and well fed. I'm feeling OK just a little sick; not too tired.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes; funerals are always hard work.
See ya.
Dave xxxx
Just a quick blog to let you know that we made it to Cornwall, met up with the family, had lunch and booked into the most fantastic hotel in Carbis Bay (The Boskerris). The views over the bay towards St Ives are amazing - we're really slobbing out and enjoying every minute of it.
Lynne and Nick in Devon were (as always) amazing hosts; it was great to see them and they were heading down this way this morning too. We followed them down the A39 (The Atlantic Highway) past Newquay and into Hayle.
My mun, dad, auntie and uncle has done a great job on my granddad's house, starting the big clear - up. My cousin Julia and her partner Chris are here and my baby brother AD turned up this evening. The funeral is at 1.00 tomorrow (Hayle Methodist Church) with a Cornish cream tea at a local hotel afterwards. We're planning a night out in St Ives in the evening.
Please don't worry that I'm doing too much. Florence is looking after me and ensures I'm tucked up every night and well fed. I'm feeling OK just a little sick; not too tired.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes; funerals are always hard work.
See ya.
Dave xxxx
Saturday, March 15, 2008
World Tour Day 2
Hi Guys
Sorry I didn't blog last night but the hotel lacked lots and especially an Internet connection!
We got the kids off to Aberdeen on Friday morning from Birmingham and then set off to Bath. We had a famous Sally Lunn Bun at the oldest house in Bath and looked round the beautiful Abbey. There was a fantastic set of sculptures on display that chronicled a women's journey through cancer - which was really interesting. Bath is so beautiful if not a little wet!
The hotel was bizarre, totally disorganised, slow service, awful food and horribly expensive. The view however was magnificent over the Avon valley and the room was OK.
We set off around 10.00 to go our mates Lynne & Nick in beautiful Devon. They live in the most amazing place with unbelievable views across the moors. They are so hospitable, we feel really blessed to be sharing an evening with them.
We're off to Cornwall early tomorrow, meeting up with the family at a pub for lunch in Hayle. \Hopefully the Carbis Bay hotel will be a better experience and the Internet will work!
Thanks for reading!
God Bless Dave xxxx
Sorry I didn't blog last night but the hotel lacked lots and especially an Internet connection!
We got the kids off to Aberdeen on Friday morning from Birmingham and then set off to Bath. We had a famous Sally Lunn Bun at the oldest house in Bath and looked round the beautiful Abbey. There was a fantastic set of sculptures on display that chronicled a women's journey through cancer - which was really interesting. Bath is so beautiful if not a little wet!
The hotel was bizarre, totally disorganised, slow service, awful food and horribly expensive. The view however was magnificent over the Avon valley and the room was OK.
We set off around 10.00 to go our mates Lynne & Nick in beautiful Devon. They live in the most amazing place with unbelievable views across the moors. They are so hospitable, we feel really blessed to be sharing an evening with them.
We're off to Cornwall early tomorrow, meeting up with the family at a pub for lunch in Hayle. \Hopefully the Carbis Bay hotel will be a better experience and the Internet will work!
Thanks for reading!
God Bless Dave xxxx
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Round # 3 Over & Done With
Hi Guys
Had chemo round three yesterday so sorry I didn't get round to blogging last night. It really wiped me out and I felt quite sick so just 'hit the sack' when I got in. They gave me some great new anti sickness things you stick up your bum that work very well (and quickly!). Feeling OK today and really got on with the blasted, bloomin, blinkin disertation thingy-me-bob!
Sat next to another positive person of faith yesterday who had just been to the shrine at Walsingham for anointing with oil. This is all a bit outside my tradition (shrines, saints and all) but we shared so much in common it was good to talk.
I don't know if you remember the insurance company that had turned down my loan protection claim last month? Well I appealed and they changed their decision! Always worth having a go eh?
The mad travel weekend starts this evening as we head down to Birmingham ready to put the kids on their flight to Scotland first thing tomorrow.. it's a packing nightmare, posh hotels, travelling, stopping with friends and a funeral (where's that black tie???).
I'll try and keep up with the blog if hotel wireless Internet connections allow.
God Bless All
Dave xxx
Had chemo round three yesterday so sorry I didn't get round to blogging last night. It really wiped me out and I felt quite sick so just 'hit the sack' when I got in. They gave me some great new anti sickness things you stick up your bum that work very well (and quickly!). Feeling OK today and really got on with the blasted, bloomin, blinkin disertation thingy-me-bob!
Sat next to another positive person of faith yesterday who had just been to the shrine at Walsingham for anointing with oil. This is all a bit outside my tradition (shrines, saints and all) but we shared so much in common it was good to talk.
I don't know if you remember the insurance company that had turned down my loan protection claim last month? Well I appealed and they changed their decision! Always worth having a go eh?
The mad travel weekend starts this evening as we head down to Birmingham ready to put the kids on their flight to Scotland first thing tomorrow.. it's a packing nightmare, posh hotels, travelling, stopping with friends and a funeral (where's that black tie???).
I'll try and keep up with the blog if hotel wireless Internet connections allow.
God Bless All
Dave xxx
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mad Weekend A'Comin!
Hiya
Had a good day on my dissertation today; I'll even be able to start some stage 1 proof reading tomorrow.
Chemo #3 tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to it, but bring it on - it's working!
I'm leading XLR8 our church Youth Group tonight. Our pastor (who Teresa and I were at Cliff College with in the 80s) is speaking to the young people tonight about confirmation and leading them in the Lord's Supper (communion) which us Methodists can have before confirmation. He's a good guy, very pastoral, very caring and a number of the youth group are considering confirmation.
My Granddad's funeral is arranged for Monday next weekend so our weekend looks like this:
Thursday evening - night in a hotel at Birmingham Airport.
Friday morning - wave the kids off at 7.00 to Aberdeen, then drive down to Bath.
Friday evening - grown up night in a posh hotel in Bath.
Saturday morning - drive down to Devon to stop with our friends Lynne & Nick until Sunday.
Sunday morning - drive down to my Granddad's in Cornwall.
Monday - funeral in Hayle.
Tuesday - drive back to Bedford.
Wednesday - sleep the weekend off!
Mad eh? Lord give me strength.
Have a good evening.
God Bless Dave xxxx
Had a good day on my dissertation today; I'll even be able to start some stage 1 proof reading tomorrow.
Chemo #3 tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to it, but bring it on - it's working!
I'm leading XLR8 our church Youth Group tonight. Our pastor (who Teresa and I were at Cliff College with in the 80s) is speaking to the young people tonight about confirmation and leading them in the Lord's Supper (communion) which us Methodists can have before confirmation. He's a good guy, very pastoral, very caring and a number of the youth group are considering confirmation.
My Granddad's funeral is arranged for Monday next weekend so our weekend looks like this:
Thursday evening - night in a hotel at Birmingham Airport.
Friday morning - wave the kids off at 7.00 to Aberdeen, then drive down to Bath.
Friday evening - grown up night in a posh hotel in Bath.
Saturday morning - drive down to Devon to stop with our friends Lynne & Nick until Sunday.
Sunday morning - drive down to my Granddad's in Cornwall.
Monday - funeral in Hayle.
Tuesday - drive back to Bedford.
Wednesday - sleep the weekend off!
Mad eh? Lord give me strength.
Have a good evening.
God Bless Dave xxxx
Monday, March 10, 2008
Had My Oncs Checked!
Went to see the oncologist today for my normal three weekly consultation. I had my bloods taken as normal and my white count (bone marrow) was low. At one point the nurse taking the blood wondered if they'd let me have the chemo on Wednesday. A re-test of my blood sample was slightly better and I got the go ahead after all. All that happened in between was that she shook the vial - I did suggest I bounce on the spot for a while myself, being a 'springy' sort of chap bouncing comes quite naturally.
They were so busy today, my appointment was due at 3.15 and I didn't get in until 5.00, these people work so hard - they'll be there to 7.30 tonight bless em!
Dr Bulusu talked about potentially adding radio therapy into the mix after Easter because I'm responding so well in general. The only problem is that this would mean traveling daily to Addenbrookes (Cambridge) for 5 weeks! this is not an easy journey so I think I'll need to borrow a caravan or Travelodge it every few nights. He's also mentioned anti-body treatment to run alongside the chemo but I may have to pay for that myself.
In general they're really pleased with my progress; to quote them; 'much better than they expected' which will do for me!
The dissertation is coming on well, should make the deadline.
God bless everyone - sleep tight. Be good! Dave xxxx
They were so busy today, my appointment was due at 3.15 and I didn't get in until 5.00, these people work so hard - they'll be there to 7.30 tonight bless em!
Dr Bulusu talked about potentially adding radio therapy into the mix after Easter because I'm responding so well in general. The only problem is that this would mean traveling daily to Addenbrookes (Cambridge) for 5 weeks! this is not an easy journey so I think I'll need to borrow a caravan or Travelodge it every few nights. He's also mentioned anti-body treatment to run alongside the chemo but I may have to pay for that myself.
In general they're really pleased with my progress; to quote them; 'much better than they expected' which will do for me!
The dissertation is coming on well, should make the deadline.
God bless everyone - sleep tight. Be good! Dave xxxx
Sunday, March 9, 2008
67 & Counting!
Hi Guys
We had a fantastic service this morning at Wootton New Life. The worship was great and Keith Lilley (our preacher this week) spoke so well on Lazarus being raised from the dead. A fantastic story. After church we hit Pizza Hut and then the shops. Teresa needed some retail therapy.
I had a good chat to my parents who have headed down to Cornwall to sort out my Granddad’s affairs after his death last week. It was a bit gruesome he’d died making his tea and all the food was still out 4 days later. They’ve so much to do starting with repairing the door the police kicked in.
Next weekend is looking mad. Chloe and kids are heading off first thing on Friday to Scotland for the weekend. We are going down to visit some friends in Devon and then (assuming the funeral’s on Monday 17th) going down to St Ives for the funeral. Mad, mad, mad! Before that I’ve got hospital appointments and a round of chemo. Meanwhile I’ve got to finish my MA dissertation! Starting to panic now! Please pray I can finish it (bar the proof reading) this week. It’s taken me three years, this bloody disease is NOT going to stop me graduating on June 28th (day after my 43rd birthday).
On an amazing and positive note there are now 67 wonderful women ‘Doing It For Dave’ at the Bedford ‘Race For Life’ in July. I can’t believe it. If you want to run (or walk as the 67 are planning to do) and have yet to register then let Teresa know at tmrkipmcgrath@aol.com . It's for Cancer Research UK.
Have a great week!
God Bless
Dave XXXX
We had a fantastic service this morning at Wootton New Life. The worship was great and Keith Lilley (our preacher this week) spoke so well on Lazarus being raised from the dead. A fantastic story. After church we hit Pizza Hut and then the shops. Teresa needed some retail therapy.
I had a good chat to my parents who have headed down to Cornwall to sort out my Granddad’s affairs after his death last week. It was a bit gruesome he’d died making his tea and all the food was still out 4 days later. They’ve so much to do starting with repairing the door the police kicked in.
Next weekend is looking mad. Chloe and kids are heading off first thing on Friday to Scotland for the weekend. We are going down to visit some friends in Devon and then (assuming the funeral’s on Monday 17th) going down to St Ives for the funeral. Mad, mad, mad! Before that I’ve got hospital appointments and a round of chemo. Meanwhile I’ve got to finish my MA dissertation! Starting to panic now! Please pray I can finish it (bar the proof reading) this week. It’s taken me three years, this bloody disease is NOT going to stop me graduating on June 28th (day after my 43rd birthday).
On an amazing and positive note there are now 67 wonderful women ‘Doing It For Dave’ at the Bedford ‘Race For Life’ in July. I can’t believe it. If you want to run (or walk as the 67 are planning to do) and have yet to register then let Teresa know at tmrkipmcgrath@aol.com . It's for Cancer Research UK.
Have a great week!
God Bless
Dave XXXX
Saturday, March 8, 2008
More Grim News - What A Year!
Hi Everyone
Sorry that I didn’t get round to blogging yesterday – by the time I got home I was too tired. I’ve loads to tell you…
We headed off from the cottage on time on Thursday and made Roscoff with plenty of time to spare. We had a rough crossing back but manage to sleep OK. Mum’s vertigo carried on all day and into Friday, she felt really dizzy even before we got onto the boat.
On arriving at Plymouth we received a phone call from my Auntie Joy who had been woken in the early hours of Friday (by the police) to be told that my Granddad in Hayle (nr St Ives in Cornwall) had passed away. This was quite a shock as my parents had visited him only a few weeks ago and he seemed fine. It seemed as though he’d had a heart attack whilst making his tea on Wednesday. No one had noticed for 48 hours when a neighbour spotted his milk on the doorstep. My mum and dad were going to stop until this morning but headed back yesterday so that they could sort out things in Derby before heading down to Cornwall on Sunday to sort everything out at Granddad’s which will probably take 3 or 4 weeks. My poor parents are having a bit of a grim 2008. The post mortem will be on Tuesday, the funeral probably early in the week before Easter. I’ll be heading down to Cornwall on the day. He was in his late 80s and not terribly happy, my dad and auntie have been trying to convince him to move back up to the East Midlands for a few years now.
We got back in time for Teresa to have her second PIC line lesson. This time she donned the apron and did her Florence bit. She was very brave as she doesn’t ‘do’ blood. I’m very proud of her.
Today I’ve been up in Chesterfield at a meeting to discuss the establishment of an ‘Order Of Mission’ to work with churches in need of some consultancy help. It was a great meeting, fantastic ministry, worship and prayer. We met at Compass Café in Chesterfield. This is a fantastic Starbucks quality Christian coffee house that’s part of their outreach there. I went on the train straight through from Bedford – it was an easy trip and I was able to read the whole way, beats driving. We are waiting to hear about funding from the Methodist Church to take things forward to the next stage.
Needless to say I’m feeling pretty knackered tonight – not surprising really – my fault!
I’ve got an Oncologists appointment on Monday at 3.15 and the next chemo on Wednesday. My hair kept falling out so Teresa shaved it off completely this morning – I’m now as bald as a coot!
I’m looking forward to worshiping at Wootton New Life on Sunday with the family. I love my home church.
Have a great weekend.
God Bless Dave xxxxxxv
Sorry that I didn’t get round to blogging yesterday – by the time I got home I was too tired. I’ve loads to tell you…
We headed off from the cottage on time on Thursday and made Roscoff with plenty of time to spare. We had a rough crossing back but manage to sleep OK. Mum’s vertigo carried on all day and into Friday, she felt really dizzy even before we got onto the boat.
On arriving at Plymouth we received a phone call from my Auntie Joy who had been woken in the early hours of Friday (by the police) to be told that my Granddad in Hayle (nr St Ives in Cornwall) had passed away. This was quite a shock as my parents had visited him only a few weeks ago and he seemed fine. It seemed as though he’d had a heart attack whilst making his tea on Wednesday. No one had noticed for 48 hours when a neighbour spotted his milk on the doorstep. My mum and dad were going to stop until this morning but headed back yesterday so that they could sort out things in Derby before heading down to Cornwall on Sunday to sort everything out at Granddad’s which will probably take 3 or 4 weeks. My poor parents are having a bit of a grim 2008. The post mortem will be on Tuesday, the funeral probably early in the week before Easter. I’ll be heading down to Cornwall on the day. He was in his late 80s and not terribly happy, my dad and auntie have been trying to convince him to move back up to the East Midlands for a few years now.
We got back in time for Teresa to have her second PIC line lesson. This time she donned the apron and did her Florence bit. She was very brave as she doesn’t ‘do’ blood. I’m very proud of her.
Today I’ve been up in Chesterfield at a meeting to discuss the establishment of an ‘Order Of Mission’ to work with churches in need of some consultancy help. It was a great meeting, fantastic ministry, worship and prayer. We met at Compass Café in Chesterfield. This is a fantastic Starbucks quality Christian coffee house that’s part of their outreach there. I went on the train straight through from Bedford – it was an easy trip and I was able to read the whole way, beats driving. We are waiting to hear about funding from the Methodist Church to take things forward to the next stage.
Needless to say I’m feeling pretty knackered tonight – not surprising really – my fault!
I’ve got an Oncologists appointment on Monday at 3.15 and the next chemo on Wednesday. My hair kept falling out so Teresa shaved it off completely this morning – I’m now as bald as a coot!
I’m looking forward to worshiping at Wootton New Life on Sunday with the family. I love my home church.
Have a great weekend.
God Bless Dave xxxxxxv
Thursday, March 6, 2008
We're Coming Home We've Done Our Time!
Hello Troopers
All plans for our last day went by the wayside as mum woke up with vertigo (which she suffers from periodically) – she can’t stand up or move so the car journey to Roscoff and boat trip back to Plymouth could be interesting. We’ve spent the day doing jobs, cleaning up and leaving the cottage in a fit state for our return with the family at Easter. We’re coming back on the Tuesday after Easter for 10 days.
Got to get back to Bedford by 3.00 for Teresa’s second PIC (Peripherally Inserted Catheter) lesson, she learning to change the dressing like the true Florence she is! The ferry leaves Roscoff at 10.00 (French time) and gets in at 8.00 (UK time). The boat works on English time so 9.00 pm – 8.00 am is 11 hours – not too much fun with vertigo.
Just met the new puppy next door, our neighbours are English – they’ve just built a house on the plot behind our cottage. The puppy is a French boxer called ‘Jed’. Not sure if he speaks English or French though? We’ve been invited rounds at Easter for drinky poos.
Thanks to all those who e mailed me direct, I’ll respond tomorrow. It is great to hear from you all especially my cousin Lindsey who I haven’t seen for ages. I’m a bit tight for time to respond this afternoon!
Need to stop blogging and watching ‘Countdown’ and pack the car or we’ll never make Roscoff on time.
I’ll report in from home tomorrow evening.
PS – still feeling VERY well!
Luv Dave
All plans for our last day went by the wayside as mum woke up with vertigo (which she suffers from periodically) – she can’t stand up or move so the car journey to Roscoff and boat trip back to Plymouth could be interesting. We’ve spent the day doing jobs, cleaning up and leaving the cottage in a fit state for our return with the family at Easter. We’re coming back on the Tuesday after Easter for 10 days.
Got to get back to Bedford by 3.00 for Teresa’s second PIC (Peripherally Inserted Catheter) lesson, she learning to change the dressing like the true Florence she is! The ferry leaves Roscoff at 10.00 (French time) and gets in at 8.00 (UK time). The boat works on English time so 9.00 pm – 8.00 am is 11 hours – not too much fun with vertigo.
Just met the new puppy next door, our neighbours are English – they’ve just built a house on the plot behind our cottage. The puppy is a French boxer called ‘Jed’. Not sure if he speaks English or French though? We’ve been invited rounds at Easter for drinky poos.
Thanks to all those who e mailed me direct, I’ll respond tomorrow. It is great to hear from you all especially my cousin Lindsey who I haven’t seen for ages. I’m a bit tight for time to respond this afternoon!
Need to stop blogging and watching ‘Countdown’ and pack the car or we’ll never make Roscoff on time.
I’ll report in from home tomorrow evening.
PS – still feeling VERY well!
Luv Dave
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Round 2 Over!
Hi Everyone
We’ve had a great day today, super weather, fantastic lunch and first class walk in Benedot. We went to a great creperie, had a leek, potato and bacon for the main and an amazing rum, raison and ice cream flambé job for pudding. As I’m typing this I’m thinking how tedious it must be reading a blow by blow account of my meals! Just can’t believe I’m able to eat this stuff with no swallowing problems at all.
Round two of chemo finished today, I get a week off now, round three starts on Wednesday next week. Still feeling stupidly, wonderfully well! They told me at diagnosis that I would live three months without chemo and here I am two months in feeling better than ever. I’m going to make longer than 18 months too no matter what the average stats say.
On the DIY front I just had a bit of carpet to stick down and the back of the door to paint other that that blissfully little DIY. The cottage is looking brill.
Really looking forward to going to the Stockholm New Wine leaders conference in April. John and Amanda are coming with us – let’s pray that God does His stuff there through Bill Johnson. Florence has been busy booking flights, hotels and stuff today.
We head home tomorrow late from Roscoff; it’s gone so quickly, had a great time hanging out with the ‘rents’ but looking forward to getting home to Florence, the little Redfernios and mad badger girl.
Signing off now to watch ‘Bruce Almighty’ and eat chocolate.
Luv ya Dave xxxxxx
We’ve had a great day today, super weather, fantastic lunch and first class walk in Benedot. We went to a great creperie, had a leek, potato and bacon for the main and an amazing rum, raison and ice cream flambé job for pudding. As I’m typing this I’m thinking how tedious it must be reading a blow by blow account of my meals! Just can’t believe I’m able to eat this stuff with no swallowing problems at all.
Round two of chemo finished today, I get a week off now, round three starts on Wednesday next week. Still feeling stupidly, wonderfully well! They told me at diagnosis that I would live three months without chemo and here I am two months in feeling better than ever. I’m going to make longer than 18 months too no matter what the average stats say.
On the DIY front I just had a bit of carpet to stick down and the back of the door to paint other that that blissfully little DIY. The cottage is looking brill.
Really looking forward to going to the Stockholm New Wine leaders conference in April. John and Amanda are coming with us – let’s pray that God does His stuff there through Bill Johnson. Florence has been busy booking flights, hotels and stuff today.
We head home tomorrow late from Roscoff; it’s gone so quickly, had a great time hanging out with the ‘rents’ but looking forward to getting home to Florence, the little Redfernios and mad badger girl.
Signing off now to watch ‘Bruce Almighty’ and eat chocolate.
Luv ya Dave xxxxxx
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Carpenters & Carpet Fitters
Hi everyone,
We are now the proud owners of a great front door (complete with new diamond shaped window) and a newly carpeted set of stairs. Mum and Dad have been heroes; working like mad all day, the cottage looks great. We’ve managed to finish after two days which means we get tomorrow off to walk along the prom, prom, prom tiddly pom, pom, pom. Seriously; ma and pa have been great, dad’s done a great job, mum is looking after me and has been busy as a patient assistant to carpenter (dad) and carpet fitter (me)!
We went out for a great meal tonight at a hotel in the centre of Pont Aven. Had a bizarre starter complete with totally rank tripe sausage (gagsville), main course of pink sea trout (yum) and fantastic rice pudding for afters. We’re so full now we can’t move.
Planning a day trip tomorrow to beautiful Benodet; hoping the weather’s going to kind and un-brittanylike. Today’s been beautiful, sunny, clear but cold. We were a bit worried yesterday as the ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff were cancelled due to bad weather but it seems to have calmed down a bit. No snow like Teresa said there was in Bedford today. We head home from Roscoff on Thursday night.
Still feeling well (unbelievably so), swallowing, mouth and sickness all OK. Even forget sometimes there’s anything wrong at all. Can’t believe I’m back on chemo again next week – quite hard to go for chemo knowing you’ll feel so ill afterwards when you feel so well beforehand. It’s doing the job though – so I’m not complaining.
I’m missing Teresa, we’re really old fashioned. We love each other and each other’s company so much – it’s great to be here, but it would be perfect if Teresa was here too.
Thanks for all your comments - great to hear from my cousin Lindsey, Chloe and Sian today. If you want to send an 'off-piste' e mail you can on peaktandd@aol.com.
I thought that tomorrow I'd explain who everyone is for those who are reading but don't know.
Talking of comments - how are you Alfie? Uncle Dave's not heard from you for a while.
Hope you all had a good Tuesday - I've just been told off for drinking too much red wine by mum. I never touched a drop until lead astray by winebibbing Anglicans (was teetotal clean living Methodist boy). Sian's fault.
God Bless. Dave xxxx
We are now the proud owners of a great front door (complete with new diamond shaped window) and a newly carpeted set of stairs. Mum and Dad have been heroes; working like mad all day, the cottage looks great. We’ve managed to finish after two days which means we get tomorrow off to walk along the prom, prom, prom tiddly pom, pom, pom. Seriously; ma and pa have been great, dad’s done a great job, mum is looking after me and has been busy as a patient assistant to carpenter (dad) and carpet fitter (me)!
We went out for a great meal tonight at a hotel in the centre of Pont Aven. Had a bizarre starter complete with totally rank tripe sausage (gagsville), main course of pink sea trout (yum) and fantastic rice pudding for afters. We’re so full now we can’t move.
Planning a day trip tomorrow to beautiful Benodet; hoping the weather’s going to kind and un-brittanylike. Today’s been beautiful, sunny, clear but cold. We were a bit worried yesterday as the ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff were cancelled due to bad weather but it seems to have calmed down a bit. No snow like Teresa said there was in Bedford today. We head home from Roscoff on Thursday night.
Still feeling well (unbelievably so), swallowing, mouth and sickness all OK. Even forget sometimes there’s anything wrong at all. Can’t believe I’m back on chemo again next week – quite hard to go for chemo knowing you’ll feel so ill afterwards when you feel so well beforehand. It’s doing the job though – so I’m not complaining.
I’m missing Teresa, we’re really old fashioned. We love each other and each other’s company so much – it’s great to be here, but it would be perfect if Teresa was here too.
Thanks for all your comments - great to hear from my cousin Lindsey, Chloe and Sian today. If you want to send an 'off-piste' e mail you can on peaktandd@aol.com.
I thought that tomorrow I'd explain who everyone is for those who are reading but don't know.
Talking of comments - how are you Alfie? Uncle Dave's not heard from you for a while.
Hope you all had a good Tuesday - I've just been told off for drinking too much red wine by mum. I never touched a drop until lead astray by winebibbing Anglicans (was teetotal clean living Methodist boy). Sian's fault.
God Bless. Dave xxxx
Monday, March 3, 2008
Arty Fun In Pont Aven
Hi Everyone
Greetings again from Brittany! We set off from home well on time yesterday afternoon and got to Portsmouth by 7.00 pm. Unfortunately my mum, who doesn’t travel well, was green before we left the M25 (never mind getting onto the boat). The crossing was not too rough though and we got a good night’s sleep. We’d booked a posh cabin so had a spot of luxury, proper beds, TV/DVD, mini bar – a real treat – thanks for booking it Florence!
We had a great drive down from St Malo to Scaer – it always seems as though the light is brighter here some how. We drove through sunshine, rain and hale – typical Breton weather. Everything was fine at the cottage – our little mouse friend had taken the bait we laid for it two weeks ago and passed away in the cupboard – yuck, decomposing mouse is not pleasant and sort of falls to bits when you try to move it. I’m not too brave with dead things – I might live in the country but I’m a townie at heart. Dead mice are a bit too ‘rural’ for me. We only arrived at the cottage at 12.00 but after a quick trip to the supermarket and lunch we’d started work by 1.00 pm.
Dad’s fitting a window in the front door because the hall is dark – he started straight away. Mum got on cutting up underlay ready for us to fit the stair runner tomorrow and then mum and I painted the stairs walls and ceiling. We really did loads on our first afternoon. If we start early we could finish everything by tomorrow evening and manage a day or two off.
Tonight we went down to Pont Aven for dinner. Had a great time people watching in the restaurant. The arty Bohemian crowd were in, very cosmopolitan. Lovely moment when a unpopular older bloke joined the group and the conversation died instantly. The restaurant is right on the port, beautiful spot and run by a scary lady who, as my mum would say, ‘wears comfortable shoes’. As we speak we’re back at the cottage watching Coro and warming ourselves by the stove. What a brill wife I have; she’s holding the fort and I’m here living it up. Thanks Florence.
I’m feeling really well at the moment. Just two more days of chemo tablets to go and then a week off before the next intravenous day on Wednesday 12th. The sore mouth’s a lot better, appetite’s good (had a pizza the size of Kent this evening), swallowing is back to normal again. Sometimes I just forget I’m ill but they keep telling me I am.
Good night everyone, be good for mum Carys, James & Chloe, miss you Florence.
Thanks for your prayers everyone they’re working!
Greetings again from Brittany! We set off from home well on time yesterday afternoon and got to Portsmouth by 7.00 pm. Unfortunately my mum, who doesn’t travel well, was green before we left the M25 (never mind getting onto the boat). The crossing was not too rough though and we got a good night’s sleep. We’d booked a posh cabin so had a spot of luxury, proper beds, TV/DVD, mini bar – a real treat – thanks for booking it Florence!
We had a great drive down from St Malo to Scaer – it always seems as though the light is brighter here some how. We drove through sunshine, rain and hale – typical Breton weather. Everything was fine at the cottage – our little mouse friend had taken the bait we laid for it two weeks ago and passed away in the cupboard – yuck, decomposing mouse is not pleasant and sort of falls to bits when you try to move it. I’m not too brave with dead things – I might live in the country but I’m a townie at heart. Dead mice are a bit too ‘rural’ for me. We only arrived at the cottage at 12.00 but after a quick trip to the supermarket and lunch we’d started work by 1.00 pm.
Dad’s fitting a window in the front door because the hall is dark – he started straight away. Mum got on cutting up underlay ready for us to fit the stair runner tomorrow and then mum and I painted the stairs walls and ceiling. We really did loads on our first afternoon. If we start early we could finish everything by tomorrow evening and manage a day or two off.
Tonight we went down to Pont Aven for dinner. Had a great time people watching in the restaurant. The arty Bohemian crowd were in, very cosmopolitan. Lovely moment when a unpopular older bloke joined the group and the conversation died instantly. The restaurant is right on the port, beautiful spot and run by a scary lady who, as my mum would say, ‘wears comfortable shoes’. As we speak we’re back at the cottage watching Coro and warming ourselves by the stove. What a brill wife I have; she’s holding the fort and I’m here living it up. Thanks Florence.
I’m feeling really well at the moment. Just two more days of chemo tablets to go and then a week off before the next intravenous day on Wednesday 12th. The sore mouth’s a lot better, appetite’s good (had a pizza the size of Kent this evening), swallowing is back to normal again. Sometimes I just forget I’m ill but they keep telling me I am.
Good night everyone, be good for mum Carys, James & Chloe, miss you Florence.
Thanks for your prayers everyone they’re working!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Mum's The Word!
Hi Guys
Sorry I didn’t get chance to post yesterday – it was a mad, busy day! Work, doing the 'dad = chauffer' thing and shopping – I hit the sack really early.
Mother’s Day today! My mum and dad have come down from Derby ready for our trip to France – we need to leave home at about 4.00 this afternoon. We all went to church this morning – it was a great service again. I love this church; it’s such a loving community and also completely mad. We were making bouquets for our mums during the service.
After church we headed home and did the 'mum presents' with some champers before heading over to the pub opposite our house for lunch. As I speak Teresa, Chloe and my mum are all asleep (too much chardonnay) whilst I madly blog and pack.
We set sail at 8.30 pm from Portsmouth to St Malo. I’ll take my laptop and keep up with the blogging whilst I’m away. We’ve got a few jobs to do but should get some time off too. We are fitting a window in the front door because the hall’s too dark and sorting out the stair carpet. The bathroom is downstairs and you wake up the whole village clanking down the stairs for a wee at night! The photo above is the cottage from the front.
Sorry I didn’t get chance to post yesterday – it was a mad, busy day! Work, doing the 'dad = chauffer' thing and shopping – I hit the sack really early.
Mother’s Day today! My mum and dad have come down from Derby ready for our trip to France – we need to leave home at about 4.00 this afternoon. We all went to church this morning – it was a great service again. I love this church; it’s such a loving community and also completely mad. We were making bouquets for our mums during the service.
After church we headed home and did the 'mum presents' with some champers before heading over to the pub opposite our house for lunch. As I speak Teresa, Chloe and my mum are all asleep (too much chardonnay) whilst I madly blog and pack.
We set sail at 8.30 pm from Portsmouth to St Malo. I’ll take my laptop and keep up with the blogging whilst I’m away. We’ve got a few jobs to do but should get some time off too. We are fitting a window in the front door because the hall’s too dark and sorting out the stair carpet. The bathroom is downstairs and you wake up the whole village clanking down the stairs for a wee at night! The photo above is the cottage from the front.
Had a chat to Amy & James in yesterday - thought I'd share one of the phtos on my lap-top with you - good looking couple eh?
Hope you all had a great weekend. I’ll blog to you from France tomorrow night.
PS Health is good at present, sore mouth is slowly improving. Thanks for your prayers.
Dave xxxxxx
Hope you all had a great weekend. I’ll blog to you from France tomorrow night.
PS Health is good at present, sore mouth is slowly improving. Thanks for your prayers.
Dave xxxxxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
