Newspaper article

Today several articles appeared simultaneously in various newspapers about my story and the collection of poems. It has been very hectic here, the phone hasn't stopped ringing, the e-mails continue to pour in, and interest in my little book with its big message seems to be spreading fast. Several months ago, when I started writing the first poem, I had no idea it would touch so many people near and far. Like throwing a stone into a pond, the rippling effect continues and I hope my "happy gene" spreads to you all. Wishing you good health.

Sleepless nights!

Like many Parkinson's patients, I can't sleep at night. If I do manage to fall asleep, it is only for a couple of hours, then I wake up. Trying to get back to sleep again is frustratingly difficult. Sometimes from sheer exhaustion, I will sleep a few extra hours, but sleep is always disrupted, and I now envy what I took for granted; a simple 8 hours uninterrupted deep refreshing sleep! 

The other night, I was in bed staring at the ceiling, and realising I was not going to fall asleep, I decided to get up. It was 02:30, so I tried to make as little noise as possible, trying not to disturb my family. I entered the kitchen so quietly, that I made our dog jump and for a split second she thought I was an intruder. She barked fiercely baring her teeth, scaring the living day lights out of me! I quickly talked in a gentle voice calling her name, to assure her it was just me, and not to attack. Thankfully, she realised within seconds, and stood down. Wow was she scary. I wouldn't  like to get on the wrong side of her, that's for sure. I may be chronically ill , but I clearly don't have a heart problem, for seeing a Dogue de Bordeaux ready to attack, barking, and showing those large fangs with 'shoe strings' of slobber hanging from her huge open jaw, would be enough to send some people into cardiac arrest!

Safety First

How does one know when to give up driving? It's a difficult question and a hard call to make. No one wants to lose their independence, but the thought of causing an accident, and hurting someone, makes me stop and seriously question my competence and ability. I stopped driving at night two years ago, and now only drive short distances within our little village. I have a feeling that my driving days are numbered, and it won't be long before I hand over my car keys. When one's judgment and reactions aren't as quick as they should be, and distance perception is impaired, I think it's time to call it a day. My life is changing, and I have to accept the fact. We all have to face things in life that we'd rather not, but when it comes to safety - there is nothing to debate.

Who doesn't love ice-cream?

I don't know if as we get older that one's tastes simply change, or that some of the Parkinson's medications I'm taking, are effecting my palette.

I NEVER used to eat ice-cream, and now love it. Of late, I would quite happily pass up eating a healthy nutritional meal to eat an ice-cream sundae, topped with peanuts, pieces of fudge, not forgetting the warm dark chocolate sauce liberally poured over the top. Let's face it, if you're going to be "naughty", then you may as well do it properly! I don't do anything by halves! Just in case you are wondering, I have it on very good authority, that there are absolutely no calories what so ever in this devilishly delicious decadent desert!!!! (if you believe this, you'll believe anything!)

I always used to eat water melon only at room temperature, but now thoroughly enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. Go figure!

I guess change is good, and one should embrace it, but I'd be interested to know if anyone else is experiencing similar odd changes regarding food, either due to medication, or that like me, you are no longer a spring chicken!

Have a good weekend!

Why is it on a golf course, having a "handicap" is a good thing? Being disabled, the word "handicap" doesn't summon up a positive image in my mind when playing sports. Does this mean that disabled people would feel at home on a golf course? I somehow doubt it, although I like the idea of whizzing around in one of those electric golf carts! What ever you are doing this weekend, have fun, and take time to rest, re-charge your batteries, and enjoy being with those you love. Wishing you all good health!

Getting Wheels

Getting a wheel chair was a huge step for me. Unfortunately I have reached the stage where I can no longer walk around a shopping mall, or along the promenade at the sea front, or join in on day trips with my family. My legs just don't want to know, it's like they've gone on strike, and they don't even belong to a Union! So it was either being left at "home alone" (sounds like a good title for a film!) or getting a wheelchair!  Well I wasn't about to be left out anymore, so one evening, we went to a shop along with the measurements and specifications the physiotherapist had taken for me, and the right wheelchair was chosen. Sitting in it, I felt really strange, almost surreal. I've sat in hospital wheelchairs, and at airports, but never been in a shop with the express intent on buying one for myself, to take home and keep! It took me a few days to get my head around this, but seeing it here at home, I came to terms with my new "chariot" (after all, many great ladies in history had their chariots - Helen of Troy, Boadicea, The Queen of Sheba - it's just mine doesn't come with horses!) It's been so long since I was at a shopping mall, now I have my "charriot" I can't wait to go! Although  suspect my husband's credit card is shuddering at the thought!

Lost sense

Losing my sense of smell, being one of the early signs of Parkinson's is very annoying to say the least. I used to know when a cake was ready just by using my nose. Now I have to rely very much on my kitchen timer, otherwise I would be serving my family burnt offerings. How I miss the smell of freshly baked bread that is still warm, herbs that have just been picked from the garden, the delicous intoxicating smell of chocolate, a powerful fruity bouquet of a good wine, freshly mowed grass, and smelly garlic bread strong enough to keep away the hungriest of vampires! All of us are guilty of taking things for granted, and only once they're gone, do we truly realise what we've lost. So when you smell something good today, appreciate your sense of smell.