End of May Update.

I hate bleeping GP receptionists. I went to register our micro-family at the doctors a few minutes ago, and she (madam hitler) practically told me to sod off and come back tomorrow. Anyway...

My good friend kathryn williams is about to start recording her already-written new record. She'll be off to the sticks with neill mccoll next week, so expect great things. You know you can always email on ryan@kathrynwilliams.co.uk for more info. Speaking of which, despite a grand total of 3 entries, the competition closes tonight at midnight. Hurry!

Molly had a funny experience the other night, in that michael locked her out all night without realising. She's never been left out before, and we only realised what had happened the morning after, when we couldn't find her. Michael looked outside, and apparently (because I was still in bed) she was sitting on the wall waiting to come back in! Poor Molly... she must love us if she came back!

My grandmother is still in hospital, she had two episodes of toxic shock syndrome so she's really been unwell; lung cancer, pneumonia, and now this. Hopefully, (and I do hope) that she'll be well enough to come home. After 5 weeks in hospital, she only started walking again yesterday. In her honour, I'm about to start a cook-book writing project, traditional home cooking - the welsh way! If anybody knows any great traditional welsh recipes, I'd love to see them - email them to me now! In bookshops January 2008. Yeah, right...

Michael is at work, whereas I haven't worked for weeks, nor will I for weeks. I got the job I wanted, and the salary, but my start date isn't until the 18th June. I can't wait! Then, I'll only be in work for about six weeks (I think) before we all leave for Sweden for a few weeks. That's if Kirstyn et al has applied for passports, etc. Mmmm. Are you reading this kkk?

To finish off, I've just heard the news that my mate Fern has failed her driving test. Sorry Fern, better luck next time! But then again, is it any wonder?! See what I mean:



And so, another month over... if I have more news, I'll share it, although its not very likely...

Raining....

Hello! It's almost 11pm here, its raining and I've spent the last half an hour in the garden (yes, in the pouring rain) digging up weeds, removing cat shit pulling up a ravaged shrub (sodding greenfly) and propping up wilting orange flowers. My sweet-peas are coming up a treat, and even the odd sunflower dares to shoot. And that's just the front garden! I'm 27 going on 70. I'm soaking wet (did I mention its raining?), dirty, muddy and I stink of god knows what. And do you know what...? I'm happy!

Almost got the start date at my new job, but no surprises - when asked to prove my previous income, which I did two weeks ago, the establishment lost them. Why am I not surprised. I guess the thing about getting old is that you still need the anti-d's, the odd Valium (I wish) but you seem to develop a wise-head on ageing shoulders. I mean, life can still be crap, but nothing surprises you anymore. The lines keep appearing under the eyes, the temples grey, yet there's still a scared, 16 year-old boy inside, hiding and hoping not to be found out.

Uh oh... almost lost it there.

Michael is upstairs talking to his Mum. I've barley spoken to him today. He went to work, came home, cooked dinner, had a bath and rang his mum. No me time tonight! But then, I'm being selfish. He has an interview tomorrow, which he has already got. The job, that is. He won't admit it; in fact he'd have you believe that he's a failure. I know he's good, he just doesn't keep the faith in himself. If he stumbles anywhere, it will not because of his ability, but because of his lack of self-confidence. We'll see what tomorrow brings (he's coming...!)

Tomorrow evening, my good friend David is coming over to help me install Vista on this Dell PC. So maybe I'll write a new entry tomorrow night from a lovely new operating system.

My grandmother has been transferred away from hospital, and is now in a more local district hospital nearer to home. Hopefully she'll be hope next week...

Otherwise, little all else to report! Apart from the ramblings of a mad man who's been watching too much "One Foot in the Grave."

Bye!

Finally...

At last, I seem to have a start date for my new job. All I need now is to have my salary confirmed. Mmmm. Anyway, it was my first day back after a two week break, which was to see my Grandmother. On Friday, she was admitted to hospital, this time with pneumonia. The radiotherapy seemed to have worked, and she has stopped coughing up blood. Next week, after 6 straight shifts, I'll be returning to visit Nan in Wales. Until then... work, rest, work, rest... and little else! ATB for now... Oh, you can find me on Facebook now, by searching for me by name. Tata!

an old low light photo collection

Molly on the wall...More new photos in two collections:
old low light
old low light #2
Byeee!

some new photos

I've posted some new photo's here, if you're interested. I've also got a facebook profile. Register for free, and just search for me using my name.

Had a tummy bug this weekend, so did Michael, so been lazing around most of the time, usually in the foetal position on the sofa! Did some gardening today, some laundry some housework, and Michael did a delicious roast chicken for dinner. Discovered a cool new singer called Frida Öhrn, who sings in a swedish band called 'Laura.' Check out the song called 'Release Me'... it's great. She reminds a bit of Anna Ternheim, another swedish songstress. Kaths forum is getting very quiet, despite the hard work we've been doing. There's a competition too :(

My nan starts radiotherapy tomorrow, and all being well I'll be home next week when I have about 4 days off.

It's michaels 24th birthday on Friday...

The Easter Report

Well, that was Easter. All over for another year, but thankfully this year I did more than gorge my chubby face on sickly chocolate. This year, I spent Easter Sunday with Michael and his family in Kegworth, eating gorgeous home-made pie and delicious home-made cheesecake. Almost heaven... Michaels Dad, Geoff tried to get me tipsy on G&T (STRONG!) and we played what seemed like 6 hours worth of Trivial Pursuit. I hate trivial pursuit. We also played pictionary, which I USED to like, until all hell broke loose and I was accused of cheating. It was Kirstyn.

I haven't got much planned for the week ahead, except three shifts at work. Hopefully more will come along, as we really need the money right now. In a few weeks, our friend beth is coming to stay again, which will be great.

My grandmother and her recent diagnosis seem to be going ok, all things considered. She's sounding upbeat and more accepting of her future now. Next week, she will hopefully start palliative radiotherapy, which could signal the end of her coughing up blood, one of the most unpleasant symptoms she has so far. I hope to go and visit her again soon, probably in a week or two.

neil and kathryn remain continually great; Kath really kindly sent me a promo-only copy of her previous relations album, and a copy of her latest venture, Words from the Garden. I've had a sneak-peak of the forthcoming video of 'when', the next single due for release off 'Leave to Remain' on Caw Records. Take a look at the latest here. Anyway, the video is brilliant - fans of kw; you're in for a treat! Here's a sneaky screen-shot from the shoot:

There really isn't much more to report for now. I've spent the day doing laundry and housework, so now I think I'll make a cuppa and put my feet up!

If you would like to email, that would be great, but posting a comment below would be even better!

Ry Xx

Fears Realised

On Friday the 23rd March, 2007, my mother telephoned me to say that my Nan has been diagnosed with lung cancer, with multiple secondary tumors.

Obviously, I felt numb, shocked, saddened and all the other things one expects. However, I have enough support around me, and enough clinical experience to tell me that this isn't necessarily a death sentence. We have been given an opportunity, a chance. The chance to say our goodbyes properly. The opportunity to plan and make arrangements and moreover, the blessing of being allowed to say the things we want to but have always held back. Things like how spending weekends and summers with my grandparents were among the very best days of my life. Times such as car journeys to the coast and digging up the garden. Memories of strawberry picking and baking in the kitchen with Nan. Just telling about how much love was shared between us, and how better my life has been enriched because of them... The much loved second-parents, commonly known as grandparents. She's not gone yet, so we'll have some fun, some whiskey and some cake... and probably a happy tear along the way. I love you Nan, and Gramp - I've never forgotten you. I love you; you were the father I always needed...

Goodbye for now, more soon no doubt... x

August 2008 Update to this entry: An Ending.... Read in this order:

Homeward Bound
Yesterday, The Day of the Funeral
Some old photos dug out, and fresh hells.

I'll write a reflection on this very soon, but not today...