Old year...new year...

Hi Guys, new year is almost upon us!
Where has the year went? - It's time for a think...

You know, I used to get a bit stressed at the thought of a new year coming.
I used to worry about the things I said I'd do throughout the year and just didn't get around to, you know the kind of thing...lose a few pounds in weight, hold onto a few of the other kind of pounds and save for a rainy day...that kinda thing! lol

One thing being a Carer has taught me is to slow down a bit and just take a breath! The world still turns just the same while you catch your bearings a bit. Mainly it's taught me just to count my blessings a little and be thankful for making it through the last year safely in the first place! LOL

I guess, most people take that kind a thing for granted...good health, I mean!
While you are well and busy hustling and bustling about your life at such a great pace, you never need to give a second thought to such things. You can plan well into the future for work, holidays or pretty much anything you fancy and it's only when something happens to you or your loved ones that you really need to stop and think at all!

I think that's probably what I miss most. All the planning and looking forward to things, the certainty and order of it all. It sure was a lot easier when finance was the only issue to getting things done and we could both climb a mountain if we wanted to!
On the other hand, this slower pace of life has it's upside too! We have both learned how to adapt and find a way - there always is one - it's just finding it that's the tricky part! LOL

2010 hasn't been a bad year, well, not really!

We've had major trials and problems with doctors and meds and there's been lots of stress over that but other things have buoyed us up too!

** Coo's no worse and not nearly as bad as the dreadful 30 siezures a day all through 2007 - 8! Things are not brilliant by any means but they're a wee bit better than they were and that's a bonus in itself!

** With help, we made it all the way down to Getna and right through Looby & Stevens wedding! and what a brilliant day that was!

** I re-discovered lots of fun with crafts and hobbies from jam and fudge making to weaving and jewellery! Woo Hoo

** The garden was a bit of a refuge at times too - from peas and potatoes, to salad veg. and fruits - I had a ball, planting, growing, jamming and storing loads of goodies!


...so it's goodbye 2010! I'm feeling happy and optomistic about the new year ahead.

I hope you're feeling happy too and...
'a' the best when it comes - Slainte Mhath!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers and Christmas shopping...

Hi Guys,
I guess most Carers have been in this situation at one time or another!
a) When can I fit in some time to get those last minute Christmas shopping done.

b)If he's got to go with me...how will I distract him long enough to secretly get him a little gift too!

After the hustle and bustle and the real joy of Looby's wedding a few short weeks ago, we decided it'd be a bit of a low key event this Christmas.
Not that we ever go really overboard anyway, it's usually little thoughtful things we buy one another and anyway fundings usually tight too - when is it ever anything else where Carers are concerned :-o

Carers Allowance doesn't go far when it comes to buying little extras does it! Although it's amazing what little, inexpensive things you can find around town (if you get the chance that is!) and I suppose it helps that I make my own scarfs, jewellery, jams, soaps and lotions and potions too! lol

It's always nice to receive something personal don't you think?

I must admit as our kids are grown now, it's not such a frenetic hustle and struggle to get the 'must have' toy or designer clothing and I truely don't miss that struggle! lol but What I do however miss, is having little people around at Christmas time, all that wonder on their faces and sparkly eyes peeping out expectantly!

I guess that's why I'm so big on Community Christmas events and having fun and I guess too, that's why I don the pointy ears and elf suit each year and help out the big man in red!
It's real nice to share some fun with the little ones and spread some Christmas cheer along the way!

I'm going to chillout a bit, drink some hot chocolate and tomorrow I'll hit the shops but...let's worry about that later!
I hope you're not too stressed out in the Christmas rush - and if you're beginning to feel it...drink lashings of hot chocolate...it surely works for me! LOL

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Brrrr Winter Snow...

Hi Guys, I think winter it now in full swing!

The garden has been white with frost for over two weeks and it's so dark in the mornings too and before you know it, it's back again by tea-time!
This moring, yet again, I had to scrape ice off the car and my hands ended up a nippy shade of pink - luckily they matched my jumper! LOL

It's official...the frosty weather front is here to stay...so hats are on, scarfs and mittens too, everytime I need to pop my nose outside the front door at all - any excuse to don a cute bobble hat! lol

I must admit though, I'm one of those people who love the snow! Everything looks so clean and pretty and you just want to run around leaving footprints everywhere...or is that just me!

So 1-2-3...
Roll on more snow - enough to make a decent sized snowman at least! LOL

One like this would be nice...

What's to like about winter anyway?

Big jumpers, woolly hats, loads of hot chocolate eating!Mmmm
Cosy socks, cheery smiles and rosey cheeks too!
Oh...and Christmas! just around the corner! Woo Hoo

Now where's my tree went?
I have a sneaky suspicion we'll be...decking the halls soon!

Coo had a good day yesterday, he unexpectedly picked up his guitar to join me in a song!
I play my harp most days for a wee while and sometimes he decides to join in too! so yesterday...it was an impromptu Christmas concert just for two and it was fun!

I'm feeling happy and a bit more rested today and I hope you're cozy and happy where you are too!

(((hugs)))
maz x

Carer's Christmas song...

Hi Guys!

Well, it is that time of year yet again! LOL

so...here goes!

When you’re a Carer (sung to: Frosty the snowman!)

When you’re a Carer
You need to keep on top.
You’re a doctor, nurse and chemist too,
Everything seems left to you.

When you’re a Carer
Forget about your own life.
It’s second place, if you’ve got space,
muddled in with all the strife.

(Change tune!)
It’s thanks to other Carers
That we manage to stay sane.
It’s only other Carers who,
can understand the strain!

When you’re a Carer
Strength is needed too.
A helping hand and a smile or two
And the Carers sail on through!

My little Carer group sang this last week to entertain other Carers!

Sending some happy Christmassy thoughts your way!

(((hugs)))
maz x

A winter wonderland wedding?

Hi Guys!

A winter wonderland?...it sure was!LOL



Everything went beautifully. The trip down from the coast to Gretna was lovely. There was crisp snow underfoot and sunshine overhead so I guess we had a break in the weather and God was smiling on us!

Here's our lovely Looby and her brand new handsome husband!

Another one at the famous...kissing gate!

Awwwwww they are a sweet wee couple!

Coo's new meds are beginning to help a little, thank God!
They seem to be giving him some energy and helping to keep him awake so that's a big improvement already! He managed to last all day on the journey and still dance his daughter at her wedding too!
Now that is a stunner!...usually he'd have been dead on his feet by then! LOL

I'm so glad, Coo was well and things went so smoothly, it was a really happy, smiley, family day!

It sure was a 'winter wonderland wedding' and we all had a perfect day!

(((hugs)))
maz x

Wonderful winter wedding...

...well I hope so!
It sure is dancing penguin weather! lol





Look at the local beach today...



Our travel plans are in chaos!
Some trains are running and the main route is open today so fingers crossed we get to Gretna tomorrow and on time too!

Fingers (and everything else) crossed too!

A bit of a flapping mother of the bride! lol
maz x