What a week, Jabs, GP's keeping going...

Hi guys, what a week we've had!

I was right about needing time at home after the Flu jabs - Coo was poorly, he developed a cough and a temperature and additional seizures kicked in too - not an easy one to cope with but on the plus side I was absolutely fine and thank God for that!
We waited it out a few days in the hope things would settle and it was just some effects from the jab, but...no - never one to do things by halves - Coo got sicker and the dreaded vomiting seizures returned  so it was time for a rethink!
I'm always concerned when the vomiting seizures show up, we had a nasty bout of Aspiration Pneumonia before and it really was the worst of times! These seizures just makes everything scarier and so much more difficult to deal with. The noise, the choking, the fluids, the rest...getting the picture Yeah thought so...enough said!
#Visit to GP 1

Our GP is a lovely guy, he's good with Coo and he listens...so first things first, AED (Anti Epilepsy Drugs) are usually all over the place when Coo's ill and if they're too high (or too low for that matter!) things escalate so - bloods done, next - chest, he's prone to infection after Pneumonia and especially this time of year!
Everything seemed ok so we sat it out, stayed home and just hoped for the best - not really a good week.
#GP visit 2
Fast forward a week, things are no better, maybe worse so back we go!
Blood results are back...they're high, not toxic yet but too high! - safe range is 10-20 and Coo's currently at 25 - there's a concern but and it's a big but! He now has developed a chest infection and needs anti-biotics and this will all effect the drug levels too!
#Decisions, decisions...
Do we stick and see if they come down on their own? Do we reduce the doses and trigger yet more seizures? Decisions, decisions! I think that's one of the worst parts about caring, influencing and making decisions for another person and sometimes there really is no easy answer, you just gotta trust the judgement, hope for the best and hang on for the ride!
Caring sure is a roller-coaster ride at times and...it's never boring that's for sure!
We've talked it over and decided to wait for a few days and regroup - hopefully by then, we'll have caught a break and things will be back on the up!
Meantime, another week at home is on the cards.

To keep me sane I'll be soup making (this week it was creamed butternut and carrot!) and crafting and my passion...harping! Not the scolding, angry type but...the musical variety and judging by the photo, harpings been soothing people for the longest time! lol
Enforced time at home used to bother me, I used to feel hemmed in and kinda caged but as time has travelled along, it's easier and it so helps we have an SDS (Self Directed Support) care package in place. It means however bad things are I can still escape for a bit and more importantly - sleep soundly a few nights a week!

Onward and upward!
 As my granny always said - "It's a good life if you don't weary"
so...here's to not wearying!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carer Roller-Coaster ride & Harping on...

Hi guys, it's been an up and down kinda week. You could say, we're back on that roller-coaster ride again!

Coo's blood/drug levels are yet again problematic...
The safe range is between 10 and 20 and Coo's latest results? 24! - Ok, choices, do we reduce the doses again or do we stick, sit it out and see what happens?
We're not quite sure yet, Coo's seizures are no worse, he's stuck at around 10 a day but then again, it's been A lot worse and we coped. Only thing is, he's really sleepy but he's coping and usually any changes just set it all off again!
I think we'll see how things are overnight and regroup in the morning!
I've been keeping busy, while stuck in at home so I've had plenty of time to...harp! lol

I love it, it's just so very soothing to lose yourself in the music for a wee while, I guess, it takes me somewhere else and on a difficult day, that can be a real good thing!
Don't worry I don't really dress like this while harping - well not often anyways! lol  but this photo just goes to show that harping has been around for the longest time!


Whatever your passion is, be it music, crafts or cooking, give it a bash! I say, anything that helps you cope and stay healthy, hale and hearty and doesn't hurt anyone...is ok in my book!
Keep strong
(((hugs)))
Maz x

On the up again...

Hi guys, Coo seems to be on the up again!
His temperature is down and while he's still sleepy, he's been more alert and awake today! woo hoo!
I guess we've weathered another storm - well for now anyway!

While he's been poorly, I've been keeping busy.

This time, I've come over all Nigella Lawson and took to the kitchen!
Recipes for all number of weird and wonderful goodies have been tried out! The latest being the lovely Rocky Road bars and very nice they were too!

I'm glad Coo's feeling better.
He's had a right old struggle this month so hopefully we're over the worse of it for a wee bit and things stay a bit more settled!

I hope you're doing ok and having a settled time where you are too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Coughs and sneezes do indeed spread diseases...

Hi guys, it's true...coughs and sneezes do spread diseases!

After our visit to the Hydro last week, Coo has been poorly. It's always a real possibility when mixing in a big crowd. After a vicious tangle with pneumonia a few years ago, Coo's immune system was left impaired, making him susceptible to infection.
He had a temperature for a few days then a sniffle and the latest blood results confirm his white cells are raised again so no flu jabs this week - they've been postponed for now.

We've been mostly at home this week, just living quietly.
Coo's been sleepy too so I've been pottering around with my crafts, cake baking and...eating too! lol
I found a recipe for an easy lemon drizzle cake and decided to give it bash and it really was...easy peasy lemon squeezy! lol
I do so love the smell of baking in the house, this time it was lemony snicket tasty! lol

I raided my wee greenhouse for the last selection of Tomatoes too and made some creamy tomato soup. It's all in the freezer as I love nothing more in winter than homemade soup especially from my own tomatoes!

Comfort foods - in winter, you just can't beat them!
I hope things settle soon but for now, I'm keeping busy and catching up on all the wee jobs that have been hanging around waiting for ages!
Keep cosy and keep strong too!
Hope things are settled where you are!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Sunshine, jam and strawberry tarts...

Hi guys, it's been a great summer so far!

The sun is still shinning! woo hoo
We've been at home mostly this week as Coo's been poorly but we're doing ok!
...and while Coo's been asleep...I've been busy! lol
Remember those millions of strawberries growing ruby red in our garden?
Well...
You've just got to use natures fruits haven't you? 

Especially when they're so abundant and free! lol So...

cue some lovely jam and better still....

Strawberry tarts - now, just who could resisit!

 

 Strawberries are by far my most favourite fruit! I kinda like the way they just do their own thing and regardless the weather, they succeed, survive and make something really kinda wonderful!

I've  a feeling I'll need to ride my cycle quite a bit to work off all the strawberry tart eating but you know what? It was so worth it! lol

Why not have a wee strawberry tart too?
Go on treat yourself - you deserve it! lol works for me!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Worries, woes and time-outs...

Hi guys, it's been a rough few days here.

Coo has really struggled!
Our grandbaby Jessica was due to have surgery yesterday and we've both found things really stressful over the last few days and to cap it all, Coo's had an increase in seizures to boot!
I had hoped after Jessie's surgery yesterday, things would calm a little but sadly further surgery is required so we're still need deep in seizures and stress for the moment!

We had an unsettled night again, a lot of struggle and eventually gave up on sleep around five this morning. - not so good you'd think but actually it worked out ok!

After a mid-morning nap Coo decided, it was such a beautiful day, he wanted to get out for a wee while on his bike - woo hoo!
We had a great time!
We managed to get to the park and the sun stayed out for us too - result! lol

The park really is a favourite place for us, there's a lovely cafe where the pace is nice and restful so we stop there for a wee cuppa and a seat for a while and take time to gather ourselves together for the return journey! lol

Having our bikes has made such a difference for us. It's so great we were able to use our SDS (Self Directed Support), budget to fund them and what a boon they have been - I feel fitter now than I have in years and that must be a good thing!

I'm glad we got out on our wee bike-ride!
It was just what we both needed - some exercise out in the fresh air, a change of focus from our current worries and a wee while out of the house in the sunshine!
I guess cycling, makes me feel free for just a little while and I suppose that too is good for me!


Coo's been sleepy and seizing since we came back but that's the kind of see-saw lifestyle we have and I guess you have to grab with both hands those little sunny moments when you can!

I hope you've had some wee sunny moments too this week,
(((hugs)))
Maz x

A wee time out...

Hi guys, things are on the up today! woo hoo

Thank goodness, Coo was feeling a bit better today and the sun came out too so...

We made the most of it, got out our bikes and went for a wee spin and it was fun!
I guess it's the feeling of freedom that makes it so enjoyable for Coo and I. It's so very welcome too after a spell of feeling so poorly and shut in at home!

We didn't go far mind you, just along to Looby's house and after a stop over pit-stop, for a wee cuppa and a chat, well...we cycled back home again! lol

I'm glad we were able to use our SDS (Self Directed Support) funding to buy our cycles. We really have had such fun with them and I think our fitness is slowly improving too!

What a fun wee time out we've had and if things are ok maybe it'll not be long before we can have another wee re-run!

I hope you're having a wee time out where you are too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Happy Birthday Coo...

Hi Guys, it's Coo's birthday today so...

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you! lol

Luckily today, the weather behaved and although cold and a little frosty, it was a lovely dry today  so...we got out a wee run on our bikes...woo hoo!

We don't go far as Coo tires easily so it's lucky, Looby stays near by.
We popped in to see Baby Jessica too and had a wee cuppa along the way!

We managed to buy our bike using some of our SDS (self directed support) funding and they've been a real boon!
We're having lot's of fun cycling and who knew we'd enjoy this so much? They've been brilliant fun and as Coo's been really sleepy the last few days so a wee while out was just what we needed!
I think the fresh air has done us the world of good, it's certainly blown the cobwebs away that's for sure! lol
We've visitors coming over for tea and cake later so Coo's gone for a wee sleep.
All in all, I think he's had a good birthday.

Happy Days!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

A wee return to childhood...

Hi guys, I've been a little ways down memory lane today!

Do any of you remember these wee characters?



They're the Moomins!
When I was little, I loved them and read them...a lot! lol
Now, just has what prompted this wee return to my childhood?
Well, someone bought me a revised edition for Christmas and it's brought back the same joy for me today as when I was little and...just how cool is that! lol

It seems the books Tove Jansson wrote over 90 years ago about her Moomin family, are still as popular now as ever they were and that's really no surprise! The stories and her wonderful artwork have allowed them to stand the test of time.

I'm a lucky girl and what a thoughtful gift too!
I guess it's nice to return to your childhood every once in a while. I think it's good for the spirit too!

So...
I'm off to read some more!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Halloween...

Hi guys, Happy Halloween!

I remember my kids singing this wee Halloween song when they were little...

Halloween is coming!

  Halloween is coming,

     Skeletons will be after you!

   Witches hats and big back cats...

 Ghosts and goblins too-oo-oo!

Just where does the time go I wonder?
We're having a quiet time as Coo's still poorly,
I hope you're having a lovely time where you are though!

Happy halloween holidays!

(((hugs)))

Maz x 

Quilting is Quite brilliant fun...

Hi guys! I've been trying my hand at quilting recently and it's been great fun!

Some lovely ladies from a local craft group came to visit my wee Carer meeting a few weeks ago and well, you know me, I like to try out any kind of crafts!
I was totally enthralled by all the lovely fabrics and just what the ladies had managed to create with them...I was hooked! LOL

Now, I've never really used my sewing machine much, if truth be told I actually bought it for my daughter some years back and have only, occasionally tinkered with it...until now that is!  Just like McDonalds say...I'm lovin' it! lol

Bearing in mind, I wasn't really confident on my own at all and it's not a quiet craft that I can do while Coo's sleeping either (sewing machines make a bit of a racket don't they!) so my quilting time has been a bit limited. Even though, I've  really only been working on my quilting for a couple of hours on a Friday, in three visits, I've managed to turn this wee pile of scrap material...



Into a wee baby's first Christmas quilt for wee baby B, our eagerly awaited Grand-baby!

So what do you think?




Now, some of the seams are a little bit wonky here and there, and it's definately not a work of art but...

I'm really rather pleased with it!

Wee baby B will know in years to come that Grandma made her very first quilt just for him or her! lol

I'm finding more and more that crafts and new experiences, really give me so much back, they make me smile and I have a real feel-good factor too. I think they're a bit of an antidote to the other stressful parts of my life and that can only be good for me!

I hope your happy too, try some crafts - it sure works for me! lol

(((hugs)))

Maz x

Settled...

Hi guys!
Things are a little bit more settled here and Coo's doing much better! Thank goodness for that!
Best of all...the sunshine has made a comeback! Woo hoo!

My pretty Tigerella tomatoes are coming on a treat! They taste really sweet too and are so much better than the shop-bought ones - result! lol

So, how was this week?
Well, basically it's all good! lol
I'm just enjoying the slower pace after last weeks struggles with Coo! I hope things stay settled 'n' sunny for a wee while - I sure could do with the rest! lol

Now, here's a thought...sunny care free days...wouldn't that be nice!
Hold that thought...
I really love this image, it seems to say freedom to me and it always makes me smile even when the sun doesn't shine!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

How does your garden grow...

Hi Guys, well how does my garden grow?...pretty well I'd say!

In the greeny...


My fancy Tigerella (stripey) tomatoes are just peeping out and they're looking pretty good so far!
I hope they're as tasty as they look!


Remember the T.V. advert...Beans means H***ze?
Well mine sure are not the fancy brand named ones! lol

What do you think?

They're looking pretty hot!
I think it's those zingy flowers!
Who knew about them? I didn't!
They're a really vivid tangerine shade and look good enough to eat!
Let's hope the beans are too!



Last but not least...
The strawberry patch!


These are all wee alpine ones and there are a lot of them ready just now - woo hoo!
...and the bigger ones?
Well, they're still green and in need of some serious sunshine to help them along!


I've had a happy few hours in the garden today and it's been great. It all seems to be sprouting up everywhere!

Let's hope for some sunshine to help those strawberries along or at least some warm sunny thoughts to be going on with! lol
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Sunny Days and Carers...

Hi guys - the sun has made a come back...yeah! lol

It's been cold, grey and very wet here over the last few weeks, infact give or take a day or two, May was pretty much a rainy month!

June has brought some lovely sunshine with her and I'm delighted! My strawberries are all in flower now and I'm excited at their promise of lovely fruit to come!

Even the flowers look sweet and pretty don't they!
Coo and I, have been taking things a little easier this week and spent some more time at home. The warmer weather makes him feel really tired so it's easier managed if we can stay home more, especially in the afternoons when he seems to tire most.

I must say though, for someone who doesn't like gardening, Coo's been pottering around today! I'm hoping this gardening lark is a wee bit infectious as he sure could do with some fresh air around him!

The sun so cheers and lifts the spirits doesn't it! It's just so soothing to feel it's warmth on your face!


Grey days make for grey moods so...
let's hope we all have some sunny days!

Happy thoughts,
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers day out...

Hi Guys, things are still a little difficult here at the minute.
Coo's still very sleepy and that only means yet more seizures.

We're ok, we're still hanging on in there!
I think it's the bloods and the AED (anti epilepsy drug) see-saw effect is with us yet again. I'm sure they levels are too high and the next tests are not due till next week - I guess time will tell!

Mean time, we've been living quiety at home, well...that's apart from the wee while out I managed to snatch on Monday! lol
My wee Carer group had arranged a walk and some lunch (we're trying to keep fit!). Anyway, the sun came out and it was a great couple of hours away!

Spending time with other Carers always raises a smile.
We all have such different caring roles but the thing is, we all understand and I guess that's where the bond is!

Back to the wee day out...
Bearing in mind, my wee green house and recent plant growing efforts, guess where we went?
...On a short coastal walk and some lunch in a garden centre cool or what! lol

The treacle scones were wonderful!
You know what? If I close my eyes...I can almost taste 'em all over again! lol


Lastly, a saw some of these...
Now, aren't they the most unusual tomatoes you ever saw - I thought they were anyway!
So...
I brought a couple of wee plants home with me!
You didn't think I left them there on the self did you and at 99p they were a bargain! lol

Hope you're having some fun where you are too - keep smiling!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers care for herbs too...

Hi guys, Coo's been poorly this week, he has a temperature and has been very tired so there's been a lot of seizures.
So, while keeping an eye on things...I've been keeping myself busy pottering around the garden.

After a real nasty start this morning (monsoon style!), this afternoon turned out sunny and bright! woo hoo!
You can probably guess what I've been upto and if not -
Here's a clue...lol I've been sorting out the new herb bed!
All those seeds I planted earlier and then popped in the green house are at last ready to go it alone in the garden! Yeah!

It's looking good and I think when Coo wakes up, he'll be surprised at the change!

Now, let's hope for some nice sunny weather to help them along a little!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Pear Trees who knew!

Hi Guys, I went to buy a fruit tree and bought really nice wee pear tree but when I got it home it turns out it doesn't produce fruit!

Confused? I was! LOL

Apparently, some pear trees need a friend or they can't grow fruit! Now come on, is it just me or would you think pear trees can make pears...yeah thought so! LOL

Anyways, a quick info check with my favourite search engine and it's true some pear trees are sterile, they need a pal to work and here's the technical bit it's called cross pollination - who knew! I certainly didn't!

It's for my greenhouse and as I don't have room for a pal, said, cute wee pear tree had to be taken back and swapped for a...


...niffty wee peach tree that can go it alone instead! LOL


Coo's been poorly and asleep today so he's no idea I've exchanged the pear tree! I wonder if he'll notice the difference!
Decisions...decisions, should I come clean or just wait and act surprised when the fruit appears! lol

Let's hope everything in the garden's Peachy!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

It's up! lol

Hi Guys, my wee greenhouse is up and raring to go and it's just as well as my propagator was beginning to burst at the seems! lol

I don't know who the company were talking about when they said allow 1 day for construction.
Coo and I took five days in total! Mind you we were taking our time and doing only a few hours each day but it was hard pretty going and the instructions sure were a puzzle!

None of the picture diagrams made any sense at all!
In the end youtube saved the day as some clever person had uploaded videos about how to build it and thank goodness for that!

All's well that ends well - my wee greeny is up and running and my wee plants are already happily getting used to their new home!
Now...decisions, decisions...
Happy days and (((hugs)))
Maz x

Growing fun, hope for sun...

Hi guys, I'm so excited!

Why?...

I don't know about you but I'm really indecisive when it comes to buying something expensive and especially if it's just for me so I thought about it for a few weeks, couldn't make my mind up and deliberated with the 'do I really need this' talk too!

After much deliberation and a hundred will I...won't I's, Coo took the decision in the end and pressed the button to order this...!

Guess what? Yesterday my wee greenhouse arrived! Woo Hoo!

Now i just need Coo to be well enough and the sun to shine for a few days so it can be erected!

Wish us luck with that one!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Sunny days...

Hi Guys, the sunny weather is back for a bit and...

...it's brought all the wee flowers with it too! woo hoo!
I've been so enjoying the warmer weather and pottering in the garden!

Coo's been poorly again, his blood test results are up 'n' down like a yoyo at the minute so he's been struggling to stay awake and stave off the seizures.
Main thing is we're hanging on in there and we're still doing ok!

I must admit though, just to feel a wee bit of the sun's warmth on my face is such a bonus, it's given me a bit of a boost!

I sure hope the sun sticks around for a wee while as I could use the wee bit cheer it usually brings along with it.

Happy thoughts,
(((hugs)))
Maz x