There seems to be al lot of cute and gorgeous things coming into the world this year.

First , it was lovely little Oscar

And last week the amazing little Harry arrived on the scene.

Today the stork dropped off a little black furry bundle at Stu's house.

He is 8 weeks old and is at present nameless. Osca (other cat) is laying down the law and putting down the ground rules whilst trying to look like she's at all interested

Nameless making his home on a pile of papers

Don't Stop Me Now Cos I'm Having a Good Time......

This Easter week end has been fabulous , spending it with family and friends. The weather had been gorgoeus and it's felt like a real holiday.

I have been recovering from my 16 mile walk on Sunday. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be although I feel it more today than yesterday!!

Had another fab session yesterday with Wil. I managed to walk to New Park again. Although this picture looks as though it could have come from the Australian Outback it was actually the path I walked yesterday..and it's April!!

I'm really glad I found the way through the Forest now without having to call on the 'Rescue Services' and it saves me £3 bus fare!

I had good motivational chat with Wil yesterday. He asked me a question which started me on a train of thought and has made me really think about the future and given me a big reality check.

'You need to think why are you doing this?'

It was to make me really think about achievements, how far I have come and the purpose of training.

I suppose in everyone's mind you have dreams and daydreams. Some achievable some unrealistic. There are things in your life which you know are impossible to do for instance I now, can no longer be a Prima Ballerina, or an Olympic Athlete but that doesn't stop me enjoying those ideas and being interested in and supporting the arts or sports.

I guess in the back of my mind I was kinda training with an unrealistic ambition. I don't think I can give the World Class Triathlon Team a run for their money etc. But I can be set goals and go for those. E.g Race for Life and moving on to maybe doing a Triathlon short distance etc

With the kind of training I am receiving...I believe if I put my mind to it I can achieive things way beyond what I ever thought I could. Just by putting in the work and focusing.

For example, a year ago I never would have stepped into a gym and was on course for lifetime of yoyo dieting and uncomfortablity.

Now..... I have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of gyms and swimming pools. And have zealous passion for health and fitness!!

So it's not a negative train of thought

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As the Daisy Appeal, Sponsored Daisy Dieter is coming to an end it feels like this is only the beginning. Being fit for and enjoying life and enlargening my horizons rather than my hips.

Now I want to pass on the things I have learnt....so that is a way forward too

YAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Bunions?

Easter Day!!!!

Our Baby Bunny Harry

I walked 16 miles (25k)

Another family gathering ...brilliant..love em

I set myself a goal of walking 7 miles to Liz and Nigel's house in time for dinner. So I donned the walking gear and took on board the Frutellis, Take That, Scissor Sisters etc and off we went.

It was alovely day again and my route took me along the Itchen Navigation Way, following the river and the canal through water meadows.

I walked past the waterfall where my Dad proposed to my Mum. I really enjoyed my walk. Loads of people were also out walking and cycling, all happy and saying 'Hi'. I made a slight detour (lost? not me !!) annd added two miles on to the walk. But I made it!! And...in a moment of madness after a rest and a lovely dinner I decided I would have a go at walking back. The family were on standby with stretchers!! But I did that too. So I walked 16 miles today

Here are some of our easter pictures

Aunty Cat and Mog...... poor Harry has to get used to his family

Mog, Harry and Uncle Andy
Aunty Cat and Uncle Spud (with the good hair!!)

I forgot to tell you about my MRI scan I had on Wednesday. After being referred by a consultant to look at the inner depths of my right knee (not a pretty site!!!) I eventually got my appointment at Southampton, Mooregreen Hospital mobile MRI unit.

I was expecting to be transported to the Moon and the MRI scanner to propose a threat to the existance of the earth, (which will mean nothing to you unless you watched Dr Who last Saturday), but the staff were very friendly. They talked me through each stage.

I went into the scanner feet first because they were only taking images of my knee. The whole scan took about 20 mins and I managed to stay still the whole time!!

The scanner is really noisy, something to do with the force field but not scarey.

This is taken from a medical web page which explains it all..........

"How does an MRI scanner work? The patient lies inside a large, cylinder-shaped magnet. Radio waves 10,000 to 30,000 times stronger than the magnetic field of the earth are then sent through the body. This affects the body's atoms, forcing the nuclei into a different position. As they move back into place they send out radio waves of their own. The scanner picks up these signals and a computer turns them into a picture. These pictures are based on the location and strength of the incoming signals. Our body consists mainly of water, and water contains hydrogen atoms. For this reason, the nucleus of the hydrogen atom is often used to create an MRI scan in the manner described above. "

I makes you wonder how these things are discovered and worked out!!!

Oh it's such a lovely day...........

Sometimes you have one of those days that you feel you've packed a whole holiday into one day.

I started off by going down to Brockenhurst. As it was Good Friday the buses weren't so frequent so I decided to walk from the train station to New Park.

It was a lovely walk. The weather was beautiful and I walked through the heart of the Forest...gorgeous!!! It took just under an hour and I felt really refreshed afterwards.

Also had a fab session with Wil. We did a workout outside on the veranda overlooking the grounds. Did variety of resistance and cardio work..great fun but I'm feeling the muscles!!!

Went for a swim afterwards (ever with the image of Wonder Woman to work towards!!!)

Back home and I quickly nipped into town to get a few bits. As I was walking down the Winchester High Street I saw a group of excited people gathered round looking at the ground. I thought someone had collapsed but it the attention was focused on a duck and her 10 little ducklings waddling past the shops. The group followed the duck family as they were turning into and had to cross a busy road to get to the park. Not sure what happened as I went further on down the High Street but I think the crowd stopped the traffic for them. I managed to get a photo!!!

Then one of my favourite things...a family gathering in honour of my nephew, David's birthday.

Oi vey they grown up so fast and in his case very well. A brilliant nephew to have, he's lovely.

Baby Harry was there too with mum Jenny and dad Paul looking a bit shell shocked from lack of sleep...bless......

Harry has found that food is a good thing and that he has a voice to tell people so!!

Great Expectations

I'm a Great Aunt!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Jenny(my niece) and Paul

Presenting Harry who was born at 9.30 this morning, 8lbs 9 ozs. Proud, but slightly tired parents Jenny and Paul are doing really well.

Harry is gorgeous, quite chilled out consideriing what he had just been through. I had a cuddle for quite awhile as he told me all about it.

So now it is time to don my shawl and wrinkly tights and do knitting (if you saw my knitting you'd know that was a joke to start with).

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No Such Word As 'Can't'

My day started off with an early visit to the Gym at Winchester and the last of my inductions. and then hopped onto a train and went to New Park for a session with Wil.

I was met by Claire as I walked up the lane. It was good to see her but I'm not sure if she could see me so well as she is still having problems with her eye.

For a few minutes Team Wil was reunited!!

As I was an hour early I went for a walk in the Forest. Warning people on the Spa Reception that if I wasn't back in an hour to send out rescue parties.

The Forest was lovely. There was a mixture of inky blue clouds and clear blue skies, as you can see from these pictures I took.

I love the contrasts of the seasons in The Forest.

I walked for about 50 minutes and managed to get back without getting lost!!

Just caught Claire at the end of her session to say goodbye then it was my turn.

I have to admit I love Cardio work because really it's a case of getting fitter and faster but I am rubbish at resistance work and weights. I don't really practice enough which was very evident today!! Trouble is, I can't get away with not doing it as resistance work and weights are just as important if not a bit more important. These exercises build up and tone supporting muscles. Should just stop whinging and get on with it. Although it's hard work it's good if you have a PT you trust then you know nothing's going to fall off unplanned!!!

Going to make a real effort to do some exercises every day......and reduce the groaning

Had a fab training session with Wil tonight. After getting a bit lost and a change of plan we did some brisk walking around Brockenhurst. Well I walked and Wil cycled very slowly (for him) along side. It was great exercise, fresh air and amazing scenery.

Still managed to fire a few questions and showed my variety of comedy walks and jogs!

Wil on bike......

This is Wil in his Training Su Protection gear

It was dusk a bit hard to see.

Here I am steaming off down through the New Forest

This is my arty shot (well ok, haven't quite mastered the digi camera yet)I have entitled it. 'Front Wheel'...I feel a Turner Prize is on it's way

SUNDAY, SUNDAY

It's been a funny old week. Felt really zoned out. Although I have done exercise - last weeks totals... 20k walking/15k cycling/and some swimming - not enough. Not focused enough. I have put myself onto the proverbial naughty chair. I don't usually let anyone else off with excuses but... with people leaving at work and emotions and tenseness flying around and situations vacant not looking too helpful I've had a few things on my mind.

BUT....


Today I took myself off for a therapy 10k walk today. Walking is so good for sorting your head out.
I didn't time myself because I went exploring along the way. Usually I have my head down and don't see much scenery ( I asked a Marathon Runner once if it was exciting walking past the major tourist sites of London. He said that all you're really aware of is the feet of the person in front of you!!!).

I live only about 1 mile away from an ancient gorgeous little Saxon church, St Swithins. A great place to stop off. There is a little stream that runs by and all the spring flowers and blossom were out and even some rabbits hopping across the graveyard. Don't know why I have never been there before It would make a lovely picnic place in the summer.

Then about 4k further along the walk is the Farm shop next to the watercress beds.



Watercress is fast becoming known as a super food. It's good to be able to buy fresh bunches from the next door watercress beds.
Shop is a very good loo stop as well cos it's about half way. I remember working there when it was just a little shed and cutting my hands to ribbons as I made hundreds of Christmas Wreaths.
Eventually got home feeling so much better and ready to tackle another week. Going to up the exercise and set some more goals to work to.

Feeling on a high I decided to do some sorting out. I threw away all the clothes that are now far too big, unfortunatley it left a lot of space in the wardrobe. Then it was the turn of the Goldfish. Now I love my Goldfish but cleannig the tank is the job I hate. I have put off so many times as you can see by the colour of the water!!!
It was truly disgusting although the fish didn't seem to mind.
Their transition into the glass bowl was smooth and fast,

After spilling water over the floor and myself the tank was sparkly clean and Plato,(big orange one), Wilbur (Silver one) and Daisy (multicoloured one) moved back in slightly confused and a little shakey

First I have to say ..'I took these pictures Stu...I have finely worked out, with the help of nieces Jenny and Catherine how to get photos out of the camera onto the screen....and now....no one in safe..so if you're camera shy beware!!!!

Had a good day in Bournemouth today. I have started my training for the Race For Life event in June. On Sunday I did the 5k walk on the treadmill. It took me 50 mins 15, it was quite hard work and after a while you have to go into your own little world because otherwise you blankly stare into space and then realise you have been unwittingly staring at the gorgeous bloke in front of you for the last half hour!!!!

Today it was the great outdoors and I walked the course I'm going to walk/jog = jalk in June.

It was quite chilly in Bournemouth by the sea but I soon built up warmth as I put my determined face on and my music in my ears, and then it was full steam ahead. From Bournemouth to Boscombe Piers. Well what I thought was full steam, but I was taken over by a little old man fully clad in Lycra. I may change my mind about chasing those in Lycra!!!! Ewgh!!! All credit to him though, he didn't half move.

I made it there and back including a stop off for a quick loo stop in 53 mins 30. I have to remember to keep walking fast because I was merrily singing along to the music and strolling and then remembered I was supposed to be doing a time trial!!

One thing I was quite interested in was a rather dashing runner using the beach for interval training. The beach was being cleaned and ploughed and he was using the dents and troughs in the sand to add interest to his run.

At the end of my jalk there was a party clapping, unfortunately not for me but for the busker under the fly over by the gardens.

I met Wil and Oscar for a drink in town Oscar is growing up fast and is absolutely gorgeous and is a little charmer. Father and son very well colour co-ordinated...... both looking very well. Oscar and I had quite a conversation not sure of the full details but it was mainly based around food, sleep and world politics!!!. He is a strong little lad.

Walked back to the train station

Jenny and Paul's baby is due any minute...it's sooooo exciting. I think he is waiting till it gets a bit warmer. I am going to be a Great Aunt!!!! Another excuse to be completely barmy and get away with it!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PT WIL AND KATH ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

WELL DONE

Mothers Day

L to R Top David, Jenny, Paul,Catherine. Middle Nigel, Andrew, Liz, Mum. Bottom Me!!!!

Yesterday we had a family gathering for mothers day at my flat. It was fab!! My family are completely barking but absolutely amazing. My sister Liz who came in before her night shift at the hospital with husband Nigel. David who is nursing up in Chelmsford dropped in on the way back from a rehearsal with his brilliant Jazz band at Southampton Uni. Jenny who in on the verge of giving birth (B Date this Thursday) with husband Paul. Catherine who is doing really well and enjoying her Nursing Degree at Southampton Uni and boyfriend Spud (the one with nice hair), and Andrew the cool dude nephew..... and the one who is responsible
for most of them my Mum..oh and me of course. Thanks to Spud for Photos
It's always good fun when we all get together and we all had a lovely time.

Jenny's baby Gerald(nick name... don't worry) had hick-ups from inside and it was really wierd feeling it from the outside.

Have had a bit of a relaxed weekend with eating so I'm back on the case now. May need to do quite a few hours in the gym to regain ground... but I will do it . Although I did do a 10k bike ride yesterday on the exercise bike in 25 mins 47 and BP time for 2k walk in 19 mins 34

• This is Osca in her latest hiding place!!!
  

bIG oNE

Hurray the day has come. Get your Big One out and watch it grow!!!!!


A man walks into a hamburger shop and orders a regular meal. Later, the waitress brings his meal to him. He takes a bite out of it, and notices there's a small hair in the hamburger. He begins yelling frantically at the waitress, "Waitress, there's a hair in my hamburger! I demand to see what is going on!"
So, the waitress takes him back where the cook is and to his demise, he sees the cook take the meat patty and flatten it under his arm pit. He says, "That's disgusting!"Then the waitress says, "You think that's disgusting you should see him make donuts."

Move over Wonder Woman

This is me in the New Forest

.........ok it's my Alta-ego .....Wonder Woman..... but I gave her a good run for her money today.

Started off with a brisk walk in the Forest with Wil.... when I say 'walk' I mean he walks and I kinda trot behind. The Forest was gorgeous and the weather was beautiful, a real Spring day. I felt really invigourated.

After a cool down and a relaxing time in the Spa. I set off to do a Quarter Triathlon.

Started in the pool with 28 x 16 metre lengths of crawl (18minutes). I was so chuffed that I managed to do all the lengths in one go. I relaxed and breathed on every left stroke and just floated off into a world of my own. Fully Speedo clad of course!!!! I feel a Channel swim coming!!!!
Then I tried to get changed as quick as possible without falling over and straight onto the bike (well once I had sorted out the pedals and saddle height...with a little help!!).

10k on the bike in 21.12 mins

2.5k on the Treadmill in 25.07 mins

Total 64.19 mins... if you times that by 4 -a full Triathlon at that level (in easy level cos I didn't have any hills, wind or waves), would take me 4hrs 20ish. I expect everyone would have gone home by then...... it's usually done under 2 hours by the pros.

Still I enjoyed myself no medals, but a feeling achievement! Very tired and hats off to those who do full Triathlons....... but you never know...one day!!!!

Speedo Woman.............

Yesterday I added to my swimwear kit by buying a swimming hat. I thought about getting one of those with the flowers all over them, but no, I thought I'm going to go with the whole Speedo look. I have the Speedo goggles, the Speedo Costume and now the Speedo hat..........

I went to New Park Manor yesterday and before I went in for a session with Wil I went for a swim. So I donned my Speedo gear. In my mind I looked like a mean lean swimming machine. Unfortunately I glanced in a mirror as I walked past and I actually looked like a giant leech, something you might have seen on the early days of Dr Who!!! Luckily there was no one else in the pool, so I didn't frighten anyone.

It was quite strange, I was in my own little world with my hat pulled over my head and ears and my goggles on. I was able to concentrate really well on my stroke and managed 6 x 4 lengths of crawl with rests in between. Speedo hats are also good for instant face lifts because they stretch your forehead and although you look constantly surprised it takes away all the frown lines. Maybe I have found the alternative to Botox.

Had a rockin' Cardio work out with Wil. A real endorphine rush!!! Being the 'time of the month' wasn't at my best but instead of retreating to a nice warm chair and comfort eating I found exercise really helped.

A Pair of Presenters, A Pair of Trainers and a Pear

First of all CONGRATULATIONS to Big Sis Liz..she is now a Staff Nurse on strokes Ward at the RHCH Winchester. She has worked so hard to get qualified and is a brilliant nurse and is appreciated by staff and patients alike. Well done Liz we are very proud of you.

Yesterday was the Daisy Dieters' Weigh-in. Well I say 'Dieters' I was the only one that turned up.

Claire had an eye appointment at the time of the show, she has been suffering with a nasty spot on her eye and had a scan which has shown with medication can be healed and hopefully she'll be back to normal in a couple of days. Scary thing to go through though.

Luckily Wil made it through all the rush hour traffic and just got in, in time to run into the studios and sit in front of a mic. Andre Fergus a PT we met at the Christmas party also came in, only having 3 hours sleep.

There is a new slot on Solent Breakfast Show which takes place during the half- hour cross over of presenters Julian Clegg (6.30-9 am) and Jon Cuthill (9-12.30) - called Lifestyle. We had great fun chatting about losing weight, personal training and going to the gym.

The latest weigh in result was 14 stone11

92lbs off for Daisy Appeal -

11 Stone 13 off all together.

Next goals

The weight of Personal Trainer Wil 12 Stone 4 lbs (ish) - another 5lbs

100 lbs loss for the Daisy Appeal - another 8lbs to go

Half Original Body Weight 13 Stone 5lbs - another 1 Stone 6lbs to lose

In the Gym

After the show we hot footed it back to New Park Manor I went for a leisurely Steam, Bubble and Swim before a session in the gym with Wil. I stupidly left my food for the morning in the kitchen (well I woke up to find myself on a train to Southampton yesterday and hadn't really come to until I found myself sitting in the Radio Studios). So I was working in the gym, running on empty..... don't think I'll do that again!!! Learnt the hard way the disadvantages of having no fuel inside and trying to co-ordinate body, mind and soul. Wil explained why, and DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!

One of the movements I didn't do well on (in fact was almost sent to the naughty corner), was an exercise using the Glute and Core muscles for strength.

Standing upright, feet forward, knees slightly bent, Core muscles on, lifting on leg off the floor , just a little and then moving it side ways, foot facing front wards , other knee still slightly bent...but...not counter balancing by moving your body at an angle for balance. It only works if your body is upright so that your Glutes and Core are doing the work.

I was just rubbish at it. Maybe because I was tired and hungry and a bit of trying to break habits of a life time. I am really determined to get this one right...

When Wil did it he looked so graceful. I looked like a tree. BUT IT'S ALL ABOUT PERSEVERANCE. I get quite cross with myself when I can't do things correctly straight off. But sulking and stomping doesn't get me too far!! So best keep trying.

After gym I went for another swim and did some front crawl drills.

Back in Winchester I went to M & S and got a whole load of fruit and ate one the best pears I have ever had, it was gorgeous.

This will be me in a few weeks time

Had great fun chatting with Charlie Crocker (Radio Solent) ,on air yesterday. She was featuring on her show an article on Blogs as there were some awards flying around for the Best Blog of Britain(I think). She is lovely and bubbly and really easy to talk to. Her producer is Vicky Bartlett who used to work on the Julian Clegg Show and had a great part in coordinating and encouraging us Daisy Dieters.

Today I was in the gym with Wil. We worked mainly on Core and Leg muscles. Trying to lose a bit more weight before the BBC Radio Solent weigh in on Monday . Not going to starve myself but going to up the exercise a bit. Going to have a very active week end I think!!!