Hurray!! I did my first 10 k walk since the knee op. I read that after a knee op your knee is bound to ache, ache is ok but pain is not. Differentiating between ache and pain is not easy but I am not getting sharp pains just aches after being used . So I'll persevere unless it falls off, then I might go a bit easy.
So my walk was a bit slower than usual and the last K was a bit achy. I had my heart rate monitor on and it was really interesting to see how your heart changes pace.
Half way through the walk I stopped at a Farm Shop and brought some gorgeous bread flour , and some huge coxes apples and then realised I still had 5k to walk. It was interesting to see my heart rate went up by 5-10 bpm carrying that extra weight, so that was a bit of a warning.

Managed to get back home and after a 20 min rest went down to the gym and did 20 mins of Cross Trainer, Lat Pull Down, Cable Wood Chops, High Cable Rows and Chest presses.I thought I might wake up with knee trouble but it wasn't any different from usual

Two more working days to go and then I am done! And then it's full throttle towards the PT Course. I am so excited but of course nervous. Retaining information is a challenge at the moment. Put some info in and some has to fall out to make room.
Information is more relevant when it's more relevant!! I think!!

Oh and by the way..........

What a lovely Christmas that was. After months of training and studying in the school of Santa the season was fab!!
We had our traditional big family dinner and present giving. Harry had his first ever Christmas. Not particularly interested in presents but the silver ribbon was fascinating.
Nigel and David did a grand job with the catering.
All kitted out for my course and to smell like a garden!!!Also have a computer thingy for drawing which is great cos I can draw anatomical diagrammes straight onto the computer and funny faces on people!!
Dvds of Billy Conolly, Scrooge the musical which I saw once a very long time ago and had an inkling of one song but only remembered two lines of it now I'll be able to sing to my heart's content, just to warn you!!
I had a pack of exercise bands too. I am not sure what you call a collection of exercise bands, a pack, herd, set,.... very useful!!
I also got a little version of Bartley (stu's cat) that doesn't need feeding or cough up hair balls very cute I will introduce him later.
Now for the big work off of all the mince pies, christmas cake and yummy food.

I woke up this morning on the Cross Trainer and managed 30 mins and a bit of shoulder pressing and lat pulls. Going to build up gradually. Have new swimming goggles and hat so I am licensed to go back in the pool costume willing!!


The last view of the Santa Clauses before they go back to the mysterious place for next year.

Little Harry did very well on his first Christmas and was a little charmer!!

Mum and Sarah discussing Christmas present opening tactics

Jenny and David who seems to have grown an extra head!!

Happy Christmas Everyone!
have a great time

Yet another fabulous Thursday. The train journey to Bournemouth was beautiful, the Forest was covered in frost, very Christmassy.
Met Wil by the pier for a PT session. I am not exactly a vision of health at the moment, with a wonky knee and the remains of flu. Still we managed a walk along the sea front, I hope I never take it for granted because I am so lucky to be able to train in such beautiful surroundings. We then walked up the ziggy zags and did some work with exercise band. A dear little old lady gave us some encouraging remarks as she went by and said she used to be a physio therapist. She disappeared before I could get my knee out.
Fab and fun Christmassy PT session, last this year............ooo it's going so fast.
Next I met the Gorgeous Stu for lunch and his friend (see below).

Then it was on to have a massage at Premier Pavilion. Slightly apprehensive about the course so it was good to be in the pavilion and chat with the people there. Had a great massage, so nice to be pampered for an hour, getting used to the idea of sports massage and the arghlllllllgh factor!!
Only five days to Christmas, looking forward to a lovely family time. Going to get into doing some gym over the next 2 weeks and regain some territory.

Last night I went to see Maddy Prior in concert in Salisbury with Gorgeous Stu and his Mum and Dad, Reg and Maureen. It's the very essence of Christmas. Maddy and the Carnival Prior orbit the earth every other year at Christmas if you can catch one of her concerts I highly recommend it. Absolutely bloomin' MARVELLOUS.
She sings new and medieval folk carols, with copies of original instruments, it's such a great sound. Our row was visibly melting in chritmassy ecstasy.
It was doubly wonderful because I went to Wagamamas with Stu and another gorgeous young man before hand.
My cold is a lot better and my voice is coming back

The lovely Maddy, last night, you may know her from Steeleye Span.
http://www.maddyprior.co.uk/


Carnival Band on stage

Oo it's not fair. Been eating really healthily, taking supplements of all kinds, and doing exercise and this weekend I came down with a whopper of a cold. It's my fault I've been boasting how I haven't had a cold for 18 months, now all those bugs are having a hay day. My nose is becoming something Rudolf would be proud of. All I want to eat is comfort food. I've been, off work a little but had to go back.
Just got to surf the germ wave.I so want to go out and do the gym or power walk but my legs seem want to stay in the warm. I know it will pass but I want to get healthy for January. Argggggghlllll!!

Joining the Elf Club!

Yesterday we had a Santa Tea to celebrate Saint Nicholas' day (6th December). All the family came except poor Sarah who had to work. It was soooooooooo Christmassy . I had been looking forward to it for ages and we had loads of fun, as always with my family. My flat has been taken over by lots of Santas, due to one of his elves being very kind and posting lots of goodies.


How about this for a cute photo. Harry the little elf stole the show.


Harry tries to sort out my Christmas light for me. His mum had to take over as most things go towards his mouth, didn't want him to light up from the inside!!


We had great discussions about how Santa was doing.


Harry has a Christmas story

Elfing Around

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1239564279

Have a look at this and have a go yourself it's so much fun

Another fabulous Thursday
After a long break from gym work I had a fab and fun PT session with Wil in a little gym in darkest New Forest. I am a bit nervous sometimes of using the knee but I felt really excited because I could do steps ups and chest presses, and all manner of things with a dyno band!! Which I snapped (sorry Wil) . well when I said I could do....I was a bit rusty. Interesting post op things such as sitting on the floor and getting up off the floor, I forgot I hadn't done that. So I sat on the floor and pondered how I could get up. Luckily Wil gave me a time limit, but it was strange trying to make my mind think, this isn't going to hurt as much you think it is.
So now it's a case of building up gym work again.
I keep having little explosions of excitement about the course, which can be a little alarming if you're standing next to me.!!

After gym went to Bournemouth and snuck a look at the sea before meeting Gorgeous Stu, which I was quite late for (sorry Stu) but there were loads of men in wet suits surfing by the pier!!!
One particular surfer was just putting on his suit which did look a bit painful I asked him if I could take a photo of him going into the water and this gorgeous Italian accent said I could. Anyway apart from swooning I must have been shaking a little because that picture came out very fuzzy but there is one below.

Had a lovely time with Stu, Bartley and Osca the cats and then off home on the train. I always feel a bit sad when Thursdays are over but Christmas is on it's way and we are in Advent, the best time of the year.

Cider Vinegar and Honey

Sounds a bit like a Miss Marple episode. I am having a go at taking Apple Cider Vinegar with honey to help with the Osteoarthritis. I managed to find a mixture in Holland and Barratt. A litre bottle of 'Honegar'.Have a look at these sites

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cider-vinegar-and-arthritis.html
http://www.health4youonline.com/nutrition_facts_osteoarthritis.htm

In the morning I put a tablespoon of Honegar in a glass of water take 10 steps back, undergo some diaphragmatic breathing and run towards the glass, picking it up and drinking it as quick as possible. ewghukkkkkk.a sip of neat lemon juice and it's all over. I do this twice a day. Chanting the mantra..tis good for me tis good for me....Well, anything that helps I'm up for.

A friend came in the shop with her little boy yesterday. Now, I love children but when ever this child sees me he is a bit like Dino, the pet dinosaur, from the Flintstones. I have known him all his life and a bit when he was on the 'inside'.
Yesterday I was putting some books on the shelf and the door opened and a loud shriek 'Soooooooooooo....' I tried to run for cover but he got me!He took a run and a jump and decided to hug my knees, whilst pushing them back. I was shocked at my control, I didn't swear or throw him back through the door but managed to hang on to the counter and smile whilst I could feel knee swelling going on.
Bless him, he is a gorgeous little boy.
So I am hobbling a bit. In a way it's not really going to damage the knee but I suppose it could even strengthen it a bit building up the tendons flexibility.

Congratulations to PT Will who came FIRST in the Rempstone Roast Duathlon. Battling against the elements and loads of mud.Hope the washing machine stands up to the challenge!!

Rejection isn't so bad!!!

Handed in my notice on Friday.
special mention to Martin and Valerie who come and cheer me up at the end of Saturdays........

I was rejected from running next year's Flora London Marathon (thank goodness, not ready yet by any means), but I did get a lovely FLM Rain coat. This came just in time because it rained really hard this weekend (I think I might have lost my touch with the weather, my 'sunshine' magic wand's batteries are low)!!)


It's Christmas at the Cathedral. For the second year running the Christmas Market has come to town. I think Winchester is coming to terms with Christmas and that it's a fun time. And we still have loads of traditional stuff too. E.g there is a candle lit Carol procession around town with a brass band going into the Cathedral close on Saturday....can't wait!!


Ice skating at the Cathedral again this year. Shrieks of laughter and yells for help as people collide on the ice. You always get the poser who tries to show off and inevitable ends up in a mangled mess on the floor with those who think they're either Torville or Dean! Good fun to watch.

Difficult to walk around the Close unless you're going the same way as everyone else. Not complaining though because it's very Christmassy.

Sunny Autumn Day

Thursday 29th November

In the middle of wet and dreary weather there was a beautifully, sunny afternoon in Bournemouth. As I stood by the sea edge and watched the surfers I felt a wave of relaxation go through me.
I had a great session with Wil, really motivational, and we did some walking, press ups and going upstairs with both legs!!! I have been a bit scared of stairs cos of knee but we walked up one of the chines and I did the steps!! It was a bit awkward but it's one of things I need to work on to build up strength. Quite chuffed when I do things I haven't done since the op.
Going to start building up the exercise now. Going swimming this week, see how that goes.

After training I met up with gorgeous Stu. He and I count half the year to Greenbelt and the other half to Advent. So our favourites time of the year starts this weekend.
Visited his new house. It's coming on so well they have worked really hard. Met Bartley and Osca. Bartley decided he was going to move into one of my carrier bags.


Stu and Bartley playing cat and mouse

How about this for a pose. Bartley is growing up fast!! But is still a cuddley gorgeous puss. His elder sister, Osca watches him from above an all her dignity!!

Tomorow I give my notice in to work. Very excited and a bit scared, a radical change of direction of life. From morbidly overweight wall flower to a trainee Personal trainer!!!! What ever next............

Meet the family

L to r PAUL (Harry's Dad), ME,ANDREW, MUM,NIGEL (LIZ'S HUSBAND), JENNY (Harry's mum)
DAVID & HARRY, AUNTY MARY (AUSSIE, MUM'S SISTER),LIZ (MY SISTER), SARAH (DAVID'S WIFE)

Tuesday 20th November
Went to the Orthopaedics surgery today to have the other knee looked at.I waited for 1 hour 25 minutes in the waiting room because they were running so far behind. It was hard not to laugh because it was like the ministry of funny walks. You'll never believe the variations you can get in the Limp.
It was really interesting to see
Time passed quickly and I got to see the Doctor. He pulled my knee in all directions but it doesn't really hurt apart from when he bent back to more than 100 degrees.
So when he told me I had osteo-arthritis and didn't need an operation I could have kissed him. (and he was very good looking with a gorgeous Irish accent!!)

I was worried that after the PT course I would be back to square one having to wait 6 weeks till got better. I may have to have an op one day but if I keep healthy ahould be ok for a while.

Just going back two weeks to Halloween these are two of my fav photos. Look at little Harry he is sooooo cute.
And Osca who is guarding HER pumpkin and dares anyone to come and move it

Friday 15th November
Last night the Christmas lights were turned on in Winchester. I love it they look good because they are quite simple and just white. The High Street looks stunning if you look down from the West Gate

Thursday 14th November
Gorgeous Autumn day in Brockenhurst. Great PT learning session with Will and then I went for a walk around the heathland of the Forest.... until I saw in the distance a large pig. If you read last year's November posts you'll find out why me and pigs don't get on, so i beat a hasty retreat.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Artist impression - actually it's nothing like it but - nice tree

Wenesday 14th November
I have just walked past the biggest Christmas Tree that Winchester as ever had.You have to almost walk side ways to get past it. Christmas lights are up unofficially and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. My chief Advent Advocate is Gorgeous Stu and we have a mutual, virtual friend who sends Santa Claus's though the post, from about September!!! Photos of the collection wll be posted.
Had a brilliant night's sleep. Secret - lavendar oil in the bath - feeling great.
He the knee did a bit of a wobble today

Tuesday 13th November
Knee is doing quite well. It's funny that I have created a character for my knee and the most worrying thing is that it's male!!! I always call him 'He'!!...wierd
Anyway 'He' the Knee is doing well but wobbles a bit.
By the end of the day it feels like someone had tied elastic around it, but that is happening later and later during the day.

Had a great chat with sister Liz yesterday. Very encouraging, she works in the strokes unit as a Staff Nurse (very good one too) and was telling me of the different types of people who may be interested in e training them once I get my diploma. I am very excited if not a little terrified!!!

10th November Saturday

Had a bad night. Brain didn't want to switch off and knee was badly swollen. Made an attempt to go to work but thought it best not to stay as it would mean standing on it all day. Came home and took some anti-inflammatories and the swelling quickly went down and normal service was resumed.


Friday 7th November
PT day - hurray!! Met Will in the 'Brock and Brewin' a little cafe in Brockenhurst that seems to have an unusual amount of Teddy Bears in it. Going through pre-course learning book at the moment while I impatiently await to get back to training. Surely it won't be too long now. It was nice being back in Brockenhurst it seems ages since I've been there and thinking of this time last year when I was making 2 trips there a week.

After a really helpful session with Will I went on to meet Gorgeous Stu in Bournemouth. At Brockenhurst I managed to completely miss-judge one of the steps and fell down the next one. Imamaged to keep my dignity and if I may say so it was quite a graceful fall.
As I sat on the train I could feel stiffening happening in my knee. Had a fun time with Stu and visited his new house,which is under a major make over. He and his team workers are working really hard on it and it's exciting to see walls being knocked down and rooms rearranged. I think he should have his own TV show!!!!

Managed to get home without any other mishaps although getting off the train was interesting as my knee decided to wobble and some nice young gentleman helped me off the train as if I was an old lady.

Tuesday 6th November
Was worried that the knee would complain about yesterday but it felt better than it had ever felt
Strange. WORK WORK WORK WOE!!!!!

Monday November 5th
First really full day at work, did too much spent most of my time standing up and going up and down stairs. Just about made it home. I can't really do much else at work at the moment cos I spend a lot of time there on my own so things have to be done and customers served. There is a lot of drama going on at work at the moment

November 3rd
Watched fireworks from the window as I was abit worried about standing in large crowd of people for about 2 hours. Shame really because I really love the drama of fireworks night. Winchester always has a good display....Next year.

Knee's Out

The knee has been outed. These are the 2 little scars of keyhole surgery. Amazing considering the amount of work that was done behind there.All healing up well. Still a bit achy but definite improvements.


Thursday November 1st
First day back at work. Quite difficult cos things are kicking off and knee was very achy. Went to doctors just to make sure all was as it should be. Saw the nurse and she took the steri strips off and it felt so much better. She said it was all healing up well the medial wound was a little bigger but I guess that was the exit hole for the cartilage and bone.
Felt much better knowing everything was healing up well. Wasn't really sure what to expect in the recovery progress. But I am sticking with the advice of the surgeon, the nurses, Will and the family..... need to build up the strength again in the right way

Been writing a lot about how much I love Bournemouth beach, so I thought it was time to big up the home town, the Ancient Capital. Went to the dentist today and then went for a little walk around the Cathedral. very beautiful especially the autumn tree colours. There is a garden just behind the cathedral it is a bit hidden away but very peaceful. Did a bit of deep breathing and relaxing. It is a beautiful city (mostly),as with most people you don't really appreciate what's on your front door step.
I love Autumn. When the clocks go back an hour I feel back in sync with time.I love Autumn colours,Fireworks, Advent...... ooo and of course you know what on the 25th Dec!!!

Sunshine and Clouds

Yes! More photos of Bournemouth but it was such a lovely day I couldn't resist.

Beautiful Sea


Beautiful Clouds

Beautiful Bournemouth

Tuesday 30th October
P.T day with Guru of Fitness,Will
It was a beautiful day, so frustrating not being able to skip along the prom, but I am getting used to the idea now. Bussed it to the pier and then sat outside a cafe by the beach. Felt like holiday day. Grilled Will about various anatomy subjects. He is so patient and willing to listen to my waffel. Not going to be training really for a month so taking time out to study anatomy. It's not a chore and it's something I really love studying. Absolutely fascinated by it. Maybe I should have become a Brain Surgeon...maybe not!!Sat by the sea for ages afterwards, bliss, so relaxing.
Mood is much better and more positive.Going back to work on Thursday, bit worried what faces me there and how the knee will cope, but it is all important to look after it so going to take it easy.