Lots of Catching up to do

Tristan is 6 days old, and to celebrate, Sean took us out for tea. Caelyn hasn't been able to eat much for ages because the baby was squashing her stomach, so she knew what to do with this!

Tristan and big sister Wendy

The Story of Tristan's Birth

Dear Family and Friends 

I’m at home at last, so let me tell you the news.

Caelyn’s baby, Tristan James, was born during a gale with torrential rain on Monday 12 November.  As the winds were buffeting the car so much, they didn’t get to the hospital in time.  I had phoned ahead and Labour Ward had told me that they would examine her, but that they had no beds.

They got as far as the ambulance bay, and Nigel called an ambulance crew to come and help and they were calm and laid back about it until they saw Caelyn – and Tristan’s head!  No one knows how, but an emergency call must have been sent because two ladies came running in their scrubs.  A Paramedic sat behind Caelyn to support her shoulders and back; Nigel was in the front seat holding one of her legs and the N2O.  All four car doors were open so an icy wet wind was blowing through the car.  Somehow, some screens were put in place.  Caelyn was the only one who stayed relatively dry – everyone else was standing outside in the rain and wind.  I think they all were frozen.

Baby was born, and as soon as the cord was cut, he was bundled up and the lady who delivered him handed him to the other one and told her “get this baby inside”.  So off she went with Tristan (whose Apgar was 9 at birth and 10 at 5 minutes!) while the other lady saw to the placenta which came about 20 min later.  Then Caelyn was put on a trolley and taken upstairs.  She and Tristan were very cold, and even with lots of hot drinks and extra blankets, it took until 04h30 for her to stop shivering.

She was the talk of the ward, and several staff members stopped by to see her and wish her well.  It turned out that the lady who delivered him was a paediatrician!  I bet delivering her patients doesn’t happen too often!  Caelyn was very happy with the care she received. 

Then Meridian News started phoning the ward, wanting to do interviews, but she said she just wanted to get home.  She did cave in eventually – all sorts of news people were sending her messages on Facebook.  So here are some links.  The BBC filmed her for the News and the page has a video of the interview, if you can see it in your part of the world.

  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-16190955 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2073741/Ex-Chile-ambassador-Richard-Wilkinson-injured-tree-falls-house.html  (story between pic of house and lighthouse)

http://www.localrags.co.uk/index.php/News/2011/12/15/Storm-forces-Hawkinge-mother-to-give-birth-in-car-at-Ashford-hospital/

http://newspano.com/news/i-was-asleep-then-the-next-thing-i-knew-there-was-a-tree-in-bed-with-me

http://www.nigeriancompass.com/index.php?option=com_

content&view=article&id=9405:i-was-asleep-then-the-next-thing-i-knew-there-was-a-tree-in-bed-with-me&catid=324:world-news&Itemid=542   (yes, Nigeria!)

And she was in the top two stories of Meridian News too. 

After all that, Caelyn says she feels well for the first time in months, and Tristan is a contented little baby who is feeding like a gannet.

Well, thats quite a story to tell the lad when he grows up!  There is just one worry, and that is that he was conceived while his mother had a contraceptive device surgically implanted in her arm, and it has a failure rate of 0.04%.  The pregnancy was very troubled, and Caelyn spent a lot of time in hospital.  They stopped premature labour 3 times.  Her kidneys were failing and her breathing was a big problem, with her only having a Peak Flow of 150 for most of the time. Then he was born like this.  You know how we say that if there is a bizarre or weird situation, our Kate is in the middle of it?  I wonder if young Tristan is going to follow in his mother's footsteps ...

Peaceful Sleep

Daddy, baby and toddler snoozing on a sofa.

The Eventful Arrival of the New Boy

My daughter Caelyn went into labour last night when the weather was at its worst. The wind buffeted the car so much her husband couldn't get there fast enough & she said she had to push, so Nigel pulled into the ambulance bay of William Harvey. He called to the ambulance crew. When they came over, they could see his head.

A doctor & midwife came running. Caelyn was on the back seat of the car & the medical staff had to stand in the wind and rain to deliver him. They got soaked. As soon as he was born, they wrapped him up & took him in out of the weather, then the ambulance crew put Caelyn on a trolley to take her in.

Mother and baby are both well, and already the talk of the ward, with staff popping in specially to see him. They are due to be discharged later today.

In view of the circumstances of his birth, a special name is called for, but we can't think of one. His sisters can't wait to meet him.

A New Baby Boy

At about 10 pm on Monday 12 December, Caelyn had a son. He weighs 2.3 kg or 5 lb 12 oz, and he and his mum are both well.

When they left for the hospital, Caelyn asked me to phone to say they were en route. The midwife said they would examine her but they had NO BEDS AVAILABLE.

Then I had a call from my mum & I was expecting her to say they were being sent to another hospital, but she very excitedly told me he had been born in his dads car!  Nigel pulled up to the ambulance bay and asked for help. They were just about to get a wheelchair but then realised there was no time, so the ambulance man delivered him there and then, in a howling gale and torrential rain. Mum phoned me as they were helping then inside after the delivery.

Congratulations to all concerned. I can't wait to see Wendy and Teresa when they are told their little brother arrived in the night!

God bless them, every one!

Correspondence with Vodafone!!!!

I use a Vodafone PAYG Sim when I go to France or any other place out of the UK, because I'm nervous of the bills should I take my contract phone out of the country.  As I don't use Vodafone every day, I keep the sim in a purse in my drawer.  My little granddaughter played with the purse, the sim fell out and Benny chewed it up so its not usable any more.  I wanted my credit and calling features to be available so I contacted Vodafone Customer Care.  This is the series of emails between us.  My entries are in red and theirs are in black.

Hello Sue,

Thank you for contacting Vodafone customer service.

I would like to inform that, you can order new SIM card through online for free and it would be delivered to you. Once you receive you New SIM card write to us with 20 Digit SIM card number we will activate the SIM on your old number.

Alternatively, you can also visit Vodafone store and buy New SIM card at the cost of £5.

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/personal/price-plans/pay-as-you-go/index.htm

Vodafone is very particular about the security of customer's account. Therefore, I am unable to discuss the account related information before verifying the account details. Hope you will understand the criticality of this issue and will cooperate with us.

Also, I would request you to register online with MY ACCOUNT and add in the details of your account.

For us to assist you, we shall require the following information for security purposes:

-First Line of Address and Post Code

-Date of Birth

-SIM number (20 Digit on Reverse side of the SIM card)

- Last 3 top up details (Date and Amount)


To know more about our privacy policy you may also click on the link below:


http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/about-this-site/privacy-policy/index.htm

I trust this information is helpful to you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for getting back to me. I have bought a new sim card. The 20 digit number is 89441000301601966XXX.


Here is the security information you requested:
(I am already registered online, and have been for ages).


First line of address and postcode: XXX Flat, XXX Gardens, CTXX 2XX


Date of Birth: X November 19XX


Sim number: 894410003016019663XXX


Last three top up details, date and amount:
I top up on the website using my visa electron debit card. I usually top up by £5 or £10.
2 August 2011, topped up by £10
15 August 2011, topped up by £5
25 May 2011, topped up by £20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hello Sue,

Thank you for writing to Vodafone with the requested information.

I understand you require a replacement SIM for 07796374XXX.

I suggest you to purchase a replacement SIM for free by visiting www.vodafone.co.uk.

Or you can visit the nearest Vodafone Store and get a replacement SIM of £ 5.00. To locate the nearest Vodafone Store in your area, please click on the link below:

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/contact-us/find-a-store/index.htm

Once you get replacement SIM, please write to us with following information so that we can activate your new SIM with existing number.

· 20 digit SIM number of both old and new SIM

· Last Top Up amount

· Activation date

To know more about our privacy policy, you can also refer to the link below:
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-uk/about-this-site/privacy-policy/index.htm

I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Please read the email I sent yesterday.


- It tells you that I have bought a new sim card.
- It gives you the 20 digit number on the pack containing the sim card
- It provides answers to the security questions I was asked to provide.
- It states the last three top up amounts, method of top up and the date.


Shall I resend the email to you? Was there anything that wasn't clear and that I should clarify?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Sue,

I understand that you have purchased a new SIM card and wish to remain your old number.

I am sorry to inform you that the address provided by you does not exist in our records and the SIM card number and last tree top up details also does not match with our records for number 07796374XXX.

In order for me to access your phone account and help you with your concern, please provide me below mentioned security details:

- The 20 digit SIM number (You will find this on your SIM card)

- Last three top-ups

-Last three dialed calls

At Vodafone, we are very particular about the security of every customer’s account to ensure that account specific information is not being shared with a non-account holder.

Once I receive this, I’ll be more than happy to help.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I understand that you have purchased a new SIM card and wish to remain your old number.
I don't necessarily want to keep my old number if that will be difficult. What I want is to have my existing credit of £12.84 available, and I want to be able to use my existing calling features like Stop the Clock, Passport etc.

I am sorry to inform you that the address provided by you does not exist in our records and the SIM card number and last tree top up details also does not match with our records for number 07796374XXX. I have checked on your website, and my address has not been registered with Vodafone, and the provided space is therefore blank.

In order for me to access your phone account and help you with your concern, please provide me below mentioned security details:

- The 20 digit SIM number (You will find this on your SIM card)
The 20 digit sim number for the NEW SIM I have ALREADY bought is 89441000301601966387. I do NOT HAVE the 20 digit number for my old sim because I bought it many years ago, and it has been thrown out long ago. You can't keep bits of packaging for years on end.


- Last three top-ups
I top up on the website using my visa electron debit card. I usually top up by £5 or £10.
2 August 2011, topped up by £10
15 August 2011, topped up by £5
25 May 2011, topped up by £20
The last top up was by a £10 voucher purchased at Tesco Express in Bouverie Rd West, Folkestone.

-Last three dialed calls
No idea, sorry. I can tell you that I used the sim card in Santiago de Compostela in Spain during June 2011. I arrived there on 31 May and started using my Vodafone Sim straight away to connect to the Internet for Google Translate so I could communicate with the taxi driver about the address I needed to go to. I only really use the Vodafone Sim when I leave England. I don't use Vodafone in the UK, mainly because of hassles with Customer Services.

At Vodafone, we are very particular about the security of every customer’s account to ensure that account specific information is not being shared with a non-account holder.


That's very nice, and I'm happy for you. But please can I ask you to:
a) either transfer my credit and calling features to the NEW SIM that I have provided a 20 digit number for

OR

b) Transfer my old number (for which I no longer have the packaging with the 20 digit number as it was bought some years ago) with its credit and calling features to my new sim card (the one I have provided the 20 digit account number for several times already).

OR

c) Tell me it is too much for you or too difficult, and I won't email you again. I will write off the old calling credit and leave it at that. Just don't ask me for my 20 digit number or my top up details again because its doing my head in!

An actual letter - supposedly. Anyway, its funny.

This, apparently is an actual letter received by the UK Passport Office.

Dear Sirs,


I'm in the process of renewing my passport, and still cannot believe this.. How is it that Sky Television has my address and telephone number and knows that I bought a bleeding satellite dish from them back in 1977, and yet, the Government is still asking me where I was bloody born and on what date.

For Christ sakes, do you guys do this by hand? My birth date you have on my pension book, and it is on all the income tax forms I've filed for the past 30 years. It is on my National Health card, my driving license, my car insurance, on the last eight damn passports I've had, on all those stupid customs declaration forms I've had to fill out before being allowed off the plane over the last 30 years, and all those insufferable census forms.

Would somebody please take note, once and for all, that my mother's name is Mary Anne, my father's name is Robert and I'd be absolutely astounded if that ever changed between now and when I die!!!!!!

I apologise, I'm really pissed off this morning. Between you and me, I've had enough of this bullshit! You send the application to my house, then you ask me for my bloody address!!!!

What is going on? Do you have a gang of neanderthal arseholes workin' there? Look at my damn picture. Do I look like Bin Laden? I don't want to dig up Yasser Arafat, for gods sake. I just want to go and park my arse on some sandy beach somewhere. And would someone please tell me, why would you give a shit whether I plan on visiting a farm in the next 15 days? If I ever got the urge to do something weird to a chicken or a goat, believe you me, you'd be the last bloody people I'd want to tell !!

Well, I have to go now, because I have to go to the other end of the poxy city to get yet another copy of my birth certificate, to the tune of £30. Would it be so complicated to have all the services in the same spot to assist in the issuance of a new passport the same day?? Nooooooooooooo, that'd be too damn easy and maybe make sense. You'd rather have us running all over the bloody place like chickens with our heads cut off, then have to find some arsehole to confirm that it's really me on the damn picture - you know, the one where we're not allowed to smile?! (bureaucratic  morons) Hey, do you know why we couldn't smile if we wanted to? Because we're totally pissed off!

Signed

An Irate Subject


P.S. Remember what I said above about the picture and getting someone to confirm that it's me? Well, my family has been in this country since 1776 ............ I have served in the military for something over 30 years and have had full security clearances over 25 of those years enabling me to undertake highly secretive missions all over the world. ......... However, I have to get someone 'important' to verify who I am - you know, someone like my doctor - WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SODDING PAKISTAN !

Sincerely,

 

Sean and Children at the Zoo

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

The scan picture clearly shows little feet.  This is Michelle's 18 week scan.  There is another picture I'd like to post of the baby reaching out with his arm.  His fingers are clearly visible.  There was so much excitement in the scanning room.  We saw his heart beating and we also saw the ridges and gullies of his brain.  Michelle says he is especially active this evening.






On the way back from the hospital, we called in at Caelyn's.  The two sisters were sooooo excited and were comparing bumps and maternity notes.  Its exciting for them to be expecting together.

They will be Winter babies.


One problem is that Caelyn's village gets cut off during heavy snow, and she delivered her two daughters quickly.  The midwife has told her to call at the first twinge and they are thinking it might end up as a home birth if its too dangerous to try to get to hospital.  That's Plan B.


 Plan C, if the midwife can't get to her, I've suggested that Nigel put her on a sled and take her to the Old Age Home nearby because at least three of the staff there have been senior midwives for a long time.  They obviously don't keep midwifery equipment there, but they would have a better idea of what to do than Nigel would.  


The other thing is that this winter is forecast to be a harsh one, and the cost of heating has gone up by double figures.  We couldn't afford it last year when it was cheaper.  
We will have to keep one room warm and stay in that one with the baby. Otherwise, we will keep heavy curtains closed to keep the heat in, drink hot drinks, move around, put on extra layers of clothing and use blankets when we are sitting still. 

Little Animals

There was face painting today, and we have a new cat and a new dog.
 But they will disappear at bath time, so we won't have them long.

Michelle Expecting a Baby

When Michelle told her doctor she was pregnant, he didn't believe her because he has reports from 3 Consultants saying that she could not have children due to a problem with her ovaries.
We are delighted for her. This is a Miracle baby, and very, very welcome. Little one is due on 22 February.  Caelyn's boy is due at the beginning of January, so my guess is that the cousins will get up to a lot of mischief together.

Michelle's Baby

Michelle's baby age 13 weeks and one day. Baby was very active and was seen sucking his or her thumb. Baby is due  on 22  February.

Grandbaby News

Caelyn went for her 20 week Anomaly Scan.
The baby is fine, and everything is within normal parameters.
And its a boy this time!


We have never had a boy in the family.  What on earth does one do with one?
Apparently they are quite different to little girls.

A Rare Opportunity

Sometimes people do great things for us and we move away and lose touch. As years go by, the understanding of just how much gratitude we owe that person gets deeper and deeper and we wish we could see them again to tell them just how much they affected our lives. Quite often, it isn't possible.


I had an extraordinary teacher in 1976. I have spoken of her often, and remembered the things she taught me. I didn't think I would have a chance to see her again in this life, and I very much wanted to tell her how much she meant to me - and still does. She was a petite Franciscan nun whose face radiated with joy. She was so excited about what she was teaching that her words would trip over themselves. That joy and enthusiasm made the message go straight in to the head of even the scattiest kid. She was gentle, funny, sweet, warm and holy, and quite irresistible, even to the stern Calvinist School Inspector.


I recently found an old friend, Fiona, on Facebook. She wrote Matric in the same year that I did, and she still lives in Durban. She is coming to England to visit her daughter in September, and I can't wait to see her.


She was also one of Sister Lucy's pupils, and astonishingly recently met up with her again. Fiona and her husband Rob teach adults Christian Doctrine, and Sister Lucy is also one of the teachers. Fiona passed a verbal message from me to Sister Lucy and then I emailed her, care of Fiona. She is 83 years old and living in the convent for frail Franciscan Sisters in Durban. We spoke on the phone. I was brimming over with gratitude that I was able to thank her for all she is and for all she meant to me. It is so seldom that we are granted such an opportunity.


But it gets even better. She said she was going to visit Ireland for two months to visit her frail older sister, and as soon as Sean heard that, he suggested we go and see her there. We fly to Shannon on Friday. He has heard so much about her over the years that he feels he knows her too. I really hope it all works out, but even if it doesn't, I am so blessed to have been able to email her and speak to her.


Here we are:

New Ways

I have downloaded the Blogger App to my Android phone, and am hoping that it will work well. I haven't blogged much lately, and that is because I don't always want to turn  the computer on. The laptop keyboard is damaged, and I don't always feel well enough to sit at the big desktop computer. I am not too sure about posting photos, but will  probably find a way to do it.

Yesterday Sean and I took the kids out and oh boy, I am paying the price today! So I am in bed catching up with the Blog. I uploaded some photos to my Picasa web albums yesterday, so I will look and see if I can work out how to post a link from my phone rather than my computer.

OK, I haven't found a way from my phone, so I went to the computer. Here is the link to the album with pics of the kids on the Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway yesterday. Its expensive so it is only done once a year, and it was Teresa Jayne and Benny's first time yesterday. (29 GBP for two adults, a five year old and a two year old). They had loads of fun.

LINK TO PICASA ALBUM

Nokia E66 vs Sony Ericcson Xperia Arc

I have had my Nokia E66 for several years and know it very well.  At the end of March I got a Sony Ericcson Xperia Arc, and I have had several months to get used to it and know it.  At first I thought the Xperia Arc would be better in every way, but it isn’t.  I am using my Nokia E66 with another sim card now so both phones are in use.  They both have their strengths, and I’ve made a comparison table based on my own experience. 

A sad Farewell to Jake

This is Jake, who was put to sleep yesterday because he had a cancerous tumour that doubled in size in a week, and it was cutting off his airway. I've known Jake for years, and you couldn't hope to meet a dog with a nicer nature.

Sadly it isn't possible to contact his owner who is a dear friend. She is in one of the Balkan countries and gets back next week. She will be shocked and devastated to hear of what happened to Jake. The Vet tried to keep the old boy going until she came back from her visit, but he couldn't succeed with such an aggressive cancer and that very final decision had to be made in my friend's absence.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

I was asked not to say anything up until now, but Caelyn and Nigel are expecting another baby.  She went for a scan today, and has been given a 'due date' of 2 January.  The baby is developing well and everything is within normal limits, and this is the first pregnancy Caelyn has had that has ever been within normal limits.


Yet even that is odd because the child was conceived while Caelyn had the Implanon progesterone based contraceptive implant surgically implanted in her arm.  It was supposed to have protected her for 3 years but she conceived long before it was due to be replaced.  The child certainly wasn't planned.  Caelyn had been doing very well in her studies and her two bedroomed house was starting to be as she wanted it to be. We are in a recession and everything is much more expensive and wages are not keeping up.  They will have to move again, and they love their house and hate moving.  Studies may never happen because after the baby is born, the course will be unaffordable for them. Her kidney function is poor and will be strained further during a pregnancy.


There seems to be so much against it, but we all are deeply sure that this little one  is a special Gift from God.  The Implant is supposed to be foolproof, yet we are having a new baby in the family.  We welcome this gift with gladness, and thanksgiving.

Here is the little one, already 6cm long and sucking his or her thumb.  The magic of 12 weeks!  Bless you, little one, and may you continue to grow and flourish as God knits you together in the secrecy of your mother's womb. 

Psalm 139 verses 13 to 19
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. 
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them! 
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.

 
 
Implanon Wikipedia Quote:
In a comparison of birth control methods in terms of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, Implanon is one of the most effective form of birth control currently available, along with Jadelle. 

The failure rate for Implanon is 0.04%, as observed in the UK, where only 584 women have reported unwanted pregnancies, out of 1.3 million who have used Implanon since 1999. This means that only 1 in 2,000 women using Implanon will become pregnant over the course of one year of use. Unlike other birth control methods, there is no differential for perfect use versus typical use, as no user action is required after insertion. Most cases of failure are due to incorrect insertion or insertion during pregnancy.
 

Italian ice cream, scooters and two little dogs

 My mum and I were in the Italian ice-cream shop the other day. We had gone to town on our scooters and of course we took the dogs with us. Granny Whoops and Benny really enjoyed seeing each other again, and it was nice for my mum and I to be together doing relaxing, happy stuff on a summery day.  

The summer has gone again though.  Its just grey and cold.  Mind you, yesterday was torrential rain as well as grey and cold, so I suppose you could say that things are looking up!

Team Tidge

Teresa Jayne and her sidekick Benny the Blondster driving dad's car.

 This is quite reminiscent as I have a similar picture of Wendy doing the same thing at the same age, only with Brakkie, not Benny.  The photo is in the Blog Archive for September 2007. Wendy and Brakkie had such a close bond. He has been gone for almost a year now but at times we still call Benny by Brakkie's name. Wendy often talks about him and says that she misses him. We all do.

 Michelle and I both have regrets about the way he died. He was
desperately sick - he lay helplessly in his own diarrhoea, had fits
and at times couldn't walk. His fur was separating from his skin,
which was raw red. He was weak and in pain, so we kept taking him to
the Vet with the idea of putting him to sleep but then he would be
give some injections and perk up for a few days, so we hoped he might
get better. We had come back from the Vet one afternoon and he had
had to be carried from the car into the house because he was too weak
to walk, but after an hour or so, Wendy came and he got up and bounded
out to meet her and make a fuss of her. After that he collapsed
again. He had made one brave effort to greet his little friend.

So we decided he couldn't go on like that and we steeled ourselves and
made the appointment. But he didn't want to go! The Vet tried to get
the needle into a vein but she couldn't as he was struggling so much.
She gave him a sedative injection and tried again half an hour later,
but it didn't sedate him enough so she had to give him another dose.
When that worked she gave him a small dose of the euthanasing drug
into his vein but again he struggled, although less vigorously. He
fell down onto the table and she gave the remaining dose into his
heart. Michelle couldn't handle it and went to the waiting room with
my mum.

He was so sick (cancer of the liver) but he didn't want to go! I
think he wanted to die in his own home, and I'm sure he wouldn't have
lasted more than a couple of days. Michelle and I both found it
traumatic and wanted to stop the euthanasing process. We both wish we
had. He was such a good friend and he didn't deserve his last moments
like that. If we are ever in that situation again, I will ask the Vet
to provide me with medication to give at home and let my friend pass
 away peacefully in his own bed. I don't mean I would put him to
sleep - what I mean is painkillers, antibiotics or steroids that would
keep him comfortable while Nature took its course.

Here he is, waiting patiently for us.

Sean and Michelle celebrating her new job.

Sean took Michelle, Richard and I out to dinner at Giovannis to
celebrate her new job. It was a lovely evening.

Santiago de Compostela

Sean set off to walk the Camino in mid May. The Camino is a walking Pilgrimage across France or Spain to Santiago, which is the Spanish word for St James the Apostle. Sean flew to Santander then travelled to Leon and he started his long 320km walk from there.

He walked through very rural areas across the Pyrenees. It was lonely and isolated for much of the way and sometimes all he saw were farmers driving tractors in the distance. He was caught in a sudden mountain thunderstorm and narrowly escaped being hit by a lightning bolt by about 50 metres, and he found that very unnerving. He depended on text messages and conversations with me to sustain him. Camino sites often advise Pilgrims to leave their mobile phones at home. I didn't think he would use it as he is technophobic but I wanted him to take it so he could call for help if he needed to. I suppose people should choose for themselves whether it would be right or wrong for them to take things like that with them. The thing is, if you are walking in a mostly unpopulated area and you break a leg, it could be a long time before someone finds you.

On 31 May, I flew from Stansted to Santiago de Compostela to meet him at the Parador dos Reyos Catolicos, or the Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. The Monarchs were Ferdinand and Isabella, and they had the hospital built to exacting specifications in 1499, and it boasts that it is the oldest hotel in the world. I went to our very comfortable and quiet room off one of the cloisters and slept as I had been up at 4am to be at the airport by 5am. It is a 5 star hotel and I usually don't feel comfortable in them. I often feel like they are museums and afraid to sit down in case I wrinkle a cushion, but this hotel is most certainly not like that. Its just wonderfully comfortable and relaxing, and we would both like to go back there again.

Sean thought he would arrive at about 6pm, and I was in the square waiting for him to come down those famous steps. I was so excited and so very proud of him, and absolutely overwhelmed with joy. He was happy but exhausted, and we had a lovely meal in the hotel's restaurant. then a good night's sleep.

Naturally, getting his Pilgrim's Passport stamped and receiving his official Certificate was a high moment. Its an extraordinary achievement for anybody, but Sean is a 72yr old office worker!

DISABILITY INFO
The streets of Santiago are very wheelchair friendly. There are a lot of hills and no public transport in the narrow ancient streets of the old part of town, so if you need a wheelchair sometimes, I advise you to take it with you. The newer part of town is much like new towns anywhere and the public transport is good there. We went on a tour in a white bus that looks like a train and when we went past a Disability shop I saw wheelchairs but no scooters in the window.

I would not have coped without my small Revo scooter, and I would have held Sean back. I wouldn't have been able to cope with those inclines and distances and he would not have wanted to leave me at the hotel to go off exploring on his own. On our way home we flew from Santiago to Madrid, where we had wheelchair assistance booked. We arrived in Terminal One and were met by the Assistance Staff who whisked us through all the official checks and took us to Terminal Two for our connecting flight to Stansted. The Revo does walking speed of 4mph, and from the time we were met to the time we were handed over to the Assistance staff in Terminal Two, we had been doing walking speed for an hour. I would have collapsed if I had tried to do it on foot.

Airlines will carry scooters free of charge, courtesy of EU rules - even Ryanair. They have to measure no more than 1200 x 700mm and must have sealed batteries approved by the IATA. You also have to hand over the battery charger for inspection because, I suppose, it would be easy to put a bomb in one.

I saw no other scooters in Santiago at all, and had some envying looks from some older people, and a lot of curiosity from children. When my mother went to Benidorm she was able to hire a scooter, so they are not unknown in all parts of Spain.

Underneath here is a picture. Click on it and you can see the web-album online. There are some of the hotel and surrounding areas and a photo of the little white bus that looks like a train.

My Firstborn

Michelle's luck has changed at last, and she has some great news. She has a new job in Hawkinge, which is a short bus journey away. She is in training at the moment, tired but happy.

Cat and Dolphins playing together

This video is amazing, and has the "aww sweet" factor in bucket loads.  I loved this heartwarming video so much I just had to share it.  Enjoy!


CAT AND DOLPHINS VIDEO