25th August 2015 - Tuesday ??? Not sure I like Tuesdays...

Thought for the day : "I have been putting a lot of thought into it - and I am coming to the conclusion that being an adult is not going to work for me .."

Today started well for me...  after a struggle I discovered that it is possible to put contact lenses in when handicapped in the left arm. It improved slightly when I found that by leaning my head to the desk I can just reach the back of my head to put my hair into a pony tail !!  

Got through the night without the use of Cocodomol  - though the apparently common side effects still seemed to stay with me causing my morning ablutions to last a little longer than usual.
The loss of the van yesterday meant that a trip to Pontypool was required to pick up some auction goods promised for collection - though it took the best part of 4 hours out of the day ...
A lot more "stuff" than expected - but managed to get it all into the car and still leave some room for the dog...

Yes - the day started fairly well...
Some more paperwork - black rat ordered, lancashire mead ordered, bookers confirmed, Crimson Moon Tavern arrived safely in PACCAR to work alongside Skian Mhor and the new Crimson Moonbeams arrived and worked well..  New embroidery confirmed to be available by end of day and lift arranged for tomorrow ..

Yup - all going quite well..   Popped into town to get the change sorted - it is surprising how much money is needed for an event - change in particular..  Tends to get a little heavy of course and weighs down upon a poorly arm...

Sorting the washing for the trip to Crete and the trip to Renewal - so pain starts to pick up and the Cocodomol seemed a good idea - and I put my head down for ten minutes ...

Sadly - I then get the call from my mother's house that she has had another fall - hip dislocated again and lying n the floor...  Now I am not one to criticise the emergency services, and have to accept that the triage messaging system shows that an 88 year old woman has a fall from standing to floor, no bleeding, leg dislocated, in severe pain but stable - did not lose consciousness, no additional complications - may have a lower priority than some others - this occurred just before 5pm as well which may be bad time of the day - I do not know.. But - 2 hours later and two calls later to the services still provides no information as to whether anyone has even been deployed - while sitting on the floor holding the hand of an old and very scared lady - leaves a sour taste in the mouth...

3 hours later, when the unit arrives, it seems that it is actually from Pembroke Dock - some 80 miles away.. It was providing a transfer form Pembrokeshire to Morriston Hospital in South Wales and on completing the call placed itself on readiness... and found itself on route to Burry Port..

We have already been through the procedure a couple of weeks back - so we know the ins and outs. Still cannot believe that a place that is designed for the elderly with some care needs cannot provide a lift that allows a stretcher - that the only way of getting a prone body out of the building is by being strapped to a stretcher and manhandled - (or person handles in this case) down stairs..

And so, a lats evening doing some collections of admin last minute items,  while Susie once more finds herself doing the waiting game at A & E ..

Not sure I like Tuesdays very much ..
Just Saying   ..

24th August 2015 - An interesting day !!

Thought for the day:"Why did the pirate go on vacation? ..........He needed some AARRRRGGH and AARRRRGGH!"

It all started fairly easily.. a nice lie in until 8am and and getting up to make a cup of tea for everybody...   The van and trailer were out the front of the house - and after 8am there is a yellow line that means that you should not park there - so at 8.30am we moved the van and trailer into the car park behind the masonic hall to keep it safe..

Breakfast and a quiet gathering of bits and pieces and we decide to run around to the warehouse to drop off the kegs of ale that would be used for Caldicot - when the rear wheels seemed very close to the ground on the new van "Dorian"  (for Dorian Grey don't you know - it was a Grey one!)

Round to the Warehouse and it still looks very low to the ground so we popped it around to the local garage to have a look at - seems the main leaf springs are sound as far as they can see - but the dampers may have gone ... and no chance of sorting today ..

In the old days you could get hold of a van with a tow bar fairly easily - but with the new regs and laws about who can drive what - they are very scarce...   Indeed, Bridgend was the closest place that I found with any form of van with tow bar...

So a trip to Bridgend to hire and then load up .. Instead of a 11am start off to Londinium - it is nearer 6pm when we finally get them on the road - and not much room for anything !!! A long wheel based Sprinter can look very empty with stuff that fills a small transit very full!!!

Meanwhile, the Bookers order is confirmed and ready for delivery, the Black Rat order is made and ready for delivery,  the Crimson Munchies order is put into place, Picton Sports and the T shirts look ready for collection ... halogen lights for the outside are replaced - red lights for the bar are sorted..

Change of plans for the Caldicot Early Medieval Alliance - we can't use the normal field - so no electrics - so hurried consultation with the caterers and we are working on a generator for lighting...  Should be in place - with TEN applied for - nearly forgot as we inherited the event.

Meanwhile back home, collection of the special PIMMS bottles  (£12 as litre on offer till yesterday), some cloaks to keep me warm - but no room for the guitar at present - though not sure if I will be able to play anyway - but another few days - who can tell ??

Down to the bank to pay some money into an account that is hemorrhaging at the moment ...   everything seems to be money out !!!

Finally - everyone off and a chance to see what else is needed..

Day to sort things tomorrow and then off to Renewal ....
Fingers crossed

so - a few more pictures of Raglan ..

and so to bed ...

23rd August 2015 - Just a thought

Thought for the day: "Do not trust atoms - they make up everything"

Some random pictures of the 1st Raglan Pirate Festival ..
 

with the Crimson Moon...
of course

 and shenanigans - to be sure

 and a good time had by all..

 in a lovely castle..

and so to bed...

22nd August 2015 - Just a thought

Thought for the day: "I have a spare single-use meal ticket. First come, first served."

 off in Raglan 

see you soon 

21st August 2015 - Pirates?? They just ARRRRR!!!

Thought for the day: " Why don’t you ever see a pirate cry? ' Cos when they do, it’s a private tear!"

Why do pirates wear eye patches?  Because they can't afford iPads"

What has eight eyes, eight arms and eight legs?

Four rookie pirates!

 

What are the 10 letters of the pirate alphabet?

I, I, R, and the 7 Cs. 

 

Why couldn't the pirate play cards?
He was sitting on the deck.

You may guess - today was set up day at Raglan Castle - a castle that we have meant to visit over many years travelling up into England, seeing the striking silhouette on the horizon. Should have done it earlier I reckon - it is an amazing place...

The day started with a little consternation - our 60 x 20 ft tent had been mistakenly re dimensioned to 12ft x 12 ft and planned for a small patch of green outside the visitor's centre - no way it could take the whole tent... 2nd plan was on the outcrop - to take the full weight of the wind whipping up the valley - not a good idea.. 3rd plan was use the gate-house - what a good idea - no tents - just set up a bar and some tables and benches...

And so we did - well I supervised... Susie was en route to Heathrow to pick up Paul, my brother in law - flying in from Arizona - so a 15 mile detour to drop me off was not out of the question....

Just enough time indeed to climb the main tower and wave...

Yes - that is her at the top...

'Thena was all dressed up - ready to talk like a pirate ...

and the crimson moon was ready...

Other pictures will have to wait a bit - as I left the camera in the castle...  must be the meds ...

Night



  

20th August 2015 - Things you can do one handed

Thought for the day: "Does anyone on here want to buy my broken barometer? No pressure."

I was lamenting the other day that it is impossible (for me) to put my contact lenses in with one hand, though I was reminded of a friend who lost an arm and managed to do pretty well anything he wanted. That and putting a pony tail in my hair - I would say plaiting as well but I can't plait my own hair anyway so that would be a lie...
 
Today, I found that showering is possible including washing the hair as long as the damaged arm is held tight to the body - switching shower on and off is inadvisable on an electric power shower as there is nowhere to hide from the sudden boiling / followed by freezing blast of water - jolting the arm is painful  but not incapacitating...

But, ordering beer, glasses, checking power requirements and availability, emptying out the Bothy (with the main work done by Susie it must be said) sorting wall hangings and kit for a pirate fayre, writing a blog (though slower than normal), getting dressed, receiving friends who are bearers of gifts and alcohol (very welcome), finding an alternative source for trestle tables, visiting a mother, and sorting a pirate costume - these can all be done wit one hand....

The rain has continued for another day - one can only hope that it will have drifted on by tomorrow for the set up of the marquee for Raglan Pirate Event. We shall see!!   Also tomorrow is the day to pick up my brother in law from Heathrow as he flies in from the States. Wet August will be a shock to his Arizona (it is a dry heat) climate....  But he may bring some stateside weather - we can but hope.    

Still very tired - the body telling me that it really needs to have some time to recover...   I agree with it... just not today...  Far too much to do ...

And so - let's look at the Bookers list ...   and sort the TABS - they are both things that need immediate attention ... after this cup of tea...  Yup - tea rather than Chateau 41 -  you can do that with one hand as well !!

So, a couple of pictures from the Vale - care of Woodrow (pete)

Yes, the ones with death and mayhem and the Crimson Moon...

 will have to take my own camera next time .....
  
 Cheers!!

 

19th August 2015 - Planning and Precipitation

Thought for the day:"Talking about learning math and actually learning math are three different things, Skippy."

Rain.. Incessant rain..  Was going to try to get stuff done today but the rain rather dampens the spirits.. Instead I have had the opportunity to get on and sort some preparation and ordering, but not really feeling that much has been achieved. Spoke to the man from Bookers regarding deliveries for Renewal - seems the old manager has moved on to be the area manager so the current man is unaware of any problems in the past...  I shall get on and start ordering tonight so they will have plenty of time to sort stuff out...

Devised and had authorised a "moonbeam" scheme to help with the set up for the in character dining bar area - now need to find out if there is any interest - deal allows early entry to the site - a couple if days hard work putting up tents - mainly for Skian Mhor - but they are bringing all the extra canvass. Includes a meal deal with SM and a nifty little combat badge from the Moon and my thanks...

See if it takes on ....

Meanwhile, Pete caused a bit of a storm when he mentioned that Woodrow (his barkeep character) would not be going to the Vale again - too far, and not enough appreciation from those running the business. Immediately misread that the Crimson Moon would not be there... Well, the numbers are getting smaller and we are nearing the point where it is unlikely to break even..  but we are committed for the first year.

still looks good though ...

We shall see what transpires....

in the meantime - back to the exercises and the cocodomol

18th August 2015 - Passive Physio it is then

Thought for the day:"If you believe you can pass a drug test by drinking large amounts of water, you're just diluting yourself."

So, things you can't do with one hand - put contact lenses in... tie your hair back in a pony tail or plait,  type with both hands, hold a 3 litre bottle of diet coke and pour it safely.

Things you can do with one hand, order beer and cider, order glasses, change cover pages.. (this one for Raglan Pirate Event)

arrange schedules, order polo shirts, examine stock sheets, count assetts, consider logistics...

Today was the first day of passive physio...   in that I am allowed to swing my arms holding a child's inflatable boat paddle, as long as I use the strong arm to control, I can lift the arms to vertical, wait a while without the sling on, and slowly lift the bad arm with the good - 10 of each and it hurts like anything - that is good ?? yes ???

A picture from the hand-fasting with the Golden Avatar from Germany as a new cover picture..


But that about does it for one day... Glass of wine to wash down the Cocodomol - apparently that is not meant to happen...

Tomorrow, Bookers, Lyme Bay, transport arrangements to Renewal, power supplies for raglan, benches and seating for raglan - plenty to do...

 

17th August 2015 - Of Fitness, Fortune & Fakenham Fayre

Thought for the day:"If you hold a mackerel to your ear you can just about hear the fishmonger in Morrisons telling you to put it down."

Today was a good day for a little catch up..  A weekend of enforced quietude while the Crimson Moon was trundling along at Vale and a visit to the specialist this morning who tells me that he probably would have screwed the arm back into shape - it was at least an option with the injury that was there - but that gentle (or rather passive - I think it will still hurt) physiotherapy is now the order of the day...

So, one of the things that had slipped was the Bard Competition at Fayre - and the winners Br Dale and Br Andrey of the Jhereg...

So, in the spirit of  completeness - here we have Fakenham Fayre - an excellent rendition..

Meanwhile, back in Germany, pictures of the Orcs dancing inspired this rather irreverent piece that might have occurred ...

Who is to say that it did not !!!!  Certainly not me - I was not there !!

And with Susie doing a wedding dress repair, my sister and I trying to spring my mother from hospital and the dog grunting that it is high time she had a walk .... I think it is time to see if I can get my contact lenses in with a gentle bit of passive physio - wish me luck....


 

16th August 2015 - On Pain and Procrastination

Thought for the day.... "My doctor e-mailed me asking if I knew my "blod group". I replied, "typo." "

There's a difference between procrastination and laziness, with procrastination you are avoiding a task but you know you will do it at a later date.

Procrastinators certainly don't live by the famous maxim of former US President Thomas Jefferson: "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?"
There's always an excuse or perceived reason to delay.
"I'll do it later, in a minute, when I get round to it, it's on my list." Jefferson would be spinning in his grave!

Indeed, if I was conceited enough to think that someone out there was actually reading my blog - then there is a good chance that it is their procrastination rather than my clever prose...

Of course, I am simply procrastinating myself - there is a pile of paperwork to my left, unpaid bills to my right, and a blog screen in front of me - onward rode the 500 into the valley of balaclava, which is of course another way of hiding your head in the sand....

But, sitting at home, while the Crimson Moon happily carries on up in the Vale - weather not too good by the looks of it an d numbers quite low... gives a massive feeling of helplessness. Should be finalising plans for the Raglan Pirates next week of course - and pre purchasing for Renewal the week  after, Susie tells me a litre of Pimms is down to £10 - best go and get some... but sitting here it is easier to get on with anything else....

It could be the meds of course. Never been one for taking medication. But 5.30am this morning and I was really disturbed - wondering if I had twisted the arm in the night - unlikely as still in the sling - or done some real damage...  But, as I recollect that I plunged into my "scratcher" at about 1.30am (early for me) the tablets probably were wearing out...

The dressing is off now - allowing the air into the wound - and the 10 stitches are clear but healing well.. But the cocodomol tablets seem to have an effect..

Of course in other times the remedy might have been different...

I know it is not toothache but the principle is the same !!! "Instantaneous cure"  no doubt....

or this small tincture...   sure it could do no harm !!!

I was slightly more worried about this one -

Glad the water base was triple distilled !!!

So, I shall swallow my pride rather than the irradiated water, and as we creep up to 11am on a Sunday, will take a couple of cocodomol and some scrambled eggs for breakfast - and give you groggy good wish for the day....

Cheers

oh.. and as a final thought ...
"what do we want?? "  "to end procrastination"
"when do we want it " "sometime  ,....   err  .... later!!"




  

15th August 2015 - Back to gentle blogging

Thought for the day: "a little bit of useless information.... Florence Nightingale applied to work at Swansea General Hospital and was refused - apparently true story"

Well, there has been an enforced silence for longer than expected, and the blog may or may not improve with spelling or grammar, as I am now having to write one - handed which makes it slower and more considered - unless I forget what I was saying by the time I reach the end of a sentence...

Back home at least. Dislocated shoulder - which apparently has slotted back in fairly reasonably...  four fractures in the upper humerus (yes many wanted to draw conclusions as to whether I found that funny!!!) and four screws to hold the upper arm together. Apparently not the way it is done in the UK where they may well have left it for a few weeks to see if it pulled back together before going in an operating. I got the German Efficiency mode and am now Vorsprung Durch Technik ...

The offending shoulder - the top sliced off and on the wrong side of the upper arm, the shoulder itself right out of place - no wonder it hurt a little....

and a couple of screws in place..

The external bruising was quite interesting as well...

Not very good at selfies...
The interesting drum article is the German solution to immobilisation - they like to have the arm "abducted" or out at an angle to keep pushing back into the socket as I understand...  Very awkward and as it allows some movement - very disconcerting as you can never tell if you are in the right position. The good old British sling keeps you still and invites you to deal with the pain with the good old British upper lip !!!...

But the food was edible and in reasonable proportions for an old viking trying to regain his strength...
Bananas and yoghurt for breakfast ?? Actually not bad if you have rolls and cold meat and cheese as well... at least it was not muesli !!

I took the opportunity to count my IT (or "in Time") money that I had gathered - and considering the game had only been running for less than 24 hours - it was not a bad haul....

But, sadly, my pride and joy - my Crimson Moon Tankard bit the dust - could not take full weight of me falling on it - the shoulder broke so i am not surprised that the tankard failed....

So...back home... Susie had to fly to Düsseldorf... take train to the outbacks of mid-germany - find the camper - find my re-enactment encampment and take it all down and pack it into the van - find me.. spring me.. and drive 800 miles home .... Happy Anniversary Susie!!

And to Anja & Rick and the members of the Grand Expedition that helped - a big big thank you.. To all those who wished me / us good wishes on the hundreds of  Facebook comments - it was overwhelming, and to the bards in Germany who extended such warm wishes - I will hope to see you all next year ..

Now - where are those pain killers...