Snow!

 Last night it snowed. Big fluffy flakes that slowly drifted down through the night sky. This morning the snow sparkled on everything, we only got about an inch or so but it transformed the world into a white wonder. Thankfully there was not SO much that driving became a nightmare for Mark. I was lucky as it is a rest day for me so I didn't have to worry about train delays and whatnot. I got to stay at home and rest. I went for a walk in the common that is behind our house and it was so nice. A bit nostalgic for the snow in Canada hearing the crunch of the snow under my boot was a welcome home. A friend was testing me and said it must make you miss Canada and I said yes, but this is the way I prefer my snow short stints rather than the months that you get in Canada. By 3pm in the afternoon the snow had melted and the tops of the grass was once again visible. They are calling for more snow tonight, but we will see. The sun is currently peeping out between thick clouds help so no sign of more snow yet....

This week I went to see my Neurologist about all that has been happening. He was very kind and patient and listened to and answered all my questions. This is the low down. He is very confident that what I have is some version of "trigeminal nerve pain syndrome". What this means is that for whatever reason my nerve that is responsible for the left side of my face has decided to act up which for means that I have sinus pain (similar to what you might experience when you have a cold) and continual tingling to the same side of my face. I spent the time in the hospital as they were worried I might have a bigger scarier issue, but I don't. My scans and CSF tests came back a-ok! Hooray!!!! The other thing that he is very confident about is that with a few more months of treatment I should be able to come off the medication, WITHOUT return of symptoms! So good news all around! There are a few things that I need to avoid over the next few months but nothing too terrible. I can travel and do most things that I want to so I can't really complain. I am getting stronger and stronger everyday, but I have to continue to go slowly. If I push too much by doing too much in one day the next day is very uncomfortable for me. Funnily enough the thing I struggle the most with is the tingling...it is like I have a permanent itch that no scratching helps to resolve. a single hair that falls onto my left side of my face can drive me wild! So funny! I am grateful that is the worst of it as some of the things they thought it might be were a lot worse than a itchy face. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and concerns...we are getting there. By May I should be back to myself! Until then one step at a time.

Whitmoor Common

Spring?? In Jan???

This is not your imagination. This is not a photo taken last spring. This photo was taken this week in my garden! YES it is snow drops in JAN!!! Hooray for global warming! We have had a very mild winter here in England and I can't help but brag a bit! hehe!! Not only snow drops but on closer examination of my garden I have yellow crocus's that are blooming, and the beginning of daffodils, tulips, allium, and hyacinths! Not to mention that my summer yellow rose has not stopped blooming as of yet! It is making it harder to be patient though as I want to start planting NOW! But there is still risk of frost SO must wait a bit longer before I get my garden well and truly going!

I am getting stronger and apart from a cold that I am now battling I think that things are improving. Next week I think that I am going to start to slowly go back to work. The Dr. is recommending a "phased return to work" SO  we will see how that goes. Other than that we are just taking it one day at a time. Thank you for all your well wishes, thoughts and prayers they have been much appreciated. We are still waiting to hear back from the Neuro Dr about when we get to go and see them to find out more about what is going on with me.

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A Garden in the backyard

So I put in a garden...actually I did planted the seeds a while ago. Today I spent a bit of time weeding in the garden. The radishes I planted are thriving!! And my snap peas have just begun to peek through. My Zucchini, green beans, green onions, chives, and basil have yet to make an appearance, BUT I'm hoping. Yes for all of you out there that know something about gardens I'm a little behind, but it is not the seeds fault, I was a bit slow to put it in with school and the other stuff that I do. This is a picture of when I first laid out my garden. Even with the weeding I did today my garden's looks haven't improved much yet so this will have to do. Hopefully I will manage to grow something other than weeds and radishes.

Why you ask? Especially those of you know what my schedule. Well I'll tell you, I can. The garden patch that had been etched out long ago has been ignored for a while and it frankly was breaking my heart. So a $10 hoe a few seeds and hopefully I get a little produce that is truly organic out of it. If not then I'll have some free therapeutic gardening sessions! hehe!