Doctor in the House?

Day 282

28 February 2010

My daughter has tonsilitis. She's had it for the past five days. Yesterday her tonsils resembled two large strawberries. Last night she couldn't swallow, and this morning she couldn't even drink a sip of water without feeling pain in her throat, and her tonsils were looking worse than ever.

Swanage has a small cottage hospital. Today there were no doctors on duty for the town (a town with a population of over 10,000). When I spoke to the out of hours service, they were expecting me to somehow get to Poole hospital, 20 miles away. I don't have a car, today, and so they told me to get the bus (an hour and 50 minute journey with a poorly child and a baby, on my own, with another 10 minute walk in the rain once we got to Poole). Alternatively, they suggested that someone else lend me their car, let alone find two suitable car seats to use. The caller didn't seem to appreciate that Swanage is a rural area. I felt like I was being somehow difficult and annoying, and the person on the phone eventually, reluctantly agreed to send a doctor to see my daughter, although he clearly was not happy to be doing this.

When the doctor visited, he was fine about coming out to see us, and didn't see it as an issue. Great! And it was a justified visit, because she needed more than a bit of calpol to treat her.

I don't understand why there should be an issue with doctors coming to see a patient in a rural area, especially if there are difficulties visiting a clinic. Would the caller I spoke to have made such a fuss if the patient was incapacitated at home? I doubt it. I do know that there are people who expect, or demand, home visits by GP's when they are more than capable of getting out of the house, but when a call is coming from an area where there isn't even GP cover for a moderately-sized population, shouldn't there be a little give and take?

Swanage really needs a walk-in-centre, at the very least, to solve these problems. Anyone?!

Busy B

Day 281

26 February 2010

My daughter is becoming keen on the idea of learning to play an instrument. She's talked about the piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and recorder.

Today I showed her how to play a tune on the recorder. Well, it was more about tone and rhythm than melody. It was the first tune I learned to play, from the recorder book I still have, since I started learning at the age of eight. She played it back to me almost perfectly, including the right way to produce the rhythm.

When I was a child, I loved to play with any musical instrument I could get my hands on. I put this enthusiasm largely down to my music teacher at St.Georges school, a brilliant teacher called Val Greenleaves. She inspired me to learn recorder, treble recorder, flute, and yearn for piano lessons. She taught me to read music, and she had unending patience for all of the squeaky, tuneless recorder-playing she must have encountered with us over the years! She was one of the teachers in my childhood who had a hugely positive impact on my education.

The enthusiasm has never left me, but the time to sit and practice, obviously has. I still want to learn to play the piano, the harp, the bassoon, the cello, the violin...perhaps not in this lifetime, but it's good to have ambition!

Marvellous Magnolia

Day 280

26 February 2010

At least, I think it is Magnolia. It looks like it, to me. I love the magnolia tree, when it is in full bloom it looks beautiful. Today I noticed the buds on this tree at the old vicarage in the town, and although there was iron fencing in the way, I wanted to climb over it and go and touch the buds. Obviously, though, I didn't! The first signs of Spring are all around us. Even though it was very cold, today, the sun was shining and the birds were chatting away to eachother. Gorgeous!

Foggy

Day 279

25 February 2010

I went up to Worth Matravers today, to see my mum. The village is a fair bit above sea-level (I don't know how high, though), and so it's like driving into the sky, when coming from Swanage. It was really foggy and rainy, so I only had a short amount of time to snatch a photo opportunity, and here it is. Whilst I took this photo my feet were getting wet and sunken into mud, the rain was dripping into the back of my coat, and the camera was not liking it much, either! The tractor looks like it's huddling up against the barbed-wire fence for some sort of comfort against the elements, in the hope that it will not suffer the effects of the weather.

A lemony cake

Day 278

24 February 2010

It's my mother in-law's birthday this week. I made a cake for her, which had the taste of oranges, lemons, vanilla and mixed spice. It tasted good. I think.

There is a little bit left, if you want to try some!

Little Hands

Day 277

23 February 2010

I have been putting together a lesson plan for a six-week course in baby sign language, today. I have offered to run it at the children's centre, after a few people were asking for someone who could do baby signing. I went on a baby signing course for parents, with a well-known franchise after I'd had my daughter, and I have been using it again with my son. It is amazing how effective baby signing is. I know that baby signing is regarded by critics as nothing more than a fashionable way to extort money from parents eager to produce a baby with superIQ. However, there is evidence that baby signing encourages earlier language development than babies who don't sign. And that it reduces frustration for parent and baby by improving communication.

I agree with the latter (obviously). My daughter was able to have a "chat" with me from around 8 months old, by pointing out and signing things around her, as well as being able to tell me she wanted a drink or a banana. She was talking really well by the time she got to 18 months old, and we haven't looked back since. My son is doing really well, too. At the age of 13 months old, he is able to warn me that my drink is hot; that the oven is hot when I've got stuff cooking in it; that the monkey in Dear Zoo is eating a banana; and that the light bulb above the dining table was flickering on and off.

So although it is not a replacement to language, it gives insight into what a baby is aware of around them, and how it's possible to have a conversation with them!

I will be starting the sessions within the next couple of months, and I won't be making any profit out of it, but it will be fun to teach!

Leaning to the Left

Day 276

22 February 2010

I went to Southampton, this afternoon. On the way back, the sky was beginning to look threatening and rain was racing me back home. I stopped off at Canford Cliffs to have a look at the sea, which was this lovely greenish blue. Against the darker sky it made for an interesting scene. Unfortunately it was also a bit windy, so when I took the photo above, I couldn't help but be leaning to the left a bit!

It looks quite nice, here. I will come back when it isn't coat weather!

Nice colours!

Day 275

21 February 2010

To be honest, I was a bit stuck, for a photo today. I made a big old roast for lunch and so was happily confined to the kitchen for three hours, this morning; and our plans to go out for a walk were hampered by rain, this afternoon. The rear light on our car caught my eye so I decided to use that as today's image. Not particularly inspiring, but, in the true spirit of girlishness, I like the colours!

Peveril Point

Day 274

20 February 2010

I think this bit of peninsular is Peveril Point, although it might be the other bit a few metres down on the left! Anyway, we took a walk up there this morning, as the weather was bright and sunny.
We could just about see the lifeboat out towards Hengisbury head. It's a bit of a challenge to try and explain to a five year-old how to locate something a long distance from where you're standing, even with the use of binoculars! She got there in the end, though. We played house in the old gunning building which was used during WW2, and stood admiring the view. Hard to imagine that, 60 years ago, we would not have been allowed to walk there or enjoy the scenery.

Is there really snow around the country?

Day 273

19 February 2010

Listening to the radio through the week, I've heard repeated travel bulletins about snow causing problems on major routes around the country. It's hard to imagine, given the micro-climate of Swanage. Today it has been sunny; cold but not freezing; and the town has woken up a bit, with daytrippers and half-term holidaymakers peppering the streets and the beach. I've got used to the quiet and the regular familiarity, and so it was a bit strange to suddenly have an influx of unknown faces, albeit welcome!

Save James Day Home!

Day 272

18 February 2010

Have you heard the one about Dorset County Council making a sickly music video, entitled, "The Promise"? It's really funny, cuz it has a bunch of sycophantic county councillors and other council members, singing lines from the UN convention on the Rights of the Child. It can be found on You Tube, so if you decide to watch it, be sure to hold your sides, as it's laughable, being that it resembles a scene from "The Office". I expected David Brent to leap out at any moment.

I have an acidic view on the video as they are blatently failing the children of Swanage, yet within a week of making their decision to ignore us all, they release a video promising that they will do all they can to make sure that no child in their council's catchment will go without!

Now, not content with firing their cannons in our direction to try to close our recycling centre, our schools, and James Day care home a couple of years ago, they are now readjusting their sight on to the latter, deciding to increase the rent to beyond what the owners can reasonably pay, forcing the home to close within the next couple of months. The council say that it's because of falling numbers in the home, and yet rather than try to be proactive about increasing the numbers, they have decided to hike the costs.

Excellent. Well done.

I am so glad that my council tax contributes to these people's illustrious careers in how to be completely counter-intuitive, destructive, and reactive.

A Birthday Party (guess who forgot their camera?!)

Day 271

17 February 2010

It was a classmate's birthday, today, so my daughter was invited to his party. They had a very well-organised dalek/space party. All the children had a great time, making/dancing/story-telling activities keeping them occupied for a couple of hours. Here you can see a photo of the birthday cake: a dalek with a sparkler for the eye.

As you may be able to see, the photo is of poor quality. That's because it was taken on my camera phone, because it wasn't until I got to the party that I realised I'd left my camera at home. I had wondered why I felt so light when I walked up the road!

Daydreaming

Day 270

16 February 2010

This droplet of water caught my eye whilst I was staring out of the window, daydreaming about nothing in particular. One child was asleep; the other was quietly playing and daydreaming, herself; the only noise was the whirring of the washing machine. A moment of calm, of pleasure, a feeling of being relaxed.

The branch was gently bobbing up and down in the light breeze outside. The drip bounced and threatened to fall from the bud, but it clung on.

It's heartening to see the buds on the trees appearing - before long, the buds will blossom and Spring will be here - filling our parks and gardens with a spray of pinks, whites and lilacs, with which to tickle our noses with the aroma of vanilla, and the sweetness of warmer weather, longer, brighter days, and the impending excitement of summer.

For today, though, we have a drizzly day, but we look forward to flipping our pancakes this evening for Shrove Tuesday.

Mine's bananas with chocolate. What's yours?

Half Term

Day 269

15 February 2010

The schools have broken up for half term, and we got a few flyers and letters to look through to help plan the time off with the kids. We made use of the holiday club, today, where cooking was the order of the day. My daughter came back with a few shortbread biscuits, which she shared with her friend, who came over to surprise her, this afternoon.

First Walk

Day 268

14 February 2010

Today my son took his first stroll out along the seafront. He has suddenly taken to walking alone for 10 or 15 steps at a time, but prefers to hold on to something. As the sun was shining, and as it wasn't freezing cold today, it felt right to be heading out for a walk with the kids.

He did really well, but got a bit frustrated in the end, mostly, it seemed, because he wanted to be running about with his big sister. All in good time! She spent her time running about on the beach, looking for stones to skim along the water. After a while we headed home for some homemade leek and potato soup.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Day 267

13 February 2010

This is the stage at The Mowlem. Today we came to see Where The Wild Things Are.

The Mowlem has a certain charm, to it. I came here as a child, before the big multiplex cinemas came to my attention in the late 80's. The Mowlem is where I went to see Ghostbusters with my friend and my brother; a school trip to see Jesus of Nazareth; Back To The Future; and the last film I remember going to see - The Bodyguard. Back then, it was cold, the seating was really uncomfortable, and it was better to sit on the floor and look between the railings to see the film. The screen itself was always a bit out of focus, fuzzy, and jumpy.

Today was the first time I had been since 1992. The seating was more comfortable, although it was a bit chilly in the room (preferable to being stifled in the sweaty, popcorn-heat of Multiplex soul-lessness); the kids preferred to sit on the floor, and the screen still jumped about in a fuzzy, and slightly annoyingly out of focus kind of way. The film was brilliant, even if most of it went over my daughter's head.

The charm of the place was still there, and completely different to any modern cinema experience. It took me right back to my childhood, and that is no bad thing!

Child-focused

Day 266

12 february 2010

Today the new children's centre in Swanage, opened. The centre was built by Ecofab LTD. It is a very attractive timber building, with walls made with straw and sheep's wool. The centre is managed by Surestart, and the project was managed by Dorset County Council. I'll reserve my feelings for DCC on this one, only to say that they can prove themselves to be proactive towards our younger generations...

Anyway, MP Jim Knight formally opened the centre, and there was an afternoon of activities for children. The centre is used for most of the baby groups, as well as the health visitor baby clinics, and other organisations such as Bosom Buddies, and the National Childbirth Trust.

In addition to the grand opening of the children's centre, a new clothing shop for children opened, today. Little Rascals opened its doors, selling realistically-priced clothing for babies and children. I wish them lots of success!

Growth

Day 265

11 February 2010

On our way home from school we found this little collection growing between a tree trunk, and some wire fencing. It's an ideal location: dark, damp, and well-protected from the cold and the wind. A while ago, a spore took its opportunity, colonised, and became what is here, today. Ideas are taking shape in my mind, and are growing into reality. It's exciting, and I am hopeful that these things will bear fruit.

Crystal Clear

Day 264

10 February 2010

In the past two years, we have changed our lives. We are doing completely different things to what we'd ever imagined, having made big decisions and taken new paths. All along, despite having taken risks, we believed in our hearts that we were doing the right thing.

In the past week or so, I have made another, big decision that I feel is right, and will take us on another exciting journey.

Pepped Up

Day 263

09 February 2010

Things are starting to return to normal, today. We're all getting our appetites back, so I was able to prepare food with some enthusiasm.

Poorly Day At Home (the marvellous properties of popular paracetamol-based children's medicine, part 2)

Day 262

08 February 2010

Last night was spent to-ing and fro-ing between kid's bedrooms, either to soothe, clean up, or administer hugs, medicine or fresh sheets. This morning, we decided that school was definitely not an option, so instead we went to the newsagent and got a comic. Then Daddy helped make finger puppets, whilst I paused for breath! I really hope that my photographic ability gets back up to where it was, in the next few days!

A party at Putlake

Day 261

07 February 2010

We went to my daughter's friends birthday party at Putlake farm, today.

They all had a great time feeding the pigs and the alpaca's, going on a tractor ride, playing in the outside play area, and running about in the softplay area. I still felt like I'd been knocked sideways, but better than yesterday.

Unfortunately, within hours of arriving home, my daughter came down with the viral illness. I felt so sorry for her. She looked so sad, and pale. All of her vibrancy had left her. She was still, quiet, her eyes full of tears. I just wanted to wrap her up and make it all better for her.

No juice

Day 260

06 February 2010

I have no photo, for today. Despite being extremely irritated by this, I could not find the time, or the energy to take a picture of anything. I used up all my reserve on taking my daughter to her friend's birthday party, by which point I wanted to sleep for several hours. Later I started vomiting, and so resigned myself to the fact that I had definitely caught my son's virus. The only problem was that my husband is working night shifts, this week. I could not look after myself properly, let alone the kids, so he had to cancel. At any rate, he wasn't feeling too great, himself.

Both kids are not themselves. I think it's going to be a long night...

The marvellous properties of popular paracetamol-based children's medicine (Part 1)

Day 259

05 February 2010

Here is my son, in between doses of paracetamol. Last night was terrible for him. He woke frequently, to be sick (mostly over me), before crying in pain and then falling asleep with exhaustion. We had a slow morning, and he slept for a few hours, then perked up enough to have some playtime.

Meanwhile, I am trying not to notice that I feel a bit tired, feverish, naseaous. It's all in my imagination, isn't it?

Discussion

Day 258

04 February 2010

Today has been a really hectic day, and it didn't slow down this evening, either. I had a meeting at my house, but just as people were about to arrive, my son woke up and started being sick. I spent the whole meeting sitting with him on my lap, holding a bowl and muslins over him, knowing then that it was a matter of hours before I caught the viral illness he has.

The crips weren't finished by anyone. I wonder why!

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Day 257

03 February 2010

My son was unwell, last night, so he was unsettled and grumpy. At just after 3am, I was dealing with a fidget that wouldn't feed, lie still, settle with cuddles or calm down with a lullaby.

Two hours and a lot of "Shhh!" later, he finally went to sleep.

During this time, I heard the house fidgeting, too. There were a few gurgles as the heating came on; a few creaking noises in the floorboards as the house heated up, and occasionally a "CRACK" from a chunk of ice separating in the freezer, downstairs. Then there was the sound of fingernails tapping against the cot, just before my son woke up, and the lightshade falling off the wall in my daughter's bedroom as I walked past it after I'd said goodnight to her. Now I like to think that I'm not a nervous kind of person, but this did put the wind up me a bit, especially at 4.50 in the morning, feeling tired, and on my own!

BOO!

Groundhog Day

Day 256

02 February 2010

It must be wonderful to wake up each morning, not knowing what is going to happen throughout the day, but take for granted that, on the whole, the day is going to be a good one: toys, entertainment, people, places, food, drink, cuddles, sleep, and laughter. Through the eyes of a child, their life is one of constant wonder, new experiences, learning, and growing, and all minute-to-minute, without the need to forward-plan. Yesterday was not the same as it is today, because yesterday was far too long ago to remember, and is not required to store in the memory banks. The routine may well be the same, but there will be something different to experience, each day.

Yet most young children don't have any worries about the fact that something different may happen, today, or that they don't plan anything in advance, and definitely don't fret about what they should be doing, rather than the activity they happen to be doing from hour to hour. They are comfortable to live for each moment, and relish in doing so, in that beautiful way in which children behave like children.

For me, today has been about getting out of my comfort zone. I have done things I would not normally do. I have found it challenging, and awkward, but I have done it. If I hadn't had done these things, I wouldn't have been any worse off for not having experienced them; but I have stretched myself beyond my own expectations. As for tomorrow, who knows? I look forward to finding out!

Piggy Bank

day 255

01 February 2010

Wow, it's February, again! How'd that happen?

Today we went to Sunshine Ceramics, to paint a piggy bank for our son as his first birthday present. He chose the colour, and got to work quickly. He then got agitated, quickly. His artistic temperment seems to have surfaced at a tender age. It wasn't long before brushes and paint bottles were being hurled across the table, but he did enjoy trying to suck on the sponges!

Cooking Afternoon

Day 254

31 January, 2010

I decided that I'd spend an afternoon cooking, today, to get some meals sorted for the week. I decided I needed an easy week! I made spicy bean soup; 2 lasagnes, bolognese sauce, and a pie. Then I went for a run, which was poorly executed as I only managed half of my normal distance, due to my bruising injuries from last week!

The Day We Almost Got To Old Harry

Day 253

30 January 2010

After breakfast, we went for a walk. We went along the beach, and then we got to Shep's Hollow, took the steep steps up the cliff, and then into the fields, above. We slid our way up the muddy tracks to the top, and then stared at th magnificent view, all the while imagining we were on an amazing adventure, to keep our daughter focussed on the walk. I am amazed that she did it, as it's all up hill, and cold and muddy. She loved it, and the promise of an ice lolly at the end helped her along the way. We had a great time, but stopped 1 mile short of Old Harry, because both kids were starting to get tired. Next time we'll do the whole walk!

Thar be the Isle Of Wight!
Technically, I am proud of this photo, especially as I was shooting directly into the sun!

Looking at the OSM

Thar be Swanage!

Can I have my ice lolly, now?

Dancing In The Moonlight

Day 252

29 January 2010

it's a full moon, tonight. We came down to the beach to look at it in all its glory, only for it to hide behind a cloud as we got down there. My daughter danced about happily on the sand, whilst I snapped away quickly before it was too late. These photos really don't do it any justice: it was beautiful.

Too Ch-Easy

Day 251

28 January 2010

OK, it's a busy week! I needed to take a pic of my husband to give to our friend, Paul, so that he could use them for their promotional wares. Pat is doing some gigs with Paul this year, so he needed some photos to promote themselves. Paul has named them "Too Easy", so watch out for them! They're very good!

Fool

Day 250

27 January 2010

These gloves could have saved me from a lot of bother. I went for a run, a couple of days ago, and whilst I was out I realised I'd forgotten my gloves, but rather than be sensible and go back to get them (my hands were chilling down very fast), I thought I'd be daft and carry on.

I'd just got into my stride, when I tripped over on some uneven ground, and launched myself, Superman style, onto the pavement. I could feel it all happen in slow motion, and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. A few choice words were said, before I limped back home, feeling very foolish. If only I'd remembered my gloves. I won't forget them again, anyway! This is not one of my better photos, but it does show the spot where they were left, optimistically warming up on the radiator before going out!