Desperate Housewifes

Is back for a new series on Channel 4.

No cancer scenes to deal with this time I don't think. New family on the street. They are predictably mysterious. New twists. Various wife swapping. Possible attempted murder.

Worth watching. Although think that Wisteria Lane will be missing Edie this series. The baddies are always the best to watch in these things.

Fluctuating Energy Levels

My energy is so up and down at the moment. It's been "a bit of a week," what with one thing and another and I seem to be really tired generally. My routine of trying to nap in the day is helping, but sometimes I get it completely wrong and sleep for too long, and then I am all out of sorts.

I babysat for some friends last night and ended up snoozing most of the night on the sofa. Whilst this felt like a real treat at the time, I don't think it's great for routine when you have energy issues like myself. I woke up this morning and applied a large amount of make up to try and fill in the bags under my eyes in an attempt look less scary whilst I was helping to run a workshop. Hardly a great advert for the exercise if I look like I had done a couple of rounds with Frank Bruno.

It went well in the end I think. No one commented on my tired look. And my afternoon nap this afternoon was right on cue.

The frustrating thing with fatigue is when it hits, little things can seem a bit too much. I don't even get round to calling the people I mean to, and then I end up feeling bad (and tired) because I haven't. I find myself in this weird mix of meeting people for cups of tea, going to classes, doing my course, etc and yet being totally useless in other aspects of my life.

But maybe that is just life. We do some bits better than others.

And yes Anne. Tomorrow is all brand new with no mistakes in it. I'm going to add my own twist on that one. Tomorrow is all brand new with no mistakes in it and lots of energy too.

Tuesday Treats

Treats of the day today have been some of these:

And I had a friend over this afternoon to watch a lot of this:

Long Monday Morning

I left the house when it was still dark this morning. I never leave so early it is still dark these days. Felt a bit strange. But then I guess spending your morning having radioactive sugar put in you and then hanging out in a tube of lasers for an hour or so is not really normal either. My friend took me to the hospital. Having company makes these things so much easier to bear, and stopped me getting into a spiral of darkness in my head.

Things were delayed and so we chatted about lots of things. One of them is why having these scans is so traumatic. There are many reasons. But I find the fact I am stripped of my wedding rings and my underwear particularly tough. It's like for those couple of hours I'm not allowed to be me. My stomach is empty from fasting. And no matter how much make up I put on, it all seems to sink into my face through the stress of it. I emerge afterwards jaded and weak.

Whilst the rational part of the mind says that these scans are needed and good, the emotions of the process don't work like that. I don't want any of this. And whilst dressed in a hospital gown (although these days I get rather insistent that I can keep my clothes on as they have no metal on,) I am placed into a confined space while lasers take images of my insides, looking for the nasties.

I was trying hard today to think that whilst I was "there," I didn't have to actually "be there." Thanks Charlie Cruz. It works to a point. But not entirely.

But I was grateful for my friend and her words. It would have been a lot harder without her there. And when I got to my doorstep this is what I found:

And inside there were a couple of these:

Having been on sugar fast since New Year, with maybe a couple of blips, cup cake tasted so good.

How blessed I am to have the support and love that is around me.

Well done United

At last. I hear you had a good game.

Well done Wayne Rooney especially. 4 goals. The boy did good. And I am personally grateful to you for raising my husband's hopes for the league.

I am told we are big fans of Manchester United but not big fans of the Glazers. I don't understand the debt issues, but I hear they are not good. I haven't actually tried to understand them to be fair, but as a qualified, all be it not practicing, Chartered Accountant, I maybe should be able to get my head around it.

All I know is that if you are a true fan then you didn't wear your red and black United scarf to the match today. You wore green and gold.

Any one know the significance of green and gold?

Muscle Stabilising

I have learnt a lot about deep muscle stretching so far. Today I spent the day learning about deep muscle stabilising. A lot of it was similar to some of the pilates techniques, but with a slightly different focus. You see our muscles need to be strong AND flexible.

There is much stress on the course at the moment about assessments and demonstrations. I care and I want to do well. But with bigger "assessments" to face in the next few days or so, it kind of puts a new perspective on things.

Still a lot to learn and can't remember much of what we have been told it seems.

Strengthen. Stretch. Breathe.

Sweet Potato Mash

I realise I haven't posted any recipes for a while. This is a hearty healthy winter warmer.

Serves 2-3

2 Sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 white potato, peeled and chopped
Big knob of butter
Splash of milk
Salt and pepper
Cubed Pancetta (optional but lovely)

Boil the potatoes (sweet and white) in hot salty water for about 15 minutes, until soft but not falling apart.

Meanwhile fry up some cubed Pancetta in a small frying pan, ideally in some garlic oil.

Strain and return to pan with butter milk and seasoning.

Mash well. Stir in the pancetta. Check the seasoning again and serve while piping hot.

Great with fish or griddled poultry.

Brothers and Sisters

I was blogging earlier in the week about American TV series and how much I enjoy them. So I was very excited that Brothers and Sisters was back on Channel 4 for a new series. I spent some rest time today watching it on the sky plus.

However. There is one problem this latest series. Kitty has cancer.

When Lynn got cancer in Desperate Housewives I had similar reservations about whether to persevere. However, it didn't upset me. I thought they reflected some of it well, and some of it appallingly badly. I watched anyway.

And I will watch Brothers and Sisters because I love it.

But today it got me. It got me right there in the stomach. And the tears were rolling and I was sobbing. It took me back to that moment of diagnosis. Those absolutely awful conversations where you have to tell the people you love. And you SO don't want to. You would do anything not to have to tell them the news you have been told. You are lost for words. But you have to say something anyway. Numb. You are about to be thrown into a world that you don't understand and you don't want to. So many questions to deal with, and you don't know the answers. You don't know how you feel. It is impossible to put into words. The best description I can give is I felt like my whole world had been shattered into pieces and not a single part of it would ever be the same again. That's not to say I doubted whether Jon would love me the same, or me him. Or my family or true friends. Or God. Or any of the things I know and I believe in. But things just would be different too.

The moment that was real for me was Rob Lowe brings Kitty her favourite cake that she can have after her tests that she has had to fast for. The most simple thing. A little cake. A friend did this for me for my last scan. It was the kindest thing.

And then Nora (Kitty's mother) cries. She weeps. She weeps for the daughter she loves. So much pain. So much fear.

How can one day the cancer world be so completely alien, and the next you are part of it? Suddenly facing your own mortality. And how are you going to get through the minutes of the hours of the days that follow and somehow make it appear you are coping? So that you will get less questions and those you care about will cope better too.

Well done Brothers & Sisters for not sensationalising the reality. As someone who has been there, and in many ways is still there, I thought you did a good job of portraying something so hard to actually reflect the reality of what it is like. I hope this is a sign of how the story is going to play out. And that she won't suddenly be better in a couple of episodes. Or that the series doesn't go all Hollywood about it. If it does, I will probably be blogging.

Winter Fuel Payments for Cancer Patients

A friend of mine from my cyber support group has come across a 10 Downing Street e-petition set up by someone a while ago, to ask the Government to allocate Winter Fuel Payments for people with cancer.

I am sure she won't mind me blogging about it - and using many of her words - and I also hope you will sign if you are able to.

The Government has always said "no" to widening this benefit to anyone with a specific illness/disability, and their initial response to a similar campaign from Macmillan was "they can use their DLA (Disability Living Allowance) for fuel bills", but of course not all patients with cancer are eligible for DLA, and that's not what it's for anyway.

So . . . I hope you'll go to:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Cancer-keepwarm/

And sign the e-petition. Just under another 100 signatures are needed before the 4th of February to get a government response.

There is also a Macmillan campaign and for the first time in my life, I think I will be writing to my MP. Please visit their campaign website for more information:

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/GetInvolved/Campaigns/Freezeoutfuelpoverty/Fuel_poverty_campaign.aspx

For a long time the Government was very resistant to allowing free NHS prescriptions for cancer patients. And then changed their minds, so we might find they do the same with this campaign. I for one spent a lot of money on various prescriptions that have been needed over the past 5 years - as I am sure you can imagine they do add up. So here's hoping that cancer patients can get the extra help they need with fuel bills around this time of year.

Cancer is an indiscriminate disease that affects both the rich and poor. And trust me, having the heating on when you need to rest at home, is something that anyone receiving treatment for cancer should be entitled to.

Birthday Fun for Debra

Just back from a lovely evening celebrating Debra's birthday. Misbah cooked a fantastic meal. Again. Dahl curry and rice and salad was delicious.

I made the Nigella damp lemon and almond cake as a birthday cake pudding, and it came out rather well even if I do say so myself.

Debra got some lovely smelly White Company toiletries and a make up book. She is the queen of make up. And a fab friend too.

All round a really nice evening with two great friends.

I made a slight hitch with the time we were meant to be meeting so for the second time today caused all sorts of alarm bells with my very unlike Jo lateness... sorry girls, and Sal this morning. I will try better at getting up on time and arriving when I need to. Brain like mush sometimes these days....

Oasis

The past couple of weeks I have started going to a new group. It is called Oasis and is a place for women in the church community who are around in the week, for whatever reason, to get together. It is an hour of tea, biscuits, study and sharing.



Due to my sleep problems of late, I was feeling somewhat weary this morning, but was really glad I went. We had good conversation, could share on things on our hearts and did feel like an "oasis."



I have recently finished reading Malcom Gladwells book "Outliers," which I would really recommend as a fascinating and entertaining read. It examines reasons why certain communities are healthier, certain people are successful in business, some a great a sport and even why certain groups of people are good at maths. In his opening chapter, he explores why a certain town in the States has such a low incidence of heart disease. Despite the fact they do little exercise, eat a high fat diet and essentially do many of the things that medically would suggest the number of heart attacks would be much higher. He concludes that the closeness of the community, the connections that people have in that town, due to their inherited culture and history is unique. And that this community lifestyle has served to protect against many of the stress and emotional issues that most Western society experiences.



I think there is something different from "people you know" and "knowing people." I know a lot of people, but I only really know a few of them and vice versa. When you become familiar with someones weekly routine, how they like their tea to be made, what makes them happy and what makes them sad - then I think you get to a place where you actually know them. And it is a real shame that so many are so busy these days, that finding that closeness and familiarity of community often somehow seems to have get lost.



I know some people are private people, and don't really want to be "known." I used to think I was the same. But finding myself in the situation I am in, and actually even if I didn't have the elephant to contend with, then I think it is important to have people around who know you, because, well, quite frankly, we are designed to interact with each other. And I for one think it is better for your well being, as Mr Gladwell found in his research too.

Sleep problems

Are back. Very frustrating but not that surprising at the moment. Must get back to that list I blogged on a few months ago.

Don't forget Haiti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYV-qdL_7jw

Exercise increases your brain size

A new study has shown that apparently aerobic exercise triggers new cell growth in the brain. This is quite a breakthrough study as previously it was thought that once brain cells deteriorate, they can never be replaced - as is the case with stroke victims. Or those who drink lots of booze.

This is interesting study and one which may encourage more people to exercise. As a nation whose waist lines are increasing, despite the consumption of less fat in our diets, this is much needed on the whole. And if we can improve our brain power at the same time, then more to the better.

This study caught my attention as I have been thinking this week about my own exercise regimes I have tried over the years. Not a lot in school. Some swimming at university and then various gym memberships and military fitness classes in my twenties. And as someone who is trying to suppress the growth of certain unwanted cells in my body too, it raises some interesting questions about exercise for me.

Whilst undoubtedly exercise is good for us, I do think we sometimes need to be careful. I spent many hours in my twenties on the treadmill or doing some sort of exercise either before or after work. At the time I thought I was helping my body. I took to heart the advice given to my generation. That the harder I worked out the more benefits I would receive. Looking back on it, working such long hours in a stressful office environment, I do wonder if sometimes I would have been kinder to my body to have done some relaxation, rather than stress myself out about how many workouts I had or hadn't managed in a particular week.

In the study above, scientists are thinking that the growth of grey matter may be linked to increased blood flow. They also think it may due to the higher levels of hormones that are released whilst exercising. And as I have experienced in an extreme case, hormones that are out of balance is not good news. We also need to watch the strain on their hearts. My father had a heart attack aged 54 whilst playing tennis on a cold evening after work. From which he fortunately made a complete recovery.

I'm not saying that my exercise regime of my twenties caused my cancer. Or that playing tennis on that cold night caused my father to have a heart attack. But it is possible that pushing ourselves to exercise more and more, MAY have been one factor of MANY, that put additional strain on the body.

I am currently doing a course studying about a deep stretching method and pilates. This exercise has helped me hugely to cope with my illness and have confidence that my body still works. I also really believe in the benefits of it so am not saying don't exercise. Just do it in a sensible way and listen to your own body.

I'm just reflecting in my own case I guess, doing lots of cardio work, when my body was tired from working so hard, whether increased cell division from exercise and surging hormone levels actually did me any favours. And I wonder what is the best advice for some like me now, who doesn't want increased blood flow to those bloomin nasties.

There is so much we don't know about our bodies. And research and recommendations are constantly changing. I think that it is important to exercise. But it's really important to look after ourselves too. And make sure there is also a time to rest and be kind to yourself. I will keep exercising as long as I can, but these days in a more gentle way. Swimming, walking, stretching, strengthening my core. And also getting lots of sleep and taking it easy when I need to too.

In the absence of any other advice for someone in my situation I will be grateful for the things I can still do with my body. I also just have hope that any cell division in my body caused by exercise is only of the positive sort.

American TV Series - recommendations Part 1

There is something easy and entertaining about American TV series. These days I have become quite a fan of working my way through a DVD box set.

In no particular order, these are on my recommended list:

• Gilmore Girls

Definitely one for the girls. Nothing really happens much. A mother and daughter relationship who live in a simple American small town. Trials of boyfriends, parents etc. Really easy watching and very addictive

• 24

Got rather bored of the same formula around series 5. Series 7 brought a new twist and it is back on sky next week

• Life

Latest discovery. Damian Lewis is fantastic. I mean totally amazing. He plays a detective who has just emerged from 11 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. He is back at work. Solving crimes as well as trying to figure out what really happened in the one he went to prison for. But most entertaining is the lines he has from scene to scene. Watch it.

• Studio 60 on Sunset Strip

Matthew Perry stars. It is a REAL shame that this only made one series. All characters hugely entertaining. Based around the production of a live TV comedy chat show. Again watch it.

• CSI

Jonny has me hooked. It is really entertaining. Different American cities. Same formula. Murder gets solved. Easy to watch.

There are many more. But that's my starter for 10.

BTW: Not watched The Wire yet. Need to build in a few hours to figure out what an earth they are saying... but have heard great things.

Nice morning

I had a nice morning today. I could walk into Richmond as there was no snow, so that made things much better for a start. I met a friend for a coffee and could really share my heart with her. The good stuff and not so good stuff. And sat in a very nice posh deli too. I nearly took a picture of all the fancy jars and olives but thought the lady running it would think me a bit odd. I mean I know I AM a bit odd. But didn't want her to know that at the time.

Then onto week 2 of stretch project, which is going really well. Home for a rest and a catch up on a couple of phone calls that were well overdue.

Really simple day really. But I will take that today. Sometimes simple and uncomplicated is best.

Course weekend

I spent most of this weekend at the studio studying for my course. Things are coming together. As I posted on Saturday we have now covered all our anatomy stuff, I now just need to get it into my brain. I get all the principles, it's just learning all the muscle names I find hard.

Yesterday we all had to present our sample sessions. This was take 2 for me as I had done this before Christmas. There was some confusion about what the expectation was but it all came together in the end and we all got through it ok I think.

This week I will have to be doing quite a lot of my course work as I have to write my first diploma session - i.e my own class - for submission and presentation next weekend. I am also into week 2 of working with my volunteer on her 30 day stretch.

The timing of getting busy with this is all quite apt as I have elephant stuff looming and I need to keep busy and not think about it too much. Obviously I am carrying around a lot of anxiety with me right now, but if I can focus on the work I need to do then this should hopefully help.

Aside from a weekend of course related stuff, and popping to church yesterday evening, we have been VERY much enjoying the "Life" dvd box set in this house. Jonny got it for Christmas. We are totally hooked. It's so good I may have to write a separate post about it at some point. Damian Lewis is fantastic. Thanks for that one Ma.

Facebook status updates

I'm really tired and am meant to be going through my sample class for tomorrow with a cuppa in bed. Jonny is on his way back from a United victory (at last) in Manchester.

I have, however, just made a discovery that may just help to make my days a little better. You can filter your news feed on Facebook.

I like to use Facebook mainly to keep up with friends who are overseas. However, just logging on can sometimes really upset me, for various reasons. People don't always think when posting status updates or whatever, that some of their "friends" may not need to hear that. I know I am not alone in this. Whatever is going on in your life, if it hasn't gone the way you hoped, then logging on to check your emails can result in having to see, well, stuff. And this can happen at bad moments when you are feeling isolated enough as it is, without having to read about ..... [insert whatever it is that you don't need to hear]

Anyway. There is a way round this. You can go to your "friends list" and create a list. A list of whoevers updates you know won't upset you. Then on the home page you can just select to see the updates of those you have chosen to find out about.

Perfect. No need to ditch any "friends." But also a way to protect oneself from the less sensitive. Highly recommended to those who need to do this. Like I say, I know for a fact that I am not alone.

And no. I'm not telling you if you made it onto my "safe" list.

Anatomy lesson - Take 3

I am just back from a days anatomy lesson. That's it apparently. Anatomy done. I still have lots of studying to do at home but I do know a lot more than I did a few weeks ago.

Today we spent a lot of time looking at postural alignment and common complaints. We used each others postures to analyse and learn from.

People often tell me I have a good posture. In reality hardly anyone does though. I have a deep lumber spine, a flat neck and upper spine. I need to stretch my hip flexors and work more on my obliques. Even getting into the right posture relieved instantly my lower back strain. Immediate results. Love it.

I had a good day in the studio today. It is a great place to go and where the elephant isn't. I had a quick chat with the studio leader about various elephant tests that are on the horizon. Felt good to get everything out in the open with her, but no one else needs to know anymore. I get to just be Jo.

I hope tomorrow is a good day. Sample session assessments and all three of us seem to have different ideas about what the expectation is. Have a feeling that may not go so well as right at the end of a long day of teaching.

Stretch project - end of week 1

So. My willing volunteer has had three one-hour sessions of exercises with me this week, and also done her homework. Gold stars all round.

It was very rewarding yesterday afternoon to such an improvement in just a few days. She is getting more confident with the stretches, and also managing to stretch further. She keeps thanking me for helping her. She is the one actually helping me.

In three weeks time she will hopefully be bendy-tastic.

Morning with friend

I popped over to see one of my lovely friends yesterday morning. She has a seven week old baby boy and has been struggling with lack of sleep, lots of crying etc, despite the fact he also provides much joy.

So I had been pondering all week how best to help her and be supportive. Baking? All on January detox's. Make home made soup - would have been good but I ran out of time. Besides which she texted the night before to say her husband had the tummy bug that seems to be hitting lots of Londoners right now. So, in the end, I decided a smile and a kafir (scarf) from my Christmas travels would have to do. I would do lots of listening, make the tea, and just generally be helpful as I could.

She loved her scarf so that was something. However, her baby screamed as soon as I picked him up. She ended up making the tea and producing gluten free cake. And within about half an hour of me being there I managed to burst into tears on her.

She is a good friend, so don't think she minded too much. We have cried together before. Just slightly bad performance on my part. Motivation and thoughts to help her were good. Execution poor. Nice one. Not.

Haiti Earthquake

I sat this evening on my sofa, nice and toasty under my blanket (and sheep) in my nice warm home, watching the early evening news. I am ashamed to say it is the first time I have really watched properly the events of the earthquake in Haiti and the impact on the people there. They were reporting that 50, 000 people have been killed, and double that are injured. There are no hospital supplies, no blankets, no food. The most upsetting image I watched was of a man whose daughter lay dead in the street covered in a white sheet "with the garbage." "I'm not just going to leave her here," her father wept.

A friend of mine works for Tearfund, who are one of the charities despatching emergency aid to the survivors in the literally broken land.

Here is the link, if you have been moved by this, and are feeling helpless as to what to do:

https://www.tearfund.org/Giving/Give+Now/Haiti+earthquake.htm

More Snow

It can stop now. It isn't funny anymore. Gone is the excitement about the fresh white snow, and instead I was mildly grumpy when I woke this morning to a fresh covering. It made my walking out and about this morning a lot harder work. The nurse nearly didn't make it in who I needed to see, but thankfully did. It meant my sister and niece didn't make it over here this afternoon. And it doesn't even look pretty anymore. In the space of about 2 hours our road has turned to grey slush. Yuk.

Now I know us Brits love to talk about the weather. But this one is getting boring now. And quite frankly really annoying.

I'd rather stick to the snow ball game on the wii fit plus thanks. Speaking of which I am currently household champion on both the ski slalom and the skateboarding. NEVER thought I would see the day that I was pleased with my computer game score.... it's all this snow. I must need to get out more.

I met a lady this morning who was visiting the UK from Uganda. She had literally just arrived in Richmond. I asked her if she had ever seen snow before. Only on Christmas cards or the television apparently. I think she was quite amazed by it. And cold. Having come from such a hot country, she didn't have any suitable footwear for cold weather. I am currently sewing up an old pair of ugg boots which will hopefully help keep her feet warm while she is here.

On reflection I should probably stop being so British constantly moaning about the weather. It's just that on certain days it is the little things that can make such a difference. A lovely bunch of flowers arrived yesterday afternoon from a friend who knew I had been a little down of late and wanted to brighten my day. Which it did. And I think a little British cuppa right now should help get me through this (cold) afternoon.

30 day Stretch

I started stretching out the first of my willing volunteers for my course project today. There are a couple of others who are also going to be helping me with my studies too. But I am taking them through the programme one at a time.

I dithered for a little while about what to do my study on. There were really no restrictions. I thought, briefly, about doing something elephant related. What to do post surgery. How to keep supple during treatment. And these would all be worthwhile and helpful things to do. But maybe they are for the future. Right now my course is proving to be a good distraction from anything elephant related, and seeing as it has stomped all over enough of my life, I felt I wanted to keep this as unrelated as possible for now.

Nutrition was another option. I am interested in this. And people often ask about nutrition when undergoing any sort of exercise programme. I discussed this at the studio though, and whilst very interesting, it would be hard to measure results and link directly to the stretch programme I am studying.

So. In the end I settled on taking a couple of willing volunteers through the 30 day Stretch programme. This is quite a commitment for all involved. I meet with my study specimens ideally 3 times a week. And they have to do homework when I am not there.

My first helper is Kate. Measured and photographed pre programme, over the next 30 days I will be helping her to become more flexible and elongate her muscles. This should help improve posture, energy and overall balance in the body.

Stretching like this if you are not used to it can take a bit of getting used to. It can also involve a bit of nice pain. I say nice because it isn't an acute pain, more of a gentle pain that lets you know you are stretching out where you should be.

It's great for me to get out and do this. To feel like I am helping someone with their body and feel like I am using mine positively. And for an hour or so, it isn't about how I am feeling or how my body is. I feel like I am giving to someone else. Using something I have learnt, that I genuinely believe in the benefits of, for positive use. There still seems loads for me to learn though. Those anatomy books haven't been looked at for a few weeks. Best get back to those tomorrow.

Weekend with Becky and Nick

We have had a lovely weekend with our friends Becky and Nick. They live in Vancouver, and are flying home today, and was really great to have them stay with us in (icy) Sheen for a couple of days.

We had a delicious dinner at Brouge Restaurant last night. Pleased to say it is still on my recommended places to eat in Richmond list. We had mussels all round and they boys tried out some of the Belgian beers on offer. Picture will be posted soon.

Despite the snow and ice, their flights home were fortunately on time today, which is great given they spent 8 hours at Rome airport on Thursday waiting for what seems to be the only Easyjet flight that actually made it to Gatwick that day.

Nick had to leave a little earlier to catch his flight home, but it was great to take Beck along to church this morning and meet some local friends over cups of tea (and rather spicy crisps), and also just spend a bit more time together catching up.

Really great to see them both and look forward meeting up again soon. In the meantime, really grateful that emails, blogs and skype make the world a smaller place. They mean it is able to keep up with good friends, whether they are minutes or miles away, and no matter what sort of a day we are having. And I for one am really thankful for that.

Ice-tastic

So I am bored and fed up with the freezing weather now. I walked round the corner to meet a friend for a coffee this morning and nearly went flying on the ice outside the front door.

And again on on the way back right in front of two very young trendy teenage girls who still managed to look incredibly cool despite the icy conditions.

My very sensible Dad has been on at me to buy a spade for ages. I haven't because I am lazy and don't really see the point. We have a paved garden - so what exactly I am going to dig? It turns out a spade is needed today to shift all the ice from the pavement outside our home. Who knew? I suggested we use some table salt instead but apparently that won't work either. Here's hoping I don't go slip over in my heels when I go out this evening. And that we get some global warming here soon.

Either that or I am going to have to buy a spade from somewhere. Because apparently the country is going to run out of grit on Monday. Genius. Put that in your manifesto Gordon - grit deficit.

Spicy Root Vegetable soup

With all this cold weather at the moment, it SO is the time for soup. The heat of the spices in this one gives that little extra warmth too.

Ingredients:

Big glug of olive oil
1 large sweet potato, diced
1 white potato, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 parsnip, diced
1 leek, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1 pint of boiling water
Seasoning to taste


Heat the oil in a large heavy based pan. Put all of the vegetables into the pan and clamp the lid on. Stir occasionally but leave them to steam in the oil for about 15 minutes. Add the spices and stir well. Add the boiling water. Bring to the boil and then leave to simmer for about 20 minutes. Blend until smooth. Season to taste.

Hearty, warming and healthy. Perfect lunch option for this cold season.

Facebook Status Update Colours

It is the latest thing for Facebook users to do apparently. Well, only if you are female or a cross dressing male. Update your status by just posting the colour of the bra you are wearing. The reason - to raise "awareness" of breast cancer.

My immediate response to this is confusion. Confusion because I really don't see how posting the colour of your bra on the worldwide web is increasing awareness of the disease. Maybe if the point was that you have checked yourself then that would be better. But just blanket "awareness" seems to only serve to show how little people actually understand about what is helpful for both those who do and don't have breast cancer. And not considering how the people who do have breast cancer may feel about people letting everyone know what colour bra they are wearing as some sort of "support."

I think I'm also somewhat miffed as it is that classic ignorant frenzy to "make it pretty" and dare I say in this case, even "make it sexy." Please. Let me assure you that spending your days on cancer wards and dealing with the far reaching impact of this disease is anything but sexy. I actually find that pretty insulting.

If you do want to post the colour of the bra you are wearing on facebook then make it a statement that you have examined yourself for lumps or changes in your breasts. Properly. Or reach out to someone you know affected by this disease by dropping them a text or an card or something instead. Or even better donate a few pence or pounds into targeted research to find the longed for cure.

Think before you Pink.

Snow update

Ok....ok. Maybe I was slightly dismissive of the snow yesterday. Apparently this is the biggest snow fall in the UK since 1963. And in parts of Scotland the temperature plummeted to -20. It is very icy outside and tomorrow I will probably go and see the Park. It did look beautiful last year when it was covered in snow.

On the radio this morning they were saying that the reason we are so bad at coping is because we get so much weather in this country. I think what they actually meant was the variety of weather. So we just can't be prepared for all this snow (and those leaves in autumn, hey?)

Well. Like my opinion counts for anything BUT I think we should be. People are slipping all over the place. The airports are closed. A million people didn't make it to work today. Schools are shut. And I can't help but think if we get another covering of snow like this next year, we will still be told it is so unusual.

Maybe someone important in Government should write an election manifesto around how to deal with variations in weather conditions in the UK. It would certainly be more interesting that what they currently seem to be babbling on about. And we have months of this to come. Election chat that is, not snow I hope. And right now I don't want to vote for any of them.

Spare Room Makeover

We have a fairly old loft conversion on our home. We had the important stuff of new windows and new shower room fitted fairly soon after we moved in. Whilst all very sensible and grown up to get these things done, I have been wanting to make this room more cozy and nice for yonks. Jonny was not so bothered - typical boy. However when he was banished to the spare room a few weeks ago, full of spluttering cough and cold, he quickly assessed the room needed "sorting out."

Now. Once given the go ahead to spend money on home decorating, I always move extremely swiftly. In other words, before someone changes their mind again. So. Within a matter of weeks the room has changed from this:

To this:

Didn't I do well? Carpets are well and truly on my finely tuned house budget radar next.

It's snow time

Or alternatively, and perhaps more realistically, it's slush time. However, the headlines are snowmania, and as per usual the UK transport system is unable to cope. I was heading back from the Junction earlier and there were numerous cancellations and delays, including it would seem any trains to my local station. It seems that any variation in weather in this country and we moan and/or the rail network seems unable to cope. Too hot, too cold, too little rain, too much rain... and my all time favourite of "leaves on the track." You'd really think they'd have that one figured out by now, but every autumn it causes all sorts of problems.

To be fair, some parts of the country do seem to be suffering more than slushville round here. My friend who lives in a village in Worcestershire is literally snowed in and her daughter had to be rescued by a 4x4 to be brought home from nursery. And many schools are closed because, um, it's too cold or dangerous or something.

I just don't get why we are so bad at coping with changes in weather in this country. We have a similar snowfall every couple of years or so, and yet every time the roads don't get gritted in time, pipes freeze up and the press create lots of panic about getting supplies of food in.

Or maybe I am just being grumpy because I didn't get my wish of so much snow that Jonny had to stay home today. That and I hope our friends make it back to the UK from Rome tomorrow. They live in Canada, where "a lot of snow" is a whole new level to what we get here. And I bet trains could cope with a bit of slush there.

The Big British Freeze

It is cold. I mean like REALLY cold. The past couple of days I have got in my car at about 11am and the temperature has been -5. Even radio 4 are saying that the government have announced it is officially cold apparently. Like we need that kind of communication from Gordon? Whatever. I can say officially that New Years resolution number 157 not really going to be happening in this weather. And I don't really feel like getting on the wii fit either. I did stretch this morning though in my class.

My sister in law lives in Manchester and they have had a lot of snow. And apparently it is heading down South overnight. There is only one good outcome if that is going to be the case. That is it will snow so much that Jonny will have to work from home one day this week. A sprinkling of slush is not so welcome.

The past few days have been a bit hmm... well elephant appointments don't help. That and it is dark and cold. Boo hoo. And the sky plus box is misbehaving. Maybe that's fed up with the cold weather too.

New Years Resolution Number 157

Get on my bike.

Am just back from a cold but lovely bike ride in Richmond Park. I looked out the window this morning while reading the Sunday paper and decided it was too nice a blue sky to miss out the park today. Not been on my bike in far too long. It was really lovely. Look what I live next to:

It's not always easy to get in the zone of just enjoying what is. Of seeing other people, out and about, whom I presume don't live with elephants.

But I feel good for the fresh air and the exercise. And the park is a good place be.

And yikes. United are 1-0 down to Leeds at Old Trafford right now...come on United. Sort it out. Otherwise I will have a grumpy husband return home later. And I don't think pictures of deer and talk of bike rides will lift his spirits.

Wii Fit Plus

We spent quite a lot of our time in Jerusalum playing on the Wii fit board. And in true Crossfield style as soon as we were home we were on Amazon and ordered a copy for ourselves.

We have had our Wii fit board for well over a year now. We have failed spectacularly to use it very much. It has been good fun if you have friends over but we've just never really got into the discipline of using it.

But having enjoyed it while we were away I had a proper go on this new game this afternoon. It offers all the same games that you get on the standard Wii fit game, but also some new games and some new functionality.

The new games are great. Particularly like the skateboard one and Jonny is far to good at the maths balls one. The snow ball one is hilarious although I am actually useless at it.

The new functionality is good. If you want to use this as a proper "at home" fitness tool, you can create your own programme, or choose one of the recommended ones depending what you want to work on.

So. As I am in the mood for structure and resolutions I am going to try and use it more and report how I get on. I did half an hour or so this afternoon so that is a start. My arms ache from the wing flapping one so it must be doing something.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Day 1 of the New Year. Vegetables needed. Slight problem of too cold/can't be bothered to go to the supermarket. This is based on a soup that we had in Jerusalum and what I could find in the kitchen. Hit the spot.

Ingredients:
1 Butternet Squash
1 red onion
Few cloves of garlic
Few small tomatoes
1/2 pint of vegetable stock
Dash of sherry
Pinch of mixed spice and ground cinniman

Method:
Pre heat oven to 200. Cut and roast all the vegetables for about 50 minutes. Leave the skin on the squash.

Transfer all to a big heavy based pan. Add the hot stock and sherry and spices. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Whizz and season well.

Nice.

New Year

We had a lovely evening last night. Spainish tapas was delicious. Great company. We played Cranium which was good fun, even if none of us could really figure out the rules. I seem to remember an explosive firework just after midnight that was meant to be a rocket, but seemed to spray everywhere. Both Jonny's cold and my migraine subsided for a few hours and we both had fun. And drank. A lot.

Both woke this morning with my headache back and Jonny's cold returned.

Been a little teary sat here. Not helped by the fact I am looking at a half dead Christmas tree and the house is a mess. I don't know. Elephant is misbehaving I think. Feeling a bit sorry for myself. I often get like this around New Year. But this year I seem to be worse. Sparked by stuff. Tough stuff.

Anyway. Time to tidy the house and go and hang out with hubby. Am sure a brew and a shower will help.

Rise above it and keep on Jo. Keep on.