Come on!

Arthur Holiday! My better half and her family went away for a week in the sun and fun, leaving their dog without them. Don't worry, it was prepared for his care before any holidaying was done! Here's where I step in. I know Arthur (the dog in subject) well and as I am a dog man, Catherine - my other half - asked me if I'd like to have him for the week. "YES!" was my instant reply! I feel honored to have been asked! Those who aren't dog friendly or knowing about their care, may not get that. I do and love them! So, I had an amazing week with an amazing dog. Arthur really is a class dog! Back to me. If reader doesn't know (probably do) I have #MS, and that is the main reason I don't own my own dog. See the blog about that and reasoning . However! A week with an ultimately calm as anything small dog was a challenge I simply wanted! It took me back in time to my 1st dog as a kid - Gripper - in my village where I live again, and doing what I did naturally ...

NYR 20XX I am not a ‘New Year Resolution’ (NYR) believer. Sick of minor heart-felt , common , and false, ‘beliefs’ just being said to say something across the years. ·        Job ·        Gym more ·        Get a lass When realistically, although they were true, to a broken / fractured mindset, the intent was hardly in line with the bollocks of a NYR! Firstly, the JOB . Well, as someone with I STILL BELIEVE a thoroughly paramount WORKING ETHIC and attitude; I can honestly say, that I have tried beyond belief. Now, my acceptance is that that has had to have changed due to medical reasons . Meh. Such is life. The GYM! Never a gym bunny to quote a phrase, I did attend a gym whenever I could within reason. Miami dreams? No! Fitness in-line with MS , yes. And age now a factor 😂 . COVID a different factor now anyway too! Singleton. 43 and single. No “aw”s there – not my search (no pun int...

  Dog dreams   Firstly, I will say that I am an animal lover. Lush Jack Russell! As is it, at time of writing (end of January 2021), now approximately (within literally hours) 15 years since I have returned back to the north east of England – home – having left employment in the west midlands then and by choice. Here’s the blog co nnection. 15 years is quite a long time for anyone at any stage of life. Still unsure? That’s how I roll! 15 years living by myself. Clearer? I’ll drop a word in with that. Loneliness. I have NOT been lonely for 15 years! Amazing family and friends. However. At 43 years of age, single, not working due to medical reasons, bla bla MS bla COVID-19 bla I know. I am once again seeing a counsellor BY CHOICE; and he suggested knowing as I have said in conversation, that as I am dog lover (I am) that I consider getting a dog! Now this 10 below, are from huffpost.com , more details about each benefit of dog ownership on that site. I have...

Hippotherapy? Having visited my ex last year, the surprise I was promised was not expected! At all. Something I’d NEVER done... Horse riding! [“ Hippotherapy ”?! YES!] She has done more than a bit of said activity in her earlier life, me though, none. Ever. So, to have an arranged session with a trusted instructor type who is mindful of helping those with challenges – MS in my case, her too but she has experience – I was excitedly nervous / nervously excited! The day arrived. It was initially quite funny getting the correct and fitting helmet and back protector on; we got it after a while. Then to the arena! We were introduced to our respective horses – Jack for me as he is better with ‘newbies’; Whisky for her as she (horse) isn’t quite so tame , but! – and we received good relevant chat before anything else. To mount. Hmmm. I was presented with a stepping block ladder to assist me with the ‘manoeuvre’ and helped get my foot into the stirrup and pushed up a bit. Succ...

Coronavirus realisations? This is fun isn’t it? Hopefully I am not going to repeat my previous Coronavirus blog [ there! ], but sure there will be overlaps! What realisations am I on about then? This / these struck me very recently. The staying indoors more as we are supposed to – previously explained! – giving me more ' boring me time ’, giving positives? I am doing what I can the best for my physical and mental health, under ONE set of rules. MINE. I haven’t got to be anywhere at a certain time, do anything specifically, rest not-guiltily… Aye, sounds like they all go directly against the set of government COVID rules; but it doesn’t. Let me explain a bit. The statement that was said was to stay indoors , and remains overlying advice. So, I am ‘adhering’ mostly to this straight away. Fun? Well actually! For example, when I have the/some permitting energy I may attempt to do: Some kind of morning fitness – MS friendly YouTube mixture; like P...

Coronavirus The year is 2020. The world is facing a new challenge. Coronavirus . I say new as in history there, I think, has never had such a global challenge. We all know what its effects are leading to. Nut shell? No, not an actual nut shell (have recently seen Austin Powers though!), just in a double-metaphorical stance; obviously. Firstly, our (UK) Prime Minister has declared that MOST (key workers allowed) people must stay indoors and adhere to 4 rules to try and stop the spread of this bastard virus. It is killing a lot of people. §   Shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine. Shopping trips should be as infrequent as possible §   One form of exercise a day such as a run, walk, or cycle. This should be done alone or only with people you live with §   Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents' homes, where applicable...