Karen is up in the 8′s and 9′s mood-wise, which means life is good in the Pollard household.

Monday saw Karen and I travel to the RVI at Newcastle to see Professor Bates, a neurology specialist for the other side. He was canny and did various tests on Karen and asked her loads of questions, some of which she referred to me for the detail needed. He asked Karen what her symptoms were, and no sooner had he got one symptom than he moved on to other questions, bit weird, but hey ho.

On the way back, we decided to call at the Chippy and it’s just as well, because the last mile, it was clear there was a power-cut affecting our village and the adjacent one. Quite a romantic chippy meal under the candle-light. Power resumed a few hours later.

The following day was Laura’s last day as Karen’s support worker. Laura took Karen to her physio session at Seaham and dropped me off in Durham for the MTC Xmas Doo, which I was invited to. We went to a Japanese Restaurant and it was a lovely experience and the food delicious. Here’s a piccy…..

Lovely time had by all, and of course, I came home a bit worse for wear, but still able to do full sentences as long as the words didn’t have more than 3 syllables.

It was lovely to see the ‘ole MTC crew.

Wednesday (Xmas Eve), kp and I went over to Karen’s family for the annual present exchange and catch up with the family.

It was great to see them all.

Thursday (Xmas Day), we went to my parents for Xmas Lunch. We nearly didn’t make it. It was really foggy going over the hills and Karen was very anxious. We did have a conversation about turning back.

kp:- You said, if I ever was scared that we’d turn back.
dp:- I know, but I think it’s just a small patch and we’ll be through it in a few minutes.

It lasted about 10 minutes thankfully and then it was completely clear.

Phew ! All i could think about was the usual feast Mum puts on and the roast potatoes calling me………..It was worth the trip, the meal was heaven sent, and we both enjoyed a lovely afternoon, before returning with kp asleep most of the way.

Couple of photos courtesy of Susa, Thanks Susa !!

Jamie and Sophie after Present Opening.

Guy, dp, Sophie and kp

Boxing Day and no sooner had Karen woken up that she asked if I would take her shopping to the Metro Centre. I was really pleased, because it was evidence of how positive she is at the moment, but at the same time, I Detest shopping with a capital D.

dp:- Yes, no problems at all love.

She was keen to hit M&S for their Boxing Day Sale.

Unfortunately, and Karen was really annoyed about this, M&S’s sale didn’t start until the Saturday. So, it was pretty much the only shop SHUT at the Metro Centre. Very strange !

So, it was a bit of a wasted trip really and not pleasurable at all. She did manage to get some new pyjamas. She changes her pyjamas about twice a night, so she gets through loads !!!  Night sweats because of some tablets she takes.

Yesterday (Saturday), we chilled around the home, watching a film and snoozing and today, we have been jobbing on, getting loads done.

So, all good this week. Let’s hope it stays like that.

We need to get some holidays booked, because kp needs something to aim for, and it would be nice to get a bit of Winter Sun somewhere, so we’ll do that over the next week, plus we have a trip to Southampton to get planned to see Tracey & co.