Friday Shoot Out - BIRDS

I thought I was going to really struggle with this weeks assignment - BIRDS but I am quite pleased with the pictures I got. We went up the mountain to our friends house yesterday and I was hoping to get some pictures of pheasants but they were deep undercover because of the cold.

My friend has got these geese and they are always milling around the yard looking for food, at one point they even ventured into the utility and tried to steal the dog food! They can be quite nasty and are considered by some to be better guard dogs than dogs themselves!

The brown ones are the nastiest so my friends said so I kept well away from them!

They make quite a noise, gaggling along in their little "goose" line.

I did get a picture of pheasants but they weren't live. Some may not like this but this is countryside living. The birds roam wild and free and live a lovely life until they are shot. Not killed in an abetoir en masse. These pheasants are being "hung" to improve the flavour of the meat.

I collect teddy bears and this one is a limited edition Steiff called "Romance". I bought this bear because of the little robin he is holding. I always connect Robins with my late brother Peter so I just had to have this bear for my collection and as you will have guessed, the bears name is Peter.

This is a close of shot of the Robin singing his song to Peter.

The MINI badge has wings so it could be a bird of sorts.

A great assignment, really got me thinking!

First Radiotherapy Session

Well, I was so nervous today. Usual symptoms; slight nausia, tight tummy, tense neck, unable to speak ...... I don't know why I was so nervous because everyone has assured me that it isn't anywhere near as bad as chemotherapy.

We got to Glan Clwyd Hospital Cancer Unit with quarter of an hour to spare. I felt quite emotional because it was alot busier than last week when I went for my preparation appointment with people buzzing around.

I was called in early to go through what was going to happen then given this wonderful (not) gown which is mine for a whole three weeks - yipee do! Got changed, put my clothes in a shopping basket then waited.....

I felt a whole range of emotions as I waited...... For the first time I realised that it was me with cancer, yes me! Incredulous! Cancer, cancer, cancer ..... the big C - me? Yes ME! Amazing!!!!!

I think it was the fact that everyone in this hospital was here for the same thing, we are all part of the same club, we bat for the same team....... cancer, bloody cancer! I was overwhelmed and I really, really, really wanted to hand my membership in.... don't want to be part of this club but ooops..... no choice, once you are picked for team cancer - thats it you are in!

The process itself was really quick. The ceilings had mood changing lights and music played. The machine itself had lines projecting onto my body which were a wonderful shade of lime green. Click, click, click, click.... over and done and home I went.

Did I mention that my Robin Red Breast visited me this morning for the first time in months? He jumped onto my Kilmarnock Willow, chirped then flew away. Peters message.....

Session 3/12: Power Walking

Today, despite mentral cramps, (yes I am still having them!) I started my power walking regime. I managed 1.54 miles of actual power walking with a warm up and cool down walk added on. My pace was 15 mins per mile which was good for a starter! I followed the walk with some stretching out and that felt good.

I am focusing on walking as much as I can during the week and as I become stronger and fitter again I will increase the distance.

Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had a hip flexor strain which has been nagging me so I am taking the next six months of power walking as an opportunity to strengthen my muscles in preparation for running.

I am so proud of myself.

It was a warm sunny morning with a brisk breeze but the sky was blue and I enjoyed soaking in the surroundings. Sheep grazing in their fields, pheasants in the pig farm, blossom on the trees and my robins. I always think of good things when I see Mr Robin Red Breast. When I am feeling down or sorry for myself, a Robin appears from nowhere and I instantly feel revived.

Its good to be alive today!