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Christmas ’20!

Pic of the week 27/12/20

For many, this would have been a very different Christmas, Covid Christmas with strict limitations on how many families could mix (two) in one household. But for us, that was always the plan for this year, as it has been for the last few years.

And it was, once again, a great Christmas.

We rose at a sensible hour, settling down for breakfast at around 9 am, and opening the first gifts from our Christmas bags. Back in October, we all agreed to not spend (waste) lots of money buying gifts that the recipients may not want or like, so we created a few categories, drew lots and then you bought gifts for everyone from your two categories.  It was fun, probably a lot more targeted and, on the whole, everyone was happy with most of what they received. (The exception was Becky’s top/t-shirt. I was drawn to buy her this, and it quickly became apparent why, in 25 years of marriage, I have nvere bought her clothing. She wasn’t impressed, but hopefully we’ve created a memory that will be shared by the family long after the T-shirts have been worn for the final time.)

We ate like kings* and enjoyed each other’s company throughout the day. A good Christmas!

(*I do now need to take action – after three weeks** of inactivity due to my back injury, coupled with gorging like a gorgon over the festive period I am becoming “gordo” and need to start shedding some pounds – the boxing day scales had me tipping 13 stone 5 pounds.)
(** Yesterday I went for my first run since November. I did 5Km in a slow time, not sure if it was OK for my back: it was a bit sore at times during the day, but today has been fine. Went for a longish walk today, and did some yoga on my return and all is feeling good. Shan’t run tomorrow (tutoring) but aim to pound out a few miles on Tuesday.)

 

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Results Day – 2

Pic of the week 20/12/20

So Thursday was results day 2, and Sam snagged an A in his Physics A level. Delighted for him, and very proud of him. Having been given a D by “the algorithm”, upgraded to a C by his teachers, he still wasn’t happy with this, so decided to sit his Physics exam in the October exams. He had an hour’s tutoring each week  and (finally) settled down to doing some work and his efforts were rewarded with his A – he now has an A and 2 B’s, the same as Sophie. We now just await the uni offers to come flooding in …

In other news, my back improves, but is still not fully recovered. There are times each day when all is wonderful, but other times when the pain comes stabbing back. I think standing is perhaps the action that causes me the most discomfort – my domestic chores of washing up and ironing in particular. (In other health news, I had my flu jab yesterday, with no ill effects.)

On Monday, Becky and I went for a walk at “The Newt” near Castle Cary – lots of deer, lots of money, and a lovely cup of coffee in the glasshouse.

And on Thursday we went for a walk in East Harptree woods and came across this chimney and pond. At one point we got a little lost in the dense woods, but isn’t that what exploring is all about?

Today, on my own (Becky at work) I walked to the weir, along the Brue to the hump back bridge and back along the other side. (Because of my back) I can’t run at the moment, so its important that I get out and get some exercise. It was a lovely sunny day today, and a very peaceful, calming walk – much needed given the times we live in (yesterday, Boris cancelled Christmas)

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Painful

Pic of the week 13/12/20

Its been a painful week – my back has been killing me.

On Monday I could barely move. Getting out of bed was not easy, and I needed Becky to help dress me – no way was I going to be able to put my socks and trousers on. I endured the day at school – the pain was so distracting, I couldn’t really concentrate on anything. That night was not much better – moving in bed caused real pain, and having to go for a pee in the night was not easy.

But on the Sunday I ordered, from Amazon, a back support belt – a corset or girdle really – that arrived on Monday and was a game changer. It didn’t make everything alright, but it helped hugely, giving me the support I needed in the back. Monday night I didn’t sleep wearing it – a mistake – but since Tuesday morning I’ve rarely had it off.

By Wednesday/Thursday I was beginning to feel more mobile and I would say that by now I am pretty much fully mobile, but still get the odd pain, particularly after being in the same position for some time. Not sure when I’ll be able to do any form of exercise again, but its good to be on the mend.

And speaking of mending, I’ve fixed the car. The replacement brake master servo arrived from ebay and, in theory, should have been a simple job to swap. But, as is so often the case, access was not good and in the end I have patched the hole with some metal epoxy putty. A fairly quick and simple repair that has done the job. May paint the repair black, with Hammerite, to help it blend in, but jobs a good ‘un.

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Car trouble and back pain

Pic of the week 6/12/20

On Tuesday, Becky was pootling around town in the MIcra when suddenly the brake pedal couldn’t be depressed. Using her driving skills and the handbrake she was able to limp safely home.  A quick bit of fault diagnosis and inspection soon revealed the problem to be the brake servo – it had rusted through on the front side, resulting in a 1cm (ish) hole (once I cleared away the flaking rust). This side is supposed to have a vacuum (from the engine), whilst the pedal side is at atmospheric pressure, thereby giving a pressure differential to allow you to push in the brake master cylinder via the foot pedal.

With the hole, the front side no longer has a vacuum, so no pressure differential, so you can’t depress the pedal.  I have fashioned a temporary repair by taping over the hole (it helps that the vacuum is inside: therefore atmospheric pressure helps to keep the tape in place) – it works and have taken the car for a short test drive. But my fear is is that the tape would fall off, putting you back to square one.  I have ordered (and received today) a replacement master servo from ebay for £35 (they are about £200 new) and will aim to fit it when I break up. Shouldn’t be too hard:  6 bolts, one pin and a hose connection …

My back hurts.

I think I tweaked it on Friday, and then yesterday I aggravated that tweak and yesterday and today it has hurt. With management – hot, cold, ibuprofen, yoga, goo posture – I am just about coping and it does seem to be getting better. But there are times when I feel stuck – transitioning from seated to standing, for example, often hurts – and times when my back “gives.” Will take it easy for a few days and hope it resolves itself soon.

On Saturday – Becky, Sophie and Sam went to Cornwall for the day, visiting, hence the pic of the week.