John:
The next few days back home were fragile, balancing pain, trying to eat to build up my strength, living out of cardboard boxes and recognising that Liz was also probably at her lowest ebb, having been hit with all this, the house in chaos, the cats, the kids, the visits, sleeping in a chair next to me in hospital. But they were also lovely. We managed to have quiet times watching films, restful times sleeping, getting out into fresh air and short walks, and some focus on the next objective - making the house look homely, finding everything we needed and getting rid of cardboard boxes from the removal company. It probably took a week to get there - frustrating, as every physical act neeeded to be purposeful and within my capabilities. Lifting things was banned, too much bending was out. The nightmare of the 10 day hospital stay was becoming a memory. I didn't know what was to come but we were focused on each day, not thinking about where things were going.
December literally flew-by and day by day my strength was building, some days we had little set backs but things were moving forwards. My mobility had gone from just being able to get out of bed, to being able (just) to walk a mile. The first 10 days the weather was beautiful - cold but dry, and we manage to juggle medical appointments and house chores with getting out to the beach, a picnic at the castle, Christmas craft fairs, the local pantomime and some eating out at local pubs (later posts to follow). We went to the local church which was lovely - dogs allowed in the congregation! I have to admit some things, like church, are very emotional times for me, for reflection on what I have to be grateful for balanced with the journey ahead.
Old Castle Lachlan is nearby (8 miles...) and a short flat walk from the car park with good footing. The view across and up and down Loch Fyne on a clear day with still water is spectacular and a little picnic bench overlooking the Loch is perfectly positioned. We took some warm soup and sandwiches and enjoyed 20 minutes drinking it in. The first photo is just the 2 of us on a clear day, the second on a cold, windswept day later with Jess
Jess's visit was lovely and it was great to catch up over a few days, mostly inside as we were in stormy weather, quite literally. It was the first time Jess had seen the house in the flesh and we love sharing it with people. She was very patient with all the to-ing and fro-ing of that week, and we hope she enjoyed some time to relax away from work in our lovely, peaceful glen.
Martin, Sarah, plus 3 little ones called in on their way to family further north, which was brilliant, and they could see the step change between seeing me in HDU vs being at home for 10 days. We played hide and seek, made some pictures and shared the singed lemon cake Liz had baked.
Local businesses help each other during the winter months and we went to two Christmas craft fairs. One was at Tighnabruaich village hall, and one was at the Oystercatcher. Both were vibrant, busy and warm, both physically and humanly. Stalls were selling great stuff ranging from the local coffee roaster (Argyll Coffee Roasters) through soaps and potions (Argyll Botany) to health and wellbeing (West Coast Wellness). It's great to support local businesses and buy friends and family something different, quality and from small independents who put their heart and soul into their work.
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