Greetings All on a September Friday. Autumn looms. And then Christmas. And then we start all over again. Ohh.. no.. 'don't go there'. 
Following (and with credits to) Daisychain’s Popular Post about the therapeutic benefits of getting out and about to enjoy some Retail Therapy, I thought you might like to know about a few opportunities that my PMR Journey has opened up to me in my downtime when not on the occasional foray into the world of proper work (or sleeping-off the after effects, zzzz).
It's true to say that I've always had an eye for a bargain (maybe there's a clue in my surname, Oy Vay..). Previously just a bit of a Dabbler, Bargain Hunting has become a big part of my PMR life - and with massive potential rewards. I'll explain here:
My nearly daily excursions around the local supermarkets for healthy ‘essentials’ (red wine, pork pies etc.) now include drop-in raids at some of the numerous charity shops and bargain stores where I live in WSM.
At first, these daily outings were just a way of getting out of the house for an hour or two's idle distraction. Now, it's nearly a Full Time Occupation and keeping me out and about every day!
The Benefits:
1. Exercise..
By my best estimate, the combined daily excursion takes me on average 2 hours and I cover approximately 2.3 miles - more on a good 'buying' day. Calculated 'end to end' over a period of time, this means that I will have walked the equivalent distance of a return flight from the UK to Moscow by March next year. All this and no hassle with airport check-ins, passport controls, taxi fares etc. Result!
2. Collectables..!!!
This is the exciting - and potentially profitable - bit. Here are just some of the Treasures I've stumbled upon (often literally, due to being so stiff, weak and cranky) and scooped up for a few pounds (£ GB) in the charity / bargain shops:
Tolstoy's ‘War and Peas’ (poorly translated Bulgarian version) in original condition.
Star Wars Darth Vader outfit with full face mask and wings (aged 8 - 10 years - but XXL fitting so I should be able to squeeze into it on a good day).
Job Lot of 132 assorted, matching Faux Leather tubs and boxes (understood to be the largest private collection in Western Europe).
Vintage, 1968, 12-person Fondue Set with mahogany framed 'Soluble Cheeses of the World' wall chart (light use, superficial staining - needs a good clean).
14 matching bedside alarm clocks (these will come in handy if I ever buy a small hotel).
Artwork entitled 'The Moaner Lisa' signed by Dave L. Vinci - authenticated as being the Original by the young assistant in charity shop who told me: “yes, she really did have a moustache and wear sunglasses”.
Some nice, er, wooden items (purpose initially unclear, but I'll work it out later).
A bicycle towing-rope.
1965 copy of The Official UK Highway Code, autographed untidily by the famous racing driver Stirling Moss (obviously signed very fast..).
Brand new pack of 144 left-handed pencils.
Large quantity of brand-new, unread Self Help books (no price ticket, just a sign saying 'Help Yourself').
A Man from U.N.C.L.E. fridge magnet (nice!).
The rear-half of a Theatrical Pantomime Horse (you never know when you might need one).
A big shell.
Another, similar, big shell.
200 metres of knotted elastic (unravelling THAT lot should stretch the imagination a bit..!).
'Find Your Inert Self' - Self Development book for lazy people.
A genuine, sheepskin sheep.
A Monocle (if I find another one I can make a spectacle of myself..).
Four candles shaped like fork handles (ha ha).
Large, antique Cuban Cigar Dispenser (with 3 genuine Cubans hidden inside - a surprise to us all, but we are getting to know each other gradually).
One of those handy gadgets which you use to, er, remove the, er, fiddly, er, (oh, I’ve forgotten but at least it was cheap).
The late Elvis Presley's manager's neighbour's toaster (who knows what THIS would fetch at Sotheby's?!!!).
And most recently, a mischievous looking Teddy Bear with a mysterious past...
So, my dear friends here, what's the conclusion? On the tough journey of dealing with PMR, just try to find whatever keeps you occupied and your spirits 'up' - however seemingly daft or trivial to you or others. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support with the 'big stuff' (physical and emotional 'load'), and save your (now) precious energy for the things in life that give you at least some pleasure and excitement.
If for no other reason, this can help you to cope along the way to some kind of recovery from a truly life-changing illness: and to my mind at least, a sense of humour / the ridiculous can be as powerful as any other, therapeutically.
Now, what to do with the various, (and totally useless) Bargains I've acquired during the last 12 months on my daily forays into the outside world? I guess, just to enjoy them and reflect on the fun I've had 'snaffling' them.
Maybe I'll ditch the fondue set (too much effort - and anyway I don't have 11 friends). But the Mona Lisa could be a Winner at Sotheby’s if I can just obliterate her moustache and sun-specs. I've got some marker pens somewhere in my training kit - so that's tomorrow taken care of!
More to come.. if you're not careful 
Best wishes and enjoy your weekend
'Uncle' MB
