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A month of normality!

Beryl71 profile image
32 Replies

I'm on my way home after spending a month on North Uist with my ( now not so ) new partner. I've learn to feed the sheep, manage the peat stove, control a wilful sheepdog on our daily walks. I've springcleaned and sorted a house and it's neighbouring rental property lived in by a single man for several years, enough said. Cooked meals, walked to the local shop three miles away. Ventured further afield in an old van, tried out the two other supermarkets, no bigger than my local minimarket, and mustered meals from available produce.

We've had a few beach walks when he wasn't working, had cosy evenings in at home and generally rubbed along pretty well for a pair of oldies.

And the message here is, I haven't felt like a cancer patient at all. I've had purpose and drive , all driven by affection and it's taken my mind to a different place. Tomorrow I'm home with blood test and bone treatment again. I don't want this illness to dominate my life and for a few weeks it hasn't. I think there'll have to be a plan to keep the feeling going!

I really think our minds are the most important factor in all this. Good luck ladies. I just wanted to share this.

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Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71
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32 Replies
Cavecreek profile image
Cavecreek

What a sweet uplifting story for a Sunday morning! Thank you ❤️

Teddielottie profile image
Teddielottie

Sounds bliss ...you’ll just have to plan the next trip ...maybe in milder temperatures! x

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Teddielottie

The weather wasn't a problem, I had thermals and several layers. And a big storm coat. I plan to be back for lambing but meanwhile Ron's coming down to me and we'll have a real holiday. No work, and he should be retired by then. So let's get the scans and next few appointments over. X

Pachira profile image
Pachira

Your description of your holiday made me think of “A Scots Quair” by Lewis Grassic Gibbon. I believe it was televised as Sunset Song but there is a lot to be said for a simple life! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been feeling sad thinking I’ll never see Scotland again but I’ll push that thought away for now. Thanks for sharing. Chris

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Pachira

I must look out for that. I've been reading books by Mike Tomkies, Between Earth and Paradise, Moobli and A Last Wild Place. Try to get to Scotland if you can! X

Pachira profile image
Pachira in reply to Beryl71

Thanks I’ve got them queued on my kindle. My husband is one of those despised people that are unvaccinated as he has leukemia and his platelets are low. His doctor advised against the vaccine due to the adverse effects. Don’t expect we’ll be allowed on a plane anytime soon and they might even decide to quarantine us. What a crazy world we live in! He’ll be 80 at the end of the month. Chris

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Pachira

Good luck with everything! X

Joannaaaa profile image
Joannaaaa

Sounds fantastic so glad you had an enjoyalbe time, best wishes and work in a few trips during 2022

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71

I love seeing your photos! X

NPmary profile image
NPmary

How wonderful for you! Thanks for sharing your story and the beach picture.

hdhonda profile image
hdhonda

What a lovely time with your sweetie. Bet you give him as much energy and happiness as he gives you. You two are definitely a great match and so in love. Best wishes and blessings, Hannah

Hazelgreen profile image
Hazelgreen

What a terrific post! I really enjoyed reading about your many activities. It sounds to me like you and Ron are terrific partners in sharing a life. He will certainly miss your energy and presence around the house. You will miss the wonderful feeling of sharing affection, purpose and drive. Perhaps, you'll also miss the animals and the locale.

I much agree with you that our minds are the most important factor in all this. We take the treatment provided for us, but, beyond that, we need to live our lives as fully as we can. Deciding that we will do so is critical. Congratulations on your making that decision! I need to more closely follow your example.

Warmest wishes for your continued happiness,

Cindy

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Hazelgreen

Thank you! I do have low moments too, especially when I'm home alone and embroiled in appointments! X

in reply to Beryl71

Whenever you’re low, please reach out to us.

Perhaps you might like seeing photos of other mini outings to offer some diversion? Here is one from a few days ago walking through nearby conservation land.

It was nice seeing the crisp blue sky. My daughter gave me terrific fleece lined pants for Christmas. Great gear for colder days.

Sending pleasant thoughts!

Outdoor trails
Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to

That looks lovely! I bought some proper weatherproof trousers and a stormproof coat.x

USIrishcolleen profile image
USIrishcolleen

Beryl71,

This all sounds so wonderful, aside from “sorting the house of a single guy!” 🤣 It is amazing how when the mind is occupied, less pleasant thoughts slip in.

Best,

Colleen

Ntash01 profile image
Ntash01

Oh Beryl - how wonderful!I threw caution to the wind and traveled during Xmas. Figured I was doubled jabbed & boostered up - why not!

I’ve just returned from a 2 week break chasing the sun as my bones were aching, and I, like you during the entire time never felt like a cancer patient once. It was one of the best holidays of my life.

Looking for my next trip now, figured whilst I can… why not, a great way to start my second year Mets anniversary!

Happy new year to us all :-)

Natasha x

in reply to Ntash01

Agree! We plan to visit San Diego soon if we don’t encounter flight cancellations we are reading about due to omicron and staffing shortages.

We will snug masks on the flight and only dine outdoors when we are there. The opportunity to rent a bicycle and ride wearing short sleeves in January is so appealing!

Alisonmoyetfan profile image
Alisonmoyetfan

Thank you so much for sharing this. You are an inspiration. I am about the same age as you and would love to find a partner to share my life with. How did you meet your wonderful man? I think that that amazing experience so enriches your life that it increases your chances of survival. Good on ya! Di xx

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Alisonmoyetfan

I joined a site called Silver singles. I thought most older men would look for younger women but apparently not!

debbiedo2063 profile image
debbiedo2063

Wow amazing photo. I love the Scottish isles and know exactly what you mean, real shut off time. We used to holiday on Islay a lot when my son was young. We live in England not too far from Scottish Borders so good commuting times. I’m so pleased you had a fab time. Winter in Scotland is really nice , quieter and beautiful scenery.We have just returned from Center Parcs and spent a week swimming and walking with no car and just what we needed. I agree it’s about keeping life as normal as possible we deserve that at least. My 6 month scan is due Feb so looming in the distance but today I have planned a refurb of my sitting room and plastered my kitchen wall lol. Then I intend to go to London in Feb with my son regardless of results.

I hope you spend many more beautiful times on North Uist.

Take care

Debra xxx

love2golfwell profile image
love2golfwell

Sounds like a wonderful time. So very happy for your respite. Hoping your blood test goes well and the memories of your lovely trip will keep you strong, positive and healthy. Sending hugs!

Thatflowerlady profile image
Thatflowerlady

I agree , our minds are very powerful . I hope all goes well and you can get back to your happy place soon.

Thank you for the reminder of purpose .

Luann

Have-faith profile image
Have-faith

This was beautiful to read! It sounds like a marvelous time that you had! It is a good reminder to all of us to try and cease the moment! I hope you continue with the fun times, new experiences and that your treatments are not too exhausting!

RLN-overcomer profile image
RLN-overcomer

Wow Sister /WARRIOR you are going strong. You accomplish more than most people who don't have health challenges😇👍. I love that you are living your life with joy

SMPG profile image
SMPG

Good for you! That's the spirit! As far as possible, it is much better to NOT feel like a cancer patient. Given the advancing technology in every field, including medical field, including cancer, chances are we will live to a ripe old age and die of something completely different. So, why agonize over cancer?

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to SMPG

That's my plan. I don't want to accept things as they are but continue making plans as before!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this lovely post. You write so well about this adventure and your connection with your partner. I feel as I enjoyed a travelogue from you post.

Good luck with your return and your treatment. I wish you more adventures.

Carolyn that sounds wonderful. Living a normal life is so important and uplifting. Please send us a picture of the lambs when it happens.Enjoy

Clare

Contrarielle profile image
Contrarielle

Fab! Saw Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing show on Uist last night, so beautiful!

Beryl71 profile image
Beryl71 in reply to Contrarielle

Yes that was good. Also Scotland's sacred isles is another series worth watching on iPlayer!

stardust1965 profile image
stardust1965

Beryl, Scotland and Surrey. You seem to have the best of both worlds and making the most of things! You go girl! 🤩

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