I think I began to see my writing as just a diary of events. Maybe that's a stage we go through, I'm not sure.
May was such an eventful month. Mikeys birthday which was sad. We sent off our usual sky lantern and it took off in a totally different direction than usual. We stood in the garden and watched with amazement as it flew swiftly upwards and across the houses passing Dannys and off towards our old home. We wondered if this year would be different for us. To date it hasn't been!
Well I managed to get my outfit for Maddie's wedding, lovely simple White Stuff dress and I even went back to the same shop for shoes where I bought shoes for Mikeys wedding. It was quite odd because I picked up the first pair and knew they were right for me. They went with the dress perfectly. Although I was going through the motions I still didn't feel joy.
Off I went alone, I knew I would not know a soul and I had only met Maddie very briefly at Mikeys wedding but we had formed a relationship via facebook. I was quite anxious really but knew it was the right thing to do. The train journey was eventful. Normal for me! I boarded the wrong train, I did manage to miss the underground though. Went miles out of my way but eventually reached Richmond. What a lovely place. The hotel was right next to the Richmond Park where the venue was.
As I was dressing I thought perhaps I will not go but still carried on getting ready. I constantly though of Mikey and how he would have loved the day. He would I think have been pleased I was making the effort on his behalf. Those thoughts spurred me on. Taxi called for and off I went. I was dropped at the wrong door and nearly gate crashed another wedding! I managed to find the right room and stood outside waiting not sure about what to do or who I would meet. A kindly gentleman asked if I was OK and when I explained who I was looking for he informed me he was Maddies Uncle and ushered me up the stairs.
Maddie looked stunning and I need not have worried, when she saw me she just showered me with love. Jack was such a nice man and the other guests made me so welcome. I sat and people watched. I knew that Maddie spent more time with me than she should have and after a couple of hours I said my farewells and went down to call for another cab.
I waited in the grounds and was fascinated by the aeroplanes. We must have been close to Heathrow. the planes were so low that you could see the lights on and the windows. How odd that I have never seen this sight before. Another first for me.
The taxi came and as we drove through the park we passed groups of deer so close that we had to wait for a small herd to cross the road. Wonderful. I must go back and have a run through the park one day. Apparently the deer are very used to us and do not object to the cyclists, runners and vehicles.
I was able to reflect on the evening when I returned to the hotel. What an adventure! Mikey told us we were missing out on life and I do believe he was right.
The journey home the next day was just as remarkable. Rugby was playing at Twickenham and I was in awe of all the crowds in their fancy dress that pored down the platforms. Males dressed as safari hunters and women in the skimpiest outfits I have ever seen. The cat suits looked as if they were painted on! Another first.
Well I managed to get on the right trains and crossed the underground like a pro! Another first.
I was so pleased I went and eternally grateful to Maddie and Jack for letting me share their day.
I had so little time to think about much else before the next weekend. Our walk of 40 miles.
The journey down was full of laughter and some trepidation. The theme of getting lost seemed to follow me! We decided that after our evening meal we would try to find the start of the race. Well we drove miles and in the dark. We didn't find it! Still we thought not to worry everything becomes clear in the day light.
We had initially booked rooms for two of us to share. However when one of the group informed their bed mate she slept in the raw I ended up with another room mate which made three. We had such a laugh it was like being on a school trip!! We were tired before we set off!
The morning soon arrived and we stopped for a group photo. Me wearing the t shirt my fab cousin sent from America. I have to say it was nicer than the ones we got from UK CF. It also became a topic of conversation!
The start was explained to us and the following route, we were not expecting so many hills. We walked through thick woodland, climbed over trees, faced thick muddy routes and all in good humour. We were making good times but Sue had another blister which we managed to cover. Off we went again. It wasn't until we reached 30 miles and stopped that Sues problem became more serious one minute I was talking to her as I was changing my socks the next she was on the floor needing the help of paramedics, we only found out later that she lost half of her toe! We sadly left her hoping she would be able to join us for the last leg. We got lost! not only that but so did another group. We had no phone, Sue had been holding the one phone whilst Sarah's was being charged!!! no way to contact out driver. Luckily the other group had one, they phoned their driver and asked them to tell ours where we were. After 14 hours of walking we reached the end. We were all pleased with our achievement. To date we have raised almost £2000 for CF how fab was that.
It was late, nowhere open to eat except a McDonald's on the way back to the hotel. We had 30 miles to travel back. When we stopped and attempted to get out of the mini bus we were all stiff and had to be pulled out! it was so painful and we must have looked quite odd to all who watched us attempt to walk into the dining area. Getting back up and getting into the bus was just as traumatic. Still a good rest sorted us out. No blisters and no injury for me!!
So what next!
The joys of travelling again as I commenced my Uni course. Monthly trips to London for the next year, well that should be straightforward, shouldn't it!
I have so improved with my running and have now broken the 10 minute mile pace, I am so pleased with that. just hope it lasts as I tripped up whilst walking with Duke that I twisted the ankle again! and jarred the knee. Still I'm at physio tomorrow.
Still so much to say but I am getting writers cramp so I will sign off and, really do plan to return tomorrow. I have messages to write to my cousin and Maddie. I probably will not get to do them tonight but................. tomorrow is another day!
