Open water warning

As summer starts to warm up, we are hearing warnings not to swim in open water.
When it's hot any expanse of water is inviting, if you can swim.
Before I go into why swimming in open water might be dangerous, I want to point out one thing, that seems to be overlooked time and again.  Reservoirs are 9 times out of 10 for the collection and storage of drinking water.  As such, you SHOULD NOT swim in them, as you are swimming in drinking water, but due to sheer size of reservoirs, there are places where there will be no notice pointing this out. So, stay out of them!
Now, on to why swimming in open water can be dangerous.  Often the bottom can not be seen, so you don't know what is under the water. Open water is usually running water, and therefore colder than you anticipate.  The cold water will cramp your muscles after a while.
If you are swimming in the sea, it is better to swim parallel to the shore rather than away from it, as you could hit a current that pulls you out to sea.
Please be safe if you do swim in open water, and it's probably best not to go alone if you do.

Sanding done

Well, I've sanded down everything that needed to be sanded down prior to gloss painting.
It's all wiped down as well.
Besides that I have also made some banana wine, done some knitting and crochet alongside all the normal jobs that need doing.
On Thursday I went swimming again, but only did 16 lengths, (that's 1/4 of a mile,) as I was aching everywhere.
I was supposed to go out for Afternoon Tea with some colleagues on Thursday, but as I have been suffering from reflux for over a week now I cancelled.  (Sometimes I am actually being sick as well.)  I wouldn't have enjoyed the Afternoon Tea knowing I would feel bad after eating. We were going to the Clarendon Hotel who do a very good afternoon tea.
It has been a cooler week here, but most of the rain that has fallen has been during the hours of darkness.

Back to swimming?

Earlier today I went swimming.  It's the first time I've been for a while, so am rather proud of the fact that I managed to swim 32 lengths, which is 1/2 a mile.  I didn't really stop for any length of time between lengths either, so perhaps I am a little fitter than I thought I was.
I'm going to try to get to the pool at least once a week over the summer break, twice a week would be better.
I have always liked swimming, and if I could carry on swimming at least once a week after I return to work in September I know it will do me good both physically and mentally.

Holiday so far

I'm on summer break from work at the moment. Haven't done much apart from read, knit and some housework.
Today though , I decided it was time I tried to get back swimming.  As I haven't been for such a long time.  I went at noon and managed to swim 16 lengths, which is quarter of a mile.  I didn't push myself for more, as I felt I needed to get used to swimming again.  The other reason being, I had walked there, so had to factor in the walk back home, so swimming until I was exhausted would have been a very bad move. 
I feel good , but now one of my knees feels like it wants to bend wrong way when I walk.
I hope I can keep it up.  There is really no good reason why I shouldn't swim more, apart from fitting it in, and the holiday seemed to be the best time to get into a routine about it.

Time to blow our trumpet?

You might have seen on the news, and announced on the radio, that the UK has awarded it's Blue Flags for this year.
I was intrigued to know where all the ones in the North West were, because in the past the beach next to the Midland Hotel has won. I think we lost it last year though.
I looked Blue flag beaches in the North West
Both the North and South beaches in Morecambe have been awarded Blue Flags, so why haven't they been mentioned on local TV and radio?
Perhaps it's time to blow our own trumpet?
If you look at the list there are some very surprising ones have got the Blue Flag. Not in bustling town, but more "off the beaten track".
No wonder we are still a "joke" resort. Morecambe is perfect for family holidays in my eyes. Unfortunately children have to be "entertained" these days, which makes things difficult when the sun isn't shining. You rarely see children outside playing some imaginary game. The need for children to be "entertained" and protected from potentially being abducted makes parents stifle their children, so when left to their own devices they are often at a loss what to do.
Back on track however, like I said Morecambe is almost perfect for a family holiday, it just lacks the one thing the council has done away with,an outdoor swimming pool, as it is too dangerous to swim in the sea here. And for rainy days, the area has plenty of attractions nearby.
Perhaps I am being too simplistic, but holidays when I was young, at least the ones I went on, meant long lazy days on the beach, or walking, with the minimum necessary trips into the shopping area to buy food, as we always went self catering.

tiredness

One of the things that has happened since I found out I have heart trouble bothers me quite a bit.
Yesterday was very busy, drove to Galgate , boys had their hair cut, and I had my legs waxed, then we called at Asda and did the weekly shop , then called at Matalan for clothes for Edwin for 6th form. I dried some washing, made tea, then after tea Oliver and I walked down to the swimming pool, swum 1/2 a mile, then walked back again.
So....yesterday was very busy, and today I am very tired. I intended going into Lancaster, but as it's 1.15pm and I haven't had my dinner yet....don't think I'll be there today.
I don't have the energy I used to have, and if I have a busy day, I generally end up taking it very easy the next day. I thought this would change when the doctor found a blood pressure pill that suits me, but it doesn't seem to. I might mention it to him when I see him next week.

Where did they go?

If you are a regular reader of this load of drivel, you will know that I work in a school.
We are back on Tuesday for the new school year, although my youngest isn't back until Wednesday.
What I want to know is, Where does the time go?" It doesn't seem that long since it was end of term. More to the point, have I done what I hoped to do during the break? The answer to that one is simple, NO!
The medication I got from the doctor knocked me sideways for a while.
I have managed to keep up with my swimming, and managed to walk the dog most days, so am happy about that.
I have also read quite a lot of books, and started a patchwork quilt for my own bed.
And painted about a 1/3 of the walls and ceiling in the back bedroom. I hope to paint more tomorrow.
But!!!! my ankle has been aching quite a bit the last two or three days, so I think at some point I may have over done things. Probably on Friday, when I got up early, then was busy until around 4-4.30 in the afternoon.
Old Bean is now safely out of the path of Hurricane Gustav. Just typical ain't it, the hurricane decides to arrive on a USA holiday weekend! I know it's serious, and my thoughts are with them.

Back to swimming

Well, have got myself back swimming now, but only doing 16 lengths, and pausing every second length, but at least I am progressing.
The physio said I could try cycling now, if I wanted to. So will probably try that tomorrow morning. I think a ride along the prom would be the best idea, for first ride.
I am not too happy with the insoles though, as they are making my toes go numb, and my feet go tingly, plus the only thing I can get my feet into with them in is a pair of black leather trainers. I'm going to have to speak to a doctor about it, as the physio didn't think it was such a problem, as he thinks I won't need them for so long, whilst the consultant thought I would need them for quite a while. I think he will have more idea of my long term needs.

When will I learn?

Yes, I mean it.
When will I learn not to try to do too many things with my ankle as it is?
I just end up totally wiped out the next day, and stop in bed half the day.
Yesterday, saw my bloke, then drove back, saw Edwin off to school, went swimming, went shopping , to Post Office, shopping a bit more, came home, made full home cooked meal, had bath, and even then didn't relax.
Is it any wonder I wiped out all my energy?
And today? I crawled out of bed, saw Edwin off, and crawled back into bed, until almost 1pm.
See, it's about time I realised that I need to pace myself.
This is a huge learning curve for me, I didn't realise that physical injury could make you mentally exhausted.
I will get it, probably after my operation, and am well on the way to recovery.

Appointments all done

Went for my appointment with the consultant again yesterday. He was running late, so I was in late, didn't ask him about pain relief, but he has put me on the waiting list now,he also sent me for x-rays, there were 4 of them. There was no indication how long I may have to wait.
I went in on the bus, as I didn't want to drive through heavy traffic on my way home, as it would be "rush hour", and I didn't want to put myself through driving in heavy stop-start traffic with my ankle as it is.
Today I'm paying for it, as I have been in pain all day, and haven't been swimming, just been relaxing, either lying down reading my book, or sat on the settee with my foot up.
It's been quiet all day as well, cos Sam has been at Barrow, sorting the bar out there, and now she's working the evening here. She is supposed to be getting the bar in Barrow sorted out, so it can make money, cos by the sounds of things it is only just breaking even.
Edwin isn't back until tomorrow evening, so it's very quiet here.

Busy!

I seem to have been busy doing stuff all day today.
Doctor's this morning for another doctor's note, as he says I can't work until after my operation.
Then I went to the cheapy supermarket, they had some wonderful small packs of wool, so I bought some, and am going to knit a scarf as a pressie for someone.
Then I went swimming, and after I ate, went to the supermarket. In the middle of that I wrote up my latest book, that I've read, in the book blog, and my friend came across for a chat and a brew.
Now it's getting towards teatime here.
My friend took the dogs on the beach for me, while I went to the shop. I wish I could make it down to the beach. I will do soon.

Tiring Tuesday

Now I remember what I was doing yesterday......I vacuumed. And it is hard work with a stupid ankle.

Today, well got down to the pool in time for the adult session. Today there were only seven people in the pool. I swum, 1/2 a mile again, then went back home, via the post office to pay the Electricity and gas bills.
After eating , my youngest and I walked down into town, and back via the prom, so I could sit on benches like old ladies have to. The dogs weren't being too naughty, and I'd managed to buy all I wanted from town, and posted a parcel, so although it took me twice as long as it used to..it was sucessful, and the rain was very kind, it waited until about 3 minutes after getting in..then chucked it down, hard.
Now..it's quiet here..I have some Ozric Tentacles playing, and the youngest is playing on a PC game, while chatting to his gf. The older two are out, one on a date, one at Rock Nite.

conferencing

This is fun. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest you give it a try. OK, the kids do it all the time, but it is fun, and sometimes you can get at cross purposes. If you don't follow the conversation..this could be very funny.
Other stuff that has happened today, err. I swam 1/2 a mile, before my breakfast. Not an awful lot of other stuff, apart from shop at Asda.
Here in the UK, because of the bad weather prices of veg have gone up. Forgive me for being cynical, but.....not every growing area has been flooded. For example, this time of year Cauliflowers are at their most abundant, so why has their price gone higher than maximum winter price? It is sheer greed! Surely it would make more sense to keep the price the same, and make sure that they sold out of the limited stocks, rather than ramp the price up, and risk being left with stock on their hands?? That is how my boss used to operate.....sell stock cheap at the end of the day..and never over-price. And at weekend..anything that wouldn't last..drop the price to sell the stock. Anything that didn't sell and wouldn't keep, I took back home and made wine from.

Quandry

I am in ..or have, a quandary!
Lucky me..do the local zoo know? I hear you ask.
I am to lose weight prior to surgery on my ankle. Only because the injury is so bad, I am unable to exercise much. Even swimming is painful, and when I give up because my ankle hurts too much, I can't get out of the pool. I just can't climb the ladder, so I have to pull myself out with my arms.
Am eating less, but as I am not as active, it isn't making as much difference. My daughter says I should try Pilate's, as it should help.
If anyone knows any exercise that can be done safely with an injured ankle, I'd love to know.