A Merry Yuletide to you all!

Wow only when we were at Kathleen's 40th soiree last night did I realise how long it has been since I have "blogged" to the world out there! Another "mea culpa" moment but the excuse is the usual one so very busy!
First things first - the project is now back on a sound footing with a lottery grant of £10k to help us look at what we do and how we do it! After 10 years of hard work we really do need to go through what I am sure will be a worthwhile but painful exercise! The Red Ribbon Appeal also boosted funds and will pay for the various pieces of information that goes out throughout the year.
Unison has preoccupied my time a great deal as I am acting as the Equalities Officer since my lovely pal Marie escaped from the Council and consequently the union. Early retiral is great but she has so much to offer and a vast experience to boot. I have a lot of concerns now Marie is no longer an official in the branch but am sure the retired members section will welcome her with open arms!
The Unison LGBT policy weekend in Edinburgh at the beginning of the month was a great success and a lot of work to boot! Gladly I handed over £300 from the Fife Unison Branch to BEST! What a good organisation we have here!
http://www.burma-trust.org/freedom02.php We hope to have active links with the student studying PHd at St Andrews University! For those who don't know here is some information about events in Burma and BEST with Murray here to the fore in activism! Burma has been ruled since 1962 by highly repressive, authoritarian military regimes. Since 1988, when the armed forces brutally suppressed massive pro-democracy demonstrations, a junta composed of senior military officers has ruled by decree, without a constitution or legislature. The most recent constitution, promulgated in 1974, permits both legislative and administrative restrictions on religious and political freedom.

"The national races shall enjoy the freedom to profess their religion, provided that the enjoyment of any such freedom does not offend the laws or the public interest."

Most adherents of religions that are registered with the authorities generally are allowed to worship as they choose; however, the Government has imposed restrictions on certain religious activities and frequently abused the right to freedom of religion, through its pervasive internal security apparatus.

The Government generally infiltrates or monitors meetings and activities of virtually all organisations, including religious organisations. It systematically restricts efforts by Buddhist clergy to promote human rights and political freedom, discourages or prohibits minority religions from constructing new places of worship, and, in some ethnic minority areas, coercively promotes Buddhism over other religions, particularly members of minority ethnic groups.

The study of religion and politics within Divinity presupposes religious practices to be understood through interpretive models and social epistemologies in constant interaction with political models of governance in society.

Recognising the democratic deficit and the deep-rooted historical links between Scotland and Burma, Trustees of BEST, Prospect Burma and the Dean of the Department of Religion and Politics at St. Mary's College have negotiated a scholarship for suitably qualified Burmese students to be educated, at postgraduate level.

So now you know and just in case you think policy weekends are all social here we are working hard! It's amazing how the group has come on and new members from all over Scotland keep turning up and making great contributions! It's easy to have these policy sessions but now the work has to start and with new co-chairs and the old exerpeinces hands about I'm sure they will do really well!
So a little catch up on a terrible cold wet and windy day here in Fife!

Another - what a week!

It really has been a series of highs with although expected lows they did not appear! First high was to keep a Unison member in her post at a disciplinary hearing - the management case being strong but natural justice being even stronger! So that started the week off really well. Fife Council launched the Equalities Campaign and I offered this as my contribution alongside a powerful image presentation - the day went really well and I suspect change is in our grasp as far as getting the 6 Equality strands together and talking as one! WOW!

Address for Fife Council Equality Campaign Launch

Unlike previous speakers I have an option in terms of other people’s perception and therefore expectations. I can shield my “difference”, if in terms of difference that means living in a “heteronomaltivity” world. Many years ago now, I chose not to do so and therefore whether wanting to or not, in that simple choice, became a political animal, assertive of my right to be me and not to shield others from my difference.

I often recall my first welcome to Fife in the early 80’s. After having a number of interviews for the social work post, and being at the affirmation of the appointment at a committee interview stage that springs to mind. After the deed was done, appointment confirmed, a smart councillor made the remark “A deary – huh not one of those queer dearies then – we don’t’ have them here” – so welcome to Fife!

My how times have changed. Nothing to do with being “politically expedient” or “politically correct”. The launch of this campaign recognised two things. Change is needed because it is the right thing to do, and it will take time to change the hearts and minds of people used to a living in a “heteronormaltivity” world!

Although now underpinned by the repeal of homophobic legislation like Clause 2a; the introduction of new legislation to protecting the rights of the LGBT community such as the Employment Regulations, Gender Recognition Act and the Equalities Act – a reason I would suggest that we are here, in supporting this raising of awareness, the recent proposed legislation to tackle homophobic hate crime, change is also required within the LGBT communities. We must consign our negative experiences to history and move on. Equally those outwith the LGBT communities should learn something from our struggles and assimilate this learning into their lives and practice. For too long oppression and knowing our place in society has been the reality in our lives.

The importance of the forthcoming LGBT History month next February focused in on Fife as it will be is an opportunity for this to actually happen and I commend the Council, Fife Constabulary and the Voluntary Sector Services for supporting these events.

It is vital that you, as service providers appreciate how subtle barriers to provision and access by LGBT community members to your services can be. The Fife Choose Life Group commissioned research recently, undertaken by Dr Sheila Reid of Reid Howie Associates into the experiences of LGBT people living in Fife and associated with mental health and well being. It makes interesting reading, with the draft findings being launched tomorrow at the Seminar at the Town House Kirkcaldy, and copies available here today.

Here we have research and scrutinised evidence of discrimination and isolation with an expectation that LGBT people assimilate or their needs can be ignored. It is your responsibility to help change this environment of lack of respect for difference. Again not as a cosmetic exercise in getting words correct, although this is indeed a first step as the levels of verbal abuse, often unreported, are extremely high – but as service providers offering support to all members of Fife’s diverse communities.

When a Trans customer phones in for service provision she is not met with “oh you sound like a man” after giving her name – or assuming that a same sex couple are Mr/Mrs! Yes, it really does mean tackling the subtle ways in which we can be verbally abused. While I suspect your presence here does indicate a willingness to embrace change, I am of course, addressing those of your organisation that are indeed absent from this opportunity.

Indulge me even further as I recollect a couple of reactions when I was working in this Council and facilitated a diversity awareness day with the deliberately controversial Jane Elliott – “Diversity? “We have managed without it fine so far why do we need to change” – “I know all there is to know about Diversity – I’ve been about a bit, so don’t need telling about how I should think and behave”. It is exactly why this campaign is needed, not only because of the legislative framework and benchmarking standards that I have outlined!

When we see the publicity cards “out homophobia in the workplace” what will this mean? What should we do? What will change? What will remain the same?

This campaign aims to answer some of these questions. The reality is, should this work be as effective as I suspect it will be, is that nothing remains the same and when as we hope the “Rainbow Flag” flies on Council building for LGBT History month no one will be asking what the flag represents and certainly the response will not be “something to do with queers” as it was in 2001 when Fife Constabulary and the Fife Men Project launched the Homophobic Hate Crime Helpline around the corner at Fife House.

Flying the flag is symbolic, not only to our community members but to those further afield. Your positive work to tackle discrimination has a national and international connection. It demonstrated to the intolerant, the bigoted, the extremist of what ever political or faith dimension, that hate based actions are not welcome; will be challenged and people and institutions called to account.

So whether it is as a response to the “odd canteen culture comment” or the extreme actions of three young men 21, 19 and 15 year old who premeditatedly kicked James Kerr, a employee in Perth & Kinross Council, around the head and body and left him to bleed to death in a park, while then going on to a party to brag about what they had just done.

Our response must be the positive actions of the educated and one of humanities respect for one another

If this encounter with reality makes you uncomfortable, I make no apology. It is to our shame that on our doorstep we have another victim another “Matthew Shepherd”. The circumstances may differ, the location changed but the effect is the same, sending as it does violent messages of intolerance and ignorance.

While I am happy to respond to this invitation to address the Equalities Campaign Launch it would be remiss of me not to say something about concept of LGBT communities. I have spoken about my personal experience and placed them in local, national and international context. “LGBT community” means to me links with a group of people whose common denominators are their difference from the heteronormaltivity world. It is therefore by definition a number of communities.

One only has to observe Pride or LGBT Mardi Gras events to understand how many banners can be flying. Again the Choose Life research estimates that there are 20,000 people from LGBT communities living in Fife! What a business case for respecting diversity if nothing else! Some will be out in their communities, families and friends. Others will not and perhaps suffering in silence about the oppressors that are a reality for them, in communities, employment and family settings. The message that today gives is around respect, inclusion and marking a turning point in Fife Council services.

Perhaps your task is made that little bit easier with the welcomed news that JK Rowling has “outed” Albus Dumbledore. His grand wizardry might be called upon in some situations! Indeed there is no limit to what gay and lesbian people can achieve but the reality is that we need real role models not fictional characters! ENDS

As you may suspect I deviated from this script in the light of previous speakers and the time constraints but it gives you the gist of the address!

Then the second biggie - the Fife Men Project seminar on suicide, self harm and mental health experiences of Fife's LGBT community members - this was just terrific! Well attended and with high calibre speakers! Fabby! We are producing a DVD of the event so folk can have a record of proceedings!

So another week which promises to have even more challenged and building on the experiences of last week! Here we go!

Main concerns at the moment are the lack of communication from Walter & Marco - but I know after my recent Berlin visit they are very busy with both the language school and the B & B. Forgot to mention another high - walking our neighbours dog Misty!

What a week

Last week was a bit of a trauma - with the project occupying time and stress quota! However this week we are looking good with a planning meeting for LGBT History (Wednesday); confirm the Seminar for Choose Life (Tuesday); apply for funding for the project so a meeting with the Council on Friday, rounding the week off on Saturday in Glasgow for Scottish LGBT Committee AGM in Unison!
So all that brings me to a week on Thursday and off for a long weekend to Berlin with mate from down south - I suspect I'll need a rest after that little excursion!
Have not heard from Walter for a few days but understand how busy he is - really don't know how he packs it all in!

However to brighten everyone's day here is a review of the film of the year - released on 26th October:

I wouldn't be comfortable calling La Vie en Rose (La Mome), the life of Edith Piaf, one of the great biographical films until I have a chance to see it once or twice more. What I'm sure of is that Marion Cotillard's portrayal of Piaf from Piaf's early teens until Piaf died at 47 is one of the most extraordinary performances I've ever seen on a movie screen. Piaf had an extraordinary life, was an extraordinary personality as well as being perhaps France's greatest singer. Cotillard simply remakes herself into this willful, self-destructive, selfish, generous, melodramatic, tiny creature -- Piaf was only 4' 8" tall -- of dramatic vocal genius.

Piaf grew up on the streets of Paris. Her life was one crises after another, some of her making, some not. We meet her as a child, when her mother abandoned her. Her father, a soldier in WWI and a contortionist in small traveling circuses, disappeared for long period of time. At one point before puberty she lived for quite a while with her paternal grandmother, who ran a brothel. She helped her father work at one of those circuses. They survived as street entertainers in Paris. She finally had enough and struck out on her own, making a little money singing on the streets, giving much of it to a local pimp for protection. She had a child who died of meningitis. When she was 20 she was discovered by an "impresario" who ran a nightclub. Louis Leplee renamed her Piaf. When he was murdered in what seemed to be a gang hit, she was put through the public wringer by the police and the French press. Her fame grew. During WWII she agreed to sing at POW camps so the French prisoners could be photographed with Piaf by the Germans as evidence of how happy the prisoners were. Piaf was a member of the Resistance. She took copies of the photographs and arranged for the Resistance to make false passports for 150 prisoners. She returned to the camps with the passports and managed to have them distributed to the prisoners under the eyes of the Germans. She was either fearless or willfully fatalistic. The Germans never seemed to realize what this tiny, internationally known singer was doing. After the war, she was acclaimed. She had famous love affairs, including Yves Montand and French middleweight boxer Marcel Cerdan. Cerdan, whom she loved, was killed in a plane crash. She drank heavily, took drugs, and her health continued to deteriorate. She suffered from rheumatism, severe arthritis, a liver that barely functioned. She became addicted to morphine and continued to drink heavily.

And she sang and sang and sang. She could make a child's jump-rope song sound like an obsession to lost love. Piaf had a big voice and she knew how to use it. She preferred simple black dresses and a spotlight when she performed, creating a highly dramatic image of this small, sad face and her two expressive hands. Her songs were about love, loss, death, memories, hope that was glimmering and hope that had died. She had a vibrato that seemed to throb in the heart. When she died at 47, the drink and the drugs, the losses and tragedies, the self-destructive willfulness and the arthritis had turned her into the ruined shell of the teen-ager who sang on Paris streets. Not a life I would have wanted, even if I'd traded for her talent, but it was her life and it became a huge melodrama powered by her unique voice.

For Americans, perhaps her most familiar song is La Vie En Rose. With Mack David's soppy lyrics, there was a time when it couldn't be avoided, including Piaf's French version. But the song that evokes the most memories, and the one that closes the movie and summarizes her life, is the song Piaf first sang just three years before her death, "Non, je ne regrette rien."

Non, rien de rien,
Non, je ne regrette rien,
Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait,
Ni le mal, tout ça m'est bien égal.
Non, rien de rien,
Non, je ne regrette rien,
C'est payé, balayé, oublié,
Je me fous du passé...

The song roughly translates as "I don't regret a thing. What has happened has happened and has been paid for. Neither the good done to me, nor the bad;
to me, they're all the same. No, I regret nothing. Because my life, because my joys, today, begin with you."

The movie La Vie en Rose is dramatically and almost lushly photographed. We don't have a simple linear story line; we keep moving back and forth among the times of her life. The juxtapositions between the child, the girl, the young woman, the star, the prematurely aged force of talent and willfulness, makes us need to pay attention but it also gives us some idea of the chaos of her life. Marion Cotillard is incredible as she makes us believe in this self-destructive and fascinating person. We really forget about Cotillard and can only focus on this tiny body, big voice and an odd, appealing face made up of huge eyes, blood red lips, and plucked, thin-lined eye-brows.

Personally, self-destruction after awhile makes me impatient and irritated. There are too many things to do to waste one's life on a diet of willfulness and selfishness, even if one is gifted with huge talent. I was mesmerized by Piaf, her life and her songs, but at times I felt like telling her to ease up on the drama. I suppose, given her life, much should be forgiven or at least understood. As Roger Ebert has said, "Nothing in her early life taught her to count on permanence or loyalty. What she counted on was singing, champagne, infatuation and morphine." La Vie en Rose is a movie well worth seeing.

Mea Culpa

Really an unexpected busy time, so the regular contributions to my blog have been somewhat missing! The Fife Men Project predominates, with cash flow problems, inundated with referrals, and the media profile owing to Stephen Fry's documentary "HIV & Me", the first part which was screened last night! Very sad to see an old friend making his mark! William past away earlier this year, evidently three weeks after they had filmed. I missed his goodbye do, as I was in plaster at the time and could not travel through to Edinburgh. Got a full report from friends who did attend the funeral. All the all the programme was very reflective of the current situation. The work in the project is not completed and I suspect that is what keeps us going; its not an organisation that perpetuates itself for its own ends, hence my volunteer involvement!
I've gone a bit reflective now!
Visited Austwick last week, Thursday to Sunday and time seemed to go very quickly! The lady next door is 95 year old and likes a tipple - she is having some stomach problems so I suggested she stick to water until it settled down - so she got her Brandy and put a dash of water and said, "I'm not sure if water will do any good" - well at 95 good luck to her!
A resolution here - will try and get back to weekly updates - will have some news as I'm away to Berlin with mate from down South at the end of the month. The BIG news is that Frank and I are going with pal Andy to visit Robin in Sydney next year! Last time we went was in 1999 and had a great time! Like to see something of Oz while we are there and that does not mean the local casualty or eye hospital! Ah sweet memories!

We have returned!

As Noel would say, "we went to a marvellous party". The whole trip to Italy was brilliant and a whirl of cultural excitement! Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Padua, Venice, Florence and then back to Milan will all be revealed in the coming posts! Our pals Walter and Marco made use we got a welcome to remember and the surprises as a special birthday party were very much appreciated!
WOW! How quickly that first week back as flown past - and no updated - shame but here is a little taster of our Italian holiday and some NEWS - we are off to Oz a) to see a great pal Robin, b) to help celebrate 30th years of Mardi Gras in Sydney c) to go with another pal Andy d) cos we really really want to for all these reasons and many more!

What blooms!

Willies lilies have come on well! Thanks for the words Walter, see you both on Tuesday!

Kirkcaldy Farmer's Market

In town the last Saturday of the month, with us running a World AIDS Days stall at the November market - great to see the famous and not so avoiding us that day!
As mentioned her is "Willies Lilly" actually a few of them bought at the end of the day for half price - I love a bargain! Although rarely can one get it here - quality at a price! It seems with the news today about retail prices that Farmer's Markets are not all that out of sync with their supermarket competitors!

So what's due for the next while?

Just checked my weekly astrological reading and guess what?

"You have a major energy shift coming you way this week, since on Sunday Saturn, the karmic planet, enters your own sign of Virgo and will stay in that placement for the next two-and-a-half years. With serious and steady Saturn in your sector of self, your outlook on the world will become much more thoughtful and deep. You might become responsible for family members, especially the elderly, and your instinctive urge to help others and volunteer your services should increase. Your delight in doing domestic chores and making home repairs will be very strong".

Trust of friends

A good day yesterday with the day closing with an unfortunate happening! The day started well with a visit to the local Farmer's Market to get the usual supplies but also a new stall, local lillies - a bit funeral - like but rather lovely - picture here soon when the blooms all come out! Busy at the project with Peter calling to look at the PC's that were not working. Then the bit that spoilt the day. He called to say why the PC was not working, the hard drive and microprocessor had been removed, leaving the cabinet empty apart from the leads! We loaned the PC to a pal - nearly and ex-pal - when his own PC was not working properly - yes you guessed - seems like our bits have been removed to get his PC working! This will be interesting but as Frank says it's another example of helping that is neither appreciated or respected. I'm not sure if I'm angry at our pal, his pals or myself - blaming it on the Virgo character!

Where have I been?

It just has been such a busy week! I suppose the first real "working" week since all my physiotherapy ended and I'm in charge of my own leg again! Actually enjoyed the week and looking forward to another! Main challenge is the pilot training course for NHS Fife "All Clear - Valuing Equity & Diversity" being delivered when I come back from Italy in mid September, but being piloted on Tuesday with colleagues from Drug & Alcohol Project Levenmouth (DAPL)! Hopefully this will help with feedback in case I need to change any of the new exercises before going "live" for the actual training!
So our holidays loom and the break for our best mates Walter & Marco come to an end. They have been away to the Canaries, Play del Ingles of course, on our say so, for their first visit! It sounds as if it has gone well as I have been getting regular updates from Walter on his new toy, a Blackberry! Looking forward to reading his blog!
So to work again

Diary this coming week:
Monday – Training preparation for pilot course “All Clear – Valuing Equity & Diversity”
Tuesday – Pilot training – a snap shot of the course – thanks to DAPL volunteers who have offered to be participants for this - 20:00hrs Karaoke Royal Scot - not sure if I will make this but have sorted said I'll call in and collect one of our committee member s who has a visual impairment and needs transport!
Wednesday – Criminal Justice meetings
Thursday – Glasgow launch of Scotland’s LGBT Domestic Abuse Project (representing Unison Fife LGBT group)
Friday – office bound - at the Fife Men Project
Saturday – Committee Meeting 13:00

Ah well here we go!

Walter & Marco's travels

Well boyz Gran Canaries here you cum and I suspect you will not be GC virgins for very long! Frank and I have visited there so many times over about 14 years and in 2000 attended the first Maspalomas Pride in the Yumbo Centre - a real gay community party - continued since and now very much a commercial enterprise, the reality of Pride events these day, but maintaining the community feel about it.
This is our favourite restaurant, and I'm rather fond of people watching for our balcony table, while eating and drinking through the wonderful menu selection! Woofie, Gerry, Ron - Hello

The story unfolds

Strange this fascination for gay men to drag up.

Training & Development

Well managed the "Dreamweaver" course and hope that we can start to help manage the Fife Men Project site. Doogie & Rod are the "webmasters" volunteers, but in busy lives need some support and here it is! Forgot to take memory sticks so we could copy our efforts while on the two day course so going to call into "Glenco" this morning. The tutor Fiona was very patient and gave information in small presentations which helped with our memory loss! Gordon worked on his own web - so that should be interesting and I started the GETRA site. Thankfully Lyn at the Carlton House learning centre has a copy of the programme so we are using a more up to date version that the one in the office.
I suspect the Fife Men Project site is a little more complex! However we have the basics and will take it from there!
Next training for me in going the training for trainer in Mental Health First Aid later in the year, then perhaps a further IT course!

What more holidays?

Well yes, we did go to Berlin to celebrate Frank's 60th birthday and must say we did it in great style with the help of Marco, Walter and Norma, visiting over the Christopher Street celebration time and going to the Gay Night At the Zoo for his actual event! Fantastic big band sounds, company and of course as wee drink or 6! Actually I was still on the pain killers and had only a couple - of drinks!
Here we are at Potsdam on the Sunday after getting doused at the Christopher St Parade!More of that later - especially about of 5 hours on the back of a truck! I said t-r-u-ck!

Italy here we come

After some surfing the net without success for a holiday package, it's a do it ourselves, with lovely Marco's help! Master plan would be to fly to Milan from Edinburgh on 4th Sept and then use rail passes - yes Frank does qualify for over 60's as well as his local bus pass, travel in Lombardy & Tuscany, returning to Milan for the flight back on 16th the day before I'm 34 years old (again)!Got the flight booked - good old Easyjet - I know another hole and lousy summer weather but I'll fret about that after the holiday! Last time we used Easyjet I had my nice looking clinical walking stick and we received priority access to the plane - although couldn't sit beside the escape route as I was not "able-bodied"! Wonder if I should get the stick back just for the travel perks - see how easy it is to fall into the "disablist" mode?
So back to the master plan - Milan - Verona - Padua - Venice (probably a day visit will do as I suspect we will need that Lottery win to stay longer) - Bologna - Florence and then return to Milan. Not sure if our pals Walter & Marco will be around in Milan when we are there - would be great if they are able to be there!
So expect all the news of the annual escape especially if I am tempted to follow Peter's example!
WONDERFUL NEWS TODAY (15/08/07)
Walter and Marco will be in Milan, we suspect because we are landing there for our Grand (Wh)tour! Marco has put together a travel plan which would make Judith Chalmers envious! Start from Edinburgh to Milan and spend a night and day in that window shopping city! Travel to Verona - such a romantic place and pity Willy Shakespeare never did visit here or even Italy, writing from others views of the city! Staying in Verona for 4 days but going to visit Desenzano Sul Garda and Sirmione. Wandering feet again and off to the train station to speed off to Mantova (I think this is Sergio's hometown- last heard he was living/working in Cambridge), then back to Verona. Padua next stop and using here as a base for the Venice treat - but Padua is brilliant for 3 days! After all that culture off to Florence, and my last visit many years ago this was my favourite place to just watch the world go by and turn the corners to bump into lovely pieces of artwork! Then we return to Milan to catch the Navigli & Senigallia Street Fair! Wow what an experience! The back home to Kirkcaldy!

SUNDAY 2nd Sept -

So we are nearly off on the tour - how fortunate we are and lucky to have such wonderful friends. Yes a bit more up from where I was last week but still rather hurting from being taken fore-granted, what ever the excuses!
We are going to Edinburgh Airport on Tuesday, and returning on 16th via the local bus service! The flight times are good and Frank has his bus pass anyway! Just a couple of years to go before I get mine! Going to spend the day preparing for the escape! Had intended to get the grass cut but with the obliging Autumnal weather here that cannot be done - it's drizzle and cold! Just checked the weather for Italy - sunny and warm for our stay! Bon voyage!

What have you done with the rest of your life...

Where to begin? I suppose I have to confess that my place of birth, which I had nothing to do with, was Sunderland, Tyne & Wear down in England. Subsequently somewhere that I could not wait to get out of as soon as I could! Wow this is difficult! My family consisting of mother, father (no news there) mother's mother - she left my grandfather who was a "boozer" to stay for a fortnight which lasted 45 years! Indeed my earliest regretful memory, was when he called and I has been given one of those building block toys with a wooden hammer to knock in the nails, and I was made to hit my grandfather Stephen on the head with the hammer! I must have been about 4 years old. Yes there was something wrong with the upbringing! Mostly I was looked after by my Nan, who I suspect was given the charge in return for staying in the family home - also resident was my mothers sister Margaret, more of you will read in coming additions! My father, Alec was a butcher and met my mother when they worked together at "Jefferies"! Dad eventually had his own businesses in Southwick, a mining village & Grindon an then emerging suburban estate, but with my mothers ambition driving him on, rather than his natural instincts for advancement! As long as Dad had his ciggies - originally a heavy "Woodbine" smoker, attributed to his army service and a guy who liked a drink but with the family history had to do this in very controlled moderation! In later years I was able to modify this and often enjoyed seeing him gulp a pint or six down at great speed. My mother's theory of timing did not match my father's capacity for speed drinking!

Physiotherapy

Great progress and it's likely that my physio/gym session at the hospital are coming to an end! Hurry - although I have to say I have had brilliant treatment and had to do everything 30 times which at my age is a real feat!
Appointment on Monday (6th August) to see the Senior Physiotherapist for the final decision! Amazing how twice a week appointments eats into the diary!
Great news - after some poking, prodding and putting legs where only memories prompt me to remember - also after 5.5 weeks of intensive therapy I have been given the green card! So now need to get into a "work" daily routine but need to keep the exercises going!
Other news is that I have a diabetic clinic appointment today (8th August) to finally confirm if I have a diabetic condition (type 2) or glucose intolerance - hope it's the latter - done my first msu of the day and another in a couple of hours! Exciting times!

Our very special Day! Married at last!

After approaching 25 years together we were finally "allowed" to be legally together at 15:00 on Wednesday 21st December 2005 it happened! Over 90 family and friends gathered to witness the event and support us with 200 at night to PARTY!
Frank, the other half, commonly known as"the longest one night stand is history", consented in May 05 to be my life partner - a fabulous occasion on one knee - at Dalis Restaurant floor 1 in the Yumbo Cita Play del Ingles Gran Canaria!

So what happens on Tuesday & Thursdays

That's when I benefit from the fantastic professional care within the National Health Service - my physiotherapy gym session - following an accident where I sustained an injury resulting in the right quadricep being ruptured and needing sewing together! Thanks fully the surgeon was like his colleagues - brilliant - and the scar healing with my special ingredient to help it along!

Weekly activities

Monday - meeting for Gallatown East Tenants & Residents Association - Gala Day on Saturday! Hopefully with warm & sunny weather! Happily we have missed the downpours experienced in other parts of the UK! Picture above shows the Unison stall, me, Marilyn Livingston MSP, her minder and good old Marie - our matron of dishonour at our wedding!
Tuesday - more about this as I go on - a lot more!
Thursday - as above & meeting for Unison at Rosyth Dockyard
Friday - Prepare for action
Saturday - action - GETRA Gallatown Gala 12:00-16:00 Opened by local member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)

Monday 6th August - I hope the final decision from the Senior Physiotherapist about my rehab!
Important date - Unison commemoration for the victims of the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 -
Tuesday - CVS Fife - "Dreamweaver" training course - second attempt to understand how to put a website together!
Wednesday = post Gallatown Gala clear up - Arthur helped to move unsold items to the local charity shop, Marie Curie - manager - an Irish colleen, full of fun also known as Marie was happy to see us! Interested days as "Neat Feet" complimentary therapy have moved in next door. Joe the owner started his "business" upstairs from the Fife Men Project. Everyone is wondering how his business is a recognised Scottish Charity?
Thursday-Sunday off to Yorkshire dales to visit my mother in Austwick (LA2 8BD) - always need a holiday after these visits! Picture taken some years ago is of my mother and nan (died in 1997)

Really business and finding I'm all over the place with this blogging! First things first - Saturday turned out to be really good, weather changed and sun shone! With the help of friends, Arthur, Doreen, Marie, Gordon and of course my guy, Frank, we help to raise £1306.00. Considering the low attendance and the regeneration area we live in where poverty and social deprivation are all around it went really well! As did my physiotherapy and I hope trip to the diabetic clinic this morning. Need to be watching my diary appointments but the trip to Yorkshire will help sort out my timetable and catch up on emails - especially to dear sweetie Walter! Mea Culpa!

I HAVE SURVIVED - the monthly trip to Yorkshire but with a difference, as all will be revealed over the coming weeks - an added visit to our home town of Sunderland - how did it go? Well you might ask, but suffice to say we both laid to rest some uncomfortable demons - well and truly exorcised! Marsden Grotto is pictured here where we stopped for lunch - right beside the Samaritan's sign and faded bunches of flowers indicated folk had not taken the time to phone!

Rushed home from Yorkshire as we thought the winning Euromillion ticket was in our grasp! Good thinking how we would spend £36,000,000! Instead it was Thunderball £10! So my week in running like this:-
Monday Drug & Alcohol Project Levenmouth. Then a meeting with the new Senior Health Promotion Officer from NHS Fife - we hope to be of some use getting more finances!
Tuesday - day2 of the Dreamweaver training course - hope Gordon can remember what to do! Thankfully he did and so did I - now comes the hard part!
Wednesday - Unison work at home
Thursday - GETRA meeting
Friday - Glasgow - Unison Voluntary Sector meeting - Saturday at the project and the pub! So really the first full week "at work" since my accident in March! No doubt I'll be reporting how things go!