Brilliant Gig Last Night At Paradiso.

 




Druids Bringing In The Mistletoe.

Edward Atkinson Hornel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Atkinson_Hornel

We had a brilliant time at The Drive By Truckers gig in Paradiso last night, was so good to be there again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradiso_%28Amsterdam%29

Enjoyed the drive there in the mobility bus tremendously, was good to drive down streets that I had not seen for two years, since I have been in bed.

Realised once again what a lovely city Amsterdam is, all the lights were on and in the centre the trees were illuminated which is very pretty to see at this time of year..

It has been five years since we went to a concert, so was excellent to be there last night, really enjoyed myself and so did Richie.

It went by so quickly, they played a nice long set from 20.30 to 22.15, then they went away for a few minutes and were back to do an encore at 22.20.

Sadly we had to go then, as the mobility bus had arrived and was waiting for us outside, shame as Richie thought they would play a favourite track.

After managing to get out of the tricky doors, helped by two nice men holding them open we managed the tight and scary turn at the top of the steps and the even tighter turn into the lift.

Once outside we were met by another friendly mobility bus driver who soon got us into the bus and whisked us home.  

Was pretty wonderful to be there, had a huge grin on my face the whole time even when we were back home at 22.45.

Drive By Truckers.

Take My Inspiration From Our Dogs.

The Temptation by Danny Sillada.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Sillada

Yesterday I took a 2 mg diazepam 30 minutes before Richie transferred me to the wheelchair from the shower chair.

After organising my posture and making the necessary adjustments, Richie sprayed me with perfume and put in my choice of earrings.

Then I tried to hold the joystick and turn the wheelchair around and leave the room, and it worked.

Was a most glorious feeling to feel myself steering the wheelchair with no problems into the front room.

Happy days indeed, felt very good about that, very good indeed, so today will try without the diazepam and see what that is like.

If it is too difficult then I may have to take 2 mg of diazepam to facilitate my steering, certainly will take it this Thursday, for the hospital appointment, when I have to get into the lift and down to the mobility bus and into the bus.

Also on the 17 th to the Drive by Truckers gig, I sent them a mail telling them I would be at their concert and my worries that being in a wheelchair I might not see them well.

Got a lovely response from Jenn, the bass player, who gave me the name of their tour manager and sound man, for in case we needed assistance at the gig to see them properly.

Really nice of her to respond am very much looking forward to the gig next week Wednesday, the one bus trip I am looking forward to 100%.

The one good thing that is happening, after the sadness of Richie’s father dying weekend before last.

Sadly Spike’s condition is getting worse, we hope the clinic in Utrecht can help if not we will have to make a difficult decision; just thinking about it has made us both cry alot today.

We can’t leave our little chum to deteriorate, especially if there is no prospect of a recovery and only of him getting worse and being in pain.

So we will have to let the vet put our little friend to sleep, that will be very difficult for us both and for Marleen too who will miss her little pack mate.

Will miss him so much, he is such a lovely little fellow, he has been such a lovely playmate, and m ‘big’ protector, our Spike.

Also the progression of my MS is not good news right now and it is a cold and grey November day too.

For now we are going to stay hopeful and optimistic and enjoy Spike’s company and face up to whatever needs facing when it actually happens.

Going to take my inspiration from our dogs and live for the moment, the here and now.

It feels very good indeed.

Mary Cassatt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Cassatt

Yesterday was a good day; Marianne visited which was lovely, excellent to see her and to hear her news.

After she left I did my leg and arm exercises with the Motomed and when I had finished Richie and I sat talking and playing with the dogs.

The weather was not too pleasant although there had been a brief moment of almost sunshine when Marianne was here.

As soon as she had left the clouds looked unpleasant but luckily no rain just gusts of cold wind; cool for Richie cold for me.

Decided that I needed to buy a fleece lined rainproof cape so that I can get out and about when the weather is not nice, which it is here most of the time.

Have not managed to find one yet on the internet also want to find a fleece cape and a jacket which will be useful also for indoors.

Be even better if the sleeves had zips up them for ease of putting on and getting off again I am surprised how many sites that do clothes for handicapped people do not provide this.

Amsterdam always has very changeable weather it is a combination of all the water in and around the city, we are living on reclaimed land here, plus the fact we are close to the sea.

Last years wonderful summer was quite extraordinary for Amsterdam, the last such gloriously hot and dry summer was 1995.

What made yesterday extra special was that I sat for six hours without any problems whatsoever.

That is quite a milestone for me as Ton Peeks said once I can sit for six hours with no problem then I can sit for even longer.

The cherry on our cake which made it an even better day was that our tickets for the Drive By Truckers concert ni Paradiso in November arrived.

Feel like finally I am back right in the middle of life no longer just in bed trying to make the best of things.

It feels very good indeed.