Happy Anticipation .

 

Roberto Matta.

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

Two weeks ago we suddenly got a phone call from John a good friend of Richie's, from the oil rig where he is working, telling us that he would be coming to see us for a visit.

The visit was planned for the 8th of December for a week, which he hoped was okay with us, as he did not want to make problems for us.

We immediately reassured him that it was not a problem in fact it was the opposite; it was excellent news that he was finally coming to visit us after all these years.

it is absolutely not a problem to have such a good friend of both of ours, visiting us here, in fact it is the opposite it is a pleasure to have him visiting us in Amsterdam after all these years.

On Wednesday John phoned us to tell us that he was still on the oil rig due to the fact that unexpected snowfall meant he could not get a flight back to Glasgow.

He hoped that it was going to still be possible to get a flight back home to Glasgow, but may be it would have to be postponed until a later date; he promised that he would keep us informed.

We didn't hear anything more until around 1200 today when the phone rang and it was John to tell us that he would be arriving approximately at 1900 this evening.

Now we are both looking forward to seeing him again, how very typical of John to suddenly come and visit us, I think it is going to be a very good weeks visit.

A Sunny Monday Morning.

 Roberto Matta.

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

This morning when we woke up and Richie opened the curtains we saw blue sky, beautiful sunshine which was a lovely way to start the new week.

Sadly by the time it was 1400 and Matilda, my physiotherapist arrived are appointment the sunshine, blue sky was gone replaced by a thick cloud cover.

Before the appointment was finished, our friend Anne had arrived to visit me; she very kindly had obtained information about holidays for the handicapped.

She had received a brochure from the Red Cross about holidays for the handicapped, in a choice of four hotels as well as a boat holiday.

It was very kind of Anne to look for this information however when she was describing the holidays on offer I realised that were not me.

I'm sure that for people who like organised holidays would probably enjoy what was on offer, but I know I would not enjoy one of these.

Never have I wanted to stay in a hotel for a holiday, for me it would not be a luxury to do so, quite the contrary I think.

The idea of a fully catered holiday does not fill me with joy; it makes me apprehensive as I'm sure I would not like the food that would be served.

sadly most times that I've eaten at restaurants here in Amsterdam have been pretty disappointing, over time I learned to take my pepper sauce with me.

So hearing about fully catered holidays in hotels organised by the Red Cross filled me with absolute dread.

The next time I see Anne I will thank her again and I will tell her that the Red Cross holidays are not for me.

On Thursday when Matilda is here for our physiotherapy appointment I will ask her if on the other people she visits might like the brochure.

Recycling is a good thing to do; now I'm going to look for a painting by Roberto Matta and post this, after which I'm going to enjoy the evening with Richie.

Optimistic for Change.

 

 Roberto Matta.

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

It is not easy tor me to use the Dragon voice recognition, because the dogs are delighted at the prospect of going to the Park to play.

Finally just before they went, Richie managed to get me sitting in a good position which I can maintain.

That is a relief because he could not achieve this up to now, every time we thought it was good, I immediately started slumping over to the left once again.

It is wonderful to be sitting comfortably, so that I can write today's post for my blog, much better than when I was sitting badly.

When that happens it is not easy to write or looking for art work on the Internet, post my blog, check my e-mail or doing anything else on my laptop.

As I am a stubborn woman I do carry on regardless but it is difficult as well as frustrating and it takes much longer to do anything.

Having Angela here recently was really lovely, Richie loved having her stay with us as did I, and her visit did us all good.

Since then we've seen only Matilda, my physiotherapist and Milou the wound nurse from the rehabilitation clinic.

Richie and I love each other's company and have always got plenty to discuss, talk about as well as laugh at.

Seeing other people more often would be wonderful, but it seems that is not realistic these days.

Not when so many people we have known here in Amsterdam have moved away, not just to other parts of the Netherlands but also other countries.

That's life I guess, people tend to move around and these days often it's not choice but it’s a necessity because of work.

It is a shame that capitalism is the system that is used, because it means that the only purpose of our lives is to work to keep this system in place.

Under capitalism nobody can really live in the way they want to because everything has to do with making money, that is the abiding rationale of this system.

Not humanity, we can't be that people we want to be, because we have to serve this system at all costs.

We all need so much more I think, we need to spend more time with our families and friends doing things together for our communities.

I hoped for change in my lifetime but sadly that does not seem to be happening yet, although there are signs that things are changing.

I am optimistic that people will opt for a better more people and not profit orientated society which allows everyone to flourish.

Mellow Moments.

Oscar Dominguez.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%93scar_Dom%C3%ADnguez 

Despite the heat wave we are having right now I'm managing to stay reasonably cool.

This is marvellous because it means I don't feel terrible all the time, as I would do if we did not have this temporary air cooling solution.

The appointment for the installation of the air conditioning on Tuesday afternoon is something I'm very much looking forward to.

It would be brilliant if they can install a mobile air-conditioning unit that allows the hot air to be expelled outside, so the system can work properly.

Right now I think we're getting too much hot air inside, as we can't hang the ventilator tube out of the window.

Which explains why sometimes I feel warm air instead of cool air, however our system of having a small electric fan right next to me working in tandem with a conditioning seems to work.

Richie has taken the dogs to the park now, where I'm sure they're running around barking their heads off, which must be a beautiful sight.

The weather seems to be changing now, as the clouds have become very thick and there is now a dense cloud cover over the city.

It looks as if it could rain at any moment, seems that the brief summer heat wave is already coming to an end after only five days.

This is very sad for all those enjoying the hot weather, I wish I could enjoy it too and I do as long as I can stay cool.

There's nothing lovelier than seeing the street outside bathed in sunshine and hearing the mellow sounds of happy neighbours, I love it.

Now I'm looking forward to seeing Richie coming back from the park with those lovely dogs, when my darling Richie is back we will enjoy the evening together.

All You Need Is Friends.

Brian Kershnik, 2005.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Kershisnik

Its been raining all day; my physiotherapist said she would by choice have stayed at home.

I hope tomorrow will be a better day, feel quite optimistic that it will be a nice day, although it is still overcast now.

 After my physiotherapy session I called a good friend, Eva, who came over to visit us, very nice to see her as she is moving to Brighton, England tomorrow.

I am going to miss her very much, even though I never saw her, as much as I would have liked to, just knowing she was nearby was good.

Eva is a wonderful woman, I hope she has a good time in Brighton, and finds work as well as somewhere to live.

Miss having friends like Eva here in Amsterdam, I often feel like I am missing a special best friend here.

My best friends are scattered around the world, guess that is how it is, you meet, then life intervenes and people move.

I did too, left England to come here in 1981, that’s already thirty years ago in August this year, not all of which went by quickly as it seems to now.

Feel more positive after Eva’s visit.

Exciting Things Hapening.

 

Sokea soittoniekka (Blind Musician)

Alvar Cawen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvar_Caw%C3%A9n

Great news had a call from Frans, from Tiltechniek, who came by about the new hoist straps yesterday which he was going to order for me and would be here in two weeks time.

Today a happy Frans called to say he had found a set of the straps and a colleague of his would be in Amsterdam tomorrow and could drop it by at 10.00.

Brilliant news, great to get a set that will not be painful like the ones we use now; my skin has become so very sensitive in the last three years that getting the straps on is very unpleasant.

We both wish there were another way of getting me transferred from bed to shower chair and then into wheelchair and back into bed, that was painless.

Looking forward to the new straps tomorrow is excellent to have a set of straps that does not feel unpleasant like my skin is being scrapped raw with an emery board.

So tomorrow will be quite a pleasant change, I hope that the new straps will make transfer as easy as it was recently at the hospital.  

Looking forward to tomorrow and trying out the hoist straps be so good to be able to be transferred without discomfort.

So tomorrow first the excitement of the new straps in the morning and then the excitement of the last afternoon and evening of 2010 before fireworks at midnight.

Then the next excitement is seeing the little Jack Russell, Jacky on Sunday at 15.00 that will be very exciting indeed.

So exciting things happening this year and next year, we are both very excited at the prospect of a new dog in our lives.

I Am Enjoying The Here And Now Immensely.

 
A Long  Way From Greece.

Charles Thompson.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Thomson_%28artist%29

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

Great news, we got a reply last night from someone in Amsterdam who wants to find a new home for Jacky, their lovely 10 month old male Jack Russell.

Wonderful to get such a quick response and to be picked from the 147 responses so quickly, that is very flattering.

Richie also found another two lovely Jack Russell’s at a dog pound in Leiden, both desperate for new caring homes.

‘

In lots of ways I think we would rather take the dogs from the pound than the dog here in Amsterdam.

I think the dogs in the pound probably need to get a new home more urgently than the little Jacky.

Hope the dogs in Leiden get new homes very soon; they certainly deserve a good home with people, who will look after them well,

We have an appointment to meet Jacky this Sunday and if Marleen and Jacky click then we have a lovely new dog.

If they do not click, then we will be in touch with the dog pound and go to Leiden to see if one of the JR’s there is Marleen’s new chum.

Very dark outside by late afternoon, after what was a surprisingly bright today for a grey overcast day, had a good appointment with Frans from the company that supplied my hoist.

I will be getting a new set of straps in a softer material which is better for both of us, as it won’t be as painful for me or as difficult for Richie to get round me for a safe transfer.

So a good day for us both, Marleen also had a good day when Richie took her for a walk this afternoon.

Despite my disability I am feeling very optimistic about life which feels good, my body has been fucked up by my MS, but my mind and my spirit are fine.

I am enjoying the here and now immensely.

Relaxed Day.

 
Serge Poliakoff.

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

Relaxed day today had a very nice visit from Anja, a good friend of 26 years now, brilliant to see her this afternoon, especially as I was just thinking it would be pleasant to see her.

Wonderful to get her mail yesterday asking if it was ok if she popped by this afternoon, which of course it was, in fact it was very alright.

Lovely to have a visitor, felt like the first one for ages, I enjoyed chatting for an hour, very nice to give Anja a present, also for Erik, her partner and Bosse, their son.

Have enjoyed that this Christmas, it is such good fun to give friends presents, felt good to do especially this year, particularly because I am enjoying the moment..

Richie and I had a pleasant time this Christmas, we always do have a good time together, but I still miss also sharing the holidays with friends and having friends coming by.

Thirty years here in Amsterdam, yet despite everything that I do like here I still miss the community that I had in Reading.

Writing that I am immediately aware that of course looking back in time tends to imbue the past with a rosy glow, everything looks better.

Probably just how I chose to remember it, memory is like that it seems to have airbrushed out all the things I would rather not remember.

Becoming very aware that if I want something different that I need to do more to make it happen, which I will try to do more of.

First of all I am going to talk to Richie and suggest we have a party in January, be nice to make up for the cancelled party on the 19 December and have it either on 23 or 30 January.

Especially nice if we can have it then as January is such a long dark month, a get together with friends sounds like a great idea.  

  

.

.

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.

No Hesitations Or Worries.

Experience.

Robert Lohman.
Cubist Male Figure Oil on Canvas

Robert Lohman (American, 1919-2001) 

Well today Stadsmobiel worked well, the bus was here at 09.55 and the driver came up and helped me into the lift and into the van.

When we got to the OLVG hospital, in the centre of Amsterdam, on the Prinsengracht, Richie deactivated the motor and pushed the wheelchair backwards onto the lift ramp, once on it he reactivated it again.

This worked very well and I got off again with no problems which was good, no better than that, it was brilliant,

Reversing n the mobility bus onto the lift ramp is scary and had me very worried for weeks now, was such a relief that Richie could sort this out for me so easily.

Really gave me a much needed boost, the appointment went very well, nice doctor, she explained everything to me.

The op has been rescheduled for 22 November at 11.00 and it has been decided because of my pain and spasms, Dr.Hovius wants to give me a total anaesthetic.

This is apparently not such a heavy one as I will be brought round quite quickly and after two hours of recovery time I can go home again.

Feel pretty reassured by the appointment with the urologist, it was extremely useful, she told me that it was a routine operation which took 20 minutes.

What a relief to have finally had the appointment felt like a huge weight rolled off my shoulders today.

Woke up calm today, I have been worried about the appointment and the whole procedure and today it was going to happen so no need for me to worry anymore.

This worked well and I was very relaxed and ready to see the doctor, onwards and upwards without any hesitations or worries.  

Looking Forward.

Constance Stubbs (1927-)


Spent all afternoon until 19.45 this evening, sitting in the front room with Richie and the dogs which was very pleasant indeed.

We were all feeling slightly dozy and not our usual lively selves I think because it was such a grey day today.

We both got woken up a few times during the night by heavy rain, it rained all night and most of the day.

Sadly the heavy rain seems to have wrecked all of our very pretty flowers that Richie got last month.

They have been looking so lovely and now most of the flowers are either smashed or squashed.

Shame was hoping to enjoy them for awhile longer, with no prospect of sun the plants won’t revive and perhaps will not be alive for much longer now summer is so clearly well over.

Today really feels like an autumn day and looking out of the windows in the front room I could see that the leaves on the trees are starting to look like they will drop of very soon now.

Looking forward to our friends Gareth and Paul coming Amsterdam next month be good to see them.

They will be staying here with us for a few days during their visit as well as with a couple of other friends.

Be brilliant to have them stay here with us, nicer than them popping by for a few visits, Richie is going to tidy up our spare room and get it ready for our friends visit.

We are going to have a party on Friday 17 September while they are in town; the party is exactly six months after my birthday.

That is not the reason for the party; we are having one to celebrate me being able to sit again and also because we have not had one since my birthday party on 17 March 2008.

Also nice to do while Gareth and Paul are here, really looking forward to having the party very much.

Sunshine On A Grey Day.

Gareth's Photos From Wales.



Brilliant sitting in my wheelchair, it was so good being in the front room with Richie and the dogs that we totally forgot to go outside.

Really funny, we do plan to get out to the market tomorrow afternoon; will have to wrap up as the very hot weather we had at the beginning of July for two and a half weeks has gone.

It is 24 degrees today but feels cooler to me, probably because of the wind and lack of sunshine as there is thick cloud cover.

A typical Amsterdajavascript:void(0)m summer, last summer was an unusually hot summer and what was really different was the fact that it lasted for the entire summer with no interludes of torrential rain.

Tuesday was great fun, ordered some gifts to be sent to three friends, two delicious bottles of organic for Gareth and Paul and a pink orchid for James at the Basjoe Coffee Shop.

Gareth called to say he had been surprised by someone coming to his door with a big box for him.

He was delighted to find two bottles of organic wine and our card inside and called right away to say it had made his day.

Think that I will give James a call see if he received the orchid and likes it, hope he does, it certainly was great fun ordering and paying for both.

Like the idea of the orchid sitting in my favourite coffee shop, wish I could but even if I could get there I can not get in as there are two steps up into the shop.

Hope that we get some more balmy days then we can go down and sit on the terrace and enjoy James’s delicious fruit shake and cake.

Will for sure to my best to get there really want to see James and hug him, he is such a lovely man and such a good friend.

Still can not believe that Leo, the other darling is not there at the Basjoe anymore, strange idea.

Just phoned James, it was good to hear how upbeat he was, he had just opened the shop when a man appeared in the coffee shop with a big box for him.

James said he was mystified and then delighted when he opened the box and saw the orchid with our card.

It made his day; he would have called us if he had our telephone number, made our day too knowing that it had cheered James up and given him such a boost.

Glad we could do that for him, but that is what friends are for, glad we made a grey day sunny for our friends.

A Difficult Night Last Night.

Ferdinand Desnos.
1901-1958.

It was a difficult night last night somehow I managed to sleep, did keep waking up but luckily also fell asleep again each time.

Maybe not the most restful night ever especially as it took me hours to get to sleep was very happy Richie got up to go to the toilet and I requested some THC which did the trick and let me sleep finally.

Pity that one lovely dream which took me to a gorgeous garden with a pool full of lovely blog friends who I really wanted to see and speak with, the first person that I saw as soon as I walked in was Stephany.

As soon as I spoke to her my dream ended and I found myself awake with extremely painful cramps in my arms unable to move

I was so disappointed wanted so to talk to everyone, even though I knew it was a dream, just wanted it to go on longer than it did.

Shame as it looked like a very pleasant dream, typical happens to me every time really hate it but nothing I can do to change it.

Guess like other things I must just enjoy everything for what it is and while me can, funny how despite wanting to seize the moment and enjoy it I still often forget to do just that.

Hate that every morning when I wake my arms are relaxed but they get instantly stiff as soon as I am conscious both arms get folded tightly over my chest.

Extremely painful and very difficult to prise apart, it was my great good luck I could fall asleep every time that it happened.

Sent a mail out to people we know here and elsewhere telling them what Richie had discovered.

I asked for support and visits from people who live locally, had lots of emails and got a much unexpected phone call from a friend I have not seen in years.

She is due here anytime now will be brilliant to see her again, think that I last saw her in 2005, amazingly that is already five years ago.

Used to see her very often sometimes daily as she has a delightful clothes shop on THC Haarlemmerdijk called Shuga’s.

Only saw her infrequently from 2000 when we moved to our last apartment I am delighted that Ionie will be here soon.

I am very happy at the prospect of seeing her again, time going by really does not matter with some people.

Hearing her voice on the phone took me right back to the days on the Haarlemmerdijk and cups of coffee in Ionie’s shop and long interesting conversations that could go over many visits.

Can’t wait to see her again, sadly it is now 19.00 and no sign yet hope she is ok not like her to not turn up.

She is at the front door waiting for Richie to get back with the dogs Yippee here she is.

Enjoyed The Cooler Temperature Today.

Gareth's Photos From Wales.

It was a disturbed night last night, fell asleep quickly and with no problems but then woke up and felt very damp and thought that I was lying in a pool of urine.

Called Richie in a panic and he came over right away and checked and told me that all was well and there was no need to worry.

Could hardly believe that all was well, heard myself ask Richie again who reassured me before getting some THC which soon had me sleeping again quite quickly.

What a relief that it was sweat and nothing else, the calm way Richie dealt with being ripped out of sleep and the news that there was no leakage from the catheter, plus the THC really did the trick for me.

Today started very overcast and cool, after midday it rained, twice a huge black cloud came over and emptied itself.

Saw people trying to outrun the rain with little success, strange they did not have rain gear on such an obvious changeable day.

Amsterdam is always wetter than other places as it is located close to the Ij an inland waterway which connects to the sea.

That is also the reason that snow happens rarely here and when it does it is usually gone by the next t day.

Winter 2009 was an exception; the snow happened on the Winter Solstice and was on the ground well into the New Year.

The sun has just come out now at 19.00 and the clouds have gone and its blue skies again, it is also instantly much hotter once more.

Was very happy that it was cooler today was good to not feel wiped out for once, really enjoyed the temporary absence of the 30 + temperatures.

Hoped my fingers would be able to function better today but sadly this was not entirely true, my index finger is still not all that especially, now it is very hot again.

Oh well going to enjoy what there is for me to enjoy this evening, Richie is making some food now and will be in shortly.

Enjoying The Moments.

Steve in Amsterdam











Amsterdam in the Spring.

Yesterday was wonderful meeting Steve from The Wheel of Fortuna

http://spinfortunaswheel.blogspot.com/

It was a dream come true, one which I had not thought was possible.

Brilliant that Steve came here all the way from Texas to meet us.

It was magical to see him, really good, he was just as I thought if not even better, what a lovely man and what a very special friend.

Feel very happy today because of yesterday, as I posted yesterday it was a special visit which also felt total natural and ordinary as if Steve came by often.

Wish he did visit often and who knows if he is over here I am sure he would come by, he is always welcome here.

Next time we see each other it will be as old friends and time will fly by again just like it did yesterday.

Today is a good day still basking in the sunshine of yesterdays beautiful visit.

Marianne came by for a quick visit which was really charming, nice to see her looking so well.

Going to take it easy now, think I will not sit in the wheelchair as I sat for hours yesterday so need to take it easy today.

I am enjoying the moments.