DIARY OF THE LITTLE FELLAS FIRST DAY IN THE BIG WORLD

Hungary and Finland have joined us over the past couple of days. It’s not their first visit, but haven’t seen those countries for a while, so hey there!

 

I got up today at half seven. I had been awake since not long after half six, as that is when the booming voice from our radio wakes us up for Hubs work. Gosh, reminds me, I have a phone call to make today. Note to one ’s self.

 

No birds were singing and the sky was silent. A kind of silent way that means it’s still dark. I can’t explain it, but that is how me as a blind person tells if it’s light or dark.

 

Just turned on my heating and the tree lights are on with the garland along my mantelpiece.

 

 So the washing machine is on and kitchen cleaned for the day. It’s going to be a funny day today, in a few days or even weeks, I may be able to tell you all why? Kind of crazy, but not my decision.

 

I had cinnamon bagels for breakfast. Three. I should have had one, but my eyes were bigger than my belly. Do you have that saying in your country?  They are not really; I mean if they were, one would have to have a heck of a humongous head.

 

I’m totally stressing over Christmas I really can’t decide what to buy Hub for his main present. I know what he wants, but I so can’t justify the cost when there are other things that need paying for.

 

Update on the little fella. He had a big day yesterday, first day into the big world of being a Guide dog at work. Gosh, harness on and off to the train station. He went to a place called Peterborough. A place two years ago Hub said he would never go again. He hates the place but hay ho, here we are and his job took him there and takes him there most weeks now.  

 

Little fella was perfect on the train, well; I say on the train as beforehand, there almost was an incident. He was walking with Hub and the assistant from the station to go to his train. LF jumped in the air. A homeless person screamed and it was almost all over for a pigeon.

 

Thankfully touch wood…. Hmm. Where is the wood? Hang on, right, few, done it. Anyway, LF hasn’t shown any interest in our Canary. Mind you, right now poor Irish one has a massive Christmas tree in front of him, oh well; he will think he is in a forest, right?

Well, a forest with fairy lights, and baubles hanging from the ferns, oh and tinsel. Hahahah. It’s a forest with a difference, ok?

 

Anyway, LF was brilliant in the office. This is why Hub said he will make a perfect partner for him as he is a great guide and will lay down, in meetings all day or at Hubs desk but when it comes to working, he is up and raring to go.  Just the house we need to look out for. I hope he will settle one day when he learns he isn’t going to another home, he is home. Well, he will be from Thursday as that is when Hub I hope qualified. Let’s hope on his qualifying walk, he doesn’t come across an idiot on a bike who almost crashed into Hub and LF on a training walk last week or a man who was one inch off Hub before LF tried well, did manoeuvre Hub around the man, but it wasn’t easy as they almost had to go on the road from hell to do this, the trainer said he headed for her too and glared at her. Gosh, we do come across them.

 

Hub hasn’t let me know he is at work again. Just as he didn’t yesterday. Oh well, I’m kind of over it. If he doesn’t know by now how much I worry, then so be it. I shall train myself not to be so bothered. As for teen, I can’t help but worry. Thankfully, he is tucked up in bed and I suppose will be for the next couple of hours as it’s his day off.

 

Wagga is still in her bed. Hahaha. Its half nine now. She is snoring. Oh she had a great run yesterday. One and a half hours out with her new friend. She came back not the worst I have seen her, but her friend took her to her car and cleaned her. Bless the lady. I just had the finishing off to do and the floors? Oh the sand like bits that came off her were unbelievable.

 

OK must go now to make that call. You all have a good day now, won’t you? X   P.s. Hub just called to say he was there and he forgot to text. Good job he did phone as I reminded him he had to do something important. To do with work. Really, just call me his P.a? hahaha. Laters.

path of the ghost by fiona cummings

PATH OF THE GHOST

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

As I stand

Yu touch my hand

Where are you?

In No man’s land?

My mind is clear

When I feel you near

Then a single hot tear

Falls down my cheek

What words to speak?

Can you even hear me?

My face, can you see?

As you are not there through my eyes

But I almost hear your breathing, your sighs

There are distant words

Fluttering like wings from far away birds

Is it my mind?

If so that’s unkind

As I so badly want it to be you

Such a thing as a ghost

Is this true?

If so, is that you?

I feel somewhat calm

You would never do me harm

I open my fingers

And your hand is placed in my palm

You kind of linger

But it’s as though you are not allowed to be here

Who will punish you if you are found out?

I’m not going to shout

Wherever you live do you escape?

Or are you allowed out?

Where is your land now?

I wish I could ask where and how

Who and when?

Then you are gone

Within seconds of ten

How do I feel now you have gone?

Safe, a place I belong

To know you can visit me when I’m feeling alone

As I so miss you

Can’t pick up the phone

Write you a letter

So if I feel your energy

I feel so much better

I just hope you can see me

When I am feeling happy

And I wish I could be there for you

When you’re feeling blue

And hear when you laugh

One day will I walk down your path?

 

Copywrite Fiona Cummings 2015  

THE CHRISTMAS PAINT

 Well it’s Monday. The start of a new week. I am grateful as though we have had dreadful storms, rain and wind combined, not too far in fact too close for comfort; but we have seen on our news dreadful scenes of floods. People have had to be rescued from the first floors of their houses. As a lovely lady has just said to me, what about the cows and sheep too? I always say to Hub and our Son. “The poor animals.” I think about stray dogs, rabbits and so on, but I have stupidly never thought about the farm animals, perhaps naively I thought the farmer would know storms are coming and transport all of the animals to somewhere safe. I guess one of my favourite stories as a child, was Noah.

 

My little Wagga is on a free run right now as I type. She is with her lovely friend who brings her back filthy, oh my house? But I am so happy that my little girl has had a great run. And this week, end of week, my friend Artie is coming so I hope to get her out again if the weather isn’t too bad, If it is, Artie and I have a lot of catching up to do so we shall sit in and have coffee, but I think that Wagga will drive us crazy as she knows Artie means party. And a free run.

 

Teen is at work and has a day off tomorrow. Hub is in Peterborough working. He is with his new pup today. It will be odd for him, going on the train alone with a newbie. Then introducing Little Fella to hubs colleagues. No doubt tonight Wagga will be getting told the story about the big lad’s day at work? Then the dog may have a say. Hahahaha. Also I’m sure he has been so good today that he will let off some steam with the toy box. Shall I bother hoovering? What with mucky pup coming in soon from our pond of a field, and then the two of them running around our small living room.

 

Dinner tonight? I really don’t know. Not decided yet. That isn’t a good sign for me.

 

I am overwhelmed with washing right now. Bedding and three loads of washing that is searching to sort out colours, nightmare, putting them in the washing machine hoping I haven’t put them on a wrong setting? Then tramping to the garage to put them in the drier, then back in the house, back out to the garage to take out dry clothes, bring them in and take out again wet clothes. And it all starts again.

 

When I learned my Sister in law was coming, I said to Hub, oh great, I can ask her to help me with the freezer. That is also in the garage. As it’s been so cold and late when our shopping has been delivered, Hub has been going to put the frozen food away. I haven’t been at all well to battle the cold nights. Well, grateful to Hub, but, he has mixed fish with meet and meet with vegetarian food. A total nightmare. I don’t know what is what now. Hub said no way to let our sister in law see our shocking garage? Say wha’a’at?

Have you seen his office upstairs? Well let’s just say I ventured in there today and could hardly get through the door. It’s a disgrace.

 

Yesterday afternoon and evening I wrapped about thirty Christmas presents. Please remind me to buy all men the same next year and all women. Please? What a pain. I must say I have not enjoyed a single second of Christmas so far. Hub is getting so cross with me. Well, I’m so much better in my health. Though today is the last day of my antibiotics. I’m far from one hundred per cent and Hub thinks I should go for more, but we shall see. I think I can get better on my own from now, it’s the cough I can’t stand. Still rattling little and feel really sick from time to time but that I’m sure will be the biotics. Hence I guess one of the few reasons I’m not in the Christmas mood. What is the pressure too for all happy clappy moods this time of year? For some it’s the most difficult time of the year. Family time for those who don’t have one? Caring sharing for those who live on their own, or even if they have a partner or parents, feel still as though they are alone!

 

For those who have lost a loved one and just can’t cope with this time of year. They feel they have to paint on a smile for Christmas. No paint here to Hubs annoyance. I have genuinely been really worried and still am about my health I think it’s because of my heart pounding so fast and how exhausted I have felt for three out of four weeks. I really have thought it has been something more sinister. Also, I really am struggling what to buy Hub this year. He is the most difficult person to buy for and he always spoils me and is the best gift buyer. He buys Teen some great stuff this year he will love his gifts. I’m better at buying Hubs daughters I have got them some lovely things, though doesn’t help when Hub downs them when I tell him what I have bought them. This year I’m proud of their presents no matter what he says. He has bought them their big gift and it’s so practical. Funny thing is, only them I seem to be able to buy things for that isn’t the boring practical things. I have got them some really fun gifts that I would have loved at their age also things I know they are into. As for my Son, I leave that to Hub. Apart from some much needed practical’s I have bought. For Hub, there is nothing practical I can get him, he has it all. In fact he has everything I know he likes. We have been together now for a lot of Christmases and he has been spoiled. Nothing left now.

 

He wanted an antique cuckoo clock. He got it, he wanted a wooden weather station, and he got it. He wanted another thing wooden for the wall which tells the temperature I can’t remember what the heck it’s called? Oh, is it a barometer? Anyway, he got it. I have bought him facial sauna and really expensive head neck and so on massage products and he has got really lovely classy watches too as well as so much more including something odd for a man and that is bronze ornaments that he likes. Personally, I don’t like them at all, but he loves them.

 

Because as children, in our play time, we used to meet for a quick kiss, we would run down the valley of our playground and sit behind the pyramid and have our innocent smooch then run to play with our friends, I have bought him every kind of pyramid I can find. Last year his unusual gift was a juicer. Those are some of the gifts I can remember for now, what’s left? Well, what he wants and what I will buy may be two different things. He is wanting a Apple watch. Hmm. Why? He has an IPhone and lap top, what is the point of a watch?

 

Humbug me. Hahaha.

 

I think Christmas is about families, now my brother in law did ask us for dinner on the big day, but, his sister will be there and there is not a chance Hub will sit in the same room as her. Also we love Christmas at home just the three of us. Its cosy and we eat chocolate and watch TV with candles and Christmas lights on.

 

Christmas is about going to the cinema and seeing a Christmas movie and the theatre. Well, as for the movie, Hub says he’s learning the route, but that road scares me and there isn’t anything worth watching at the theatre. Our city is awful for theatres and concerts. Unlike where I used to live.

 

Oh Bloggets, I’m so so so very sad about what occurred last night. My IPod broke down. I did the factory setting thing, it was fully charged, my techno teen looked at it and its dead. It’s not even two years old. I’m so fed up as I listened to it every night during the night too if teen was out for one of his almost all-nighters, I would play some music to calm me down. Also shopping, as in groceries? Oh it’s so easy on there. I have just done some shopping on my lap top and it’s almost impossible. Certainly five times longer to do than my IPod. Also I have so much on there I have saved for two years. I can’t believe it works perfectly one day the next it’s gone? I hope really hope teen will take it to the IPod Doctors tomorrow.

 

Off for some lemon and honey tea and then wait for my Waggs to return. She will be like a well-used paintbrush. Her fur which is normally like satin will look awful. Feel like a paintbrush just before it dries.

 

Must remember also to buy some food for the birds in our garden. Winter is when they need that most. Also when it gets colder, they need water as the lakes and so on freeze up but your fresh water doesn’t so they use that to fluff up again their feathers.

 

Take care cos I care. X

DIARY OF THE WEEKEND Fiona Cummings

Good evening Bloggets. How are we all this weekend? Well, it’s been a busy one for us this weekend for a change.

 

Yesterday the wind was wild the rain was pouring down and I went for a visit to our friends. When I heard that trains were running late, and some lines were down, I did wonder how the journey back home would be.

 

Little Wagga did well though the pressure of the city life wasn’t too comfortable for her. I did have to tell her she was a good girl every ten seconds. The train was empty. I think people looked at the weather and thought; no way am I going out in that.

 

I met with our besties on the train, Trix and like. And we shared a taxi to Mr. Clock’s house.

 

It was there we were to meet with lovely JB and Tracey. Young Sarah was there and another three people.

 

Trix and Like shared the taxi home and thankfully we got a lovely driver who Like, knew. That was after we tried to get into another taxi that was meant for next door. The wind was worse and the black feeling of the night sky was chilling.

 

Like as ever was a sweetheart. He is an adorable friend. He is so caring. Thinks about others before himself. There was I with my guide dog and he without his and yet he was the one who was helping me. Hahaha. Thank goodness. When we got in the taxi, we were stopped as we entered the station. The helpful not, policemen told us we couldn’t park there. Well, that is very nice, but if the driver didn’t do that, we wouldn’t know how to get to the station. As most taxis are not allowed to park outside unless they pay a fortune for the annual licence.

 

Like explained that we were blind and couldn’t be just dropped off. Like knew the route from where we asked to be taken, but if anywhere else even if it were closer, we would be so lost. As it was, we were a few moments away from the entrance of the station. The policeman told us no way we could park and drop us off. Fifi panic but thankfully, the kind driver guided us in and you know it was so much time out of his work.

 

 Easy sailing from then on. Said sad bye bye’s to Trix and Like, text our friends to say it was lovely to see them. JB is so dry I love her personality and she is clever too. Trace wouldn’t know how to harm anything, I bet she even struggles to rip up a bit of paper she is sweet. Sarah was a tinker with a fluffy noodle but that’s another story….

 

The train rocked and rolled all the way home and we learned that there were no more trains leaving or going from England to Scotland.

 

Sunday, my Sister in law and big brother came but he’s not so big now that is for sure. Oh my word, I’m larger than him? I asked teen if his Uncle was still bigger than me, and answer? Well, the letters on this page may go a little funny if I write more…

 

Anyway, to keep up my reputation, we all four of us went for a meal, Teen stayed in with LF. We drove over the road our nasty road. In a sports car that has more buttons than the telephone exchange.

 

Oh I went to one of my most enjoyable eateries. Frankie and Benny’s. I have only been to this one once before with our friend Julie. I loved it and it was great to chat about life. On our way out, I took my Sister in laws arm…. Only it wasn’t her arm. It was her booby and the thing is, I insisted and kept trying to take it… Thing is, she was on the Woo Woo, I was on the lime and lemon… I have a habit of taking body parts. Grose? That sounds.

 

Got home, Little Fella was fine. We are hoping that this week Hub and him qualify then I will try to get pics on here.  They so far have A T P’s Well, I’m thinking they are the letters, basically they mean he is qualified to do only certain routes.

 

This week they are attempting our town, oh glad it’s not me. Christmas shoppers?

 

Last night we watched the jungle. A reality show. Hub hates it but watches it for me. I couldn’t watch a reality show alone. I would turn it over. And the person who won, after three weeks was a Geordie lass like me. From Newcastle. She was our favourite from the start. She was funny clever and did all the trials in record time.

 

There is a lot of trials with live animals I’m not too sure about but last night really turned a page for me I hated it and I hope they will get lots of complaints. They ate live creatures. Not the winner or person who came second a grand young chap called George, who reminded me of my Son in so many ways. But the girl or woman, I won’t say lady after last night, she ate live spiders. It was horrible, cruel too and some kind of Australian creature. As the program is set in Au.

 

So now Monday, the new week begins. With love’s and hugs

 

fridays diary

 Good evening Bloggets. Today we have been burning boxes. In the garden that is. Teen and I had a right fire going. It did scare me but all done and apart from teen having no hair on his fingers, all done and dusted. That is the trouble with internet shopping, everything comes in double boxes. We have a bin where we can burn things in.

 

The news is so blooming awful. Reminds me of evil so I am going to try to escape from it for a few days. I will say I feel so sorry for the parents of our military. The kids who wish to join the army it is their choice, as for the parents, they have no say.

 

I have done quite a lot of wrapping again today. I swore and I know I say this every year, next year everyone is getting the same gift. Trying to find what we have put away and identify everything, I don’t know how people get what is meant for them, but they do.

 

It’s wild outside again. Hubs name is on the dog run…. Its pitch black and windy so cold too so I don’t envy him.

 

I think my Brother and Sister in law are coming on Sunday. It’s the last weekend they are free till after Christmas. If the weather is OK my brother   is playing golf but if it’s raining, he will be coming. He’s in a competition. I had a nice chat with my sister in law on the phone. She got at me to see the Doctor when I was at my worst, she nagged and nagged. Hahaha. So I did what she told me and I told her not to get used to that…. It will be lovely to see them.  Tomorrow seeing some great friends too. So a busy weekend.

 

I just hope I will be OK as one of the friends, smokes like a chimney. So I will be trying to avoid his fumes. It will be lovely to see Trix, Like, JB and Tracey. Sadly Hanz isn’t going. The host will be Mr. Clock.

 

Next week Hub is getting his legs waxed and is going to get it recorded on video, is that the right terminology now days? Haha. Money going to the just giving fund, then I think we will almost have reached the goal. Fantastic. Thank you all those who have donated. Lena, Lisa Marie, Fiona, Jo, Wendy, Samantha, Julie, Our Rob and his place of work, Vivi, Derek and Mary, Donna, John, Di, Gillian  and so many other people too many to mention. 73 people have donated to name a Guide dog pup. Our beautiful Suki will live on with your help.

 

When Hub does his leg thing, hehehe, I will put it on the just giving website and try to get it on here. I’m saying I will put it on, get me, our Techno queen Wendy I hope will be able to. No pressure Wendy.

 

Next week I hope we will have pictures on here to of our newest addition to our family.    

 

So I hope you have a great weekend. Whatever plans you have or don’t have planned. Treat yourself to a nice hot bath and a cosy weekend if you are not going out. I hope to chat tomorrow at some point. Until then with love. X

REFLECTIONS OF TIME BY FIONA CUMMINGS (SHORT STORY)

REFLECTIONS OF TIME

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Father Time visited me and I would like to share his visit with you all. Are you sitting comfortably?

My story begins as so. I took the long undulating walk from my place of work to the little village where I live. Passing by the old miners homes built of stone with original crooked windows illuminated by the odd glow of a candle or an amazingly decorated Christmas tree. Baubles from a past I could only imagine. Made by children with their Grandparents, around the coal fire with cut up fabrics, wood, and straw and ribbons to tie onto the tree. Baubles in modern days that would be thrown away without a thought or care into the history behind the making of the decorations. But to these families, they mean something. They represent the old meaning of family values. Sadly again, a value from times gone by.

 

The village church has a huge wreath outside the flaky wooden door, crafted by the local children. A circle of dried fruit and branches, twisted ferns and pinecones.

 

I heard the rehearsal of what will be the village nativity play.

 

Sounds of excited children and those grownups franticly running around trying to organise what will be a meaningful evening for the villagers.

 

Passing the old oak tree with a balloon which had obviously escaped from somewhere or someone. It had got tangled in the tall finger like brittle branches, bruised by the December harsh winds.

 

Through the creaking timber gate that needed oiling last Christmas. Down my path of crunchy gravel framed by wood chippings. The two Christmas trees I planted when my children were young they have grown far too high now to be so close to my cottage, but I don’t have the heart to dig them up as I have fond memories of the time I took from the garden shed my rustic spade and two small trowels so my little children of seven and nine could participate in the plantations!

 

The fragrance from the ferns at this time of year is delightful.

 

As I turn the key in my door, my old Labrador Hannah meets me with such a welcome. My cat Arthur sits up high on my piano just staring at me as though to say he has had a tough day avoiding the chase of Hannah. He’s an old guy now of seventeen.

 

I don’t have a Christmas tree. I have no parcels to wrap and won’t be receiving any either as sadly, I’m of no use any more to my children in the selfish world we live in. But my pets, I live for them and they never ask for anything other than food and love.

 

 My Livingroom floor is of stone but my heart melts when I return home to Hannah and Arthur.

 

I poke the fire and watch the amber flames flicker as I tare newspaper to burn.

 

Feed some chicken and rice to the furry ones and some broth for myself. Then I take Hannah for her evening walk across the ivy cladded hills. In the cobalt sky, I thanks to the moon can make out the bucolic beatific rural surroundings.

 

My torch shines on my girl who with her jet fur can barely be seen. Back to the cottage we go, where the smoke from my chimney I see forming majestic movements throughout the bitter, and yet blissful eve!

 

As I pulled shut the bolt to my back door I took from the decanter some sherry, pouring it with care into a glass, only one left in the set my wife and I received for our wedding thirty seven years ago. I toasted my beloved. This time of year is more difficult without her. This would have been the second year without her. She was taken from me far too early and the blame is on me as far as my children are concerned, so hence I don’t see them or my tiny Grandchildren. I mask the pain with the warmth of a glass or two of the seasonal sweet taste.

 

As I sit in the rocking chair that was made by the hardworking hands of my old dad when I first married, I notice as I sip from my glass the reflections of the flames in the glass doors of my cabinet.

 

You know when the house is a sleep and it’s dark. The wind can be heard roaring outside you are the only person in the house and yet you sense someone else? The hairs on the back of my neck met with my collar and a shiver ran down my back.

 

The ticking of the Grandmother clock in the hall echoed as the breathing from another danced along the piano keys.

 

I won’t lie to you, I was numb with fear. But then the wistful hollow tones of a voice I felt I knew.  

I was right, it was Father Time. He asked me why I was thinking so deeply on this dark December night. I told him that I just didn’t feel Christmas anymore. He whispered as he leaned over the back of the fireside chair at the other end of the room, as by this point I hadn’t seen him, I was almost too afraid, but I felt where he was an knew what he was doing.

 

“You have no right to feel in such a way.”

I expostulated. “How dare you judge me? The person who filled my heart with love has been torn away from me and those born to her I don’t even know where they are.  All of the romance the joy the greed of the commerce and conflicts in war. Where is the giving the love and sharing. Where are the family values?”

 “Young man.” Father Time exclaimed. “Look around you. You have a place to work where you talk with others; you have a warm house full of food and your pets. When was the last time you went to see your neighbour who is also on her own?”

 

“I don’t see her as she doesn’t leave her home?” I replied.

“And have you asked yourself why that is?”

 

I then sore the figure of an ancient man with a long cloak a beard and an hour glass by his side. Everything seemed to make sense. I knew what I had to do with my time. I knew.

 

As Father Time faded into the darkness of the night, in my head I made plans and from now on, life would be good. I wouldn’t be going to the church on my own this year. And on my way home, I would pass by old Jacks and get him to cut down a tree for me to place by my hearth. Life will change now. I had some searching to do and questions which needed answering.

 

Merry Christmas and remember that neighbour you haven’t seen for a while.    

Copyright Fiona Cummings 2015

THE SUBTLE KICK

Good day Bloggets. Today is sunny, though I have not been out yet. I have to try and work out how to get Christmas cards. Sadly they don’t sell them in our local shop.

 

 Hub had some great news the other day about his Just Giving page

https://www.justgiving.com/peter-osborne/

With the kindness of Hubs family and our friends, also people we don’t even know and lovely colleagues. For a Guide dog Hopeful puppy to be named after our darling Suki, AKA LC, so far with gift aid, over £1300, has been raised. This is amazing. We opened the page only in September of this year. Hubs Brother asked his place of work if they would try to help to raise money to name a pup. All of the money goes to Guide Dogs and a little fluff ball will be called after our girl. If she grows up to be half as good as Long Chops, AKA Suki, she will be the best sight for a blind or partially sighted person. Well, my dear brother in law told us to call his boss and Hub did to learn that they had raised £1000

 

So Hub has to collect this on Friday. He has to be there by half nine. So a very early start. It’s going to cost a lot of money, four taxis and two trains, but it’s for a great cause. I will be worried sick as Hub will be doing this all without a guide dog, and I know that he is very anxious too. The factory is only six miles from the station, but six miles in the taxi equals £20 each way. In total almost one hundred and fifty pounds for the journey, but as I said, the cheque is for a thousand, it’s so kind of people. We are touched. Our little bro has done us proud. My Husband is so brave doing this journey. I can’t go with him as I have to baby sit little Fella, or should that be little muncher. Hahaha. He can’t be left at all. I can’t wait to put a picture on here of him. People say he is so very cute. He is taller than my little Waggatail. I can tell you he Waggs as much as she does. Just not as funny. When Waggs Waggs, if you like, her bottom wiggles too. And her tail goes so fast you would think it was on a spring. Little Fella’s tail is more methodical. More like a swooping.

 

I can’t wait to learn about his puppy walkers. He does something really sweet and I want to know if they taught him or his boarders? I say boarders, as he had two. After eating the first ladies carpet, he moved on not because she wanted him to, bless her, but because his trainer wondered if he was becoming too attached to the lady and perhaps that is why he did what he did when she left him. But when he went to his next boarder, he ate too. I can’t remember what, but so far, apart from the T towel, he has been great. I’m sure it is a case of two things. One, he is protesting against something like the vet, or something he got upset about and two, he is so clever, really brainy he perhaps gets bored. There is a toy I want to get him for Christmas where you move the shapes and he gets a treat out of it. He has to work out how to move the shapes first. I am hopeful that he will be able to do this rather than just bite at the toy? We shall see if Santa brings this as he has been such a good boy.

 

Oh, remember the lovely big in fact huge dog we had for three weeks boarding? Oh I love that lad, well; he is with a lady now about to qualify and is doing well. He is getting lots of walks on the beach. So I hope he has found a very happy family to be with as really, when he left, I was so upset. I so badly wanted to keep him. But now he will be a guide for this lady and I hope a perfect partnership as he adored Hub and I know Hub got so attached to him. Because he looks so much like our Suki, that is what made it so difficult too.

 

Teen has a rare day off today. I must remind him to go to the garage again. His dam car isn’t right. I wish I could win the Lotto and buy him a decent car. The money I had to buy him one sadly my ex took last year. Long story that really makes me remember just what he is all about, so I don’t want to do that, I want to forget him all together. I always say, it would be great to have a pill that wipes out all bad memories.

 

 Someone said today to wake up to a dog with a wagging tail that is always so happy to see you is wonderful. If only all humans were so pleased to see each other and treat you like a good dog does what a wonderful world we would live in.

 

I’m not feeling Christmassy yet, are you? I would love you to send me anything you want me to write about or any Christmas jokes you may have or a Christmas story? I shall publish as soon as I get your mail. You can contact me here, or

visionsforfuture@googlemail.com

 

OK I will go now to do some washing and then decide what is for dinner, last night it was delicious. I made roast beef for the boys, we had roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and a lovely cauliflower cheese with a kick. What was the kick? I opened a can of chilli beans and added half to the cauliflower before adding the cheese sauce. It was like a  subtle winter spice. I also added cherry tomatoes. All three plates were empty, so a result.

 

Before I go, I really hope if you are Christmas shopping this week, you may think about a neighbour who has no one? No visitors, no family who bother and no friends. Please a tin of biscuits, a bottle of sherry, or how about a smile and a card, not pushed through the letter box, but a knock on their door, it will mean the world. Christmas is a sad time for those alone. Who is your neighbour you don’t see throughout the year, but you know lives in that house?

With love.

DIARY OF THE LITTLE FELLA (FIONA CUMMINGS)

So today the little fella took his Daddy out for training. They went to the local shops, restaurant and Chemist. After last night that was the first day of training at home, the little fella knew that his Daddy was disappointed when he returned home. So LF messed for the first time on a walk. Daddy was shocked by that as Little Fella had always been so clean. There is nothing worse when our dogs do that as finding it? It’s awful, anyway, Hub had a bag and the trainer took it to a bin. That is the other thing, how to find a bin?

 

 Hub has a tendency to turn facing slightly towards his dogs when walking, he said he thinks it’s a blind thing, and he can’t think why else he does it. I’m the opposite, I pull away from a guide but really not sure what I do with my Wagga? I think Hub wouldn’t even know he did this if not for his trainer telling him. Anyway, he has to not do it. So lots to think about, some new words he has not used before, all of the hand actions and foot actions, though by the sound of it, his trainers are not as bad as mine was about foot actions. Honestly, when I used to cross roads with my trainer who taught me with Wagga, it was as if I were ten pin bowling. In the end, I refused as by the time I thought about my feet, my hands and my dog, my commands too, and then there was the important thing of actually crossing the blooming road? They like you to put your feet in such a way you don’t stand on the dog as you are leaving the kerb. Well, I may not have stood on her, but for sure I would have fell over as I just didn’t get the positioning.

 

So it was dark and wet last night. Today it was dark this morning but not too wet. Apparently Hub did so much better today and as for Little Fella, he was a star. Hub said he is one of the best workers he has ever had. He has had five now, our best was the beautiful Suki, AKA Long Chops. Oh she was something else. I asked Hub is Little Fella as good? To my surprise he answered yes if not better. Now this shocked me as I felt some kind of disloyalty to our big girl, but Hub said, Suki was so special, she  was a great worker, nine out of ten most days sometimes ten sometimes seven. But LF gets nine out of ten every day. Suki was different. Unique Hub says. She would think like Hub. She knew his routine. She was magical. I promise, I have never ever seen such a brilliant dog, she was a German Shepard cross and I swear by them. Half retriever half Shepard. A mix of loyalty, love and intelligence. She was like a map. A sat nav. If a route was blocked, Hub didn’t have to do anything; she would stop, look and then figure out another route. I have never heard of such a dog. The thing is, when she did the new route, she would always bring Hub out where he would or should have been originally. Oh I miss our baby girl so much. But Little Fella, he is a lovely lad and I think almost sure he will be a perfect match for Hub. I know Hub loves him already and is so grateful for him. As for me, well, apart from a T towel, he hasn’t yet eaten anything! Where’s the wood to touch for luck?

 

I’m not sure how he got the towel, as he isn’t allowed in the kitchen. The door is always closed. He had been to the vets that day, he didn’t like it, he has ironically bad eyes, not bad eyesight, just cataract and something else I can’t remember what it’s called, but its fine now after his week of drops. Cataract in dogs isn’t like it is for humans. It doesn’t affect the sight. Well, this is what has been said. I know that if there was a chance of him having bad sight he wouldn’t have made it as a guide dog. So I wonder if this is why he ate my t towel? Because he didn’t like the vet?

 

 I bought a new bed for both dogs, yes, one bed. As we had two old ones and they both lay together. My little girl used to lie like that next to my old retired Black Beauty right up till she died. On my girls last day, little Waggs was like glue to BB. Lay almost so close she was under her. When it came to giving Waggs her dinner, she wouldn’t come. We had to get her collar and pull her away from Black Beauty, her big sister. So now she is like this with Little Fella. And he loves her. They kiss each other on the mouth. Hub says it’s gross. I say it’s cute.

 

We have all been put on a new dog food for all of our dogs. Oh my word. It’s disgusting. You should smell it? It’s like liver. I really don’t like the company where it comes from, because they can never tell you when it’s coming and the people who deliver leave it anywhere outside though I am in the house, they don’t even knock. But everyone in the UK will move to this company. Guide Dogs get the best food and by all of us moving the organisation save quite a lot of money and that is what they need to do as next year there are a lot of changes. Not just for Guide Dogs, but for all charities. So smelly liver it is.

 

Hub is out tonight volunteering in a local group. One of the ladies who is secretary there picked him up. He goes once every two months. He is trying to get me involved, but no, I have too much to do as it is. He wants me to be secretary when this lady retires. No, the lady is great at her job and they are big shoes to fill. So I’m babysitting his lad as obviously he can’t take him out as Hub isn’t qualified yet. I hope he will be soon, then we can go out again as a couple, mind you, it will be odd after so long?

 

When Hub qualifies with him, I will get teen to try and upload, download whatever load you do to put a picture of the two dogs on here.

 

OK update on my chest infection. Gosh the noise has changed. Can you remember when we were kids, if you are the same age or there about as me, space dust? It was fizzy powder like sherbet you put in your mouth and it crackled! That’s me right now. Well, that is what I sound like. It was on my chest, now at the back of my throat. Gosh, it’s odd. I feel great today though, just can’t get my breath still and do cough a little not half as much though.

 

Wrapped some more gifts for Christmas today. I’m almost there with that.

 

Right, going for now, but have some great news about Hubs Just giving page. Very exciting. And a video coming up too.

 

Tomorrow, LF and Hub more training. A new route. This time I think over that evil road. I really am not sure what the heck Hub is playing at, but he so badly wants to use the shops and cinema over there as well as the restaurants.

 

 Hub is due in soon, he has been out two hours. The dogs have gone wild with their toys. I let them out some seconds ago and now put them to bed. Just cleaned the floors for the third time today. So no more action from eight paws. I suspect they are rather shattered. After they have played all night, I let them in the garden to run and chase. They came in so happy had a drink, now shut eye. I was a little concerned how LF would be without Hub, but he is fine, as though he’s not bothered. Hahaha.

 

Later gators. X

SO MUCH TO CHAT ABOUT

Good afternoon Bloggets. What with life, and other things, I am here at last. So yesterday, I went into the office. I only have an hour and a bit before I had to leave to give a talk. Then back for another couple of hours again before I headed home. Hub had training from home today and I had an appointment again with the nurse. No good saying the Doctor, as our Doctors is like meeting the pope. Not many people I know can say they have met the Pope.

 

Well, Hub headed off first with the sky being mischievous with rain. Then I let my Waggatail out to her dog run and she was so happy to go off again. Now my way to our Doctors is the same way Hub would be training. I didn’t want to clash into him or disturb him. Also I was so afraid in case Waggs saw Hub and the Little Fella and not want to work for me to get me further on my way.

 

It was so dark with the rain. I feel the dark as you see it. The ground was so wet and dirty. I still had my good office clothes on. I should have changed but didn’t have time. I’m so grateful that the wind had stopped. Oh for two days now it’s been so wild.

 

Well after walking for about ten minutes, with wet branches kissing my face; I turned the right corners and headed towards our shops. There was Hub and his lovely instructor. We made a joke about the neighbourhood going downhill meeting these odd people and I carried on walking past them. Waggatail didn’t even stop to sniff the Little Fella.

 

Hub is getting a little tired now of his days as he is combining work with training and though LF will be his fifth guide dog, each time we train, it’s different. Or, because it’s been about eight or nine years since we last trained, we forget some things.

 

Each Trainor seems to have different ways in training too. Different commands. Mostly the same instructions, but there are slight changes.

 

We haven’t had any time off work either since July so all three of us are exhausted. This weekend was full on with decorating our house with Christmas lights and so on also making sure that the little fella didn’t eat anything.

 

May I remind all dog owners, please watch your dogs with tinsel? If they eat it, they could cut their insides. If you put chocolate decorations on your tree, or under your tree, your dog will sniff it out as they smell things so much more than us humans. Chocolate is poison for dogs and again, the foil they are wrapped in, can cut. Also party season, please be careful with cocktail sticks? If a dog gets one of those, they almost surely will die. If not die, will have to get put to sleep. And don’t ever feed your dog’s raisins. They are also poisonous.

 

So round two with my Doctors receptionists.

 

Oh you would have died with me? I was mortified. In fact my mortar has never been so fied. Before we turn into the Doctors surgery we find the post box. Two reasons, one so I know where to go to post a letter, two so I know if I find the post box, I know where I am.

 

Firstly I feel Waggas head she is with nose on I hoped box. Oh, I felt the box. It wasn’t the letter box. It was a ladies bottom. Hahahahahahahaha I’m saying nothing more on that subject.

 

Well, how was I to know she was there? There was no sound at all I guess why should there be as she was on her own, so she isn’t a car with an engine? But when she saw me heading towards her, wouldn’t you think she would say hello? Just to let me know she was there? Hehehehehe. Bless her she was so sweet and told me not to worry…

 

So from a sweet person into the dragon of a receptionist. Thankfully there was a man in front of me talking to one of the ladies behind the desk. So I knew where the back of the queue was. He left. My turn I was dreading it. The mouse spoke and I answered. Then asked if she could show me my seat. She shocked me and agreed. But, the dragon who was so dam rude last time and the three times before was still on the phone. So the lady came around and grabbed my hand. Pulling me towards the seats. Then she kind of manpowered me and instructed me to sit. I hate that; if you are guiding a blind person to a seat, please show them the back of the chair. Put their hand on your arm tell them to follow your arm down to the chair back. Then you know which way to sit. Same with a car really, most people make a big thing about showing the person the height of the car and so on, and then let them to it. So, which way is the car facing? Whereas if you put their hand on the back of the seat, they will know which way and we are not stupid, we then judge the gap to get in.

 

But an improvement for sure on last visit. Then the nurse came out and she told me to wait, she would come and get me? Gosh, what had happened? Well, I think after the last time, there must have been some complaints. The receptionist was the worst she has ever been and the room was quiet for once and I did make my mouth go as she on the third time of me asking for her to show me a seat, she shouted across the room to a patient and asked him to show me a seat, I apologised to the gentleman saying he shouldn’t have to do that. He was furious with the receptionist. I think perhaps if not him; another patient may have said something as the staff today for the very first time was helpful. I still would like to go with a member of staff from Guide Dogs and give a lecture on how to behave with dignity when it comes to blind people.

 

I got more antibiotics this time they are really strong. Seven days again. Out of there and to the chemist. Again, the lady in there was adorable. And the wet dark walks home again. Wagga worked so well. I wasn’t sure about the darkness though, especially walking along that cycle track bit with the bushes all the way, but there is a busy road at the other side so knew the headlights would shine on me. But I did keep my self-defence lessons in my head all the way back. There is a corner I turn where for a short while I’m on my own. But the feeling of being able to go out in the dark is powerful. As when I had sight, my vision, disease if you like forbids me from seeing anything at all in the dark. Now? I don’t need to use my eyes to get from A. To B.

 

To my front door and few. The relief of getting home safe. Hub was back from his training. He beat himself up with it. He said he did rubbish. Oh, and his Little Fella spent whilst on his walk. And I’m not talking money.

 

 

I gave a talk to a little school yesterday. Only 65 children. Oh the head teacher was so lovely. Anyway the question of the day from a pupil was.

“When you are driving your car, how do you know where you are? Hahaheheheheh. Bless. Then I went to talk with the nursery children. Oh they are so  cute. Their tiny hands makes me wonder how my huge teen got from that to this?

 

OK, time to start cooking dinner. Later gators. Still have so much to tell you all. X

NOVEMBER STATS

A note at the bottom. And for now, this is the top ten stats for the month of November, then in total.

Entry	Page views
United Kingdom	1271
United States	521
Russia	85
Germany	71
South Africa	53
Australia	41
Portugal	23
Canada	21
China	16

 

Netherlands

9

 

 

And top ten in total?

Entry	Page views
United Kingdom	43735
United States	26160
Ukraine	7094
Russia	3143
Germany	2276
Canada	862
France	646
Mexico	646
Japan	599
Australia	384

 

So now we are so close to one hundred thousand views. Our total is 96567 as remember this is the top ten and we have a load more countries who are host to our Blogget family. If you didn’t read, this page wouldn’t be. Thank you all. With love.