I’ve had a lot to think about in the last few weeks. Some of these things I honestly never thought I’d see the time come, and mixed feelings and emotions, but I am good overall.

Firstly, pills. As I have mentioned several times before, I have to come off the Duphaston (Dydrogesterone), whether I like it or not, as it’s been discontinued by the manufacturer. So, I’ve started phasing myself off it gently, by cutting some of my remaining stock in half. I will hopefully try other things in time, but I want a clean break first. Lets see if this was really behind some of my feelings, or the Estradiol Valarate instead. I don’t expect to feel hugely different by stopping it in this way.

Secondly, feelings. Since this post, it’s been brought to my attention that Claire died in her sleep peacefully, after a heart attack. Now, no matter how many choice words had to say about me, I don’t think that she deserved to die, not right now, not far from her (45th I think) birthday.

Thirdly, new ventures. I never thought I’d say that the book was finished (see this post) but it is, and in the final stages of checking. I’d like to have it for sale by the end of the month, so keep watching! There are other projects in mind, and I’ve already had C suggesting a complimenting volume for down here… seriously!

Finally, despite the three things above, here is something I thought I’d never say. From the end of September (this Autumn), I’m going to be a student - for the first time since I left school (aside from the NVQ's I got about twelve years ago)! Full-time equivalent in open learning, and starting on a few Level 1 computing units. By the time I get my teeth into it, I can choose which of the qualifications I’d like to put that towards, and then go from there over the coming years.

Now, that will give me stability, something to work towards, and a pattern, as well as a bit more of an existence to my life. So, why this, why now? Well, health is a main thing, so this is flexible, as well as not requiring a daily commute! Caroline is supporting and encouraging me for the longer term, so I see this once again as good. The time frame being just over two months away, gives me time to finally continue with moving out of my current place in Dundee. Educational feelings from the past – well, I wanted to get out of school, move away, and become the person I knew I really was. Now, some things have not changed – I’ve done this. I’m settling in. I’ve got support, and friends on both sides of the border (and the Atlantic!). Now that is all out of the way, who knows?

The previously referred to interview didn’t go as planned, but I’ve managed to top that in fairly spectacular style, don’t you think?

So, what else? We had Caroline’s sister-in-law staying down with us on Thursday night, en route to a meditation weekend in deepest Suffolk. Yesterday I was out and about, will write about that later on.

Additionally, at the weekend, I used iTunes to purchase (the whole album, not just the single) Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson (a few of her songs have some wonderful lyrical meanings to me, as previously mentioned here), and some old school stuff too!

Well, yesterday, Mr UPS didn’t show up – yet. I don’t have a label (tracking) number to view it online, so I’m assuming it’s on the way.

Things are good right now. I've been busy today, but have been getting intermittent pains in my right shoulder... now, my right shoulder is sore, and has been for about two hours, even with painkillers.

So, I will make this only a short post, and I will be leaving here in just over an hour anyway... off up to Scotland, back tomorrow night. Long story, will explain later.

Here's to no more problems...

Slightly rushed, trying to do a million things today. Not helped by problems in trying to book tonight's trip... I'll tell you about it later.  

BTW on a more positive note, today is our fifteen month anniversary, one and a quarter years!

I am now on the train south from Skegness, will write more about the last few days when I get a moment.

Although the train on the way up was a mix of liveries (I am not a train expert by any means, but it has to be expected less than a year after franchise changes) I am currently on the 1110 Skegness - Grantham - Nottingham East Midlands Trains, which has been made up of a Central Trains liveried 153, and a South West Trains refurbished 158. So, as the 153 end was closest to the barrier, it got most of the crowd queued up, and I am sat here in one of the 158 refurbished carriages, full table to myself, space to stretch out - two other people in the carriage!  

I arrived here yesterday evening, and we've been out and about quite a bit over the last 27 hours or so.

Leaving tomorrow morning to return to Royston, and Caroline!  

Hello world... I am now on the train between Peterborough and Grantham, on the third of four trains on route to Skegness. I have about 20 minutes on this one, before swapping at Grantham.

So, why again? Well, friends are back down once more. Just like last time, one of them does not know I am coming... and probably won't be reading this in the next two and a half hours! It's a different caravan from last time, I'm told. 

Remember I mentioned a while ago that the Duphaston I take is being discontinued? Well, I went to see the doc on Monday about a replacement, and he left me a prescription for something that made me depressed before i.e. Provera. So, I went back yesterday to ask about alternatives, and I will come to that again later. I am now also back on the Telfast (Fexofend-whatever) that I was on before (strong anti-histimine) as the over-the-counter ones from Tesco aren’t working anywhere near what I need, and wearing off already!

So, after we’d been to the doc yesterday, we went out for a drive around Essex, stopped at Great Dunmow for lunch at Musketeers – here’s Caroline…


We then continued to Braintree Freeport and met up with C’s friend Kim for coffee and some quick shopping (C’s has replaced the teapot with TWO new ones!) and then back to Royston.

Today, I’m going out soon to Skegness until Sunday, and on Monday I will probably be heading north, to see about a replacement for the pills. Keep watching!

I do feel a bit better today, not yet 100% so still in bed! Planning on doing lunch in just over an hour, though.

Also, hello to shullie, who found me via thermalsatsuma (who found me via thebustocrookes etc.etc.) It's a small world right enough. I do seem to have a fair few friends from across Yorkshire.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been out for any kind of professional hair removal. I’d been to Cambridge Skin & Laser back last year – in fact, when I looked back to type this, 27th April 2007 seemed about right. Now, I had intended to go back, but time and money (two commodities in short supply, esp. the latter) prevented this at the time. Caroline wanted to go in for a bit on her face (it’s been a while since she’d been there too), and she wanted to have me done at the same time – and offered to cover the costs, saying it was needing to be done. OK, the growth is a little less since surgery, but perhaps this is the right time to do it too.

So, we were due in at 1600 [yesterday, Wednesday 18th], but we arrived in plenty of time (school run traffic didn’t seem to materialise!) They’ve refurbished the place since the last time we were both there, but the coffee machine is still there! (Coffee for me, as the hot choc made me sleepy the last time!) Ruth (the woman I saw last time) was on the front desk. As it happened, the two of them were working on each other as we arrived…

… Anyway, C went first (we were seen by the woman who C had saw several times, but I can’t recall her name), so I got a reminder of exactly what was involved. In both cases, quite a bit of work was done. I was a little sensitive at the beginning (and the other woman slowed down at that point the last time) but I got over it very quickly. It wasn’t too bad. All was good! (The only slight side-effect was the goggles have hurt my left eye, and it’s a little tender under the eye. That will pass I expect).

We went from there to pop in to visit auntysarah and the_local_echo, and interrupted Sarah’s LJ posting (again) and then onto watching the snake feeding (won’t explain, but I am sure you can guess!)

After that, I offered to cook for C this evening, but we stopped at Domino’s (any size £6.99 to take-away!) on the way home.

… and, to be honest, I didn’t quite get the chance to post as I went about what we were getting up to. Not because of lack of bandwith, broadband or a laptop to do it on. No, every time I started typing, I attracted the attention of a very loving cat!

... we left Farnell at 1100, and got back a little while ago. Will write it all up over the coming days.

We drove north yesterday to Glasgow (meeting Bobby B for coffee at Buchanan Galleries) before traveling north to Arbroath Infirmary then onto Farnell. C's mother is ok, looks like she will be out next Monday. We're staying at C's brother's family home in Farnell.

As Caroline mentioned in her previous diary updates, her mother was admitted to hospital while she was in Spain (initially Ninewells, now Arbroath Infirmary). Caroline wanted to visit her, as well as other family members. After working out costs, we’ve hired out a car – I initially may have said by texts that is a Vectra, well it’s a Vauxhall Corsa, petrol, manual, 57 plate, from 1car1.com at Newmarket Road Cambridge. Here is Caroline getting used to the controls in the car park of Roysia Surgery/Stearns Pharmacy while I went to pick up my repeat prescription…


… and then we drove via the A1/M1 (stopping at Trowel services), M62 (I asked to stop at Birch for the loo, but didn’t buy anything else), then M6, and see how far north we could get. Well, we’re staying the night at Westmorland Hotel (aka Tebay)… here’s Caroline checking out the Kendal Mint Cake that she found on the table when we got here…


She’s just left the bath, so I’ll leave the (complimentary, btw!) wi-fi for now, and go see her.

So, yesterday, I went with Caroline to Heathrow, for her flights to Spain. We had one of the new tri-axle Scania’s with Caetano Levante bodywork, built in Portual. This one was really rattling and shaking at every opportunity. Our junction of the M25 (when leaving Hemel) was closed, so another bit of the A41 before joining the M25. Even with that, we still got into LHR early, and proceeded to T2. Caroline was flying from LHR to Madrid, and onto Seville (Sevila). I took a few pics of C as we woke up with coffee and breakfast, but my hands were too shaky (I turned off the flash, going on autopilot). I was waving C goodbye as she disappeared off towards security, and that was it. I felt so alone.

Anyway, I was ok, got back to Central Bus Station and onto the Underground. Piccadilly Line to Leicster Square, then Northern Line to Waterloo (fancied a change from the Jubliee Line Extension, and the Bakerloo is not stopping at Waterloo all weekend). Bought a few books in local bookstores (the Ian Allan transport bookstore is currently under refit, and they have brought in lots of wooden bookcases), had lunch, took an Arriva DLA on Bus Service 59 through to Kings Cross. Had a look around the station, went for the train back to Royston. OK I was tired, still sneezing etc. but I got rather upset. I just about made it home, and you can guess the rest. I had a nap, felt worse when I woke up, but felt ok towards the end of the evening.

I’ve spoken to C this morning, and she is doing well. She was about to leave the hotel when I called her. IIRC she is walking Camino Mozarbe, or The Via De La Plata. You could do no better than to have a look at her own website for the walk, which explains it all in text and pics (from previous walks).  She is also updating her LiveJournal.

Today it is cold and wet outside, so staying in bed with Heffalump, Sherbert Bear, and Juaniatta. Well, had to cuddle someone last night…

Firstly, hello to a new addition to the f-list, labrat78  !

So, yesterday, trip to Peterborough, went well enough. Took some random pictures, including the last one in that set showing what happens when one side of the glass on the train gets broken...

... and this is Silly O'Clock right enough. I'm up and about at what I used to call bedtime. But, there is good reason. I'm seeing Caroline off to Heathrow for her flight to Spain, for her month-long weight-loss-and-walking-holiday. She's presently running around getting the last of her bags packed. In just over half an hour, we're taking the coach to Heathrow - same time as taking the train, but without the changeover onto the tube.

So, today, being the last day of the month, is also our anniversary. We've been together 14 months now. Given what I've just said, it's almost 99% likely that we will make it 15 soon - a year and a quarter. Yes, time really does go faster when you are having fun.

Well, it was pouring it down out there.... So, we joined what seemed like all of North London, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas, trying to find a parking spot at Hatfield Galleria... and I kid you not, this was early afternoon, and our car was on the ROOF. Floor SEVEN. Even the lift only goes up to six!

Anyway, reason for going was C wanted to look in the outdoor shops, and now has a larger belt bag to take with her to Spain next weekend. In the second shop, I ended up choosing a couple of similarly coloured jackets (with help from Caroline)... both a lavender colour, which Regatta defines as 'Perfume!'

After that, I went back to the Body Shop for some more of that body lotion we bought before (not just nice smells, but it has worked really well on C's dry skin, I kid you not!), and I went back to the Paper Mill Shop. Didn't actually buy anything there this time. I've enough to be going on with, and a wet day is not good for buying paper anyway!

We went back to the car, emerging to gales on the roof, and the brolly (free gift with the ES!) somehow managed to hold!

Today, slightly less exciting, I've got an interview with the passport office in Peterborough, re my recent application. Might spice it up a bit and come back a different way,  but that may be about as exciting as it gets for now!

So, I’ve had a good time of it over the last few days, and it’s really worked out as a celebration of what I’ve achieved of late.  It did feel good being able to walk around without being drowned in the rain, but also, it allowed me to show myself. Other recent events, like Sunday’s trip, let me look back at what I’ve done in the last year and a bit. It’s also thanks to having lots of good, solid friends. All the good words over the last few days have also helped!

Caroline is off work today, as she was feeling a little tired when I got in last night. So, that, and also being behind as I’ve not had a quiet day since I came back from Scotland, meant I had a day in today – and it’s been busy with looking after C, processing all the recent leaflets and stuff that I collected/traded/picked up, thanking those who sent them to me, and blogging. I wasn’t overly tired, but it had to be done. I do feel good, and Caroline is recovering.

Tomorrow – work. Thursday – another day out. Friday – work morning, not sure afternoon. Then it’s a bank holiday weekend, then back out on Tuesday with a passport interview (I tried to make it fit my plans for Thursday, but there were none for that day!).

In June, as I’ve mentioned before, we both have challenges of our own. The good times of late will hopefully help.

In short, I’m happy with life, and the last week or so has been good.

I had a few days up north, as you know. Left C at Trumpington Park & Ride Cambridge on Tuesday 13th May, and got into London, then getting the coach to Dundee, arriving on the morning of Wednesday 14th May. A number of interesting points…

* I’d been sent a citation to appear in a jury at one of the courts in Dundee. Now, thankfully I didn’t miss the date, so I didn’t end up getting arrested on sight. Instead, I popped into the court building first thing on Wednesday, and asked/explained. Now, they took me off their lists, based on the fact that I am moving to England (Scottish law is different to English) but I did spot on the listing that a number of groups are excluded from being jury members. The last one, which is very sweeping, excludes anyone who works in the justice system, anywhere in the UK. Don’t know if that was part of it too, with what voluntary work I am currently doing – but by that point it was academic.

* Tried the new route of the Travel Dundee 36/37 ‘Northern Circular’ (am I the only one who still calls it that) in Dundee on Wednesday. OMG. WTF? I had a very friendly driver (whom I remember from my time at a freight company) and even he was pushed for time! Anyway, from the Commercial Street (the opposite side of the road), it goes UP King Street (only service that does now), Stobswell, Mid Craigie, Linlathen, Mill O’ Mains, Kirkton – and then, going past the far end of Gillburn Road, Camperdown Road (there was never a bus along this street, except Asda contracts, until Strathtay started the 6/6A last August!), Macalpine Road, Ardler Village, Ardler Golf Course, Faraday Street (wheeeeeee! down Timex Brae), Camperdown Gate, Camperdown Leisure Park, A923, Dunsinane Avenue (no I’m not making this up, still got quite a bit to go here!), up Kings Cross Road (try and keep up!), Kingsway West Retail Park, Johnston Avenue (again, no buses along here for several years, aside from Strathtay!), Brantwood Avenue, Loons Road, Lawside Road, Infirmary Brae, and back to town, with the 37 in reverse – no longer serving Perth Road, Blackness Avenue, Balgay Park, Tullideph Road, or Dudhope Terrace. It was fun, don’t quite know how long it will last though!

* Also had a look around Ninewells, and the newly (finally opened!) access road and bus lanes to/from the Tech Park. Later that evening I met up with Gareth C and Graeme S/Tails Prower 2040 on Wednesday evening, exchanging news, timetables and talk. We stopped at the bus station on the way home, and then Tesco, and I managed to haul myself back up my stairs! (I was really tired by that point!)

* Thursday was more shopping in the city centre. I stopped The Incredible Roll Inn in Whitehall Crescent. They are outside some ‘pay & display’ parking, so they now have two notices in the window, showing ‘I have a deal with the bank. They don’t sell rolls, so I don’t give change’. Now, there was a suited gent who never noticed this, as he was too busy talking on his phone, so he walked in proffering a £20 note, and was politely refused. I said to Mary (least I think it was Mary, I forget with names!) that he was too busy with his own phone to notice the signs… and she agreed! She then clicked and said ‘Hey, I’ve not seen you in ages, how have you been?’ I then explained, and she seemed happy enough to hear. We also watched as the guy with the £20 note was refused by another four shops in the same street. So, I came for the food, but I guess I stayed for the entertainment!

* From there, stopped along Dock Street (busway now fully repaired and rebuilt) and bumped into Neil G and friends in Commercial Street – now Acting Head of Transport for Dundee City Council (newly promoted). After this, stopped in Waterstones (spotted a nice set of matching stationery half-price) and then via the Overgate, calling it a day as my legs could take no more! Popped out to Corfu in North Lindsay Street for a very Scottish dish – chips, cheese and chilli sauce – to go with the burger!

You can see my Wednesday pics  and Thursday pics here. Keep reading for Part 2 – my Friday in Perthshire and Dundee!

So, after yesterday's update, we got to MK a little later than I'd hoped for - the temporary coachway being a few miles from the original, and we arrived about 15 minutes after the bus had gone (about 25 minutes later than my previous expectation) around 2005 - due at 1840. Anyway, the next X5 in was for Bedford at 2020, so I called C who was happy to pick me up... except my mind went blank when describing the location of the bus station, aside from a roundabout, being near the MML/TL station, and the prison.

On the A428, I managed to see my third serious Road Traffic Accident/Incident of the day, when several cars hit each other on a bad bend... but we got through, as the police had the cones on the other side. C came and picked me up, and we stopped for pizza on the way home... so I was good. Very tired after 15 hours, and three RTA's!

Today, we're heading out for the ABF tour/visit... so, if you are around central Cambridge or Ely and spot an unusual looking bus (although it may be a bit too cold for the open top one!)... we'll be around somewhere. Probably.

Now on the 590, and we've just changed coaches at Glasgow. Heading south to Milton Keynes on this coach, then changing there (if all goes well) to the X5 (plan is that I will get off at Madingley Road Park & Ride, and C will pick me up from there).

I might try and catch up on some sleep, we shall see. Had my second dose of painkillers/paracetemol to try and keep this cold away (I cannot have any asprin or decongestants, as they have a habit of making me unable to breathe).

Anyway, all going well, in a little over 10-11 hours, I shall be back home with Caroline.