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"MOLLY AND ME"

My dear friend from the Falconry has made the local newspaper with a lovely article based on the work we do there in relation to her personal battle with Leukaemia. I was down there today, and we have had to move the vultures from the Muses to a large cage, giving them freedom of movement. Ringo is enjoying his new space, George is still a bit put out. One takes extra caution with a pissy vulture.

Article Transcript

Karen White was working as a barmaid at the Royal Oak in North Bersted when, one day, came devastating news. She had been feeling exhausted, finding it difficult to keep up cheery, chatty appearances as she pulled the pints, convincing herself she was pregnant.

What she hadn`t banked on was the bolt-out-of-the-blue diagnosis of leukaemia.

"I felt really numb. It felt like someone else was being told and not me. It is almost as though you want to turn around and see if anyone else is in the room."  she says. "I was tired all the time and if there had been 25 hours in the day I would have slept them. The doctor said I looked a bit anaemic and sent me for tests and then it came back I had acute leukaemia. The first thing I wanted to ask was `How long have I got` because you do see it as a death sentence. But he just said`Lets not jump the gun`." 

Four years on, after lumbar punctures every four months, losing her hair, her job, her confidence and self esteem but not her life or partner Tim who has been keeping her going throughout, Karen is in a much better place. Mentally, physically and emotionally she has been through the wringer, but now she is happy, she has her fingers crossed for good news at her next appointment, and has found a new sense of wellbeing.

This the 40-year-old puts down to working with the remarkable birds of prey at the Sussex Falconry Centre at Birdham.

"The birds are very calming, but also incredibly good fun and often very challenging," she says. "You would have to be very hard not to get something from them. If I wasn`t  here I would quite probably be sitting at home in a corner feeling sorry for myself with nothing on my mind apart from what I was going through. I now tell people why I am here and what I get out of it."

Karen is now second in command at the centre which cares for and displays an amazing array of birds, from the smallest kestral to the most immense vulture and falcon - but getting there has been quite a journey.

After she started treatment she began to lose her hair and gave up her bar job.

"Apparently, I was the bubbliest, most sarcastic barmaid around," she says, "but I gave up the job because I couldn`t put the act on anymore. I couldn`t be all smiley and happy and I needed to get my head around it all. I really minded about my hair because your barnet is your pride and joy."

Of slight build anyway, Karen`s weight dropped to six and a half stone, she looked drawn, her hair was patchy and she felt terrible.

When she started to look for work too she found that no-one would give her a chance, worried about how much time she would be taking off.

At a really low ebb, she and Tim started going to the falconry centre as they loved the birds there and Karen started to think this could be for her.

She asked head falconer Don Blizzard and proprietor Barry Gibb if she could help out. Don admits he was worried, not because of how reliable she would be though, but because she seemed so frail. He didn`t want her to take on too much.

Eventually he was convinced though and now he praises Karen as a Godsend, a natural with the birds and an inspiration.

She helps care for the 60 birds, and gives regular public displays throughout the season with 30 of them, including her favourites - Rodney, a tawny eagle who is afraid of heights and has panic attacks if he goes over 20 feet, and George, a vulture who can be agressive and temperamental but who also presents an irresistable challenge for Karen.

"You have got to be someone special to fly George. I have had many many helpers over the years and Karen is the best. I admit I was concerned at first because she seemed so fragile but she is an absolute godsend," he says.

Both Karen and Don feel strongly that being around these awe-inspiring, powerful birds can engender positive mental feelings in people which helps them in their fight against disease and adversity.

"We all have our own fears but when you are thrown in the deep with these birds, you have to be strong," expains Don.

"We have done things here with people that doctors and their tablets cannot do."

Karen agrees that her wellbeing and the fact that she now looks forward to a future is largely down to Rodney, George and all her feathered friends.

"It is always a joy to see the birds and I love it first thing in the morning when the dew and cobwebs are still on the grass, and then again at 5PM when the noise from the traffic dies down and you can hear all the bird calls," she says.

She even bought herself a barn owl, Molly, for her 40th birthday in August and now looks after her at home, as part of her self-help therepy.

"I have always loved barn owls. I think there is something spiritual about them. And if I am feeling at all sad I get Molly out and sit and cuddle her."

From the Chichester Observer Magazine 19th October.

 

Hormone Warning-Tendancy to like Elton John!!!!!!!!

Hormones definantly kicking in, I have just been enjoying the new Elton John album (Captain and the Kid). There was nothing about that on the drug warning notes. Do you think I can sue?

Shopping Organically

I am now on both hormones (Cyprostat and Zoladex). The first I am half way through and should be finished by the end of next week. The latter (administered through the abdomen-thought I would share that!) is applied monthly until the real radiotherepy party begins.

This has of course led to me feeling exhausted, and will clearly restrict my alcohol intake. (One small glass tonight and I am pleasently floating away.)

Managed two nights at work this week (FULL 12 HOURS) which I was happy with, and managed without any problems until nine hours into shift when I was hit with extreme tierdness. Problem is though I feel very lethargic one minute and enthusiastic the next. I know I could be working much better, but sometimes want the customers off the line asap, rather than giving them the full service. I shall have a meeting with managers shortly, and see if I can negotiate a shorter shift  for the time being.

Today I have spent around £40 on nuts, pulses, and other ridiculous health food that I need to try and see if I can improve my diet.  Oat Milk ain't so bad.  I will work my way through this lot and see if anything takes my fancy. Just what is Quinoa? I have a pack of it so lets see. It could be Mushroom and Soya curry with Quinoa tonight??  

Bone Scan Result

Bone scan clear, I am cleared to return to work next week. I have started on the Hormones and already developing oddball cravings. Radiotherepy is due to commence in the new year.

Article for 'Cherry Bomb' (John Mellencamp Fan Club Mag!) - Meeting the Mellenheads

 

I first found John through the track ‘Rain on the Scarecrow’, a powering rock track which became an all time favourite. It was not until I saw him and the band live at Wembley for the ‘Whenever we Wanted’ tour in 91 that I really took an interest. For a number of my first time concerts, I make a point of not buying an album until after the show. That way I see the music fresh to eye, as well as ear. A habit I maintain with John on the rare occasion I do have the chance to see a live show.

Musically I have always enjoyed traditional English folk music, but after a few years of “Hey nonney nonney”…”My girlfriend has left me for a soldier/farm hand/my sister or fallen down a well”, or other fetching memorable demise, I was getting bored, and looking for a more constructive use of mandolins, fiddles, and squeeze boxes. I did however find a few bands that have bought folk into the modern day era. Levellers, The Men They Couldn’t Hang and Oysterband are standouts.

Next I discovered slide guitar, and even attempt to play a bit myself, though am still seeking a decent teacher of the art (Difficult in West Sussex!). John’s music was a revelation, Modern American rock  with a homely folk twist , but with such a level of originality I find it difficult to categorise. Played live I had really never seen anything like it previously - it, as they say, hit all the buttons. Lonesome Jubilee is the peak.

On the three occasions now I have seen John, the live performance has been immense, far stronger that the records, a sound still to be matched by the recorded media. For those of us in Europe who do not have the chance to travel to the States for a show, a live DVD is really needed.

John’s music reaches far and wide. I remember watching a video of Check it Out on a country music TV station in Colonia, Uruguay whilst backpacking a few years ago.

We in Europe have been starved of John’s live performances for a long time. The last appearance was in 99, for some small dates aimed at the music media in Germany. I would have missed them completely had it not been for a tip off from Tony, who managed to line up tickets. Thus a trip to Munich (oh the hardship!) and another storming show in a small venue, no bigger than an average night club. Another couple travelled from the UK (please contact - I have lost your email), and what a night it was. I have always been weary of fan clubs, but this would not have been possible without Tony and his ceaseless hardwork. 

Inevitably I have wanted to come to the States for a show for a long time, and on learning Farm Aid was coming to the east coast, it was really time to get off my backside and do something about it.

I have some friends in Jersey, in the town of Brick,  who jumped at the chance of coming to the show. The deal was done and I was soon on my way to Newark. Now I have to say, all I know about Jersey is the route from Newark to Penn and the Sopranos. Add to the town’s name ‘Brick’ I was astonished to find the area in fact full of wonderful sandy beaches, a very active yachting community, and some wonderful multi million dollar properties drifting down to the beach. My friend acquired a boat and we spent an afternoon catching up over cocktails on the ocean. 

On the day itself we were on the road early, battling through the soccer moms in the local bakery for bagels and coffee. Resisting all temptation to sit on the sidelines and offer 30 years worth of tactical advice, we were soon on the Turnpike and heading for Philly.

My hosts were insistent on showing me the famous Philly Cheesesteak, and on arrival in the city outskirts we were soon scoffing the full treat on the roadside. We were at the hotel by 12.00 and soon heading over the water from Penns landing to the venue.

As usual (well at least in the UK) if it’s a festival it will rain. As soon as we were on the boat the sky opened, and I foresaw a miserable day forthcoming. Arriving at the venue I could not believe how well things were organised. Our seats were under cover (thanks Tony) with a good view. (In England, summer venue sites are just flat fields with no shelter, disgusting temporary toilets, and poisonous food! At one Glastonbury recently the stand pipes were turned off at night, so there was no water available at all. Nice!) This was a different prospect altogether. Good sight lines for all, a good selection of food (with overgenerous portions) clean toilets and shelter. Altogether very well organised (though more support for your local Microbrewers please!)

I enjoyed the afternoon sets from Danielle Svin, Govt Mule, Steel Pulse and Steve Earle (a frequent visitor to the UK). I was able to find the Mellenheads easily - you girls are a little distinctive - I introduced myself and was made very welcome.

On attending the very friendly (family) food outlet at the back of the venue my $7 was rewarded with two slices of bread, and what appeared to be four full sized Pork Steaks, this kept me going for the rest of the day with more to spare. A true bargain. Such a change from anything at previous festivals.

The evening was bought to a lively start with Jerry Lee Lewis, a privilege to see such a legend. Then Dave Matthews, a slow but beautiful set. (A British TV crew did a feature with him a few years ago, busking the streets of London, and recording the reaction of American tourists when they recognised him.Very funny. Dave is all but unknown in the UK!)

The main feature followed and John rocked the crowd with a full on performance . If anything the band is tighter than the twice I have seen them before, and the show fully justified the effort.

Next up, Neil Young, with again a pleasant yet unpredictable set. Country with a little touch of Old Orleans illustrating the imagination of one of Americas classic legends.

I would have stayed for Willie, but I had arranged to link with the Mellenheads back at their hotel. Completely failing to find my lift I had to brave the wilds of Camden (This is the NJ I had imagined) to find a cab, but it didn’t take long to find the gang in the hotel, and I was introduced to some of the band members who had drifted in. It was the first time I had met the band, and thanks to Christine for the introductions. I am very shy on such occasions, but it does not take a great deal to be rabbiting away with John E Gee about life in general.

I hope to see the band in the UK again sometime, I know they would like to come, so what about it John? Your UK guide is ready and waiting in the urban Bohemia of Brighton. (Failing that, see you on the next tour - quite fancy Chicago!)

Thanks to all the Mellenheads for making me welcome, and of course to Tony for the tickets. I still owe you a drink Cindy!    

http://www.levellers.co.uk

http://www.tmtch.net/

http://www.oysterband.co.uk/

             

Ros blogs now illustrated

I have updated photo galleries and added pictures to the blogs! Ros has some great commentry with each photo.

Vintage Albion on You Tube

More and more classic Albion videos appearing on You Tube day by day.

from 1978 when everyone wore football scarfs, tartan (girls) or bikechains around their wrists. Glory days indeed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhSVbZd_koQ

OK we lost to Palace, but still a classic of its day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNSJOIbKoA8 

 

Cornwall Again!

  As always the family visit to Cornwall was a great success. Despite the 10 hours or so travelling time. Ros and I took Ryan and Owen to Cornwall for a week of bliss in our favourite accomadation. A small flat with direct views over the harbour. We have already booked for next year.

We have discovered body boarding despite the freezing sea conditions, and I even bought a wet suit. Picture gallery attached.    

23rd August : Medical Update

The meeting with the Oncologist has gone better than expected. The tumour is described as being small and 'well behaved' Likely treatment will be IMRT (a new form of direct radiotherpy). This will entail a period of hormone treatment prior to the IMRT. I am therefore likely to off work for three months early next year. Hormone treatment should not impact work, nor indeed social life, drinking is permitted. Feeling better already

Ros Blog Part Four

 

Bowels still dangerously unpredictable, which has been tricky on the road.  Final camp is a lovely little place just outside Nairobi run by some Dutch people.  Eight of us are checking out the city together this afternoon - this morning, giraffe sanctuary and (aaahh!!) elephant orphanage.  I've eaten everything from octopus to crocodile - could have something to do with the stomach!! But, you know, when in rome.... We had our goodbye dinner last night (minus our leader, who was rushed to hospital following a seizure) There were many drunken speeches and some fat middle aged woman read a poem!!  Our kiwi friends left at lunchtime, the Drago crew have taken the truck off for some serious work, and things are truly winding down now. There is a family from Surrey on the same flight as me tomorrow, and we have a ride all booked up. So I guess that's it