Good Vibes Only: Holidays, Hikes and Foot Rest
Hello all! It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper catch up post so I thought I’d sit down today with a cuppa by my side, and empty my brain (and the biscuit tin) of all the reasons to be cheerful lately.
Holidays | Our summer holiday this year is End of the Road festival in Dorset, which might not be sound like a proper holiday for some, but for us is a treat. We went last year and came away relaxed and inspired, not what you expect from a festival at all. With only a week to go, I simply can’t wait for a weekend of slow-paced camping, music, good food and company. We’ve booked off the week afterwards too, and are planning lots of walking adventures with the dog in tow. A great way to sign off summer!
Old photographs | It was a nostalgic treat to look through my parents old photo albums last week. I wanted to see how my dad would fare in terms of his memory, and as predicted he remembered so much. Alzheimer’s has affected his short-term memory and his speech so far but he definitely remembered the places we visited in the photos (more than myself). The photos reminded me how great a childhood we had too; our holidays, although always in the UK and on a budget were full of laughter and simple, happy times.
Foot woes | I didn’t really explain what’s been going on with my foot in previous blog posts. Basically, I woke up one morning with a very sore big toe/ball of foot and gradually it got worse, and I couldn’t walk on it. It all happened a week or so before I was meant to do my first championship Roller Derby bout, so as you can imagine I was gutted. Anyway, the docs diagnosed Metatarsalgia (nerve damage) and I’ve been resting it ever since. It’s brought on by high impacts sports and unsupported footwear (I wear all the comfy shoes already) so I presume it’s something to do with Roller Derby. Over the past week I’ve not felt any pain so I’m going to attempt to don the skates tonight and make adjustments to my skating boots if I need to. Wish me luck!
Hikes | It turns out, every single time my sister and I get together we plan a big hike. Over a few glasses of fizz last week we’ve decided our next Alzheimer’s challenge will be Ben Nevis, and a hike nearby after. She suggested the midnight trek (she must have had a few drinks by then), but I’m opting for daylight. We shall see. It won’t be until next year so we’ve got time to plan and train. Anyone else done this?
The Piece Hall | Whilst the old foot was playing up I spent most of my time indoors, so when it started to heal I couldn’t wait to get on a train somewhere. I settled close to home and visited the newly renovated The Piece Hall in Halifax for a morning potter. It’s a great space for events, shopping and exhibitions but best of all it’s the perfect place for sitting with a cuppa and doing a spot of people watching.
Nephew fun | It’s rare that I get chance to spend time with my nephew on his own, so it was a treat looking after him for the day recently. We walked/limped in the woods, watched films, painted pottery and got caught in a thunderstorm (which he loved). Happy summer holiday memories all round.
More grand things | Family meals, watching Dunkirk (the soundtrack blew me away), looking forward to a night out this weekend dancing to Brit Pop/Madchester tunes at the Trades Club, making fudge (next Walk + Eat recipe), picking up camping goodies for our trip and finding a pair of beautiful Clarks brogues in a charity shop!
Tell me, what’s made you cheerful today?
