Wheel Chair

Had a trip out today. Had to visit various people regarding money. On the way back we stopped off at Tesco. I was not going to go in then remembered seeing wheelchairs being pushed around. Any way ended up being pushed around by Fiona and enjoying being able to chat and shop. Sounds a bit sad but good fun and made be feel a bit more useful.

Digital Radio

The Digital TV switch-over is taking place here in the South West and all appears to going well. I have an increase in signal strength of my signals so not bad there only problem I had was that I had to do a complete reset on my TV. The next step the government has planned is to switch off National FM stations. I am not quite sure if these ministers live in the real world. They plan that we will listen to DAB and that FM will be used for community stations. Are they not aware of the number of FM radios in use? But they say you can use an adapter. How about mobile phones, can't see me carrying an adapter for that! This is a misguided, financially driven idea which will, in my view millions of people being unable to listen to a decent radio service. However there is hope in that the Peers have seen through the glitz and come up this warning.
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8591942.stm

The bike is back

Ok not a bad couple of days. Very tired though and still frustrated at not being able to move around. Had some friends come in yesterday and brought breakfast. Fiona was out and it was great to sit and talk and enjoy their company. Today being Palm Sunday we went to church. It was great to be able to thank God and have some time of reflection. Also very good to see and chat to friends. Big thing today was that a friend picked my bike up. The damage is not too bad. Seems to be a broken front indicator and a rear brake bracket. I don't think it will take much to fix but that will not be for a while yet.

A very dark place

Well the operation was a success and I am now at home. I was extremely impressed by the all the staff I have come into contact both at the roadside and at the RUH. The amount of professionalism,skill,compassion and at times witty humour were a credit to the NHS. The final result was that the ankle was broken in three places and has had to be plated and screwed back together. I am not able to put any weight on it which makes everyday life very difficult for both myself and my Wife, I cannot even carry a drink. However the pain is under control and I only need to take a couple of paracetamol. Yesterday was a very dark day. Perhaps it was the drugs wearing off, or delayed shock but I found myself in floods of tears for no reason at all. I do not think I have ever cried in front of my Wife! Anyway today has been a much better day with friends coming round with breakfast and then a trip out in the car. Now just very tired and about to settled down/fall asleep in front of the TV.

Operation

Sitting here with the sun streaming in I have been told the operation will be tomorrow. The situation is that i have broken 3 bones in my ankle and will have to have a plate fitted. This means no driving for up to 4 months! I am hoping to get a 'light duties' job so i can earn some money. I will keep the blog going but it will now concentrate on my recovery observations as a disabled passenger!

Broken ankle

Writting this from hospital. Nealy arrived home last night when i slipped on some diesal. Not completly sure what happened but the result is that i am now waiting for an operation to put a plate in my ankle.

Intersting site

Have a look at this site. Maybe I should have one of these on the coach!!


http://www.truckcam.tv/index.html

Wrong Turn

Found this on one of the blogs I follow.

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Bus-driver-wrong-turn-highlights.6132600.jp

This is one of the easiest things to do. I have known drivers with years of experience to 'go the wrong way' An example of this in Bath is the '13' and '14' route. They both go the same way up the A367 and then the 14 turns off. If you have the 13 and then the 14 or the 14 and then the 13 it is VERY easy to forget which route you are on. However they is always someone on the bus willing to 'help' (complain to the papers)

Bath Half Marathon

Been off for the weekend and  the weather was great. Took part in the Bath Half Marathon, not running! but with Raynet. Manned a road closure and provided communication support for the marshals. Had fun and games with members of the public who wanted to get through. It seems that although having 12 months notice of the Half Marathon they did not know it was on.Some people wanted to get to work and demanded they be let through!
The bike was in desperate need of a clean and now looks almost new just need some black paint for the stand. Only thing left to do is to replace the chain as the adjusters are on their stops.
Neighbour gave me a hand to move the shed to the end of the garden as it was cutting out the light into the kitchen. Any way one thing led to another and we ended up clearing the end of the garden of a large fur tree and other  bushes. This has left us with a nice place to sit in the summer.
The car is running well and spent some time sorting out some patches a rust and giving it a good clean. I always wonder why people do not clean around door frames. Back to work tomorrow, but only for two days then off again!!!