Up The Farway Tree

Back home..

I enjoyed the rest of my wee break in Ireland and although the weather turned against us, we still managed to get out and about and have a lovely time. On thursday we visited the Giants Causeway - I think they show this on all the TV adverts encouraging people to visit Ireland, but I must say it looks very different in the proper Irish weather.

It was a little wet..

...and a little windy!

Fortunately there was a wee bus that takes you down to the shore, as there is no way I could walk down there on crutches. Rather amusingly myself and Andrew got the bus for half price because mum had said to the driver "just us and the two young ones". He obviously assumed she meant two children - I know I only look about 15 but I think Andrew is pushing it getting on for a half fare, haha! On the way back up there were only three seats left on the bus so poor Dad was left to walk back up in the pouring rain. It's quite a hike up the hill and we all felt sorry for him as we browsed around the gift shop while waiting ;-)

In the afternoon we went into Derry for some shopping. We went to one of the big centres so we could get a wheelchair for me, as technically I'm not supposed to be walking about on this foot. I have tried to be good but it's quite hard when you are away on holiday. We managed to make a few purchases each (the men spent more than us!) although I was a bit huffy in my wheelchair. It took my right back to the frustration of pre-transplant and I hated the feeling - like I had just taken 10 steps backwards and was suddenly relying on everyone else again. I must say though, that despite the broken foot, I am still more mobile than I was before the transplant. At least I am not breathless and I am not tired and unwell, so it was still much easier to get about.

On Friday we went to Letterkenny for a look about and just did a bit more touring around Donegal. We also went to the cinema to see the new batman film "The Dark Knight" which was quite good. We did also go to the pub one night as they had live music. It hadn't started when we arrived and we thought we were clever taking a seat quite far from the speaker so it woudn't be too loud. Big mistake - we couldn't hear hee-haw! Although to be honest the pub was so noisy that I don't think the people standing right next to the band could hear much either. After enjoying a couple of pints of guiness we headed home, although I nearly forgot my crutches - funny how the guiness is a cure for so many ailments ;-)

So, all in all a great holiday was had by all. It's back to reality now though and already the foot is getting on my nerves because I can't just come and go as I please. Wee Seb is back home and has been giving me 'the stare' all day, hoping that I will take him a walk. I wish I could explain to him why I can't take him out...and I'm not sure how long it will be before I can. Very frustrating! On the upside though, I have my trip to choose a new outfit courtesy of the Daily Record tomorrow and then getting my new hair-do on Tuesday. I'm not sure how adventurous I will be but probably not very. Mum is coming to stay for a couple of nights as I can't drive to any of these places so she is having to be my chauffeur and dog walker again. Just when she thought she had her life back! Never mind, it hopefully wont be for too long. I think the article will be in wednesday or thursday paper but if I hear differently I will update the blog.

Leaving you with some more pics of Ireland...this time without the rain

Baby swallows in a nest!