When we got back from Japan, we had a letter waiting for us outlining the result of the Independent Review Panel that we attended in Leeds back in March. I may have remarked at the time that it had taken over two years and a lot of hard work (and much detailed analysis from Denise) and frustration to get to the IRP and challenge the Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision that my mother did not have a primary health need.
General
Back on Track?
After a couple of months without any serious rambling (multiple bouts of flu and cold etc. have kept us away), popped up to Snape yesterday for a fairly gentle ramble along the river Alde to Iken. Always plenty of wildlife to see along the river (should have taken the camera) and although we didn’t spot any seals on this occasion we were rewarded with a variety of birdlife. …
Leeds – Business and Pleasure!
Just back from a three night stay in Leeds. Based around a visit to the Department of Health in Quarry House (see below), we at least managed to get a look around the City Centre, fit in a play and film and have a couple of decent evening meals to kill the pain!
A Rambling We Shall Go – 2015
First ramble of the New Year today. Coincidentally, it started from Newbourne Village Hall, which was the location for our first Ramblers’ walk in June of last year. Not the same walk though, this one took in lovely countryside, some estuary walking along the Deben and parts of Kirton. Strongly suspect we transgressed some local path closures along the estuary, although it wasn’t marked as …
A Sunderland Christmas
Just back from Christmas with Scott and Ginnette in Sunderland. Lovely time, despite not feeling too good with man flu (cold, sore throat, cough etc.). Excellent home made food and an ‘extensive’ selection of alcohol. Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light to see an absolutely woeful display by the Black Cats as they lost 3-1 to Hull City, despite being gifted a goal in …
Pampering Day
Spent yesterday on a Spa Day special at Clarice House. This was what proved to be a cracking Christmas present from Scott and Ginnette that, as usual, we left till the last minute to use. The day consisted of a 45 minute swim (for me) in the morning, followed by a full one hour body message, a very good two course lunch and a shorter dip …
Rambling Alone….
Or more particularly, on this occasion without the rest of the Ipswich ramblers. Prompted by the threat that this was the last day of good weather (not forever, obviously) we decided to tackle the Sailors Path from Snape To Aldeburgh. Sadly, first section along the Alde was closed for repairs but, even with detour the ramble was a pleasant 6 miler or so – we even …
Day Trip Roundup
Just a catch up post to remind the oldies where we’ve been over the last week or so. Then, in our dotage when we forget all this we can check the blog and remind ourselves that we have actually been to these places. This of course presupposes that we will still be capable of operating a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen (note the order gives my age away!)
Oops!
Householder in significant lawnmower / pebble / patio window incident! Early reports indicate that the grandmother of three cats was unharmed, if a little angry and shocked. “Well, this has never happened to me before in the 17 years I’ve lived here”, she was reported to have said. Pebble named as culprit after gunfire, neighbours and meteor all discounted
Sutton Hoo
Spent much of the day at Sutton Hoo. Only the second visit here in the 19 years we’ve been down here. Whilst the exhibition and treasury are interesting and Tranmer House (furnished in the 1930s style, although the house is older) is a nice addition to the site, that’s all you get for the asking price and it that context it’s one of the National …
A Rambling We Shall Go – 2014
Been members of the Ramblers for years and never gone on a ramblers organised walk – until yesterday. Finally sauntered along to an Ipswich Ramblers led walk around Newbourne, Waldringfield and the Deben. Had the advantages of being one of the local areas we’ve never covered ourselves and we didn’t have to worry about maps etc, just let someone else take the strain. Oh, and …
Dementia Friends
Having watched my dad’s battle with dementia, this subject is close to our hearts and this initiative has been developed by the Alzheimer’s society. The video alone is a definite must watch and should dispel a few myths about this horrendous disease. The focus on how it can attack the relatively young is particularly affecting, although it doesn’t prepare you for the worst of the …