1yr #Hipaversary #hiparthroscopy

It’s finally been my 1year Anniversary since my last surgery, my Hip Arthroscopic surgery. And to celebrate it, we did it in style.

First off we visited #50cent for his 15th Anniversary Get Rich Or Die Trying Tour, this is immense, I loved every single second of it. We had Lethal Bizzle first up, then 50cent and GUnit. It was like the 00’s had come alive once again. And better yet, we knew once we got home and slept, we were off on Holiday!!

So off we flew the next day in the afternoon to #Rhodes hip obviously hates flying but I was well prepared for this.

To arrive here in the gorgeous sunshine, I knew it was the right decision to go.

This one wonderful week away, we visited as many sites as we could. Drove around the island and swam nearly everyday. I ate better here than I ever have done on a Spanish island (easier for veggie food too) the warmth honestly did my hip some good, as well as my hands. Though ankles continued to swell each day if we had been on our feet alot. But painwise the warm dry heat does absolute magic to them!! This is why pensioners move aboard.

We did a fair amount of steps, we had to stop every few so I could adjust hip, take stock and breathe into it. But boy oh boy was I rewarded. Going down was always my worse part, but I did it and so did my dodgy ole hip that’s going to be replaced. It’s like its final adventure with me. I get sad thinking that soon it won’t be with me, but I know it’s daft really. Anyone else feel a bit sad??

So I’ve made it to 1yr and it’s been a huge learning curve, my fitness has improved greatly, the muscles around the hip are stronger, I trust myself more which was a huge mental issue for many years. And all because I took physio seriously and did it religiously. I also stopped trying to race ahead and do more than my hip wanted to do, I kept to the basics and finally got results. Granted it never stopped my pain or limitations of the hip, but I’m sure that once it’s replaced, it will greatly improve my recovery period.

And better yet, I didn’t put on the usual 5lbs + that I usually do on holiday!! We ate more like at home, less carbs, more protein and salads and I came home 1lb heavier, which has already gone 3 days after getting home.

Obviously I got off the plane and I couldn’t speak, lost my voice. Maybe air con had something to do with it. The day after being home I had to see the doctor, as I felt super poorly. And it’s laryngitis so on antibiotics and feeling very sorry for myself right now. But what a week we had!!!!

Occam’s Razor by Stewart Giles #BlogBookTour

From the #Bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes a new addition to the popular Detective Jason Smith series. 

A football player is shot dead in front of a packed crowd of people.

DS Jason Smith is put in charge of the investigation. The murder weapon is found in a house across the road from the football ground. It is a rare Russian army issue sniper rifle. As the investigation hits dead end after dead end, two government agents arrive and take over, pushing Smith and his colleagues to the side. As more people die Smith quickly realises these agents are not who they claim to be. He is forced into the dark world of these phantoms and he finds himself at the mercy of his old nemesis; the man who kidnapped his sister years earlier.

This is a gripping thriller with twists and turns all the way to the stunning ending.

About the Author

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later. Horsemen, the seventh in the DS Smith thriller series is out now. The Beekeeper, a departure from the DS Smith series will be released through Joffe Books on 22 May.

Links

Website: www.stewartgiles.com

Twitter: @stewartgiles

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

My Review

So following on front the previous books I find myself reading another in the series, and diving more into the detectives past. We learn more of his personal history, and you start to feel like he’s someone you know in real life.

You learn how and why he behaves the way he does, what makes him tick. Clever really as most show all sides to their main character in the first book, leaving little to be revealed and discovered. It’s more exciting this way, and you go through a myriad of emotions, and you’ll love, hate and feel sorry for him all at different stages.

Blog Book Tour #Ladybird by Stewart Giles

Ladybird (DS Smith #3)

Available from: AMAZON

Detective Sergeant Jason Smith is days away from the end of his sick leave after a case that almost cost him his life when he gets a call from an old friend. His friend has been arrested for the murder of a student. He wants Smith to investigate the murder and prove his innocence. Smith is persuaded return to work. The student was killed with a bread knife. Ladybirds were scattered on his dead body.

When another man is found dead with ladybirds on his body, Smith enlists the help of an insect doctor, the enigmatic DR Karen Wood, to try and understand the significance of the ladybirds. As Smith gets drawn closer to this mysterious woman and more and more men wind up dead with ladybirds on their bodies Smith quickly realises that Dr Wood is not who she seems to be.

Smith and his team unearth a terrible secret from twenty years earlier; somebody wants justice and, as more and more men die, Smith realises he is running out of time to find out who.

Stewart Giles – Author Bio

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later.

Links

Website: www.stewartgiles.com

Twitter: @stewartgiles

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com

My Review

Digging back into the world of Jason Smith it’s fast paced from the start. Now his friend the Ghoul is accused. The story has so many twists in the tale. It’s a race against time, as more and more deaths occur.

I feel more connected to the characters, learning new insights with every book read, back stories unfolding, and now you have a vested interest in theirs lives, their emotions and relationships, like they are actual people you know in real life.

Now I can’t wait for more… So glad I found this series and this author.

51 weeks Post #HipArthroscopy

Nearly one year since my Arthroscopy, and so much has happened. It’s slipped and crunched it’s way through this year.

I’ve simultaneously felt stronger fitter and healthier, while feeling more vulnerable, more disabled at times, and more anxious that I can’t trust the joint.

So you could say it’s been a huge roller coaster, all the more frustrating as the times it’s at the highest peak it’s been amazing, I can almost taste a normal life. Only to come crashing down, and feel lost and depressed.

Not to worry though, it’s all go for the upcoming surgery. So now I feel positive and Energized for the future, and what it could bring us too.

Bloods taken this week to test for ESR and CRP levels once again. Apparently I should of had them done in May, but no one told me!! See what they say and I see the rheumatologist in one month’s time too.

Blog Book Tour Decree Absolute by W A Cooper

Decree Absolute by W A Cooper

Available from AMAZON

Jessica Barron no longer believes in love.

Her first husband died tragically and she discovers her second husband in flagrante with their children’s nanny. But with the faithless pair gone, her parents holidaying overseas, and her friend Amy in no state to assist, the Leeds divorce advocate can’t juggle the demands of her job with the care of her children, Luke and Gemmy, who she is emotionally estranged from. Jessica needs a new nanny, and fast.

Renée Arden is over relationships. Reeling from a recent break up, the Home Solution Agency owner is temporarily homeless. When Jessica mistakes her for a staff member, the solution is obvious. Renée will step in as nanny.

On their initial meeting Jessica and Renée clash. But desperate times call for desperate measures and the women put aside their differences. Both women, in their own way, need each other.

Renée’s efficient running of the household, enables Jessica to reconnect with her children and their relationship moves from professional to friendship, with the possibility of so much more.

But circumstances and supposed friends conspire against them.

Further heartbreak, hidden truths and secret desires test their fledgling relationship.

Decree Absolute…the end is a new beginning. Or is it?

My Review

Its a very different style of my usual crime, murder mysteries. And I’m so glad I took a chance on this. Some books are intense and pull you in with intrigue, wrapped in mystery. Others are lighter to read, easier to follow and have their own place in your life. And this book is the later for me. A real kick off your shoes, snuggle down with hot chocolate read. Nothing to stressful to read, so you feel relaxed, and entertained.  I hated the main character at first Jessica, she ruffled my feathers, though I could see why she behaved the way she did, and as the story progresses, you soften and grow with her throughout the story unfolding. Enough intrigue to keep me turning each page, eager to see how they develop. A perfect beachy holiday book. Loved it.

AUTHOR BIO

Hi my name is Wendy Cooper. Growing up surrounded by books was a given. Dad was a bookseller back in the day and I worked for a publishing company in England on my big overseas adventure. I couldn’t escape the lure of books if I wanted to. For thirty years I was a flight attendant with our national carrier, and still immersed myself in reading on those long tours of duty away from New Zealand. On retiring from that career I settled on the Volcanic Plateau with my partner and two exotic cats who bring us much joy with their antics.

Travel writing and photography diplomas make up the sum total of my academic background. I prefer to inform those who ask, I graduated from the University of Life and am doing post graduate studies for the rest of my life!

I’ve been mentored by two fantastic writers who have helped my writing get to where it is today. Lee Murray and Eileen Mueller thank you for believing in me.

Women’s fiction with strong romantic themes (mainly gay women, but not exclusively) seems to be where my genre lies. Once I’ve written all the stories I have on my ‘To do’ list, I might try fantasy. There’s a blind dragon who has befriended a fairy who can’t fly. They would like their story told. Amazon Author Page…

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wendy.cooper.54922

First step…

Here is the day, bit faster than I thought if I’m completely honest, but it’s due to a cancellation. I rang up ROH just enquiring about the possible dates of the 3d CT scan, and she offered to book there and then. So exactly 20days after my consultant appointment, I’m back here to have the CT scan.

Bundle of nerves, not for the scan as that’s fine, but the knowing I’m firmly on this replacement train. Even though I’m 100% sure about doing it, I’m still nervous, and anxious over it all.

The traditional CT scan compared to the 3d version. It’s all very clever and well above my comprehension.

Of course I had to rep my tee, while I was there. It usually breaks the ice and gets people talking, so that’s a bonus. You can buy yours Here

*I get a small comission from each sold*

CT scan lasted all of a few mins, nice and easy really, apart from me personally keeping my toes together. I struggle to internally rotate the left leg, so holding it for a few mins feels like a lifetime.

Exciting times ahead. But for now it’s relax back at home and eat my most delicious dinner made by hubby. Half an muffin toasted with bacon and scrambled egg.

Book blog tour, Boomerang by Stewart Giles

Once again I’m embarking on a journey of books on this book blog tour, and it’s another Stewart Giles book, but a different series. It’s book 2 I’ve jumped in on, but I did read book one too.

I give you Boomerang

A MAN IS KILLING PEOPLE IN YORK!

Initially the murders appear to be the random acts of a maniac.

Detective Jason Smith is put in charge of the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the murders are all connected to him in one way or another.

All of the killings correspond to events in Smith’s life and the murderer leaves dates at the crime scene which tie up to important dates in Smith’s history. When one of the dates is a time before Smith was even born, he realises he must look deep into the past to find a way to stop the worst spate of murders in York’s long history.

As the countdown begins can Jason catch York’s first serial killer before it’s too late?

THE SETTING

York is a historic walled city in North Yorkshire, England.

At the confluence of the River Ouse and Foss, York is the traditional county town of the historic county of Yorkshire. York Minster and a variety of cultural and sporting activities make it a popular tourist destination.

THE DETECTIVES

DS Jason Smith is an Australian who was sent to York to live with his Grandmother when his sister disappeared from a beach. He has suffered many losses in his short life and is now a dedicated detective. He is a bit of a loose cannon he has his own way of doing things and that doesn’t always mean following orders and procedures.

DS Thompson is of the same rank as Jason, but he doesn’t have the same support or success. He and Jason have a love/hate relationship which brings a bit of humour to the series. Thompson is old school and thinks his age should give him respect and privileges, but life doesn’t work that way for him.

DC Erica Witton is Jason’s preferred partner they work well together and share a bond. She isn’t always appreciated by Jason, but they care about each other and that brings a different dimension to the series.

BOOKS BY STEWART GILES

DS JASON SMITH SERIES

Book 0.5	–	Phobia
Book 1	–	Smith
Book 2	–	Boomerang
Book 3	–	Ladybird
Book 4	–	Occam’s Razor
Book 5	–	Harlequin
Book 6	–	Selene
Book 7	–	Horsemen
Book 8	–	Unworthy

DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES

Book 1	–	The Beekeeper
Book 2	–	The Perfect Murder
Book 3	–	The Backpacker

Stewart Giles – Author Bio

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later.

Links

Website: www.stewartgiles.com

Twitter: @stewartgiles

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

My Review

Here I am once again thoroughly gripped and immersed into a fast paced, murder mystery. Following the mystery unfold through the Detective’s eyes. I love the two different timelines and the international aspect of the stories, and that the book kept me guessing right to the last point.

Though a second book in this Smith series, it is a stand alone book. The adventure starts from the first sentence and does not let up until the end.

I found the characters likeable and indenfiable, some you will love and warm your heart, others are horrid and you will hate them, but respect them too. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!

Familiar aches are back… 50 weeks post #HipArthroscopy

Charting my journey as its nearly a whole year since my Hip Arthroscopy Surgery, at the time I knew I was potentially only saving myself an extra year or so from Hip replacement. However it ended up a lot sooner than I imagined, meaning I sought a steroid injection to stabilise the joint back in June, and now already I’m in the process of being on the waiting list to replace it.

It’s been a good year however, I’ve improved all the muscles, and strength which was important to me, and I firmly believe it will give me a better foundation to build on, following the replacement.

It’s now 10 weeks since the Hip steroid and that pains been back a far while, and no surprise if I’m honest. It lasted at best 4 weeks. A bloody glorious 4 weeks too.

My CMC joint steroid was 9 weeks ago and it worked immediately, and completely too. And just today at 9 weeks, I’m starting to feel the bone crushing sensation on the joint. So hard to explain it really, just feels like a constant vice on the joint. Well that’s back, I’m thinking a turn in weather temperature brought that back into my life.

This poor hand never catches a break, as recently I fell over and created a TFCC tear in the same hand. So lots of bracing, ibuprofen and rest for now. Thankfully that pain which was intense, has subsided into an ache, and overall weakness.

I confess in the time since I’ve fell which was 2 weeks ago tomorrow, I haven’t done any #couch25k #couchto5k as I was too sore and swollen from falling. Then we did Blackpool a week later, and hip has been 💯 bitch since. So sharp, so stabby, even while sitting down, or lying down, that the thought of standing on it has not appealed in the slightest.

Next week it’s 3d CT Scan time, it feels like things are actually happening, and there’s an end to this pain….

Out of our comfort zone

If like me you don’t actually like crowds, deep rooted fear of falling over, being pushed, walking stick kicked from under me. Then you’ll understand how scary this is. But we did it!!

What did we do…. It all started with a competition on Facebook, to see #BlackpoolLightsSwitchOn I casually shared and commented on their page and a week later I got an email saying I’d won 3 tickets to the big switch on.

Brilliant!! Exciting and nerve wrecking, especially when you hear it attracts 20,000 people. Come again…. How many?? Oh god, what will I do. Well nowt for it, but grin and bear it and make the most of it all, as it’s a chance in a lifetime. And there’s fireworks too. I’m sold.

We arrived at 3pm so just time to shop at primark and hunt down a spoons (wetherspoons) for early tea. We had until 7pm to get into the arena.

We sat outside and had a wonderful view of the tower, sun was glorious, food totally delicious even though it wracked up too 1,544 cals!! And the pink gin was refreshing.

Now to see the queues, eek!! Will we get a good spot??

Thankfully not our queue!! Green bands queue was tiny at 6.30pm so soon strolled in, while #Hrvy was singing.

Ended up winding through the people getting closer and closer, and with 2 huge screens it ended up being a decent spot.

After #Hrvy it was #R3wireAndVarski more up my street with drum n bass beats being played. The crowd thankfully loved it too, lots were bouncing and cheering, what an atmosphere!!

Sun going down made this event so magickal, the weather was perfect.

After the madness of drum n bass, it was #EllaEyre which I loved too. I was excited to see her.

Then #Diversity and #Dvj which I have no photos of, as by this point my child had stolen my phone to Snapchat on. They were electric to watch, great seeing a newer generation of them too.

#AlfieBoe came on and the countdown to the lights was on…. He only sang one song though, and while speaking I was disheartened that the crowd were too loud to actually hear him.

Fireworks lasted about 2mins which was a disappointment admittedly. But the lights were twinkling and I’m feeling incredibly lucky to be here. Last up it’s #JonasBlue which I honestly though was going to be my worse, but in no way was it. Full of well known clubbing tunes. Meant to end at 10pm but we partied on until 10.30pm.

I envisioned chaos getting out, but none of that happened, it was well organised and getting out was simple and done in a few mins.

Hip hated every second of this, but I’m at a point where I don’t care. I took tramadol to combat it, though I don’t remember it ever working really. Just shifted my focus instead. Walking was a very very painful experience, and getting home my ankles looked like this

Super swollen, and painful. But I can rest now for days and recover. Hip is obviously worse, sharp groin knife like pains, but I hope it will all be a distant memory soon.

I’m so glad I dealt with my anxiety and stepped so far out of my comfort zone, because this was an incredible day, one I’d definitely do again!!