Sunday 31 March 2019

What we did in rehab...

The past two months have flown by during which Nina's Family have come and gone, friends visited us on site and the days have lengthened...

Lynda and Terry, Nina's parents are en route home via the Santander ferry as I post and for their help and unfailing support we thank them immensely

We are on our lonesome at this moment with just a few souls on site and we are just chilling...
When the car goes back to the rental agency on wednesday and we head North to Rudy & Dorines' for the next three months it will be more like the old welcomed routine for us

More Xrays on tues and hopefully the nod for Nina to begin putting weight on her leg now
A phsiotherapy consultation at another hospital in Cartagena in a couple of weeks will reveal whats in store for her repaired leg by way of a probable intensive exercise programme

Below are some photos taken during the past couple of months on the days spent with friends and family in the local area


Lynda & Terry with 'Joe' their bundle of trouble...



Downtown Cartagena





One of many afternoon trips to neighbouring Puerto de Mazarron


One of Lynda's typical 'bulk me out' meals that she seemed to be cooking most days bless her...


The marina at Puerto


Lynda's adaption of a Full English (how I miss them already!)


Sat waiting for the Xrays results on one of many hospital visits


Louise and Cameron come out for a week of sunshine


Cameron pushed whilst Nina closed her eyes....



The Batteria overlooking the approach to Cartagena



Now where's that trigger?



The stuff of 'Game of Thrones'


I wanted to pass comment naturally but tactfully abstained



Martyn flies out for a few days stopping both with us and at 'Grandma's' at Bolnuevo



Beautiful weather as ever


The moon from our bedroom slideout


More food from the hands of our motherly nutritionalist
Cauliflower cheese and Shepherd's Pie


More food shots whilst out dining



Off to Aguilas one day we pass Keith on the high mountain road


We are both mightilly impressed on our way back when we pass him several hours later cycling back up the same hills heading for home



Sat at Paco's with Keith & Chris


Ta Da!
She's on her feet and mobile, well on one leg at least...


Acquired from the mobility guy at Campasol and decorated to brighten things up


Nina looking so much better now


Mick and Deb arrive and the six of us head for an afternoon's entertainment down at the bar
Juan is getting better at banging out melodies on his guitar and Paco joins in on the fun


The Boys


The Girls


Guess who's birthday it is?


Nichola flies out for a week from Ireland and is shown the ropes
She also found an Irish bar one evening with her mum I'm told

So next week we move on
Hopefully the three months at Casa Rudo will see Nina up on her feet and will be an excellent venue complete with pool for her to do the serious pyhsio and rehab now required

An RV with one of those T Bone Steaks is on the cards soon me thinks.....
















Tuesday 26 March 2019

Bottoming out..

The time spent since Mum passed away has flown by and thats down to us being busy each day and having friends around us

At first we found it very difficult as the day to day process of life with one partner completely dependent on the other for the most basic of things took its toll I'm afraid on us both
Add to that the necessity to grieve the loss of a loved one and soon we inevitably hit rock bottom...

There are times we feel burnt out and struggle to keep up the smiles for those around us but we soldier on as there's no choice really but to grind it out

Keith is on hand and close by keeping a watchful eye on us and his subtle timely interventions (culinary and socially) are most welcomed. On several occasions he props me up with a listening ear, a manhug or two and ofcourse a crafty beer usually whilst servicing Tasca
For this I will always be grateful...

We are joined on site by Mick & Deb and shortly afterwards its time to go pick up Chris from nearby Murcia airport

Our time is spent between visits to the hospital, socialising on site with chums and most days round at Bolnuevo with family. Its full on but crucially time consuming which means the days pass quickly, Nina progresses and we lift ourselves up and look forward to reconnecting with our 'normal' life

No photos here, more of an update on our state of mind I think

We have learnt much these past few weeks and are most thankfull for the support we've received

Onwards and Upwards!