So I've joined another ship today. Once again a dredger and once again a ship I have sailed on in the past but quite a while ago! The Arco Arun.
I've sailed with some of the crew on board and so a week won't be so long, will it?
It always seems such a drag having to pack up and come back to sea, so maybe this is telling me that I really don't want to do it many more times. I've become such a home bird it's sad! Anyway I know once I get on board and get stuck in I'm usually ok.
I joined in Dagenham today. Right by the Ford car plant.
I dropped off Maisie at my parents for a mini break as hubby isn't home until tomorrow! Good or bad timing?!
On arrival I had a bite to eat and then the guy whom I'm relieving started showing me round a bit. He is getting off on Thursday when we come back into Dagenham so I'll have a bit of time to re acquaint myself with everything before he goes.
So off to bed now so I'm up and fresh minded in the morning! It's been a long day!
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Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Friday, 7 September 2012
Paralympic cycling
Today, mum and I have made the journey down to the Brands Hatch to watch the Paralympic cycling.
What an absolutely wonderful spectacle so far.
The races today are all hand cycling races. The first race started at 1030 and was a 48km race for women followed shortly after by the men's race. These were the category of riders who were most severely paralysed and they cycle almost lying flat and using their hands to propel themselves.
The women's race included 2 British riders ( the only Brits of the day)
We managed to find a place just by the 50metre mark on the finishing straight which gave us a great view of the final parts of each lap.
Part of the 5km course goes out on the local roads and then once back inside the circuit they endure a gruelling ride up a huge hill. I'd find it hard to cycle up myself!
The gold & silver medals went to USA and the bronze was won by I e of the British girls.
Meanwhile the men were also racing and in that field of riders we were cheering for the Irish chap, Mark Rohan. We had found good spaces by the track and ended up making friends with the people next to us. There was an Irish lad called Dermot so we helped him waving his flag and then there was Tony. He had been a games maker at Wimbledon during the Olympics and had had a brilliant time. His wife is currently volunteering at the Excel arena. They are from Leicester and have spent their summer in their camper van near London. He was ill with cancer last year and wasn't sure if he would be well enough for his training let alone the Olympics but he said the thought of it had spurred him on through his treatment. He said he was a lot better now and had felt to proud of himself for doing it.
We went up near the medals ceremony and then said farewell to our cheering buddies.
We have had an ice cream, bought a couple of souvenirs and have now walked to a different vantage point to watch the next two races. Hand races again but this time we are cheering for Mr Leon. He is from Haiti and during the recent earthquake he lost his wife, 8 children and was left paralysed!! What a man!! He has just retired after 3 laps but to be here at all and compete is a true achievement.
The next two races will feature the great Italian Alex Zanardi. A former racing driver he was involved in an horrific accident which left him with no legs. He has already won a gold here and is hoping for another.
What a wonderful day we are having!
What an absolutely wonderful spectacle so far.
The races today are all hand cycling races. The first race started at 1030 and was a 48km race for women followed shortly after by the men's race. These were the category of riders who were most severely paralysed and they cycle almost lying flat and using their hands to propel themselves.
The women's race included 2 British riders ( the only Brits of the day)
We managed to find a place just by the 50metre mark on the finishing straight which gave us a great view of the final parts of each lap.
Part of the 5km course goes out on the local roads and then once back inside the circuit they endure a gruelling ride up a huge hill. I'd find it hard to cycle up myself!
The gold & silver medals went to USA and the bronze was won by I e of the British girls.
Meanwhile the men were also racing and in that field of riders we were cheering for the Irish chap, Mark Rohan. We had found good spaces by the track and ended up making friends with the people next to us. There was an Irish lad called Dermot so we helped him waving his flag and then there was Tony. He had been a games maker at Wimbledon during the Olympics and had had a brilliant time. His wife is currently volunteering at the Excel arena. They are from Leicester and have spent their summer in their camper van near London. He was ill with cancer last year and wasn't sure if he would be well enough for his training let alone the Olympics but he said the thought of it had spurred him on through his treatment. He said he was a lot better now and had felt to proud of himself for doing it.
We went up near the medals ceremony and then said farewell to our cheering buddies.
We have had an ice cream, bought a couple of souvenirs and have now walked to a different vantage point to watch the next two races. Hand races again but this time we are cheering for Mr Leon. He is from Haiti and during the recent earthquake he lost his wife, 8 children and was left paralysed!! What a man!! He has just retired after 3 laps but to be here at all and compete is a true achievement.
The next two races will feature the great Italian Alex Zanardi. A former racing driver he was involved in an horrific accident which left him with no legs. He has already won a gold here and is hoping for another.
What a wonderful day we are having!
UPDATE - Alex Zanardi went in to win another gold medal !
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Days when I wish I could paint!
We're enjoying Southern Ireland this week. With all the rain we've had I'm glad we ditched the camping plan and rented a cottage. The sun came out and we went for a bike ride and I wished I could paint!
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Olympics
Although I was a bit reserved and not really bothered about London 2012 I have to say I've been sucked in!!
I sat down with trepidation on Friday to see 'what they've come up with' for the Opening Ceremony. I was amazed and open mouthed at how fabulous it was. Ok so some of it seemed a bit surreal, like live animals in a stereotypical British landscape, children bouncing on giant beds. Overall though I was very impressed. I felt very proud, once again, to be British.
My favourite bit has to be Her Majesty getting involved with Daniel 'Mr Bond' Craig and also Rowan 'Mr Bean' Atkinson.
Of course we had to wheel out Mr McCartney to try to sing another dirgy tune from years ago. He was out of sync and why not sing a more upbeat Beatles song?
I was out on Saturday but since Saturday afternoon I've been glued to the TV. I'm not usually a huge sports fan but I've been enjoying the cycling, equestrian, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, gymnastics and beach volleyball.
I've been flicking between channels (I'm glad hubby isn't here as we'd be arguing about what to watch)catching all the action.
Such a shame to see empty seats, feel very lucky to have tickets to canoe sprint and football in Cardiff at the end of next week. Have been looking at the website to see what other tickets are available.
Have now got more tickets for the Paralympics for cycling and equestrian events so even more excited!
Of course I'm working tomorrow and Thursday this week so how will I manage?
I sat down with trepidation on Friday to see 'what they've come up with' for the Opening Ceremony. I was amazed and open mouthed at how fabulous it was. Ok so some of it seemed a bit surreal, like live animals in a stereotypical British landscape, children bouncing on giant beds. Overall though I was very impressed. I felt very proud, once again, to be British.
My favourite bit has to be Her Majesty getting involved with Daniel 'Mr Bond' Craig and also Rowan 'Mr Bean' Atkinson.
Of course we had to wheel out Mr McCartney to try to sing another dirgy tune from years ago. He was out of sync and why not sing a more upbeat Beatles song?
I was out on Saturday but since Saturday afternoon I've been glued to the TV. I'm not usually a huge sports fan but I've been enjoying the cycling, equestrian, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, gymnastics and beach volleyball.
I've been flicking between channels (I'm glad hubby isn't here as we'd be arguing about what to watch)catching all the action.
Such a shame to see empty seats, feel very lucky to have tickets to canoe sprint and football in Cardiff at the end of next week. Have been looking at the website to see what other tickets are available.
Have now got more tickets for the Paralympics for cycling and equestrian events so even more excited!
Of course I'm working tomorrow and Thursday this week so how will I manage?
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Hobbling
Isn't it amazing how easily and quickly you can injure yourself?
Yesterday morning I was walking downstairs with one armful of washing and another on the bannister when two steps from the bottom, my left foot slipped and I ended up landing most of my weight on my big toe! Ouch! Not the first word which sprang to mind.
I sat on the bottom step, still clutching the laundry, holding my foot and holding back the tears. What pain!
Hubby is away so I couldn't just crumble in a heap and let him take over.
I had a few plans for yesterday but apart from putting the laundry into the washing machine most of the day was spent with my foot up, with ice applied.
I hobbled around the block with Maisie dog who was keen to get a walk but that took ages and was painful too.
This morning my toe had turned a lovely purple- black colour, was swollen and painful to touch or bend.
I managed, somehow, to drive to a couple of local patients but I ended up postponing a couple of more distant ones.
Let's hope it feels better tomorrow. I have more patients and I don't think it looks too good if your foot lady turns up hobbling/limping.
Yesterday morning I was walking downstairs with one armful of washing and another on the bannister when two steps from the bottom, my left foot slipped and I ended up landing most of my weight on my big toe! Ouch! Not the first word which sprang to mind.
I sat on the bottom step, still clutching the laundry, holding my foot and holding back the tears. What pain!
Hubby is away so I couldn't just crumble in a heap and let him take over.
I had a few plans for yesterday but apart from putting the laundry into the washing machine most of the day was spent with my foot up, with ice applied.
I hobbled around the block with Maisie dog who was keen to get a walk but that took ages and was painful too.
This morning my toe had turned a lovely purple- black colour, was swollen and painful to touch or bend.
I managed, somehow, to drive to a couple of local patients but I ended up postponing a couple of more distant ones.
Let's hope it feels better tomorrow. I have more patients and I don't think it looks too good if your foot lady turns up hobbling/limping.
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