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Update.
Billy Connolly: Journey To The Edge Of The World.
I am very much looking forward to watching another chapter of this wonderful new series on ITV1 on Thursday at 9pm. This epic journey, in the company of the very amiable Billy Connolly, covers ten weeks travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across Canada, above the Arctic Circle, via the Northwest Passage. I cannot think of anything more I would rather watch that these ‘Journey’s of a lifetime’. For one thing, it is most unlikely that I would ever manage to see these awe inspiring places, and simply wonderful scenery. Mr.Connolly started his journey at Pier 21 in the very busy sea port of Halifax in Nova Scotia.and for me what adds well to all his travel programs, is Billy’s total joy of life, his delight and enthusiastic dialogue as we travel with him on this fabulous journey. It was so nice to witness his camaraderie with everyone he met along the way. This Thursday we see the comedian continuing his journey through the remote regions of Canada and along to Baffin Island, he will met the Inuit communities, and then along for a two day trek into the Auyuittuq National Park. I do know he joins a seal hunt? so not too sure about that, but if like me, you like to travel the world from the comfort of your armchair, do take a look at this short four episodes series. It’s certainly worth a watch.
Lamb Shanks – Susie Style
Such a great dish for those colder days, long slow cooking is the secret , the more hours on a very low temperature ensures the most succulent and tender lamb.
1 lamb shank per person, some rosemary and thyme – fresh is best.1 clove of garlic per shank, carrots and onions , a good rich stock and at least half a pint of good red wine about 50/50, to cover the entire shanks.
Dust shanks in a little flour and brown on all side in a little olive oil, place in good large casserole pot. Then fry the onions in the same pan until a lovely golden brown add the sliced carrots and chopped garlic and stir in with the onions and cook for a min or two further, then add generous amounts of rosemary and thyme, salt and black pepper.
Place this mixture on top of the lamb shanks in the casserole, add stock and the red wine to cover and place in a pre- heated oven cook on high for 10 min’s then turn down to a low temperature about 150c and cook for as long as possible – I usually cook them all afternoon. If you are doing a large number – separate into two dishes and use appropriate amounts of carrots and onions.
Serve with love and a good bowl of fresh spinach, lovely creamy mash or Baked potatoes , it makes a great hearty supper dish for colder days.
A Disappointing Consultation.
It was not a good consultation for Hamada this Monday at Lincoln. A very disappointing CBC again, alongside the news that the Doctor does not feel Velcade is in Hamada’s best interest. We were so hoping for the benefits of this drug. The Doctor is of the opinion, that Velcade is way too powerful for Hamada’s already weaken state, believing it will do more harm than good? I will of course, see what a second opinion thinks, but at this time the doctor feels it is not an option. There is thought that Thalidomide may be used once again, to try to reduced the very high, now at 6.3 para protein (M spike) or as a ‘last ditch attempt’! It seems he would prefer to ‘manage’ the Myeloma in an effort not to do further damage with even more strong chemotherapy. Hamada has accepted this, but it does not ‘sit well’ with me at all. Although I clearly understand what the Doctor is trying to say – and knowing this time would surely come along – I am by nature, a ‘fighter’ and find this the most difficult time of all. It is written across Hamada’s notes that this terrible disease is now too hard to treat!
It has not been easy to write this post, as I am sure you are all well aware.
For those who understand these readings: PLT.now at 39(normal 143-332) HGB10.7 WBC1.05 NEU 0.58 and Paraprotein 6.3
So my friends “make everyday a masterpiece”…
All comments welcomed.
Deal On Myeloma Drug !
Great news yesterday as we heard that the drug advisers have changed guidance on Lenalidomide, also known as Revlimid. Revised draft guidance has agreed access to the treatment for myeloma sufferers, under a cost -sharing deal where the drug company will pick up the cost after two years. This is the first guidance from NICE to be revised after the new rules, designed to be more flexible in judging treatments, offering survival benefits in terminal conditions. This latest recommendation is out for consultation until the 20th February.
You can read the more on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7859053.stm and also more from the wonderful http://www.myeloma.co.uk/ who have fought so hard for this to come about.
It is indeed the most wonderful news.
"Horncastle" by Susie Hemingway.
This very enticing bustling town
With old streets that go round and round
With brimming river running through
It was so nice to share with you
A market place that stands so proud
Where, on a good day, the crowds abound
Horncastle, its charms and you
With seagulls and a sky of blue
We stood to watch the ducks in view
A lovely place to spend us two,
A charming town with lovely folk
Who always stop to chat and joke,
The pretty streets in olden days
A halcyon town in every way
Time spent in Horncastle dear with you
A smile it brings when I review…
Copyright@ 2008
Poem selected for publication in the forthcoming book “Heartlands”
Photos Courtesy of Matt Rutherford: All Rights Reserved.
How Nice..
It was rather a surprise but very nice to hear, one of my poems read so beautifully by the Reverend Avril Ford, at the Sunday service in our village church this morning. You can read the full poem: “And The Heavens Smiled” on http://www.susiehemingway.blogspot.com
In Quiet Days – by Susie Hemingway
In quiet days as fearsome news
imparted so gently, comes to view,
your face so stoic hardly moves
my accepting warrior, my hero true.
The look that really says it all,
and although you can’t, your standing tall,
as beautiful hand is placed on mine,
I bite my lip, as the clock chimes.
Say nothing yet, let’s think it through
for actions now will be askew,
decisions made in quiet ways, will pave
for you another day.
The reality that stings my eyes
the sadness as results arrive,
in watchful bide my thoughts of you,
your boldness gallant fighter true.
In quiet days of misty cold
our world is smaller, but not letting go,
this ‘beast’ that creeps within our realm,
will, with courage, be crushed down.
My accepting warrior, my hero true…
A Lovely Gift !
We were so lucky to receive many wonderful gifts at Hemingway this Christmas. Among them all was this delightful ‘Panettone al cioccalte’ which we will enjoy so much during the coming weeks. It is lovely just eaten as it comes, or warmed and spread with some good butter, or indeed made into the most marvellous Bread and Butter Pudding for a wonderful Winter treat. The weather is really cold now, so how comforting this will be. Thank you kind givers X
Not So Good Readings For Hamada !
Just before Christmas we received the latest very disappointing blood results for Hamada. I felt it was not the right time to post them but here they are now. I would welcome please, any comments or emails from the very knowledgeable Myeloma Folk who are following Hamada’s Journey.
HGB -11
WBC- 1.2
PLT – 40
NEU -0.72
and worst of all – Para protein (M-Spike) 5.3 – ( Last reading 1.9 )
More tests to be done in the coming weeks and then the decision will be made as and when to use Velcade. ( Hamada has no more stored stem-cells )
lgG Kappa