You probably already know this – but I only discovered it today.
When my iPhone is on the Lock Screen a swipe to the left brings up the camera.
I’ve usually tried to type in the code and have problems when wearing nitrile gloves.
Swiping to bring up the camera means that all I need to do is press the central button to take the picture – this is much easier.
I like to take pictures of my bees so this discovery is going to be really useful for me.
For the last two days the bees at home have been flying and much more active. They were bringing in pollen ( orange) today. So I decided to check they had sufficient food.
A quick check was all that was needed. The bees in the front garden have plenty of fondant left. They are busily eating it. Given they are bringing in pollen I didn’t give then any pollen substitute. There are lots of spring flowers out in the garden and in the park just up the road.
The two hives at Pigeon House were also flying. They had fondant but as I hadn’t seen pollen coming in, I gave them some substitute.
This table and extract is taken from https://creakyjoints.org( thank you to them) please see their website for more information.
Infections, such as respiratory viruses, can lead to flares as they affect the immune system.
Both creakyjoints.org and versusarthritis.org give advice on how to live with Arthritis. ( my old GP referred me to versusarthritis.org which I have found a very useful source).
H
So, what would I have done had I known there could be a flare up. Answer…..have available at all times the strongest painkiller possible.
I had morphine, gas and air and IV paracetamol ( given by paramedics) and it still didn’t kill the pain.
The hospital prescribed Codeine which does seem to be working.
I am not a fan of taking painkillers, but in certain situations and for short term use, I will now take them.
Is it just a coincidence that I had a massive flare up of my osteoarthritis approx 15 hours after receiving my COVID jab?
Has anyone else found the same thing happened to them?
My flare up was so bad that we called the paramedics and ambulance who took me to the A and E department of my local hospital.
Of course, it could just be a coincidence.
Do check out her website which gives you a flavour of her work
I’ve just booked my two hand online ( using the NHS app
First one this Thursday 25th Feb at 9:40
Second one on 13th May at 3:25
Both at our local pharmacy (5min walking distance)
This is Victors new house ready for when it gets a bit warmer!
We all know that walking is good for your physical and mental health. So why do you need to join a rambling group when you can walk round your local area by yourself or with a partner?
If like me you are enjoying discovering the area close to where you live and the many varied walks during this latest lockdown you will be wondering why I’m writing this article.
I was reflecting on a number of experiences that I have had both with South Cheshire Ramblers and with my two friends who I have been doing annual walks with and it emphasises 3 points for me.
So, once we can resume group walking:
Point 1: All walks will be led by an experienced leader who will have done a recce and will know the route. A risk assessment will have been carried out and there will be appropriate group management (middle and/or back marker and all th e Government guidelines followed). So you can be confident of not getting lost and you will be kept safe and well.
Point 2: You will join a walk with other similar like minded people and will be able to socialise in a safe and non threatening way. Who knows you my meet a future friend.
Point 3: you will have the opportunity of joining walks that take you to areas of the country you may not usually walk in.
Like many others I have been very upset to hear of people going out walking during the lockdown and putting the lives of our rescue services at risk, this is a headline from a recent newspaper;
“Mountain Rescue team hit by surge of call-outs during the 3rd National lockdown”
Point 2 is a little tongue in cheek, but walking in a group is a chance to meet people and have a good “natter”.
Point 3 is something I would like to expand on a little more.
Walking with South Cheshire Ramblers can take you to South Cheshire (local) to as far away as the Welsh border. Different leaders will take you to their favourite area and this means a great variety of different walks. Also, the holidays and breaks with the group have taken us to various parts of England, Scotland and Wales;
Walking with my two friends is exactly the same; there is a social side, we take care to navigate carefully and we have visited some fantastic places.
I know there are a number of local groups separate to the ramblers, but I believe you can only be guaranteed the 3 points I’ve listed above if you join a Rambling group that is part of Ramblers UK.
To finish; I would like to give you 2 places I have visited with South Cheshire Ramblers
Place One: Scotland:
We have visited Tyndrum, Pitlochrie and Melrose for 3 separate week long holidays in Scotland.
For each of the holidays, there are about 30 walkers, we are taken by coach to the destinations and spend 3 days walking in the local area. We stay in good quality hotels with breakfast and evening meal included. The scenery and the walking opportunities are fantastic. As with all group walking, the walks are pre planned and led by an experienced leader. The local rambling group gave us advice on the conditions for the Melrose walks. As you can imagine it is not possible to recce these in advance.
Place Two: Ludlow in Shropshire and the Mangalonga
The Managalonga is part of the Ludlow food festival a nd is a way of enjoying a good walk and sampling the local food and drink. As you can see in the picture above, there is a tent at the various stopping points where food and drink is served.
The Shropshire scenery is stunning and walk is always varied. The route changes each year.
As it is a popular walk, a ticket has to be obtained in advance and each group sets off at a given time so as to spread the walkers out. The route is well marked and is easy to follow. At the start you are given a glass for the drinks and a card to be stamped at each of the stops. Examples of the cards are shown below.
I would like to thank Eileen for organising the two outings I’ve mentioned.
Without the work of Eileen and Phil (who has organised other trips I have been on), the holidays and social side of the Rambling group would not take place.
For the led walks, there needs to be leaders. So again, thanks go to them for organising, leading and ultimately taking responsibility for our enjoyment and safety.
steve butterfield 