What to do when you’re confined and are remembering your
health comes first … I have been really frustrated: it’s now week 5 of the six –
that has been the salient time for exercise, getting out and walking a little
and of course healing up …
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| Columbian Emeralds and Indian diamonds in the Cheapside Hoard Salamander jewel |
Except I seem to have got to that point at about week 3 and a
half … and sort of hit this ‘fog’ of what to do: sense and sensibility did kick
in and I did try and consolidate … but I was bored.
Thankfully a talk on “Conflict and Creation – Art and World
War One” came up at the beginning of week 4 – and so I took myself off.
The next night I went to hear a talk on “The History of
Jewellery from Elizabeth I to the present day” at our large theatre.
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| A model of the Redoubt in Eastbourne |
Yesterday I went down to the Redoubt – a Napoleonic coastal
defence fort – to hear about archaeological digs around Eastbourne and the
ancestors found in those sites.
I had lapses when I actually read … and probably didn’t quite
exercise as much as I should have … but I’ve been doing most things around the
flat and have been out walking – to town, to the supermarket – but I can’t
carry much at the moment – walking round the Close without sticks etc …
Yesterday’s taxi driver said half of Eastbourne must have had
hip operations – as there’s a constant call out for taxis with high seats and
where the legs can stretch out!! I know
I’ve been one of those ‘cri de couers’
to the taxi call centre!
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| Joseph Harold Swanwick: Harrowing on the South Downs at Wilmington, outside Eastbourne |
“Conflict and Creation – Art and World War One”:
Despite the horror of war … much creativity flows …
literature, poetry and art – all used for a variety of reasons: recording the
war, political aspects, countryside changes and jobs, spreading propaganda, and
remembering the truth, etc etc …
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| A poster by Edith Kemp-Welch |
Art encompassed as now … drawing, paintings, cartoons, sculpture,
photography etc … covering the complete range of subjects – the conflict, the people,
the land, the food, the sea and ships, the industrialisation of war, the fauna
(from the pigeon to the elephant) …
Andrew Forrest, the artist, showed us many examples – and I
will do a separate post on more of the artists and their works, which Andrew
wove together for this narrative of the Great War and the historic art that
flowed from it.
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| Showing some of the finds and jewellery from the Cheapside Hoard |
‘The History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to today’ … sadly
the slide mechanism broke down about half way through … though we had plenty to
see.
The speaker began talking about the Cheapside Hoard – the only
known examples of jewellery from the 1500s to 1640 … as after that during the
English Civil War (1642 – 1651) … gold, silver, and jewels were melted or
crushed down …
I twice went to see the Cheapside Hoard exhibition in 2013 –
and have been meaning to write about it … the story is incredible – the Hoard
was found in 1912 in a casket sunk over the centuries into London’s sticky clay,
in a cellar that was being demolished.
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| The Museum of London preparing the Pendant ready for the exhibition: The sapphires are of exceptional quality |
Cheapside in the city of London was the main trading centre –
and today the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths still has its HQ nearby.
‘Eastbourne Ancestors’ – this was an update by the Heritage
Service on the various burial sites around Eastbourne from which skeletal
remains had been excavated … and what was going to happen to the human remains,
the ethics concerning their storage, any research that might be conducted as to
the Why, How and What …
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| Our Beachy Head lady - came from Sub Saharan Africa |
Again I’d been to an exhibition last year: “Eastbourne
Ancestors: A story of life from the bones of the past” … where it was disclosed
amongst other things the ‘Beachy Head Lady’, who happened to be the best
preserved skeleton (being almost complete) … came originally from sub-Saharan
Africa – beyond the southern fringes of the Roman Empire. She dates back to 125 to 245 AD.
I’ve kept myself amused … I’ve started reading – with the
intention of being able to ‘lose’ some the books – so I can clear some space …
but, I hope, due the op and its after effects I fall asleep easily! I haven’t felt inspired to clear stuff out –
though will start doing that soon …
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| Animals in War Memorial at Hyde Park, London |
Tomorrow – is D-day … ie visit to the hospital to get the
first once over – we shall see …
I want to visit an exhibition on the horse in Woking, Surrey –
as it happens near where we grew up – on Saturday … so I shall update you with
the next post … I foresee no problems and don’t expect pride comes before a
fall … I hope!
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| Eastbourne Grave Goods |
So this is how the hip and I have entertained ourselves, while
it comes to terms with its new situation … I walked to the supermarket without
a stick today … which shows it’s not doing badly.
I might even update FB – that will shock all and sundry …
another few weeks of settling down and getting over the op – then I can get
stuck into the A-Z with a vengeance.
Better find my reference material to draft up my posts??!!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
35 comments:
Recovery is just taking time. Sounds like you're progressing well and doing what you can. At least they have comfortable taxis for you.
Hilary, it sounds like you're using the time wisely at least! And progress is progress, as walking to the store sans the stick illustrates :)
Glad to hear you're doing well and that you found such interesting entertainment. I've been doing a bit of clearing out here and there, books and DVDs. Some large furniture items are out the door this summer. I bet the doc gives you a good report and you can retire the sticks for good.
A lot of great literary etc. stuff does come out of the horrors of war; out of adversity. So you must be storing up a LOT (LOL). Yes, you have to keep moving. Too long at the reading desk I've discovered is not good for the body, even when it's in as good shape as mine is. I laughed and laughed about the taxi driver's comment. Enjoyed all the other glorious tales and photos. Take care. Many ((( ))) from me and Jen
It is good that you did without having to use a cane at least a couple of times. Also keeping yourself entertained helps.
I wish you all the best for tomorrow and we will be all looking for your A to Z posts. I know that you have given us many a wonderful posts. You are brave and you will do good for the rest of the recovery period too.
Cheers !'
- Munir
It seems like you've entertained and educated yourself with a wide variety of topic while you recover. I hope your check-up clears you for more activity!
You found some fun things to do and not be totally home bound. Love hearing paleo dig studies.
Apologies for not being around much lately. Sounds like you're recovering well from what I gather was a hip replacement. Good for you. You'll be skipping around everywhere again soon. And good thing with so much to do where you are. You're never left wanting for interesting exhibits and lectures to attend.
Take care of yourself!
When I need to pass the time while staying at home, I look up something on YouTube that interests me. It always leads to another video. It can go on for hours.
Love,
Janie
@ Alex - yes it's time as you say and each day it gets easier. Thank goodness for living in a tow with some decent culture and for the taxis.
@ Keith - yes I was fed up with carrying the stick around for no reason ... so it got left behind.
@ Susan - I didn't want to miss some of these talks and am glad I was able to get to. I shall be glad to be able to carry stuff again - so I can be more thorough in my clear outs. Feels good sorting things out doesn't it.
@ Ann- lovely to see you around again. The Art in Conflict was an interesting talk and I do end up with lots of information ... I prefer the books, articles etc to the screen.
The taxi driver had some interesting stories ... we are a retirement town, but have lots of industry too.
@ Munir - the sticks were sort of forgotten about as the days and weeks have passed. I do enjoy being busy .. and thanks for your thoughts re today and the A-Z ...
@ Dianne - I've missed a few things too - but made sure I get to the ones where I can sit in 'high' seats and have space to stretch out. Activity is on the way ...
@ Karen - thanks so much ...
@ OOTP - it was good to get out - and I had sufficient time to rest and recover. Ok - the paleo dig information will be coming up ...
@ LG - well your husband needs as much support as possible - it's good to see you here and I hope things are easing. We are well catered for here - in and around Eastbourne, and London is nearby ... and Spring and Summer are coming - so for once I can get out easily ...
@ Janie - I can't sit for too long and watching things sends me off to sleep - I have found!! I haven't been watching the good tv series that have started ... I need to recover my stamina too ... still it's good to be healing so well (and I am lucky) ...
Cheers to you all - thanks so much ... Hilary
Best wishes for tomorrow! Strangely enough I've been reading conflict poetry, among them the War Photographer, one of my favourite poems, and poets. That exhibition on history of jewellery sounds riveting. Your posts are always informative.
How fortunate to have been able to find these fascinating talks to go to.mi wonder if the same number of talks is occurring in my vicinity but I've not stopped to look. Good luck tomorrow though it sounds as if all is progressing to plan.
How fortunate to have been able to find these fascinating talks to go to.mi wonder if the same number of talks is occurring in my vicinity but I've not stopped to look. Good luck tomorrow though it sounds as if all is progressing to plan.
Hope things continue to progress well.
Patience for recovery is hard, but it sounds like your handling it well. I hope your first check is grand!
If I was your doctor I'd be very pleased at how active you're being. And look what you're learning in the process.
I am happy that you are on the mend. I always find your posts to be so interesting and entertaining!
If I know you and I do (the internet way), this will NOT keep you down for long. I can tell your bionic parts are kicking in already. Just don't run too fast.
You are such a naturally active person, sitting still is not your nature! :)
But.... take it easy! :)
oxoxoxo
Glad the recovery is going well. I certainly didn't find it too bad when I had mine done years ago.
I have never heard about the Cheapside Hoard, how fascinating. Nor had I realised what the Roundheads had done to the jewels of previous periods. Philistines. ISIS is doing the same with books.
@ Nila - all went well: though I need to exercise and concentrate! Good for you for reading that poetry and getting an understanding from another perspective on War. The jewellery exhibition was amazing.
@ Ros - I'm sure the Leicester area will have a similar range of talks etc - though I hadn't realised there was so much out there (down here in Eastbourne) til last year.
@ LD - I need to get my walking balance right ... but all is well generally.
@ Holly - patience is a virtue ... while the therapist was very helpful in her advice.
@ Joylene - I think I've been too active .. still I'll slow down now (a little) and concentrate. Yes - I am able to do some 'studying'/getting out and about - thank goodness.
@ Paula - good to see you and thanks so much for your generous comment
@ Teresa - Nope - everyone says life improves so much ... and I saw my bionic bits yesterday on the screen - interesting! Yes ... I cannot run too fast - I'll enter the egg and spoon race I think - slow but sure.
@ Jannie - that's too true ... I'm not good at sitting down - but you're so right re being careful as I continue to heal. Good to see you.
@ Jo - it's not too bad at all .. and I expect I have it easy - being single makes it a little trickier ... but I manipulate what I can!
History is interesting ... and throughout time we've had wanton destruction ... but thank goodness the Cheapside Hoard was found ...
Cheers to you all - yesterday was fine - I just need to go a little slower, be more thorough in the exercises and concentrate on balancing out my pelvis (and walking) after a life of being out of balance. I can do it! Thanks - have good weekends ... Hilary
Hi Hilary...I am late getting here for this post, but glad I did as I really loved reading about the History of Jewellery and the Cheapside Hoard. What an amazing find and in a casket..incredible. I will have to search and read more about that.
So glad to hear you are making Hip Way and thinking about AtoZ. I've started my writing and have my badges posted...all but one which I think AJ will soon give the okay to post. I bet you can guess what it is.
It's cold in Texas and we are a bunch of whimps when it comes to ice and snow, but it won't last long. Texas Mother Nature has lost it this February 2015...hope she get's it together for March. We will probably be blown off the planet if February has been any indication of her erratic weather pattern so far this year. Keep up the HipALong!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
You're used to being so active that I'm sure the recovery time must be frustrating. But I'm glad that you're finding things to do, too...and that you're still able to get out and about. Best wishes for a much speedier recovery!
You'd made me laugh. OMG...how did get all this in? You being bored and not "doing much" is like one of my busiest day.
I would have loved the jewelry history and definitely will enjoy your upcoming (I hope) post about the exhibition on the horse. I've always loved horses:~)
I wish you well, always.
On the other hand,it seems to me you're doing a pretty good job of taking care of yourself and staying busy. So, I'll add...keep up the good work!
Cheers!
@ Sue - I'll be writing soon about the Cheapside Hoard find etc - the exhibition was incredible. I have to admit re the badge - I'm not guessing?! Still it'll be fun to be A-Zing again.
Our weather is up and down - but I'm just glad we don't have the ice and snow ... and Spring is on its way - the days are lighter and longer which is bliss! and I can HipAlong more easily each day ...
@ Elizabeth - I'm having to hunker down a bit longer - but at least I can do some things: carefully ... I do prefer to be busy ...
@ Sara - those were three days ... but I do prefer to be bustling around. I'll do the post on the jewellery shortly ... the horse exhibition I'm not getting up to - I need to take more care and not rush around too much! But I did go to another exhibition at the British Museum a while ago ... so have some resources to refer to ...
All well - just need another 7 weeks of being extra careful and including other exercises ... which I shall do - otherwise I'll be undoing some of the good ahead.
Cheers to one and all - thanks - Hilary
I'm glad your recovery is progressing. I can understand it's frustrating having to be active but not too active.
Those talks sound interesting, especially the jewellery one. Iown very little jewellery - my engagement and wedding rings are half my collection, but I'm quite interested in the historic sort. It's fascinating to me that even back in the bronze age when I imagine life must have been pretty tough, people were still concerned with ornaments for their bodies.
I am always amazed about what is out there to learn! And it does help our spirits to be able to get out a bit, but you are so fortunate to have things close. Here we have the beauty of nature but harder to get downtown to the museums. But the bright spot is that so much is on-line, not quite the same, but. . . .Continued healing, Hilary.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun things to do and places to attend. You are recovering well and I wish for it to keep going well. Only a little while longer. Hang in there.
i am certain you're a bit stir-crazy, but hoping the healing and re-hab will go well!
When I have to heal, I do a lot of reading too.
I've been watching the Elizabeth movies a lot lately. I find Queen Elizabeth 1 so fascinating. I also love jewelry and make some of my own, so I would've enjoyed that talk. :)
Keep healing!
i think seasons of conflict (war or otherwise) prove very fruitful for creativity...it gives people reason to use their voice or medium in the desire to be heard...
i hope for you a speedy recovery...i know how frustrating that can be to feel down or out...
Lovely post Hilary thank you. We're now in March which makes me think of marching into the A-Z blog challenge- just around the corner. Keep on walking and recovering well.
@ Patsy - I too own little jewellery .. but it's always fun to read about the Hoards that are found buried. It is interesting as to the reason why early humans also wanted quality ornaments or decorations for their 'valuables' ... to show a hierarchy I guess back then.
@ Natalie - I too have been staggered at how much is going on in Eastbourne, let alone if I spread my wings to other local towns or to London ...
We seem to be lucky here in Eastbourne it is a thriving community - and we're lucky we have the Sussex countryside and Downs and seashore! Mountains I'd love to have too .. but not here.
@ Murees - thankfully I can get some brain entertainment input ... and yes thanks the healing is continuing on ...
@ Theresa - I was stir-crazy: probably a good word ... but life is on the mend now ...
@ Chrys - I'm not the best reader ... and I did start to fall asleep at times!! Sometimes I can watch things other than the tv ... I agree Elizabeth I was an amazing lady ... talk about the best thing that happened to Britain 500 years ago ...
@ Brian - you're right about Conflict being a creative arena in many ways ... and if the 'artists' are passionate - that will show through.
@ Susan - yes we are on the road to the A-Z Challenge .. almost the Roman Road towards April ...
Thanks everyone .. re I'm healing well, not so bored ... as I can concentrate more - the anaesthetics wears off as time goes by ... and I can now drive and get out and about ...
Cheers to you all - Hilary
Recovery often takes longer than we want it to, but the slow process eventually gets us to where we need to be. Good luck with your continued recovery! Also, good luck getting some of your books read and off your shelf. :)
~Jess
Hi Jess - I stupidly lay on the hip and so it is definitely taking longer than it might have done if I'd slept on my right! But c'est la vie - and now I'm back in the land of running around .. I'd hidden many of the books I should have been reading behind get well cards - so forgot they were there!
Cheers Hilary
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