SHOEBOX APPEAL

30.Fill at least 10 boxes for Shoebox Appeal...COMPLETED

Between us Gavin and I filled 10 shoeboxes for Blythswood Care who distribute them to less fortunate people in Eastern Europe countries or beyond around the festive period. Each box is wrapped in Christmas paper and labelled for a specific gender and age. We filled each with basic essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap as well an item to keep out the cold (either a hat or socks).We also added colouring books, crayons and a small toys in the childrens boxes. Every box also got a bag of sweets.

LITTLE STEPS

85.Do recycling trip 20 times ..in progress..2/20

THEM BONES, THEM BONES...

10.Obtain a x-ray of my spine...COMPLETED

Most of you may know I have severe kypho scoliosis and had surgeries from 1981-88. You may be surprised to learn that there is no scoliosis consultant for adults in the whole of Scotland. Last week I attended a general orthapedic consultant to get my spine checked out after a few aches and pains. I am pleased to report all is well and x-rays show no dramatic changes have taken place with my spinal fusions or Harrington rod.

CHARITY KNITS

60. Knit 50 items for charity...COMPLETED
I pretty much think this is done. Bear with me lots of knitting photos ahead although not all my charity items are pictured. The haul includes 20 premature baby hats, 5 premature baby jackets, 1 gingerbread man toy, 1 pram star toy, 10 Teddies For Tragedy (which were sent to Africa via the singing children of Africa), 2 school jumpers, 3 pairs of fingerless gloves, 10 scarves. Okay that makes...52? Yup, thats that item complete..hooray!

KEEP ON READING

20.Read & list 50 books....in progress 15/50

More books to add. At last I got round to reading classic tale 'Kidnapped' by Scots writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Set in 1751, the story is of a young man David Balfour, who has recently lost his parents and is sent out into the world (beyond his native Edinburgh) to seek his 'kinfolk'. His uncle tricks him not only of his rightful inheritance but his freedom as he is scuttled aboard a ship bound for Carolina. Events onboard find him saving the life of wanted Highlander Alan Breck who is in his debt and agrees to help Balfour return home and gain his birthright.

Although I prefer modern fiction I enjoyed this book. I was especially encaptured as part of the story is set at South Queensferry, not far from where I stay. The Hawes Inn mentioned is an actual pub which still stands today and to which I visited last year when Gavin did his abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge just opposite. Its strange to imagine both Forth bridges did not exist when this novel was written.

The second book is Janet Street Porters 'Fallout: A Memoir Of Friends Made And Lost' a follow up to her previous autobiographical 'Baggage'. All I have to say is this book is great, I love this woman. She is witty and unashamadly candid. If I were to ever write a book I wish it too be half as brilliant as her work.

Lets Get Physical!

1.Do a course & pass it ...COMPLETED

Pictured is my certificate to prove that I have successfully completed the 'Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme'. The course, based at my local hospital was 16 sessions of physio for people like me with 'crappy lungs'. The class consisted of a small group of people with C.O.P.D or some other form of lung function restriction. Guided and monitored by the physiotherapists I progressed throughout the weeks using hand weights, the bench press and treadmill. Pre-course and post course tests showed improvements in my breathing and stamina whilst exercising.

2 ITEMS FOR 1

59.Sort out all my boxes in attic...COMPLETED

I wasn't too sure if I could mark this one off but the Mister he say 'yeah'.
To be pernickity I haven't sorted out ALL the boxes that are in the attic but merely the unsealed boxes and all the other stuff that had been flung up there without much care.
It was a joint effort as I am too scared to physically climb the step ladder into the attic. Our last house was fab as it had an attic bedroom with a wee door into a vast attic space but this house has the more traditional overhead attic with entry via a hatch and so for me remains uncharted territory!!
We managed to get rid of a lot of stuff we had forgotten ever existed..so much for
"we might need it later",
and if we do..TOUGH!
After we packed up all the 'no longer required' goods we donated them to 'Blythswood Care'.
Now I have lots of attic space to fill with 'new junk'...hooray!!

And so with that being the 25th item I have marked off my list I can also mark off this one:
100.Have 25 items done in year 1** ..COMPLETED