Square Dog Black Peg

You may know already, recently I have been trying to help raise the profile of Huddersfield Town Disabled Supporters Club. I have found the football club very supportive and in touch with reality. At a recent meeting I was extremely grateful that Towns chairman agreed to make a visit. Hopefully this is just one of our successful ideas. Question of the evening was from my son who asked “who is the most important, you or the team manager?” Answers on a post card please.

Back in the day, one of my supervisors warned me never to get promoted as it was extremely difficult dealing with other people’s emotions. I found out what he meant this week, when I managed to upset my Carers. One left without giving me any notice, this did leave me struggling a bit as I was due to meet my mum and dad at Meadowhall. They are no longer together and I believe that they haven’t travelled together for 25 years. Judith was off sick, but there were problems resulting from her recent operation and she was due to have an MRI scan that afternoon. Anyway another carer helped and I successfully managed to find my own way to Meadowhall on public transportation. I managed quite well and on reflection it gives my confidence that squaredogblackpeg are capable of managing together!

An extremely promising meeting with persons who are currently involved in a hugely ambitious riverside project where the massive master plan is to build an riverside cycle path from digley reservoir to Huddersfield Centre. I have never been involved in anything of this nature but the idea is to make my local park accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Several times I have found myself stranded whilst I’m exercising square dog’, it’s a shame as she really enjoys a run and a skinny dip in the river.

Judith was recovering from a small operation, so was able to join us for a session of mediation. It was a session with massive benefits. It was excellent to hear some honest truths, although painful at times. Let’s hope that some lessons were learnt  and we can put them into practice . The main for me is to try and channel my frustration, which I find very difficult.

In the past I have opted to stay at home in comfortable surroundings that allow me to maximise my independence, rather than struggle in a different environment. My home was cleverly renovated by the BBC DIY SOS team, it is designed to maximise my Independence. During the last few years, I have preferred to stay in the comfort of my home rather than struggle in unfamiliar surroundings. With encouragement I am now determined to be an important spoke in the family wheel. Three years ago, I opted for a conventional motor vehicle in the belief that I would be in a position to transfer into a vehicle seat. The reality is very different, the process presents many difficulties for all concerned. In the past we have considered recording this and use it in a attempt to try and educate people who park their vehicles in disabled bays. (Usually for 5 minutes 😡) The vehicles lease runs out soon, I will be contacting motorbility for information about Wheelchair Adapted Vehicles. 

It was half term so we had booked a few nights in the Isle of Wight,  we set off after square peg activities. It was an extremely long drive, (we went in the car not my wheelchair!) during the laborious journey Judith must have started to lose her senses. I was pleasantly surprised when it was announced that we should arrive for the ferry early (probably the first time in her life she been early! 😜) We might even be able to catch an earlier ferry, this would have been one whole hour before! Being so relaxed we stopped for refreshments. As we restarted our journey the sail times were checked once again and it was discovered that we were in fact LATE! Fortunately so was the ferry and we caught it with minutes to spare!

Judith had a hospital appointment, so I was determined to break off the children's shackles and show them that it was still possible to have a good time with their dad. Harry is getting a little old now and he chose to go to his friends instead but I don't have any concerns with him anyway. Oscar, my middle child and Archie, the youngest need a little more convincing! Seeking help from their nanny we all boarded a bus and headed for Cliffe House. We had a picnic prepared so the boys entertained themselves on the adventure playground without any fuss. We caught the bus back to Holmfirth. Hopefully they will find some confidence that they can still enjoy days out with dad.