Brancaster Paint Out

Haidee and I decided it was about time we had another meet up in Brancaster. We agreed on Monday 17th November and put the info on the Plein Air Uk Facebook page.
We weren't quite expecting the response we got. Well over twenty people said that they would be coming so I phoned the pub, The Jolly Sailors to reserve a couple of their large tables.
Things get in the way and other things crop up so in the end fifteen artists convened at Brancaster.
As I still can't drive, Frank dropped me off after a lovely relaxing weekend at our cottage on the N Norfolk coast (Haidee was taking me home).

Although I am not in a wheelchair anymore, I didn't think it was wise to stand for too long so had to sit to paint

I did two paintings from this position. I would have preferred to move but the effort was too much to think about

 

Time flew by - time for the pub!!

Lunch at the Jolly Sailors

We had a great time getting to know all the newbies and chatting about painting. I was impressed at far some people had traveled. We had people from Brighton, Grantham, Cambridge, Lincoln, London and Bungay 

After lunch some of us went and painted from the common. Why had I never been there before? The views were stunning and the light was just right. Clouds casting shadows with bursts of sunlight.

We didn't have long as the light was fading so managed this quicky.

Cloud Shadows over Brancaster

 There was a fantastic sunset but we had to hit the road and admire it whilst driving. I am looking forward to the next meet up. I'm sure most of the group will return too

One Step Forward........

I am pleased to report that the acupuncture is working very well. The swelling has reduced dramatically and Paula is manipulating the foot and giving gentle massage. It feels much stronger and am able to put a bit more weight on it.

The downside is that, now the swelling has gone down a bit, one of the pins is causing such pain, I can feel it just under the surface and my walking boot puts pressure on it.

I don't get to see the doctor another 11 days then he'll have to set up an appointment to have the pins removed. Goodness knows how long that will be!
I finally have my appointment from the hospital for physio with them - end of next week. Over three weeks since the cast was removed.
I may just consider going private with this one.

Progress

Nine weeks now since 'the fall'. I finally feel that I am making progress. Two weeks ago I had the cast removed - not a pretty sight., withered leg and dry skin also, surprised to see I was still sporting a rather handsome bruise on my calf and ankle. The doctor said he would send an appointment for physiotherapy. (Two weeks later - I am still waiting!!!!!!)

First job for me was to soak the offending foot and exfoliate, bit painful as still very stiff and swollen. was pleased with the results though.

Next job, get on to the internet and research exercises for broken ankle. I knew I had to be careful so started with some gentle flexing.
I realised I needed more professional advice so I booked an appointment with Paula at Aspire in Spalding. After initial consultation we decided to try a course of acupuncture, gentle manipulation and a course of exercises.
Acupuncture was interesting, never had it before (I've a bit of a phobia about needles). Paula carefully placed six needles, OK so far, she then asked if I felt any thing. I couldn't feel a thing, so she asked me to wiggle my toes - flippin heck!!! I felt that! An area where one of the needles was hurt like mad, apparently that was good. I sat like that for 15 minutes by which time some of the other needles were either tingling or itching, also good apparently.
I didn't feel any immediate difference but was pleased to note the next day that the swelling had reduced. It feels stronger and I now have confidence to put a bit more weight on it.
Trouble is, if I do too much I suffer for it, the foot swells quickly and I am getting quite a bit of pain where the pins are holding the bone on in my ankle. I think they are aggravating the tissues inside when I move them. I will ask to have those removed next time I see the doctor in two weeks time.

I am under strict instructions from Frank to rest today as i did a lot of walking yesterday and it has swollen and gone purple again. So much to do, it's very frustrating but I must be patient.

the height of fashion 

Meanwhile I have another appointment with the lovely Paula this Wednesday.
I wonder if I will ever get an appointment from the hospital??