IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR LUCIAN FREUD

At last I have time to write about the adventures of last Thursday.
Last Thursday I went to London to see the Lucian Freud exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Lucian Freud with Francis Bacon and Auerbach, are my top three artists, so it was such a privilege to be able see this Exhibition. The exhibition will be in London, then goes to Washington DC. After that all the pictures will go back to their owners and probably won't ever be seen together again..... well certainly not for many many years. The texture, strength with such delicacy, of the images is stunning, overwhelming... do have a look on-line or do go if you get a chance.
For people with disability, your carer gets in free and there is a wheelchair loan system. The number to arrange this is on-line. The National Portrait Gallery has lifts to all floors, but they are not through lifts... you have to go up one, across a room up two etc.... but it's an old building so therefore acceptable. The restaurant serves good food, expensive, but the down-side is that it is very noisy.... so much for the gallery.

The fun started for me at 8:10, we were given a taxi from Tod to Hebden as the train is not accessible from Tod for disabled persons as there are steps.... The taxi which was provided had no ramps and the steps were high and narrow. So my journey started by being shoved up into the taxi ,and helped out of Taxi by the driver and a kind man at the station. Everything went well from then on as regards the trains.. people helped me on and off with ramps.... BUT  I found that I couldn't get out of the train seat! Thankyou to all the members oif the public who came to my aid.

So arrival at London.... get in Taxi and found I could only get out with extreme difficulty. We then arrived at the gallery, or thought we did... We asked which floor the Lucian Freud was on, only to be told that we were in the National Gallery (In a very snooty manner!)... well the buildings do adjoin!!. So off to the correct gallery, and lunch.

The pictures were wonderful.

Back to the train, by this time my bottom was aching , having been in the chair all day, and I was tired. Then we arrived at Kings Cross in Taxi. Fare £13, I planned to give the driver £15, and had £20 note in my hand. Trying to get out I was so weak I ended up flat on my back!!!! I was so thrilled that the Taxi driver ( from Walthamstow, daughter in Welwyn Gdn City),  just picked me up. I gave him the whole £20. He then gave me back £5 saying it was not problem, and to take care...... how kind was that. London Cabbies are amazing, helpful, kind. Bless then all. .. they were without exception amazingly helpful.


So train to Leeds... it was late into Leeds, so we were given a taxi all the way home to Tod...YEY!!!

What a day!!! Many thanks to Christine Chapman for sharing it with me and being so helpful and supportive.

As for my reflections on the day. I feel that I would like to do  a next trip alone, in an electric wheelchair... When you are with  a "carer" people dis you, and only talk to the carer (. " Does he take Sugar"!!!!!!)    This was not in any way Christines fault or the people who are paid to help... but more the general public. So I'm sure I would be ok on my own...

.... So the next adventure is...... Watch This Space!!!!!

HUG ME, I'VE GOT MND

DAY AFTER BOOK GROUP

Was soooo tired after Book Group last night that I simply had to sleep and not Blog. The evening was great and apart from our book discussions my friends will either be at the opening of a-MAY-zing  or will be at the MND fundraiser,  or both!  Some people are kindly offering to make cakes too. Thankyou so much.


Difficult start to today, felt very low and depressed and talked to Christine about our trip to London tomorrow... was thinking of cancelling.... but Christine reassured me, and we are going! Have to be up at 7 (Hell) as have at Tod station by 8:10. But so looking forward to the Lucian Freud Exhibition... so hope all the planned help is in place!!!


Have made a decision today... will go for a car that can be adapted and have a hoist in the back... if my needs change, ( ie when I cant walk from driver seat to back of car) then Motability will take the car back and then I can think again about a Wheelchair Driver Car... or just decide to use taxis. Thank goodness that decision is made. To make it I had to balance need, money and time to produce an appropriate car. Feel sure I've made the right choice. It will probably be a Citroen Berlingo as they have big back doors... well lets face it, it's a van with windows!!!!!. Stylish !!!!


So, as I will be back so late from London, I won't Blog tomorrow.... but will be back on Friday. Until then:..


HUG ME, I'VE GOT MND

RUSSIA ROCKS!

Looking at the stats for today I see that people in Russia are looking at my Blog in equal numbers to UK. I wonder why?... do get in touch, leave a message if you are from Russia... or anywhere... I do wonder if there is a prevalence of MND in Russia?  Do tell me.

I have had a busy day. Sorting cars (yet again!) and getting nowhere, (yet again!)..Christine and Ros came to visit. We had a cuppa , lots of chat, and they did a few jobs which so helped. Thankyou. Scott came and did a risk assessment re arrival of "rise and recline" chair (!), and men came to do handrail from garden... but left as it was raining!! So chair and  handrail should come next week... watch this space!
Christine, with whom I'm going to London next week, sorted out two bits of important help.
Firstly I had thought I had to catch train from Hebden Bridge as there are steps to platform to go to Leeds from Todmorden... apparently this is recognised and they will provide a free taxi to the train , Hebden Bridge, from Tod. WOW! How helpful, and very useful information. She also has arranged with Age UK to borrow a wheelchair for the day. This will help as my legs are so weak and I might not even be able to get from platform to Taxi in London. Christine is happy to push me. Not an easy decision for me, but necessary , however. It is hard to give in to these changes but I realise that I must, have to.
The reason for the visit to London is to go to The National Portrait Gallery, to see the Lucian Freud Exhibition. Now much more confident and soooooooooo looking forward to this day, May 26th.

But , the best news today was that Chrissie had her 20 wk scan, and all is well the baby. YEY!! YEY!! YEY!!!

HUG ME, I'VE GOT MND