Just to say, I am still around!

[Frances144]

Sorry, I have not been around much.

But I have been living in a caravan and the novelty is definitely wearing off, waiting for my foals to appear.  4 so far, with 3 to come.

I will get round to posting pics one day but if you want to see them, they can be found at :-
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1112...mp;l=4aeeecd62b

I am not sure whether that link will work.  If not, I will get around to uploading some for you.

It is exhausting work, getting up at 4am every day and walking around the field staring at rocks wondering if they are foals, but luckily it is light now.

Also, and this for me is a huge achievement,

I HAVE COME OFF MY MORPHINE!

I have been taking it since September in large doses for my poorly back and then subsequent operation in January.  It has been a very difficult time and not an easy task at all.  I had no help from the doctors, just a constant and unending supply of the stuff.  I made the decision myself and symptom-wise, it was very hard as all my back pain returnedl as well as the withdrawal symptoms arriving - like running into a brick wall and signing up for flu!

So I am now morphine-free and feeling much better and much more motivated.   Next the valium!

I have not forgotten you guys, just have a lot going on whilst feeling like rubbish!

[Highmac]

Good morning Frances - great to hear from you and with all the good news

Checked the link - that works fine, so now you can concentrate on those beautiful foals and your back! Just at least TRY to take things gently. We don't want you suffering a relapse.

By the way, did you catch Martin Clunes's series about living on our offshore islands? First one started right at the top of the Shetlands at Muckle Flugga (what a fantastic name!). I thought he did a great job; he didn't patronise and always seemed genuinely delighted and enthusiastic and listened to the people he met. There were wisecracks, as you'd expect from him, but they were few, and they were never nasty.

Anyway - back :

[kimmer]

Oh, the foals are lovely little (?) things.

Congrats on being off the morphine and surviving the fluish brick wall.

I'm with Neil, don't overdo it.

Thanks for sharing your pictures and for checking in with us.

[krissel]

Those foals are adorable!  I love the last one, reminds me of a stuffed animal my sister once had.

Wow, you are one tough cookie.  Getting off pain meds is really difficult especially if you've been on them for a long time. But ultimately you know your body better than anyone and what you can withstand. However I once made the mistake of trying too hard after surgery and ended up having to go back for repairs. So please don't push yourself too much.  We enjoy your presence here at TS and don't want to lose you.  

[gunug]

Glad to hear that you're well on the path to recovery; hope the stay in the caravan is over soon!  I think that "caravan" is what we call trailer or camper over here but I'm assuming that this one isn't very large or comfortable.  I lived in a double-wide trailer for a year or so and it was very comfortable; cable and a jacuzzi!

[Xairbusdriver]

Good to hear you're able to help the ponies! That should help take your mind off the recovery problems! I'm sad to hear, however, that your surgery didn't seem to have helped as much as we'd all hoped.

QUOTE("gunug")

I lived in a double-wide trailer for a year or so

Are you sure you aren't from Alabama?!