When we were young

Some thoughts on when we were young and how the experiences we had have equipped us to challenge this condition and to not give in. Through learning to be independent and to think for ourselves, we know what we need in the way of support to succeed. Here is a link to a podcast aboutContinue reading “When we were young”

“Just in case!”

Just in case, is a phrase that has been used by me and to me all my life in many, many different scenarios. And I just thought I’d talk through a few of them. So when we were kids there was four children in the family, my three older brothers and I, and mum andContinue reading ““Just in case!””

I can pick a Parkies – do I ask?

Yesterday was a good day. My first ever Tournament playing bowls. This was the culmination of two full day coaching sessions and an opportunity to put learning into practice. This was a big day for me and I was incredibly nervous. I had the nervous wees and other things! I’m not sure exactly why IContinue reading “I can pick a Parkies – do I ask?”

When are we old or elderly?

My husband and I often have a chat about our ages and how we feel about the age we are. We often say that it doesn’t compute that I am 64 and he is 66. In many ways we don’t feel that old, but then – especially for me – my creaky body reminds meContinue reading “When are we old or elderly?”

Know me not for Parkinson’s

I have just been chilling out in my spa pool, soaking away my various aches and pains, of which there are many! While I was there, I was listening to some music and Linda Ronstadt started to sing. As I listened to her music, I thought about the first time I heard her voice whenContinue reading “Know me not for Parkinson’s”

Some thoughts on travelling…

I have just loaded a podcast onto my page on Spotify. It is an interview with two members of our Parkies support group, a husband and wife who have had many adventures travelling together. From talking with them, a degree of spontaneity has always been part of how they travel, both together and individually. ThisContinue reading “Some thoughts on travelling…”

Beware of disablers…

Working as a Social Worker for many years, there is of course terminology present and this can change over the years as thinking and research change. The world in which my parents brought us up was certainly a very different place. Words describing those of other cultures while a product of the times, would –Continue reading “Beware of disablers…”

Reclaiming my retirement goals…

Today is the day I have been looking forward to for the past eight months. Ever since I had my back surgery in February, my goal has been to get back to bowls. Someone up there must be smiling down upon me for a change. I had the opportunity to attend two two day coachingContinue reading “Reclaiming my retirement goals…”

Being my own worst critic or “If patience is a virtue…”

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while will know that I don’t just have Parkinson’s, I have a cocktail of comorbidities (things wrong with me) that affect my life as a package. For the past three years, I have been plagued by arthritis, which caused me to have a total rightContinue reading “Being my own worst critic or “If patience is a virtue…””

Health funding versus ACC New Zealand

This has long been a bone of contention with many of us here in New Zealand. The vast cavernous gulf between what you are entitled to if you have a health condition like Parkinson’s, Stroke, Dementia and many others. There is a stark comparison with those that have an accident – even if the negativeContinue reading “Health funding versus ACC New Zealand”