Getting Past the First Anniversary and Getting Better!

Well, I'm really starting to feel better!  On the last day of February 2012, I celebrated (perhaps 'marked' is more appropriate here), the 1st anniversary of being diagnosed with Amyloidosis.  Contrary to expectation, the time has flown by and I have no real feeling of having lost a year out of my life.  Of course, it's been a challenge physically but the biggest challenge has been avoiding the self-pity that comes from wondering why this happened to you in the first place.

Since finishing the chemo in the summer, I determined to get some level of fitness back as a route to normalisation.  So, from not having the strength to propel my borrowed wheelchair  - just 7 months ago - I've been able to cycle again, and it's been great for building my stamina and confidence, I guess.

Farm Food Aids My Recovery!

Fresh food has been great for my recovery and one of my highlights is taking my bike and riding to Wishart's Farm, just outside the village, for fresh winter vegetables.  I turn up with a rucksack, fill it with stuff and I'm constantly amazed at how much you can get for a fiver!!  At the moment, the spuds are amazing and Nancy at the farm has even introduced me to the superfood, kale.  Here's a short clip to give you an idea of what your local (if you stay near Cairneyhill) farm shop sells at the moment.

Another wee treat that I've come to enjoy is visiting the Limekilns Hotel & Bistro for lunch with friends and business colleagues.  The food is straightforward, tasty and reasonably priced and the place itself is lovely as a lunchtime venue or for an evening meal, tucked just off the main road with a view over the Forth.