One step at a time

Hello Kris (KrisPy ) 

I hope the holiday is going well;

As far as I know that tree is a Chile Pine.- local name "Monkey Puzzle Tree" - it's the only tree monkeys can't climb, hence the stuffed monkeys at the bottom, We have one in the back garden.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Brian I knew it was called a monkey puzzle tree but didn't know how it got it's name.  

Lee x

Hello Lee (Leelaloo ) 

I have no idea why but our family has a tradition and when the children were small and we were out in the car the first one to spot a Chile Pine in someone's garden would shout out "Monkey Puzzle Tree" and at the end of the journey the "winner" was the one to spot most trees - quite a competition as we have 4 children.

Funny thing is when the wife and I are out in the car we still do it!! Quite frightening when you are driving along and a grown woman shouts "Monkey Puzzle Tree" .

The children eventually planted one in the back garden and it's now about 25' tall!!

Kind regards - Brian. x

And I always thought it was because the “branches” looked like monkey tails and the puzzle was you had to try and count how many monkeys there were in the tree!!

Happy Father’s Day to everyone out there

KrisPy

Good Morning Kris (KrisPy ) 

Yes I know I am a bit of a nerd  but fascinated by facts. 

The trees were imported into the UK in the 19th century and originate from the higher slopes of the Andes - and there are no monkeys living there!! 

It's a strange world we live in!! But full of interest.

Kind regards - Brian.

Good morning Millibob

Speaking of trees I saw this yew tree yesterday whilst walk around Drummond Castle gardens 

Full marks to the gardeners!!

As I understand it those of us that have had a course of Docetaxel have the yew tree to thank (as it is derived from the needles).  We did say thank you!!

KrisPy

hi I start my treatment tomorrow started my steroids today really scared nervous in the inside but okay on the outside any tips of what to take tomorrow? Get my pit line 1st and then start treatment

Hi Loopy3

i have completed my six sessions and everything went ok.  The staff were wonderful.

i would take a bottle of water with you, and some some snacks - it was a bit hit and miss whether I got to get a tea or a sandwich ( just timing that was all).  I also had my noise cancelling headphones and some music lined up on my phone ( my sessions were always on a Friday so I could catch up with New Music Friday on Spotify!) or you could listen to a book/podcast.

i had my infusion via a cannula so one hand was not as useful as the other (and I shaved the backs of my hands to avoid the horrible bit when they take the adhesive off!!!)

I also had my kindle.

Luckily my whole process usually took an hour and a half ( using a fairly speedy infusion) yours may be different - I k ow that there were folks there well before and after me…

I met some lovely people who were waiting, but the seating arrangements precluded conversation during the infusion.

I am sure that you will do absolutely fine, but you will be “tired and wired” afterwards due to all of the steroids and probably find it difficult to sleep on the night. 
Good luck

KrisPy

No walking for me or the dogs today, far too hot.  Going to the hospice for a cancer massage/reiki.  Stay cool and hydrated everyone.  

Lee x

Hi Lee, it’s hard trying to keep the dogs cool in this heat! Alfie had his walk very early this morning, and may venture out again late tonight. 

We were in Wales at the weekend and had a lovely walk on Sunday after breakfast.