Where did December go? I had every intention of posting a
Christmas Blog and now it’s January already!
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| Happy Christmas from Mischief |
At the end of November, Tabby, once again, was a little under
the weather. She was admitted back into the “Sick Kids” with a temperature and
a sore tummy. Her blood tests showed that she had no neutrophils (a type of
white blood cell) whatsoever. 0.00 for
three days in succession. This was a
concern as we had an appointment to meet “Mother Goose” on the 6th. After
4 days she managed to squeeze out a neutrophil and with her temperature back to
normal she was allowed home.
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| Tabby and Dad at the "Kings" |
After a pre-show curry we sat in our “Box” in the Kings
theatre. I am not sure if we got a box to stop Tabby picking up a bug or simply
because we are dead posh! Anyway the show was terrific and afterwards we were
invited backstage by Grant Stott who played the evil “Demon Vanity”. We also met
“Fairy McSqirrell”, “Jill” and were shown round the backstage and props. Tabby
was presented with a plate signed by members of the cast.
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| Tabby and Grant Stott |
The following week was Ewan’s Birthday. As a special treat we
went to see the “Snowman” ballet at the Festival Theatre. Ewan’s treat was that
he did not need to come! Tabby loved it. Then we went for another curry. Am I
seeing a pattern emerging here?
Although I was unable to attend Tabby’s school carol concert I
did manage to see her “Street Dance” class open evening. What a mover! I was a
little disappointed that having spent the last year or so showing her “The
Sprinkler” (courtesy of the English Cricket Team) she did not include it in her
routine. The show finished with a competition – running around the room until
only one dancer was left. You guessed it – Tabby.
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| Cutting some crazy shapes |
“T’was the week before Christmas and all through the house not
a creature was stirring, not even a mouse – then the in-laws arrived!” 3
generations of family from Los Angeles, St.Louis, Wick, Wester-Ross and Glasgow
all stayed with us in Newmains House. Is there a collective noun for a group of
“In-laws”? You may want to keep these to yourselves.
On Christmas Eve some of us went to the Watchnight Service in
Kirkliston. When we got home we left some Christmas cake and a dram for Santa
and a carrot for Rudolph. Santa was really good to Tabby. Her favourite
presents were a new bike, a box of Hex Bugs, toys from “Monster High” and her
Tartan Skirt.
Donella, with the help of her sisters, catered for 19 of us
for Christmas Dinner.
On the 27th a hardy group set off to X-scape, the
indoor ski slope in Glasgow. To burn off some Christmas calories. Unfortunately Olivia and I were working in
Edinburgh and could not go. Tabby and Donella went sledging on the children’s
slope while Ewan and the older out-laws went skiing on the main slope. Then they
all went.....for a curry!
Hogmanay meant I was no longer on call – Hooray. That
afternoon, nine of us went indoor GoKarting at Newbridge. Even better, I won. I
think, deep down, Ewan and Olivia were pleased
for me.
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| Well done Dad! |
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| The winner is....! |
After dinner we celebrated the
Bells and then, lead by Tabby, we all took part in that old, quaint, family,
Hogmanay tradition – KARAOKE! Abba, Bruce
Springsteen, The Pogues, Robbie Williams
and Les Mis, all took a pounding. I reckon a tribute band could be in the
making.
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| "Mama Mia, here I go again" |
On New Year’s Day, Tabby and a few of us went to watch the
“Looney Dook” in South Queensferry. Here, 100s of people in fancy dress run
into the Firth of Forth – and run out again! Had there been a Triathlon in
“Alice in Wonderland” it would have looked like this.
The following day in-laws and out-laws began departing,
heading for home. Brian and Heather, last to leave, took Donella and me to
dinner at Edinburgh’s new Thai restaurant (nearly a curry) while Olivia and
Ewan baby sat Tabby and cousin Ian. It was a lovely way to chill out.
At the weekend, we took down the Christmas decorations, took
out the Christmas tree and put the house rightway up. Donella and Tabby went
for a walk to Dundas Estate to feed the swans. Normality restored.
This time
last year, we had just returned home with Tabby from the “Sick Kids” having
been in hospital for 3 weeks of chemotherapy following her diagnosis of
leukaemia. It was very hard coming to terms with her diagnosis, her illness,
her treatment and the effect it was having on her. You only need to look at the blog throughout
the last year to see this.
What a difference a year makes. Despite all that has happened
over the last 12 months Tabby has continually amazed us with her cheeriness,
positive nature and “have-a-go” attitude. Over the last year we have met some terrific
people and would like to thank everyone who has been looking after Tabby, or
offered help or support – too many to mention. Lastly I would like to thank
everyone who has taken the time to look at this blog during this time. With
approaching 20,000 views, the response has been astounding. We will keep the
blog going on a monthly basis until tabby is better. Thankyou
All the best for 2013,
The Lawsons
