Woke early and started adding to diary. Joined forum on website - I’m the newest member! Did a bit of cleaning. Went to Cardigan library to get some books to keep me amused! Again found walking round town very tiring. Walked with mum & dog in rain but turned back as my lower back was really tightening as we walked up the hill. Need to try to do some gentle stretching exercises I think.

Eye is still very watery. I’m hoping this is a good sign. Karen phoned & told me I have got my 'threshold'. That means more pennies in my wage packet next year. Yep it is good news. I’m pleased but not over fussed. My health is more important at the moment & I’d for-go that money any day to have my face return to 100% full recovery & use. Gosh how do I come out with these deep heartfelt comments. This diary business is making very thoughtful!

Woke early again as mum was going to work. Finished bringing diary up to date. Felt very tired afterwards. Feeling a bit more positive today. My ear seems over sensitive to noise at the moment. It feels quite muffled at times especially when I move my cheek muscle to smile! Very odd! Pulsing noise seems to have gone now.

Nearly got blown away on Poppit Sands today, made sure face was covered from the wind (as advised by physio).

Had been invited to a party (one of mum’s colleagues). Decided I would go & make a bit of effort. Thought change of scenery & company would be nice. Only knew 2 people. It was a quiet evening. Felt confident going to bar - even with patch on! Glad mum drove home in the dark & wet. Driving would have done my head in & made me car sick.

Slept well & lay in until 8:30ish. Felt very tired after our late night. Well it is late for me at the moment! Julie is coming up today with her littl’un. She’s staying until Tuesday. I did contemplate going back to Tewkesbury with them for a night or 2 so I can sort a few things out at home, then drive my car back up here. That would give me more independence. But have decided that a 3½ hour journey will be too much to cope with at the moment. Gosh I have gained some sense over the last few months! Have enjoyed adding more to my diary & proof reading it through has made me remember more things.

Julie & Lily arrived about 2:30pm. It was so good to see them! We talked non-stop for about an hour. At least! That absolutely exhausted me and my jaw & face really ached. Had a lovely evening catching up.

Had a great day out at Poppit Sands with Ju & Lily, building sand castles, then walked around Cardigan, which was tiring so we stopped for a coffee. Drove to Aberporth & relaxed on the beach in the gorgeous sunshine. Lily went paddling in the sea with me. We had a lovely time. Felt very tired after all the fresh air. Enjoyed slobby meal of pizza & chips. Still not brave enough to have wine. Just don’t want to risk it yet. (That’s nearly 10 whole weeks without alcohol - it’s a personal record!)

1hour 10mins on face toner tonight. Lily says I look scary with my patch on!! Bless!

Felt a bit low after visitors had gone but found some jobs to do to keep myself busy & positive. Their visit has made me more positive about planning & organising things to look forward to. It was lovely to see them both & their company was like a breath of fresh air.

Mum & I enjoyed a fantastic walk at Gwbert. The weather was gorgeous but cold in the wind. Kept hood up to protect face from cold wind.

Both of us had to have an afternoon lie-down. Am feeling quite tired today after my visitors’ stay. Have pumped up the tires on both Graham & mum’s bikes so that at least one will work when I’m ready for a GENTLE cycle. Had test cycle down drive. Bit wobbly.

Have not mentioned this before but my nose is very uncomfortable in one nostril & I think it has something to do with the lack of muscle use there. My face does feel a bit tender particularly above the eyebrow & to the side of my nose.

Really missed my acupuncture today.

Woke up at nearly 10am. Wow! I must have been tired after having visitors. Spent morning checking through diary & adding more detail.

Made a positive decision & spent afternoon driving to Lampeter to look around an animal sanctuary. I’ve been wanting a dog for years for security as well as companionship. Saw a lovely black lab cross spaniel called Ambe. She was only 15 months old but very excitable. It was quite an upsetting experience. They made one hell of a racket too! My left ear can still be sensitive so I stuck my finger in it!! Those dogs certainly want to be noticed! Funny though, it’s the dogs sitting calmly despite all the chaos going on around them that you really notice.

Helped with a bit of driving coming home. Still don’t feel 100% when driving. The concentration seems too demanding as if I’ve just woken from a deep sleep or general anaesthetic. Let mum take over driving half way home.Took Tilly for a lovely evening walk to the river.

The walk was an effort tonight & I was tired after 10mins but stupidly carried on for a 1½ hour walk. Duh! No brains! 'Listen to your body!' people keep telling me. It’s easier said than done sometimes. Well for me it is!

Proof read diary up to end of week 9 & sent it to Rob. Ooooooooooooooh! It might be on the internet soon. Wow!

I started to write a letter to my doctor seeking advice about returning to work.

Very, very tired this evening. Face felt heavy & my speech didn’t seem very good.