Well I have had 4 sessions of Bowen therapy and I have to say I have seen some positive changes. This week my regular Physiotherapist carried out an assessment, as I have not seen he for a couple of weeks since starting the new therapy, so as you can imagine we were intrigued as to whether or not that had been any major improvements from her perspective, and guess what there have been (which I knew about). firstly she check out my knee flexion, which was a bit tight, although I explained that I had walked a fair bit today so that might be the reason. Anyway she let me settle a bit and tried it again and it was a little easier, so that test we passed, then I proceeded to walk full length on crutches and this is where both Physio's were surprised.

My Bowen therapist firstly because he had not seen me walking, but my main physio, was more pleased, because she had noticed like I have that my trunk is a lot straighter, but not only that she also picked up on the fact that I had less pelvis rotation, which I hadn't noticed, and because of that i wasn't using the rotation to step through making my gait more of a normal pattern.

We then proceeded to the gym and into the bars, where we tested out my ability to step up on the block, and this had also improved quite a bit, but what had surprised me was when I looked into the mirror I had noticed for the first time how much straighter I actually am now, before the therapy I had a definite lean, although I could correct it with some concentration in the passed, this time I didn't have too, which is a great step forward for me.

I then asked if I could test myself and try a walk with some walking sticks, I tried this a few months ago and I managed it but was a bit shaky and I wanted to see if I was still the same, and or if I was able to walk still. Although at first I was shaky, I did manage to walk further that I had originally with the minimal support.

Well I was standing against the sink washing up, while Mum was drying and just happened to be looking out of the window into next doors garden and I saw something moving, so I stood and watched and there was female blackbird, with a small snail in its beak, banging it on the ground over and over again, then out of the hedge the baby appeared, and the mother proceeded to feed it, it was one of those magical fleeting moments, it was lovely to see it that close up, I wish I had had my camera at the ready to capture it!!

Today, Mum has gone from strength to strength I am so proud, I feel like a proud parent, when your child does something amazing, and I bet dead down Mum was feeling the same, proud of herself. This afternoon, we tried a slightly different zimmer frame, one that was flat handled, rather than one with angled handles. I went to go at her side and her partner went behind again with the chair, but this time, she got up a lot easier and I didn't have to go by her side, in fact she was away on her own, and she managed to walk half of the living room, and then managed to step around and walk back, which was great for her and great too see!!!!! Mum's on a roll now

What a great start to the day, Mum not only managed to put her limb on without as much help from me this morning, but we managed a walk on the zimmer frame, with me at her side and her partner behind with the wheelchair. Mum did great as I had not seen her walk that far although she was really tired when she finished as it was quite a distance she had managed. I think she forgot that whatever distance you walk you have to be able to able to turn and come back, but Mum was ok because her chair was behind her. I was so pleased to see her walking, because people don't realise how hard it is to walk with the limb, a lot of people who I have talked too over the past couple of months have said is Mum walking now she has her limb, I reply not walking on her own no, and they cant understand why this is, because she has the limb, so I think they just expect her to be up and walking with it by now, and yes she is walking a little, but not how people think she should be, and it frustrates me somewhat.

On thinking about it I think, it's because they have not been in that situation before and therefore can't comprehend why it is so hard to do. Mum said this morning, that she would probably be thinking the same as a lot of people, why isn't she walking yet, and I said it's because you have become disabled later in life and you have to adjust to your new life and re learn everything, but you will get there because you have got the support

Cotopaxi is a stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, located about 75 kilometres (50 mi) south of Quito, Ecuador, South America It is the second highest summit in the country, reaching a height of 5,897 m. Cotopaxi has an almost symmetrical cone that rises from a highland plain of about 3,800 metres (12,500 ft), with a width at its base of about 23 kilometres (14 mi). It has one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, which starts at the height of 5,000 metres (16,400 ft). The mountain is clearly visible on the skyline from Quito. It is part of the chain of volcanoes around the Pacific plate known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. However, claims that Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world are incorrect. Llullaillaco volcano is considerably higher and is definitely in an active phase, having erupted as recently as 1877. Ojos del Salado is higher still, and there are indications near its summit of recent activity, although its remoteness precludes a definitive statement as to whether it is currently active.
There have been more than 50 eruptions of Cotopaxi since 1738. Numerous valleys formed by powerful lahars (mudflows) surround the volcano. This poses a high risk to the local population, their settlements and fields. During a war between the Incas and the Spaniards in 1534, the volcano erupted and put an end to the fighting as both fled from the battlefield. Cotopaxi's most violent eruptions in historical times occurred in the years 1744, 1768, and 1877. In the 1877 eruption pyroclastic flows descended all sides of the mountain, with lahars traveling more than 100 km into the Pacific Ocean and western Amazon basin draining the valley.[5] There was a major eruption in 1903 through 1904, and some minor activity in 1942 as well as 1975 but it did not produce any major events. In the most recent case, fumarolic activities and sulfuric emissions increased and ice around the inside and on the southeastern side of the cone started to melt. The main danger of a huge eruption of Cotopaxi would be the flow of ice from its glacier. If there were to be a very large explosion, it would destroy most of the settlements within the valley in the suburban area of Quito (pop. more than 1,000,000). Another city which would be in great danger is Latacunga which is located in the south valley. In 1744 and 1768 an eruption destroyed the colonial town of Latacunga. Experts believe another eruption may come soon.

Ecuador photos pictures andes cotopaxi national park jose ribas refuge crater cotopaxi summit glacier volcanoe cotopaxi andes photos Ecuador

In the Shadow of Volcanoes
Ten teenagers attempt the journey of a lifetime. Starting in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador they try to cross the 300 kilometers separating them from the Pacific Ocean, climbing the mighty Andes Mountains in the process. All of them are physically disabled, but they are determined to overcome the hurdles they face, to prove something to themselves and the world, to go beyond boundaries. And all of them know the expedition will be a rite of passage experience, something that will change their lives forever.

The team has reached the Andean plateau, but many more challenges lie in wait. And for the youngest members of the team, Judith and Liam, this will be the most testing part of the expedition. The rest of the expedition team openly question their commitment and contribution to the expedition, and they both must confront the issue with their colleagues and with themselves. And with illness and injury weakening the team, Judith and Liam's response will determine the team's ultimate success or failure as they climb the slopes of Cotopaxi, one of the highest live volcanoes in the world.

May 23 2008 by Alan Little, Evening Gazette

AWAY from Preston Hall, vehicles of a more vintage kind from buses to military, vans and cars will be on show at a rally at Head Of Steam, the renamed Darlington Railway Museum on Sunday.

Taking place on the event field from 10am-4pm, entry is free. There will also be craft stalls, face painting, Punch And Judy, mini train ride and refreshments.

Normal charges will apply to the museum where local artist Liz Million will be featured from 10am-noon and 1-3pm.

BARNARD Castle Steam Fair takes place at Streatlam Farm, Stainton Village, off the A668 Barnard Castle to Staindrop road tomorrow, Sunday and on Monday.

Open from 9am-midnight on Saturday and Sunday, and 9am-4pm on Monday, entry is ÂŁ6 adults, ÂŁ3 children. Tel 01833 640492 for details.

HEAR all about Mythical Monsters at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, tomorrow and on Sunday (10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm) when storyteller Adam Bushnell invites everyone to come on a journey around the world. He will be recounting stories of giants, ogres, trolls and beasts in The Story Garden.

Entry is ÂŁ5 per child plus concs and includes a chance to look around the museum. Contact 01833 690606 for details.

HEAD to Whitby Abbey at 11am from tomorrow to Monday where Mrs Cook, the mother of James, will be boasting of her son’s exploits while young Jim Hawkins will be bumping into pirates, smugglers, privateers and sea dogs as he recounts sailing on the Hispaniola in search of Treasure Island.

Entry is ÂŁ5 adults, ÂŁ4.50 concs, ÂŁ3 children, ÂŁ14 family.

WORLD champion jet sport champions will be battling it out with 60 other competitors at the Tees Barrage, Thornaby, tomorrow and on Sunday in the first round of the Jet Sport Racing Associations (JSRA) 2008 British Championships. Action takes place tomorrow from noon and from 9am on Sunday.

COME and browse local produce and crafts in Saltburn tomorrow at the town’s Speciality Market in Station Square from 10am-4.30pm.

FOR an event that’s decidedly different, check out the didgeridoo workshop at Cowpen Bewley Activity Centre on Sunday from 1-3pm. Advance bookings required on 01642 371633.

ENJOY half-term craft events at Middlesbrough’s Newham Grange Leisure Farm on Thursday from 1-3pm. Details on 01642 515729.

FIND out what it was like to live in Roman Britain at workshop activities based on the contrasting lifestyles of native Britains and Roman settlers at Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum. Being held in conjunction with its Colosseum exhibition, sessions are from 1-3pm on Wednesday and Friday, details on 01642 813781.

A RARE 19th century forge, badly storm damaged last year, is back in working order and on show on Monday.

The building in Chop Gate on the B1257 Stokesley-Helmsley road is part of a private house but has been restored by the North York Moors National Park Authority. To celebrate this, artist blacksmith David Stephenson will be firing up the hearth to make ironmongery while John Steele from Pickering’s Beck Isle Museum, who helped put back together the pieces of the collapsed stone smokehood above the forging hearth, will be talking about the history of blacksmithing.

The forge will be open from 10.30am-4pm, entry free.

JOIN the staff at Lingfield Countryside Centre for lots of froggy fun on Wednesday. Have a go at pond dipping followed by froggy crafts from 1-3pm. Booking essential on 01642 577325.

DROP in sessions are being held at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3pm to celebrate half-term. Details on 01642 311211.

STOCKTON Farmers’ Market in Dovecot Street on Thursday from 10am-4pm will be selling everything from home-made bread to buffalo burgers.

IT’S Dizzy Duck Day in Darlington a week today and you can enjoy a treasure hunt, entertainment, stalls and crafts around the town centre from 10am-4.30pm. More details on 01325 388665.

YOUNGSTERS can have fun with arts and crafts workshops at Whizz Kid Wednesday at Preston Hall Museum on May 28. Details on 01642 527375.

Oops that's Jim Bowen, can't beat a bit of bully!!!, I suppose his famous catchphrase does have meaning, because my Bowen therapy is smashing, on talking to my therapist he has said that the results that I have had are profound and out of the group of people that he is treating I seem to be the one who has had quite profound results, and I have to agree with him.

This week he carried out work with my arms and hands to see if my range of movement and general strength could be improved, with me putting a lot of strain through my arms to be able to walk. It came apparent that the movement of my fingers on my left hand were a bit awkward to say the least, so he said to see what results I get over the next couple of days. That was on Thursday and it's now Saturday and I have to say I can move them a little easier, they are not moving as well as my right hand, but that is my dominate hand, but I am hopeful that they will continue to improve.

One thing I did notice yesterday, we went to a restaurant for lunch to celebrate my Manager's birthday, and I ordered Spaghetti Bolognese, and I was supprised that I had coped with eating it, and I didn't spill any, which for me is very good, because I can normally gaurentee that I will spill it down my front.

This is turning out to be another amazing series, such an inspiration to everyone, I was having a bad day last Friday with my fall, and was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Then I settled down to watch the second installment of Beyond the Boundaries, believe me I didn't feel sorry for long. I can fully relate to all of the people doing the expedition, It was nice in a way to see them arguing and getting upset, because it proves that just because they are disabled people they too can have differences of opinions. Although it was great t4oo see that once they had aired those differences, how well they then pulled together and worked as a team, and that's what life is about, being able to work as a team.

I was sad to see Dale having to leave after his accident, he we doing amazingly well, and when he started to crawl up the next based, he was so determined too do it, no matter how knackered he was, it reminded me of how I used to crawl about for many years, and as he got a little higher the amount of effort was starting to show on him, but he did it.

It's been a manic few days recently, following my Bowen on Thursday I was feeling fine and then I came to a crashing end on Friday morning, got up for work as normal, and went to call my lift and bang down I went. I somehow managed to get my frame wrapped around my duvet and down I went against the chest of drawers. Luckily the duvet saved a bit of my fall and after sometime I managed to get myself back up and make my way downstairs, wobbly to say the least, and Mum never heard it because she was in the bathroom, getting sorted for the hospital. I got into my powerchair and just sat a while as was in a bit of pain by this point.

I was upset for a few reasons,

1 I couldn't go into work as I felt too wobbly and didn't want to run the risk of falling at work, so stayed home and rested.

2 I was annoyed that I had fallen which in turn frustrated me.

I rang the hospital and spoke to my Physio and explained what had happened, and he was shocked that I had fallen, considering I was doing so well, but he went on to say that it might be that if my body has shifted it maybe that balance is out of line a bit and body is trying to counteract this change. It completely made sense, so I decided to stay put till Mum came home from the hospital before I tried to get up and walk.

I am nearly back to normal now and pain is reducing so I will see what happens at my next session tomorrow

Well, what a strange day I am having, to say the least. Firstly I have been unable to get into work again due to the lift breaking down again. I was in and out of the taxi like a Yo-Yo yesterday first if was off, then it wasn't then when I got to work it was off again, so ended up going back home and I am at home now as it as broken again today.

Anyway if I was getting stressed yesterday I knew it wouldn't last too long as I had my third session of Bowen yesterday and since having it I have felt many changes and so look forward to the sessions. Yesterday was the first time I had been treated in the chair, this is because I find it difficult to be able to bend my knee in laying and therefore it makes it a challenge for the therapist to carry out the movement he wants too. Being in the chair was a little different but the treatment was just the same, we went back to the same moments that I had had in my first session, purely because I had had such profound changes soon after and we wanted to see if the same would occur again.

Well in answer to your thinking I have had some weird feelings and some funny results, by the fact that I came home after it did what I normally do on a night and jumped in the shower, and I mean jump, because I am finding that my transfers are getting so much easier and quicker. Following my shower, I noticed that when I stood up my trunk didn't seem to be as angled to the left as normal, and I just thought ah it's the way I am standing and so didn't think too much of it, and had an early night, I have to say I slept right through which was great.

Today I am still finding that my trunk is no where near angled to the left as normal, and it feels like my body has shifted some what, it is a funny feeling that I can't really say, only that I have a pulling feeling in my back. I decided to ring the hospital and speak to the therapist, I have a great relationship with all the staff there, and I can ring at anytime time to get advice and treatment. Anyway it seems that with this treatment, people can have a body shift feeling and its quite normal, so my worry was over, it is just my body adjusting to new positions and that's why my back is pulling some what.

I was so pleased to see another series of Beyond Boundaries, I have watched each one and I have really been inspired by the people taking part. I can so relate to all of them, no matter what their disability is. It seems to me that maybe because of our disability, we have, I know I do, have a zest for life and a hunger to want to achieve as much as possible.

I can particularly relate to the members of the group who have CP, although I not in the Andes, I feel watching them that I am taking every step with them, I know just how much energy it takes just to go a short distance, never mind crossing the Andes. I know they will achieve it and it will inspire them to want more.

Some of them have become recently disabled, and I can relate to this some what, with Mum becoming disabled herself. It hits people hard because it's something they may never of experienced before, but being part of a group will help them to adapt to the surroundings and by the time the journey has finished, they will have experienced something that many abled-bodied people haven't and I am sure that they will realise that being disabled isn't the end of the world, it's just the beginning.

Bowen therapy going really well

Well as form the title you have probably guessed that my therapy is going well. I had my second session yesterday and it really was a gentle put intensive session, covering a lot of work. Firstly I transferred onto the bed, and this is where my Physio could see a difference, in the ease of which I had transferred, I have to say I had not really noticed. I then got into front lying position, which I have always found uncomfortable but bearable this week mind It did seem a little better. Anyway the Physio then started the treatment with the same movements on my spine hips legs and shoulders that I had in the first session, with breaks in between each movement, then I changed to laying on my back and he started to work a lot with my neck as he found last week and this week I was quite tight. There where quite a number of different movements some on my face and jaw.

After the session was over I then walked with him back to my chair and he was really please at how well I was walking with him, considering he had not seen me walked before. I then asked him if he seen an improvement in me and he agreed and said yes, you are becoming more level and there had been some changes in my spine (improvements).

I came home from that session and I felt really quite tired so went to bed early and I think it was one of the best night's sleep I have had in the last few weeks, result!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!