A stroll in the park with Cinderella

It’s not every day you bump into Kenneth Branagh, Cate Blanchett & Lily James* when out on a stroll. Its not often that you see Gorgeous Totty on this blog either! But I’ve been out & about again recently.

My curiosity was piqued when I came across this sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few steps later I bumped into a smiley security guard, who was whispering sweet nothings into a walkie-talkie fixed to his shoulder, which every now and then interrupted him rudely with squawking noises. It was an alien noise in such a beautiful setting.

He invited me, very politely, to alter my route to avoid the huddles of film stars, the massed throngs of extras and the busy rigging crews. Oh, alright, there were no film stars or throngs of extras, but their site cabins were being prepared by the crew who were also laying miles of temporary roadways and cabling in the Great Park. They’re filming the new Disney Cinderella, which is out in 2015.

As the security man was so polite, I declined his invitation with equal politeness and continued my walk, taking care to avoid the worst of the chaos.

*Apparently the filming is being done at night-time and so I didn’t really bump into Ken, Cate or Lily. Shame!.

It felt great to be out again. After a wobbly period with no walks I’ve now half a dozen walks under my belt and I’m back up to about ten miles and slowly getting back to some semblance of fitness. This is just as well because the wonderful Mad’n’Bad Andy Walker and I have places on next year’s Great Outdoor Challenge, which is less than twenty four weeks away.

I’m still having a few problems balancing the anti-rejection drugs, but it’s only been twenty four weeks since my kidney transplant and things are generally on the right track. So, I’m now exactly halfway between my transplant and the TGO Challenge and I’m confident that 2014’s walk will be a wonderful stroll across Scotland. Phil Lambert is currently kicking his heels on the standby list, as last year he completed his tenth crossing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for his place back on the walk.

I’ve had loads of people ask me how my brother is doing, and I am delighted to report that Brother Dave is feeling bright and well, but he still gets occasional twinges from where they opened him up to remove his kidney. I suppose this is to be expected. However, Dominant Debs is quite sure that he’s plenty well enough to redecorate Tom’s room. Whether or not she wanted a new ceiling is another matter… So, if you’re looking for a man to dig a new swimming pool in your garden or you’re looking for an interior demolitions expert, Dave’s your man!