Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

Having just seen in the New Year, I thought I might share some thoughts on 2010, which some might be glad to see the back of, but I can't quite bring myself to do that. The middle of the year, a fabulous summer, was wonderful. The rest of the year wasn't so good, but let me try and find the positive in all that we dealt with.

This year when we made our toasts at Christmas and again at New Year, it seemed more meaningful and I thought it best to leave out the 'wealth' bit, it's rather pointless really. I've always thought Mam and Dad to be lucky that they haven't had 'sickly' kids, and that Barry and I have breezed through life with only measles and chicken pox to deal with. 2010 had other ideas, and New Year's Eve 2009 brought me a letter to say I needed a biopsy following a checkup. To cut a painful story short, I had a near miss, and thanks to amazing staff at the QE, Gateshead, after two biopsies and intensive treatment, I was given the all-clear. It knocked me for six knowing I was so close to cancer, and Stevie, my family and incredible friends kept me sane throughout. I'm not counting my chickens just yet, as it's less than a year, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones, and my candle at the Relay this year said just that.

That brings me nicely to our Relay For Life, the Cancer Research event that has become a big part of my life over the last 5 years. This year was bigger than any other,more of my family came along, and our team put on the Mini Challenge, which was great fun, with more than 20 people squashing inside Stevie's car! Another highlight was Robyn singing Hero on stage, bringing about tears for most of us. 20 hours of tears and laughter helped us to raise more than £50,000 and this time my Relay Diary went around the world thanks to Relay friends in America. Relay For Life has always meant something to me, because I do it in memory of my Auntie Pauline, but never did I imagine it would mean as much as it does now.

In August, Devon, Robyn, Stevie and I went to visit Barry, Anna and the boys in Minnesota. A return trip to Madeline Island (see earlier post) was utterly amazing, and Stevie and the girls finally understood why I love this place so much. An action-packed holiday with fantastic weather in a stunning location, spending time with those I love was undoubtedly the best 11 days of the year. My only wish was that James should be there, and I hope he gets the chance to visit them soon.

Less than 36 hours after our return from the States, our world was turned upside down, with news that Barry had taken ill. My healthy super-active brother became so poorly within two days, we could barely take it in. Within four days of diagnosing a brain tumour, he had surgery, successfully removing it entirely, though the biopsy showed that it was particularly aggressive and he would need radiotherapy and chemo. My world fell apart. My little brother who has guided me so well over the last few years, was now seriously ill, many many miles away in America. Ironically, that distance means that he has the best care in the world, as the medics in Minnesota are amongst the best in the world. Barry writes an incredible blog (link at side of this page) which is a must read and tells of his experiences since his illness took hold in September. His positive attitude is a complete inspiration, as is the amazing way that Anna, my wonderful sister-in-law, has coped with everything. Her strength is immeasurable, and they have both made sure that things remain as normal as possible for Patrick and Richard.

James, Devon and Robyn gave me many reasons to smile throughout the year - James finished college and got himself a job at Nissan and became Men's Doubles Champion at Boldon Golf Club, Devon exceeded at school with her exam results and stunned us all when she stood for election as Head Girl, and Robyn entertained us throughout the year with her singing, dancing and ultimately acting as she played Alice, in Wonderland, obviously, in the school production.

After a lovely Christmas, seeing lots of our far-flung family, I got a phone call just before New Year, from Barry with encouraging news from his latest MRI, which meant that the surgery we'd steeled ourselves for, wasn't immediately needed. A huge relief, as this means Barry can continue with current treatment, without the added complications of further operations. I cannot tell you how much that means to be going into a new year with such a positive feeling, and having hope that 2011 would turn things around for our family.

And that is how I want to finish my post, on a positive note,reflecting on a difficult year, one which shook our family to the core, then with the help of amazing friends, knitted a huge warm blanket to wrap around Barry and Anna, Patrick and Richard.

Wishing all who may read this a happy and healthy New Year
with lots of love
Michelle xx

My favourite place in all the world

My blog feels like it should be shouting 'Hey Hey, over here' like it's a forgotten toy in a child's playroom. I'm reading my brother's blog, on an almost daily basis, and the link to Michmash is on the right hand side, neglected and unloved. I'm sorry blog, it's been too long,it won't happen again!
Well many things have moved me to write lately, but I think I really want to start blogging again with something positive, something that I know makes others happy, something that needs sharing...although it is probably the best kept secret in the USA. When I decided to write about this place, and the fact that it is my favourite place, I felt a little guilty. Shouldn't I be enthusing about somewhere on Tyneside? How can I overlook Penshaw Monument? What about Trow Rocks in South Shields or St James' Park? They are special places indeed, all holding wonderful memories, but somewhere else stole my heart around 14 months ago...Madeline Island, Wisconsin.
I spent four fantastic days there last year, when Barry, Anna and the boys took me as part of my 40th Birthday celebrations, and we had an amazing time. We were joined by their friends, and although the weather wasn't the best, we had lots of fun and stayed in a fabulous hunting lodge, which we shared with many deer heads!
So what is it about Madeline Island that makes it so special? It is an incredibly pretty island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, off the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior. This year we rented two houses on Chebomnicon Bay, with our own private beach, and a beautiful creek to the side, frequented by visiting deer. We were so lucky with the weather, with hot sunny days allowing us to see the best of this beautiful island. We spent a day cycling around Big Bay State Park, and another kayaking on Lake Superior to visit sea caves. Our evenings were spent outdoors, eating dinner and then roasting marshmallows in our camp fire, for the best s'mores ever!
I dare say there are many locations as stunning as Madeline Island, but with so many brilliant memories from only 6 days spent here over two visits, then it will be tricky to find somewhere else as special. I'd have to begin with the deer. One More Lodge, where we stayed last year, had deer heads on every wall,and after a few drinks, mischief got the better of us, and we rearranged the decorations of the entire cabin until we were happy with the feng shui. During the same visit, Barry, Patrick and I had a close encounter with two young deer at Big Bay, and then this year our house was visited one evening by a deer, to the delight of the kids watching. Our favourite haunts would have to be the very cosy and welcoming Mission Hill Cafe, where we sampled hot cider (with a dash of rum...shhh, don't tell), and the unforgettable Tom's Burned Down Cafe, the liveliest, strangest and most fantastic bar you will ever visit. After a delicious meal at the sophisticated Inn on the Island, we spent a few crazy hours mixing with the locals, with a little dancing for me, thanks to a gentle 'shove' in the right direction from Barry and Anna!!
The contrasts of each visit are staggering. The first time saw us cycling along the trail to the thunderous sounds of the waves of the ice-cold lake hitting the rocks, creating fierce cocktails back at our woodland lodge before settling for a snooze in front of the log fire. On our second trip we swam in the lake,soaked up the sun and sipped wine by the camp fire, watching the moon rise over the bay. Both trips to Madeline Island were filled with fun and laughter,the kids had a ball, and the grown ups enjoyed every magical moment.
I fell in love with the United States within hours of arriving in Minnesota last August, and very quickly assembled a list of places, country-wide, that I wanted to see. I have to say though, that Madeline Island will always have that pull, and I'll always want to go back. We did question a return visit when planning this year's road trip...would it be as good as the first time? Well it was, it was different, and I guess every visit to MadIsland, as we now call it, will be. I would love to see it in the Fall, and to cross the Ice Road to see it during winter. For a first trip abroad for Stevie and I, I couldn't wish for a more romantic location,I'm so glad he finally saw what I had spent the last year raving about. I think what makes me happiest is that we took Devon and Robyn with us, and they too loved the place, and it's not easy to impress 12 and 15 year olds! The island has since inspired Robyn's writing in English and I dare say will feature in Devon's art work at some point.
So there you have it, a description from me of my favourite place in all the world - Madeline Island. I don't think mere words could do it justice. Photographs help, but a smile at a Madeline memory is all it takes to remind me of just how special this beautiful island will always be.