CURRENT MISSION

surviving bowel cancer

ABOUT ME

A kind person; a character with a sense of humour. James [32] now lives in Gwent. Younger son Rob (28) lives in Rhayader. My 95 year old partially-sighted mother, known as "Pixie" lives here.

I live on a small pension. I care for my Mum. Before the pandemic, I worked in July as P.A. to the Estate Manager for the R.W.A.S' Royal Welsh Show [look it up!] over the river. Big house, nice and slightly mad house which we're proud of, but essential maintenance only; no spare cash. Can't afford to go far afield.
I sing tenor with Whitton Voices and Hay Community Choir; sometimes with Rapsquillion. I diddle and act the fool for Foxwhelp Morris. My social life is singing with them and in various sessions, when I can get a sitter for my mother. Many music friends all over the place who I'd love to see again. Only seems to be at funerals these days....

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer on January 6th, 2021.

I had a total right knee replacement in February, 2012 and another operation on it on June 1st, 2015, so I can now bend it 90'. It limits what I can do. Bad osteoarthritis in my left knee, my left foot and lower back. All sport is out; I can't ride a bike or run, but I can walk on the level.
Everything here depends on my voice being strong and my throat not being sore, so I can't sit and talk all the time.
Pleasant, well-mannered and acutely conscious that it's the house owner who does all the housework: I know what this means!

I will only have a Couchsurfer[s] in the house if I am physically here, because of my Mum. Rob is a plumber and is usually on long contracts working away. We don't leave my Mum on her own with a stranger, for very obvious reasons.

(Incidentally, the 'current location' always seems to be Uttoxeter in Staffs. It's 112 miles away!)

PHILOSOPHY

What you sow is what you reap - what goes round comes round. Look forward and up. Courtesy costs nothing.
I have millions of friends, some of whom I've met.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Covid has changed EVERYTHING. I'm very dubious indeed about having strangers in the house.

Avoid the dates when there are BIG events at the RWAS in Builth - I'm ALWAYS full of paying guests!
Would love to travel but can't because of my mum.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
Stayed with a very nice chap in Alderley Edge for a night one spring.

Apart from that, only sleeping on folk friends' floors and staying with folk friends in my teens, 20s and 30s. Mostly in Scotland, England and Eire. Travelled a fair bit east coast USA 30-odd years ago, but always stayed with friends / then US boyfriend.

Interests

I sing tenor - folk music and song, listening to my talented musician friends; good company, nature, beach-combing, paddling, rock pools, making country wine, woodlands, birds - gentle things! gardening.

• birds
• singing
• wine
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• folk music
• cycling
• sports
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

This house is a library! History, archaeology, country things, nature, woodlands; old fashioned.
Folk and other related musics, in tune, melodious and harmonious.
Movies - hmm. Tricky. Don't have much time to sit and watch a tv... the internet is sufficient! "My Favourite Year" and "Rebecca's Daughters" are up there...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Met Chuck Berry.
John Martyn was my best friend for some years.
Wandered about NE USA in my 20s staying with folk friends

Teach, Learn, Share

folk song!
If I am not earning or caring here, am prepared to show people round the area and will drive them, but...
I have to arrange in advance and PAY carers to stay with my mum; she can't be left now, after frequent falls.
And ONLY if people put fuel in my car first!

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Wales