OK, I know what you're thinking, I am down because I didn't win a Bloggie http://2007.bloggies.com/, in the Best Kept Secret category. Well, to be honest I think the Mistress was more gutted than me. I mean, I still get treats; I just don't have to pose for the camera to show me winning - in case I had! And in case you're interested, an American won that particular category - http://www.thepioneerwoman.com. She seems nice enough and was able to go the final ceremony; there is a definite trend in publishing circles - the story goes woman leaves city for rural location, writes a blog and wins lots of prizes (and even publishing deals!), as a result. Chick-lit has been replaced by (countryside) mum lit!
Anyway, it was a sad day for the Mistress. One of our former neighbours has died from ovarian cancer and her funeral was today. The Mistress went back - to visit our all our old neighbours - and to pay her respects to the neighbour's two daughters. Some people say never go back; the Mistress could have gone directly to the funeral service but she had time to spare so decided to meet everyone where we used to live. The Mistress cried when she saw our old flat and all our neighbours. It was an emotional visit all round; it reminded her that it's not where you live but the people you live with or near that really makes the difference.
There's nothing like a funeral to make you aware of your own (and your loved ones') mortality. The priest talked about reflecting on your life and whether or not you are living life to the full and acting with a clear conscience. The Mistress came home and was very subdued so I watched all the doggy TV with her other half. (Tomorrow I shall write all about fat dogs and dogs trying to make the Crufts grade with Victoria Stillwell and the debate about ethical food!).
In the meantime, this seems an ideal opportunity to give you some facts and figures about the silent killer (ovarian cancer) that is affecting far more women than you realise:
From the Eve Appeal (http://www.eveappeal.org.uk)
`'Every year over 7,000 women across the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 5,000 of them will die. That’s a death rate of over 70% - similar to the survival rate for breast cancer.
"With statistics like these, being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is likely to be devastating. And this news affects not only women themselves, but their family, friends and other loved ones as well.
"But there is real hope for the future.
"The Eve Appeal was set up to save women’s lives by funding groundbreaking research into gynaecological cancers. Our current and most urgent aim is to raise the last £5 million required to complete a world class research programme at University College London which aims is to find techniques that will halve the death rates from ovarian cancer within 10 years. The programme includes the world’s largest ovarian screening trial in the world."
The charity - at the family's request - that everyone will be supporting today is Ovacome (http://www.ovacome.org.uk), which is "a UK-wide support network providing information and support for everyone affected by ovarian cancer". Both charities are doing really important work in this area of women's health and deserve your support.
Woof Woof
Sending hugs to you your Mistress....
Loui and his mum xx
Posted by: Loui | March 25, 2007 at 07:14 PM