JDog Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 (edited) Sometimes in life one just has to 'Man up' and do something not altogether pleasant. Last week I decided I just had to go and see an old friend of mine who is suffering from Parkinson's so on Tuesday my wife and I set off North. In order to make the trip just about bearable we had a day and night on the Northumbrian coast where we walked on almost deserted sandy beaches and then I met up with the estimable Kippylawkid in Embleton. We could have chatted for hours about our mutual exploits but he had to cut short our meeting to go off and take football practice. We will meet up again I am sure. On Wednesday we went to Edinburgh to meet up with my friend of forty five years. It was upsetting to say the least. The man is a shambling relic of his former self. It may be said that this man who has an estate in Angus with grouse, pheasants. roe deer and salmon has everything but now he has nothing. I was secretly in tears after we left. I may not see him again. We left the following morning for our new destination of the Tweed taking in some of the best grouse moors of the Lammermuirs on the way. There were grouse all over the place. How does one get on to these moors for a cheap late season day at the second best quarry species available to the UK sportsman? The Tweed looked beautiful but alas no fish were running and we spent time walking along the banks admiring the beauty of the place in the sunshine and counting Cormorants. Edited October 28, 2017 by JDog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Sorry to hear about your old friend, Parkinson's takes no prisoners but you did the decent thing and went to see him. The Northumberland coast is one of the great undiscovered and unspoiled spots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 You did the right thing in going to see your friend, it can't have been easy, I've no experience of Parkinson's but imagine how bad you would have felt had you left it too long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebarrels Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 You did right by your old friend JDog, sometimes life is so cruel just remember the good times mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 (edited) Very poignant JDog i feel for you. Particularly heart rending regarding this: It may be said that this man who has an estate in Angus with grouse, pheasants. roe deer and salmon has everything but now he has nothing. I was secretly in tears after we left. I may not see him again. Edited October 28, 2017 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 I know how you feel, I was in France last week and had a few beers with my elder brother that i havnt seen for 20yrs. I am left wondering, when/if i will see him again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 i can see what your mrs is saying.................... "my god ...not more bloody hills".... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 One of my dearest old friends, also a bit of a landowner, succumbed to that terrible disease a few years ago, I remember well him dragging himself to my father's funeral, just a short while before he himself died. It must have been an awful struggle for him, but he forced himself because of our friendship. It was the last time I saw him. It is an absolutely horrid disease, I feel for him and you, seeing your pal in such a state is heartbreaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clodhopper Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Top man for making the effort, that is what friendship is all about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sako751sg Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Terrible disease and takes no prisoners but hopefully your visit made his day. Was down to Peebles for the Sika last week and the river has been very poor for sure. Just back from 3 days shooting down at Mark Robsons and although not the most closest of families ive starting thinking how many more years have we got to share our shooting.Hes still fit and healthy so making the most of them whiles we can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon controller Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 A very poignant report, well done JDog for doing the right thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konnie Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Good on you for going. Long drawn out undignified demise of a human life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Sad way to end your days,but on the upside you got to see him and then some beautiful countryside. Your good lady seems a bit tired though catching a nap in the sunshine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Nice walk that around Paxton, do it at least once a year making it circular by bypass bridge and Chain Bridge . Honey Farm Cafe Bus is always worth a visit for a superb sandwich. Blackpowder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7daysinaweek Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 HI jd as other fellow pwers have said you done the right thing by yourself going to see your old friend, Parkinsons disease is a bleddy awful thing. I personally feel that when we experience sad times like this that it somehow it wells upon our own morbidity and mortality both subconsciously and consciously. Going to see a friend who is poorly is never an easy thing and I feel from your post that it speaks volumes of the kind and caring individual you are. I am absolutely sure that your good friend will have drawn comfort and sentiment from your visit and will have meant a great amount to him. Sounds to me that your relationship with him as been extremely mutual throughout life. You are a good man jd. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings as it is not always an easy thing. By the way the the Tweed look lovely, fished it for grayling a couple of times many years ago, cannot recall the exact location as i was driven by a friend. I recall being stood in the river water up to me chest surrounded by salmon, a memory that i will always remember. atb 7diaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 I empathise John, my brother in law has Parkinsons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piebob Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 We left the following morning for our new destination of the Tweed taking in some of the best grouse moors of the Lammermuirs on the way. There were grouse all over the place. How does one get on to these moors for a cheap late season day at the second best quarry species available to the UK sportsman? Sorry to read about your friend. I have heard/read some good comments about Doug Virtue, but have no personal experience. Details here http://www.lammermuirshoot.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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