Journey's end again (view larger image in Flickr).

motherwell station again (view larger image in Flickr).

Dozed off for 20 mins and wolf to see my mobile flashing to tell me I've got a new voicemail msg. It turns out to be from my much loved partner Chris to tell me he doesn't begrudge me a cigarette at all, even if he would prefer me to stop, and he hopes I'll soon be able to enjoy a cigarette at Motherwell station.
Thank you, darling! :)

... And a cigarette. Yes of course I know I shouldn't. I wish I didn't feel any desire to smoke another cigarette. But I do. Sorry.

Carlisle (view larger image in Flickr).

Pretty quiet here. Hoped they might stop long enough for a cigarette, but no - we're off again.

Treated myself to a glass of wine, and suddenly find myself craving a cigarette.
Deep breaths Donna...

Penrith (view larger image in Flickr).

Looks rather monastic, doesn't it?

Oxenholme (view larger image in Flickr).

And just look at how blissfully quiet and peaceful this carriage now is! :)

Still running about 15 mins late.

A rather damp Preston (view larger image in Flickr).

Scheduled departure 20:31, actual departure 20:49.

Train has almost emptied! Moved to a seat with a table, and I think I might now venture towards the shop.

... looks like quite a lot of people are preparing to get off at Preston. Just hope there aren't an equal number preparing to get *on* at Preston!

Crewe (view larger image in Flickr).

Perhaps once a grand station. Now? Well, not so grand is probably the kindest description.

Hmmm... we've had a couple of patches of slow running since we passed Nuneaton. Now not moving at all. Not sure if that's because we're ahead of schedule, or if we're running a little late.
Ah - we're now back up to normal speed, and they've just announced we're now running about 15 mins late.

Only took them half an hour since we left Rugby, but better late than never I guess.

Rugby station and a train called Tracy Island (view larger image in Flickr).

Coo! Virgin Trains has a locomotive, pictured here, named after the home of Thunderbirds, and even sporting the Thunderbirds wing logo. I'm suitably impressed!

Now I daren't finish the coffee I bought before getting on the train. And until the number of people standing reduces somewhat, I won't dare drink anything at all, in case I need to in and can't get through to another toilet further back. Aargh!

Didn't notice it particularly on the last couple of journeys, but there are a couple of fast, sweeping curves in the track just after going through Leighton Buzzard station, and I happened to be looking out of the window and both saw and felt it as the train tilted markedly.
Oh, and in case it's of interest to anyone, this Virgin Pendolino is the "City of Edinburgh".

Ho hum. Catering crew late inbound, so it seems we're going to pick them up at Rugby. First class passengers get a limited service until then. Standard class passengers get shop closed - bugger off until we've left Rugby.
And, having chosen to sit in the quiet coach, quite how I'm going to feel if the wailing and whining infant a few seats away turns out to be going beyond the first stop I'm really not sure, but I don't think it's likely to fit into the "charitable" category.

Recommend you don't try to travel on the 18:08 without a reservation. I didn't have one today (you'd think with their computerised systems they'd be able to handle reservations for tickets purchased online more than 2 hours before the train is due to depart!), and only just managed to get a seat. There are lots of people standing.

Euston station in good time (view larger image in Flickr).

Got my tickets ok from FastTicket machine. At least this time it's a return ticket so I can't forget to collect the return bit like I did a couple of weeks ago when I bought 2 separate singles!

A couple of bits of info for you - first, once your ticket is in the FastTicket system, the Trainline people can't or won't change how you collect your ticket (I had to make a trip into Glasgow just to pick up my ticket from the FastTicket machines there). However, second, I did discover that once your ticket is in the FastTicket system you can collect it from the FastTicket machines at any station. So quite why one has to specify the station where one wants to collect one's tickets, well, if you know the answer to that one, do share with the rest of us!

At the start of another journey (view larger image in Flickr).

Southall station, and the 16:45 train to London. I'm off up to Law again.

My mum is very tired and weak now. She can't eat much - what little she can eat would hardly keep a sparrow going. She manages somehow to be calm, accepting of what is happening and yet remain positive. Perhaps she simply doesn't have the energy to get worked up or upset about things.

A hospital bed was delivered today, with electrically operated moving sections. Hope it doesn't decide to start raising and lowering bits by itself - mummy doesn't need the exercise!

A district nurse is also now visiting several times a week, and a care assistant every day.

My sister Lynn told me last night that mummy is, paradoxically, no longer being sick now that she's decided to stop taking the anti-sickness pills. Typical.

A gorgeous morning (view larger image in Flickr).

It was grey and wet much of yesterday and clearly rained overnight. But as the sun came up this morning, the clouds cleared, and now it's beautifully sunny. The air is cool, but if you find a sheltered spot, the sun is lovely and warm.

Tony's gone in to Reading to do some stuff, and Lynn is having a long lie in, in an attempt to throw off the cold she started to come down with just as we set off on the drive up to Scotland on Wednesday. So for the next couple of hours it's just me, Chris and the girls. If they're good, we might let them have another piece of Hayley's birthday cake. :)

Made it! (view larger image in Flickr).

The sky is just beginning to lighten, and the girls are still asleep.

Oops no birthday cake! (view larger image in Flickr).

So a quick visit to the 24 hour Tesco.

A34 and more roadworks (view larger image in Flickr).

13 miles to Oxford (view larger image in Flickr).

Heavy spray (view larger image in Flickr).

On the M40 and rain continues as heavily.

Onto the M42, and we've run into heavy rain and patches of hazy mist. Visibility not seriously impaired though.

Overnight roadworks (view larger image in Flickr).

We've encountered several patches of road maintenance gangs at work. These have slowed us down a bit, but not too much.

And we've just turned off onto the M5 after negotiating that last section.

Motorway service stations have changed a lot! (view larger image in Flickr).

On our way again after a short stop at Hilton Park services. Can't help noticing that motorway service stations have changed a lot since I last accompanied Lynn on one of these journeys a few years ago. Don't remember any open plan coffee lounges with armchairs then!

Empty road (view larger image in Flickr).

20 miles to Manchester.

Approaching Charnock Richard services (view larger image in Flickr).

A short comfort break. Place is almost deserted. Must be a strange job, doing the might shift in a place like this.

We just crossed back onto English soil.
Lynn and I visited our mother today, and found her much improved. We them had to double back to Law to pick up the birthday present mum had bought for Hayley (one of Lynn's daughters) who will be 7 tomorrow.
But we did finally get under way, and are just passing Carlisle.

Law - journey's end (view larger image in Flickr).

... For now ...

Refuelling at Johnstonebridge services (view larger image in Flickr).

Luckily Lynn spotted that the car was rather low on fuel, *before* we ended up coasting along on fumes!

We passed over the border about 15 mins ago. Tried to photograph the sign, but the car bounced and all I got was a brown blur.

Leaving Tebay 19.30 (view larger image in Flickr).

About 90 mins to go.

Tebay Services at sunset (view larger image in Flickr).

The best motorway services anywhere in the country.

Just to stretch legs and pick up some water. It's been gorgeous weather so far, albeit somewhat cold. Problem with the network at the moment, and unable to send or receive anything for the past hour - not sure why.
Ah - looks like problem has been sorted.

Keele Services 15.55 (view larger image in Flickr).

50 miles to Liverpool. Occasionally see some sheep - as we travel north the lambs get younger and younger.

first break (view larger image in Flickr).

23 miles to Brum (view larger image in Flickr).

Off to Scotland again (view larger image in Flickr).

If you've strayed in here, thank you for dropping in, and you kind of deserve a quick word of explanation. Amongst other things, I blog my journeys to keep my family and friends updated on my progress. Hence the rather boring entries at times simply documenting where I've got to.

Right now, things are a bit all over the place. A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer. She was nonetheless incredibly lucky in that it was found much earlier than that particular cancer is generally diagnosed, it hadn't spread to any other organs, and it was possible for it to be removed through surgery - something only possible in about 20% of cases. She was also lucky in that she was referred to one of the most experienced, respected and successful surgeons specialising in this type of cancer, Professor Imrie in Glasgow. The operation was successful, and she has been one of the 10% of people who have this procedure and survive more than 2 years beyond the operation. That extra time with her was given to us as a result of Professor Imrie's expertise and the excellent care she received while she was in hospital, and we will always be grateful for that, as is my mother.

Last year however, the cancer reappeared, and she underwent several courses of chemotherapy. While that had an initially positive effect, it didn't get rid of the cancer. Things seemed to have stabilised, but then about a month ago, my mother started to lose weight rapidly. Last week, I travelled up to scotland to spend some time with her and talk to her doctor. And what we had begun to suspect was confirmed - the cancer has spread to her liver and is not responsive to treatment. We might have a year. Or less. Or more. We simply have to make the most of whatever time is given to us. And them my mother was taken into hospital on Monday, just after I left, though we're expecting her to be home again in a few days. So I'm on the way back up with my sister Lynn for a brief visit.

And back to Southall again (view larger image in Flickr).

Hanwell is the most jumbled mix of shops and cultures you could imagine. Halal kebabs and KFC imitators, second hand furniture shops, a cabinet maker and restorer of fine furniture, a Rolls Royce centre, Pogrebok - a Russian / Polish / Lithuanian cafe, Irish pubs with a Punjabi flavour - the list could go on and on.

Ealing Town Hall (view larger image in Flickr).

Where, for those interested in such things, a Psychic Fair will be taking place on 30 March.

Ealing Common station at dusk (view larger image in Flickr).

Acton Town (view larger image in Flickr).

Next stop Ealing Common and a bus home.

Nearing Euston station (view larger image in Flickr).

I've never had to make use before of the services provided to aid passengers who need assistance while travelling. However I realised last week that my mother and I would need assistance getting on and off the train at Motherwell and Milton Keynes Central. So on Friday, I looked up the phone numbers online for Customer Mobility Assistance at Motherwell station and Milton Keynes Central station, and for Virgin Trains. I needed to arrange for a wheelchair at each station, with a member of station staff to help us get to the train at Motherwell and from the train to the car park at Milton Keynes, for someone on the train to help us get off at Milton Keynes, and if possible for our seat reservations to be changed so that we would be together on the journey. I decided to phone the Virgin Trains people first, and was bowled over by just how helpful the guy on the other end of the line was. He sorted the whole lot out for me, saving me from having to make multiple phone calls. I wish I'd made a note of his name so I could give him the credit he deserves. The fact that I had to phone back this morning to cancel the arrangements he made on our behalf in no way diminishes my gratitude to him for his thoughtful and cheerfully offered help. Definitely 5 stars to Virgin Trains.

Will be there in a few mins. I'll have to change here - original plans were that lynn would meet us here with the car.
Seems my mother is dehydrated, but I'm puzzled by that since I know she was drinking plenty of fluids.

Have so far resisted urge to jump off train and get one going in the opposite direction. Will see if it's possible to travel up with Lynn on Wed, and then back on Thurs night.

And i've just picked up a voicemail message from my brother-in-law to say my mother has been taken into hospital for a few days. I'm going in the wrong direction, except that I miss Chris so much and badly need to be with him again for a while at least.

Just 9 mins late.

Unfortunately the guy sitting opposite me has pulled down the blind so he can see his laptop screen more clearly, so no photos for a while I guess.
Train Manager has just announced we'll be delayed here for a short while while they try to sort out a problem with the on-board computer. Didn't even know these trains had on-board computers!

Carlisle (view larger image in Flickr).

... and time for a quick cigarette ...

Snow still lying (view larger image in Flickr).

The snow may have melted in most places, but it's still very much there up in the hills.

11.26 to London left Motherwell on time. I had expected to be accompanying my mother on her way down to visit my sister Lynn. But my mother was sick several times over the weekend, and unable to eat anything yesterday, and when she was sick again this morning, I had to make the decision that she was simply not well enough to travel today. But I had to come back today having already juggled my schedule to make the time to come up here. Lynn will drive up next week, and ferry our mother down in the car, which she should manage. If I can, I'll get a couple of days off to accompany them.

I think I've been here before (view larger image in Flickr).

The back garden, once again blanketed in snow.

Strange tower thing (view larger image in Flickr).

Haven't a clue what the tower on the right is, but it looks intriguing.

Back in Motherwell (view larger image in Flickr).

Albeit rather slowly. Train ahead having some technical problems, it seems.

Continuing through southern Scotland (view larger image in Flickr).

Taken about 15 mins ago.

And now at a standstill. Hope not for long.

Southern Scotland (view larger image in Flickr).

Lots of snow here.

Carlisle (view larger image in Flickr).

Very little snow as we came in to Carlisle.

More snow (view larger image in Flickr).

Between Oxenholme and Penrith.

Viaduct north of Oxenholme (view larger image in Flickr).

Snow covered scenery is stunning up here.

Heading north from Lancaster (view larger image in Flickr).

Towards Oxenholme. Has been snowing heavily up here. Looks beautiful. But it was rather cold waiting for the Glasgow train at Lancaster.

Lancaster (view larger image in Flickr).

Waiting for the Glasgow train. Sorry Jack - still no time to visit any of the pubs. One day...

Lancaster City FC (view larger image in Flickr).

Coming into Lancaster (view larger image in Flickr).

Cafe at Preston station (view larger image in Flickr).

Elizabethan revival architecture perhaps?

Approaching Preston - snow's gone again (view larger image in Flickr).

Wigan - first signs of snow (view larger image in Flickr).

Industrially scenic Warrington Bank Quay (view larger image in Flickr).

Just paid a visit to the rather high tech loo. The high tech bit is fine, but about 30 seconds after I got in there, that loud, 3 tone alarm you hear on Virgin trains started sounding, and continued to do so every 20-30 seconds while I was in there. I know I didn't touch any of the "call for assistance" buttons, so it was rather puzzling and not a little alarming. Of course I suppose it might not have related to of being in there, but it did rather seem to coincide with my occupancy.

Crewe (view larger image in Flickr).

So here we are in Crewe station. Not the nice bit with attractive sandstone, but a rather nasty looking extension bit of the station, which doesn't look nearly as nice.

Leaving Rugby (view larger image in Flickr).

Virgin Pendolino train at Euston (view larger image in Flickr).

The "Dinas Bangor". Today the 7.46 am train to Lancaster. Left Euston station bang on time.

London to Motherwell again (view larger image in Flickr).

6.47 am at Southall station. Cold but sunny. Train to Paddington approaching. Nearly didn't make it to the station in time, and next train at 7.10 am would have left me very little time to get to Euston and collect my ticket for the 7.46 train. But bus got me there just in time. Train being a couple of minutes late helped too.

The night bus home (view larger image in Flickr).

Andrew and Chris (view larger image in Flickr).

Andrew Arch (Vision Australia) and Chris enjoying the meal and the conversation. I've really enjoyed this evening. :)

Edgware Road (view larger image in Flickr).

One of the great things about living in a big city is that you can decide, on the spur of the moment, to go out for a meal, and in London you can pretty well take your pick of cuisines. Tonight it's Lebanese in one of the Maroush restaurants on Edgware Road.

Launch of PAS 78 (view larger image in Flickr).

At Novotel Hammersmith. Good intro by Ann McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People. Indicated that there are no current plans to add defined standards for web accessibility to existing legislation (eg the DDA).

Flying over the Alps from Nice to Zurich - view larger image in Flickr

Took some photos from the window of the plane while we were over the Alps en route to Zurich. There are 11 more of these (of varying quality it has to be said!) on Flickr.

And so home to chilli pepper Southall (view larger image in Flickr).

On the bus heading home (view larger image in Flickr).

Zooming past the British Airways Compass Centre (used to work there). Should be home in 40-50 mins.

Had a slightly hairy moment at Zurich (come to that I got a bit of a jolt on the flight there when I thought the stewardess said all connecting flights were grounded when she actually said they were all "granted" which did rather explain the puzzling lack of reaction to the announcement -anyway, the flight from Nice was 30 mins late, which only left me 30 mins to find and board the flight to London. But at Zurich you have to go through security again even when transferring, and the queues were huge! I finally got to the scanner with just 10 mins left before my flight was due to depart, but there was a problem scanning one of my bags and as a result they wanted to search it and re-scan it! I really was beginning to feel a bit panicky, and was praying that the fact I hadn't heard any announcements along the lines of "Would passenger Smillie please proceed *immediately* to gate x where your plane is about to depart without you" meant that the flight was running a few mins late. When the security people finally cleared me to in through, I grabbed my bags and hurried to the gate as fast as I could. I was vastly relieved to find that the flight was still on "final call" and hadn't yet progressed to "gate closing". Even so, there weren't many passengers turning up after me!

Zurich again (view larger image in Flickr).

Only busier...

The airport at Nice (view larger image in Flickr).

Flight delayed by 30 mins, but we're now crammed onto a bus to take us out to the plane.

Nice - they are remembered (2) (view larger image in Flickr).

Second plaque on wall outside entrance D3 at Nice airport.

Nice - they are remembered (1) (view larger image in Flickr).

Plaque on wall outside entrance D3 at Nice airport.

Asked at conference reception about getting on hotel shuttle bus to airport - they told me they'd asked the hotel about it, and had been told it wasn't available to W3C conf delegates. Considered getting bus or train, then decided to treat myself to a taxi and pay the difference myself. Went to Reception to ask them to call a taxi. They directed me to bellboy outside. He told me the next taxi would be at 3pm! Back to Reception only to discover most of the taxis are on strike or something, and the few that are running are booked solid. Then it turns out I could have booked on the shuttle bus after all. But no-one else is booked for the next couple of hours, and they'll only run it if there are 2 or more passengers. But then I find that a chauffeur driven car will cost the same as what i was expecting a taxi to be, so it's a chauffeur driven car. Talking to the driver, it seems perhaps there's a bit of a disagreement has flared up between the hotel and the local taxi drivers, and the drivers are flexing their muscles a little. All well and good, but why did they have to flex them today?! I'm sure they can't have known I was travelling today...

Sign by disabled parking bay (view larger image in Flickr).

One way of getting the message across I guess!

Another view from the hotel balcony (view larger image in Flickr).

L'Hostellerie du Golf, Mandelieu-Cannes

Henny and Donna (view larger image in Flickr).

Getting some sun and sea air before heading in for the first session of the afternoon.

Looking towards the railway bridge (view larger image in Flickr).

Imaginatively called "Le Pont du Chemin de Fer". Right next to is a tiny ferry - it's part way across the river in this shot.

The hotel we're staying in (view larger image in Flickr).

From the opposite bank.

If only all lunch breaks were like this! (view larger image in Flickr).

The conference hotel (view larger image in Flickr).

En route to the conference venue 1 (view larger image in Flickr).

The hotel stands alongside a small river. Every so often, small motor launches like this one went past.

The conference hall (view larger image in Flickr).

Where most of the time is actually spent.

A new day (view larger image in Flickr).

Well, yesterday I left a bright and sunny London, and spent far longer than I wanted to in Zurich airport while it snowed more and more heavily (they had snow ploughs out, and de-icing equipment in operation - it was beginning to remind me just a tad too much of the film Airport!). But this morning I'm in the south of France, and it's a beautiful sunny day. Air is cool, but not cold enough to make it uncomfortable having the patio doors open. And although I'm obviously at the side or back of the hotel, the view isn't bad!

Finally arrived at the hotel about 20 mins ago. I'm knackered! I'm really not sure that I'm going to be in any fit state for an 8am start. I think they may have to start without me.

I did remember to bring the spare battery for my mobile. Even more remarkably, it was fully charged!

Inching ever closer - am now in a taxi on my way to the hotel. And I found an ATM which didn't object to my Maestro card, so at least I've got some Euros to pay for the taxi.