If the zombie dog incident showed me one thing, it was that when instinct takes over, it's amazing what one can do. I have fairly steep steps into my back garden, that day to day, I prefer not to use, because it's so darn difficult. I have no rail there, as the social services fitted one and a 'monkey swing handle' to the front door.

As I can get out of the front door thanks to the adaptations, and get into the back garden through a gate from there, the mobility services said a back rail was unnecessary. Cost cutting, limited resources, and all that. Yet when Sigma was in bother, I have no idea how I found myself with him.

And there's the dilemma. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to say to people with wonky bits like me, who have asked advice about claiming for help with their needs because they've had to appeal.

"No, you're telling Works and Pensions how wonderfully you manage, how well you do overcoming adversity, how you've struggled to 'be normal' and how you've succeeded, with a little loving help."

"They don't want to know that. They want to know, in a nutshell, 'what will it take for you to live as normal a life as possible, describe the problems you have' ". They've always looked a little crushed and crestfallen, and rightly so, because they and their carers have worked damn hard to appear and manage like people without wonky bits do, and frequently succeed. For a little time. And the hard work start over again.

Of course it's a matter of degree. If you can manage 90% of the time, you probably don't need that much help. And there's the problem I anticipate in the new, streamlined system. Yes, it will weed out those who have played the system for what they can get in a 20/30 minute interview.

But my worry is for the rightly proud, the scrappers, battlers, the courageous, who want to demonstrate how well they can deal with their disability. Who don't want to be a burden, but, through no fault of their own, will be, once those thirty minutes are over.

Everyone has the right to reach or regain their potential, that's the story of humanity. When it comes to disability, there will be those who, if properly supported, can contribute to society or increase their contribution. For others, support gives them the right to life. Government should recognise that.

Ye small gods, I'm starting to sound like a disability activist.......

~~~~~~

Five days to go :)

Tree up, lights up, lights up on the windows, check.
Presents under the tree, check.
Turkey bought, check.

Ginger cake, check.
Christmas Pudding, check.
Christmas cake (yeh, I know it supposed to mature, but it'll disappear in 5 mins), check.
Chilli sauce, prezzie's, check.
Likewise Sweet Chilli Jam, check.

Pickled Onions, Betroot, Chutney, home made Branston Pickle and Tomato Sauce, check.
Oranges and lemons, Stocking fillers,

Ingredients for the stuffing and Roasties, the veg and herbs, yup.

Wife and daughters nipping down to sons place to put him up a Christmas tree, oh yes.

Now then. Only Treacle Toffee, Peanut brittle, Toffee chews, Lemon Drops, Old Fashioned Humbugs, Fudge, and Glacé fruits to make. Phew!

I hope my lass remembers to put a nice 25 year old single malt to the shopping list.