Looking back over the last 2 weeks we have packed in quite a lot! We made another visit to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve at Monkswood to see if we could spot some butterflies - yes, White Admiral, Comma, Small White, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, I think. Then it was off to Elgar's place (Lower Broadheath) for a cup of tea.
We've been to a couple of relaxation type sessions at the Maggie's centre in Cheltenham. That is such a nice place to be - the staff and volunteers are so welcoming and helpful. We've gone on from there to Snowshill Lavender farm (more tea) with a walk amongst the flowering lavender, and today we went on to Chedworth Roman Villa to see the new mosaics that have been uncovered (and more tea!).
On Tuesday last week (that very hot cloudless sunny day) we ventured to Tyntesfield for the first time. I found it interesting altho' they have made it into 'yet another' NT property in a way - they get a bit predictable after a while. A much quieter and more relaxed place is Kelmscott which we visited last Saturday and although we've been there a few times before, never disappoints (and the tea and frangipan was good too!). On the way home we called into Fairford Church which has the most complete set of Mediaeval glass in the country. We were really impressed with the depiction of Hell in the West window.
Sunday evening saw us entertained for dinner by some 'old' friends - the meal was delicious and the company as convivial as ever - all much appreciated. And if that wasn't enough eating - I was invited out for lunch on Monday too, with equally good company!
As mentioned at the beginning, we went into Worcester on Tuesday to visit libraries in the main. Firstly to the Old Palace to see about returning to my volunteering adventures there and, after lunch in their cafe (have you been there?), we went on to the Hive (the new public library in Worcester). Now there's an interesting place - gaudy on the outside and difficult to find ones way around on the inside. It's a good resource having the link to the University but why are some Journals spread about in a haphazard fashion? And why is there no list of what Journals are available?
In amongst all this activity, we've fitted in a little bit of serious gardening - but not as much as needed, alas!
And......yesterday came the visit to the Consultant Haematologist at Worcester Royal to hear the results of another blood test. Neutrophils and platelets are back to normal levels, but haemoglobin is still low and this might be the result of a low level of folate - so more medication to take for a while. To cheer ourselves up we went on to Hartlebury Museum, to admire the exhibits and take on board yet more tea and cakes!
My next MRI scan is set for 16th August but we will have to wait until the 30th for the result from the Oncologist. So until then we will try to continue the grand tour - weather permitting!
Colin (& Jane).