Another plus is that our very good engineering friend has completed the garden/drive obscuration project with great finesse and precision. Out in all weathers - mostly very cold and windy - he has done a grand job. The tea and biscuits have been no match for the effort expended. Greater things must be supplied in recompense!
A visit to Worcester hospital 'made' the start of the new year. Those of you who have had the 'pleasure' of a visit in the last few weeks will know of the hike in car parking charges! And still, there are cars being driven around and around trying to find a space. We can't understand why more people don't use the Sixways Park and Ride - it is much cheaper - an all day ticket is cheaper, even than the new hourly rate introduced at WRH. Those with concessionary passes get to travel free (think parking has to be paid for tho').
Colin has continued with his voluntary work at Regents college in the library this year. He says - "mainly putting books back on shelves" - and that seems to be never ending but much appreciated - well someone has to do it and Colin is very happy to oblige. It gives him a day doing different things in a different environment with different people and it allows Jane to take the octogenarian shopping and to pilates.
One of our other good friends - the one of 6 bypasses fame and other unmentionables - is now 75% through his chemo treatment. Apart from the accumulating fatigue, which we understand is usual, everything seems to be going to plan, which we're very pleased about. We look forward to lots of days out as the weather improves and health is back on an even keel.
Colin has a review of his second hearing aid tomorrow - he says it's not helping much, so we'll see if that can be improved. His next appointment with the oncologist isn't until the end of February and then there will be no planned MRI scan. In the meantime, Colin has taken up learning piano - well there was one sitting in the dining room not doing very much. It is thought that learning a new skill - one which has not been tried before - helps to build new neural networks in the brain and thereby helps with memory function. So we shall see - even though it's very early days, Jane has been surprised by what Colin has remembered from his lessons. This is a real test of the memory, as Colin has no previous experience of this skill at all and he can't guess the answer either, as he does in other situations!!
All we need now is for Severn Trent to come and fix the stop-cock outside our property - their side of the meter. They have a habit of sending texts putting off the fix schedule - making it even more working days before they promise to attend! We don't anticipate a fast response - or even any response at the rate they're going!
Colin and Jane.