The best laid plans….

I had planned to go for a swim this evening. However, I was rather taken with wearing neoprene gloves and socks last week, borrowed from a fellow swimmer, so I thought I’d order my own. Unfortunately, they didn’t arrive in time. Not only that, but I was still busy sorting out my Mum’s financial affairs until nearly six o’clock this evening, so it all got to be too late. Disappointing, but there we are. Next time maybe…..

In other news, we have been busy with John’s medical appointments. On Monday, we were at the ophthalmic clinic, checking that the prisms in John’s glasses were the right ones before a referral for new bins. A good consultation and we came away happy. Well, as happy as we can be given the circumstances, anyway……..

In the afternoon, I shot over to the Kenilworth Newbies to do a spot of babysitting baby Oliver. Such a delight. He slept in his pram while we went out for a walk to drop off a parcel, and then he woke up to entertain me for the hour or so before Mummy came home again. He is such a chuckle-y little chap, with a slow grin and a twinkly eye. He’s got such character – and who knows what mischief he is going to get away with as he grows up with that smile?

Here’s a photo taken a couple of weeks ago, Oliver looking very pleased with himself because he’s sitting up! (…ish)

On the way home I called into the Kenilworth Originals to drop one or two things in and stopped for a cuppa. Nice. They are having an extension where the conservatory used to be, so there was a lot of noise outside and a pile of soil on the drive……. no parking there then! Exciting times though. Foundations are going in……

Yesterday was another day of medical stuff. A telephone consultation with the oncologist in the morning regarding John’s prostate cancer. After a bit of preamble, which I started to think wasn’t boding well, he said, “We’ve got the results of your blood test, John, and the new tablets seem to be doing the trick. Your PSA levels were 91, but this latest reading shows them at 20.” Well! I was relieved anyway. John didn’t react much, but as the news sank in and dawned on him, I think he was pleased, too.

In the afternoon, there was another telephone consultation – this time to assess John’s suitability for a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme. It transpires that he is suitable after all, and he will be trundling along to an exercise and education class, twice a week for six weeks, from the beginning of November. Fingers crossed it helps him. He could certainly do with something!!!

The physiotherapist also gave him some handy hints on breathing – helpful, eh?

I had a busy day today, with a stress management course online this morning. It is all things I have heard before but it is nice to be reminded of the tips and hints to help improve the way I look at things. Mind you, it’s hard to shake off the habits of a lifetime, isn’t it?

Mindful that I had admin on Mum’s affairs, which has been sitting glowering at me from the corner of the computer room for the last ten days, I thought I’d better get on with it. What was particularly good was that John joined me to help. And he was a real help. So lovely to have him there supporting me and making a fantastic contribution. We got it sorted in what felt like no time at all – although actually took us all afternoon! Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is a reminder of ‘latibulate’ (17th century): to find a corner somewhere and hide in it. Wonder how the Prime Minister will sleep tonight?