Friday 15^th March 2013-03

Yesterday I spent time with my sister Elsa walking her dog ‘Rory’ who likes to wallow in muddy puddles. Hopefully get some images of this. The walk feels beneficial being vigorous along a bridle track in unspoilt countryside .It also gave us time together to talk about our mother ‘Norma ‘ and an opportunity to get my mother on the blog. Mum died in November 2008 after a third battle with Non –Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I miss her dearly. Today my middle sister Julie phoned and we also had a long conversation about mum which was perhaps long overdue, albeit I find this reminiscences emotional draining. I will be posting some pictures and a brief bio of my mother in time.

The Specialist

I went to the beer shop and recieved some excellent guidance from Jim on Beligian beer. Unbeknownst to me, Jim lost his dad from the same tumour as I suffer from. 

Joseph bless him cooked us all dinner, a fabulous risotto with enough to provide additional snacks into the weekend. Blog update with Joseph

Delighted with their meal, clearly

Fennel, marscapone, chorizo, asparagus

Saturday 16^th March 2013-03

Spent a good few hours with Anne & the boys clearing out the antic to determine what we wanted to keep, and what will go to the charity shop. Next we will go through my personal stuff & the boys. Job well done.

Julie & her husband Colin provisionally planned to visit, however, this was cancelled as an urgent engine job (Colin is a mechanic) came up in Bradwell, Essex. Therefore I was able to help Carina, as I had provisionally booked in the knowledge it would have been a lonely task canvassing on her own.

Would you buy a used car from this man?

 The saving of the NHS from privatisation of provision remains a massive concern for me and an early inspiration for my blog (see previous postings). I really want future generations to benefit from the same high quality care I have received, notwithstanding the need to address the problems raised by the Francis report (see earlier link for the full report).Managed to watch the Rugby later that evening before attending a party for Labour members. 

The Labour Party Party Time

This was most enjoyable with great food, drink and  company. Always good to see Ashley W & Richard J the co authors of the excellent book on the history of the Labour party in Cambridge which I understand is nominated for an award. 

A good read

I wish I had got my act together to buy/sell raffle tickets for the magnificent prizes. Many thanks to Felix for making the family dinner and his excellent from scratch wedges, very tasty

 Managed to cycle there and back in terrible rain.  Anne out with her (and mine) friend Chista. It pleases me that Anne takes these opportunities to get away from me (tumours), the boys etc for some quality time out/support

Sunday 17^th March 2013-03

Slept well until 05:30hrs .This seems to be becoming the norm which means I get a good few hours of sleep (in addition to the somnolence, akin to ‘forty winks’. I am prone to during the day when sitting in a warm environment .I don’t fall asleep during my after meditation, nevertheless I finish feeling refreshed and able to get through the evenings activities & joined CR and PS canvassing in the rain in Romsey, all good exercise to counteract the oedema and side effects  

Monday 18^th March 2013

Sorting our stuff (files /paper work etc in preparation for the inevitable). Sad as this may sound, it gives me a great sense of relief that Anne & the boys will not have to deal with stuff that I have left unresolved. What to do about a car for Anne: we have considered going electric so it was helpful to get a call from Rob who has explored this option.

Back to the GP in the afternoon who gave had a good look at all the oedema sites and we agreed to try a diuretic. I am more than happy with this plus a referral to Macmillan so we can at least meet and for them to see me when I am relatively able.

Oedema makes it tricky to tie my shoes

Thanks for the kit, Anne

Anne visited our neighbour P who currently in a very poorly state due to cancer. Hopefully as treatment begins he will improve and welcome further visitors.

Gina!

Cake!

Gina came around, with a lovely cake and beers, and Joseph fashioned for himself a prototype bow tie.

Dodgy stiching

NH 18/3/2012