Best Of

@milliehull, @nelliethehooker, @DSB and others I have missed. Really enjoying all the photos posted, thank you, and hopefully you are all having, and had, a great time away.

Things have been quiet here for a couple of weeks since the visiting dog went home, we did get all the family here for a couple of days when they came to collect him. They came here after another abortive attempt to go up Scafell, our grandson has wanted to do it for a few years, he’s 19 now, our youngest son has done it a few times on charity 3 peaks events but every time they arrange something for Harry the weather intervenes unfortunately. Oh well, one day!

We had a lovely few days in Hertfordshire last weekend, seeing our Hong Kong family who were over for a visit and helping eldest Grandson who has moved into a flat share in Greenwich for his last year of his University course. Busy weekend but good to see them all briefly.

We are now getting ready for a visit from the Macau family, they are coming at the weekend for 10 days. They have been travelling around Switzerland, Austria and Germany for a couple of weeks and we are the last stop before they return. Reading between the lines I think it’s been a bit more than they anticipated with 2 little kids - our youngest grandchildren are 6 and 2. I did say - but what do I know!! Hopefully everyone can have a chill out here for a while and we are looking forward to some family time.

Been thinking of you @DavidKlyne. Do hope you are still doing well and will be getting home soon.

Had a lovely surprise, this morning. While I was out for my hospital appointment - our neighbour's children - Stanley (8) and Toby (4) came round with a bottle of wine (supervised by mum!) and a thank you card. Stanley has been saving up for ages for a new BMX bike (he had a new bike not so long ago, but apparently, BMX bikes are now back "in"). He's been earning pocket money from us for feeding the fish while we are away and doing jobs at home. A few weeks ago, I did a deal with him (after discussing with mum and dad), that if he did all the things he had to do before the end of term (spelling tests etc etc), I give him what he was short of to get the bike. Anyway - he did it - and more (which I knew he would!) Bike arrived yesterday - got to say, it's very smart and he's obviously very proud of it. (Don't worry though - we didn't leave Toby out😀)

Mixed result at hospital this morning. Very nice consultant but I have to say he baffled me with science a bit. I didn't realise arthritis was such a complex subject. Although he hasn't yet ruled it out completely, he doesn't think my immune system is attacking my joints. However both hips are shot due to osteoarthritis, as is the bottom of my spine but I have to have some more ultrasound tests before he can completely rule out some form of inflammatory arthritis.

I did ask him how bad it had to be before I was entitled to a Blue Badge and he cheered me up a bit saying that I was more than entitled to have one and he would support my application and will write to my GP accordingly. At least that will make getting about a bit easier.

Sounds like you've had / are having a very busy family time @heddlo . You'll be needing a rest before long!

Home now from Islay, it was a good break. Smooth crossings both ways, weather mixed, but plenty to see. Visited a couple of the distilleries and did the tours, had lunch at one of them. Plenty of beaches for the boys to visit, great playpark not far from the house.