The frost was slow to clear yesterday – and in the field across the way even the sheep seemed to know it was going to be cold as they had huddled together in a slightly more sheltered corner of the meadow, but where the hoar frost thickly covered the hedgerow and the trees. I understand that snow is falling “up country” a bit – but so far today we are clear here, mind you the birds are making best of the bonanza of birdseed that Fiona generously puts out every day in the feeders. I am almost inclined to feel sorry for the pair of collared doves who visit us frequently. Whenever they attempt to land on the bird feeder their weight causes it to close up so they can’t get at the seeds – they have to make do with what falls to the ground…and here I was tempted to do a piece on Onan, but have thought better of it! We also have some coal tits that seem to get crowded out by the dunnocks and sparrows, and they along with some grey wagtails make the most of what Fiona spills on the patio when she does her topping-up – which is great as they are just the other side of the kitchen patio doors and one can have a really good view of them – much to the frustration of Hester and Hiltz our feline companions.

I was planning on returning to work today with Combat Stress, but I have been offered an appointment with a consultant oncologist, tomorrow,Tuesday in Bristol, so that obviously takes priority – if for no other reason that I am in a certain amount of discomfort and pain and the carcinoma on my shoulder is now presenting as a very noticeable lump, so the sooner we can get cracking on and dealing with these other growths the better. I think it will be radiotherapy in one form or another, but tomorrow I shall know more of the bigger picture and I will update here on Tuesday evening with the latest news. The other problem about getting back to work is that diving has now become difficult as the mobility of my left arm has become quite restricted which makes gear changing awkward and it hurts – I’m ok driving down to the village and back, but the thought of driving any further is a bit daunting.

The upside is the number of people who have kindly e-mailed, phoned or called in expressing solidarity and positivity along with prayers good wishes, thoughts and offers of help if and when required. Gosh! It really does make a difference – thanks to all. There are some additional pics here on the blog of some of my chums who called in over the weekend.

Now…those Christmas decs are to come down this morning…

Comments on this entry:

  1. Have just caught up on your news, on our return from a short break in Cyprus.
    You are constantly in my prayers and sending you and Fiona lots of love.x

    — sarah brown (hunt) · Wednesday 7 January, 2009 · #

  2. As always your poetic descriptions are superlative and bring a warm glow as one reads them.
    Although the news yesterday could be described as daunting, nonetheless it is positive and the medics keen to get on and sort you out!!!!
    Do let me know if we can be of any help or use – can sympathise with you regarding pain as I am now on morphine patches and still uncertain when they can operate.
    Peter and Ann
    Lots of love to you and Fiona – keep taking the tablets and mix ‘em up with a bit of Holy Spirit, works marvellously.

    Fr Peter Clarke · Wednesday 7 January, 2009 · #

  3. Dear Graeme

    I have been reading and catching up on your website. I have tried sending you an email, but for some reason it was returned to me. I re-sent it this morning when I arrived at work, so I do hope it gets delivered. I am thinking of you both and thank you so much for writing such lovely descriptions of nature.

    I am pleased that the medics are going to act quickly, this is very positive news. So do keep me up-to-date and hopefully you will be able to return to work early March.

    Take care and love to you both.

    Irene

    — Irene Dougherty · Friday 9 January, 2009 · #