Now TV and Netflix

So pleased I can get Netflix and Now TV while I’m resting back - watched Chernobyl- very good but depressing insight into human manipulation of the truth. Friend from church took me to hospital appointment even though time brought forward. I was well cared for by competent and sympathetic NHS staff. Had while big bar of chocolate - we’ll done Cadbury’s even though now you’re American owned.

The pub

Went to the pub and met with some band members for a drink - said I was sorely missed - very nice of them. Earlier had gone for a drive (first after three weeks lying flat) and managed a thirty minute shopping trip in Sainsbury’s- really chuffed. Twin brother’s PSA result nice and low which is a relief as mine high - not genetic. Brother and wife coming to see me weekend in November which is great. Got invite to pub to celebrate colleague at works happy day - just a life celebration !! Also new work boss invited me to lunch and to come on site sometime - all good stuff. Loved watching a friend’s soup making skills on messenger !!

More rugby

Enjoyed yet more semi final rugby today but really looking forward to next weekend when England beat South Africa!!! Love microwave meals - only takes about five mins and you can be tucking in to a lovely Indian or Chinese meal. Back specialist has authorised an MRI for 17Nov - not too far away now - thankful for NHS once you’re in the system. Someone from 35 years ago Facebook messaged me and have reminisced about university life - I’m sure we’ll soon try and meet up. Puppeteer friend has sent me a book written by someone at same university and uses Durham as a backdrop for their story - hope to read it soon. A lovely friend has sent me a picture of her cakes - gosh I was hungry!!!

Hospitals

Really happy that NHS wheels are now turning for back and urology investigations. Unexpected MRI done on first visit to urology specialist at local hospital - great no need to wait. Friend has offered to take me to biopsy even though it was 7.30am - but now has been changed to 11.30am - what a relief!! My church mid week group are all praying for my health and well being - so grateful. Went for meal with a lady from church and had a good chat. England beat New Zealand in rugby World Cup semi final - very unexpected but fantastic!! Happy to have a lovely friend who is always at the other end of a message to encourage and cheer me up despite their own difficulties.

Rugby

Don’t know why but I really love watching rugby so really good today watching England beat Australia and New Zealand beat Ireland. Nice having a load of microwave meals in the fridge - so easy to grab heat and eat. Band leader rang today to see how I was - what an unexpected surprise. Friend from church came round from church and reminded me I had a back appointment next Tuesday not Thursday !!
Another different water leak in daughters flat but friend’s husband came round and spent two hours mending in - what a star.
Really great messenging a lovely friend talking about science fiction, monsters, philosophy, dating site - loved it!!

Joy of mobile phones

Love having a mobile phone where friends are just there when you need them for a quick message. Good having new folk round from a puppet theatre who are touring locally. Really grateful that two daughters what’s app voice and videoed me today to see how I was. One particular friend shows me their colouring on messenger - love it.

Lunch

Another work colleague took me to lunch and had a good conversion about their depression and bereavement experiences which were very helpful. Neighbour came round today and said they will take me to Berwick medical appointment in a weeks time. Someone from church who I’ve only met up with two or three times has volunteered to mow the lawn and cut the hedges (when the weather is fine!). Younger daughter has just ordered another pizza and watching film with her again - good stuff.  

More coffee

Another coffee with three work colleagues was good - bit early though at 10am as the cheese scones were still in the oven, daughter has offered to take me to hospital appointment in her car which has front seat that folds totally flat so I can lie down, people from church sending me messages of support and prayer for all upcoming medical appointments

Coffee and Cake

Really grateful for a Coffee and tea cake and another cake with friend and chatting and chilling out together made my day - plus a few hugs thrown in for good measure, rugby on the tv even if it wasn’t England and it was on the dreadful itv hub channel, mattress in the lounge so I can get out the bedroom, meal brought round by friend at church, daughter back for one night from college 

Food

Nice variety of freshly cooked food especially in the company of close family who did all the cooking and serving and washing up and putting away.
Offer from family to actually stay with them longer and to stay with them anytime I wanted.
Social media is good for staying in contact with folk even if it’s not face to face which would be better but almost impossible with some folk.
Offer of healing help from a lovely friend.
Some drugs are good - thankful that Amitriptyline might be working on my back/leg pain.

Family and Friends

So grateful for family who know how to cook, cars that can get you to doctors appointments and friends on the end of a message.

Walking

Really great having coffee and bacon buttie and then walking along beach - chatting, then beer with a lovely friend.
Night before with two other new friends celebrating a birthday with cocktails and a film.
Real friends make the world go round.