Bradgate park adventure

The day started still, bright and sunny so we opted for a brisk walk in Bradgate park, as did approximately half the population of Leicester, their children and their dogs. To say it was busy was an understatement. The weather turned windier and considerably colder so we abandoned our plan to eat lunch at the park cafe, which was full to capacity, and return home where lunch was consumed prior to a sleepy afternoon.

Blood tests and op discussions

Early blood test appointment ( GP ) and an afternoon chat regarding future operations ( hospital ) which covers my diabetes and tumours treatment. 

Today is fine with gusty , cold winds.

We met Dr Boddy  who showed us a scan of my suspected gist, but until the endoscopy results they cannot be sure. They plan to do the internal scan in January, perhaps grab a cell or two and then decide future actions from there. It does not seem too serious but because of my history they are taking no chances.

Good news and Staunton Harold church

Leicester hospital phoned this morning. They suspect I have a benign tumour attached to the stomach exterior and have arranged an appointment for further checks tomorrow. Overall very good news.

Arsenal beat Bournmouth to go top of the league again last night. 

Staunton Harold church "through the keyhole"

We opted to wedge all 5 of us into our little car and visit a vast estate and stately home at nearby Staunton Harold in very warm sunshine. Owen took the above photo through the estate church keyhole as the church was not open today. Beyond the window is the lake, estate gardens and garden centre. Our trip was curtailed by me suffering exhaustion and an overdose of wobbly legs, culmination of several active days.

Watermead park and a fire by road

For today we've opted to visit a nature reserve at Watermead Park by road rather than by  boat. We spent a couple of hours walking around the lake, admiring the waterfowl and a model of a mammoth ( the bones of one were found as they dug the lake apparently ). In addition there were explosions and a big fire at a nearby industrial estate to help keep us entertained. We returned home knackered before darkness descended. The fire featured on the BBC news.

Feel good day until the football

I missed saying goodbye to Chloe by about 2 seconds very early this morning, but the rest of the day was good, including a reasonable walk and appetite. However, in the evening Arsenal failed to turn up for their match with Southampton and got thrashed 4......0.    No, you have not miss-read it, 4.......0.

It was probably their worst performance of the season. Typical..Arsenal. Get top of the league and play absolute rubbish. A bit like a Morris Marina in a Grand Prix.

Christmas Day

The lack of young children allowed us a relatively relaxed Christmas Day, having a lay in till 0900 hrs. We now have Chloe staying with us until her return to duty in London Boxing Day, having mutually agreed with Paul to go their own ways. Lynne bought me a new shaver and some unique glass place mats spelling John. The Panasonic shaver replaces an antique Bosch one long past the end of it's effective life.

I have been feeling relatively good for a few days now,despite the family shananagins and my shock  pre Christmas illness news. My head is obviously in a good place and long may it last.

A blue night

Not my best night's sleep for a long time, largely due to my current predicament, healthwise. Thoughts of finishing my book and  adding dedications, but the list is endless. So many people have influenced my life in positive ways, some still around, others long gone, unfortunately, but all worthy of a mention.

Still no word  or cheque from MCC 

Happy Christmas to all my readers, where ever you are and have a wonderful New Year.