How to reverse reverse?

A week or so ago I acknowledged my new positive attitude was reaping rewards, both physically and mentally, but chiefly the latter, reinforced by amazingly good conclusions from  medical "inspections" by the powers that be.  Sadly, the events involving Phoebe have had an adverse affect ( bigger than I imagined ) and, despite my best efforts, mentally I have slipped back a little, not helped by spending a day alone yesterday. As we are staying with my daughter, who was working all day, I was unable to locate my new, super-warm coat, necessary for any outing into the freezing cold outside,thus I was effectively imprisoned with my music. Realising my impending slippage into "the chasm" I changed my musical selection towards the brighter stuff later, which helped.

I have located my coat and arranged a trip out with Chloe today, albeit to the bright lights of Sainsbury's to restock the depleted cupboards.

The situation (and my mood ) improved brilliantly during the afternoon as Arsenal beat Aston Villa 5....0 with no further squad injuries.

In addition Chloe cooked roast dinner for Lynne, myself, Tom and Hayley, what could be better ? Forward gear engaged.

Relaxing in snow

I slept like a log....................why the hell do we say that? I'll do some research in a minute. As it was  still snowing outside I opted for a warm lie-in and a Weetabix in bed (loosely speaking) eventually getting dressed for lunch. It's a tough life this retirement lark.

As expected, there is no definitive answer although the phrase first appeared in the early 1600's, along with "sleeping like a dog."     Both refer to a particularly deep, uninterrupted sleep, but I have yet to acknowledge witnessing a sleeping log.

Phoebe & village idiot reports

The sad loss of Phoebe has inevitably hit us hard. A loving and friendly companion for 15 long years, she will be greatly missed. Yesterday morning the stomach tumour was clearly uncomfortable and painful for her, and after long discussions with the vet it was obvious decision time had been reached.  She had arrived with her sister Sadie in January 2000, courtesy of the RSPCA. Sadie was the adventurous , active and unsocial one, whilst Phoebe was the opposite, laid back, relaxed and extremely friendly, but by far the best mouser. We have heard nothing of Sadie since her disappearance near the Anderton lift last August, but being "chipped" it will only be a vet  who discovers her real name and home address, so all is still not lost. Knowing Sadie she is living the life of Riley in a mansion near the canal somewhere.

Sadly, my fitness was severely tested by digging Phoebe's grave in our back garden during a particularly ferocious snow storm which continued for several hours. After a quick shower and change of clothes no aches or pains have yet appeared, but the psychological wounds will remain. Both my hospital visits this week ( head scan and drugs review ) have had very,very positive results, but Phoebe's negative news has knocked my euphoria  for six,sadly and my "village idiot" syndrome has returned to haunt me after a long absence. Eric Morcambe ( of Morcambe and Wise fame and one of my comedy heroes) was once asked what he would have been, had he not become a famous comedian. His immediate reply was "Bernie Winters" (the thick half of the Mike and Bernie Winters

"Comedy" duo), a role I am apparently filling at present. Let me explain. Yesterday Lynne bought two chocolate hearts, which she left on the living room table as sugar "top up" before, during and after  my grave-digging exertions. She mentioned them briefly before going to the vets. However, it later transpired only 1 of the hearts was for me and I was asked several times during the remainder of the day for the whereabouts of heart 2, of which I had no recollection ( not unusual post-radiotherapy  and the apparent brain collateral damage). The search continued late into the evening throughout the entire house, car, clothes, cupboards and kitchen waste bin, where the two wrappers were eventually disentangled. As chief (and only suspect) I was prepared to admit I could possibly have eaten both at sometime throughout the day but had no recollection of doing so.

The whole country has a very pretty covering of snow with more to come, apparently. Whether Lynne will be able to undertake her planned trip to London remains to be seen.

A quick walk down to the village for a newspaper revealed the pavements were like ice rinks, whilst the main roads were clear and the minor roads were quickly thawing, thus we set off for London around lunchtime and arrived at Chloe's in time for tea, largely in bright sunshine but cold temperatures. Lynne in particular is knackered, what with the recent long stints of driving and the Phoebe situation, closely followed by me for similar reasons. The break from home should do us both the world of good, giving Lynne the chance of a hair overhaul and me a session with Fiona, my irreplaceable chiropractor ,working on my various aches and pains. In addition a couple of good nights sleep will not go amiss. Onwards and upwards.

R I P PHOEBE JANUARY 2000 - JANUARY 2015

9 months respite

Today Lynne spent 14 hours delivering me to St George's Hospital in London for my latest brain scan and returning me home. For someone who admits to hating driving that is one hell of an achievement and deserves a medal, surely. It must be love ?

We collected my sister Margaret on the way and delivered home on the way back, thus explaining the length of journey. It was a long day, but the rewards were extensive. My next check-up scan has been extended to 9 months based on today's excellent results, (the tumour has not changed shape or size),which should allow us a full,uninterrupted, summer's-cruising. Brilliant news and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in a wonderful day.

Milestone progress halted ?

I missed posting my blog yesterday as, typical of me, I was getting ahead of myself and,without being told, decided to reign myself in, sit back comfortably and allow the world to catch up. Whilst my mental health peaked and my physical health reached a plateau , Pheobe was heading in the opposite direction, back to being lethargic and not eating or drinking much. A call to the vet confirmed our worst fears. The injection she had received had done what it was intended to do, but was wearing off,so we are back to our original position and decisions. It is not fair to keep repeating the "perk you up" injections, particularly at her great age,  so we need to keep a close eye on her for the immediate future. At the first sign of pain or discomfort we ( or the vet) will have to play God, so the mood in our house is heavy, to say the least.       Cue "The wind beneath my wings" ( Bette Midler), "There's a place" and,"In my life" ,(Beatles), "Fix you" (Coldplay), "the last resort" and"Hotel California" (Eagles unplugged and live on "Hell freezes over" ),"How can I tell you" (Cat Stevens on YouTube or "The Best of". Be sure you invest in a box of tissues.

I am continuing with my daily walks, average about 2 miles. Today I managed to walk to Colston and back, using footpaths where possible. Due to the recent heavy rain and lots of it,the footpaths were somewhat muddy, requiring a major trainer clean-up on my return. I'll stick to the pavements in future.

Health Milestone.

Apart from finishing the tidying of next door's garden nothing much happened today,allowing me to quietly assess my health, and pretty good is the answer, all things considered.  Several weeks ago I set myself a definitive milestone by which to measure my progress, and with the happy pills a distant memory the milestone has been passed. We could have celebrated with champagne but part of my healthy life is avoiding alcohol,so dancing and singing will have to wait for a while, best reserved for when we're back  on the boat , moored somewhere miles from anyone or anywhere, but celebrate we will.

Phoebe continues her miraculous progress too. All good news. We must buy a lottery ticket.