READING

I won't have a word said against Tom - he's a smart cookie.  Sometimes he takes me on a slightly longer route.  I know some of my friends/relations have been "interested" to hear which way I got to them, but I take it as a compliment that he wants me to be with him that little bit longer.  Without him, I'm sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make most of the journeys - driving AND navigating at the same time are worse than driving and talking on the phone, in my book!

Anyway, I got to Steph's in time to pick up a tin of tomato soup and bread roll at Asda for lunch and have been pleasantly surprised to find how well she is coping with just "one arm" - her left one, at that.  Ray is pretty independent and capable in the kitchen ... and indeed, was chief cook and bottle washer when Steph broke her ankle last Christmas.  But he's allowing me to do my share once I pointed out that I'm only here for a week and that he'll have to do it for the next (probably) 7 weeks, so he may as well let me help.  We went out for tea last night!!!

But I HAVE been able to take Steph out to buy tops which allow her to remain decent - even with a huge wedge between her body and her arm.  And yesterday I took her to her "Rock Choir" class (see a much earlier Blog - probably in July, if you're in the dark on that one).  I sat at the back sewing up two pairs of booties while they did their 90 minute practise.  It really was excellent.  I can't believe (though I know it's true) that one man can get 60+ women singing in 5 part harmony in such a short time (first class was in September).  And they all seem to enjoy it - including the leader!

Yesterday we were out at 7 am, driving over to pick up Steph's granddaughters, to take them to school.   Mum works as a share-teacher so each week Steph does the morning run on a Wednesday ... and dad works night shift, so is available for pick up after school, usually.  The motorways are pretty hectic during peak hours (generally from 7.15 am onwards for a couple of hours) - hence the early start, to make sure we got there on time.

Now into my 3rd week of  this third head cold, Steph has persuaded me to take a course of antibiotics for a week.  I am limited in what I can "take" so always bring a supply with me when I come but even so, am loathe to take them in case I build up an immunity to them.  For the first time in ages, I have used less than a box of tissues in the past 24 hours so I'm hoping that it will work.

So life carries on.  I move on to Philip and Rosemary's next Monday (Cirencester).  Count down has really begun with "last visits" beginning in earnest the week after that.  The autumn colours are beautiful as I drive around and, as yet, I haven't had to don any thermals.  Indeed, with all the houses having central heating, there is a large possibility I shall be warmer (inside) in the winter than I have been through the so-called summer.  I spent last night with my feet outside the bedclothes.