Today I have been mainly Vol. 6

Enjoyed lunch with my childhood friend, and in return for her hospitality, helped with her OU exam revision. What a trouper, retired from teaching and started a degree, which she'll complete when she's 67. I'd forgotten how hard revising was

Ella46... for you.

soop It's so nice to have you back, smiling all over the place

Thank you Soop

Ariadne What a lovely word - contuter. It brought a smile to my face.

And...today we went to investigate the local auction rooms, following comments from some GNs about getting rid of stuff. I have been trying to find room for my grandmother's little oak roll top desk, and have finally had to admit defeat. And there is still a lot of stuff - pictures etc, that needs to go.

I was amazed at what people were selling, and a bit sad at the boxes of bits and pieces that had so clearly come from someone's display cabinet, kitchen cupboards and so on. Though they might have come from my piles of miscellaneous detritus!

Lots of positive news, dear soop! Glad your contuter (DCD3) is working. xxx

Have been to the doctor this morning. He read and discussed a lengthy letter from the Southern and General hospital regarding forthcoming surgery. Appears that it's scheduled for next month. Happy to get in and out and well thereafter.

Ella46...your happiness makes me

8.15am yesterday I was suddenly babysitting my slightly off colour dgd. Her little face lit up when she saw me, we had a lovely day together and she cried when she had to go home.

Happiness is a nana day

kitty and *Stansgran High five for being such helpful grannies

Had to rush off to a poorly sickDD. We stocked up on food and collected theDGCs from school at 3 pm. Bitterly cold wind. Cooked tea and supper and then drove home. Diversion round Thirsk so ended up on the A1with brilliant sunset.

Looked after two eldest DGC for the last time for 2 weeks. We are off to Aldeburgh next week and then it's half term. Then only seven more times of 'babysitting' apart from when it's 'panic stations'. I will be really pleased to be free of the tie but will miss them terribly. On the plus side, 'panic stations' will probably be when they are poorly so they will be much more amenable to cuddling.

Butty, one of the remarks that I treasure from when we first visited Portugal was overhearing " The thistles are really good this year."

Butty I love thistles.

soop Marvellous that you've got your new computer working again, that your 'testing' was completely positive, and that Lucy the cat is being painted again!

Thought a brisk walk would clear my head cold (it didn't) but I found some beautifully deep vibrant pink thistles - so went back in the car with gloves and secateurs. Now looking pretty prickly on my kitchen table.

Oh that's good, soop . It was Mr Bags's advice. He knows a thing or two about 'ompinters' as we call them since Minibags did when she was wee. I was going to say wee-er but she isn't wee any more. I wouldn't be surprised if she overtook me in height this summer while she's still twelve.

Bags ...I'm back again. We believe that all is well. Puter man solved the mysterious glitch. Your advice was sound and much appreciated.

So, today I've been ironing for a friend. I'm also having fun with the additional portrait of Lucy the cat.

Had the very nice man from the dementia team with me yesterday. He was doing a six month check on my health etc. I answered all of his questions correctly. At the end of the session, I scored 100%...he added, "you're as bright as a button...there is no need for me to call again..." Phew! It was I who asked for an assessment in the first place. There have been times when I imagined that I'd become a lot dimmer than I used to be. He maintains that the number of ops I've undergone, will in part, have been responsible for my lack of confidence. Otherwise, I'm in fine fettle.

Anyway, I've an appointment with my GP tomorrow. The hospital have sent him a letter and he wishes to discuss matters with me. It seems, at long last, that I'm nearing a date for surgery related to what I call my "drop bot" problem. Once that part of my anatomy has been fixed and re-sited, I should be as good as new.

About to do a turn on the exercise bike. Need to be fit for whatever lies in store.

Rich Hall was brilliant; I don't think I've ever laughed so much for 2 hours. Although I wasn't seated where I thought I was going to be and got a bit panic attack'y [I always have to sit at the end of a row] and spent part of the first half wanting to go outside for a few minutes; but you daren't do that at a comedy gig which made it worse. It was only when a guy in front of me got up and went to the loo and nothing was said that I was able to relax .Think he's made another programme for the BBC as well so I can look forward to that; about Colorado [?].

I've had a nice day today, buying presents for DD's birthday next week. i don't often go on a shopping spree, so I really enjoyed it. Cooking a roast chicken dinner and have invited a friend round to share it with me. Be very good if she brings a bottle of wine ...

Today (and yesterday, and the day before) Soop has been mainly getting frustrated with her new computer which isn't allowing her to post on Gransnet! What bloody use is that, the crowd wants to know? Soop (I quote) is "pissed off".

Glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday Hummingbird

Enjoy the show Tegan. He's such a funny man with a great, dry sense of humour!