A visit from good friends

This is my third attempt to upload the text. It has twice disappeared when I was on to the last sentence. (Steam still coming from my ears!)

So, third time lucky:

Time spent with friends is just what is needed to lift the spirits.

BJ (seated) is over from California. She had not contacted me because she heard I was abroad. Fortunately, I emailed her yesterday and we were able to meet here today. Julie is another of BJ's local friends, so I contacted her. She managed to join us despite having to deal with not one, but two, plumbers this morning.

We had a great catch-up. BJ has been on somewhat of a grand tour of southern Africa, with visits to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I was delighted to be able to talk to her about Botswana. She is clearly very enthused by her trip and wants to return. It made me want to go back too.

In other news, Freddy was well behaved all afternoon. I don't know if it was their conversation or the fact that I was resting!!

I found out today that the scan request for my shoulder has not been sent. The GP who was responsible is on holiday but I managed to speak to someone else who will make the referral. I may need another steroid jab but under ultrasound control. I may have to travel for this - "anywhere" I said!

Mum had a CAT scan at Hexham General today. We are so lucky to have a local functioning hospital. I spoke to one of my cousins today and heard health service stories that appalled me and to one of my friends whose mother has just died. It's very sad to hear about such dysfunctional services and we are so very, very lucky to have the services we have here. I don't usually get too political here, but when I heard Teresa May say that the Health Service is not in crisis today, I was tempted to throw something at the radio.