Back streets of Stanley

Mum had an eye appointment with the consultant ophthalmologist this afternoon. She does an outreach clinic in the health centre of the small County Durham town of Stanley. The macular degeneration has not deteriorated and Mum has been discharged. 

The town of Stanley, an amalgamation of West, East and South Stanley, has a pedestrianised shopping centre, so our car journey took us along a back road to the Health Centre and a car park. On leaving I spotted this shop. They have recently moved into these new premises. Sadly they were closed because their website says they have taken delivery of a consignment of trilby hats at £5 each!

Stanley is a town that has suffered greatly from the closure of the coal mines and a large local hospital. There is not a lot of money for people to spend.

This morning I was in Newcastle to discuss Arth and Aggie with the orthopaedic surgeon. The outcome is that Arth is on the waiting list for a knee replacement. The x ray changes have not particularly deteriorated since last November, but I'm struggling with more pain and stiffness. 

A lot of plans need to be made and unmade now. September or October is when the deed is likely to be done.