WHAT A LOVELY AFTERNOON!

We had a message from Graham, Keith’s son, last night to say that he would get in touch with us today about going to visit today, because Keith’s condition had changed dramatically in the last couple of days.  We were therefore delighted when Graham rang at lunchtime to say he thought that Keith would love to see us, so off we went just before 2 o’clock.  

Having prepared ourselves to see a very poorly Keith, we were pleasantly surprised to see he was once again in very good spirits and although he was noticeably weaker than the last time we saw him, and a bit more hesitant in his speech, he and Mr. HCB had a good chat about cricket and all things related and of course, I chipped in too.  Keith hadn’t been eating well, but enjoyed a Bourbon biscuit, which the nurse brought in with our coffee, which was good to see.  We didn’t stay for too long, but Keith said he would love to see us again, so we will wait to hear from Graham about another visit in a week or so.  

Later in the afternoon, I met my friend, Heather, who had invited me to go for a walk around Stanton Park with her and her two dogs, Harley, the Spaniel and Lily, the Jack Russell.  I had actually been into town in the morning and my knees had been quite sore when I got home, but I was determined to go out with Heather and not be a complete wimp and make my “creaky knees” an excuse for not going walking.

We set off and in some ways it was good that it had been very frosty overnight, because it meant that the very muddy parts were quite easy to walk on - so we walked and talked at a very gentle pace - I just wished I had had as much energy as Harley, who was very bouncy!  Every so often, Heather asked how my knees were and I said I was fine and although they did ache, I was still determined to keep going because I was enjoying it. 

I can’t remember how long we were walking for, but the most important thing for me was that I did it - and it felt good. Heather’s said that we had walked 2.28 miles - and according to my activity monitor, I have walked 9,595 steps in total today - something I haven’t done for many months, if not years - so I am delighted and think I deserved that Belgian bun Heather offered me with my cup of coffee!

Walking like that has made me more determined to walk more with Mr. HCB and if the weather is good tomorrow, I may persuade him to come walking - although he had said he would be doing some gardening if the weather was right.

I must apologise for not commenting yesterday - I was very tired when I got back from the Community Fridge and had an early night and have been busy all day today, but I’m sure you will forgive me.  

“Don’t walk behind me; 
     I may not lead. 
Don’t walk in front of me; 
     I may not follow. 
Just walk beside me 
     and be my friend.”
Albert Camus