The annual pilgrimage

Thank you for your good wishes for Steve yesterday. He is still in hospital awaiting further tests. His blood pressure is too low when he stands up. Hopefully, it will all be sorted soon.

I'm trying to fit in a lot of things this week and there isn't really time.

Today I was in Hexham to pick up new spectacles. The varifocals seem fine, but I'm not as sure about the computer glasses. Sometimes settling in is necessary.

I did a quick shop in Boots where it was clear that I was hindering an assistant from stocking shelves............oh dear.

I called at Waitrose for a few things then went to see Steve's Lesley for a coffee and a debrief from yesterday. He is still in hospital with a low blood pressure. More tests have been ordered.

Annette could not come to clean because she was helping a neighbour who needed a lift to the PDSA with a dog who had gone off his legs. It was a predictablty sad ending. 

I wanted to go for a walk, but Margret was hoping I would go early to release her from the afternoon activities. Since she calls the care home "prison", I felt that I had to spring her!

I spent about 15 minutes at Acomb Woods and was delighted to see the rare yellow star of Bethlehem. There seem to be more plants than in previous years. Plant identified/blip sorted.

I drove to Corbridge. Margret was sitting out in the sun.

She can't use her own wheelchair because the waist strap was lost when Sam and Keira were here at the weekend. The one provided by the home was too heavy for me to lift into the boot and it was rusty and filthy. I was not happy.

I took Margret out with her walker in my boot. We drove along the Stanegate (an old Roman road) where the views of Hadrian's Wall are good. We stopped near the lough and Margret had a little wander with her walker.

The shop at Bardon Mill was closed for refurbishment so we went to Twice Brewed and had tea and coffee. I was there yesterday with the walkers.

I was horrified when my tea was presented as a teapot of hot water and a tea bag. There is no substitute (imho) for the tea being scalded with boiling water. My protestations went unnoticed!

I took Margret home and came back to Humshaugh.

It's been a lovely day, but not quite as I planned. I'd hoped to visit Maureen, but that will be next week now.