debris4spike | Well That's Been An Odd Day!

Having survived the storm ... and the family party (!) ... I thought that yesterday would be a "nice day".

I had a 3 1/2 hour clinic shift in the morning, a chest x-ray in the afternoon, and then in the evning I was meeting Tim & Claire for a Christmas Concert at the Cathedral.

The clinic lasted an hour longer ... and we had 2 patients booked to the same appointment time. To add to the fun, we had 2 teenage boys (who were actually OK, in the end), a 5 year old (who was great, but his mum was bored, so that was a problem), and our last patient had dementia (so every other word was German) but luckily had a carer, because it turned out he was disabled, as well (he should never have been booked for the appointment). So it was a mixed group of gentlemen ... the only advantage was that the time disappeared rapidly.

Anyway, an hour late home, so I had to grab something to eat before heading out for my X-ray. It was done at one of the outlying hospitals, and it meant I got there, was checked in, and done ... all within 10 minutes. Walked back to the car ... and .... nothing! As I don't drive much these days I no longer have breakdown cover. The great thing was that I almost didn't pick up the phone or purse, as I was meant to be in and out quickly. So ... Mr Google saved the day. A very nice local company arrived about 40 mins later, complete with tow-truck, in case. But it turned out to be the battery. However when I finish typing this I must start looking to get a new one, as he thinks the problem is it's age (8+ years).

So I was later home than planned ... and due to the ongoing bugs I wanted a snooze, so that was more of a 40-winks cat-nap ... then food, and back out.

Normally I walk into Exeter, but decided to catch the bi=us for most of the journey ... but it was then nice to walk down the high street and see the lights -

And, so to the Cathedral ... as you can see we have a Christmas Market.

Just in front of the Cathedral .... it's actually life-sized.

The newly opened cloisters (on my way to the loo!)

It was a really good time - 4 carols that we all sang ... one, Ding Dong Merrily On High, the conductor split the Cathedral in 2 to see which side sung better ... I was on the winning side (I think Tim was a great help here!!)

The choir sang a collection of carols, old & new ... and we also had a couple of organ solos. So, yes, after my fraught day, it was a lovely evening.

Then walked home.

Once home I was glad to receive a mesage from a friend of mine who lives in Malibu ... I had been super worried as I saw that much of the area is being evacuated for wild fires (not something I would expect this time of year). So the day certainly finished on a high.

Great evening.

This morning I tried to book another doctor's appointment, but as there were only a couple of doctors in I couldn't get an appointment ... when I had a call-back I don't think the doctor had actually looked at my notes. She just said that I needed an appointment and to try tomorrow ... and that Dr H was in so I could continue with him ... so I pointed out that I hadn't seen Dr H for 9 years! She just said "oh". Luckily I am pretty stable - if not, I would have gone to the hospital, which would have been annoying, but necessary. So i will try tomorrow.

Right - let's get on ...

11. In 1913 the "Mona Lisa" was recovered two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum – have you ever seen the Mona Lisa painting in Paris?
I went to Paris when I was 15 ... art galleries were not top of the agenda!!! It's on the bucket list, though.

Right, let me try and catch up with you all x