Awake and up all night

Hello Steve,

It's rather strange, but when I had my first diagnosis (lung cancer) in 2014 at 58 I was convinced that was the end. I'd lost a few friends to the same and my father in law (we were also great friends) was in the late stages of the same and passed while I was having diagnostic tests - he never knew I was ill, thank goodness. I didn't know anybody who had ever escaped it. 

After that my whole outlook on life changed like I was reborn. I was never that afraid again and when I got prostate cancer in 2016 then recurrence early last year (now incurable but treatable) I was more annoyed that it got in the way of what I wanted to do. Last year's treatment was bad (chemo again) but, like you, I was determined to travel again. We're on our 7th trip this year, the 3rd to the US, currently in Tucson, Arizona where the climate is perfect this time of year. I hate the cold and my treatments have made this worse. Hopefully we'll be lucky enough to keep this going for some time yet.

I also got a good deal on travel cover - about £460 for annual worldwide with Holidaysafe via comparison site albert&eddie which I thought was reasonable in the circumstances. 

All the best,

Derek.

That sounds absolutely fantastic Derek! All that's missing is Yeehaaa! Ride 'em cowboy  

Enough of that for now. Yes, Jimmy's is huge, but when OH had his RT, we were mainly in Bexley Wing and loved the piano playing when waiting for transport. Those 6 weeks flew by. I joke that Pinders is our second home, we're there often for ENT and the dreaded A&E, but it is a nice place, with good people on his team.

Well don't boil in the desert and beware low flying buzzards, eager for the taste of flesh. Your OH will never stop worrying about you, trust me on that one. Make sure you both have a superb time out west xxx

Yes. Telling my children was even harder, but at least the outlook is positive so I have been able tomreassure them. 

I'd forgotten about the piano playing in the Bexley, I enjoyed that too.

Well it was nice and warm today, no low flying buzzards but we did see a Bobcat strolling across the road in front of our car at dusk, close to the house we're staying in. What a stroke off luck.

Morning Derek.

You could well be in the land of nod by now, as it'll be around 10.30 pm your time, but here's a piece of info. It was indeed a stroke of luck seeing your bobcat as many North American tribes look on them as spiritual guides, bringing good luck in many forms. Big tick there, so maybe consider placing a small bet and see if Bobby's power works

Another bonus is the warm weather, whereas the yellow warnings are out in force again here. When I was a nipper we'd just remark it was chucking it down. How times have changed.

Enjoy your day to the max my friend xxx

Morning Gill

It's been quiet overnight again. 

I think we're going to miss the very heavy rain here but it is going to rain all day apparently. 

H

Morning Helen  

Aye, we've got rain now but it doesn't bother me - just as well as I'll be out in it in a couple of hours. The main band is over the middle of the country so you should be ok in Dover.

Maybe the very early dark nights make folk nod off earlier? I keep snoozing in my chair while watching shows around 4 pm,  just as it starts dropping dark.

Fingers crossed the rain gives you a swerve xxx

Derek, it's funny how your outlook on life changes.  Everybody I've spoken to that have been through cancer say the same.  I know I will never be the same person again!  But I wouldn't change it for a minute!  I'm more understanding of others, empathy levels through the roof.  I am still snappy at times.. 

Take care 

Morning (from here - afternoon from there) Gill, I had previously read about bobcats being seen that way. I've been so fortunate to have had more than my fair share of good luck over the past 11 years but won't turn down the opportunity for a little more and also wish that all on here can have some.

I've seen the weather warnings, my Grandma used to say it's raining cats and dogs. How did we survive before colour-coded Met Office weather warnings accompanied with advice on how to deal with it?

Derek.

I know what you mean Steve, I feel exactly the same.

I also find the things that used to wind me up appear to be so trivial now.