Winter Crick 2015 16 6

Friday 12^th February to Friday February 26th

 Saturday 13^th February

 I received an email from Northampton General Hospital regarding my next check-up. It suggested that I was already aware of an appointment for 24^th of this month, which I most certainly wasn’t. It also suggested a follow up appointment with the surgeon for the 9^th of March. I’ve asked for the time of that first appointment, which I expect by return email pretty soon.

 I am in the process of creating a family Cartoon Portrait for Wendy, Sarah’s sister, who also works at the local club. This is taking considerable longer that the one I did for Sarah, simply because I’m fitting in herself, partner and two kids. Not only that, she’s suggested a scene on a beach. So I’ve had to find a decent sized beach scene in which to fit them all. Good fun, but not leaving me much time for anything else first thing in the morning, which is when I do most of my cartoon stuff.

 Monday 15^th February

 Today in an effort to rid myself of diabetes; yes, indeed, a tall order; I start my 8-week low calorie diet. Now although I’ve bought the book by Dr Michael Mosley, I’m not using his recipes which, quite frankly, suck! Instead we’re using the two Hairy Dieters books and will use the recipes in those, but always sticking to the 800 calories per day. 

 Tuesday 16^th February

 At last I have finished all the cartoon features for Wendy’s Cartoon Portrait. Now, all I have to do is fit them all into a template, along with figures and faces.

 In the past I have only created these portraits for individuals, so it should be interesting to see how a family one turns out. When it’s done I’ll post it on this blog, but I’m still a few days away from that yet.

 Yesterday’s first day of dieting went very well and we stayed within our 800 calories, apart from the last of our hot cross buns, that went with our late cuppa. From today it will be just a couple of biscuits instead of cake.

 Wednesday 17^th February

 It’s day three of our diet and all is going well so far. We’re also taking more walks, which should help things along. Breakfast today will consist of giant crumpets with dry fried fruit and plain yoghurt with honey drizzled on top.

 Just for a change I’ll be popping down to Harlow this Saturday. While I’m there I’ll be paying a visit to B&Q or Wickes for some decking, which I’ll get Alan to cut up in the right lengths to make a new top-box. I’m afraid our current one; which is about nine years old now; is showing signs of age.

 Monday 22^nd February

 I took a trip down to Harlow on Saturday, where Alan and I paid a visit to Wick’s for some timber. We bought four lengths of decking, which we had them cut to lengths, along with a length of beading for the corner posts of the top box. This was cut to lengths on Alan’s circular saw. For the base of the box Alan used some exterior ply, which he also cut for me.

 Later in the afternoon we called in at the White Admiral and had a good old chinwag. All in all a very pleasant day but, what really rounded the day off well was the new wristwatch Alan had bought for me. Thanks Bruv, much appreciated.

 Wednesday 24^th February

 The weekend went well and, despite the drink on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime, I had lost 4lb by Monday morning.

 This morning I’m off to Northampton General Hospital for a check up on my bladder. This will be followed by a chat with the specialist on 9^th March.

 Thursday 25^th February

 My appointment at Northampton General Hospital was for 09.30 yesterday morning. We were advised that they were running about 40 minutes late and I was eventually admitted at 10.20, so not bad for a stretched NHS.

 Having laid me out on a bench the surgeon then proceeded to question me about two missed appointments, which I strongly denied, advising him that I could hardly be at fault when the appointment was for June of last year and we were already out cruising. I also pointed out that I had been telephoned three times about the one appointment and that the person at the other end of the line was simply not following through.

 Now, having checked my bladder and finding it clear of problems, the surgeon then though I should return in three months for further checks. I had to point out that we would then be obliged to sit in Crick Marina for the best part of the Summer. However, since my bladder was clear of problems, and had been so for over a year, he decided that perhaps an annual check would be OK. Hallelujah!!

 My eight-week diet is going well and I can feel the loss of weight now. On Monday morning I weighed in at 14 stone 5lb. which is a loss of 4lb in the first week. It’s not hard going either and I can see no reason at all for not continuing for the whole eight weeks. Which means that I’ll be done by the time we leave for our annual cruise.

 On Tuesday evening we drove over to Daventry to have my annual Retinal Screening, at which time I asked what I should do about my cataract removal. I was told that I should follow up the Boot’s Optician recommendation and make a booking. This I intended to do yesterday morning, but I was beaten to it when the Optician’s at NGH actually called me. I now have an assessment appointment for next Monday morning.

 There’s a lot of activity in Crick village these days. One of the bus stops is being relocated and they are taking the hump out of the bridge over the canal. Apparently there are some new wind turbines coming this way and, if the bridge is left as is the low-loaders carrying them will most likely get stuck on the bridge. This is causing utter traffic chaos, but makes it much easier for us when crossing the road outside the marina. All we have to do is wait until the traffic stops at the lights and make our way across. Also, some local rich person has donated £50,000 for the building of a footbridge besides the existing road bridge. At the moment walkers take their lives in their hands, because the pavement width on the bridge is very narrow and it can be pretty dodgy walking that pathway with lorries thundering by.

 Friday 26^th February

 Yesterday afternoon, as is our wont, we took a walk but, instead of the usual round-the-village-tour, we took a stroll along the towpath and dropped some books off to Peter, on his boat Veloce. After that we carried on along the towpath, to the next bridge where we took the path into the fields and let Alex off his lead for a good run around. We then made our way through a couple more fields and ended up at the nearby roundabout. From where it was just a short walk back to the marina. All in all, about an hour long walk.

 This morning we’re taking the bus into Rugby. I need some more fine-tip pens and an A3 pad of Watercolour Paper. I’ve no doubt we’ll visit a few charity shops and the coffee shop, before catching the next bus back.

 Now, as the weekend is almost upon us and this blog is now four pages long, I might as well post it.

 All the best folks and have a great weekend.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.