Wednesday 2 October 2013

Writing.

Today was our Writers' Group meeting.   It is always such a jolly good morning.  This morning there were a dozen of us and the topic to be written about was 'A Book Review'.   That in itself was interesting because as each person read out their review we learned of their interests - classics, detective novels, childrens' stories, cricket - almost as many different genres as there were members of the group.   We meet for two hours and we just managed to get round everyone before time was up.

Then it was out to lunch with a friend from the group.   We went to a local  bistro for crab cakes with salad and chunky chips, followed by coffee.   All delicious.

The farmer meanwhile was walking with a group of three friends - in the most appalling weather.   Up here in the hills, if it is wet this time of year it usually also means very low cloud; and so it was, barely able to see beyond a hundred yards or so.   They were all well-equipped and none of them were the type to give up on a walk because of a 'drop of rain'.  Also, mercifully, it stopped raining long enough for them to sit on some rocks up against a wall and eat their lunch - only to start raining again the moment they walked.

Now it is after tea, all the curtains are drawn as it is dark outside (7pm), it is still raining and heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow, when I have to go to the Audiology Department of our local hospital (25 miles away!) for new hearing aids.   The good news is that I should end up within the next couple of weeks by being able to hear what people say to me!

The next day I have to go to our larger hospital (40 miles away) to have an Electro Cardiograph fitted for 48 hours and then the poor old farmer has to take me back on Sunday to have it removed.  Why are our hospitals so far away?   Well, they say that this particular one (James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough) is an excellent one - very large but with top facilities.   The really good thing about it is that it has the most wonderful cake in the cafe!   The Parking facilities at both is a nightmare.

12 comments:

Em Parkinson said...

The weather is just awful here too Pat. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't complained so much about the perma-fog as it's now heavy rain in fog.

We have the same hospital problem being so rural. Exeter, Plymouth or Torbay, none of which are less than a 45 minute drive and that's with perfect traffic. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for both appointments and hope for the healing power of cake!

Heather said...

Rain here too but it is most welcome though maybe I wont be so keen tomorrow which is our day for going out. Hope your hospital visits bring good results - parking for all hospitals seems to be a nightmare and very expensive. Enjoy the cake.

Terra said...

I love that food you had with your writers' group, yum. I am a member of a Christian writers' group with very talented and supportive members. I hope your test shows great results for you.

Virginia said...

What is it with hospital car parking!! It's fiendishly expensive, a day's route march away from where you need to be, and hopelessly overcrowded! I think they shorten the waiting lists by having only the fittest survive the car parking ordeal!

I wear hearing aids too, and each new pair is a miraculous improvement on the old, enjoy!

Titus said...

Dreich is the word, Weaver. And all the best for the next couple of days.

Penny said...

Hope your next few days are ok and that you get new 'ears' succesfully and your other hospital visits are stress free.

Hildred said...

Glad that your meeting this morning was such a pleasure, Pat, - hope it will see you through the next few days of medical appointments and hospital parking! It is the same here.....

Robin Mac said...

I think hospital parking must be the same all over the world - impossible! I hope all the visits over the next few days have excellent results. Cheers

MorningAJ said...

Our nearest hospital is 10 miles away and we live in relative civilization compared with you. (Three cities within a 20 mile radius.)

Take care with all your medical stuff. It's not the best time of year to be doing all that. I hope the rain holds off for you for the trip.

Elizabeth said...

Hooray for cake!
Hoping all the tests go well.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Here in Edinburgh most of our hospital services are now centralised and if you live on the opposite side of town then it takes ages to get there as you have the nightmare of the everlasting tram related roadworks in the centre of town slowign down your journey....

Hope your tests go well

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for calling in.