On Tuesday this week Gillian had another birthday — tact prevents me from telling you which one — but we had a lovely lunch at a good local pub restaurant with some of her colleagues from work. It was a surprisingly jolly occasion, given all the stress at work recently. To celebrate in the evening I cooked a tarragon soufflé using Nigel Slater’s immaculate recipe. The only way in which this recipe ever fails me is when I don’t cook the soufflé for quite long enough, which is not his fault, but my own. The soufflé should wobble when cooked, but not “alarmingly”. I think I must be too easily satisfied about what is no longer alarming… But it turned out pretty well this time, and we really enjoyed it.
The following day we went to Worcester for the regular weekly clinic to get the results of my CT scan, to have an MRI scan, and to find out whether I would be having any more chemotherapy cycles: no, I won’t,, thank goodness! It has been a real relief to know that I won’t have to suffer the effects of the chemotherapy any more, and I’ve noticed almost immediate benefits. For instance, I haven’t had to spend any more time flat on my back on the sofa to rest, as I’ve had a lot more energy, and been in a lot less pain. I’ve also been able to take up my share of the housework again, which pleases me at the moment, although I may come to regret it.
It has been a very busy weekend yesterday and today. Gillian’s sister and her boyfriend came to visit, bringing a gorgeous bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc with them. We shouldn’t really be drinking, but we both had a sneaky (small) glass each, and it was delicious. Thank you P+J, we really appreciated the kindness. This morning all four of us visited a local stately home, Croome Court, and its Park which is run by the National Trust. We spent the morning walking slowly through the Park to the Court, where we had lunch, and then wandered around the Park a little more. It’s the most exercise I have taken for at least eight months, and I feel very proud of myself. I expect to sleep very well tonight.
As if that weren’t enough exercise, another of Gillian’s friends came to visit with her newborn twins, and rather than stay indoors we went to the Winter Gardens in Malvern, where Tewkesbury Town Band was playing in the bandstand. That was fun. It was only a short stop, however, as the twins grew more and more fractious by the minute. An altogether exhausting day, but very enjoyable, and a big achievement for me in my current condition, and a good end to a great week.
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Great to read that you are able to have more fun! Croome Court is a lovely place – a beautiful building and grounds – it’s interesting to see the restoration process.
Have a wonderful holiday. We will be around various times over the Summer and would love to visit.
Much love to you both
That’s great news. We’d love to see you. Let us know when you’re around and we’ll arrange something.
“Gillian’s sister and her boyfriend came to visit, bringing a gorgeous bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc with them”
Oh that sounds far better than someone who visits with screaming little kids, LOL.
Oh, it was! Even if we have to limit ourselves to just one per day. Glass, that is, not kids 🙂
The babies didn’t scream all of the time, and they were very cute when they were asleep….. But I suspect that at two months old they’re a bit too young to bring a bottle of wine with them on a visit. Milk perhaps 🙂
Been to Croome lots of times – here’s a photo I never got around to uploading before:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dallsopp/4656953635/
Glad you hear you have more energy and can enjoy yourself more!
Thanks, David, it is good to have the extra energy.
I like the photo. The water had a lot more weed in it when we were there, which would have marred the clarity of your shot. Good timing on your part, I think.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the Cloudy Bay and the windy Croome Court trip: so did we! Thank you both for a very enjoyable couple of days.
I hope you both have a great holiday and keep a firm grip on the Panama….!
Best Wishes,
Josina + Paul.
We certainly did enjoy the Cloudy Bay, even if it is now all gone 🙁
I think the problem with the hat is the combination of wind and photography. I can manage one or the other, just not both at the same time.
Glad you had fun. We must do it again some time.
It was good to see you looking so much better Sunday, at Croome Court
Hugh
Yes, good to see you too. Hope the in-laws enjoyed the visit as much as we did.
As a connoisseur of both twins and Cloudy Bay, I’ve always regarded them as highly complementary! Good to hear you sounding so much better.
Thanks Gill. It’s lovely to be drinking some wine again, even if it’s only one small glass!