Just in time

I took retirement a few weeks ago and it has become apparent I accidently did the right thing just in time. Since then I went to a clinic at Jimmy's and within five days found myself in Hospital getting ready to have all sorts of tests because the gastroenterologists have decided that the dumping
that makes eating such a pain (especially in public) is actually something to worry about.

I have had one 28 hr period having blood tests but I was let out to go on holiday as I couldn't afford to cancel a prepaid holiday and we both needed the break quite badly. However once the holiday is over, I will be going back into hospital this time to stay there while they do some exhaustive tests to find out if the symptoms I get every time I eat is dumping or out of control diabetes.

The other thing the hospital is worried about is that my shirt size has gone from medium at Christmas to xxl now but I haven't put any weight on, in fact I am about 5 kgms lighter.

Just before I left hospital to go on holiday one of the nurses told me with unholy glee that next week I will have to have a 24hr period of 15 minute blood tests. Not much chance of getting any sleep with that going on. I am also having a barium meal on Tuesday so judging by previous experience I should be bunged up solid by Thursday. I don't know what other fun packed plans they have for me but they tell me that if they start any form of treatment after the tests they want me to stay in until they have had a chance to evaluate how effective the treatment is.

If I hadn't cleared all but one of my previous commitments I don't think I could cope at the moment. I have one last web site to complete and then I can have a break and concentrate in dealing with whatever the hospital thinks is wrong.

Our Holiday has been a great success. The Hotel is wonderful (Wrea Head Country House Hotel, Scalby, near Scarborough - 01723 371 190). It is a country house and is full of antiques and old word decor. However the services are right up to date (TV in the bathroom and a power shower). The food is excellent with a different menu every night. The staff are eager to please and nothing is too much trouble. The grounds are full of wild life and there are paths leading to spots where you
can sit enjoying the sight and sounds of the working farm next door.

Talking of farms we were told about a new bird garden and animal park on Scarborough Road just outside Filey. It is a family enterprise and has a lot more than just birds. The owner told us that some of the animals they look after were rescues. We met two donkeys that are the gentlest we have ever seen. When they arrived they were in a terrible state but to look at them now, without the photographic evidence, you wouldn't believe it. They so delicately and gently took the food from our hands and then followed us as we looked round the rest of the pens. The owner and her family have worked very hard to build this garden and they have made it a welcoming and delightful way to spend sometime learning about domestic animals and how to care for them. We spent a happy couple of hours wandering around the various pens and can thoroughly reccomend stopping off for a look round and a snack in the cafe afterwards.

Scarborough has changed a lot since we last visted some years ago. Where ever you go you can see signs of refurbishment and rebuilding. A good example of this is the Corner Cafe area which is now a block of flats with shops underneath. We were thrilled to find that one of the Cafes is owned by the family that used to run the fruit stall next to the corner cafe and they have started selling the
waffles that were so famous at this place. Yes I did make a pig of myself and loved every mouthful.

That's all for this blog,

Bob