During my clinic visit I needed to visit the day care unit. Just for once the ladies who so kindly fed me during my stay on the ward (four years ago) were in their kitchen. It was wonderful to see them again and to receive such amazing hugs. I then went to the Trials Pharmacy to collect my medications. I'm not content to walk through the streets of Bristol with a bag that is labelled "NHS Pharmacy". It seems to be inviting trouble. I therefore always repack the contents into my backpack. In so doing, I discovered a Christmas card from the pharmacy team - charming. I never find my clinic visit a chore and this one was so enjoyable.
Christmas started for Margaret and myself with our customary attendance of Handel's Messiah. Again, we went to the Colston Hall in Bristol. We have learnt that, although those held in Cathedrals such as Bristol or Wells can be quite wonderful, we struggle with the cold and draughts! This year's concert proved to be truly superb; a small but very professional orchestra, an excellent choir, and four wonderful soloists. Yes, we stood for the Alleluia Chorus (a tradition first started by King George II).
Next will be the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge. Over the festive season we will be visited by both our sons, their wives and our grandson; traditional and oh so enjoyable.
They smelt fantastic but as they dried out they started to drop their needles. They also became increasingly inflammable. It is therefore extraordinary that instead of the lights we now have, trees were decorated with real lighted candles. .
I wonder how we survived !
No quote from me this month. Instead I wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous and healthy New Year.
Stephen
