September 2023

As usual, this week I attended the BHOC for routine blood tests etc. with nothing to report.

Last week I attended an eye clinic following from a recommendation by a certain high street opticians that I be referred for consideration for cataract surgery.  For some time I have become increasingly aware of glare especially when driving.  

The recommendation indicated that I was "borderline" for need for surgery.  The eye specialist I saw last week said that my need for surgery was "absolute" and that I had (until then) an undiagnosed condition called Fuch's Dystrophy (missed despite repeated visits to that high street opticians).  The condition is a deterioration of the cornea which may delay recovery from the cataract surgery and eventually result in need for corneal transplant  Oh well ! Now I just have to wait for a date for surgery.

One last story to tell. Last month I showed an excellent crop of grapes developing on our vine.  I have always used the principle that when grapes start to drop, they are ready to harvest.

Well, this month that time had arrived and we enjoyed a very healthy crop.  These were duly crushed and fermented.  Unlike previous years, though, the juice has proved to be very acidic.  Despite referring to my Boy's Own book of Oenology (look it up), this year I must accept defeat.  2023 clearly is not a vintage year!

A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose
Phyllis Diller

This month definitely "KBO"

Stephen