Disappointed...........

............in myself that I let the anger and frustration vent on the loved one closest in the firing line. I suspect that, though still inexcuseable,  it's a commonplace trait under these circumstances but somehow Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word especially when the fault's not always all mine alone.

I know it's not the first time I've used this bunch of roses, and I doubt it'll be the last, but at this time of year the garden's paucity is an unavoidable handicap to capturing appropriate fresh images. In any event the message to Geraldine is still clear and sincere: "I am so sorry, I love you dearly and can't do this without you, even if it sometimes seems to you as though that is exactly what I am doing!" xxx

By the way I also owe Dave an apology for that outburst which overshadowed his supper visit on Saturday evening during his sojourn from Spain. (But fear not you won't be getting roses and kisses, though you will be expected to drop by again to help with the consumption of chowder belle-mère and the very acceptable bottle of port you brought to our doorstep)

Waking today with the sniffles after a relatively good night's sleep and with yesterday being such a low ebb not only emotionally, after the weekend's outpourings (and I include my ongoing hairloss in just such happenings), but also physically, as the anemia takes a stronger hold (no doubt there is an affective connection in there somewhere), I face this difficult week with more than just a hint of trepidation. It is another busy week taking into account my plans to visit Ian in Sherston after the appointments at St Luke's tomorrow and not forgetting that all too significant hot date with the nurses on the Chilworth Suite on Wednesday for a day of S&M for which some people would pay a king's ransome. So perhaps the best line of defence is another consecutive day's rest in preperation for the onslaught: A quick a.m.walk, Monty's photoshoot and home to bed sounds good to me! But don't forget to phone GP for blood test results and repeat prescriptions.......Oh, and while you are about it pay monies into bank, and..........bloody hell, you just can't keep a good man down can you?

PS (Posted at 23.30) Thank you all so much for your kind words in the commentary box,

epecially those from my darling wife Geraldine. I love you too XXX.  Just before I go to bed I would like to let you all  know that, despite what's on the cards in future and, moreover thanks to the timely input of some dear friends, relatives like Gary, and Julie, 'mine host' at the Crown and Cushion and her staff (the mushroom risotto for lunch today, made with the Parasols I collected whilst walking, was superb - thanks chef!),  the day got gradually brighter and brighter so that the road ahead, from my viewpoint,  is now definitely a lot sunnier! 

Caroline and Sam

Monty, 'mine boast'

Julie, 'mine host'

Minley this morning during a walk with Caroline and our canine buddies Sam and Chaka. Whoever coined the phrase "It's a dog's life!" obviously didn't know how lucky the dogs and I are to have her as a friend. (see photo above left)