On our way to 20K!

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Yes - as I write this my blog stats are showing exactly 19,500 readings to date - not long until we reach 20K - who are these people? I write this diary principally to keep the family up to date with daily events in my life, but obviously others are picking it up as well. That's OK - I can live with that.

Was at the Doctor's again yesterday concerning my lingering cough and the fact that my chest hasn't been clear for 7 or 8 weeks now. Any time I go outside, my eyes stream endlessly and my nose runs like a tap - very annoying when you're trying to putt, I can tell you! The Doc (Kris McLaughlin - new to me) quickly ruled out anything serious after hearing my chest and feeling my neck. We ruled out hay fever effects - been too cold and damp recently - but he said the linings of my nose were red raw and he suggested trying a nasal spray daily for 6 weeks or so to see if that dampens down the effects.

Whilst I was picking up this prescription from the Chemist, I also picked up my usual monthly supply of medications, so I ended up going home with this huge box of various medicines. I felt like a junkie - and to think this is all paid for by our taxes - can we really afford to do this? I've got my first supply of enteric coated aspirin ("gastro resistant") so I'm now off the Omeprazole on a daily basis - I only have to use it if I have to be on heavier medication, like after an op, or if my gastric problems get too much for me.

Talking about too much, is all this talk of medical issues putting you off? I hope you're not having breakfast when you read this - whoever and wherever you are.

Tonight, Jo and I are joining the Taylors and a few of the other golfing couples for dinner at the golf club - they've got a special Surf 'n Turf thing on. Ross will be working again, of course - he's certainly putting the hours in with his 2 jobs now - hope it isn't too much. 3 hours sleep last night is bound to make one grumpy boy today.

As soon as this blog is posted, I'm returning to try to complete another episode of Renshaw's Chronicles - it's been a while since the last one - wish me luck - and watch that space.

Home alone

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Yes - I'm all alone this evening. Jo's at Inverurie and Ross is working his first shift at the Douglas - straight after he finished work at Tease - a 13 hour working day for him today!

I thought about getting the bus in to the CAMRA meeting in Aberdeen, but laziness took over in the end, and I've settled for an episode of Mad Men followed by the Liverpool - Chelsea match instead - and this quick blog posting.

The weather seems to be getting a bit warmer again - hopefully just in time for my first visit this year to Boat of Garten on Sunday. Then, the following weekend we're down in Renfrewshire again for the twins' First Communion, followed 2 weeks later by Lauren's wedding - all go.

I've made an appointment to see the Doctor on Thursday - can't seem to shake off this cough - and my chest is full and my eyes and nose run constantly when I'm out in the fresh air. Could it be allergies - or something else?

Happy birthday to young Braeden today - can't believe he's 8 already. And well done to Scott and Lucy with their first half marathons. Glad to see Lucy has realised that a marathon is a step too far - the same as I decided over 20 years ago when I was running.