We're back

The journey back home was fine, but the usual sleep pattern problems emerged. By the time we got to Aberdeen, where Gary met us, then took him to Inverurie and went to Tesco for a quick stocking-up of essentials, it was 7 pm by the time we stepped in to Arbor Court.

We trotted off to bed about 10:30 pm, hoping to get a decent night's sleep, but it wasn't to be. 2:45 am was when I woke up. I lay there until 5 am and finally had to give up trying to get back to sleep. Some breakfast, then I decided to test how my legs were to see if I could join the usual Thursday cycling group - which I did, making it up to Finzean and back without any problems.

I had my physio in the afternoon and I've been signed off now, but with clear instructions to carry on with the exercise regime. Apparently I'm not co-ordinating my knees and hips properly - I probably never have done - and that's why the lateral movement in golf is giving me more pain than any other type of exercise - all the strain is being borne by my knees.

Had my first pint of real ale for a couple of months when I met Keith Gray at the Legion later - and we were then joined by Ken Page, Archie Cook and Jas Bhagrath.

So far, so good. Thursday night to Friday morning sleep - woke at 3:15 am - just half an hour later than the night before. I was representing Banchory at Royal Aberdeen in the morning. What a tough place to start playing golf again after a long break - it was embarrassing. I enjoyed going to the pub on Friday night, however - it was nice to see everyone again.

Finally, we managed to sleep in on Saturday morning. In fact, Jo didn't get up until almost noon - she was mortified.

Other than that, not a lot to report. It seems Braeden's op went ok - although we haven't actually spoken to Lucy yet. It's officially Cade's 15th birthday tomorrow (Monday) - and he's sitting his driving test!

The effects of the wet July in Scotland are all too evident - everything is green and overgrowing, but at least the flower displays at the War Memorial are looking good:

That's not the case across the road at Luca's favourite hill - remember when it was Bonnie Banchory?

Tomorrow, it's more golf for me - I'm double booked for a Seniors match in the morning, then it's the delayed annual outing to Balmoral in the evening - it was due to be held when I was away, but the other guys never got round to doing it - hence my double booking.

It's already noticeable that the nights are drawing in a bit - there's only 4 more weeks of evening golf left this season - I feel this season has kind of passed me by.

Need to start organising our next trips to Oz and USA as well. It's definitely getting harder to do - I'm convinced they're cutting back on the Air Miles/Avios benefits.