There Is Such A Thing As A Free Lunch

Wednesday, 9th July

'Hug A Hoodie'
Less than 24 hours back from Iceland, and Perry heads to Welsh Wales for five days. Troy packed and repacked his rucksack and case, complete with 20 pairs of pants (Primark, £10 for the lot). Apparently this is because Perry may get wet on a regular basis. Given the weather today, this seems remarkable foresight, as London is drowned in rain, and flash floods are predicted for Central Wales. As the first activity is a gorge walk in the Brecons, this is not good news. Troy reassures me that school wouldn't let him do anything dangerous. Perry has got more affectionate since Saturday. He stood there in his fleece, looking a bit forlorn. 'Hug a hoodie, Mum.' It was a bit perfunctory, but still a hug. Troy and I dropped him off at school, and went to revise our wedding list.

This was a bit counterproductive. They were devoid of tips on how to get our final stragglers to stump up with a prezzie. As we reviewed the gifts we had chosen, we kept seeing extra things we'd quite like. 'Oooo, a matching cheese knife, how about a pair of Boris decanters? Come to think of it, we need a new throw,' that sort of thing. And no-one is going to be buying them but us!

'Xanthe Gets Philosophical'
If you commit a crime but you're not caught, are you technically a criminal? It's a good question. I answered it with another question. Is taking recycling bags, which technically belong to Wandsworth Council, off someone else's doorstep really a crime? She looked smugly furtive with her contraband sacks, and it saved me a trip to the library. Xanthe describes the strange weather as bipolar, which I think sums it up really well. It brings a whole new meaning to seasonal affective disorder.

Thursday, 10th July

A pretty busy day. I flew out of the front door at 9.15 to make it Broadcasting house in time for my appearance on Woman's Hour. Not until I was over Chelsea Bridge, did I realise that I had no money on me at all. This did not bode well for lunch. Then I took a huge mouthful of tea from the sippy cup, which Troy had made me, forgetting that it is so well insulated you have to give it at least two hours to cool down. Ouch! As usual the BBC got my name wrong, and my job. What an amateur outfit! The interview struck me as dull so God knows what the listeners thought.

On to King Edward VIIth, where, hallelujah, I remember that there is free lunch for staff. Take a hour to see two patients, then go up to the canteen. Have a chat with the girls while eating a passable veggie pancake. Just like people who are VOP, vegetarian on planes, and VAB, vegetarian at balls, I am VIC, veggie in canteens. I thought those who tackled the plaice stuffed with prawns extremely brave. And I fully anticipate not seeing them for the next few days. Next step, Princess Grace, and eight bone density scans.

Fourth port of call John and Lizzies, where only five patients take all afternoon. The first patient had been listening to Woman's Hour, and thought the interview was excellent. She wasn't just saying that, because owing to the BBC getting my name wrong, she hadn't realised it was me. Drive back home to report MRI's,and my tea is still warm. Then out to see High School Musical, don't ask.

Why am I telling you this? Well if I can manage this in one day then maybe the half term trip I am planning is actually doable. It goes like this. Saturday, Gatwick to Palermo, overnight in Palermo - tempted by a hotel called Cristal Palace, but relegated that idea - Sunday train to Milazzo. Hydrfoil from Milazzo to Salina. Two nights at the Hotel Signum. Tuesday ferry to Naples, overnight in Naples. Wednesday flight to Milan, train from Milan to Nice, pick up hire car and drive to our house. Three nights in Montauroux, then back to Nice to fly home. It's going to be great going on proper journey, slow travel with boats and trains.

Check back tomorrow to find out just how bad High School Musical actually was.