Sunday, 13th August, 2023
It’s raining! My neighbours sent me Whatsapp messages to say how wonderful it is on Skiathos … which I thought was nice of them wasn’t it. That’s not a question. Still, not long to go to hot sun. We’re already thinking of post-cancer although it might be tempting fate. As the Past disappears into the grey mists, need something to look forward to.
After we return from Athens, I have a long hard slog through to the end of the year. I have an Oncology meeting on December 29th which could go either way. Either, I will be signed off as cancer-free to sail away into the sunset OR the aggressive cancer element will have failed to die and potentially have spread in which case …
Anyway, looking to get some Canarian sun in the first months of 2024. We have decided to visit southern Lanzarote which is probably the warmest and driest at that time of the year. We’ve found a hotel with a reasonable Suite at a good price. Probably book it early so that it makes me work harder over the next few months and keep focussed on getting better.
I have been shaving for quite a few years. I shaved my beard off in the mid 1970s and my moustache (too late) in the 1980s. Shaving is a bit of a chore but I do it every morning just to prevent the itching of stubble. However, it seems I have been doing it all wrong for years …. like so many things.
My new shaver has been pronounced a real success after one shave. My wife says she can’t remember me being so well shaved before. It is all down to … the app on my phone. This shaver connects to my smartphone by Bluetooth and, through a Philips App, instructs me how to shave my 72 year old face. It is quite revolutionary.
It has three, independent, circular heads which I haven’t had before and take some getting used to. What I do like about it is the automatic cleaner/balm dispenser. The head is thrust into a separate unit that contains a soothing balm. The shaver is run for a few seconds and emerges totally clean. If you shave every day .. and I’m sure you do, this is really helpful.
Actually, the day has developed beautifully and we ate Lunch outside with a bottle of champagne. Celebrating being alive! Now, at 7.30 pm, Pauline is cooking Calamari outside and serving with freshly cut salad from the garden. I suppose life could be worse.
Monday, 14th August, 2023
Lovely sunny and warm morning. I say that but I should qualify it with other news. I have absolutely no idea what is happening to my body temperature.
In the car, I have the air conditioning on freezing at all times and Pauline puts on a jumper. At Breakfast, I have the conservatory doors open and Pauline shivers. Out walking, I wear shorts and tee shirt and Pauline puts on a Fleece. In bed, I sleep naked on top of the sheet with the air conditioning on cold. Pauline pulls the sheets around her for warmth. My Breakfast coffee has been destroyed because one sip and I break out into violently hot sweats. I’m still drinking it in the hope that I can beat it. It is madness!
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Still, who can do without fresh coffee in the morning? I’m constantly asking, Is it hot in here? because I have totally lost my personal gauge. What it does mean is that my Valet is packing double the number of my normal clothes for sunny Athens because she’s anticipating trouble.
Got a big appointment today. I’m going to visit …. the HYGIENIST!!! Absolutely hate Hygienists with a passion. Still, I’m told that it has to be done. It’s all within our Dental Plan so can’t waste money! I’m going to look at holidays in the sun again. Keep focus!
So many people have said to me, Oh, you don’t die of prostate cancer. You die with prostate cancer. I know they mean well and they are probably right but, when you’ve got it, you are immediately alert to all the alternative possibilities as well. People with prostate cancer and in the news jump out from every place.
This lad, who looks full of life and testosterone, (Actually, he looks like Peter Holgate to me – for aficionados.) is a member of a group called Duran Duran. I’ve heard of them although I’ve never HEARD them. I’ve just read that Duran Duran were one of the biggest pop bands of their era – whenever that was. His name is Andy Taylor and, apparently, he was their original guitarist. He is 62 and has terminal prostate cancer. The cancer has become metastatic which means it has spread and is in his bones. He is dying.
Found a hotel in southern Tenerife that looks weirdly promising – The Ritz-Carlton – has good facilities and reviews. The suites look promising.
I surprise myself by rather liking the ethnic, Moorish outside. Usually, I prefer aggressively clean lines of very new and modern.
A few weeks in the sun after all the trouble is over feels like something worth aiming at and getting super fit for.
Tuesday, 15th August, 2023
Half way through August. The UK Summer is nearly over. It is 9.00 am (UK) / 11.00 am (Greek) 16C/61F her and 29C/84F there.
I will be down here at the Port of Piraeus next week. Maybe you will come with me, Dear Reader, as I chronicle the days.
For now, I am pushing myself to keep fit. I hit a milestone yesterday when I achieved (if that’s the term) 200 consecutive days of my 10 mile-a day goal. Previously, my record was over a full year of consecutive days (371). I have been fighting back from illness in America, and Cancer Hormone Treatment but they say I will struggle during radiotherapy so that is my challenge!
Anyway, all I can do is take it one day at a time and keep fighting. It is astonishing how the milestones are achieved, slowly but surely.
What will be nice will be if predictions come true. They told me I would put on weight with Hormone treatment. They were right. They have told me I will lose appetite and lose weight during Radiotherapy. Please let them be right! I will assist it by going on a hard diet myself and pushing to do as much exercise as I can manage.
The day has improved here and turned sunny and warm. First 90 mins walk done. All the lawns to cut. My new garden cold frames to construct and then another walk before Dinner. Half an hour in the Gym … and relax.
Always loved the sounds of foreign voices singing songs in hot and moody, Mediterranean nights. Actually, when you get to learn the language and understand the lyrics, they are often absolutely trite. Of course, there is a place for sloppy romanticism on holiday but it often does not translate to home.
Yesterday, I was feeling sad and I made the mistake of following a link to an Andrea Boccelli performance on Youtube. Bésame Mucho sounds to die for but, like so many opera lyrics, is laughable in reality.
Wednesday, 16th August, 2023
Didn’t sleep last night. Hot even though the air conditioning was on. Couldn’t clear my head of thoughts. Even though the radio was on, it drove me mad!! Turned it off. Nothing improved my head. Heard from Kevin in Spain and Julie in North Yorkshire this morning. Made no difference. Struggling. Got to break out and do something positive even if it breaks eggs!
Took Pauline for her hair cut. Parking is impossible. Drove home for a while then picked her up and slouched down the coast road as the waves crashed against the shoreline.
Had some financial changes to make to savings and loan agreements . I don’t borrow money other than to help myself. Buying a new Honda comes with 5 year ‘free’ servicing if you take out ‘Honda Financing‘ of £5000.00 min towards car purchase. The commitment is to pay off just 6 months of it and then settle. The interest is next to nothing and it saves me a couple of thousand pounds on servicing over 5 years. It also helps to maintain a healthy credit rating if it is ever needed.
Lovely, hot day – reaching 26C/79F – and I couldn’t be bothered doing anything but sit around and dream. Did my 10 miles walk though and started to look at constructing the new cold frames for the garden. Someone as impractical as me needs a long lead-in time before attempting that. Their are 14 screws – yes, 14! – to be put in and some of them are big ones.
Thursday, 17th August, 2023
Well, I failed the first test. I put the power screwdriver on to charge overnight in readiness for constructing two, 6ft cold frames this morning. It appears that either I didn’t push the battery firmly enough into the charger or the whole thing is so useless having not been in service for the past 5 years that I’ll need a new one. Obviously, a metaphor for life. Might have to ‘get a little man in’ if all else fails.
Actually, there is a handy video guide showing just how difficult the whole process is. It’s scared me already. I’m sure my wife will manage it if I leave her in peace for an hour or two.
Talking about little men, the laminate wood flooring in our downstairs toilet seems to be looking rather the worse for wear – particularly around the toilet. I have no idea why. I have been trying to train my wife but to no avail. We have decided to replace it with laminate tiles until she gets the hang of it. That is a project for when we get back from Athens. Currently, we are going to make it the last trip until I get some resolution and then look to go somewhere with sun in March.
I told you the other day that people with prostate cancer and in the news jump out from every place. Today, it is the turn of Michael Parkinson who has died at the age of 88. Not a terrible age but still much too young for me. Parkinson had prostate cancer and was treated with radiotherapy. I have prostate cancer and will be treated with radiotherapy. Just saying.
Friday, 18th August, 2023
Well, we’ve woken to find strong and persistent rain this morning. What a welcome sight. Saves me watering before going away. Thought for the Day on BBC_R4 this morning echoed my recent theme of August Weddings. It’s certainly not the weather for them this weekend and definitely not the snow-filled fun we had back in December 1978.
While we were sweating away last night on the South Coast, Kevin was enjoying an evening of 22C/71F in Spain celebrating his granddaughter’s A Level passes for university, John R was on his boat on Ullswater on a balmy evening but Julie, in North Yorkshire, had lit the log burner because it was so cold and she’s a hardy type.
Typically, our power company has chosen the day after we go away to instigate a power cut for ‘essential maintenance’. They say it will only be for 2 hrs and that should be fine. Just got to hope that the return of the power doesn’t create a surge and blow out the fridges and freezers, the alarm system, the computer system on which the lighting, heating, CCTV circuit and Sky system and the broadband + phone systems depend. As soon as I review that list and there must be others I haven’t thought of, you realise the central importance electricity plays in our lives and how disadvantaged so many are across the world who have to manage without it.
Pauline is completing the packing. I am not allowed near it in case I pinch a shirt intended for holiday. I always break the rules just by instinct. If there is something I really want, nothing stops me. I’ve always been like that since a child. I can be rather bull-in-a-china-shop but it usually works. At least I know myself just as when I find something I like, I buy it in bulk to ensure a continuing supply. I even surprise myself in that sometimes. This week it was trainers and trainer socks.
I get through lots of pairs of trainers a year because of all the walking I do. Over 7,500 miles in 2yrs take their toll on trainers and socks. I found a pair of Sketchers‘ trainers that really suit me. Go-walk/Arch-fit are perfect and they are reasonably priced around £90.00. As soon as I was sure, I ordered 4 pairs. They will see me into the new year. Unfortunately, they were due to arrive the day after we had gone abroad.
This morning, a ring at the door and an American uniformed UPS man delivered 4 delicious looking boxes. Couldn’t be better.
I unpacked them and they said: Size 11.5! I had visions of them being sent back to the States and having to wait all over again. Then somebody who actually reads things came into the room and pointed out that 11.5 was USA sizing equivalent to 10.5 UK sizing which just happens to be mine. Phew!
The other things I go through all the time are the socks I’m so addicted to. Low cut, trainer socks. I love them even though I have a permanent sun line round my lower ankles. I think I might be becoming obssessed!
Well, by 11.30 am, the rain has stopped, the sun is out and it is hot and steamy …. just as I like it, Dear Reader. A 90 mins walk in the sun and then Lunch of cheese and biscuits with a bottle of French Bière. This afternoon, we have done a second harvest of parsley, washed, spun, de-stemmed and chopped before bagging up and freezing. The afternoon has just become hotter and hotter to a very sweaty 27C. One final walk before the evening rain began to fall and then the heavens opened. Excellent end to the day.
Saturday, 19th August, 2023
This is a special day, Dear Reader. On this day in 1978, I took Pauline to The Royal Exchange in Manchester to watch a play called Leaping Ginger. Before the performance, we had Dinner in the top floor restaurant. I remember it distinctly for two reasons. Firstly, we ordered Cotswold Duckling in port with Black Cherries which was a favourite at the time. We can’t remember our Starters but I will definitely have had Cheese Board for Sweet.
Secondly, we got engaged. We had only dated for just two months but I had already decided she was going to be my wife. I had to take out a huge bank loan to buy a ring. I didn’t consult her or check the size. In fact, didn’t even consider there were sizes until asked by the jeweller in Manchester. The ring – in my view – was modern, slightly arty with a single stone set in white gold. I liked it even though I didn’t like the price.
I was wearing a black, 3-piece suit with blue shirt and was terrified of losing the ring which was in my jacket pocket. Over Dinner, I asked Pauline to marry me. Of course, she said, Yes. What was worrying me was would she like the ring. Firstly, it fitted perfectly which was a huge relief … after talking to the Jeweller about the cost of size adjustment. I could see another bank loan on the horizon. Secondly, she professed to love the ring although I had my doubts at the time. In retrospect, she still assures me that she loves the ring and it still fits perfectly.
Having seen the close-up photo this morning, we have had to go straight out to buy a jewellery cleaning solution. I know she has done it before but it is beginning to show the wear of 45 years of experience.
Musical Theatre is not my choice but Pauline likes it so I started as I meant to go on by deferring to her. It starred a young Robert Lindsay and was alright – a bit raucous for me but it was all in a good cause. Like so many events in our life, we kept the accoutrements as reminders. In fact, Pauline had the Theatre Programme immediately to hand when I asked for it. I also found a copy for sale at the huge price of £1.99.
I love the minutiae of people’s lives. That’s why I record my own. People, knowing people, knowing how they live, love and grow old is absolutely fascinating. Particularly, I like to track the people, past & present, who have crossed my life, touched and changed it for better or worse. I also permanently and strangely feel a life long obligation to them, a responsibility to them and protection of them. It all remains my responsibility!