30th March 2025

A few days before Sue and I set off for a bit of rest and relaxation in Lowestoft, I had an appointment with my doctor to review my annual blood test results. No concerns, thankfully, but in the spirit of thoroughness, we agreed I should have a liver scan and track my blood pressure for a week (morning and evening readings), as it hadn’t been done for over a year.

The very next day, I was invited to choose a date for the scan. I mention this because each morning over breakfast, I watch the latest video from Meidas Touch, which keeps me up to speed on the ever-unfolding American political drama. The country is in a mess, hurtling towards the loss of democracy at breakneck speed. Its citizens, already grappling with a financial system that treats medical care as a luxury, are at risk of losing even the little they have, replaced by something only the ultra-rich will be able to afford.

The average American can only gaze longingly at our NHS (and the health systems of Europe), which are based on need rather than wealth, ensuring everyone gets healthcare and reducing health inequalities. My appointment, test, and scan have cost me absolutely nothing. And should I need any medication, it’ll be free, one of the perks of reaching pensionable age.

On a recent cruise to the Caribbean, I described the NHS to a group of Americans at the dinner table. They simply couldn’t comprehend what I was saying, though most had personal horror stories of struggling to afford even basic medical care. I dread to think what the average life expectancy in the US will be by the time King Trump’s reign comes to an end, assuming, of course, he ever lets it.

23rd March 2025

Sue and I joined a packed audience at Harborough cinema to watch A Complete Unknown, the latest Bob Dylan biopic directed by James Mangold, with Timothée Chalamet channelling his inner Dylan. Not being much of a fan, I gave it a respectable 4/5. Sue, of course, handed it a perfect 5/5, no surprises there. The film culminates in Dylan’s infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance, where he went electric and sparked outrage among folk purists. At 2 hours and 20 minutes, it was a bit of a marathon, even with some of his greatest songs sprinkled in to keep things moving.

24th March 2025

I had planned for a productive day, but the morning got off to an uninspiring start, misty, cold, and generally bleak. First on the agenda was a cycle to the barbers for a much-needed haircut ahead of Jamie and Ruth’s wedding on 7th April. However, after a quick shopping trip on the way home, my luck ran out, a flat tyre left me walking most of the way back, bike in tow.

Determined not to let it derail the day, I spent the rest of the morning sowing two rows of broad beans and a row of onion sets while Sue met up with one of her U3A groups for a civilised café gathering in town.

After a brief lunch break, I returned to the vegetable plot to plant another two rows of onion sets. Then came the lawn mowing, made all the more frustrating by the Recycling Centre being closed, meaning I couldn’t dispose of the grass cuttings or the two bins of prunings still lingering from the previous week.

Determined to tick off a few more tasks, I potted up some late daffodil bulbs, planted a hollyhock by the garage, and then tackled the bike tyre. The culprit, oddly enough, turned out to be a rogue needle; how it ended up lodged in my tyre is anyone’s guess. Finally, I swapped out the depleted batteries in one of the PIR lights on the driveway before retreating inside to check my emails.

One email from ATOL requested several documents to support my claim for reimbursement from Jetline, which had gone into liquidation. To my surprise, the process was refreshingly straightforward, the website was clear, easy to navigate, and, miraculously, bug-free. A rare change from the infuriating online forms I’ve battled with in recent years. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting to see if I get reimbursed.

26th March 2025

It was an early start today as I caught the 8:15 am bus to Leicester for a routine hospital eye scan. The appointment was over in minutes, leaving me time to pick up some blueberries and kiwi fruit for Sue from Leicester’s indoor market. She had spent the day on a lovely ramble from Lubenham.

27th March 2025

My longtime friend John Lee had knee surgery a few weeks ago, and today, I made good on my promise to visit him while he was still partially immobile. It was a pleasant hour-long drive to Bourne on a sunny morning, passing through picturesque Lincolnshire villages. His wife, Catherine, was out all day playing in a seniors’ golf tournament, so it was fortunate I had chosen that day to keep him company. Although his knee is improving, it remains very painful, and he requires regular doses of morphine.

After a couple of hours of catching up, I drove him into Bourne for lunch at one of its hostelries before we returned home for yet more conversation. Late in the afternoon, I made my way back, stopping at Sainsbury’s Bank in Harborough to collect some Indonesian currency for our upcoming trip to Bali.

28th March 2025

I spent a productive day relocating four compost heaps from one allotment to another in preparation for giving one up. Frustratingly, in the process, my little Fiesta picked up a puncture, something that won’t be sorted until after we return from our wedding adventure. Meanwhile, Sue spent her day trying on outfits and giving the house a thorough cleaning.

That evening, we went to see William Tell at the Harborough Theatre. I had been sceptical, expecting a superhero-style extravaganza, but I was pleasantly surprised. Though not outstanding, Sue and I both agreed it was decent enough.

29th March 2025

That evening, the Palmer clan gathered to celebrate Jamie and Ruth’s wedding. Sarah and her family arrived at Willow Bank at lunchtime to drop off some Mother’s Day presents for Sue. After drinks, they spent the afternoon at East Carlton Park, giving Mia a run and hopefully wearing out Alice and Archie. I stayed behind to mow the lawns and water the plants in preparation for our upcoming trip to Bali.

At 5 pm, Jamie, Ruth, and Joey arrived to give Sue her presents before heading to Avatar, the Indian restaurant in town. A little later, we joined them in Lee’s people carrier, quickly followed by Charlotte and her family, minus Ellis, who was attending an Air Cadet banquet, where he was to receive his Corporal stripes.

It was the last chance for the family to wish Jamie and Ruth well before they flew to Bali for the wedding ceremony. Charlotte and Sarah presented them with a framed photo of a scene from Ubud, a thoughtful gesture. The meal was excellent, and little Alice and Archie behaved impeccably.

30th March 2025

It was Mother’s Day. After an early morning visit to Specsavers to have my driving glasses repaired, the rest of the day was spent finishing packing.

Charlotte had kindly invited us for Sunday lunch, with Lucas and Ellis lending a hand as their contribution to Mother’s Day. In the afternoon, I had arranged to watch the Tigers take on Saracens on the big screen in the garden room with some friends, so I left midway through, leaving Sue to enjoy a game of Rummikub with Charlotte. Later, Suraj brought her back to Willow Bank.