Dearest Reader,
It has been a while, but rest assured much has happened, and almost all of it has been seen, discussed, and carefully recorded for posterity.
The past twelve weeks have been dominated by one thing: Karen’s Total Hip Arthroplasty—or, in more common parlance, her total right hip replacement. She is now half woman/half droid made up of a titanium and ceramic joint
After having the operation postponed for a week due to her consultant’s illness, the procedure itself went incredibly smoothly. She has amazed everyone with her recovery, and I am immensely proud of her. Of course, it had nothing whatsoever to do with her meticulous preparation beforehand, the consultant’s considerable skill, or even her own determination to get back to normal as quickly as humanly possible. No, dear reader, it was entirely down to my nursing skills. The hours I toiled, fetching, carrying, cooking, cle and making 73 cups of tea in a row.
At one point Karen even contemplated retiring from work during her recuperation. However that didn’t last long , she now wants to prove to herself that she can like Lazarus return and complete a full day at school as soon as she can. I am sure she will—once we get back from our next short trip.
In truth, the operation could not have come soon enough. Karen put on a remarkably brave face to others, but she was in real agony during the weeks leading up to it. On the day itself, I was far more worked up than she was. She simply wanted the pain to end.
She still has no regrets about delaying the operation to fit around our travels. Universally, everyone—including me—advised her to get it done as soon as possible, but the lady was not for turning. I am not sure I would have made the same decision myself, but it is done now and onward and upward we go.
We have tried to treat the recovery period almost like a holiday, venturing out somewhere nearly every day, travelling a little further each time and setting walking challenges and milestones along the way. I shall almost be glad when she returns to work for a day or two, if only so that I can have a rest myself.
I should also record, for the benefit of the horticulturally inclined, just how magnificent the rhododendrons and azaleas were this year at Sheringham Park and Stody Lodge. Nature, can be such a wonderful thing.
The football season eventually petered out with something of a whimper, although we did manage to get Karen to a couple of matches. I am already brimming with optimism for next season.
One week I was playing what golfers refer to as a “bogey round”; the next, my golf was not worth scoring. Some things are best left undocumented. Pickleball, meanwhile, continues to provide both exercise and amusement, often in roughly equal measure.
We also celebrated Barry’s birthday with an excellent meal at Trattoria Rustica.
It was my birthday too, which Karen seemed more concerned about than her own recovery almost from the moment she was discharged from hospital. She knows how much I enjoy having a house full of people and so, entirely off her own bat, organised a “Fizz and Cake” afternoon for me.
The day before, she spent three and a half hours baking. Of the twenty-three people she invited, twenty-one attended, which was both lovely and a testament to her. It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon and one I shall remember rather fondly. Thanks again to everyone who made it.
Among my presents was a remote-controlled lawn mower which, thanks to Iain, we have named Patrick. Those of a certain age will understand the reference immediately.
It has been enormous fun. Admittedly, it has not saved me any time whatsoever because I rather enjoy sitting in the garden watching it work while I supervise from a comfortable distance.
There have also been seven visits to various theatres in Norwich, which demonstrates quite clearly what culture vultures we are, even with Karen’s hip problems. Some shows have been terrific, others merely very good. Karen often complains that we book too many performances, but she is equally quick to complain when she discovers that we have missed something she would have liked to see.
Such contradictions are, I have learned, best accepted rather than challenged.
And so, onto this our next adventure, dear reader, for which I will remain your faithful correspondent, keeping a watchful eye on events both grand and trivial
The Cotswolds here we come – dear Mr Clarkson do please keep a look out.