Two Lymes and a Lemon
In the words of Cyril Raymond to Celia Johnson at the end of ‘Brief Encounter’ ‘you’ve been a long, long way away’ – I won’t flatter myself with his next line ‘thank you for coming back to me’ but I have been a long way away and I’m very much afraid that I HAVE come back to you ….
It’s been a bit of a saga so here is a précis before I dive back into stories of house hunts and refurbishments and hikes (though one does figure here) and generally half-baked meanderings.
Here goes:
- June 17th The Two Brained one is diagnosed with Lyme Disease after breaking out in purple patches all over his normally unblemished body.
- June 19th He whisks me by circuitous route, lest I guess the ultimate destination, to France. Grenoble to be precise. You may remember I have a particular affection for Grenoble
- June 21st To the courthouse …. I’m not in the dock and neither is he but I do have another installment for my book ‘The Lying Cheating Lives of Others’ and there will be more of that in later blog posts – a road yet to be trodden but one that I think y’all might enjoy
- June 22nd – home to our little nest in Northern Cantal for our Wedding Anniversary. There is nothing nicer than to be in the village we were married in three years ago drinking a toast ‘à la notre’ in jolly nice French champagne
- June 23rd – up early and on the road to Marcolès to find out what progress on the house. There is progress but it would be wrong of me to spoil the surprise so I will leave you in suspenders til the next installment
- June 25th – back to Lyon to drop off car and take a flight. HB² is confident that a) I love surprises so will not look at my ticket b) I can’t actually see it without my glasses and c) I’m so excited that I will miss the only announcement for our flight. Therefore I board a plane not knowing where I am bound
- June 26th – I wake up in Edinburgh, a city I know quite well, where my grandmother was married in 1918 and where I hounded my elder brother when he was doing his PhD because I could and mainly because he had a ready supply of male friends for the 18 year old me to make cow-eyes at.
- June 27th – I pick up a call from my vet who is boarding The Bean. The words ‘there is nothing to worry about, but ….’ instantly make me worried. A lot worried. Because it turns out that The Small But Feisty one has also got Lyme. Be still my pounding heart. At least she is in the right place and they say she is responding well to treatment.
- June 29th – We decide to walk up Arthur’s Seat. This is an extinct volcano within the city. My aforementioned and extremely long-suffering brother lived in a very pretty district at it’s foot and we walked up often. Actually he used to run it. At his wedding his best man’s speech began ‘I first suspected that my flatmate might be mad when he asked the way to Arthur’s Seat for a run on a bitterly cold, wet and windy day…. I showed him and some time later I realised it wasn’t a case of might be mad, he clearly was mad as he set off down the lane in a storm with a rucksack full of boulders on his back’. He is still that same animal. In those days there were a few walkers some with dogs and that was about it. Today it teems with tourists making their way up, taking selfies and mostly wearing entirely unsuitable footwear (flip flops, fashion sandals, even the odd pair of heels) for what is a moderate hike up hill-paths rather than pavements. We took the road less travelled and benefited from stunning views unencumbered by the masses. The German girls hogging the peak did move over when I utilised my famed loud and I don’t care who knows it, voice and we duly stood for a moment or two before setting off down again. All was well and I was lost in thought (mostly quite bitchy thoughts about the unsuitable nature of other people’s footwear) until almost at the bottom, not on a remotely steep bit, I slipped on shail and heard an audible crack. The crack was nothing to my blood-curdling bellows and the air took on a blue hue as I cursed my way thorugh the early moments of what is actually a severe high ankle sprain coupled with 90% tear to the anterior calf muscle. I must thank the lovely man from Canada who stopped to help The Brains wrestle me to my feet, the equally lovely café who served delectable lime and coconut cake (I was in shock – I needed sugar) and the wonderful nurse in Minor Injuries at the Western General Hospital. Later as I limped into a taxi my husband asked how I felt about the last bit of his surprise – did I think I could manage it. Could I? I would walk through the fires of a spewing live volcano to do what he had in mind.
- June 30th – Two trains to Liverpool for lunch with youngest daughter and two more to Oxford to stay two nights with my mother who had one last surprise – my younger brother flown in from Bahrain to spend an evening with his big sister. In life, the real luxuries are the little things. The thoughtfulness of my husband, the opportunity to see some of my family. Secrets and lies can be quite beautiful – four of the most precious people in my world kept them and there is no sin in that.
- July 2nd – we collect the delighted but subdued tiny dog from her Boarding Vet. She has anti-biotics and is making some progress. Lyme Disease is a nasty nasty thing – sometimes, it isn’t easy being Bean.
So there you have it Two Lymes and a Lemon. Here are some nice pictures from the Scottish leg of my odyssey and afterwards I will treat you to a PS:
The promised and entirely necessary PS: Yesterday, I visited my lovely Cambridge doctor for a formal verdict on my leg. He sympathised with Two Brains having to live with with a caged and beligerent tigress with cabin fever and asked how he is doing (he is a specialist in infectious diseases so had been asked for his opinion when The Brains presented with what appeared to be Lyme). He commented that it was remarkable that HB² had been running the morning of his diagnosis with Lyme. I explained that our daughters and others are convinced he is, in fact, one of The Men in Black. The doctor seemed spookily content to agree ….
And for those unfamiliar with the achingly heartrending last scene of ‘Brief Encounter’ – here it is:
What a fantastic title and what a saga! Oh, I can hear the snap on Arthur’s Seat – eek. Lyme disease is not nice at all, you lovely husband did very well to look after you while unwell. Poor little Bean. I, and my cats, have had Giardia, if it makes anyone feel better? 🙂
I’ve had giardia too …. now that IS ghastly! Husband is possibly superman. But don’t tell him 😉
Lovely pictures of Scotland…a place I totally adore. I have been 3 times and have loved it each time. It is beautiful and the people are so friendly…Good luck with mending the ankle and the muscle. (Suzanne)
Scotland is absolutely beautiful – its one of the reasons I love Auvergne so much … it’s similarity to Scotland. The people are wonderful, you are right. In fact we agreed that if we were ever to move back to Britain it would have to be Scotland that we chose (though it may well be independent by then!)
But possibly still in the EU which would allow you to keep your property in Auvergne without too much trouble! I certainly hope the Brexit stuff won’t put a damper in your stay in France.
Since it has always been the plan to live out the rest of our lives in France it is a matter of working with the French to find a solution if it comes to it. In the meantime, I am of Scottish heritage so if they do go independent and apply for full membership of the EU I would certainly apply for a Scottish passport!!!
I am a photographer at heart, and the pictures are fantastic, but my first thoughts are for you and the Bean. Vinny is under the weather right now, due to some unknown substance consumed from the grounds of an incredibly disgusting truck stop. I have, and will never have children so Vinny is my child. It pains me to see him in distress, and I bet it’s the same for you and the Bean. Something about a dependant animal that breaks your heart when they are sick. He is improving and I hope you and the Bean recover soon. Best of luck from Maine, were thinking of you both.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about Vinny. I sincerely send healing thoughts to him. Because, yes he is your child just as The Bean (despite me having a quartet of human daughters) is mine. They are such stoic creatures, so loyal and so devoted it is heartbreaking when they are sick or in pain. She is doing better today – she has another two weeks worth of antibiotic and I am sure it will do the trick but I felt such a heel not being there with her when she was diagnosed. She has never once been in kennels before and it was only because we flew into the UK (where she has a passport and ticks every box they ask for but they will only allow dogs as freight at airports and I will never freight her as my husband knew when he was planning the trip behind my back). Anyway, hopefully our respective canine children will be hale and hearty soon. I will be fine – I was unlucky and it will take time but I will be back to kicking ass in no time!!!
Good to hear! A sprain with torn muscle can take awhile to heal. I broke my ankle once but a sprain can be worse. Vinny had Lyme antibodies once but the antibiotics took care of it. Keep us posted!
Will do – The Bean will be writing her own account I am sure …. she feels very put out!
Lol! Dog body language is sometimes blatantly obvious!
They don’t need to talk, that’s for sure!
Edinburgh, one of my mother’s favourite places; another was Douglas (Isle of Man).
I love Scotland too, but not the summer midgey thing. agree about the similarities to parts of France
I’ve only been to Isle of Man once and I loved it. It’s on the list of places to take Two Brains as he has obscurely never been despite being a Scouse and a stones throw over the water to it!
According to my nuttier granny, we have a distant family link to the Isle of Man. Nutty is the kind way of putting it, by the way…I come from a long line of eccentric ladies
How lovely! As for nutty …. All the best people are 🙂
Osyth, the pictures are beautiful! And what a story to tell – hope you are all doing much better And The Bean, give ear rubs – that always helps. So glad you went on your trip, I can tell you had a wonderful time with the family! All of you – get better soon! 🙂
Thank you dearest Terry. We will and we are. Two Brains is seemingly indestructable, The Bean is much better for those ear rubs and I am hopping more nimbly by the second. Love is the answer to so many things and I am fortunate, so very fortunate to have people (and a dog) who love me 🙂
It was such a wonderful and well planned surprise…
A pity about the Lyme Disease for both parties but there was not much you could have done about either…must have the been the gods of unsuitable shoes for climbing Arthur’s Seat who did you a nasty – but you’ve left them behind now so i hope that all three of you will make a good and speedy recovery.
After the initial cussing stopped I became convinced I had been pushed by a bimbo-Goddess in gold sandals 😀
Sneaky, those goddesses, aren’t they.
Very very sneaky and I have to say I have a sneaking admiration for them!
I don’t..not at all….I’d like to bring them here in the rainy season, but, no doubt with their winning ways, they would find men daft enough to carry them over the morass…
I watched O! brother, where art tho which is one of the only things I can tolerate George Clooney in the other night …. Such a brilliant take on The Odyssey ‘sireeeens’ and all …. I rather think the soggy bottom boys would agree with you on that take!
Horrendous happenings but engaging tale, as ever Osyth! I visited Edinburgh for the first time a couple of years ago and remember the hot climb to Arthur’s Seat. Also remember feeling like it was a city in which I was very much at home and could see myself living in some remote future. What a busy life you, HB2 and the Bean lead. Wishing you all a speedy recovery!
We mused that if we ever move back to Britain (as we know it now) it would be to Scotland and as a city Edinburgh is really beguiling as a possible home. We have been busy and will be for a while longer …. I long for the day when we are settled in that elusive forever home and people come to us … Thank you for the good wishes – we’ll mend so I count blessings (mostly!) dear Mel
Quite the odyssey. What a lovely surprise. I so envy that. My husband is useless with anything that like. If I do not book a restaurant we end up staying at home. Do recover quickly- all of you.
So good to have you back, though of course your situation could be better. Still, how wonderful to catch up with the family and you clearly had a ball. Looking forward to hearing from Bean when she feels up to it too
She is pretty disgruntled at the moment but slowly getting her bounce back. I’m certain she will be writing of her trials very soon!!!
Wow, you ave been busy. I’m glad to got to enjoy all your surprises – in spite of the one you really wouldn’t have wanted at Arthur’s Seat.
Hope your family and yourself recover from your respective hurts and ills, and the Universe sends you blessings to make up for them.
Thank you dear Claudette …. Without the bad one can’t really appreciate the good and we have all three been very lucky … We will all be fine and that is fortunate indeed 🙂
Well I can quite understand why you were quiet for a while, I mean it’s not as if you had much going on!!! Loved the photos
It keeps one on ones toes! Glad you enjoyed the pictures …. It’s a lovely city 🙂
I can’t imagine how you do all that travelling! It kills me walking to Lidl and back with a full shopping trolley. Hope it turns out that husband has a wrong diagnosis, if not, it sounds as though he can cope with it. I love Brief Encounter, only hope the kid appreciated what his mum did for him.
It is absolutely certainly Lyme but I should have noted that if you are going to get it, here is the place to do it because they are SO geared to it (dogs included). The travelling does not come naturally – it’s the way of things for now but I CRAVE that forever home where people want to come and see me!!
I hope you get it soon. Ours is there, waiting for us, but we have to sort out Bordeaux before we can move on. It’s so hard coming back to town though.
I hope it sorts for you soon …. It’s awfully hard when you have made the mental and emotional move, to have to go back …. Ours will come when it’s meant to – we have much work still to do in Massachusetts (stories will follow quite soon – I tend not to write AS things occur but after a pause … Just my way) and of course we still have mountains of work to do in Marcolès which was supposed to be our maison secondaire when we were in Plan A!!!
It will work out in its own good time. I’m trying to savour the good things about living in the city while we’re here. It’s just that the unpleasant aspects tend to get in the way…
I have 6 months in a French city from November-ish … It will be interesting to see how it colours my view of French life ….
It will depend on what you’re going to do in your French city. If you have a good job to go to or independent means, you’ll be okay. If you’re going to have to fight with the locals for a job and a place to live, you’ll probably have a less happy time. But that’s probably the same everywhere.
Husband on sabbatical so those shouldn’t be issues. I’d like to do some voluntary work (homelessness is my thing) if anyone will have me – Resto du Coeur or the like. Post Brexit one is acutely aware that we may be treated with some suspicion particularly as France ratchets up to its own elections next Spring
We get the Brexit digs all the time. I just remind people that Ireland is as concerned about it, if not more so than France. We’ve always been pretty low down in the pecking order, so once it’s sunk in that we can’t do any favours, don’t know anyone important in the administration, and no, we aren’t in the business of giving English lessons to their kids at cut price rates or even full price, they lose all interest. The French like foreigners who splash out on parties. If you want to be popular give them a piss up.
Sounds the same town or country then!
Same people when you scratch them.
An excellent précis. I am sorry it has been so tough
Thank you Derrick – fortunately we’re made of girders 😉
You and your husband have had quite the adventures in smashing places. Hope all the health problems are resolving. Love Scotland – thanks for the pictures.
Bernadette I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures …. To quote a Scots advert for a drink called Irnbru many years ago – we are made of girders …. All mending and gearing up for the next adventure whatever it may be! I hope you have a beautiful day 🙂
Oh my gosh – I have been off radar also, just began reading other blogs this morning.
I do hope that your boys make a full recovery and that the disease was caught in time for the treatment to be the swift and simple variety – sending love.
You were in the pool the day that I flew back to France – I am all up in the air as you can imagine with Brexit looming over us, quite frankly do not know where to turn and it is far too raw to write about in a blog post.
So glad that you had a lovely wedding anniversary – and can’t wait to read the next house installment………
I have one more post outstanding of yours I think, but that will have to wait for another day as I do not want to ‘romp’ through it
Lindyxxx
Lindy!!! How lovely to hear from you 🙂 The Brains and The Bean have been lucky. The former responded almost instantly and the doctor is dazed and dazzled by his apparent resistance to the beastly bug. The Bean was very under the weather the first few days home but is slowly getting her bounce back and we are hopeful she will have no lasting effects. Brexit has the potential to wreck many plans both in England and Europe. I think all we can do is to take petits pas and not panic. The blog post you haven’t read will please you, I think. BTW I will be in Paris if all goes to plan in August (around 14/15 at a guess) …. Will you be around? Hugs to you Xxx
NOOOO we leave for Italy on the 14th – this is SO frustrating……….can’t you come on the 12th and have dinner with us?
Potentially grave implications for us, as I could no longer have right to live and work in France, even married I would need to apply for French citizenship – so this is what I will be doing, to try to have a European passport otherwise our lives will be much too complicated.
I’ll read the other post tomorrow – it has been flagged lol
Going to see Ab Fab this evening, but have an Ab Fab migrane atm………xxx
We always intended to become citizens but I have another 2 years before I’m eligible …. Great timing 🙁 Who knows – trying not to panic but it’s quite hard. Our plan is fly to France 20th July, stay 8-10 days and drive to Oxford dropping HB2 at Heathrow on route to fly back here. Then with mother for 2 weeks and driving back to France so that mother can see The Bean (the efforts I go to, honestly!). So possibly could see you on the way although we tend to avoid Paris (am touting that way in August as my God-daughter is at l’institut Pasteur as part of her masters). Anyway – if this doesn’t work we can look at the Autumn when I’m back in France for 6 months – we must be able to find a slot then. More importantly nurse that poor head – migraines are the very devil (and try to enjoy Abs Fab!) xxx
What a wonderfully thoughtful husband, and what a fabulous treat! Great shots, too.
So sorry about your accident, and the Lyme disease, and wishing all concerned a very rapid and full recovery.
I don’t know what anti-tick treatment you give the Bean, if any, but we use Seresto collars and despite our dogs frolicking in shoulder-high grass, and rolling around in the said grass, and despite the presence of sheep in the next field, since we began using the collars they have never had a tick on them.
He is super-thoughtful and I am very lucky indeed …. I’m so glad you enjoyed the pictures – it’s such a beautiful city. We use Frontline drops and never have a problem in Europe …. The issue is greater here (which means the medics for both humans and animals are totally geared to it) …. I’m guessing that she was unlucky and got bit (as they say here) at the end of a treatment when it was a teeny bit less effective. A friend of ours with cats suggested the collars so we may try that next time. She’s a bit bouncier the last couple of days so we are hopeful the treatment is taking hold. The Brains is clearly another species and entirely baffled the Doctor with his apparent super-powers. As for me, I’ll beds cling the can-can again by Christmas – so necessary to embarrass the children!
I’m guessing the predictive text goblin gatecrashed the penultimate line. 🙂
How I wish I HAD meant beds cling …. Note to self ‘read text BEFORE pressing send!!’
Of course, it could have been a Freudian slip. 🙂
Oh the places you go! Such adventures and misadventures! We Canadians are SO helpful. I’m glad your leg is mending and your Bean is repairing and your husband (who sounds like a surprisingly wonderful man) is coping well. All the best, Ms. Osyth.
Thank you so much, Suzanne! We are all in one piece and ready for the next adventure (with the hope that there will be a Canadian on hand should anything go awry!) My husband is extremely wonderful (and The Bean of course) 🙂
Scotland, England, dog and husband with potential Lyme disease, daughters, brother, fall, lemon ad thyme cake fixing mood for a bit and badly torn muscle, sprained ankle, court (?) dock, poor Bean. I can picture his dejected and worried tail wagging. His welcome home probably feeling like it may not last. . .
I loved all of this except your Fall. I love the man full of love and surprises, along with secrets!
So glad you had opportunity to see your dear sweet Mum! Lots of love and fun!
Thank you dear you! We are all in one piece and that is something to be thankful for. Happy thoughts and sunshine to you for a wonderful weekend 🙂
What a fun and lovely post Fiona! I love the pictures and the detailed points telling us what you have been up to! I miss you xxx
I’m back for now …. but I guess you can see why I’ve been a teeny bit evasive! xxx Thank you for missing me X
wow very busy! xxx
😘😘😘
I enjoyed the catch up as I’ve been galivanting in Italy for 5 weeks – I felt your sprain pain having done the same 3 days into a big hiking holiday 2 years ago! Hope you all mend soon and look forward to peeking into your interesting life again soon. Wonderful to catch up with your family – nice surprises are beautiful things!
Gallivanting in Italy is an excuse I will accept any day! Glad you enjoyed the captains log and I hope all is well with you 🙂
You may have to fall more often.. It might be the only reason you’ve taken a breath to take our breath away with your adventures 💛
Guy, I hope Vinny passes whatever he liked without further duress.. As diligent as we may be, truck stops have so many licking/sniffing hazards.. And it only takes once.. 💛
The Bean, Two Brains now have a bond with Stewie.. He tested positive for Lyme and never had symptoms.. 2x he’s done 21 days of antibiotics but to avail.. Luckily he’s never had symptoms from it.. I hope the 2 Bs have full recovery..
Book ? Lying cheating lives ? OK, help me out, where do I find that must read in here ?
You’ve been in a whirlwind of excitement, adventure and chaos.. I’m so glad you’ve not gotten rusty writing and keep taking us with you !
BTW, don’t notice the banana peel I left on the floor, ok ?
Hey! One fall is quite enough, thank you!!! 😂😂 Tbe B’a are improving – as you know Lyme is a sneaky bitch and can do damage we know nothing about but so can worry so we are working on the basis that all will be well. Don’t panic – you didn’t miss the book but it will follow and some pertinent posts around its content along the way ….. You’ll recognize it when it appears 😉
Please don’t count on me to recognize anything in plain sight..
True Story : I was on my first new little cell phone talking with a friend and suddenly I panicked, telling my friend I couldn’t find my phone 😯 .. She started laughing hysterically and I got miffed asking why she thought this was so funny 😬
She could barely talk thru her laughing fit, while I’m frantically up turning everything in the truck, dreading more and more that I left it on the fuel desk 6 hrs ago.. And my bestest bud in the world is so entertained ??? Finally, she could speak and said calm down, I know where it is.. 😲 Now my crazy friend is off her rocker too and this is not helping my state of mind 😠.. How could she know where I left it ?.. But being such a loyal longtime friend, I deferred from telling her she’s a nutter.. I’m glad I did.. After a few seconds of pause, came her very calm words, “You’re talking on it”.. Then she burst into a fit of laughing that I joined in on, a few seconds later after the shock of realization wore off.. All was good, except for my panicked mind kicking my butt..
So, when you post juicy tidbits that you know is a must read for me, in any topic, please direct me there and maybe send a link.. And to be sure, remind me to click the link too 😂
Lyme is one of the tiny nasties in nature.. It’s amazing how many human hazards there are that come in small packages.. If I dwelled about it, I’d probably be afraid to go outside.. I hope that never happens.. The great outdoors is just too great to miss out on..
Btw, look for an update on my project in the woods in your email in a bit.. There’s enough done now to show improvements on my renovation.. 😊
Your photos are beautiful and INVITING. I can’t remember the last time I heard or read these three words used together in a sentence, “Freedom From Doubt”- The ‘cost’ must be too high to promote right now.
If ‘freedom from doubt’ could be legally packaged, I’d invest in a few pounds for you and your family unit. Having that assurance of home, work and country always seemed to lessen the ‘pains’ of bumps, bruises, sprains, tares, damn dear ticks, risky water & food and most important, not being able to give immediate comfort to ‘The’ Bean.
I’m not making light of the exit from the EU, I’m watching assurances fade away. The ripple effect is touching every country in the world. Enough from me already.☺
Take Care and follow the Dr.’s suggestions.😡
***Lying cheating lives ‘entertainment’ can be bought in the Rags.
I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures …. It’s s beautiful city and the Scottish landscape, particularly up in the highlands had much in common with my French home. I guess freedom from doubt brings peace of mind at some level. For my part, I’m fortunate in many respects and we are all three mending which cannot be underestimated. As for the lying cheating lives of others – sadly not restricted to the stuff that sells tawdry newsprint. But that’s another story …..
A wonderful and highly anticipated missive that did not disappoint!
Hope the lower extremities heal quickly and the Bean is once again in fine fettle.
Ciao bella 🙂
“I wish I could think of something to say”…perfect line from your Brief Encounter clip (thanks for posting it). Little to say except loved reading every line. Hope hubby and Bean are doing well. 🙂
They went for an 8K run yesterday which I had to miss because running is off-limits for the moment but I was SO happy that they could and they arrived back all in one piece so progress is definitely forwards! Glad you enjoyed the bulletin – normal service is being resumed 🙂
Wonderful. No need to “adjust my set” 😊
What a beautiful country….love the pictures…so sorry about the leg/ankle and HB2 and the Bean….my brother in law and niece both are living with Lyme disease…what a wonderful anniversary trip….glad it was so much fun and surprising…..feel better…kat
Lyme’s a bitch that’s for sure. Hopefully they will both be ok in the long run. My leg is mending but I’m the caged animal from hell which overall is worse than Lyme for HB2 and The Bean!!!?
Find a donkey and go for a ride….LOL
🐴😂🐴😂🐴😂🐴🐴😂🐴😂
Smiling right back at you sista!!!! If we were close I would come whisk you away for a long ride and lunch..kat
That would be mightly appealing!
What a chain of events and what a delightful husband you have with such delicious surprises for you. Despite the war wounds I’m betting you had a fab time. Hope the Lymes are being seen off and the lemon is almost hobble free? (Sorry did I just call one of my favourite bloggers a lemon?)
You did but are forgiven since I am a self-proclaimed lemon! The Lymes are progressing (canine Lyme has another week of meds and human Lyme is off his and hoping for the best). We are back to France next Wednesday night so I have to be fully mobile by then. As for my husband – I waited more than half a century but he was worth every moment … I’m very very fortunate (and try not to forget it though I am a little like a caged tiger with cabin fever just now – far worse than Lyme, I fear!)
A marvelous birthday adventure and I’m convinced you will be up and about, spritely in no time! Nothing will keep you down. Roxie sends her best to Bean.
Thank you Clare … Life should be viewed as an adventure at all times and if it is then nothing is bad merely different. The trip was wonderful and so what if I’m a bit peggety for a while …. It’s showing me how fortunate I am most of the time. Silver linings 🙂
🌹
I very much enjoyed this post, which was made all the more enjoyable by your reference to one of my favorite films, BRIEF ENCOUNTER (coincidentally, I watched it on Turner Classic Movies this week here in the U.S., even though I’d already seen it several times).
I wish you a complete and speedy recovery, which it sounds like you’re well on your way to achieving.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mister Muse – Brief Encounter is a marvellous film and I’m very pleased that you’ve been able to see it again – I must check out this Turner Classic Movies since I am more US than France at the moment. I saw Celia Johnson’s very last performance opposite Sir Ralph Richardson in London (forgive me I’ve forgotten the play) – she was faultless. I woke the following morning to the news that she had passed away that night. There are so many things to count as fortune in ones life
Sounds like you are enjoying a variety of the ups and downs life has to offer! As far as I am concerned, you never have to apologize for taking time to live! I hope your ankle is feeling better, and The Two Brain one is recovering well too!
That’s life as they say! I’m mending and HB2 is hopeful that the drugs have sorted him fully. Actually I think my lack of mobility and attendant frustration is worse than the Lyme for the poor fellow!!
Oh dear, catching up again. For some reason, your posts don’t show up in my WordPress reader. I was already aware of your accident – and sorry to hear about it – and hope that a month down the road you are healing well. I visited friends in Edinburgh with husband #1 nearly 40 years ago and remember the totally unsuitably footwear of many other walkers on Arthur’s Seat. Not only that, but the number of baby buggies that parents had successfully wrestled to the top. Not easily intimidated, the Scots!
Made of girders, they are! I’m still peg legged and trying to be patient …. All will be well in the end but unfortunately both bits of the injury are notorious for being difficult and slow to mend 🤕
Just catching up with this post… Brilliant title! 🙂 Your photos are fabulous, but probably a dreadful ankle sprain was a high price to pay for them.
Thank thank you so much, Elaine …. I’m glad the title tickled and that you enjoyed the pictures …. It’s a beautiful place that holds many fond memories for me. On the other hand I will be happy to forget the leg incident in the fullness of time and it can’t be too soon!
Although I have visited Edinburgh many, many times over the years I have never climbed Arthur’s seat. I have no idea why!
Perhaps because you are sensible 😂😂😂
Well, now you put it like that… 😀 😀