Weeks 111 -114 (31 Aug – 27 Sep)

Although Andrea spent much time making phone calls she was unable to get a follow-up appointment with the consultant until 22nd Sept – nearly 7 weeks since the MRI scan. All we can do is wait.

Meanwhile, we have been visiting friends and trying to go out each day. Even picking blackberries on the roadside outside the house has counted as an outing. I managed to get permission and time off for good behaviour to go to the National Gallery in London for a day. I’ve been trying to find an opportunity since March. I suppose that says something about my behaviour. I enjoyed seen familiar paintings and was struck by the vibrancy and detail, even of those painted over 600 years ago without the access to the technology, equipment and expertise that is so easily available today.

On 10th Sept we moved to stay in Geoff and Crystal’s home while they were on holiday. It is in a part of Brentwood we have only driven through so it’s been good to explore. After being out on one of our trips we do have to think carefully which roads to take so that we return to the right house! We’ve had a few detours so far.

Lyn, our fellow church member, returned to Kampala at the end of her home assignment. We are glad that she has been able to return but we found the church goodbye on Sunday (14th) a little difficult especially as the Ushindi term started on the 15th.

The appointment with the consultant (22nd) was worthwhile but means more tests. He was still unable to give us an indication of how long things might take but possibly 4-6 weeks even to be admitted for tests – which would be faster than as an outpatient. A few days later we received an admission date of 8th Oct – much sooner than expected. Andrea has had a couple of infections and therefore visits to the GP. This has restricted our movements a little but we still enjoyed our “holiday”.

Andrea still enjoys her knitting - or even just sorting the wool she has collected.

The "King Pins" knitting group meets at the church twice a month - but I think it should be renames as they to more nattering than knitting!

One of my highlights had been meeting weekly with Doreen to follow the “Fan the Flame” discipleship course. This has been specially written for people who have been Christians for some time. Our hourly meetings have been lasting for nearly two hours because we seem to have so much to talk about prompted by the material – and Doreen’s vast knowledge and experience! It has been very encouraging for me and have asked – “What’s next?”

On Thursday mornings I have been exploring with a group from Harold Wood Methodist Church with Don, our friend Gill’s dad. Andrea is looked after by Gill’s mum who used to enjoy the weekly walks but, like Andrea, is unable to walk very far now. I get some exercise and Andrea is able to chat – so it works well for both. They are a very friendly group – I think I’m the youngest (by about 8 years) and Don is the oldest (a mere 34 years older than me!). I can just about keep up with him but did struggle up the hills! Last week we visited “Plotlands” where families from the East End of London were evacuated during the war. There is a small museum which prompted much reminiscing and mirth.

Weeks 106 -110 (27 July – 30 Aug)

It’s been two months since I added anything to the blog. I feel the need to keep it continuous, even if it’s brief. Though on past experience when I get going brevity and succinctness seem elude me.
We went to my sister’s house in Winchester from 27 July to 17 August (3 weeks) then to my Mum’s (also Winchester) for 3 days. Libby and Brian were away for two weeks and it was refreshing to be on our own in a different place. We managed to catch up with Cathy Asiki and her family when they visited Southampton. We also went swimming a few times too. Unfortunately we had to return to Romford for a couple of nights due to Andrea’s MRI scan.
We were able to watch more of the Olympics than ever before so it was good that Team GB did so well. We also cheered the Ugandan athletes. Our own exercise was more limited though Andrea did manage to use the new electric wheelchair at Thorndon Park which was given in memory of one of our church friends, Dennis Kearns. I had to tell her to slow down a couple of times and was very pleased when she sailed through a patch of mud while I gingerly picked my through the least wet patches. It’s an amazing machine – a 4x4 all terrain of wheelchairs.

The other highlight of August was the wedding of my brother John to Amanda on Friday 29th. So we now have another Mr J and Mrs A McAdam in the family. They live in Buckingham and the service was held in a picturesque village church nearby. The reception afterwards was in a hotel near Silverstone. John is a fan of motor racing (cars and bikes) so it was fitting that they spent the night in the Schumacher Suite. The following day was hot and sunny – notable because it seems to have been the only one all summer. Not that we were particularly looking for hot sunshine, but it would have been nice to sit outside more than we were able.