All the news (good or bad) from Summerhill Stables

Robert bought a book of infuriating phrases and thought he would preface each new post on the blog with a new one – be warned.

INFURIATING PHRASE No 1

"In actual fact" what other kinds of fact are there?


We both thought you would like this photograph of two lame ducks which was on one of the numerous get well cards Pikey received – for which many many thanks. It sums up our state rather well.


Pikey has been back home for five days and has made good progress overall although inevitably some days are not so good as others. She had all thirty eight staples removed from her back and is much more comfortable. The district nurse has been in every day and yesterday even braved our own patented early warning system, Brindley. We have a CCTV and intercom system so Pikey can see who is in the drive or at the front door from her bed and tell them to go away or come on up as she chooses. She is now coming down for short spells in the sitting room for meals cooked by Robert.


One of the saddest but funniest episodes of living in a house for two forgetful old invalids was our realisation that what we really needed was a good old-fashioned tea trolley to move plates of hot food and drinks from the kitchen into the sitting room. So off Robert went to High Bentham to buy one – they don’t sell tea trolleys any more! So he decided to see if he could buy one on eBay. When he saw the pictures of the examples on offer - there were only thirteen in total – he realised that in Pikey’s sewing room was exactly what he needed – Nannie’s old tea trolley parked under her work table and loaded with box files of pattern books etc etc which Robert claims she never looks at any way – "they will come in useful one day" she says – as did the trolley!!


Robert has been flat out with his guide to High and Low Bentham for the First Responders so they can find houses in the dark. He has a growing admiration for white van delivery men as it is sometimes impossible to find houses in broad daylight let alone at three in the morning as the First Responders would have to do.


Robert saw his orthopaedic consultant yesterday about his troublesome left knee which the consultant said was very arthritic and showed signs of having a damaged cartilage as well. The cure is an arthroscopy to be done when Pikey can look after him rather than vice versa. At least it’s only day surgery and not a new knee!! The surgeon’s name is Gargle sans the French definite article. I don’t think Mr Garg is necessarily of pure Anglo-Saxon stock – if he is, he’s been sunbathing a tad too much!!!.


Love from Robert and Pikey