In The Bleak Midwinter

This is what I see as I open the bedroom curtains on these bleak winter mornings.

I wrote before of the physical challenges brought about by the continuing snowfall. But FL is really rather enjoying it all. This week he has been driving my daughter to school (as the school bus can't negotiate the single-track road in these conditions) then phoning me from the end of the farm road, ready to drive me to work. In the afternoon, he repeats the journeys in reverse.

He is putting in three and a half hours of driving a day, as well as trudging up and down the snowed-up farm road to reach the car / house at the beginning and end of each driving "shift". Not insignificant for a 75-year old man with multiple myeloma!

However, the weather has closed the golf course, so he feels the need to keep active. If I took the car, he would be stranded at home, as his own car is buried under the snow in front of the farmhouse. He needs to be out and about, meeting up with his pals for a coffee at the golf club before its time to collect The Girl.

Yes, but how is he?

I can see the signs of his cancer returning. Odd, irrational behaviour is always a sure sign.

This is his second relapse, so I am on the look-out now.

Over-sensitivity to comments made in fun or a "look" from a neighbour.

Sudden shooting pains that leave him momentarily bewildered.

Frustrating hard-of-hearing-ness which seems to be psychological as much as it is physical.

Sleeplessness. Tiredness. Confusion. Bizarre food fads.

We were hearing the news that doctors reckon a daily aspirin can fend off many common cancers
and FL joked that he should go to his GP and ask to take a mega-dose of aspirin, just to see what the GP would say... because FL is allergic to aspirin! He almost died when he took one by mistake many years ago. "So, Doctor, how about I take a few tablets to zap the cancer, and then you can give me a dose of adrenalin to fight the effects of the aspirin...?" Err... NO, I don't think so!

My method of fighting his cancer is to throw
healthy eating and eternal optimism at it.

Blueberry and spelt muffins, anyone?

Actually, they are rather delicious, especially still warm from the oven after a bracing walk through swirling snow.

Back at the hospital on the 21st, just in time for Christmas.