I'm back ...

... and happily the 'family matters' I referred to in my last entry seem so far to have proceeded successfully. My mother, who is now quite elderly and somewhat frail, had to go into hospital for what is in theory a minor operation, but as her heart is not strong any operation involving anaesthetics carries some risk. In any case, the result so far is very positive and she says the constant pain she suffered hitherto has reduced considerably; the full effects will only become apparent after a couple of weeks, according to the consultant, but so far it is looking good.