Mining

It was another glorious start to the day. Crystal clear skies were glowing gold as the sun heaved itself above the eastern horizon. Ellie was dropped off as usual and we began the daily pre-school protocol. Once breakfast, ablutions, and the day's outfit were complete, Grandap had to participate in "let's play teachers". This involved randomly providing French translations of English words, counting in French, and identifying a French phrase Ellie had (mis)remembered from school. With that "class" done, we then went on to practise handwriting. This would have been particularly useful if it had been Ellie practising, but no, she was dictating and Grandpa had to practise.

Dropping her at school, I set off for my usual walk - starting a new audiobook as I went. Once home, I grabbed some breakfast and then headed off to get the bus into Chichester. As I stood at the bus stop, there was a honk of a horn, and Chris and Maureen pulled up alongside me to offer a lift. I arrived in Chichester earlier than expected and headed for the dentist. I settled down in the waiting room and dug out my Kindle. (Experience has taught me the hygienist is always running late). I was eventually called in, strapped to the chair, my glasses were removed, and she switched on her miners' lamp and various power tools. I assume she was in a bad mood today because she was absolutely brutal. Jabbing away at my gums with a pick, she seemed amazed that they started to bleed. I felt like pointing out that if she jabbed any part of my body like that, that too would bleed. Eventually, having auditioned for a remake of Marathon Man, I was released.

While I was being held hostage by the hygienist, Diane had taken Jasper to the vet to get his claws clipped. She arrived home just before me. She has been suffering a bit of discomfort and contacted the surgery. They could not accommodate her, so suggested she visit the Minor Injuries Unit at the Bognor War Memorial Hospital. I dropped her at the entrance and went home (not knowing how long she would be, I needed to be available to collect Ellie). As it happened, it was after 5 o'clock before Di called to say she was ready. We stopped off at the pharmacy on the way home, so she could start her course of tablets immediately.