I started week 41 of 2021 slowly and ended up in a mad rush to get hospital appointments.
Friday, October 8th.
This morning, I got up late and then spent the whole morning working on my computer. In the afternoon, I sat reading my Kindle on my balcony until it became too hot, and then I went inside to read.
When I saw the James Bond film last week, I saw an advert for a film called ´Venom, Carnage´ which looked quite good. Tonight I found the original film ´Venom´ on television and watched it. I did enjoy it, and I have to say, for a Marvel character action film, there were also a few moments that made me chuckle. I will now strive to see the latest film at the cinema.
Saturday, October 9th.
Today, I woke at about 8 am and updated my website before having porridge with a banana for breakfast and then going for a walk along the promenade. I think I walked a bit too far. I did around 5 km and was puffing like a steam train when I got back.
I popped in to see my neighbour Elizabeth for a cup of tea before going back to my apartment, where I spent the rest of the day with my feet up watching films.
Sunday, October 10th.
After getting up this morning, I cooked myself a full English breakfast before going to the chiringuito for a coffee. I sat there reading my Kindle until my neighbour Elizabeth arrived to take me shopping in Carrefour in Cartagena. I had a look in Primark but, as usual, couldn't find anything that would fit me. The jeans in Spain all seem to have skinny thighs and calves on them, which makes it impossible for me to find a pair that will comfortably go over my tree trunk legs. I was able to get a few items that I wanted in Carrefour before we drove back home.
This afternoon, I once again watched the Arsenal ladies' football team on television, and once again, they won, this time beating Everton 3-0. After the game, I walked down to La Playa bar to listen to Diana singing. She is a great singer, and I had a great night with friends Emma and Gina. Ladies, your dancing exploits were hilarious; there was laughing all night, and everyone had a good night.
Monday, October 11th.
This morning, I was up quite late and just lazed around at home until I was going to meet my friend Martin for a few beers at La Sombre bar. We were joined by his wife, daughter and sister and stayed till just before 3 pm when we all left. On my way home, I passed by my friends Bernard and Sheila's home. They were sitting in the garden, and I joined them and their friend, Shelia, for several cups of tea. The cinnamon tea was delightful.
After leaving them, I went home via the Hong Kong restaurant, where I got myself a takeaway. I got way too much food and will have reheated Chinese for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, October 12th.
Caldero day, but there will again be no celebrations on the beach this year. There are restaurants around town offering menus for the celebration, but no regular festivities are allowed again due to COVID restrictions.
Because I had a hospital appointment tomorrow and because my leg was aching, I decided to have a restful day again. I stayed home all day reading and watching films. In the evening I watched the England vs Hungary football match. It wasn't England's most outstanding performance, but at least England didn't lose, which at one point looked likely. The game finished England 1, Hungary 1 and I think Hungary felt more disappointed with the result than England. After the game, I went straight to bed to get a good night's rest.
Wednesday, October 13th.
This morning, I woke up early, took a shower, and then jumped on my disability scooter to go to the bank. After getting some money, I stopped at one of the nearby shops that sell some SOS Mar Menor items. I managed to find a nice polo shirt that cost only 10 €. I then went to La Encarnacion for my breakfast, coffee, tostada and orange juice.
After breakfast, I went along the beachfront back to the chiringuito by my apartment. I stopped for a coffee and a chat with Andrew before going back to my apartment. I emptied my dishwasher because I had forgotten to empty it after it finished a couple of days ago, then quickly tidied the kitchen before settling down on my computer for a few hours.
At around 3:45 pm, my translator, Lesley, picked me up to take me to the hospital in Cartagena. We arrived on time and only had a short wait before seeing the laparoscopist. He inspected my hernia and said that as it was so large, they would operate quite quickly. It is not giving me a lot of pain, but it could strangulate me, which would then give me big problems. He told me that I would have to have blood tests before seeing the anaesthetist and that after seeing him, I would need to have a test for COVID before having the operation. He offered me two dates for the operation, one in October and one in November. I chose the October date.
Lesley took me to the receptionist, and appointments were made to see the anaesthetist on the 19th of October, have a COVID test on the 22nd of October and go in for the operation on the 25th of October. I was told to have the blood tests locally to where I live but to take the results to the anaesthetist.
When we left the hospital, we stopped at a small cafe around the corner, had a coffee, ate a couple of empanadas and got a few more to take home. Lesley dropped me back at home and then went home to sort out a clash of appointments caused by these hospital dates.
Thursday, October 14th.
Lesley messaged me early this morning after rearranging the appointment to change my residency for the new TIE card. She has managed to get the appointment for Monday next week after I have been to the hospital to speak to the anaesthetist. She also sent me the document that I have to take to the bank to pay for the TIE card fee.
I have a pot of camomile tea and then head off to the bank to pay the fee for the TIE card. There is already a queue of people in the bank, and I take my place behind an English couple, who I talk to while waiting for our turn. It is noticeable in the bank that the restrictions on people allowed inside have been eased a bit as there are more people inside than I have seen for a while. After finally seeing the lady at the till, she kindly took my 12€ and stamped the paperwork. I can now go to ASSSA, my health insurance company, to hand in the medical paperwork that needs to be approved before Monday.
My scooter did not have enough charge left to get me to the ASSSA office and back, but my neighbour Elizabeth, kindly told me she would take me in her car. We were soon heading to the office, but when I got there, I realised that in my haste, I had left the paperwork in my apartment, and we had to go back home, collect it and then return to the ASSSA office. Elizabeth took me home. I pick up the paperwork, and I am soon back in the insurance company's office. The lady in the ASSSA office, Sofia, is very helpful. She sorted through my paperwork, took copies, sent it all off, and even made me an appointment for my blood tests tomorrow at my local doctor's surgery.
After leaving the office, I found Elizabeth, and we sat down at Cafe Prensa for a coffee before heading home. It was a rather hectic morning, but I was glad I got everything sorted out.
This evening, I watched the Arsenal ladies play Hoffenheim ladies in the women's version of the Champions League. Arsenal won 4-0, but the match was closer than the score suggested, as Hoffenheim were excellent. Arsenal's finishing was just much better. After the game, I went to bed as I had to be up early for my blood tests tomorrow.