Life goes on. Most days everything is okay so when as happened the other day acid reflux returns it is a bit of a shock.

Now readers of this epistle will by now I hope realise I don't do sorry for myself. Thus I must confess I contributed in no small measure to my own downfall. Occasionally I like to treat myself to a chinese meal. Last Thursday I thought I would try a chicken chow mein. That dish after all consists of easy to swallow soft noodles and very nice it was too but.............

I went to bed at 11.00 feeling fine but at about 1.30 I woke with a throat that felt it was being scraped with sand paper, heartburn that was painful and short of breath. I could taste the Chow Mein. Water is of limited value in these circumstances other than to rinse the mouth out. Swallowing merely returns said acid down the tubes. There is only one solution in this situation which is to sit up for about an hour or until the hiatus subsides.

The moral of this story is not to eat this type of Chinese Food in the evening if at all.

Other than that life has been fine. We had a few days at the caravan at Topcliffe. We went to see Janis Ian in concert which was great fun. Ev and I also met up with some wonderful friends on Teesside. It made me realise how lucky we are to know so many good people.

Following North Yorkshire we went to North Wales to celebrate Harry's fourth birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. It was then back to the Island.

As a final medical note I have an appointment with the ENT people on 30 November to check over my vocal chords. I shall keep you posted.