It's Friday June 11th - one week before I report to St. George Private Hospital in preparation for surgery the following morning. This week has been spent getting lots of things done that need to be out of the way so I don't have to worry about them while I'm out of action. A broken tooth had to be repaired and an inflamed thumb had to be splinted - things that always pop up at the most inconvenient time.

I've spent the last two days cooking! Now you mustn't laugh :). I have a reputation for not liking to cook and avoiding it at all costs. Well....... there are some times when it just must be done. And I actually CAN do it, I just choose not to. I've been making soups and casseroles that can be frozen to be consumed when I return from the hospital - and that's when I REALLY won't want to be cooking. I really have enjoyed the process - the recipes and the shopping, the measuring, slicing and chopping, the delicious aromas in my kitchen, the tasting process and the satisfaction of labelling the plastic containers with the name of the dish and the date it was prepared. Even the pile of washing up afterwards gave me a sense of satisfaction. I'm easily pleased these days!

And the full freezer :)

Next week will include a visit to Dr Chen to have acupuncture which will help my body deal with the surgical assault.

Thank you to those of you who have been reading my messages here and commenting through the blog or sending me email and telephone messages of support. It's so great to hear from you and to feel your love and frienship.

While I'm in hospital my friend, Roslyn, has offered to post entries onto the blog to keep readers updated on my status. Her entries will look as though I've made them, but she'll sign off as Roslyn - to make things clear.

Once I'm up to it I'll take over entering the posts. Keep watching..............