I was in bed soon after eight last night. I am not comfortable sleeping on my back, and never normally start off that way. However, at least until I remove the sling from my arm during the daytime, I am advised to place a pillow on my chest and keep my unslung hand on that. On no account am I to allow it to fall out of bed and, snoozing, leave it dangling. No, you are not be treated to a photograph of a dormant me.
As the morning drew on my headache and sore throat subsided I was surprised to find that the greatest source of pain was my left thumb. This particular digit has been arthritic for years. It has a hard lump on the main joint, but doesn’t hurt much. It hasn’t been possible for me to spread it out wide, but I imagine that was required by the surgeon yesterday, and with me non compus mentis he could pull it about at will. Hitherto, I have been rather ignorant about the process of anaesthesia, but Jackie kindly advises me that assistance with breathing is required, and to that end tubes are stuffed down your unprotesting gullet. That explains post-operative soreness.
Having learned yesterday that the results of the x-rays to my right knee would have been sent to the GP surgery, the staff of which would probably expect me to phone them, Jackie drove me there. I saw the helpful and efficient Dr Jensen who, incidentally, had arranged for my hand operation. She read out the knee report which ‘told us what we already knew’, that the problem was osteoarthritis. She referred me to an orthopaedics consultant, gave me a further month’s supply of medication, and put me on ‘repeat prescriptions’, which means I can just order them without making an appointment.
My brain was rather clearer this evening, and I could steady the camera with my two free-ish fingers and photograph a couple of our flowering cherries. We have quite a lot of different ones, most of which we believe to be Japanese. Of these two we have only identified the white Prunus Amanogawa. Any suggestions as to the name of the pink one wold be appreciated. Rie, if you are reading this, I am counting on you.
It may come as no surprise that I hardly touched last night’s Hordle Chinese Take Away meal. We therefore had bags left over for this evening. There were of course no bags, because this food comes in foil-topped cardboard containers. For those who may not be familiar with the expression, ‘bags’, in this context means ‘a great deal’. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and I finished the bordeaux.
Very beautiful photographs. It is incredible that you were able to snap them while in so much pain. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Thank you. I’m very determined – some would say stubborn 🙂
We’re sorry to hear you’re poorly, Derrick. Get well soon!
Thank you both
Ooh, that looks painful Derrick. Hope it heals up quickly and you’ll be feeling much better.
Thanks Jenny
Gorgeous blossoms. I’m pleased that when your head clears, the same Derrick is there peeking through the fog.
Thank you Crystal
Having just spent some time wandering about in the abundant cherry blossoms of Washington DC I ought to be knowledgeable, but alas have nothing much to offer: They all came originally from Japan, bear no fruit and there are many shades of blossom it appears and each one from a different variety. Good to hear how things are going – I too prefer to remain in ignorance of anything those people do to you when under anaesthetic – I’ve seen Grey’s Anatomy! You’ll be almost as good as new in no time!
Thanks Pauline – your friend from Arlington came up with kwanzan
Correction – kawazu zakura 🙂
I was going to bags the Bordeaux, but I guess there wasn’t bags of it.
🙂
I think those pink blossoms may be kawazu-zakura. I thought at first kwanzan, but those are double or triple these. Lovely photographs for someone with use of only one hand!
Many thanks. Checking them out on Google I’d say you were right first time. They do have several layers of petals. Also thanks for the compliment.
The head gardener has overruled me – right second time. we do, however, have a kwanzan, which you have now identified for us
That’s good. So you still have a mystery tree? Maybe someone else knows. So much depends on blossom timing, leaves, bark patterns…
It is the timing that gave us the kwanzan – it is now past its best. Thank you
Well done, Derrick. You are doing well with one arm tied up. Love the cherry blossoms. Maybe the cultivars available in the USA are from Japan but I believe they originated from many different parts of the world.
Thank you Mary
Lovely photos Derrick! Wishing you a speedy recovery…
Thank you Jewels
Awesome shot!
Thank you Mary