We spent the morning in Southampton General Hospital in order for me to have everything tested to see if I was fit for a general anaesthetic for the biopsy set for Tuesday 25th.
Bodily fluids were extracted; internal and external structures and organs were examined; chest hair was shaved to provide points for the application of electrodes; heart and lungs were listened to; surprise was once more expressed at my “perfect blood pressure” (the doctor was 26 and said it was the same as hers) and the paucity of any regular medication; DNA swabs were taken; height and weight measured; family history, including everyone relevant, and all operations under anaesthetic in my own life, beginning with tonsillectomy in 1947, was closely examined and documented. I can only assume I passed so I won’t feel anything on Tuesday.
After lunch we took a forest drive.
Anther photographer watched ponies and a foal on Holmsley Passage. Enlarging the first picture in this gallery will reveal tufts of cotton grass which speckles the boggy moorland sections at this time; the leaves under the rippling stream and the pool on the verge indicate that this terrain has the perfect conditions for its growth.
Further along the Passage a young stag crossed the road and disappeared into the bracken. Note the temporary repairs to the nibbled edges. of the tarmac.
Ponies are beginning to shelter under the trees along Forest Road in anticipation of a further influx of flies.
While I was photographing these ponies, bellowing and thudding calves began running up the road in search of their parents, some of whom accompanied them back down again.
This evening we dined on a meaty pork rib rack in barbecue sauce; wholesome mushroom rice; creamy mashed potato and swede; tender runner beans and spinach, with which I drank more of the Alentejano.
Congratulations on the BP Derrick – as well as the lack of medications. We have just traveled across Europe with a dear friend who takes 42 tablets a day- and he’s about 20 years younger than you!
Thank you so much, Kim
Derrick if you have to go to the southampton general hospital you can park outside my house, saving the extortionate parking charge, I’m about 3 minutes drive away. I can drop you off at the hospital and pick you up when your ready.
Rob
Thank you very much, Rob. That looks a great idea. I’ll put it to my Chauffeuse when she gets up.
First time I have ever heard the word “chaffeuse,” Derrick. i looked it up and it said it was a piece of furniture–a sort of smal divan. Then I looked further and saw it was based on the French world for a female Chauffeur. And so once again, you’ve increased my vocabulary, but this time nongastrinomically!
Thanks very much, Judy
Good to know all is in working order and you’ll be find during your biopsy. The amount of wildlife in your area… so fun.
Thanks very much, Dale
You practically live in a National Park, don’t you?
Best wishes for the biopsy. (Or should I say “break a leg”? The English version is better educated than our French M..de. ????)
Nice to read about a blogger lending you his parking space…
Take care my friend.
Thanks very much, Brian
Good luck on your upcoming biopsy. I can’t help but think that forest drives, deadheading in your gorgeous garden and eating Jackie’s cooking may all contribute to your perfect blood pressure.
Thank you so much, Pat
Sending good thoughts your way for a good result for your biopsy. I love the leaves under rippling water. It looks like a painting.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Stay fit friend. I hope all goes well.
Thank you very much, Flow
The thing I remember about the Uk, apart from the pubs, is driving the narrow roads and encountering animals blocking the way. Love these photos. All the best for your procedure.
Thank you so much, VJ
Welcome
Gorgeous photos! Thank you for taking us all along for the ride! 🙂 Love the leaves photo! And, oh my gosh, that last photo (cow and calf 2) is my fave today! 🙂 This Human-ine (Ha!) loves your post title…all the -ine words!
Best wishes, healing thoughts, and prayers for you for your biopsy!
(((HUGS))) and ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
What part of you are they taking the biopsy from? I probably read it in an earlier post. It seems an awful lot of testing on a healthy young specimen as yourself. 🙂
My bladder. I will explain all when it is done. Thanks very much, Chrissy
Congrats on your “perfect blood pressure”! Best wishes for your biopsy on Tuesday. Your beautiful garden and healthy countryside environment, not forgetting Jackie’s fine cooking, must have a lot to do with your good health 🙂
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
I agree with Carolyn and always love reading her gorgeous comments …
Thank you very much, Ivor
Beautiful photos from your drive. The mystery is my siblings are both on blood pressure medication and I am three and eight years older and have great blood pressure.
That is good, Andy. Thanks very much
You’re welcome.
I hope good news will be awaiting you when you wake up. Congratulation on your great blood pressure, that’s important.
Thanks very much, Bridget
I’m glad that you have perfect blood pressure, Derrick, wonderful! I have chronic high BP and take medications daily. You photographed so many animals, wow! Those temporary repairs on the roads are permanent in my home state, so ridiculous. Dinner sounds delicious!
Thanks very much, John.
I went for a medical MOT and nurse said I had 15% chance of heart attack or stroke in next ten years. Did I want to take statins? I said no. Well, she said you do have an 85% chance of not having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years. Good odds I thought. Worth the risk.
Pretty good result. Thanks a lot, Andrew
You have certainly been put through the medical wringer! I trust all will go well with the next step.
Thanks very much, Anne
A productive day all round! Like everyone else here I wish you all the best for Tuesday.
Thank you very much, Sue
Great shots, as usual, dear Derrick!
Thank you very much, Luisa
You’re more than welcome, dear Derrick 🙂
I’ve been helping a friend get ready for an operation for pancreatic cancer removal. She passed all her tests so far. Hope she does after the op too. The doctors don’t seem worried.
I wish her well. Thanks very much, Sherry
Beautiful photos and I wish you the best with your procedures.
Thank you so much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
A lovely jaunt in the forest .. and good news for Tuesday. I’ll be sending healing thoughts and light your way.
Thank you very much, Val
I always love seeing the animals on these forest drives you and Jackie take. I particularly loved the composition of the leaves under the rippling water. Nice catch!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Splendid photos and glad to read you’re all set for the op.
Thanks very much, Sheree
Congratulations on your good health and perfect blood pressure! I hope all goes smoothly with best results from your biopsy. That’s the date of our wedding anniversary, so maybe it’s auspicious.
The calves look huge!
Thank you very much, Merril. I will take it as a good omen. The calves were very big for their age 🙂
🙂
Golly, that was some preparation for a biopsy. Will you have to lie flat on your back for ages after it? I found that quite restful after my recent biopsies.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. I guess I will find out
I missed this post at the time. My goodness.
Thank you very much, Alys
Love your pictures, you always inspire me to get outside more. Allbest for good health…
Thank you very much, Rose
A terrific gallery of photos, Derrick–I’ve missed your pictrures and narrative. Thanks.
Thank you very much, Cynthia
I missed wishing you good luck with your biopsy, Derrick, but I hope and pray for good news.
Thank you very much, Dolly. It was a successful process. I will post it soon.
You are welome, Derrick. I am glad the process was successful, but what about the results?
You’ve probably read the results by now, Dolly