Stratford enjoyed a fine soaking rain this morning and my lawn is green again already.

After the big clear-out of the closets and chests of drawers a few weeks ago, I have already accumulated another laundry basket full of clothes to go. These are mostly gym gear and casual clothes that are either too big or designed for stuff I don't do any more.

Surgeons and the nursing staff who work with orthopaedic patients love people like you, Stilly, who actually follow their advice and get as fit as they can before an elective operation. They're (usually) too professional to show their disappointment and irritation with those who blow them off, but they lavish praise on those whose condition shows they did their best to prepare.

The nurse who gives me my monthly needle at the allergist's office always praises me so fulsomely for not whining that I have to wonder about the conduct of some of her other customers.