Thanks for the kind remarks, Stilly River Sage. I suppose Denise's increased need of care has perhaps made me a bit glummer than usual. When she is so disabled, theres not many places we can go out. Even the tiniest doorsteps seem like an assault course, and she panics.

I'm very lucky. Surrounded by beautiful guitars and living with a woman who has loved me over fifty years now - plus I live in a beautiful Dorset village with a big garden. I'm sorry. Self pity is not good.