Happy National Golden Retriever Day...

Of course on such a day my blip could only be Lola :-) And I used the big camera.  Obviously out of practice as the photos aren't great but I blame the flat light ;-) but our golden girl sat beautifully while I continually readjusted the settings. Amazing what she will do when treats are being held aloft.  David had to keep diving into shot to wipe the slavers the were dangling from her jowls, but we got there in the end :-)  

D spoke to Alan's GP this morning and had a really positive conversation. 

After hearing all that had been happening and Alan's symptoms, he agreed that reflux and a possible gastro issue are there likely causes of Alan's recent illnesses.  He as increased the dosage of Alan's lansoprazole for two weeks to see if that makes a difference to his reflux discomfort.  He will also refer him back to the gastro consultant for further discussion regarding reflux / possible Crohn's disease.  An endoscopy may be considered too depending on how Alan responds to the meds.  We feel satisfied that we are on the right track to getting things resolved.

Had a visit from Alan's dietician at lunch time.  DC is really lovely and very supportive of Alan.  We updated her re the discussion with the GP and she will support us in the referral back to the gastro consultant.  

But all of today has been overshadowed by the very sad message I received this morning informing me that Gill, our friend and ex-work colleague at Craighalbert, passed away this morning at 6.20am. 

Gill was diagnosed with terminal cancer on 5th December.  She was working up until the 2nd December when a visit to her GP led to urgent hospital investigations and the devastating diagnosis on the 5th December.
I had hoped to visit her but with Alan's illness I just didn't get the chance.  I thought she had more time.  

It's hard to believe she is gone.  She was so full of life.  A vivacious, glamorous, generous woman who was an integral part of her community, always volunteering to help and get involved when there was work to be done and funds to be raised for good causes.  

She was a much loved member of our Burns Supper group and I have so many happy memories of her at all the Burns suppers, and in years gone by when she used to be my model at the clothing parties I hosted, which were really just an excuse for a girls get together with food and wine. So much laughter over the years.  She will be sorely missed.

Gill's will be the third funeral we've attended in three months and there were also another two we didn't manage to get to.  2023 is not unfolding as positively as I had hoped, but it's a timely reminder to be thankful for every day and live life in the moment with as much as enjoyment as possible.

Rest in peace my friend.