I'm so out of the habit of taking photos that you get this, my allotment neighbour's ruby chard, looking fantastic, and no wonder with that manure, even though it's gone to seed!

I'm posting today for my record because I haven't felt well since 19th October. Improving slightly each day but not there yet.

I returned from Kalymnos late tuesday 15th and didn't do much except unpacking, washing etc apart from a spin class on the Thursday, which was fine and then Friday 18th I did a long walk with friends. On Saturday morning I had my covid and flu jabs and went to the Mind shop straight after. I'm embarrassed to admit it, and it's not something I've ever done before, but I forgot to wash my hands before eating my lunch. Not recommended when you're dealing with second hand stuff all the time... and some of the customers are dubious too! Within two hours I had griping stomach pains, not continuous but a few per hour. I went home. The diarrhea didn't start until the next morning. I also had headache, body aches and fever, which I assumed were caused by the vaccines.

The diarrhea only appeared in the mornings thankfully and I wasn't sick at all, but the pains were continuously intermittent - if you can even say that!

I've lost count of the hours on the settee, I've had to cancel walks, friends and gym classes. The diarrhea lasted ten days and the stomach pains didn't really disappear until two days ago ie they lasted two weeks. I've never before been unwell for so long. I still visited my daughter during that time, she looked after me wonderfully and at least I had her and the kids to chat to.

High fibre eating was paused and I was mostly on white rice, bananas and white toast for a few days, but it didn't seem to make much difference to be honest. Since I got back from Swansea my eating has gradually got back to normal and my stomach is okay, but I'm still so tired.

Sorry for the moaning, I just need to remember not to put my fingers anywhere near my mouth, just like when I was a nursery teacher!