Life, And Other Such Creatures.

Well, things are beginning to come to a head, Chez Collison.

The Grandmama's operation was a complete success, and she is going from strength to strength (and sending me on a LOT of errands in the process).

 After being shuttled from pillar to post, The Great Aunt will shortly be transferred to a Nursing Home in Kidderminster: Holmwood Care & Nursing Centre. It is a very nice place; the reputation is splendid, the people seem very caring and professional, and at least two members of staff are known to members of our extended family. The only problem is the size of the room, which is (admittedly) very small. But still, you can't have everything. And in any case, The Great Aunt is at her happiest sitting and watching comings and goings around her; you can't do that holed up in your room, no matter how large it is.

Decisions regarding The Mother will be made by the end of this week. I can't say any more than that until everything is done and dusted, but suffice to say, no matter what happens, the days of my having disposable income to throw at things like lunches and milkshakes will be gone, at least for a while (=sighs=).
     BUT, I am sure that things are going to be better, overall, for us, even though we may have to tighten our belts (both figuratively and literally) for a time.

In other news, Bingo's cancerous tumour has returned. This time he needs chemotherapy. The vet is tentatively hopeful that both that and surgery together will do the trick (I've checked the statistics: the chances of success are 50/50). He's having to be referred again though, to give him the best treatment possible. We're waiting to hear back regarding tests on the 6 other lumps he has, and for a phone call from Vale Referrals to arrange an appointment; then we shall know more.
     The object of all the worries is currently sprawled out on his bed, damp from an impromptu swim in a river (that required a good rub down when we got home) and dreaming happy dreams.

Also, I had a very good view of a heron this morning (God bless those binoculars!) in a tree across the river that Bingo decided to take a swim in, and was treated to the sight of him/her taking off, flapping languidly to another tree a little further down and then landing again.

...And that's it (I think).

Anyway, watch this space.
     Changes are afoot.

Alice x