Phone Now Working

Phew! J x

Stop Press

My mobile phone has stopped working so if you've texted me or phoned me today I haven't received it. You'll need to e-mail or phone the land line. Sorry. I'll update when I've sorted it out. J x

Update

So Mum had her first treatment on Monday and the effects are starting to kick in so she's feeling out of sorts and her food is starting to taste metallic. Hopefully this won't last too long. So it's one down, 5 to go.

Went to see Matthew Bourne last night - Nutcracker. Very good as ever although maybe a little too much on the jokey side for my tastes. Some lovely dancing though - especially from the Sugar Plum Fairy. Then to Lime for a couple of beers with Jim and Geoff. Very nice with some lovely eye-candy on hand too!

Have been in Wrexham all week which hasn't been too bad: apart from the one or two traffic problems. Back there Monday and then that will be it for a while. Lovely weather at the moment - I should really be out on the terrace gardening now... but we all know that's not gong to happen. Anyway, that's all. J x

My New Favourite Band

Must Not Shop

Dear Readers, if you ever happen to be in London and, maybe, walking down Conduit Street and you spy me on the very same street then please knock me to the floor and get someone to sit on my head whilst you steal my wallet. On no account must I be allowed through the doors of the Issey Miyake shop whilst carrying a credit card. Its still too painful to go into the details but I'll let you all know at some point in the future. Maybe when they let me out of debtors prison... That's all. J x

I Love This...

.... and just wanted to share it with you.

Sweeney

Was good. But not that good. Imelda Staunton is a complete star and hugely enjoyable in the show and Michael Ball isn't too bad either. But the set, direction and supporting cast are poor. Not up to West End Standards I'd say. Which is a shame as I am a Sondheim-ite as I'm sure you all know. My favourite production of this remains the show-on-a-shoestring production I saw at The Lowry where there was no orchestra (the cast payed instruments on stage as required) and Sweeney was played by, wait for it, Jason Donovan. I know!

The Hoxton hotel is fab though. Both uber-trendy and comfortable at the same time. My perfect combination. Lots of local shopping too so will have to plan carefully tomorrow as I also want to do Selfridges, Dover Street Market and Bond Street.

Two martinis at One Aldwych before show tonight but it was very very busy (had to sit at the bar. I know!). That's all. J x

Morning Peeps

Off to the dentist in a mo for a filling. Joy of joys. Then off to London to see the fabulous Imelda Staunton and the less than fabulous (imho) Michael Ball - although reports say he's very good in this - in Sweeney Todd. V v excited indeed. Not coming back till Monday (hate trains on a Sunday) and so will avail myself of various opportunities on Sunday in our capital city - galleries, museums, retail, more retail, martinis etc. Will let you all know how it goes. May even blog from the hotel (The Hoxton in the East End - never stayed there before so quite excited about that too). That's all, J x

Homeward Bound

Back to Manchester today, helpline tonight. Leaving Swansea in a happier frame of mind than when I arrived. Mum and Dad much calmer too. I think we all feel like we've had good news even though the news is. essentially, Mum still has cancer. Fingers crossed now that the treatment will be as successful as the last two times... See you soon Manchester. That's all. J x

Good News (Ish)

So saw the consultant this morning (she was very nice). Its the same ovarian cancer as before. The fact that it has been in remission so long is good news as it means that it should respond well to gently chemotherapy. Mum will only have one type this time round so she shouldn't lose her hair like she did on the second course of treatment and the anti-sickness stuff they give her has improved and so she shouldn't feel as sick as she did the first time. She will have one session every 3 weeks for 18 weeks i.e. six cycles. She has her initial assessment on Thursday (finally they're quick about something) and so the course should start soon. And that's what we know today.

National Botanic Gardens tomorrow. Hooray. Back to Manchester Thursday. That's all. J x

Swansea, Dear Swansea

Arrived home. Journey not too bad - little traffic but plenty of roadworks. Both Aged Ps looking hale and hearty and both Aged Ps within 10 minutes of my arrival have retired to separate rooms to watch tennis (Mum) and football (Dad). At least I'm now clear where I come in the pecking order...

Have consultant's appointment on Monday (not sure what time) so I'll update you on the position after that. Bizarrely the sun is shining here! That's all. J x