An Operation? Yes then No!

With an overnight bag packed for Mike just in case he’s kept in for the op tomorrow, we set off from Luton for a day in London.  He was seen by Mr Verity who had performed the previous ops on him but it was Prof Dart who would be doing this one if necessary.  Unfortunately he was off today so Mr Verity had to make the decision and he felt that it was probably required.  Now began the fun and games!  Although the op had been provisionally booked for Wednesday at 7.30am, a bed hadn’t been booked!  I insisted that there was no way we could travel and be there for that time of the day and they needed to find a bed for him.  At two o’clock there was no hope but miraculously by three o’clock they had found one in the very ward where they should have reserved it for him!!  We checked in and I stayed with him until he’d had his supper then I left him there and returned to Luton.

Next morning after the boys had left for work and I was imagining a lovely lazy day recovering from the stress of yesterday, my mobile rang and it was the hospital.  Apparently Prof Dart had seen Mike and decided not to operate so could I please collect him as soon as possible!

I immediately ordered a taxi, got train and taxi to the hospital to be met with the comment “Is he not staying for lunch?”  I was amazed!  My reply was very polite but no he was not staying – we were leaving right away.  He left with medication and an appointment for Clinic in a week’s time.

Today was our wedding anniversary and I’d thought we’d be spending it apart.  Phill came home from work with some roses for me as he knew Mike wouldn’t be able to get anything and cupcakes for our dessert …

He’s such a lovely lad

Train to St Ives

With a good weather forecast for today the family decided to visit St Ives.  My suggestion that we go by train was met with a unanimous yes vote and so we took both cars to Lelant Saltings.  I was amazed at the number of cars parked and we had to join a very long queue of people waiting to get on the platform.  A young man came along the line to sort out tickets and he gave us a very good deal!!  Surprisingly we got on the first train that arrived and in no time at all we were in St Ives.

After a pasty lunch and a walk around town we made our way back to the Station to get the train back to Lelant.  I took a few photos from the train – the sea was looking gorgeous …

In the evening they went to the stables where Mike’s sister Lesley keeps her horses …

Morwellham Quay

With Jo and Paul on holiday we were all determined to visit Morwellham Quay on a day trip.  Jo checked out the weather forecast and today and tomorrow looked liked having the best chance of sunshine.  We left the dogs at home  and set off early with the intention of getting home mid to late afternoon for them.  When it’s hot they’re better off in a cool house than being dragged around in the heat of the day.  It was only an hour and a half drive and we were soon parked in the car park.   We paid our entrance fee and booked a trip on the mine train at the same time then walked down towards the quay where we saw the Tamar ketch Garlandstone and the steamer Monarch …

We passed the Assayer’s House, the Cooperage and Blacksmith …

and then arrived at the overshot waterwheel …

Passing the shop and the ShipInn …

we followed the route to the George and Charlotte copper mine and railway …

We were booked on the 11.30am trip and as we were a little early we sat and waited on the bench until we were told we could get on the train.  It was a very basic cage pulled by the engine called George …

Our driver and guide was Jasen …

We travelled alongside the river until we reached the entrance to the mine …

After being instructed on Health and Safety regulations (!) we entered the mine.  We were able to take photos without flash so they’re not brilliant but give a flavour of the trip …

We stopped several times along the way and Jasen explained about the workings of the mine and about the miners themselves – it was all really interesting.  Then we came back out into the sunlight and went a bit further up the track …

before Jasen un-coupled George and took him the other end of our train for the return journey …

Halfway back we waited on the only bit of double track  for the next train to come along and pass us …

then we continued back to the station …

It was now lunchtime so we made our way to the Ship Inn where we all enjoyed a meal of scampi, chips and peas – very yummy!  After lunch we began to investigate the buildings and began with Ruth’s Cottage where we arrived just as a talk began.  For those of you who watched Edwardian Farm this is the house where Ruth and the two chaps ‘lived’ – they didn’t of course!!!

From here we made our way past the Pottery …

to the Museum …

Had a quick look in the shop …

and then walked back towards the Quay looking in the Assayer’s House and Laboratory on the way …

At the top of the stairs there was a notice on the wall which indicated the height that the house had flooded to back in 1979.  It was difficult to show how high this was so I stood Mike at the bottom of the stairs to try and convey how bad the flood must have been …

Upstairs …

At the back of the house were the chickens …

and just along from here was the Miner’s Cottage which was in stark contrast to the luxury of the Assayer’a House …

We now walked on down to the quay and went aboard the Garlandstone …

The last place to visit was the Edwardian Farm where we saw the animals that had been on the television programme …

We then left the farm via the sheds where the carts were …

and saw the horse and cart getting ready to do a ride around the site …

It was then time to return to the car and make our way home.  What a fab day it was and it’s well worth a visit if you’re staying in the West Country.