I’ve been struggling with the pain in my hand, big time. Saw the consultant last Friday, and he’s put me on his list for surgery. It will be a trapeziectomy, with something fancy schmancy with a tendon to prevent the thumb from shortening. However, the Cocodamol were making no difference, even the 30/500 dose, so I found some Tramadol. I keep a small stock for any back “episodes”, but felt that my hand was so painful I really needed to try something more powerful. And they worked. I hardly had any, so eked them out until today when I saw the GP, and she was very helpful. She’s prescribed me more of them, and suggested I take two Tramadol first thing, and then for the next three doses, take one Tramadol and two Paracetamol. As the Paracetamol were making no difference at all, I was sceptical, but am very pleasantly surprised that it works a treat.

And what about Obama! thank goodness for that. He’s such a good man, and deserved to win. Happy.

Knitting – can do short bursts, but as I’m only doing small projects, that’s ok. Have just tried to knit one daughter some mittens, but the first one turned out absolutely massive, and is even too big for my husband. So I’ve found another pattern, and will get some more, different, yarn and try again.

Much colder here now. But it is November. Christmas shopping going well, more than half done. A few bits and bobs to get, and I need some ideas, but am working on it.

YD hasn’t been very well at all, for several weeks now. Consultant tomorrow, hope s/he suggests something constructive.

Life is becoming busier and busier. I try really hard to keep things to a minimum, but sometimes you just have to do stuff. Friday I have to go into Birmingham for somebody to talk to me about what I need to do to get a job! for goodness’ sake. My friend from school is coming with me, as I don’t cope well with that sort of thing, and I need support. Hubby is at the hospital so he can’t come.

Hubby loves his Kindle which I bought him for his birthday – I’m so pleased. Mine has done a software upgrade today – the first one in a year! but will see what differences there are.

Not sending Christmas cards this year – at 50p second class for each card, it would cost £45 at least just in postage. We’re going to telephone the people we don’t see, which is probably a better idea anyway.

Things are afoot with the Stitch group – premises have been found, the shop may be opening in the not too distant future – it’s so exciting. And walking distance from where I live too!