Dan, fully clothed at last - well sort of.

OK, I promise, no more references to my nakedness.

As my long awaited week off draws to a close, I feel very grateful for everything I have. It has been heavenly here, even with the crappy weather, the endless battle with slugs (sorry, salting them now, there are just too many) and rescuing snapping lupins. I have loved every minute of it.

Tomorrow I drive the long drive to Devon for 3 nights and then drive back again on Sunday night (probably get home about 3 in the morning, but I still opted for that) when I am home for 2 days only. I go to Devon with some trepidation, because last year when I was in this particular location I was bitten by a tick and found myself with the huge bulls-eye rash that is Lymse disease. Apparently it is on the increase, so I will be very aware of it in the future and I urge all you out-door types to always look out for the tell tale rash. At least I know what to look for this time around. I remember being in the hospital having my blood taken for testing at this time and a very uncouth young phlebotomist shouting over a full waiting room, as I sat blissfully in the chair, sleeve rolled up, 'which phial is it for Lymes disease?' I could almost feel the waiting room shift their chairs slightly away in horror, not quite knowing what this was. She then whispered to me in a loud stage whisper, 'I had impetigo at my sisters wedding!' I smiled at her as I wondered the relevance of all of this! That was Croydon Mayday Hospital for you. At the same hospital, a young Indian doctor was checking out the rash and went onto the internet to look at photos of lymes diseases rashes with me, one of which was a poor unfortunate woman, totally naked with a huge rash on her arse. The doctor said faintly, 'Yours doesn't look quite like that'. Couldn't help but reply, 'what? my arse?'

I have been blissfully lazy this week, in fact yesterday I fell asleep mid afternoon for 2 hours. I have never quite got over the guilt of lazing around when others are going to work (I don't let it stop me, obviously) and I always think I should be doing something.  Today has been slightly different as I got on with some paperwork that needed doing, upped my internet usage requirements (BBC I player takes a lot!) and generally prepared myself for another fortnight of travelling.

Reading all of my favourite blogs has been one of the best bits. I love catching up with your stories, seeing what you are doing in the garden and checking out new recipes.

So, bye for now, will touch base again on Monday, unless I find the miracle of a good free internet connection while I am away.