Wednesday 8th October 2025

I woke up with a cough.

In fact I had been barking like a dog all night, so slept little.

I didn't yet feel like shit, but that would come later.

It was a day off from the gym anyway, but due to the coughing, there was no lay in.

Jools went to keep fit, so I stayed here, keeping an eye on Scully and the rest.

But as the day wore on, I felt worse.

Jools returned at ten, so we had a late breakfast, then two hours later I make lunch, because I felt I should eat before I went to the physio.

I made garlic and herb chicken, with crispy slices of bacon rolls.

OK, the sandwich so thick you could hardly get your mouth round it, but it was darn tasty.

Then off to Canterbury for the physio appointment.

It began a few weeks back when I won at cards, I raised my arms in celebration like I had won the Queen stage of Le Tour, only for my left arm to register pain and then pins and needles.

I have had this in my right before, and got to live with it, but in both arms?!

Now, I very nearly got caught for speeding along the A2, I undertook a BMW that was hogging the outside lane, and he sped up to keep up with me.

Beyond the traffic lights at Lydden, I went faster, probably doing 80. A VW van then zoomed past me doing at least 100, followed soon after by a Volvo estate.

The driver of the Volvo then switched on the blues and twos, and the van was pulled over.

That could easily have been me.

I slowed down anyway, and still make it to the surgery with half an hour to spare.

I go in, and indeed I have done the same thing to my left arm as I did to my right. I thought I was going to get away without being pummelled, but no.

I was given a remedial program of stretches and exercises, but allowed to leave.

I drove to Waitrose, then out past St Augustine's, St Martin's and finally the hospital before getting back to the countryside.

I was feeling quite sorry for myself, and though that a farm shop with lots of goodies to buy would do the trick.

Which is why I ended up at Gibson's Farm Shop, where I bought two expensive slices of cheesecake, two cheese scones and some cider for Jools.

Then back in the car, drove to Sandwich before taking the coast road through Deal and Walmer to home.

Nowhere to park for a shot of the day. Anyway I was feeling pretty rough, my eyes not focussing well, so it came as a relief when I turned into the village and reached home.

We had coffee and cheesecake, which did perk me up, but the coughing got worse, as did the sneezing.

Cheese scones for supper at six, and to bed at seven as I was so cold.

Though sleep would take several hours to come.