It is actually Wednesday evening at the time of writing. It is a beautiful sunny still evening. I am just back from a wander along the Silverburn. The cows were all having a bit of a chinwag on the bridge that crosses in to the field that eventually takes you to the Old Mill, this meant, in the interests of health and safety, with Skipper in a particular lively and bouncy mood, we remained on the park side of the river. I love the walk through to the Old Mill. Last year Barbara did an oil painting of it and the painting sold almost before the paint had dried. We did have that particular painting photographed with a view to selling prints and these also have proved to be popular. I enclose a photo of print below although this painting was done to reflect the Mill on a sunny winters day with the snow melting on the bank.

Well, I have now completed my chemotherapy. I had my last session Wednesday morning and I bade the wonderful nurse’s farewell. I now have to wait for two weeks for my CT scan to find out whether the treatment has been successful. In a strange kind of way, this two week period is easier to deal with than actually knowing. At least at present whilst I don’t know, I feel like it has been a success, but I don’t know for sure until the I have the results of the scan. It is better not to know something than to be given bad news. On the other hand, I might be given good news. But at least for the next two weeks, I don’t know anything for sure so I have hope and faith that the chemo has worked, not to mention all the prayers and good wishes from folk from all over the globe.

I do have some good news though. Barbara was told on Tuesday by her consultant, that her chest problems are not related to her birds. They have told her that her condition is simply chronic asthma. She has been worried that she might have to get rid of our chickens, the birds in the aviary, and of course, Orry the parrot. Well, it seems the family of 40 cockatiels, 50 canaries, 6 grass parakeets, 2 rabbits, a guinea pig, 9 chickens, Orry the parrot, and of course Skipper the border collie, will all remain intact. Their mother is going to be OK, and their Dad is sort of sailing along on a wing and a prayer. But then, hasn’t he always.!!!

Well, as I wandered along the Silverburn yesterday, I came across the Ronaldsway halt. I climbed over the style and just a sort of lingered there for a moment. Of course I have begun and ended many of my walks along the river at Ronaldsway Halt, however, Barbara pointed out to me that there is now a bench there for folks who wait for the train. I don’t know how long the bench has been there, maybe always, and I just haven’t noticed it. Anyway, it occurred to me that Ronaldsway Halt must surely be the smallest Railway station in the World. Castletown station has platform’s one and two. So if there is a job going at Ronaldsway Halt for a station announcer, I reckon that even I could manage, “the train now standing at the bench is!”

Well now Barbara has wandered up the stairs with Orry the parrot. I will let you into a secret. I am terrified of birds. I love to listen to them, but there has got to be a little distance between me and them so, I am now off down the stairs to the front room where Orry is not allowed. It is time to settle down with a tin of John Smiths and listen to Manu play Barcelona. I love Orry dearly. I can chat with him until the cows come home. I just don’t want him flapping around me and standing on my shoulder.

Until tomorrow then, this is Tom Glassey with News at 7.30 p.m., happy and content, on the banks of the lovely Silverburn.