Mouth has been thoroughly battered on the right-hand side, and I have now taken possession of a temporary crown at a knockdown price of just under £300. If you think that’s expensive, wait till you hear the cost of the actual crown, which will be inserted on my return from Canada. Or rather, don’t wait, because I shan’t tell you. Lying with your mouth open for over an hour is not a lot of fun, especially when your total tooth area is being drastically reduced. I exaggerate slightly, but I can still feel the after-effects, which is not surprising. No doubt it will soon calm down. I did manage to eat an evening meal afterwards – one of Dot’s specials for the Tuesday Group. A reduced group on this occasion: only five of us. It’s nice to have a smaller group sometimes.

Have just returned from a visit to Lucy’s. She is in the last lot of chemotherapy and feeling good at the moment. Our arrival there coincided with a small blizzard. Several hefty snow showers today, but the only lasting effect is on our road, which is very slippery. However, we did make it down and up again, using the “traction control off” technique. Lucy’s father is not at all well.

Before going north I went into the city to get my second lot of currency – Canadian dollars this time – and got myself a pair of waterproof walking boots from Venture Sports on Westlegate. Wore them today. Quite pleased with them: they’re Scarpa – waterproof with Vibram soles. Bought them after consulting with Roger on what footwear would be needed. May buy some white running shoes while I’m over there. After my first (diagnosis) visit to the dentist yesterday morning did a longish walk round Lakenham (Brian Avenue, Hall Road, City Road, Meadowbrook Close) visiting houses I or relatives once lived in. Meanwhile Dot was in the city with Sue Eagle.

Have been asked to write a piece for the Drivers’ Alliance website. Must give it some thought soon. Am also due to look at some writing my nephew Sam has done and give him feedback.