My friend in Tokyo has shamed me into taking up my pen (metaphorically).  She is always so bright and cheerful despite her many difficulties.  I had my monthly trip to the hospital which was satisfactory and a 6 monthly M.O.T. visit to the Nurse whichwas also O.K. so why am I feeling so lackadaisical?  I picked up a cold at Christmas which has left me with a chesty cough so perhaps that is it.  Having got that off my chest so to speak to turn to other things.  Today has been bright and sunny.  .we have got so far through the winter without any very cold weather though more than enough rain.  A friend in Australia is watching forest fires with some trepidation.  He says they have a car ready packed with their possessions in case they have to flee at a moment's notice.  A pity we can't send them some of our rain.