Flying in to see Piers

Amazingly he doesn't keep me waiting.

Actually it was me who is a bit late. I set off from home at 8.10 for a 9.10 appointment, but with traffic looming on approach to Hereford I think I will do a clever back street thing, but (shh, don't tell hubby...), having a useless sense of direction I manage to end up back in the traffic again, not saving any time. Well.......I probably add a couple of critical minutes

Fly (the term is relative with wonky knee syndrome you understand) in at 9.11 and register. Has he arrived yet? I ask. "Oh no" says the receptionist, clearly taking it as par for the course that Piers works to his own schedule.

Grab a magazine and sat down, just as I see Piers saunter in.

The next second I am summoned!

Go to sit down in the "room" and prepare myself for a wait. Read three words and, shock horror, in he comes.

He has forgotten who I am of course, and has to look at his notes to remind himself of any details - but give the man a break, he sees lots of people with wonky knee syndrome. Fortunately for him though they probably don't all write about it in a blog.

He prods and pokes a bit until I say "ow". We agree that it is still tender in places and he then puts me on the list for an arthroscopy.

I've just got to wait four or five months for the appointment now, and then it will be sorted.

I look in dismay at the nurse who gives me the good news.

"That's quick" she says. "It used to be MUCH longer".

Go back to the car.

No change for the carpark.

No money. Had used last of the cash yesterday evening to pay for a competition leotard for Gymnast for a looming gym competition.

Go to the hospital shop. "Is there a cash machine in the hospital I ask." "No, but you can have cashback if you spend £5."

I look at the shop. Not needing pyjamas, emergency toiletries or a bunch of flowers I am at a loss to see where I can usefully spend £5.

I pick up a copy of "Hello", a treat I usually reserve for my occasional trips to the hairdressers.

£1.90.

I look around some more.

I find some felt tips for 99p which I can give to Tinkerbell Mushroom and the Gymnast and a birthday card for my nephew - his birthday is at the end of June.

Still not spent £5.

Find some notepads for Tinkerbell Mushroom and the Gymnast to save them availing themselves of my printer paper on a regular basis.

Go to pay, get £20 cashback.

Place note in to the machine.

£1.50 parking charge.

Eighteen one pound coins return to me in change, and one fifty pence coin.

Good job I have a large handbag to carry all that metal.