Today I had a minor operation on the NHS. The actual operation was completed in about 20 minutes - getting the local anesthetic; being put on the table; having a minor cyst removed; stitched up; removal of surgical materials etc. However, the administration side was a different matter. My appointment was 11:45 and I got there a few minutes early. The paperwork was done quickly - consent form; explanation of the risks; confirmation of identity etc; visit by the surgeon and provision of a hospital gown. All done by shortly after 12:00. Then I waited, and waited, and waited and waited - I finally went down to theatre at 17:05 - FIVE HOURS OF HANGING ABOUT. Admittedly I managed, during this time to do my Tai Ji practice; I had also picked up a very substantial novel (new in paperback) by Neal Stevenson - Anathem. He is an author I rate very highly. This new book is just under 1000 pages long. Thanks to the enforced hanging about I read about a third of the book.
I am a fan of the NHS - for all the criticism and hostility directed towards it, it does a very good job. But the non-medical side of the Health Service is dire. My surgery was done competently and professionally, at a date within my preferences, and all the staff were doing a very good job - but oh dear - the systems they have to work with.
London and my social life
Being in London for a week has led to a busier social life than the couple of months spent on my permanent mooring this year. I have had lunch on two successive days with two attractive, intelligent, smart, interesting, people; and coffee with my brother this morning at 06:45 as he went to his office overlooking my boat in Paddington basin. Admittedly, there are other factors involved than location, - knowing I was going to be down here led to me contacting people I know, and to try to hook up with people I haven't seen for a while. Still, it does reinforce my positive view of this mooring.
This year - an surprising time
I am currently moored in Paddington basin, London, for a week. It is a good mooring - in the centre of all the luxury flats and offices, with security and comparative calm - especially as one of the pathways that would go past my boat is closed off, so not much foot traffic.
I learnt, at New Year, that my plans for this year were not going to work in the way I had anticipated, so have been going with the flow. The trip down to London was a brief idea, and en-route, my plans changed. I am going from here to my new moorings in Aylesbury, and then will be returning this way in order to explore the rivers and canals of East London.
I learnt, at New Year, that my plans for this year were not going to work in the way I had anticipated, so have been going with the flow. The trip down to London was a brief idea, and en-route, my plans changed. I am going from here to my new moorings in Aylesbury, and then will be returning this way in order to explore the rivers and canals of East London.