Brief Update

Hello again. It's been one of those months: my wife, Pat, had a second hip replacement and I'm now not only chief cook, bottlewasher, sweeper-upper etc., but full-time nurse and carer. It's now two weeks since her right hip replacement op and the next few weeks will be difficult, to put it mildly.

The only son and heir of Lord Haddington, Lord George Binning, finished uni at Glasgow and had a terrible accident about five weeks ago. He fell 50 ft from a bridge onto concrete and ended up in Glasgow Infirmary; luckily not the mortuary! Some serious injuries but so happy to report that he is now recovering in the west wing of Mellerstain.

His dear Dad, the Earl, has also had some very disturbing diagnoses about a couple of health problems and is in London today, seeking advice from a specialist. I do not want to say more than this at present and we are all keeping fingers crossed for some good news soon.

Another member of the peerage, the Duke of Roxburgh who lives in Floors Castle, Kelso, about 8 miles down the road, is being treated for throat cancer. He is only in his fifties, so the news is that the prognosis is good, so I understand.

The recent passing of our friend and blogger, Barry, was also terribly sad. He put up a gallant and persistent struggle and remained hopeful throughout his long and courageous battle. We shall miss his beautiful posts.

Things can get better with time and I'm sure my next posting will be more upbeat. Take care my friends and always put your best foot forward. That's what I keep telling my Pat! She's almost a bionic woman now!