2010:365:281 Frightfully late!

Once again Frank hung around all day waiting to have his photograph taken in some interesting location or doing something challenging and fun.  Another example of things just not working out the way they were planned.  

There were two trips to the hospital but on both occasions Frank remained quietly in the handbag knowing that just sometimes it is better to be in the background and not draw too much attention to yourself.  He's a sensitive wee fellow and knows how to behave in different situations.

The second visit came rather unexpectedly so the stir fry that was being contemplated remained as whole vegetables in the fridge.  We'll look out for some Quorn and noodles tomorrow so that it can be a proper balanced meal and not just vegetables.  A few cashew nuts and a drizzle of sesame oil and, voilà, you have a tasty meal!

However, Frank did not turn up his nose at the carry out we collected on the way home!  From the hospital car park the order was placed and ten minutes later, having negotiated the football (soccer) crowds along the Lisburn Road, we were collecting the steaming bag with fried rice and chicken pieces.  Yum, yum (with apologies to my vegetarian friend)!

The night staff in the ward were lovely and brought me a welcome cup of nice strong coffee.  They have so many jobs to do before the patients can settle down for the night and hopefully rest soundly until morning.  Now that each bed has its own TV screen with earphones there's not nearly so much background noise in the wards as used to be the case.  One of the guys in the bay received a number of phone calls and he didn't have the most gentle voice that you could imagine!  With only four beds in the unit there is quite a bit of space around and a great view over Belfast at night.  

Now, supper has been eaten and Eliot enjoyed quite a bit that was left over.  He's now gone for a lie down .... what was he doing while I was out?  So I guess it is bed time - it really doesn't seem to be that long since last night ...!  

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord:

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;

for the love of thy only son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer

The Third Collect at Evening Prayer.