Time in the sun

1 A slow, slow drive before and following the roundabout which leads to (i) the narrowing of the dual carriageway to one lane and (ii) to Stonehenge. We moved slowly. I sense that nothing has been done to widen the road nor will anything be done because any improvement would be part of a wider scheme of road-building round the monument. And there has been no agreement over the years (or, if there has been agreement there has been no endorsement by the government).

2 After a journey of over three hours we arrived at 1345 on the eve of her birthday. There will be flowers in her room, and the two cakes will be shared. She was wheeled into the garden where she sat between the two of us. We were given a pot of tea and some biscuits. Lilian tried one of the biscuits, and she also took a cup of tea to her mouth. She did leave most of the tea in the cup; on reflection, it was only to be expected that she did as she has been a coffee-drinker all her life.

3 Compared with my visit a month ago she was much more responsive. She raised her head and directed her gaze towards me when I called out . However, she didn't respond to any other names. When I put my hand in hers, she gripped my hand. She gripped with one hand and brought the other to lie on top of her hand and mine. She managed her cup of tea. So there is still life in her brain.

3.1 She didn't speak. She continued to chew continuously.

4 Her hair is still full and soft. Her skin is soft. Her hands were sufficiently warm, that is, they were not cold. However, C who had not seen her for three months was struck by the extent to which she has shrunk.

5 However, my sense remains of someone who is well cared-for.

6 The visit was a good one, The sun shone, and it warmed us all. We sat in the garden, talking, taking photographs, and drinking tea. It was good to see her, good to be in her company.

7 The next step is to transfer the photographs from the camera to this laptop.

Don