One of my jobs, while I am living at Mum’s house, is to empty the chest freezer in the garage.

Possibly around 10 years old (even more – I just don’t know), there are lots of unknown little containers of food that need to be thrown out.  Mum saved everything. I am not allowed to say hoarder but being brought up after the war, she wasted nothing.

So every day, I take six items, defrost them, and then put them out for the fox family, who are not looking bad on it.  In fact, I would go as far as saying one of them is very FAT!

Floss sent me these photos last night and I will confess that I burst out laughing.

They’re brilliant.

So snuggly and happy.

Someone is going to be a hairy-fairy…..

And someone else is still alive…. just!

Ted and I were met with fog this morning on our walk at 07:00.

But Ted and I have reached an agreement now.

Basically “bugger off, and I will do the walk without you”!

Taking photos as I go, obviously!

And, remarkably, Ted, so far, has stayed with me.  I have a bag of treats and if he a) comes when he’s called or b) arrives just because, then he gets a treat as well as lots of enthusiasm about his arrival and exemplary behaviour.

Today Ted met a cat on the golf-course and gave chase, albeit not very fast and the cat sauntered off.

If he does this to Monster, I full expect Monster to swiftly express his displeasure with a good swipe and hopefully Ted will learn this is not the behaviour we expect or encourage.

Monster doesn’t take prisoners.  Ever.

It was a beautiful still and quiet morning walk.

And guess what? Ted was home, waiting for me at the garden gate.

And yes, he got his well-done-for-going-on-a-dog-walk treat!

Today I am very tired.

I was up early having not slept most of the night.  Then in to see Mum for the morning and then back home.

After lunch, I drove over to the outskirts of Reading to a Chinese supermarket.

Floss and I visited here a few weeks’ back to have a mosey around.  We both love places like this and quickly discovered their dumpling and wonton section.  I have refilled the freezer and guess what’s for supper tonight!

I didn’t quite dare buy these, though. Actually now I wish I had been braver!

Apparently, everything is going along smoothly (or “controlled chaos” as OH described it) at home.  The weather is vile but Floss is nipping in and out putting rugs on and off Taktur and Haakon. I get regular updates and I am very grateful to everyone for all their efforts.

So gaozi, bath and bed for me.  I need some proper sleep.

I want to write about the importance of having a Living Will (or an Advance Directive or Advance decision to refuse treatment (ADRT)).

This is a good idea and in my opinion, essential. It gives you a voice. It lets your healthcare team know your last wishes to refuse treatment when you are not able to communicate them.

So when your nearest and dearest are wavering, trying to make the right decisions on your behalf, not really knowing what is best, then you will be heard – loud and clear and there will be no doubt what you want.

On a personal note, when I found Mum’s Living Will, suddenly I could hear her voice and understand what she really wants, now, today because we are at that point. I needed that. I was wavering, not knowing what was best.  I had bought the Living Will for Mum a few years’ back when were were talking on our morning phone call.  She had then made the effort to get it signed by her doctor and was adamant these were her last wishes.

When I get home, I am going to write my Living Will. It is very important to me, I realise this.

Yes, it is legally binding in England and Wales, though not Scotland but I hope my nearest and dearest will do the right thing when they read it and they will hear my voice.