10.11.2024 The absence of activity.

 ~o~

  Sunday 10th 40F/4C [10.00] Grey and cool with a breeze.

 Up at 8.00 after waking several times. I should have done the washing up, but hadn't. I should have gone for a walk by now, but haven't.

 I wasn't in the mood to do anything or go anywhere. So I have spent some time this morning reading my medical journal online. There are secure websites which record the doctor and nurse's notes during treatment. Another which gives information on prescribed medications. 

 I was surprised how much information nurses record during their normal duties of observation, medication, testing and treatment. So I have even more respect for their skills and knowledge. Beyond my earlier, rather trivial description of their kind and obviously well practiced, patient care. 

 Much of the reports is couched in technical and medical terms and abbreviations. Which the average person/patient are unlikely to understand. Though a little online research works wonders. It was interesting to read how I behaved and reacted. Both during my hospital stay and at diagnostic appointments. 

 I usually try to be cheerful, positive, polite, grateful and optimistic with all my contacts. So reading their reports on my attitude to treatment and ongoing recovery was well worth knowing. All the various disciplines are obviously working in parallel to maximize my health and happiness. An ongoing trend was my reporting how I was still overcoming the loss of my wife. Which is true. As well as my very limited number of social contacts and my continuing to cycle fairly long distances at frequent intervals. 

 I do find my cycling vital to my mood and improving health. Following the surgery and ongoing exercise rehabilitation classes. I just wish my Danish was far better than it is. So that I can more readily communicate with the same level of articulacy as I can in English. I often find myself unable to understand Danish voices with high background noise. 

 After a lifetime of experience of English one can use minute clues to understand what is being said. Almost regardless of level and context. With Danish conversation there is often a drop in level towards the end of a sentence. As if some secret is being imparted in confidence. I find this particular aspect of spoken Danish very difficult to capture enough clues. Just to be able to translate speech usefully. 

 My expensive hearing aids do little more than amplify noise/sound levels. Despite the "hard sell" hype. That they use AI to interpret spoken sounds against background noise. I wouldn't want to be without them now but find the hearing aids incredibly frustrating in most social situations. Voices are simply lost in a sea of noise. I find the various 'modes' are of little help. I often toggle through them to find the best vocal clarity. Usually to no avail.

15.00 43F/6C. 62F/16.7C in the room.  I have lit the stove. Two of the three, recycling, wheely bins have been taken along the drive. It is cold and feels even colder in the wind. 

 Dinner was fish fingers, pasta, peas and tinned tomatoes. I used the whole tin of tomatoes but strained them to remove the bulk of the liquid. I could have left a little more of the juice. Though it was marginal whether it was actually needed. I washed up while the fish fingers were baking in the mini oven.

    

 ~o~