And the Panda has it.

I don't know what you all think of zoos. It can be contentious. Some see them as keeping rare breeds alive whilst others think that all the animals should be allowed to roam free.
I can see both points of view. However I might be a bit anxious about suddenly turning urban, zoo dwelling animals into the wilds of Africa (or anywhere else that their ancestors were originally from). Even the native species may have some issues with having to hunt for their own dinner....a bit like teenagers!
Therefore it was with mixed feelings that i agreed to take K to Edinburgh zoo.
On the one hand I had been there many times with my own grandparents until it was decided that we were too old and it was time we went castle spotting instead. ( I seem to remember i was about 8 when that happened). On the other hand my daughter is nearly 16 and usually much more keen on shopping.

The girl had a plan though.... She wanted to see the Pandas.. And reasoned that a morning would be enough for the zoo and we might fit in a bit of retail therapy (her choosing, me paying) before heading home. The gauntlet was firmly cast by her saying that we might be able to go by train and even have something to eat ( you could have wine mum). And that as they say was that.......

The tickets were booked. One up for the family rail card. The viewing window (appointments only for these pandas) were organised and off we went.

We're all going to the zoo tomorrow (well today actually...)

It couldn't have been easier...
*The train arrived on time.
* The bus driver was really helpful and we got off right outside the zoo.
* The pandas are far better than me at keeping to booked appoitments.
*The shops were very accomidating and allowed me to spend lots of money. (The daughter is not a          cheap date..)

The Boy Has to Eat

Lots.. He's Building Himself up Apparently...for the BIG EVENT

 We had a brilliant and very full day. So much so that we missed our intended train and took the last one home. (food and wine required). This involved a change and a short wait at Carstairs but luckily we escaped being kept. (Scottish State Prison for those that didn't know).

Much needed refreshments...

Oh No there's two of Them... (Too much wine?)

Quite taken with this pair too

Another cat perhaps?

A bit of boy love going on here...

Home to make the big 50 cake

The sun has got it's hat on, it's coming out to play.....

 It is the 6th of April and at last the sun has come out and the temperatures have soared above zero......

It's time to go out and play. I haven't been very keen about getting on my bike, even although I love it. My Bianchi Blue as I call her. She is truly beautiful. BUT that it not make getting on any better and so last week... I eventually succumbed and got Y to put her on the trainer where I did exactly 2 rides
Not very good! And I had to be bribed (by myself only) that if I rode on the trainer I could watch Paul Hollywood on catch up while I was doing the ride. This ensured that I stayed where I was for the full half an hour....

The Man Himself

You must admit though that Bianchi Blue looks much better outside....

The birds were singing the flowers are beginning to appear, the farmers are spreading slurry... the joys of the countryside. I only did 10 miles today (well 9.74 if we are being really accurate) BUT did you know that that equels 460 calories? sorry got to go and plan the next calorie burn....Have a good week

A Day in the Life of...

Today was not unusual. I am looking forward to my holiday..... Of course...but obviously my patients do not know about this and any excitement has to be tempered!
So what I'd I do?
I scanned several women. All hoped for the best but like Jack Reacher (Lee Child's character) I was planning for the worst. Emotions as usual ran high and low. Pregnancies confirmed with all the expectation that this brings and miscarriages sadly diagnosed leading to tears and upset.
All this of course is normal for me, some days better than others.
Today had added strands....
I became a couple counsellor to the pair having a stand up fight in the waiting room....
I discussed returning to work with a colleague who had been off for a while after a difficult time.
I planned a presentation for the Friday teaching. ( and actually got around to writing some of it).
I chased up results.
I planned appointments for next week when I'm on holiday. (Did I mention holidays?).
I organised a referral for a lady needing assistance with her diabetes.
I sorted out two appointments for women to get coils fitted.
I spoke on the phone to 3 GPs including one who was being very stroppy on behalf of her patient (this needless to say didn't work, even I cannot magic up appointments from thin air).
I started working out another weeks off duty for my staff. (Including all requests for days off, annual leave, clinic cancellations and additions as well as medical leave coverage, a walk in the park really).
And lastly I managed to show off my latest cake picture.... Always time for cake...


I hope your day was as varied as mine.....

Location:Home