Hello friends, I’m really sorry for my unintended absence recently, go on admit it, you hadn’t noticed had you. Last Wednesday it appears I had a temperature so high that it left me very ill but not knowing it. I forgot how mu computer worked but was sure the problem lay with the computer and not me. My brother Dil had come round for the usual games night and could see some thing was wrong but naturally made sure he won a couple of games before telling me I was odd. I thought that’s what he always thought.
My doctor appeared half way through a game of Yahtzee and I saw nothing odd in it and when she suggested I should be in hospital agreed to go, practically unheard of. She had to go for a lie down. An ambulance came for me and blue lighted me to the centre of torture where they heard all kinds of sounds from my chest they were unhappy with. I had a heart murmur, a crackling lung and a nasty virus. Constant drips to rehydrate me, antibiotics on tap, oxygen ( but not too much), machines to help me breathe in medicine and the glorious rat poison injections to the stomach, and they were only the cures. Anyway, they allowed me home today under certain conditions. First off, that I rest. Now the apology, I’m sorry but there were just short of 2000 messages waiting in my inbox and I know I’d not catch up so they’ve been deleted and I can start afresh. I’m not ignoring you, I just can’t get to you immediately.
Enjoy the rest of your week and I’ll do my best to reconnect as soon as possible. Huge Hugs
barsetshirediaries 
Please take care of yourself! No need to answer the comments. We’ll see you when you are feeling better.
Thank you Darlene, being home will help a lot/
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Good gracious…you have been in the wars. It must have been bad if you agreed to what the medics proposed…
Do look after yourself. And as for the e mails…if it was important they will try again.
I’m not sure it was even me agreeing to go in Helen, I think someone rented a ventriloquist for the day. It’s second nature to refuse hospital and I never even put up a fight. Please don’t say I’m mellowing.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
No wonder your doctor was shocked!
I am so sorry that you have been so ill, David. I hope that you are much better now.
I’m well on the mend I think but really must take their advice this time and rest. I spent two hours on the ambulance in the icy chill before we could even get into the hospital and next time it may be longer still. No thanks.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
No apologies needed, David…ever! Take it easy, rest and get your strength back. Glad someone was there for you. (And stop scaring your doctor! 😄)
💜💜
Don’t worry Felicia, she’ll probably retire after this shock but if not I’ll go back to arguing with her. Hospitals are great but I can’t cope with all the strangers, staff and patients and would rather be ill at home alone. I’m glad my friends and family were there for me though.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
You just take care of you, David. Please, don’t even try or think about replying to comments. It’s hard to overcome something like that. Please, just take it easy. Hugs.
Thanks so much Mary J. I’ll try it their way for a while then ‘I’ll be back’.
xxx Unlimited Hugs xxx
Your health is more important. Please continue to rest so you can regain your health.
Thanks DeBorah. It’s getting into the right mindset for rest that’s hard but I’ll give it a go.
xxx Sending Humongous Hugs xxx
Do it, David – another order! I learned to my detriment when I didn’t rest properly after coming out in September after Gastroenteritis and hospital-induced pneumonia. Very important, my love. xxx
You can do it! 🐱🐱😎🤗😇😻😸😺
Please rest, David. Us old guys need to watch out for those virus’ Just delete all those emails and start over. The guys who have all the money to give to you will write back I’m sure. Take care.
Thanks a lot John. I will delete even though it worries me the Africans may decide to give the excess monies elsewhere.Ah well, what we’ve never had I suppose.
Hugs
To quote Abba. Take a chance. (Now try to get that song out of your head.)
Cruel trick John, cruel. It’s stuck there now.
Hugs
Ha ha ha.
Get well David. Heed the advice – REST!!!!
I always mean to try Jack but it gets so boring and I forget.
Keep well
Hugs
Take good care of yourself, David. Your readers will wait and be there, when you feel good enough to come back. Wish you all the best.
You’re an angel, thanks so much Irene.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Please do take the very best care of yourself. We will all be here when you get back, no matter how long that takes. Sending the hugest and most ginromous of hugs xxx
Ah, it’s the hugs I’ve been missing Lucy. Keep entertaining, you’re a star.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Huge hugs David, take very good care of yourself. Hurry back to us. 💕
Thanks so much Hollie. I’m loving the Hugs.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
🤗
Get better soon – huge hugs from the Snail clan!
Hugs back to my favourite people.
Hugs
So sorry you’ve been so sick, David. Hope you are feeling better soon. Huge hugs!
We all know how e-mails pile up. There’s no need to apologize.
Thanks a lot Merril. Those emails sneak up on ya don’t they.
xxx Endless Hugs xxx
Hope you are feeling better soon David. There are some very nasty bugs around at the moment.
Many thanks Guy, none stand a chance against you lot.
Hugs
Deletion is the only way! I’m so glad you’re back home. Your symptoms sound very like mine but you and I must take ourselves in hand and bloody ring an ambulance in the first place and not delay, as I did, either because we don’t want another stint in hospital or because it seems pointless when NHS is in the state it is. After a week of feeling odd, I went to A&E, waited for 4 hours only to be told by an incompetent or entirely exhausted doctor that the only thing wrong with me was stress. No blood taken, no details of all my conditions written down, new or old, and no promised follow-up. I wanted to believe it was stress but five days later my sister-in-law insisted on ringing an ambulance and apparently I was almost at death’s door as no electrolytes had been absorbed for at least two weeks. My GP is writing a complaint to the hospital unprompted by me. Hurrah for her. We must both listen to our bodies, David – and that’s an order all the way from the Isle of Wight! xx Hugs of a very special variety. xxx
PS I suspect this A&E doctor thought I was a fantasist or hypochondriac because no one could possibly have as many conditions as I have. I hope he’s struck off. My GP says that at the very least he will be hauled over the coals.
Hello Sarah, I think deletion is the only way. I’ve had over 100 since I got home at 3.00 pm. Everything was very surreal that day, I had no real idea anything was wrong with me except I couldn’t work out how to use the computer anymore. I saw nothing odd in my own doctor being there in an evening, nothing odd in my agreeing to hospital, my brother knew I was ill then.
I’m glad your doctor is complaining in writing about the incompetence of the doctor who saw you, I hope at the very least you get a written apology.
I will obey and delete the emails, if you promise to take care of yourelf please.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
I promise! (There were all sorts of things I couldn’t work out either. Frightening.) xxx
First things first, David – GET WELL SOON – We’ll all still be here when you get back – H🤗Gs
Thanks so much Chris, I do value my friends and the hugs are helping a lot.
Hugs
Good 🤗🤗🤗
Take care of your self first!
Thanks Andrew, I do mean to and then I forget.
Hugs
Take care and get well soon dear David.
Thanks so much Dear Olga. Please look after yourself.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
Wow, this has really not been all that great a new year for many so far! Take care!!
Start bad but get better maybe? I’ll take care and hope you will too.
Hugs
I just assumed you were having a well-deserved break. Hopefully you are feeling ok now – but take it easy and don’t even think about emails.
xxx hugs xxx
I know I’m at the start of a period where I’d better behave or else. My daughter and nieces won’t allow any more shennanigans this year. Rest is the order of the day. ahem.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
So sorry for your troubles. I hope you feel better soon. – Marty
On the right road now Marty and I doubt the family will let me veer off again.
Hugs
Best wishes. Hugs
Thanks Scottie, you’re a star.
Hugs
That’s no proper way to start the New Year. Feel better sooner than soon if not already, good sir.
To quote a song that was big here a few years ago, ‘The only way is up’. Thanks for your kindness.
Hugs
Yikes David. I’m glad the people around you recognise when you’re not right. Glad you are back home resting. Hope your Christmas was great. Wishing you a great year.
Christmas was beautifully quiet thanks Catherine except when I saw the grandies who kept me on my toes. The people around me always say I’m not in my right mind anyway.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I loved your phrase about blue lighting you to hospital. I’m glad you are better, but do keep resting. When you feel overwhelmed, I urge you to skip my posts.
xxx blue lighting hugs xxx
I shall rest where I can Anne but I have to try and balance it with a life to be lived. I’m afraid I have likely missed some of your posts because of the volume but I would normally not miss reading about you and family where I can.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I haven’t posted much. You didn’t miss anything.
xxx healing hugs xxx
You’re always so faithful in responding to your blog and emails I knew you must be ill, David. For goodness sakes rest and get well. I’m so glad you have loving family nearby who got help for you. xxx Huge Hugs xxx Suzanne
I think they only got me to hospital to stop me having a winning night at cards. It won’t happen this week.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Massive hugs for a speedy recovery and don’t think about the e-mails just get well very soon x
Thanks so much Carol, I hate to admit defeat but even between midnight and 3.15 am today I had another 81. My eyes are going like Penny machines spinning in place.
xxx Humongous Hugs Carol xxx
I am exactly the same David but sometimes we just have to admit we need some help don’t we?.. So please take care…Big Hugs xx
Feel betterm Davidm and behave 😉 Hugs xxx
Erm behave how Sue, badly maybe?
Thanks a lot for caring.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
You’re a Bad Man, David 🙂
Seriously, take care of yourself. Whatever that takes 😉 xxx
I’m going to try my very best to behave nearer my age than my shoe size. I start resting properly today.
xxx Hugs Unlimited xxx
I’m not sure that’s the best idea 🙂 A little fun and laughter is always good 😉 xxx
David Prosser! You’re doing it again. I just get through reading how you’re supposed to be resting and here you are, replying to 60 odd comments. And don’t tell me half of them are yours…that’s the point!
-hits send and stomps off muttering about men and gnats-
Erm, yes, sorry. I’ll stop and leave the room. I’ll go an watch Homes Under the Hammer, that’ll relax me.
Dare I ask about the tenuous link between men and gnats.? Hits send and runs.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Hrumph…and so you should. As for men and gnats, the tenuous link is to commonsense. -rolls eyes-
Ow, low blow when the man….or gnat is already down.
Gargantuan Hugs
I’d give you a hand up but…YOU’RE STILL NOT RESTING!
Oops. Remove that spycam immediately if not sooner.
Hugs Galore xxx
Spycam? What spycam? I’ll have you know that spot on your wall is a fly. Nothing but a fly…
I’d be more inclined to believe you if the thing ever moved from that spot.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx ❤ ❤ ❤
-rolls eyes- clearly it’s sleeping…
You just get fit and better David, all else can and will wait, gladly knowing it’s because you’re on the mend! Have a great week too! Hugs!
My week has just improved thanks Ina.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Oh dear, David. You were not in a good way. It’s a good thing you cleared your inbox. I wish I was as brave. I wish you wellness.
Thank you Norah. I’m trying to find some kind of compromise position that allows me to work and to rest. Looks like one or the other will have togo for now.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
You must look after yourself though, David. We can wait until you’re well again. Hugs back. Be well soon. xx
❤ Huge Hugs ❤
Feel better! Virtual hugs all the way from Dubai
Thank you, the virtual hugs are just as good as the real ones, especially after coming so far.
xxx Unlimited Hugs xxx
So glad you are on the mend!
You’re very kind Jennie, thank you. I’m on the right road but I have to be sure I don’t detour.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Whoa! Make sure you get all the rest you need, David! Hugs!
you too Mick. I hope you’re over your recent troubles.
Hugs
Thanks, David. Having it easy compared to you. Huge hugs back.
Oh, David, what a scare. I’m glad your doing better, and thank goodness for those people who look out for us when we’re ill. 2000 emails! Yes, delete, delete, and start fresh. Massive hugs and wishing you much health going forward.
Thanks so much Diana,. Yes, I’m grateful for all those who keep a weather eye on oldies and put us back on the right road. The deletes are going in, it’s too much to catch up with.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
I am sorry that you have been so ill, David. For goodness sake please rest up and take care of yourself. Thank God Dil noticed you were looking a bit off!! Hugs a plenty xxxxx
You’re a gem Judy, thanks so much. It seems everyone knew I was off bar me. I even sent a ‘Help Me’ to the US who phoned my local police and had the paramedics come out. People are wonderful everywhere.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
It is heartening to know that people care so much, David, and will help out wherever they are and however they can. Massive hugs xxx
I oft find it astonishing just how supportive the net can be. Friends rally round as do strangers, though strangers are only friends we haven’t met yet. And the net is capable of creating real friendships even though the persons may never meet. I’m humbled to see the level of support I’ve been given from all over the world showing we can all work together to provide a world of peace.
❤ ❤ ❤ Massive Hugs xxx
Take care David, I hope you are recovering well. I am sure that you are in all our thoughts here in this wonderful online community.
Kind regards
Agnes
Thanks so much Agnes (and Gaia). I’m recovering nicely thanks to everyone’s kindness. This community is great.
xxx Huge Hugs xx
Please, please, please take care of yourself. You’re one of a kind, my friend. It’s hard not to feel guilty about getting behind on your blog but it’s inevitable
Big hugs!
Thanks so very much Robert, I’m touched by your kindness. If the mail has to go, it has to go but I don’t like it because it’s other people’s efforts I waste.
Huge Hugs to you.
I agree Dave. If someone takes the time to read and comment on a post I owe them note of gratitude. Still, I’d rather have you around so I can continue to enjoy discovering your mind.
Apologies not necessary, David. Any blogger worth her/his salt will understand. Just glad you’re on the mend and sorry you had such an ordeal. Sending tons of healing hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
They were oh so welcome thanks Tina. I’ll try and spread them out during the day a bit.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
❤❤❤
Here I am feeling guilty about being away for too long and I return to discover this?! I have a good excuse (holiday) but you dare to take time off to be ill? Seems you can’t trust anyone these days, even those we consider our blogging buddies. And I confirm, we may be far physically but there is a true sense of community and friendship among those whose thoughts we share each week, and especially with big, wide open hearts like yours, David. Get well soon! xo
Hi Mel, I hope you’ve had a nice break. I’m sorry I took this opportunity to skive instead of having a real reason for my absence. Unreliable that’s me.
I agree totally, the sense of community and friendship is strong. Now, if only there was a little more understanding for those who don’t take hols.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx ❤
So glad you’re home again and feeling better, David. Happy New Year!
I’m in the right place now thanks Yvette.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Oh David. And here was I thinking you had won the lottery and taken off around the world, first class of course. Any moment i expected a knock on my door. Seriously, take care. Hugs and morehugs.
I’ll pick up the winnings soon Judith and you can choose your destination….. a little warmer than this one if you don’t mind. Thank you.
xxx Unlimited Hugs xxx
I was just thinking of you! Thank you for bringing us up to speed and best wishes for a fast recovery…
Thank you for thinking of me and for your kind Best Wishes. Recovery on speed dial.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
Please take care of yourself, David! In the meantime I send you “Massive Hugs!” 💖💖💖
Thanks so much Sarah. I’m doing my best. The hugs are very welcome.
xxx Gigantic Hugs to you xxx
Oh my lovely, I have just read this after replying to your message this morning. I am sending healing energy and much love across The Dee to you. ❤ with soft hugs ❤ Xx and yes, sometimes you just need to delete and start from a fresh slate. Xxxxx
❤ x ❤ x ❤
Feel better! It’ll all work out in the end. 🙂
Many thanks Joe.
Hugs
Thoughts from the decompression chamber? My lord what a time you’ve had! Get well’ David, We miss you! Humungous Hugs!
Ha ha, I think the ‘bends’ was the only thing I didn’t have.
Thanks Frederick you’re very kind.
Hugs
Hope you feeling better soon David! Hugs Sue X ❤
Thanks a lot Sue, I’m definitely getting there.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Yes I did miss you (although I want to know why I only got notification of your post on 15th – I must check whether I’ve got it set to something silly.)
Look after yourself. And sometimes clearing the inbox is the only way (Note to self- why do I keep those ones from Christmas 2014 in there?)
XXX massive very gentle hugs XXX
I think you must have got the snail mail version. Clearing te inbox was the only way and I’m still struggling a bit with just the normal daily mail which is still approaching 300. I’m just going to pull the covers over my head and hide a while longer.
xxx Gigantic Hugs to you xxx
Never apologize for not being able to get back to your hundreds of devoted followers, David, including me. I’m just glad to hear that you are back home and recovering. Phew. That was a scare. Rest up and know that so many souls from around the world are sending you MASSIVE HUGS. oxoxoxoxxoNEPAMxoxoxoxoxox
As my friends always make an effort I feel it’s the least I can do as well Pamela. It just seems to be slow in coming back at the moment. I’m so glad to be home though.
xxx Massive Hugs to you xxx ❤ ❤
Please be well. xoxoxox
I wondered what had happened to you David. Take your time and recover well. Huge hugs. 🌼🌼🌼
Thanks so much. I am taking my time as I don’t want to repeat this despite the comic moments.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Get some rest! Take it slow. We’ll be here.
Thanks so much, that’s very kind. I want to get back.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Wishing you restored to full health soon x
Thank you Dear Niamh, that’s very kind.
Sending you Humongous Hugs xxx
I see that you’ve commented today already, so that is a big relief. It is me who feels the need to apologize. I am sorry I haven’t dropped in for so long that I didn’t know you were ill. I hope you are feeling better soon, David.
You owe me no apologies Madison, sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all we’d like.We have to prioritise or go under.
However, it’s lovely to see you here now whatever the circumstances. I’m on the road to recovery thanks.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
I’m so sorry to read this, David. I hope that by now you are on the road to a speedy and full recovery. Please don’t apologise for not being able to visit and comment on our blogs. What’s important is that you rest, recover and come back just as soon as you feel better to do so. In the meantime, we’re not going anywhere.
Please take good care of yourself and let us know how you’re doing when you are able to do so.
Massive hugs,
Hugh
Thank you for your usual kindness Hugh. It’s much appreciated. I am on the road to recovery but a bit of a way to go yet. Still I miss my friends and like to pop in when I can.
xxx Massive Hugs
Thanks for giving me an update, David. I’m so pleased to hear that you are recovering.
Take good care of yourself.
Hugs
oh boy and I left this to read at my leisure and find you’d been a little bit poorly… erm a lot poorly actually. Now yes rest and use that delete button generously until you’re quite well…
Many thanks Geoff, I just don’t want to delete myself out of everyone’s life altogether by accident. Getting better every day thanks though no more sane it seems.
Hugs
Sir David, ahem! So you deleted 2000 email messages and had time to visit me again. I’m touched!
So sorry you had a hospital stay, but it seems as though you are in fine form. I see you have a huge welcome back with your fans lining up to say so! Huge hugs to you too.
I’ve had to delete a fair few more than that Marian in order to rest.
Thank you, yes I’d say back in fine form or it will be soon enough. I’m grateful (and surprised) at the welcome back I’ve received from so many friends..
xxx Hugs Unlimited xxx
Get Well, David!!!
So sorry you’ve had to undergo all those procedures, as well as be so sick.
Take good care!
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thanks so much Margaret. I’m taking better care than I was so I don’t lose so much content in future. Good Luck.
Love n’ Hugs Galore xxxxxx
Healing hugs David! 💕I am a bit taken. You were doing so well. 😕
Ah well, life’s full of ups and downs. Anyway if it’s touching me it’s leaving someone else alone. Than you for the healing Hugs.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Hello you, hope your feeling a bit better now and have been doing as your told. I have missed you xx
Hi Karen, yes thanks, I’m on the mend. As for doing as I’m told, of course I have if anyone is watching or asks but one of the benefits of living alone is that no-one is here to see.
Hope you’re OK and due for your next feast out.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I will be writing about that tomorrow xx
Two thousand messages?
Jaysis, David, you’re one popular cat!
Get well soon, buddy.
The world’s a brighter place with you in it.
What a nice man you are Robert, thank you, the cheque is on it’s way. As for popularity, I believe your man Jaysis was a very popular cat himself and could of clogged the internet with his incoming messages.
Hugs
True enough.
Hugs back, pal.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re not feeling well, dearest David. I’m sending you a ton of best wishes across the Pond.
Sorry I missed this, I’ve been fairly off the grid myself and WordPress is, as always, being sadly, themselves.
I hope you are on the mend and starting to feel like yourself (which is beyond awesome!).
Sending you all the best, always.
Big hugs and get the wellest of the well very very very soon (that’s an order not a request!). 🙂
Darling Donna, I’m sorry I’ve missed you being off with not being there myself.. WordPress don’t know what they’re missing if they’re doing it to you.
Yes, I’m mending but I was rather hoping to feel like someone else Matt Damon perhaps?
Thank you for your best and for all the superb Hugs. I hear your order.
xxx Gigantic Hugs to you xxx
Massive “Are you better yet? How about now? How about now?” hugs xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Massive, Not quite, Not, Quite, Much closer now. Hugs
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oh my word David, how could you have all those symptoms and not realise anything was wrong??? You poor thing, but at least you got to spend some time chatting up the nurses! I hope you will take things easy for a while now, although I’m not sure that you will. Take care of yourself. Humungous Hugs, xxx
I could reply ‘Talent’ Ali but in truth it was because my temperature had got so high I wasn’t living in the same world as the rest of you, for instance, I thought I could beat my brother at cards and also because I agreed so readily to going into hospital when normally I go kicking and screaming. It did mean I didn’t curse the doctor and that I didn’t mind all the waiting around on ambulances or corridors.
I am taking things very easily in case I incur my daughter’s wrath again, the women in my family scare me to death.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
David, I’m so sorry to hear that you were so ill. It’s a very good thing your brother stopped by. I shudder to think how things could have turned out. Get your rest to rebuild your strength and take care of yourself. And here’s a virtual hug ❤
Thanks so much Steph, the hug is gratefully received. I think my bro knew I was ill and came so he could claim the victory at Yahtzee since I didn;t know what I was doing, I’m resting up ready fr my return.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
Smart man, your bro 😉
True dat, It was revenge time this week though when I used a marked deck of cards.
❤ ❤ ❤
Hahaha Bravo!!!
It’s me again, dropping in to say “hello” and wish you well! I’m glad to catch up through your latest comment threads…take good care, we miss you!
You’re very kind, thank you. I will be returning to the blog this weekend I think though I don’t know yet in what format. I hope you’ll be there.
xxx Sending you Massive Hugs xxx
I’ll keep my eyes out for you…
❤ ❤
I noticed and just feel 100% soon.
Thanks Martie, I’m almost there.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Dear David, so sorry to hear you’ve been through this scare, and I hope you heal soon and feel better. I was glad to see that in spite of the ups and downs, your writing here held your usual spark of wit. Take care, my friend–
Thanks so very much for your kindness Jet. I’m much better now and ready (I think) to blog again though maybe not in quite the same format. I’ll still try for some wit though.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Monsieur — look forward to seeing you back and no doubt there will be wit in whatever form! xo
Much better thanks Madame. I shall return this weekend and you’ll be able to judge for yourself if they removed that in hospital.
xxx Ginormous Hugs to you Mel xxx
Whoa…I hope you are really on the mend. How scary. Take good care of yourself. Slow and steady with lots of rest!
Yes, really on the mend. I shall be back to blogging tomorrow night for the first time…in a small way probably. Still intend to rest as there are so many spies to report me to my daughter if not.
Hugs Galore
Hugs to you my friend! Yay for spies ❤️❤️
Are you all better now? Hugs.
Much better thanks and back to blogging again.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
😙