I'm in severe pain, from...a broken fingernail! Yes, it's true. Today while trying to undo a stiff bridle, I ripped off over half of my right index finger nail. It poured with blood and made me feel sick! Even now, covered with two plasters, it's throbbing like crazy. i never realised how important this digit was in every day life until now!

Apart from that we've had a nice weekend. Phil's mum is out of hospital and recovering well at home. Phil enjoyed his birthday on Saturday, I think, we went to the U-Boat exhibit at Woodside and then for a trip on the Mersey Ferries. A brief stop in Liverpool at Pret a Manger was enlivened by a fire alarm which necessitated an evacuation of the building and the arrival of some nice firemen! Why DO I like firemen so much? i think it's the whole idea of being rescued that does it!

It seems as if the swine flu crisis has peaked in Mexico. I'm still concerned. Apparently the 1918 flu pandemic also started with a mild outbreak in the spring, only to return with devestating effect in the autumn. I want this not to happen again!