Phil, Kate and I were walking through San Francisco taking photos; the other two were a little ahead of me. I suddenly noticed this guy hitching a ride as the car sped over an intersection: I grabbed this quick shot. Seconds later he turned his head, waved and grinned at me! The encounter really made me laugh!

Very, very busy day at work today, not helped by my badly aching right hip and knee. After the half-term holiday next week I'm going to see the doctor I think. I have been in daily pain for years but this is starting to limit my activities quite badly as well as making me thoroughly grumpy and fed up!!

I spoke to K in Canada on Sunday night; although still very poorly we managed a great conversation. As usual she plays down her own illness and worries and is more interested in how I'm doing...After we talked I was unable to stop grinning from ear to ear..she has that effect on me!

Tomorrow I'm getting my hair cut, then it's RDA and I think I'll take the girls to the cinema after that. Now it's bedtime for the achy old body...goodnight!

I have not had the best of weeks and so have not been blogging much. There is always the temptation to use my blog to have a good old moan but this time I didn't feel it was fair to inflict my concerns on everyone else especially as I know so many of you have your own worries and difficulties!

This photo makes me think about being in the darkness yet looking towards the light - hoping to find a way through the gate to the sunny garden beyond.

I would ask you to spare a thought and a prayer for my dear K in Canada. She has been in hospital for a while and is not improving very much. She is always so touched when I tell her people she has never met all over the world are thinking of her and wishing her the best.

I hope everyone is having a great saturday!

After Thursday's monochrome, I thought I'd inject some colour. These two pictures were taken in Sonoma. One is just a house that appealed to me and another is a detail of the Sonoma Mission roof. I would love to go back to Sonoma and explore it more fully. It's a really charming and colourful place, full of wonderful little shops and residences.

Today is our weekly Get Into Reading Book Group; one of the highlights of my week.For that hour I wouldn't change my job for anyone else's!

I am very worried. K is back in hospital and the doctors want her transferred to Edmonton as soon as possible. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She's one of the bravest people I know and so very special...Thanks.

Thanks also to Jo-ann who has given me a "Power of Schmooze" award...you are so kind, Jo, get well soon!!