Monday

Monday was an early start for Tony and Yvonne. Yvonne was due an operation at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Up at five, the two arrived at the hospital for 07:30. Tony sat in the car, waiting for news. Fortunately, Yvonne took the operation in her stride. Tony spent the rest of the day by her bedside, working on this very blog.

Tuesday

Tuesday was also spent in the hospital. Tony, like a cat on a hot tin roof, occupied his time by doodling and working on administration.

Wednesday

Wednesday: the first day of the week spent in the charming Western General. Tony spent the morning painting in his studio, trying to capture the essence of the American state of Maine. Laden with food for Yvonne, Tony arrived at the Western General early in the afternoon. Yvonne was glad that she didn’t have to eat hospital food.

Thursday

Thursday began with another early morning start. Tony was in the studio for 09:00, painting his American landscapes. Later in the day Tony received a text from the hospital; Yvonne had been discharged. Tony and Yvonne were home for 17:00. Tony’s mother, Glenda, was on hand to look after Yvonne, understandably tired after her surgery. She will be looking after Yvonne for the foreseeable future. A tip from Tony: if you’re self-employed in the UK, don’t get ill!

Friday

Tony’s Friday morning was, again, spent painting. This was broken up by visits from strangers and friends alike. Later, Tony and Yvonne travelled to Duns hospital in search of some much-needed pain relief for Yvonne. After she was settled, Tony resumed work on some sketches of his.

Saturday

No visits to hospitals on Saturday. Yvonne was in full recovery mode. Tony, leaving her in the capable hands of his mother, spent the vast majority of his day painting in his Art House studio. This was interrupted by regular visits from friends and visitors. A wonderful way to finish off a long and stressful week.