No, I’m not singing Grease; don’t worry.

With my 9weeks of in patient time starting in May23 I spent late spring / early Summer as an inpatient. Typically 2023 was one of the few times the UK had some nice spring weather.

Thankfully hospital 3 was where I spent most of this time. The ward had 2 garden spaces; my family and sometimes the staff would get me in a wheelchair and outside for fresh air (the ward was in the lowest level of the hospital, essentially the basement; very hot with no air conditioning and despite my room having a window had zero air flow, so I was always happy to be outside and not staring at the same walls

Garden one ‘the stroke garden’ had picnic tables, benches, flower beds and greenhouses that patients with upper limb usage could utilise. One day I spotted a memorial plaque on a table for a male patient who passed away from a stroke not much older than me, it did taint my enjoyment of the garden a tad that day . I did however another day have a bloody lovely afternoon in that garden with Rich, 2 very good friends (including my site editor)where we enjoyed a big picnic in the sun with alcohol free wine from a water bottle . Another time me and Rich took my iPad out to watch Glastonbury outside together, sat in the sun, held hands and listened to the music

The other garden wasn’t as nice, it was really the hospital staff garden with a mix of picnic benches and Exercise equipment which included parallel bars that I pined to do some gymnastics on.

I spent so much time outdoors that I think I was the first patient to get a tan while residing on a ward.

My nights were spent dreaming of making our home patio a haven; it’s quite spacious, directly off the living room, we’d already done a few bits to it pre stroke. Because we’re semi rural it’s mainly very quiet too just the odd bird, town noises in the distance and a few local dogs to be heard

During my sleepless nights of longing to be at home, overly warm and likely a bit depressed I started ordering things for outdoor living: rattan furniture, a giant sun umbrella, pizza oven , outdoor rug. I had grand images of essentially an outdoor living room. But neither the funds, physical capability or space to do it.

Rich did build some bits when they arrived and we used the space a while; especially for my birthday / homecoming when 50+ people came over.

Spring 2024 was unbelievably wet and rubbish. I thought we’d never get a summer then it suddenly came. I bought a little fountain and more cushions.

Quite often after a working day I’d sit ( particularly when off the next day ) with a beer, lighting on, fountain trickling. Birds chirping, Marina trotting around . Just enjoying being in my home; this isn’t a huge achievement but the previous year I’d have killed to do it. It’s a small thing really but I don’t take it for granted,

Autumn 2024 we’ve just packed the furniture away for winter, let’s see how I am come spring 25 and what I’ll be doing then come next garden season

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here
It’ll be better than before
Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone

Why not think about times to come?
And not about the things that you’ve done
If your life was bad to you
Just think what tomorrow will do

• 🎵Don’t stop- Fleetwood Mac 1977