Over and done with

 I didn't want to postpone the smear test, because I'd already put it off for a few weeks - I should have had it back in January.  However, following the bladder op I had, when I was in so much pain and bleeding for several days, I didn't fancy the idea of having anyone else poking and prodding me around down there, so postponed it.  Getting on and off the couch was ok - the nurse lowered it right down to make it easier for me, although apologised for not being able to physically help me on and off - Covid and all that.  Which actually seemed a bit daft, considering what she was about to do to me!  The smear test hurt though (or rather, the speculum did) - that's never been the case before, it's only ever been slightly uncomfortable a few times, never painful like today.  I guess it's down to a combination of age (things drying up/shrivelling down there - delightful!) and anxiety - I really wasn't looking forward to it, although smear tests have never bothered me before.  What with my physical aches and pains and hovering in and out of depression at the moment, it just wasn't the best time to have it, I suppose.  Still, it's done now, and it's the last time I'll ever have to have it.....well, I won't get automatic invites anymore, although I could choose to have one if I ever want to (doubtful!).

I did go shopping this morning, having strapped my ankle up - husband would have done it on his own, but I would have had to write a detailed list as he just can't do the shopping without one, despite coming with me most of the time.....he just wouldn't remember half the stuff we needed, and I wouldn't trust him to be able to get things like the toiletries I use.  As he's quite severely dyslexic, a written list is a bit difficult for him anyway.  I was glad to get back in the car, it did hurt my ankle walking around.  I could have asked the nurse to look at it after she'd done my smear test, I suppose, but didn't think of it and just wanted to get home and sort myself out.

It's been a nice day, I've sat in the garden for a while.  Got some plants to put in pots tomorrow, and a few to put in the ground.....I'll get husband to do the ground ones.  He's got some paving slabs to lay as well, I've told him to take a few days over it and do just 3 or 4 at a time, he doesn't need to do them all at once.  He's definitely slowing up nowadays, things tire him out much more than even last year.....well, he is 70 with heart failure, so it's no surprise.  I've made a point of telling him that nowadays there's no rush to do anything - we can do everything at our own pace, as and when we feel like it.