Elaine’s energy has dramatically increased over the past couple of weeks. This has been great to see as there have been several times over the past few months where I wondered whether she would ever walk more than a few yards again, let alone drive.

On Thursday evening, we went out to the Laughing Gravy veggie restaurant. It is just under half a mile away up a still hill and I assumed Elaine would want to drive. But she insisted on walking – which was great as I could have a glass of wine . . . or two. Yesterday, she drove to Manchester to see relatives. In fact, she has almost been as active this Christmas as any other year.

And with her weight loss Elaine looks in really good shape.

However, we know that her increased energy is probably a reaction to the break from chemo over Christmas.

And we can’t escape the statistics Elaine has quoted in respect of her life expectancy. However, they are statistics! The statistical average may be 18 months but some, with the equivalent cancer, will not live so long. Others may live much longer. Then there is the Elaine factor. Looking at her today, it is difficult to believe that she won’t be here for quite a few Christmases yet.

We have finally heard back from the Calderdale Royal in respect of the complaint with which we started this blog six months ago. They have apologised profusely for the way in which they have handled the complaint – probably because our MP wrote to them recently asking why they hadn’t responded – but they have rejected most of the points I was making, usually in solid organisation-speak. The letter (which I will post here soon together with our response) was notably for spelling and grammar errors throughout – a crime which Elaine of course considers more serious than many of the points which actually prompted our letter of complaint.

Season’s greetings to all our friends, family and others who pop in here from time to time. And thanks again for all the great support.