When my mobile rang and a voice said I was due for another eye injection in a few days time my heart sank. I knew the appointment was due, and I needed it, but I really didn't want to go anywhere near a hospital in the present climate. Reluctantly I said "OK, but I hope the waiting room isn't as crowded as on past visits" I was assured that appointments were being well spaced out and there'd be plenty of room for patients to stay well apart.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYBN2xcpztz-h8AQcnEf4vysChtzrvXU-qAjl4l8oVWGxJlTBVwTjvDodeQvbiXN91tA2-bmFJhbJNHo-SHojjbLZ2JBajPjG05GQqbHYEZFk3FJU0Vj7pbfpc2vCstKhkMoeR6fDTHo/s400/Empty+waiting+room.jpg) |
Empty waiting room and chairs well spaced (Click to enlarge) |
The driver of the small ambulance was completely partitioned off from anyone in the rear. I was given a face mask and told to sit at the back. On arrival at the hospital the waiting room was completely empty, not even a receptionist. In no time at all my name was called and I was led to an ante room for dilating drops before entering the theatre.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqHeThzXoK_x2AISnJIJDFH1O9y1Q5BQkk8-zOALF6SCJf28vfHdaR777pl04FzzjmirHS-rfqUQ0UO8J_ZA7HRliAxOf348GHrdvRh4k9cc7FzKfcyDeoWHilwaPeOFD_diwBwYpkNo/s400/Masked+man.jpg) |
Don't be frightened, I wont harm you.. |
A cheerful nurse wanted to know if it was still cold outside.
"Not as cold as it was at 5 o'clock this morning" I replied.
I think she knew exactly what I meant, that I'm a crazy runner!
A doctor I only know as Ross administered the injection quickly and efficiently and in less than an hour I was back home again, half blind and wearing a mask under my dark glasses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcwXQjUmxf1xXxkgwwT8eibZpk8vX1dDGCHV6I3ufhmvcGI1pcCIkY3PytbinnFrY0hyk1zfjbnJK_tFWuziv_wyMhdbRe1oDJY4xJVPbVQXXDthTFrSY0ykOX3qJBjrDyR31iICimFs/s400/Sunrise.jpg) |
The sun was up at 5.50 |
Next day was a rest day, waiting for my eyes to re-focus so that I didn't go stumbling all over the place. It was followed by a clear night with Venus beaming through my bedroom window, assuring me next morning would be beautiful. She was right...
I got up, had a strong coffee and set out to greet the sun.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2wKNglXDlmOrLbtQzdVQfWwF0FlzJKmCE874ODQLhbkAu54Hf4jBBe7W_577iqv8H4TyGRjwGf2gturUbDmn5aVrXbU-0Vg-GzMpuYAkUD39e778y3ZP9Fbh3Aue3FCWJZsZe9UPuso/s400/Castle+Gorse.jpg) |
Gorse at its best and an empty road |
Jen, the girl I usually meet, was on her way down. She's only a walker but according to her Fitbit had covered 7.8 miles a couple of days before. I told her in just over a week, when I reach the tender age of 88, I might become a walker too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjBoLDghDCHAxc6sTIiHFaWEmk-5Q9OwuhX-dtZ6VsQWshN5XUbK-yPiwjDLiSTzwb5t5qnWjiSLjuw3_7r7s6gA8QA2FmQ4VUfzmTQYtAnBRXuJaao9gqGHqhSa1nUfy-9S0MRX0RNs/s400/Sunlit+beacon.jpg) |
A view to savour before going home |
I continued through flowering gorse to the top of the hill for another great angle on the sunrise.
How can I ever stop running?