It's been a while - sorry.

I only just realised that I haven't posted anything for over a month. Apologies but it's been down to the "living" part of arthritis.

During the time we have been at a Costa Festival in Hayling Island. Loads of excellent bands but my highlights were The Albion Christmas Band, Banter, Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones, and Phil Beer. Among the artists new to me were The Often Herd, and Keith Donnelly (just never say "bear with me" to me!) If you have never experienced a Costa Festival you are really missing out. They are held indoors and accommodation and, breakfast and evening meals are included. The artists, both established and unknown are usually brilliant and there have been very few that I have not enjoyed.

What really makes these festivals though are the people that we have met. We have made a bunch of brilliant friends at them and can't wait for the next one in Ibiza - although we are meeting up with quite a few Scottish Costa goers in Edinburgh at the Fairport gig in February. The only downside is that I come back with loads of albums and tee shirts that I don't really need (want is a different matter). It's my way of supporting the artists.

Hayling Island is waaaay down south in England so we took the opportunity for some stops on the return journey. Solihull to visit Marian's relatives, Sheffield for a Kate Rusby gig, York for a rest and finally, Leeds to see Track Dogs and The Hunch. This year's Costa Winter Festival is at Alvaston Hall in Cheshire - a much shorter journey.

After all that came Christmas, a whisky night and then Hogmanay. It's much quieter now, hence the timing!

I had a rheumatology appointment in amongst all of that. At the time I was really suffering and came away with and eight week course of steroids which has helped a lot. Only four weeks to go now and the dose is decreasing and I am not really looking forward to it ending. Everything seems to be pretty much the same as before and I am now back on to monthly bloods, which is good. I have another appointment this month which is going to look at physio, among other things.

At the moment the steroids are definitely helping although I am noticing some pain in my hands, knees and shoulders. I'm putting this down to the cold weather - it hasn't risen above freezing in Aberdeen today. I am also very wary about walking where it is icy, which is practically everywhere at the moment!

My son and daughter-in-law gave me a hand massager for Christmas. I am using it daily and I think that it is doing some good - although the real test for it will be once I am totally off the steroids.

There is still a lot to be sorted in the NHS right now but I am totally impressed with all the staff that I have encountered during the last year or so. There are an awful lot of dedicated people out there and, whatever it is like at the moment, it is far better than the alternative.

 In reply to a couple of comments - I'll certainly give Teenage Kicks a go on the uke - I remember it fondly and as you say it is certainly age appropriate! (If you comment again could you please leave your name - thanks.)

Hi Forbes - in answer to your questions - I still have no real understanding of why flare ups happen but it does seem that the cold makes things a bit worse. Also hoping to catch some of Celtic Connections this year - if we can make it to Hayling Island, we can make it to Glasgow.

June - it was good to see you in Hayling Island and I tend to agree about the cold weather, not so sure about knitting though! It's only a few months until Ibiza!

I started this blog exactly one year and one day ago and in that time there have been 7459 views. Thank you to everyone who reads this and, if you haven't already done so, please consider sharing the blog. I really do appreciate it and also the comments - whether on here or on social media.

All that remains is for me to wish you all a happy new year and hope that 2025 is a great one for you and yours.

Cheers

Rob