Pat in hospital and meeting Mum in Hampstead

A good night's sleep, then after breakfast Lorraine went around to Stratheden, having made an appointment with the doctor. However, Pat still unwell with little mobility, so he was taken by ambulance to hospital. Lorraine and Maureen spent all day with him. Apparently the hospital was unexpectedly busy. It seems Pat may have a chronic kidney infection among other things. He was given good treatment, and they lowered his blood pressure, started to rehydrate him and sent him for various tests and scans. He was kept in overnight, which must have been confusing for him.  Maureen and Lorraine who didn't get home till getting on for 11.  I'd made food earlier, but all Maureen wanted was a bit of garlic bread and a cup of tea.  

After talking to Lorraine, I continued with my plan of going up to Hampstead to see Mum.

On the Lewes train, I sat opposite two young men with painted nails, lipstick, mascara etc. who were having incredibly detailed conversations about the virtues of various train stations. Quite sweet in a way. I was trying to read the Celtic horror of Arthur Machen, but couldn't help tuning in once in a while.

Smooth journey to West Hampstead Thameslink. Hurrying to Hampstead Tube, I passed a man sweeping up golden leaves, in a bright orange jacket, with a big red tam on his head.  I took a snap of him, but didn't capture his full glory. Why didn't I asked him if I could photograph him.

Met Mum at Hampstead Station and we sauntered down Flask Lane as usual, but the White Bear's kitchen is being refurbished, so we went to a pub nearby called The Duke of Hamilton, where we ordered  enormous plates of fish and chips. I had to eat a good part of Mum's fish. She remembered she didn't eat much at lunch, but found herself able to lap up the nice red house wine under a portrait of the Duke. Superior food there. Mum charming the staff, saying she was only paying because she wasn't fast enough to run off. 

Home fairly smoothly too. A nice time with Mum but everyone concerned with how Pat is doing.

A human bolt of zing vigorously sweeping the leaves.