Autumn leaves

We had booked tickets to visit a nearby National trust property this morning, but we could not go because we had to go back to Boots for our flu vaccines. Instead we had a walk with Xena on the heath - it is still looking quite green with only parts of trees turning golden, as can be seen here.

After our walk we went in to the village for our flu vaccine at Boots. I was half expecting to find another excuse as to why we could not get it but no, it went ahead as planned. The pharmacist told us that only Boots is allowed to give private flu vaccines, and Lloyds Pharmacies cannot do so but I am not sure if that is the case throughout the country. At the moment flu vaccines are free for those over 65 years of age or vulnerable, and after the government announced a few weeks ago that that this will be extended to over 50 year olds,  this has not happened as they have a short supply of the vaccine. It may be introduced for over 50 year olds but possibly in late December or January which is a bit pointless as it is so late in the season by then. At a cost of £13.99 it is not a deal breaker and I would rather pay for it then not have it done. Funny how people will complain about having to pay for a vaccine and then spend that same amount on a bottle of wine....okay I admit the latter is probably more enjoyable!

While I was in the village I went in to a few shops to get some things I needed, it was the first time I have been in a shop other than a supermarket or pharmacy for a long time.

For Gavin's birthday last month the boys bought their dad a round of golf at Hankley Common Golf Club, one of the top 100 golf courses in Britain and Ireland, so Luke is coming home tonight as tomorrow Gavin, Luke and Adam are playing there. Gavin is very much looking forward to it, it is apparently a rather challenging course with 'ferocious heather and wide open windswept heath', similar to a seaside links course.