Nature's art

Today has been very busy. It was raining first thing this morning so I decided to go do the grocery shopping first and rather walk Xena later when the forecast said it would be dry. I can usually rely on the forecast to be pretty accurate! 

After grocery shopping I went directly to the physiotherapist. This was an NHS appointment and I have been super impressed with how quickly I got assessed and got an appointment through the NHS (I was offered one last week only 6 days after seeing the GP). The physio, a young man, was excellent. He confirmed what I have come to believe is my problem with my back, which is just natural degeneration as happens to everyone as we age. The only long term treatment to prevent these painful flare ups is daily back exercises to stretch and strengthen, which I have been doing since I had my physio assessment last week. After a few weeks of that I will see him again for some soft tissue manipulation. He was pleased I exercise regularly and said I must keep doing that, as running and weights both help the back.

Back home I unpacked all the groceries, walked Xena and then had a very late lunch. The woods are full of autumn colour now, I think the colours are at their peak. Today was mild, I saw two people walking in the woods in shorts! (It's not that mild!) Then I took Xena to the vet for a follow up on what the vet previously suspected was  folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. He did not recommend another course of antibiotics, we want to avoid more antibiotics for obvious reasons, but she has been given an antibiotic shampoo which I must use twice a week only on the affected area.

Now I must go make supper as I am leaving shortly to go to our camera club meeting, tonight it is a members evening where external competitions will be discussed and various members will do mini presentations on their photography.