"Ars Longa, Vita Brevis"

Something of a miracle recovery overnight, which was good news because I had a German lesson first thing after which I recorded the radio show and then set off for Sheffield to visit Abi.

Despite being both in pain and hospital, she was in characteristically good spirits and we chatted away all afternoon. At one point we went for a little walk to get her some fresh air, which is when we saw this stonework.

According to nearly sign, "The motto is from an aphorism of Hippocrates (400 B.C.) which begins "Art is long, life is short....". It refers to the difficulty in acquiring and practising the art of Medicine; the physician, patient, attendants and external circumstances must work together towards a cure."

And after that we went into the canteen and enjoyed a hot chocolate and a doughnut.

It pained me to leave her despite her good spirits, but I took some comfort that she's in the best place for her to be right now.