Macho

Set off at lunchtime up to the blood donation unit not far from the office to do my bit.

I'm a bit of a regular and not too squeamish as long as don't actually see the needle. Today turned out quite different from normal.

Seem my haemoglobin count was too low. For men is needs to be 135, whereas mine only came in at 130. No need to worry says the nurse, "it's still in the normal range just not high enough for donating. Come back in three months and try again."

Not to worry, she says! I'm trying hard not to think that I'm now on the slippery slope to my dotage and that all of a sudden I'm just not manly enough any more.

Before you know it I'll be taking pictures of flowers...