2025 Diary (Page 55)

2025 Diary - Page 55

7 March

After a breakfast with Coatis, loads and birds and a few other mammals, we were collected at Reception by Carlos for a trip to the Green Lagoon.

The walk through the forest was beautiful and I was delighted to see some three-toed sloths in the wild.

lagoon

The lagoon was tranquil and peaceful with more birds than Jonathon could photograph.

Lunch was a the Mirador Restaurant with stunning views across to Nicaragua (I never imagined I'd be able to see that country).

We got back to the hotel to be told there was a sloth and baby in the grounds so we went to check that out - lovely animals.

A quick freshen up and we were ready to go out again, this time to the Tapir Valley for some nocturnal viewing.

The privately owned estate was very pretty and we saw a pair of tapirs almost as soon as we started the walk. We also saw spiders, snakes, frogs and other creepy crawlies.

When we left the UK, we thought we were booked for a private guide Bird Watching walk at this location but, it seems, the local agents had booked us on to this night time trip instead. The walk was quite interesting and we saw quite a lot of creatures, including Tapirs. There were a couple of problems - the first being that the other guests all seemed to arrive at the same time as us so the tour didn't feel at all private and we felt that the tapirs were being crowded and the second was that we had to wear wellington boots provided by the company which didn't suit Jonathon's sensitive feet at all so he was quite sore by the end of the tour.

8 March

Time to move on again so farewell to Rio Celeste Hideaway but not until Jonathon had had his daily fix of bird photos. However, there was a distinct lack of birds this morning. We still saw Coatis and managed to photograph a Pika.

I had a last wander round the grounds before we left. I was pleased to see the Water Lilies in flower - they were only buds when we arrived a couple of days ago.

Denis collected us for the long drive to Uvita. We stopped for lunch along the way at a restaurant that translates to The Howler Monkeys, and also to admire a load of crocodiles from a bridge.

9 March

We woke up to an amazing view but didn't have time to linger because we were due to go out on a boat to try and find dolphins and whales. We gound some Pantropical Spotted Dolphin but, sadly, no whales.

Thankfully, Jo had warned us that we would be walking on very sticky sand and through the water to get to the boat so we were well prepared.

We spent the afternoon eating lunch (yummy) then Jonathon caught up with some of his photos and I had a wander around. Our treehouse is on the left below, out veranda is central.

The trail is to the waterfall but it looks far too steep and slippery for me to tackle it.

10 March

view

The Howler Monkeys acted as our alarm again this morning - they are soooo loud! I guess it means we see the sunrise so it's not all bad.

Jonathon had a few photos to catch up with so he stayed home and did those while I, rather stupidly, decided I would put my boots on, take my walking poles and tackle the hike to the waterfall. It was even harder than I imagined and I spent some of my time shuffling down on my bum and other times on my hands and knees. I made it to the waterfall but couldn't manage the final few feet (sheer drop and slippy, mossy rocks) but at least I saw it. I followed the trail to the hotel next door rather than try and scramble back to ours but the walk was no easier and it was only a rope that saved me from tumbling down the hillside at one point. When I got to Vista Celestial, the manager (who is also the manager at our hotel) took pity on me and gave me a lift back.

Not an experience I'd like to repeat, ever!

After a strenuous morning, the afternoon was a lot more relaxed.

We decided to share lunch - the food was scrumptious but there was just too much of it, especially as there were four courses at dinner. One lunch between two was easily enough but we suspected that the chef had given us a bit extra to make sure we weren't hungry!

Jonathon had a local beer - you drink it through salt but apparently it's pretty good.

After watching the sun go down in spectacular fashion, we enjoyed our final dinner here and said goodbye to our American friends.

We came back to find a rather large lizard in the bathroom area but he seemed to be friendly enough. Hopefully, he'll be gone by the time we need to use the facilities.

11 March

It was time to leave Rancho Pacifico so one last lingering look at the lovely view, one last yummy breakfast and we were on our way. The first 4x4 took us down the mountain into Uvita, the second vehicle took us to Jiminez airport and the driver from El Remanso took us to our new "home for a few days".

Rosa checked us in, showed us our room and helped with sorting out various tours for the next few days. She was very flexible, trying to help Jonathon get on as many guided bird tours as possible.

We admired the display of Boruca Masks while we were waiting for the paperwork to be completed.

12 March

My birthday - 65 years old today!

I got lots of lovely birthday messages either on social media or by email and the card from Jonathon and Oli has pride of place in our room (my other cards are at home for when we get back).

The walk to breakfast is pretty and there's a lovely view of the Pacific (we can't see it from our room here).

Our first activity for today was a guided forest walk with Tony.

After lunch Jonathon went on another bird walk while I walked down (and down and down) to the beach. It was lovely to see the sea but there was no way to swim in it (not that I'd have wanted to). The hotel strongly advise against sea swimming because it's pretty rough with rip tides. It was a long way back up to our room!

I had a prowl around to try and finish my steps before dinner. I've discovered that the best place to see the sunset, whilst still being at the lodge, is from the restaurant.

The hotel made me a yummy birthday cake. It was far too big for us two so we shared it with the American family that had been on the forest walk with us earlier today.

13 March

I went on an early morning hike while Jonathon went on a garden bird walk.

One of the highlights of my hike was coming across a group of Collared Peccaries. They are known as Friendly Peccaries but we didn't get too close to test that theory. The photo is rubbish but at least I saw them.

A second highlight was seeing some Red Scarlet Macaws. Roland, our guide, took the photo through his scope for me (where's Jonathon when you need him?)

Our second activity was a jeep safari to Matapalo. Jonathon sat inside the cab with Edgar, our guide, while the rest of us were in the back. As there was no shelter, we got very wet, then dry, then wet again. By the time we'd got to the beach part of the trip it was lovely and sunny.

We saw all four kinds of monkeys that are found in this area so a real treat.

14 March

We chose a "lowlands" bird walk for Friday morning. Such a lovely place to go and great to see fields and farms after all our forest experiences.

As usual, it was a very early start to catch the sunrise, birds and relative freshness.

15 March

Today we said "Goodbye" to El Remanso. It was a fabulous place to stay and I hope we'll be back some day. Who knows. In the meantime, I took a couple more photos before our bags were collected and we were on the road.

The journey to Puerto Jiminez airport (where we met Bernardo, our driver for today's long journey) was a nature safari in itself with plenty of birdlife for Jonathon to photograph. Thankfully, El Remanso had anticipated this and allowed plenty of time so there was no rush.

We stopped for lunch en route - really good food with a beautiful view.

16 March

We went on a bird walk this morning. The first stop was a garden full of bird feeders so not our kind of thing but it allowed Jonathon and the other guests to take photos of lots of different birds.

The second part was alongside the river and we were really lucky to see the local "speciality" - a Quetzal. A beautiful bird whose plumage changes colour depending on the weather, the time of day etc because its feathers have no colour per se - they simply adapts the different light wavelengths. Very clever.

Had a wander round the garden before lunch and came across a lovely lizard.

There are loads of cacti in the garden - very structural.

17 March

Time to go home but we weren't being collected until 12 noon so I had time for a last wander around the garden and short trail before packing up. Jonathon spent the time taking a few more photos of birds.

bird

I paused a bit too close to this lovely Collared Redstart's nest so he saw me off. Thankfully, he rested between his dive bombing so I could take a quick photo.

Our driver arrived early so we got to the airport far too early to check in so I had a wander around to admire the ceiling and general arty stuff around the airport (having had a snack). The carrot cake was more obviously carrot than the usual UK variety.

Once checked in, we were still too early to go into the lounge so I prowled while Jonathon had a chat with Chris Packham about anteaters and photography.

18 March

We both had a really good sleep on the flight from San Jose to Amsterdam and arrived at Amsterdam slightly ahead of schedule so we had plenty of time to enjoy the lounge before we boarded our flight back to London.

Jonathon seems to have gained 8 KLM mini houses for his collection (supposed to get one each per long haul flight but some more seem to have found their way into his keeping). I'm pleased to report the ones he got on the way out have survived the journey home in the hold luggage.

19 March

Today was a lovely, sunny day. It felt as though I was still on holiday as I walked round the garden and admired the Spring flowers.

Before any of that it was time to go to the gym. Thankfully, it wasn't too busy so I could use the machines I wanted and get some calories burned off.

One job I wanted to get done today was planting the potatoes. Nine sacks later they're all planted but I've now run out of compost so have had to order another batch.

This year's potato varieties are Swift, Charlotte and Ratte.

As it was such a lovely day, I cut the cross into the grass and started to edge it. There's a lot more to do.

20 March

I didn't wake up too early today so missed the circuits class (I hadn't booked a space so it didn't matter).

I joined some of the other Flamingos for a coffee at BR6 after gym. I hadn't seen some of them for a while so it was good to have a catch up.

Jet lag set in about 10 a.m. but I was due to walk the dogs at 11 so I pushed through it and was fine after a walk and then chicken soup for dinner.

We finished the web page and I sent the notes round so people could have a look at it.

www.sandjay.co.uk/CostaRica2025.htm

I spent the afternoon in the garden and finished edging the grass. The first photo is "before", the others all "after". I'm glad that job is done for now.

21 March

No yoga class because I'd cancelled my space, not sure what time I'd wake up. In the end, I woke up just as the class would be starting so good decision.

I went to the gym and did my own thing instead then joined June, Benji and the others for a walk round Crystal Palace Park to see the dinosaurs etc.

Jonathon and I went to A Mano for lunch.

Gilda and I went to the theatre in the evening to see "The Girl on the Train" - real edge of your seat thriller - it was really enjoyable.

22 March

Gym then went to Jo's to collect some of her spare tomato plants. They'll need brining on before I can put them in the grow bags so I've staked them up and used some of my new mini ties that Carole gave me for my birthday.

Hair cut was my next job - it had got very fluffy and bushy while we were on holiday so it needed tidying up. Sarah did a good job.

I went to M&S to get some food shopping after dinner - the only sensible way to get there at the moment is to walk because of the road works but it's a nice walk alongside the River Cray so no hardship, especially with the Spring flowers coming out.

Had a catch up on Skype with Mum. She said she was feeling a bit odd but couldn't put her finger on what was wrong. She seemed not too bad on the call.

Jonathon went to Toulouse Lautrec to do a photo shoot and I had a nice quiet night in.

23 March

Gym followed by church this morning.We singers no longer go to the front of the church to lead the singing which, after a few years, seems a bit strange. I dare say we'll get used to the new system or perhaps Sohail, our new minister, will have a different idea again. Watch this space ...

I took the Knoll Group on a walk round some of the Orpington churches today. Some are traditional English churches and some a bit more obscure. It's surprising how many churches we have in our town. Coco wasn't very interested in the churches but enjoyed herself when we got to Goddington Park and she could be allowed off her lead.

Jonathon went to the cinema soon after I got home. Our private health covere gives us a cinema ticket if we get enough points and we had one that needed to be used by the end of March so he had to find something to go watch.

Caught up with Christine. She's busy organising the village commemoration for VE80 and is trying to decide what kind of exercise she wants to do - swimming / gym etc. so she doesn't seize up completely.

I spoke to Margaret. She's had a stroke since John's funeral and, whilst she's not feeling too bad, she keeps losing her words and struggles when she speaks.

2025 Diary - Page 55
7 March After a breakfast with Coatis, loads and birds and a few other mammals, we were collected at Reception by Carlos for a trip to the Green Lagoon. The walk through the forest was beautiful and I was delighted to see some three-toed sloths in the wild.
	The lagoon was tranquil and peaceful with more birds than Jonathon could photograph.
	Lunch was a the Mirador Restaurant with stunning views across to Nicaragua (I never imagined I'd be able to see that country). We got back to the hotel to be told there was a sloth and baby in the grounds so we went to check that out - lovely animals.
	A quick freshen up and we were ready to go out again, this time to the Tapir Valley for some nocturnal viewing. The privately owned estate was very pretty and we saw a pair of tapirs almost as soon as we started the walk. We also saw spiders, snakes, frogs and other creepy crawlies. When we left the UK, we thought we were booked for a private guide Bird Watching walk at this location but, it seems, the local agents had booked us on to this night time trip instead. The walk was quite interesting and we saw quite a lot of creatures, including Tapirs. There were a couple of problems - the first being that the other guests all seemed to arrive at the same time as us so the tour didn't feel at all private and we felt that the tapirs were being crowded and the second was that we had to wear wellington boots provided by the company which didn't suit Jonathon's sensitive feet at all so he was quite sore by the end of the tour.
8 March Time to move on again so farewell to Rio Celeste Hideaway but not until Jonathon had had his daily fix of bird photos. However, there was a distinct lack of birds this morning. We still saw Coatis and managed to photograph a Pika. I had a last wander round the grounds before we left. I was pleased to see the Water Lilies in flower - they were only buds when we arrived a couple of days ago.
		Denis collected us for the long drive to Uvita. We stopped for lunch along the way at a restaurant that translates to The Howler Monkeys, and also to admire a load of crocodiles from a bridge.
	We arrived at Rancho Pacifico and were shown to our tree house (Tucan Treehouse). It faces west so we enjoyed a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
9 March We woke up to an amazing view but didn't have time to linger because we were due to go out on a boat to try and find dolphins and whales. We gound some Pantropical Spotted Dolphin but, sadly, no whales. Thankfully, Jo had warned us that we would be walking on very sticky sand and through the water to get to the boat so we were well prepared.

We spent the afternoon eating lunch (yummy) then Jonathon caught up with some of his photos and I had a wander around. Our treehouse is on the left below, out veranda is central. The trail is to the waterfall but it looks far too steep and slippery for me to tackle it.

10 March The Howler Monkeys acted as our alarm again this morning - they are soooo loud! I guess it means we see the sunrise so it's not all bad. Jonathon had a few photos to catch up with so he stayed home and did those while I, rather stupidly, decided I would put my boots on, take my walking poles and tackle the hike to the waterfall. It was even harder than I imagined and I spent some of my time shuffling down on my bum and other times on my hands and knees. I made it to the waterfall but couldn't manage the final few feet (sheer drop and slippy, mossy rocks) but at least I saw it. I followed the trail to the hotel next door rather than try and scramble back to ours but the walk was no easier and it was only a rope that saved me from tumbling down the hillside at one point. When I got to Vista Celestial, the manager (who is also the manager at our hotel) took pity on me and gave me a lift back. Not an experience I'd like to repeat, ever!

	After a strenuous morning, the afternoon was a lot more relaxed. We decided to share lunch - the food was scrumptious but there was just too much of it, especially as there were four courses at dinner. One lunch between two was easily enough but we suspected that the chef had given us a bit extra to make sure we weren't hungry! Jonathon had a local beer - you drink it through salt but apparently it's pretty good.
		After watching the sun go down in spectacular fashion, we enjoyed our final dinner here and said goodbye to our American friends. We came back to find a rather large lizard in the bathroom area but he seemed to be friendly enough. Hopefully, he'll be gone by the time we need to use the facilities.
11 March It was time to leave Rancho Pacifico so one last lingering look at the lovely view, one last yummy breakfast and we were on our way. The first 4x4 took us down the mountain into Uvita, the second vehicle took us to Jiminez airport and the driver from El Remanso took us to our new "home for a few days". Rosa checked us in, showed us our room and helped with sorting out various tours for the next few days. She was very flexible, trying to help Jonathon get on as many guided bird tours as possible. We admired the display of Boruca Masks while we were waiting for the paperwork to be completed.
	I went for a wander around to try and get my bearings. I found the suspension bridges so walked over those then back again. I also found the path to the beach but it was too close to sunset to go all the way there. We had dinner (not quite the haute cuisine of Rancho Pacifico but still tasty) then I did a few more steps but went back to the hut before too many bugs and scurrying creatures had been disturbed.
12 March My birthday - 65 years old today! I got lots of lovely birthday messages either on social media or by email and the card from Jonathon and Oli has pride of place in our room (my other cards are at home for when we get back). The walk to breakfast is pretty and there's a lovely view of the Pacific (we can't see it from our room here). Our first activity for today was a guided forest walk with Tony.
		We wouldn't have seen half the things we did without Tony. The other two participants were really good spotters as well so we were spoilt, especially with the tiny birds.
After lunch Jonathon went on another bird walk while I walked down (and down and down) to the beach. It was lovely to see the sea but there was no way to swim in it (not that I'd have wanted to). The hotel strongly advise against sea swimming because it's pretty rough with rip tides. It was a long way back up to our room!
	I had a prowl around to try and finish my steps before dinner. I've discovered that the best place to see the sunset, whilst still being at the lodge, is from the restaurant. The hotel made me a yummy birthday cake. It was far too big for us two so we shared it with the American family that had been on the forest walk with us earlier today.
13 March I went on an early morning hike while Jonathon went on a garden bird walk. One of the highlights of my hike was coming across a group of Collared Peccaries. They are known as Friendly Peccaries but we didn't get too close to test that theory. The photo is rubbish but at least I saw them. A second highlight was seeing some Red Scarlet Macaws. Roland, our guide, took the photo through his scope for me (where's Jonathon when you need him?)
	Our second activity was a jeep safari to Matapalo. Jonathon sat inside the cab with Edgar, our guide, while the rest of us were in the back. As there was no shelter, we got very wet, then dry, then wet again. By the time we'd got to the beach part of the trip it was lovely and sunny. We saw all four kinds of monkeys that are found in this area so a real treat.
After lunch, J went to do yet another garden bird walk but it was cancelled so he joined the afteernoon trip to Matapalo instead.		I enjoyed the relative cool of our back garden / courtyard before heading out on the Passiflora Loop - an easier walk than usual, the walk itself rather than the long uphill to get to the start that is! The trail was quite hard to follow in one part and I ended up coming out of the same entrance I'd gone in so I walked up to the other entrance and traced it back to see where I'd gone wrong. Without that "detour", I'd have missed the coati!

14 March We chose a "lowlands" bird walk for Friday morning. Such a lovely place to go and great to see fields and farms after all our forest experiences. As usual, it was a very early start to catch the sunrise, birds and relative freshness.


I had a chat with one of the managers about the Carablanca Trail but when he mentioned it could be steep and slippery coming back up I thought better of it. Instead, I did part of the Waterfalls and Creek Trail, the Red Roots Trail and the top part of the Carablanca Trail. It was a lovely walk, full of waterfalls and interesting fungi.
Having tried to help someone with a broken camera at lunchtime (apparently it's a known fault with the Sony the man had), Jonathon joined the afternoon Garden Bird Walk while I started to sort out the packing in anticipation of a 9 a.m. pick up the next day. That said, you can only do so much packing in advance so I decided to go for a walk when the temperature had eased a bit. Even the guides think it's hot today! I did the forest loop that I've done a couple of times before so didn't take many photos. That said, I got to the start via the suspension bridges, saw a very cheeky lizard part way round and came out to find this Green Honeycreeper enjoying a shower in one of the garden sprinklers so they all had to be photographed.

15 March Today we said "Goodbye" to El Remanso. It was a fabulous place to stay and I hope we'll be back some day. Who knows. In the meantime, I took a couple more photos before our bags were collected and we were on the road.
The journey to Puerto Jiminez airport (where we met Bernardo, our driver for today's long journey) was a nature safari in itself with plenty of birdlife for Jonathon to photograph. Thankfully, El Remanso had anticipated this and allowed plenty of time so there was no rush. We stopped for lunch en route - really good food with a beautiful view.
	We arrived at Trogon Lodge in the San Gerardo De Dota Valley, We'd been warned that the cabins were basic (they are) but the garden is beautiful so I had a good wander round that before it got dark. Having left 30C sticky heat behind, the 14C here feels very chilly. There's an electric fire in the room that's better than nothing and the hot water bottles that the hotel provides are very welcome!

16 March We went on a bird walk this morning. The first stop was a garden full of bird feeders so not our kind of thing but it allowed Jonathon and the other guests to take photos of lots of different birds. The second part was alongside the river and we were really lucky to see the local "speciality" - a Quetzal. A beautiful bird whose plumage changes colour depending on the weather, the time of day etc because its feathers have no colour per se - they simply adapts the different light wavelengths. Very clever.

Had a wander round the garden before lunch and came across a lovely lizard. There are loads of cacti in the garden - very structural.

I decided to tackle one (or more) of the trails this afternoon. I set off thinking perhaps I should try the easy one first but then the waterfall beckoned so off I went and found myself doing the full loop. It was nowhere near as hard as the hike at Rancho Pacifico but was still pretty challenging. I was really pleased when I saw the sign for the lodge, especially as it showed a cup of tea as well.

17 March Time to go home but we weren't being collected until 12 noon so I had time for a last wander around the garden and short trail before packing up. Jonathon spent the time taking a few more photos of birds.
	I paused a bit too close to this lovely Collared Redstart's nest so he saw me off. Thankfully, he rested between his dive bombing so I could take a quick photo.
		Our driver arrived early so we got to the airport far too early to check in so I had a wander around to admire the ceiling and general arty stuff around the airport (having had a snack). The carrot cake was more obviously carrot than the usual UK variety. Once checked in, we were still too early to go into the lounge so I prowled while Jonathon had a chat with Chris Packham about anteaters and photography.
18 March We both had a really good sleep on the flight from San Jose to Amsterdam and arrived at Amsterdam slightly ahead of schedule so we had plenty of time to enjoy the lounge before we boarded our flight back to London. Jonathon seems to have gained 8 KLM mini houses for his collection (supposed to get one each per long haul flight but some more seem to have found their way into his keeping). I'm pleased to report the ones he got on the way out have survived the journey home in the hold luggage.
19 March Today was a lovely, sunny day. It felt as though I was still on holiday as I walked round the garden and admired the Spring flowers. Before any of that it was time to go to the gym. Thankfully, it wasn't too busy so I could use the machines I wanted and get some calories burned off.


	One job I wanted to get done today was planting the potatoes. Nine sacks later they're all planted but I've now run out of compost so have had to order another batch. This year's potato varieties are Swift, Charlotte and Ratte. As it was such a lovely day, I cut the cross into the grass and started to edge it. There's a lot more to do.
I delivered the latest batch of knitted hearts to Francis Chappell. They were really pleased because they'd had to bring some in from Bexley as they'd run out. They asked if I knit the smaller ones as well but I don't have the pattern for those so they'll try and find it for me. I also collected a couple of pictures for Jonathon on the way there.		We had lunch outside for the first time this year. Everything we did today was under close supervision to make sure we weren't leaving him behind again!
20 March I didn't wake up too early today so missed the circuits class (I hadn't booked a space so it didn't matter). I joined some of the other Flamingos for a coffee at BR6 after gym. I hadn't seen some of them for a while so it was good to have a catch up.
Jet lag set in about 10 a.m. but I was due to walk the dogs at 11 so I pushed through it and was fine after a walk and then chicken soup for dinner. We finished the web page and I sent the notes round so people could have a look at it. www.sandjay.co.uk/CostaRica2025.htm I spent the afternoon in the garden and finished edging the grass. The first photo is "before", the others all "after". I'm glad that job is done for now.

21 March No yoga class because I'd cancelled my space, not sure what time I'd wake up. In the end, I woke up just as the class would be starting so good decision. I went to the gym and did my own thing instead then joined June, Benji and the others for a walk round Crystal Palace Park to see the dinosaurs etc. Jonathon and I went to A Mano for lunch. Gilda and I went to the theatre in the evening to see "The Girl on the Train" - real edge of your seat thriller - it was really enjoyable.

22 March Gym then went to Jo's to collect some of her spare tomato plants. They'll need brining on before I can put them in the grow bags so I've staked them up and used some of my new mini ties that Carole gave me for my birthday. Hair cut was my next job - it had got very fluffy and bushy while we were on holiday so it needed tidying up. Sarah did a good job. I went to M&S to get some food shopping after dinner - the only sensible way to get there at the moment is to walk because of the road works but it's a nice walk alongside the River Cray so no hardship, especially with the Spring flowers coming out. Had a catch up on Skype with Mum. She said she was feeling a bit odd but couldn't put her finger on what was wrong. She seemed not too bad on the call. Jonathon went to Toulouse Lautrec to do a photo shoot and I had a nice quiet night in.

23 March Gym followed by church this morning.We singers no longer go to the front of the church to lead the singing which, after a few years, seems a bit strange. I dare say we'll get used to the new system or perhaps Sohail, our new minister, will have a different idea again. Watch this space ... I took the Knoll Group on a walk round some of the Orpington churches today. Some are traditional English churches and some a bit more obscure. It's surprising how many churches we have in our town. Coco wasn't very interested in the churches but enjoyed herself when we got to Goddington Park and she could be allowed off her lead. Jonathon went to the cinema soon after I got home. Our private health covere gives us a cinema ticket if we get enough points and we had one that needed to be used by the end of March so he had to find something to go watch. Caught up with Christine. She's busy organising the village commemoration for VE80 and is trying to decide what kind of exercise she wants to do - swimming / gym etc. so she doesn't seize up completely. I spoke to Margaret. She's had a stroke since John's funeral and, whilst she's not feeling too bad, she keeps losing her words and struggles when she speaks.

		That's it for this page ... on to the next
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