Health

All goes well. I am inclined to think that yesterday's smidgen of improvement has continued.

The dr was less than bowled over by the “abnormal” ECG. He has referred me to cardiology for an “echo” which will make the diagnosis more precise, and has doubled the dose of diuretic which he says should relieve the symptoms of weakness and breathlessness. The diagnosis being, as far as I understand, a thickening of the wall of the left ventricle, making the pump less efficient. AND he doubts whether cider is the main causal factor – he prefers old age. Go for the simpler explanation first, he said – another follower of William of Ockham. Also, my liver is in good condition.

I will have to wait some weeks for cardiology, which is a bore. But once it's done, further drugs can be prescribed.

He clearly knew what Weston's Vintage Cider was, and likes an occasional bottle of it himself. We told him the Whole Truth.

Greek Helen is safely here, so it is hard to know whether I really feel better or am just enjoying the Helen-effect. She says I look as I usually do: I wondered about that; it is hard to tell, peering at oneself in a mirror. It's reassuring to hear her say it.

The Milano is hers, a belated 51^st birthday present, all unblocked and even un-steam-ironed. I will see that we get a picture before she leaves. It looks good on her.

Cookery

The Rose Elliot Bean Book turned up yesterday, AND “Heirloom Beans” from Rancho Gordo, sent by my sister. The former looks pretty austere (I got the first edition, remember), breathing the spirit of Lord Woolton. Helen will have to point out the choice bits. I liked the critic who filed a review on Amazon full of praise, saying that if you found the recipes too bland you could always add a chilli.

“Heirloom Beans” looks wonderful. I will start with Spring Lamb and Flageolets, as soon as Helen is gone. She is a near-vegetarian. There are lots of big words I don't know, in this book. Some of them will be a simple question of translation, “cilantro” and “arugula”. Others will reflect the fact that you've got lots more beans and chillis and cactus's in the UsofA and I will have to make things up as I go along. But it will clearly be worth the adventure.

Knitlass, I'm sure you (and Kitchen Cabinet) are right, that canned beans are very good these days. I think Jamie Oliver says so somewhere, too, but I can't find the passage when I want it.

And, oh yes, Knitting

The 14^th repeat of the centre of the Unst Bridal Shawl lacks only two rows. I haven't yet taken the promised picture. This is real progress – another fortnight,less, even, should get us on to the border.

Now I must get on with the day – an exciting one, as people are coming from London to talk to my husband about his Magnum Opus.