I must say I wasn’t at all apprehensive for the x-ray results as I had recently had a complete cancer blood screening which covered every single eventuality, but it’s always great relief to get the all clear. And it’s my mother’s birthday – she would have been 95. So altogether an auspicious day.

The thing is, you are as healthy as you feel – and I feel great thanks to the care I take about my diet and exercise. I am sure it makes a huge difference, and as we know this is supported by science, see the Doc’s blog on optimism and taking control.

To emphasise my jolly mood here are a couple of recent photos from the National orchid garden here.

sorry can’t be more specific than ‘red orchid’!

and, er, yellow orchid!