Widnes Monday 21st June

Last night we made a welcome return to the United Services Club in Widnes. It was a long day, starting at nine in the morning when I visited my specialist at the hospital. I had a blood test and he told me that my white blood cell count was very low, due to my ear/mouth/throat infection. I have to inject myself each day in order that my body will produce more white cells. I have to see him again on Friday. He warned me that if my temperature rose above 38c, he'd admit me to hospital for a large dose of antibiotics.
We hit the road during the afternoon and arrived at the venue exactly on schedule. and were soon set up. The biggest hassle after that was getting a cup of tea. Once refreshed we got ready to play our two sets.
All the band members were presented with specially embroidered tour jackets by Nicki and Tracy, and very fetching they look as well. We could have done with them last weekend in Pickering.
Nicki was well received, although the audience seemed a bit more reserved than they were on Saturday. Tracy sold less merchandise as well, but that may be due to the economic climate and an older audience on a fixed income.
When the show was over, I sat in the van while the others packed the kit down. That felt very strange. I'm used to being in the thick of things, but if I'm to make it to the end of this tour I will have to conserve my energy.

I thought I'd claimed the corner seat in the back of the van, but as I got out to say goodnight to everybody, Cozy sneaked in to sit there as usual. The drive home was the usual mix of dozing whilst sitting up, numb bum and legs, pins & needles. We stopped near Uttoxeter on the A50 for some diesel and a chance to stretch our legs and then it was onwards towards home.
After dropping Cozy off we arrived home at about 4.00.

Yesterday was the longest day, the Summer Solstice. We seemed to spend a lot of it driving.