Cancer 88

It is approaching the end of the day in the Chemo ward. It was very busy earlier but people are disappearing and it is starting to feel like closing time in a deserted pub – not that I really remember what that is like. It is getting on for four years since I have experienced a late night in a pub. How times change. I am on the last half hour of the third intravenous drug. They were delivered late again today. I am not convinced by the effectiveness of the pharmacy in this hospital. The same thing happened last time.

I have written a little of my novel today, the first time for a few weeks. I feel I know where it is going so I hope to write a little every day. I got through the battle of Hopton Heath, where the royalist Earl of Northampton was killed. Surprisingly, the hero of the book, Jake, was involved in that. I am not convinced that his relationship with Alice is going too well. We will see about that.

I rewatched All Quiet on the Western Front the other night when I couldn’t sleep. It is one of the many disappointing films of recent years. On second watching it remained disappointing. First, it is not All Quiet on the Western Front. The plot bears little relation to the book. I know variation is normal, but this has no similarities apart from the names of a few characters. Second, there is a scene where the Germans have attacked the French trenches and are themselves attacked by French tanks coming from the German trenches! Does the director think people are stupid? It is obvious they come from the German lines because the Germans use the firesteps in the French trench to fire on them. Third, why would Kat walk several hundred metres to go for a waz? He is a soldier and a bloke, he would just piss in the field. I won’t go on. It goes into the same category as 1917 and Dunkirk, dire films from start to finish.

Anyway, being sleepless at night does provide opportunities to watch films, but I should make better choices. Anyway, books provide better visuals. I hope my novel does once it is finished – except for the sex scenes of course.

Ten minutes later. Wow! A man came and sat next to me. I heard his name, looked at him, and asked if he worked at H Hunt & Sons. He did. He was my foreman in the distant days of being a bricklayer. I last saw him in 1981 but he still looked the same, if a little older. What a strange world. He told me the boss only died last year. I thought he was old when I worked there. We had a bit of a chat, reflecting on the decades and current life.

It is an interesting world. I think I will stay around a little longer.