Next, please!
It's a good job I've never minded having blood tests as I have had so many... at several times I have had them weekly or fortnightly, when I was taking part in a drug trial, and when I started a new treatment. Luckily I've got 'good veins'; the staff are always pleased to see them!
I'm back to quarterly tests for routine monitoring which simplifies my life.
By which you can gather that today was one of those days.
The whole operation has become very much more efficient. It used to be a 'walk-in-service, but that could mean you were in and out in minutes, or find the queue met you halfway along the corridor. A nightmare for people from care homes, or coming by taxi.
Now you book online, or telephone, and get a minute slot on a day and at a time you prefer.
Music
Another viginal, even older than yesterday's.
Here's the description;
This stately pavane by Orlando Gibbons draws influence from his fellow countryman Dowland’s Lachrimae, "Flow, my tears". Both pieces are presented in Jean Rondeau's newest album, Melancholy Grace.
"In 1596 John Dowland sowed a melodic seed … cultivating fame for a song that would have considerable impact in England throughout the period of burgeoning musical activity that coincided with the end of Elizabeth I’s reign and the post-Elizabethan era. ... This song is an emblem, a signature. Its title is ‘Flow, my tears’. It is Dowland’s Lachrimae. A musical shape repeated, rewritten, improvised, a melody embedded in the creative collective. It will not fade – it lingers and resonates." – Jean Rondeau
Here, he records on a 16th-century Florentine arpicordo, or polygonal virginal (a compact harpsichord), produced around 1575 by an unknown maker, possibly Francesco Poggi.
I'm glad youve got "good veins"- they always struggle to find mine!
ReplyDeleteIt helps!
DeleteI have what one Philipino nurse described as 'very unfriendly veins'. It's not like I do it on purpose.
DeleteI don't think I has appreciated how lucky I am!
DeleteI'm glad they were easily able to find a vein. Is having an appointment better or worse than just going in?
ReplyDeleteMuch better. You know how long you have to wait (almost no time at all!)
DeleteAn appointment system works much more efficiently.
ReplyDeleteYes. At first I was a bit miffed ('another cursed app on my phone') but the new system is actually much better.
DeleteI am going for the very same this afternoon. Can you imagine a time when we will simply draw up in our cars, stick an arm out and a machine will take blood???
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe dispense a cup of tea in return?
DeleteWell done on your superior veins!! I like the illustration!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the music. I like Dowland and Orlando Gibbon very much. I like his Cries of London!
Gibbons was my favourite hymn tune composer at school. We all had our own hymn book and had to take them in to assembly every day
Delete