@anny - I live in Bromley, which is more South London than Kent these days. My brother and sister-in-law live in Whitstable and it's very up and coming now - the place to go for oysters and live music and always very busy at weekends. I used to spend childhood summer holidays at Birchington, just along the coast from Whitstable and in some ways that part of the coast has changed a lot less than the rest of the country; it still seems a bit behind the rest of the country, which isn't a bad thing! London is manic. Canterbury's lovely too, but impossible to park.
You're right about the waiting. I don't know if I'll have to wait until July/August, or if I'm in with a chance of a cancellation. We've just booked a week away in May, as I know it won't be before then (or it would be typical if it was!). I thought it would give us something to look forward to apart from an op. You sound like as much of an over-thinker as me (sounds better than worrier!), and I just get over one thought before another intrudes. I put it down to super-intelligence! (lol
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@mcopt - I've only been skiing once - back in the '80's - and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I knew I'd never get any better as I haven't got the nerve. I used to walk and cycle a lot, but I don't think I'll even get back to any of that, although I'm hoping to go rambling for the exercise. I swim too - not well, but it loosens the joints up - and I'm glad to hear that you managed breast stroke, as my crawl is pretty awful and I look a bit over the hill to be doing doggy paddle.
I've never been to Solihull, but it sounds as though you might be in for the snowy weather next week. All we keep getting here is rain, which is rather depressing, hence the holiday booked (above). A week in the sun (or at least warmth, even if it rains) sounds as though it might build me up before I get knocked sideways!!