Sorry MOS, didn't realise that - der! Growster - I know what you mean about NHS hospitals (or some of them) as many are still in their original old buildings like ours, and despite the add-on extensions all over the place, there is still that atmosphere of pungent gloom. The only exception that I know of around here is when our NHS hospital created a lovely new oncology unit from what used to be the old private ward that replaced what I could only describe as the most shed-awful, dingy, old yellow paint-peeling and very cramped "corridor" that made you feel sick before you'd even had your chemo. I had two or three treatments there until they opened the new unit and the difference to how it made me feel was staggering! My OH was saying that rather than continually paying over the years into a medical insurance plan, it may be better to put the money into something else that will not only accrue a bit of interest but also something where you can access your cash should the occasion arise. I know interest rates are rubbish at the moment but over the long-term things might change. PS - Growster, if you need anything stitched back on don't get a Black and Decker; better to get a Bosch, Stihl, or you could even let Mrs G get her old Singer sewing machine out, oil all the important places, and to choose the thread colour and type of desired stitching pattern. May I suggest either herring-bone or, if you want to look thinner, perhaps a neat tuck?
