What a joy it was to sleep right through the night and be woken by the heat of the sun at 7.30. Another fine day's weather, shaming me into some washing of clothes for the first time (don't think about that too much), along with a wash and brush up of my good self. I've managed to charge up some relevant batteries too, which is a great relief again, but the problem of charging persists, and will do throughout the trip I fear. The email's failure to materialise has been a blow, for which I apologise once more, but I suppose in the political circumstances prevailing we must grateful for what we have maintained so far!
Currently I seem unable to send out texts on the phone, but DO receive them, "under supervision ", so don't give up on me altogether.
I've just had a fine game of Scrabble with, among others, Ran Fiennes, interupted by some autograph hunters, which made us all think a bit, as he really doesn't act like a celebrity at all, but he IS one...one of the "fans" was a Canadian, for example. For your info, Greg won the Scrabble!
Tonight is the big Liverpool game in the Champion's League, which I'll be attempting to listen to on the radio from half past midnight tonight, somehow. I'll be tired tomorrow, but let's hope it's been worth it!

Regarding the mountain,(remember that), it's a bigger waiting game than ever this year, as we all await the setting up of camp two, at 6400m, before we go back up again, hopefully in 3-4 days perhaps. Though the weather has been generally good here, I don't know what the wind has been like high up, so we just hope it's been kind enough to the Chinese to allow them good progress towards the summit. Then it's all systems go, presumably. Patience is required here, big time. I hope I have enough.

Messages

Ruth, hope you like the shot of Ted, on his/my sleeping bag today. He's a lucky mascot, and may yet make it to top, as he's tiny. He's fine, and keeps pinching the honey from the mess tent!
Simon and Vanessa, glad you're making use of the house, hope the heating is on, and that the weather is kind to you!
Jonny, I'll try and call again, but don't know your hours in the new job. You are in my thoughts lots, of course.
Sally B, if you "google" Sir Ran Fiennes and Everest Challenge you will find the relevant web-site, or there's a link from the Marie Curie site too. Or you could look at the Himalayan Trust site that I recommend!!
Debs, yes, I do get some texts, but as I said above, they don't let me reply well at present. The lads REALLY appreciated the love you recently sent them...careful girl.
Everyone at work, hope things remain under control with you all, it seems ages since I was grappling with the daily problems of the practice. I think of you often, if only to remind myself how lucky I am to be here on the more difficult days! Remember, I think climbing Everest is easier in many ways than regular work in the modern NHS...what a state of affairs.

Responses from Greg:

Hi Irene, Jackie, John, and Jess; thank you for your messages and support, hope you are keeping well, look forward to seeing you on my return, love Greg.

Geoff H., hi pal, great to hear from you, good luck on Kangchenjunga, I am sure that you will be fine, it is one of those mountains that you can do before breakfast! Look forward to a bevvy in the County Court on my return, Greg.

Chris, hi matey, great to get your message, hope your new job is going well, I guess that you will be watching Liverpool tonight, I know Mike will be trying to listen in if possible. Good luck pal, Greg.