Scheduling for the upcoming week with the iOS26 Reminders & Calendar Apps
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After the full on experience of Tokyo and then Osaka (via Kamakura) yesterday we went to stay at a Riyokan next to a Buddhist monastery, Eiheiji, in the mountains outside of Fukui. This is the Riyokan
We spent an hour in a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk - Mrs Duck was v keen but it was all a bit Julia Roberts for me. This morning at 0700 we walked around the monastery when there were no other visitors
The Riyokan specialises in a Buddhist vegan menu and it was absolutely delicious washed down with new season sake that was only released on 23rd October
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it all looks wonderful, very jealous. i do hope you are both doing the full on riyokan bathing rituals?
Last night I renewed my passport on line. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
Enter my details.
Enter expired passport details.
Enter Code I received from Max Spielmanm when they took my photo.
Tick a few yes/no boxes.
Pay.
Although I’ve gone for the fast track option, so need to remember to take my old passport when I go to the interview.
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Oh yes. There was a communal bath in the place above but we are now at an amazing riyokan in Yamanaka Onsen so we have a proper onsen. I’ll post pix tomorrow but my bits are well and truly scrubbed 
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Please, no pics of your bits…….
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You sure?
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After all, this is a “family” website. 
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Never more certain of anything in my life!
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Harsh. Crispy’s bits may be photogenic……artistic even….or hmmm, maybe not…..
The latter!
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You Only Live Twice…?
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Arrived yesterday at Yamanaka Onsen, one of four hot water spring towns that make up Kaga Onsen. Superb riyokan set in the hillside of a valley above a river.
It has on onsen on the second floor but also an open air one on the very top floor where you can sit in the hot spring bath looking out over the valley. I went there yesterday afternoon and also at 7 am this morning where I had it to myself - very special. Our traditional riyokan room where they remove the tables and set up futons while you are having dinner
Views from our bedroom yesterday and this morning
The quality of the food and service was just sensational - this is a v upmarket hotel and will probably be the highlight of the trip. Last nights menu (had with a flight of 8 sakes)
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New Worcester Bosch LPG central heating boiler being installed today plus a radiator powerflush. Hopefully back to snug as a bug by tomorrow evening.
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Had an appointment with a Consultant Urologist this morning. I’ll leave the mechanics of that to your imagination.
Referred for a Prostate MRI. Also an ultrasound of Kidneys and associated plumbing.
Willy.
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Hope it’ll be all-clear Willy.
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Ah, that missing comma.
G
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Received the results of my June MRI scan today and the tumour (Vestibular Schwannoma) has shrunk.
My hearing has been fairly stable for a few months now. I don’t think it will get any better.
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Hope all goes well.
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Had an Oncology appointment today, good and bad news. The PET scan results mean that the cancer had metastasied, oh dear, but it was suppressed, hmm. Lovely doctor, giving me another drug, monthly appointments and blood tests required, hey-ho, whatever is needed. So it seems lifelong treatment, as long as it works, probably kick the bucket of something else. The new drug, Enzalutamide, has a lot of side effects, so fingers crossed.
I know that there are a number of forum members with health issues on here, best wishes to you all.
My dad said don’t ever get old, I totally get it now.
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