Right then. I've removed the strapping attaching the broken finger to its brothers and am attempting to type this. Not easy but as I'm told that it is going to take months for the finger to heal completely I can't just avoid everything for that long.

How did it happen? My second visit to the gym without the tutor I went up to the piece of equipment where you push forward a pair of handles and by a series of levers weights are lifted. I had to adjust the seat to suit my height and it stuck. I fought with it for a bit with my full strength and suddenly the whole seat bit shot out of the socket and then came down on the wedding ring finger of my left hand. It was totally an accident and I didn't realise properly then just what I had done. After running water from the drinking fountain on the finger I carried on with the rest of the exercises, went outside and bought a bottle of drinking water. It was only when I went to the changing room to change I looked at my rapidly swelling finger and thought that I out to tell someone so it could be put in the Sports Centre's Accident Book. They took it very seriously and insisted that I went to the hospital. An X-ray showed that the finger is broken badly. The consultant in the Fractures clinic said that it is no good operating as the bits of bones are too small for metal to attach to them. So I have to wait for it to heal of its own accord with the knowledge that there is a risk that I might never gain full mobility back. Hurts a lot at times but I can do things now with the thumb and forefinger of my left hand so I am not completely helpless. And fortunately I am right handed. But - no craftwork at all, I've had to put the knitting, crocheting and sewing away. This is my first real attempt at typing and if I take the strapping off it seems I can do some. Thank goodness.

Many thanks for your kind wishes Cop Car and Buffy. Sorry I've been away. I'll try and get back more.