Nearly everyday I cross a bridge near my apartment. There are traffic lights at the end of the bridge, so frequently I have wait on the bridge for the lights to change. More often than not, as I wait, the bridge begins to shudder and move. Earthquake!

I jump and panic; what should I do?

There is not an earthquake. The bridge appears to have independent suspension and if a truck drives onto it, it shakes.

Scares me to death every time.

This anecdote is to explain that I have lost my nerve. I suppose it is a symptom of old age.

It is the same with the boat, which you will remember, we moved onto a much higher trailer.

I dare not get into her

I climbed aboard yesterday and was terrified. It was too high, my balance felt wrong and it swayed as I moved around. Kiyuna san who is my age hops in and out like a cat. Nerves are shot.

I manage to sand down the center plate surround and drench it in anti fouling paint.

I also do a test run of rudder plate installation.

The next indication of shredded nerves is a sensation that I have had in my lower abdomen for the last couple of weeks. I convince myself that it is a huge tumor or a hernia or an ulcer or at least, cancer .

I cycle over to the Onna Clinic, which is only 5 mins from my flat. There no appointments, you just wander in. A nurse does height, weight, blood pressure and generally asks what is wrong. I then see a doctor who interrogates me on what I think is the problem. I then have an ultrasound scan, a chest Xray, a urine test, an electrocardiogram, a blood test. I ask why I need a chest Xray and an electrocardiogram to diagnose what the sensation in the lower abdomen might be. They say that I might as well have a full check up now that I am here. Next I see another doctor who goes over my results. Amazingly everything is just fine. However the blood test results only come in on Monday.

Maybe the blood test results will come up with something good.

Again, I am amazed by the wonderfulness of the Japanese health system.