NHS on my phone

Another dull overcast day with occasional showers and strong gusts of wind. Kath phoned on her way to work, and we had a chat while I was still in bed. She told me of Rhiannon's tech hassles at University. For some reason, she is obliged to do course work on an Apple Mac using Adobe's 'In Design' app, which is used on campus. It's not easy for her to work at home using her new iPad. She has a Mac Book Air. It needed an operating system update to match the software requirement but it's under-powered in any case. Fortunately, Kath has a Mac Mini from her technical work on the 'Dance in the Dark' show. After an operating system update and 'In design' app installation, all Rhiannon needs is a monitor, keyboard and mouse for a home based work station. The cost of hardware to engage fully in course work must make course participation highly expensive and potentially deter talented students. It's outrageous that education is now so expensive that students are indebted for decades after graduation.

I think I benefited from getting to bed last night an hour earlier, even if I woke up earlier. On taking my blood pressure pill, the light headed sensation and drowsiness weren't as pronounced as usual. Maybe that's something to do with sleep quality. 

After breakfast, I installed the NHS app on my phone for the first time. It offered face recognition as an alternative to an email login, but this refused to work for me, although I now use face recognition to open my phone. The app content is comprehensive. I can order repeat prescriptions, but I found this to be a bit complex. Maybe it's my slowed down brain.

Fears rise about the Middle East War spiralling out of control, as the Iranian choke hold on oil traffic through the Straits of Hormuz, results in price inflation and shortages of domestic fuel gas supplies The rambling inconsistency of Trump's interview commentary on the war is a matter of concern as it could trigger reactions from Iran and its allies that would make things worse than they already are. His tactic of keeping his audience guessing about his war plan is confusing and seems aimless. Is he just making it up as he goes along? Or is he failing to grasp the realistic assessments of his military and economic advisors? One thing is certain - high oil prices will benefit the American oil industry.

I spent the morning working on the Wednesday Morning Prayer video for the week after next, then cooked lunch. It was windy and drizzling rain when I went out for a walk late in the afternoon. As the temperature is a bit warmer too, buds on the trees are swelling. It won't be long before they burst into leaf. Some trees are showing both blossom and leaf a couple of weeks early this year.

We had a long conversation with Rachel after supper. She's in the throes of selling up furniture and other goods and chattels in preparation for moving back home and settling in Wales. She faces much uncertainty about her future and is having a tough time making ends meet and disengaging herself. We'll do whatever needs to be done once her exit plan takes shape. Naturally, nuestra casa es su casa.