Blood test this morning. I found a parking space, as the new Number Plate Recognition System stops staff parking in the visitor spaces. It took two attempts to fill the tube and that was that. I had my results four hours later. INR was too low, dose was increased and an appointment fixed for next week. I was, I admit, disappointed as I’d expected it to be better.

Six hours later I had another call. First there was an apology, then a promise of an investigation, and finally, my proper results.  INR is in the zone, dosage is the same and the appointment is in three weeks. That is more like it.

I’d better address the big news of the day, which is the death of the Queen. I’ve never known any other head of state and until recently thought she would probably see me out. Unfortunately she has not been well lately and by continuing to work, probably shortened what little time she had left. I’m sorry to see her die, although I’m not a great royalist, and my thoughts are with her family, though they don’t know me and my sympathy doesn’t count for much.

I seem to have pressed the wrong button there, and posted before finishing. That means, I imagine, that this one has no title either. I have added one now, but it may not show up.

Numismatically these are interesting times, because there will be a Coronation Medal, new coins and new stamps.  It’s going to be exciting for collectors, and also rather strange. I’m old enough to remember  coins with effigies of Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI (there were to British coins for Edward VIII) but anyone who was born since decimalisation in 1971 (which is anyone under 51) will never have seen any other effigy other than Elizabeth II on a coin.

Dove of Peace on £2 Coin