It has been many months since I last blogged [May 2016] because of serious health problems, and although I never fell off the Reichenbach Falls it has at times felt like it.
But now after my brilliant surgeon and his team performed a robot assisted operation, I am enjoying every day as a bonus, even when the weather is as dismal as it is today. I feel obliged to try to live a few more years in view of the enormous amount of time and money the National Health Service, and the wonderful people who work at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital have devoted to my care. Never has a hospital and its staff been more deserving of the title “Royal”. My energy and concentration levels are still very low so my blogs will be briefer and less frequent, but I am going to try to make a bit of a come back.
My choices of my best reads of 2016, can be viewed at Karen’s Eurocrime. Karen was kind enough to include me among her reviewers even though I haven’t contributed anything for a long time.
![THE VAULT [BOX 21]: ROSLUND-HELLSTROM](https://crimescraps2.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/n248412.jpg?w=93&resize=40%2C40){kind=small}
CRIME SCRAPS REVIEW 
I can’t tell you how absolutely delighted I am that you’re back among us, Norman! So very happy to see you, and wishing you health and strength.
What a relief to see you in my inbox, Norman!! I was getting worried and thinking it may be about time to send you an email enquiring as to your well-being. I get such emails myself, but then, as you know, you and I are close in age and, as you may recall, in health. Getting old’s a bugger, is it not? I welcome you back with joy, good chum, and look forward to your every post, regardless of frequency or length. May your strength and energy return apace. Philip
Nice to hear from you Philip
We may be close in age but I hope your health was and is better than mine. Best wishes.
Welcome back Norman!
Very good to see you back, Norman, and to hear that your health is much improved.
Norman: Seeing the post you are back in the blogosphere brightened a Canadian winter day. I hope knowing there are many around the world who care about you and look forward to your thoughts encourages you.
Many thanks to you all for the good wishes, they are much appreciated. Thank you.
Welcome back! So glad to hear you’re back on your feet and ready for a healthier, happier new year. Thanks for all your hard work with the blog – looking forward to new posts soon!
Congratulations to your restored good health and welcome back to the blogosphere. And thanks to the British Health Service for such excellent care.
Whatever book comments you want to write, we will gladly read.
I read your list and of your five recommendations, I had read The Moth Catcher, my first Ann Cleeves’ book and The Caveman, that at your suggestion. Both very good.
Hi Kathy, glad you enjoyed them.
My wife and I spent much of my recovery time watching Vera DVDs so we are now real Ann Cleeves fans.
Love Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope, and I also enjoy looking at the beautiful landscapes.
Nice to see you back Norman! I hope the renewed good health continues…
Thank you Moira.
A belated welcome back to good health and blogging Norman. And glad the wonderful Vera kept you company…that series is wonderful.
Thanks Bernadette. I am on to the 33 episodes of Morse on DVD now, while also viewing Nigella Lawson on TV.