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The appointment is at half past nine, and that is fine because it is only a ten minute walk to the doctor's practice. He is going to search for signs of cancer, the last examination was two years ago. There is time for breakfast, it is not the kind of examination to worry about. Make a second cup of coffee after the son has gone, and forget to put water into the machine. Realise that something is wrong when there is a smell of roasting coffee mingled with burning rubber. Lift the machine off the heat and put it into a handy pot full of cold water. There is a loud hissing noise as the machine cools. Open it up and remove the filter and see that the rubber seal is still intact. All is well, fill it with water and put it on the heat.

Finish drinking the coffee just in time to leave the house and to be at the doctors practice ready for the appointment. The first thing to deal with are the surcharges, and then a blood sample is taken in the laboratory. 

The doctor is quick and efficient, there are interesting things to be seen on the monitor. There is a large cyst on one of the kidneys, but the doctor says it is harmless. Considering the age of the patient, everything seems to be in order, perhaps a small operation in a few months, we shall see says he.

Order a cup of coffee in the Italian restaurant and watch the waiter, the cook and the owner struggle to install a new refrigerated display case for cakes. They are all getting in each other's way.

Go back home again to organise the further sale of the collection of photographic bits and pieces.