Hi Pad E. Jim,

Well the puppies are fine but I'm still out of action at the moment. I have been suffering back pain for at least the last 3 months. I'm currently undergoing Physiotherapy which basically consists of a few back muscle stretching exercises. I got up this morning, slid out of bed onto the floor and did the alloted exercises. Having climbed up the furniture to a sort of semi-standing position I tried to go downstairs. On taking the first step down the pain was excrutiating and I couldn't easily move one way or the other. I eventually managed to get back to bed where I had to stay. eventually I managed to get down stairs (sideways) but I haven't been able to stand up straight all day. Mrs thinks I've done it on purpose to get out of the house work!