I went in to see Isobel just after 5pm. The nurse reported that as well as eating and drinking fairly well, Isobel had suddenly talked in the morning and replied yes or no to several questions. Isobel ate a medium sized bowl of porridge an a pot of balanced supplement for breakfast; had another pot of supplement later in the morning but slept through lunch.

Isobel was awake when I arrived - not surprising as the telephone engineers were working in the short corridor directly opposite her room. As a by-product a refreshing (almost bracing actually) breeze blew through the open door at the end of the corridor. Isobel was able to confirm that she was comfortable, felt better and had eaten well this morning. She attempted to say several sentences but I could not make out a single word. This was frustrating but at least Isobel was clearly happier and more alert.

Isobel ate her first course alternately with a beaker of blackcurrant. Although slow, she finished both without any problem except for one very mild cough and splutter. She then ate a pot of black cherry yogurt, she was able to confirm that she was enjoying eating this. Isobel again tried to say some sentences but I was a long way from being able to understand them. Isobel's speech is slurred and unclear.

When Isobel had finished eating and drinking she confirmed that she would like some of her book read to her and I did this for over half an hour (we are now past page 200). Isobel was still awake although showing signs of tiredness. Her eyes were following objects and seemed to be focussing; this was more convincing than for several weeks. We sat and talked for a while, I felt confident Isobel was following what I was saying. Isobel dozed off for brief periods, but was still partially awake when I left at a quarter to nine.