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Hello, Elle!
It is warm outside!
My bloods were at 11.40 a.m.
The fasting part is my idea, not the nurse's.
I was told several years ago that this gives the most accurate results, and that's what I do now, and tell the nurse what I have done, and they approve.
I was quite hungry when I got home!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, you would have been hungry!
That is what we always had to suffer when going to the Drop-In Phlebotomy Clinic at the local hospital.
It could easily be 2pm by the time we reached home.
The new optional system of making an appointment at a nearby surgery, now offering a phlebotomy service, is much more convenient for us.
It is not always necessary to fast for blood tests.
It does depend on the nature of the requested test.
I have finished my crossword ……..well, all that I can do so far.....still three clues to solve!
But I have put it aside for now.

Good afternoon, Elle!
Great day here!
I was seen by my nurse ten minutes before my appointment and on my way five minutes later.
Excellent service!
I know it is not always necessary to fast for blood tests, but it suits me and the nurses if I do.
I have had to return for a fasting test, previously, after a non fasting test was slightly high.
So it makes sense to us, and my GP is content.
I have finished my puzzle, too.
I bit easier than yesterday's, I think.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, a glorious afternoon here, too.
We are just back from a walk in the park.
I had an interesting chat with a man who had had his dog DNA tested!
The dog, supposedly a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, had grown bigger and much taller than expected for the breed.
So the guy decided to check out the dog's ancestry..........
Interestingly, it (apparently) turned out to be a pure bred Cavalier K.C
Uhm......
I have heard of humans jumping on the latest band wagon and rushing around getting home DNA tested.......
But didn't know that it was fashionable for dogs to be included!

Hello, Elle!
I was not out this afternoon.
Watching the golf.
Match play this week.
I like that format.
It's at Austin, Texas. A fine course.
Why would humans want DNA testing, Elle?
I did not know it was fashionable!
This reCaptcha is a blooming nuisance today!

Good evening, Rusty!
Apparently, home DNA testing is the latest trend......helping folk discover their ethnic origins and trace their family heritage.
Building a family tree seems to be popular...and DNA testing is supposed to be helpful in this.
I am only repeating what I have read.....and what I have been told!
I have no particular interest in this.
( I am fascinated as to why folk want to test their dogs though!)
I had trouble with ReCaptcha yesterday.
I grew sick of counting telephone wires, bridges, and shop fronts!
I wonder if Ash has upped the security level because there has been a recent increase in spam?

Hello, Elle!
My son has just left.
Had a fine time.
The latest trends and me are poles apart, I'm afraid!
I did not know about the DNA family tree thing.
One of my favourite golfers, Rickie Fowler, has a Japanese grandfather and a Native American Navajo grandmother plus European ancestors.
A good DNA mix there!
Maybe the dog DNA is useful for breeding purposes, to guarantee the dog is what it is claimed to be?
I only have trouble with reCaptcha on my tablet.
My Chromebook is left alone.

Hi, Rusty!
I am glad that you have had a good chat with your son!
I am wondering if the dog DNA might be for character suitability?
Just a long shot really..... owners might wish to know what inbred characteristics a crossbreed or mongrel might have?
I knew that my first dog was a cross bearded collie/ German shepherd, but my present dog is somewhat of a "mystery"!
Mum was a spaniel, but Dad remains unknown......
My problem with Captcha yesterday was only when answering general questions; I had no trouble posting on this thread.

Update, Rusty!
Last clue remaining......
21d: Council beginning to organise contest to fill vacated seat (6)
?O?I?T
I am thinking that the definition must be "Council" but cannot find a word to suit?
I have checked in Bradford's....
o - o (rganise)
What am I not seeing here, please?

Hello, Elle!
Vacated seat is "s(ea)t", beginning to "o"rganise, contest is "vie", giving "soviet" for council.
I thought that was a tricky one, Elle.