Steve Bates writes at Yellow Doggerel Democrat which is now one of my oldest links (adly virtualy all of the bogs I linked to in 2006 are out of business)

A couple of days ago Steve reported that he is in hospital undergoing an operation to treat a serious condition. THe treatment will entail an amputation.

My very best wishes go out to Steve at this time with the hope that he will make a speedy recovery