I went to donate blood today. The hall was quite empty: maybe many donors have a cold.

The nurse, who reminded me of a kindly friend of mine (Maya), checked my blood for iron - no problems to give blood. I was soon whisked off to a bed and a needle was put in my arm. They had this fancy LED indicator to show how much you have donated which flashes red when you're done.

Each nurse I spoke to tried to hoist a key ring, with my blood group, on me. Thanks for me giving blood again. I only took the one. All was good until I tried to leave the bed. I got out of the bed rather swiftly, and just wanted to check I was okay before proceeding. A nearby nurse spotted me and made me lie down again. Another two nurses appeared out of nowhere and elevated my legs. Another brought me a cup of water and a straw. I was there for another five minutes or so.

Then I toodled off to have a drink and a biscuit. I was quietly munching away, when two elderly ladies, who were not nurses, mentioned that I looked a little pale. A nurse came over and checked my forehead - yes I was hot, because it was a warm hall and I was wearing a jumper!

Well that was enough for another group of these magic nurses to produce a bed, a fan, and have me horizontal within seconds. Despite my protestations that I was fine, they made me lie down for another five minutes. I made my escape soon after, otherwise I would have been there all day!

Total time: about an hour.