I think my face is slowly gaining strength because I am once again noticing certain movements that have been absent over the past few weeks. To encourage exercise and practice I have placed a small mirror next to the monitor so I can constantly grin, grimace, blink, squint, puff out my cheeks etc. It really helps to watch yourself practice these movements because you always go for that 'little bit extra' once you see improvements. I also spent 15 mins on the face massager which was relaxing.

At this point I can independently move my right cheek with a kind of half grin. It's only about 3mm but it's more than of late. When I open my mouth fully I can feel the right side straining to move and the corner of the mouth is also showing progress. The anaesthetic feeling is still there though and food is still tasting somewhat dulled. Last night we had a hot curry but I didn't feel it till this morning. Say no more. At least my senses haven't been numbed all over!

Many more hours have been spent on this site today and we have completely familiarised ourself with the configuration of this forum. The PHP isn't too difficult and the GNU nature of it means that it's completely hackable. In a few hours we have managed to develop a branding independent version suitable for any site. Bloody good show Jeeves! Take a look at it and don't forget to leave a message. Go to Forum.

Unfortunately I have had quite a lot of eye strain today and I have noticed that my eye waters quite excessively. Not all the time but occasionally tears stream down the right cheek and drip onto the floor. Strange. I think that things should start improving when I can blink it.

I am still stumbling around the house and my ear is healing although it is still a little bit tender. The hearing in the right is still a bit muffled and the tinnitus is ringing the tunes.

Although things have been bad of late I am much more positive as I see daily improvements and I get phone calls from friends asking about me. A simple call means so much at the moment and makes you realise who your true friends are. I'll not name any names but the solicitor who calls me on his break at lunch, the dentist who has been over to fix my broken tooth and the divvy from Rochdale who never fails to make me smile! You guys are diamonds.

Now I'm not going all sentimental on you... just giving a tip to the readers. Pick up the phone and call someone especially if they aren't doing to well at the moment. I never believed it before but I believe it now. At times like this, a call is worth any winning Lottery ticket. If you can't make a call then drop them an email. My inbox has been busy recently... in fact my cousin has just sent me one. See?

Quite a few more emails have dropped in about the Tai Chi website from a few instructors which is good because they are going to approach others with a Q&A sheet for me. Can't wait for the results.

Made some more Scouse tonight. Didn't burn it this time though and it tasted great. The problem is the lack of sensation in the mouth also leaves you open to burning yourself. So don't be stupid, be warned because I've just burnt the hell outta my mouth, tongue and lips!

Well, it's about 4:30am and the forum is open. I'll get online tomorrow and start letting people know that we are ready.