Messy tapering!

It's Sunday now and I am back in Essex. Tapering has been a hit and miss affair so far! I got back from Essex on Thurs, picked my bike up from it's service and John and I cycled for 2hrs on Friday. John's bike was in the workshop so, bless him, he came out on his mountain bike! I did try and persuade him to stay at home but there is no stopping him once he makes his mind up. The saddle was set a bit too low for him after our trip on the Downs Link a few weeks back. So he ended up with sore quads! Yesterday was Saturday and I went out for a recovery ride of an hour. Got rained on a bit but my new jacket is wonderfully waterproof. Left with an incredibly aching back and I suspect the cycle shop did not put my saddle back in the same place. So we will have to try and adjust it next time we're out. And I am dosed up with heavy painkillers....which kind of goes against my beliefs and training but, hey, I have 1000miles to cycle in less than a fortnight! Got to do something.
Came back to Essex as brother-in-law not so well. So do send lots of happy thoughts and love his way, would you? Thanks, it really does help.
Beth seems to be having a lovely time in the Californian sunshine riding retro bikes..no doubt to background music by the Beach Boys! I expect she is not missing our fine English drizzle one tiny iota!