Last week my friend, Mabel, was feeling terribly ill so her husband 'phoned the doctor's surgery. 'I'm afraid the doctor is busy until 10am Thursday,' said the receptionist. 'But that's three days away! My wife is terribly ill,' pleaded Mabel's husband. 'What if she's dead by then?' 'Well,' replied the receptionist, you can always 'phone and cancel the appointment.'