And so it is official. It has begun. I am now one of the 1.5 million folks that have been ordered to stay at home for at least the next twelve weeks. And although I’ve already been self-isolating for a while, although I knew this was coming, it feels quite scary now it has eventually … More Shielded From The World
I’m always a little nervous on the drive to hospital check-ups. My head starts psychologically prepping itself for bad news, and the ‘What if’s…’ start circling my thoughts. Even when I’m feeling in my best health, and am confident that my heart and lungs are doing well… there’s always a few butterflies as we drive … More Hospital Appointments And The Coronavirus
I’ve been awake since 5am thinking about today. It’s a big one in my diary. For the past week, I’ve been counting down the sleeps, eagerly making plans with Phil, and telling everyone I see. I even dreamed about it last night! Today is ‘Clumps Day’ in our house. 😀 After seven years of illness, … More The Clumps Day
My phone beeps every time there is a breaking news story. Whereas once that noise signaled another Brexit saga to roll my eyes at… now that ding makes my stomach drop. Every. Single. Time. Butterflies swarm my tummy, I subconsciously hold my breath, and I brace myself to read the latest. ‘Cause these days the … More The Approaching Monster
This time ten years ago, I was packing up my home and job and life, in readiness for a move to Ethiopia. At the same time, one of my best friends was also boxing up her world, and preparing to move to Belgium. Neither of us had worked in those countries before, so we were … More A Longed For Trip To Brussels
I was awoken on Christmas morning by a symphony of squeals and shouts, and a herd of elephants running up and down the stairs. It was still dark outside. 🙂 Half-asleep, I stumbled down the hall to find my eldest nephew a-jumping and a-leaping, excitedly screaming “Santa has been!”. And his younger brother frantically shaking … More The First Noel
The other evening Phil and I had a date night. In our own home. 🙂 We dressed to the nines, decorated the room with (battery operated! 😛 ) candles, and cooked a delicious Mexican feast. Later, over Chocolate Orange fudge cake, we started chatting about our year. Reflecting on 2019. Looking back.It’s become a bit … More Looking Back
I’ve been keeping something to myself for a few months now. Something unexpected. Something nice. Something a little confusing. For three and a half months, I’ve been watching and waiting and wondering and wishing. I’ve been monitoring and second guessing and speculating and hoping. But all in my own head, alone. I’ve not dared to … More The Unexpected
Mention ‘Bradgate Park’ to anyone who has lived in Leicestershire and their face will light up. It’s my home county’s pride and joy, its crown jewel, its ‘David Attenborough’. Everyone loves it, adores it, treasures it. Everyone has memories and tales and stories to share. It is one of the shire’s high points… quite literally. … More Reaching Old John Again
Last month I had to move back to my childhood home. Back to my teenage bedroom, my Mum’s home-cooked dinners, my old village haunts. For two weeks I slept in my single bed, enveloped by brightly coloured walls, and surrounded by photos of my high school days. Meanwhile Phil remained back at our house alone. No … More Moving Out
