s c a r y d a y

Today has been a bit scary. Featuring the hospital, results, operations, stitches, pain, and fear. But also some relief, appreciation, reassurance, and gladness for good doctors, wonderful nurses, a good healthcare system (don't destroy the NHS, please (please!) politicians), supportive, informed and loving family, caring friends and colleagues (who'd have thought?!), an EXCEPTIONALLY lovely and much-loved other half and an exceptionally sympathetic and well-behaved doglet. She knows everything... I don't think things will be precisely the same again, and it's certainly been a wake up call to prioritise, be careful, and be thankful. But, suffice for today to note just how beautiful these lilies are, sent by my cousin for my birthday. Gorgeous, white, clean and scented -- perfect.

a t r i p o u t

We have had a very busy month in the city -- lots of work, some entertaining of friends, buying a beautiful new flat (!), trying to sell our old one (...). There is lots to look forward to, although the slamming rain, the dark skies and the workplace politics can make us forget that sometimes. So it was very good indeed to get out of town on the weekend -- the sun shone ALL day, for TWO days. A miraculous record -- for which we are now paying. The doglet loved having the warmth on her face, and was very attentive as look out on the loch edge at Inverary...