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...

c o m m u n i t y e c o l o g y

Now that the doglet's leg is getting better we are slowly introducing her back into the community, by which we man the local meadow that she loves so much. Unfortunately, the meadow is constantly under threat from developers, who would seek to destroy its peace and quiet, and its variety of plant life, which is quite remarkable. But it has a dynamic and active team looking to protect it (see their campaign), and who use part of the space to do some gardening and growing. And feeding of the birds. It was a lovely break and release for the doglet and her carers to go to see the buds starting to appear even as the ice still cracked under foot today.

f o x y w h i s k e r e d g e n t l e m a n

Those who remember Beatrix Potter's stories will remember the charms of the foxy whiskered gentleman. I'm lucky enough to have one of my own, so my card to him on Tuesday was this delightful one from the very lovely Claire Hartigan. I had a cup of happiness in return. I've filled it this week with a fiery coldbuster from Leon, in an attempt to ward off nasties. It should have been a week for getting things done -- wearisomely, almost nothing's been done at all. I have the fear, but instead of dealing with it, I'm learning a new technique for turning a heel on a sock. God help me.