Just when you thought it was safe....

.... to go back in the water.

Here I am logged in on son's computer.

I had a safe journey up here, taking my time (by which I don't mean driving like a little old lady) but being very aware of the price of petrol nowadays. There was nobody at home when I arrived, but I was welcomed warmly by the dog once I had found the key and got in..

Grandson came in and I got big hugs. I helped prepare the vegetables for the evening meal - the rest was a delicious steak and kidney pie from an extremely good butcher; the meat and gravy were suitably plentiful and the pastry was many layered and crisp. Son had bought a new potato peeler with the kind of blade that I used not to be able to use, but once I had got the knack I found it very easy (see, even an old dog can learn new tricks.) I had a nice glass of red wine with the meal.

After that, elder son had to go out - this is a very common event for this busy man and grandson went to a friend so I was left with granddaughter who is a delight. Bedtime for all (including me, but excluding son) and I supervised teeth brushing and hand and face washing, and offered bedtime stories (declined - my how quickly they grow up).

I went into my bedroom and they dashed around me giggling; they pulled back the duvet to display two envelopes inscribed "Happy Birthday!" and a parcel. I was so touched and asked them if they wanted me to open them then or to leave them for my birthday, which is next Tuesday. They said it was up to me to decide, so I think I shall open them before I go home when they are there to see.

Slept like a log .