Thanks, Bianka, for giving me the link to my own blog! How embarrassing - when I last looked, it wasn't there, and I assumed it had been taken down. Not surprisingly, I'm having difficulty finding a photo to put in. My filing system, in spite of numerous attempts to do something about it, is all-over-the-place. I can't find any recent ones - the above must be 11 years old, when we bought the house. You can't see the building at all now, as native bushes completely block it out.

How things have changed! I'll be 80 next week and am certainly feeling it. I have osteo-arthritis in fingers, knees and toes. Recently, both knees have been buckling when I try to walk, so am off to a physiotherapist tomorrow. My GP tells me I must exercise every day. Even if I was to have an operation, my legs would still not hold me up unless I strengthen the muscles. Makes sense.

This morning I swam in the rain, as this is Day 1 since I saw the GP. He asked me to report back to him every month so he can check if I've been doing as I'm told. That is a good idea, as it will keep me on my toes. (Pun intended.)

So lovely to hear from Bianka, who lived with me for the better part of a year when she left school in Germany about 15 years ago. Her sister is in Australia now, and I'm expecting a visit from her soon, and Bianka will hopefully come again next year.

Great news with my grandchildren. Emma, 15, is in Yr 10 and Hugo, 12, started high school this year. He has been selected for the debating team! That's something I would never have been able to do. I was fearfully shy when I was at school.

The war is raging in Ukraine, and Turkiye has been devastated by earthquakes. Floods, fires, cyclones, etc, etc, all over the world. All too  horrible to think about. I try to console myself that my little bit is OK, but that doesn't really make me feel good. It's awful not being able to help anybody in trouble, except by donation.

My daily routine is: wake up any time between 7 and 11, do the online New York Times puzzles; drink numerous cups of coffee while I waste time looking at YouTube videos about the Markles and other rubbish. I try not to make any morning appointments, as I find it hard to wake out of the dreams I constantly have.

This morning was quite exceptional - I actually vacuumed and mopped the floors before having my swim, then drove up to have my hair cut at 1pm, followed by a coffee and snack. Once home, I started reading some history books.

When Hugo gets home from school, he comes down to tell me about his day, and have a berry/banana smoothie. Philip cooks nearly all the meals as I have completely lost interest in food.

I go to bed early and listen to BBC Radio 4 all night.

That's it for now. Oh dear, there are sirens outside. Wonder what has happened.