Fright Sprite

That's my girl! Just how I feel these days when I catch my reflection and not far off how I look either.

All the time she seems to be thinking, weighing us up and maybe wondering how she came to be here and how she is going to get back into the nice cosy place she came from.

"Help!" She's calling out - "Somebody get me out of this crazy world." And that's before she's started listening to the news.

Never mind, Lizzy. Just you concentrate on the serious of matter of What Goes In Must Come Out, that's all: Data In, Data Out. You'll soon get the hang of how the world works. Maybe.

Family photo

Little Lizzy Mullen with her proud parents .

It's a big deal to start a family nowdays. If not the traditional accident that brought many into the world it takes a brave decision to take a break in a career and forego freedom.

The sudden responsibility for a helpless infant is a a reality check and the distressing fact that babies cry destroys the dream of ideal parenting.

Rosy and Phil are doing just great, working together and sharing the good and not so good moments too. Lucky Elizabeth. Lucky parents.

Tom's time

It does not seem so long since my Tom was tiny.
Just as surely as a burning candle marks the passage of time so our children measure our lives as they grow. Tom is now 33 and finally approaching the end of his studies, a self inflicted discipline that has necessitated some frugality and a great deal of debt.

So now his sister's child has arrived safely into this world our attention is turned to Tom as we wait with baited breath for the outcome of his labour. As many people are willing you on and wishing you well as you head towards the finishing line on your own marathon journey. No pressure... Just do it.

From home to home

I have lived here for nearly seven years and now it is time to think about packing my bags. I

would like to be able to pack my home into my bag and take it with me. I always thought I would end up doing just that and maybe I will. But it will need to be a pretty enormous bag as I have a lot of home to take with me. Am I leaving home or going home? It feels like both. I want to go back to Liverpool. My children think it is their city but I was there before they were born.

But I won't be going anywhere until I find someone suitable to take care of my house and love my little garden. I'm not leaving it for just anyone. Applicants please note that you will also have to look after the hill, the chapel and the new community centre. And be nice to my excellent neighbours. And organise the summer fair.