I can’t say school’s out for Summer, because I’ve got a thesis to write this August. And Ms G has her own 3-week retreat sabbatical in Turkey coming up. She’s beeb researching ahead so she can be travel savvy and add to her programme. I’ve looked ahead to reduce the demands in my schedule, so I can get my head into writing. Funny she mentioned writing her thesis in Tunisia. Why didn’t I think of that?! Colour me inspired. Although I believe Ms G studied literature, language development or anthropology. Which might lend itself better to a Tunisian backdrop. My thesis requires frequent access to the stats lab at Westminster and a steady internet connection. Times have changed. I didn’t ask but I’m sure computer processors were a bit limited when Ms G did her PhD. Knowing she’ll be on her mystery retreat following her wellness/self improvement programme throughout August has given me some motivation however. I’ll think of her when I allow myself some day dreaming/procrastination time.

I know the act I do is simple - just carrying the shopping up the stairs. And I know I’m fortunate to have youth and fitness in my corner to be able to do that (the shopping does puff me out mind!). But my weekly visits to Ms G do a huge amount for me. It’s an anchor in an otherwise a routine existence; daily work schedules passing by without note. She’ll either ask about my running or how I’m finding my new bike to ride. Or whether my partner is brining me ice cream from his ice cream factory. And I’ll see her progress on embroidery projects which are always ambitiously planned and carefully pulled off. Good luck to us on our “Summer break”.