I live on a quiet little suburban street about twenty minutes from downtown. There are maybe sixteen houses along the street and, apart from the nine kids next door, we’re probably the noisiest household on it. I love the place next door because of that. Jessica and Sophie – Jess particularly – can be very noisy.

As we approach year’s end, I realise that I’ve got nothing done and will get nothing done for the next six days (when Charles heads home). I’ll be intermittently available by email, and apologise for any delays in responding if you get in touch.

With New Year’s in sight, I’m thinking on resolutions. Not cheap, easy over-a-glass-of-champagne resolutions, but things-aren’t-working-out-and-I-need-to-change-how-I’m-living resolutions. These past five years I’ve aged, gained weight and become exponentially more stressed. This is not a survival plan. I need to lose weight, cope with stress better, and re-balance my life. Serious decisions to be made.