Forgive me Blogger - it is eight months since my last confession. My first instinct is to think that not much has happened in that time, but it only takes a few seconds reflection to realise that much has.

The fact that I am writing here once more reflects perhaps the most important change. I'm now hoping to have the time to write regularly due to a change in my position at work.

Since Christmas I have been dogged by health problems related to stress and overworking. My health concerns only led to more stress, more sleepless nights and the circle became ever more vicious. To cut a long story short, an opportunity arose at work which should hopefully improve my quality of life all ways round. The job will be an interesting challenge, but should not involve the hours and day-to-day stress that I have been suffering for a good many years now.

I've now recruited a replacement for my current job, and I'm getting the feeling that I'm almost at the top of the mountain and am just starting to get glimpses of the fertile valley on the other side. I have the makings of a fabulous summer spread before me, and could even have the time to make the most of it.

The World Cup of course goes without saying - four weeks of mouth-watering footie, and the best England team for more than thirty years full of confidence and ready to give it their best shot. At the end of June we are away to Canada to surprise my mother-in-law on the occasion of her 80th birthday, followed by a road trip up to Ottawa. Then in August we have two weeks booked in a farmhouse in Provence - a region which we are both unfamiliar with, but about which we have heard so much.

This weekend has already got summer of to a great start. The weather has been fantastic and we have made the most of it. Friday night we went to an outdoor production of Hamlet by The Festival Players. It was the perfect night for a picnic outside in a beautiful setting. The performance was most entertaining - some of the play was cut, but what do you expect from a company of six male actors playing all the parts. "Enter Fortinbras with Army" was always going to be a challenge.

Last night saw more open air eating and drinking. We had guests over, and ended up sitting around our neighbours' campfire until the early hours.

Well this has gone on far too long, but it's been good to get back in the saddle.

Here comes summer!