What a difference a year makes

A year ago, I was preparing to go to a conference in Spain. I really didn't think I was going to make it, I felt so unwell. This year, the conference is in Northern Ireland. Not only am I feeling fine, but I'm even organising the virtual section of the conference and co-presenting an online paper. Last year, all I wanted to do was retire to the privacy of my hotel bathroom to suffer in silence; this year, I'm looking forward to taking part in the conference, though I shall probably be quite choosy about which presentations I attend!

As well as working on the conference paper, I've spent a happy time this weekend buying paint for the kitchen, generally tidying the house (still a long way to go with that, but it's much, much better than it was even a few months ago when I really couldn't be bothered to do anything) and gardening. I've cut back - and binned the results - a huge laurel bush that I'm trying to train into a hedge shape. Having been ignored for the best part of two years, it was busy making an attempt to take over the front garden. It now looks much tidier and, with a bit of encouragement, my holly, my laurel and my rose of Sharon could develop into an interesting hedge by this time next year.

How much I'm enjoying my renewed health!