I am not who I was 20 years ago and to my eternal gratitude I am not who I was 40 years ago.

I became an enthusiastic cook during my years on that small island off the coast of Nigeria and it was because I found myself up a creek without a paddle.

Happiness is always there. You just have to choose to see it.

I could see gulls wheeling and wheeling over the ocean and suddenly it was one of those moments when time seemed to crystallise…

Sixteen or so years ago I accompanied my father on a visit to the undertakers. He wanted to finalise what he wanted done after he died.

I have been having a very happy reading time. I am fortunate in having a nice library just down the hill.

There is slight confusion, eating, all sorts of different happy and summer is coming!

Now I am a bit embarrassed to admit that it was Queen Elizabeth’s death that made me think about this...

I stepped out on the tarmac and felt this little burst of happiness. That should have surprised me because I really didn’t want to be there.

I have been so fortunate in having family and friends that have been in my life a long time, that have stayed close, became closer, became teachers and guides.