It's been a hectic week or so. I came down with shingles (yuk!) the week before last - thought it was insect bites to start with but a quick visit to the docs confirmed the diagnosis I'd worked out through intensive Internet research. Stress induced illness. Whatever next! I finished a seven day dosing of anti-viral horse pills on Tuesday and the worst seems to be over. For a change, I have been as good as gold. Resting now and then even.

I hadn't scheduled time to be ill, of course. Instead, I'd organised a surprise birthday party for him-indoors on Friday 14 December and the show had to go on. Since then, we've spent a weekend with my kids and grandson. Oh and we moved home. As I say, a busy week or so.

I wrote this poem for him-indoors and embarrassed him in front of all his friends by reading it aloud at the party - just before they showered him with party popper streamers and the cake was wheeled in. 

Better than all the rest

The years have flown past
It seems so unfair
To witness a pate
Shining through your hair
As the days shorten
And patience wears thin
The run is a jog
When old age sets in

But you fall well short
Of six score and ten
And with such hindsight
It’s clear, now as then
The spring in your step
The gleam in your eye
Serve to remind you
Of good times gone by

May your next few years
Be doubleplusgood
Embrace every day
As you know you should
Kind, thoughtful, loving
With you, I am blessed
So, I raise my glass
To, simply, the best