Autumn in the countryside and porcupines eating my arum lilly bulbs are a real thing. Amazingly, this is already our second season here in the Hemel en Aarde valley but the first visit from one of the little creatures. Archie the cat therapist, still comes for a cuddle as soon as Xena and her master leave for their walk. The rhythms of nature are more keenly felt here in the country and its taken me a year to see what changes are needed in the garden. The first one, was to move the herbs to outside the kitchen. Everything in the bed is edible, even if I can’t remember exactly what it is.

The Corona Virus is still around but has faded into the background of all the horrors happening on our planet. Unimaginable wars and heart breaking shootings seem to have taken over our lives. There is no room on the news channels, for much else. But there is tennis. Thank goodness for that.

Soon, I will be making my way to Vincent Pallotti for a check up. Yes, I am nervous. Always. But mostly I am incredibly grateful and pleased when it is behind me once more. It feels like a regular tap on the shoulder to say, ‘look after your health’ and ‘don’t get stuck in the past.’

I haven’t forgotten my death by chocolate cake idea and yes I still plan it for after my 100th Birthday party. Not actually at the party mind, so please diarise it.

I do also remember my promise about the pink bikini and this time I am setting a date… 25 December 2022. There. Set in gold.

I still recommend love over fear and hope over despair. Little miracles happen every day. Noticing them is key. And they happen when we don’t try to force things. If it’s for you, it will come to you. I have to remind myself of that regularly. If you don’t believe me, look back at the truly magical things that have happened in your own life. Take a moment.

Honour your past and then release it. It’s taking up space in your head. Now and the future are what really matter. And you can change both.

I invite you to take a risk. Hold my hand and walk into the future with me.