Karen

I had my lie in until 8 and at 9 woke Henry. We had a busy day ahead.

After quite a bit of faffing about, we eventually got in the car and drove over to North Walsham, to buy crickets for the bearded dragon. Roadworks and a bit of getting lost, plus a detour to Cromer to buy diesel meant we didn't get back home until 11.15. We left for Cambridge after feeding up the animals at 11.45.

A slow drive following a lorry almost all the way meant it took a full 2 hours, but once back we lunched then set out to Girton to celebrate Angus' birthday with Karen, Neil and the rest of the family.

Karen has worked hard on her garden and in the few years they have lived in the Girton house, she has transformed it. I have had a nice wander in the drizzly weather to get some ideas for my own garden. Karen has a real artistic streak which is evident in her house and garden.

It has been lovely to catch up again to celebrate the first of our children's 21sts. I've met Karen's friend Denise, her parents and sister, and their families, plus Neil's sister, on various occasions, and it is always nice to hear how everyone's lives have moved on.

Karen is a midwife in Cambridge. This is her second career after 15 years in pensions. She is living proof that you can change careers and start something new even in your 40's. She is an inspiration!! A really special friend, who will be allowing Mollie to stay with her in September.

A nice day. Nice company, lovely friends & a great feeling that even though I am so far away from all my friends now, they are still there :-)