Renewal and relief

Last week the bottom fell out of my wicker bike basket which was a little dramatic as I was cycling along at the time (across a field, thank god) and the contents of the basket ended up scattered on the grass. I bought that basket in March 2010 and it's been in use more or less every working day (and many weekends too) and it has survived a couple of tumbles so I don't feel hard done by.

Thankfully I sold a few of my photos and cards at the Pride Without Prejudice Exhibition and had the payment from the photography workshop I delivered which meant I was able to buy a new basket which will hopefully last another three and a half years. Maybe more.

The basket may be new but the garlands and artificial flowers are the ones from the old basket.

I am in a bit of a state of shock at the moment as I have heard that an insurance policy from many moons ago has matured and will provide a bit of a much needed financial breathing space for us, particularly as it's been confirmed that Roland's current contract at UEA will definitely end in the middle of September.

It's not a massive amount but enough to get the bank off our backs and ensure that we will not lose our home. I can't begin to explain how relieved and thankful I am.