I can’t remember the last time I put pen to paper, metaphorically anyway, but I promise you I have written many blog posts in my head in the last few months. I have plenty to write about of my own accord, and other people, including family members, have asked me to write about specific things. I will. I promise. Eventually. I just need to get back in the habit.

At this point I’d like to thank my fellow bloggers for reminding me of their existence and of the fact that they read my bons mots (I flatter myself) and some have been kind enough to wonder what has happened. And no, I have not been cured of my general logorrhea.

I know. I’m a procrastinator, and like? to leave things to the last minute. So now it’s the last minute. And I’m panicking. Will I get evertything done? My travels. My education. My family. My life changing events.

And herewith lies my excuse, my reason, for not having written. A major life changing event.

I am in love. Besotted. Crazy. No, I have not given up my husband for a younger man. Well not quite: since July 2nd I am a grandmother.

This little miracle happened (with the full 9 months notice) on a Wednesday afternoon in central London. At first the hospital would not let me on the ward to see my first grandchild, but perseverance paid off – many hours waiting in a nearby pub, solitarily drinking diet coke after diet coke and eating packets of crisps. Finally I was allowed to see my radiant daughter, with an equally overjoyed husband and THE BABY. All 9 pounds 2 ounces of him. With a mop of long black hair.

He looked at me. I looked at him. and that was it. Instantaneous, utter joy.

Since then I have tried to see him whenever I can. Almost five months have flown by and it has been pure delight watching him develop and grow. Especially his hair. Lots of people think he looks like me becasue his hair is very dark and sticks out. One of my daughter’s friends even sent her a little tub of hair gel for him! A very thoughtful present!

Now he coos and gurgles and smiles and giggles and is generally a very jolly little chap. He could do with a bit more sleep. but that’s the problem with babies, no matter how adorable. They won’t be told. Independent thinkers from the word go.

Thank you for your understanding! More soon!