A new age

 I've been meaning to start this journal up again for the last 6 weeks, to mark the start of my semi-retirement, but I've not had a moment. So much has happened.

Officially dropped down to 2 days/week on 1st June, but with 4 staff to still line manage, those 2 days were very long ones. This week, I got the confirmation that I will be relieved of duties with regard to this e 4, so it should be easier.

So what has happened since 1 June?

1. The General Election - Despite not seeing off KAren Bradley here in the Morlands, the Greens did really well - best every vote, retained their deposit, raised $570 via crowdfunder and only Stafford beat us in vote count in Staffs and Stoke. Labour should have put Darren Price forward, rather than an unknown from Stoke.

Mum - the saga to get her a 2 week stay at Christopher Grange dragged on, until she had a fall and subsequently got sent there for respite! I visited yesterday and it was a very welcoming, bright and friendly place, Obviously some very frail people there and Mum still saying she wanted to go back to flat, but we are trying to persuade her to stay. Journey by public transport was long - 4 hrs each way - and only gave me 2 hours there.

Chris - I visited a couple of times and she is in a poor state - hallucinating and very frail. All very sad, and a great worry for Anne and Ben. Dave goes in once a week. It's no life and no hope of getting better for her - she must be tormented living like that.

Kath - it would have been her 70th birthday, and here girls arranged a party at Sarah's. Me and kids went over with Darren and Alfie. Lots of laughs and a few tears. She would have been glad we did it.

Lots of other things to keep me on my toes - the i40 has developed a fairly dramatic oil leak but engine seems to be fine. Local garage had a look but can't commit to it, so need to find someone else to do it - great. Off to Skipton in the morning, so had to borrow Alice's car for weekend.

MCA = lots on the go as we head towards Leek Show and more Repair Cafes. Still not sure what we are doing about Nature in your neighbourhood project - meeting next week.

Poor Alice is worried about the house move, Darren still not recovered fom his knee injury and dreading next year's intake of kids at school - all sorts of issues.

Alfie - my little ray of sunshine. Still not talking but good at pointing at things. We try to take him out once a week to park or Tittesworth.

More soon