Firstly, after my last post, I'd like to thank all those who have passed on their good wishes; it is hugely appreciated. And Don, I'm not sure who you are, but thank you. If I do know you, please let me know.

The patients are continuing to make progress. Andrew is finding it very frustrating, but is managing a surprising amount around the house. Work wise, although he cannot travel, he is doing lots via his laptop and phone, so that's not so bad. This week, he's been out with me a few times with the dogs and really enjoyed it.

One of the things that has also been happening in my life that I haven't talked much about on the blog is my work. Regular readers will recall that back in January, I saw an ad for an agency post in the University library and have been doing regular shifts ever since. The work is at gloriously unsocial hours so suits me perfectly and in April, the University advertised some permanent part time vacancies in the library service, working term time only. After some thought, I decided to apply. In early May, I had an interview, and to my delight I was successful in obtaining a post in Trevithick, my favourite library which serves the Schools of Engineering, Computing and Astronomy. Much to the surprise of the library manager, the HR department seemed to move at record speed and to everyone's delight, I started my permanent job a week ago. However, and this is where it gets complicated, I've also been continuing with my agency work. I felt it would be grossly unfair to the libraries if I left with only a few weeks to the end of term - somehow it seemed like the right thing to do to complete the project. There's a slight overlap on one day of the week when I do a double shift of 12 - 5 in one library and then do 5.30 till 9.30 in the other, starting half an hour later than I would normally. The basic term time hours will be quite manageable, being just three short shifts, but with agency work, lots of extra induction related visits and a scheduled extra shift today on the Bank Holiday that I signed up for months ago I am feeling like I have hardly any time to myself. I've done a complicated table of hours worked and whether these are permanent or agency and this is pinned on the fridge so both Andrew and I know my whereabouts and can plan. All of this will be very busy until the middle of June when term finishes, and then I can breathe as I'll then have the summer off before starting my permanent hours again in the last week of September when the autumn term kicks off.

Backing up are the need for a haircut (am now looking quite shaggy), a visit to the dentist for a checkup and an eyetest for my reading glasses - probably going to be next week or the week after by the looks of things. On Saturday, I was determined to escape into town. Andrew came too even though it was very busy. I stocked up on moisturiser and got some L'Occitane goodies (lovely free gift too, which was a nice bonus). Then off to John Lewis haberdashery department for the joy of fabric. I've bought two lots of Amy Butler prints which are going to be made into bags, along with some bag handles. I haven't yet had time to play with them but all being well, I might get some quality play time tomorrow with my sewing machine. It's one of the things that keeps me sane along with the dogs and the garden, which is also looking wonderful at the moment. The recent rain has done it good and at night it is alive with lovely frogs and toads.

Talking of dogs, I'll update on Andy too. After his adventure in the car, he is none the worse for his experience. It seems a benign Providence is looking after him. This is the dog who regularly steals kitchen implements and can usually be found with his shnozz stuck inside a tin, yet somehow his nose and tongue remain intact. I remember reading when we first had greyhounds that they hate the taste of metal in their mouth - Andy obviously didn't get that memo. We have still never found one particular potato masher that he stole; usually they end up in his lair where he sits there surrounded by his spoils like a dragon guarding his hoard.

Another piece of good news came from Penny. She phoned to check on Andrew's progress, and we discussed a planned meetup in June at one of her local shows, the Gwendraeth Valley Agricultural show. She couldn't now do this date, as she has been invited to judge a Working Hunter Pony class at another show in Llandovery on the same day, but to my delight she invited me to attend, and then asked if I would steward for her. I was thrilled to bits and am now really looking forward to this. I used to enter these classes myself as a teenager and have very happy memories of doing so. The chance of spending a nice day at a show, catching up with Penny and seeing some lovely horses is just perfect.

Finally, in my last post, I mentioned Game of Thrones and how much we are enjoying it, notwithstanding the occasional gory bit, and the very explicit sex, both straight and gay (and incestuous). Andrew was browsing on Amazon (always a fatal move!) and the whole series of books was available at half price, so he's ordered them, and we're going to enjoy reading them. It also seems that HBO are already at work on Series 2 which is good news. If you haven't tried it yet, then I can recommend it. There are some very well known actors in it (Sean Bean, Charles Dance etc..) although Peter Dinklage is completely stealing the show at the moment. Production values are very high, scenery, costumes and props are excellent, and it has a satisfyingly complicated plot, with generous dollops of skullduggery, a bit of magic, plenty of backstabbing, and some truly beautiful wolves. Who could ask for more?