As TS Eliot so famously said in one of my favourite poems - "In my end is my beginning" and that's how I feel today, as I embark on my new life as a full time housewife and megastar. One of the important challenges facing me is what to wear. Should I opt for the Waynetta Slob look, as modelled locally comprising vast gold hoop earrings, scraped back dyed blonde hair and a variety of polyester leisure wear? Generally accessorised by a couple of screaming and feral toddlers. Or the Nigella Lawson "domestic goddess" with a cashmere twinset and a hopelessly pornographic approach to cooking the dinner? This would involve staring lustily at Andrew while making suggestive licking and stroking gestures with any available root vegetables or kitchen implements. Since watching her show I've never seen a nutmeg grater in the same light.

Actually, on one of my many forays into the byways of the Internet, I''ve come across a number of patterns for retro pinnies - you know, the ones that are frilled and that your granny probably wore. One of those in a nice vintage print would be just the job. Judging by the number available these are becoming popular once more - possibly to be worn with a gingham shirtwaister, red lipstick and maribou trimmed mules?

Andrew has (jokingly I hope) suggested a range of performance indicators and of course with my background I am clearly destined to set up a domestic Cleanliness index with interior zoning and time bound constraints for restoring it to perfection. I am also in the process of setting up a range of spreadsheets to help track various tasks and to assist in menu planning. Fortunately I have reached the stage of my life where I can laugh at my characteristics without feeling any need to change them.

Andrew's chip arrived in the post today for his next run - he's training for the BUPA great Wales run at the end of the month. Today has also been a day of industrial action by Unison and Unite over local government pay issues. When the Echo arrived this afternoon, it was nice to see some familiar faces either in the pictures or being quoted in the article. Generally, the dress code for picketing seems to be based on a "smart casual" approach - usually jeans as they give a nicely classless air with a nod to their working origins. I wonder if anyone has ever done a serious study on the messages of dress and industrial relations? Would be interesting reading.

In other news, our blueberries are ripening and we have some ready for picking. Unfortunately although this is very exciting, there are only about 8 of them so Andrew and I will have to share them without baking a glorious blueberry cobbler or some other delicacy. Maybe a smoothie?
The gourds are also in full flower, which should give us a bumper crop in the autumn.