Familiar feelings

I’m looking after myself at the moment, as always at this time of year. Not for long though, as Flicka is now on her way back from her usual yearly visit to our Australian family. I miss her!

One of the things that changes whenever I’m looking after myself is my diet. The meals are healthy – there’s no doubt about that – but you wouldn’t describe them as overly adventurous. There are always memorable ones, of course. This time it was the cauliflower cheese. Simplicity itself, with a sauce that was smooth enough to get me a surefire invitation onto Celebrity Master Chef. I’m expecting the phone to ring any time now.

What else has been memorable in these weeks? One thing in particular – the invitation from Ute to give a talk to her English language class at the Volkshochschule in Breisach. What a strangely familiar feeling – standing up in front of a class again! I haven’t done that for almost four years. The topic had nothing to do with geology, which was a bit of a relief. Instead it was on – yes you’ve guessed! – long distance walking. There were ten listeners and I think everyone went away happy. I certainly did. What was interesting is that I finished exactly on time, just like in the old days. I evidently haven’t lost my touch.

Now what on earth is the umbrella there for?