I finally finished reading my Bill Bryson book and as with any good book it was sad to reach the end of it. Finished it just in time as it happens, my OU stuff arrived a couple of days ago and I’m trying (or more honestly, not trying) in vain to make a start on it. Now it’s here it all seems a bit overwhelming. I’ve installed the required software, read through the guide, in fact did everything I can but start the actual work. I’ve diverted myself by starting to build another website, taken to having long walks around the ring road, surfing the net, downloading and listening to loads of music.
I knew my Astronomy course wouldn’t just consist of sitting out in the moonlight, gazing at stars, singing cowboy songs... but managing spreadsheets!

This is gonna be hard for a luddite like me to get his head round (I refuse to use that crap and usually misused phrase, “steep learning curve”). But I’m sure once I get my head down it’ll probably be fine. I just need a bit self discipline (easier said than done).

I’m just back from a walk down the woods. First time I’ve been down for ages and I was amazed, as I am every year, to see how many snowdrops are out. I had stopped for a while just to look at them when I noticed a squirrel busying about on the ground a few yards from me. Then there was a flapping sound from above and I looked up to see a large buzzard land on the branches above me. I wish I’d taken my camera with me.


Poor Mrs Mo is having a rough time just now. She’s looks pale and tired, most unusually for her, she is suffering from headaches and insomnia. Generally stressed out, probably due to a combination of major hassles at work and me. She has an appointment with our GP tomorrow. I’m a bit worried about her seeing Dr Portillo. As I’ve said before, he’s not particularly sympathetic to anyone who is suffering from anything less than smallpox or the bubonic plague. Anyone presenting with a psychological problem who is not floridly psychotic or confessing to being a serial killer is a charlatan who needs a good dressing down. He views all stress related illnesses as “Earlston Fever” (the local phrase for malingering. Earlston being a town apparently notorious for it’s work-shy inhabitants).
I’ve suggested she see another doctor but she insists this will be easier as he is my GP, it’ll save her explaining at length about her dependent husband.