Day 357: cake! When your lovely friend delivers a care package to make you smile. Her sticky ginger cake is SO yummy! Thank you Helen at Weddell & Turner

I deliver evening meals for the vulnerable on a Monday. It’s so rewarding seeing people’s smiles when I turn up. Tonight I got a gift in return, this stunning dahlia. Had a chat about how beautiful the grower’s dahlias were and he gave me loads of tips. He said he’s going to pick me a bunch for next Monday. I have dahlia envy as the display was something else. Hard to believe we’re in mid-September!

I’m home after another stressful week. It was great to spend time with my parents. Even if it was a very different kind of visit (with a lot of angst).

Nero and the kittens were very pleased to see me. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Thanks again for all of the lovely message wishing my parents well. Fingers crossed for no more hospital stays!

Today is my Mum’s 77th birthday! How lovely that we get to spend it together.

God he’s a handsome devil! Missing this face. I’m so grateful for photos like this. And that he’s being so well looked while I’m away. 😍

God he’s a handsome devil! Missing this face. I’m so grateful for photos like this. And that he’s being so well looked while I’m away. 😍

Fab news for a Friday. My Dad is home. He was discharged from hospital today.

Their smiles say it all. They were so pleased to see each other.

That interesting moment when you ask your Mum what she fancies for lunch, she say scrambled eggs on toast and you have to find a recipe to make sure you know what you’re doing. The joys of being culinarily challenged!

So today I mowed my parents lawn. Dad hasn’t been able to do it for a while now and has been struggling to find someone to do it. I sent him this photo in hospital and he was so happy. I’m going to have a go at the hedge tomorrow.

Sometimes a kind gesture is a simple thing.

He’s doing OK. Mum is doing OK. I feel like I’ve spent most of the day on the phone sorting things out. Good job I’m used to doing that. I’m doing my best right now. That’s all any of us can do.

Once again I’m overwhelmed by the number of messages I’ve had to check in with me.

Dad is still in hospital and we’re waiting for an update. Mum and I have had a good day.

Your messages, virtual hugs and well wishes are very gratefully received right now.