Autumn is creeping in - with its darker evenings and its cold mornings. Although yesterday did have some lovely sunshine. We are still wading our way through Chloe's washing ready for her return to Southampton on Sunday. I am SO going to miss her and Ed as we have spent a lot of time with them over the last 2 weeks. (Although I am looking forward to having my front lounge back).

Our house is looking like a jumble sale at the moment with half packed bags belonging to Chloe and stuff everywhere from where we have moved beds. We have been having a big sort out of rooms and furniture which seems to have caused chaos! We are such hoarders and really need to sort and get rid of stuff we don't need or use. I am sure there is a saying about only keeping stuff that is useful or beautiful.

I have had a lovely week spending quite a lot of time with Chloe. We went shopping and to the cinema on Monday. She is such lovely company and we enjoy so many of the same things.

My week has included a lovely meal with friends,lunch with Josh and Debz, the cinema, shopping, tidying, lots of cooking, ironing(my ironing cupboard is empty), sewing, knitting, housegroup, bible study and ladies who lunch, and of course dialysis (thankfully with friends this week which made it pass quickly). I am beginning to pack my days more and sometimes reach 6 o'clock and have to go to bed as I am exhausted. It's good to be doing more though. There are little corners of my house that look tidier because I am more able to do things.

Cancer still lingers at my door - in my thinking especially when I get various aches and pains but I am thinking about it less and less. I am beginning to plan for the future and thinking of plans for next year and even the year after. However I am aware that in the planning I mustn't loose sight of today and the joy to be found in the simple things - the colour of the leaves, the Autumn sunshine, a text from a friend, Papageno's purr when I see him, a patchwork quilt left on my bed, a son singing in the morning, a bible verse speaking to my heart, a good book, flickering candle lights, a kind nurse patiently teaching me, lovely warming food ............

I hope that you are all treasuring your moments and making the most of today - it is our gift.

I am really looking forward to my end of treatment party - I hope you are all coming.

Do let me know at anne@thewhitefamilysite.org.uk

I so want it to be a celebration of the journey we have been on and that includes all of you.