Oh, dear. Six weeks have passed since I last took you travelling with me in the magic armchair. The armchair has been languishing because I've been tucked up in bed for a lot of the time, in the company of a couple of fluey bugs which have made the tail end of 2008 rather miserable. I'm hopeful that now this episode is over and I can start anew with 2009, with careful pacing, being more productive and having some fun. I am grateful that 2008 has given me opportunities to visit some wonderful places and meet treasured friends as well as rise to new challenges. We may be in an economic recession, but I am rich in the things that matter, for which I am grateful.
