A simple breakfast of crumpets and tea was left at my bedside this morning. To the moment, I still am not sure whom my culinary benefactor has been. There are hints and were I to venture a guess I would suppose it to be Fiona. They are as I like, lightly toasted and topped with a bit of apricot jam. How very kind!

My bedroom window is dotted with rain, yet again. Where is our summer? I have indeed been conditioned not to moan, but dear heavens we've not even had the fans on yet this year. It is July. I recall that the summer of 2006 (in particular July) was sweltering and records were set by the heat. I would not plead with the Goddess for a repeat, but a bit more sun and warmth would be greatly appreciated.

After a phone chat with a very exhausted Michael yesterday we have learned that 'Mikey' has been suffering with colic. He has been attended to and the Doctor has made adjustments to his formula. Michael stated that they feel this should help alleviate the stomach cramping. Ms Grace (Michael's Aunt) has also been administering 'peppermint water' which she believes may also be of assistance. It is hoped that these solutions will allow the adults, as well as the infant, of the Harrison residence a bit of kip.

I imagine that Michael will have many opportunities to learn how taxing childrearing can be. It is still new to him and he is wearing it well so far. Bringing up a child is not something I would like to take on alone. He is quite brave to do so and I am proud of him for it.

Apart from these few scraps of news there is nothing to report. The house is ever so quiet without Michael here. I suppose I am adjusting, but there are many moments throughout the day when I think of him and the way life reverberated with vivaciousness when he was with us. One never knew what to expect. He was often so unpredictable and that alone kept me on my toes. I do miss him, often more than I would like to admit.

To ease my withdrawal I visit him in Norwich. I feel a mixture of emotions when I do. I am happy he is doing well, but then a bit hurt not to be needed as I was when he lived with us. I freely admit that tears will flow when he leaves for Miami in September. He promises that we will always have contact and I suppose because of young Michael Ryan, we will. We usually hug goodbye and I can feel my throat tighten sometimes when we do.

Life does go on though. Sometimes the 'end of an era' is hard to accept, but we must. All of us have our purpose in life... our separate paths that cross and then drift off in other directions. This is part of the nature of human existance.

Be well, my Friends. May you each delight in your day.

Ryan