Having successfully navigated our way from the west coast of America, across the Atlantic back to Wales, and embarked on the start of a week of glorious Welsh adventures, things came to a sudden and somewhat violent halt just over 24 hours later on Wednesday night.

To be honest, I can’t really remember much of what happened to the last five days as I’ve been completely out of it. Losing control over bodily functions and being unable to hold down food or water can really put you about and I’ve been pretty much delirious until now.

After a day of being bed ridden and then another spent without venturing from the from door, I eventually made a few tentative steps out to the view point in front of The Cottage to get some medicinal autumn light and colour.

All too slowly, my brain has started to sharpen up (for example, I tried to get into Clare’s office and thought the door was stuck or locked – then I realised that I was lifting the handle rather than pushing down on it for some reason?!). I was clearly in no fit state to be doing anything that involved much decision making!

Thankfully, Clare has been looking after me and I am now back on solid foods and trying to slowly build back some strength!