Kia ora, have been the unwelcome host of some sort of tummy bug for a week now – so no dairy, no meat, dry toast, stewed apple, boiled rice, bananas, dry crackers, lots and lots of liquid, mainly water but also some of that ghastly sugary drink that athletes swig down like they’re enjoying it.

I’m beginning to feel better but think recovery has been slow owing, I think, to withdrawal symptoms from no coffee, no wine, but worst of all by a country mile – no dairy. I discovered that I didn’t really care about the coffee or wine but I did care about butter, milk and cheese. I’m not a fan of bananas but I made myself eat them, and I’ve got used to them mashed on dry toast but when I’m better I won’t care if I don’t see one again for a while.

Thanks to friends who’ve shopped for me and popped in (standing at a safe distance) or sent emails to cheer me up.

Will write something more like a blog next week…

Renée