A cautious return

After a few months away from blogging I'm about to tip my toes back in once again.

Before I delve into giving my personal opinions on the various issues of the day, I'd just like to give a quick update on what I've been up to since I stopped blogging.

Although I officially retired from employed work in March, I've been very busy over the last few months with voluntary work - but I've also been involved in doing various jobs for friends and former business colleagues which has led me to start up my own business.

It's more of a hobby than anything else, but as people were willing to pay me to do it I thought I may as well make it official. It won't make me a millionaire, but it does mean I can afford to give my kids and myself the odd treat now and again.

For those interested, Mrs Stan is now back in the family home and more or less recovered back to her old self. It's been a long haul and it's by no means over, but we're delighted to have her back. She has a new job away from the various influences that caused her to have her breakdown and is much more settled and happy.

The kids have blossomed. They are now very well balanced and emotionally stable teenagers (well - emotionally stable FOR teenagers), both are very happy and doing very well at school and I am immensely proud of them both.

For those who remember the tale of my old Alfa being written off - I have a new car. It's modern, silver, well equipped and very capable - but it is as bland and characterless as all modern cars.

Other than that, not much has happened - except that I have put on two stone since I retired. Hardly surprising as I used to cycle the 10 miles to the office two or three times a week, but haven't touched a bike since.