Tomorrow I begin a week's annual leave, and am really looking forward to a change of pace and a change of surroundings.

My leave begins with a six hour volunteering stint with Breast Cancer Care, Scotland, as I am working behind the scenes at their annual fund-raising event called The Show.  Male and female models, of all shapes and sizes, and each having had a breast cancer diagnosis, will be 'strutting their stuff' on the cat-walk.  I think this will be quite demanding physically, but it is good to give back to this charity, and I can sit down for a few hours afterwards!

Next is the utter self-indulgence of a first class train ride to London, where I will stay overnight at a minister-friend's manse before heading back to St Pancras to travel cheapy-creepy class on the Eurostar to Paris with three of my 'chemo buddies' as we celebrate life and enjoy a new place.

Whilst in Paris, I will meet up with our BMS link misisonary, who has arranged for me to visit the projects she works with.  I am excited to see her 'in context', to see the projects, and finally to meet her rather wonderful dog!

Back to London and another overnight with my minister friend before the final treat of a first class train ride back to Glasgow and normality.

I am ashamed to admit that, apart from two days in July, this is the first annual leave I've taken for over a year.  Small wonder that I am tired then.

All of this is by way of saying, I won't be around in Blogland for a week or more, but it doesn't mean I've disappeared for good.  I will be back, refreshed and relaxed (I hope) in just over a week from now, maybe with new stories to share.

Six years ago, I could never have imagined I'd see this day, and now here it is.  I stopped counting the friends I have made and lost along the way, especially as most of them had better initial prognoses than mine.  But I haven't forgotten them, and as I enjoy the next few days, I will take a few moments to pause, reflect and give thanks.

Jesus said, consider the lilies of the field, they do not labour, neither do they spin...

Jesus said, consider the birds of the air, they do not sow, neither do they store up in barns...

Live each day as it comes, make the most of it, be grateful for it... if I have learned nothing else, I have learned this.

Oh, and if any potential burglars happen to read this, be advised the clepto-kitties are on guard and are not to be messed with!