Today I am really looking forward to watching some hockey at the Commonwealth Games with some friends, one of whom has walked with me every step of the last nearly-four-years (and who very politely doesn't tell me it's high time I let it all go and move on, even if she thinks so) and I am glad to celebrate my continuing life with her, and with others as we enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I have just waved off my house guests, a friend of thirty years, her son (my godson) and his finance who have been staying with me for the weekend enjoying some sport, cooking me tea last night and taking me with them to one session.  Again a great celebration of having lived through all sorts of life experiences affecting each of us, and still being here, still smiling (most of the time).

But, as I type another much loved friend and walking-buddy is saying farewell to her husband of forty years who died in after tragic accident whilst working at their church.  I can't be there physically (though I have arranged to spend a few days with her when I have some time off later in August) so I am holding the family in my heart and my prayers.  There is some guilt at not being there - but it's impossible to be in two places at once, and even had I skipped the hockey, I had to be back for an important meeting this evening... I just couldn't make it work

I know, becuase I know all these friends well enough by now, that all of them would have understood perfectly whatever I'd decided to do.  I know that had I asked my friends here they'd have said 'go' and my friend there she'd have said 'stay'.  But it has been an incredibly tough choice to make.

In the end, and after much wrestling, self-flagellation, angst, and conversation with other friends, I made my choice... I think, and I don't think I delude myself, that my friend's husband would be OK with the choice I made - he'd know I am only at the end of the phone or the email, he'd know I will be there when the fuss dies down in a week or two, and he'd say "y'oright luv" in that lovely Mancy accent of his.

Life is unpredictable, fleeting and fragile - all you loyal readers are probably sick of me saying this - we have to live each day as fully as we can, even if sometimes that means tough, painful choices have to be made.

So, in a few minutes I will brew some tea and use it toast the man who brought such joy to my bestest walking buddy in the whole wide world, and then go and celebrate the fact that I am not only 'still here' but healthy, happy and able to spend time with friends.

Rhythmic gymnastics with my house-guests - what a wonderful morning's entertainment, these girls are so clever combining agility with precision skill in throwing, catching and twirling pieces of apparatus.  Icing on the cake to see Francesca Jones of Wales win gold in her last ever competitive event:

Then it was a complete change of pace and a wonderful open house with G&M who were celebrating their diamond wedding!  What a wonderful achievement, and such a joy to see them and their family enjoying the afternoon.

It's been wonderful - I feel very blessed, and thank God for another great day. 

The Commonwealth Games vibe as well and truly arrived in Glasgow and I'm loving it.  Probably made even better by the fact that both Team Scotland and Team England are doing well.  And I keep seeing medals and thinking 'hmm, is that one that E made....'

Tonight I got out my tickets because tomorrow is the first event I attend - an early round of netball (and have to leave home at 07:30 latest to get there!!)

Netball (several sessions), hockey, Lawn bowls, some gymnastics (with my house guests) and then the epitome - the netball finals, my "this would be on my bucket list if I had one" event.  Apart from some of the netball, I will be going to events with friends, many of whom have been especially supportive over the last four years, and that will make it all the better.

Happy?  Oh yes!  But quite glad my room has a roof to keep the heat out.

I've just ordered our harvest stuff (a litlte later than usual it has to be admitted) and am now on the prowl for something new for Advent... that feeling of working in a card-factory comes over me once more.

If anyone has any ideas for something different for Advent (so not the traditional schemes/themes) I'd love to hear about them.  I found two that sounded interesting but in the end weren't.

Maybe I'm just too early - none of the charities seem to have theirs done yet...

Last night, along with millions of others, I was glued to my television wathcing the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.  Along with more than a few friends (real and virtual) I was also participating in some online chats via Facebook and Twitter.  A fascinating exercise in online 'people watching' as comments posted revealed some strong opinions!!

I really enjoyed it, and in common with many others in Glasgow ran to the window to look for the Red Arrows (chose the wrong window!) and later to watch the fireworks over the Clyde (right window and they were, simply, wow!). 

I loved the tongue in cheek tour of Scotland (more so, it has to be said than many of the Scots who posted on Twitter, and no, they were't doing that double negative humour thing). 

I loved the UNICEF appeal - a new initiative for which the time has come - and was saddened at the home grown pharisees and scoffers crying 'waste' and 'what about the poor kids in Glasgow'... Unless our attitudes and actions change then, to misquote the greatest man who ever lived, "the poor kids in Glasgow will always be with us". 

I loved the 'come on in (when the announcers remembered to say it) welcome to each nation - even if 'come away in ' would maybe have been a tad more authentic.

I valued the silence to honour those killed in the downing of MH370. 

I smiled at the hiccup with the lid of the baton. 

I thought the Queen's speech was just right - and how many 88 year-olds would be up at that time, never mind politely smiling at the hiccup and then reading so eloquently?

I guess I just love a good Opening Ceremony combining kitsch and clever, innovation and tradition, solemnity and celebration... I think last night achieved just that.

Oh, and this morning I saw this, which made me smile...