Some people who daft things... like trying to go to lots of Glasgow 2014 events whilst working full time... it is exhausting but such great fun.  Today is quieter and will begin with some admin worky stuff before Coffee Club and then netball this evening.

From jocular Welsh security guards to Clyedsiders who still don't quite know their left and right, to jolly Derbyshire bus drivers who know one route and one route only, there is a happy atmosphere and a sense of all being on the same side, all part of one big thing that is bigger than nationality or race or language or any other descriptor... as in Manchester, so in Glasgow, I am granted a glimspe of the vision of 'no more race, status, gender...'

From netball to lawn bowls, rhythmic gymnastics to hockey, I seen some amazing sport, marvelled at skill, agility, athleticism and diversity.  I've sat oppsite athletes and officials on trains and buses (none I recognised, they probably don't use public transport).  I have shouted for England, for Scotland, for Wales, for Malawi, for New Zealand, for Northern Ireland along with crowds who love an underdog and admire the top flight too.

I have eaten way too many sandwiches, not a few cakes, and drunk copious amounts of water.

I have sat on blistering heat and wondered why I'd chosen to wear jeans, and in pouring rain glad of my waterproof and unbrella.

I have sung 500 Miles in a 'choir' (so not) of around 4000 and done a slo-mo Mexican wave.

There is something that overtakes individuality, be it everso fleetingly (and I  know PhDs have been written on it!) and in this case something that it good.

One teensy weesny criticism though.... at every venue I've been to thus far we've been told to stand at various points... nope, "please stand if you can" or "if you are able".... if I can train churches to do this, the Commonwealth Games is my next challenge!!

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...