Letter to my brother

Hi Phil

Well, writing to you here seems a mad thing to do, but it's about the only way I can think of putting a message out there that you may get.

It's been a very difficult few years, and in the near future we will be selling the house in Royston. I don't know exactly where I'll be - at present I'm working in Colchester and spending the week staying with friends in Ipswich, but this job only lasts till the end of September.

So I'm going to have to job search again in the summer and who knows where I'll find work! It gets harder every time - and of course I am getting older. But hey, experience you know... well, it does count in some jobs, and in others I've been interviewed by folks so much younger than me I feel positively ancient.

Finding this job was lucky - I didn't really think about going back into higher education but when I saw this job, maternity cover at the University of Essex, I liked the description. And I love the job too; nice people, nice location and a great organisation. I'm getting used to the idea of having a job for a short time instead of a career move. It's ok really. I did a year at FFI and I'll be here for about seven months. That's long enough to make a difference. I might even look again at maternity cover work next time, because it is interesting to step into someone's shoes - knowing they are going to want them back again! Must remember to wash my feet more regularly...

Sally came round for late lunch yesterday. She's going to be 80 in January, can you believe it? She is starting, after all this time, to look like an old lady. Considering her age, she's been defiant to say the least. She's given up the Casa now, we go and clear out her stuff next month. Robbie and Carlota will take it over - there's lots of work to be done. It's still not on mains water or sewerage.

There's big stuff happening in my life and I worry that once we've moved, you won't know where to find us. We've been in Royston for more than 22 years now; it will be strange to leave (if I actually do - it is so dependent on work). Alex is at Uni, Mel at college and hoping for Uni next year.

I have to think sometimes who you know and who you don't - but I know you will remember Carol. She still lives in Royston and we regularly play Scrabble.

I hope you are well Phil, it would be nice to hear from you again one day.