Actually Pip you explained that perfetly. I don't know what it is
like to be a mother though, since I am not one, and can only guess.
It does sound though, reading your entries like you have a very
stressful life at home, looking after the two boys on your own,
paying the bills, and going to work. I guess it must be the same for
all single parents though.

It is great though to finally be a published author. It took a long,
long time (five years wriitng the book, it was not complete until
just before Christmas), and I ended up self publishing in the end. In
some ways it is better this way though, since although I had to cover
the costs (and still do, as I have to go out and sell it), I am in
complete control of the whole process form start to finish, With
mainstream publishers you are lucky if you get a say in cover design,
editorial changes, marketing plans, publication date or even the
book's title. That is not how I wanted to work, as since it is my
creation, I believe that it is the least I am entitled to, after all,
the publisher may be paying for publication, but I paid to write the
damned thing, and it it my reputation ion the line as much as
theirs ! It is hard work though, but very rewarding. In the 2 weeks
since I got back from Lundy (seems like a lot longer) I have managed
to sell 30 odd copies, which is not bad considering the time of year.
Have conatcted a few book shops as well to see if they would
interested in stocking it, and am waiting to hear. Must start ringing
round some local groups and arrange to do some talks as well. Maybe I
can do that today after I have been to the bank .....

I live in Surrey by the way, and not sure where Helen is, but I am
sure we could arrange a little get together at some point. It would
be good to meet up and put faces to the names. Some of my best
friends have been met over the internet on the various forums I post
on and have moderated over the years. I always enjoy reading all your
adventurs and marvel at how fit and energetic you sound, and all the
different plaves you manage to get to, mos tof which I am not nearly
brave enough to attempt (the Pyramid is challenging enough for me,
especially when its time to climb up again).

I have never been unlucky eough not to be able to get on the island,
although I did have a near miss the 2nd time I went out in March
1996. Have been lucky enough to be stuck there twice though for an
extra day, once in November 2003 when he had desne fog, and then 2
years later in November 2005 when believe it or not the island was
covered in snow. I am still kicking myself gor not having taken my
camera with me. I was staying in the Radio Room on both occasions,
which I ocasionally have to do if OLC is booked up. I keep tryikng to
persuade my partner Coran to come with me one day, but it is just not
his cup of tea, he prefers sitting in front of the telly wathcing sci
fi to walking all over windswept islands. Still, he has never stopped
me going, and to tell you the truith, I am not sure if I would really
want him to come withe me anyway, and I look forwatd to my time
alone, and want the island all to myself!

June