I am in the process of re-organising my life. It is now almost a year since Mr. Swiss left for his golden oldie refuge. He is now settled in quite well and I visit almost every day. He is only a few minutes away. All his needs are now cared for, which I could no longer.

Now I decided it was time to organise my own life. I have a new bed – one of those boxspring beds with a “topper” instead of a mattress. It is quite high up from the ground, but I am managing quite well and am loving it. I have organised two bedside lamps that need no electricity, and I can just upload them when necessary.

The next problem is the dishwasher and washing machine. We have half price electricity from 9.00 p.m. until 7 a.m. and that it too good to ignore, although from next year it will no longer exist.. My problem became the late hour in the evening when the machines were finished. I am not getting any younger and like to begin my evening sleep earlier. Some things are in front of your nose, you just have to realise it. The dishwasher gave up the ghost a few weeks ago and I now have a new one. However, who needs a dishwasher. It is now just my son and me at home and for our two plates and knives and forks I can do it myself. I always washed the pots and pans by hand so that is no problem. I would only need the dishwasher if I had guests, which I rarely have.

The washing machine? I can programme it to start at 5-6 in the morning, meaning I could empty it and hang the washing in the morning – so what is the problem.

Living with a patchwork family (2 stepchildren and my own two children) and Mr. Swiss all the past 50 years I had a routine, which I no longer need, but I am getting there. I am free, the prison is no longer. I am 75 years old and time that I think of myself first.