6 MaY 08
I’m getting told off because I haven’t blogged since April 6 and apparently that’s an internet crime but I want to ask how others manage to keep up with their blogs – why aren’t they living? Apart from the usual things like working, doing the washing, eating (which is wonderful) and sleeping (wonderful again and not getting enough of it) don’t they have the normal disasters to contend with like a flat tyre miles from home, a tin of gloss paint that drops off a chair onto a carpet that’s less than one year old, and contending with burnt kippers because there was that phone call just as they were ready for breakfast on Sunday?

Since April 6 I’ve attended a case review for my brother where they confirmed that no funding is available for him because the NHS says he’s not eligible for their funding, despite brain damage which leaves him with something wonderful called ‘executive dysfunction’ and the social services were not told so they haven’t been looking for a placement in something called ‘supported living’ – don’t ask. In the meantime he’s still in a brain injury rehabilitation unit in Blackheath south east London and, because he’s been there since last August, I’ve discovered the joys of Lewisham shopping centre; great for Primark, Pontis and Thorntons assorted icecreams but M&S is crap; (although in posh Guildford M&S is great); the joys of Greenwich (fearfully tacky but with some interesting side roads, with tiny terraces which, last year, were probably selling for half million but now? And then there’s Blackheath itself; upmarket, trendy, and where I had the best doorstop bacon sandwich ever.

We walk a lot and he tells me every time that he’s going to learn the guitar and he wants to get back to his old life – where he spent Mondays at Islington Music forum which sounds great and the rest of the week sloping around different community centres or at the Festival hall for one, where he would enjoy the free concerts. Despite his executive dysfunction he has a phenomenal memory for places all over London where you can get a free meal, free music and free company.

In the meantime have spent the glorious may day weekend painting and decorating one of the rooms in my office - well my husband did while I supported him with cups of coffee and cleaning up afterwards - does anyone know how to get filing cabinet drawers back.....hey ho back to work today - have just sorted out the office and am now going to Guildford farmers market to sell some of Goldenford's excellent books

hope to report back sooner than June 6....