I have been swimming for the first time in two years in the Mediterranean sea, not a bit like the mill pond described in many brochures, lovely waves and lots of pretty fish to look at. But the best part – it is finding out that at 64 I am still able to play in the sea and enjoy it. You have to respect the sea though, very powerful when you least expect it.

Mum often said to me – “you should have a hair style befitting your age”, “or you should act your age”. My mother was an old woman in her thirties – behaving the way she though she should. She tried to make me do the same, not bloody likely. I like having fun and intend to do so while I am able, though not so able now.

Loving it – the new apartment, the town, the sea close by, our view of the sea, the restaurants and bars, the shopping. Fantastic!

I left the village where we had been living since October 2010 on 1 August and have not looked back. It was virtually impossible for me to get out, the bars and restaurants were too far to walk, and the hills were impossible for me. I should have expected hills in the mountains? Looking back, the last time I left the house was 5 January 2011 – nearly 7 months without leaving the house!