Took the old bicycle for a spin yesterday (of course I have a bicycle, zippy little blue Miyata, never used it though) and had a marvelous time. Went careening down the hill while thinking about the origin of the term 'breakneck speed'. Raced across the river and into town. Discovered we have a theater district here full of beautiful old, but modernised theaters, that receive the touring productions of all those things one can never get tickets for in New York. Stumbled upon an area dedicated to trendy art galleries and couldn't help noticing the trendy loft apartments above them. It seems there is a 'scene' in my new hometown should I ever need it. Still haven't found a completely suitable restaurant for lunch, or should I say, 'having lunch'. Actually, there is one place I like. High-ceilinged and many-windowed, and right there on the corner of two artsy streets. It also has a full bar, so necessary for the kind of lingering lunches I like. Thing is, it's never very crowded, which I suppose is a good thing in terms of getting the best table and undivided attention from the staff, but not for showing off one's velvet loafers. All in all, a pleasant day and some exercise too. Although returning home I had to dismount at the base of the steep hill. In fact, I had to take a few minutes to talk myself out of just abandoning the machine and setting up camp for the night. Finally, we walked up the hill together very slowly, panting all the way, and cursing the very lay of the land. We collapsed at the front door in a tangle of pale blue chrome and designer denim. Might do it again today.

Sit yourself down in a quiet room and think about what you really want from life. Pay no attention to the expectations of others, or the paths they've chosen for themselves. Listen only to your heart and decide what will truly make you happy. Once you've done this then comes the easy part- simply move heaven and earth to achieve it.

April 2006

Today's entry marks the final instalment of Why Don't You... in its current form, and it is with great pleasure that we announce an expansion of sorts. This is due to both an overwhelming demand for the author's pearls of wisdom and the fact that a larger space just became available next door. So if there's any little thing that troubles your pretty head or advice you stand in need of why don't you turn to Tonton, he knows all (as he'll be the first to admit). He also has a lot of time on his hands.

I’m exhausted.
I know I was bragging just the other day about how quickly I’d unpacked and arranged everything in this house, but truth be told, that may have been an exaggeration, in fact the living room and bedroom got all my attention at first, but now my energy level has dropped dramatically and I can’t even be arsed to unpack my clothes. Besides, there’s still quite a lot to do in the way of renovation- which will be a major project, so for the moment I’ve stopped thinking about it.

I’m ill.
And there’s no one to blame but myself. There I was trying to keep up with the locals for whom wind and rain and frigid temperatures mean simply the donning of a light cotton hoodie; thoughtlessly following these intrepid New Englanders who can run about in flip-flops even as flurries of snow fall all around them. Naturally one wants to fit in but not at the risk of a stuffy head and sniffles. No sir! And so I plan to spend this day here in bed with the heat turned up high until I can once again breathe through my nose.

I’m alone.
And this old house makes strange noises. From my third floor bedroom I can’t tell if these sounds are far off or from right across the hall. Oddly, I am not afraid. Don’t know why. Still, I can’t wait till Paul arrives, then everything will be perfect.

My thanks to you all who wrote such cheering comments full of congratulations and best wishes. I only regret that I have taken so long to respond, but consistent and speedy internet connections are hard to come by here in the country. Ah, but what beautiful country it is! There is a charm and grace in these rolling hills that more than makes up for the loss of such citified luxuries. I awoke for the first time here in my peaceful new home and was greeted by a glorious sun-filled day. The air was clean and crisp and welcoming. That it was also my birthday made this fresh new start even more of a cause for celebration. And celebrate I did, in my own way, which might not sound like much fun to you, but believe me, I had a blast. I spent the entire day on my own, trooping up and down several flights of stairs, unpacking boxes, arranging, ordering, decorating, installing, cleaning, and every now and then answering a call from family and friends eager to wish me happy returns (to some of these callers I had to explain that I no longer live in New York). But I made great strides throughout the day and by five o’clock I’d arranged nearly every room (oh, I don’t fool around), leaving only the many boxes of books and personal papers to be dealt with later. And then, would you believe it, I discovered on my doorstep a lovely bouquet of flowers (and a balloon!) sent from my thoughtful boyfriend. It was a very special day.