Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary. It's difficult to believe that time can go by so fast. I remember my mother telling me that in your mind you remain the same young person you were in your early twenties or even in school. I now understand what she meant. It really is only the body that ages while your psyche keeps the illusion of youth.

These later years have not been without the difficulties though. In 2002, my husband suffered a heart attack which came at a very inopportune time. We were in the middle of leaving our home of 36 years and moving to a townhouse in the countryside. (well, of course, there's probably never a good time for a heart attack) We were fortunate that it didn't do too much damage and with the help of two stents and a careful lifestyle, we were able to settle into our new home.

But sixteen months later, the stress of both his illness and the move took its toll, when I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and chose to undergo five months of aggressive chemotherapy. Again, happily for me the treatment worked and this narrow escape was the catalyst for me to think about writing a novel as I had always intended to do. So began an adventure that has lasted five years now. (More about this to come.)