I can't believe we're already heading into autumn and the children are getting ready to go back to school. Where did the summer go?! It feels like only yesterday we were looking forward to long, sunny days, and now we're talking about cosy jumpers and darker evenings.
It's been a busy but really lovely summer for both of us. There have been some particularly hot days and heatwaves, but thankfully I managed to keep myself cool enough that the heat didn't have too much of an impact on my PH.
We started the summer with one of our favourite traditions, the PYO Strawberry and Cider event at our local farm shop. After picking plenty of strawberries, we enjoyed a bottle of cider each while listening to some lovely live acoustic music. An enjoyable summer afternoon’s evening!
I also had my annual eye clinic appointment at St Thomas's Hospital. Thankfully, the optometrist was happy with my results, which is great news, and I don't need to return for another year. Because of the medication I take, these regular checks are important, so I'm always grateful when everything remains stable.
We've also enjoyed plenty of time with friends this summer, meeting up for meals, having friends stay with us and enjoying lots of laughs along the way. Our Saturday morning park runs have continued too. Some weeks it's just me and Izzy watching, while other weeks Terry has been joined by some of his mates. It's become a great part of our weekends.
One of the biggest highlights was finally returning to the Arsenal Stadium for the first match of the 2026/27 Premier League season. We wore our Champions scarf, soaked up the atmosphere and, even better, watched Arsenal win! It was so good to be back, and here's to plenty more trips and hopefully lots more wins!
We also enjoyed watching the eclipse from the park, fitted in a round of mini golf and ended the summer with the christening of one of our best friends' baby boy. We were incredibly proud to have been chosen as his Godparents, and it was such an honour to be part of such a special day.
Work has continued throughout the summer, including my therapy sessions and attending local fetes and fayres to promote my business. The star attraction has definitely been the foot piano Terry made himself! The children loved having a go, but the adults couldn't resist joining in either. It was brilliant seeing everyone laughing and attempting to make their own tunes!
I've also managed to have some time off by arranging my therapy sessions at the beginning of the week, giving me a few longer weekends to enjoy. It's all about finding that balance between work, therapy and making time for life outside of it.
And now for some very exciting news... I'm incredibly pleased to have been offered a place at UWE Bristol to study to become a Music Therapist Supervisor. I'm really looking forward to returning to university, developing my skills further and learning how to support, guide and mentor other music therapists.
Going back to university will certainly be a new challenge, especially with having to work around what my body needs, but I'm determined not to let PH hold me back from the things I'm passionate about. I'm incredibly grateful to be able to continue my work and studies while doing something I love.
Overall, it's been another wonderful summer. From strawberries and cider to football, park runs, meals with friends, mini golf, fetes and a fun, homemade foot piano, we've certainly made some great memories.
Now I'm looking forward to getting back into my usual routine, starting my new university course, embracing the change of season and continuing to make the most of life.
My next big appointment is on 2 September, when Terry and I will be heading to Royal Brompton Hospital for my PH clinic review. I'll be sure to let you know how I get on.
Until then, here's to the end of a wonderful summer and the start of a new season.
Thank you for reading!