OK – I know this isn’t a stunning shot but it is a good symbol for our new lives.

We have been to the gusher tonight. You may think that’s nothing special but in our world it’s a huge letting go of the “austerity ties” that have prevented any kind of enjoyment over the last couple of years. We were greeted like old friends…and given that we’ve not been near the place for a long time that, in itself, is pretty amazing.

Our friends were happy to talk to us despite our absence. We’ve promised not to be strangers any more since we are solvent once again. We do know that we are both on borrowed time in as much as we are both on trial periods but we're hopeful that we will live to see the day when we are secure in our employment.

This is the beacon that tells us we can let go of scrimping and saving. We CAN afford to eat a plate of egg and chips (still the cheapest dish on the menu) AND pay for it without being wracked with guilt. It’s a new dawn.