I had an e-mail last night from the Director of Professional Education at an American ophthalmology journal, saying that he's enjoyed my blogging, and would like to invite me to write a 1,500 word article on the etiology of retinopathy for their 4th quarter issue. And it's not even April the first. It was my boss who pointed that out when I told him.

Obviously it's a tempting request, and one which prompted me to take immediate action. I headed straight for the dictionary to look up 'etiology'. Having done so, I'm not sure I'm the most qualified of candidates, but fortunately the e-mail says I can use as many references and photos as I like. So I might just quote other people and add some pictures of myself posing in a pair of glasses.

Apparently they're "also very interested in the work you do", which is worrying on so many levels, and might lead them to discover that I don't do much, but by the time I've written a few dozen jokes about my daily life, I can probably gloss over the etiology bit, and finish on a song.

The good news is that my work features a lot of material for potential articles. Mostly for publication in 'Heat' magazine. I was in Hassocks yesterday, around the corner from the health centre, when I spotted Gwyneth Powell walking down the High Street. Yes, Gwyneth Powell! I know, I couldn't believe it myself.

For anyone not familiar with the phrase 'Bridget the Midget', Gwyneth Powell played Mrs McClusky in Grange Hill throughout most of my childhood. As a straight-laced boffin with no street cred, she was something of a role-model for me, so naturally I had a bit of a crush on her. Which is the kind of thing I shouldn't be admitting to in public. Fortunately I'd grown out of it by the age of twenty-five.

Much like my daughter before me, I couldn't believe my eyes, but I've checked Wikipedia and it says she lives in Hurstpierpoint, which is only a mile down the road, so it was definitely her. And what's more, she's a patron of the Hurstpierpoint Players. I think I'll forget that ophthalmology journal, and write them a play instead.