It was four weeks ago today that I reached the dizzying heights of a major vertigo attack, signalling the start of a new home-grown series of Casualty, which featured four GP consultations, two hospital visits and a brain scan. But enough is enough, and all bad things must come to an end, so despite not being quite back to full strength, I attempted to bolster the ranks of a short-staffed screening team by returning to work today.

My decision was in no way influenced by the fact that Amelie was at home all day, although it did ensure that I left on time, and didn't look back as I sprinted down the hill, leaving a trail of loom bands behind me. Ironically, my run back to work coincided with Amelie's teachers walking out on strike, which surprised me, as I didn't imagine they could afford placards after the pay freeze.

The good news, however, is that missing school didn't dampen Amelie's enthusiasm for education. By the time I got home from work this afternoon, she'd successfully taught Toby how to spell his name...


He got distracted halfway through by Lisa's cup of tea. It's a good job he didn't see any bees, or we'd never have reached the end of the word.