It is now mid-February and I have unintentionally missed the monthly blog for January. I am gradually becoming aware too that colleagues tend to use blogs and tweets for different purposes, but commonly for making statements, publishing ideas and setting off debate. Yet my blogs are more ‘notes to self’, a brief update on key areas of work, a sort of on-going diary; so I am now wondering if I am doing this ‘right’…mmm something to ponder on, comments welcome!
To continue in the same vein for now though, January and February so far have been busy teaching and marking periods. I have also found time to submit some proposals for conference papers both as a sole author, and jointly with some very valued colleagues in South Africa and in Australia. I am hoping that these abstracts meet with some success as I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to work with people from Universities across the world (keeping fingers firmly crossed on these!). I also submitted two bids for small ‘pockets’ of research funding over this period, one locally, one to a national organisation. The first has been unsuccessful, but offered good learning for its redevelopment for future submissions….the second is still under review (hopefully the already crossed fingers will work for this too) 
During January I made reasonable progress on the book I am writing; I have tight plan/schedule to keep to and so far, all is going well. I enjoy writing when I have some concentrated time and can loose myself in the substance and content – a whole day can go by in, what feels like the blink of an eye!
I wouldn’t be a true Brit without mentioning the weather, particularly given the extreme conditions we have experienced at this start of the year. It has been very cold (and I really don’t like the cold), with some periods of substantial snow fall. The snow is attractive and leaves a stunning landscape, but we are not prepared for it and it brings chaos for all travellers, even those trying to get about on foot. I very much dislike driving in these conditions, so am looking forward to spring – we have snowdrops in the garden, so hopefully the new season will soon be here. In my last blog, I reported on the troubles caused by mechanical problems with my car, so can now update this by reporting that I have decided to buy a new vehicle. The new car arrives in March – perhaps along with the spring….there is much to look forward to
