Surfacing…

I am surfacing, slowly. I feel a bit broken by the last two weeks. It was relentless, even by the standards of my often hectic life. Every year, in the first two weeks in December, we run a microscopy training course, twice four days. As the lead, I carry the responsibility for this. I am of course supported by excellent colleagues and demonstrators and I don’t run all the sessions myself but the days are long and there is plenty of other stuff to do, too. I enjoyed spending time with students, a rare opportunity because we run our courses online. It all went well, although I have not had a chance to read the feedback. Sadly, I missed graduation for another group of students, a stupid mistake, entirely my own. I put it in my diary, booked my gown, arranged cover for the lab but the diary entry was a day late. 

Iris kicked off only once, which was a relief, truth to be told, but still not pleasant. The good news is that they have appointment with the Glasgow Youth Service, in January. A nurse called to check how things were. Then it was Iris’ 17th birthday, which they celebrated in style by spending all day cooped up in bed, playing on the games console. Later, a trip to the cinema and a fast food place because still, at the age of 17, ultra-processed fast food has a strong pull on my teenagers.

We also seem to have picked up another stray teenager. When he showed up with Iris, he had nothing but the clothes he was wearing and no option to go back home and retrieve things either. It seems unusually cruel to throw a child out without even the essentials. As with all these things, it will take time to get to the bottom of the story but for now, a warm bed is here, when needed. He comes and goes, sofa surfing here and there.

Richard and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Well, we sent each other a text message because Richard was away with work. We did however go out with friends on Saturday, it was a most delightful evening with great food at the Crabshakk on Vinicombe Street and lots of laughter. Who knew that fish & chips can be so delicious with a margarita? 

Not much news to be honest, but I am pleased to say that all fairy lights are up and the house looks suitably festive although not christmassy yet. We have yet to buy a tree but we have organised a few presents for the offspring. Richard and I are not going to give each other gifts this year. I already spent the money saved to buy gifts for myself, a handmade velvety dressing gown and a pack of fat quarters by Anna Maria Horner, the collection Indelible. I feel a quilt wanting to be made, deep in my bones.

The photo by the way is of a Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) larva hatching from an egg. It is a faecal sample. Not a common parasitic infection here in the UK (it prefers warmer climates) but one that my students need to know.