TIME OUT FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR

Like most writers I always have a notebook and pen(s) to hand. I think writing, I talk writing, I do writing. I've been known to write in a hospital restaurant while my husband was under anaesthetic, and in a queue in the supermarket (it was a very long queue!). Hardly a day goes by when I don't write something, be it to add words to the work-in-progress, to edit same, or to write a short story, or at least start one. Then there are blogs to write and social networking for a bit of book promotion. Am I bigging myself up enough here? Does the lady protest too much? Because I've decided to take a little time out for good behaviour now that summer seems to have arrived at long, long, last. Due to family circumstances I (and my husband) am having my grandchildren (5 and 9) to stay on a regular basis. They will soon be breaking up from school for the summer holidays. I cannot bring myself to shut myself away in my writing garret when they are with us. So, I have decided there is going to be time to blow dandelion clocks.

I live near the sea and one of my best memories is of the dawn of the new millennium when I walked down to a cove, sat on the beach with my son, and watched the sunrise. Watching sunsets is relatively easy but you have to be committed to get up and go and watch a sunrise. I think my grandchildren will think it huge fun to get up in the dark, walk down to the beach, and eat bacon butties as the sun comes up.

And then there will be picnics. A bit of education will go on here because the children love to cook, especially things like sausage rolls which involves making pastry and weighing out ingredients. And fairy cakes with some nifty artwork to decorate them. No, lessons won't be neglected, even if the children don't realise Grandma has taken on the role of teacher for the duration. But there will be picnics.

I know I shall probably feel guilty doing all the above - to begin with anyway. But do you know what? I'm willing to bet it will be all good intentions and a notebook and pen will creep into that picnic basket!