How will I cope for four days without my husband?

I do like Winter, don't get me wrong, but by January I feel a little bored of it. The snow was nice, and the frost, and the chill of blue sky contrasted against dark wood fingers reaching into the sky. It was nice. Now, however, I'm pining for flowers. I am just glad it is almost February. There might be daffodils soon.

My husband is home again. I had become used to his absence - it was rather like when he was in prison. But now he is home again. He seems tired thank god and has gone to sleep. I wonder what the morning will bring.

I don't mind it so much when it is actually raining, since there are some rather useful charms for keeping water off, but it is a pain when everywhere floods like it is now. Of course you can dry up the water, but it takes time and a lot of energy, and by the time you've finished it's raining again, or nearby water has trickled down to fill its place. Walks are not nearly as fun. Perhaps I should take up sailing.

Private
Well, I'm officially a lesbian. The other night was incredible. It's a shame she's hung up on someone else. I don't think any good can come of seeing her again. I'll get attached and she won't and... I'll end up having my heart broken. Best to keep aloof. It's always best.

But oh Merlin, I miss it now. I only had a woman's touch once and now I know what I'm missing, it's driving me crazy.

Public
I'm feeling a need to keep busy. Does anybody have anything they need help with?

Can someone inform me why my husband is in a foul mood and has shut himself in his study? Even meatballs didn't cheer him up.

My husband is abroad again and I am looking for ways to entertain myself. There's a party tomorrow, so that's the evening taken care of, but I could do with some more activities, as I really have run out of things to do at home.

Sometimes I wonder if I would have liked to have children.

It's too hot. I'm feeling forced to stay inside where it's cooler. I don't like staying inside.

Nick
I'd like to go out for dinner. We haven't been to that Italian place since we came back from Canada.

No-one told me about the mountains. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

Apparently My aforementioned holiday is going to be to Canada, and my husband will be accompanying me. I don't really know anything about Canada, except that there are bears. I don't like bears. (I never could understand teddy bears - why not choose animals a little less vicious to take to bed?) Can anyone give me any tips on things to do?

Private
Bastard. I have to go with him on his stupid business trips so that people don't realise they are business trips. Well, I don't want to. I want to stay at home. I want to stay away from him. Some birthday present.

Egypt's still on our side, right? I might just have to watch which countries I travel through to get there.

Private
I'm trying to persuade him that he should go and fight in Portugal, except without seeming like I want him to. I tried to tell him not to feel like he's any less of a man for wanting to stay at home with his wife rather than go and fight. He's not biting yet.

Looks like we'll be going to war, then. Oh, I know there are protests, but since when have protests made a difference? Maybe I should put off my holiday until this has all settled down a bit.

For my birthday I have been granted given the opportunity to visit a holiday destination of my choice. Thing is, I've been thinking about it, and I think I've visited most places I want to go when I had access to our money. I don't mind beach holidays exactly, but they can get a little samey. And I don't like big cities particularly, except for shopping. The only place I can really think of is Egypt. But do you think it's safe over there with all the goblin unrest at the moment? I know there are a lot of curse breakers for Gringotts at work round the pyramids - do they work in the Valley of the Kings as well?

Anyone want to come with me, wherever I go? I hope think my husband might be busy with work.

Why are roses considered romantic when they have such sharp thorns?

I'm glad there's not going to be a war. Fingers crossed. I know it was wrong of Portugal to take in criminals, but wars are such dreadful things for everybody involved, I don't know that anyone is ever a winner. Certainly not in the long-term. Countries bear grudges even longer than people do.

I hate feeling out of the loop. Would somebody care to put me in it?

Private
Why was he so angry last night, and why did he come home so late? He was so rough I thought he was going to rip me apart. Really not my favourite way of being woken up.

1998 has been a very eventful year. Having my husband back after so many years has been perhaps the most significant change for me, although the change in government certainly has not left me untouched.

Here's to 1999. May it bring you joy.