The Last Day

The last full day of a home leave is a strange one. The day is overshadowed by what tomorrow will bring - prison - and interrupted by packing, arranging travel, etc.

To be sitting in a place of ease and beauty and yet be preoccupied by prison is one of the many emotional strains that are both unexpected and profoundly unpleasant.

Whilst the prison professionals focus on work, timekeeping, etc, it is these deeper emotional waters that are the real story of the road to release.

It's a lot harder than you'd think!

Home Alone

I have just arrived home for my third home leave, and so will be posting live for the next few days.

The sun is scorching and I am tucked away in the garden wearing a ridiculous hat (the curse of avoiding a burned baldie head) wondering where the hell all the cats have gone. They usually crowd my appearance, knowing that an extra meal could be forthcoming.

I hope all of you have some moments of simple happiness today.