I’ve often said during the last few years that it is the simple pleasures in life that have got me through difficult times. I think that perhaps they are the most important parts of life in the end. I mean, while it is wonderful to go out and do exciting things it would not make up for having a horrible everyday life.

My simple pleasures are mostly related to home. Sitting in the garden with a cuppa and a good book, listening to or watching the birds. I’ve spent many an hour in my old garden in Geeveston like that. Here we can watch the wildlife that abounds in our street. It’s still a novelty to see wallabies grazing in our garden or across the street or to see a parrot, a kookaburra or a wren. I can appreciate the beauty of a spiderweb although not the spider itself.

When I used to have to get up early to go to work, I’d appreciate the sunrise while I waited for the bus. Sunsets, a full moon, even interesting cloud formations are all pleasures that nature provides us for nothing. Colour. I love colour whether it is the colour of the sea or sky, the colours of flowers, fabrics and yarn or even machinery and buildings.

I enjoy watching our pets and the funny or cute things that they do; the smell and taste of a good meal, eating ice cream or Tim Tams.

Having a good laugh over something silly. The anticipation of going somewhere, riding in the car with good music on the stereo, the Scottish accent of the breakfast presenter on the radio station I listen to.

Most of these things are ordinary everyday events but imagine a life without such things.