Could there have been a nicer start to the week than the gift of a pair of freshwater pearl earrings? I think not. After groaning my way to work on Monday morning and forgetting to put on any jewellery in the process, I was beautifully surprised by one of my dear colleagues who has just returned from a holiday to Western Australia. It included a visit to Broome where she kindly bought me a gift. I put them on straight away and wore them for the whole day. This is another person I will miss greatly when I finish up in October.