I had a fascinating half-hour yesterday with a nutritionist connected to my doctor’s group practice. She intensely interested in my experience with ketogenic eating, and immediately focussed on my reasons for consulting her, namely cholesterol, calcium and electrolyte levels, and long-term sustainability. She promised to do some research on populations (such as epilepsy patients) that stick to keto regimes for years at a stretch, and to refer me for more blood work.

Today I have passed the weight goal I set for myself six months ago, having shed 15.1 Kg, or a hair over 33 pounds. That’s two shirt sizes and more than that in trousers. Best of all, I still enjoy freedom from the constant yammer of carb cravings.

Since there’s no such thing as an unmixed blessing, instead of a double chin I now have a substantial turkey wattle. Sigh.

A bit more decluttering, too: a basic Wedgwood tea set (pot and two cups) and a French press coffee pot with two Royal Worcester mugs set aside for the choir’s silent auction fund-raiser. They will be out of the house by the end of next week.

This is the fourth anniversary of my husband’s death. I have busy day planned, with pool class in the morning, followed by lunch with a fellow Aquafitter, an afternoon of music library maintenance, and church choir practice in the evening. I had a good talk with Edmund’s favourite sister yesterday, and firmed up plans for Christmas. And so we soldier on.