Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

It is often said that optimism is a failure or refusal to recognise what is. This is untrue. Optimism is the ability to look reality squarely in the eye and decide you want a second opinion.

Take this week, for example. In fact, not even the whole of this week…

It started when the flies came back. Last year, newly ensconced in my little flat, I had a plague of flies. I blamed the herd of cows at the bottom of the garden… well, you would, wouldn’t you?

I was wrong.

They appear to have hatched in the vents designed to channel fresh air into my kitchen. Through an utter lack of decency and common sense, instead of seeking the great outdoors by flying upwards, they all flew down into the kitchen instead. They will find meagre pickings, I have to say… but that is their problem. Mine is keeping…