HURRAH I am back!

Dear reader, I know you have missed me - I have your emails - so thank you very much indeed, I love a bit of fan mail. Clearly, I am a guilty pleasure, much like watching EastEnders.

Well as you may or may not know, I have had the Chuckle Brothers renovating my cottage for the last 106 days, three hours and a few minutes. But now I am finally in.

I have to say certain things have not gone to plan and I have been left having to rip out my 40 day old kitchen.... and bathroom. Don't, just don't.

Anyway, I am not at liberty to say too much, but what I can say is that an amazing, talented and creative man has been with me for two hours this morning, mopped up my tears and the water leak and promised to return with his team.

Knight in shining armour anyone?

I blame myself of course, I wasn't here enough, I was too trusting and probably not clear enough. I am not a property tycoon but a middle-aged woman with a small budget and big ideas. Sigh.

Anyway, despite my domestic complaints, I am very happy here.

The sky is big, the birds are loud and I can hear cows from my kitchen. Pheasants are given away for free at the local shop and I feel I have space to breathe - despite living in a tiny village.

And despite my front lawn resembling the yard of Steptoe and Son for the last four months, everyone I have met, with the odd exception, have been welcoming and warm.

Mum and Step visited on Saturday, so we tottled to the local for lunch to be greeted by a handful of villagers.

"How nice Karen, you have obviously been busy making friends?" said Step.

"Well no, I have never met them before."

Meanwhile, Mum, who embraced village life in five minutes flat, began introducing herself and making friends with people's pets to the abject horror of The Teen, who turned an interesting shade of Mr Briggs' beetroot crop.

For the first time in a long time, I have a sense of excitement and peace that comes from knowing you are exactly where you should be....