There Was A Time.

Once there was a time when weekends meant a different rhythm to the working week.

There was a time when a lie in wasn’t 30 minutes, it was 4 hours.

There was a time when a lie in only involved two people.

There was a time when an after-work spontaneous outing simply involved turning the car round and heading a different way.

There was a time when there WERE spontaneous Going Outs.

There was a time when paying for something on a card didn’t involve a flinch and a muttered prayer through crossed fingers.

There was a time when it was possible to have sex on the stairs without fear of interruption. Or Lego Knee.

(There was a time when we were physically able – and willing – to have sex on the stairs)

There was a time when the washing machine liked me, when it only worked merrily twice a week.

There was a time when there was time to iron sheets.

There was a time when “shall we go out” involved nothing more than picking up the keys and locking the door behind us.

There was a time I thought Dora was probably an elderly lady.

There was a time my house sighed in the crashing roar of so much silence, and I never knew what it was waiting for.

There was a time before you.

And now? Now is the time of Noise. Of a house just Filled. Of Sheets never ironed, of neverending laundry, of a sulky washing machine. Now the Lie ins are crowded places to be. Now Dora is my friend.

Now is the time my house is a Home.

Now is the time of No Time.

Now is the time of You.

Now is the Very Best Time Of All.