On Saturday, May 22^nd 2010, I poured an almost full bottle of red wine down the sink and offered myself up to God, the universe, or whatever, with hope and hopefully determination, to give up alcohol.  The decision was reached after attending a birthday celebration the previous night. Having taken a couple of Paracetemol tablets and a lemon Strepsil to soothe a sore throat and threatening cold-sore, the evening passed in a very enjoyable way. I managed to consume four small (bar-size) bottles of white wine which probably amount to about six good glasses, not a huge amount of alcohol over a period of around 5 or six hours but the following morning, I was totally washed out, over-tired and desperately trying to ward off a full-blown flu virus. Slow brained, fed up with feeling under par, and aware that my vulnerability to every passing cold probably has something to do with age, but I’m not over the hill yet, and after the difficulty I had in getting there, I have no intention of going down the other side for a long time.

From now on, I will face the world alcohol free, fingers crossed. However, I acknowledge that I need help and support to keep me on track.  I hope it arrives, from God, the universe, or whatever.