Shaun,
I know how you're feeling. I was late going into teaching too, but had a twenty-year career that I really loved.
Brian,
Ah, the lovely Clovis, bless him; the most intelligent dog I've ever met! He's so clever that I have a suggestion: why not keep some minced steak in the freezer and give him some for his dinner on the last day of every month. That way, he won't need to look at the calendar as he'll automatically know it's the 1st of a new month the following day.
It won't cost you too much - and he's well worth it.
Mary,
Let's get together again sometime when you're home again. I met the lovely Ed at West Chester - a definite cause to rejoice!
Jayne