@ Aerials - thanks for your good wishes.
It's never too late: go for it! Bigglesthefrog, good for you! - well done on your revalidation.
Though I was back down by the time you were flying.
And thanks to one and all for all your kind thoughts and support. Your encouragement has played a
big part in keeping my chin up and in getting me to this point. The power of PPRuNE!! Now I'm working on the Test write-up, but with BRL's assent I should just like to carry on the diary (I hate the word 'blog') for a few flights into my aviating life as I settle in and begin to grow in confidence as a new pilot.