MJ and me into our suits and off to the family court this morning. Sat about for three hours waiting for the case to be called, and eventually it was postponed due to a legal technicality. Very Dantesque, with people discussing their cases with a sleaze of lawyers. Edward Hopper scenes of people sitting alone but preoccupied in the strangely featureless corridors with big squares of bright light from the sun through windows.

MJ tuning into all the misery about the place. Gave her some paper to draw evil clown pictures as a distraction, and we spoke to Johanna and Michael. After discussions with her lawyer we were released from this and drove through the resplendent trees of long Island back to the Hokey Pokey again (the other places being closed) for lunch, and a much needed glass of wine.

Collected the Kate from school and went to the Sweet Shop in Northport. Kate doing her extraordinary "raptor" hiss, which I copied in the car and painfully clicked my jaw. Back to school to collect Jack from his chess class. Enjoyed seeing all the kids playing chess.

Home, and quick reprises of dust bunnies, duvet monster and heroscape.

In the evening MJ and I went off to see a movie called Capote about the life of Truman Capote. Centres around the writing of his book "In Cold Blood". Really well acted and interesting film.

Very cold tonight. Chess club below...