We took a stroll along the seafront in Hove for fresh air this morning, after leaving a plastic Christmas tree outside Beth and John's flat door. Lorraine and I stopped off at Marrocco's on the Hove seafront where we bought two good hot chocolate drinks. The staff generally singing and dancing and filming each other, and occasionally remembering to serve people. A cheery place. But Lorraine and I sat on a bench looking out to sea, grabbing the last of the sun before the rainclouds rolled over.

Lorraine had to work in the afternoon. I read. The outside world less than inviting. A chat with Mum this evening.

Below colourful beach huts, stripes seem to be in fashion for their doors now. A cloud over the sun.