under another sun

Up early to do some writing, but immediately put off my stroke by Calliope. She had not moved from the bed and instead of being woken by her, she stayed silent and did not move. She also did not come down for breakfast, instead of herding me downstairs. For the second time in the last week or so, suddenly convinced she was going to die. However, after an hour or so she came into my study, and sat on my lap and looked bright as a button, before falling immediately asleep on me. I spoke to Lorraine and we thought the trip to the vets would be too stressful for her, as she wasn't in any distress. After having been out from noon till seven, she seemed completely fine this evening, and her and Brian greeted me on arrival as normal. The mysteries of cats.  Otherwise, off to Kew to get my teeth looked at. I have had to cancel my last two appointments. To make sure I got there on time, I left early. I had a dream journey -- all trains where they should be on the way up, and I found myself ...

Improving from whatever was ailing me. Off into town with Lorraine who had to go to Specsavers. Her visit there lasted well over an hour, giving me time to do a bit of window shopping in the lanes for an hour or so.  Returning to see what was keeping her, I simply walked past the shop, should have gone to Specsavers , I thought having been brainwashed by the advert. After a bit we found ourselves outside the studenty pub the East Street Tap, which is just around the corner from Chalk and simply went in for a glass of cider. I'd not set foot in there for over two years. Loud music and tables and chairs like those of a cheap factory canteen. But still not without charm. The in the gents the urinals are made from metal kegs, with the name of the old beer Courage stamped on them. A message there about what beer turns into. Also some graffiti: Prince Andrew is a sweaty nonce . I don't remember having seen graffiti about royalty before, and never so accurate.  We were hungry, but e...

Off by train to Ashford to spend the afternoon with Maureen and Pat. Lorraine intending to work, and I took my laptop too. However I was trapped by a loquacious and slightly drunk American who talked, in his own words, overbearingly, without pausing for breath for 45 minutes, so that I learned all the details of his family, and a fair selection of his opinions. Dreaded rail replacement line from Hastings to Ashford, though I really liked this drive, threading on the coach through parts of Kent I have never visited. Our route went through Winchelsea, which looked fascinating with interesting ruins, Rye and across the marsh. I want to visit Winchelsea again. A nice afternoon with Maureen and Pat, a roast lamb Sunday lunch, and watching mild mannered indoor bowls on TV, swapping Christmas presents, an event postponed due to the flu from hell, and said hello to Fatty Basil the cat, who now lives with them. Also chatting to Pete (Lorraine's nephew) and his girlfriend Charlene about ...