under another sun

Lorraine getting calls about school, and the pressure for her is on. All I can do is be as supportive as possible. One way today was by proposing a walk at the top of Stanmer woods, which was particularly nice, as there is already (in this mad year) a touch of autumn about the leaves.  We sat in a field looking at the rolling Downs, and the blue sea on the horizon and at times could barely see a soul, and although we drove up to the woods, this is still walking distance from our front door. Living near the edge of town is something I am beginning to treasure. Later in the afternoon, Lorraine did some school work, and I did bits of my stuff, in preparation for meeting Robin (virtually) tomorrow. On my prompting too, Lorraine cooked an Anton's pears, apple and blackberry crumble, which was utterly fine. We also ate a Kenny farm large tomato for breakfast, and some Kenny farm mini potatoes for dinner. These were particularly tasty. We will be continuing our potato experiment next ...

Over the still snowy Downs, to the village of Ardingly this afternoon. A nice, well kept village, with one or two crookbacked roofs on old pubs, and we nosed about the village, its school, St Peter's Church, and down some of its edge of village paths. Rather lovely in places. If Lorraine got the headship here, trying to imagine what a local celebrity she would be. Some excitement in town, as Brighton played Arsenal in the FA cup. When Lorraine and I returned to Brighton, and I went off to meet Matt for another chat in the Foundry as one or two disconsolate local fans drifted in, having seen their beaten after stout resistance in the last few minutes 2-3 by Arsenal. Matt and I groping towards a new project. Meanwhile, a glimmer on the horizon; our Clameur piece is going to be performed in Chichester in March. Matt not conducting, so it will be nice for us to ease back in our chairs and hear what a new and excellent choir and conductor make of it. More details when I have them. ...