under another sun

Completely forgot my drawing class this morning. But worked instead on poems. Lorraine's personal trainer Caroline came to us today, and had Lorraine working out in the garden. Nice woman, and we chatted for a bit. Off to Brighton this afternoon to hang out with Anton, recovering very well and doing a loads of paces per day. I noticed I had a bit more spring in my step as I walked up the steep hill of Guilford Road. Called for Anton, and sloped down to the Cow and played a game of chess, which I won, followed by a game of bones which Anton won. Just as we finished a cheery little man came and stood over us in the empty pub, commenting on the game. Luckily he was only there for Anton's final move. Neither of us drinking alcohol, but instead drank Guinness Zero, which is okay, but feels a bit heavy and weird afterwards. Walked down the street with him at Seven Dials, and stood outside two premises that were being threatened by the co-op next door. They each have a poster in both ...

Getting myself organised to go back up to Edgware first thing, including picking out some clothes for the funeral. Then, my rucksack packed, and kissing my sweet wife goodbye, off again to Edgware. A simple journey which gave me the opportunity to tweak my speech for Wednesday. When I arrived at Mum's I sent it to the celebrant who had asked to see it.  Mum had been to the podiatrist this morning, and was hungry and drove us to Elstree and the Waggon and Horses for a late lunch. I also drank two pints of Guinness, which had designs printed on the foam having been put in a strange machine by the manager. People chatting to Mum a bit and being friendly.  Home and I popped out to get some food and then cooked this evening, and we settled down to watch MASH. Toby called, telling us his early impressions of life in Washington. After talking to Lorraine, who was yawning, I made my way into bed, worn out before eleven.   Below a picture of Mum telling me not to photograph her, a...