under another sun

So a gentle start to the day, Lorraine working from home today and me with no work. We had a 'business meeting' this morning and we chased the Estate Agents and the Solicitors over cups of tea in the kitchen.  No reply from the award winning Estate Agents, and we chivvied the award winning Solicitors. At the end of the day the Estate Agent got back with the promising news that our buyer's mortgage was approved and they were in a position to move. Yesterday Lorraine spoke with the Estate Agent in Seaford, saying we wanted to move sooner rather than later. After the call, however, it occurred to me that we may have to pay a deposit when we exchange contracts -- and we might need a short term bridging loan. Cross with myself that we hadn't clarified this earlier.    Otherwise a lazy day. Lorraine not feeling full of pep, so had an easy day. I went to the gym, and did a workout while listening to Stephen Fry read Sherlock Holmes's story The Man With The Twisted Lip . I...

Lorraine off to school to let workmen in and so on today. I got up and did a bit of writing before heading off to the Jolly Badger at Mill Hill to see Mum and Mason. An enjoyable train journey, reading Jia Jiang's book Rejection Proof . Most writers often have to deal with rejection of course. One idea hit me with some force. Although I am finding my acceptances/rejections ratio has distinctly improved recently -- but always have the sense editors choose what seems to me safer work. There is a temptation to write in that way to see more of your work in print. But if what you are writing is safe, it will never be remembered.  A big difference to going to the Jolly Badger from the last time I was up here. Not the sweltering heat, in fact although it is still warm, the day was overcast threatening rain that did not come.  We were shown to the same table as before, and the guy even remembered what we all drank too. Mum and Mas on good form. It works really well me zooming up for a...

A lovely Monday. I got up early, worked at a bit of poetry and sent off a manuscript, received a letter from my accountant which was very helpful and then I went for an overdue work out at the gym. I feel much more relaxed after doing something physical. Meanwhile Lorraine had gone to school early to let a workman in, and have a day of finalising things in her office. However she was back by four having been to her personal trainer, and I was done for the day. I cooked dinner and Lorraine baked some banana bread and a rhubarb crumble. It was weird to have her back so early and so relaxed. It makes me very happy. I kindled a book called Rejection proof: how I beat fear and became invisible by Jai Jiang. I watched his Ted talk and found it amusing and inspiring.   Called mum briefly to confirm I was seeing her tomorrow. Anton has had a mystery bug which laid him out for a few days but didn't test as covid.