under another sun

Lots to do and not much energy.  Various emails and messages and thinking about the reading tomorrow and Robin's book launch and started the editing the Richard Scott interview.  Lorraine and I drove off to Beth's to collect our strimmer, and I cut the unruly lawn using this and the manual lawn mower and cleaned the pond filter and did lots of laundry and other housework. On Saturday there is going to be a Baby Shower for Beth at our house, with lots of guests so things have to be got straight. Lorraine busy completing the 'secret project' she has been doing.  A doze this afternoon for half an hour, while listening to a podcast about Robert Aickman. It's making me want to read his brilliant 'strange stories' over again. Reading them for the first time a few years ago,  inspired me to write more stories.   In the evening Lorraine and I listened to Adele's interview on Crozier's creatives, talking about stained glass, and she also chose a track from Pa...

Up and a freer day than I'd anticipated. Spent some time getting my ducks in a row for the interview for Seahaven FM this afternoon, and the reading on Saturday. Had an understory conversation session this afternoon.  In the evening off to the radio office. Just by the Saxon pub, where I have been with Steve a couple of times, and encountered some rum types.  Met David Crozier, who was a lovely man who was very methodical in a way that put you at ease. We chatted for an hour beforehand, going through what we'd talk about, then we moved into the booth to have a similar conversation which was broadcast live. Popped into the loo beforehand, and I could hear the music of the pub through the wall. Not ideal neighbours for a radio station.    Unlike the podcast where I can edit out my stumbles and so on, this was raw and so potentially more nerve-racking. But having been on BBC Guernsey and Sussex in the past, I just focused on the idea that there would only be a sheep and...

I had a Understory conversation this afternoon, discussing poetic matters with other poets. Linda, one of our number who has been in hospital, restored enough to attend, and it was nice to see her. They were kind enough to allow me to talk about the long poem for  a bit, before I left halfway to collect a perky looking Toby from Seaford station. Spent the rest of the day and evening talk and lurking about eating a satisfying curry Lorraine cooked for us and then watching a couple of Fraziers before a fairly early bedtime. Everyone a bit tired, especially Toby who had seem some of the Rabbits the night before.  It always amazes me how quickly having Toby around becomes utterly normal. In under five minutes it's like he's here every day, except with lots to catch up on. Hearing how Romy's doing, and trips to see Joan and Dick, and zipping off to Japan, and visiting Danny and Heidi a few days ago. The Tobster, as ever, born under a wandering star. In other news, Adele had put ...