under another sun

Lorraine and I did a spot of shopping this morning, pausing for coffee and lemon and chocolate lobster tails which reminded us of happy times in Sicily with Toby and Romy. Then off to Waitrose. Weird how happy going shopping for food in an actual supermarket with Lorraine makes me feel.  Toby arrived this afternoon, I met him from his train at Brighton Station where I met Toby. As usual he was travelling light, so we were able to have a slow walk home, stopping off at the Rotunda cafe in Preston Park for a cup of tea and a flapjack. Lots of talking to be done as usual. Then home and Lorraine very pleased to see him. Sam met him again after a few very early meetings in Brighton pubs in the early days of Lorraine and I being together.  Toby refreshed and showered, and off for a cheery evening at the Cleveland where we four were joined by Anton for a meal and a few drinks. Anton and Toby pleased to see one another, having known each other first. Good burgers in the Cleveland, and...

Up early this morning, as Lorraine had a date with Paul her hairdresser. She returned with lovely sleek hair. Off this afternoon for Sunday lunch at The Cleveland, where we met Innis and Rosie for the first our booze since February. A really nice roast lunch, and then Rosie suggested we move outside to sit in the sun. A gorgeous day, and lovely to catch up. Innis still a bit shellshocked after the death of his good pal Groll, who he had been with through his last months. Things that would normally be extremely tough, are just made worse by general 2020ness. A good laugh however, and it did us all good I think. There are so many friends  Lorraine and I have barely seen this year. A quiet evening, with a piece of melted cheese on toast for supper. Below Rosie and Lorraine, Innis and moi, Rosie being peak Rosie with a tequila, and a dog and a buddha that Rosie spotted.

Much improved day. Got busy preparing for the interview this morning with Pascale Petit, down in Cornwall. Really enjoyed talking to her and, thank God, the interview actually recorded. Pascale has a new book out called Tiger Girl, and I sped read it first thing this morning, it is very good, and it was a real privilege to have her reading it to me in my study.  The results will be in the podcast. Had a chat with Robin afterwards, with lots of planning, she has been busy too. It is all quite exciting. Lorraine working from home today, but it is hard work accommodating changes for the new year, when the government's guidance is so poor. Outside a howling gale, Storm Francis apparently, and lots of rain. I went for a stroll around Blakers Park and the wind through a pine tree there was reminding me of walking at Icart Point in Guernsey. I really miss Guernsey. Luckily Tess was happy to go again on Thursday. This is great news. Felt much happier with life than I had done last ni...

Up and working hard on my French work this morning, before hurrying down to Preston Park in the rain, after a quick chat with Mum, off to Haywards Heath to be met by Lorraine in an unfamiliar car as her one was being serviced. We zoomed off to Bolney and spent a happy afternoon with eight children who were among the strongest writers in the school. Read them a little from Magnificent Grace and gave them task to use something they are familiar with and add something magical or unexpected. I am always impressed by children and how good they are. Lorraine working with me so it was quite fun to be calling her Mrs Kenny. The school staff always friendly to me there. One of the perks of being Mr Kenny. A quick book signing, which was great fun, and then off to the garage to pick up Lorraine's real car, and then back home. Beth at home, and we went to The Cleveland Arms where we had a bite to eat and a few beers. I was drinking old and bitter, which I find curiously delicious. After s...

Bad news about Craig's health this morning. I would like to go to see him but was advised by his closer friends that he and Mel have too much to deal with at the moment, and treatments and so on are all being sorted. Lorraine and I in contrast, were able to have a relaxed Friday, and count our blessings. I did some writing too on Grace 2. Lorraine and I went shopping in Lidl, but our journey back was delayed due to a bomb scare of a suspect package on a street. This turned out to be nothing. Began reading the book that Sarah Barnsley bought me called The Happiness Trap , which is rather a good book I think. I also read some H.P. Lovecraft for a bit of horror -- starting a really good story (thankfully without his obnoxious racism) called The Whisperer in the Dark . Lorraine and I had a nice supper at home, and then popped over to The Cleveland, where we played cards in what may be in danger of becoming our new local, dog strewn as it is. Said hello to Stacy from the barbers. ...

A few loose ends to sort out for The French Bloke's agency, then I did more on Grace 2. In the afternoon after chatting to Sonia, I sauntered into town and got my hair cut. Reassuringly pleasant chat in the barbers about beer and pies. From there I went to the Starbucks I often go to, to do a bit more work and to have a bit of a text back and forth with Craig whose health is suddenly of concern to friends. Beth and I zoomed off to the Cleveland Arms all work having been done. Lorraine liked it lots once we were there. There were visible owner and it had a generally friendly vibe, including Stacy one of my barbers. Lots of dogs however, although this was a plus for Betty and Lorraine. It was Valentine's Day so it was hard to get food there, so we simply picked up a curry on the way home. Very happy that Lorraine was now on half term. A cheerful dinner at home and a party to look forward to tomorrow. Below a seagull and a chip on a building site.

Lorraine working from home this afternoon, feeling a bit under par,  end of termish and in need of chocolate. Good to have her at home however. Off in the evening with Anton for a drink. Anton's new philosophy is to walk such long distances between pubs so that your drink is calorie neutral. He met me at The Cleveland Arms. This is a pub that is very near to me, but the last time Anton and I went there was with Lorraine on a December 31st 2016.  It had a weird banjo-playing/Deliverance kind of atmosphere and we didn't tarry. Now three years later it feels very different. Had a nice beer there and then set off on our travels. Had a half in the Open House, and then found a pub called The Park Crescent. This was a real find, tucked away in a street I had never been in. It was raining pretty heavily as we approached it. Inside there was good beer, a pleasant atmosphere and Al's Pies. We didn't eat them, but were deeply impressed with the menu. The pies looked exemplar...