under another sun

For the first time this year I managed to complete my normal daily target of 10k paces. Off this morning to meet Innis in the Costa Cafe at the top of Preston Street, the one where I meet my stained glass buddies. Nice to see Innis, and we discussed a collaboration around the Waiting project, and I showed Innis the powerpoint presentation, which I have been adding to, and we chatted about the sorts of ways that we can visually interpret that. I walked home through Seven Dials, and Preston Park. A snack for lunch, watching an Irish comedy set in Cork called  The Young Offenders , which I really like. Then I did a smidge more on the poos and kidneys work for my Chiswick pals. Then another short walk around the block a couple of times, listening to another Robert Aickman story, The Next Glade to get me up to 10k. Felt tired at the end of it, but am definitely improving. That was a particularly draining cold. Cooked a curry, with some parsnip in whose sweetness works surprisingly ...

Getting on with it today. Finished my waiting room presentation. Worked through my list. A longish walk this afternoon. Little to report.

Completed an essay about waiting rooms (just a small part of the top secret waiting rooms project) which I mainly did to get my thoughts in order about the subject, and I also sent it into an essay competition which I have had my eye on. I've not written an essay as such for many a year. I think it turned out well though. Spoke to Lynne up in Paddington about another chunk of freelance work. While this is good news, I have my finger in lots of pies at present, so it will take some juggling. One of these is trying to arrange a few days walking in Guernsey with Anton. Having started work this morning at just gone seven, and having not stopped till three, I took myself out for a walk on the edges of Brighton for a couple of hours, up into the top of Stanmer Park woods, and round the far side of the Hollingbury golf course, listening to podcasts, one about the literature of trees, which I listened to in the wood. Then back to do a few bits of work, before cooking. Lorraine was ho...

Monday then, and Lorraine off to school for the inset day, before the children all pile in tomorrow. The alarm going off at six, and back into the new routine. I like getting up early and stealing a march on the world. So making what seems like a new start. A new list, which looks a lot more practical and balanced than the lists of summer. I spent much of the day working on my Waiting Room project, getting in touch with the French Bloke who has agreed to let me bounce it off him, as he has a large and different brain. I also billed mes amis in Paris, and made a few calls, including to Janet who I will see on Wednesday all being well. Off for a walk this afternoon around the edges of the golf course, not a massive walk but enough to stir the blood. I find you can have a short walk, but if lots of it is not on a pavement, this is more demanding. At the moment I am preferring walking outdoors to going down to the stuffy gym. When the weather turns wretched, I shall gym it a bit more. ...

Worked on my Waiting Rooms project, and set up an appointment with the marketing department at a local private hospital where there is an installation in the waiting room by Brian Eno. Texts from Keith, who I will meet up with soon. Have to get into London and start schmoozing again soon. Bit the bullet and signed up to continue my stained glass studies again. Also got in touch with the doctor's about swollen glands, I have to wait two weeks for an appointment. Meanwhile the swollen glands seem to be subsiding a bit.   A note from Antony Mair, who will use a quote from me on the jacket of his new book. Below here is a photo of me by the miniature train we rode on for Pat's birthday, the photo taken by Beth. Gives you an idea of how wee the train was. I also went for a walk in the afternoon, attempting to get fitter. Not cold, but ominous looking weather... View towards the sea, and a view towards Brighton's football stadium. Loving having Lorraine at home, an...