under another sun

A slow start to Sunday, and Lorraine grateful for the fact that the clocks went back. Roused ourselves eventually to drive off to Sainsbury's and buy some vegetables. Then Lorraine took her car to be mended. Thought I had lost my wallet for a while, but luckily I had dropped it in the car. Spoke to Mum, and later on called Janet, but I guess she was at the hospital. I also wrote a chasing email to the agent who has my children's novel. The process of trying to get people to look at your work requires a resolute spirit. Beth and John came around this afternoon, and Lorraine cooked the massive shoulder of lamb that she had been given by the head of governors at her school. Obviously with my orc foot, which red meat sparks off, I was only able to eat a small amount of it. What I tasted was delicious. Lorraine made an apple pie afterwards, which was splendid. I like it when Lorraine gets serious in the kitchen. The other three forking into it with great abandon, and Beth took b...

My birthday. Lorraine gave me a book on stained glass, and is going to send me on a stained glass window course, which will be wonderful as I love them and have often talked about this, without actually doing anything about it. Now I shall do something about it. Dozens of messages today wishing me a happy birthday, most of them through Facebook, but e-cards and, actual cards from Janet and Ken, and Maureen and Pat, and emails and so on, calls from Mum and Beth. Felt very touched by these, and the affection they represented. And for my business conundrums, everything fell perfectly into place. The folks in Paddington did want me after all. This was reassuring as I was beginning to think I had completely misinterpreted everything. Plus they are happy for me to start once I have sorted out the work I need to do for my French clients. All in all, it couldn't have worked out better. Heard people discussing The diary of Adrian Mole on the radio the other day, which is a bit Pooteri...

A bit achey today still, so a day of sloth. Lay in bed all morning, and Lorraine read and finished The Second Kind of Darkness. Much to my relief, she really liked it. In the afternoon, we drove to see Janet and Ken, where we had tea and chats, and looked at Janet’s kitchen which is taking shape nicely.  On the way home we picked up Beth and John, who were staying at John’s flat. Home, and Lorraine had cooked roast lamb, and roast potatoes and so on. The lamb was delicious and had been given to her by Peter, her chair of govenors, who is a sheep farmer among other things. Being gouty at the moment, I have to steer clear of red meat. I mumbled at a bit of chicken while they all slavered over lamb. Lamb, it transpires, is a particular Betty favourite.