Unspeakable Laurel & Hardy moment in the night. Imagined I heard a scuffing sound outside and, being awake, shuffled over to the other side of the bed to peer from the window. Bed then mysteriously collapsed. This was unexpected as the bed is quite new and sturdy. With middle of the night logic, I slept fitfully in the debris rather than sleeping downstairs on the sofa or in one of the bunk beds.

Two bits of bad news today. Mike's son is seriously ill and has been taken to a different hospital. The poor lad is now having chemotherapy. Spoke to Mike today who sounded very concerned indeed. How dreadful that only just over a week ago Mike was preparing to go down to Cornwall with young Dan for a holiday. And now this.

Also MJ and I are running into difficulties about her and the kids coming over. The kid's father is understandably, but unfoundedly, worried about access.

Otherwise work another no-nonsense day of slog, but not too bad. Managed a half hour walk in the strong sun by the river at lunch. No bird wars today. Bumped briefly into the French bloke who moved into a new place with Max at the weekend. He was with his daughter Francesca who has suddenly morphed from teenager to assured young woman in the few months since I last saw her.

In the evening went out for the first time in ages with Anton. Had a game of pool and a couple of beers. Anton talking about the rubbishness of Don Quixote which he is listening to on his ipod. He only listens to books on his ipod as he refuses to listen to digitally recorded music. Then home and Chinese food, and me speaking to MJ on the phone.