Off to a chilly but picturesque Northport. Another day, another diner: ate a hot bowl of porridge, and then lots more knife and forkwork. MJ ordering a steak for breakfast, something I have never seen in the UK.

After this we drifted happily around the Northport shops, including MJ's favourite new age store, where she becomes very happy, sniffing the aromatherapised air and browsing thoughtfully around the divination tools and special stones. Noticed that in the concrete of the pavement nearby someone had written Jesus is God and Jesus is the true Lord, probably to counteract the sinister new age forces nearby.

I'm just loving being with MJ again. The simplest things are great fun. Went to the Stop and Shop supermarket, and enjoyed messing with her Virgo head by forbidding her to push the shopping cart.

Later, collected the bairns, car chock-full of shopping. Jack had a book of disgusting jokes about snot and poop which he happily shared on the drive home. Then more games. Heroscape with Jack, which he quickly won. Then had a game which seemed to consist of me being jumped on by Kate, Genny and, punishingly, by Jack who is surprisingly solid. Then quick stories with Kate and Genny.

Kate off to her friend's for a birthday party. MJ, Jack and me went then to the Chinese restaurant for a big feast.

Have been enjoying Shadow of the Wind which Anton lent me. Reading it when the jetlag leaves me wide eyed at inappropriate times.