Gecko in a handbag

Up doing a few chores this morning before working on Skelton Yawgrave. Called Ben, who is cat-sitting Mum and Mason's cat Salty, who is apparently in rude health and bringing rodent friends into the house like a feline Fred West. Heard from Joan and Mum in Costa Rica. The intrepid adventurers have now reached the Pacific coast. Joan told me that my mother was "enjoying all the wildlife she can get her hands on. If she comes back with a gecko in her bag don't be surprised." Later heard from Mum that she had been snorkelling. All this a far cry from her hospitalisation just a couple of months ago.

Maureen and Pat who came to my house for a cup of tea before leaving for Kent. A quiet afternoon, with Lorraine doing an embroidery and me wasting time trying to fix a computer problem caused by my iTunes.

In the evening off to Wayne and Matt's new flat, where we met John and Matt's folks Dave and Anne. Anne displaying her knee, which has recently been replaced and is healing well. Matt and Wayne having subdued music wars while we were eating some lovely grub. Matt playing some unusual records, including one by the Swingle Singers with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Matt has also had another prophetic dream about the opera, and we will meet shortly to discuss.

Lorraine especially full of beans and naughtiness tonight and giggling lots with Wayne. I like Wayne who I am getting to know better lately.

Lorraine and I walked home in a mild misty drizzle. And went to bed ridiculously late after watching a couple of Frasier episodes.

Below a photo from Joan of Mum searching for crabs in Costa Rica.