Cummings and Gowings

Got up early this morning, and did some writing. Am trying to pull a manuscript together for a competition. The last time I did this I was shortlisted. I live in hope I can go one step further.  

Also spoke to Keith trying to read the runes on current work. Then the French team Keith and I have been working with got in touch. Despite our best efforts it seems one of our ideas got through to win. Heard from Betsy today too -- who has been living back in the states for several years now, and wanted me to work on a job with her despite the eight hour time difference. I declined. This time.  

A bit of a Pooterish cast to the day, with lots of Cummings and Gowing. 

Just after lunch Brian arrived with his chainsaw and cut some bits down for us. He's such a nice man -- and had been in church this morning as it was Ash Wednesday. Yvonne came with him, and I sat chatting to her. Her daughter Annabel is about to give birth, so everyone a bit excitable -- she may be induced tomorrow. If that's the case her baby will be born on the same day as her three year old.

Lorraine meanwhile speaking to Maureen's cardiac nurse on a follow up call. Then Chris the plumber arrived then too to take stock of what needed to be done as he is going to replace the boiler in a couple of weeks. A very nice man and a good chum of Adele and Patrick.

Once Chris was done, I went upstairs to listen to the podcast, and do a few bits. Downstairs Steve arrived, as Lorraine had arranged to give him a sourdough masterclass. Turns out that Steve was very upset, however, and told Lorraine about how his closest friend had just been diagnosed with something deeply worrying. Lorraine was just the person to speak to, however and gave him a hug and cups of tea.  Life is hard sometimes. We promised to meet for an early evening pint of mother in law on Friday. 

Toby called early this evening, staving off the winter gloom in the Canadian winter. He was working from home, luckily as a load of snow was on its way this afternoon. Here, a little bit of drizzle and light rain. It hasn't rained much in the last month, and there is already talk of drought.