Forest morning

Up early and was collected outside by Brian shortly after eight, with Marley in the boot. Brian had already been swimming in the sea and was generally glowing. We went to Friston forest and had a lovely walk through the trees deep in discussion about all kinds of things. We paused at the place where you can look down into the valley and see the hedgerows make a big cross in the landscape. Brian uses this place to pray briefly most days. I find this quite touching. 

Home again for breakfast, and as Rosie had stayed overnight we had breakfast and long chats with her. Rosie and Lorraine went off to see Pat and Maureen, before Rosie went off to work in the afternoon. 

Lorraine told me that when Rosie arrived yesterday, they were talking and there was hammering on the roof. It was two crows, pecking at bones, with seagull feathers. The current theory is that the Robert the robbing herring gull has been murdered by, or at least scavenged by, crows. Probably a murder of crows.

I did a bit of this and that... And began editing the Danez Smith interview for the podcast.

In the evening off to the Needlewriters in Lewes for a cheery time. Callum was being featured this evening, and we had an excerpt from one of his plays performed by two actors there, which made an excellent change. Sat with SJB, Robin and Charlotte, and Stephen Bone, and spoke briefly to Jeremy and Janet and others. After the readings, an excellent one by James Ellis, I went downstairs and sat in the bar of the John Harvey Tavern with Callum and Helen, a friend of Will's. Talked quite a bit about Will of course, but really impressed by Callum's energy and organisation getting plays and performances together. He had one running over the weekend, but sadly I am booked up then.

Home, having to train to Newhaven and then get a bus, happy to be home on the gold sofa.  

I got a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight as I was walking home. A distinct red. I called Lorraine out and we had a look. My iPhone snap a bit of a dismal failure...