Murk

Woke up in the night feeling oddly doomy and discombobulated. I'd dreamt I was standing in Tanfield Avenue, in Neasden, where we lived for a few years on returning from Guernsey. In the dream I was an adult, and waiting in the living room. It was strangely empty however. Into it arrived two men, my biological father, and grandfather. One of them explained they had been delayed due to one of them having to look after a film star. They were both appeared to be the same age, around 40. I stumblingly introduced myself, and shook both of their hands, and they both introduced themselves as John (which was both their names in reality too). I said, where the hell have you guys been? As far as I can remember, I never dreamt about either of them before.  

Got up early, did some writing, and then put all the garden furniture away as we are expecting 50mph winds tonight. Then spent a good deal of time looking at fireplaces. Also contacting a chimney sweep to do Mum's flue. I realise however I need more facts, and there is a bewildering amount of choice. Spoke to Mum several times this morning, and had measured the existing fireplace, which was helpful.

A good chat with Anton, who was making me laugh about assorted things, and asking me what I'd like for my birthday. He is usually exasperated as I can never bring anything to mind, but eventually I remembered something. 

A long walk in the blustery rain. I finished listening to How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend, read well and affectingly by its author Rachel Barr. I really enjoyed it. 

Very happy to be indoors with Lorraine. We are looking at last minute holidays. We didn't go to the pub tonight, instead went to Pat and Maureen's place to change a bed, then drove to Newhaven where we went to a restaurant called The Viceroy. Really nice good there, better than anything in Seaford. It was a bring your own place too, so we brought in some lager and drank that with our meal, which was very well priced. 

On the way home, Lorraine spotted two people, one of them up a ladder at Denton Roundabout taking down flags. Modern Day Heroes. 

A rainy seafront, with Seaford Head lurking in outline in the murky rain.