To Edgware

Hoofed off to Edgware this morning. The hottest June day on record, and far worse is forecast for later in the week, all part of the deadly heatwave that is lingering over western Europe. Luckily the air conditioning on the various trains seemed to be working. Heard en route that Mum had been to the bank. She had received a letter about a suspicious activity, but all was okay. Sweltering at Mum's. I took photos of the demand that was sent to her address from California tax people, and sent these to Romy, who has really kindly said she would contact them on Mum's behalf. This is a huge help, though I feel a bit guilty asking her with her workload.

Meanwhile I went through Mum's emails and found that the US social security people had sent Mum a note on the 17th saying that they had received her query and had passed it on to the right department. So three bits of good news from my perspective. I ordered a replacement death certificate for Mason, just in case this would be required. I am this week going to sort out the power of attorney forms finally, and get those signed and sent off, making it easier for me to step and sort out any future tangles.  After a couple of hours of this sort of thing, a late zoom to the Waggon for a chicken sandwich and a pint of lager. 

Fond farewells with Mum at about 4:30, after a nice chat with Ben, and I set off home, where the return journey was fairly hideous. I got home at 9pm after a series of problems caused by the extreme heat. UK infrastructure isn't built for this weather. Trains at Gatwick going south were all held up for the best part of an hour while I was there, and so on. Very nice to be home, and fresher of course in Seaford. Lorraine had brought Pat and Maureen around, with Delores's help, and they all sat in the garden.

Keir Starmer resigned as PM today, apparently clearing the way for Andy Burnham. Starmer a decent PM, but fatally unable to communicate optimism or vision or some sort of plan. Luck wasn't his friend. I wish Burnham luck, he'll need it.