Writer

Busy day out and about kicking off with meeting a fellow blipper's new arrival for the first time. Had a lovely morning, thanks jaybroek and family.

Cultural endeavour of the day was another book festival event, whole family went to see Francesca Simon, the author of the Horrid Henry books. Very good she was too, and for once we bought a book afterwards and queued up to get it signed and my eldest daughter got to have a wee chat with her and came away pleased as punch with herself. Well done that girl.

After coffees, lazing in the sun (got to take it where you can these days, and I'm wondering if they'll be selling off those Guardian-sponsored deckchairs afterwards, I could make good use of one of them I reckon) and colouring and crafting in the kids bookshop it was time to head and meet the parents for an enjoyable meal in a noisy and rammed Italian eaterie on the way home. How those staff, who were working their arses off every single minute we were there, remain polite, cheerful, good-humoured, patient and charming all the time I do not know. I know it's their job and all, but boy were they good.

Got quite a shock when I glanced at the brewery earlier on the way into town. The demolition that's been pretty rapid over the last few months seems to have really picked up pace in the last few days, like they've got a bit bored using the usual cranes and wrecking balls and have just decided to go hell for leather and blast the bastard to kingdom come as fast as possible. There's still a little opportunity for more photographs, but it's a scant one. This could even be the last ever brewery blip. Naturally I will be checking tomorrow.

OK, bit more bus music today, music that continued to be listened to in the queue for Horrid Henry whilst waiting for my lot to turn up. Just me, a whole bunch of parents with their kids and this lot on the ipod. One of my favourite tracks of the last few years, but I realise it's probably not for everyone. If you hate it then no offence taken. Really.