Scuppered

Tonight I should have been in central London as a party guest of publishers Ladybird Puffin and Penguin, but yesterday we cancelled our hotel booking in order to get a 24-hours' notice refund. It had become clear that no trains would be running today. Admittedly, the thought of sitting on a train with no air conditioning was somewhat off-putting, anyway. I'm sure I'm not the only one to have emailed the publishers to send my regrets and apologies yesterday as, soon after, I had a generic email, commenting on the likelihood of people cancelling and reassuring attendees that there would be shade and plenty of refreshing soft drinks available. I'm sure the party itself would be/will be fine; it's the getting there that's the problem.

Today the travel predictions came true: we might have reached as far as Bristol, from Weston-super-Mare, but from there no trains were running to the capital. The Age of Enfrightenment rules again. However, the widespread scaremongering has benefited us inasmuch as the rail companies are refunding ticket costs. All we lose is the handling fee and signed-for postage costs of submitting our claim.

Disappointing! Today, clouds have been gathering steadily and it is now raining. Doors, front and back, are open and a through breeze is pleasantly cooling, and saves energy with the electric fan switched off. Am disappointed to miss the party, but such is life. I don't handle heat well, so it's probably for the best.

Thank you for all the lovely stars, hearts and comments on my yesterblip. Much appreciated!