Back to class

Gradually the normal routine of the year is re-establishing itself - though we were amused to hear a radio commentator (on Radio 4) say how disruptive the air traffic control problems were, coming as they did "right in the middle of the summer holidays"! Today the builders began work on our front garden path and steps, a job which we first set up a whole year ago; tonight it all looks neat but the path is just mud and there are piles of flagstones neatly stacked on pallets beside the hedge. 

Another familiar routine returned in the form of our painting class; I seem to have been involved with this scene of Matera, in Puglia, for months - just like the builders - but today I actually managed to paint the sky and one of the ancient walls, which are quite a challenge with their blotches of white and yellow and a totally different grey from the clouds! I'm doing this finicky wee water colour and my friend across the table is working on a vivid sea scene in acrylic and big strokes, and Paddy our teacher floats among us dispensing tips and cups of tea ... Before class, I'd paid a visit (another one!) to my GP about a blob in the corner of my eye, which he thinks is a cyst. He's referred me to the specialist over the water. "We'll see what happens" sounds rather too appropriate at this juncture.

Having negotiated the builders on my way in, I satisfied myself with a bit of toasted heel (no, not that kind - of the loaf!) and a banana and promptly fell asleep. Later, the builders having left, we were both able to go out to walk up to the church so that Himself could try out various stops and combinations on the organ while I pronounced on them from the back of the church. Once home, I made a spicy orzo/tomato/chorizo dish and for the first time in ages actually felt hungry when I sat down to eat it. 

And now it's midnight again and time I wasn't here. <vanishes in puff of smoke>