Beards in the breeze ...

There wasn't a breeze today, of course - we're still stuck under this ridiculous, persistent, headache-inducing High and the mist hung around for most of the day though annoyingly the moon is now riding high in a clear sky. But when did reality get to interfere with a good title? (My pupils used to ask me for suggestions for titles of their essays; I'd rattle off a few because I found it fun and then they'd be at me: "Miss, miss - what was that really good one you said?" and I'd smile enigmatically/irritatingly ...)

So after that wisp of remembering, what did today bring? Well, I'd had it earmarked as the kind of ordinary, tedious day - as advocated by Lady Findhorn - that would produce a quiet mind at bedtime. It began, therefore, with a slow rising, with breakfast after 9am and Italian after I'd done the dishes - except that Di arrived for coffee just after I'd been awarded triple points for 15 minutes and was using it on the speed test: Duo doers will understand why she had to sit in silence till I'd finished. (Tests of friendship No. 17). We caught up on a week when I was busy and she was busy and away for the weekend, checked that we'd both be at church on Sunday. Then she left and I made soup and checked the larder to see what I need to buy to make the Christmas cake. (Do you use past-its-date dried fruit or chuck it and start again?) I even hung out the towels in a moment of optimism when the greyness seemed lighter and less damp.

After lunch we walked along the old road at Benmore, which is where I say this magnificent lichen hanging from a roadside tree. The lichen appears to be particularly abundant this year - I believe it tells you stuff about the air purity or something. When I got back I went in to see the neighbour who has just lost her husband - we've known them for 50 years now, and it feels very strange. We talked about funerals, and hymns, and the state of our houses (old). 

Dinner was some rather indifferent fish cakes (I know - I ought to make them) followed by Compline. And then? Another half-understood episode of Shetland. I really ought to try to stay awake throughout - I feel it would help.
It might help with sleep too...