After a late night, an early start, and having cooked the Sunday lunch, I only really wanted to sit in an armchair on Sunday afternoon. But, Robbie announced he needed a piece of 6′ by 3′ mdf for an art project, and so off we went to Aylesbury. Homebase had the mdf but the wood cutting machine wasn’t working. So, off to Wickes who had the wood but no cuttig facility, before B&Q were able to oblige. Robbie carried ‘the plank’ out to the car, and I was immediately reminded of all those old comedy routines with a plank of wood… Fortunately we got home without Robbie having knocked, broken anything, or decapitating anybody.

Saturday night was a ‘safari supper’ night with friends from the village. I have been down with a cold most of the last week, and wasn’t feeling particularly brilliant on Saturday, so spent most of the afternoon in bed. I went out in the evening, but didn’t last the full distance, and about 11pm left and went back to my bed. The theme was ‘charity shop challenge’, where people had to dress themselves in under £10. We started out in the garage of one of the group, who had done it up like a charity shop, and done a terrific job.

I am feeling a bit brighter today, and even got the bike out and cycled the last 14 miles into work. It was good to get some exercise.  Nikki managed a javelin session on Saturday, then played hockey in Wycombe, her team drew 2-2. Robbie’s new band seem to be getting better, although Rob is a bit more concentrated on the drum playing he has to do in his school production – Back to the 80’s – he has to play on 21 songs. Ellie is just getting over a cold too, so has not been a 100% either. Tricia managed to go training on Sunday morning, after the safari supper the night before, which was a good show!

I spoke with my brother Stephen last night, he brought me up to date on how poorly his wife Justine has been since Xmas. I was oblivious to this, and feel bad about not knowing, having got bogged down with work and family life. So, best wishes to her, and we hope she picks up soon.