Did a bit more family tree research today, and discovered my grandparents on my father’s side were married at Mansfield towards the end of 1905. Not many people know that. Also discovered my great-grandfather was a cordwainer, as indeed was his father: I have come from a long line of shoemakers. Well, up to a point. My grandfather was a window-cleaner and a railway lampman, among many other things. My great-great grandfather had more children than I thought too. Yes, I’ve been on Genes Reunited.

Yesterday we visited our friend Phyllis Todd, in hospital, recovering from a sprained muscle in her back. She’s 100, which is a bit much if you ask me. Very lively, given that she has a sprained back.

On Monday drove over 300 miles, taking Dot and Barbara to Henley for a P4C event. They were speaking to 45 teachers from six schools and had to cram it into half an hour less than they thought. We had a delicious lunch at the Maltsters Arms pub in Rotherfield Grays and while the girls were talking I drove into Henley and strolled briefly by the river before returning to Harpsden (near the school) for a woodland walk. Also finished Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum, which is a brilliant novel. Have also recently read Zima Blue, by Alastair Reynolds – a collection of short stories with some exceptional ideas. He handles huge time and distance really well, though I’m not so keen on the alternative worlds ones, because I don’t believe that if something is 1000-1 against, it will happen at the 1000th opportunity. I think it’s still 1000-1 against. But I expect that’s just me.

Drove home afterwards by way of  Caddington and knocked on David’s door, but he was out swimming. Got home around 10pm after dropping Barbara at Scole, to be picked up by Andy. Weather has been dry and bright, but now it’s getting noticeably colder.