Just back from a four-and-a-half-mile walk. The weather has turned cooler again, and grey overhead. Threats to rain have not materialised so far. Over the weekend it was sunny and warm, and we spent Friday and Saturday indulging ourselves with the grandchildren at their home and at Woodside Farm, a favourite spot, where Oliver steeled himself to feed the animals and succeeded! Amy dragged me into the play barn to go with her into the “scary bit”. As far as I was concerned they were all scary bits, because it was built for someone about a quarter of my size. But she needed me to, actually, so that was all right. Oliver is way beyond needing anyone to accompany him, and is on the verge of riding his bicycle without stabilisers: in fact he did a pedal or too while we were there. He also understands the difference between “need” and “want”, which is pretty amazing.

On the Saturday the Coomes came to visit, hence the picture of Phil and David. Their children are growing up fast, and Phil has reached an age we can’t mention.

Went into Bally on the Sunday afternoon (following church lunch) and stayed when Rupert had finished cleaning up from his paper-making workshop the previous day. Few visitors, and the Open Studios were not a success as far as numbers were concerned. But we produced some good work. On Sunday we meet to discuss where we go from here (after Welborne, that is).

Dot is busy working on her Oakington report, following a game of pitch-and-putt yesterday and a long session with Barbara on philosophy on Monday. I’ve had messages from various people following my unexpected appearance as poetry award-winner in the EDP Art, Antiques and Collectibles supplement. Amazing how many people read it from cover to cover.