We’ve stumbled into some lovely weather. Yesterday Dot and I sat in the garden for a while, and this robin came and kept us company. We have two or three mirrors in the garden, and it seemed mystified by the appearance on an extra robin in odd places. Very loud song. We also walked to Morrisons to buy a few things and stopped at one of the bars on the way back through Riverside for a glass of wine and Smirnoff Ice. Sat and watched the river and felt quite continental. Dot has checked the weather for Switzerland, and it looks good. Should also be good for Oliver’s party with his friends today: hope he’s feeling OK – he had a sore throat yesterday.

I had a really bad night: only about three hours’ sleep, and it’s not likely to be much better tonight. As a result I feel quite hazy; I started on antibiotics this morning after no improvement in the usual area. Tim M has been round to pick up the key: he’s staying here while we’re away. Also Menita and her children called but didn’t stop – apparently Alex wanted to look at where they used to live (opposite).

I’ve sent out the Paston Private View invitations and caught up with just about everything I had to do. The Flip people say they’re sending me a replacement, which will no doubt arrive while I’m away, so I hope it doesn’t go astray.

Ian Bullock came round on Thursday night and stayed for about three hours. Had a good conversation about our days at the EDP: he left a couple of years ago to go freelance, and he and his wife have had a number of health problems. Good to see him.

We shall be leaving for London in a couple of hours – staying at the King’s Cross Travelodge tonight. Hope it’s even more wonderful than it sounds. Dot is keen to get a glass of champagne at the long bar in St Pancras station this evening.