Saturday 28th January 2023

Woke to a slow start, but a lot to do today. Aki up and at 'em...she made tea, and prepared porridge for breakfast. I got up and we ate. I got up on the bedroom roof to tidy up after last week's build. Collected up all the moss that had fallen off the neighbouring church roof, then washed the skylight. Tidied the ladder away afterward...the garden shed needs a good clear out! Hardly room for my ladder! Aki jumped in the shower, and I packed an overnight bag, then we set off for Brighton in the car. Traffic not too bad, though it was a bit slow getting through the Blackwall Tunnel. We took a detour off the A20 at Sidcup, and stopped for lunch at a farm shop...it was packed, so we opted for a takeaway and ate in the car overlooking fields of horses.

Stopped off at Waitrose in Hove to buy some booze before rocking up at the Yates's house in Modena Road. We were joined a little later by Andy "My Word is my Bond" Widdup and his wife, Kim, who had come by train from Cuckfield. Trudi had cooked a belated Burns supper...haggis, neeps & tatties. Enjoyed a catch up. Hadn't known that Kim had suffered 12 months debilitating long-covid, but she's put up a fight, and is now back on the tennis court! Andy gearing up for retirement, as is Colin, who has slashed his hours and is semi-retired. Trudi is contemplating doing an online course in interior design, a long-cherished hobby...she likes the Arts & Crafts movement, and has always decorated her abodes after this fashion, though I'd imagine it a bit niche. Andy & Kim got a taxi back to Hove railway station...Aki and I stopped the night. Trudi had gotten rather inebriated, and was obviously up for drinking into the early hours...Aki and I dashed off to bed before we got roped in!!!