Sunday 29th January 2023

Woke around 0815 after a comfortable night's sleep...nice firm mattress. I got up and made my way downstairs to make some tea. I boiled a kettle, but couldn't find either the mugs, nor the teabags...fortunately, Colin appeared and helped me out. He said he'd managed to get Trudi to bed around about 0200!!! Despite this, he decided to accompany Aki and I to Cafe Elka at 1015...we walked there from Modena Road. Met up with Alicia for brunch...sadly her boyfriend was unable to come and meet us, so it was just the four of us for brunch. We had invited Charlie, but she was gearing up to go watch the Brighton v Liverpool Cup game at the Amex. Had a lovely catch up with Alicia, though...food wasn't bad either, though a bit pricey! She's training in oncology and urology, and is commuting to Eastbourne two or three times a week. Her fella is a mechanical engineer...not sure who he's working for, but he's not enjoying it very much, apparently, and is looking for another job, either in Brighton, or London. Colin walked home afterward to see if Trudi had gotten up yet...we walked Alicia down to the esplanade to show her Dave Gilmore's house, and then walked along to the new Rockwater bar and restaurant to grab a coffee. It was bitterly cold on the sea front, so we needed warming up! Had a good laugh, and got updates on various family members, before heading back to Colin's, parting with Alicia on a street corner to say our farewells...lovely lass! Watched a bit of the first half of the Brighton game on the telly with Colin, before deciding to head home. Drove along the front, turning left opposite the pier to pick up the A23, and head northward. Got home about 1630. Watched the Wrexham v Sheffield United game...great Cup tie, complete with Hollywood movie star in the home crowd...stirring 3-3 draw. Warmed up the venison hotpot for dinner, with cabbage, carrots and peas on the side, followed by fridge cake and creme fraiche. "Happy Valley" before shower and bed...