Sunday 22nd February 2026

Woke around 0530...took an hour or so to get back to sleep. Got up around 0930. Porridged. Aki popped out to buy a loaf of bread from Big Jo. Watched Zoe Aitken claim bronze in the Freeski Half-pipe. Packed the boot of the car. Aki cooked a roast chicken Sunday lunch. Text from Kath saying Jim is on the booze big time...wedding hangs in the balance! I think Emma would do well to give him his marching orders, frankly! Packed the rest of my stuff into the back seat of the car and waved Aki farewell. Drove up the M1, then onto the M6...very busy, but made good time. Took just over two-and-a-half hours. Rocked up at No.4 Bakewell Street in Penkhull at 1715. Introduced myself to Lindsey and Aiden, who showed me my room. Lindsey is a rather pinched looking middle-aged lady with long fair hair and thin features. Aidan is slightly more rotund, but not much, and has red hair...he seemed a  lot less chatty than his missus. Nice big house, but kitchen is a bit messy, and the dining table very cluttered...rather puts me off doing much in the way of cooking here...we shall see. Hopefully there is a useable oven/hob at the theatre. Wilson the cocker spaniel running loose into the bargain. My room is very generously sized, but there's a damp problem...looks like the flashing around the chimney needs looking at...the room smells a bit mouldy, but no sign of mould on the walls, just the odd damp patch. I opened the window. Got the car unpacked and FaceTimed Aki before taking a stroll into Penkhull Village. The chip shop was shut, so consoled myself with half a Guinness in the Marquis of Granby, then bought a sandwich and crisps in the Co-op. Walked back to No.4 and ate in the Morning Room...couldn't work out how to get the telly working, so decamped to my room and unpacked my bags.