Monday 21st December 2020

Drove to Kingston upon Thames to do some inspections today, via the petrol station at Sainsbury’s, Harringay Green Lanes. Needed a comfort break on my way home, and happened to find myself driving through Richmond Park...it’s enormous! Found toilets at the visitor centre on Queen’s Drive. Aki had attempted an attack on Waitrose this morning, but was beaten back by the sight of the queues. I went in the car this evening after dinner, so we are now well stocked for the festive period...though I was disappointed not to find any Xmas pud!

Sunday 20th December 2020

Bright morning enticed us out for a walk after brunch. Called in on Helen and Martin in Fairbridge Road to drop off their Xmas card...Viv Albertine walked past us, but Martin failed to alert me before she had walked out of sight. Hiked up Highgate Hill and bought a coffee at Lauderdale House...I had a shot of Bailey’s in mine! Popped in to the deli for some pasta flour then walked home. FaceTimed ma and pa who confirmed they’d had a delivery today...an Italian food hamper Aki had ordered for them. Got a call from Jim Lister who was driving home having been to his folks’ to cook ‘em dinner. Gave me one or two pointers for the lyrics I’m composing for his mum and dad’s 90th birthdays! Watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire...beautifully shot and there were some stunning images...

Saturday 19th December 2020

A slow start. Aki eventually coaxed me out into the day, and we walked to Selby’s to buy a new pillow. Also purchased a milk pan...got 20% off because it wasn’t boxed. The shop assistant looked worryingly sweaty...there’s a new covid variant sweeping Old London Town. Boris stuck us in Tier 4 this evening, which means the car swap on the M1 is off, as we are not permitted to leave Tier 4 for a lower tier! Bumped into Lynne who was packing presents into her car and escaping to bubble up with her sister in Pinner. Watched Clemency this evening...powerful movie targeting the inhuman US justice system and death row.

Friday 18th December 2020

Aki up and away early for a session on the River Lea. Lazy day reading the book we got for Kath for Xmas...Hamnet...it’s not as good as I expected...certainly doesn’t come close to Ms Mantel's evocation of the period. Walked to the post box and back. Made some pasta this evening and FaceTimed Kath...she can meet us at Woolley Edge service station on Boxing Day. Watched the 1968 film version of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. A neutered version of the book...and therefore a rather unsatisfying experience. Set in a rather affluent mid 1960s rather than the dilapidated late thirties of the novel...

Thursday 17th December 2020

No work on today so pottered about finishing off the last batch of Xmas cards and reading the final chapters of the marvellous The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Aki cycled off to Essex Road for a hair dressing appointment. Book Club meet over Zoom this evening...but we had continual connection problems...think we need to speak to our service provider! An obscure contemporary Norwegian novel, entitled Will & Testament, was chosen for the next read...

Wednesday 16th December 2020

Aki up at 6.30 as she had an early site meeting in Finchley. She took the car. I pottered about doing Xmas cards and had a shower. Queued at the post office in the dank for stamps. Kath texted to say ma and pa’s covid tests had both come back negative...that’s a relief!!! Ambled to Waitrose to buy some pheasant breasts for Xmas day. Got some crab meat for starters, and some foie gras. Popped in to the Oxfam shop for more cards, and bought liquorice at H&B. FaceTimed the folks to congratulate them, and spoke to Kath. Watched first episode of Succession, which everyone is talking about...not v impressed...rather ham-fisted script, and annoying camerawork.

Tuesday 15th December 2020

No work for me to do today. Started writing up some Xmas cards, and ventured out to the post box on Hornsey Road. Got a call from Julie Williams to say that Nigel has been to hell and back, but is now on the mend. FaceTimed Ma and Pa, who are still awaiting test results. Kath looked well. Aki made creme caramels...but the caramel was bitter, and the custard had turned out a bit omelettey.