Runners, linen and biscuits.

1. We get up early to watch the half marathon runners go by. They're on the last two miles. Some of them look as if they're out for a stroll; others are running on determination alone. We see vest numbers in high 1,000s, and guess at numbers that way. It's fascinating to see all the different styles of running -- feet out this way, arms out that way. Head high, head forward. Eyes ahead or drawn to our clapping.

2. Nick's mother sends him back with a small pile of lacy handkerchiefs -- surplus her requirements, but not to mine.

3. I am called back from storyland by a plate with some biscuits on it.