Saturday, February 12, 2011

At home, survival situation and crumpets.

1. Nick decides he is ill enough to work from home.

2. Alec is looking peaky, and coughing occasionally. I call the health visitor, and she gives me a list starting with saline nose drops, and ending with toast and butter and marmalade (for us). "You're in a survival situation with both of you ill," she says. "Don't do any cooking -- eat what you've got in the freezer. That's what it's there for."

3. Toasted crumpets with plenty of butter and salt. I can't taste much -- but I can taste salt.

Gift, web and route planning.

1. As I leave the field, there's a rush of wings and a cackling, crackling cry. THUD! A magpie has dropped a dead vole at my feet. 2. We...