The hunt, up and finishing.

1. I spot a wren on the rhododendron that Alec is lurking in. It shakes its stubby upturned tail and flies off into the dusty hangings of the yew tree. I stand still, trying to watch its flight, and for a moment I lose sight of Alec.

2. He spends a long time on the ground working out the climbing frame puzzle before starting, and then gets cross because he's not quite tall or strong enough to use the next holds.

3. Nick comes home and picks up all the tasks I have left half-done during a tough day.