1. The manuscript I'm editing next arrives with an enthusiastic email.
2. Bettany brings me a balloon to tie. I tell her about tiny Alex setting off in a hot air balloon made from the washing basket and two string bags filled with balloons. It turns out she's had a similar idea and is building her own in the front room.
3. Picking out the novel instruments in an Ennio Morricone track. His presence in the world will be missed.
