1. Our cleaner is ill and can't work (which is actually OK because Nick is ill, too, and needs to rest). I look around and realise that it's all right. The house is cleanish, and it will take me perhaps half an hour to do the bits that really matter.
2. To remember to ask for a glass of tap water with my lunch -- and later to buy myself bottled water and refuse to entertain guilt over spending 55p that I would not have spent had I thought to fill myself a bottle at home.
2b. Two sleepy children in pushchairs and an hour of sun between showers means two mothers get to walk and talk without distraction.
3. A poorly Nick means there is someone at home to look after Bettany while I scamper out to collect Alec -- it is very pleasant to leave the pushchair at home.
